bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous versus Surgical Intervention for Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Iervolino Adelaide , Singh Sanjeet Singh Avtaar , Nappi Pierluigi , Bellomo Francesca , Nappi Francesco
Published: May 2021

Aortic stenosis is a disease that is increasing in prevalence and manifests as decreased cardiac output, which if left untreated can result in heart failure and ultimately death. It is primarily a disease of the elderly who often have multiple comorbidities. The advent of transcatheter aortic valve therapies has changed the way we treat these conditions. However, long‐term results of these therapies remain uncertain. Recently, there has been an increasing number of studies examining the role of both surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We therefore performed a systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two investigators searched papers published between January 1, 2007, and to date using the following terms: “aortic valve stenosis,” “aortic valve operation,” and “transcatheter aortic valve therapy.” Both strategies in aortic stenosis treatment highlighted specific indications alongside the pitfalls such as structural valve degeneration and valve thrombosis which have a bearing on clinical outcomes. We propose some recommendations to help clinicians in the decision‐making process as technological improvements make both surgical and transcatheter therapies viable options for patients with aortic stenosis. Finally, we assess the role of finite element analysis in patient selection for aortic valve replacement. THVT and AVR‐S are both useful tools in the armamentarium against aortic stenosis. The decision between the two treatment strategies should be best guided by a strong robust evidence base, ideally with a long‐term follow‐up. This is best performed by the heart team with the patient as the center of the discussion.
Optimization of Cross‐Border e‐Commerce Logistics Supervision System Based on Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Sun Pingping , Gu Lingang
Published: May 2021

Based on the Internet of Things technology, this paper proposes building a cross‐border e‐commerce logistics supervision system and determines the evaluation index system from the overall framework design of the system, supply chain supervision process optimization, risk supervision optimization, and system order degree optimization. First of all, the framework adopts the national certification center to supervise the logistics service platform and logistics service platform to supervise the logistics participants of the secondary supervision system. Then, functions such as swarm intelligence contract, legal anonymous identity authentication, intelligent transaction matching, abnormal data analysis and detection, privacy protection, and traceability are realized under the framework of the supervision system. Then, the security analysis and transaction supervision component software are used to verify the security, control, and operating efficiency of the transaction supervision framework. Finally, in a real crowd sourcing logistics enterprise platform to run on the software component, the actual measurement, the measured results show that the proposed cross‐border supervision system is safe and controllable, and electronic business logistics protects users and data privacy, prevents forgery and fraud, and realizes the user behavior and user data in addition to auditability and traceability.
Defect Contour Detection of Complex Structural Chips
Authors: Lin Bin , Wang Jie , Yang Xia , Tang Zhangdong , Li Xuan , Duan Cenlin , Zhang Xiaohu
Published: May 2021

In the manufacture of chips, it is important to detect defects to assess whether the chip is potentially damageable that could cause unnecessary cost. Most assessment rules are set in light of characteristics determined by defect contours, such as area and range. However, conventional image process methods seldom show a satisfactory performance on chips with complex structures because they are difficult to distinguish defect contours from edges of structures. To solve this issue, this study proposes a method based on region segmentation search. The positions of structures in the image are calculated by edge matching to obtain the number of structure layers in each pixel. Regions whose pixels have the same number are divided into subregions which are coded by the two-pass algorithm. The edges in each subregion are then extracted by the Canny operator to construct edge information of the whole image. Interpolation is used to correct incomplete defect edges according to their endpoints. The remaining interference contours are eliminated on the basis of their shapes. A study of a certain kind of chips is presented. Different illumination situations were simulated to verify the robustness of the proposed method. Most bubbles in the images were detected successfully with their contours coded accurately. Because of this, more than 92% of assessment results of chips were identical to the ones in reality engineering, which proves that the method proposed by this study can efficiently detect the defect contours and improve the ability obviously relative to the current approaches.
Non-Similar Solution for Magnetized Flow of Maxwell Nanofluid over an Exponentially Stretching Surface
Authors: Razzaq Raheela , Farooq Umer , Cui Jifeng , Muhammad Taseer
Published: May 2021

In this study, an analysis is made by studying more reliable nonsimilar magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) flow of Maxwell fluid with nanomaterials. Nonsimilar transport is produced by extending of sheet with arbitrary velocity. Maxwell structure is marked to indicate the non-Newtonian fluid behavior. The leading nondimensional partial differential system (PDEs) is transmuted to a set of the nonlinear ordinary differential system (ODEs) through local nonsimilarity technique. The developing system is solved numerically using an implemented package known as bvp4c in MATLAB. The analysis discovers several physical features of thermal and velocity profiles. Remark the flow accelerated for greater Deborah and Hartman parameters. The influence of thermophoresis number on the thermal figure is minimal. The conducts of velocity, concentration, and thermal distribution and local Nusselt number and skin friction are illustrated graphically by taking distinct parameters. The consequences disclose that the local Nusselt number is an increasing function of Prandtl number; however, it is a decaying function for Brownian motion. The rise in skin friction is observed for increasing Brownian motion and Lewis numbers.
Detection of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors during Pregnancy in Southwest Iran
Authors: Soltani Shahrzad , Ghaffari Ali Dalir , Kahvaz Mehdi Sagha , Sabaghan Mohamad , Pashmforosh Marzieh , Foroutan Masoud
Published: May 2021

