bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antischistosomal Activity of Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, and Coriandrum sativum Aqueous Plant Extracts on Hamster Infected with Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Abou El-Nour Mohamed F. , Fadladdin Yousef
Published: February 2021

Schistosomiasis continues to affect the health and quality of life of millions of people around the world. Schistosomiasis has been ranked the second disease after malaria in terms of importance as a targeted tropical disease. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Being the only drug, parasite resistance to this drug has developed. Therefore, the search for new alternatives has been the goal of many researchers. In this study, the effects of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, and Coriandrum sativum on Schistosoma mansoni infected golden hamsters (Egyptian strain) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo at different doses of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, and 31.25 μg/ml. In vitro, adult worms of S. mansoni were tested in RPMI-1640 medium for 48 hrs. The results showed that the concentrations 500, 250, and 125 μg/ml of Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum caused dead of 100% of adult worms within 6 and 12 hrs of incubation, respectively. Although, aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativum at concentrations 500, 250, and 125 μg/ml resulted dead of 100% parasites after 12 to 24 hrs of incubation. In conclusion, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum showed efficacy against schistosomiasis in both in vitro and biological experiments of Egyptian schistosome strain, while Coriandrum sativum gave less effective results than the previous ones. Therefore, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum may become an innovative treatment for schistosomiasis.
Development and Evaluation of a Rehabilitation Wheelchair with Multiposture Transformation and Smart Control
Authors: Cao Wujing , Yu Hongliu , Wu Xinyu , Li Sujiao , Meng Qiaoling , Chen Chunjie
Published: February 2021

Stroke and other neurological disorders have an effect on mobility which has a significant impact on independence and quality of life. The core rehabilitation requirements for patients with lower limb motor dysfunction are gait training, restand, and mobility. In this work, we introduce a newly developed multifunctional wheelchair that we call “ReChair” and evaluated its performance preliminarily. ReChair seamlessly integrates the mobility, gait training, and multiposture transformation. ReChair driving and multiposture transformation are done using the voice, button, and mobile terminal control. This work describes the functional requirements, mechanical structure, and control system and the overall evaluation of ReChair including the kinematic simulation of the multiposture transformation and passive lower limb rehabilitation training to quantitatively verify the motion capability of ReChair, the voice control system evaluation that shows how the voice recognition system is suitable for home environment, the sensorless speed detection test results that indicate how the wheel speeds measured by sensorless method are appropriate for travelling control, and the passive and balance training test results that show how the lower limb rehabilitation training in daily life by ReChair is convenient. Finally, the experimental results show that ReChair meets the patients’ requirements and has practical significance. It is cost‐effective, easy to use, and supports multiple control modes to adapt to different rehabilitation phases.
Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on Modified Deep Metric Learning Method
Authors: Xu Zengbing , Li Xiaojuan , Lin Hui , Wang Zhigang , Peng Tao
Published: February 2021

A novel fault diagnosis method of rolling bearing based on deep metric learning and Yu norm is proposed in this paper, which is called a deep metric learning method based on Yu norm (DMN‐Yu). In order to solve the misclassification caused by the traditional deep metric learning based on distance metric function, a similarity criterion based on Yu norm is introduced into the traditional deep metric learning. Firstly, the deep metric learning neural network (DMN) is used to adaptively extract the fault feature parameters. Secondly, considering that the data samples at the boundary between different fault categories can be misclassified, the marginal Fisher analysis method based on Yu norm is used to optimize the features. And then, BPNN classifier of DMN‐Yu method is used to fine tune the network parameters and diagnose the fault category. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed DMN‐Yu method is verified with the rolling bearing fault diagnosis test. And the superiority of the proposed diagnosis method is validated by comparing its diagnosis accuracy with the deep metric learning method based on Euclidean distance (DMN‐Euc), traditional deep belief network (DBN), and support vector machine (SVM) combined with the common time‐domain statistical features.
Renal Failure among Women of Reproductive Age in Burundi: Estimating the Prevalence and Associated Factors Using Population-Based Data
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Adeyoju Temitope Oluwaseyi , Onuoha Herbert , Barrow Amadou
Published: February 2021

