bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘You see the empty bed which means it’s either a transplant or a death’: a qualitative study exploring the impact of death in the haemodialysis community
Authors: Sutherland Sheera , Durley Kirsty E , Gillies Kirsty , Glogowska Margaret , Lasserson Daniel S , Pugh Christopher , Lowney Aoife C
Published: June 2021

Objective

To explore the impact of the death of a patient in the haemodialysis unit on fellow patients.

Methods

We interviewed patients on dialysis in a tertiary dialysis centre using semistructured interviews. We purposively sampled patients who had experienced the death of a fellow patient. After interviews were transcribed, they were thematically analysed by independent members of the research team using inductive analysis. Input from the team during analysis ensured the rigour and quality of the findings.

Results

10 participants completed the interviews (6 females and 4 males with an age range of 42–88 years). The four core themes that emerged from the interviews included: (1) patients’ relationship to haemodialysis, (2) how patients define the haemodialysis community, (3) patients’ views on death and bereavement and (4) patients’ expectations around death in the dialysis community. Patients noticed avoidance behaviour by staff in relation to discussing death in the unit and would prefer a culture of open acknowledgement.

Conclusion

Staff acknowledgement of death is of central importance to patients on haemodialysis who feel that the staff are part of their community. This should guide the development of appropriate bereavement support services and a framework that promotes the provision of guidance for staff and patients in this unique clinical setting. However, the authors acknowledge the homogenous sample recruited in a single setting may limit the transferability of the study. Further work is needed to understand diverse patient and nurse experiences and perceptions when sharing the knowledge of a patient’s death and how they react to loss.
Impact of parents' education on variation in hospital admissions for children: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Olsen Frank , Balteskard Lise , Uleberg Bård , Jacobsen Bjarne K , Heuch Ivar , Moen Atle
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To assess the impact of parental educational level on hospital admissions for children, and to evaluate whether differences in parents' educational level can explain geographic variation in admission rates.

Design

National cohort study.

Setting

The 18 hospital referral areas for children in Norway.

Participants

All Norwegian children aged 1–16 years in the period 2008–2016 and their parents.

Main outcome measures

Age- and gender-adjusted admission rates and probability of admission.

Results

Of 1 538 189 children, 156 087 (10.2%) had at least one admission in the study period. There was a nearly twofold (1.9) variation in admission rates between the hospital referral areas (3113 per 100 000 children, 95% CI: 3056 to 3169 vs 1627, 95% CI: 1599 to 1654). Area level variances in multilevel analysis did not change after adjusting for parental level of education. Children of parents with low level of education (maternal level of education, low vs high) had the highest admission rates (2016: 2587, 95% CI: 2512 to 2662 vs 1810, 95% CI: 1770 to 1849), the highest probability of being admitted (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.20), the highest number of admissions (incidence
rate ratio: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.10) and admissions with lower cost (−0.5%, 95% CI: −1.2% to 0.3%).

Conclusions

Substantial geographic variation in hospital admission rates for children was found, but was not explained by parental educational level. Children of parents with low educational level had the highest admission probability, and the highest number of admissions, but the lowest cost of admissions. Our results suggest that the variation between the educational groups is not due to differences in medical needs, and may be characterised as unwarranted. However, the manner in which health professionals communicate and interact with parents with different educational levels might play an important role.
Misuse of medication in adult substance misuse services: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Gittins Rosalind , Missen Louise , Maidment Ian
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There is a growing concern about the misuse of over the counter (OTC) and prescription only medication (POM) because of the impact on physical and mental health, drug interactions, overdoses and drug-related deaths. These medicines include opioid analgesics, anxiolytics such as pregabalin and diazepam and antidepressants. This protocol outlines how a systematic review will be undertaken (during June 2021), which aims to examine the literature on the pattern of OTC and POM misuse among adults who are accessing substance misuse treatment services. It will include the types of medication being taken, prevalence and demographic characteristics of people who access treatment services.

Methods and analysis

An electronic search will be conducted on the Cochrane, OVID Medline, Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases as well as grey literature. Two independent reviewers will conduct the initial title and abstract screenings, using predetermined criteria for inclusion and exclusion. If selected for inclusion, full-text data extraction will be conducted using a pilot-tested data extraction form. A third reviewer will resolve disagreements if consensus cannot be reached. Quality and risk of bias assessment will be conducted for all included studies. A qualitative synthesis and summary of the data will be provided. If possible, a meta-analysis with heterogeneity calculation will be conducted; otherwise, Synthesis Without Meta-analysis will be undertaken for quantitative data. The reporting of this protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. Findings will be peer reviewed, published and shared verbally, electronically and in print, with interested clinicians and policymakers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020135216.
Sustainment of a patient flow intervention in an intensive care unit in a regional hospital in Australia: a mixed-method, 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Ros Eva , Ros Axel , Austin Elizabeth E , De Geer Lina , Lane Paul , Johnson Andrew , Clay-Williams Robyn
Published: June 2021

Objective

In 2014, an escalation plan and morning handover meetings were implemented in an intensive care unit (ICU) to reduce access block for post-operative care. In this study, the improvement intervention is revisited 5 years on with the objective to see if the changes are sustained and to understand factors contributing to sustainability.