Background. This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat (

P

value = 0.007) and history of abortion (

P

value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion. The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.
Behavior of Hybrid CFRP Laminated Thin‐Walled Beams: Experimental, Numerical, and Analytical Evaluations
Authors: Yosri A. M. , M. Ghanem Gouda , A. E. Salama Mohamed , Alzara Majed , A. Farouk Mohamed , Alhaz Uddin MD , AbdelMongy Mohamed , Ehab A.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is to assess the structural behavior of hybrid thin‐walled beams which were fabricated using laminated carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Seven hybrid (CFRP) I‐beams were fabricated, instrumented, then have been tested under monotonic four‐point loading in order to evaluate their behavior up to failure. In constructing the I‐beam specimens which were evaluated in this study, plywood core was implemented on both the web and flanges. Several important parameters were conducted in this study considering changing both of the ply orientations and stacking sequences of laminated fibers, also changing the shear span‐to‐depth ratio (a/d) of the specimens. The experimental results showed that stacking sequence is the most significant parameter that influences both flexural strength and stiffness of the hybrid beams. Also, the experimental results promoted the effectiveness of the core material for enhancing the flexure (bending) stiffness of beams. Then, these results were compared with a previous simulated study which used the finite element modeling to model the beams. Also, in order to evaluate the efficiency of the CRFP beams, the results were compared to similar steel beams having the same dimensions of the CFRP beams. As compared to steel beams, the load carrying capacity of the laminated beams is being high compared with steel beams when taking into consideration their specific strength ratio.
Is Penicillin-Nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae a Significant Challenge to Healthcare System? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khademi Farzad , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2021

Background. In recent years, antibiotic-resistant pathogens including penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) have posed serious threats against human health. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae drug resistance particularly the incidence of PNSP strains in Iran. Methods. A systematic search was done in national and international electronic databases using Persian and English keywords. Up until May 20, 2020, a total of 58 publications were detected as eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then the selected studies were enrolled for data extraction and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results. A high rate of PNSP (46.9%) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. pneumoniae (45.3%) in our isolates were evident. Furthermore, total frequency resistance to other drugs in S. pneumoniae was as follows: erythromycin 41.1%, azithromycin 53.2%, tetracycline 39.9%, levofloxacin 1.7%, rifampin 1.2%, clindamycin 31.7%, vancomycin 1.7%, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 63.9%, chloramphenicol 20%, ceftriaxone 10.9%, amoxicillin 30.5%, ciprofloxacin 8.3%, imipenem 6.1%, linezolid 0%, and cefotaxime 8.3%. Conclusion. Although the overall prevalence of cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae was low, penicillin-resistant strains, especially PNSP, could become a significant challenge to the healthcare system in Iran. Hence, the prescription of penicillin as the first-choice antibiotic in the treatment of S. pneumoniae infections should be avoided.
EX-Action: Automatically Extracting Threat Actions from Cyber Threat Intelligence Report Based on Multimodal Learning
Authors: Zhang Huixia , Shen Guowei , Guo Chun , Cui Yunhe , Jiang Chaohui
Published: May 2021