Background. Renal failure is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many resource-constrained settings. In developing countries, little has been known about the prevalence and predisposing factors of renal failure using population-based data. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and associated factors of renal failure among women of reproductive age in Burundi. Methods. We used nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2016-2017 Burundi Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). Data on 17,269 women of reproductive age were included. The outcome variable was a renal failure as determined by the patient’s report. Percentage, chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. The results from the logistic regression model were presented as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and confidence interval (95% CI). The significance level was set at

p
<
0.05

. Results. The overall prevalence of renal failure was 5.0% (95% CI: 4.4%, 5.7%). Higher-aged women were more likely to have a renal failure when compared with women aged 15–19 years. Rural dwellers were 1.65 times as likely to have a renal failure when compared with women in the urban residence (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.20). Women who had secondary + education had a 39% reduction in the odds of renal failure when compared with women with no formal education (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.81). Health insurance coverage accounted for a 23% reduction in the odds of renal failure when compared with women who were not covered by health insurance (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.93). Women who had a terminated pregnancy were 1.50 times as likely to have a renal failure when compared with women with no history of terminated pregnancy (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.82). Furthermore, women with a history of contraceptive use were 1.32 times as likely to have a renal failure when compared with women without a history of contraceptive use (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.57). Conclusion. Lack of formal education, having no health insurance coverage, and ever used anything or tried to delay or avoid getting pregnant were the modifiable risk factors of renal failure. The nonmodifiable risk factors were old age, rural residence, certain geographical regions, and having a history of pregnancy termination. Understanding the risk factors of renal failure will help to instigate early screening, detection, and prompt treatment initiation. In addition, early detection of the risk factors can help to reduce the adverse health impact including maternal death.
Virtual Screening Based on QSAR and Molecular Docking of Possible Inhibitors Targeting Chagas CYP51
Authors: Cotuá J. , LLinás H. , Cotes S.
Published: February 2021

Chagas is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi with no effective treatment in all its forms. There is a need to find more effective therapeutic alternatives with reduced toxicity. In this contribution, multiple linear regression models were used to identify the molecular descriptors that best describe the inhibitory activity of 52 fenarimol analogues against Trypanosoma cruzi. The topological, physicochemical, thermodynamic, electronic, and charge descriptors were evaluated to cover a wide range of properties that frequently encode biological activity. A model with high predictive value was obtained based on geometrical descriptors and descriptors encoding hydrophobicity and London dispersion forces as necessary for the inhibition of Trypanosoma cruzi-CYP51. Docking methodology was implemented to evaluate molecular interactions in silico. The virtual screening results in this study can be used for rational design of new analogues with improved activity against Chagas disease.
Complete Vision Loss after Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Authors: Radtke Steven , Florence Elizabeth , Clavijo Alexander , Do Linh , Lopez Isabel
Published: February 2021

Postoperative vision loss (POVL) is a rare but devastating complication that has only recently been reported following laparoscopic surgery. We present the case of a 34-year-old gravida 6 para 4 female who experienced POVL following an uncomplicated laparoscopic hysterectomy. Operating time was 174 minutes, and EBL was 75 mL. After surgery, she complained of complete vision loss with no light perception. No cerebral hemorrhage or ischemia was detected on imaging. Funduscopic exam revealed no structural abnormalities. On postoperative day 7, she received an IV methylprednisolone taper. The following morning, she reported mild light perception. Later that night, she reported a partial return of visual acuity and was discharged home. At her 2-week postoperative visit, her vision had returned to baseline. POVL is an emergency and prompt evaluation should be initiated to optimize outcome.
[Retracted] Modulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control Processes by BGP‐15 in Oxidative Stress Scenarios: From Cell Culture to Heart Failure
Authors: Horvath Orsolya , Ordog Katalin , Bruszt Kitti , Kalman Nikoletta , Kovacs Dominika , Radnai Balazs , Gallyas Ferenc , Toth Kalman , Halmosi Robert , Deres Laszlo
Published: February 2021

