bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Italian Version of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ): Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation
Authors: Passiatore Marco , De Vitis Rocco , Cilli Vitale , Milano Giuseppe , Saccomanno Maristella Francesca , Cotroneo Claudia , Brozzini Elisa , Vigliarolo Daniela , Taccardo Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures are largely used in clinical practice and scientific community. Michigan hand questionnaire (MHQ) is widely recognized as a standardized reliable instrument for the assessment of any kind of hand disorders. Aim of the study: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of MHQ.

Methods: The study was composed by two phases. Phase 1 consisted in translation and cross-cultural adaptation of MHQ, from original language version (English) into Italian, according to the standard procedure of translation and back translation. The final Italian version of MHQ was tested on 136 Italian patients with hand disorders (Phase 2), in addition to Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain assessment and grip strength, to psychometric properties of the new version, 55 patients repeated the questionnaire after 7 days for test-retest to assess the reproducibility of the questionnaire. All data were subsequently analyzed (descriptive statistics, multitrait analysis, reliability and construct validity assessment).

Results: Phase 1 was performed without major problems, thus the final Italian version was approved for Phase 2. The questionnaire was clear and easily understood (missing data 0–2.9%). Multitrait analysis brought very good results for each outcome measure. High reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.91–0.99) and very good reproducibility (Intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.83–0.98) were revealed. High to moderate correlation was found between MHQ and DASH, grip strength and VAS.

Conclusions: The Italian version of MHQ has demonstrated to be reliable and valid.
Replantation of Multilevel Amputation of the Hand of an Elderly Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Kwak Sang Ho , Lee Sang Hyun , Jang Hyo Seok , Kim Dong Hee , An Sung Jin , Kim Yong Jin
Published: June 2021

Replantation of multilevel amputation of the hand requires considerable hospital resources, and the surgical outcomes in older adults have not been described in detail. Thus, replantation for this injury was mostly confined to young patients. Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old patient with multilevel amputation of the hand in whom replantation surgery was successful with grasp and pinch functions by the last follow-up. We report the clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes and discuss the indications. As the patient transfer system and communication technology develops, more patients will arrive at hospitals in a critical time for replantation. Accordingly, hand surgeons should consider offering replantation option for multilevel amputation after evaluating the indications.
Modeling Realistic Adversarial Attacks against Network Intrusion Detection Systems
Authors: Apruzzese Giovanni , Andreolini Mauro , Ferretti Luca , Marchetti Mirco , Colajanni Michele
Published: June 2021

The incremental diffusion of machine learning algorithms in supporting cybersecurity is creating novel defensive opportunities but also new types of risks. Multiple researches have shown that machine learning methods are vulnerable to adversarial attacks that create tiny perturbations aimed at decreasing the effectiveness of detecting threats. We observe that existing literature assumes threat models that are inappropriate for realistic cybersecurity scenarios, because they consider opponents with complete knowledge about the cyber detector or that can freely interact with the target systems. By focusing on Network Intrusion Detection Systems based on machine learning, we identify and model the real capabilities and circumstances required by attackers to carry out feasible and successful adversarial attacks. We then apply our model to several adversarial attacks proposed in literature and highlight the limits and merits that can result in actual adversarial attacks. The contributions of this article can help hardening defensive systems by letting cyber defenders address the most critical and real issues and can benefit researchers by allowing them to devise novel forms of adversarial attacks based on realistic threat models.
The Sustainability of Knowledge‐Sharing Behavior Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in Q&A Social Network Community
Authors: Feng Xin , Wang Lijie , Yan Yue , Zhang Qi , Sun Liming , Chen Jiangfei , Wu Ye
Published: June 2021

