bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal characteristics associated with gestational weight gain in France: a population-based, nationally representative study
Authors: Amyx Melissa , Zeitlin Jennifer , Hermann Monika , Castetbon Katia , Blondel Béatrice , Le Ray Camille
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To provide nationally representative estimates of gestational weight gain (GWG) and identify maternal characteristics associated with inadequate GWG in France.

Design

A population-based study using data from the French National Perinatal Survey: 2010 and 2016.

Setting

All maternity units in metropolitan, mainland France (n=535 in 2010; n=493 in 2016).

Participants

Singleton live births with GWG data (N=24 850).

Primary outcome measures

GWG was calculated as end of pregnancy minus pre-pregnancy weight (kg) and categorised as ‘insufficient’, ‘adequate’, or ‘excessive’ using 2009 Institute of Medicine thresholds. Classification accounted for pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2; underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), obese (≥30)) and gestational age at birth. We estimated average GWG and the percentage of women in each GWG category. Polytomous logistic regression identified characteristics associated with GWG adequacy.

Results

Average GWG was 13.0 kg (SD 5.6), with 26.8% of women gaining insufficiently, 37.0% adequately and 36.1% excessively. Among other factors, insufficient GWG was associated with underweight (vs normal weight; adjusted OR (aOR) 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.5) and obese (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 1.7) BMI. Excessive GWG was associated with overweight (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 3.1) and obese BMI (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.9 to 3.6). Examining obesity classes separately, odds of insufficient GWG increased from obesity class I to III, while odds of excessive GWG decreased from obesity class I to III. Primiparity (insufficient: aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.0; excessive: aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.3), maternal characteristics indicative of lower socioeconomic status, and continuing or quitting smoking during pregnancy were also associated with inadequate GWG.

Conclusions

In France, insufficient and excessive GWG are common. For optimal outcomes, clinician education, with special attention to the needs of higher risk/vulnerable groups, is needed to ensure all women receive appropriate advice for recommended GWG.
Mixed-methods evaluation of a structured primary care programme for children and adolescents with mental health problems (PrimA-QuO): a study protocol
Authors: Loidl Verena , Decke Siona , Hamacher Karina , Lang Martin , Laub Otto , Marijic Pavo , Murawski Monika , Schwettmann Lars , Grill Eva
Published: July 2021

Introduction

More than 17% of German children and adolescents have clinically relevant mental health problems (MHP). Typically, general paediatricians are often the first contact for children with MHP, and referrals to specialised care tend to be the standard approach. A statutory health insurance fund developed a programme for children with MHP (Health Coaching (HC)) aiming to offer targeted but low-threshold services. However, little is known about whether HC has the potential for optimising patient care. The aim of the PrimA-QuO study is to examine the effectiveness and the acceptance, barriers and facilitators of all stakeholders of this structured primary care programme for children affected by the most frequently encountered MHP in paediatric practice.

Methods and analysis

In this mixed-methods approach, children (n=800; aged 0–17 years) with MHP meeting all inclusion criteria will be identified in the health insurance database according to International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnoses between 2018 and 2019. The qualitative component uses a series of semistructured interviews with programme developers, paediatricians trained in HC, adolescents with MHP treated according to the programme guidelines and their parents. In addition, a prospective, pragmatic, parallel-group cohort study will be conducted using an online questionnaire to examine the effects of HC on health-related quality of life of affected children and their families as well as on change in MHP. Children treated according to the HC guidelines form the intervention group, whereas all others serve as controls. Primary data from the cohort study are linked to children’s health insurance claims data to calculate the costs of care as proxies for healthcare utilisation. The hypothesis is that HC is an effective and efficient primary care programme with the potential to improve patients’ and their families’ health outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. Grant number 01VSF16032 (funded by the German Innovationsfonds)
Exploring definitions of radiological sarcopenia in cancer: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Wang James Wei , Williams Matthew
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Sarcopenia is the loss of skeletal muscle volume or quality, a concept previously established in age-related frailty. Sarcopenia is part of the cancer cachexia syndrome and has therefore been explored as biomarker through the opportunistic measurement of skeletal muscle from routine cancer imaging. However, there is inconsistency in diagnostic landmarks and cut-offs. The most common assessment method is skeletal muscle area at the slice level of the third lumbar vertebrae divided by height squared. Alternative sarcopenia measures have been derived from morphological descriptions of the psoas, thoracic and cervical muscles, driven by tumour-specific anatomical imaging.

Current tumour-site specific reviews suggest a link between heterogeneously defined sarcopenia on tumour site-specific outcomes. Because lack of uniformity, a scoping review is best suited to streamline anatomically based definitions and map the evidence to outcomes. The aim of this article is to describe a protocol for a scoping review that will homogenise the evidence of radiological sarcopenia in cancer. The extent, range and nature of reports will be examined, after which possible titles for potential systematic reviews identified.