With the increasing complexity of network attacks, an active defense based on intelligence sharing becomes crucial. There is an important issue in intelligence analysis that automatically extracts threat actions from cyber threat intelligence (CTI) reports. To address this problem, we propose EX-Action, a framework for extracting threat actions from CTI reports. EX-Action finds threat actions by employing the natural language processing (NLP) technology and identifies actions by a multimodal learning algorithm. At the same time, a metric is used to evaluate the information completeness of the extracted action obtained by EX-Action. By the experiment on the CTI reports that consisted of sentences with complex structure, the experimental result indicates that EX-Action can achieve better performance than two state-of-the-art action extraction methods in terms of accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score.
Medical Knowledge Graph in Chinese Using Deep Semantic Mobile Computation Based on IoT and WoT
Authors: Liu Wanheng , Yin Ling , Wang Cong , Liu Fulin , Ni Zhiyu
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a novel medical knowledge graph in Chinese approach applied in smart healthcare based on IoT and WoT is presented, using deep neural networks combined with self‐attention to generate medical knowledge graph to make it more convenient for performing disease diagnosis and providing treatment advisement. Although great success has been made in the medical knowledge graph in recent studies, the issue of comprehensive medical knowledge graph in Chinese appropriate for telemedicine or mobile devices have been ignored. In our study, it is a working theory which is based on semantic mobile computing and deep learning. When several experiments have been carried out, it is demonstrated that it has better performance in generating various types of medical knowledge graph in Chinese, which is similar to that of the state‐of‐the‐art. Also, it works well in the accuracy and comprehensive, which is much higher and highly consisted with the predictions of the theoretical model. It proves to be inspiring and encouraging that our work involving studies of medical knowledge graph in Chinese, which can stimulate the smart healthcare development.
Mechanism of Yifei Decoction Combined with MitoQ on Inhibition of TGFβ1/NOX4 and PDGF/ROCK Signal Pathway in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Lan Chengzhong , Xiao Hong , Zhang Xiaoli , Qi Xiangrong , Ouyang Li , Yang Yanbin , Wang Fengying , Jin Qihua , Sun Yi
Published: May 2021

Background. Rho-related coiled helix forming protein kinase (Rho-ROCK) and another important fibrogenic factor-PDGF play a critical role in collagen deposition in rat lung tissue. Yifei decoction (YFT), a Chinese herbal decoction, has been used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in clinical practice and has produced positive outcomes; however, convincing evidence is currently lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of YFT combined with MitoQ in rats with IPF and to explore the underlying mechanism. Methods. Rat IPF model was established by endotracheal injection of 5 mg/kg BleomycinA5 into the specific pathogen-free SD rats. MitoQ (6.5 μmol/kg once daily), YFT (10 ml/kg once daily), and MitoQ + YFT (6.5 μmol/kg + 10 ml/kg once daily) were used to treat the rat model for 4 weeks, respectively. The normal rats without IPF were used as the controls. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, lung histopathology was assessed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of fibronectin and collagen IV in lung tissue. The expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, GSH-Px, SOD, MDA, and hydroxyproline was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of TGFβ1, NOX4, PDGFR-β, and ROCK1 were determined using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results. After 4 weeks of drug treatment, comparison of the MitoQ + YFT group with the IPF group showed that lung injury scores, W/D, lung tissue hydroxyproline, fibronectin, collagen IV content, and IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA levels were significantly lower (

P
<
0.05

), as well as the expression of TGFβ1, NOX4, PDGFR-β, and ROCK1, but the activity of GSH-Px and SOD was higher (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. MitoQ combined with YFT can improve lung injury in rats with pulmonary fibrosis by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting TGFβ1/NOX4 and PDGF/ROCK signaling pathways. It may provide a new method for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Physical Model Test of Artificial Freezing‐Inclined Shaft
Authors: Sun Jielong , Chen Xingzhou , Qiu Mingming , Cao Xueye , Chen Shaojie
Published: May 2021

Based on the vertical straight artificial freezing engineering in Northern Shaanxi, a three‐dimensional (3D) physical simulation test system was developed, consisting of six parts, which are simulation box, shaft model, loading system, freezing system, external environment simulation system, and data acquisition system. The physical model and actual test results show that the 3D physical simulation test system is reasonable and reliable. The test model results show that the distance from the freezing pipe significantly affects the freezing wall temperature. For the case of four adjacent, two adjacent tangential freezing, and two adjacent axial freezing pipes, the cooling rates were 1.37, 2.79, and 1.96°C/h, respectively. The field measurement showed that the proximity to the freezing pipe increases the cooling rates. The cooling rates of points 1k#, 2k#, and 3k# were 25.61, 25.32, and 25.35 mm/d, respectively. The increment rates of vertical and horizontal freezing pressures with temperature were 8.78 and 2.97 kPa/°C, respectively. Furthermore, the freezing pressure time fitting formula was given. The calculated results of temperature and freezing pressure are consistent with the measured results, indicating the reasonability and reliability of the 3D physical simulation test scheme of the artificial freezing‐inclined shaft in this work.
Improved Bidirectional RRT

∗

Path Planning Method for Smart Vehicle
Authors: Ge Qingying , Li Aijuan , Li Shaohua , Du Haiping , Huang Xin , Niu Chuanhu
Published: May 2021

In this paper, an improved bidirectional RRT

∗

vehicle path planning method for smart vehicle is proposed. In this method, the resultant force of the artificial potential field is used to determine the search direction to improve the search efficiency. Different kinds of constraints are considered in the method, including the vehicle constraints and the vehicle driving environment constraints. The collision detection based on separating axis theorem is used to detect the collision between the vehicle and the obstacles to improve the planning efficiency. The cubic B-spline curve is used to optimize the path to make the path’s curvature continuous. Both simulation and experiment are implemented to verify the proposed improved bidirectional RRT

