bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Infrared Spectroscopy As an Effective Way of Studying Hydrogen Bonding in a LiCl–H2O–CO2 Ternary Mixture
Authors: Oparin R. D. , Kiselev M. G.
Published: May 2022

The possibility of using near IR spectroscopy to analyze the effect isobaric heating has on hydrogen bonding in an aqueous solution of LiCl in equilibrium with supercritical carbon dioxide (a LiCl–H2O–scCO2 ternary mixture) is demonstrated in a wide range of electrolyte concentrations. It is shown that this approach is highly efficient when studying ion and molecular systems with different types of interparticle interactions. The use of near IR spectroscopy allows distinguishing spectral contributions from hydrogen bonded n-mers of bulk water and water molecules in the solvation shells of ions or in ion–water chains like those formed in solutions with extremely high electrolyte concentrations that do not contain bulk water. It is shown for the studied ternary mixture that raising the concentration of electrolyte completely neutralizes the destructive effect of carbon dioxide on the formation of a hydrogen bonded structure of water. The latter is stabilized under the influence of an ion field, which also substantially weakens the temperature effect.
Spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage in pregnancy and review of the literature
Authors: Patel Ekta , Zill-E-Huma Rabia , Demertzidou Eleftheria
Published: May 2022

Spontaneous adrenal haemorrhage (SAH) is a rare condition. The incidence of adrenal haemorrhage in pregnancy is currently not known; however, an association with pregnancy has been reported.

An acute presentation with severe back or flank pain should raise suspicion of this condition. Diagnosis is based on imaging. An ultrasound scan is a basic and readily available investigation in pregnancy to rule out renal and suprarenal pathology while CT or MRI scan can help to confirm the diagnosis. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, involving the obstetric, anaesthetic, medical and endocrine team, is essential in management of this condition.

We present a case of an SAH; managed conservatively, in an otherwise healthy and low-risk pregnant woman and describe the literature review on this rare condition, including pathophysiology and management.
Prevalence of vitamin D and calcium deficiencies and their health impacts on women of childbearing age: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Silveira Erika Aparecida , Moura Letícia de Almeida Nogueira e , Castro Maria Clara Rezende , Kac Gilberto , Noll Priscilla Rayanne e Silva , de Oliveira Cesar , Noll Matias
Published: May 2022

Introduction

No systematic reviews has synthesised data on the available evidence to determine the prevalence of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies as a public health problem globally. Therefore, this study presents a protocol for conducting a review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of calcium and vitamin D serum deficiencies in women of childbearing age and stratify these data by age group, urban and rural area, world region and pregnant/non-pregnant women whenever possible.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review protocol involves conducting a literature search in the following databases: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. The selected articles will be checked thoroughly, including the references to include grey literature. Cross-sectional studies and baseline data from cohort studies or clinical and community trials conducted with women of childbearing age with representative probabilistic sampling will be included. Two independent researchers will be responsible for article selection and data extraction, and discrepancies, if any, will be dealt with by a third reviewer. Methodological quality and risk of bias will be analysed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations and Joanna Briggs Institute’s checklist, respectively. The heterogeneity of the estimates between studies will also be evaluated. Dissemination of the key findings from the systematic review will help identify priorities for action, establish dietary guidelines, develop health-related public policies and reduce and combat micronutrient deficiencies among women of childbearing age and their children.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required, and findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020207850.
Machine learning in predicting extracapsular extension (ECE) of prostate cancer with MRI: a protocol for a systematic literature review
Authors: Guerra Adalgisa , Negrão Eduardo , Papanikolaou Nickolaos , Donato Helena
Published: May 2022

Introduction

In patients with prostate cancer (PCa), the detection of extracapsular extension (ECE) and seminal vesicle invasion is not only important for selecting the appropriate therapy but also for preoperative planning and patient prognosis. It is of paramount importance to stage PCa correctly before surgery, in order to achieve better surgical and outcome results. Over the last years, MRI has been incorporated in the classical prostate staging nomograms with clinical improvement accuracy in detecting ECE, but with variability between studies and radiologist’s experience.

Methods and analysis

The research question, based on patient, index test, comparator, outcome and study design criteria, was the following: what is the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence algorithms for predicting ECE in PCa patients, when compared with that of histopathological results after radical prostatectomy. To answer this question, we will use databases (EMBASE, PUBMED, Web of Science and CENTRAL) to search for the different studies published in the literature and we use the QUADA tool to evaluate the quality of the research selection.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require ethical approval. The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-review journal, as a chapter of a doctoral thesis and through presentations at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020215671.
End-of-life care in cancer patients: how much drug therapy and how much palliative care? Record linkage study in Northern Italy
Authors: Formoso Giulio , Marino Massimiliano , Guberti Monica , Grilli Roberto Giuseppe
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Investigating end-of-life use of anticancer drugs and of palliative care services.

