bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security Aware Data Transaction Using Optimized Blowfish Algorithm in Cloud Environment
Authors: Dinesh E. , Ramesh S. M.
Published: May 2020

Cloud computing has become a growing technique due to its on-demand service and scalable features. Most of the applications of the cloud today are in data storage. Data protection and privacy have thus become a major concern. There are huge risks of storing transaction data on third-party hosts. Service providers need to make right investments in proving and ensuring appropriate security over time. Malicious users can exploit weak spots in the data protection model to increase unauthorized access to data. To overcome the problem, in this paper, security-aware data transaction on the cloud using the blowfish algorithm (BA) is proposed. To improve the security of the system, initially, the proposed system verifies the authentication of the user. After the authentication process, the uploaded data are initially split using a pattern-matching algorithm. Then, the separated data are encrypted with the help of BA. Finally, the encrypted data are stored in the cloud at an optimal location. This method is more secure as the data are column-separated and optimized in the cloud, so it is difficult to attack. This method is highly guaranteed because the user cannot recover the document without authentication checking. The performance of the proposed approach is analyzed in terms of different metrics, namely, memory, encryption and decryption time. The experimental results clearly say that the proposed method took minimum encryption time compared with the existing approach.
New Rule to Incorporate Inspection Errors in Process Control Using Markov Chains
Authors: Griffith William S. , Depoy Smith Michelle L.
Published: May 2020

A number of authors have considered the procedure of online process control in which every [Formula: see text]th item produced is inspected. The process is judged to be in control and continues if the inspected item is judged to conform to specifications. If the inspected item is judged to be nonconforming, then the process is judged to be out of control and stopped, examined, and adjusted as necessary. This inspection process is subject to misclassification and different schemes have been suggested for dealing with this. In this paper, we propose a new rule in which the final judgment that an item is conforming, and thus the process is in control, if and only if [Formula: see text] consecutive classifications as conforming occur before a total of [Formula: see text] classifications as nonconforming. We will examine various aspects of this protocol and provide advice on how to determine values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for this rule.
Replacement Policies for an Independent Damage Process
Authors: Mizutani Satoshi , Zhao Xufeng , Nakagawa Toshio
Published: May 2020

This paper discusses preventive replacement policies for an independent damage process, in which successive shocks occur at random times, and the independent damages caused by shocks are random variables. It is assumed that a unit fails when the damage has exceeded a prespecified level [Formula: see text]. We consider three models: Model 1: the unit is replaced at the [Formula: see text]th shock for damage [Formula: see text], at damage [Formula: see text], or at time [Formula: see text], whichever occurs first. Model 2: the unit is replaced at the [Formula: see text]th shock for damage [Formula: see text], at damage [Formula: see text] or at shock [Formula: see text], whichever occurs first. Model 3: the unit is replaced at the [Formula: see text]th shock for damage [Formula: see text], at damage [Formula: see text], at shock [Formula: see text] or at time [Formula: see text], whichever occurs first. We obtain the expected cost rates for each model and discuss analytical optimal [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to minimize their expected cost rates. Numerical examples are given when the damage has an exponential distribution and shocks occur at a gamma distribution.
NEURAL TISSUE TIGHTNESS OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES IN GUITARISTS
Authors: Sathaye Deepika , Kolke Sona , Shyam Ashok , Sancheti Parag
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To find if guitarists had more neural tissue tightness as compared to non-guitarists.

Methods: In this observational analytical study, 40 guitarists (18 to 38 yrs) playing for [Formula: see text]5 years, were recruited and compared with age, gender and BMI matched controls. A questionnaire, physical examination, and four upper limb tension test (ULTT’s) were used to screen the subjects.

Results: The guitarists had increased neural tissue tightness as compared to the corresponding sides of non-guitarists ([Formula: see text]). The within-group comparison of guitarist’s indicated that ULTT1 of the left (fretboard limb) was more involved than the right (strumming limb) ([Formula: see text]). The Pearson chi-square correlation and point biserial association between ULTT2 and ULTT4 with symptomatic guitarists were significant. Similarly, years of experience, practice hours, and age had a significant correlation with symptoms.