Design

A mixed-method approach was used, with quantitative analysis of ICU administrative data and qualitative analysis of interviews with hospital management and ICU staff.

Setting

ICU with mixed surgical and non-surgical cases in a regional hospital in Australia.

Participants

Interview participants: ICU nurses (four), ICU doctors (four) and hospital management (four).

Main outcome measures

Monthly number of elective surgeries were cancelled due to unavailability of ICU beds. Staff perceptions of the interventions and factors contributed to sustainability.

Results

After a decline in elective surgeries being cancelled in the first year after the intervention, there was an increase in cancellations in the following years (χ2=16.38, p=0.003). Lack of knowledge about the intervention and competitive interests in the management of patient flow were believed to be obstacles for sustained effects of the original intervention. So were communication deficiencies that were reported within the ICU and between ICU and other departments. There are discrepancies between how nurses and doctors use the escalation plan and regard the availability of ICU beds.

Conclusion

Improvement interventions in healthcare that appear initially to be successful are not necessarily sustained over time, as was the case in this study. In healthcare, there is no such thing as a ‘fix and forget’ solution for interventions. Management commitment to support communication within and between microsystems, and to support healthcare staff understanding of the underlying reasons for intervention, are important implications for change and change management across healthcare systems.
Association between community-based self-reported COVID-19 symptoms and social deprivation explored using symptom tracker apps: a repeated cross-sectional study in Northern Ireland
Authors: McKinley Jennifer M , Cutting David , Anderson Neil , Graham Conor , Johnston Brian , Mueller Ute , Atkinson Peter M , Van Woerden Hugo , Bradley Declan T , Kee Frank
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the spatial and temporal relationships between the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms in the community-level and area-level social deprivation.

Design

Spatial mapping, generalised linear models, using time as a factor and spatial-lag models were used to explore the relationship between self-reported COVID-19 symptom prevalence as recorded through two smartphone symptom tracker apps and a range of socioeconomic factors using a repeated cross-sectional study design.

Setting

In the community in Northern Ireland, UK. The analysis period included the earliest stages of non-pharmaceutical interventions and societal restrictions or ‘lockdown’ in 2020.

Participants

Users of two smartphone symptom tracker apps recording self-reported health information who recorded their location as Northern Ireland, UK.

Primary outcome measures

Population standardised self-reported COVID-19 symptoms and correlation between population standardised self-reported COVID-19 symptoms and area-level characteristics from measures of multiple deprivation including employment levels and population housing density, derived as the mean number of residents per household for each census super output area.

Results

Higher self-reported prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms was associated with the most deprived areas (p<0.001) and with those areas with the lowest employment levels (p<0.001). Higher rates of self-reported COVID-19 symptoms within the age groups, 18–24 and 25–34 years were found within the most deprived areas during the earliest stages of non-pharmaceutical interventions and societal restrictions (‘lockdown’).

Conclusions

Through spatial regression of self-reporting COVID-19 smartphone data in the community, this research shows how a lens of social deprivation can deepen our understanding of COVID-19 transmission and prevention. Our findings indicate that social inequality, as measured by area-level deprivation, is associated with disparities in potential COVID-19 infection, with higher prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 symptoms in urban areas associated with area-level social deprivation, housing density and age.
Perspectives of people with inherited retinal diseases on ocular gene therapy in Australia: protocol for a national survey
Authors: Mack Heather G , Chen Fred K , Grigg John , Jamieson Robyn , De Roach John , O’Hare Fleur , Britten-Jones Alexis Ceecee , McGuinness Myra , Tindill Nicole , Ayton Lauren
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna) was approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration on 4 August 2020 for the treatment of biallelic mutations in theRPE65gene, a rare cause of congenital and adult-onset retinal dystrophy (predominantly Leber congenital amaurosis). Previous studies have shown that individuals who might participate in gene therapy trials overestimate clinical effect and underestimate risks. However, little is known about the perspectives of patients who may be offered approved gene therapy treatment for ocular conditions (as distinct from participating in clinical trials of gene therapy). The main objective of this study is to develop a tool to assess knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of approved and future genetic therapies among potential recipients of ocular gene therapy. In addition, we aim to assess the quality of life, attitudes towards clinical trials and vision-related quality of life among this cohort.