Heart failure (HF) is a complex chronic clinical disease characterized by among others the damage of the mitochondrial network. The disruption of the mitochondrial quality control and the imbalance in fusion‐fission processes lead to a lack of energy supply and, finally, to cell death. BGP‐15 (O‐[3‐piperidino‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propyl]‐nicotinic acid amidoxime dihydrochloride) is an insulin sensitizer molecule and has a cytoprotective effect in a wide variety of experimental models. In our recent work, we aimed to clarify the mitochondrial protective effects of BGP‐15 in a hypertension‐induced heart failure model and “in vitro.” Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) received BGP‐15 or placebo for 18 weeks. BGP‐15 treatment preserved the normal mitochondrial ultrastructure and enhanced the mitochondrial fusion. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were stressed by hydrogen‐peroxide. BGP‐15 treatment inhibited the mitochondrial fission processes, promoted mitochondrial fusion, maintained the integrity of the mitochondrial genome, and moreover enhanced the de novo biogenesis of the mitochondria. As a result of these effects, BGP‐15 treatment also supports the maintenance of mitochondrial function through the preservation of the mitochondrial structure during hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress as well as in an “in vivo” heart failure model. It offers the possibility, which pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial quality control under oxidative stress could be a novel therapeutic approach in heart failure.
Trajectory Data Compression Algorithm Based on Motion State Changing
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhang Jian , Qi Lin
Published: February 2021

The trajectory information generated by the moving object plays an important role in studying the object movement. In this paper, a trajectory data compression algorithm based on the motion state changing is proposed to reduce trajectory data storage space and increase compression speed, which can accurately show the motion state and trajectory characteristics. This study has certain significance for the exploration of mass traffic data and the planning of traffic network. Combining the angle threshold with the velocity threshold of a moving object, the key data points are found and the redundant information is removed. Subsequently, the compressed trajectory is obtained. The experimental results show that the new algorithm can help to improve compression efficiency. The compressed trajectory has high similarity with the original trajectory in movement tendency.
Robust Stabilization of Stochastic Markovian Jump Systems with Distributed Delays
Authors: Chen Guilei , Zhang Zhenwei , Li Chao , Qiao Dianju , Sun Bo
Published: February 2021

This paper addresses the robust stabilization problem for a class of stochastic Markovian jump systems with distributed delays. The systems under consideration involve Brownian motion, Markov chains, distributed delays, and parameter uncertainties. By an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the novel delay‐dependent stabilization criterion for the stochastic Markovian jump systems is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. When given linear matrix inequalities are feasible, an explicit expression of the desired state feedback controller is given. The designed controller, based on the obtained criterion, ensures asymptotically stable in the mean square sense of the resulting closed‐loop system. The convenience of the design is greatly enhanced due to the existence of an adjustable parameter in the controller. Finally, a numerical example is exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed theory.
Optimization of Layout and Pipe Sizes for Irrigation Pipe Distribution Network Using Steiner Point Concept
Authors: Gajghate Preeti Walmik , Mirajkar Ashwini , Shaikh Uzma , Bokde Neeraj Dhanraj , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: February 2021

