bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare disparities contribute to missed follow-up visits after cataract surgery in the USA: results from the perioperative care for intraocular lens study
Authors: Moustafa Giannis A , Borkar Durga S , Eton Emily A , Koulisis Nicole , Kloek Carolyn E
Published: March 2021

Objective

To identify factors that contribute to missed cataract surgery follow-up visits, with an emphasis on socioeconomic and demographic factors.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent cataract extraction by phacoemulsification at Massachusetts Eye and Ear between 1 January and 31 December 2014 were reviewed. Second eye cases, remote and international patients, patients with foreign insurance and combined cataract cases were excluded.

Results

A total of 1931 cases were reviewed and 1089 cases, corresponding to 3267 scheduled postoperative visits, were included. Of these visits, 157 (4.8%) were missed. Three (0.3%) postoperative day 1, 40 (3.7%) postoperative week 1 and 114 (10.5%) postoperative month 1 visits were missed. Age<30 years (adjusted OR (aOR)=8.2, 95% CI 1.9 to 35.2) and ≥90 years (aOR=5.7, 95% CI 2.0 to 15.6) compared with patients aged 70–79 years, estimated travel time of >2 hours (aOR=3.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.4), smokers (aOR=2.7, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.8) and complications identified up to the postoperative visit (aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1) predicted a higher rate of missed visits. Ocular comorbidities (aOR=0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 1.0) and previous visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/50–20/80 (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.7) and 20/90–20/200 (aOR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.9), compared with BCVA at the previous visit of 20/40 or better, predicted a lower rate of missed visits. Gender, race/ethnicity, language, education, income, insurance, alcohol use and season of the year were not associated with missed visits.

Conclusions

Medical factors and demographic characteristics, including patient age and distance from the hospital, are associated with missed follow-up visits in cataract surgery. Additional studies are needed to identify disparities in cataract postoperative care that are population-specific. This information can contribute to the implementation of policies and interventions for addressing them.
Using rapid cycle tests of change to develop the Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire: a cognitive interview study in the UK
Authors: Sriram Vimal , Jenkinson Crispin , Peters Michele
Published: March 2021

We describe the use of rapid cycle tests of change to pretest and develop a Carers Assistive Technology Experience Questionnaire for a survey of informal carers of persons with dementia. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle is a commonly used improvement process in healthcare settings. We used this method for conducting rapid cycle tests of change through cognitive interviews to pretest the questionnaire. The items for the questionnaire were developed based on an earlier systematic review and qualitative study. PDSA cycles were used incrementally with learning from each cycle used to inform subsequent changes to the questionnaire prior to testing on the next participant.

Design

Qualitative with use of cognitive interviews through rapid cycle tests of change.

Setting

UK.

Results

Nine participants were recruited based on eligibility criteria and purposive sampling. Cognitive interviewing using think aloud and concurrent verbal probing was used to test the comprehension, recall, decision and response choice of participants to the questionnaire. Seven PDSA cycles involving the participants helped identify problems with the questionnaire items, instructions, layout and grouping of items. Participants used a laptop, smartphone and/or tablet computer for testing the electronic version of the questionnaire and one participant also tested the paper version. A cumulative process of presenting items in the questionnaire, anticipating problems with specific items and learning from the unanticipated responses from participants through rapid cycle tests of change allowed rich learning and reflection to progressively improve the questionnaire.

Conclusion

Using rapid cycle tests of change in the pretesting questionnaire phase of research provided a structure for conducting cognitive interviews. Learning and reflections from the rapid testing and revisions made to the questionnaire helped improve the process of reaching the final version of the questionnaire, that the authors were confident would measure what was intended, rapidly and with less respondent burden.
Evaluating access to health and care services during lockdown by the COVID-19 survey in five UK national longitudinal studies
Authors: Topriceanu Constantin-Cristian , Wong Andrew , Moon James C , Hughes Alun D , Bann David , Chaturvedi Nishi , Patalay Praveetha , Conti Gabriella , Captur Gaby
Published: March 2021

Objective

Access to health services and adequate care is influenced by sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic position (SEP) and the burden of comorbidities. Our study aimed to assess whether the COVID-19 pandemic further deepened these already existing health inequalities.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data were collected from five longitudinal age-homogenous British cohorts (born in 2000-2002, 1989-1990, 1970, 1958 and 1946).

Participants

A web survey was sent to the cohorts. Anybody who responded to the survey was included, resulting in 14 891 eligible participants.

Main outcomes measured

The survey provided data on cancelled surgical or medical appointments, and the number of care hours received in a week during the first UK COVID-19 national lockdown.

Interventions

Using binary or ordered logistic regression, we evaluated whether these outcomes differed by sex, ethnicity, SEP and having a chronic illness. Adjustment was made for study design, non-response weights, psychological distress, presence of children or adolescents in the household, COVID-19 infection, key worker status, and whether participants had received a shielding letter. Meta-analyses were performed across the cohorts, and meta-regression was used to evaluate the effect of age as a moderator.