∗

method. In the simulation analysis, this paper’s method can generate the smoothest path and takes the shortest time compared with the other two methods and it can be adaptive to the complicated environment. In the real vehicle experiment, we can see from the test results that this paper’s method can be applied in practice on the smart electric vehicle platform; compared with others’ algorithm, this paper’s algorithm can generate shortest and smoothest path.
COVID-19’s Influence on Ocular Emergency Visits at a Tertiary Referral Center and Its Relationship to Emergency Indications by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Authors: Armarnik Sharon , Kinori Michael , Abd Elkader Amir , Blum Meirovitch Sharon , Kapelushnik Noa , Madgar Shiran , Goldberg Hila , Sagiv Oded , Wygnanski-Jaffe Tamara , Priel Ayelet
Published: May 2021

Purpose. To examine the trends of ocular emergency admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care center. Methods. The study’s sample consisted of all patients who were seen in the ophthalmic emergency room (OER) between March 15 and April 15, 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and in the same time frame of the previous year. The cases were categorized as urgent vs. nonurgent according to the AAO urgency guidelines during the coronavirus period, and the ability to treat the case with telemedicine was evaluated retrospectively. Results. A total of 553 patients were admitted to the OER during the pandemic period, whereas in the same time frame of the previous year, 1,069 were admitted. The female/male proportion was 526/543 (49.2%/50.8%) in 2019 and 258/259 (46.7%/53.3%) the following year. Age (years, average ± SD) was 44.7 ± 24.5 in 2019 and 47.9 ± 23.4 in 2020. There were more self-referrals in 2020 compared to 2019 (41.1% vs. 32.6%;

p
=
0.0004

). The time spent in the OER was reduced from 109 ± 74 (minutes, average ± SDV) in 2019 to 73 ± 51 in 2020 (

p
<
0.0001

). The most common cause of OER examinations in 2020 was related to the posterior segment of the eye (23.9%), whereas infection and inflammation of the anterior segment were the most common causes in 2019 (35.5%). Urgency by AAO standards was in agreement in 26.7% admissions in 2019 and 35.6% in 2020 (

p
=
0.0002

). Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced several aspects of the OER, including the number of referrals, type of ophthalmic emergency, the time spent in the OER, and the need for emergent treatment. Our change in the treatment algorithm was in agreement with the AAO recommendations during the pandemic.
Investigation of the Normal Blowing Approach to Controlling Wingtip Vortex Using LES
Authors: Jiang Yubiao , Wang Wanbo , Qin Chen , Okolo Patrick N. , Tang Kun
Published: May 2021

The characteristics and control of a wingtip vortex are of great significance when considering drag reduction and flight safety of transportation aircrafts. The associated aerodynamic phenomenon resulting from rolling up of a wingtip vortex includes boundary layer flow, shear layer separation, and vortex breakdown, while the interaction of a wingtip vortex with the airframe causes induced drag, wingtip noise, etc. This paper studies a normal blowing method utilized to control the wingtip vortex. Large eddy simulation (LES) technique applied to a straight NACA0012 wing having a chord length (

c

) of 0.4 m is adopted for this study. The Reynolds number based on the chord length is

1.6
×

10

6

and the angle of attack is 12°. The computational approach utilized the dynamic Smagorinsky-Lilly subgrid model for 3D simulations. Normal blowing from a high aspect ratio jet from the wingtip lower surface was used to control the wingtip vortex. From 0.05c to 0.30c, the blowing slit width was 1 mm, with the slit exit treated as a velocity inlet boundary condition which supplied the blowing jet with a momentum coefficient of 0.28%. Results of axial velocity and span-wise pressure distribution of the clean airfoil presented good agreement with known experimental data. LES results indicate that normal blowing suppresses the primary vortex strength, while the vortex core radius, maximum induced velocity, axial vorticity flux, and pressure peak of the primary vortex are reduced by 25%, 28%, 46%, and 52%, respectively. Flow field structures before and after blowing show that blowing suppresses the shedding, coiling, and convergence of the free vortex layers near the primary vortex. This study also shows that normal blowing generates a jet-induced vortex at the location of the secondary vortex, while backflow, volume expansion, and spiral burst can be observed in the jet-induced vortex. The bursting jet-induced vortex destroys the jet-like flow structure of the primary vortex at the trailing edge.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD) Implementation: Perspectives of Persons with Disabilities in Namibia
Authors: Chibaya Gwarega , Govender Pragashnie , Naidoo Deshini
Published: May 2021

