bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conduct and reporting of formula milk trials: systematic review
Authors: Helfer Bartosz , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Mundell Alexandra , Parr Callum , Ierodiakonou Despo , Garcia-Larsen Vanessa , Kroeger Cynthia M , Dai Zhaoli , Man Amy , Jobson Jessica , Dewji Fatemah , Kunc Michelle , Bero Lisa , Boyle Robert J
Published: October 2021

Objective

To systematically review the conduct and reporting of formula trials.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2020.

Review methods

Intervention trials comparing at least two formula products in children less than three years of age were included, but not trials of human breast milk or fortifiers of breast milk. Data were extracted in duplicate and primary outcome data were synthesised for meta-analysis with a random effects model weighted by the inverse variance method. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane risk of bias version 2.0, and risk of undermining breastfeeding was evaluated according to published consensus guidance. Primary outcomes of the trials included in the systematic review were identified from clinical trial registries, protocols, or trial publications.

Results

22 201 titles were screened and 307 trials were identified that were published between 2006 and 2020, of which 73 (24%) trials in 13 197 children were prospectively registered. Another 111 unpublished but registered trials in 17 411 children were identified. Detailed analysis was undertaken for 125 trials (23 757 children) published since 2015. Seventeen (14%) of these recently published trials were conducted independently of formula companies, 26 (21%) were prospectively registered with a clear aim and primary outcome, and authors or sponsors shared prospective protocols for 11 (9%) trials. Risk of bias was low in five (4%) and high in 100 (80%) recently published trials, mainly because of inappropriate exclusions from analysis and selective reporting. For 68 recently published superiority trials, a pooled standardised mean difference of 0.51 (range −0.43 to 3.29) was calculated with an asymmetrical funnel plot (Egger’s test P<0.001), which reduced to 0.19 after correction for asymmetry. Primary outcomes were reported by authors as favourable in 86 (69%) trials, and 115 (92%) abstract conclusions were favourable. One of 38 (3%) trials in partially breastfed infants reported adequate support for breastfeeding and 14 of 87 (16%) trials in non-breastfed infants confirmed the decision not to breastfeed was firmly established before enrolment in the trial.

Conclusions

The results show that formula trials lack independence or transparency, and published outcomes are biased by selective reporting.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018091928.
Effectiveness of hygiene kit distribution to reduce cholera transmission in Kasaï-Oriental, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2018: a prospective cohort study
Authors: D'Mello-Guyett Lauren , Cumming Oliver , Bonneville Sharla , D’hondt Rob , Mashako Maria , Nakoka Brunette , Gorski Alexandre , Verheyen Dorien , Van den Bergh Rafael , Welo Placide Okitayemba , Maes Peter , Checchi Francesco
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Household contacts of cholera cases are at a greater risk ofVibrio choleraeinfection than the general population. There is currently no agreed standard of care for household contacts, despite their high risk of infection, in cholera response strategies. In 2018, hygiene kit distribution and health promotion was recommended by Médecins Sans Frontières for admitted patients and accompanying household members on admission to a cholera treatment unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Methods

To investigate the effectiveness of the intervention and risk factors for cholera infection, we conducted a prospective cohort study and followed household contacts for 7 days after patient admission. Clinical surveillance among household contacts was based on self-reported symptoms of cholera and diarrhoea, and environmental surveillance through the collection and analysis of food and water samples.

Results

From 94 eligible households, 469 household contacts were enrolled and 444 completed follow-up. Multivariate analysis suggested evidence of a dose-response relationship with increased kit use associated with decreased relative risk of suspected cholera: household contacts in the high kit-use group had a 66% lower incidence of suspected cholera (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.34, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.03, p=0.055), the mid-use group had a 53% lower incidence (aRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.29, p=1.44) and low-use group had 22% lower incidence (aRR 0.78, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.53, p=0.684), compared with household contacts without a kit. Drinking water contamination was significantly reduced among households in receipt of a kit. There was no significant effect on self-reported diarrhoea or food contamination.

Conclusion

The integration of a hygiene kit intervention to case-households may be effective in reducing cholera transmission among household contacts and environmental contamination within the household. Further work is required to evaluate whether other proactive localised distribution among patients and case-households or to households surrounding cholera cases can be used in future cholera response programmes in emergency contexts.
Increasing emergency department attendances in central London with methamphetamine toxicity and associated harms
Authors: Harnett James T , Dargan Paul I , Dines Alison M , Archer John R H , Greene Shaun L , Hunter Laura J , Wood David M
Published: October 2021

Background

Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug of abuse with increasing prevalence of use worldwide leading to public health concern. While previous research by our group a decade ago found no evidence of increasing harms associated with methamphetamine use in the UK, there are conflicting data on whether or not this is still the case. This paper aims to identify trends in methamphetamine-related harms and characterise the clinical features of ED presentations involving methamphetamine with gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL).