Conclusion: The guitarists had more neural tissue tightness as compared to non-guitarists (left limb[Formula: see text]right limb). Symptomatic guitarists were found to have more neural tissue tightness in ULTT2 and ULTT4 of both the limbs. The number of years of experience, practice hours, and age were also associated with symptomatic guitarists.
Unsupervised Damage Identification Scheme Using PCA-Reduced Frequency Response Function and Waveform Chain Code Analysis
Authors: Chen Shilei , Ong Zhi Chao , Lam Wei Haur , Lim Kok-Sing , Lai Khin Wee
Published: May 2020

Mechanical machines face structural damage problems during their service life. Structural damage can severely affect safety and functionality of the structure and lead to economic loss. In this work, a damage identification scheme is developed by combining waveform chain code (WCC) analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis based on complex network theory. Waveform chain code analysis was carried out using the principal component analysis reduced frequency response function (PCA-reduced FRF), and the areas under the slope differential value curves were calculated as damage-sensitive WCC features. Unsupervised machine learning using hierarchical cluster analysis was then conducted on these damage-sensitive features. A rectangular Perspex plate was studied using the newly developed damage identification scheme as an example. Experimental results showed that the proposed scheme can successfully separate all the damage conditions from the undamaged state with 100% accuracy. In terms of damage severity and location identification, the proposed scheme is sensitive to detect damage severity with damage index as low as 0.17. In addition, combination of PCA-reduced FRF and mode shapes showed positive correlation between the magnitude of the resonant peak and the displacement of the impact point in identifying different damage locations of the plate.
Purity and approximation with respect to a class of morphisms
Authors: Mao Lixin
Published: May 2020

We investigate purity and approximation with respect to a class of morphisms of modules. Let [Formula: see text] be a class of left [Formula: see text]-module morphisms. An epimorphism [Formula: see text] of left [Formula: see text]-modules is called [Formula: see text]-pure if for any morphism [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text], there is a morphism [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. An [Formula: see text]-pure epimorphism [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-superfluous if every morphism [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-pure is itself [Formula: see text]-pure. We get many properties of [Formula: see text]-pure and [Formula: see text]-superfluous morphisms. As an application, we generalize the classical characterization of a projective cover to a general setting of an [Formula: see text]-cover. It is proven that an epimorphism [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-cover of [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] has an [Formula: see text]-cover and [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-superfluous epimorphism if and only if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-pure and there is no proper submodule [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-pure. In addition, some dual results are also given.
Neat-phantom and clean-cophantom morphisms
Authors: Mao Lixin
Published: May 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be the class of all left [Formula: see text]-modules [Formula: see text] which has a projective resolution by finitely generated projectives. An exact sequence [Formula: see text] of right [Formula: see text]-modules is called neat if the sequence [Formula: see text] is exact for any [Formula: see text]. An exact sequence [Formula: see text] of left [Formula: see text]-modules is called clean if the sequence [Formula: see text] is exact for any [Formula: see text]. We prove that every [Formula: see text]-module has a clean-projective precover and a neat-injective envelope. A morphism [Formula: see text] of right [Formula: see text]-modules is called a neat-phantom morphism if [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. A morphism [Formula: see text] of left [Formula: see text]-modules is said to be a clean-cophantom morphism if [Formula: see text] for any [Formula: see text]. We establish the relationship between neat-phantom (respectively, clean-cophantom) morphisms and neat (respectively, clean) exact sequences. Also, we prove that every [Formula: see text]-module has a neat-phantom cover with kernel neat-injective and a clean-cophantom preenvelope with cokernel clean-projective.
Digital Libraries and Access to Information in Nigerian Federal Universities: The Impact of Technology Variables
Authors: Igbo Harriet Uche , Imo Nwabuisi T.
Published: May 2020

The paper examined the impact of technology variables on access to information by undergraduates in the digital libraries of federal universities in Nigeria. The study was an empirical research which adopted Ex-post-facto as the design. The questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 1,506 respondents drawn, using a multi-stage technique, from the population of 30,121 undergraduates in addition to the entire 21 library staff of seven federal universities purposively selected from southern Nigeria. Focus group discussion and interview sessions were also used to complement the questionnaire responses. Data generated were analysed using frequency and percentages. Responses from the focus group discussion and the interview were analysed qualitatively. The findings revealed that technology variables such as system usability, interface design and content usefulness make a low impact on the undergraduates’ access to information. It was recommended among others that training programs should be organised by the libraries to equip the undergraduates with the digital literacy skills required for effective access to information.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anthelmintic Activities of Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) Fruits
Authors: Osei Akoto Clement , Acheampong Akwasi , Boakye Yaw Duah , Naazo Abdulai A. , Adomah Derrick H.
Published: May 2020

Basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) is a plant that has found use in traditional medicine and household remedy against human ailments. The present study aimed at investigating hexane and ethanol fruit extracts of Ocimum basilicum Linn. for their phytoconstituents and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anthelmintic activities. Phytochemical screenings were performed using standard protocols. Anti-inflammatory activities were assessed using the egg albumin denaturation method, while the antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined using DPPH scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assays. In vitro anthelmintic activity of both extracts was investigated against Eudrilus eugeniae (Earthworms). Column chromatography was employed to separate the least polar fraction A, using hexane as the mobile phase, which was analyzed using FTIR analysis. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and flavonoids. The hexane and ethanol extracts exhibited high concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activities, with their percentage inhibitions being 34.0 ± 0.01 and 17.6 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively. The hexane extract showed a higher concentration-dependent antioxidant activity (IC50 of 14.17 ± 1.15 μg/mL) compared to the ethanol extract (IC50 > 100.0 μg/mL) for the DPPH assay. The IC50 values of ethanol and hexane extracts were 623.5 ± 0.27 and >1000.0 μg/mL, respectively, for the H2O2 scavenging assay. TAC was determined to be 37.48 ± 0.09 and 18.81 ± 0.12 gAAE/100 g for ethanol and hexane extracts, respectively. Both extracts showed a higher concentration-dependent anthelmintic activity. Increasing the concentration increased the helmintic potency of the extracts. The results indicate that both hexane and ethanol extracts of Ocimum basilicum Linn. exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anthelmintic activities and support the traditional usage of this plant.
Self-Awareness-Based Resource Allocation Strategy for Containment of Epidemic Spreading
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Liu Quanhui , Wang Ruijie , Li Qing , Wang Wei
Published: May 2020

Resource support between individuals is of particular importance in controlling or mitigating epidemic spreading, especially during pandemics. However, there remains the question of how we can protect ourselves from being infected while helping others by donating resources in fighting against the epidemic. To answer the question, we propose a novel resource allocation model by considering the awareness of self-protection of individuals. In the model, a tuning parameter is introduced to quantify the reaction strength of individuals when they are aware of the disease. And then, a coupled model of resource allocation and disease spreading is proposed to study the impact of self-awareness on resource allocation and its impact on the dynamics of epidemic spreading. Through theoretical analysis and extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we find that in the stationary state, the system converges to two states: the whole healthy or the completely infected, which indicates an abrupt increase in the prevalence when there is a shortage of resources. More importantly, we find that too cautious and too selfless for the people during the outbreak of an epidemic are both not suitable for disease control. Through extensive simulations, we locate the optimal point, at which there is a maximum value of the epidemic threshold, and an outbreak can be delayed to the greatest extent. At last, we study further the effects of the network structure on the coupled dynamics. We find that the degree heterogeneity promotes the outbreak of disease, and the network structure does not alter the optimal phenomenon in behavior response. Based on the results of this study, a constructive suggestion is that in the face of a global pandemic, individuals or countries should strengthen mutual support and cooperation while doing their own prevention to suppress the epidemic optimally.
Arabic Sign Language Recognition and Generating Arabic Speech Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Kamruzzaman M. M.
Published: May 2020

Sign language encompasses the movement of the arms and hands as a means of communication for people with hearing disabilities. An automated sign recognition system requires two main courses of action: the detection of particular features and the categorization of particular input data. In the past, many approaches for classifying and detecting sign languages have been put forward for improving system performance. However, the recent progress in the computer vision field has geared us towards the further exploration of hand signs/gestures’ recognition with the aid of deep neural networks. The Arabic sign language has witnessed unprecedented research activities to recognize hand signs and gestures using the deep learning model. A vision-based system by applying CNN for the recognition of Arabic hand sign-based letters and translating them into Arabic speech is proposed in this paper. The proposed system will automatically detect hand sign letters and speaks out the result with the Arabic language with a deep learning model. This system gives 90% accuracy to recognize the Arabic hand sign-based letters which assures it as a highly dependable system. The accuracy can be further improved by using more advanced hand gestures recognizing devices such as Leap Motion or Xbox Kinect. After recognizing the Arabic hand sign-based letters, the outcome will be fed to the text into the speech engine which produces the audio of the Arabic language as an output.
Efficacy and Safety of Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) in the Overweight and Obese
Authors: Doucette Kimberley , Latif Hira , Vakiti Anusha , Tefera Eshetu , Patel Bhavisha , Fitzpatrick Kelly
Published: May 2020

Obesity plays an essential role in the safety of pharmacologic drugs. There is paucity of data for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the obese, despite these agents becoming more widely used. The primary and secondary objectives of this study were to assess the safety and efficacy of DOACs in the overweight and obese populations when used for primary prophylaxis in the setting of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and for treatment of venous thromboembolisms (VTE). We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large tertiary care center and obtained data through review of electronic health records. Among patients with NVAF and VTE on apixaban, there were no differences in rates of major bleeding (MB) and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) in the overweight and obese populations when compared to normal weight and underweight individuals. The multivariate adjusted analysis for rivaroxaban found that the odds of CRNMB for patients with BMI <25 was 5.37 (95% CI 1.50–19.32) times higher than that of BMI ≥25. Moreover, patients on medications that had known interactions with DOACs had 6.40 times higher odds of CRNMB than patients without such interactions (95% CI 1.49–27.57), which was not accounted for by the effects of aspirin and plavix alone. Efficacy was similar between all weight groups, for both apixaban and rivaroxaban. These results support previous analyses preformed in the large phase III trials and confirm that apixaban and rivaroxaban are safe in the overweight and obese.
Evaluation of TB/HIV Collaborative Activities: The Case of South Tongu District, Ghana
Authors: Avoka Vasco Ayere , Osei Eric
Published: May 2020