With the update and iteration of Internet technology, the socialized Q&A (question‐and‐answer) platform realizes the cross‐border dissemination of knowledge with the main purpose of disseminating and sharing knowledge. Zhihu, as a knowledge‐sharing platform that relies on the user‐generated content model to maintain operation and the strong willingness of users to share knowledge, plays a key role in the development of the community. Currently, social Q&A platforms are facing problems such as low user participation rate and gradual decrease in the number of active users. It is very important and urgent to explore the factors that affect users’ willingness to share knowledge. In response to this problem, this paper builds a theoretical model of the factors that are affecting users’ willingness to share knowledge and uses questionnaire research methods to conduct research design and collect sample data and uses methods such as correlation analysis and structural equation modeling to verify the model and hypothesis. The research results show that the theoretical model of planned behavior has strong explanatory power and self‐efficacy and material rewards have a positive effect on knowledge‐sharing attitudes. Finally, according to some research results, this paper shows that, with the change of time, young people have different needs for knowledge sharing than before, while realizing self‐worth through sharing experience, and we also hope to protect own interests and hope that there are more factors to encourage more users to share their knowledge and experience. Therefore, we propose that the platform can use incentive mechanisms to promote knowledge sharing while helping sharers realize their self‐worth, improve the existing functions of the platform, or carry out activities to encourage users to participate, so as to achieve the purpose of knowledge sharing and maintain the operation of the Zhihu platform.
Approximation of Fixed Points for Mean Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Ahmad Junaid , Ullah Kifayat , Arshad Muhammad , de la Sen Manuel
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we establish weak and strong convergence theorems for mean nonexpansive maps in Banach spaces under the Picard–Mann hybrid iteration process. We also construct an example of mean nonexpansive mappings and show that it exceeds the class of nonexpansive mappings. To show the numerical accuracy of our main outcome, we show that Picard–Mann hybrid iteration process of this example is more effective than all of the Picard, Mann, and Ishikawa iterative processes.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0005046 and hsa_circ_0001791 May Become Diagnostic Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Early Detection
Authors: Ameli-Mojarad Melika , Ameli-Mojarad Mandana , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad Ehsan
Published: June 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common lethal diseases in women worldwide. Recent evidence has shown that covalently closed Circular RNA (circRNA) deregulation is observed in different human malignancies and cancers. Lately, circRNAs are being considered as a new diagnostic biomarker; however, the mechanism and the correlation of action between circRNAs and BC are still unclear. In the present study, we try to investigate the expression level of hsa_circ_0005046 and hsa_circ_0001791 in BC. By using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), expression profiles of candidate circRNAs were detected in 60 BC tissue and paired adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the clinicopathological relation and diagnostic value were estimated. Our results showed the higher expression levels of hsa_circ_0005046 and hsa_circ_0001791 in BC tissues compared to paired adjacent normal tissues with

P

value (

P
<
0.0001

) for both circRNAs, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.857 and 1.0, respectively; in addition, a total 10 miRNAs that can be targeted by each candidate circRNAs was predicted base on bioinformatics databases. Taken together, for the first time, the results of our study presented high expression levels of hsa_circ_0005046 and hsa_circ_00017916 in BC; although there was no direct correlation between the high expression level of both circRNAs with clinic pathological factors, except hsa_circ_0001791 association with estrogen receptors (ER), high ROC curve in expressed samples indicated that both circRNAs could be used as a new diagnostic biomarker for BC. Moreover, miRNAs selection tools predicted that miR-215 and mir-383-5p which have a tumor suppressor role in BC can be targeted by our candidate circRNAs to affect the PI3K/AKT pathway; in conclusion, further studies are required to validate the oncogene role of our candidate circRNAs through the PI3k pathway.
A Study on the Cavitation Model for the Cavitating Flow Analysis around the Marine Propeller
Authors: Lee Insu , Park Sunho , Seok Woochan , Rhee Shin Hyung
Published: June 2021

In this study, a cavitation model for propeller analysis was selected using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the model was applied to the cavitating flow around the Potsdam Propeller Test Case (PPTC) propeller. The cavitating flow around the NACA 66 hydrofoil was analyzed to select a cavitation model suitable for propeller analysis among various cavitation models. The present and the experimental results were compared to select a cavitation model that would be applied to propeller cavitation analysis. Although the CFD results using the selected cavitation model showed limitations in estimating some of the foam cavitation and bubble cavitation identified in the experimental results, it was identified that foam cavitation and sheet cavitation around the tip were well simulated.
Coupling of Level Set and Volume of Fluid Methods for Simulations of Transient Internal Flow Field in Solid Rocket Motors
Authors: Zhang Ze , Gao Feng , Lv Rui , Gao Yang
Published: June 2021

This study entails the analysis of the working performance of solid rocket motors (SRM), featuring the essential element of internal ballistic analysis. Therefore, the internal flow field under the condition of burning surface regression needs to be calculated. The boundary of the internal flow field of the SRM moves with the combustion of the propellant; therefore, it is necessary to accurately track the mobile interface to provide boundary conditions for the flow field calculation. The coupling of the level set method and the volume fraction method is utilized to track the burning surface, and the porous media model is used to divide the fluid and solid calculation domains. The interface between the two calculation domains is used to characterize the burning surface, and then, the area of the burning surface is obtained by solving the area of the interface. The calculation and analysis are carried out for SRM with tubular charge and star charge. The results verify that the calculation model can accurately calculate the transient internal flow field of SRM under the condition of burning surface regression.
Gross Anatomy and Histological Features of Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) from the River Niger at Agenebode in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Agbugui M. O. , Abhulimen F. E. , Egbo H. O.
Published: June 2021

