bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak cosmic censorship conjecture for the novel 4D charged Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet black hole with test scalar field and particle
Authors: Yang Si-Jiang , Wan Jun-Jie , Chen Jing , Yang Jie , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: October 2020

Recent researches of the novel 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) gravity have attracted great attention. In this paper, we investigate the validity of the weak cosmic censorship conjecture for a novel 4D charged EGB black hole with test charged scalar field and test charged particle respectively. For the test charged field scattering process, we find that both extremal and near-extremal black holes cannot be overcharged. For the test charged particle injection, to first order, an extremal black hole cannot be overcharged while a near-extremal 4D charged EGB black hole can be destroyed. To second order, however, both extremal and near-extremal 4D charged EGB black holes can be overcharged for positive Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant; for negative Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant, an extremal black hole cannot be overcharged and the validity of the weak cosmic censorship conjecture for a near-extremal black hole depends on the Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant.
Is there evidence for a hotter Universe?
Authors: Bengaly Carlos A. P. , Gonzalez Javier E. , Alcaniz Jailson S.
Published: October 2020

The measurement of present-day temperature of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), $$T_0 = 2.72548 \pm 0.00057$$

T
0

=
2.72548
±
0.00057

 K (1$$\sigma $$
σ
), made by the Far-InfraRed Absolute Spectrophotometer (FIRAS) as recalibrated by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), is one of the most precise measurements ever made in Cosmology. On the other hand, estimates of the Hubble Constant, $$H_0$$

H
0

, obtained from measurements of the CMB temperature fluctuations assuming the standard $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM model exhibit a large ($$4.1\sigma $$

4.1
σ

) tension when compared with low-redshift, model-independent observations. Recently, some authors argued that a slightly change in $$T_0$$

T
0

could alleviate or solve the $$H_0$$

H
0

-tension problem. Here, we investigate evidence for a hotter or colder universe by performing an independent analysis from currently available temperature-redshift T(z) measurements. Our analysis (parametric and non-parametric) shows a good agreement with the FIRAS measurement and a discrepancy of $$\ge 1.9\sigma $$

≥
1.9
σ

from the $$T_0$$

T
0

values required to solve the $$H_0$$

H
0

tension. This result reinforces the idea that a solution of the $$H_0$$

H
0

-tension problem in fact requires either a better understanding of the systematic errors on the $$H_0$$

H
0

measurements or new physics.
Characters and group invariant polynomials of (super)fields: road to “Lagrangian”
Authors: Banerjee Upalaparna , Chakrabortty Joydeep , Prakash Suraj , Rahaman Shakeel Ur
Published: October 2020

The dynamics of the subatomic fundamental particles, represented by quantum fields, and their interactions are determined uniquely by the assigned transformation properties, i.e., the quantum numbers associated with the underlying symmetry of the model under consideration. These fields constitute a finite number of group invariant operators which are assembled to build a polynomial, known as the Lagrangian of that particular model. The order of the polynomial is determined by the mass dimension. In this paper, we have introduced an automated $${\texttt {Mathematica}}^{\tiny \textregistered }$$

Mathematica

®

package, GrIP, that computes the complete set of operators that form a basis at each such order for a model containing any number of fields transforming under connected compact groups. The spacetime symmetry is restricted to the Lorentz group. The first part of the paper is dedicated to formulating the algorithm of GrIP. In this context, the detailed and explicit construction of the characters of different representations corresponding to connected compact groups and respective Haar measures have been discussed in terms of the coordinates of their respective maximal torus. In the second part, we have documented the user manual of GrIP that captures the generic features of the main program and guides to prepare the input file. We have attached a sub-program CHaar to compute characters and Haar measures for $$SU(N), SO(2N), SO(2N+1), Sp(2N)$$

S
U
(
N
)
,
S
O
(
2
N
)
,
S
O
(
2
N
+
1
)
,
S
p
(
2
N
)

. This program works very efficiently to find out the higher mass (non-supersymmetric) and canonical (supersymmetric) dimensional operators relevant to the effective field theory (EFT). We have demonstrated the working principles with two examples: the standard model (SM) and the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM). We have further highlighted important features of GrIP, e.g., identification of effective operators leading to specific rare processes linked with the violation of baryon and lepton numbers, using several beyond standard model (BSM) scenarios. We have also tabulated a complete set of dimension-6 operators for each such model. Some of the operators possess rich flavour structures which are discussed in detail. This work paves the way towards BSM-EFT.
DYNAMIC INTERCONNECTEDNESS AND RISK CONTAGION AMONG ASIAN FINANCIAL MARKETS
Authors: DOGAH KINGSLEY E. , PREMARATNE GAMINI
Published: October 2020