Background. There is a complex interaction between infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) infection that results in a synergistic increase in their prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. In Ghana, 32% of TB cases were estimated to be coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic HIV, with the highest number of coinfections in the Volta Region. This study assessed the extent of linkage between the TB and HIV collaborative activities in the South Tongu District of Ghana. Method. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the coverage of activities to reduce the burden of TB in people living with HIV and the coverage of activities to reduce the burden of HIV in TB patients and explored the barriers to collaborative activities from the providers’ perspective. Results. The study showed that 344 (94.8%) HIV-positive clients were screened for TB, of which 10 (8.5%) were bacteriologically confirmed. Among those positive for TB, 6 (60%) received cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) and antiretroviral therapy. Sixty-seven (93.1%) TB patients were screened for HIV. Of these, 28 (38.9%) were retropositive, among whom 14 (50%) received anti-TB treatment. However, there were no records of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for these patients. Inadequately trained personnel leading to work overload, manual record-keeping, lack of staff motivation, and absence of “enablers” packages for patients were identified as barriers to TB/HIV collaboration. Conclusion. Overall, there was a moderate linkage between TB and HIV collaborative activities in the study setting. Notwithstanding, there exist some barriers that mitigate against the successful implementation of the collaborative process from the providers’ perspective, hence we recommend for measures to ensure effective, efficient, and sustained integrated TB/HIV activities by addressing these barriers.
The Influence of CNT Structural Parameters on the Properties of CNT and CNT-Reinforced Epoxy
Authors: Anvari A.
Published: May 2020

The main objective of this research is to review and investigate the influence of carbon nanotube structure on the properties of carbon nanotube and carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy. Carbon nanotube and carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy are currently being frequently used in many applications such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries due to their excellent properties such as high tensile strength, high Young’s modulus, and electrical and thermal conductivity. In this study, the obstacles to apply carbon nanotubes as fibers within the matrix have been introduced and discussed. Additionally, the epoxy properties and application have been cited, and failure mechanisms of carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy and geometries of carbon nanotubes have been reviewed. Furthermore, with using experimental data and applying an analytical method, the effect of carbon nanotube diameter on interlaminar shear stress within the carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy interface has been evaluated. Additionally, the effect of temperature variation on the value of interlaminar shear stress within the single-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy interface has been discussed. Finally, the influence of the number of hexagons in the unit cell on the Young’s modulus of zigzag and armchair single-walled carbon nanotubes has been evaluated.
Comparative Evaluation of Bone Repair with Four Different Bone Substitutes in Critical Size Defects
Authors: Grossi-Oliveira Gustavo , Faverani Leonardo P. , Mendes Bruno Coelho , Braga Polo Tárik Ocon , Batista Mendes Gabriel Cury , Lima Valthierre Nunes de , Ribeiro Júnior Paulo Domingos , Okamoto Roberta , Magro-Filho Osvaldo
Published: May 2020