Methods and analysis

We will apply methods based on the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review manual. Predefined search terms compiled with a librarian experienced in systematic reviews will be used to search PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane databases studies correlating cross-sectional cancer sarcopenia biomarkers with clinical outcomes. Studies will be mapped according to whether they have defined new sarcopenia measures or applied previous definitions to new populations, both with reported outcomes. This review will generate a numerical analysis on the extent of cancer sarcopenia measures as well as a narrative synthesis to describe the applications of radiologically derived sarcopenia in cancer.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval was not required to undertake this scoping review. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.
Psychosocial work factors and blood pressure among 63 800 employees from The Netherlands in the Lifelines Cohort Study
Authors: Faruque Md Omar , Framke Elisabeth , Sørensen Jeppe Karl , Madsen Ida Elisabeth Huitfeldt , Rugulies Reiner , Vonk Judith M , Boezen H Marike , Bültmann Ute
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Previous studies on the association between psychosocial work factors and blood pressure mainly focused on specific occupations or populations and had limited sample sizes. We, therefore, investigated the associations between psychosocial work factors and blood pressure in a large general working population in the Netherlands.

Methods

We included 63 800 employees from the Netherlands, aged 18–65 years, with blood pressure measurements and a reliable job code at baseline. Psychosocial work factors (job strain, effort–reward imbalance (ERI) and emotional demands) in the current job were estimated with three recently developed psychosocial job exposure matrices. To examine the associations, regression analyses adjusted for covariates (age, sex, body mass index, education, monthly income, pack-years, smoking, alcohol consumption and antihypertensive medication (not included for hypertension)) were performed.

Results

Higher job strain was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (B (regression coefficients) (95% CI) 2.14 (1.23 to 3.06)) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (B (95% CI) 1.26 (0.65 to 1.86)) and with higher odds of hypertension (OR (95% CI) 1.43 (1.17 to 1.74)). Higher ERI was associated with higher DBP (B (95% CI) 4.37 (3.05 to 5.68)), but not with SBP or hypertension. Higher emotional demands were associated with lower SBP (B (95% CI) −0.90 (−1.14 to −0.66)) and lower odds of hypertension ((OR) (95% CI) 0.91 (0.87 to 0.96)).

Conclusions

In the general working population, employees in jobs with high job strain and ERI have higher blood pressure compared with employees with low job strain and ERI. Emotional demands at work are inversely associated with blood pressure.
Precision studies for Drell–Yan processes at NNLO
Authors: Alekhin S. , Kardos A. , Moch S. , Trócsányi Z.
Published: July 2021

We present a detailed comparison of the fixed-order predictions computed by four publicly available computer codes for Drell–Yan processes at the LHC and Tevatron colliders. We point out that while there is agreement among the predictions at the next-to-leading order accuracy, the predictions at the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) differ, whose extent depends on the observable. The sizes of the differences in general are at least similar, sometimes larger than the sizes of the NNLO corrections themselves. We demonstrate that the neglected power corrections by the codes that use global slicing methods for the regularization of double real emissions can be the source of the differences. Depending on the fiducial cuts, those power corrections become linear, hence enhanced as compared to quadratic ones that are considered standard.
Effects of uniform rotation and electromagnetic potential on the modified Klein–Gordon oscillator in a cosmic string space-time
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: July 2021

In this work, we study the modified Klein–Gordon oscillator by replacing the momentum vector [Formula: see text] in the Klein–Gordon equation under scalar and electromagnetic potentials in a rotating cosmic string space-time. The electromagnetic and scalar potentials are chosen to be proportional to the inverse of the axial distance [Formula: see text]. We solve the radial wave equation and obtain the energy eigenvalues and the corresponding wave function which depend on the global parameters of the space-time, and observe a gravitational analogue of the Aharonov–Bohm effect. We also see that the presence of electromagnetic and scalar potentials allows the formation of the bound-state solutions and the angular frequency of the oscillator depends on the quantum numbers of the system.
NE Greenland Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element, northern Greenland Sea and Fram Strait
Authors: Fyhn Michael B. W. , Hopper John R.
Published: July 2021

The NE Greenland margin measures more than 300 km from coast to the continent–ocean transition at its widest part and is in an early state of exploration. It is expected to hold significant petroleum reserves due to a high concentration of large structures and prolific source-rock intervals anticipated in the subsurface. The margin is composed of five tectonic units: (1) the Koldewey Platform; (2) the Danmarkshavn Basin; (3) the Danmarkshavn Ridge; (4) the Thetis Basin; and (5) the Wandel Sea Basin. These units form the NE Greenland Rifted Margin Composite Tectono-Sedimentary Element. Rifting commenced at some time during the Devonian or Carboniferous and recurred during latest Jurassic–Cretaceous time. Major tilted fault blocks and other rift-related structures formed during latest Jurassic–Cretaceous rifting. The structures are typically cored by Triassic–Middle Jurassic sand-prone sequences. Oil-prone Upper Jurassic–lowermost Cretaceous marine source rock caps the structures or is located immediately downdip. A large concentration of structures exists in the eastern Danmarkshavn Basin, the western Thetis Basin and along the edges of the Danmarkshavn Ridge. Other major structures exist in the least data-covered parts of the margin furthest north.
Relicts of Paleoproterozoic LIPs in the Belomorian Province, eastern Fennoscandian Shield: barcode reconstruction for a deeply eroded collisional orogen
Authors: Stepanova Alexandra V. , Stepanov Vladimir S. , Larionov Alexander N. , Salnikova Ekaterina B. , Samsonov Alexander V. , Azimov Pavel , Egorova Svetlana V. , Babarina Irina I. , Larionova Yulia O. , Sukhanova Maria A. , Kervinen Anna V. , Maksimov Oleg A.
Published: July 2021