This study investigates dynamic interconnectedness, spillover transmissions and risk contagion through the lens of intraday and overnight returns to ascertain whether intraday and overnight trading information (returns) have idiosyncratic effects on risk behavior of financial markets. The study employs the generalized VAR-based spillover measure, graph theory and Bayesian causality network (BN) models. Our results reveal that spillover propagation from the US market is mainly through the intraday return series to Asian markets, whereas the overnight series is mainly a recipient of spillovers. Furthermore, in terms of risk contagion, the result identifies the most systemically central financial markets (SCFMs) as Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan. In particular, the findings demonstrate that while Singapore maintains the role as the most systemically central markets in large part, other markets occasionally took the leading role as most central markets. Overall, the findings provide important practical implications for market regulators and investors to monitor the channels of trading information and the performance of SCFMs for better risk management and strategic investment decisions.
Neutron stars as probes of dark matter
Authors: Pérez-García M. Ángeles , Silk Joseph
Published: October 2020

Neutron Stars (NSs) are compact stellar objects that are stable solutions in General Relativity. Their internal structure is usually described using an equation of state that involves the presence of ordinary matter and its interactions. However there is now a large consensus that an elusive sector of matter in the universe, described as dark matter, remains as yet undiscovered. In such a case, NSs should contain both, baryonic and dark matter. We argue that depending on the nature of the dark matter and in certain circumstances, the two matter components would form a mixture inside NSs that could trigger further changes, some of them observable. The very existence of NSs constrains the nature and interactions of dark matter in the universe.
Bubble Complex Finite Strip Method in the Stability and Vibration Analysis of Orthotropic Laminated Composite Plates
Authors: Sekhavatjou Mohammad , Azhari Mojtaba , Sarrami-Foroushani Saeid
Published: October 2020

In this study, a bubble complex finite strip method (BCFSM) with the higher-order zigzag theory is formulated for mechanical buckling and free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates, including cross-ply and angle-ply laminates. Few studies have been done to obtain the analytical solutions for clamped and free boundary conditions in the longitudinal and transverse edges. Therefore, this study, for the first time, investigates the effects of various boundary conditions on the stability and vibration results of laminated composite plates subjected to axial or pure shear forces with the use of higher-order zigzag theory and BCFSM. Following this, both the interlaminar continuity conditions of transverse shear stresses and the shear-free surface conditions are satisfied by applying a cubic displacement and a zigzag linear varying displacement with the same number of unknowns as the first-order shear deformation theories. Moreover, the effects of width-to-thickness ratio, fiber orientation, number of modes, different dimensional ratios of the plate, and finally, the number of layers are investigated through numerical examples. The bubble shape functions are exploited in the transverse direction to improve the convergence of the method. Finally, the shearing and axial interaction diagrams of composite laminated plates are presented for various types of boundary conditions.
Finite groups with given nearly SΦ-embedded subgroups
Authors: Amjid Venus , Cao Chenchen , Mao Yuemei
Published: October 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group and [Formula: see text] a subgroup of [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] is said to be [Formula: see text]-permutably embedded in [Formula: see text] if a Sylow [Formula: see text]-subgroup of [Formula: see text] is also a Sylow [Formula: see text]-subgroup of some [Formula: see text]-permutable subgroup of [Formula: see text] for every prime dividing the order of [Formula: see text]. We say that [Formula: see text] is nearly[Formula: see text]-embedded in [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] has a normal subgroup [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-permutable in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the subgroup of [Formula: see text] generated by all those subgroups of [Formula: see text] which are [Formula: see text]-permutably embedded in [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the properties of the nearly [Formula: see text]-embedded subgroups and use them to determine the structure of finite groups. Some known results are generalized.
Strong convergence theorem for fixed points of relatively nonexpansive multi-valued mappings and equilibrium problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Taiwo Adeolu , Alakoya Timilehin Opeyemi , Mewomo Oluwatosin Temitope
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study the problem of finding a common element of the solution set of monotone equilibrium problem and the fixed point set of relatively nonexpansive multi-valued mappings in uniformly convex and uniformly smooth Banach spaces. We introduce a Halpern-S-iteration for solving the problem and establish a strong convergence theorem. Some consequences and applications of our main results are discussed. Some numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the convergence and computational performance of our algorithm in comparison with others having similar features. The numerical results have confirmed that the proposed algorithm has a competitive advantage over the existing methods. Our results extend and generalize some results in the literature in this direction.
Connectivity, indecomposable, and weakly reversible in S-posets
Authors: Al Subaiei Bana
Published: October 2020