This study evaluated the osteoconductive potential of four biomaterials used to fill bone defects. For this, 24 male Albino rabbits were submitted to the creation of a bilateral 8 mm calvarial bone defect. The animals were divided into four groups—bovine hydroxyapatite, Bio-Oss® (BIO); Lumina-Bone Porous® (LBP); Bonefill® (BFL); and an alloplastic material, Clonos® (CLN)—and were euthanized at 14 and 40 days. The samples were subjected to histological and histometric analysis for newly formed bone area. Immunohistochemical analysis for Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and osteocalcin (OC) was performed. After statistical analysis, the CLN group showed greater new bone formation (NB) in both periods analyzed (p<0.05). At 14 days, the NB showed greater values in BIO in relation to LBP and BFL groups; however, after 40 days, the LBP group surpassed the results of BIO (p<0.001). The immunostaining showed a decrease in Runx2 intensity in BIO after 40 days, while it increased for LBP (p<0.05). The CLN showed increased OC compared to the other groups in both periods analyzed (p<0.05). Therefore, CLN showed the best osteoconductive behavior in critical defects in rabbit calvaria, and BFL showed the lowest osteoconductive property.
Comparative Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Injections for Treating Pediatric Bronchopneumonia: A Bayesian Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Duan Xiaojiao , Wang Haojia , Wu Jiarui , Guo Yubo , Wang Kaihuan , Liu Xinkui , Xiantao Zeng , Zhang Xiaomeng
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Pediatric bronchopneumonia is one of the common respiratory diseases in pediatrics. Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) are widely used to treat pediatric bronchopneumonia. In this study, we examined the efficacy of CHIs in the treatment of pediatric bronchopneumonia using a network meta‐analysis (NMA). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CHIs combined western medicine (WM) versus WM were searched from electronic databases. WinBUGS 1.4.3 and Stata 13.0 were adopted to compute calculations and prepare graphs, respectively. Results. 168 RCTs with 21917 patients were included. The results revealed that Xixinnao injection (XXN) + WM had the most probability to be the best intervention in the four aspects of rate of clinical efficacy, antipyretic time, cough disappearance time, and lung shadow disappearance time. While as to lung shadow disappearance time, asthma disappearance time, and hospitalization time, Yanhuning injection (YHN) + WM could be the best intervention. The safety of CHIs needs to be further assessed. Conclusions. Based on this NMA, XXN + WM and YHN + WM were potential optimal therapies in pediatric bronchopneumonia, and their safety should be strictly monitored.
A Mathematical Model and a Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Balancing Multi-manned Assembly Line Problem with Sequence-Dependent Setup Time
Authors: Yang Wucheng , Cheng Wenming
Published: May 2020

Multi-manned assembly lines have been widely applied to the industrial production, especially for large-sized products such as cars, buses, and trucks, in which more than one operator in the same station simultaneously performs different tasks in parallel. This study deals with a multi-manned assembly line balancing problem by simultaneously considering the forward and backward sequence-dependent setup time (MALBPS). A mixed-integer programming is established to characterize the problem. Besides, a simulated annealing algorithm is also proposed to solve it. To validate the performance of the proposed approaches, a set of benchmark instances are tested and the lower bound of the proposed problem is also given. The results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm is quite effective to solve the problem.
Study on Main Drugs and Drug Combinations of Patient-Controlled Analgesia Based on Text Mining
Authors: Jin Xing , Wu Ying
Published: May 2020

In recent years, with the continuous understanding of pain knowledge and the continuous improvement of quality of life requirements, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been widely used in a variety of pain patients. In this study, text mining technology was used to analyze relevant literature, try to find out the main drugs of PCA, classify the drugs, and dig out the important drug combination rules. PCA studies were retrieved from PubMed database in recent 10 years, and the bibliographic information of the literatures was taken as mining sample. First, the names of the drugs in the sample were identified by MetaMap package; then, Bicomb software was used to extract high-frequency drugs for the word frequency analysis and to construct a drug-sentence matrix. Finally, “hclust” package and “arules” package of R were used for the cluster analysis and association analysis of drugs. 39 main PCA drugs were screened out. Morphine, dexmedetomidine, and fentanyl were the top three drugs. Through cluster analysis, these drugs were divided into two clusters, one containing 26 common drugs and the other containing 13 core drugs. The association analysis of these drugs was carried out, and 22 frequent itemsets and 6 association rules were obtained. The maximum frequent 1-itemset was {Morphine} and the maximum frequent 2-itemset was {Morphine, Ropivacaine}. The research results have certain guidance and reference value for clinicians and researchers. In addition, it provides a way to study the relationship between drugs from the perspective of text mining.
Guizhi Fuling Capsule Exhibits Antidysmenorrhea Activity by Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase Activity
Authors: Zheng Weiran , Li Meng , Wang Yongxiang , Lv Baojie , Zhang Xinzhuang , Chen Lilan , Zhu Kejin , Wang Zhenzhong , Li Baoxin , Xiao Wei
Published: May 2020

