bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Key Factors Affecting Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Ability from a Big Data Perspective
Authors: Meng Xiangmin , Huang Wenjun
Published: January 2022

To achieve rapid social and economic growth, society has raised expectations for the overall quality and competence of today’s college students in the environment of big data. College students must have a strong spirit of creation and entrepreneurship, as well as a precise level of professional knowledge and practical talents. Based on this backdrop, a weighted K-means clustering method (WK-means) is utilized to investigate the key determinants of college students’ entrepreneurial ability and their interactions with important text content, such as the college student innovation and entrepreneurship competition. To begin, extract a number of characteristics from the sample of entrepreneurial college students, particularly the entrepreneurial ability components. The sample is then divided into two groups. Entrepreneurs who succeed are categorized as positive, while those who fail are classified as negative. The clustering result yields the feature weight of each sample. The weight of each attribute is proportionate to its importance. Second, using the multivariate relationship analysis approach, the correlation between various factors is determined, and the impact of various factors on college students’ entrepreneurial capacity is further investigated. The results of the experiment demonstrate that adaptability and learning ability are the most important characteristics influencing college students’ entrepreneurial aptitude, whereas self-control has little impact.
Salivary IGF‐1 and Alkaline Phosphatase‐Based Modeling for Skeletal Maturity Prediction in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Sookhakian Asma , Zahed Maryam , Pakshir Hamidreza , Ajami Shabnam
Published: January 2022

Background/Objectives. The correct identification of the different stages of skeletal maturity is a crucial issue in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning decisions. The hand‐wrist analysis and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) methods are the most frequently employed methods for determining the stage of skeletal maturity in orthodontics. Since these methods require X‐ray exposure, a new objective and less invasive method is needed. The aim of this study was to develop other models for prediction of cervical vertebral maturational stages and also growth phases using chronological age (CA), salivary insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Subjects and Methods. In this cross‐sectional study, 55 healthy subjects in the age range of 7 to 20 years were included. Their skeletal maturity was assessed through Baccetti’s 6‐stage CVM method. In addition, their salivary IGF‐1 level, salivary ALP level, and CA were determined. Multinomial logistic regressions were utilized to predict the cervical stage and also growth phase based on CA, salivary IGF‐1, and salivary ALP in 7 different models. Results. A strong positive correlation was found between CA and cervical stages (r = 0.836, P < 0.001). Based on the regression model analysis, the model which combined IGF‐1, ALP, and CA provided the best prediction at P < 0.001 with McFadden’s pseudo R2 value of 0.552 for cervical stage prediction and 0.646 for growth phase prediction. In particular, its predictive ability for the prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal growth phases was 95%, 80%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusions. A new model with the combination of salivary IGF‐1 and ALP with CA can be used as a less invasive method to determine the cervical stage and also growth phase with high predictive ability in healthy subjects.
Dynamic Sign Guidance Optimization for Crowd Evacuation considering Flow Equilibrium
Authors: Li Minghua , Xu Chengyong , Xu Yan , Ma Li , Wei Yun
Published: January 2022

The dynamic exit sign has been verified as an effective means to guide the pedestrian during evacuation. The most critical mechanism with dynamic exit sign guidance is to balance the pedestrian flow on each exit route by optimizing the direction of signs. This paper formulates a bi-level programming model for the direction optimization problem of dynamic signs in buildings. In the bi-level program, the upper-level model is a system optimal model, aiming to minimize the total travel time by optimizing the dynamic sign direction. The lower-level model is a pedestrian assignment model satisfying the dynamic user optimal principle that describes the evacuee exit/route choice behaviour to achieve a balanced pedestrian distribution on the route. A method based on the fundamental diagram, the cell transmission model, and the point-queuing theory is developed to estimate evacuation travel time considering congestion and queuing. A heuristic algorithm is extended to solve the bi-level program. Finally, the proposed methodology is validated with numerical examples. Results reveal that the proposed model can produce the optimal dynamic sign direction, significantly improving the evacuation efficiency.
The Efficacy and Safety of Zhengqing Fengtongning for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Huang Zeling , Mao Xiao , Chen Junming , He Junjun , Shi Shanni , Gui Miao , Gao Hongjian , Hong Zhenqiang
Published: January 2022

Background. Zhengqing Fengtongning release tablet (ZQFTN) is a proprietary Chinese medicine preparation of sinomenine, the main active component of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Sinomenium acutum. It is used in China as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ZQFTN in KOA treatment. Method. Randomized controlled trials of ZQFTN in KOA treatment were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Wanfang database. Two reviewers independently conducted the screening, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Eighteen studies were assessed that included 1512 participants (757 in the treatment group and 755 in the control group). The results showed that compared with the control group, the Visual Analogue Scale (standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): [−1.08, −0.66],

P
<
0.001

), Western Ontario and Mc Master University (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index pain score (SMD = −0.67, 95% CI: [−0.88, −0.46],