The Namibian government ratified the UNCRPD and its optional protocol in 2007 raising expectations that such a convention would fundamentally improve the lives of persons with disabilities. However, persons with disabilities continue to experience inequalities and violation of dignity. This study explores the impact of the UNCRPD as reflected on the lives of persons with disabilities in Namibia. An exploratory qualitative study with the use of photovoice and in-depth interviews was conducted in Omusati and Khomas regions, Namibia. Persons with disabilities (

n
=
31

) were recruited via purposive sampling, of which

n
=
25

participants were engaged in three focus group discussions. Participants employed in the disability sector (

n
=
6

) were engaged in in-depth interviews. Data were thematically analysed. The study findings revealed the inadequacy of disability rights information dissemination and continued barriers to inclusivity of persons with disabilities. Stigma, discrimination, limited financial opportunities, weak political support, and limited accessibility to physical infrastructure caused barriers to inclusivity. However, opportunities to advance the UNCRPD were also identified. There is a need for the disability sector to build on identified institutional facilitators to advance disability rights through mobilisation of local resources, communities, and government to redress the challenges identified in Namibia.
Functional and Oxidative Quality Characterization of Spray-Dried Omega-3-Enriched Milk Powder
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Muhammad Niaz
Published: May 2021

In the present study, fish oil (FO) and wall material were supplemented to milk to produce spray-dried powder (SDP). Furthermore, the mandate of the study was to enlighten the effect of spray-drying (SD) operating conditions on functional and oxidative quality of produced SDP samples. Purposefully, the cow milk was supplemented with 3% FO as omega-enriched source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for development of milk and FO blends (MFOBs). The lecithin was used as an emulsifier and maltodextrin was supplemented as the wall material (WM) in the MFOBs. Initially, the FO, milk fat (MF), and MFOB samples were characterized for EPA, DHA, and peroxide value (PV) before the SD. The SD of MFOB samples was carried out to produce SDP samples by using a mini spray dryer. Central composite design (CCD) with face-centered rotation was used to optimize SD independent conditions such as inlet air temperature (IAT), pump speed (PS), maltodextrin percentage (MD), and needle speed (NS) in the ranges of 160–200°C, 3–9 mL/min, 10–30%, and 5–9 s, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) ranged between 89.30 and 81.57%. The EPA and DHA retentions were in the ranges of 2.19–1.87 g/100 g and 3.20–2.75 g/100 g, respectively. The highest results for responses were observed on the following conditions: IAT was 160°C, PS was 9 mL/min, MD was 30%, and NS was 9 s, respectively; the minimum values of response factors were obtained on the following conditions: IAT was 200°C, PS was 3 mL/min, MD was 10%, and NS was 5 s, respectively. The percent losses of EPA and DHA were noted in the range of 2–18%. The IAT was observed as main factor for FA reduction in SDP samples. The SDP samples were stable, and low rate of peroxide values was noted. Overall, spray drying can be potentially used to incorporate the essential fatty acids in milk to produce stable SDP for food applications.
An Investigation of Effects and Safety of Pipelines due to Twin Tunneling
Authors: Yu Shao , Lan Riyan , Luo Junhui , Duan Zhibo , Ma Shaokun
Published: May 2021

To efficiently and accurately predict the effects of twin tunneling on adjacent buried pipelines, the effects of upward and downward relative pipeline‐soil interactions were considered. A series of numerical parametric studies encompassing 8640 conditions were performed to investigate the responses of a pipeline to twin tunneling. Based on the dimensionless analysis and normalized calculation results, the concept of equivalent relative pipeline‐soil stiffness was proposed. Additionally, expressions for the relative pipeline‐soil stiffness and relative pipeline curvature and for the relative pipeline‐soil stiffness and relative pipeline settlement were established, along with the related calculation plots. Relying on a comparison of prediction results, centrifuge model test results, and field measured results, the accuracy and reliability of the obtained expressions for predicting the bending strain and settlement of adjacent buried pipelines caused by twin tunneling were validated. Based on the calculation method, the maximum bending strain and maximum settlement of pipelines can be calculated precisely when the pipeline parameters, burial depth, soil parameters, and curve parameters of ground settlement due to tunneling are provided. The proposed expressions can be used not only to predict the maximum bending strain and maximum settlement of pipelines caused by single and twin tunneling but also to evaluate the effects of single and twin tunneling on the safety of existing buried pipelines. The relevant conclusions of this article can also provide a theoretical basis for the normal service of buried pipelines adjacent to subway tunnels.
Research on the Prediction Model of Shield Advancement Rate in Sandy Cobble Ground of Beijing
Authors: He Qing , Xu Liying , Yang Zhiyong , Qi Weiqiang , Zhang Zhigang , Shen Ziyu
Published: May 2021