Methods and analysis

A new ‘Attitudes to Gene Therapy for the Eye’ tool will be developed following consultation with people with inherited retinal disease (IRD) and content matter experts. Australians with IRD or their guardians will be asked to complete an internet-based survey comprising existing quality of life and visual function instruments and items for the newly proposed tool. We expect to recruit 500 survey participants from patient support groups, the practices of Australian ophthalmologists who are specialists in IRD and Australian ophthalmic research institutions. Launch is anticipated early 2021. Responses will be analysed using item response theory methodology.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics approval from the University of Melbourne (#2057534). The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at relevant conferences. Organisations involved in recruitment, and the Patient Engagement Advisory committee will assist the research team with dissemination of the study outcomes.
‘Well-being paradox’ revisited: a cross-sectional study of quality of life in over 4000 adults with congenital heart disease
Authors: Andonian Caroline Sophie , Freilinger Sebastian , Achenbach Stephan , Ewert Peter , Gundlach Ulrike , Hoerer Jürgen , Kaemmerer Harald , Pieper Lars , Weyand Michael , Neidenbach Rhoia Clara , Beckmann Jürgen
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present cross-sectional study investigated quality of life (QOL) in a large cohort of German adults with congenital heart disease (ACHDs) in association with patient-related and clinical variables.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Participants

Between 2016 and 2019, a representative sample of 4014 adults with various forms of congenital heart defect (CHD) was retrospectively analysed. Inclusion criteria were confirmed diagnosis of CHD; participant aged 18 years and older; and necessary physical, cognitive and language capabilities to complete self-report questionnaires.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

QOL was assessed using the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L). Sociodemographic and medical information was obtained by a self-devised questionnaire. Associations of QOL with patient-reported clinical and sociodemographic variables were quantified using multiple regression analysis and multiple ordinal logit models.

Results

Overall, ACHDs (41.8±17.2 years, 46.5% female) reported a good QOL comparable to German population norms. The most frequently reported complaints occurred in the dimensions pain/discomfort (mean: 16.3, SD: p<0.001) and anxiety/depression (mean: 14.3, p<0.001). QOL differed significantly within ACHD subgroups, with patients affected by pretricuspid shunt lesions indicating the most significant impairments (p<0.001). Older age, female sex, medication intake and the presence of comorbidities were associated with significant reductions in QOL (p<0.001). CHD severity was positively associated with QOL within the dimensions of self-care (OR 0.148, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.58) and mobility (OR 0.384, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.76).

Conclusion

Current findings temper widely held assumptions among clinicians and confirm that ACHDs experience a generally good QOL. However, specific subgroups may require additional support to cope with disease-related challenges. The negative correlation of QOL with age is especially alarming as the population of ACHDs is expected to grow older in the future.

Trial registration number

DRKS00017699; Results.
BET 2: Is the use of long-acting neuromuscular blocking agents for intubation associated with reduced provision of postintubation sedation?
Authors: Buswell Luke , Hayes Alastair
Published: June 2021

A short cut review was conducted to assess if the use of rocuronium in the ED was associated with a decrease in the provision of postintubation sedation. Four papers were identified that presented the best evidence to answer the question. Again the studies, relevant outcomes, results and weaknesses are tabulated. All the identified studies were retrospective and there was a plethora of outcome measures used. When compared with suxamethonium, rocuronium was associated with a delayed initiation and reduced dose of postintubation sedation.
Healthcare staff well-being and use of support services during COVID-19: a UK perspective
Authors: Petrella Anika R , Hughes Luke , Fern Lorna A , Monaghan Lisa , Hannon Benjamin , Waters Adam , Taylor Rachel M
Published: June 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased demands on healthcare workers (HCWs) leaving them vulnerable to acute psychological distress, burnout and post-traumatic stress. In response, supportive services in a central London hospital mobilised mental health support specifically for HCWs.

Aims

This rapid evaluation assessed HCW psychological welfare during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and their use of supportive services made available.

Methods

During the acute phase of COVID-19 (April to May 2020) all staff working for the hospital were invited to complete an online survey assessing well-being (self-rated health, moral distress exposure, symptoms of burnout and psychological distress) and use of available supportive services (awareness of, use and perceived helpfulness). Associations among personal characteristics and psychological well-being were explored using correlations and linear regression.

Results

A total of 1127 staff participated in the rapid evaluation. On average, psychological distress was high (mean (SD): 22 (7.57)) regardless of role, with 84% of this sample scoring above the general population mean (14.5). Nearly half of the sample reported feeling emotionally drained and a profile emerged displaying higher levels of psychological distress and burnout in those who were younger and exposed to morally distressing situations, with this group also exhibiting greater support service use. Greater levels of burnout were associated with increased psychological distress when controlling for personal factors. During this acute phase of the pandemic, majority of staff used at least one service and rated it as helpful.