P
<
0.001

), WOMAC stiffness score (SMD = −0.53, 95% CI: [−0.86, −0.20],

P
=
0.001

), WOMAC function score (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI: [−0.97, −0.55],

P
<
0.001

), serum interleukin-1β level (SMD = −4.36, 95% CI: [−6.41, −2.31],

P
<
0.001

), and serum tumor necrosis factor-α level (SMD = −8.45, 95% CI: [−11.20, −5.69],

P
<
0.001

) of the ZQFTN treatment group were lower, and the total effective rate was higher relative risk (RR = 1.15, 95% CI [1.07, 1.23],

P
<
0.001

). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: [0.69, 1.35],

P
=
0.82

). Conclusion. ZQFTN can effectively relieve knee pain, morning stiffness, and daily activity function disorders, reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in serum, and improve the total clinical response rate without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions. Therefore, ZQFTN has considerable potential as a CAM for KOA. However, due to the limitation of the quality of the included studies, the strength of this conclusion is affected. In the next step, multicenter, large sample, high-quality randomized controlled studies are needed to further confirm the present conclusion.
A Comparative Study of Passenger Multitasking Activities on Commuting and Leisure Electrified Intercity Railways
Authors: Yao Xing , Jing Chunhui , Huang Yaoxuan , Zhi Jinyi
Published: January 2022

The electrification of intercity railways plays a significant role in energy conservation and emission reduction. Research on passenger travel activities to optimize vehicle services can help to understand how best to improve passenger attraction and the use of intercity railways. In this study, we conducted observational research on two electrified intercity railways that were segregated by the attributes, leisure, and commute. The purpose was to determine the influence of line attribute, passenger gender, age, and seat availability on the types of activities performed onboard, with specific attention placed on the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Using structured observations, the travel multitasking activity data of 467 passengers were collected on two intercity railways in real-life situations. Using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that line attribute, gender, age, and seat availability have an impact on passenger activities. Differences in factors affecting passenger activities were also found according to the nature of their travel, whether for commute or leisure. Our results suggest that passengers on the leisure line prefer to engage in some social activities. For example, the probability of conversation among passengers on the leisure line was 3.47 times that of the commuting line, and the middle-aged and elderly travelers on this line were more likely to be in a daze and look around. The probability of taking a break for passengers on the commuting line was 3.625 times that of the leisure line, and passengers who were not seated on this line were found to be more likely to be idle. In addition, male travelers and young travelers preferred to engage in ICT immersive activities, such as using mobile phones, while women, middle-aged, and elderly travelers were more likely to engage in non-ICT immersive activities. Seated passengers were more likely to engage in simultaneous multitasking activities, rest, and conversations than passengers without seats.
Exploring Built Environment Influence on Taxi Vacant Time in Megacities: A Case Study of Chongqing, China
Authors: Nian Guangyue , Huang Jianyun , Sun Daniel (Jian)
Published: January 2022

Driven by the emission peak and carbon neutrality targets, traditional cruising taxis are also under pressure to reduce emissions, and reducing taxi vacant time is an effective way to reduce emissions. This paper aims to examine the influence mechanism of built environment characteristics on vacant time of taxi trips from the supply-side perspective. To do so, the study uses a one week of taxi trajectory data of 2019 provided by a taxi company in Chongqing, a megacity in China. We take the divided square grid cell as the study units, calculate the taxi vacant time of 168 (7 × 24) hourly slots for each grid, and then calculate the built environment indicators of the grids with Point of Interest (POI) and vector road network data. A generalized additive model (GAM) based on panel data is constructed to investigate the influence mechanism of built environment on taxi vacant time. The results show that the time-varying trend of taxi vacant time is opposite to the time-varying trend of taxi trips and is similar to taxi trips in spatial distribution with significant spatial dependence. Taxi vacant time is negatively correlated with taxi trips. POI mixture, the number of enterprises, governmental agencies, and shopping services are negatively correlated with vacant time, while the number of sports and leisure services, hotel services, healthcare services, financial and insurance services, and living services are positively correlated with vacant time. An interesting finding is that metro stations significantly increase the vacant taxi time in the region. Average traffic flow speed, road density, the number of bus stops, catering services, residence communities, and motor vehicle services show strong nonlinear relationships with taxi vacant time, and their influence effects are alternately positive and negative. The study provides useful insights for understanding mechanisms of the role of built environment on taxi vacant time and has important implications for driver searching strategy improvement, taxi management measures development, spatial and temporal scheduling of taxi capacity resources, and urban transportation facilities layout planning.
Dapagliflozin Ameliorates STZ-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Type 2 Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting the Calpain-1 Expression and Nuclear Transfer of NF-κB
Authors: Liu Lei , Luo Haizhao , Liang Yunyi , Tang Jielong , Shu Yi
Published: January 2022

