bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-Reactive Protein as a Prognostic Biomarker for Gynecologic Cancers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yingying , Li Xiu , Qian Hui , Di Guangci , Zhou Ruhua , Dong Yuwei , Chen Wenyue , Ren Qingling
Published: October 2022

Background. The prognostic role of CRP (C-reactive protein) in gynecological tumors has been previously reported in individual studies, but whether CRP can be used as a separate potential prognostic factor has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this research is to determine if there is a link between CRP levels and the prognosis of gynecological cancer patients. Methods. A systematic search was carried out to find the literature evaluating the predictive role of CRP in the prognosis of gynecological cancer patients. For the purpose of determining the relationship between CRP and clinicopathological characteristics, the pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated. A hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine differences in overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), or progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with low and high CRP levels. Results. A total of 19 studies, including 4062 patients, were analyzed retrospectively. The FIGO stage was related to the CRP level (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–1.00). Age, lymph node metastasis, and histological grade were not associated with CRP level (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.69–1.25; OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65–1.28; OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.52–1.05). Worse OS (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.23–1.57), DFS (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.12–1.28), and PFS (HR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.23–1.91) were associated with elevated CRP levels, as shown by the pooled results. Subgroup analysis was performed according to cancer type (endometrial cancer: HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.28; ovarian cancer: HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.03–2.31; cervical cancer: HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19–1.64), multivariate value (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.10–1.33), and age (HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.28–1.72). Significant correlations were observed between CRP and OS. Conclusions. CRP may be utilized as a prognostic indicator for a variety of gynecologic malignancies, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and vulvar cancer.
Learning of Short Video Text Description of Nursing Teaching Based on Transformer
Authors: Cao Xuenan
Published: October 2022

Nursing is an important task in modern medical treatment, which can assist patients in the treatment and rehabilitation process. Nursing practitioners’ skills and mentality can affect patient recovery and the speed of treatment. Therefore, there are already a large number of colleges and universities to carry out nursing teaching work. However, the current nursing teaching work still adopts the traditional teaching mode, which is no longer in line with the nursing work of the present era. Nursing teaching not only imparts nursing expertise to students, but it also requires higher practical ability. This study considers the integration of short video technology and text teaching mode into the teaching work of nursing. This study also used the transformer method to extract and predict the characteristics of nursing knowledge, nursing actions, and student satisfaction in short nursing teaching videos and texts. This study also explores the temporal characteristics existing in short videos of nursing teaching. The results show that the T-CNN-L method has higher accuracy than the T-CNN method in predicting the relevant features of nursing teaching short videos. The T-CNN-L method can also accurately and efficiently extract and predict nursing knowledge features and nursing action features.
Digital Economy Meets Artificial Intelligence: Forecasting Economic Conditions Based on Big Data Analytics
Authors: Wang Lili , Zhao Liuyang
Published: October 2022

Big data economy meets artificial intelligence, making the traditional statistical economy gradually evolve into an intelligent economy. Limited by human consciousness, traditional economic models have low prediction accuracy. In traditional statistical methods, the limited sample data also makes it impossible to effectively control and comprehensively forecast macroeconomic and development trends. Data economy has fundamentally transformed the traditional means of economic analysis. This is because the digital economy enables economic connectivity and precise data sharing, which can be used for precise economic statistics and mathematical analysis. Meanwhile, in terms of statistical methods, artificial intelligence methods no longer rely on human consciousness, but more objectively pay attention to economic cause and effect and are more accurate and comprehensive. This paper proposes an economic forecasting method based on artificial intelligence methods combined with big data analytics. In our model, we consider the economic statistics, equilibrium, and future prediction with the big data. Through the artificial intelligence method based on deep learning, the possible political factors, human activity factors, and social environmental factors in actual economic activities are effectively combined to form the main analysis subject affecting the economy. The results show that our model can be used as a basic model for economic statistics, economic analysis, economic decision-making, economic self-regulation, and other functions under the current development trend of the data economy.
Design of Updating Encryption Algorithm for Privacy Big Data Based on Consortium Blockchain Technology
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Xue , Wan Jiahua
Published: October 2022

The existing privacy big data encryption algorithm cannot achieve real‐time update of big data and repeat more big data, resulting in low attack resistance and more malicious attack data. An updating encryption algorithm for privacy big data based on consortium blockchain technology is proposed in this paper. The redundancy of privacy big data is obtained, the deduplication technology is designed on this basis, and the big data preprocessing is completed. The source coding sequence of privacy big data is obtained, the security of network route query and identity is verified, and the update and extraction of user data access authority are realized. The data structure of encrypted block is generated by using consortium blockchain technology and updating homomorphic encryption technology to realize the updating encryption algorithm of privacy big data. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the ability of resisting attacks and the amount of malicious data intercepted. The encryption complexity is lower, the time consumption is shorter, and the error of privacy large data encryption is smaller.
Secure Transmission of mmWave NOMA UAV-Assisted Relay System against Randomly Located Eavesdroppers
Authors: Diao Danyu , Wang Buhong , Cao Kunrui , Dong Runze , Cheng Tianhao
Published: October 2022