Geological, geochemical, isotopic and geochronological data for Paleoproterozoic mafic intrusions and dykes indicate that distinct magmatic events dated at
c.
2.50, 2.45, 2.40, 2.30, 2.23 and 2.12 Ga can be distinguished in the Belomorian Province, Eastern Fennoscandian Shield. The similarity of Paleoproterozoic magmatic barcodes for the Belomorian Province and the Karelian Craton in the
c.
2.5–2.1 Ga interval suggests a neighbouring position of these crustal segments in an Archean continent. Intensive tectonic and metamorphic reworking of mafic intrusions and dykes in the Belomorian Province during the
c.
2.0–1.8 Ga Lapland–Kola Orogeny produced differences in mineral assemblages and tectonic position in comparison with the Karelian Craton.
A Sociocultural Explanation of Internet-Enabled Work in Rural Regions
Authors: Kahn Zoe , Burrell Jenna
Published: July 2021

This article draws on ethnographic research in three rural places in the Western United States to understand how rural workers incorporate the Internet into their work practices. We find two key, divergent types of work in rural areas that leverage the Internet: (1) telework and (2) work to market and sell goods and services online. We consider why these two forms of Internet-enabled work are pursued by different segments of the rural population, attending to the socio-demographic variation within and between these two broad categories. Some key differences include whether workers are urban transplants or rural-originating, in “white-collar” or “blue-collar” occupations, and whether they are men or women. We argue that deficit framings that focus on inadequate infrastructure or absent skills are insufficient to understand such patterns of differentiated use. Instead a sociocultural explanation is needed: one that draws connections between work cultures, occupational values, skills, and practices.
Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Hogan Aidan , Blomqvist Eva , Cochez Michael , D’amato Claudia , Melo Gerard De , Gutierrez Claudio , Kirrane Sabrina , Gayo José Emilio Labra , Navigli Roberto , Neumaier Sebastian , Ngomo Axel-Cyrille Ngonga , Polleres Axel , Rashid Sabbir M. , Rula Anisa , Schmelzeisen Lukas , Sequeda Juan , Staab Steffen , Zimmermann Antoine
Published: July 2021

In this article, we provide a comprehensive introduction to knowledge graphs, which have recently garnered significant attention from both industry and academia in scenarios that require exploiting diverse, dynamic, large-scale collections of data. After some opening remarks, we motivate and contrast various graph-based data models, as well as languages used to query and validate knowledge graphs. We explain how knowledge can be represented and extracted using a combination of deductive and inductive techniques. We conclude with high-level future research directions for knowledge graphs.
Increased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen with GBT1118 improves hypoxia tolerance in sickle cell mice
Authors: Dufu Kobina , Williams Alexander T. , Muller Cynthia R. , Walser Cynthia M. , Lucas Alfredo , Eaker Allyn M. , Alt Carsten , Cathers Brian E. , Oksenberg Donna , Cabrales Pedro
Published: July 2021

Chronic pharmacologically increased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen in sickle cell disease mice alleviated hematological consequences of sickle cell disease, increasing RBC half-life, hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration, while also decreasing reticulocyte count. Additionally, chronically increased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen significantly improved survival as well as cortical tissue oxygenation in sickle cell disease mice during hypoxia, suggesting that oxygen delivery and utilization is improved by increased hemoglobin affinity for oxygen.
A novel metric linking stellate ganglion neuronal population dynamics to cardiopulmonary physiology
Authors: Sudarshan Koustubh B. , Hori Yuichi , Swid M. Amer , Karavos Alexander C. , Wooten Christian , Armour J. Andrew , Kember Guy , Ajijola Olujimi A.
Published: July 2021

Activity of stellate ganglion neurons is often linking indirectly to cardiac function. Using novel approaches coupled with extended period of recordings in large animals, we link neuronal population dynamics to mechanical events occurring at near-peak systole. This metric can be deployed to probe stellate ganglion neuronal control of cardiopulmonary function in normal and disease states.
Optimization of
LR
-Type Fully Bipolar Fuzzy Linear Programming Problems
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Athar , Akram Muhammad , Alharbi Majed G. , Bashir Shahida
Published: July 2021

In this study, we present a technique to solve

LR

-type fully bipolar fuzzy linear programming problems (FBFLPPs) with equality constraints. We define