Objective. To investigate the effect of dapagliflozin (DAPA) on cardiac hypertrophy induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its mechanism. Methods. SD rats with T2DM were divided into a T2DM group (

n
=
6

) and DAPA group (

n
=
6

). They were, respectively, fed with the same amount of normal saline and 1 mg/kg DAPA. The control group (

n
=
6

) was also fed with normal saline. The hearts were tested by the application of echocardiography and hemodynamics. Subsequently, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) as well as interleukin- (IL-) 10, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum were tested. H&E and Masson staining was performed to observe the degree of cardiac tissue lesions, and expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), calpain-1, p-IκBα, and p65 in myocardial tissue was tested by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results. Compared with the control group, rats in the T2DM group exhibited significant diabetic symptoms: FBG was significantly elevated, and the levels of TC, TG, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased, while the levels of IL-10 and the calpain activity were evidently decreased. However, DAPA treatment could improve the above changes. At the same time, the damage and fibrosis of the heart tissue in the DAPA group were markedly improved. Additionally, the mRNA expression of ANP and BNP in myocardial tissue of the DAPA group was markedly increased. And DAPA could inhibit the expression of p-IκBα/IκBα in the cytoplasm and p65 in the nucleus as well as the expression of calpain-1 in myocardial tissue. Conclusion. DAPA treatment ameliorates the cardiac hypertrophy caused by T2DM by decreasing body blood glucose, while reducing the expression of calpain-1 in cardiomyocytes and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB.
[Retracted] Classification and Analysis of College Students’ Skills Using Hybrid AI Models
Authors: Tang Huili , Wei Yanhong
Published: January 2022

Each individual diversifies in the population with certain characteristics. Thus, diversity is a scientifically proven and widely accepted phenomenon when the human being is a concern. One of the areas where the diversity of human beings is mostly paid attention to is called the learning process, since different forms of responses could be observed. For example, each student perceives, assimilates, and uniquely processes the information when being transmitted to him, which confirms the inherited diversity. In this regard, educational systems are required to deal effectively with students and to apply the principles of personalized learning, which is pertinent to learning processes that meet the individual needs and interests of learners. By doing so, taking into account their unique characteristics, talents, skills, inclinations, and desires are satisfied. This manuscript presents an innovative model to classify college students’ skills. A hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) system that fully automates the process of personalized training is proposed based on individual skills by taking into account the priority of personalized and fully customized learning systems. The process specifically utilizes the Rasch statistical analysis model and an innovative fuzzy Bayesian network. Higher‐level reasoning is generated for the automated and personalized learning process in which college students are automatically classified into a certain category based on their skills.
Public Key Encryption with Authorized Equality Test on Outsourced Ciphertexts for Cloud-Assisted IoT in Dual Server Model
Authors: Zhao Meng , Ding Yong , Tang Shijie , Liang Hai , Wang Huiyong
Published: January 2022

In cloud computing, the outsourced data face many privacy and security threats. To allow the cloud server to perform comparison, search, and classification on outsourced ciphertexts while simultaneously providing privacy guarantee, the encryption method that supports the ciphertext equality test is considered as a promising way. Users are able to authorize the cloud server to conduct the ciphertext equality test, so that two ciphertexts can be determined whether they encrypt the same message without being decrypted. In this process, users do not need to retrieve, decrypt, and then perform comparison on data; thus, the computing and communication efficiency can be greatly improved, and the privacy of user data can be guaranteed at the cloud server side. However, existing encryption schemes supporting authorized ciphertext equality test in the single server model cannot resist the keyword guessing attacks, and the solutions in the dual server model do not provide simultaneous authorization on two servers. To address these issues, this paper proposes a public key encryption scheme supporting authorized equality test on ciphertexts in the dual server model (PKE-AUT), where the primary server and secondary server must get the authorization from users before performing a sequential equality test on ciphertexts. Security and performance analysis demonstrate that the proposed PKE-AUT scheme not only guarantees the privacy of user data and authorization but also is practical in cloud-assisted IoT-related applications.
Team-Based Learning in Prosthodontics Courses: Students’ Satisfaction
Authors: Saadaldin Selma A , Eldwakhly Elzahraa , Alaziz Sundus Naji , Aldegheishem Alhanoof , El sawy Amal M , Fahmy Maha M. , Alsamady Sahar M. , Sawan Nozha M. , Soliman Mai
Published: January 2022

The goal of this cross-sectional observational study was to assess dental students’ satisfaction regarding team-based learning (TBL) methodology in prosthodontics courses taught at College of Dentistry, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia. Undergraduate dental students at second, third, fourth, and fifth years were taught prosthodontics courses through traditional and TBL pedagogies. TBL sessions consisted of preparation, readiness assurance, and application. At the end of each prosthodontics course, the students were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire that was divided into four sections to assess the effect of TBL on the following parameters: information acquisition, interpersonal skills improvement, classroom environment, and the students-instructors interaction. The responses of the questionnaire followed the Likert scoring method (scaled from 1 to 5). The t-test and ANOVA statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results. The response rate to the questionnaire was 86%. There were a significant relationship and correlation between TBL pedagogy and student satisfaction (