Design

Population based cohort linked to mortality registry and administrative databases.

Setting

Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy).

Participants

55 625 residents who died of cancer between 2017 and 2020.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the relationship between cancer drug therapy and palliative care services, and their association with factors related to tumour severity.

Results

In the last month of life, 15.3% of study population received anticancer drugs (from 12.5% to 16.9% across the eight Local Health Authorities—LHA) and 40.2% received palliative care services (from 36.2% to 43.7%). Drug therapy was inversely associated with receiving palliative care services within the last 30 days (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97), surgery within the last 6 months (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.67), aggressive tumours (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.93) and increasing age (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.95). Drug therapy was more likely among those with haematologic tumours (OR 2.15, 95% CI 2.00 to 2.30) and in case of hospital admissions within the last 6 months (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.55 to 1.72). Palliative care was less likely among those with haematologic compared with other tumours (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.56), in case of surgery (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.49) or hospital admissions (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.72) within the last 6 months, if receiving anticancer drugs during the last 30 days (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.94) and for each year of increasing age (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99 to 0.99). Palliative care was more likely in the presence of aggressive tumours (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.16).

Conclusion

Use of anticancer drugs and palliative care in the last month of life were inversely associated, showing variability across different LHAs. While administrative data have limits, our findings are in line with conclusions of other studies.
Social and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK medical and nursing students: protocol for a national medical and nursing student survey
Authors: Richardson George E , Gillespie Conor S , Mantle Orla , Clynch Abigail , Ooi Setthasorn Zhi Yang , Park Jay J , Bligh Emily R , Kundu Shantanu , Georgiou Ioannis , Bandyopadhyay Soham , Saunders Kate E ,   Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG)
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Healthcare students have played a significant role in the National Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. We captured data on the well-being of medical students during the acute phase of the pandemic with the Social and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on medical students: a national survey Evaluation (SPICE-19) study. We will evaluate changes in mental health and well-being of medical and nursing students 1 year after SPICE-19, in a cross-sectional study, to understand the impact of the pandemic, and inform well-being policies.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a national, multi-institution, cross-discipline study. An online 53-item survey of demographics, mental health and well-being will be used to record responses. Students studying for a medical or nursing degree at any UK universities will be eligible to participate. The survey will be advertised through the Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group national network. Participation is anonymous and voluntary, with relevant mental health resources made available to participants.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the University of Oxford Central University Research Ethics Committee (R75719/RE001) on 21 May 2021. Study findings will be presented at national and international meetings, and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Demand and supply-side barriers and opportunities to enhance access to healthcare for urban poor populations in Kenya: a qualitative study
Authors: Bakibinga Pauline , Kisia Lyagamula , Atela Martin , Kibe Peter M. , Kabaria Caroline , Kisiangani Isaac , Kyobutungi Catherine
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the barriers to and options for improving access to quality healthcare for the urban poor in Nairobi, Kenya.

Design and participants

This was a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews (n=12), focus group discussions with community members (n=12) and key informant interviews with health providers and policymakers (n=25) were conducted between August 2019 and September 2020. Four feedback and validation workshops were held in December 2019 and April–June 2021.

Setting

Korogocho and Viwandani urban slums in Nairobi, Kenya.

Results

The socioe-conomic status of individuals and their families, such as poverty and lack of health insurance, interact with community-level factors like poor infrastructure, limited availability of health facilities and insecurity; and health system factors such as limited facility opening hours, health providers’ attitudes and skills and limited public health resources to limit healthcare access and perpetuate health inequities. Limited involvement in decision-making processes by service providers and other key stakeholders was identified as a major challenge with significant implications on how limited health system resources are managed.

Conclusion

Despite many targeted interventions to improve the health and well-being of the urban poor, slum residents are still unable to obtain quality healthcare because of persistent and new barriers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a devolved health system, paying attention to health services managers’ abilities to assess and respond to population health needs is vital. The limited use of existing accountability mechanisms requires attention to ensure that the mechanisms enhance, rather than limit, access to health services for the urban slum residents. The uniqueness of poor urban settings also requires in-depth and focused attention to social determinants of health within these contexts. To address individual, community and system-level barriers to quality healthcare in this and related settings and expand access to health services for all, multisectoral strategies tailored to each population group are needed.
Overview on L-asparagine monohydrate single crystal: A non-essential amino acid
Authors: Khan Naghma , Vijayan N. , Kumar Ravinder , Gupta Neha
Published: May 2022