Methods

We retrospectively interrogated a database of all toxicology-related presentations to two central London EDs, extracting data on drugs involved for presentations relating to methamphetamine between 2005 and 2018 to enable analysis of trends. Further clinical data were extracted for presentations between 2014 and 2018 to give a 4-year case series.

Results

A total of 1244 presentations involving the use of methamphetamine were identified. The number of presentations rose from 4 in 2005 (1.9% of all recreational drug presentations) to 294 (16.2%) in 2018. A total of 850 cases were identified for the 2014–2018 case series, 94.9% were male with a median (range) age of 35.1 (16–67) years. The most common clinical features in the methamphetamine presentations were neuropsychiatric: agitation (41.5%), anxiety (35.2%), hallucinations (16.5%) and psychosis (14.8%). GHB/GBL was co-used in 54.2% of presentations and appeared to attenuate the neuropsychiatric features seen. Use of GHB/GBL was associated with a higher Poisoning Severity Score and requirement for level 2/3 (high dependency unit/intensive care unit (ICU)) care.

Conclusion

ED attendances in central London relating to methamphetamine use have risen over the last decade. Combining methamphetamine with GHB/GBL is common and is associated with a higher Poisoning Severity Score and need for ICU level care. Further work is required to establish whether further resources need to be directed at this clinical and public health problem.
Survival of the Fittest? The Scientific Basis for the Royal Navy Pre-Joining Fitness Test
Authors: Allsopp A J , Scarpello E G , Andrews S , Pethybridge R J
Published: October 2021

The Royal Navy introduced a pre-joining fitness test to the selection procedures for RN Ratings from Summer 2003. The scientific basis for the test came from the present study to investigate if anthropometric and physical fitness measures predicted training failure. Fitness and anthropometric data from 1641 trainees were collected, together with their training outcome (i.e. pass or fail), during the period from September 2001 to March 2002. In addition, a retrospective interrogation of medical records identified those who reported any lower limb injuries.

The overall rate of training attrition was 22%. Success in training was associated with: gender; age; physical fitness; and, in the case of females, Body Mass Index (BM1). The reported incidence of lower limb injury (LLI) was associated with: gender; physical fitness; and, for female trainees, BMI. The reported incidence of LLI was approximately 50% in the ‘least-fit’ female group compared to 10% in the ‘most-fit’ male group. 16% of females and 2% of males were considered ‘unfit’ (i.e. did not attain the prescribed run standards of 13min 15s and llmin 13s respectively). 3% of trainees were considered ‘obese’ (a BMI >30 kg.m-2) whereas more than 25% were overweight (BMI > 25 kg.m-2).

As a result of this work, selection candidates must now demonstrate a minimum standard of aerobic fitness prior to arrival at HMS Raleigh. The future impact of this selection measure on the reported incidence of lower limb injury and financial costs of training requires further investigation.
Immediate Life Support Training in an Operational Environment
Authors: Smith J E , Charlton K W , Piper N
Published: October 2021

The Immediate Life Support (ILS) course is a 1 day programme designed by the Resuscitation Council (UK) to bridge the gap between Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). During the build up to Operation TELIC, the aim was to provide ILS training to all staff who may be involved in the acute care of patients within PCRF ARGUS, and also to members of staff from other units who may be involved in similar situations. In total, 101 staff received ILS training during Op TELIC, all of whom were successful in completing the course.
Sleep duration and sleep difficulties as predictors of occupational injuries: a cohort study
Authors: Alhainen Maria , Härmä Mikko , Pentti Jaana , Ervasti Jenni M , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: October 2021

Study objectives

To examine the association between sleep duration and sleep difficulties with different types and causes of workplace and commuting injuries.

Methods

The data were derived from the Finnish Public Sector study including 89.543 participants (178.309 person-observations). Participants reported their sleep duration and sleep difficulties between 2000 and 2012. These were linked to occupational injury records from the national register maintained by the Federation of Accident Insurance Institutions. Risk of injuries was followed up 1 year after each study wave. Logistic regression analysis with generalised estimating equations (GEEs) was used to examine the association between sleep duration/difficulties and risk of injuries, and multinomial logistic regression with GEE was used to examine the association with injury types and causes.

Results

Both sleep duration and difficulties were associated with injuries. Employees with short sleep (≤6.5 hours) had 1.07-fold odds of workplace injuries (95% CI 1.00 to 1.14) and 1.14 times higher odds of commuting injuries (95% CI 1.04 to 1.26) compared with employees with normal sleep duration. For employees with disturbed sleep, the corresponding ORs were 1.09-fold (95% CI 1.02 to 1.17) and 1.14-fold (95% CI 1.04 to 1.26) compared with those without sleep difficulties, respectively. The risk of commuting injuries was higher among those who had difficulty in falling asleep (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.55), woke up too early (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.23) or had non-restorative sleep (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.33).