UAV wireless communication has been regarded as a promising technology in the fifth-generation (5G) networks. In this paper, we consider the security of the mmWave NOMA UAV-assisted relay system, where a ground source transmits messages to two types of authorized users assisted by a UAV relay in the presence of multiple eavesdroppers. A practical probabilistic line-of-sight (LoS) channel model with Nakagami-

m

small-scale fading and three-dimensional (3D) antenna gain is established to describe the mmWave air-to-ground channel. In addition, to improve the security of the system, cooperative jamming and protected zone strategies are introduced. The analytical expressions of connection outage probability (COP), secrecy outage probability (SOP), and effective secrecy throughput (EST) under the NOMA scheme and cooperative jamming NOMA scheme are derived. Also, the asymptotic SOP and EST are analyzed to gain further insights. The theoretic analysis and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes. As the transmitting power of the source and UAV relay increases, the SOP depends only on the location distribution and density of eavesdroppers and the ESTs under different schemes converge to the same floor.
MRBENet: A Multiresolution Boundary Enhancement Network for Salient Object Detection
Authors: Jia Xing-Zhao , DongYe Chang-Lei , Peng Yan-Jun , Zhao Wen-Xiu , Liu Tian-De
Published: October 2022

Salient Object Detection (SOD) simulates the human visual perception in locating the most attractive objects in the images. Existing methods based on convolutional neural networks have proven to be highly effective for SOD. However, in some cases, these methods cannot satisfy the need of both accurately detecting intact objects and maintaining their boundary details. In this paper, we present a Multiresolution Boundary Enhancement Network (MRBENet) that exploits edge features to optimize the location and boundary fineness of salient objects. We incorporate a deeper convolutional layer into the backbone network to extract high-level semantic features and indicate the location of salient objects. Edge features of different resolutions are extracted by a U-shaped network. We designed a Feature Fusion Module (FFM) to fuse edge features and salient features. Feature Aggregation Module (FAM) based on spatial attention performs multiscale convolutions to enhance salient features. The FFM and FAM allow the model to accurately locate salient objects and enhance boundary fineness. Extensive experiments on six benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed method is highly effective and improves the accuracy of salient object detection compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Existence of Covers and Envelopes of a Left Orthogonal Class and Its Right Orthogonal Class of Modules
Authors: Umamaheswaran Arunachalam , Udhayakumar Ramalingam , Selvaraj Chelliah , Tamilvanan Kandhasamy , Kabeto Masho Jima
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we investigate the notions of ‐projective, ‐injective, and ‐flat modules and give some characterizations of these modules, where is a class of left modules. We prove that the class of all ‐projective modules is Kaplansky. Further, if the class of all ‐injective R‐modules is contained in the class of all pure projective modules, we show the existence of ‐projective covers and ‐injective envelopes over a ‐hereditary ring. Further, we show that a ring R is Noetherian if and only if ‐injective R‐modules coincide with the injective R‐modules. Finally, we prove that if every module has a ‐injective precover over a coherent ring, where is the class of all pure projective R‐modules and is the class of all fp − Ω1‐modules.
Mining Database to Identify Aging-Related Molecular Subtype and Prognostic Signature in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Feng Caihou , Che Weibi , Liang Hanping , Zhang Hai , Lan Cong , Wu Bomeng , Lin Wanli , Chen Ying
Published: October 2022

Background. Lung cancer is emerging as one of most deadly diseases, and the mortality rate was still high with 5-year overall survival rate less than 20%. Aging is referred as protumorigenic state, and it plays a significant role in cancer development. Methods. Molecular subtype of lung cancer was identified by consensus cluster analysis. Prognostic signature was constructed using LASSO cox regression analysis. CeRNA network was constructed to explore lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axis. Results. A total of 27 differentially expressed aging-related genes (ARGs) were obtained in LUAD. Three clusters of TCGA-LUAD patients with significant difference in prognosis, immune infiltration, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy were identified. We also developed an aging-related prognostic signature that had a better performance in predicting the1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival of LUAD. Further analysis suggested a significant correlation between prognostic signature gene expression and clinical stage, immune infiltration, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and drug sensitivity. We also identified the lncRNA UCA1/miR-143-3p/CDK1 regulatory axis in LUAD. Conclusion. Our study identified three clusters of TCGA-LUAD patients with significant difference in prognosis, immune infiltration, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. We also developed an aging-related prognostic signature that had a good performance in the prognosis of LUAD.
An Improved New Caledonian Crow Learning Algorithm for Global Function Optimization
Authors: Wang Yanjiao , Song Jiaxu , Teng Ziming
Published: October 2022