This paper reviews the growth and properties of L-asparagine monohydrate (L-ASPM) single crystal. The growth technique by which a well-defined bulk-sized single crystal can be grown is also reported. The various reported studies done over titled crystal signify its suitability for various optoelectronic applications. This paper also includes few derivative compounds of L-asparagine (L-ASP), their structural review has also been incorporated to evaluate its structural bonding and atomic arrangement. Various advanced characterization and their outcomes were also discussed in detail from all the available reported literature which mainly emphasizes on the vast applicability of the crystal. The L-ASPM single crystal is a potential candidate to be used in various optical applications.
Sulfur isotope fractionation derived from reaction-transport modelling in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Tsang Man-Yin , Wortmann Ulrich G.
Published: May 2022

Microbial sulfate reduction in subseafloor sediments regulates a significant portion of the marine organic matter burial flux. Over secular timescales, sulfate reduction is the fundamental process connecting the biogeochemical cycles of sulfur, carbon, oxygen and phosphorus. Similar to carbon reduction, sulfate reduction is associated with a strong isotope fractionation process that allows us to track this process through time. It depends on a variety of factors and it has been argued previously that systematic differences between shallow and deep-sea environments might explain secular changes in the marine S-isotope ratio. However, observational data of
in situ
fractionation from deep-sea areas are scarce. Here we use a reaction-transport model to analyse the S-isotope fractionation during microbial sulfate reduction in the interstitial water of Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1226 (Leg 201). We find that the upper 100 m below seafloor are best explained with fractionation around −76‰, whereas below this depth the degree of fractionation drops to around −42‰. We propose that this shift is caused by changes in the ratio of the rate of microbial sulfate reduction relative to the rate of abiotic sulfide oxidation. Because large parts of deep oceans are characterized by exceedingly low sulfate reduction rates, this process may be widespread and possibly explain why pyrite S-isotope data suggest that the average S-isotope fractionation is around −50‰, rather than the theoretically predicted value below −70‰.

Supplementary material:
Supplementary figures and model results are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5976772

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Sulfur in the Earth system collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/sulfur-in-the-earth-system
Integrin α11β1 and syndecan-4 dual receptor ablation attenuate cardiac hypertrophy in the pressure overloaded heart
Authors: Romaine Andreas , Melleby Arne Olav , Alam Jahedul , Lobert Viola Hélène , Lu Ning , Lockwood Francesca E. , Hasic Almira , Lunde Ida G. , Sjaastad Ivar , Stenmark Harald , Herum Kate M. , Gullberg Donald , Christensen Geir
Published: May 2022

Despite their putative importance in stress sensing, the specific integrin α-subunit(s) involved in cardiac hypertrophy has not been identified. Here, we show that α11 and syndecan-4 are critical and interdependent mediators of the hypertrophic response to increased LV afterload. We demonstrate in cells lacking both receptors an interdependent reduction in cell attachment to the major cardiac extracellular matrix components, suggesting that their interplay represents an important mechanism for stress sensing in cardiac cells.
A Rare Case of Oral Papillomatosis in a Goat Kid
Authors: Odhah Mohammed Naji Ahmed , Garba Bashiru , Wen Chan Xin , Reduan Mohd Farhan Hanif
Published: May 2022

The clinical management and outcome of a case of caprine papillomatosis in a 2-week-old kid goat was reported. Based on the PCR result, contagious ecthyma (CE) was ruled out. Based on the history and physical examination findings, the case was diagnosed as severe clinical case of papillomatosis in a goat’s kid. The treatment procedure was administrated with flunixin meglumine (5%) 1.1 mg/kg, 0.5 ml, IM, SID, 3 days, and Penstrep (procaine penicillin, dihydrostreptomycin sulphate) 2 ml and a topical preparation for 5 days to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Also, Vitavet (multivitamin–vitamins A, D3, and B12), 1 ml/10 kg, 1 ml, IM, SID, was administered for 3 days to boost the immune system.
Numerical Simulation of Choke Size Optimization in a Shale Gas Well
Authors: Wu Jianfa , Yang Xuefeng , Di Yunting , Li Peiyun , Zhang Jian , Zhang Deliang
Published: May 2022

