bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GSNA: A Novel Sparse Array Design Achieving Enhanced Degree of Freedom for Noncircular Sources
Authors: Jiang Heng , Li Lichun , Li Xue
Published: April 2022

To solve the dilemma that the existing sparse arrays only limitedly enhance the array degree of freedom (DOF) for noncircular sources, a novel nested array with graded spacing (GSNA) is advanced as a solution. The proposed GSNA fully exploits the characteristic of the noncircular sources and expands the virtual array based on the concept of sum and difference coarray (SDCA). In comparison with other sparse linear configurations, the GSNA enjoys the largest consecutive virtual array and the highest resolution and perfectly achieves the estimation of multiple directions of arrival (DOA) in underdetermined conditions. The closed-form expression of sensor distribution and the uniform DOF are derived. The detailed experimental simulations are conducted to validate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed configuration.
Tangshen Decoction Enhances Podocytes Autophagy to Relieve Diabetic Nephropathy through Modulation of p-AMPK/p-ULK1 Signaling
Authors: Yan Ling , Xu Xiaoxiao , Fan Yanbo , Zhang Lifang , Niu Xiaojing , Hu Aimin
Published: April 2022

Traditional Chinese medicine has certain advantages in the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN); thus, Chinese medicine therapy is considered as a promising strategy for treating DN. Here, the diabetic nephropathy model was established and intervened with Tangshen Decoction to explore its repair effect on diabetic kidney injury and the mechanism of autophagy. Different doses (10, 20 g·kg−1) of Tangshen Decoction (so-called Tangshen Jian, TSJ) or metformin were used to intervene for 16 weeks. The body weight (BW) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) of rats in each group were regularly monitored; a urine protein test kit (CBB method) was used to detect changes in urine protein (UP) content. The serum biochemical indicators, including Cr (creatinine), BUN (blood urea nitrogen), TC (total cholesterol), and TG (triglyceride), were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining, PAS, and electron microscopy were used to observe the podocyte damage. We showed that administration of TSJ or metformin prevented the increases in FBG level, serum Cr, BUN, TC, and TG level, and urine protein excretion in diabetic nephropathy. Simultaneously, the foot process fusion and fall-off were partially reversed after TSJ treatment. TSJ or metformin markedly upregulated the level of nephrin and podocin, accompanied by evident enhancement of podocyte autophagy and activation of p-AMPK/p-ULK1 signaling in the diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, TSJ may enhance podocyte autophagy to relieve diabetic nephropathy through modulation of p-AMPK/p-ULK1 signaling, which has important application prospects in the clinical treatment of diabetic kidney damage in the future.
Research on the Coupling and Coordinated Development of Sports Tourism and Cultural Industry under the Background of Artificial Intelligence Era
Authors: Hong Chao , Shi Jianmin , Xing Yan , Chang Zejun
Published: April 2022

In the new era of rapid development of intelligent information, sports tourism and cultural industry have become a new goal to improve China’s urban competitiveness and realize the development of urban industry. Based on the integration of sports tourism industry and cultural industry, this paper establishes the relevant information data interface mode. This paper constructs the information coupling system model of sports tourism industry and cultural industry under the background of artificial intelligence era and obtains the corresponding data results by using the invisible statistical logic computer independent judgment (IDIJA) method of artificial intelligence system under the condition of incomplete data. The application of the coordinated development system of coupling industry can realize the rapid development of sports tourism and cultural reconstruction mode and achieve the new effect of intelligent sports tourism cultural comprehensive experience. It can not only improve the people’s quality of life but also provide feasible suggestions for improving the continuous development of the coupling and coordination of sports tourism and cultural industry.
Three-Dimensional Visualization Analysis of Distributed Virtual Reality Taking into Account Grid Scientific Computing Model
Authors: Jin Xinxin , Zhang Daohua
Published: April 2022

With the in-depth development of the application of virtual reality technology, people have higher and higher requirements for the complexity and realism of virtual scene, which far exceeds the real-time processing ability of computer graphics hardware. Back to this, there is an urgent need to solve the contradiction between the complexity of the scene and the real-time interaction. In this paper, the real-time visualization of real-time distributed virtual reality is studied in many aspects. Starting with the analysis of the characteristics of real-time visualization technology of distributed virtual reality, this paper studies the system structure of real-time distributed virtual reality, puts forward the idea of realizing real-time distributed virtual reality visualization, introduces grid scientific computing model, and constructs a three-dimensional vertical visualization platform of distributed virtual reality. The visual analysis of virtual reality is carried out for the corresponding slope and corresponding geological conditions; the comprehensive analysis of spatial distribution is carried out by using three-dimensional visualization, the relevant contents of real-time display, and the generation and real-time display of realistic graphics. In order to increase the realism of 3D image, visibility judgment, and blanking technology, the level of detail model and texture mapping is used. The simulation results show that the grid scientific computing model is effective and can support the three-dimensional visual analysis of distributed virtual reality.
Research on Basic Information of Enterprise Electronization under the Background of Big Data
Authors: Wang Qihang
Published: April 2022