The long distance and tight construction period of the earth pressure balance shield tunneling in Beijing sandy cobble ground have a very positive impact on grasping the construction progress and improving the organization efficiency. Based on the real‐time monitoring data of on‐site earth pressure, cutter head speed, total thrust, screw conveyor speed, and cutter head torque, this study investigated the correlation between the shield advancement rate and the above parameters based on multiple nonlinear regression analysis method, which lay down the foundation of shield advancement rate prediction. The prediction model achieved satisfactory results and was further applied to an airport project. The results show that it is of guiding significance to use multiple regression method to establish shield prediction model and put forward the best advancement parameters to ensure the construction progress. The order in which the four operational parameters affect the advancement rate is total thrust, cutter head torque, screw conveyor speed, and cutter head speed. When the advancement time is greater than 57 min, the average advancement rate and daily progress are highly positively correlated. The research provides a reliable basis for the advancement rate prediction, safety control, and parameter optimization of shield advancement in similar ground.
Investigation of Permanent Deformation Behavior of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixture under Indoor Simulation
Authors: Wei Minghua , Yang Chao , Xie Jun , Liu Shan , Wang Fusong , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have indicated that steel slag can be used as a substitute for natural aggregates in asphalt mixture, while little attention has been paid to systematic investigation of the influences of various external environmental factors on deformation resistance of steel slag asphalt mixture. In order to understand the service behavior of steel slag asphalt mixture, its permanent deformation under different condition was investigated based on an indoor simulation test. The chemical composition, microscopic structure, surface texture, and volume stability of steel slag were firstly characterized. The uniaxial repeated loading test and standard wheel‐tracking test were applied to evaluate the effect of temperature, stress levels, and water damage on the permanent deformation of AC‐16 and AC‐20 steel slag asphalt mixtures. The results indicate that a higher content of alkaline oxide and high‐grade texture index existing in steel slag contribute to its strong absorptivity and adhesion of asphalt. The steel slag demonstrates fine volume stability due to its lower free‐CaO (f‐CaO) content, autoclave chalked ratio, and immersion expansion ratio. The permanent deformation of steel slag asphalt mixtures increases rapidly under higher stress and temperatures in contrast to lower increment at lower stress and temperatures. Asphalt mixtures at higher stress and higher temperatures and water condition exhibit larger rutting deformation and inferior rutting resistance. AC‐16 steel slag asphalt mixture has superior resistance to permanent deformation than AC‐20 asphalt mixture. Rutting factors show different degrees of impact in a decreasing order of temperature, water damage, and stress levels. The findings have significant implications for providing a theoretical basis for reusing steel slag in pavement construction and facilitating engineering application of steel slag asphalt mixture.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An Excellent Candidate for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Huang Qiulan , Huang Yanting , Liu Jianping
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells (ASCs) known for repairing damaged cells, exerting anti-inflammatory responses and producing immunoregulatory effects that can be significantly induced into insulin-producing cells (IPCs), providing an inexhaustible supply of functional β cells for cell replacement therapy and disease modeling for diabetes. MSC therapy may be the most promising strategy for diabetes mellitus because of these significant merits. In this paper, we focused on MSC therapy for diabetes.
Designing of Potential Polyvalent Vaccine Model for Respiratory Syncytial Virus by System Level Immunoinformatics Approaches
Authors: Naqvi Syeda Tahira Qousain , Yasmeen Mamoona , Ismail Mehreen , Muhammad Syed Aun , Nawazish-i-Husain Syed , Ali Amjad , Munir Fahad , Zhang QiYu
Published: May 2021

Background. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a public health epidemic, leading to around 3 million hospitalization and about 66,000 deaths each year. It is a life‐threatening condition exclusive to children with no effective treatment. Methods. In this study, we used system‐level and vaccinomics approaches to design a polyvalent vaccine for RSV, which could stimulate the immune components of the host to manage this infection. Our framework involves data accession, antigenicity and subcellular localization analysis, T cell epitope prediction, proteasomal and conservancy evaluation, host‐pathogen‐protein interactions, pathway studies, and in silico binding affinity analysis. Results. We found glycoprotein (G), fusion protein (F), and small hydrophobic protein (SH) of RSV as potential vaccine candidates. Of these proteins (G, F, and SH), we found 9 epitopes for multiple alleles of MHC classes I and II bear significant binding affinity. These potential epitopes were linked to form a polyvalent construct using AAY, GPGPG linkers, and cholera toxin B adjuvant at N‐terminal with a 23.9 kDa molecular weight of 224 amino acid residues. The final construct was a stable, immunogenic, and nonallergenic protein containing cleavage sites, TAP transport efficiency, posttranslation shifts, and CTL epitopes. The molecular docking indicated the optimum binding affinity of RSV polyvalent construct with MHC molecules (‐12.49 and ‐10.48 kcal/mol for MHC classes I and II, respectively). This interaction showed that a polyvalent construct could manage and control this disease. Conclusion. Our vaccinomics and system‐level investigation could be appropriate to trigger the host immune system to prevent RSV infection.
Comparative Study on Feature-Based Scoring Using Vector Space Modelling System
Authors: Walia Tarandeep Singh , Frikha Tarek , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Hamam Habib
Published: May 2021