In tropical countries like India, irrigation is necessary to grow crops in the nonmonsoon period. The conventional methodology for conveying irrigation water from the source to the field is through open canals. However, considering huge losses due to evaporation and percolation, a modern system of irrigation like pipe irrigation network (PIN) is desired. Advancement in technology has led to the progress in the PIN as they are compatible with modern irrigation facilities such as sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. In the present study, the layout of the PIN is designed and optimized in two phases. Initially, the looped network is traced out for the Bakhari distributary of the Kanhan Branch Canal, India. Minimum spanning tree (MST) network is obtained from the looped network using Prim's algorithm to calculate the nodal demands. The layout optimization of the MST is carried out using the Steiner concept to obtain the initial Steiner tree (IST). The steady-state hydraulic analysis and design are carried out for the looped and IST network. The results show that the percentage of length decreasing from the looped network to the MST network is 51.58%. The IST network is the optimized network having the minimum length showing a 12.21% length reduction compared to the MST network. The total reduction in the cost of the Steiner tree is found to be 4.25% compared to the looped network. Steiner concept application to large irrigation networks can reduce the length of the network thereby minimizing the total project cost.
The Regulation and Functions of Endogenous Retrovirus in Embryo Development and Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Xiang Yangquan , Liang Hongqing
Published: February 2021

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are repetitive sequences in the genome, belonging to the retrotransposon family. During the course of life, ERVs are associated with multiple aspects of chromatin and transcriptional regulation in development and pathological conditions. In mammalian embryos, ERVs are extensively activated in early embryo development, but with a highly restricted spatial-temporal pattern; and they are drastically silenced during differentiation with exceptions in extraembryonic tissue and germlines. The dynamic activation pattern of ERVs raises questions about how ERVs are regulated in the life cycle and whether they are functionally important to cell fate decision during early embryo and somatic cell development. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the pieces of evidence demonstrating regulations and functions of ERVs during stem cell differentiation, which suggests that ERV activation is not a passive result of cell fate transition but the active epigenetic and transcriptional regulation during mammalian development and stem cell differentiation.
Prophylactic Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections after Urodynamic Studies: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiao-yu , Cheng Yu , Xu Sheng-fei , Ling Qing , Yuan Xiao-yi , Du Guang-hui
Published: February 2021

Aim. We aimed to perform a meta‐analysis to determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) after urodynamic studies (UDS). Methods. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Elsevier, ClinicalKey, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Wiley Online Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics with placebo or no treatment in preventing UTI after UDS were included. Two reviewers extracted data independently, and RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed by the Q test and I2 test. Results. The final meta‐analysis included 1829 patients in 13 RCTs. Compared with the placebo or no treatment group, prophylactic antibiotics could significantly reduce the risk of bacteriuria (RR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30‐0.60) and the risk of symptomatic UTI (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48‐0.88). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of adverse events (RR = 4.93, 95% CI: 0.61‐40.05). No significant heterogeneity or publication bias was found in this study. Conclusions. Current evidence showed that prophylactic antibiotics could reduce the risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic UTI after UDS without increasing the incidence of adverse events.
Comparison of CaO-NPs and Chicken Eggshell-Derived CaO in the Production of Biodiesel from Schinziophyton rautanenii (Mongongo) Nut Oil
Authors: Mmusi Keene Carlvin , Odisitse Sebusi , Nareetsile Florence
Published: February 2021

The ever-increasing population growth and economic developments have heightened demand for energy. This has resulted in depletion and ever-rising prices of petroleum diesel, thus increasing environmental degradation. These complications have motivated this study for the search of an alternative eco-friendly and renewable source of energy such as biodiesel. Biodiesel has been found to be a potential alternative fuel for diesel. Biodiesel was produced by transesterification reaction of Schinziophyton rautanenii (mongongo) nut oil in the presence of a base heterogeneous catalyst: CaO derived from eggshell ash and synthesised CaO-nanoparticles (CaO-NPs). The catalysts were calcined at a temperature of 800°C for 3 h and characterized by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) where both catalysts showed agglomerated particles and high elemental composition of Ca and O. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that CaO was present in both catalysts, and the average crystalline size obtained was 42 and 50 nm for CaO-NPs and eggshell ash, respectively. Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) spectrometer showed absorption bands of CaO in both catalysts which were at 875 and 713.46 cm−1 for CaO-NPs and eggshell ash, respectively. The analysis of mongongo nut oil (MNO) and mongongo methyl esters (MMEs) was done according to the European biodiesel specification (EN 1421) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D675). Statistically, there was no significant difference between CaO-NPs and eggshell in terms of optimum yield (