Results

Women (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.55) and those with a chronic illness (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.05) experienced significantly more cancellations during lockdown (all p<0.0001). Ethnic minorities and those with a chronic illness required a higher number of care hours during the lockdown (both OR≈2.00, all p<0.002). SEP was not associated with cancellation or care hours. Age was not independently associated with either outcome in the meta-regression.

Conclusion

The UK government’s lockdown approach during the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have deepened existing health inequalities, impacting predominantly women, ethnic minorities and those with chronic illnesses. Public health authorities need to implement urgent policies to ensure equitable access to health and care for all in preparation for a fourthwave.
Association between social isolation and depression onset among older adults: a cross-national longitudinal study in England and Japan
Authors: Noguchi Taiji , Saito Masashige , Aida Jun , Cable Noriko , Tsuji Taishi , Koyama Shihoko , Ikeda Takaaki , Osaka Ken , Kondo Katsunori
Published: March 2021

Objective

Social isolation is a risk factor for depression in older age. However, little is known regarding whether its impact varies depending on country-specific cultural contexts regarding social relationships. The present study examined the association of social isolation with depression onset among older adults in England, which has taken advanced measures against social isolation, and Japan, a super-aged society with a rapidly increasing number of socially isolated people.

Design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Setting

We used data from two ongoing studies: the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES).

Participants

Older adults aged ≥65 years without depression at baseline were followed up regarding depression onset for 2 years (2010/2011–2012/2013) for the ELSA and 2.5 years (2010/2011–2013) for the JAGES.

Primary outcome measure

Depression was assessed with eight items from the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for the ELSA and Geriatric Depression Scale for the JAGES. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate social isolation using multiple parameters (marital status; interaction with children, relatives and friends; and social participation).

Results

The data of 3331 respondents from the ELSA and 33 127 from the JAGES were analysed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that social isolation was significantly associated with depression onset in both countries. In the ELSA, poor interaction with children was marginally associated with depression onset, while in the JAGES, poor interaction with children and no social participation significantly affected depression onset.

Conclusions

Despite variations in cultural background, social isolation was associated with depression onset in both England and Japan. Addressing social isolation to safeguard older adults’ mental health must be globally prioritised.
Resting metabolic rate in adults with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Vera Kathryn , McConville Mary , Kyba Michael , Keller-Ross Manda
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine whether resting metabolic rate (RMR) is altered in adults with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Eleven people with FSHD (51 ± 12yrs, 2 females) and 11 controls (48 ± 14 yrs, 2 females) completed 1 visit, including 30-minutes of indirect calorimetry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. RMR was calculated from resting oxygen consumption/carbon dioxide production; regional/whole-body fat mass and lean mass were collected from the DXA scan. Absolute RMR was 15% lower in FSHD (p = 0.04); when normalized to regional/local lean mass, no differences in RMR were observed (p > 0.05). Absolute RMR was correlated with total lean mass for all participants combined (p < 0.01, r = 0.70, males only: p < 0.01, r = 0.81) and when analyzed separately (FSHD males: p = 0.001, r = 0.92 and control males: p = 0.004, r = 0.85). Whole-body lean mass was 16% lower in FSHD and leg, arm and appendicular lean mass were lower in FSHD (p < 0.05 for all), though trunk lean mass was not (p = 0.15). Whole-body fat mass was 45% higher in FSHD, with greater leg fat mass (p = 0.01), but not trunk or arm fat mass (p > 0.05 for both). When RMR was expressed relative to lean body mass, no differences in RMR were found, indicating that the lower levels of lean mass observed in FSHD patients likely contribute to the lower absolute RMR values.

Novelty: RMR is lower among people with FSHD, as compared with controls. The reduced RMR among people with FSHD is due to disease-related loss in muscle mass and likely related to lower physical activity and/or exercise levels.
Reinforcement learning in optimizing forest management
Authors: Malo Pekka , Tahvonen Olli , Suominen Antti , Back Philipp , Viitasaari Lauri
Published: March 2021

We solve a stochastic high-dimensional optimal harvesting problem by using reinforcement learning algorithms developed for agents who learn an optimal policy in a sequential decision process through repeated experience. This approach produces optimal solutions without discretization of state and control variables. Our stand-level model includes mixed species, tree size structure, optimal harvest timing, choice between rotation and continuous cover forestry, stochasticity in stand growth, and stochasticity in the occurrence of natural disasters. The optimal solution or policy maps the system state to the set of actions, i.e., clear-cutting, thinning, or no harvest decisions as well as the intensity of thinning over tree species and size classes. The algorithm repeats the solutions for deterministic problems computed earlier with time-consuming methods. Optimal policy describes harvesting choices from any initial state and reveals how the initial thinning versus clear-cutting choice depends on the economic and ecological factors. Stochasticity in stand growth increases the diversity of species composition. Despite the high variability in natural regeneration, the optimal policy closely satisfies the certainty equivalence principle. The effect of natural disasters is similar to an increase in the interest rate, but in contrast to earlier results, this tends to change the management regime from rotation forestry to continuous cover management.
A Multilevel Image Thresholding Method Using the Darwinian Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Ehsaeyan Ehsan , Zolghadrasli Alireza
Published: March 2021