This paper shows the importance of automated scoring (AS) and that it is better than human graders in terms of degree of reproducibility. Considering the potential of the automated scoring system, there is further a need to refine and develop the existing system. The paper goes through the state of the art. It presents the results concerning the problems of existing systems. The paper also presents the semantic features that are indispensable in the scoring system as they have complete content. Moreover, in the present research, a huge deviation has been exhibited by the system which has been shown later in performance analysis of the study, and this clearly indicates the novelty and improved results of the system. It explains the algorithms included in the methodology of this proposed system. The novelty of our work consists in the use of its own similarity function and its notation mechanism. It does not use the cosine similarity function between two vectors. This paper describes and develops a more accurate system which employs a statistical method for scoring. This system adopts and integrates rule-based semantic feature analysis.
Analytical Redundancy of Variable Cycle Engine Based on Proper Net considering Multiple Input Variables and the Whole Engine’s Degradation
Authors: Zhang Zihao , Huang Xianghua , Zhang Tianhong
Published: May 2021

In this paper, Proper net is proposed to construct variable cycle engine’s analytical redundancy, when all control variables and environmental variables change simultaneously, also accompanied with the whole engine’s degradation. In another word, Proper net is proposed to solve a multivariable, strongly nonlinear, dynamic, and time-varying problem. In order to make the topological structure of Proper net physically explainable, Proper net’s topological structure is designed according to physical relationship between variables, by which means analytical redundancy based on Proper net achieves higher accuracy with less calculation time. Experiments were compared with performance of analytical redundancy based on Proper net, seven convolutional neural network topological structures, and five shallow learning methods. Results demonstrate that under condition of average relative error less than 1.5%, Proper net is the most accurate and the least time-consuming one, which proves not only the effectiveness of Proper net but also the feasibility of topological structures’ design method based on physical relationship.
Can Multipath TCP Be Robust to Cyber Attacks? A Measuring Study of MPTCP with Active Queue Management Algorithms
Authors: Cao Yuanlong , Ji Ruiwen , Ji Lejun , Bao Mengshuang , Tao Lei , Yang Wei
Published: May 2021

With the development of social networks, more and more mobile social network devices have multiple interfaces. Multipath TCP (MPTCP), as an emerging transmission protocol, can fit multiple link bandwidths to improve data transmission performance and improve user experience quality. At the same time, due to the large-scale deployment and application of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and cloud computing, cyber attacks against MPTCP have gradually increased. More and more network security research studies point out that low-rate distributed denial of service (LDDoS) attacks are relatively popular and difficult to detect and are recognized as one of the most severe threats to network services. This article introduces six classic queue management algorithms: DropTail, RED, FRED, REM, BLUE, and FQ. In a multihomed network environment, we perform the performance evaluation of MPTCP under LDDoS attacks in terms of throughput, delay, and packet loss rate when using the six algorithms, respectively, by simulations. The results show that in an MPTCP-enabled multihomed network, different queue management algorithms have different throughput, delay, and packet loss rate performance when subjected to LDDoS attacks. Considering these three performance indicators comprehensively, the FRED algorithm has better performance. By adopting an effective active queue management (AQM) algorithm, the MPTCP transmission system can enhance its robustness capability, thus improving transmission performance. We suggest that when designing and improving the queue management algorithm, the antiattack performance of the algorithm should be considered: (1) it can adjust the traffic speed by optimizing the congestion control mechanism; (2) the fairness of different types of data streams sharing bandwidth is taken into consideration; and (3) it has the ability to adjust the parameters of the queue management algorithm in a timely and accurate manner.
Research on the Relationship between Data Empowerment and Service Innovation Capability of Logistics Platform Enterprise
Authors: Zhang Yuhua , Hu Mengdie
Published: May 2021

Based on the application of big data, this paper constructed a theoretical model focusing on the mechanism of data empowerment on the service innovation capability of logistics platform enterprises, with value cocreation as the mediating variable and environmental dynamism as the moderating variable. The research hypothesis was empirically tested based on the results obtained from the questionnaire survey. The results demonstrate that data empowerment can promote the value co-creation between logistics platform enterprises and users, and value co-creation is an important factor to promote the service innovation capability of logistics platform enterprises. Meanwhile, the moderating variable of environmental dynamism is found to inhibit the interaction between cooperation and service innovation capability. The findings expand the theoretical research on data empowerment and raise important inspiration for practical activities of logistics platform enterprises.
Finite Element Modeling of Stress Behavior of FGM Nanoplates
Authors: Giang Nguyen Thi
Published: May 2021