The New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (NCCLA) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the learning behavior of New Caledonian crows learning to make tools to obtain food. However, it suffers from the problems of easily falling into local optima and insufficient convergence accuracy and convergence precision. To further improve the convergence performance of NCCLA, an improved New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (INCCLA) is proposed in this paper. By determining the parent individuals based on the cosine similarity, the juveniles are guided to search toward different ranges to maintain the population diversity; a novel hybrid mechanism of complete and incomplete learning is proposed to balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the algorithm; the update strategy of juveniles and parent individuals is improved to enhance the convergence speed and precision of the algorithm. The test results of the CEC2013 and CEC2020 test suites show that, compared with the original NCCLA algorithm and four of the best metaheuristics to date, INCCLA has significant advantages in terms of convergence speed, convergence precision, and stability.
Voltage Profile Analysis in Smart Grids Using Online Estimation Algorithm
Authors: Raghavendra P. , Nuvvula Ramakrishna S. S. , Kumar Polamarasetty P. , Gaonkar Dattatraya N. , Sathoshakumar A. , Khan Baseem
Published: October 2022

Voltage rise is the main obstacle to prevent the increase of distributed generators (DGs) in low-voltage (LV) distribution grids. In order to maintain the power quality and voltage levels within the tolerance limit, new measurement techniques and intelligent devices along with digital communications should be used for better utilization of the distribution grid. This paper presents a real-time sensor-based online voltage profile estimation technique and coordinated Volt/VAR control in smart grids with distributed generator interconnection. An algorithm is developed for voltage profile estimation using real-time sensor remote terminal unit (RTU) which takes into account topological characteristics, such as radial structure and high R/X ratio, of the smart distribution grid with DG systems. A coordinated operation of multiple generators with on-load tap changing (OLTC) transformer for Volt/VAR control in smart grids has been presented. Direct voltage sensitivity analysis is used to select a single DG system for reactive power support in multi-DG environment. The on-load tap changing transformer is employed for voltage regulation when generators’ reactive power contributions are not enough to regulate the voltages. Simulation results show that the reported method is capable of maintaining voltage levels within the tolerance limit by coordinated operation of DG systems and on-load tap changing transformer.
A Modified Computational Method of Active State Earth Pressure behind Rigid Retaining Wall
Authors: Wang Shichuan , Sang Chuangqing
Published: October 2022

Modes and magnitude of wall movement have a great influence on the distribution of Earth pressure behind retaining wall. For gravity retaining wall exerted by cohesionless soil rotating outward about the base, based on Dubrova’s method of redistribution of pressure and forming mechanism of Earth pressure, the distribution pattern of internal friction angle along the wall back was established for different displacements, and then, an improved method of calculating active Earth pressure was proposed, which considers the influence of displacement. It considers the influence of displacement and also reflects the gradual formation process of Earth pressure. When the retaining wall is in an at-rest state, the distribution of Earth pressure calculated in this paper is defined as initial active state Earth pressure, and it is not equal to static Earth pressure, because the retaining wall has a tendency of active displacement. As the wall movement develops, the mobilized internal friction angle of the quasi-sliding surface increases gradually from the initial internal friction angle

ϕ

0

to the internal friction angle

ϕ

, and accordingly, the distribution of Earth pressure at the intersection of the sliding surface and the wall back decreases gradually from the distribution of initial active state Earth pressure in the static state to that of Coulomb active Earth pressure.
Effects of Prepolymerization, Temperature, and Hydrogen Concentration on Kinetics of Propylene Bulk Polymerization Using a Commercial Ziegler-Natta Catalyst
Authors: Liu Huiyue , Du Gaiping , Du Yafeng , Li Dezhan , Chen Jiangbo
Published: October 2022

The effects of prepolymerization, temperature, and hydrogen concentration on propylene bulk polymerization with a commercial Ziegler-Natta catalyst were investigated, and the apparent polymerization rate constants were estimated by varying reaction temperatures, hydrogen partial pressures, and polymerization methods. It was shown that prepolymerization has different effects on the polymerization rate and isotacticity of the polymer; without prepolymerization, the polymerization rate and isotacticity reach their maximum at 70°C and 80°C, respectively, whereas the polymerization rate and isotacticity with prepolymerization increase with the polymerization temperature in the range of 50-80°C. Moderate prepolymerization time reduced the fine fraction while increasing polymerization rate and isotacticity. Appropriate prepolymerization technique can increase mass transfer performance and fragmentation, which is a promising way to improve polymerization rate, isotacticity index, and fine fraction. Otherwise, insufficient prepolymerization or excessive prepolymerization causes prepolymer particle fragmentation.
Orbital Inflammation and Dacryoadenitis after COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Jalink Maarten B. , Burger Berend B. , Kalmann Rachel
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper was to report the case of a patient with orbital inflammation and dacryoadenitis after COVID-19 vaccination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we noticed an increase of post-viral syndromes, both linked to infection and to vaccination. A 53-year-old male presented with proptosis, chemosis, hypotropia, and ophthalmoplegia of the right eye, 1 day after his COVID-19 booster shot. Anecdotally, he suffered similar symptoms after his initial two vaccinations. Idiopathic orbital inflammation and dacryoadenitis were diagnosed, and the patient was successfully treated with oral steroids. Orbital inflammation and dacryoadenitis after infection or vaccination are no new entities, but due to the scale of the current pandemic and the associated vaccination programs, these rare ocular diseases could be encountered more often.
Assessment of the Anastomosis after Radical Prostatectomy: A Review of Available Diagnostic Methods
Authors: Würnschimmel Christoph , Panagl Vera , Mattei Agostino , Fankhauser Christian Daniel
Published: October 2022