Image segmentation is a prime operation to understand the content of images. Multilevel thresholding is applied in image segmentation because of its speed and accuracy. In this paper, a novel multilevel thresholding algorithm based on Cuckoo search (CS) is introduced. One of the major drawbacks of metaheuristic algorithms is the stagnation phenomenon which leads to a fall into local optimums and premature convergence. To overcome this shortcoming, the idea of Darwinian theory is incorporated with CS algorithm to increase the diversity and quality of the individuals without decreasing the convergence speed of CS algorithm. A policy of encouragement and punishment is considered to lead searching agents in the search space and reduce the computational time. The algorithm is implemented based on dividing the population into specified groups and each group tries to find a better location. Ten test images are selected to verify the ability of our algorithm using the famous energy curve method. Two popular entropies criteria, Otsu and Kapur, are employed to evaluate the capability of the introduced algorithm. Eight different search algorithms are also implemented and compared with our method. Experimental results manifest that DCS is a powerful tool for multilevel thresholding and the obtained results outperform the CS algorithm and other heuristic search methods.
Taxonomy of Manufacturing Firms’ Flexibility Under Influence of Dynamic Organizational Capabilities
Authors: Khoobiyan Mehdi , Pooya Alireza , Tavakoli Ahmad , Rahimnia Fariborz
Published: March 2021

Many scholars mentioned various dimensions and complex relations for manufacturing flexibility that implementing all of them is not possible for a manufacturing firm. On the other hand, today’s dynamic environment convinces flexible organizations to create capabilities in order to take over competitors. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine dominant groups of flexibility for manufacturing firms and to prioritize them under the influence of dynamic organizational capabilities. In this research, firstly components of dynamic organizational capabilities and flexibility of manufacturing are identified by content analysis method. Then, based on that, taxonomy for Iran’s manufacturing firms was determined using support vector machine algorithm. In the next step, based on experts’ view using FDEMATEL method, conceptual model for relationship of manufacturing flexibility dimension as well as dynamic capabilities are provided. Conceptual model in three flexibility clusters was tested by structural equation modeling, and dominant groups were prioritized based on dynamic organizational capabilities. Results show that the best number of clusters is three. Results also show that dynamic organizational capabilities not only affect flexibility dimensions of manufacturing but also this influence is different in manufacturing firms with various industry fields.
Study on the Size Effect of Single Crystal Gallium Oxide During the Nanoindentation Process
Authors: Zhou Hai , Wei Jiahui , Shen Junzhou , Xu Yameng , Zhang Jiequn
Published: March 2021

In order to accurately define the nanomechanical performance parameters of single crystal gallium oxide, the microscopic deformation mechanism during processing is analyzed. On the G200 nanoindenter, the Berkovich indenter made of diamond was used to perform nanoindentation experiments on single crystal gallium oxide (100) and (010) crystal planes by using a quasi-static method to set the load. According to the power law relationship and Nix-Gao model proposed by Manika, the relationship between the hardness of the two crystal faces of single crystal gallium oxide and the depth of indentation is fitted, and the single crystal gallium oxide (100) and (010) crystal faces without considering the size influence factor. The hardness is 8.238[Formula: see text]GPa and 9.824[Formula: see text]GPa, the micro feature length is 101.196[Formula: see text]nm and 88.033[Formula: see text]nm, and the size influence factor is 0.1725 and 0.1706, respectively. The size influencing factors of the two crystal planes are between common metal materials and semiconductor materials. Compared with the (010) crystal plane, the (100) plane exhibits a larger elastic modulus and lower hardness. (100) The indentation size effect of the crystal plane is more obvious.
Exploring the Challenges and Techniques Used for Improving Customer Satisfaction Through TQM: An Empirical Study
Authors: Gupta Pardeep , Mittal Ankesh
Published: March 2021

This paper attempts to explore the challenges faced by a leading tractors manufacturing industry of India on losing its market position and investigate the impact of implementing customer centric Total Quality Management (TQM) initiatives for regaining its market position. XYZ Ltd. adopted TQM as a business tool in 2008 to counter external and internal business challenges. Improving customer satisfaction was one of the major targets for the industry with a purpose to be more competitive. Its TQM journey remained extremely successful and as a result received Deming Award in 2012. The tractors manufactured by it are now at top position from 2011 onwards in the Indian market. The customer satisfaction index has improved from 76 to 106; sales satisfaction index has increased to 105, market share enhanced by 12.6%. The case study presented in this paper may give insight to TQM practitioners to promote similar approaches in their organizations for enhancing customer satisfaction.
Chapter 5.1b Northern Victoria Land: petrology
Authors: Rocchi S. , Smellie J. L.
Published: March 2021