P

values ≤ 0.05) for all levels. The means of the responses for the second and fifth years were 4.36 and 4.56, respectively, where the means for the third and fourth years were 3.54 and 3.59, respectively. The parameter notably affected by TBL was interpersonal skills enhancement. All students strongly agreed that TBL enhances personal flexibility and boosts their self-esteem. Conclusion. Students showed positive perceptions about TBL pedagogy in terms of active engagement, knowledge acquisition, and improvement of interpersonal skills leading to more efficient learning outcome.
Engineering Properties and Applications of Air-Foamed Lightweight Soil
Authors: Yuan Xuze , Lu Zheng , Yao Hailin , Tan Xianjun , Zhao Yang , Tang Chuxuan , Cheng Ming , Gao YiPeng
Published: January 2022

With the continuous development of road construction worldwide, the construction sector is trying to find a versatile material for building roads in particular areas. Air-foamed lightweight soil, which is produced using low-cost raw materials and has a lower density varying from 300 to 1800 kg/m3, adjustable strength, excellent thermal isolation, and a more straightforward construction method, has emerged as a worthy candidate. This paper reviews air-foamed lightweight soil in terms of its composition as well as physical and mechanical properties, such as its compressive strength, flexural strength, and stability. This paper also generalizes the engineering applications of air-foamed lightweight soil and provides ideas for its wide use.
Resilient Transportation Network Design under Uncertain Link Capacity Using a Trilevel Optimization Model
Authors: Rahdar Mohammad , Wang Lizhi , Dong Jing , Hu Guiping
Published: January 2022

This study addresses uncertainty in a transportation network by proposing a trilevel optimization model, which improves resiliency against uncertain disruptions. The goal is to minimize the total travel time by designing a resilient transportation network under uncertain disruptions and deterministic origin-destination demands. The trilevel optimization model has three levels. The lower level determines the network flow, and the middle level assesses the network’s resiliency by identifying the worst-case scenario disruptions that could lead to maximal travel time. The upper-level takes the system perspective to expand the existing transportation network to enhance resiliency. We also propose a formulation for the network flow problem to significantly reduce the number of variables and constraints. Two algorithms have been developed to solve the trilevel model. The results of solving the highway network in Iowa show that the trilevel optimization model improves the total travel time by an average of 41%.
Analysis and Warning Model of Logistics Risks of Cross‐Border E‐Commerce
Authors: Mu Weizhe
Published: January 2022

Logistics is a key aspect of cross‐border e‐commerce (CBEC). If any link of logistics fails, the outcome of CBEC may fall shortage of expectation. Logistics risks are now major bottlenecks of CBEC development. Therefore, it is important to study CBEC logistics risks. This paper divides CBEC logistics risks into environmental risks, management risks, operation risks, and clearance risks and establishes a Bayesian model to warn CBEC logistics risks. Then, GeNIe software was employed to simulate the model, and an empirical analysis was conducted through forward prediction and reverse diagnosis. The results help enterprises to intuitively identify risk reducers, formulate effective risk control schemes, and thereby reduce CBEC logistics risks.
A Multiobjective Cooperative Driving Framework Based on Evolutionary Algorithm and Multitask Learning
Authors: Jiang Xia , Zhang Jian , Li Qing-yang , Chen Tian-yi
Published: January 2022

The development of connected and automated vehicle (CAV) techniques brings an upcoming revolution to traffic management. The control of CAVs in potential conflict areas such as on-ramps and intersections will be complex to traffic management when considering their deployment. There is still a lack of a general framework for dispatching CAVs in these bottlenecks, which is expected to ensure safety, traffic efficiency, and energy consumption in real time. This study aimed to fill the technique gap, and a comprehensive cooperative intelligent driving framework is put forward to study the problem, which can be used in both on-ramp and intersection scenarios. Based on a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, CAVs are denoted as a sequence to be searched in solution space, while a multitask learning neural network with adaptive loss function is implemented for optimization target feedback to surrogate the simulation test procedure. The simulation results show that the proposed framework can get satisfying performance with low time and energy consumption. It can reduce time consumption by up to 16.51% for the on-ramp scenario and 9.8% for the intersection scenario, while reducing energy consumption by up to 16.39% and 11.39% for the two scenarios. Meanwhile, an analysis of computation time is carried out, illuminating the flexibility and controllability of the new strategy.
[Retracted] A New Rule‐Based Approach for Classical Arabic in Natural Language Processing
Authors: Salah Ramzi , Mukred Muaadh , Qadri binti Zakaria Lailatul , Ahmed Rashad , Sari Hasan
Published: January 2022