Guizhi Fuling capsule (GZFLc) is a modern preparation from traditional Chinese Medicine. Guizhi Fuling was first prescribed by Zhang Zhongjing almost two thousand years ago for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. It has also been used to treat uterine fibroids, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and endometriosis. Although effective against dysmenorrhea clinically, there are limited information on the mechanism of its action. The major components responsible for the activity are not well defined. The aim of this study has been to elucidate a mechanism that may facilitate the development of a bioactivity‐based assay for quality control during drug formulation and manufacturing. Using an oxytocin‐induced mouse dysmenorrhea model, we showed that oral administration of GZFLc at 150 and 300 mg/kg, dosages relevant to clinic usages, significantly suppressed oxytocin‐induced writhing response. The antidysmenorrhea effect was also demonstrated by a rotarod assay. We showed that GZFLc treatment significantly prolonged the hanging time of mice on the rotating rod. Histological studies showed that GZFLc treatment reduced lamina propria edema, while no effect on COX2 expression was detected. GZFLc instead exhibited direct inhibitory effect against COX2, a critical enzyme that catalyzes arachidonic acid conversion to prostaglandins. By HPLC profiling, we showed that paeoniflorin, paeonol, and cinnamaldehyde are the major components from the corresponding plants. At 5 and 10 mg/kg, both paeoniflorin and paeonol were active against induced dysmenorrhea. The study not only links GZFLc antidysmenorrhea activity to COX2 inhibition but also uncovers a mechanism of action by which an assay can be developed for bioefficacy evaluation of GZFLc.
Dynamics of a Cournot Duopoly Game with a Generalized Bounded Rationality
Authors: Al-khedhairi A.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the dynamics of Cournot duopoly game with a generalized bounded rationality is considered. The fractional bounded rationality of the Cournot duopoly game is introduced. The conditions of local stability analysis of equilibrium points of the game are derived. The effect of fractional marginal profit on the game is investigated. The complex dynamics behaviors of the game are discussed by numerical computation when parameters are varied.
Production Decision and Coordination Mechanism of Socially Responsible Closed-Loop Supply Chain
Authors: Long Xiaofeng , Ge Jiali , Shu Tong , Liu Chunxia
Published: May 2020

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a significant impact on the operation of enterprises. This study analyzes the production and coordination decisions of closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) by establishing two assumptions of endogenous and exogenous CSR. The results reveal that, for ordinary consumers, CSR is quantified as the parameter of consumer surplus, which has an impact on the patent licensing fee, revenue-sharing ratio, and so on, and which not only increases the sales quantity in CLSC but also creates more value for the manufacturer and the retailer. Considering endogenous CSR, the study found that the manufacturer’s CSR level and the manufacturer’s and the retailer’s profits both increase with the proportion of CSR-sensitive consumers. In the endogenous model, the manufacturer sets a higher wholesale price and lower patent licensing fee than in the exogenous model. Perfect coordination in the two models can be achieved by setting a revenue-sharing ratio related to wholesale price and patent licensing fee. In practice, improving the social responsibility consciousness of consumers and raising enterprises’ CSR level can achieve a win-win situation for revenues and social welfare.
Parameter Identification and Control Algorithm of Electrohydraulic Servo System for Robotic Excavator Based on Improved Hammerstein Model
Authors: Jinxing Shen , Hongxin Cui , Ke Feng , Hong Zhang , Huanliang Li
Published: May 2020

In view of the nonlinearity and time-varying characteristics of the electrohydraulic servo system of the robotic excavator, a nonlinear adaptive identification and control algorithm based on improved Hammerstein model is proposed. The Hammerstein algorithm model can approximate the nonlinear system with enough precision, but for the time-varying systems is not satisfactory. In order to compensate for the influence of time-varying factors, the fuzzy control module is designed to adaptively update the forgetting factor. The experimental results show that the improved Hammerstein model error is about 40.11% less than the classical Hammerstein model error. This proves that the improved Hammerstein model is feasible and effective to describe the electrohydraulic servo system of the robotic excavator.
Predicting Metabolite-Disease Associations Based on Linear Neighborhood Similarity with Improved Bipartite Network Projection Algorithm
Authors: Lei Xiujuan , Zhang Cheng
Published: May 2020

A large number of clinical observations have showed that metabolites are involved in a variety of important human diseases in the recent years. Nonetheless, the inherent noise and incompleteness in the existing biological datasets are tough factors which limit the prediction accuracy of current computational methods. To solve this problem, in this paper, a prediction method, IBNPLNSMDA, is proposed which uses the improved bipartite network projection method to predict latent metabolite-disease associations based on linear neighborhood similarity. Specifically, liner neighborhood similarity matrix about metabolites (diseases) is reconstructed according to the new feature which is gained by the known metabolite-disease associations and relevant integrated similarities. The improved bipartite network projection method is adopted to infer the potential associations between metabolites and diseases. At last, IBNPLNSMDA achieves a reliable performance in LOOCV (AUC of 0.9634) outperforming the compared methods. In addition, in case studies of four common human diseases, simulation results confirm the utility of our method in discovering latent metabolite-disease pairs. Thus, we believe that IBNPLNSMDA could serve as a reliable computational tool for metabolite-disease associations prediction.
Combined Effects of Physical Activity and Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Disease: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Kim Seong Rae , Choi Seulggie , Keum NaNa , Park Sang Min
Published: May 2020

Background

Physical activity (
PA
), particularly outdoor
PA
, may have dual effects on cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) risk: health benefits of exercise and potential harmful effects attributable to increased exposure to air pollution. We examined the combined effects of
PA
and air pollution on
CVD
.