Over the past four decades an extensive literature covered the properties of [Formula: see text]-acts. However, only few studies had generalized some known properties of [Formula: see text]-acts to the [Formula: see text]-posets. The reversible, and indecomposable properties in [Formula: see text]-posets have been addressed previously but connectivity has not been defined in [Formula: see text]-posets yet. Connectivity property was found to be related to those of reversibility and flatness in the category of [Formula: see text]-acts. The primary objective of this paper is to define connectivity in the category of [Formula: see text]-posets for both versions: ordered “poconnected” and unordered “connected”. Examples are presented to show the difference between the two versions. The relationship between connectivity with other properties such as reversibility, and indecomposability had also been investigated. We show that the poconnected in [Formula: see text]-posets is always indecomposable, but the inverse is not true. We also find that the weakly reversible is always connected and indecomposable. These relations among these properties in [Formula: see text]-posets are different from their corresponding relations in [Formula: see text]-acts.
Completely 0-simple semigroup with the basis property
Authors: Al-Dayel Ibrahim , Al Khalaf Ahmad
Published: October 2020

A semigroup [Formula: see text] is said to have the Basis Property if for any subsemigroup [Formula: see text] of a semigroup [Formula: see text], any two bases for [Formula: see text] have the same cardinality. The structure of completely [Formula: see text]-simple semigroup with the Basis Property is described. In particular, we proved that each completely [Formula: see text]-simple semigroup [Formula: see text] has the Basis Property if and only if [Formula: see text] satisfies one of the following conditions:

(1) [Formula: see text] is produced from a completely simple semigroup with adjoint zero. (2) [Formula: see text] is an isomorphic to Rees’s semigroup [Formula: see text] over a group [Formula: see text] with sandwich matrix [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], in addition [Formula: see text] has a zero in every row and column.
Existence of optimal solution to the problem of finding an initial condition for nonlinear diffusion from integral observations
Authors: Oanh Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Giang Le Thi Thu
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we study the problem of reconstructing an unknown initial condition for nonlinear diffusion from integral observations which have many practical meanings. We reformulate this problem as a variational one to minimizing objective functional. We prove the existence of this minimized problem in our main result.
An experimental study of a DC optimization algorithm for bimatrix games
Authors: Anzi Aicha , Kasri Ramzi , Lenouar Hicham , Radjef Mohammed Said
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a nonconvex approach for computing a Nash equilibrium in bimatrix games. It relies on the Linear Complementarity Problem (LCP) formulation of the game and follows the Difference of Convex Algorithm (DCA) general scheme. To measure the performance of the proposed approach, numerical experiments as well as a comparative study with the Lemke Howson (LH) algorithm are carried out.
Analysis on the influence factors of the acoustic absorption performance of porous fiber materials
Authors: Li Lijun , Dong Fuxiang , Gang Xianyue , Sun Fengshan , Zhang Xueyi
Published: October 2020

Porous fiber materials are the most widely used acoustic absorption materials at present, and they have excellent acoustic absorption performance. This paper uses the finite element method to explore the factors affecting the acoustic absorption performance of porous fiber materials, including flow resistance, thickness of the porous fiber material, incidence angle, and back cavity thickness. Due to the complex acoustic absorption mechanism of porous fiber materials, an equivalent fluid model is used to simulate the acoustic absorption properties of the porous fiber materials. The correlation of acoustic absorption performance and the model of the back cavity was analyzed. An impedance tube test was implemented to verify the simulation results.
Thermoluminescence of Cu-Doped Li2B4O7+PTFE Annealed by Graphene Exposed to X-Rays and Gamma Radiation
Authors: Thiyagarajan Swarnapriya , Vallejo M. A. , Cerón P. , Gomez-Solis C. , Wiechers C. , Montes E. , Navarro R. , Sosa M. A.
Published: October 2020

Lithium tetraborate (LTB) was doped with copper (0.1%) to enhance the LTB thermoluminescent (TL) properties. A graphene reducing atmosphere was used to increase the vacancies of oxygen in the crystalline structure. LTB:Cu [Formula: see text] PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) pellets were prepared by mixing the Li2B4O7:Cu with PTFE in a 4:1 ratio. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Crystals of Li2B4O7 with the average size of 134[Formula: see text]nm were obtained. The presence of copper was confirmed by SEM. The TL response of LTB:Cu PTFE pellets was studied with [Formula: see text] radiation by using a [Formula: see text]Co source. TTL response shows a linear behavior depending on the radiation dose. The effect of annealing time on TL glow curve was analyzed from 2[Formula: see text]h to 10[Formula: see text]h by irradiating with X-rays. The effect of mass on the TL response was studied varying the mass of the sample from 10[Formula: see text]mg to 50[Formula: see text]mg. From various heating rate studies, it was observed that the TL intensity increased when heating rate was gradually increased. The kinetic parameters were calculated by using computer deconvolution methods. The dosimetric property results showed that this material could have good potential application in a radiation dosimeter for radiation therapy treatment in the medical field.
Strategic Analysis on the Potential of Coastal Reservoirs in Reshaping Indian Coastal Economic Corridor
Authors: Yang Shu-Qing , Sitharam T. G. , Sivakumar Muttucumaru , Kolathayar Sreevalsa , Gowda Ramesh
Published: October 2020