Conclusion

HCWs experienced high levels of psychological distress requiring continued support as the COVID-19 pandemic evolved. Although HCWs were aware of supportive services, uptake varied. In order to mitigate the risk of burnout and post-traumatic stress, long-term, effective strategies that facilitate staff accessing support are urgently required.
Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells as immunological biomarkers in refractory/relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: translational results from the R2-GDP-GOTEL trial
Authors: Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Palazón-Carrión Natalia , Martin Garcia-Sancho Alejandro , Nogales-Fernandez Esteban , Carnicero-González Fernando , Ríos-Herranz Eduardo , de la Cruz-Vicente Fatima , Rodríguez-García Guillermo , Fernández-Álvarez Rubén , Rueda Dominguez Antonio , Casanova-Espinosa Maria , Martínez-Banaclocha Natividad , Gumà-Padrò Josep , Gómez-Codina José , Labrador Jorge , Salar-Silvestre Antonio , Rodriguez-Abreu Delvys , Galvez-Carvajal Laura , Provencio Mariano , Sánchez-Beato Margarita , Guirado-Risueño María , Espejo-García Pablo , Lejeune Marylene , Álvaro Tomás , Sánchez-Margalet Victor , de la Cruz-Merino Luis
Published: June 2021

Background

The search for immunological markers with ability of predicting clinical outcome is a priority in lymphomas, and in cancer in general. It is well known that some immunomodulatory cells, such as myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) or regulatory T cells (Tregs), are recruited by tumors, jeopardizing antitumor immunosurveillance. In this work, we have studied blood levels of these immunosuppressive cells in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL), prior to and along the course of the experimental rituximab, gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin (R2-GDP) schedule, as a translational substudy of the R2-GDP-GOTEL trial (EudraCT Number: 2014-001620-29), which included lenalidomide as an immunomodulator.

Methods

Blood samples were taken before treatment, at cycle 3 and end of induction. Samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Non-parametric tests were used. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare basal cells distributions, and Wilcoxon test was considered to compare cells distribution at different times. Spearman test was performed to measure the degree of association between cell populations.

Results

In this study, MDSC and Treg circulating concentration was found increased in all patients compared with a healthy control group and decreased after treatment only in patients with longest overall survival (>24 months), reaching the levels of the healthy group. Likewise, the number of inhibited T lymphocytes expressing Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) were increased in peripheral blood from patients and decreased on the treatment, whereas activated T lymphocytes increased after therapy in those with better overall survival.

Conclusions

In conclusion, blood concentration of MDSCs and Treg cells may be good prognostic markers for overall survival after 2 years in R/R DLBCL. These results point to a possible role of these elements in the immunosuppression of these patients, as assessed by the circulating activated and inhibited T lymphocytes, and therefore, they may be considered as therapeutic targets in DLBCL.
Endovascular treatment of anterior cerebral artery occlusions
Authors: Goyal Mayank , Cimflova Petra , Ospel Johanna Maria , Chapot René
Published: June 2021

There are limited data on endovascular treatment (EVT) for anterior cerebral artery (ACA) occlusions. This review focuses on aspects related to ACA EVT: ACA anatomy, clinical and imaging findings, prognosis of ACA stroke, and ACA thrombectomy techniques. The ACA anatomy, and the regions supplied by the ACA, are highly variable; frequent anatomical variants include azygos ACA, triplicated ACA and fenestrations of the anterior communicating artery. ACA occlusions can be classified based on occlusion location, their continuity with other vessel occlusions (isolated ACA occlusion vs ACA occlusion as part of a carotid T occlusion) and etiology (primary—spontaneous ACA occlusion, vs secondary—spontaneous or iatrogenic due to clot fragmentation/migration). Symptoms of ACA stroke differ in severity and nature due to large inter-individual variations in territorial ACA blood supply. Generally, ACA strokes are severely disabling, and the typical clinical hallmark is a motor deficit of the contralateral lower extremity. Advanced imaging (CT perfusion, multiphase CT angiography) increases the likelihood of the correct diagnosis of ACA stroke and should be obtained on routine basis.

Available data for ACA EVT suggest its feasibility and safety while clinical outcomes are often unfavorable with conservative management. Therefore, the potential benefit of EVT seems obvious. An optimized endovascular approach for ACA thrombectomy comprises the development and use of smaller and softer devices that can be delivered through small microcatheters with an optimized vector of force. Ultimately, generating high-level evidence for ACA EVT from randomized trials remains warranted.
Exact solutions of (deformed) Jackiw–Teitelboim gravity
Authors: Momeni Davood , Channuie Phongpichit
Published: June 2021

It is well known that Jackiw–Teitelboim (JT) gravity posses the simplest theory on 2-dimensional gravity. The model has been fruitfully studied in recent years. In the present work, we investigate exact solutions for both JT and deformed JT gravity recently proposed in the literature. We revisit exact Euclidean solutions for Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity using all the non-zero components of the dilatonic equations of motion using proper integral transformation over Euclidean time coordinate. More precisely, we study exact solutions for hyperbolic coverage, cusp geometry and another compact sector of the AdS$$_2$$

2

spacetime manifold.
Semi-compactness and multiple oscillating pulses in kink scattering
Authors: Bazeia D. , Gomes Adalto R. , Simas Fabiano C.
Published: June 2021