Ensuring information security is a maintenance process that combines dynamic and static. First of all, you can use a series of protective tools, such as firewalls, operating system authentication, encryption, and so on. At the same time, use some dynamic detection tools. With the rapid development of Internet technology, big data, cloud computing, and other technical terms are no longer strange to people. Today's society is increasingly networked, creating a common platform for big data resource sharing and data communication in various industries. Big data and cloud computing technology have been applied to every field of human life with a strong penetration, resulting in technological innovation in various industries. Under the background of the rapid development of big data and cloud computing technology, the traditional enterprise form has been difficult to cope with the increasingly fierce competitive environment, making the electronic enterprise become the inevitable trend in the development and reform of enterprises in today's world. Electronic enterprises promote the efficient and vigorous development of enterprises, improve the speed, efficiency, and market competitiveness of enterprises, and better adapt to the changes in the market environment caused by big data and cloud computing. With big data and cloud computing as the background, this paper studies and analyzes the inevitability, basic characteristics, existing problems, countermeasures, and other basic information of enterprise electronization, so as to provide theoretical guidance for enterprise electronization. It has the ability to control the dissemination and content of information, ensure the censorship of information, and provide the basis and means of investigation for emerging network security issues.
Screening and Validation of Significant Genes with Poor Prognosis in Pathologic Stage-I Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Deng Yujie , Chen Xiaohui , Huang Chuanzhong , Song Jun , Feng Sisi , Chen Xuzheng , Zhou Ruixiang
Published: April 2022

Background. Although more pathologic stage-I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was diagnosed recently, some relapsed or distantly metastasized shortly after radical resection. The study aimed to identify biomarkers predicting prognosis in the pathologic stage-I LUAD and improve the understanding of the mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis. Methods. We obtained the expression profiling data for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients from the NCBI-GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between early-stage NSCLC and normal lung tissue were determined. After function enrichment analyses on DEGs, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built and analyzed with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape. Overall survival (OS) and mRNA levels of genes were performed with Kaplan–Meier analysis and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). qPCR and western blot analysis of hub genes in stage-I LUAD patients validated the significant genes with poor prognosis. Results. A total of 172 DEGs were identified, which were mainly enriched in terms related to management of extracellular matrix (ECM), receptor signaling pathway, cell adhesion, activity of endopeptidase, and receptor. The PPI network identified 11 upregulated hub genes that were significantly associated with OS in NSCLC and highly expressed in NSCLC tissues compared with normal tissues by GEPIA. Elevated expression of ANLN, EXO1, KIAA0101, RRM2, TOP2A, and UBE2T were identified as potential risk factors in pathologic stage-I LUAD. Except for ANLN and KIAA0101, the hub genes mRNA levels were higher in tumors compared with adjacent non-cancerous samples in the qPCR analysis. The hub genes protein levels were also overexpressed in tumors. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of UBE2T in LUAD cell lines could inhibit cell proliferation and cycle progression. Conclusions. The DEGs can probably be used as potential predictors for stage-I LUAD worse prognosis and UBE2T may be a potential tumor promoter and target for treatment.
The Influence of Nano Titanium as Bitumen Modifier in Stone Mastic Asphalt
Authors: Masri Khairil Azman , Shamimi Mohd Zali Nur Syafiqah , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Seman Mazlan Abu , Mohd Hasan Mohd Rosli
Published: April 2022

Nanomaterials are emerging as one of the methods to improve the pavement industry. Due to that, this study explores the influence of nano TiO2 modified binder and mixture with 60/70 grade bitumen. The first stage discovers the physical properties of bitumen by undergoing penetration and softening point tests. Then, the nano TiO2 modified binder is evaluated in terms of its morphological and chemical properties. To verify the modified binder design, the mechanical performance of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) is assessed in terms of volumetric properties. From the results, 5% nano TiO2 modified binder shows significant improvement in terms of penetration and softening point. The results also show that the 3% nano TiO2 modified binder contributes the highest improvement in terms of its chemical properties and the morphological properties. Based on the morphological properties’ evaluation, FTIR and XRD observed a sharp peak of nano TiO2 while the bitumen containing nano TiO2 is well distributed when SEM-EDX was applied. In addition, the volumetric properties of SMA also significantly improve with the addition of nano TiO2. It can be said that the addition of nano TiO2 is able to enhance the overall properties of bitumen.
Numerical Study of Rectangular Tank with Sloshing Fluid and Simulation of the Model Using a Machine Learning Method
Authors: Chegini Hossein Goudarzvand , Zarepour Gholamreza
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a fluid sloshing model using the artificial neural network method (ANN). Determining the fluid sloshing model in the tank is a challenging task due to its nonlinearity and complexity of behavior to its environmental and operational conditions. Due to the problems of laboratory modeling, the use of numerical modeling to analyze this phenomenon can be justified. In this paper, first, the fluid sloshing in the tank is simulated by the smooth particle hydrodynamics method (SPH). The input-output data for training the artificial neural network is based on the obtained results. Finally, the maximum force due to the fluid sloshing is obtained by changing different parameters.
Dexmedetomidine Attenuates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats by Activating the Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Authors: Qiu Yuandong , Tang Zhiwei
Published: April 2022