In general, people like to live near the coast because of a better aesthetical pleasing living environment, access to a variety of recreational activities and more job opportunities. Consequently, more than 50% of the world’s population live within 200[Formula: see text]km of the coast, and ¾ of the world’s megacities are situated by the shore. Significant pressure on land, water supply, waste management and other infrastructures appear in these coastal cities. India, which hosts one-sixth of the world’s population is looking for strategies to manage India’s coastal cities, water, land and human resources. This paper reviews China’s experience in water resources development for coastal cities. China’s coastal economic corridor (CEC) contributes 60% of the national GDP, which needs plentiful water supply to sustain its coastal cities. The present investigation shows that India has better natural conditions to develop its CEC. Among the coastal infrastructures, coastal reservoirs (i.e., CRs) should be the priority, which nourishes the coastal prosperity. This paper also discusses the feasibility of water–oil exchange project between India and Persian Gulf countries.
Skipping Breakfast Is Associated with an Atherogenic Lipid Profile in Overweight and Obese Prepubertal Children
Authors: Blasetti A. , Franchini S. , Castorani V. , Comegna L. , Fornari E. , Daniele F. , Prezioso G. , Piona C. , Federico V. , Zona D. , Bresadola I. , Chiarelli F. , Maffeis C.
Published: October 2020

Background. Skipping breakfast has been associated with a higher risk of obesity and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. However, it is not known if skipping breakfast is also correlated with CV risk factors independently from obesity. The mechanisms explaining the role of skipping breakfast on promoting fat accumulation as well as CV risk are not known. Hormones, in particular, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), may potentially play a role in the metabolic profile of breakfast skippers. Aim. This cross-sectional study aims to test, in a sample of overweight/obese children, the hypotheses that skipping breakfast is associated with a worse metabolic profile and that IGF-1 levels are associated with this unfavorable metabolic profile. Methods and Results. We enrolled 112 overweight/obese prepubertal children (3–12 years). Anthropometric characteristics (height SDS, weight SDS, and body mass index (BMI) z-score) were measured. Blood samples were collected to evaluate glucose and lipid metabolisms and hormone profile (growth hormone (GH), IGF-1, insulin, and cortisol). The triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio was calculated as a predictor of cardiovascular risk. Children were divided into two groups according to breakfast habits: consumers (≥5 weekly; N = 76) and skippers (≤4 weekly; N = 36). Glycaemia, total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (p<0.05), and triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio (p<0.001) were higher, while HDL cholesterol was lower (p<0.01) in skippers as compared to consumers. IGF-1 concentrations were inversely correlated with LDL cholesterol (r = −0.279, p=0.013) and directly correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.226, p=0.047). IGF-1 correlated positively with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.266, p=0.045) in consumers and correlated negatively with LDL cholesterol (r = −0.442, p=0.024) in skippers. Breakfast consumption among prepubertal overweight/obese children showed a better lipid profile in comparison with those who skipped breakfast [OR: 0.165 (95% CI: 0.053–0.518), p=0.001]; these latter odds of the increased triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio was 6.1-fold higher. Conclusions. Breakfast skippers show a worse lipid profile when compared to breakfast consumers. IGF-1 might play a role as an independent modulator of lipid metabolism.
A Critical Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses on Acupuncture for Poststroke Insomnia
Authors: Huang Jinke , Wu Manli , Liang Simin , Qin Xiaohui , Shen Min , Li Jiansen , Huang Yong
Published: October 2020

Objectives. Acupuncture has increasingly been used for insomnia relief after stroke. We aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and summarize the evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for poststroke insomnia (PSI) from systematic reviews/meta‐analyses (SRs/MAs). Methods. Eight databases were searched from inception through August 23, 2020. SRs/MAs on acupuncture treatment for PSI were included. Methodological quality assessment was performed using Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR‐2), and evidence quality assessment was performed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results. Six SRs/MAs on acupuncture treatment for PSI were included. The AMSTAR‐2 showed that the methodological quality of all included SRs/MAs was rated as critically low. According to the evaluation results of GRADE, 38.9% (7/18) of outcomes were rated as very low‐quality evidence, 22.2% (4/18) were low‐quality evidence, and 8.9% (7/18) were moderate‐quality evidence. Descriptive analysis results showed that acupuncture was an effective treatment modality for PSI. Conclusions. All included reviews indicated that acupuncture was more effective than the control group for the treatment of PSI, but the credibility of the results is limited owing to the generally low methodological and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs. More high‐quality evidence is needed to determine whether acupuncture is more effective than other treatments.
The Attitudes of Relatives of ICU Patients toward Informed Consent for Clinical Research
Authors: Mahafzah Rania , Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F.
Published: October 2020