To optimize the flowback system of shale gas horizontal wells after fracturing and to maximize the production capacity of gas wells, pipe flow and flowback models of shale gas multistage fractured horizontal wells were established based on the actual geological engineering conditions and the fracture parameters inverted from automatic history matching by combining experimental and numerical simulation methods. Optimization of the maximum choke size, reasonable opening choke size, replacement stages, and choke replacement frequency were studied. The research results show that the larger the production pressure difference in the early period, the higher the initial gas production rate but the easier the migration of proppant and the higher its stress sensitivity, which increases the permeability damage and weakens the reservoir recovery ability. Thus, the fracture conductivity gets worse and the later gas production rate and liquid production rate get lower. Specifically, the research results mainly include the following: (1) The laboratory experiment results show that the effective stress exceeding 19 MPa caused a proppant breakage and embedding phenomenon, leading to difficult recovery from reservoir permeability damage. Therefore, the maximum production pressure difference corresponding to the single-well maximum choke size shall not exceed 19 MPa. (2) A small opening choke size of a shale gas well is superior to the large one, and according to the numerical simulation, the choke size of 3 mm is recommended to be the reasonable opening choke size. (3) Under the drainage and production systems of replacing the choke size from small to large, the simulation results indicate that the production effect under the drainage and production systems of increasing the choke size incrementally stage by stage with an increase in amplitude of 1 mm is much better than that under the drainage and production systems of increasing the choke size by skipping the stage. (4) When the choke size is increased stage by stage, the research results indicate that the optimal duration of each grade of choke size is 3 days, beyond which, the increase of EUR will not be remarkable. The application of the proposed fine choke system research method in Well-CN001 indicates that the influence amplitude of the reasonable choke system on the daily gas production of Well-CN001 is in the range of 65.96%–121.67% and that on single-well EUR increase amplitude in 20 years is in the range of 5.2%–22.27%. The research results provide technical support for understanding the influence of different choke systems on the productivity of shale gas wells and optimizing the reasonable drainage and production systems of shale gas wells after fracturing.
Biomaterials in Guided Bone and Tissue Regenerations: An Update
Authors: Namanloo Reza Abdollahi , Ommani Maedeh , Abbasi Kamyar , Alam Mostafa , Badkoobeh Ashkan , Rahbar Mahdi , Arasteh Hadi Kokabi , Hajmohammadi Emran , Soufdoost Reza Sayyad , Mosaddad Seyed Ali
Published: May 2022

Purpose. Guided tissue reconstruction can be performed to restore the supporting structure of a previously lost tooth, which, in addition to maintaining beauty, preserves the function of the tooth in the patient. Materials and Methods. In this review, Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were searched using the keywords “biocompatible materials,” “membrane,” “bone regeneration,” “tissue reconstruction,” and “dental biomaterials.” Overall, 150 articles were reviewed, and finally, 107 articles published during 2000–2021 were included in the final paper. Results. Studies have been conducted on a variety of membranes in both clinical and experimental settings. The first half of this article explores the different kinds of membranes and diverse classes of biomaterials used in these procedures. Secondly, biomaterials are examined for their therapeutic uses such as growth factors, stem cells, and gene delivery vehicles. Conclusion. If a tooth has been extracted or if the gums have been infected with periodontal disease, guided bone regeneration procedures may be used to restore the lost bone. Recent years have seen a variety of approaches to regenerating these tissues. To prevent nonossifying cells from entering, membranes are heavily employed during guided rebuilding.
Luteolin Induced Hippocampal Neuronal Pyroptosis Inhibition by Regulation of miR-124-3p/TNF-α/TRAF6 Axis in Mice Affected by Breast-Cancer-Related Depression
Authors: Zhu Qing , Meng Pan , Han Yuanshan , Yang Hui , Yang Qin , Liu Zhuo , Wang Yuhong , Long Minghui
Published: May 2022

Background. Breast-cancer-related depression (BCRD) is associated with an increased mortality rate among breast cancer (BC) survivors. Luteolin has many pharmacological effects, particularly in the treatment of BC. In this study, we aimed to explore the anti-BCRD activity of luteolin and its underlying functional mechanism. Methods. A BCRD mouse model was induced by injecting 4T1 cells and corticosterone (COR). Behavioral test, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and western blotting were used to study the effect of luteolin in mice with BCRD in vivo. A COR-induced neuron injury model was established in HT-22 cells in vitro. The role of miR-124-3p in the anti-BCRD effects of luteolin was studied using a miR-124-3p inhibitor. Results. Luteolin significantly reduced the size and weight of the tumor, increased the mice entry frequency in the symmetrical sector, and reduced the duration of immobility in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests of mice affected by BCRD. Simultaneously, apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was inhibited, and the number of Nissl bodies increased with luteolin treatment. In addition, luteolin resulted in the upregulation of miR-124-3p expression in the hippocampus and downregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), as well as lowered the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and IkappaB (IκB). Luteolin also inhibited pyroptosis of hippocampal neurons in mice affected by BCRD, as revealed by the low protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. However, the miR-124-3p inhibitor significantly reversed the therapeutic effect of luteolin on COR-induced HT-22 cells. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that the anti-BCRD function of luteolin was mediated by regulating the miR-124-3p/TNF-α/TRAF6-related pathway and inhibiting neuronal cell pyroptosis and subsequent inflammation. Therefore, luteolin may be a potential drug candidate in the treatments of BCRD.
Study on Comprehensive Optimization of Electric Multiple Unit Trains Passing Station Route and Rolling Stock Scheduling
Authors: Zheng Yajing , Ma Zihan , Jin Wenzhou
Published: May 2022