Background. To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and its mechanism. Methods. Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 rats in each group): control group (intratracheal instillation of saline), ALI group (intratracheal instillation of 5 mg/kg LPS), and ALI-Dex group (tail vein injection of 50 μg/kg/h Dex + intratracheal instillation of LPS). Subsequently, the water content of lung tissues was assessed using the wet-dry (W/D) ratio and the histopathological changes of lung tissues using H&E staining. Further activities of ROS, SOD, and GSH-Px in lung tissues of rats were measured by an automatic biochemistry analyzer. ELISA was performed to detect TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and Western blot to detect the expression of Nrf2/ARE pathway-related proteins. Results. After Dex treatment, a reduction in water content in lung tissue and an improvement of lung injury were found in the ALI rats. Compared with the ALI group, rats in the ALI-Dex group had decreased ROS activity and increased activities of SOD and GSH-Px in lung tissues. Dex-treated rats were also associated with a decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Additionally, increased expression levels of HO-1 and NQO1 in lung tissues and elevated expression of Nrf2 in the nucleus were shown in the ALI-Dex group compared with the ALI group. Conclusion. Dex alleviates LPS-induced ALI by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
The Indirect Threats of Desert Locust Infestation on Honeybees in Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Zemene , Bihonegn Addisu , Begna Desalegn , Ababor Sebsib , Gebeyehu Arse
Published: April 2022

This review focuses on the potential effects of a desert locust infestation on Ethiopian honeybees. Data on the country’s infestation, locust activity, honeybee foraging behavior, pesticide kinds, and application rates were collected and analyzed in connection to honeybee life and performance. Desert locust has damaged a considerable number of plants of various kinds, possibly causing pollen and nectar loss. As a result, honeybees are likely to produce less brood, less honey, suffer from poor health, and abscond. Besides, studies suggested that the use of pesticides to control the locust could directly harm honeybees. The pesticide was used for 21 days in a row to cover a huge region infected with locusts, which could have had a severe effect on honeybees. The probability of an influence is also indicated by the overlap of pesticide administration with honeybee foraging seasons and hours. Furthermore, forager bees leave their hive 1 to 13 times per day, spending about 3 hours outside each time, indicating higher chemical exposure. Malathion is one of the pesticides that could harm honeybees, while there is no comprehensive list of the chemicals used on the internet or anywhere else. Finally, the current desert locust invasion and eradication operation in Ethiopia may have caused substantial damage to honeybees as a result of bee forage loss and pesticide hazard, emphasizing the need for future precautions. Because this is speculative work based on evidence, detailed survey research is recommended to determine the actual impact imposed on honeybees.
Research on Multi-Precision Fabric Modeling Method Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Jin Yanxia. , Chen Zhixu. , Lu Ye. , Yang Jing. , Liu Yabian. , Shi Zhiru.
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the shortcomings of complex calculation and time consumption of fabric physical simulation methods, many single-precision fabric simulation technologies based on machine learning methods have emerged and the amount of calculation is increased for regions with small changes. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes two multi-precision fabric modeling method based on machine learning. Firstly, the fabric mesh is simulated by the physical method, the initial position of the vertex is calculated, and the deformation of each region of the fabric is measured by Rayleigh quotient curvature, and the multi-precision fabric mesh is constructed. Secondly, the multi-precision fabric graph structure and geometry image are extracted from the multiprecision fabric mesh. Finally, the subgraph convolutional neural network and super-resolution network are trained to model the multi-precision fabric, and we compared the two different multi-precision fabric machine learning modeling methods. Through the experimental verification, in the garment modeling, the garment modeled by the subgraph convolutional neural network is no longer only dependent on the change of human joints, resulting in a more realistic effect. At the same time, the efficiency of the subgraph convolutional neural network is 25.3% higher than that of the single-precision garment modeling based on the machine learning method. In the cloth simulation, speed of the super-resolution network is nearly 16 times faster than that of the physical simulation, which supplements the imperfection of insufficient flexibility of the subgraph convolutional neural network modeling.
Exploration of CT Images Based on the BN‐U‐net‐W Network Segmentation Algorithm in Glioma Surgery
Authors: Yu Yongmei , Du Zhaofeng , Yuan Changxin , Li Jian
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to explore the application value of computed tomography (CT) imaging features based on the deep learning batch normalization (batch normalization, BN) U‐net‐W network image segmentation algorithm in evaluating and diagnosing glioma surgery. 72 patients with glioma who were admitted to hospital were selected as the research subjects. They were divided into a low‐grade group (grades I‐II, N = 27 cases) and high‐grade group (grades III‐IV, N = 45 cases) according to postoperative pathological examination results. The CT perfusion imaging (CTPI) images of patients were processed by using the deep learning‐based BN‐U‐net‐W network image segmentation algorithm. The application value of the algorithm was comprehensively evaluated by comparing the average Dice coefficient, average recall rate, and average precision of the BN‐U‐net‐W network image segmentation algorithm with the U‐net and BN‐U‐net network algorithms. The results showed that the Dice coefficient, recall, and precision of the BN‐U‐net‐W network were 86.31%, 88.43%, and 87.63% respectively, which were higher than those of the U‐net and BN‐U‐net networks, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and capillary permeability (PMB) in the glioma area were 56.85 mL/(min·100 g), 18.03 mL/(min·100 g), and 8.57 mL/100 g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of normal brain tissue, showing statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). The mean transit time (MTT) difference between the two was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of CBF, CBV, and PMB in CTPI parameters of glioma had area under the curve (AUC) of 0.685, 0.724, and 0.921, respectively. PMB parameters were significantly higher than those of CBF and CVB, and the differences were statistically obvious (P < 0.05). It showed that the BN‐U‐net‐W network model had a better image segmentation effect, and CBF, CBV, and PMB showed better sensitivity in diagnosing glioma tissue and normal brain tissue and high‐grade and low‐grade gliomas, among which PBM showed the highest predictability.
Steady-State Availability Evaluation for Heterogeneous Edge Computing-Enabled WSNs with Malware Infections
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yang Shumin , Wu Guowen , Shen Shigen , Cao Qiying
Published: April 2022