Named entity recognition (NER) is fundamental in several natural language processing applications. It involves finding and categorizing text into predefined categories such as a person's name, location, and so on. One of the most famous approaches to identify named entity is the rule‐based approach. This paper introduces a rule‐based NER method that can be used to examine Classical Arabic documents. The proposed method relied on triggers words, patterns, gazetteers, rules, and blacklists generated by the linguistic information about entities named in Arabic. The method operates in three stages, operational stage, preprocessing stage, and processing the rule application stage. The proposed approach was evaluated, and the results indicate that this approach achieved a 90.2% rate of precision, an 89.3% level of recall, and an F‐measure of 89.5%. This new approach was introduced to overcome the challenges related to coverage in rule‐based NER systems, especially when dealing with Classical Arabic texts. It improved their performance and allowed for automated rule updates. The grammar rules, gazetteers, blacklist, patterns, and trigger words were all integrated into the rule‐based system in this way.
Approximation by Rational Functions in Variable Exponent Morrey–Smirnov Classes
Authors: Kinj Ahmed
Published: January 2022

In this work, the direct theorem of approximation theory in variable exponent Morrey–Smirnov classes of analytic functions, defined on a doubly connected domain of the complex plane bounded by two sufficiently smooth curves, is investigated.
Construction of Ideological and Political Education in Colleges and Universities Based on the Carrier of Smartphone
Authors: Tao Tingma , Lv Xinyu
Published: January 2022

At present, mobile phone (MP) and the Internet have become indispensable items in people’s daily lives. While smartphones (SPs) bring convenience to people, they also provide opportunities and challenges for ideological and political education (IPE) in colleges and universities (CU). CU are the main development positions of China’s socialist higher education. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to strengthen the ideological and moral training and guidance of college students (CS). However, the current complex and changeable social environment and the frequent occurrence of unstable factors have exposed various shortcomings in the traditional way of ideological and political work, putting political educators under tremendous pressure. Therefore, ideological and political educators in CU must conform to the development trend of the Internet in the new era and meet social needs and use advanced scientific and technological means to carry out ideological and political work. This article uses the questionnaire and data analysis methods to better understand the specific situation of CS using smartphones through the questionnaire, so as to explore new educational methods and methods for the construction of IPE in CU. According to the survey results, most respondents use smartphones more often and less use traditional information media. But at the same time, although newspapers and televisions are far behind computers, the Internet, and SP, they still have a certain value in obtaining information. Among contemporary CS, the tools used in the learning process are becoming more and more abundant. Among them, SPs often act as learning tools in students’ lives, followed by personal computers, and other methods also play an important role.
[Retracted] A Study on Students’ Satisfaction with Classroom Teaching of Independent Adult Universities Based on SERVQUAL and IPA Models, Taking Beijing Haidian Adult University as an Example
Authors: Wang Xiaoya , Gao Yuanyang , Li Sumei
Published: January 2022

To some extent, students’ satisfaction with classroom teaching reflects the teaching quality of the school. In view of the characteristics of independent adult universities in recent years, which are characterized by great age difference, uneven foundation, and diversified demands, it is necessary to start the research from the perspective of students, through sufficient investigation, forming a survey index, setting up questionnaires, and conducting empirical research on their satisfaction with classroom teaching. In the study, the service quality gap model (SERVQUAL) is introduced; the importance‐satisfaction model, importance‐performance analysis (IPA), was used to check the consistency of the SERVQUAL research results; the current status of satisfaction was obtained; and countermeasures and suggestions were proposed to improve students' satisfaction with classroom teaching of independent adult universities.
Review on Epileptic Seizure Prediction: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Natu Milind , Bachute Mrinal , Gite Shilpa , Kotecha Ketan , Vidyarthi Ankit
Published: January 2022

Epileptic seizures occur due to brain abnormalities that can indirectly affect patient’s health. It occurs abruptly without any symptoms and thus increases the mortality rate of humans. Almost 1% of world’s population suffers from epileptic seizures. Prediction of seizures before the beginning of onset is beneficial for preventing seizures by medication. Nowadays, modern computational tools, machine learning, and deep learning methods have been used to predict seizures using EEG. However, EEG signals may get corrupted with background noise, and artifacts such as eye blinks and physical movements of muscles may lead to “pops” in the signal, resulting in electrical interference, which is cumbersome to detect through visual inspection for longer duration recordings. These limitations in automatic detection of interictal spikes and epileptic seizures are preferred, which is an essential tool for examining and scrutinizing the EEG recording more precisely. These restrictions bring our attention to present a review of automated schemes that will help neurologists categorize epileptic and nonepileptic signals. While preparing this review paper, it is observed that feature selection and classification are the main challenges in epilepsy prediction algorithms. This paper presents various techniques depending on various features and classifiers over the last few years. The methods presented will give a detailed understanding and ideas about seizure prediction and future research directions.
[Retracted] Supply Capability Evaluation of Intelligent Manufacturing Enterprises Based on Improved BP Neural Network
Authors: Quan Quan , Zhang Zhongqiang
Published: January 2022