P
>
0.05

) using a sample t-test. However, in terms of catalyst loading, the eggshell was a better catalyst as it required a low catalyst load to obtain an optimum yield of 83% at 6 wt.% compared to CaO-NPs with an optimum yield of 85% at 12 wt.%. The reactions were all performed at constant reaction conditions of 9 : 1 methanol to oil ratio, 3 h reaction time, and 65°C reaction temperature.
Line Soliton Interactions for Shallow Ocean Waves and Novel Solutions with Peakon, Ring, Conical, Columnar, and Lump Structures Based on Fractional KP Equation
Authors: Xu Bo , Zhang Yufeng , Zhang Sheng
Published: February 2021

It is well known that the celebrated Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KP) equation has many important applications. The aim of this article is to use fractional KP equation to not only simulate shallow ocean waves but also construct novel spatial structures. Firstly, the definitions of the conformable fractional partial derivatives and integrals together with a physical interpretation are introduced and then a fractional integrable KP equation consisting of fractional KPI and KPII equations is derived. Secondly, a formula for the fractional

n

-soliton solutions of the derived fractional KP equation is obtained and fractional line one-solitons with bend, wavelet peaks, and peakon are constructed. Thirdly, fractional X-, Y- and 3-in-2-out-type interactions in the fractional line two- and three-soliton solutions of the fractional KPII equation are simulated for shallow ocean waves. Besides, a falling and spreading process of a columnar structure in the fractional line two-soliton solution is also simulated. Finally, a fractional rational solution of the fractional KP equation is obtained including the lump solution as a special case. With the development of time, the nonlinear dynamic evolution of the fractional lump solution of the fractional KPI equation can change from ring and conical structures to lump structure.
Association of Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Health with Third Molar Pericoronitis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Caymaz Mehmet Gagari , Buhara Oğuz
Published: February 2021

Background. Pericoronitis is a painful inflammatory condition commonly associated with third molar teeth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral hygiene and periodontal health status and the presence of pericoronitis in semi‐impacted third molar teeth. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, and 54 patients having at least one mandibular vertically semi‐impacted third molar tooth with or without pericoronitis were consecutively enrolled. Subjects with pericoronitis and subjects with healthy third molars were selected according to symptoms in the gingiva overlying semi‐impacted third molar teeth. Periodontal health status and oral hygiene were evaluated with the measures of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and total number of sites with a probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm. The clinical data collected in this study was analyzed with Mann–Whitney U test using SPSS 20.0 package program. Results. The PI scores were found to be significantly higher in patients with pericoronitis (p < 0.05). Although the GI scores and PD scores were higher in patients with pericoronitis, the difference did not reach statistical significance when compared with those in healthy subjects (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The findings obtained in this study suggest that the amount of dental plaque was positively associated with third molar pericoronitis. Gingival and periodontal health conditions were similar between patients with and without pericoronitis. Improving oral hygiene and controlling dental plaque may help prevent third molar pericoronitis.
He-Plasma Jet Generation and Its Application for E. coli Sterilization
Authors: Liu Tiejian , Zeng Yuxuan , Xue Xin , Sui Yinyi , Liang Yingying , Wang Fushan , Feng Fada
Published: February 2021