Cenozoic magmatic rocks related to the West Antarctic Rift System crop out right across Antarctica, in Victoria Land, Marie Byrd Land and into Ellsworth Land. Northern Victoria Land, located at the northwestern tip of the western rift shoulder, is unique in hosting the longest record of the rift-related igneous activity: plutonic rocks and cogenetic dyke swarms cover the time span from
c.
50 to 20 Ma, and volcanic rocks are recorded from 15 Ma to the present. The origin of the entire igneous suite is debated; nevertheless, the combination of geochemical and isotopic data with the regional tectonic history supports a model with no role for a mantle plume. Amagmatic extension during the Cretaceous generated an autometasomatized mantle source that, during Eocene–present activity, produced magma by small degrees of melting induced by the transtensional activity of translithospheric fault systems. The emplacement of Eocene–Oligocene plutons and dyke swarms was focused along these fault systems. Conversely, the location of the mid-Miocene–present volcanoes is governed by lithospheric necking along the Ross Sea coast for the largest volcanic edifices; while inland, smaller central volcanoes and scoria cones are related to the establishment of magma chambers in thicker crust.
Open fractures in pre-salt silicified carbonate reservoirs in block BM-C-33, the Outer Campos Basin, offshore Brazil
Authors: Wennberg O. P. , McQueen G. , Vieira de Luca P. H. , Lapponi F. , Hunt D. , Chandler A. S. , Waldum A. , Nery Camargo G. , Castro E. , Loures L.
Published: March 2021

Natural open fractures are present in sidewall cores and in whole-core samples from pre-salt reservoirs in the licence block BM-C-33 in the Campos Basin, Brazil. Open fractures are also observed in borehole image logs, and fracture densities are in general high. The highest density of open fractures is seen in the damage zones above and below larger cavities (amalgamated cavern damage zones (ACDZs)). Outside the ACDZs the fracture density is high in silicified carbonates, where it tends to increase with decreasing porosity. Clean dolomites are less fractured than the silicified interval, while the less brittle argillaceous dolomites have the lowest fracture density. Some fractures appear vuggy on borehole image logs, and fracture densities are high close to vugs and larger cavities. The positive correlation between fractures and vugs is caused by flow of dissolving fluids through open fractures, and fracturing at stress concentrations around vugs. Two major fault zones have been interpreted from borehole image logs that have damage zones with very high fracture density. The well-test permeability is much greater than the matrix permeability estimated from sidewall core and log measurements. This excess permeability is attributed to fractures, in combination with caverns and intervals with frequent vugs.
Carboniferous ammonoid genozones
Authors: Nikolaeva S. V.
Published: March 2021

Considerable progress has been made by international teams in refining the traditional ammonoid zonation that remains the backbone of Carboniferous stratigraphy. The Carboniferous ammonoid genozones, with a few gaps, are now recognized throughout the entire system in most successions worldwide. Refined collecting and documentation of occurrences in Western Europe, North Africa, the Urals, China and North America aimed to establish the first evolutionary occurrences, and facilitated correlation with foraminiferal and conodont scales for most of the Carboniferous. From ten to eleven ammonoid genozones are now recognized in the Mississippian, and eight to nine genozones in the Pennsylvanian. Of these, the established lower boundaries of the subsystems are reasonably well correlated with the ammonoid zonation, whereas correlations with the ratified foraminiferal-based lower boundary of the Visean and other stage boundaries, currently under discussion, need further research. Future success in the ammonoid geochronology will also depend on accurate identification and re-illustration of the type material, including material described by pioneers of ammonoid biostratigraphy.
Using hyperpolarized 129Xe gas-exchange MRI to model the regional airspace, membrane, and capillary contributions to diffusing capacity
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Rankine Leith , Bier Elianna. A. , Mummy David , Lu Junlan , Church Alex , Tighe Robert M. , Swaminathan Aparna , Huang Yuh-Chin T. , Que Loretta G. , Mammarappallil Joseph G. , Rajagopal Sudarshan , Driehuys Bastiaan
Published: March 2021

The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) is perhaps one of the most comprehensive physiological measures used in pulmonary medicine. Here, we spatially resolve and estimate its key components—accessible alveolar volume, membrane, and capillary blood volume conductances—using hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI of ventilation, interstitial barrier uptake, and red blood cell transfer. This image-derived DLCO correlates strongly with measured values in 142 subjects with a broad range of pulmonary disorders.
Collapsibility of caval vessels and right ventricular afterload: decoupling of stroke volume variation from preload during mechanical ventilation
Authors: Valenti Elisa , Moller Per W. , Takala Jukka , Berger David
Published: March 2021