LR

-type bipolar fuzzy numbers and their arithmetic operations. We discuss multiplication of

LR

-type bipolar fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, we develop a method to solve

LR

-type FBFLPPs with equality constraints involving

LR

-type bipolar fuzzy numbers as parameters and variables. Moreover, we define ranking for

LR

-type bipolar fuzzy numbers which transform the

LR

-type FBFLPP into a crisp linear programming problem. Finally, we consider numerical examples to illustrate the proposed method.
[Retracted] English Audio Language Retrieval Based on Adaptive Speech‐Adjusting Algorithm
Authors: Feng Xiaoyan , Zhou Yanfang
Published: July 2021

For the purpose of language retrieval for English listening, this paper designs and implements a cross‐language information retrieval system for English listening. Different implementation methods of cross‐language information retrieval, query, and translation are analyzed. The system adopts cross‐language information retrieval technology based on bilingual dictionaries. According to the cross‐language retrieval system of the existing bilingual dictionaries and monolingual dictionaries, based on the design and implementation of the fuzzy search dictionary lookup mechanism, the existing dictionary lookup mechanism is constructed and analyzed. Aiming at the problem of translation ambiguity in information retrieval systems based on bilingual dictionaries, a disambiguities elimination algorithm based on cooccurrence technology is proposed. In continuous speech, the speed of different speakers in different contexts is very different. Deviation from normal speech speed often leads to recognition errors, which makes recognition performance decline. Considering that the influence of speech speed on the length of speech units increases or decreases synchronously, and there is a strong correlation between the lengths of adjacent speech units, an adaptive speech speed algorithm is proposed based on the framework of implicit Markov model based on the information of the length of speech units. Experiments on number string and large vocabulary continuous speech recognition show that the algorithm is effective.
Metric Dimension of Crystal Cubic Carbon Structure
Authors: Zhang Xiujun , Naeem Muhammad
Published: July 2021

For any given graph

G

, we say

W
⊆
V

G

is a resolving set or resolves the graph

G

if every vertex of

G

is uniquely determined by its vector of distances to the vertices in

W

. The metric dimension of

G

is the minimum cardinality of all the resolving sets. The study of metric dimension of chemical structures is increasing in recent times and it has application about the topology of such structures. The carbon atoms can bond together in various ways, called allotropes of carbon, one of which is crystal cubic carbon structure

CCC

n

. The aim of this article is to find the metric dimension of

CCC

n

.
Magnitude and Determinants of Antenatal Care Utilization in Kandahar City, Afghanistan
Authors: Stanikzai Muhammad Haroon , Wafa Mohammad Hashim , Wasiq Abdul Wahed , Sayam Hadia
Published: July 2021

Background. Women’s and children’s health is a crucial public health concern that epitomizes the universal platform for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Appropriate and timely care during pregnancy can improve maternal and child health. Objectives. The present study aimed at determining the magnitude and determinants of antenatal care services’ utilization in Kandahar city. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 850 women with at least one delivery in the last 2 years was carried out in Kandahar city from January to February 2021. Questionnaires to record information on sociodemographic, reproductive, and antenatal care- (ANC-) related characteristics were administered. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.00 statistical software. We used descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages to present the data. Determinants of antenatal care services’ utilization were determined using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results. Among all study participants, 589 (69.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 66.0%–72.4%) of study participants utilized antenatal care services at least once. However, only 22% of the women were utilizing the recommended ≥4 ANC visits. Factors that remained significantly associated with antenatal care services’ utilization in multivariable analysis included women’s educational status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0–4.3), pregnancy intention (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4), and place of residence (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6). Conclusion. This study has found high rates (vs. the national level) of antenatal care services’ utilization among women who had at least one delivery in the last 2 years. However, the rate of recommended ≥4 ANC visits was low. Factors determining antenatal care utilization such as educational status of the mother, pregnancy intention, and place of residence hold the key to address the issue of ANC services lower utilization and consequently improve maternal and fetal health.
Zero-Watermarking Algorithm for Medical Image Based on VGG19 Deep Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Han Baoru , Du Jinglong , Jia Yuanyuan , Zhu Huazheng
Published: July 2021

Aiming at the security issues in the storage and transmission of medical images in the medical information system, combined with the special requirements of medical images for the protection of lesion areas, this paper proposes a robust zero-watermarking algorithm for medical images’ security based on VGG19. First, the pretrained VGG19 is used to extract deep feature maps of medical images, which are fused into the feature image. Second, the feature image is transformed by Fourier transform, and low-frequency coefficients of the Fourier transform are selected to construct the feature matrix of the medical image. Then, based on the low-frequency part of the feature matrix of the medical image, the mean-perceptual hashing algorithm is used to achieve a set of 64-bit binary perceptual hashing values, which can effectively resist local nonlinear geometric attacks. Finally, the algorithm adopts a watermarking image after scrambling and the 64-bit binary perceptual hashing value to obtain robust zero-watermarking. At the same time, the proposed algorithm utilizes Hermite chaotic neural network to scramble the watermarking image for secondary protection, which enhances the security of the algorithm. Compared with the existing related works, the proposed algorithm is simple to implement and can effectively resist local nonlinear geometric attacks, with good robustness, security, and invisibility.
SOSPCNN: Structurally Optimized Stochastic Pooling Convolutional Neural Network for Tetralogy of Fallot Recognition
Authors: Wang Shui-Hua , Wu Kaihong , Chu Tianshu , Fernandes Steven L. , Zhou Qinghua , Zhang Yu-Dong , Sun Jian
Published: July 2021