The mechanical response investigation of nanoplates especially the stress distribution plays a very important role in engineering practice, which is a condition to help test the durability as well as design and use the nanoplate structures most effectively. This pioneering paper uses the finite element method to simulate the stress field of FGM nanoplates based on the first‐order shear deformation theory of Mindlin. The finite element formulations are derived by taking into account the effect of the nonlocal coefficient to analyze the mechanical response of nanometer‐scale plates. This work presents the distribution of stress components in the xy‐plane of plates with different boundary conditions. The numerical results also show clearly that the nonlocal coefficient has a significant influence on the deflection and stress of FGM nanoplates. These numerical results are very new and stunning which clearly show the position of the stress reaching the maximum value. This work is also the basis for scientists in testing the durability of FGM nanoplates.
A Numerical Investigation of the Hazardous Injection Area of Induced Earthquake during Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Niu Zhiyong , Wang Shiquan , Ma Hongrui , Feng Songbao , Luan Hengjie , Yang Yibin
Published: May 2021

Hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal energy has many advantages, such as being renewable, clean, widely distributed, and without time and weather limitations. Hydraulic fracturing is usually needed for the exploitation of HDR geothermal energy. It has many hidden faults in the reservoir/caprock sequences. Injecting fluid into underground formations during hydraulic fracturing often induces fault slip and leads to earthquakes. Therefore, to well understand the induced fault slip and earthquakes is important for the applications and development of HDR geothermal exploitation. In this study, we investigated the hazardous injection area of the induced earthquakes during hydraulic fracturing. The study was based on a hydraulic fracturing test in Qiabuqia geothermal field in China. According to the field, a fault‐surrounding rock‐fracturing region system was developed to study the influences of fluid injection on the stability of the specific fault. A total of 60 hydraulic fracturing regions and 180 numerical experiments were designed. The results revealed that the hazardous injection regions that threaten the fault’s stability were near to the fault and concentrated on the following four areas: (a) above the top of the fault in underlying strata; (b) above the top of the hanging wall of the fault in underlying strata; (c) near to the fault planes in both footwall and hanging wall; (d) at the bottom of the footwall of the fault in underlying strata. The hazardous injection area can be controlled effectively by adjusting the injection pressure.
Spinal Clear Cell Meningioma: Atypical Clinical and Radiological Manifestations
Authors: Alsadiq Mohammad Nasser , Albarbari Zainab Shaker , Alshakhs Fatimah , Alduayji Muath Ali , Al-Umran Shaymaa , Alenzi Abdulrahman
Published: May 2021

Meningioma has many subtypes with clear cell meningioma being more aggressive than other variants of meningioma and one of the rarest. We report a case of spinal clear cell meningioma that occurred in a 25-year-old lady who presented with the inability to be in the supine position. A magnetic resonance image showed an intradural mass extending from L1 to L4. Near complete excision was done. The patient had motor weakness postoperatively which improved gradually. A histopathological study showed a clear cell meningioma. In a differential diagnosis of any space-occupying lesion of the spine, clear cell meningioma should be considered though it is a rare form of meningioma due to its potential to recure. An accurate follow-up is warranted.
A Transcriptionally Distinct Subpopulation of Healthy Acinar Cells Exhibit Features of Pancreatic Progenitors and PDAC
Authors: Gopalan Vishaka , Singh Arashdeep , Rashidi Mehrabadi Farid , Wang Li , Ruppin Eytan , Arda H. Efsun , Hannenhalli Sridhar
Published: May 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors can originate either from acinar or ductal cells in the adult pancreas. We re-analyze multiple pancreas and PDAC single-cell RNA-seq datasets and find a subset of nonmalignant acinar cells, which we refer to as acinar edge (AE) cells, whose transcriptomes highly diverge from a typical acinar cell in each dataset. Genes upregulated among AE cells are enriched for transcriptomic signatures of pancreatic progenitors, acinar dedifferentiation, and several oncogenic programs. AE-upregulated genes are upregulated in human PDAC tumors, and consistently, their promoters are hypomethylated. High expression of these genes is associated with poor patient survival. The fraction of AE-like cells increases with age in healthy pancreatic tissue, which is not explained by clonal mutations, thus pointing to a nongenetic source of variation. The fraction of AE-like cells is also significantly higher in human pancreatitis samples. Finally, we find edge-like states in lung, liver, prostate, and colon tissues, suggesting that subpopulations of healthy cells across tissues can exist in pre-neoplastic states.

Significance:

These findings show “edge” epithelial cell states with oncogenic transcriptional activity in human organs without oncogenic mutations. In the pancreas, the fraction of acinar cells increases with age.