This study was conducted to record the anatomy and histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of the trunk fish Gymnarchus niloticus captured at Agenebode in the Lower River Niger, Edo State. The gastrointestinal tract was segmented into the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, and intestine. The slender (taeniform) body that is fuller at the head tappers at its end. There are no spines on this fish, and the fins used for locomotion are the dorsal fins and not the typical pectoral fins as in other fish. The oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca, intestine, and cloaca (anterior, intermediate, posterior, and rectum) were analysed for histological examination. The stomach had significantly higher villi and thicker inner circular muscles compared to the intestine and oesophagus. The lamina propria was thickest in the stomach which is significantly higher when compared with the oesophagus, but not with the intestine. However, the intestine showed significantly thicker outer longitudinal muscle, while gastric glands were observed only in the stomach. The histological features were closely associated with the functions of the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, the histological features of the gastrointestinal tract of G. niloticus are consistent with the feeding habit of a carnivorous fish. In conclusion, the GIT is a complex structure composed of organs that reveals that it is a higher vertebrate created for a hardy survival, consistent with the feeding habit of a carnivorous fish. The histology reveals a GIT formed by four conspicuous layers from the inside to the outside of the mucosa, submucosa, and an inner longitudinal layer of the muscularis and the outer circular of the muscularis typical of higher vertebrates.
Early Warning System of Tennis Sports Injury Risk Based on Mobile Computing
Authors: Li Yupeng , Kim Kitak , Ding Yu
Published: June 2021

In recent years, sports injuries in professional tennis players have gradually increased and sports injuries will break the sports training system and affect the long-term growth of new tennis players. Avoiding athlete injuries has become an important factor in improving training quality and game performance and ensuring the sustainable development of young tennis players’ competitiveness. Therefore, this article will use the RBF neural network algorithm and cluster analysis method to establish a tennis sports injury risk early warning model and finally establish a tennis sports injury risk early warning system so that tennis players can reduce their injuries. In this article, we use the questionnaire survey method, expert interview method, mathematical statistics method, and logical analysis method to investigate and analyze the results of training injuries of Chinese tennis players and coaches. The experimental results in this article show that among 48 tennis players of different ages, who are participating in formal training and tennis competitions, 15 young tennis players have been injured more than 6 times, accounting for 31.2% of the total; 20 have been injured 3 to 6 times, accounting for 41.7% of the total; 9 of them have been injured several times, accounting for 18.8% of the total; and 4 have been injured, accounting for 8.3% of the total. After using the tennis sports injury risk warning system based on the algorithm of RBF neural network in mobile computing, the tennis sports injury rate has dropped to 5%. It can be seen that the system has high feasibility and practicability.
Analysis of Influence Factors of Pore Water Pressure Change in Frozen Soil
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Lianhai
Published: June 2021

In this article, changes of pore water pressures (PWP) in silty clay subjected to freezing and thawing were measured under an open‐system condition. A total of five soil samples were tested, with water contents of 10.70%, 18.28%, 23.98%, 31.00%, and 37.65%, respectively. Each experienced a first‐step freezing stage, a thawing stage, and a second‐step freezing stage. The results showed that changes in PWP depended on the water content, soil type, salinity, ice content, air, pressure, temperature, and others. The PWP minimum with initial water content has a “w‐shaped double‐valley” characteristic, which described two PWP minima existing in two optimum water contents as initial water content increased. An influence‐factor analysis of PWP was proposed and gave a reasonable interpretation on the “w‐shaped double‐valley” characteristic of PWP. In addition, the tensiometer method to measure PWP in frozen soil was further discussed with regard to its advantages and disadvantages.
Inspection Allocation Optimization with Resource Constraints Based on Modified NSGA-II in Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Authors: You Yingchao , Duan Guijiang , Liu Rui , Liu Taotao , Huang Mingcong
Published: June 2021

With the development of smart manufacturing, quality has become an indispensable issue in the manufacturing process. Although there is increasing publication about inspection allocation problems, inspection allocation optimization research considering resource capability is scarce. This paper focuses on the inspection allocation problem with resource constraints in the flexible manufacturing system. Combined with the inspection resource capability model, a bi-objective model is developed to minimize the cost and balance loads of the inspection station. A modified NSGA-II algorithm with adaptive mutation operators is suggested to deal with the proposed model. Finally, a simulation experiment is conducted to test the performance of the modified algorithm and the results demonstrate that modified NSGA-II can obtain acceptable inspection solutions.
Conservative Approach of a Dentigerous Cyst
Authors: Chouchene Farah , Ameur Wassim Ben , Hamdi Habib , Bouenba Maissa , Masmoudi Fatma , Baaziz Ahlem , Maatouk Fethi , Ghedira Hichem
Published: June 2021

Dentigerous cysts (DC) are the most common odontogenic cystic lesions of inflammatory origin occurring in children. These lesions can be treated by enucleation with or without related impacted teeth or marsupialization/decompression. The latter procedures have been used successfully for many years, but decompression is increasingly recommended in children because of its good outcomes and the preservation of the developing tooth. This conservative surgical technic allows simultaneously the normal eruption of the involved permanent teeth and the ossification of the bony defect. The present report describes an 8-year-old female patient with an inflammatory DC associated with an endodontically treated primary molar accidentally discovered on panoramic radiograph. Decompression of the cyst was performed, by means of a removable space maintainer acting as an acrylic obturator after removal of teeth 83 and 84. Ten months after the decompression procedure, a complete resolution and regression of the cystic lesion with full spontaneous eruption of the premolar were observed.
An Optimized Method for Skin Cancer Diagnosis Using Modified Thermal Exchange Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wei Liu , Pan Su Xiao , Nanehkaran Y. A. , Rajinikanth V.
Published: June 2021