Aim. This study proposes a new artificial intelligence model based on cardiovascular computed tomography for more efficient and precise recognition of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods. Our model is a structurally optimized stochastic pooling convolutional neural network (SOSPCNN), which combines stochastic pooling, structural optimization, and convolutional neural network. In addition, multiple‐way data augmentation is used to overcome overfitting. Grad‐CAM is employed to provide explainability to the proposed SOSPCNN model. Meanwhile, both desktop and web apps are developed based on this SOSPCNN model. Results. The results on ten runs of 10‐fold crossvalidation show that our SOSPCNN model yields a sensitivity of 92.25 ± 2.19, a specificity of 92.75 ± 2.49, a precision of 92.79 ± 2.29, an accuracy of 92.50 ± 1.18, an F1 score of 92.48 ± 1.17, an MCC of 85.06 ± 2.38, an FMI of 92.50 ± 1.17, and an AUC of 0.9587. Conclusion. The SOSPCNN method performed better than three state‐of‐the‐art TOF recognition approaches.
Whole Exome Sequencing Facilitated the Identification of a Mosaic Small Supernumerary Marker Chromosome (sSMC)
Authors: Xing Huan-xia , Li Peng-bin , Cui Li-min , Jiang Jian-ye , Hu Ning-ning , Zhang Xiao-bin
Published: July 2021

Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) are a group of rare chromosomal anomalies, which pose challenges in the clinical practice of prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling. This study enrolled an extended family with an underage male patient displaying infantile seizures, intellectual disability, and retarded speech and psychomotor function. A series of multiplatform genetic detections was conducted to explore the diagnostic variation. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) indicated a mosaic sSMC derived from the pericentromeric region of chromosome 8 in the patient, which was confirmed using cytogenetic methods. The proband and his mother, who carried this mosaic variant, exhibited strong phenotypic variability. We also ruled out the pathogenicity of a KDM5C variant by extended validation. Our results emphasized the capacity of WES to detect mosaic SMCs and the importance of mosaic ratios in the appearance and severity of symptomatic phenotypes.
Proposition of New Metaphor‐Less Algorithms for Reservoir Operation
Authors: Paliwal Vartika , Ghare Aniruddha D. , Mirajkar Ashwini B. , Bokde Neeraj Dhanraj , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: July 2021

Based on the current water crisis scenario, effective water resources management can play an essential role. Reservoir operation optimization is part of water resources management. Reservoir operation optimization is difficult as it involves a large number of variables and constraints to achieve this goal. The present study aims at exploring the performance of recently developed heuristic algorithms—Rao algorithms as applied to the reservoir operation studies for the first time. Rao algorithms are metaphor‐less algorithms that require only basic parameters—population size and function evaluations. In the present study, Rao algorithms have been applied to two case studies: discrete four‐reservoir operation system problem and continuous four‐reservoir operation system problem (benchmark problems) for the assessment of their performance vis‐à‐vis other algorithms from the literature. The results showed that the Rao‐1 algorithm provided the optimal solution with the least function evaluations when compared to Rao‐2, Rao‐3, and other algorithms applied in the past to the same benchmark problem. Consequently, the Rao‐1 model is found to be superior to these approaches by taking less computational time. Hence, the Rao‐1 algorithm can be considered suitable for application to reservoir operation optimization problems.
Autonomous Bus Fleet Control Using Multiagent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Wang Sung-Jung , Chang S. K. Jason
Published: July 2021

Autonomous buses are becoming increasingly popular and have been widely developed in many countries. However, autonomous buses must learn to navigate the city efficiently to be integrated into public transport systems. Efficient operation of these buses can be achieved by intelligent agents through reinforcement learning. In this study, we investigate the autonomous bus fleet control problem, which appears noisy to the agents owing to random arrivals and incomplete observation of the environment. We propose a multi-agent reinforcement learning method combined with an advanced policy gradient algorithm for this large-scale dynamic optimization problem. An agent-based simulation platform was developed to model the dynamic system of a fixed stop/station loop route, autonomous bus fleet, and passengers. This platform was also applied to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the developed algorithm outperforms other reinforcement learning methods in the multi-agent domain. The simulation results also reveal the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm in outperforming the existing scheduled bus system in terms of the bus fleet size and passenger wait times for bus routes with comparatively lesser number of passengers.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Dysmenorrhea Caused by Endometriosis: A Review of Utilization and Mechanism
Authors: Guo Ying , Liu Fang-Yuan , Shen Ying , Xu Jia-Yue , Xie Liang-Zhen , Li Shi-Ying , Ding Dan-Ni , Zhang Dan-Qi , Han Feng-Juan
Published: July 2021