Background. Informed consent is a key ethical requirement for biomedical research that is implemented to ensure autonomy and voluntary participation. However, patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) may be unconscious or severely ill and thus lack the capacity for decisions about research participation. Thus, relatives or guardians are usually asked to provide informed consent prior to the inclusion of ICU patients in research.Aims. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and preferences of relatives of ICU patients toward informed consent in biomedical research in Jordan.Subjects and Methods.A sample of 184 relatives with a critically ill next of kin in the ICU was anonymously surveyed regarding their attitudes and preferences toward giving informed consent for biomedical research on behalf of their patients.Results. The study showed that the majority of relatives had a positive attitude toward the informed consent process on behalf of their patients in the ICU (72.3%). The perception that participation in research would be directly beneficial to their patient was the most significant reason to provide informed consent among relatives. The degree of relatedness to the patient was significantly associated with the decision to provide informed consent on behalf of the patients in the ICU. Additionally, more than 70% of the relatives strongly agreed to take part in clinical research if they were to be unconscious patients in the ICU. Moreover, the majority of the respondents agreed that their first-degree relatives would give consent on their behalf.Conclusion. Relatives with a critically ill next of kin in the ICU had positive attitudes toward providing informed consent on behalf of their patients. This was motivated by the direct benefit from the research to their patient.
A Study on a Quantitative Analysis Method for Fire and Explosion Risk Assessment of Offshore Platforms
Authors: Shang Zhaohui , Yan Huibin , Ruan Weidong , Bai Yong
Published: October 2020

Proper design of the explosion loads is of vital importance in the risk assessment of explosions for offshore oil and gas installations. A quantitative assessment method for gas explosion loads in process modules of offshore platform is proposed in this paper. The proposed approach achieves the following three objectives: (a) defining a suitable number of leak scenarios quantitatively based on the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) technique and statistical analysis; (b) defining the explosion scenarios according to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) dispersion analysis results in the sampled leak scenarios; (c) designing the explosion loads on interested areas according to the CFD analysis results in different explosion scenarios and exceedance probability methods. The proposed method was applied to a process module of an example offshore platform. The pressure loads on interested areas of the example platform are very close to that suggested in Det Norske Veritas (DNV) codes. The method developed in this paper can benefit the engineers on better assessment of gas explosion risk in process modules for offshore installations.
Wavelet Scattering Transform for ECG Beat Classification
Authors: Liu Zhishuai , Yao Guihua , Zhang Qing , Zhang Junpu , Zeng Xueying
Published: October 2020

An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart; it contains rich pathological information on cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmia. However, it is difficult to visually analyze ECG signals due to their complexity and nonlinearity. The wavelet scattering transform can generate translation-invariant and deformation-stable representations of ECG signals through cascades of wavelet convolutions with nonlinear modulus and averaging operators. We proposed a novel approach using wavelet scattering transform to automatically classify four categories of arrhythmia ECG heartbeats, namely, nonectopic (N), supraventricular ectopic (S), ventricular ectopic (V), and fusion (F) beats. In this study, the wavelet scattering transform extracted 8 time windows from each ECG heartbeat. Two dimensionality reduction methods, principal component analysis (PCA) and time window selection, were applied on the 8 time windows. These processed features were fed to the neural network (NN), probabilistic neural network (PNN), and k-nearest neighbour (KNN) classifiers for classification. The 4th time window in combination with KNN (k=4) has achieved the optimal performance with an averaged accuracy, positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity of 99.3%, 99.6%, 99.5%, and 98.8%, respectively, using tenfold cross-validation. Thus, our proposed model is capable of highly accurate arrhythmia classification and will provide assistance to physicians in ECG interpretation.
Molecular Mechanisms of Glial Cells Related Signaling Pathways Involved in the Neuroinflammatory Response of Depression
Authors: Wang Junhui , Qin Jie , Wang Peng , Sun Yu , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2020

Dysfunction of the glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, is one of the pathological features in many psychiatric disorders, including depression, which emphasizes that glial cells driving neuroinflammation is not only an important pathological change in depression but also a potential therapeutic target. In this review, we summarized a recent update about several signaling pathways in which glial cells may play their roles in depression through neuroinflammatory reactions. We focused on the basic knowledge of these signaling pathways by elaborating each of them. This review may provide an updated image about the recent advances on these signaling pathways that are essential parts of neuroinflammation involved in depression.
Novel Solution Method for Inventory Models with Stochastic Demand and Defective Units
Authors: Luo Xu-Ren , Chu Chun-Hsiao , Chao Henry C. J.
Published: October 2020