Conclusions

Short sleep duration and sleep difficulties are associated with slightly increased risk of workplace and commuting injuries.
Metabolomic differences in lung function metrics: evidence from two cohorts
Authors: Kelly Rachel S. , Stewart Isobel D. , Bayne Haley , Kachroo Priyadarshini , Spiro Avron , Vokonas Pantel , Sparrow David , Weiss Scott T. , Knihtilä Hanna M. , Litonjua Augusto A. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Langenberg Claudia , Lasky-Su Jessica A.
Published: October 2021

Rationale

The biochemical mechanisms underlying lung function are incompletely understood.

Objectives

To identify and validate the plasma metabolome of lung function using two independent adult cohorts: discovery—the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer–Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk, n=10 460) and validation—the VA Normative Aging Study (NAS) metabolomic cohort (n=437).

Methods

We ran linear regression models for 693 metabolites to identify associations with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), in EPIC-Norfolk then validated significant findings in NAS. Significance in EPIC-Norfolk was denoted using an effective number of tests threshold of 95%; a metabolite was considered validated in NAS if the direction of effect was consistent and p<0.05.

Measurements and main results

Of 156 metabolites that associated with FEV1in EPIC-Norfolk after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, height, smoking and asthma status, 34 (21.8%) validated in NAS, including several metabolites involved in oxidative stress. When restricting the discovery sample to men only, a similar percentage, 18 of 79 significant metabolites (22.8%) were validated. A smaller number of metabolites were validated for FEV1/FVC, 6 of 65 (9.2%) when including all EPIC-Norfolk as the discovery population, and 2 of 34 (5.9%) when restricting to men. These metabolites were characterised by involvement in respiratory track secretants. Interestingly, no metabolites were validated for both FEV1and FEV1/FVC.

Conclusions

The validation of metabolites associated with respiratory function can help to better understand mechanisms of lung health and may assist the development of biomarkers.
Real hypersurfaces in the complex hyperbolic quadric with normal Jacobi operator of Codazzi type
Authors: Jeong Imsoon , Pak Eunmi , Suh Young Jin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of normal Jacobi operator of Codazzi type for real hypersurfaces in the complex hyperbolic quadric [Formula: see text]. The normal Jacobi operator of Codazzi type implies that the unit normal vector field [Formula: see text] becomes [Formula: see text]-principal or [Formula: see text]-isotropic. Then according to each case, we give a complete classification of Hopf real hypersurfaces in [Formula: see text] with normal Jacobi operator of Codazzi type. The result of the classification shows that no such hypersurfaces exist.
Direct deposition of lead sulfide nano-optoelectronic films on polymer substrate
Authors: Xiong Shuxian , Li Wei , Yan Changzeng , Sun Rong
Published: October 2021

Nanocrystals have exhibited unique optoelectronic properties and demonstrated a wide range of applications in light-emitting devices, semiconductor devices and solar cell devices. However, previous studies usually deposit nanocrystal films on traditional rigid substrates, limiting their applications in large-scale, direct-deposited flexible device fabrication processes, such as roll-to-roll printing process. Here, we report a direct deposition method for lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystal films on flexible polymer substrates. By adding triethanolamine-coordinated Pb precursors to the reaction system to enhance the adhesion to the substrate and controlling the precursor ratios, we obtained high-quality flexible PbS films. The film is composed of octahedral PbS nanocrystals with preferred (111) orientation. The optical band gap of the nanocrystal films can be tuned from 1.32 eV to 1.60 eV by adjusting the ratio of the precursors, and an ideal band gap of 1.4 eV for single-junction solar cells was also obtained when Pb to S ratio reaches 1.4:1. More importantly, the flexible PbS films exhibit high charge carrier mobility of up to 25 cm2 V[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text], which is comparable to that of PbS films grown on traditional rigid substrates (e.g. silicon wafers or glasses). To our knowledge, this mobility is also the highest for PbS fabricated directly on flexible substrates. Our study provides a new approach for the preparation of low-cost and roll-to-roll processable nanocrystal films for future flexible optoelectronic devices.
Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis by Aperiodic Stochastic Resonance Under Variable Speed Conditions
Authors: Zhuang Xuzhu , Yang Chen , Yang Jianhua , Wu Chengjin , Shan Zhen , Gong Tao
Published: October 2021