Introduction: After radical prostatectomy, many institutions perform cystography to exclude vesicourethral anastomotic leakage before removing a urethral catheter. We reviewed diagnostic methods to exclude leakage compared to the reference standard cystography. Methods: We performed systematic literature review to summarize the published options and outcomes for assessment of vesicourethral anastomotic leakage after radical prostatectomy. Results: Of 2,137 publications, 45 full-text manuscripts underwent full-text screening, of which 9 studies contributing 919 patients were included. Seven studies described ultrasound-guided assessment (four transrectal, two transabdominal, one transperineal). Two further studies described the use of computerized tomography. Ultrasound-guided assessment of the anastomosis after radical prostatectomy shows promising agreement with cystography. Computerized tomography-aided assessment of vesicourethral anastomosis detects more leakages; however, clinical consequences are not defined. Conclusion: Further studies are warranted to (1) identify men at risk of anastomotic leakage who should undergo assessment before trial without a catheter and (2) provide prospective comparisons of different ultrasound-guided approaches.
Relationship of Noncoding RNA and Swine Viruses
Authors: Fang Manxin , Hu Wei , Deng Zhibang
Published: October 2022

Background: Swine viruses are well known as a threat to the pig industry. Many signaling pathways and a number of proteins were discovered to participate in the immune responses to swine viruses. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), comprising a different set of transcripts including housekeeping RNAs (for example, rRNAs and tRNAs) and regulatory RNAs (small RNAs and long ncRNAs), recently have been described as important regulators of viral infections regarding swine. Summary: A growing number of studies have shown ncRNAs are an indispensable part in response to virus infection, involved not only in antiviral responses, but in many interactions between host and virus, some of which may benefit the certain types of swine virus. Key Messages: Here, we review the relationship of ncRNA and viruses through several representative swine viruses. Further, we discuss the potential of using ncRNAs as antiviral biomarkers.
Prevention of Oxidative Damage in Spinal Cord Ischemia Upon Aortic Surgery: First‐In‐Human Results of Shock Wave Therapy Prove Safety and Feasibility
Authors: Graber Michael , Nägele Felix , Röhrs Bernhard Tobias , Hirsch Jakob , Pölzl Leo , Moriggl Bernhard , Mayr Agnes , Troger Felix , Kirchmair Elke , Wagner Julian Frederik , Nowosielski Martha , Mayer Lukas , Voelkl Jakob , Tancevski Ivan , Meyer Dirk , Grimm Michael , Knoflach Michael , Holfeld Johannes , Gollmann‐Tepeköylü Can
Published: October 2022

Background

Spinal cord ischemia (SCI) remains a devastating complication after aortic dissection or repair. A primary hypoxic damage is followed by a secondary damage resulting in further cellular loss via apoptosis. Affected patients have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Shock wave therapy (SWT) improves functional outcome, neuronal degeneration and survival in murine spinal cord injury. In this first‐in‐human study we treated 5 patients with spinal cord ischemia with SWT aiming to prove safety and feasibility.

Methods and Results

Human neurons were subjected to ischemic injury with subsequent SWT. Reactive oxygen species and cellular apoptosis were quantified using flow cytometry. Signaling of the antioxidative transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2) and immune receptor Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) were analyzed. To assess whether SWT act via a conserved mechanism, transgenic
tlr3
−/−
zebrafish created via CRISPR/Cas9 were subjected to spinal cord injury. To translate our findings into a clinical setting, 5 patients with SCI underwent SWT. Baseline analysis and follow‐up (6 months) included assessment of American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale, evaluation of Spinal Cord Independence Measure score and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. SWT reduced the number of reactive oxygen species positive cells and apoptosis upon ischemia via induction of the antioxidative factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2. Inhibition or deletion of
tlr3
impaired axonal growth after spinal cord lesion in zebrafish, whereas
tlr3
stimulation enhanced spinal regeneration. In a first‐in‐human study, we treated 5 patients with SCI using SWT (mean age, 65.3 years). Four patients presented with acute aortic dissection (80%), 2 of them exhibited preoperative neurological symptoms (40%). Impairment was ASIA A in 1 patient (20%), ASIA B in 3 patients (60%), and ASIA D in 1 patient (20%) at baseline. At follow‐up, 2 patients were graded as ASIA A (40%) and 3 patients as ASIA B (60%). Spinal cord independence measure score showed significant improvement. Examination of World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaires revealed increased scores at follow‐up.