To evaluate the steady-state availability of heterogeneous edge computing-enabled wireless sensor networks (HECWSNs) with malware infections, we first propose a Stackelberg attack-defence game to predict the optimal strategies of malware and intrusion detection systems (IDSs) deployed in heterogeneous sensor nodes (HSNs). Next, we present a new malware infection model—heterogeneous susceptible-threatened-active-recovered-dead (HSTARD) based on epidemic theory. Then, considering the heterogeneity of sink sensor nodes and common sensor nodes and the malware attack correlation, we derive the state transition probability matrix of an HSN based on a semi-Markov process (SMP), as well as the steady-state availability of an HSN. Furthermore, based on a data flow analysis of HSNs, we deduce the steady-state availability of HECWSNs with various topologies, including the star topology, cluster topology, and mesh topology. Finally, numerical analyses illustrate the influence of the IDS parameters on the optimal infection probability of malware and reveal the effect of multiple factors on the steady-state availability of HSNs, including the initial infection rate, the infection change rate, and the malware attack correlation. In addition, we present data analyses of the steady-state availability of HECWSNs with various topologies, including the star topology, cluster topology, and mesh topology, which provide a theoretical basis for the design, deployment, and maintenance of high-availability HECWSNs.
Geometric Model and Numerical Study of Aqueous Humor Hydrodynamics in the Human Eye
Authors: Tang Hao , Qin Zhangrong , Wen Binghai
Published: April 2022

The flow of aqueous humor (AH) in the human eye plays a key role in the process of transporting nutrients to the intraocular tissues and maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The pathogenesis of many ophthalmic diseases is also closely related to the flow of AH. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the mechanism of AH dynamics in the human eye. In this paper, we used image processing technology to denoise and segment the anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) images and established a geometric model based on the human eye. At the same time, a model of AH dynamics in the human eye based on the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method was proposed. Then, we simulated the AH flow in the human eye with different morphological structures and different physical properties and analyzed the factors that affect the AH flow, including the shape of anterior chamber (AC), the crypts of iris, the indentation of cornea, the permeability of trabecular meshwork (TM), the secretion rate of AH, and the viscosity of AH. The results showed that the changes in eye tissue morphological structures and physical properties would affect the flow of AH. For example, the maximum velocity of AH flow decreases with the increases in cornea deformation. When the distance of cornea indentation changes from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, the maximum velocity of AH reduces by 17%. In the asymmetrical AC, the AH will form two different vortices. In the crypts of the iris, we found that the AH flow forms small vortices, a phenomenon that has not been reported in other papers. In addition, we found that the intraocular pressure (IOP) decreases with the increase of the TM permeability and increases with the increase of the AH secretion rate, and it is not sensitive to changes in the viscosity of AH.
Establishment of DNA Methylation Profile Associated with TCM Syndrome in Endometriosis
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Zhang Zhaofeng , Zeng Weiwei , Zhong Yuqing , Xie Dandan , Zhu Weiqiang , Chen Fujia , Du Jing , Zhang Tingting
Published: April 2022