The fault characteristic of rolling bearings under variable speed condition is a typical non-stationary stochastic signal. It is difficult to extract due to the interference of strong background noise makes the applicability of traditional noise reduction methods less. In this paper, an aperiodic stochastic resonance (ASR) method is proposed to study the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings under variable speed conditions. Based on numerical simulation, the effect of noise intensity and damping coefficient on the ASR of the second-order underdamped system is discussed, and an appropriate damping coefficient is found to reach the optimal ASR. The proposed method enhances the fault characteristic information of bearing fault simulation signal. Corresponding to rising-stationary and the stationary-declining running conditions, the method is verified by both simulated and experimental signals. It provides reference for fault diagnosis under variable speed condition.
MODULATION EFFECT OF MOTOR ACTIVITY ON LIMBIC AREAS: AN FMRI STUDY
Authors: ZHANG HONG , SUN YAORU
Published: October 2021

Neural activation of the motor cortex has been consistently reported to be evoked in the emotion processing of facial expressions, but it is poorly understood whether and how the motor system influences the activity of limbic areas during participants’ perceived emotional expressions. In this study, we proposed that motor activations evoked by emotional processing influence the activations in limbic areas such as amygdala during the perception of facial expressions. To examine this issue, a masked priming paradigm was adopted in our fMRI experiment, which could modulate the activation within the motor cortex when healthy participants perceived sad or happy facial expressions. We found that the first presented stimulus (masked prime) in each trial reduced the activations in the premotor cortex and inferior frontal gyrus when the movement of facial muscles implied by the arrows on the prime stimulus was consistent with that implied by the target face expressions (compatible condition), but increased the activations in these two areas when the movements implied by the arrows and the target face expressions were inconsistent (incompatible condition). The superior temporal gyrus, middle cingulate gyrus and amygdala also showed similar response tendency to that in motor cortex. Moreover, psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis showed that both right middle cingulate gyrus and bilateral superior temporal gyrus were closely linked to the premotor cortex with inferior frontal gyrus during the incompatible trials compared with the compatible trials. Together with this result and the significant activation correlations between the motor cortex and the limbic areas, this work revealed the modulation effect of motor cortex on brain regions related to emotion perception, suggesting that motor representation of facial movements can affect emotion experience. Our results provide new evidence for the functional role of motor system in the perception of facial emotions, and could contribute to the understanding of the deficit in social interaction for patients with autism or schizophrenia.
Symmetry analysis of the generalized space and time fractional Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Liu Jian-Gen , Yang Xiao-Jun , Feng Yi-Ying , Geng Lu-Lu
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we studied the generalized space and time fractional Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation in the sense of the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. Initially, the symmetry of this considered equation through the symmetry analysis method was obtained. Next, a one-parameter Lie group of point transformation was yielded. Then, this considered fractional model can be translated into an ordinary differential equation of fractional order via the Erdélyi–Kober fractional differential operator and the Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral operator. Finally, with the help of the nonlinear self-adjointness, conservation laws of the generalized space and time fractional KdV equation can be found. This approach can provide us with a new scheme for studying space and time differential equations of fractional derivative.
DO OPPOSITES ATTRACT IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT? INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF INNOVATION-MANAGEMENT CONTROL COOPERATION ACROSS THE NPD PROCESS
Authors: HANDRICH MATTHIAS , HEIDENREICH SVEN , MUNCK CHRISTOPH
Published: October 2021

Cross-functional intra-firm cooperation is crucial for a firm’s new product development (NPD) process and innovation success. Nevertheless, neither current innovation nor management control literature does provide empirical evidence on whether and how the cooperation between innovation and management control departments affects outcomes of the NPD process. Thus, this paper intends to close this research gap by studying the effect of innovation-management control cooperation (IMCC) across multiple NPD process stages on NPD process effectiveness and its consequences for a firm’s innovation and financial success. A multiple-informant data set was collected including 109 dyadic data sets from employees at project and top management level and combined with secondary data assessing financial success. The results show that IMCC exerts a positive effect on NPD process effectiveness. More specifically, the effect can be best described as u-shaped, being strongest in the concept development and implementation stage, but weaker in the product development stage of the NPD process. Furthermore, our findings show that innovation success mediates the relationship between NPD process effectiveness and financial success thereby explaining the contradictory findings of past research concerning the link between NPD and financial success.
Mobile Health (mHealth) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: McCool Judith , Dobson Rosie , Whittaker Robyn , Paton Chris
Published: October 2021

This article reflects on current trends and proposes new considerations for the future of mobile technologies for health (mHealth). Our focus is predominantly on the value of and concerns with regard to the application of digital health within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is in LMICs and marginalized communities that mHealth (within the wider scope of digital health) could be most useful and valuable. Peer-reviewed literature on mHealth in LMICs provides reassurance of this potential, often reflecting on the ubiquity of mobile phones and ever-increasing connectivity globally, reaching remote or otherwise disengaged populations. Efforts to adapt successful programs for LMIC contexts and populations are only just starting to reap rewards. Private-sector investment in mHealth offers value through enhanced capacity and advances in technology as well as the ability to meet increasing consumer demand for real-time, accessible, convenient, and choice-driven health care options. We examine some of the potential considerations associated with a private-sector investment, questioning whether a core of transparency, local ownership, equity, and safety is likely to be upheld in the current environment of health entrepreneurship.
Dynamic Gesture Contour Feature Extraction Method Using Residual Network Transfer Learning
Authors: Ma Xianmin , Li Xiaofeng
Published: October 2021