In order to overcome the contradiction between the rolling stock scheduling problem of EMU at a macro level and the problem of EMU train passing station route at a micro level in some special cases, this paper comprehensively optimizes the electric multiple unit train passing station route and rolling stock scheduling. By taking the operation of the Chinese high-speed railway EMU trains as the actual background and using the actual situation that the first-level inspection and repair cycle time is twice the cycle of a high-speed railway train timetable, based on the establishment of a 48-hour continuous network, a 0-1 type integer linear programming model is constructed. While obtaining the rolling stock scheduling of EMU trains, the EMU train passing station route scheme is obtained. The experimental results show that, compared with solving the problem in two stages, the comprehensive optimization according to the method in this paper can better ensure the feasibility of the passing station route scheme and provide decision support for the actual operation.
Prediction from Transmuted Rayleigh Distribution in the Presence of Outliers
Authors: Aloafi Tahani Ahmad
Published: May 2022

The quality of the procedures used in statistical analysis depends largely on the assumed probability distribution. However, there are still many problems with data that do not follow any of the classical distributions; therefore, researchers have developed many standardized probability distributions by generalizing or transforming them. Transmuted Rayleigh distribution extends the Rayleigh distribution in the analysis of data and provides larger flexibility in modeling real data. In this article, Bayesian predictive intervals for order statistics of future observations from this distribution are obtained in the presence of outliers when the scale parameter is unknown. The slippage outlier model is utilized in addition to the two‐sample prediction scheme. We shall consider two cases: (i) a single outlier in the informative sample and (ii) multiple outliers in the future sample. Numerical computations are obtained to illustrate the effect of outliers on the Bayesian predictive intervals.
Analysis of Platform Economic Supervision Mode from the Perspective of Blockchain
Authors: Yang Xi , Zhou Zhihan , Hao Xiaowei , Xiao Yu
Published: May 2022

In order to analyze the supervision mode of the platform economy from the perspective of blockchain, a blockchain-based method is proposed for the supervision mode of the platform economy. First, in terms of the speed of data collection, the economic monitoring and forecasting based on network big data are real-time from data acquisition to data analysis, so that problems can be detected earlier and serve the purpose of early warning of economic monitoring and forecasting; secondly, in the scope of data monitoring, data that has not been monitored in traditional fields becomes possible; thirdly, in data mining analysis, it can reflect more unpredictable knowledge laws. It proves that from the perspective of block chain, the platform pays the highest attention to the two indicators of taxation and establishment, accounting for 31.10% and 24.38%, respectively. The platform economic supervision model can also find certain correlations from the massive data and then analyze the laws of economic operation and find the influencing factors behind the phenomenon, so as to serve the supervision model.
The Solution of Absolute Value Equations Using Two New Generalized Gauss-Seidel Iteration Methods
Authors: Ali Rashid
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we provide two new generalized Gauss-Seidel (NGGS) iteration methods for solving absolute value equations

A
x
−
∣
x
∣
=
b

, where

A
∈

R

n
×
n

,

b
∈

R

n

, and

x
∈

R

n

are unknown solution vectors. Also, convergence results are established under mild assumptions. Eventually, numerical results prove the credibility of our approaches.
The Effects of Story Mapping and Hortatory Exposition Techniques on Students’ Compositions
Authors: Jameel Ali Sabah
Published: May 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the following: First, the effects of the story mapping and the hortatory exposition techniques on students’ composition writing; second, EFL students’ attitudes towards writing in English; and lastly, the correlation between such attitudes and students’ writing achievements. The participants were 60 (33 male and 27 female) students from the 4th year of the Department of English, College of Arts, University of Anbar, Iraq, who were divided into a control group and an experimental group. The experiment was conducted during the second semester of the academic year 2020–2021. A pretest, a posttest, a preattitudinal questionnaire, and a postattitudinal questionnaire were used to collect the data. The results revealed that the mean scores of the students in the experimental group were higher than that of the students in the control group, indicating a significant positive effect of the use of the story mapping and the hortatory exposition techniques in teaching writing. Additionally, the results of the postquestionnaire revealed that the students developed positive attitudes towards writing in English, which were negative before the implementation of the experiment. Finally, the results revealed a correlation between students’ attitudes towards writing in English and their achievements such that as the attitudes improve, the achievements increase half as much.
Gathering Contextual Data with Power Information Using Smartphones in Internet of Everything
Authors: Mahmud Umar , Hussain Shariq , Toure Ibrahima Kalil
Published: May 2022