With the rapid development of economy and information technology, traditional manufacturing industry is facing severe challenges. Enterprises need to rectify the traditional manufacturing industry and realize the transformation from traditional manufacturing industry to intelligent manufacturing industry. In order to adapt to market demand, enterprises need to constantly integrate resources to improve the competitiveness of enterprise supply chain. Based on the background of suppliers in intelligent manufacturing enterprises, the evaluation method of supplier efficiency was studied by using machine learning. In this paper, based on the traditional backpropagation (BP) neural network, combined with the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and on the basis of the supplier evaluation index system, the supplier efficiency evaluation model of intelligent manufacturing enterprises based on DPMPSO‐BP neural network is constructed. Through the collected sample data, the network is trained and simulated, and the results are analyzed. Finally, the designed model is applied to a large battery manufacturing enterprise, and the supplier efficiency evaluation method based on DPMPSO‐BP neural network is validated and analyzed. Compared with the traditional BP neural network method, the supplier efficiency evaluation method is effective and feasible.
miR-124a Involves in the Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin and P53 Pathways to Inhibit Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm via Targeting BRD4
Authors: Li Yunhui , Lv Meifeng , Lu Mingshu , Guan Hongliang
Published: January 2022

Background. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) belongs to a progressive, gradual aortic rupture, which can lead to death without surgical intervention. The key factors regulating the occurrence and progress of AAA are not clear. Increasing studies have indicated that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in cancer development. miR-124a serves as a tumor suppressor in several neoplasms, and its upregulation can greatly inhibit the life activities such as malignant growth and migration of tumor cells. Aim. The objective of this study is to explore the association of miR-124a with AAA and to uncover the regulated mechanism of miR-124a on AAA progression. Methods. The specimens from the AAA patients were used for observing the miR-124a expression, and human aortic endothelial cells (hAoECs) were treated with AngII to establish the AAA cell models. The quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), CCK-8, transwell assay, flow cytometry assay, and western blot were conducted to unearth the regulation mechanism of miR-124a on AAA, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to investigate the downstream target of miR-124a. Results. miR-124a was significantly downregulated in the whole blood of the patients, and the decreased miR-124a was also observed in AAA cell models. Overexpressing miR-124a could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration and promote the apoptosis of the AAA cells. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that BRD4 was a downstream target of miR-124a, and BRD4 upregulation could obviously reverse the effects of miR-124a on the phenotype of AAA cells. Moreover, it was found that miR-124a could regulate the activities of Wnt/β-catenin and P53 pathways via targeting the BRD4. Conclusion. Our data suggested that miR-124a could regulate the activities of Wnt/β-catenin and P53 to suppress the AAA progression via targeting the BRD4.
[Retracted] Changes in Pre‐ and Postsurgery for Drug Resistant Epilepsy: Cognition and Sleep
Authors: Li Lihong , Lu Jun , Xu Yan , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: January 2022

Background. Most patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) have cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance. There was a significant correlation between sleep disorders and cognitive dysfunction. This study performed surgical treatment on patients with DRE and observed seizures, sleep, and cognition in patients with DRE in 6th month after operation to clarify the correlation between sleep and cognition in DRE patients.Methods. 21 individuals with DRE were recruited to enroll in this trial. Each participant completed epileptic focus resection. Seizure frequency was the principle index; the mean seizure frequency was 1 month before surgery and six months after surgery. Cognitive function was assessed by MMSE, and sleep status was assessed by PSQI and ActiGraph; assessments were performed before and 6 months after surgery. Results. There were significant differences between conditions on all outcome measures; after 6 months of surgery, compared with before treatment, the monthly average seizure frequency of DRE decreased, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001) compared with that before treatment. The MMSE score of DRE patients was significantly higher than before (P < 0.01), especially the ability of attention, calculation, and recall in MMSE score, which was significantly higher than before operation (respectively, P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). The subjective sleep evaluation index PSQI and objective measurement of sleep latency, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency of patients with DRE by ActiGraph were statistically significant (respectively, P < 0.01) compared with that before treatment. There was a correlation between seizure frequency and MMSE (r = −0.8887, P < 0.0001), PSQI (0.5515, P < 0.01), sleep latency (0.5353, P < 0.05), total sleep time (‐0.7814, P < 0.0001), and sleep efficiency (‐0.4380, P < 0.05). Conclusions. Surgery can effectively reduce the epileptic seizures frequency in patients with DRE and indirectly improve the computational power, attention, recall ability, and sleep status of patients. However, this result did not show a correlation between improved cognitive function and sleep, so the patient’s cognitive function may be caused by surgery to improve the frequency of seizures. So, whether the improvement of patients’ sleep conditions can also significantly improve the frequency of attacks and cognitive function in patients with DRE needs further exploration.
Ameliorative Effects of Humulus japonicus Extract and Polysaccharide-Rich Extract of Phragmites rhizoma in Rats with Gastrointestinal Dysfunctions Induced by Water Avoidance Stress
Authors: Thein Wynn , Choi Won Seok , Po Wah Wah , Khing Tin Myo , Jeong Ji Hoon , Sohn Uy Dong
Published: January 2022