Conclusions

SWT reduces oxidative damage upon SCI via immune receptor TLR3. The first‐in‐human application proved safety and feasibility in patients with SCI. SWT could therefore become a powerful regenerative treatment option for this devastating injury.
Pearling and the Language of Freedom
Authors: Morse Robyn
Published: October 2022

As international anti-slavery pressure on the British increased in the early twentieth century, officials in the Persian Gulf began to manumit a growing number of enslaved persons. Enslaved pearl divers needed to physically approach the British in order to start their manumission application. In this process, their memories and history would be typically condensed into a one-page document. I argue that not just imperial archival methods influenced these statements, but the memory of British imperial experience with slavery influenced the ways in which they approached, understood, and targeted slavery in the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The manufactured English-language applications in the archive corresponded with British conceptions of slavery, but the interpretations of slavery placed on Persian Gulf communities didn’t conform to local understandings of the institution. I demonstrate the process of translation, in which local realities of enslavement were transformed into British understandings of freedom.
When was Acts Planned and Shaped?
Authors: Moberly Robert B.
Published: October 2022

Note how Acts names Nero and others, expects Nero to hear and acquit Paul. Note its current attitudes to Nero and others, its amounts and kinds of emphasis on people and places, its silences, shape, thrust. Such things can ʽadd upʼ—to an Aladdinʼs hoard of inadvertent but tell-tale textual and contextual dating evidence. Acts presents Nero (AD 54—68) as alive. Acts unexpectedly emerges as a forward-looking missionary brief, a gospel sequel planned, shaped and nearly all written a little before(!) its story ends; on collision course with Rome, during the two years (c. AD 60-62) to which 28:30-31, added after collision, allude.
The Political Theology of the Disruption Theologians
Authors: Macleod Donald
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this article is to identify the main points in the political theology of those who led the Church of Scotland in the era of the Disruption. This involves, in particular, a discussion of the responsibility of the state towards Christianity, of the limits of statepower in matters of religion and of the theology of toleration. The article also illustrates the application of this political theology to some of the public questions of the 19th century, notably Catholic emancipation, slavery, Sunday observance and national education. The treatment draws mainly on primary 19th century material, but concludes by relating some of the fundamental concerns of the Disruption theologians to the questions raised by more recent theorists such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Nanoparticle Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel is More Effective Than Paclitaxel in Experimental Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Huang Jing , Huo Hongqi , Chen Mulan , Wang Lili , Li Nani , Huang Zhijian , Yang Lin
Published: October 2022

Nab-paclitaxel is a water-soluable formulation of paclitaxel. It is more effective and less toxic than paclitaxel in treating cancer. Here we compared nab-paclitaxel with paclitaxel for their antitumor efficacy and toxicity in vitro and in a murine endometrial cancer model. Nab-paclitaxel
was more effective than paclitaxel in inhibiting cancer cell growth. Nab-paclitaxel also caused cell apoptosis and cell cycle G1 arrest more effectively than paclitaxel. Similar effect was observed in mice model of endometrial cancer. In summary this preliminary study shows nab-paclitaxel
is a promising therapeutic agent for endometrial cancer and deserves further studies.
Optimization of Thermoelectric Properties in TiNiSn Half-Heusler Alloy by Controlling Microwave Sintering Time Using Microwave Synthesis-Cold Pressing-Microwave Sintering Method
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Fu-Jin , Zhang Rui-Peng , Yang Ming , Bo Lin , Zuo Min , Liu Si-Da , Zhang Hang , Zhao De-Gang
Published: October 2022

Homogeneous pure TiNiSn Half-Heusler (HH) alloys were successfully prepared in a time-efficient manner using microwave synthesis-cold pressing-microwave sintering (MCM) process in this study. The effects of different microwave sintering time on the composition, microstructure and thermoelectric
properties of TiNiSn materials were studied. When the time of microwave sintering was 6 min, the TiNiSn sample was almost pure phase except for a small amount of TiNi2Sn phase. More TiNi2Sn impurity can be found in the TiNiSn sample after microwave sintering of 10 min
due to the decomposition of TiNiSn resulting from the over-sintering. The thermoelectric properties of TiNiSn samples prepared by MCM process could be effectively improved by adjusting appropriate sintering time. The TiNiSn alloys sintered for 6 min had the zTmax value of
0.15 at 800 K.
Fabrication and CT Number Measurements of Bone Equivalent Phantom Material Made of Gypsum Material
Authors: Marashdeh Mohammad W. , Al-Mutairi Samiyah Masad , Binmujlli Mazen Abdulrahman
Published: October 2022