Endometriosis (EM) is a common and benign estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder among women of reproductive age, and secondary dysmenorrhea is one of the more severe symptoms. However, the mechanism behind the development of dysmenorrhea is poorly understood, and there is a lack of effective methods for diagnosing and treating EM dysmenorrhea. In this regard, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has recently come into widespread use due to its limited adverse reactions and high efficiency. This review updates the progress of CAM in the treatment of EM dysmenorrhea and seeks to identify the therapeutic efficacy as well as the mechanisms behind these effects based on the available clinical and experimental studies. According to the literature, CAM therapy for EM dysmenorrhea, including herbs (herbal prescriptions, extracts, and patents), acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine enema (CHM enema), is effective for relieving dysmenorrhea with fewer unpleasant side effects when compared to hormonal and surgical treatments. In addition, we discuss and analyze the existing gaps in the literature. We hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future.
Calibration Method for Central Catadioptric Camera Using Multiple Groups of Parallel Lines and Their Properties
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yang Xin
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an approach for calibrating omnidirectional single‐viewpoint sensors using the central catadioptric projection properties of parallel lines. Single‐viewpoint sensors are widely used in robot navigation and driverless cars; thus, a high degree of calibration accuracy is needed. In the unit viewing sphere model of central catadioptric cameras, a line in a three‐dimensional space is projected to a great circle, resulting in the projections of a group of parallel lines intersecting only at the endpoints of the diameter of the great circle. Based on this property, when there are multiple groups of parallel lines, a group of orthogonal directions can be determined by a rectangle constructed by two groups of parallel lines in different directions. When there is a single group of parallel lines in space, the diameter and tangents at their endpoints determine a group of orthogonal directions for the plane containing the great circle. The intrinsic parameters of the camera can be obtained from the orthogonal vanishing points in the central catadioptric image plane. An optimization algorithm for line image fitting based on the properties of antipodal points is proposed. The performance of the algorithm is verified using simulated setups. Our calibration method was validated though simulations and real experiments with a catadioptric camera.
Final Value Problem for Parabolic Equation with Fractional Laplacian and Kirchhoff’s Term
Authors: Luc Nguyen Hoang , Kumar Devendra , Long Le Dinh , Van Ho Thi Kim
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study a diffusion equation of the Kirchhoff type with a conformable fractional derivative. The global existence and uniqueness of mild solutions are established. Some regularity results for the mild solution are also derived. The main tools for analysis in this paper are the Banach fixed point theory and Sobolev embeddings. In addition, to investigate the regularity, we also further study the nonwell-posed and give the regularized methods to get the correct approximate solution. With reasonable and appropriate input conditions, we can prove that the error between the regularized solution and the search solution is towards zero whenδtends to zero.
Big Data-IoT: An Analysis of Multidimensional Proximity Implications on Green Innovation Performance—An Empirical Study of the Data from the Chinese Power Industry
Authors: Zhenhong Xiao , Rui Tan , Jianbang Shi , Xiaomei Luo , Fang Wang , Rui An
Published: July 2021

With the global energy crisis and environmental degradation getting more rigorous, an essential approach is required to attain introverted development through structural optimization, autonomous invention, and technological innovation system. It is an important way to include energy conservation, emission reductions, and the implementation of a low-carbon mode in the power industry, which is a highly polluting sector of the national economy. This article is based on the State Intellectual Property Office of China’s patent search and analysis database. We choose the number of green patents jointly submitted for innovative topics in the power industry from 2016 to 2020. The negative binomial regression is constructed from the standpoint of multidimensional closeness by employing Gephi visual analysis, Ucinet, and the Stata 15 regional model. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of geographical closeness, technological closeness, and institutional closeness, as well as their interaction, on the green innovation performance of inventive organizations in China’s power industry. According to the findings of the study, geographical and institutional closeness have an important influence in increasing the green innovation performance. The suggested model applies to the power sector, and technological closeness has an inverted U-shaped association with green innovation performance in the power business. Furthermore, the model output at inference time is just a collection of successive parameters that improve the interaction of the closeness of innovation subjects to the green innovation performance of the power industry, all of which are represented as complementary effects.
[Retracted] Improving the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Composites of Hemp Fiber with Ramie and Banana Fiber through Compression Molding Method
Authors: Dinesh Kumar S. , Ponraj Sankar L. , Sathish T. , Vijayan V. , Parthiban A. , Kamalakannan R. , Rajkumar S.
Published: July 2021