In this work we consider models of asymmetric kinks, where the behavior of the solution in one side is different from the other side. Also, the models depend of an integer n and, with the increase of n, the constructed kink assumes a hybrid character: a compactlike profile on one side and a kinklike profile on the other side. We investigate numerically the kink-antikink and antikink-kink dynamics, with the aim to understand the effect of the transition of the usual kink to the semi-compacton structure. The kink-antikink process shows the formation of one-bounce windows for small values of n. The increase of n favors the breaking this structure and the appearance of oscillatory modes. For antikink-kink collisions we report the appearance of two-bounce windows for small values of the parameter. We also found an intricate structure of two-oscillation windows.
Langevin dynamics of heavy quarks in a soft-hard factorized approach
Authors: Li Shuang , Sun Fei , Xie Wei , Xiong Wei
Published: June 2021

By utilizing a soft-hard factorized model, which combines a thermal perturbative description of soft scatterings and a perturbative QCD-based calculation for hard collisions, we study the energy and temperature dependence of the heavy quark diffusion coefficients in Langevin dynamics. The adjustable parameters are fixed from the comprehensive model-data comparison. We find that a small value of the spatial diffusion coefficient at transition temperature is preferred by data $$2\pi TD_{s}(T_{c}) \simeq 6$$

2
π
T

D
s

(

T
c

)

≃
6

. With the parameter-optimized model, we are able to describe simultaneously the prompt $$D^{0}$$

D
0

$$R_{\mathrm{AA}}$$

R
AA

and $$v_{\mathrm{2}}$$

v
2

data at $$p_{\mathrm{T}}\le 8$$

p
T

≤
8

GeV in Pb–Pb collisions at $$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=2.76$$

s
NN

=
2.76

and $$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02$$

s
NN

=
5.02

TeV. We also make predictions for non-prompt $$D^{0}$$

D
0

meson for future experimental tests down to the low momentum region.
Fokker–Planck approach to neural networks and to decision problems
Authors: Vellmer Sebastian , Lindner Benjamin
Published: June 2021

We review applications of the Fokker–Planck equation for the description of systems with event trains in computational and cognitive neuroscience. The most prominent example is the spike trains generated by integrate-and-fire neurons when driven by correlated (colored) fluctuations, by adaptation currents and/or by other neurons in a recurrent network. We discuss how for a general Gaussian colored noise and an adaptation current can be incorporated into a multidimensional Fokker–Planck equation by Markovian embedding for systems with a fire-and-reset condition and how in particular the spike-train power spectrum can be determined by this equation. We then review how this framework can be used to determine the self-consistent correlation statistics in a recurrent network in which the colored fluctuations arise from the spike trains of statistically similar neurons. We then turn to the popular drift-diffusion models for binary decisions in cognitive neuroscience and demonstrate that very similar Fokker–Planck equations (with two instead of only one threshold) can be used to study the statistics of sequences of decisions. Specifically, we present a novel two-dimensional model that includes an evidence variable and an expectancy variable that can reproduce salient features of key experiments in sequential decision making.
Semi-supervised Heterogeneous Defect Prediction with Open-source Projects on GitHub
Authors: Sun Ying , Jing Xiao-Yuan , Wu Fei , Dong Xiwei , Sun Yanfei , Wang Ruchuan
Published: June 2021

The heterogeneous defect prediction (HDP) technique can predict defects in a target company using heterogeneous metric data from external company, which has received substantial research attention. However, existing HDP methods assume that source data is labeled but labeling data is expensive. Semi-supervised defect prediction technique can perform defect prediction with few labeled data. In this paper, we investigate a new problem — semi-supervised HDP (SHDP). To solve this problem, we propose a new approach named cost-sensitive kernel semi-supervised correlation analysis (CKSCA) as a solution of SHDP problem. It introduces unified metric representation and canonical correlation analysis to make the data distributions of different company projects more similar. CKSCA also designs a cost-sensitive kernel semi-supervised discriminant analysis mechanism to utilize the limited labeled data and sufficient real-life unlabeled data from different companies. Besides we collect lots of open-source projects from GitHub website to construct a new large-scale unlabeled dataset called GITHUB dataset. It contains 26,407 modules and is greater than each public project dataset. It has been public online and can be extended continuously. Experiments on the GITHUB dataset and other public datasets indicate that unlabeled GITHUB data can help prediction model improve prediction performance, and CKSCA is effective and efficient for solving SHDP problem.
The synthesis and crystal structures of two μ-oxo iron(III) porphyrin complexes
Authors: Fan Yingying , Li Jianfeng
Published: June 2021

Two [Formula: see text]-oxo iron(III) porphyrin complexes, [Formula: see text]-oxo-bis[meso-tetra-[Formula: see text],[Formula: see text],[Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-([Formula: see text]-nicotina-midophenyl)porphinatoiron(III)] ([Fe(TPyPP)]2O) and its copper adduct ([Fe(TPyPP)(CuCl)]2O[CF3SO3][Formula: see text], which are derived from Gunter’s porphyrin model for cytochrome [Formula: see text]oxidase are reported. The two complexes were isolated and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, UV-vis and IR spectroscopies. Crystal structural analysis including comparisons to [Formula: see text]-oxo analogues and Hirshfeld surface calculations revealed several noteworthy structural features [Formula: see text] the various picket orientations which are partially attributed to intra- and/or inter-molecular nonbonded interactions.
Closed-form expressions for bending and buckling of functionally graded nanobeams by the Laplace transform
Authors: Nazmul I. M. , Devnath Indronil
Published: June 2021