The advent of smart devices, interacting with each other as well as remote services, has paved the way for the Internet of Everything (IoE). IoE is a direct successor of Internet of Things (IoT), composed of smart devices interacting with remote services. The devices in an IoE environment are power constrained. At the core of an IoE environment, there is a context-aware system that gathers the context and classifies it. Various datasets have been published by authors for context-aware systems. This paper presents a mechanism that gathers a dataset of contextual information along with power information using smartphones. An Android application “PowerIpsum” is developed for gathering contextual information, power information, and user input activity labels. The dataset includes the sensor data as the contextual data, timestamps, average current, and average voltage as well as user activity labels. Time elapsed and power consumption is forecasted using Monte Carlo method. The results provide useful insights and demonstrate the advantages of power information within a context-aware system.
Data Imputation for Detected Traffic Volume of Freeway Using Regression of Multilayer Perceptron
Authors: Wang Xiang , Ma Yingying , Huang Shengwen , Xu Yu
Published: May 2022

Traffic volume data are the important part of research and application of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). However, data loss often happens due to various factors in the real world, which may cause large deviations in prediction or bad accuracy of optimizations. Imputation is a valid way to handle missing values. A multilayer perceptron-multivariate imputation of chain equation (MLP-MICE) regression imputation method optimized by the limit-memory-BFGS algorithm is proposed, considering the temporal and spatial characteristics of traffic volume. Also, 32 groups of simulated imputation experiments based on the detected traffic volume of road sections in the Guangdong freeway system are conducted, which take the scenarios of continuous missing and jumped missing into account. The results of the experiments show that the MLP-MICE can optimize the imputation performance in the missing value of traffic volume with the MAPE of imputation results from 6.38% to 30%. Meanwhile, the proposed model has higher imputation accuracy for the traffic volume data with a lower degree of mutation. Lastly, the performance of the proposed model of imputation in short-term traffic volume prediction is discussed using the support vector machine. The results of it show that the MAPE of prediction under the proposed model is much lower than all-zero imputation. Therefore, the proposed model in this study is positive on improving the accuracy of traffic volume prediction and intelligent traffic control and management.
Research on the Anti‐Leakage System for Reinforced Concrete Flat Roofs in Cold Areas
Authors: Lin Li , Yuan Xin , Tang Pengxiao , Wang Xun , Xu Tianli
Published: May 2022

To solve the persistent problem of roof leakage in cold areas, a reinforced concrete flat roof anti‐leakage prevention system was proposed in this study, and the leakage prevention of this roof system in the cold areas was investigated by conducting a scaled‐down model outdoor exposure test. In addition, the weather in the Harbin area during the freeze‐thaw cycle season was predicted by the support vector machine (SVM) model in machine learning, based on which ABAQUS finite element analysis of the roof system was carried out to reveal the leakage prevention mechanism of the system. The research results show that improving the roof level temperature during the freeze‐thaw cycle can reduce the influence of temperature stresses brought by the freeze‐thaw cycle, slow down the development of cracks inside the roof, reduce the probability of roof leakage, and can provide a new idea for solving the roof leakage problem in a cold area.
Corni Fructus Alleviates UUO‐Induced Renal Fibrosis via TGF‐β/Smad Signaling
Authors: Lee Jin A. , Shin Mi-Rae , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: May 2022

Renal fibrosis is a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD) induced by infiltration of inflammatory cells, myofibroblast accumulation, and ECM production in the kidney. From a long time ago, Corni Fructus (CF) is known to supplement the liver and kidney with its tepid properties. In this study, we investigated the renal protective mechanism of CF, which is known to supplement the kidney, in rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After inducing UUO through surgery, the group was separated (n = 8) and the drug was administered for 2 weeks; normal rats (normal), water‐treated UUO rats (control), CF 100 mg/kg‐treated UUO rats (CF100), and CF 200 mg/kg‐treated UUO rats (CF200). As a result of histopathological examination of kidney tissue with H&E, MT, and PAS staining, it was confirmed that the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the erosion of collagen were relatively decreased in the kidneys treated with CF. Also, CF significantly reduced the levels of MDA and BUN in serum. As a result of confirming the expression of the factors through western blotting, CF treatment significantly reduced the expression of NADPH oxidase and significantly regulated the AMPK/LKB1/NF‐κB pathway associated with inflammation. In addition, it downregulated the expression of major fibrotic signaling factors, such as α‐SMA, collagen I, MMP‐2, and TIMP‐1, and significantly regulated the TGF‐β1/Smad pathway, which is known as a major regulator of renal fibrosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that CF can alleviate renal fibrosis by regulating the TGF‐β1/Smad pathway through inhibition of oxidative stress in UUO.
A Novel Wind Speed Interval Prediction System Based on Neural Network and Multi-objective Grasshopper Optimization
Authors: Tian Zhirui , Wang Jiyang
Published: May 2022