Natural fiber composite is the most preferable research area in the modern situation due to its availability, applications, and ecofriendly quality. This paper deals with the influence of hemp fiber with the various compositions of the ramie fiber and some basic mechanical properties of banana fiber composites. The hemp fiber is maintained as 20 percentage of total volume. Then, the remaining volume percentage is shared with the ramie fiber and banana fiber with various combinations. Eleven specimens were prepared to identify the some basic mechanical properties. The chemical compositions were mentioned as a pie chart, and then experimental results were plotted as graphical representations like line diagram and radar diagram for clear identification that the composite with higher ramie fiber concentration provided the greater results in the mechanical behaviors. The suitable composite combinations were recommended based on their superior properties as conclusions.
Variable Impedance Control for Bipedal Robot Standing Balance Based on Artificial Muscle Activation Model
Authors: Yin Kaiyang , Xue Yaxu , Yu Yadong , Xie Shuangxi
Published: July 2021

The bipedal robot should be able to maintain standing balance even in the presence of disturbing forces. The control schemes of bipedal robot are conventionally developed based on system models or fixed torque-ankle states, which often lack robustness. In this paper, a variable impedance control based on artificial muscle activation is investigated for bipedal robotic standing balance to address this limitation. The robustness was improved by applying the artificial muscle activation model to adjust the impedance parameters. In particular, an ankle variable impedance model was used to obtain the antidisturbance torque which combined with the ankle dynamic torque to estimate the desired ankle torque for robotic standing balance. The simulation and prototype experimentation results demonstrate that the control method improves the robustness of bipedal robotic standing balance control.
Cross-Linked Chitosan as an Eco-Friendly Binder for High-Performance Wood-Based Fiberboard
Authors: Huang Erzhuo , Cao Yanwei , Duan Xinpeng , Yan Yutao , Wang Zhe , Jin Chunde
Published: July 2021

High-performance wood-based fiberboards with high strength and dimensional stability were fabricated by hot-pressing method using 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran (DHF) cross-linked chitosan (CS) as an eco-friendly binder. The effects of cross-linked chitosan on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of wood-based fiberboards were investigated. It is evident that cross-linked chitosan addition was effective in improving mechanical properties and dimensional stability of wood-based fiberboards. The prepared wood-based fiberboard bonded by DHF cross-linked CS displayed optimum modulus of rupture (MOR) of 42.1 MPa, modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 3986.0 MPa, internal bonding (IB) strength of 1.4 MPa, and thickness swelling (TS) value of 16.3%. The improvement of physical and mechanical properties of wood-based fiberboards could be attributed to the amide linkages and hydrogen bonds between wood fibers and cross-linked chitosan. The high-performance wood-based fiberboards fabricated in this study may be a promising candidate for eco-friendly wood-based composites.
Structural and Functional Elucidation of IF‐3 Protein of Chloroflexus aurantiacus Involved in Protein Biosynthesis: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Saikat Abu Saim Mohammad , Uddin Md. Ekhlas , Ahmad Tasnim , Mahmud Shahriar , Imran Md. Abu Sayeed , Ahmed Sohel , Alyami Salem A. , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2021

Chloroflexus aurantiacus is a thermophilic bacterium that produces a multitude of proteins within its genome. Bioinformatics strategies can facilitate comprehending this organism through functional and structural interpretation assessments. This study is aimed at allocating the structure and function through an in silico approach required for bacterial protein biosynthesis. This in silico viewpoint provides copious properties, including the physicochemical properties, subcellular location, three‐dimensional structure, protein‐protein interactions, and functional elucidation of the protein (WP_012256288.1). The STRING program is utilized for the explication of protein‐protein interactions. The in silico investigation documented the protein’s hydrophilic nature with predominantly alpha (α) helices in its secondary structure. The tertiary‐structure model of the protein has been shown to exhibit reasonably high consistency based on various quality assessment methods. The functional interpretation suggested that the protein can act as a translation initiation factor, a protein required for translation and protein biosynthesis. Protein‐protein interactions also demonstrated high credence that the protein interconnected with 30S ribosomal subunit involved in protein synthesis. This study bioinformatically examined that the protein (WP_012256288.1) is affiliated in protein biosynthesis as a translation initiation factor IF‐3 of C. aurantiacus.
Urban Landscape Information Atlas and Model System Based on Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Hu Tian , Gong Wenbin
Published: July 2021

City landscape is an element of city image, and city landscape logo should also belong to the entire system of the city image logo. Since the reform and opening up, China’s economic construction industry has attracted worldwide attention, and the improvement of people’s living standards has led to the continuous development of urban construction. The original urban style is gradually replaced by high-rise buildings, the differences between cities are getting smaller and smaller, and the people living in them have gradually abandoned the inheritance of various cultures and customs. This paper aims to study the urban landscape information map and its model system based on remote sensing images. With the support of remote sensing image technology and geographic information system platform, the urban landscape information map model system is developed, which can vividly reflect the changes in the urban landscape pattern. The urban landscape information map is used to display and reveal the spatial evolution of the urban landscape in the process of urban development. Result of empirical analysis: it summarizes the methods of geoscience information map and urban landscape information map and establishes the goal and content of researching urban landscape information map. And it provides a basis for solving the problems of urban development and urban management. In 2021, Shanghai’s urban areas have occupied more than 80%. It is conceivable that the area of arable land must be very small, but the area of green land still accounts for 40%; compared with last year, it is still an increase of 6%.
Modelling Forest Aboveground Biomass Based on GF-3 Dual-Polarized and WorldView-3 Data: A Case Study in Datong National Wetland Park, China
Authors: Wang Guisheng , Wang Nan , Guo Weiling
Published: July 2021