Skin cancer is the most common cancer of the body. It is estimated that more than one million people worldwide develop skin cancer each year. Early detection of this cancer has a high effect on the disease treatment. In this paper, a new optimal and automatic pipeline approach has been proposed for the diagnosis of this disease from dermoscopy images. The proposed method includes a noise reduction process before processing for eliminating the noises. Then, the Otsu method as one of the widely used thresholding method is used to characterize the region of interest. Afterward, 20 different features are extracted from the image. To reduce the method complexity, a new modified version of the Thermal Exchange Optimization Algorithm is performed to the features. This improves the method precision and consistency. To validate the proposed method’s efficiency, it is implemented to the American Cancer Society database, its results are compared with some state-of-the-art methods, and the final results showed the superiority of the proposed method against the others.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Boric Acid Corrosion on the Performance of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Wang Qianying , Zhang Jigang , Shan Mingchao , Yu Bingying , Zhao Yang , Yang Ran
Published: June 2021

In this study, the effect of boric acid in the cooling water system of nuclear power plants on the durability of reinforced concrete was experimentally studied. The mechanical properties of reinforced concrete under boric acid solution environments were studied by accelerated test methods. In addition, the effect of boric acid on the electrochemical behavior of steel bar and microstructure of concrete was studied. The results showed that boric acid corrosion does not affect reinforced concrete to a large extent, as corrosion only occurs on the surface of reinforced concrete, and thus, the internal reinforced concrete still maintains a high alkaline environment. At a boric acid concentration of 3%, corrosion products are crystallized on the surface of the specimen, which inhibits further corrosion.
Suppression of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Etlingera alba (A.D.) Poulsen Rhizome Extract and Its Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Hamsidi Rini , Wahyuni Wahyuni , Sahidin Idin , Apriyani Evi , Harsono Harsono , Azizah Nur Arsianti , Malik Fadhliyah , Yodha Agung Wibawa Mahatva , Purnama La Ode Muhammad Julian , Fristiohady Adryan
Published: June 2021

Etlingera alba is one of the Etlingera plants that has not been studied intensively. Plants that belong to the same genus have similar constituents and pharmacological activities. Thus, we aim to investigate the chemical composition and pharmacological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, of E. alba rhizome extract (EA). The chemical constituent was detected using the test tube method. The inflammatory model rats were obtained by inducing them with 1% carrageenan, and their palm edema volume and cytokine levels, namely, IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, were measured. Antibacterial activity was performed with broth microdilution. The phytochemical screening of EA was detecting alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and phenols. The EA has anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the palms’ edema volume and cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α), and the optimal concentration was 400 mg/kg body weight (BW). On the other hand, EA also exhibited antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. enterica. In conclusion, similar to other Etlingera plants, EA also demonstrates pharmacological activities, namely, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Automated Generation Control of Multiple-Area Electrical System with an Availability-Based Tariff Pricing Scheme Regulated by Whale Optimized Fuzzy PID Controller
Authors: Hamodat Zaid , Cansever Galip
Published: June 2021

In this research, a whale-optimized fuzzy PID controller was developed to manage automatic generation control in multiple-area electrical energy systems with an availability-based tariff (ABT) pricing scheme. The objective of this work is to minimize the power production costs, area control errors (ACEs), and marginal costs of the multiple-area electrical energy system with real-time load and frequency variation conditions. The generation of power, deviation of power in the tie line, and deviation of frequency of the interconnected three-area electrical energy system, including the hydrothermal steam power plant and gas power plant, will be measured and analyzed rigorously. Based on the output from the whale optimization, the fuzzy PID controller regulates the deviation of power in the tie line and the deviation of frequency of the interconnected three-area electrical energy system. The reliability and suitability of the proposed optimization, i.e., whale-optimized fuzzy PID controller, are investigated against already presented methods such as particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms.
[Retracted] Virtual Reality Design and Realization of Interactive Garden Landscape
Authors: Zhang Xuanfeng , Yan Song , QuanQi
Published: June 2021