As a clean energy source, the role of wind power in the energy mix is becoming increasingly important. Reliable and high-quality wind speed prediction results are key to wind energy utilization. The traditional point prediction method cannot effectively analyze the uncertainty of wind speed, and the interval prediction model can provide the possible variation range of wind speed under a certain confidence probability and supply more uncertain information to decision makers. However, the previous interval prediction models generally ignore the random characteristics of capturing wind speed and the importance of objective selection of prediction submodels, leading to poor prediction results. To address these problems, a combined model based on data preprocessing, multi-neural network models, multi-objective optimization, and an improved interval prediction method is proposed. The model is applied to five wind speed forecasting examples in Dalian to test the prediction accuracy, multi-step prediction ability, and universality and generalization ability of the model. The experimental results show that the model proposed in this study is satisfactory for various performance evaluation indexes, has high stability and accuracy, and all the solutions obtained by the model are Pareto optimal solutions. Thus, it provides a reliable reference for the effective utilization of wind energy.
Battery Energy Forecasting in Electric Vehicle Using Deep Residual Neural Network
Authors: Refaai Mohamad Reda A. , Bharothu Jyothilal Nayak , Kumar T. V. V. Pavan , Srinivas Chodagam , Sudhakar M. , Bhowmick Anirudh
Published: May 2022

In the recent decade, it is possible to use electric vehicles in a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly manner, but only if accurate and trustworthy state parameter predictions are produced prior to their disposal. The state of health (SOH) of the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) must be precisely forecasted in order to ensure that the LIB can operate safely. The inability of physical SOH estimators to cope with the dynamic character of SOH when operating in a highly nonlinear environment is a common limitation when operating in nonlinear environments. Traditional SOH estimation techniques have demonstrated that they have limits that can be overcome by data-driven methods. TCN, a new machine learning technique, combines the advantages of residual neural networks (ResNet) with the computing efficiency of neural networks to produce a technique that is both efficient and effective. The results of rgw simulation show that the proposed method has reduced placement cost, and also a TCN can accurately estimate the SOH of a LIB with an MSE error of less than 1% over the LIB lifetime. The performance of an electric car battery, which are numerous and diverse, can be anticipated more precisely using this approach.
KIF22 Promotes Development of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating the MEK/ERK/P21 Signaling Axis
Authors: Zhang Ruiyun , Ma Li , Wei Yucai , Wei Kongkong , Song Tianliang , Du Zhixing , Feng Zhijun
Published: May 2022

The study is aimed at exploring the potential biological process and molecular mechanism of KIF22 involved in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. First, we used the GEPIA database and tissue qRT‐PCR to examine the expression of KIF22 mRNA in pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of KIF22 in 71 pancreatic cancer tissues versus 30 paracarcinoma tissues. Then, we also explored the relationship between KIF22 expression level and clinical prognosis. Furthermore, in pancreatic cancer cells, we silenced KIF22 by transfecting KIF22 SiRNA, and we investigated the effect of KIF22 on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells with MTT and colony formation assays. Finally, we used Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to look at the effect of KIF22 on the cell cycle regulation of pancreatic cancer cells, and we used Western blot to look at the relationship between KIF22 and the phosphorylated MEK1/2, ERK1/2 (p‐MEK1/2, p‐ERK1/2), and the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (P21). In this study, we found that KIF22 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues, and patients with high expression of KIF22 demonstrated significantly worse clinical prognosis outcomes (P < 0.05). When the KIF22 gene was silenced in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC‐1 and MIA PaCa‐2), the cells’ ability to proliferate was significantly reduced. Furthermore, GSEA confirmed that KIF22 is involved in cell cycle regulation in pancreatic cancer patients (FDR = 0.00158, P < 0.0001). Besides, the level of KIF22 expression was positively correlated with Ki67 (r = 0.8043, P < 0.0001), and KIF22 can promote the transmutation of G1/S. The expression of p‐MEK1/2 and p‐ERK1/2 was significantly downregulated, while P21 expression was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). According to our findings, KIF22 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and demonstrates a poor clinical prognosis. It regulates the cell cycle via the MEK/ERK/P21 signaling axis and promotes the development of pancreatic cancer.
Role of Nanobiotechnology Towards Agri-Food System
Authors: Hotessa Halake Niguse , Muda Haro Jara
Published: May 2022