Objectives. To screen the potential epigenetic biomarkers associated with endometriosis (EMS) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome EMS types. Methods. A cohort of 99 participants comprising 42 EMS patients with cold coagulation blood stasis (CCBS) syndrome, 35 EMS patients with Qi stagnation blood stasis (QSBS) syndrome, and 22 women of childbearing age without EMS were recruited. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was used to establish the differential DNA methylation profiles in human peripheral blood samples obtained from four non-EMS and four EMS patients with CCBS or QSBS syndrome, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified in 18 non-EMS, 38 CCBS-EMS, and 31 QSBS-EMS using pyrosequencing. Results. Methylation sites of 123942, 127229, and 115961 were found in peripheral blood DNA of non-EMS, CCBS-EMS, and QSBS-EMS patients, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the pathological process of EMS may be closely related to the nervous system development, cell junctions, GABA-gated chloride ion channel activity, nicotine addiction, Hippo signaling pathway, mRNA surveillance pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. The methylation level at CpG site within HDAC6 gene in QSBS-EMS patients was significantly different from that in control women. Conclusions. The changes in DNA methylation in peripheral blood samples may be associated with EMS and TCM syndrome EMS types. The methylation level of HDAC6 gene may be used to distinguish QSBS-EMS patients from women without EMS.
Effect of Modified Xianglian Pingwei Powder plus Glutathione and Levofloxacin Hydrochloride on Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Positive Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Su Shanshan , Wang Qingqing , Wei Fang , Zheng Guoqi
Published: April 2022

Liver cirrhosis is a common chronic disease in China. The effect of modified Xianglian Pingwei powder plus Western medicine in the treatment of liver cirrhosis and positive small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is promising. Totally, 100 patients with liver cirrhosis and positive intestinal bacterial overgrowth in Cangzhou Central Hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were enrolled and randomized via the random number table method at a ratio of 1 : 1 into the study group and control group. The control group received glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride, and the study group received Xianglian Pingwei powder plus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels of the two groups were decreased after treatment with lower results in the study group. Xianglian Pingwei powder plus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride was associated with a significantly lower positive rate of small intestine bacterial growth, serum endotoxin level, and peripheral blood toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TRL4 levels versus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride. The combined medication achieved a higher efficacy (90.00%) versus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride (66.00%). The two groups experienced similar safety. Xianglian Pingwei powder plus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride achieved significant benefits of clinical efficacy with a high safety profile in patients with liver cirrhosis versus glutathione and levofloxacin hydrochloride.
Assessment of Intestinal Parasites, Enteric Bacterial Infections, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Street Food Handlers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gemechu Tibeso , Eshetu Teferi , Kassa Tesfaye , Jarso Habtemu
Published: April 2022

Background. Food-borne infections are common public health problems worldwide. A street food handler with poor personal hygiene contributes to the transmission of intestinal parasites and enteric bacteria to the public via contaminated foods. In Ethiopia, health risks associated with street food are common. Previous studies in this area are scanty. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, enteric bacterial infections, and antimicrobial susceptibility among street food handlers in Jimma town. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among 260 street food handlers in Jimma town. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews. About 3 grams of the fecal specimen were collected from each food handler for bacterial culture and concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Associated factors were identified by using binary logistic regression analysis. A statistically significant association was determined at a p-value less than 0.05. Results. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteric bacterial pathogens was 39.2% (33.3%–45.2%) and 8.85% (5.4%–12.3%), respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%) and Salmonella (8.1%) were the most predominant parasite and enteric bacterial isolates, respectively. Not trimming fingernails (AOR = 2.884; 95% CI: 1.682–4.945) and not washing hands with soap after toilet (AOR = 3.342; 95% CI: 1.939–5.761) were factors associated with increased risk of infection by intestinal parasites or enteric bacterial pathogens. All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin. Conclusion. The infection with intestinal parasites and enteric bacterial pathogens detected in this study indicated that street food handlers may serve as sources of pathogens/parasites for transmission and experience morbidities due to the infections. Therefore, periodic medical checkups and creating awareness of personal hygiene are mandatory to reduce the risk of infections.
Facilitators, Barriers, and Structural Determinants of Physical Activity in Nulliparous Pregnant Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kianfard Leila , Niknami Shamsaddin , SHokravi Farkhonde Amin , Rakhshanderou Sakineh
Published: April 2022

