bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OCR with the Deep CNN Model for Ligature Script-Based Languages like Manchu
Authors: Zhang Diandian , Liu Yan , Wang Zhuowei , Wang Depei
Published: June 2021

Manchu is a low-resource language that is rarely involved in text recognition technology. Because of the combination of typefaces, ordinary text recognition practice requires segmentation before recognition, which affects the recognition accuracy. In this paper, we propose a Manchu text recognition system divided into two parts: text recognition and text retrieval. First, a deep CNN model is used for text recognition, using a sliding window instead of manual segmentation. Second, text retrieval finds similarities within the image and locates the position of the recognized text in the database; this process is described in detail. We conducted comparative experiments on the FAST-NU dataset using different quantities of sample data, as well as comparisons with the latest model. The experiments revealed that the optimal results of the proposed deep CNN model reached 98.84%.
An Extension of the Carathéodory Differentiability to Set-Valued Maps
Authors: Hurtado Pedro , Leones Alexander , Martelo M. , Moreno J. B.
Published: June 2021

This paper uses the generalization of the Hukuhara difference for compact convex set to extend the classical notions of Carathéodory differentiability to multifunctions (set-valued maps). Using the Hukuhara difference and affine multifunctions as a local approximation, we introduce the notion of CH-differentiability for multifunctions. Finally, we tackle the study of the relation among the Fréchet differentiability, Hukuhara differentiability, and CH-differentiability.
Chinaʼs Economic Growth, Energy Efficiency, and Industrial Development: Nonlinear Effects on Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Zhou Donghai , Chen Binxia , Li Jiahui , Jiang Yuanying
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzes the time-varying impacts of Chinaʼs economic growth, energy efficiency, and industrial development on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 1970 to 2019. First, we examined and found that there are two significant structural changes in the CO2 sequence over the years, and there was a significant nonlinear relationship among the four. The first nonlinear structural model constructed is the TVP regression model. According to the Bayesian model comparison criterion, TVP-SV-VAR was selected as the second constructed model from four types of VAR models containing nonlinear structures. The results show that the conduction intensity value of energy use efficiency to CO2 emissions has increased year by year, from 0.45 in 1971 to 0.97 in 2019. The short-term transmission mechanism of energy use efficiency to carbon emissions is the most significant. The conduction intensity of Chinaʼs economic growth on CO2 emissions increases year by year. Chinaʼs economic growth plays a major role in long-term CO2 emission reduction. The impact of industrial development on CO2 emissions reached a peak of 0.34 in 1977, and the intensity of the impact has basically stabilized at 0.26.
Hybrid Estimation of Distribution Algorithm for Solving Three‐Stage Multiobjective Integrated Scheduling Problem
Authors: Deng Chao , Hu Rong , Qian Bin , Jin Huai P.
Published: June 2021

Aiming at reducing the total energy consumption of three stages processing‐transportation‐assembly in the assembly manufacturing industry, a three‐stage multiobjective integrated scheduling problem with job batch transportation considering the energy consumption (3sMISP_JBTEC) is proposed, and a comprehensive energy consumption model of multistage of 3sMISP_JBTEC with an improved turn off/on strategy in the processing stage and considering speed in the transportation stage is formulated. Then, a hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm with variable neighborhood search (HEDA_VNS) is developed to solve the scheduling problem. In the HEDA_VNS, the reasonable coding/decoding rules and speed scheduling scheme (SSS) are designed. Moreover, two local search strategies are designed to further enhance the performance of HEDA_VNS. Among them, three types of neighborhood search strategies are devised in Local Search I to improve the search efficiency while retaining the structure of the original high‐quality solution. A variable neighborhood hybrid operation based on the speed scheduling set is designed in Local Search II to further improve the quality of the solution while balancing the optimization goals. Finally, simulations and comparisons show the efficiency of the proposed HEDA_VNS.
Exact Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of Steel‐Concrete Composite Continuous Beams
Authors: Sun Qikai , Zhang Nan , Yan Guobing , Zhu Xinqun , Liu Xiao , Li Wangwang
Published: June 2021