Stroke volume variation and pulse pressure variation are used as indicators of preload or volume responsiveness of the heart. Our study shows that these variations are influenced by changes in right ventricular afterload and may therefore reflect right ventricular failure rather than pure volume responsiveness. A zone of collapse detaches the superior vena cava and its diameter variation from the right atrium.
Ginsenoside Compound K Promotes Intestinal Peristalsis and the Pharmacokinetic of Metabolite 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol in Relation to Diarrhea
Authors: Chen Lulu , Zhou Luping , Zeng Xiangchang , Liao Jianwei , Yang Guoping , Tan Zhirong , Ouyang Dongsheng , Li Zhenyu
Published: March 2021

Ginsenoside compound K (G-CK) is a rare ginsenoside originating from the traditional herbal medicine ginseng. Recently, G-CK has been found to cause diarrhea in preclinical researches as a candidate drug. This study is aimed at the potential mechanism of G-CK-induced diarrhea. In this study, we found that the treatment of G-CK significantly increased the peristaltic index (PI) with the intragastric administration of charcoal meal suspension at 90 minutes (not 30 min) after the administration of G-CK and had a clear role in promoting defecation. The Ach and 5-HT levels in colon tissue were not affected by G-CK. Additionally, the clinical trial revealed that subjects with diarrhea had lower exposure and higher

Vz
/
F

of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) than nondiarrhea subjects, and there were no statistical differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of G-CK between diarrhea and nondiarrhea subjects. We therefore concluded that the increased intestinal peristalsis and metabolite 20(S)-PPD were involved in G-CK-induced diarrhea.
Guangzhou Digital City Landscape Planning Based on Spatial Information from the Perspective of Smart City
Authors: Yang Weijun , Xi Xiaohuan , Guo Liang , Chen Zhaoxia , Ma Yong
Published: March 2021

With the development of society and the improvement of urban economic level, people are no longer satisfied with the simple material and functional requirements of the city; thus, the spiritual requirements of city beauty, environmental quality, place atmosphere, and so on need to be improved. Based on the above background, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the landscape planning of Guangzhou’s digital city based on spatial information from the perspective of smart cities. Based on the relevant theoretical research, this paper combs the ideas of intelligent urban road landscape design. This paper analyzes the concept of urban road and smart road and puts forward the definition and characteristics of intelligent urban road landscape; according to the research on the development status of urban road and the connotation of smart city, combined with the concept and principle of urban road landscape design, it summarizes the design method of smart city road landscape. This paper, taking the innovative design of urban landscape as the research object and using the research methods of literature analysis and field investigation, innovatively combines the urban landscape design with digital information technology, changes the traditional landscape design ideas, constructs the urban landscape innovative design model, realizes the personalization of the urban landscape design, as well as the intelligent, digital, diversified, and humanized service and function. The experimental results show that nearly 60% of people are satisfied with the Guangzhou digital urban landscape planning based on spatial information in the smart city perspective.
Pricing and Coordination Mechanism of Supply Chain considering Product Recycling under Asymmetric Power
Authors: Guo Hangxin , Liu Zheng , Hu Bin , Lin Huidan , Shi Lihua , Meng Cuicui
Published: March 2021

The concept of “green supply chain” puts forward new requirements for the recycling management of waste products. The waste electronic products are taken as the research object, and a two-stage closed-loop supply chain composed of a manufacturer, a retailer, and consumers is considered in this paper. By constructing a Stackelberg game model, the pricing strategy and profit distribution of the supply chain under different decision modes considering asymmetric powers are studied. Finally, Python is used for simulation. The results show that the gross profit of supply chain under decentralized decision is always lower than that under centralized decision-making, and asymmetric power has an impact on the pricing decision-making of forward supply chain and reverse supply chain; compared with transfer cost, wholesale price has a greater impact on coordination effect.
Evaluation of Airport Environmental Carrying Capacity: A Case Study in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China
Authors: Wan Lili , Peng Qiuping , Zhang Tianci , Wang Zhan , Tian Yong
Published: March 2021