It is very important to study and explore the application of virtual reality technology in landscape garden design, especially in the current environment of triple network integration and Internet of Things construction, to promote and facilitate the rapid development of digital landscape garden design in China. In this paper, we study the implementation method of virtual landscape gardening system and establish a virtual environment based on the ancient city of Yangcheng. On the computer platform, we study and realize a virtual roaming system of medium complexity with more complete roaming functions. Using the Quest3D software platform, a desktop‐type virtual garden simulation system was developed, focusing on the virtual reality modeling technology method and virtual system implementation. The experimental results show that the GPU‐accelerated drawing method based on GLSL can significantly improve the drawing frame rate of 3D garden landscape vegetation scenes with a small amount of scene data and has a certain feasibility. Based on the OpenSceneGraph (OSG) graphics rendering engine, the visualization of various types of 3D landscape models is realized, and the spatial layout of various types of landscape with parametric control is realized through digital vector layers, which flexibly manage and organize various garden elements and reasonably organize the spatial topological relationship between various types of landscape in 3D space. By integrating cross‐platform ArcGISEngine components, the basic data of garden scenes including terrain data and vector data are managed. Through scene view cropping and hierarchical detail modeling technologies, the drawing efficiency and rendering real time of the garden landscape are improved. It realizes interactive 3D scene browsing and provides a six‐degree‐of‐freedom all‐round display of the overall landscape.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) over the Left Dorsal Lateral Prefrontal Cortex in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: Qiu Jiujun , Kong Xuejun , Li Jihan , Yang Jie , Huang Yiting , Huang Minshi , Sun Binbin , Su Jiayi , Chen Helen , Wan Guobin , Kong Jian
Published: June 2021

Recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been applied to relieve symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this prospective, parallel, single-blinded, randomized study, we investigate the modulation effect of three-week tDCS treatment at the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in children with ASD. 47 children with ASD were enrolled, and 40 (20 in each group) completed the study. The primary outcomes are Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R). We found that children with ASD can tolerate three-week tDCS treatment with no serious adverse events detected. A within-group comparison showed that real tDCS, but not sham tDCS, can significantly reduce the scores of CARS, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and general impressions in CARS (15th item). Real tDCS produced significant score reduction in the CSHQ and in CARS general impressions when compared to the effects of sham tDCS. The pilot study suggests that three-week left DLPFC tDCS is well-tolerated and may hold potential in relieving some symptoms in children with ASD.
L-Fuzzy Congruences and L-Fuzzy Kernel Ideals in Ockham Algebras
Authors: Alemayehu Teferi Getachew , Engidaw Derso Abeje , Addis Gezahagne Mulat
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study fuzzy congruence relations and kernel fuzzy ideals of an Ockham algebraA,f, whose truth values are in a complete lattice satisfying the infinite meet distributive law. Some equivalent conditions are derived for a fuzzy ideal of an Ockham algebraAto become a fuzzy kernel ideal. We also obtain the smallest (respectively, the largest) fuzzy congruence onAhaving a given fuzzy ideal as its kernel.
Facile Synthesis of Hollow MgO Spheres and Their Fluoride Adsorption Properties
Authors: Zhang Yong , Jin Zhen , Min-He Liao , Guang-Song Xu , Min-Da Xu , Cheng Hui , Huang Jian
Published: June 2021

In the present work, the hollow MgO spheres were synthesized through a facile wet-chemistry method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrum are employed to characterize the as-prepared sample. Those results indicate that the average size of the as-prepared MgO hollow spheres is about 2 μm. Also, the MgO hollow spheres have the polycrystalline and porous structure, which would provide large specific surface area and plenty active sites for fluoride adsorption. The adsorption properties of the MgO hollow spheres towards fluoride are investigated. The fluoride adsorption kinetics of the MgO hollow spheres fits well the pseudo-second-order model. Also, the kinetic data revealed that the fluoride adsorption was rapid, more than 83% of fluoride could be removed within 40 min. The fluoride adsorption capacity of the hollow MgO spheres is larger than 182.4 mg/g at a pH of 7.0. The as-prepared products maintain excellent adsorption performance in the pH range of 3–11. In addition, the adsorption mechanism also has been discussed. From the FTIR results, a hydroxyl and carbonate coexchange mechanism is proposed. It is believed that the hollow MgO spheres are a potential candidate for fluoride removal.
Advances in the Use of Nanocomposite Membranes for Carbon Capture Operations
Authors: Okoro Emmanuel E. , Josephs Rachael , Sanni Samuel E. , Nchila Yuven
Published: June 2021

The adoption of nanodoped membranes in the areas of gas stream separation, water, and wastewater treatments due to the physical and operational advantages of such membranes has significantly increased. The literature has shown that the surface structure and physicochemical properties of nanodoped membranes contribute significantly to the interaction and rejection characteristics when compared to bare membranes. This study reviews the recent developments on nanodoped membranes, and their hybrids for carbon capture and gas separation operations. Features such as the nanoparticles/materials and hybrids used for membrane doping and the effect of physicochemical properties and water vapour in nanodoped membrane performance for carbon capture are discussed. The highlights of this review show that nanodoped membrane is a facile modification technique which improves the membrane performance in most cases and holds a great potential for carbon capture. Membrane module design and material, thickness, structure, and configuration were identified as key factors that contribute directly, to nanodoped membrane performance. This study also affirms that the three core parameters satisfied before turning a microporous material into a membrane are as follows: high permeability and selectivity, ease of fabrication, and robust structure. From the findings, it is also observed that the application of smart models and knowledge-based systems have not been extensively studied in nanoparticle-/material-doped membranes. More studies are encouraged because technical improvements are needed in order to achieve high performance of carbon capture using nanodoped membranes, as well as improving their durability, permeability, and selectivity of the membrane.
Interest-Rate Products Pricing Problems with Uncertain Jump Processes
Authors: Sun Yiyao , Liu Shiqin
Published: June 2021