Methods and Results

Sampling from a nationwide cohort study of the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we examined 189 771 adults aged ≥40 years who underwent health examination between 2009 and 2010.
PA
was measured with a questionnaire on the weekly frequency and intensity. Ambient levels of particulate matter 10, 2.5 (
PM
10,
PM
2.5) were estimated by the residency of participants. We conducted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to estimate the relationship between
CVD
risk and combined effects of
PA
and air pollution. Subjects with moderate to vigorous
PA
≥5 times/week and high
PM
10 exposure had lower risk of
CVD
(adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.73; 95%
CI
, 0.62–0.87), coronary heart disease (aHR, 0.76; 95%
CI
, 0.59–0.98), and stroke (aHR, 0.70; 95%
CI
, 0.56–0.88). The inverse association between
PA
and
CVD
risk was consistent when the analysis was performed for subjects with low/moderate
PM
10 exposure. When using
PM
2.5 data, the results were also consistent.

Conclusions

Moderate to vigorous
PA
appeared to reduce the risk of
CVD
within groups of both high and low
PM
10 or
PM
2.5 levels. Further studies are needed to validate whether the health benefits of
PA
outweigh the potential harmful effects resulting from increased exposure to air pollution during
PA
.
Prodikos zur Entstehung des Götterglaubens
Authors: Wifstrand Schiebe Marianne
Published: May 2020

A number of ancient texts ascribe to the well-known sophist Prodicus a theory concerning the rise of religion according to which early men came to regard and worship as gods all kinds of things useful to life. Modern scholars often claim that Prodicus also envisaged a second stage during which inventors of useful things came to be considered divine. The evidence adduced is a passage from Philodemus’ On Piety, which is then, more or less explicitly, considered superior to the other testimonies. The Stoic philosopher Persaeus is here reported to have briefly sketched and endorsed Prodicus’ theory in one of his works. However, a thorough syntactical analysis of the passage reveals that it confirms the rest of the evidence. The second stage obviously alluded to in the damaged text of the papyrus is without doubt ascribed to Persaeus himself.
Mȳthoi Erōtikoi
Authors: Baker Ashli J.E.
Published: May 2020

This article examines the role of Heracles as a mythical figure and god in Achilles Tatius’ Leucippe and Clitophon in order to show the ways in which his representation shapes a reading of the novel. This analysis argues that Heracles, a frequent presence in L&C, is depicted as an erotic figure over a heroic one and that he, therefore, embodies the interweaving of myth, narrative, and eroticism captured in the phrase mȳthoi erōtikoi and thematized throughout the novel. Furthermore, I suggest that the novel’s emphasis on erotic Heracles not only influences the reader’s understanding of Clitophon, but also contributes to the novel’s disruption of the genre’s expectations around heteroeroticism, monogamy, and marriage as the telos of the plot.
Is Digital Inequality a Part of Preservice Teachers’ Reasoning About Technology Integration Decisions?
Authors: Jung Jiyoon , Ding Ai-Chu Elisha , Lu Ya-Huei , Ottenbreit-Leftwich Anne , Glazewski Krista
Published: May 2020

Teachers’ ability to design meaningful uses of technology for all learners in any classrooms has a potential to narrow digital gaps among K-12 students. However, we know little about whether teachers are prepared to consider these issues when making technology integration decisions. This study explored preservice teachers’ knowledge use and their considerations about teaching practices related to digital inequality while reasoning about technology integration decisions. We analyzed interviews with and documents of a group of preservice teachers ( N = 14) who completed a technology integration task in a technology integration course. Findings showed that although they used multiple domains of teacher knowledge throughout their reasoning processes, they paid limited attention to sociocultural aspects of teaching that demonstrated the ability to care about digital inequality issues. Implications are discussed in terms of ways to better prepare preservice teachers to deal with digital inequalities.
The well-being of medical students: A biopsychosocial approach
Authors: Vollmer-Conna Ute , Beilharz Jessica E , Cvejic Erin , Macnamara Claire L , Doherty Michelle , Steel Zachary , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan , Harvey Samuel B , Parker Gordon
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Mental health problems among medical students have been widely reported, but the predisposing and perpetuating factors and biological concomitants are poorly understood. Adopting a biopsychosocial approach, we studied well-being in a group of Australian medical students, focusing on sleep, autonomic and immune mechanisms, as well as mental, social and physical well-being, health-related behaviours, and daily functioning.