The free vibration characteristics of steel‐concrete composite continuous beams (SCCCBs) are analyzed based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. A modified dynamic direct stiffness method has been developed, which can be used to analyze the SCCCBs with some lumped masses and elastic boundary conditions. The results obtained by the proposed method are exact due to the elimination of approximated displacement and force fields in derivation. The proposed method is verified by comparing its results with those obtained by ANSYS software and laboratory tests. Then, the influencing factors on the reduction of natural frequency are analyzed and discussed in detail using the proposed method. The results show that stronger interfacial interaction results in higher values of natural frequency as well as larger steel subbeam and thinner concrete slab. The smaller the natural frequency of the SCCCBs is, the more significant effect the interfacial interaction on the natural frequency is. The reduction of natural frequency is not affected by the different numbers of spans but the equal single‐span length and various ratios of the side span to the main span but equal total length, but it is influenced by the extra single‐span length and different ratios of the side span to the main span but equal main span length. And it is only affected by bending stiffness. Furthermore, the reasonable ratio of the side span to the main span is 0.9∼1.0.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (Preeclampsia, Gestational Hypertension) and Metabolic Disorder of Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus)
Authors: Phoswa Wendy N. , Khaliq Olive P.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the Review.To highlight the role of oxidative stress in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and metabolic disorders of pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus). Recent Findings. In both preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH), oxidative stress leads to inadequate placental perfusion thus resulting in a hypoxic placenta, which generally leads to the activation of maternal systemic inflammatory response. In PE, this causes inflammation in the kidneys and leads to proteinuria. A proteinuria marker known as urinary 8‐oxoGuo excretion is expressed in preeclampsia. In GDM, oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease, as a result of over secretion of insulin during pregnancy. This uncontrolled secretion of insulin results in the production of lipid peroxidation factors that also mask the secretion of antioxidants. Therefore, ROS becomes abundant at cellular level and prevents the cells from transporting glucose to body tissues. Summary. There is a need for more research investigating the role of oxidative stress, especially in obstetrics‐related conditions. More studies are required in order to understand the difference between the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PE versus GH since investigations on the differences in genetic aspects of each condition are lacking. Furthermore, research to improve diagnostic procedures for GDM in pregnancy is needed.
Multiscale Systemic Risk and Its Spillover Effects in the Cryptocurrency Market
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ding Zhijing
Published: June 2021

Since the advent of Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency market has become an important financial market. However, due to the existence of the cryptocurrency bubble, investors face more difficulties in risk portfolios. We adopt wavelet packet decomposition, nonlinear Granger causality test, risk spillover network, and STVAR model; retain the mature research of multiscale systemic risk based on time and frequency; and thus extend systemic risk to different regimes. We found that when frequency is combined with regimes, the risk spillover center will undergo subversive changes in the long run. We also proposed that BTC will be more robust at extreme values (like longest and shortest periods), while cryptocurrencies with smaller market capitalization will be stronger in the medium term. At the same time, the recession period will also spur on it.
A Comprehensive Review on Scatter Search: Techniques, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Kalra Minakshi , Tyagi Shobhit , Kumar Vijay , Kaur Manjit , Mashwani Wali Khan , Shah Habib , Shah Kamal
Published: June 2021

Recent years have witnessed the use of metaheuristic algorithms to solve the optimization problems that usually require extensive computations and time. Among others, scatter search is the widely used evolutionary metaheuristic algorithm. It uses the information of global optima, which is stored in a different and unique set of solutions. In this paper, an updated review of scatter search (SS) is given. SS has been successfully applied in a variety of research problems, namely, data mining, bioinformatics, and engineering design. This paper presents the modified and hybrid versions of SS with their applications. The control strategies are discussed to show their impact on the performance of SS. various issues and future directions related to SS are also discussed. It inspires innovative researchers to use this algorithm for their research domains.
Intelligent Tutoring System: Learning Math for 6th-Grade Primary School Students
Authors: King Calvin L. , Vincent  , Kelvin  , Warnars Harco L. H. S. , Nordin Nurulhuda , Utomo Wiranto H.
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a web-based application designed to help elementary school students who have difficulty learning online independently and also their parents who are currently having difficulty teaching their children to study at home online, especially at this time of difficulty with a pandemic outbreak like COVID-19; this time does not allow for physical meetings for the learning process in primary schools. In this paper, we only focus on mathematics because based on several other studies, it is very difficult and important to learn mathematics at the beginning of educational activities such as at the elementary school level. In this paper, the system is modeled using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) tool in the form of a use case diagram which is used to describe the proposed business process and uses class diagrams to describe the database model diagram. In this case, the class diagram is used to describe the data in the class diagram where each class refers to a table in the database. The web-based application user interface is shown at the end to show the communication between users and applications, where this web-based application is implemented using Personal Home Pages (PHP) as server programming and using MySQL to store database model designs. Moreover, for the Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), content was created using the Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools (CTAT) which is an authoring tool for learning mathematics created by Carnegie Mellon University. In the end, this web-based application is expected to be used and support teachers as a complement to online mathematics learning, especially during difficult times such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Utilizing Technology Acceptance Model for Influences of Smartphone Addiction on Behavioural Intention
Authors: Lin Chih-Wei , Lin Yu-Sheng , Liao Chia-Chi , Chen Chih-Cheng
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to establish a behavioural model of students’ smartphone usage based on the perception of new advanced information technology, perceived playfulness, and smartphone addiction (SA). Undergraduate students were chosen to be the participants from a university in Taiwan. There were 814 valid questionnaires and the valid response rate was 81.4%. Firstly, SA positively and significantly affected perceived playfulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Secondly, perceived usefulness did not significantly influence behavioural intention. However, there was an unforeseen result; the effect of SA on perceived usefulness was barely significant. It can be concluded that the participants in the present study were undergraduate students and they might not intend to use smartphones for their academic performance. The findings indicated that undergraduate students experienced perceived playfulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness of smartphone from their addiction perception, which further implied that smartphone usage was interesting, easy, and useful. It was inferred that the undergraduate students were already under a high technology addiction (TA) condition. Suggestions indicate that the conjunction of teaching and mobile application should be extensively applied. It should be based on students’ dependence on smartphone and smartphone’s enjoyment to helpfully improve teaching via smartphones.
Evaluation of Drought Stress Tolerance Based on Selection Indices in Haricot Bean Varieties Exposed to Stress at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Wasae Awoke
Published: June 2021