The current dynamic gesture contour feature extraction method has the problems that the recognition rate of dynamic gesture contour feature and the recognition accuracy of dynamic gesture type are low, the recognition time is long, and comprehensive is poor. Therefore, we propose a dynamic gesture contour feature extraction method using residual network transfer learning. Sensors are used to integrate dynamic gesture information. The distance between the dynamic gesture and the acquisition device is detected by transfer learning, the dynamic gesture image is segmented, and the characteristic contour image is initialized. The residual network method is used to accurately identify the contour and texture features of dynamic gestures. Fusion processing weights are used to trace the contour features of dynamic gestures frame by frame, and the contour area of dynamic gestures is processed by gray and binarization to realize the extraction of contour features of dynamic gestures. The results show that the dynamic gesture contour feature recognition rate of the proposed method is 91%, the recognition time is 11.6 s, and the dynamic gesture type recognition accuracy rate is 92%. Therefore, this method can effectively improve the recognition rate and type recognition accuracy of dynamic gesture contour features and shorten the time for dynamic gesture contour feature recognition, and the F value is 0.92, with good comprehensive performance.
Relationship between Business Administration Ability and Innovation Ability Formation of University Students Based on Data Mining and Empirical Research
Authors: Gao Lilei
Published: October 2021

With the continuous development of science and technology, the scale of education is slowly expanding, but at the same time, what is more important is the quality of higher education. This issue has also become a hot topic of concern for the society nowadays. Higher education, which is at the top of the education chain, has the important task of training talents for society. The cultivation of talents includes not only the ability to innovate but also the ability to manage business. The purpose of this paper is to study and empirically analyze the relationship between business administration competency and innovation competency formation among university students based on data mining (DM). This paper mainly uses the K-means algorithm in DM to extract relevant data and then conducts a questionnaire survey to analyze the innovation ability and business administration ability of university students; the results showed that 24 respondents considered their innovation ability is relatively poor, accounting for 20.98%; 137 respondents considered their innovation ability is average, accounting for 47.9% of the total, nearly half; and 65 respondents thought that their innovation ability is relatively strong. In the end, 60 respondents thought that their innovation ability is very strong and half of the respondents thought that their innovation ability is generally poor. Generally speaking, the tests have a strong ability to innovate. The evaluation is generally average.
An Image Recognition Framework for Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Wei , Zhang Hanzhong
Published: October 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common type of cancer of the oral cavity. Despite their great impact on mortality, sufficient screening techniques for early diagnosis of OSCC often lack accuracy and thus OSCCs are mostly diagnosed at a late stage. Early detection and accurate recognition of OSCCs would lead to an improved curative result and a reduction in recurrence rates after surgical treatment. The introduction of image recognition technology into the doctor’s diagnosis process can significantly improve cancer diagnosis, reduce individual differences, and effectively assist doctors in making the correct diagnosis of the disease. The objective of this study was to assess the precision and robustness of a deep learning-based method to automatically identify the extent of cancer on digitized oral images. We present a new method that employs different variants of convolutional neural network (CNN) for detecting cancer in oral cells. Our approach involves training the classifier on different images from the imageNet dataset and then independently validating on different cancer cells. The image is segmented using multiscale morphology methods to prepare for cell feature analysis and extraction. The method of morphological edge detection is used to more accurately extract the target, cell area, perimeter, and other multidimensional features followed by classification through CNN. For all five variants of CNN, namely, VGG16, VGG19, InceptionV3, InceptionResNetV2, and Xception, the train and value losses are less than 6%. Experimental results show that the method can be an effective tool for OSCC diagnosis.
Multiple Influences of Paleogeography, Sequence Stratigraphy, and Fold Structure on Coalbed Methane Accumulation in the Lopingian (Late Permian) of Junlian Coalfield, SW China
Authors: Gao Xiangdong , Li Wuzhong , Yang Yiming , Yin Kaigui , Zhou Shihao
Published: October 2021

Junlian coalfield is one of the main targets for coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development in the southwest China. Based on field geological survey, core observation, gas content statistics, coal maceral composition, vitrinite reflectance (