Uncertain differential equations (UDEs) with jumps are an essential tool to model the dynamic uncertain systems with dramatic changes. The interest rates, impacted heavily by human uncertainty, are assumed to follow UDEs with jumps in ideal markets. Based on this assumption, two derivatives, namely, interest-rate caps (IRCs) and interest-rate floors (IRFs), are investigated. Some formulas are presented to calculate their prices, which are of too complex forms for calculation in practice. For this reason, numerical algorithms are designed by using the formulas in order to compute the prices of these structured products. Numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency, which also show the prices of IRCs are strictly increasing with respect to the diffusion parameter while the prices of IRFs are strictly decreasing with respect to the diffusion parameter.
Finite-Time Simultaneous Stabilization of a Set of Nonlinear Singular Systems
Authors: Sun Liying , Li Meiqing
Published: June 2021

This study addresses the problems of finite-time simultaneous stabilization for two nonlinear singular systems and more than two nonlinear singular systems. First, we design a suitable output feedback controller and combine the two nonlinear singular systems to generate an augmented system by using an augmented technique. Based on a sufficient condition of the augmented system impulse-free, an important result, that is, the augmented system is finite-time stabilization is presented. Then, the finite-time stabilization problem of more than two singular systems is investigated by dividing the N systems into two sets. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed finite-time stabilization controller for two nonlinear singular systems.
Experiment Study of Outburst Pulverized Coal-Gas Two-Phase Flow and Characteristic Analysis of Outburst Wave
Authors: Zhao Xusheng , Cao Jie , Wang Bo , Yang Xuelin
Published: June 2021

Coal and gas outburst is still a major safety problem in the process of coal production in China. Correctly understanding of the migration law of outburst high gas and pulverized coal is an important basis for accurately predicting the occurrence time and possible scope of outburst. To reveal the airflow disturbance characteristics and coal-gas flow rule in coal and gas outburst process, outburst coal-gas migration simulations under different gas pressures were conducted using a self-developed visual outburst dynamic effect test device. The results showed that coal-gas flow state at the outburst port is divided into subcritical flow, critical flow, and supercritical flow state. The pulverized coal-gas flow migration in the roadway space can be divided into coal gas two-phase flow area, air compression area, and undisturbed area. Under the experimental conditions, the maximum propagation velocities of wave are 342.22~359.21 m/s, and the coal gas two-phase flow is far less than the propagation velocities of outburst wave, just 3.68~33.33 m/s. When the outburst energy is large, multiple compression waves can superimpose to form shock waves. The peak value of the wave does not necessarily appear in the first boosting range. The presence of pulverized coal leads to a faster attenuation of shock wave, but it makes a greater dynamic destructive force at the same speed.
Discrete Fractional Inequalities Pertaining a Fractional Sum Operator with Some Applications on Time Scales
Authors: Khan Zareen A. , Shah Kamal
Published: June 2021

This content replicates some discrete nonlinear fractional inequalities by virtue of the fractional sum operator

Ψ
¯

on time scales. Through the recognition of the principle of discrete fractional calculus, we are able to recover the precise estimates for unknown functions of inequalities of the Gronwall type. The resultant inequalities are of unique structure comparative with the latest reviewing disclosures and can be described as a complementary tool for numerically testing the solutions of discrete partial differential equations. The foremost consequences are probably confirmed via handling of assessment procedure and technique of mean value speculation. We display few examples of the proposed inequalities to represent the incentives of our effort.
Study on Mechanical Properties and Damage Characteristics of Red Sandstone under Freeze‐thaw and Load
Authors: Shi Lei , Liu Yang , Meng Xiangzhen , Zhang Huimei
Published: June 2021