Aboveground biomass (AGB) models based on field-measured and remote-sensed data can help to understand and monitor ecosystems and evaluate the impacts of human activity. To create improved forest AGB models for use in an ecological rehabilitation area of Huainan, China, a suite of methods was used to evaluate a combination of the Chinese GaoFen-3 (GF-3) satellite’s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and vegetation indexes derived from the WorldView-3 satellite. Using vegetation indices and radar backscatter coefficients, a total of six modelling methods were applied to generate three AGB models, which included multivariable linear regression, linear, exponential, power, logarithmic, and growth functions. The results indicate that the observed root mean square errors (RMSE) of the best models, which included exponential functions based on the variables NDVI and HV, as well as their combination in a multivariable linear regression, were 43.74 Mg/ha, 30.87 Mg/ha, and 26.72 Mg/ha, respectively. The best model used multivariable linear regression with combined SAR and NDVI data (R2 = 0.861). The RMSEs were lowest for mixed forest, moderate for coniferous forest, and highest for broad-leaved forest. The results indicate that a combination of optical and microwave remote-sensing images can be used to effectively improve AGB estimation accuracy.
Potential Source Regions and Transportation Pathways of Reactive Gases at a Regional Background Site in Northwestern China
Authors: Zhao Quanwei , He Qing , Jin Lili , Wang Jianlin
Published: July 2021

Reactive gases (O3, CO, NO2, and SO2) were collected hourly at the Akedala regional background station in northwestern China during September 2017 to August 2018. Wind rose, cluster analysis, potential source contribution function (PSCF), and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) methods were adopted for identifying the transport pathways and potential source regions of these atmosphere components at Akedala. The average O3, CO, NO2, and SO2 mixing ratios detected were 29.65 ± 11.44 ppb, 123.78 ± 73.35 ppb, 3.79 ± 0.98 ppb, and 4.59 ± 0.88 ppb during the observation period, and the statistical results of the monthly mean values revealed that there were differences during the highest pollution period, with O3 and CO mainly peaking in February, with mixing ratios of 38.03 ± 7.10 ppb and 208.50 ± 106.50 ppb, respectively. Meanwhile, NO2 peaked in March (4.51 ± 0.54 ppb) and SO2 in January (5.70 ± 1.92 ppb). The most obvious diurnal variation of CO and SO2 was observed in the winter, with maximum levels reaching between 13 : 00 and 14 : 00. The diurnal variations of O3 exhibited low values during the night and maximum values in the afternoon (16 : 00–18 : 00). Diurnal variation was not significant in the case of NO2. Cluster analysis showed that six main paths affected the Akedala atmosphere. In turn, the PSCF and CWT analysis results indicated that the Akedala reactive gas was affected by both local and foreign sources. The high PSCF value of the reactive gas potential source areas appeared in eastern Kazakhstan, northern Xinjiang, Western Mongolia, and Southern Russia. The WCWT (weighted concentration-weight trajectory) values of CO and SO2 in winter were the highest, totaling 180–240 ppb and 5–6.5 ppb, respectively. The WCWT value of O3 in the spring and summer was higher than that in the autumn and winter. The main source area of O3 was about 32–36 ppb in the spring and summer, and the main source area of NO2 in the summer had a low WCWT value of 3–3.5 ppb, whereas the NO2 WCWT value was concentrated at 4–4.5 ppb in the other seasons.
CNN‐Based Medical Ultrasound Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Wang Yifan , Jiang Jiayao , Dong Jingxian , Yi Weiwei , Hou Wenguang
Published: July 2021

The quality of ultrasound image is a key information in medical related application. It is also an important index in evaluating the performance of ultrasonic imaging equipment and image processing algorithms. Yet, there is still no recognized quantitative standard about medical image quality assessment (IQA) due to the fact that IQA is traditionally regarded as a subjective issue, especially in case of the ultrasound medical images. As such, the medical ultrasound IQA on basis of convolutional neural network (CNN) is quantitatively studied in this paper. Firstly, a dataset with 1063 ultrasound images is established through degenerating a certain number of original high‐quality images. Subsequently, some operations are performed for the dataset including scoring and abnormal value screening. Then, 478 ultrasonic images are selected as the training and testing examples. The label of each example is obtained by averaging the scores of different doctors. Afterwards, a deep CNN network and a residuals network are taken to establish the IQA models. Meanwhile, the transfer learning strategy is introduced here to accelerate the training and improve the robustness of the model considering the fact that the ultrasound image samples are not abundant. At last, some tests are taken to evaluate the IQA models. They show that the CNN‐based IQA is feasible and effective.