The major challenge of modern agriculture is to satisfy actual and future global food demands efficiently. This great challenge requires combined efforts to preserve natural resources to support intensive agriculture while limiting detrimental impacts on the environment. One of these efforts is using nanobiotechnology. Nanobiotechnology is the application of nanotechnology in biological science. Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating materials at the nanoscale (1 nm = 10ˉ⁹ m). This review summarizes the potential of nanobiotechnology for its importance in increasing yield in agriculture and providing consumers with quality and contamination-free food. In the agriculture sector, nanobiotechnology is necessarily used as fertilizers (nanofertilizers) for crop yield improvement, pesticides (nanopesticides) for crop protection, and nanobiosensors for the detection of crop pathogens, soil conditions, and vegetation conditions, Similarly, intelligent food packaging, and detection of pathogens, adulterants, and toxins in food are its importance in the food sector.
Carbamazepine Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome That Developed into Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Review of the Literature
Authors: Abuzneid Yousef S. , Alzeerelhouseini Hussam I. A. , Rabi Duha , Hilail Ihab , Rjoob Hatem , Rabee Abdelrahman , Amro Naser , Qafisheh Qutaiba , Kharraz Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Background. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are both skin diseases believed to be following the pattern of a type IV hypersensitivity mechanism, which can be triggered by infectious agents or administration of a variety of drugs as part of the spectrum of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). Fever and blisters, that peel forming painful raw areas, are early symptoms of this condition, and complications such as dehydration, sepsis, pneumonia, and multiple organ failure are typically seen during the course of the disease. Case Presentation. We present a case of a 23-year-old female patient referred to our hospital after taking carbamazepine and developing high-grade fever and ulcers that appeared initially in her mouth and face but then progressed despite treatment, extending all over her body and involving about 90% of her BSA. Conclusion. The use of IVIG and plasmapheresis was a good management for our case, helping in our patient’s well-being and recovery. Even if there is no stipulated guideline treatment for cases of SJS and TEN, we think that further investigations about IVIG and plasmapheresis should be investigated as a possible way to treat both conditions.
Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Flowable Resin Composite
Authors: Sibai Norah , El Mourad Aminah , Al Suhaibani Nohair , Al Ahmadi Raghad , Al Dosary Sara
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength of self-adhesive flowable resin composite on both enamel and dentin and investigate whether surface pretreatment with a phosphoric acid etch affects the bond strength. In this in vitro study, 80 sound human premolars were flattened to create (40) uniform enamel (E) and (40) dentin (D) surfaces. Groups were divided according to surface pretreatment: E1 : Scotchbond™ Universal Etchant + Single Bond Universal Adhesive + Filtek™ Z350 XT flowable composite; E2: Single Bond Universal self-etch adhesive + Filtek Z350 XT flowable composite; E3 : Scotchbond Universal Etchant + Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite; E4: Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite; D1 : Scotchbond Universal Etchant + Single Bond Universal Adhesive + Filtek Z350 XT flowable composite; D2: Single Bond Universal self-etch adhesive + Filtek Z350 XT flowable composite; D3: Scotchbond Universal Etchant + Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite; D4: Fusio Liquid Dentin self-adhesive flowable composite. After 2500 thermal cycles, the SBS was measured with a universal testing machine. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons were used to compare results. Two-way ANOVA was done to observe the significance of interaction between the type of surface and treatment. The maximum (49.38 ± 1.23 MPa) and minimum (21.41 ± 5.27 MPa) SBS values were noted in groups D1 and E2, respectively. Shear bond test results showed that self-adhesive flowable composite exhibited similar shear bond strengths on enamel and dentin and the bond strength improved with selective acid etching.
Research on Sports Dance Video Recommendation Method Based on Style
Authors: Sun Jiangtao , Tang Haiying
Published: May 2022

At present, sports dance teaching still tends to “demonstration” training. Students have limited time and space for autonomous learning, and their enthusiasm for participation is not high, which leads to a decline in classroom learning efficiency. In view of this, video teaching has become popular in sports dance classrooms, providing a new model for sports dance teaching. Video recommendation is particularly important for the improvement of teaching quality. A sports dance video recommendation method based on style is proposed. The factorization machine model is used to combine features and process high-dimensional sparse features, the deep neural network model is adopted as the value function network of the deep Q-learning algorithm, and the deep Q-learning algorithm is used as the decision function to solve the recommendation accuracy and diversity question. Through the application experiment of sports dance video recommendation, it is resulted that the recommendation accuracy of the proposed model is slightly higher than that of traditional recommendation algorithm and the recommendation diversity is obviously better than that of traditional recommendation algorithm. The advantages and feasibility of the proposed model are verified.