Chronic stress can cause the gastrointestinal disorders characterized by an altered bowel movement and abdominal pain. Studies have shown that Humulus japonicus extract (HJE) has anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal effects, and Phragmites rhizoma extract (PEP) has antioxidative and antistress effects. The present study aimed to investigate the possible effects of HJE and PEP in rat models with stress-induced gastrointestinal dysfunctions. The rats were exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS, 1 h/day) for 10 days to induce gastrointestinal disorders. We found that WAS significantly increased fecal pellet output during 1 h stress, gastric emptying, colonic contractility, and permeability compared to the normal rats. Pretreatment with HJE and PEP (0.25 and 0.5 mL/kg, both administered separately) improved the increased gastric emptying and colonic contractility induced by electrical field stimulation, acetylcholine, and serotonin and also alleviated the increased colonic permeability. HJE and PEP also increased the claudin-1 and occludin expressions, reduced by WAS. WAS increased the concentration of TNF-α and TBARS and reduced FRAP. HJE and PEP recovered these effects. HJE and PEP improved the gastrointestinal disorders induced by WAS by upregulating the tight junction protein, possibly acting on cholinergic and serotonergic receptors to abolish the colonic hypercontractility and hyperpermeability and degradation of inflammatory cytokines via an antioxidant effect.
A Machine Learning Model Based on Tumor and Immune Biomarkers to Predict Undetectable MRD and Survival Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Guerrero Camila , Puig Noemi , Cedena Maria-Teresa , Goicoechea Ibai , Perez Cristina , Garcés Juan-José , Botta Cirino , Calasanz Maria-Jose , Gutierrez Norma C. , Martin-Ramos Maria-Luisa , Oriol Albert , Rios Rafael , Hernandez Miguel-Teodoro , Martinez-Martinez Rafael , Bargay Joan , de Arriba Felipe , Palomera Luis , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Ana Pilar , Mosquera-Orgueira Adrian , Gonzalez-Perez Marta-Sonia , Martinez-Lopez Joaquin , Lahuerta Juan-José , Rosiñol Laura , Blade Joan , Mateos Maria-Victoria , San-Miguel Jesus F. , Paiva Bruno
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Undetectable measurable residual disease (MRD) is a surrogate of prolonged survival in multiple myeloma. Thus, treatment individualization based on the probability of a patient achieving undetectable MRD with a singular regimen could represent a new concept toward personalized treatment, with fast assessment of its success. This has never been investigated; therefore, we sought to define a machine learning model to predict undetectable MRD at the onset of multiple myeloma.

Experimental Design:

This study included 487 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma. The training (n = 152) and internal validation cohorts (n = 149) consisted of 301 transplant-eligible patients with active multiple myeloma enrolled in the GEM2012MENOS65 trial. Two external validation cohorts were defined by 76 high-risk transplant-eligible patients with smoldering multiple myeloma enrolled in the Grupo Español de Mieloma(GEM)-CESAR trial, and 110 transplant-ineligible elderly patients enrolled in the GEM-CLARIDEX trial.

Results:

The most effective model to predict MRD status resulted from integrating cytogenetic [t(4;14) and/or del(17p13)], tumor burden (bone marrow plasma cell clonality and circulating tumor cells), and immune-related biomarkers. Accurate predictions of MRD outcomes were achieved in 71% of cases in the GEM2012MENOS65 trial (n = 214/301) and 72% in the external validation cohorts (n = 134/186). The model also predicted sustained MRD negativity from consolidation onto 2 years maintenance (GEM2014MAIN). High-confidence prediction of undetectable MRD at diagnosis identified a subgroup of patients with active multiple myeloma with 80% and 93% progression-free and overall survival rates at 5 years.

Conclusions:

It is possible to accurately predict MRD outcomes using an integrative, weighted model defined by machine learning algorithms. This is a new concept toward individualized treatment in multiple myeloma.

See related commentary by Pawlyn and Davies, p. 2482
From Refoundation to Decline: A Century of Catholic Church Hospitals in Spain (1880s–1980s)
Authors: León-Sanz Pilar
Published: January 2022