In order to clarify the comprehensive operational capabilities of the airport and better plan the sustainable development mode of the airport, this paper studies the evaluation method of airport environmental carrying capacity. First, this paper proposes the concept of airport environmental carrying capacity by taking into account the complex characteristics of airports affected by multiple factors and then selects 16 representative evaluation indicators to construct an indicator system based on the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Response (DPSR) framework. Finally, the accelerated genetic algorithm-projection pursuit model is established to model a comprehensive evaluation index, which is used to calculate the airport environmental carrying capacity (AECC). The results of the case study show that the AECC of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) decreased year by year from 2008 to 2017, which is in line with the coordinated development level of CAN. By analysing the changing mechanism of AECC and indicators, we get 6 key influencing indicators that led to the continuous decline of AECC and put forward some political suggestions to improve the AECC.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Stagnation Point Flow of Maxwell Nanofluid Towards a Vertical Stretching Sheet with Effect of Induced Magnetic Field
Authors: Walelign Tadesse , Haile Eshetu , Kebede Tesfaye , Awgichew Gurju
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a mathematical model analysis of heat and mass transfer in a two-dimensional flow of electrically conducting, thermally radiative, and chemically reactive Maxwell nanofluid towards a vertical stretching and permeable sheet embedded in a porous medium. Boundary layer approximation and suitable transformations are used to reduce the governing differential equations convenient for computation. Eventually, the transformed nonlinear differential equations along with the corresponding boundary conditions are solved in the framework of optimal homotopy analysis method. The effects of induced magnetic field, buoyancy force, viscous dissipation, heat source, Joule heating, and convective boundary condition are analyzed in detail. The rates of heat, mass, and momentum transfer with respect to the relevant parameters are also examined in terms of the local Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and skin friction coefficients, respectively. Among the many results of the study, it is shown that the induced magnetic field, flow velocity, and temperature profiles are increasing functions of the Maxwell parameter. The results of the present study are also in a close agreement with previously published results under common assumptions.
Corrosion Resistance Evaluation of Self-Healing Epoxy Coating Based on Dual-Component Capsules Containing Resin and Curing Agent
Authors: Safdari Alireza , Khorasani Saied Nouri , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , Koochaki Mohammad Sadegh
Published: March 2021

In this study, a self-healing epoxy coating was prepared by incorporating a dual capsule healing system including epoxy resin and its amine-based curing agent. The emulsion electrospray technique was used for encapsulating the healing agents in poly(styrene co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) as shell material. Characterizing the prepared microcapsules (MCs) by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed their spherical morphology with the particle size of 827 nm and 749 nm for epoxy and amine cores, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed successful encapsulation with no side chemical reaction between the encapsulated core and shell materials. The effects of embedding MCs on the physical and mechanical properties of the epoxy coating matrix were studied by pull-off adhesion, conical mandrel bending, and gloss tests. In addition, the prepared coatings’ self-healing performance was evaluated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel) experiments. The results revealed that the coating sample containing 1 wt% of core-shell MCs (a mixture of epoxy and amine-containing MCs with a 50 : 50 weight ratio) showed the best corrosion performance with 99% self-healing efficiency.
[Retracted] The Promotional Effect of Hollow MnO2 with Brucea Javanica Oil Emulsion (BJOE) on Endometrial Cancer Apoptosis
Authors: Hu Qin , Zhang Shu , Zhu Jun , Yin Lina , Liu Suping , Huang Xiaowei , Ke Guihao
Published: March 2021

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological malignancy worldwide whose therapy mainly depends on chemotherapy. In past years, an increasing number of studies indicate that hollow MnO2 could serve as a nanoplatform in the drug delivery system. The Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) has been illustrated to play a vital role in cancers. However, knowledge about the combined effect of H‐MnO2‐PEG/BJOE in endometrial cancer remains ambiguous up to now. In the present work, we prepared a drug‐delivery vector H‐MnO2‐PEG by chemical synthesis and found that H‐MnO2‐PEG significantly inhibited cell proliferation in endometrial cancer cells. Moreover, the combination of H‐MnO2‐PEG/BJOE could repress cell proliferation more efficiently and promote cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that BJOE exerted its role as a promoter of endometrial apoptosis by regulating relative protein expressions. In general, the present study demonstrates that H‐MnO2‐PEG functions as a critical vector in the tumor microenvironment of endometrial cancer and the significant effect of H‐MnO2‐PEG/BJOE on cancer cells, suggesting a new paradigm for the treatment of endometrial cancer.
Computer‐Aid Directed Evolution of GPPS and PS Enzymes
Authors: Chen Fei , Cheng Hong , Zhu Jiaqi , Wang Shiyu , Zhang Liancheng , Dong Haolong , Liu Gang , Chen Huipeng
Published: March 2021

Pinene, a natural active monoterpene, is widely used as a flavoring agent, perfume, medicine, and biofuel. Although genetically engineered microorganisms have successfully produced pinene, to date, the biological yield of pinene is much lower than that of semiterpenes (isoprene) and sesquiterpenes (farnesene). In addition to the low heterologous expression of geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS) and pinene synthase (PS), cytotoxicity due to accumulation of the monoterpene also limits the production of pinene in microorganisms. In this study, we attempted to use two strategies to increase the biological yield of pinene. By deleting the random coils of GPPS and PS alone or in combination, a strain with a 335% yield increase was obtained. Additionally, upon computer‐guided molecular modeling and docking of GPPS with isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), its substrate, the key sites located within the catalytic pocket for substrate binding, was predicted. After screening, a strain harboring the T273R mutation of GPPS was selected among a batch of mutations of the key sites with a 154% increase in pinene yield.
Reverse Auction-Based Services Optimization in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Zhang Hongkun , Liu Xinmin
Published: March 2021