This paper is a response to two papers. We improve the lengthy proof for the first paper by an elegant verification. For the second paper, we point out the three-sequence approach will result in different convergent rates such that when the other two sequences are converged, the ordering quantity sequence may still not converge to the optimal solution. We construct a novel iterative method to simplify the previous approach proposed by the three-sequence approach for the optimal solution. By the same numerical examples of three published papers, we demonstrate that we can control our findings to converge more accurately than previous results. Moreover, we show that there are three distinct features of our proposed approach. (i) It converges to the desired solution within the preassigned threshold value. (ii) We estimate the convergent ratio. (iii) We find the dominant factors for our proposed convergent sequence.
The Optimization Research of Diesel Cylinder Gasket Parameters Based on Hybrid Neutral Network and Improved Grey Wolf Algorithm
Authors: Dong Yi , Liu Jianmin , Liu Yanbin , Qiao Xinyong , Zhang Xiaoming , Kang Qi , Wang Tianqi
Published: October 2020

In order to improve reliability and fatigue life of cylinder gaskets in heavy duty diesel engine, several methods and algorithms are applied to optimize operating factors of gaskets. Finite element method is utilized to figure out and analyze the temperature fields, thermal-mechanical coupling stress fields, and deformations of gasket. After determining the maximum values of three state parameters, the orthogonal experimental design method is adopted to analyze the influence rules of five operating factors on three state parameters of the gaskets and four factors which most significantly affect these state parameters are determined. Then, the method which uses operating factors to predict state parameters is established on the application of hybrid neuron network based on partial least squares regression and deep neural network. The comparison results between the predicted values and real values verified the accuracy of the hybrid neuron network method. Based on artificial bee colony algorithm, improvement is attached to the way three kinds of grey wolves locate preys in grey wolf algorithm and the way how using different hierarchy wolfs in grey wolf algorithm to determine three weight coefficients and the location of prey is put forward with. The method using artificial bee colony algorithm to optimize the grey wolf algorithm is called ABC and GWO. The proposed HNN and the ABC and GWO method are applied to work out operating factors values which correspond to optimal state parameters of gasket, and the gaskets are optimized according to the optimal values. It has been demonstrated by finite element analysis results that maximum temperature, maximum coupling stress, and the maximum deformation decrease to 6 K, 12.57 MPa, and 0.0925 mm compared to the original values, respectively, which proves the accuracy of the algorithm and the validity of the improvement.
An Assistance to Project Risk Management Based on Complex Systems Theory and Agile Project Management
Authors: Marle Franck
Published: October 2020

Project Risk Management is crucial in determining the future performance of a complex project. Increasing project complexity makes it more and more difficult to anticipate potential events that could affect the project and to make effective decisions to reduce project risk exposure. To tackle these conceptual and managerial issues, the proposed approach introduces Complex Systems Theory-based improvements into some PRM subprocesses and runs the global PRM process using Agile Project Management principles. We argue that these advanced techniques for managing project risk complexity, notably risk interdependencies, are coherent with the distributed, self-organized nature of agile teams. This new way of structuring and executing Project Risk Management offers the possibility to make decisions more frequently, when needed, with a more distributed authority, and with richer information about anticipation of events and consequences of actions. First results show an appropriation of this combined approach by project members due to agile principles that allows for getting the more reliable information promised by Complex Systems Theory.
Efficient Processing of Image Processing Applications on CPU/GPU
Authors: Naz Najia , Haseeb Malik Abdul , Khurshid Abu Bakar , Aziz Furqan , Alouffi Bader , Uddin M. Irfan , AlGhamdi Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Heterogeneous systems have gained popularity due to the rapid growth in data and the need for processing this big data to extract useful information. In recent years, many healthcare applications have been developed which use machine learning algorithms to perform tasks such as image classification, object detection, image segmentation, and instance segmentation. The increasing amount of big visual data requires images to be processed efficiently. It is common that we use heterogeneous systems for such type of applications, as processing a huge number of images on a single PC may take months of computation. In heterogeneous systems, data are distributed on different nodes in the system. However, heterogeneous systems do not distribute images based on the computing capabilities of different types of processors in the node; therefore, a slow processor may take much longer to process an image compared to a faster processor. This imbalanced workload distribution observed in heterogeneous systems for image processing applications is the main cause of inefficient execution. In this paper, an efficient workload distribution mechanism for image processing applications is introduced. The proposed approach consists of two phases. In the first phase, image data are divided into an ideal split size and distributed amongst nodes, and in the second phase, image data are further distributed between CPU and GPU according to their computation speeds. Java bindings for OpenCL are used to configure both the CPU and GPU to execute the program. The results have demonstrated that the proposed workload distribution policy efficiently distributes the images in a heterogeneous system for image processing applications and achieves 50% improvements compared to the current state-of-the-art programming frameworks.
Research on Design Indicators for Graded Crushed Stone Mixture Based on Vibration Molding Method
Authors: Chen Li-biao , Yan Er-hu , Xu Jian , Ma Tao , Zeng Jun-cheng , Gong Yan
Published: October 2020