Aims & Backgrounds. Reduced physical activity in pregnant women is highly stemmed from their misconceptions and attitudes during pregnancy. This study is aimed at recognizing the facilitators, barriers, and structural factors that influence activity among pregnant women. Participants & Methods. This qualitative study was conducted from January to June 2020 in nulliparous pregnant women. Forty participants selected randomly from the Pounak Health Center of Tehran City, Iran, answered open-ended questions about the obstacles that deprived them of physical activity during pregnancy. Data were analyzed by MAXQDA 12 software. Findings. 620 primary codes, 42 secondary codes, 11 subthemes, and 6 themes were extracted. These themes were divided into the PEN-3 categories: facilitators, barriers, and structural factors. The nurture factors as facilitators had communication and support from others as subthemes. Barriers consisted of sociocultural (participate in pregnancy class with a companion, social beliefs, and culture of poverty), socioeconomic (financial problems), and individual factors (physical, psychoemotional, and spiritual dimensions), and structural factors consisted of environmental (equipment) and organizational (possibilities in health centers) factors. Conclusion. Lack of awareness and misinformation, accessibility obstacles, and economic problems are the worst physical activity barriers during pregnancy. Being among other pregnant women and the physicians’ recommendations are the best facilitators of physical activity during pregnancy.
Evaluation of Rhizosphere Bacterial Antagonists against Ralstonia solanacearum Causing Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Wilt in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Gashaw Tsigie , Sitotaw Baye , Yilma Solomon
Published: April 2022

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most commonly grown vegetables in Ethiopia. However, diseases such as bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum have been limiting the production. The rhizosphere is an important source of antagonistic bacteria against soilborne pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the antagonistic potential of rhizosphere bacteria against R. solanacearum in vitro. The pathogen was isolated from wilted tomato plants and tested for hypersensitivity reactions to ascertain the virulent R. solanacearum. Antagonistic rhizobacteria were also isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy tomatoes. Isolates were identified based on cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. The antagonistic effect of rhizobacteria against R. solanacearum was tested in vitro. In addition, the growth of rhizobacterial isolates was determined at different levels of temperature, pH, and NaCl. Of the 36 randomly collected colonies, 7 isolates were identified as Ralstonia spp., all of which were grouped under R. solanacearum biovar III. Similarly, 57 rhizobacteria were isolated, and only 14 had shown antagonistic effects against R. solanacearum. The antagonistic rhizobacteria were identified as Pseudomonas or Bacillus species. Significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) antagonistic activity (14.66 mm inhibition zone) was recorded by Pseudomonas isolate (P6) than recorded by the rest of the isolates and the positive control. Nine rhizobacterial isolates (out of 14) demonstrated higher or equal inhibition zones recorded by the positive controls. All isolates grew at temperatures ranging 15–45°C, pH 5–9, and 2–5% NaCl. The Bacillus spp. grew at all conditions except at pH 3, showing that they can tolerate wide range of growth conditions. The results of this study showed the presence of potential antagonistic bacteria against R. solanacearum in the study area, which can be used for the control of bacterial wilt of tomato as an alternative management option. Further study is required to determine the efficacy at greenhouse and field conditions.
Comparative Study on Triaxial Test of Undisturbed and Remolded Loess
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Liang Chunhang , Zheng Chao , Zhai Juyun
Published: April 2022

The difference of sample preparation methods will directly lead to the difference of the structure of the sample, and the mechanical response characteristics under external load will be different. Based on the conventional tests such as particle analysis, specific gravity, critical moisture content, and consolidation test of undisturbed loess from Xi’an, this paper focuses on the static triaxial consolidated drained shear and consolidated undrained shear tests on undisturbed and remolded loess. The results show that: (1) the structure has an obvious influence on the stress-strain relationship of the sample, the stress-strain curve of the undisturbed sample is a strain softening curve, and the stress-strain curve of the remolded sample is a weak strain hardening curve; (2) under the same loading conditions, the triaxial shear strength of the undisturbed soil is significantly higher than that of the remolded soil; (3) the change rule of the consolidation ratio of undisturbed and remolded samples is basically the same, but the final consolidation ratio of remolded soil is greater than that of undisturbed soil.
Ranking of Search Requests in the Digital Information Retrieval System Based on Dynamic Neural Networks
Authors: Bartosova Viera , Drobyazko Svetlana , Bogachov Sergii , Afanasieva Olga , Mikhailova Maria
Published: April 2022