This paper analyses the contribution of the Catholic Church to Spanish hospitals for more than a century, from the last three decades of the nineteenth century to the 1980s, when the health system model changed and when the transfer of healthcare to Spain’s Autonomous Communities was initiated. The refoundation of Catholic Church hospitals can be observed in the last thirty years of the nineteenth century, as the result of the confiscation of Church property that took place during this century. The new hospitals incorporated contemporary scientific innovations and medical specialisation. Over time, the Catholic Church ran a substantial number of hospitals (surgical, maternity, children’s, psychiatric, shelters, etc.). This work of healthcare provision still continued into the early 1940s, when the Church hospitals were integrated into the national hospital system. Catholic Church hospitals accounted for 15 to 17 per cent of the total number of beds in the Spanish health system. The most common were surgical hospitals – each with around 100 beds – located in urban areas. The contribution of Catholic Church hospitals to psychiatric care was notable (30 per cent of all beds for this purpose in Spain). This study also analyses the ten-percentage point reduction in the number of beds and hospitals dependent on the Church that occurred in the 1980s.
Two-Photon Fluorescent Nanomaterials and Their Applications in Biomedicine
Authors: Gong Liang , Zhao Lan , Tan Miduo , Pan Ting , He Huai , Wang Yulin , He Xuliang , Li Wenjun , Tang Li , Nie Libo
Published: January 2022

In recent years, two-photon excited (TPE) materials have attracted great attentions because of their excellent advantages over conventional one-photon excited (OPE) materials, such as deep tissue penetration, three-dimensional spatial selectivity and low phototoxicity. Also, they have
been widely applied in lots of field, such as biosensing, imaging, photo-catalysis, photoelectric conversion, and therapy. In this article, we review recent advances in vibrant topic of two-photon fluorescent nanomaterials, including organic molecules, quantum dots (QDs), carbon dots (CDs)
and metal nanoclus-ters (MNCs). The optical properties, synthetic methods and important applications of TPE nanomaterials in biomedical field, such as biosensing, imaging and therapy are introduced. Also, the probable challenges and perspectives in the forthcoming development of two-photon
fluorescent nanomaterials are addressed.
Association of the Novel Inflammatory Marker Systemic Immune-Inflammation index and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Ertem Ahmet Goktug , Ozen Yasin , Yuksekkaya Baran , Akif Erdol Mehmet , Erdoğan Mehmet , Demirtas Koray , Karanfil Mustafa , Akdi Ahmet , Yayla Cagri , Burak Akcay Adnan
Published: January 2022

This study investigated whether the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is an independent predictor of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. TAVR patients (n = 130) were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who developed CIN [CIN (+)] and those who did not [CIN (−)]. The SII was calculated as the ratio of the product of the total neutrophil count and the total platelet count to the lymphocyte count. CIN developed in 20 (15.3%) patients after TAVR. White blood cell count (7.66 ± 1.75 vs 6.78 ± 1.71 103/mm3 P = .038), neutrophil count (5.1 (3.9–6.7) vs 4.2 (3.5-5.1) 103/mm3 P = .024), neutrophillymphocyte ratio (4.20 (2.39–7.00) vs 2.75 (2.06-3.88), P = .010) and SII index (1069 (616–1514) vs 598 (426-955), P = .003) were at higher levels in patients with CIN. In addition, the SII index was an independent predictor for the development of CIN. The SII index, which can be easily calculated from a complete blood count, is an independent predictor of CIN in patients undergoing TAVR for severe aortic stenosis.
Healthcare Provider’s Culture and Its Impact on End-Of-Life Discussions
Authors: Balin Luba , Davidson Zachary , Gross Bella , Bentwich Miriam Ethel
Published: January 2022

To examine the openness to communication in end-of-life care of three major ethno-cultural groups of healthcare providers (HCPs) (in Israel: Israeli Arabs (Arabs), Israeli Jews (Sabras), and Immigrants from the Soviet Union (Russians). An anonymized set of three questionnaires was distributed among 240 physicians and nurses (HCPs) from the three ethno-cultural groups, yielding a response rate of 91% (and 82% when including hospital division). Sabra ethno-cultural group was more open to communicating about and relating to end-of-life with terminally ill patients. While recent exposure to death and external locus of control decreased the effect of ethno-cultural background, the latter remained statistically significant. Gender, age, marital status, and specialty were not found to be influential factors.This research highlights the importance of increasing awareness and responses to the effects of HCPs’ culture on end-of-life care as varied cultures and medico-legal requirements come into contact in society.
Something Lost, Something Gained: Experiences of Psychological Therapists Bereaved of a Parent in Childhood
Authors: Kingston Rosemary E. F. , Nel Pieter W.
Published: January 2022

Situated in the context of existing literature on wounded healers and the use of self in therapy, the aim of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of psychological therapists who experienced the death of a parent in childhood. Seven psychological therapists from a range of professions and therapeutic modalities participated in semi-structured interviews exploring how this experience impacted them personally and professionally, in their therapeutic work. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, three master themes emerged: ‘A loss beyond words’; ‘Navigating in a strange landscape’; and ‘Something lost, something gained’. Areas of convergence and divergence between these findings and previous theory and research are discussed, particularly with respect to literature on grieving and the self of the therapist. Implications for therapeutic practice, supervision and training are highlighted, including the importance of self-reflection and supervision in facilitating the use of self, and the value of therapeutic training incorporating self-of-the-therapist work.