To analyze the effects of freeze‐thaw cycles and confining pressure on the mechanical properties of red sandstone, through freeze‐thaw cycles and triaxial compression tests, full stress‐strain curves of different freeze‐thaw cycles and different confining pressures were obtained. The degradation degree of red sandstone was quantitatively considered from different mechanical parameters of ultimate stress, elastic modulus, and Poisson’s ratio. Based on summarizing the characteristics of rock under freeze‐thaw and load, the total damage variable of rock was determined by the reasonable measurement of freeze‐thaw damage variable and load damage variable, and a damage constitutive model under freeze‐thaw and load was established. The research showed that the freeze‐thaw cycles aggravate the degree of rock damage deterioration, the rock stiffness and strength were reduced, and the characteristics of plastic deformation and ductile failure were more obvious. The confining pressure inhibited red sandstone internal damage, and with the increase of confining pressure, the stiffness and strength and the plastic characteristics were increased. In the overall trend, the mechanical parameters had different sensitivity to the degradation effect of freeze‐thaw cycles and confining pressure. Regardless of the increase in the number of freeze‐thaw cycles or confining pressure, the strain softening modulus tended to decrease gradually, and red sandstone plastic damage became more obvious after the stress peak. The total damage evolution path of red sandstone reflected the nonlinear influence of freeze‐thaw and load on the total damage propagation. The research results provide theoretical support for the improvement of the technology of the effluent coal rock in Balasu Coal Mine.
Exploring the Stochastic Host-Pathogen Tuberculosis Model with Adaptive Immune Response
Authors: Rajasekar S. P. , Pitchaimani M. , Zhu Quanxin , Shi Kaibo
Published: June 2021

In this literature, we probe a stochastic host-pathogen tuberculosis model with the adaptive immune response of four states of epidemiological classification: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, uninfected macrophages, infected macrophages, and immune response CD4+ T cells. This model is pertinent to the latent stage of tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis-infected individuals. The stochastic host-pathogen tuberculosis model in pathology is constituted based on the environmental influence on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis and macrophage population, elucidated by stochastic perturbations, and it is proportional to each state. We evince the existence and a unique global positive solution of a stochastic tuberculosis model. We attain sufficient conditions for the extinction of the tubercle bacillus. Moreover, we acquire the existence of the stationary distribution of the positive solutions by the Lyapunov function method. Eventually, numerical simulations validate analytical findings and the dynamics of the stochastic TB model.
Deep Learning Enhanced Solar Energy Forecasting with AI‐Driven IoT
Authors: Zhou Hangxia , Liu Qian , Yan Ke , Du Yang
Published: June 2021

Short‐term photovoltaic (PV) energy generation forecasting models are important, stabilizing the power integration between the PV and the smart grid for artificial intelligence‐ (AI‐) driven internet of things (IoT) modeling of smart cities. With the recent development of AI and IoT technologies, it is possible for deep learning techniques to achieve more accurate energy generation forecasting results for the PV systems. Difficulties exist for the traditional PV energy generation forecasting method considering external feature variables, such as the seasonality. In this study, we propose a hybrid deep learning method that combines the clustering techniques, convolutional neural network (CNN), long short‐term memory (LSTM), and attention mechanism with the wireless sensor network to overcome the existing difficulties of the PV energy generation forecasting problem. The overall proposed method is divided into three stages, namely, clustering, training, and forecasting. In the clustering stage, correlation analysis and self‐organizing mapping are employed to select the highest relevant factors in historical data. In the training stage, a convolutional neural network, long short‐term memory neural network, and attention mechanism are combined to construct a hybrid deep learning model to perform the forecasting task. In the testing stage, the most appropriate training model is selected based on the month of the testing data. The experimental results showed significantly higher prediction accuracy rates for all time intervals compared to existing methods, including traditional artificial neural networks, long short‐term memory neural networks, and an algorithm combining long short‐term memory neural network and attention mechanism.
Can the Self-Assembling of Dicarboxylate Pt(IV) Prodrugs Influence Their Cell Uptake?
Authors: Ravera Mauro , Gabano Elisabetta , Perin Elena , Rangone Beatrice , Bonzani Diego , Osella Domenico
Published: June 2021

The possibility of spontaneous self-assembly of dicarboxylato Pt(IV) prodrugs and the consequences on their uptake in cancer cells have been evaluated in different aqueous solutions. Four Pt(IV) complexes, namely, (OC-6-33)-diacetatodiamminedichloridoplatinum(IV), Ace, (OC-6-33)-diamminedibutanoatodichloridoplatinum(IV), But, (OC-6-33)-diamminedichloridodihexanoatoplatinum(IV), Hex, and (OC-6-33)-diamminedichloridodioctanoatoplatinum(IV), Oct, have been dispersed in i) milliQ water, ii) phosphate buffered saline, and iii) complete cell culture media (RPMI 1640 or DMEM) containing fetal bovine serum (FBS). The samples have been analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) to measure the size and distribution of the nanoparticles possibly present. The zeta potential offered an indication of the stability of the resulting aggregates. In the case of the most lipophilic compounds of the series, namely, Oct and to a lesser extent Hex, the formation of nanosized aggregates has been observed, in particular at the highest concentration tested (10 μM). The cell culture media had the effect to disaggregate these nanoparticles, mainly by virtue of their albumin content, able to interact with the organic chains via noncovalent (hydrophobic) interactions. For Oct, at the highest concentration employed for the uptake tests (10 μM), the combination between passive diffusion and endocytosis of the self-assembled nanoparticles makes the cellular uptake higher than in the presence of passive diffusion only. During the study of cellular uptake on A2780 ovarian cancer cells pretreated with cytochalasin D, a statistically significant inhibition of endocytosis was observed for Oct. In these experimental conditions, the relationship between uptake and lipophilicity becomes almost linear instead of exponential. Since Oct anticancer prodrug is active at nanomolar concentrations, where the aggregation in culture media is almost abolished, this phenomenon should not significantly impact its antiproliferative activity.
An Argument for Expanding the Role of Pediatric Decision-Making and Preference in Child Abuse/Neglect Assessments and Plan
Authors: Fedora Rissa , Li Becky
Published: June 2021