Cloud-based services have been increasingly used to provide on-demand access to a large amount of computing requests, such as data, computing, resources, and so on, in which it is vitally important to correctly select and assign the right resources to a workload or application. This paper presents a novel online reverse auction scheme based on online algorithm for allocating the cloud computing services, which can help the cloud users and providers to build workflow applications in a cloud computing environment. The online reverse auction scheme consists of three parts: online algorithm design, competitive ratio calculation, and performance valuation. The online reverse auction-based algorithm is proposed for the cloud user agent to choose the final winners based on Vickrey–Clarke–Groves (VCG) mechanism and online algorithm (OA). The competitive analysis is applied to calculate the competitive ratio of the proposed algorithm compared with the offline algorithm. This analysis method is significant to measure the performance of proposed algorithm, without the assumption of the distribution of cloud providers’ bids. The results prove that the proposed online reverse auction-based algorithm is the appropriate mechanism because it allows the cloud user agent to make purchase decisions without knowing the future bids. The difference of auction rounds and transaction cost can impressively influence and improve the performance of the proposed reverse auction algorithm.
Efficacy and Safety of Runzao Zhiyang Capsule as an Add-On Therapy for Chronic Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Zhou Boyang , Zhou Lihong , Li Linfeng
Published: March 2021

Background. Runzao Zhiyang capsule (RZC), an oral Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used for chronic eczema in China for many years. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RZC as an add-on therapy to conventional treatment for chronic eczema. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of RZC as an add-on therapy for chronic eczema were retrieved from eight literature databases from their inception to 31 August, 2020, including CNKI, WanFang, VIP, Sinomed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The data were analyzed by RevMan5.3 software. Results. A total of 18 RCTs involving 1896 patients with chronic eczema were included. Compared with no oral treatment, RZC was superior on the total efficacy rate (TER) (RR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.72,P<0.0001), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) (MD = −0.73, 95% CI: −0.90 to −0.56,P<0.00001), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pruritus (MD = −2.76, 95%CI: −4.53 to −0.99,P=0.002). Similar results were also seen in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Compared with the antihistamine (AH) group, TER in the RZC combined with AH group was significantly higher (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.43,P<0.00001), and the EASI score (MD = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.20,P<0.001), the VAS score (MD = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.15,P<0.00001), and the level of serum total IgE (MD = −9.83 ng/ml, 95% CI: −11.66 to −8.00 ng/ml,P<0.00001) decreased more significantly in the RZC combined with AH group. In terms of safety, mild gastrointestinal diseases occurred more frequently in the RZC group, and no serious adverse effect was reported. Conclusions. RZC as an add-on therapy to conventional treatment shows good effects on chronic eczema, and there is no severe side effect from short-term use of RZC. However, due to suboptimal quality of the included studies, more large-sample and high-quality RCTs are needed to improve the evidence quality.
Analytical Investigation into Effects of Capillary Force on Condensate Film Flowing over Horizontal Semicircular Tube in Porous Medium
Authors: Chang Tong-Bou , Shiue Bai-Heng , Ciou Yi-Bin , Lo Wai-Io
Published: March 2021

A theoretical investigation is performed into the problem of laminar filmwise condensation flow over a horizontal semicircular tube embedded in a porous medium and subject to capillary forces. The effects of the capillary force and gravity force on the condensation heat transfer performance are analyzed using an energy balance approach method. For analytical convenience, several dimensionless parameters are introduced, including the Jakob number Ja, Rayleigh number Ra, and capillary force parameter Boc. The resulting dimensionless governing equation is solved using the numerical shooting method to determine the effect of capillary forces on the condensate thickness. A capillary suction velocity can be obtained mathematically in the calculation process and indicates whether the gravity force is greater than the capillary force. It is shown that if the capillary force is greater than the condensate gravity force, the liquid condensate will be sucked into the two-phase zone. Under this condition, the condensate film thickness reduces and the heat transfer performance is correspondingly improved. Without considering the capillary force effects, the mean Nusselt number is also obtained in the present study as