A pot experiment was conducted at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, with the objectives of identifying relatively drought-tolerant haricot bean varieties and identifying sensitive growth stages of this plant to drought stress based on selection indices under greenhouse conditions. Ten improved haricot bean varieties were subjected to drought stress at vegetative, flowering, and pod setting stages by withholding water for 15 days. Seed yields (g plant−1) under stress (Ysi) and nonstress (Ypi) conditions were recorded, and all indices were calculated for the three drought stress levels (vegetative, flowering, and pod setting) against the yield obtained from the nonstress (Ypi) treatment. Drought intensity indices at vegetative, flowering, and pod setting stages were 0.046, 0.335, and 0.249, respectively. Drought stress imposition at the flowering stage resulted in high values of DII, DSI, PYR, and SSPI and low values of DRI, GM, MP, YSI, MRP, REI, and RDI reflecting that flowering is the most sensitive growth stage to drought stress. Low values of DSI, PYR, and SSPI and high values of DRI, GM, MP, YSI, MRP, REI, and RDI for H/dumme, Wajo, and Nasir confirmed that they are tolerant to drought stresses that occur at different growth stages. Those varieties also showed the best mean of rank and low standard deviation. A strong association between Ypi and Ysi was observed under drought stress at the vegetative stage but not under flowering and pod setting stages. Ysi had a positive correlation with DRI, GM, MP, MRP, and REI while a significant and negative correlation with PYR and DSI depicting that they are a better predictor of potential yield under a stress condition and they can use as a morphological marker by the plant breeder.
DMGA: A Distributed Shortest Path Algorithm for Multistage Graph
Authors: Cui Huanqing , Liu Ruixue , Xu Shaohua , Zhou Chuanai
Published: June 2021

The multistage graph problem is a special kind of single-source single-sink shortest path problem. It is difficult even impossible to solve the large-scale multistage graphs using a single machine with sequential algorithms. There are many distributed graph computing systems that can solve this problem, but they are often designed for general large-scale graphs, which do not consider the special characteristics of multistage graphs. This paper proposes DMGA (Distributed Multistage Graph Algorithm) to solve the shortest path problem according to the structural characteristics of multistage graphs. The algorithm first allocates the graph to a set of computing nodes to store the vertices of the same stage to the same computing node. Next, DMGA calculates the shortest paths between any pair of starting and ending vertices within a partition by the classical dynamic programming algorithm. Finally, the global shortest path is calculated by subresults exchanging between computing nodes in an iterative method. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the time to solve the shortest path of multistage graphs.
A Secure Distance-Bounding Protocol with Mutual Authentication
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Guo Hua , Tian Yangguang
Published: June 2021

Distance-bounding protocol is a useful primitive in resisting distance-based attacks. Currently, most of the existing distance-bounding protocols usually do not take the reuse of nonces in designing the protocols into consideration. However, there have been some literature studies showing that nonce repetition may lead to the leakage of the shared key between protocol participants. Aikaterini et al. introduced a countermeasure that could serve as a supplementary in most distance-bounding systems allowing nonce repetition. However, their proposal only holds against passive attackers. In this paper, we introduce an active attack model and show that their countermeasure is insecure under the proposed active attack model. We also discover that all existing distance-bounding protocols with mutual authentication are vulnerable to distance-based attacks if a short nonce is applied under the proposed active model. To address this security concern, we propose a new distance-bounding protocol with mutual authentication to prevent distance-based attacks under the active adversary model. A detailed security analysis is presented for the proposed distance-bounding protocol with mutual authentication.
Effects of Kinesio Tape on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Jianping , Guo Ming ling , Wang Hao , Lin Cheng , Xu Guiqing , Chen Aiping , Chen Shaoqing , Wang Shizhong
Published: June 2021