Two types of gypsum materials were used to fabricate five different samples based on the ratio of gypsum powder to water (70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, and 50%) and named as (S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5) for Saudi gypsum and (F1, F2,
F3, F4, and F5) for French gypsum. The measured density of samples was in the range of 1.21–1.78 g/cm3, which is in the range of human bone density. A CT scanner was used to investigate the CT number values in the fabricated samples. The CT
number results of gypsum samples were in the range of 796.30–1304.07 HU, while the average CT number results for samples S5 and F3 were within the obtained range for human bone tissue. Therefore, the fabricated gypsum sample showed potential to be used as a bone
phantom material. In addition, the linear and mass attenuation coefficients μ/ρ, of fabricated gypsum samples were calculated in the CT scan photon energy range of 38 keV. The μ/ρ results showed it is closer to the results of the IBI inner bone material with a range
of percentage difference (1.40%–9.48%). This indicates that a CT scan has the capability to measure the attenuation property at a specific diagnostic energy.
Corrosion Behavior of Carbon Steel in Multiphase Time-Sharing Flow Sewage System
Authors: Sun Shu-Juan , Zhang Yong-Qiang , Bai Chong-Gao , Zhang Xin-Yu , Nan Bei-Bei , Li Hui , Wang Min , Yang Zhi-Gang
Published: October 2022

Single well output is poor in several Yanchang oilfield development blocks, water content is high, and hydrogen sulfide is present at the same time. The tank corrosion in the on-site multiphase time-sharing flow sewage system was severe. The coupon method was used to test the corrosion
rate and the scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods were used to study the corrosion morphology of the coupon and analyze the composition of the corrosion products in order to effectively inhibit corrosion in the storage
tank and analyze the physical and chemical properties of the sewage. The corrosion rates of the upper, middle, and lower sections of the incoming water tank increased and subsequently decreased, whereas the corrosion rates of the upper, middle, and lower parts of the filtered water tank decreased.
Local corrosion, pitting corrosion, and pit corrosion were observed in the storage tank, with the corrosion products mostly being Fe2O3, FeS, and FeS2. It was determined that the primary corrosion causes in the top section of the carbon steel storage tank were
dissolved oxygen and Cl−, sulfur (H2S) and SRB, and SRB in the bottom part. The combination of bacterial, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen corrosion created the corrosion process.
Aeroelastic control of delaminated variable angle tow laminated composite plate using piezoelectric patches
Authors: Sharma Narayan , Swain Prasant Kumar , Maiti Dipak Kumar
Published: October 2022

The free vibration and aeroelastic analysis of variable angle tow (VAT) laminated composite plate bonded with discrete piezoelectric patches are considered for investigation. A finite element (FE) model is developed using eight noded isoparametric elements to study the impact of delamination size and location on the dynamic response of smart VAT laminated plates. For aeroelastic analysis, the FE model is coupled with MSC. Nastran through Direct Matrix Abstraction Program (DMAP) and the structural parameters obtained with the FE model are supplied to MSC. Nastran solver to generate aerodynamic force matrix using Doublet Lattice Method (DLM). Various parametric studies are performed to find the most critical location of the delamination that severely affects vibration and flutter characteristics. The results showed that the delamination near the leading edge which faces free stream wind is found to be the most critical for the dynamic aeroelastic failure of structures. Further, the most effective location of the piezoelectric patches is identified to enhance the aeroelastic boundary of smart delaminated VAT composite plates using active displacement and velocity feedback gains.
The Capability Maturity Model as a Measure of Culture of Care in Laboratory Animal Science
Authors: Amarasekara Dulshara Sachini , Rathnadiwakara Hasanthi , Ratnayake Kalpani , Gunatilake Mangala , Singh Vijay Pal , Poosala Suresh
Published: October 2022

Culture of care in Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) refers to a commitment toward improving animal welfare, scientific quality, staff wellbeing, and transparency for all stakeholders, ensuring that the animals and personnel involved are treated with compassion and respect. A strong culture of care can be established by the proactive implementation of the Three Rs, sharing best practices, caring for and respecting animals and colleagues, empowering staff, taking responsibility for our actions, and having a caring leadership. Culture of care, when established, should be evaluated continuously, in order to foster its progress and persistence. Even though several tools for assessing the culture of care within an institution have been proposed, an ultimate standard for measuring the concept is lacking. Here, we review the culture of care concept and propose the ‘Capability Maturity Model’ as a means of quantifying culture of care in the laboratory animal setting.
Co-producing knowledge to address disaster risks in informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: pathways toward urban equality?
Authors: Johnson Cassidy , Osuteye Emmanuel , Ndezi Tim , Makoba Festo
Published: October 2022