This paper presents analytical solutions for bending and buckling of nonlocal functionally graded (FG) Euler–Bernoulli (EB) nanobeams. Material gradation along the thickness direction could be defined by a power function (P-FG), a sigmoidal function (S-FG), and an exponential function (E-FG). Laplace transform is applied to the differential form of the equation of motion of the nonlocal elasticity theory. Closed-form expressions for bending deflection and critical buckling load of FG nanobeams are derived. Effects of material gradations as well as the nonlocal parameter are examined. It is found that bending displacements and critical buckling loads could be controlled by an appropriate choice of material distribution parameter for P-FG nanobeams. The presented results also demonstrate the influences of factors such as the choice of material gradation, power-law index, and nonlocal parameter on bending and buckling behavior.
Computational Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 NSP 16 Drug Candidates Based on Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Hesari Zahra , Zolghadri Samaneh , Moradi Sajad , Shahlaei Mohsen , Tazikeh-Lemeski Elham
Published: June 2021

Non-Structural Protein 16 (NSP-16) is one of the most suitable targets for discovery of drugs for corona viruses including SARS-CoV-2. In this study, drug discovery of SARS-CoV-2 nsp-16 has been accomplished by pharmacophore-based virtual screening among some analogs (FDA approved drugs) and marine natural plants (MNP). The comparison of the binding energies and the inhibition constants was determined using molecular docking method. Three compounds including two FDA approved (Ibrutinib, Idelalisib) and one MNP (Kumusine) were selected for further investigation using the molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicated that Ibrutinib and Idelalisib are oral medications while Kumusine, with proper hydrophilic and solubility properties, is an appropriate candidate for nsp-16 inhibitor and can be effective to control COVID-19 disease.
A New Face Image Recognition Algorithm Based on Cerebellum-Basal Ganglia Mechanism
Authors: Tang Shoujun , Shabaz Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Face recognition is one of the popular areas of research in the field of computer vision. It is mainly used for identification and security system. One of the major challenges in face recognition is identification under numerous illumination environments by changing the direction of light or modifying the lighting magnitude. Exacting illumination invariant features is an effective approach to solve this problem. Conventional face recognition algorithms based on nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) and bionic mode are not capable enough to recognize the similar faces with great accuracy. Hence, in this paper, an attempt is made to propose an enhanced cerebellum-basal ganglia mechanism (CBGM) for face recognition. The integral projection and geometric feature assortment method are used to acquire the facial image features. The cognition model is deployed which is based on the cerebellum-basal ganglia mechanism and is applied for extraction of features from the face image to achieve greater accuracy for recognition of face images. The experimental results reveal that the enhanced CBGM algorithm can effectively recognize face images with greater accuracy. The recognition rate of 100 AR face images has been found to be 96.9%. The high recognition accuracy rate has been achieved by the proposed CBGM technique.
Simplified Analytical Method for Predicting the Lateral Ground Displacements due to Shield Tunnelling
Authors: Sun Lianwei , Li Zhong-chao , Liang Rong-zhu
Published: June 2021

Earth pressure balance or slurry shield tunnelling will squeeze the subsoils and lead to lateral outward ground displacement. However, current methods to estimate the shield tunnelling‐induced ground displacements generally use the methods based on the face unsupported tunnelling (e.g., New Austrian tunnelling and open shield excavation), which cannot predict the lateral ground movement due to shield tunnelling. In this paper, a novel simplified analytical method is proposed to predict the ground lateral displacement during the shield advancing process. The key shield tunnelling operation factors, including the additional pressure of cutter head, the friction forces around shield body, the back‐fill grouting pressure, and the soil volume loss are all considered. The lateral ground displacements induced by the four former factors are calculated by using Mindlin’s solutions. The soil volume loss‐induced lateral ground displacement is calculated by employing the expression introduced by Pinto and Whittle. Combining with the displacement obtained from all the factors, the analytical method for lateral ground displacement induced by shield tunnelling is obtained. The applicability of the proposed analytical approach is verified with three well‐documented case histories involving slurry shield and EPB shield machines.
AI‐Driven Multiobjective Scheduling Algorithm of Flood Control Materials Based on Pareto Artificial Bee Colony
Authors: Liu Banteng , Lu Junjie , Chen Yourong , Sun Ping , Zhao Kehua , Han Meng , Zhang Rengong , Yin Zegao
Published: June 2021