Background. Kinesio tape (KT) may be useful for the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but there has been no systematic review assessing their efficacy. Objectives. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of KT on DOMS. Methods. We searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover randomized trials of KT in DOMS, from the earliest date available to December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was muscle soreness. The secondary outcome was muscle strength and serum creatine kinase (CK) level. The risk of bias was evaluated based on the Cochrane criteria. Data were analyzed using RevMan version 5.3.0 software. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Systematic review registration number is CRD42020157052. Results. Eight trials (six RCTs and two crossover randomized trials) with 289 participants were included. KT use significantly reduced muscle soreness at 48 h (mean difference (MD): ‐0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): ‐1.10 to 0.24, P = 0.002) and 72 h postexercise (MD: ‐0.81, 95% CI: ‐1.45 to ‐0.17, P = 0.01) but not at 24 h. KT use improved muscle strength at 72 h postexercise (standardized mean difference: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.69, P = 0.04) but not at 24 or 48 h. However, the serum CK level at 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise was not better in the KT group relative to the control group. Conclusions. Current evidence suggests that KT might help to alleviate DOMS after strenuous exercise to improve muscle strength. Thus, using KT on the skin for more than 48 hours postexercise, but not for 24 h, appears more effective at relieving pain and improving muscle strength.
Accounting for Material Changes in Decellularized Tissue with Underutilized Methodologies
Authors: Behmer Hansen Ryan A. , Wang Xinming , Kaw Gitanjali , Pierre Valinteshley , Senyo Samuel E.
Published: June 2021

Tissue decellularization has rapidly developed to be a practical approach in tissue engineering research; biological tissue is cleared of cells resulting in a protein‐rich husk as a natural scaffold for growing transplanted cells as a donor organ therapy. Minimally processed, acellular extracellular matrix reproduces natural interactions with cells in vitro and for tissue engineering applications in animal models. There are many decellularization techniques that achieve preservation of molecular profile (proteins and sugars), microstructure features such as organization of ECM layers (interstitial matrix and basement membrane) and organ level macrofeatures (vasculature and tissue compartments). While structural and molecular cues receive attention, mechanical and material properties of decellularized tissues are not often discussed. The effects of decellularization on an organ depend on the tissue properties, clearing mechanism, chemical interactions, solubility, temperature, and treatment duration. Physical characterization by a few labs including work from the authors provides evidence that decellularization protocols should be tailored to specific research questions. Physical characterization beyond histology and immunohistochemistry of the decellularized matrix (dECM) extends evaluation of retained functional features of the original tissue. We direct our attention to current technologies that can be employed for structure function analysis of dECM using underutilized tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‐EM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry, and rheometry. Structural imaging and mechanical functional testing combined with high‐throughput molecular analyses opens a new approach for a deeper appreciation of how cellular behavior is influenced by the isolated microenvironment (specifically dECM). Additionally, the impact of these features with different decellularization techniques and generation of synthetic material scaffolds with desired attributes are informed. Ultimately, this mechanical profiling provides a new dimension to our understanding of decellularized matrix and its role in new applications.
Deep Learning-Based Magnetic Resonance Imaging Image Feature Analysis for Pathological Classification of Brain Glioma
Authors: Yao Wei , Thomas Stefanie
Published: June 2021

To explore the application value of MRI in the diagnosis of brain glioma (BG), in the study, a deep learning-based multimodal feature fusion model was established, which was then applied in BG classification. 60 BG patients who came to our hospital for treatment were selected as research subjects. They all accepted the MRI scan and the enhanced scan, and the MRI results were compared with the pathological results. The results showed that the sensitivity of the algorithm was above 90%, and the sensitivity to diagnose grade IV glioma was as high as 98.28%; the specificity was above 78%, and the specificity to diagnose grade IV glioma was as high as 95.85%; the detection accuracy was above 95%. The relative fractional anisotropy (rFA) values of the tumor body were smaller than those of peritumoral edema in both the high-grade group and low-grade group, and the difference was notable

P
<
0.05

; the relative apparent diffusion coefficients (rADC) values of the peritumoral edema were greater than those of tumor bodies of the same grade in both the high-grade group and the low-grade group, and the difference was notable

P
<
0.05

; notable differences were noted in the rADC values of tumor bodies between the high-grade group and the low-grade group

P
<
0.05

and in the rADC values of the glioma peritumoral edema between the high-grade group and the low-grade group