R

O

), proximate analysis and trace element test, lithological types, lithofacies, sedimentary environment, and structural analysis, this research established the sequence stratigraphy frame, revealed the plane distribution characteristics of sedimentary facies, and defined CBM accumulation mode. The results show that six rock types were identified and further subdivided into twenty lithofacies types. Four types of sedimentary systems such as alluvial plains, delta, lagoon-tidal flat, and carbonate platform were summarized according to their combination characteristics. Additionally, 12-14 fourth-order sequences and three third-order sequences CSI, CSII, and CSIII were divided, and a sequence stratigraphic framework of the Lopingian coal-bearing series was established. Among them, the features of third-order sequence CSIII paleogeography from west to east are alluvial plains, deltas, lagoon-tidal flats, and limited carbonate platforms. Thick coal seams are mainly developed in the sedimentary environment of tidal flats, delta plains, and floodplains behind banks. Closely related to coal seam thickness, gas contents of Lopingian coal seams are generally higher than 8 m3/t, except the low level in northwest and partial denudation areas. CBM accumulation is significantly controlled by the fold structure, and the hydraulic plugging effect makes the syncline core favorable for CBM accumulation. Furthermore, favorable geostress conditions enable the secondary anticline to become a favorable area for CBM accumulation when the sealing conditions are better. This research will provide a theoretical guide for the exploration and development of CBM in the study area.
On the Oscillation of Even-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations with Mixed Neutral Terms
Authors: Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Grace Said R. , Alzabut Jehad , Özbekler Abdullah , Siri Zailan
Published: October 2021

The oscillation of even-order nonlinear differential equations (NLDiffEqs) with mixed nonlinear neutral terms (MNLNTs) is investigated in this work. New oscillation criteria are obtained which improve, extend, and simplify the existing ones in other previous works. Some examples are also given to illustrate the validity and potentiality of our results.
Heterogeneous Signal Fusion Method in Driving Fatigue Detection Signals
Authors: Wang Qingjun , Mu Zhendong
Published: October 2021

Driving fatigue is a physiological phenomenon that often occurs during driving. When the driver enters a fatigue state, they will become distracted and unresponsive, which can easily lead to traffic accidents. The driving fatigue detection method based on a single information source has poor stability in a specific driving environment and has great limitations. This work helps with being able to judge the fatigue state of the driver more comprehensively and achieving a higher accuracy rate of driving fatigue detection. This work mainly introduces research into different signal fusion methods to detect fatigue drive. This work will take the normal driver’s breathing signal, eye signals, and steering wheel signal as research objects and collect and isolate the characteristics of the fatigue detection signal. Research was then conducted on different signal fusion methods for the detected depth of breath. Change of steering angle, eyelid closure, and blinking marks and the fatigue driving experiment was designed to evaluate the results of different data fusion methods. Experimental results show that the detection accuracy of the heterogeneous signal fusion method in fatigue detection is as high as 80%.
Economic Information Analysis and Its Application in Decision-Making under the Background of Big Data
Authors: Chen Simin , Sanweng Ieong
Published: October 2021

In the Internet age, data information is expanding at an alarming rate, and at the same time, it is showing a trend of diversification and fragmentation. How to make reasonable use of this intricate information and effectively use it in the work to give full play to the value of big data (BD) seems urgent. Based on this, this paper studies the economic information analysis and decision-making system under the background of BD. This article first analyzes the development status of our country’s industrial economic decision-making technology, then studies the service role of BD on macroeconomic decision-making in industrial development, then conducts an in-depth study of industrial economic information analysis methods and trends, and designs an industrial economic information model. Finally, this article tested the running speed and interactive function of the system. The test results show that the running speed of the system is very fast, and the interactive function is very accurate.
Design of Efficient Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System Based on Improved Fractional Open Circuit Voltage MPPT Technique
Authors: Hmidet Ali , Subramaniam Umashankar , Elavarasan Rajvikram Madurai , Raju Kannadasan , Diaz Matias , Das Narottam , Mehmood Kashif , Karthick Alagar , Muhibbullah M. , Boubaker Olfa
Published: October 2021

The main application of off-grid solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems is water extraction in rural areas where access to the grid is restricted. In this application, photovoltaic (PV) and pump system regulation are crucial to increase its overall efficiency. In this context, this work presents a simple and efficient off-grid SPV water pumping system (SPVWPS). The designed system is based on a DC-DC boost converter, a three-phase DC-AC inverter, and a three-phase induction motor (IM) coupled to the centrifugal pump. The proposed solution is operated using a control strategy that associates an improved fractional open-circuit voltage (FOCV) method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and closed-loop scalar control. This association avoids the use of a speed sensor/encoder and a current sensor for the IM. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed off-grid SPVWPS and its control system for both steady-state and dynamic conditions of insolation change is verified using a 1KVA rated prototype. The relevance of the drive is also checked in various operating conditions and is found to be adequate for pumping water. Moreover, the proposed method guarantees a fast response, less oscillations around the MPP, a system efficiency of 99%, and a high flow rate due to the extraction of maximum power.
Predictors of COVID-19 Infection: A Prevalence Study of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Tu Huilan , Zhao Hong , Su Junwei , Wu Wenrui , Xu Kaijin , Hu Jianhua , Zhang Xuan , Yang Meifang , Sheng Jifang
Published: October 2021