Considering the competition between rescue points, we use artificial intelligence (AI) driven Internet of Thing (IoT) and regional material storage data to propose a multiobjective scheduling algorithm of flood control materials based on Pareto artificial bee colony (MSA_PABC). To address the scheduling of flood control materials, the multiple types of flood control materials, the multiple disaster sites, and entertain both emergency and fairness of rescue need to be considered comprehensively. The MSA_PABC has the constraints such as storage quantity constraint of warehouse materials, material demand constraint, and maximum transportation distance of flood control materials. We establish the scheduling optimization model of flood control materials for each disaster rescue point and the total scheduling optimization model for all flood control materials. Then, MSA_PABC uses the modified Pareto artificial bee colony algorithm to solve the multiobjective models. Three types of initialization strategies are proposed to calculate the fitness of each rescue point and the overall evaluation value of the food source. We propose the employ bee operations such as niche technology and local search of the variable neighborhood, the onlooker bee operations such as Pareto nondominated sorting and crossover operation, the scout bee operations such as maximum evolutionary threshold, and end elimination mechanism. Finally, our proposed solution obtains the nondominated solution set and its optimal solution. The experimental results show that no matter how the number of rescue points changes, MSA_PABC can find the nondominated solution set and optimal solution quickly. It improves the convergence rate of MSA_PABC and material satisfaction rate. Our solution also reduces the average maximum transportation distance, the standard deviation of maximum transportation distance, and the standard deviation of material satisfaction rate. The evaluation also demonstrates MSA_PABC outperforms the state‐of‐arts such as ABC (artificial bee colony), NSGA2 (nondominated sorting genetic algorithm 2), and MOPSO (multiobjective particle swarm optimization).
A Search Method for Optimal Band Combination of Hyperspectral Imagery Based on Two Layers Selection Strategy
Authors: Chen Nian , Lu Kezhong , Zhou Hao
Published: June 2021

A band selection method based on two layers selection (TLS) strategy, which forms an optimal subset from all‐bands set to reconstitute the original hyperspectral imagery (HSI) and aims to cost a fewer bands for better performances, is proposed in this paper. As its name implies, TLS picks out the bands with low correlation and a large amount of information into the target set to reach dimensionality reduction for HSI via two phases. Specifically, the fast density peaks clustering (FDPC) algorithm is used to select the most representative node in each cluster to build a candidate set at first. During the implementation, we normalize the local density and relative distance and utilize the dynamic cutoff distance to weaken the influence of density so that the selection is more likely to be carried out in scattered clusters than in high‐density ones. After that, we conduct a further selection in the candidate set using mRMR strategy and comprehensive measurement of information (CMI), and the eventual winners will be selected into the target set. Compared with other six state‐of‐the‐art unsupervised algorithms on three real‐world HSI data sets, the results show that TLS can group the bands with lower correlation and richer information and has obvious advantages in indicators of overall accuracy (OA), average accuracy (AA), and Kappa coefficient.
Simulation of Dynamic User Network Connection Anti-Interference and Security Authentication Method Based on Ubiquitous Internet of Things
Authors: Pan Mingming , Tian Shiming , Yuan Jindou , Chen Songsong
Published: June 2021

Ubiquitous Internet of Things includes criteria, applications, and technologies for providing standard data. The system can be used to establish a comprehensive data database to facilitate people to better analyze, organize, and use these data, so as to improve the reliability and sharing of data, to provide better services for users. The purpose of this study is to propose and establish a specific and reliable data exchange program to ensure the security of data exchange. Data security is to ensure the reliability of specific security exchange process. The emphasis of this study is the reliability analysis method and the verification method of exchange process behavior. Based on the analysis of all abnormal phenomena in the Internet of Things traffic, the basic characteristics of network traffic, the basic properties of network traffic, and the theory of multiterminal power communication network anti-interference model construction and noninterference model, the simulation experiment of anti-interference and security authentication method is carried out. The results show that, with the increase of the number of antennas, the false detection probability decreases from 10−1 to 10−4, which can achieve better performance in the detection of active users. When network is used in applications, HTTP + SSL is the most widely used application for data authentication and security authentication. The market of anti-interference technology is developing rapidly. The complex annual growth rate almost doubled in the international market, and the market scale was significantly expanded, with an annual growth rate of about 50%.
Privacy‐Preserving Efficient Data Retrieval in IoMT Based on Low‐Cost Fog Computing
Authors: Wang Na , Cai Yuanyuan , Fu Junsong , Xu Jie
Published: June 2021

The rapid development of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is remarkable. However, IoMT faces many problems including privacy disclosure, long delay of service orders, low retrieval efficiency of medical data, and high energy cost of fog computing. For these, this paper proposes a data privacy protection and efficient retrieval scheme for IoMT based on low‐cost fog computing. First, a fog computing system is located between a cloud server and medical workers, for processing data retrieval requests of medical workers and orders for controlling medical devices. Simultaneously, it preprocesses physiological data of patients uploaded by IoMT, collates them into various data sets, and transmits them to medical institutions in this way. It makes the entire execution process of low latency and efficient. Second, multidimensional physiological data are of great value, and we use ciphertext retrieval to protect privacy of patient data in this paper. In addition, this paper uses range tree to build an index for storing physiological data vectors, and meanwhile a range retrieval method is also proposed to improve data search efficiency. Finally, bat algorithm (BA) is designed to allocate cost on a fog server group for significant energy cost reduction. Extensive experiments are conducted to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Early Age of the First Myopic Spectacle Prescription, as an Indicator of Early Onset of Myopia, Is a Risk Factor for High Myopia in Adulthood
Authors: Chiang Wei-Yu , Chen Yun-Wen , Liu Yu-Peng , Liu Yung-Hsun , Wu Pei-Chang
Published: June 2021