Child maltreatment can have long-term sequelae and thus requires appropriate interventions. In the United States, reports of suspected child maltreatment are primarily handled by the Child Protective Services (CPS). We present a case of a 12-year-old female who was involuntarily hospitalized for suicidal ideation after CPS responded to a report of her abuse by her mother. Despite continuously expressing fear of her mother and pleading to not be discharged home, CPS ultimately determined that the child was safe to return home to her abuser. The child’s subsequent loss to follow-up puts the child’s safety and long-term well-being into question. In this article, we discuss the current protocol of CPS reporting, investigation, and outcome. We also explore the roles of pediatric decision-making and forensic or custody evaluation when maltreatment is apparent.
The Silence of PSMC6 Inhibits Cell Growth and Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jian-Yu , Shi Ke-Zhi , Liao Xiang-Yu , Li Shi-Jun , Bao Dan , Qian Ying , Li Dao-Jun
Published: June 2021

The proteasome has been validated as an anticancer drug target, while the role of a subunit of proteasome, PSMC6, in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been fully unveiled. In this study, we observed that both the RNA and protein of PSMC6 were highly upregulated in LUAD compared with the adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, a high PSMC6 expression was associated with poor prognosis. In accordance with this finding, PSMC6 was associated with poor tumor differentiation. Furthermore, the silence of PSMC6 by small interference RNAs (siRNAs) could significantly inhibit cell growth, migration, and invasion in lung cancer cell lines, suggesting that PSMC6 might serve as a promising therapeutic target in LUAD. To further explore the molecular mechanism of PSMC6 in LUAD, we observed that the proteasome subunits, such as PSMD10, PSMD6, PSMD9, PSMD13, PSMB3, PSMB1, PSMA4, PSMC1, PSMC2, PSMD7, and PSMD14, were highly correlated with PSMC6 expression. Based on the gene set enrichment analysis, we observed that these proteasome subunits were involved in the degradation of AXIN protein. The correlation analysis revealed that the positively correlated genes with PSMC6 were highly enriched in WNT signaling‐related pathways, demonstrating that the PSMC6 overexpression may activate WNT signaling via degrading the AXIN protein, thereby promoting tumor progression. In summary, we systematically evaluated the differential expression levels and prognostic values of PSMC6 and predicted its biological function in LUAD, which suggested that PSMC6 might act as a promising therapeutic target in LUAD.
Intraocular Foreign Bodies: Clinical Characteristics and Factors Affecting Visual Outcome
Authors: Liang Yanyan , Liang Shuang , Liu Xiaoli , Liu Danyan , Duan Jialiang
Published: June 2021

Objective. To investigate the clinical characteristics and factors affecting visual outcome in patients with intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) and determine the risk factors for the development of endophthalmitis. Study Design. A retrospective case-series study design was adopted. Subjects. In total, 242 patients (242 eyes) who were hospitalized and underwent surgical treatment for IOFB at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2019, were included. Methods. The demographic data, cause of injury, characteristics of IOFBs, postinjury ocular manifestations, and surgical details of the subjects were collected, and the factors affecting visual outcome and endophthalmitis development were analyzed. Results. The most common cause of IOFBs was the propulsion of foreign bodies into the eye due to hammering (149 cases, 61.57%), followed by foreign body penetration (57 cases, 23.55%). Most of the subjects were young adult men who sustained injuries in the work environment. Poorer visual outcomes were found in subjects with initial presenting symptoms visual acuity (PVA) < 0.1, largest IOFB diameter ≥ 3 mm, IOFBs located in the posterior segment, wound length > 5 mm, entrance wound length larger than the largest IOFB diameter, concomitant retinal detachment, concomitant vitreous hemorrhage, concomitant endophthalmitis, and concomitant proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Factors related to the development of endophthalmitis included lens capsule rupture, time of stage 1 repair surgery ≥ 24 h after trauma, removal of IOFBs ≥ 24 h after trauma, and nonadministration of intravitreal antibiotic injection. Conclusion. Among patients with IOFBs, initial PVA < 0.1, entrance wound length larger than the largest IOFB diameter, concomitant endophthalmitis, and concomitant PVR were risk factors for poor visual outcomes. Lens capsule rupture was a risk factor for endophthalmitis development, and the administration of intravitreal antibiotic injection was a protective factor against endophthalmitis development.