P

<

0.05

. In summary, MRI based on deep learning raises the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to diagnose BG and can more accurately classify BG pathologically, providing reference for clinical treatment of BG.
Effect and Nursing Satisfaction of Bedside Nursing Combined with Detail Nursing in Clinical Nursing of Gastroenterology Department
Authors: Ai Hongyan , Peng Shuqin
Published: June 2021

Objective. The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and nursing satisfaction of bedside nursing combined with detail nursing in the gastroenterology department. Methods. 112 patients with gastrointestinal diseases admitted to our hospital from November 2018 to November 2019 were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into a research group (n = 56) and reference group (n = 56). The reference group received routine clinical nursing, while on this basis, the research group received bedside nursing combined with detail nursing. After that, the clinical nursing effects of the two groups were compared. Results. There were no significant differences in sex ratio, age, BMI, smoking history, drinking history, marital status, and disease types between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). The VAS scores in the two groups after intervention were significantly lower than those before intervention (

P
<
0.01

), and the VAS scores in the research group after intervention were significantly lower than those in the reference group (

P
<
0.01

). The nursing ability, nursing skills, and nursing responsibility in the research group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (

P
<
0.01

). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of patients who were satisfied and needed improvement (

P
>
0.05

). Besides, the number of very satisfied cases in the research group was significantly higher than that in the reference group (

P
<
0.05

), and the number of unsatisfied cases was significantly lower than that in the reference group (

P
<
0.05

). The total incidence of clinical adverse events in the research group was significantly lower than that in the reference group (

P
<
0.01

). The gastrointestinal diseases related knowledge scores after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention (

P
<
0.01

), and the gastrointestinal diseases related knowledge scores after intervention in the research group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (

P
<
0.01

). The GQOLI-74 scores after intervention in the two groups were significantly higher than those before intervention (

P
<
0.01

), and the GQOLI-74 scores after intervention in the research group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (

P
<
0.01

). Conclusion. The application of bedside nursing mode combined with detail nursing in gastrointestinal diseases can effectively reduce patients’ pains, as well as the incidence of clinical adverse events, and improve patients’ life quality, with definite curative effect, which is worthy of promotion and application.
Experimental Research on Automatic Alignment and Control Algorithm of Spatial Light-Fiber Coupling
Authors: Ke Xizheng , Yin Benkang
Published: June 2021

This study aims to solve the difficulties in the coupling between space light and single-mode fiber (SMF) in free-space optical communication. A fiber coupler based on two-dimensional (2D) piezoelectric ceramics was developed, which uses the stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm to realize the automatic coupling of space light-SMF. In addition, a spatial light-SMF alignment experimentation platform was built indoors to verify the effectiveness and practicality of the 2D piezoelectric ceramic fiber coupler. The results show that the use of the SPGD algorithm can realize the automatic alignment of fiber position coupling, and the SMF coupling efficiency reaches 52.58% when the system is closed loop. 2D piezoelectric ceramic fiber couplers have unique advantages of low cost, simplified structure, and easy array expansion and can effectively solve the difficulty in the alignment of spatial light-SMF coupling. This study will serve as a significant reference for the research on spatial fiber-coupled array technology.
Research on the Application Mode of Green Environment Design under the Background of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Liu Hui , Song Guanghui , Yan Linlin
Published: June 2021

In the field of green environmental design, the design system of environmental art is a complex and multidimensional cross‐domain fusion system, which can be regarded as a large task system. The development model that combines artificial intelligence (AI) technology and green environment design can not only integrate and analyze problems quickly and efficiently but also provide designers with new design ideas, gradually extending traditional environment design concepts, producing more diverse artistic creation methods, and shifting from a fixed application model to a more diversified artistic development. Therefore, on the basis of summarizing and analyzing previous research works, this paper expounded the research status and significance of green environment design, elaborated the development background, current status, and future challenges of AI technology, introduced the network topology and platform frame structures of green environment design under the AI background, constructed a technical framework of green environment design under the AI background, analyzed the methods and principles of program design and function development, proposed the application model of green environment design under the AI background, conducted design function model optimization and intelligent design process analysis, and finally discussed the evaluation indicators and hierarchical analysis of the green environment design under the AI background. The results show that the application mode of combining AI technology and green environment design can not only help designers break through traditional time and space barriers and use multidimensional thinking but also help designers have a new understanding of artistic design concept and give full play to the advantages of artificial intelligence in a green environment. The study results of this paper provide a reference for further research on the application mode of green environment design under the AI background.
A Simplified Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control for T-Type Three-Level Power Conversion System Based on LCL Filter
Authors: Gao Ning , Fan Huaiyu , Wu Weimin
Published: June 2021