The article is devoted to the problem of optimization of search request ranking algorithms in the digital information retrieval system. The algorithm of functioning of the neural network ranking unit based on Hopfield neural network is built. The ability to generate a ranked list of pages found as a result of the request in the digital information retrieval system can be provided by solving two problems of integer optimization: the problem of assignment of combinatorial sets of criteria for assessing the relevance of web page search and the problem of sorting of numbers—relevance values. The architecture of the neural network model based on the dynamic Hopfield neural network with binary output function designed for combinatorial optimization of the final list of documents found in the digital information retrieval system was synthesized. Promising variants of neural network models with binary output function of neurons for synthesis of the optimal evaluation plan with a combinatorial set of criteria by solving the problem of assignment were built. It has been proven that the built models differ in the rules for determining the coefficients of synaptic connections and external shifts; each of the created rules can be used independently or in different combinations with one another. In the course of analytical research, it was found that the optimization formulation of the problem of sorting of relevance values of search pages is identical to the problem of assignment of combinatorial groups of evaluation criteria provided that the elements of the performance matrix of the latter are defined as linear combinations of relevance values.
Data-Driven Approach for Modeling the Nonlane-Based Mixed Traffic Conditions
Authors: Raju Narayana , Arkatkar Shriniwas S. , Easa Said , Joshi Gaurang
Published: April 2022

The diverse nature of vehicle categories and the resultant lane discipline in mixed (heterogeneous) traffic cause complex spatial interactions. As a result, the driving behavior process in mixed traffic conditions is meaningfully different, where both longitudinal and lateral movements of the vehicles continuously occur. Under prevailing homogeneous traffic conditions in developed countries, driving behavior is partially discrete, where following longitudinal behavior and outboard lane-change models can model traffic behavior. However, the established car-following and lane-change models cannot be directly used in shaping mixed traffic conditions. Such conditions also warrant the use of high-quality microlevel vehicular trajectory data. Accordingly, realizing this need, vehicular trajectory data for different traffic flow conditions were developed. The data were used to extract the parameters required for modeling the vehicles’ positions using machine learning algorithms. Three established supervised machine learning algorithms (k-NN, random forest, and regression tree) and deep learning are selected to model mixed traffic conditions. The parameters which influence longitudinal and lateral movements are identified using Spearman correlation analysis. Furthermore, simulation runs are performed using the python language. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated both at the microscopic and macroscopic levels using relevant traffic indicators. The results show that a deep learning model and k-NN tend to replicate better-mixed traffic conditions than random forest and regression trees.
Value of Combining Optical Coherence Tomography with Fundus Photography in Screening Retinopathy in Patients with High Myopia
Authors: Hao Yingjuan , Liu Shiyang , Yu Zhimin
Published: April 2022

Objective. To explore the value of combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) with fundus photography in screening retinopathy in patients with high myopia. Methods. By means of retrospective study, 40 high myopia patients with retinopathy treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were selected as the study group, and 40 healthy individuals in the same period were included in the control group. All patients received traditional ophthalmic examination, and accepted fundus fluorescence imaging, OCT, and fundus photography examination step by step by the same operator. After that, three physicians read the slides by the double blind method, and took the results of fundus fluorescence imaging as the gold standard to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of OCT, fundus photography and their combination. Results. The clinical data and examination results showed that no statistical differences in general data including patients’ mean age, gender ratio, and educational degree between the study group and the control group were observed (P > 0.05), and the nerve thickness above/below the optic disk and temporal/nasal nerve thickness of the optic disk of the study group were significantly different from those of the control group (P < 0.001); the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy rate of diagnosis of combining OCT with fundus photography were respectively 95.0%, 97.5%, 97.4%, 95.1%, and 96.3%, which were significantly higher than OCT or fundus photography alone (P < 0.05); and for combined examination, AUC (95%CI) = 0.963 (0.000–1.000). Conclusion. Combining OCT with fundus photography can effectively identify high myopia patients with retinopathy, which is conducive to improving clinical positive ratio and providing objective basis for treatment.
Approximate and Closed-Form Solutions of Newell-Whitehead-Segel Equations via Modified Conformable Shehu Transform Decomposition Method
Authors: Liaqat Muhammad Imran , Khan Adnan , Alam Md. Ashraful , Pandit M. K. , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram
Published: April 2022