Aim. To find the predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients. Methods. A prevalence study compared the characteristics of COVID-19 patients with non-COVID-19 patients from January 19, 2020, to February 18, 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak. Laboratory test results and pulmonary chest imaging of confirmed COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients were collected by retrieving medical records in our center. Results. 96 COVID-19 patients and 122 non-COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. COVID-19 patients were older (53 vs. 39;

P

 < 0.001) and had higher body mass index (BMI) than non-COVID-19 group (24.21 ± 3.51 vs. 23.00 ± 3.27,

P

 = 0.011); however, differences in gender were not observed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that exposure history (OR: 23.34,

P

 < 0.001), rhinorrhea (odds radio (OR): 0.12,

P

 = 0.006), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR: 1.03,

P

 = 0.049), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR: 1.01,

P

 = 0.020), lymphocyte (OR: 0.27,

P

 = 0.007), and bilateral involvement on chest CT imaging (OR: 23.01,

P

 < 0.001) were independent risk factors for COVID-19. Moreover, bilateral involvement on chest CT imaging (AUC = 0.904,

P

 < 0.001) had significantly higher AUC than others in predicting COVID-19. Conclusions. Exposure history, elevated ALT and LDH, absence of rhinorrhea, lymphopenia, and bilateral involvement on chest CT imaging provide robust evidence for the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in resource-limited conditions where nucleic acid detection is not readily available.
Research on Autoarrangement System of Accompaniment Chords Based on Hidden Markov Model with Machine Learning
Authors: Shi Shuo , Xi Shuting , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: October 2021

Accompaniment production is one of the most important elements in music work, and chord arrangement is the key link of accompaniment production, which usually requires more musical talent and profound music theory knowledge to be competent. In this article, the machine learning model is used to replace manual accompaniment chords’ arrangement, and an automatic computer means is provided to complete and assist accompaniment chords’ arrangement. Also, through music feature extraction, automatic chord label construction, and model construction and training, the whole system finally has the ability of automatic accompaniment chord arrangement for the main melody. Based on the research of automatic chord label construction method and the characteristics of MIDI data format, a chord analysis method based on interval difference is proposed to construct chord labels of the whole track and realize the construction of automatic chord labels. In this study, the hidden Markov model is constructed according to the chord types, in which the input features are the improved theme PCP features proposed in this paper, and the input labels are the label data set constructed by the automated method proposed in this paper. After the training is completed, the PCP features of the theme to be predicted and improved are input to generate the accompaniment chords of the final arrangement. Through PCP features and template-matching model, the system designed in this paper improves the matching accuracy of the generated chords compared with that generated by the traditional method.
Improvement of Sensitivity of Pooling Strategies for COVID-19
Authors: Chen Hong-Bin , Guo Jun-Yi , Shu Yu-Chen , Lee Yu-Hsun , Chang Fei-Huang
Published: October 2021

Group testing (or pool testing), for example, Dorfman’s method or grid method, has been validated for COVID-19 RT-PCR tests and implemented widely by most laboratories in many countries. These methods take advantages since they reduce resources, time, and overall costs required for a large number of samples. However, these methods could have more false negative cases and lower sensitivity. In order to maintain both accuracy and efficiency for different prevalence, we provide a novel pooling strategy based on the grid method with an extra pool set and an optimized rule inspired by the idea of error-correcting codes. The mathematical analysis shows that (i) the proposed method has the best sensitivity among all the methods we compared, if the false negative rate (FNR) of an individual test is in the range [1%, 20%] and the FNR of a pool test is closed to that of an individual test, and (ii) the proposed method is efficient when the prevalence is below 10%. Numerical simulations are also performed to confirm the theoretical derivations. In summary, the proposed method is shown to be felicitous under the above conditions in the epidemic.
The Effects of Precrack Angle on the Strength and Failure Characteristics of Sandstone under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Xu Jinhai , Chen Liang , Shimada Hideki , Zhang Mingwei , He Haiyang
Published: October 2021

Characterization of the mechanical properties of cracked rock masses is essential for ensuring the long-term stability of the engineering environment. This paper is aimed at studying the relationship between the strength characteristics of specimen and the angle of precrack, as well as the interaction of cracks under uniaxial compression. To this end, two sandstone specimens, distinguished with a single and three precracks, were built using the PFC software. For the former case, both the peak strength and elastic modulus increase to a peak value as the crack angle

α

gets closer to the forcing (loading) direction. For the latter case, the strength experiences a trend of increasing-maintaining trend as the crack angle