Finite control set model predictive control (FCSMPC) is a highly attractive and potential control method for grid-tied converters. However, there are several challenges when employing FCSMPC in an LCL filter-based T-type three-level power conversion system (PCS) for battery energy storage applications. These challenges mainly include the increasing complexity of control algorithm and excessive cost of additional sensors, which deteriorate the performance of PCS and limit the application of FCSMPC. In order to overcome these issues, this paper proposes a simplified FCSMPC algorithm to reduce the computation complexity. Furthermore, full-dimensional state observers are adopted and implemented to estimate the instantaneous values of grid-side current and capacitor voltage for purpose of removing unnecessary electrical sensors. The implementation of proposed FCSMPC algorithm is described step by step in detail. Simulation results are provided as a verification for the correctness of theoretical analysis. Finally, a three-phase T-type three-level PCS prototype rated at 2.30 kVA/110 V is built up. Experimental results extracted from the prototype can verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
CXCL5/NF-κB Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment
Authors: Jia Xingqing , Wei Shuangqin , Xiong Wujun
Published: June 2021

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant cancer worldwide. CXCL5 has a role in inhibiting cell viability and metastasis in many tumors. In the present study, we investigated the role of CXCL5 in HCC and explored the underlying mechanism. Material and Methods. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels of CXCL5. CCK-8 and transwell assay were applied to measure the proliferative and invasive abilities. Meanwhile, the Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess the survival of HCC patients. Results. CXCL5 was upregulated in HCC tissues, which predicted a shorter overall survival in HCC. CXCL5 was a target gene of miR-577, and its expression was mediated by miR-577 in HCC. Knockdown of CXCL5 suppressed HuH-7 cell proliferation, invasion, and EMT and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway in cells. Moreover, knockdown of CXCL5 inhibited the xenograft growth of HuH-7 cells. Conclusion. Overexpression of CXCL5 predicts poor prognosis in HCC patients. Knockdown of CXCL5 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion through the NF-κB signaling pathway in HCC. The newly identified role of the CXCL5/miR-577/NF-κB axis provides novel insights into the targeted therapy of HCC.
Balanced Joint Progressively Hybrid Type‐I Censoring Samples in Estimating the Lifetime Lomax Distributions
Authors: Alfaer Nada M. , Aljohani Hassan M.
Published: June 2021

The comparative life testing for products from different production lines under joint censoring schemes has received some attention over the past few years. Mondal and Kundu recently used the balanced joint progressive type‐II censoring scheme to discuss the comparative exponential and Weibull populations. This paper implements the balanced censoring scheme with a hybrid progressive type‐I censoring scheme known as a balanced joint progressive hybrid type‐I censoring scheme (BJPHCS). The life Lomax products’ model formulation from two different lines of production with BJPHCS is discussed. The model parameters are estimated under maximum likelihood estimation for point and the corresponding asymptotic confidence intervals. Under independent gamma priors, the Bayes estimators and associated credible intervals are obtained with the help of MCMC technique. The validity of the theoretical results developed in this paper for estimation problems is discussed through numerical example and Monte Carlo simulation study, which report the estimators’ quality. Finally, we give a brief comment describing the numerical results.
Acute Q Fever in an Ankylosing Spondyloarthritis Patient Treated with Etanercept
Authors: Guiga A. , Khalifa D. , Ben Yahia W. , El Amri N. , Atig A. , Ghannouchi N.
Published: June 2021

Q fever is a rare zoonotic infection caused by Coxiella burnetii. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has an important role in the early control of this infection. However, TNF-α blockers increase the risk of infectious diseases. We present herein a patient who developed acute Q fever under anti-TNF-α who had a good evolution after anti-TNF stoppage and treatment with doxycycline.
Efficacy and Safety of Surgical Ligation versus Endovascular Embolization for Type II Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Zhang Jinlong , Duan Weidong , Fang Zhuting , Wang Maoqiang , Cui Li , Bai Yanhua , Li Xiaohui , Du Qicong , Shen Mengqiu , Duan Feng
Published: June 2021

Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical ligation and endovascular embolization for the treatment of type II congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS). Methods. In this retrospective study, 23 patients diagnosed with type II CEPS between March 2011 and April 2019 were divided into either a surgical group (n = 13; 41.5 ± 19.9 years) or the interventional group (n = 10; 44.9 ± 19.7 years). The surgical group underwent laparoscopic surgical ligation of the shunt alone or ligation of the shunt and splenic artery and/or vein. The interventional group underwent endovascular embolization using microcoils, detachable coils, and vascular plug. Results. All 23 patients received a one‐step shunt closure, and their clinical symptoms were significantly improved within 3‐month postprocedure and without recurrence during follow‐up. The serum ammonia levels in both groups decreased after the procedure and dropped to normal level at 6‐ to 12‐month postprocedure. Compared with baseline, the portal vein diameter in interventional group increased significantly at 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 36‐month postocclusion (P = 0.01 for all). The procedure time was shorter in the interventional group (127.0 ± 43.2 minutes) than the surgical group (219.8 ± 56.7 minutes; P < 0.001). The intraoperative blood loss in the interventional group (32.0 ± 62.5 mL) was less than that in the surgical group (238.5 ± 396.9 mL; P = 0.001). Conclusion. Both surgical ligation and endovascular embolization are effective in the treatment of type II CEPS. Endovascular embolization has the advantages of shorter procedure time and less intraoperative blood loss. The ligation of the portosystemic shunt and splenic artery and vein is feasible with apparent safety, and it could avoid a second surgical treatment.
Right and Left Weyl Operator Matrices in a Banach Space Setting
Authors: Liu Aichun , Huang Junjie , Chen Alatancang
Published: June 2021

LetXi,Yii=1,2be Banach spaces. The operator matrix of the formMC=AC0Bacting betweenX1⊕X2andY1⊕Y2is investigated. By using row and column operators, equivalent conditions are obtained forMCto be left Weyl, right Weyl, and Weyl for someC∈ℬX2,Y1, respectively. Based on these results, some sufficient conditions are also presented. As applications, some discussions on Hamiltonian operators are given in the context of Hilbert spaces.
Customizing Robot‐Assisted Passive Neurorehabilitation Exercise Based on Teaching Training Mechanism
Authors: Lin Yingnan , Qu Qingming , Lin Yifang , He Jieying , Zhang Qi , Wang Chuankai , Jiang Zewu , Guo Fengxian , Jia Jie
Published: June 2021

Passive movement is an important mean of rehabilitation for stroke survivors in the early stage or with greater paralysis. The upper extremity robot is required to assist therapists with passive movement during clinical rehabilitation, while customizing is one of the crucial issues for robot‐assisted upper extremity training, which fits the patient‐centeredness. Robot‐assisted teaching training could address the need well. However, the existing control strategies of teaching training are usually commanded by position merely, having trouble to achieve the efficacy of treatment by therapists. And deficiency of flexibility and compliance comes to the training trajectory. This research presents a novel motion control strategy for customized robot‐assisted passive neurorehabilitation. The teaching training mechanism is developed to coordinate the movement of the shoulder and elbow, ensuring the training trajectory correspondence with human kinematics. Furthermore, the motion trajectory is adjusted by arm strength to realize dexterity and flexibility. Meanwhile, the torque sensor employed in the human‐robot interactive system identifies movement intention of human. The goal‐directed games and feedbacks promote the motor positivity of stroke survivors. In addition, functional experiments and clinical experiments are investigated with a healthy adult and five recruited stroke survivors, respectively. The experimental results present that the suggested control strategy not only serves with safety training but also presents rehabilitation efficacy.
If There Appears a Path to Improve Chinese Logistics Industry Efficiency in Low-Carbon Perspective? A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of Provincial Data
Authors: Lu Meili , Lei Wei , Gao Yujia , Wan Qin
Published: June 2021

Taking the data of 30 Chinese provinces as a sample in which CO2 emission is denoted by undesirable output, this paper calculated the efficiencies of the logistics industry by applying the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method and analyzed the factors that affect logistics industry efficiency by applying the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method based on configuration thinking. It is found that the efficiency of China’s low-carbon logistics industry has presented an increasing trend and the efficiency gaps among the regions have been enlarged in the last 10 years. Two highly efficient paths have been formed in the three years after 2015. The path of management opening type has a high coverage ratio; logistics management level and operation are the core factors that improve logistics efficiency. The path of economy driving type covers few cases and it mainly relies on relative priority to influence and drive the development of regional logistics.
Neuroinflammation: An Integrating Overview of Reactive-Neuroimmune Cell Interactions in Health and Disease
Authors: Kölliker-Frers Rodolfo , Udovin Lucas , Otero-Losada Matilde , Kobiec Tamara , Herrera María Inés , Palacios Jorge , Razzitte Gabriela , Capani Francisco
Published: June 2021