The asphalt pavement easily shows the diseases like cracking, rutting, and structural water damage during the early service life in Fujian province for the complex effects of very high temperature, easily rainy climatic condition, and high‐frequency heavy loading. However, the corresponding studies and strategies are still rare. Herein, in order to study the relationship of compaction methods on the stress‐strain characteristics and shear strength of graded crushed stone mixtures, 11 kinds of typical graded crushed stone mixtures, which were taken from the five different expressways under construction in Fujian Province, were molded by both the modified vibration compaction and modified Proctor compaction. The results indicate that the modified vibration molding method matches much better with the compaction of practical projects and can be used to evaluate the performance of graded crushed stone mixtures. Further, the performance indexes got by the modified vibration compaction and the modified Proctor compaction have strong correlations. Therefore, based on the modified vibration compaction, the guidelines for standardized mix design of graded crushed stone mixture in Fujian province are proposed: the resilient modulus of 300 MPa and the deformation rate of 10–8 in the dynamic triaxial test are used as the performance indicators of the bearing capacity and the antideformation ability; the shear strength of 400 kPa in the static triaxial test is used as the performance indicators of the shear failure resistance. Besides, most limestone mixtures perform well and have the advantages of good resistance to permanent deformation and shear resistance.
Physicochemical Characterization of Mining Waste from the Betare-Oya Gold Area (East Cameroon) and an Adsorption Test by Sabga Smectite (North-West Cameroon)
Authors: Luc Leroy Mambou Ngueyep , Jacques Richard Mache , Mouhamed Ayiwouo Ngounouno , Sifeu Takougang Kingni , Reynolds Yvan Abende Sayom , Said Roukaiyatou
Published: October 2020

This paper, firstly, characterizes the mining waste of the Betare-Oya gold area (East Cameroon). Surface waters are sampled and characterized physically (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and suspended solids) and chemically by the determination of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cr, As, and Pb). The concentrations of heavy metals in sediment samples are determined by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) analysis. The statistical analysis tool is used to determine the existing correlation between the different physicochemical parameters. Secondly, an adsorption test for heavy metals determined is carried out on smectic clay of Sabga (North-West Cameroon) at ambient temperature. The results of physicochemical characterization of water samples reveal that waters of this gold mining zone are slightly acidic to neutral (6.3 pH < 7.1), mineralized (18.54 EC < 43 μs.cm−1), turbid (60 SS < 237.67 NTU), and polluted by suspended solids (50.5 < SS < 666.6 mg L−1).The determination of heavy metals in water samples shows that manganese, iron, arsenic, and lead concentrations are above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. This indicates pollution. High concentrations of heavy metals as Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, and Cr are observed in sediment samples. The correlation analysis indicates high correlations between turbidity and suspended solids; cadmium and lead in water samples; and copper and iron in sediment samples. The adsorption test reveals that the maximum percentage removal is 60, 89, 55, −89.74, and 100% for Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Pb, respectively, after adding 0.5 g of Sabga smectic clay. This clay has a good potential adsorption of lead, zinc, manganese, and copper. However, the operating conditions favored desorption of iron.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Epidemiology and Mortality Rate at King Fahad Specialist Hospital (KFSH) in Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alajaji Abdullah , Chandra Shekaran Jagannath , Mohammed Aldhabbah Omar , Alhindi Hajar Abdullah , Almazyad Nouf Salem , Aljutayli Ziyad Abdulrahman , Abaalkhail Saleh , Alfouzan Saleh
Published: October 2020