Methods:

Fourth-year medical students ( N = 151) completed comprehensive assessments, including laboratory-based and nocturnal autonomic monitoring via ambulatory bioharness, a psychiatric diagnostic interview, and questionnaires assessing sleep quality and psychosocial and physical well-being. A blood sample was taken to quantify the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Sleep, mood and activity was additionally monitored daily for 7 days.

Results:

A sizable minority of students reported diminished physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. We also found concerning levels of sleep disturbance and social and occupational impairment in a subset of students. The strong co-occurrence of problems across symptom domains supported a biopsychosocial interdependence of health and well-being states. Maladaptive coping behaviours were apparent, notably hazardous alcohol consumption, which was associated with a clinically significant elevation in C-reactive protein levels (> 3 mg/L). We documented, for the first time, significantly diminished nocturnal heart rate variability in medical students with a mental health diagnosis. Nocturnal heart rate variability was strongly associated with sleep quality, daytime autonomic stress reactivity, as well as occupational and social functioning.

Conclusion:

Well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon firmly interlinked with sleep, autonomic and immune function, health behaviours and functional outcomes. Our novel findings supported a key role for nocturnal autonomic function in promoting sleep quality and mental well-being. Interventions could focus on sleep hygiene and health behaviours as a buffer for well-being and teach more adaptive strategies for coping with the stresses of medical training.
Alcohol use in adolescents and adult psychopathology and social outcomes: Findings from a 35-year cohort study
Authors: Boden Joseph , Blair Sarah , Newton-Howes Giles
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To examine the consequences of alcohol consumption and symptoms of alcohol use disorder during adolescence and later adulthood psychopathology and social outcomes.

Methods:

A longitudinal, prospective birth cohort study, the Christchurch Health and Development Study, was examined across a 35-year period. We estimated the associations between two measures of adolescent alcohol use (volume of alcohol consumed and symptoms of alcohol use disorder) and two later internalising disorders, externalising psychopathology measured by substance use disorders and psychosocial outcomes in adulthood, adjusting for individual and family factors from childhood.

Results:

The pattern of results indicates alcohol symptoms predict internalising disorder in adulthood. Volume of alcohol used in adolescence predicted adult substance use disorders, lower educational attainment and higher risk of welfare benefit receipt in adulthood in fully adjusted models.

Conclusion:

Early consumption of larger volumes of alcohol led to continuation of this pattern in adult life with resulting poorer educational achievement, increased welfare benefit receipt and substance use disorders. Early symptoms of alcohol use disorder, however, led to increased adult levels of mental health disorders. This relationship persisted within a 20-year study period and after adjustment for statistically significant covariate factors. The study shows that early patterns of alcohol use have a direct and specific impact upon adult outcomes.
Edgar Schein on Change: Insights Into the Creation of a Model
Authors: Coghlan David
Published: May 2020

This article explores Edgar Schein’s sociopsychological model of change by relating Schein’s reflections on how he derived it from and extended Lewin’s model and how it informs contemporary change theory. Schein’s accounts of how he created his change model provides something of a mirror into his process of theorizing. The aim of this article is to reflect on Schein’s change model as to how he created and understands his formulation of his change model, with a view to drawing lessons for practices of creating models or theorizing in the field of organization development and change.
Analysis of damage modes of glass fiber composites subjected to simulated lightning strike impulse voltage puncture and direct high voltage AC puncture
Authors: Lin Wenhua , Wang Yeqing , Aider Youssef , Rostaghi-Chalaki Mojtaba , Yousefpour Kamran , Kluss Joni , Wallace David , Liu Yakun , Hu Weifei
Published: May 2020

Understanding the damage mechanisms of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite materials under high voltage conditions is of great significance for lightning strike protection and high voltage insulation applications of composite structures. In this paper, we investigated effects of the lightning impulse (LI) voltage and high voltage alternating current (HVAC) puncture on damage modes of the electrically nonconductive glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) matrix composite materials through experimental tests and numerical simulations. The LI and HVAC tests represent the lightning strike and high voltage insulation cable puncture conditions, respectively. Our experimental examinations showed that GFRP composite specimens subjected to the LI voltage test exhibited distinct damage modes compared with those in the HVAC puncture test. The GFRP composite material suffered more charring and fiber vaporization in the HVAC puncture test, whereas less matrix charring and fiber vaporization but severe fiber breakage and delamination in response to the LI voltage tests. The findings indicate that the thermal effect dominates the damage of GFRP composites inflicted by the HVAC puncture test, whereas the mechanical impact effect governs the GFRP composite damage in the LI voltage test. In addition, the electric arc plasma formation during the puncture of the GFRP composite material was modeled through solving Maxwell’s equations and the heat generation equations using finite element analysis. Simulation results provided insights on the effects of duration and intensity of the high voltage electric discharge on the composite damage.