In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, small-scale and everyday disasters are a manifestation of the multidimensional inequalities faced by residents of informal settlements. The co-production of knowledge about disaster and other risks, bringing together residents with local NGOs and local government representatives, is a potential entry point for addressing inequalities. This paper reports on such a co-production process in two informal settlements, carried out by the Centre for Community Initiatives with the Tanzania Urban Poor Federation and local government at the Mtaa level, and it looks at how community assessments of risks travel into local governance and policymaking. The involvement of Mtaa officials in this process has led to incremental changes in local governance, for example better linking of local budgets with disaster risk reduction (DRR) priorities and the representation of civil society on the municipal disaster management committees. The paper also points to the challenges of achieving integration of DRR and development activities at the local level.
Low prevalence of macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium infections in a cohort of pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Ngobese Bongekile , Swe Swe-Han Khine , Tinarwo Partson , Abbai Nathlee S
Published: October 2022

Objective

Macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium ( M. genitalium) is increasing as a result of the widespread use of azithromycin in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To date, there are few published studies on macrolide resistance patterns in South African pregnant women. This study now contributes to the growing body of knowledge.

Methods

This study included 385 pregnant women living with HIV. Vaginal swabs were collected from consenting pregnant women and used for the detection of M. genitalium using the TaqMan assay . Macrolide resistance-associated mutations in the 23S rRNA gene were determined for all samples that tested positive for M. genitalium using the AllplexTM MG & AziR assay (Seegene) which allows for the simultaneous detection and identification of M. genitalium and six mutations ( A2058C, A2058G, A2058T, A2059C, A2059G and A2059T) responsible for azithromycin resistance. The correlation between the TaqMan assay and AllplexTM MG & AziR assay (Seegene) for the detection of M. genitalium was also performed in a subset of 121 samples.

Results

Of the 385 samples tested in this study, 14 samples were positive for M. genitalium estimating a prevalence of 3.6%. The same 14 samples also tested positive on the AllplexTM assay indicating a good correlation between the TaqMan Assay and the AllplexTM. Of the 14 positive samples, one sample carried a mutation at position A2059G denoting macrolide resistance in this pathogen. Mutations in the other regions of the 23S rRNA were not detected. All assay controls used in the mutation scanning produced the desired results showing the validity of the assay.

Conclusion

In this study, macrolide resistance in M. genitalium was detected. Despite the low prevalence of resistance determinants ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance is vital considering that azithromycin is used in the syndromic management for the treatment of vaginal discharge syndrome.
Do Routine Laboratory Parameters have Predictive Ability to Differentiate Subjects with Fibromyalgia from Healthy Subjects?
Authors: Rus Alma , Molina Francisco , Camacho María Victoria , Rubia Mercedes La , Aguilar-Ferrándiz María Encarnación , del Moral María Luisa
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate laboratory parameters for investigating their potential predictive ability to differentiate patients with fibromyalgia (FM) from healthy subjects. We carried out a case–control study with 79 FM patients and 20 controls to analyze complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The predictive value of these parameters was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. We also examined the relationships with clinical parameters (functional capacity, pain, and physical and mental health status). Results showed significant differences in red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, creatinine, HbA1c, and ESR between groups. According to ROC analysis, all these parameters may assist in making FM diagnosis. Hematocrit and ESR values were correlated with FM clinical parameters. The determination of these routine laboratory parameters may be an uncomplicated means of facilitating FM diagnosis, together with the clinical data of the patient.
High-order robust control design and experiment for a class of uncertain serial manipulators
Authors: Xian Yuanjie , Huang Kang , Kuang Huidong , Zhen Shengchao
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a novel robust control algorithm to improve the trajectory tracking accuracy for a class of serial manipulators with unknown uncertainties. Firstly, the manipulators’ dynamics is established based on the Lagrangian method, and the intrinsic properties in the dynamical model of uncertain serial manipulators are investigated, resulting in a better match between the dynamical model and the physical systems. Then, based on the upper bound of the uncertainties, a nonlinear robust controller is designed. Here, a higher-order term is invoked in the controller design to further suppress the influence of the uncertainties. As supported by rigorous proofs, the uniform boundness and uniform ultimate boundness of the controlled manipulator under the designed controller are obtained with the Lyapunov–Minimax method. Finally, a numerical simulation and an experiment of the designed controller are implemented on a two-degree-of-freedom manipulator.
Qualitative Identification of Intervention Preferences to Support Men’s Engagement and Retention in TB Care in South Africa
Authors: Medina-Marino Andrew , Bezuidenhout Dana , Ngcelwane Nondumiso , Cornell Morna , Wainberg Milton , Beyrer Chris , Bekker Linda-Gail , Daniels Joseph
Published: October 2022