In this study, we introduced a novel scheme to attain approximate and closed-form solutions of conformable Newell-Whitehead-Segel (NWS) equations, which belong to the most consequential amplitude equations in physics. The conformable Shehu transform (CST) and the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) are combined in the proposed method. We call it the conformable Shehu decomposition method (CSDM). To assess the efficiency and consistency of the recommended method, we demonstrate 2D and 3D graphs as well as numerical simulations of the derived solutions. As a result, CSDM demonstrates that it is a useful and simple mathematical tool for getting approximate and exact analytical solutions to linear-nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) of the given kind. The convergence and absolute error analysis of the series solutions is also offered.
Bioinformatic Analysis of the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Colorectal Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Martínez-Esquivias Fernando , Gutiérrez-Angulo Melva , Becerra-Ruiz Julieta Saraí , Martinez-Perez Luz Andrea , de la Cruz-Ahumada Claudia Jackelin , Guzmán-Flores Juan Manuel
Published: April 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most diagnosed cancer with the highest mortality rate each year globally. Although there are treatments for CRC, the development of resistance to therapies decreases the success of treatments. In vitro studies using the Caco‐2 cell line have revealed the anticancer properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a possible treatment for this disease. This study considered four researches that evaluated the proteomic profiles of cells of the Caco‐2 line exposed to AgNPs. We performed a bioinformatics analysis to predict protein‐protein interaction, hub genes, Gene Ontology (molecular function, biological process, and cellular components), KEGG pathways, analysis of expression, and immune cell infiltration. For these analyses, the STRING, DAVID, UALCAN, GEPIA2, and TISIDB databases were used. The results in Gene Ontology show that AgNPs cause a deregulation of genes related to cell‐cell adhesion, the cytoplasm, the centriole, and carbon metabolism. Hub genes were identified, including GADPH, ENO1, EEF2, and ATP5A1, which showed differential expression in patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. Additionally, the expression of the hub genes and immune cells was correlated. It was found that ATP5A1 and ENO1 were positively correlated with the infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes in colon adenocarcinoma and a negative correlation between GADPH and PDIA3 with the infiltration of NK cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes in rectal adenocarcinoma, respectively. In conclusion, the administration of AgNPs causes an alteration of biological processes, cellular components, metabolic pathways, deregulation of hub genes, and the activity of immune cells leading to a potential anticancer effect.
Effect of Sorghum-Mung Bean Intercropping on Sorghum-Based Cropping System in the Lowlands of North Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Temeche Degu , Getachew Elias , Hailu Getachew , Abebe Assaminew
Published: April 2022

Due to decreasing land units and a decline in soil fertility, integrating mung beans into the Sorghum production system is a viable option for increasing productivity and producing cash crops. The experiment was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons in order to evaluate the effect of a Sorghum-mung bean intercrop arrangement on a Sorghum-based cropping system that would maximize intercropping advantage without reducing Sorghum performance. The treatments were combinations of sole Sorghum, sole mung bean, one Sorghum by one mung bean row (1 : 1), one Sorghum by two mung bean rows (1 : 2), two Sorghum by one mung bean row (2 : 1), and mixed planting of Sorghum and mung bean (50/50), which were tested in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The highest yield reduction was observed from intercropping mixed planting (15.63%), in addition, the mean intercropped Sorghum yield showed up to12.44% reduction compared to sole stand. On the other hand, best-intercropped Sorghum yields that were produced under combinations of 2 : 1 row arrangement (4.11 t·ha−1) gave a statistically similar yield to all combinations including sole stand (4.48 t·ha−1). Significant row arrangement effect showed that the row (1 : 2) gave the highest yield for mung bean (0.35 t·ha−1), while the lowest was recorded from row arrangement (1 : 1) (0.16 t·ha−1). The highest total LER was obtained at 1 : 2 row (1.23) arrangements. The highest net return and marginal return (MRR) (341.23%) was obtained from one-row Sorghum alternated with two-row mung bean (1 : 2). Therefore, farmers around the research area can get additional income from intercropping Sorghum with bean crops without adversely affecting Sorghum yield by using one-row Sorghum alternated two-row mung bean (1 : 2) row arrangement.
Actinomyces Acute Rhinosinusitis Complicated by Subperiosteal Abscess in an Immunocompromised 12-Year-Old: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Nimmagadda Sai V. , Man Li-Xing , McKenna Margo K. , Faria John J. , Schmale Isaac L.
Published: April 2022

Objective. To describe a rare case of pediatric actinomycotic rhinosinusitis with orbital subperiosteal abscess and review the current literature to assess methods of diagnosis, treatment modalities, and outcomes with appropriate treatment. Methods. A case report and a review of the literature. Results. A 12-year-old patient with Crohn’s disease on infliximab presented with rhinosinusitis with orbital subperiosteal abscess formation. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed and cultures grew actinomyces. A prolonged course of antibiotics was started, resulting in the complete resolution of the infection. In a literature review, all cases of uncomplicated and complicated actinomyces rhinosinusitis managed with appropriate surgery and prolonged antibiotics resulted in a cure. Our case is the first reported in a pediatric patient and the first taking immunosuppressive medication. Overall, only 3 cases of actinomyces rhinosinusitis in immunosuppressed individuals have been reported, each with uncontrolled diabetes and each also responded well to surgery and appropriate antibiotics. Conclusion. Actinomycosis of the paranasal sinuses poses a diagnostic challenge, with infections varying widely in presentation and extent of disease. A high index of suspicion, appropriate testing, and early aggressive treatment are critical in managing patients with this infection. Our case and prior published studies show that actinomyces rhinosinusitis can be successfully managed with endoscopic sinus surgery, abscess drainage as necessary, and a prolonged course of antibiotics, even in immunocompromised and pediatric populations.