Background. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are life-threatening conditions caused by drug reactions. There are multiple causative drugs and different risk factors associated with SJS/TEN. Objectives. To study the epidemiology of SJS/TEN and associated mortality rate in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology. A retrospective chart review of all patients with the diagnosis of SJS/TEN who were admitted to King Fahad Specialist Hospital (KFSH) in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, for the period between Jan 2014 to Jan 2019. The Careware information health system is used at KFSH, and patients were identified searching the diagnosis SJS/TEN. Results. Total of 10 patients with diagnosis of SJS/TEN were admitted to KFSH for the period from Jan 2014 to Jan 2019. Antibiotics were the culprit in 5 out of 10 patients. 9 out of 10 patients survived with good outcome. One patient with the diagnosis of TEN died, given extensive skin involvement complicated by sepsis. Conclusion. Despite the limitation of this study given small sample size, this is the first study of its kind that discusses the epidemiology of SJS/TEN in Saudi Arabia. We found the estimated incidence rate of SJS/TEN in Qassim region to be 7.6 cases per million person-years. Antibiotics and antiepileptics were the culprits in 8 out of 10 patients.
Effects of Bronchoalveolar Lavage with Ambroxol Hydrochloride on Treating Pulmonary Infection in Patients with Cerebral Infarction and on Serum Proinflammatory Cytokines, MDA and SOD
Authors: Meng Fanhua , Cheng Jing , Sang Peng , Wang Jianhui
Published: October 2020

Objective. This paper was aimed at investigating the effects of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with ambroxol hydrochloride (AH) on treating pulmonary infection and on serum proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress responses in patients with cerebral infarction (CI). Methods. One hundred and two patients with cerebral infarction complicated with pulmonary infection (CIPI) who were treated in our hospital were enrolled as research objects, divided into an observation group (52 cases; AH combined with BAL) and a control group (50 cases; single AH) based on therapeutic schemes. They were compared in terms of the therapeutic effect and pre- and posttreatment serum inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function, and serum indices of oxidative stress. Their adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded and compared. Results. The therapeutic effect in the observation group was remarkably better than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function, and serum indices of oxidative stress were remarkably improved in the two groups (P<0.05), but the improvement was remarkably better in the observation group (P<0.05). The differences were not significant in intratreatment adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion. For CIPI patients, BAL with AH has a better therapeutic effect and higher safety and can control the patients’ systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress responses, so it is worthy of further promotion in clinical practice.
The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?
Authors: Kiełczykowska Małgorzata , Musik Irena
Published: October 2020

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as theper seeffects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.
Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic on Evolution of Diabetes in Malaria-Endemic African Region
Authors: Acquah Samuel
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause havoc to many countries of the globe, with no end in sight, due to nonavailability of a given vaccine or treatment regimen. The pandemic has so far had a relatively limited impact on the African continent, which contributes more than 93% of global malaria burden. However, the limited burden of COVID-19 pandemic on the African region could have long-term implications on the health and wellbeing of affected inhabitants due to its malaria-endemic status. Malaria causes recurrent insulin resistance with episodes of infection at relatively low parasitaemia. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is widely distributed in the human body is implicated in the pathogenesis of malaria, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and COVID-19. Use of ACE2 by the COVID-19 virus induces inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to insulin resistance. Although COVID-19 patients in malaria-endemic African region may not exhibit severe signs and symptoms of the disease, their risk of exhibiting heightened insulin resistance and possible future development of T2DM is high due to their prior exposure to malaria. African governments must double efforts at containing the continued spread of the virus without neglecting existing malarial control measures if the region is to avert the plausible long-term impact of the pandemic in terms of future development of T2DM.
Assessment of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Mutant Lines for Drought Tolerance
Authors: Gnankambary Karidiatou , Sawadogo Nerbéwendé , Diéni Zakaria , Batieno Téyouré Benoit Joseph , Tignegré Jean Baptiste De Salle , Sawadogo Mahamadou , Ouédraogo Tinga Jeremy
Published: October 2020

Cowpea provides the cheapest source of protein with an average range of protein content of 23–30%. However, cowpea growth, development, and yield are greatly affected by drought during flowering and pod filling in the sub-Sahelian areas. The best way to cope with this situation is to develop drought-tolerant cowpea varieties. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate cowpea lines developed through mutagenesis using gamma radiation to assess their reaction under optimal and water-stressed conditions. The response of ten mutants-irradiated Moussa local was then evaluated in pots arranged in a split plot design in a screen house. Two conditions were applied with optimum and water-stressed conditions. The stress was applied for two weeks at flowering. Two cowpea varieties Gorom local (drought-tolerant) and Moussa local (susceptible) nonirradiated were used as checks. Thereafter, field trials under two different sowing dates were conducted to identify the best tolerant mutant line(s) using agromorphological and tolerance indicators. The results indicated that mutant lines (MoussaM51-4P10 and MoussaM43-20P14) exhibited better stress tolerance and produced higher yield under water stress conditions. Stress Tolerance Index (STI) was better to select cowpea mutant tolerant with higher yielding under moderate stress (SI = 35%). The study confirmed that water stress has a negative effect on cowpea seeds production and on leaf chlorophyll content. The high temperature during experiment increased water stress effect mainly on non-irradiated checks (Gorom local and Moussa local).