Globally and in South African specifically, men account for 56% and 62% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases, respectively. Men are at increased risk of not accessing TB testing or treatment, and having poor treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, no interventions exist to address these issues. Toward the development of targeted, patient-centered TB care and support interventions, we used semistructured interviews to explored men’s social network composition, TB testing behaviors, disclosure and treatment support, clinical experiences, and TB’s influence on daily living. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach guided by the Network Individual Resource Model to identify mental and tangible resources influential and preferred during engagement in TB treatment. Men emphasized the desire for peer-to-peer support to navigate TB-related stigma and unhealthy masculinity norms. Men advocated for awareness events to educate communities about their challenges with TB. Men strongly suggested that interventions be delivered in familiar locations where men congregate. Since 2022, no TB treatment support interventions have included the preferred components or delivery modes described by men in our study. To improve men’s TB-related health outcomes, the global TB community must identify and address men’s unique challenges when designing interventions.
Crossmodal correspondences between basic tastes and visual design features: A narrative historical review
Authors: Lee Byron P. , Spence Charles
Published: October 2022

People tend to associate abstract visual features with basic taste qualities. This narrative historical review critically evaluates the literature on these associations, often referred to as crossmodal correspondences, between basic tastes and visual design features such as color hue and shape curvilinearity. The patterns, discrepancies, and evolution in the development of the research are highlighted while the mappings that have been reported to date are summarized. The review also reflects on issues of cross-cultural validity and deviations in the matching patterns that are observed when correspondences are assessed with actual tastants versus with verbal stimuli. The various theories that have been proposed to account for different classes of crossmodal correspondence are discussed, among which the statistical and affective (or emotional-mediation) accounts currently appear most promising. Several critical research questions for the future are presented to address the gaps that have been identified in the literature and help validate the popular theories on the origin and operations of visual-taste correspondences.
Assessing Mental Health Among Thai University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rhein Douglas , Nanni Alexander
Published: October 2022

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, experts warned of the increasing rate of mental well-being issues among university students. The pandemic impacted the university-age populations, which studies have found to be particularly at risk for COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. There is cause for concern, particularly in countries such as Thailand that have relatively underdeveloped mental health systems and greater stigmatization of psychopathology. As a step toward addressing this concern, this study assessed student well-being at a Thai university ( N = 367) using three online survey instruments: the EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-being, the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Participants’ scores on all three scales were relatively low compared to the results of previous studies conducted in Thailand and internationally. Based on these results, the authors call for further investigation and interventions to address the growing need for the cultivation of well-being among university students in Thailand.
The illusion of the end
Authors: Jäger Anton
Published: October 2022

What would it mean to treat post-history as ‘history’? Taking up this question, Alex Hochuli, George Hoare and Phil Cunliffe’s The End of the End of History reads Francis Fukuyama’s diagnosis of the ‘end of history’ thesis through the lens of political economy, while anatomizing its demise in the populist 2010s. This roundtable contribution assesses Hoare, Cunliffe and Hochuli’s diagnosis in light of recent developments. Stalked by inflation, resurgent militarism and so-called hyper-politics, the 2020s present both challenge and vindication to the ‘Aufhebunga’ approach to post-post-history.
Safety of a Novel ESAT6-CFP10 skin test compared with tuberculin skin test in a double-blind, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Yang Yang , Fang Zhixiong , Huang Wei , Zhang Haiming , Luo Si , Lin Sha , Li Shaojie , Lu Shuihua
Published: October 2022

Background

ESAT6-CFP10 (EC) skin test has been reported accurate and safe in identifying tuberculosis infection. We aimed to demonstrate the safety of EC skin test compared with tuberculin skin test (TST) in university freshmen.

Methods

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical study in a university freshmen population with 16,680 participates in China, and finally 14,579 completed the study. About a half received an EC skin test and the others received TST. Adverse reactions were evaluated.

Results

Out of the 14,579 participants, 48.2% (7029/14,579) were males. The average age was 18.1 ± 0.8 years and the average BMI was 20.9 ± 3.1 kg/m2. 50.4% (7351/14,579) participants received EC skin test and 49.6% (7228/14,579) received TST. The EC group had significantly less adverse reactions compared with the TST group (21.3%, 1565/7351 vs. 34.6%, 2499/7228, P = 0.000). The most common adverse reactions for EC were bleeding (5.63%, 414), dermatodyschroia (4.27%, 314), induration (3.90%, 287), swelling (2.49%, 183), pain (1.59%, 117) and pruritus (1.48%, 109). Bleeding, dermatodyschroia, swelling and erythema were significantly less in EC group (P < 0.05), while others were similar to those of TST.

Conclusion

the EC skin test was safe in our cohort. And its incidence of total adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is less than that of TST. Most adverse reactions were mild or moderate, lasting less than 48 h and self-limiting. Considering the satisfactory diagnostic accuracy in identifying tuberculosis infection, the cost and safety, the EC skin test might be a potential candidate for replacing TST in high burden countries or those with routine BCG vaccination. Clinical Trials Registration. ChiCTR2000038622, Safety of the EC skin test to screen tuberculosis infection in two universities, compared with the tuberculin skin test: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. registered on 26/09/2020 at http://www.chictr.org.cn.