α

gets closer to the forcing direction, and the elastic moduli are barely affected. For the specimens containing a single precrack, their crack numbers increased approximately in a one-step or two-step stair pattern with increasing axial strain; whereas for the specimens containing three cracks, their crack numbers all showed a multistep growth trend. Furthermore, the failure mode of the specimen is closely related to the precrack angle. However, if the precrack distribution does not affect the original crack propagation path, it will hardly affect the mechanical properties of the specimen.
Effect of Prepregnancy Lymphocyte Active Immunotherapy on Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage, Pregnancy Success Rate, and Maternal‐Infant Outcome
Authors: Li Junxia , Gu Yan , Zhang Shaojing , Ju Baohui , Wang Jianmei
Published: October 2021

Objective. To evaluate the effect of prepregnancy lymphocyte active immunotherapy on unexplained recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy success rate, and maternal‐infant outcome. Methods. A total of 124 patients with recurrent miscarriage admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into the experimental group and the control group according to the random number table method, with 62 patients in each group. The experimental group was treated with lymphocyte active immunotherapy, and the control group was given conventional treatment. The pregnancy success rate, estrogen indexes, hemorheology indexes, and psychological state of the two groups were compared. Results. The experimental group garnered a notably higher pregnancy success rate and a prominently lower miscarriage rate than the control group (P < 0.05). Better results of self‐rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self‐rating depression scale (SDS) were observed in the experimental group, as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The experimental group yielded more desirable results in terms of treatment satisfaction, estrogen indexes, and hemorheology indexes in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The use of lymphocyte active immunotherapy for patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage can significantly increase the pregnancy success rate, optimize the maternal‐infant outcome, drive down the miscarriage rate, and ameliorate the patient’s estrogen levels and hemorheology indicators, which is worthy of promotion and application in clinical practice.
The Effect of Different Final Irrigation Regimens on the Dentinal Tubule Penetration of Three Different Root Canal Sealers: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study In Vitro
Authors: Ozasir Tufan , Eren Birgul , Gulsahi Kamran , Ungor Mete
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the effects of different final irrigation regimens on the dentin tubule penetration of three different root canal sealers using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A total of 160 single-rooted extracted mandibular premolar teeth were divided into five groups (

n
=
32

each) according to the solution used in the final rinse protocol, as follows: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (group 1), 17% EDTA and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) (group 2), 7% maleic acid (MA) (group 3), 7% MA and 2% CHX (group 4), and 5.25% NaOCl (group 5). Two roots from each group were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize smear layer removal. Experimental groups were then split randomly into three subgroups (

n
=
10

) and obturated using a cold lateral condensation technique with 0.1% rhodamine B-labelled sealers [either AH Plus (group A), EndoREZ (group E), or Tech BioSealer Endo (group T)] and gutta-percha. Specimens were sectioned and observed by CLSM to evaluate the percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration at the apical, middle, and coronal levels. Statistical comparison was performed on grouped (apical, middle, and coronal segments) and ungrouped data using two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test (

p
<
0.01

). AH Plus showed the greatest tubule penetration while Tech BioSealer Endo showed the least. Resin-based sealers displayed deeper and more consistent penetration. CHX irrigation positively influenced sealer tubule penetration.
How the Solid/Liquid Ratio Affects the Cation Exchange Process and Porosity in the Case of Dioctahedral Smectite: Structural Analysis?
Authors: Mejri Chadha , Oueslati Walid , Amara Abdesslem Ben Haj
Published: October 2021

The performance of a clay mineral geomembrane used in the context of a geological barrier for industrial and radioactive waste confinement must pass through the understanding of its hydrous response as well as the limits of the cation exchange process which are closely related to the solid/liquid ratio constraint. The Na-rich montmorillonite is used, as starting material, to evaluate the link between the applied external constraint (variable solid/liquid ratio) and the structural response of the material. The geochemical constraint is realized at the laboratory scale, and the possible effects are investigated in the cases of Ba2+ and Ni2+ heavy metal cations. The structural analysis is achieved using the XRD profile modeling approach to quantify the interlayer space (IS) deformation. The quantitative XRD analysis, which consists of the comparison of experimental 001 reflections with the calculated ones deduced from structural models, allowed us to determine the optimal structural parameters describing IS configuration along the [Formula: see text] axis. The obtained result showed an interstratified hydration character, for both studied exchangeable cations, regardless of the solid/liquid ratio being described probably by a partial cation exchange process. The theoretical mixed layer structure (MLS) suggests the coexistence of more one cristallite species saturated by more than one exchangeable cations, indicating a partial saturation of all exchangeable sites. The optimum structural parameter values, from the theoretical model, allowed us to follow the evolution of several intrinsic properties versus the applied constraint strength. The variable solid/liquid ratio effect on the material porosity is examined by the BET-specific surface area and BJH pore size distribution (PSD) analyses. The adsorption measurement outcomes confirm XRD results concerning mainly the link between several intrinsic clay properties and the constraint strength.