Purpose. The present study investigated the risk factors for high myopia in adulthood, with a focus on the age at which children wore their first spectacles. Methods. Adults aged between 20 and 45 years were invited to complete a questionnaire about age, sex, current refractive error, high myopia in parents, early onset of myopia presented by the age of the first myopic spectacle prescription, refractive power of the first spectacles, and life habits at different educational stages. The associations between these factors and high myopia in adulthood were then evaluated and analyzed. Results. In total, 331 participants were enrolled. Their average refractive error was −4.03 diopters, and high myopia was noted in 27.5% of the study participants. Only 3.3% of participants had fathers with high myopia, while 6.0% had mothers with high myopia. The participants received their first myopic spectacle prescription at a mean age of 13.35 years, with a mean refractive error of −1.63 diopters. The significant risk factors for developing high myopia in adult life were earlier age of the first spectacles prescribed (

p
<
0.001

), higher refractive power of the first spectacles (

p
<
0.001

), mother with high myopia (

p
=
0.015

), and after-school class attendance in senior high school (

p
=
0.018

). Those who wore their first spectacles at <9 years of age were more predisposed to high myopia than those who did so at ≧13 years, with an odds ratio of 24.9. Conclusion. The present study shows that earlier onset of myopia, which is presented by the age of the first myopic spectacle prescription, higher myopic refraction of the first spectacles, mothers with high myopia, and after-school class attendance in senior high school are risk factors for high myopia in adulthood. It suggests that delaying the onset of myopia in children is important for the prevention of high myopia in later life.
A Comprehensive Review on Design of Autonomous Robotic Boat for Rescue Applications
Authors: Jain Vanita , Saini Dharmender , Gupta Monu , Joshi Neeraj , Mishra Anubhav , Bansal Vishakha , Jude Hemanth D.
Published: June 2021

New technologies are advancing and emerging day by day to improve the safety of humans by making use of various autonomous technologies. The continuous utilization of autonomous vehicles/systems in search and rescue (SAR) operations is a challenging research area particularly for marine-based activities. A comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) providing an overview of improvisations that have been done in the field of autonomous technologies for search and rescue operation over the last five years has been compiled in this paper. A methodology for using autonomous vehicles in water for SAR operations has been incorporated and demonstrated. The focus of this study is to look at the various techniques and address different challenges faced for human beings’ safety during rescue operation. The comparison of results achieved for various technologies and algorithms is highlighted in this paper. This literature survey proves to be a good source of information for fellow researchers to precisely analyze the study results.
Characteristics and Meteorological Factors of Severe Haze Pollution in China
Authors: He Chao , Hong Song , Mu Hang , Tu Peiyue , Yang Lu , Ke Biqin , Huang Jiayi
Published: June 2021

A severe haze pollution incident caused by unfavorable weather conditions and a northern air mass occurred in eastern, northern, northwestern, and southwestern China from January 15 to January 22, 2018. To comparatively analyze variations in PM2.5 pollution, hourly monitoring data and 24 h meteorological data were collected. Air quality observations revealed large spatiotemporal variation in PM2.5 concentrations in Handan, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Yuncheng, Chengdu, Xiangyang, and Jinan. The daily mean PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 111.35 to 227.23 μg·m−³, with concentration being highest in Zhengzhou. Hourly mean PM2.5 concentration presented multiple U-shaped curves, with higher values at night and lower values during the day. The ratios of PM2.5 to PM10 were large in target cities and the results of multiscale geographic weighted regression model (MGWR) and Pearson correlation coefficients showed that PM2.5 had a significant positive or negative correlation with PM10, CO, NO2, and SO2. The concentration of PM2.5 was closely related to the combustion of fossil fuels and other organic compounds, indicating the large contribution of secondary aerosols to PM2.5 concentrations. The analysis of meteorological conditions showed that low temperature, low wind speed, and high relative humidity could aggravate the accumulation of regional pollutants in winter. Northwestern trajectory clusters were predominant contributions except in Jinan, and the highest PM2.5 concentrations in target cities were associated with short trajectory clusters in winter. The potential sources calculated by Weight Potential Source Contribution Function (WPSCF) and Weight Concentration-Weighted Trajectory (WCWT) models were similar and the highest values of the WPSCF (>0.5) and the WCWT (>100 μg·m−³) were mainly distributed in densely populated, industrial, arid, and semiarid regions.