The concept of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation has evolved over the last decades. Neuroinflammation is the response of reactive CNS components to altered homeostasis, regardless of the cause to be endogenous or exogenous. Neurological diseases, whether traumatic, neoplastic, ischemic, metabolic, toxic, infectious, autoimmune, developmental, or degenerative, involve direct and indirect immune-related neuroinflammation. Brain infiltrates of the innate and adaptive immune system cells appear in response to an infective or otherwise noxious agent and produce inflammatory mediators. Mediators of inflammation include local and recruited cells and signals. Processes derived from extrinsic and intrinsic CNS diseases also elicit the CNS inflammatory response. A deeper understanding of immune-related inflammation in health and disease is necessary to find potential therapeutic targets for preventing or reducing CNS damage. This review is aimed at discussing the innate and adaptive immune system functions and their roles in regulating brain cell responses in disease and homeostasis maintenance.
CDKN2A Alterations and Response to Immunotherapy in Solid Tumors
Authors: Adib Elio , Nassar Amin H. , Akl Elie W. , Abou Alaiwi Sarah , Nuzzo Pier Vitale , Mouhieddine Tarek H. , Sonpavde Guru , Haddad Robert I. , Mouw Kent W. , Giannakis Marios , Hodi F. Stephen , Shukla Sachet A. , Gusev Alexander , Braun David A. , Choueiri Toni K. , Kwiatkowski David J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown clinical benefit in many types of metastatic cancers with only a few predictive biomarkers identified so far. CDKN2A is commonly altered in human cancers, but prior studies have provided conflicting evidence regarding the association between CDKN2A genomic alterations (GA) and response to ICIs. Herein, we examined the impact of loss-of-function CDKN2A alterations on response and survival in patients treated with ICIs.

Experimental Design:

We studied the association between loss-of-function CDKN2A alterations and the response to ICIs in two independent cohorts of six different cancer types. Seven hundred and eighty-nine patients treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI; Boston, MA) and 1,250 patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC; New York, NY) were included in the final analysis. Patients' tumors were sequenced using Oncopanel or MSK-IMPACT. RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and IMvigor210 were used to investigate differences in the tumor microenvironment.

Results:

In the DFCI cohort, CDKN2A GAs were associated with poor response and survival in patients with urothelial carcinoma treated with ICIs, but not those treated with platinum-based therapy. Similarly, CDKN2A GAs were associated with worse outcomes in the MSKCC urothelial carcinoma cohort treated with ICIs. There was no association of CDKN2A status with ICI treatment outcome in five other cancers: esophagogastric, head and neck, non–small cell lung, renal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Immuno-inflammatory pathways were significantly reduced in expression in CDKN2A-altered tumors.

Conclusions:

Our data show that CDKN2A GAs were associated with reduced benefit from ICI therapy in urothelial carcinoma as well as changes in the tumor–immune microenvironment.
Abnormal Body Phenomena in Persons with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Stanghellini Giovanni , Ballerini Massimo , Fernandez Anthony Vincent , Cutting John , Mancini Milena
Published: June 2021

Background: Depressive disorders, despite being classified as mood or affective disorders, are known to include disturbances in the experience of body, space, time, and intersubjectivity. However, current diagnostic manuals largely ignore these aspects of depressive experience. In this article, we use phenomenological accounts of embodiment as a theoretical foundation for a qualitative study of abnormal body phenomena (ABP) in depressive disorders. Methods: 550 patients affected by schizophrenic and affective disorders were interviewed in a clinical setting. Interviews sought to uncover the qualitative features of experiences through self-descriptions. Clinical files were subsequently digitized and re-examined using consensual qualitative research. Results: Ninety-nine out of 100 patients with MDD reported at least one ABP. From cross-analysis of the MDD sample, we obtained 4 general categories of ABP, 3 of which had additional subcategories. The 4 categories include slowed embodied temporality (N = 90), anomalous vital rhythms (N = 82), worries about one’s body (N = 22), and body deformation (N = 47). Conclusions: The results provide empirical evidence in support of theoretical discussions of embodiment in MDD found in the work of classical and contemporary phenomenologists. The findings also provide nuanced insight into the experience of persons living with MDD. Some categories of ABP, like slowed embodied temporality, can help to finely characterize psychomotor retardation or the so-called “medically unexplained symptoms” (MUS). This fine-tuned characterization can help to connect MUS to neuropsychological and neurobiological (e.g., alterations of interoceptive processes linked to anomalies of the brain resting-state hypothesis) and inflammatory (e.g., studies linking environmental stressors, inflammation mediators, and neurovegetative and affective symptoms) models of MDD. Our results can also support a pathogenic model of MDD, which posits, on the phenomenal level, ABP as the point of departure for the development of secondary symptoms including cognitive elaborations of these, namely, delusions about the body. Moreover, some of the categories, when contrasted with phenomenological qualitative studies of other disorders, provide conceptual resources of differential diagnosis and of identifying a “depressive core syndrome.” For example, findings within category 4, deformation of the body, provide resources for using ABP to distinguish between MDD and schizophrenia.