N
u
 

¯

|

V
2
∗

=
0

=

2
R
a
 
D
a
/

J
a

1
/
2

∫
0
π

1
+
cos
 
θ

1
/
2

d
θ

.
Outcome of Root Canal Treatment of Necrotic Teeth with Apical Periodontitis Filled with a Bioceramic-Based Sealer
Authors: Bel Haj Salah Kawther , Jaâfoura Sabra , tlili Mahdi , Ben Ameur Marwa , Sahtout Saida
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Apical periodontitis is among the most common pathologies in endodontics. The treatment of apical periodontitis has always been an important occupation in the modern practice of endodontics, and the failure has been associated with nonhermetic root canal filling. With that in mind, bioceramic-based sealers have been incorporated into endodontic practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of nonsurgical root canal treatment (RCT), using a single-cone and Bioroot RCS filling of necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis. Materials and Methods. This follow-up study included patients treated in the department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics in the Dental Clinic of Monastir, from January 2018 to December 2019. The study intended to include all adult patients presenting a symptomatic or asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Once the diagnosis was performed, the patients were divided into two groups: a one-session treatment group and a two-session treatment group. All cases were obtured with BioRoot using a single-cone technique with a minimum of a 6-month recall. At 6-month follow-ups, teeth were classified as healed, healing (success), or not healed (failure), based on clinical and radiographic findings. Results. Twelve patients met the inclusion criteria, six patients per group. Seven patients returned for follow-ups. At 6-month follow-ups, the overall success rate was 100%, with 57.1% determined to be “healed” and 42.8% determined to be “healing.” All the PAI scores decreased compared to the baseline situation. Conclusion. The results obtained showed the contribution of BioRoot RCS in the healing of periapical lesions. Accordingly, bioceramic-based sealers seem to optimize the prognosis of root canal treatments.
Modelling the Control of the Impact of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infestations on Maize Production
Authors: Daudi Salamida , Luboobi Livingstone , Kgosimore Moatlhodi , Kuznetsov Dmitry
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose and analyze a stage-structured mathematical model for modelling the control of the impact of Fall Armyworm infestations on maize production. Preliminary analysis of the model in the vegetative and reproductive stages revealed that the two systems had a unique and positively bounded solution for all time

t
≥
0

. Numerical analysis of the model in both stages under two different cases was also considered: Case 1: different number of the adult moths in the field assumed at

t
=
0

and Case 2: the existence of exogenous factors that lead to the immigration of adult moths in the field at time

t
>
0

. The results indicate that the destruction of maize biomass which is accompanied by a decrease in maize plants to an average of 160 and 142 in the vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively, was observed to be higher in Case 2 than in Case 1 due to subsequent increase in egg production and density of the caterpillars in first few (10) days after immigration. This severe effect on maize plants caused by the unprecedented number of the pests influenced the extension of the model in both stages to include controls such as pesticides and harvesting. The results further show that the pest was significantly suppressed, resulting in an increase in maize plants to an average of 467 and 443 in vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively.
A Multiscale Structural Analysis of Soft and Hard Coal Deposits in Deep High‐Gas Coal Seams
Authors: Yuan Anying , Fu Guangsheng , Hou Junling
Published: March 2021

In recent years, with the increases in coal mining depths, the risk of coal seam outburst occurrences has increased. Therefore, it is of major significance to study the multiscale structures of soft and hard coal deposits in order to prevent and control the coal and gas outbursts. In this research investigation, soft and hard coal multiscale structures were comprehensively examined using various laboratory methods. The results revealed the following: (1) From a macrostructural aspect, the physical and mechanical properties of the soft coal were weaker than those of the hard coal. It was found that the majority of the examined specimens were characterized by scaly structures without blocks larger than 50 mm. The hard coal was observed to be mainly massive with only a small part being clastic. Therefore, the structural characteristics were considered to be stable. (2) From a microstructural perspective, the surfaces of the soft coal specimens were observed to be rough. The pores were found to be more developed, with the edge of pores being mainly hackly. At the same time, fractures were also relatively developed, showing good connectivity. (3) From a micropore structural perspective, it was found that the BET‐specific surface areas and BJH‐specific surface areas of the soft coal specimens were higher than those of the hard coal specimens, which indicated that the gas adsorption and diffusion migration abilities of the soft coal were greater than those of the hard coal. (4) It was suggested from the study results that the ventilation and gas extraction processes should be strengthened in the mining activities of coal seams with high, soft stratification content. At the same time, the methods used for water injection modification should be enhanced in order to improve the mechanical stability of soft coal. Consequently, the instantaneous released gases will be decelerated, and the occurrences of coal and gas outburst events in mine working faces can be prevented.
On Eternal Domination of Generalized

J

s
,
m
Authors: Shaheen Ramy , Assaad Mohammad , Kassem Ali
Published: March 2021

An eternal dominating set of a graph

G

is a set of guards distributed on the vertices of a dominating set so that each vertex can be occupied by one guard only. These guards can defend any infinite series of attacks, an attack is defended by moving one guard along an edge from its position to the attacked vertex. We consider the “all guards move” of the eternal dominating set problem, in which one guard has to move to the attacked vertex, and all the remaining guards are allowed to move to an adjacent vertex or stay in their current positions after each attack in order to form a dominating set on the graph and at each step can be moved after each attack. The “all guards move model” is called the

m

-eternal domination model. The size of the smallest

m

-eternal dominating set is called the

m

-eternal domination number and is denoted by

γ

m

∞

G

. In this paper, we find the domination number of Jahangir graph

J

s
,
m

for

s
≡
1
,
2
 

mod
 
3

, and the

m

-eternal domination numbers of

J

s
,
m

for

s
,
m

are arbitraries.