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is a promising technique for the sterilization of pathogenic microorganisms in an ambient environment. In this work, a helium-APPJ was generated by double dielectric barrier discharge and applied to the sterilization of model microorganism in air and water. Discharge characteristics (including waveform and frequency of applied voltage), jet properties (such as feed gas flow rate, jet length, thermal effect, and optic emission spectra), and sterilization performance (in terms of clear/sterilized area, size of plaques, and sterilization efficiency) were investigated. Homogeneous helium plasma jet was generated in an energy-efficient way (18 kHz, 6 kV, 0.08 W) with a 19 mm jet and limited heating. The He-APPJ achieved good sterilization performances within very short treatment time (as short as 30 s). For surface sterilization, the area of clear zone and size of the plaque were 1809 mm2 and 48 mm, respectively, within 5 min treatment. For water sterilization, 99.8% sterilization efficiency was achieved within 5 min treatment. The optic emission spectra suggest that active species such as excited molecules, ions, and radicals were produced in the He-APPJ. The as-produced active species played important roles in the sterilization process.
Steady-State Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis of the LEU-Fueled Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor
Authors: Nguyen Kien-Cuong , Le Vinh-Vinh , Huynh Ton-Nghiem , Luong Ba-Vien , Nguyen Nhi-Dien
Published: February 2021

This paper presents results of steady-state thermal-hydraulic analysis for the designed working core of the Dalat Nuclear Research Reactor (DNRR) using the PLTEMP/ANL code. The core was designed to be loaded with 92 low-enriched uranium (LEU) VVR-M2 fuel bundles (FBs) and 12 beryllium rods surrounding a neutron trap at the core center, for replacement of the previous core with 104 high-enriched uranium (HEU) VVR-M2 FBs. Before using this code for thermohydraulic analysis of the designed LEU working core, it was validated by comparing calculation results with experimental data collected from the HEU working core of the DNRR. The discrepancy between calculated results and measured data was at the maximum about 0.8°C and 1.5°C of fuel cladding and outlet coolant temperatures, respectively. In the design calculation, thermohydraulic safety was confirmed through evaluation of the fuel cladding and coolant temperatures, as well as of other safety parameters such as Departure from Nucleate Boiling Ratio (DNBR) and Onset of Nucleate Boiling Ratio (ONBR). The calculation results showed that, in normal operation conditions at full nominal thermal power of 500 kW without uncertainty parameters, the maximum fuel cladding temperature of the hottest FB was about 90.4°C, which is lower than its limit value of 103°C, the minimum DNBR was 32.0, which is much higher than the recommended value of 1.5, and the minimum ONBR was 1.43, which is higher than the recommended value of 1.4 for VVR-M2 LEU fuel type. When the global and local hot channel factors were taken into account, the maximum temperature of fuel cladding at the hottest FB was about 98.4 °C, for global only, and 114.3°C, for global together with local hot channel factors. The calculation results confirm the safety operation of the designed LEU core loaded with 92 fresh VVR-M2 FBs.
A PCB Electronic Components Detection Network Design Based on Effective Receptive Field Size and Anchor Size Matching
Authors: Li Jing , Li Weiye , Chen Yingqian , Gu Jinan
Published: February 2021

Vision‐based recognizing and positioning of electronic components on the PCB (printed circuit board) can improve the quality inspection efficiency of electronic products in the manufacturing process. With the improvement of the design and the production process, the electronic components on the PCB show the characteristics of small sizes and similar appearances, which brings challenges to visual object detection. This paper designs a real‐time electronic component detection network through effective receptive field size and anchor size matching in YOLOv3. We make contributions in the following three aspects: (1) realizing the calculation and visualization of the effective receptive field size of the different depth layers of the CNN (convolutional neural network) based on gradient backpropagation; (2) proposing a modular YOLOv3 composition strategy that can be added and removed; and (3) designing a lightweight and efficient detection network by effective receptive field size and anchor size matching algorithm. Compared with the Faster‐RCNN (regions with convolutional neural network) features, SSD (single‐shot multibox detectors), and original YOLOv3, our method not only has the highest detection mAP (mean average precision) on the PCB electronic component dataset, which is 95.03%, the smallest parameter size of the memory, about 1/3 of the original YOLOv3 parameter amount, but also the second‐best performance on FLOPs (floating point operations).
[Retracted] Involvement of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitophagy in Sevoflurane‐Induced Cell Toxicity
Authors: Li Ming , Guo Jiguang , Wang Hongjie , Li Yuzhen
Published: February 2021

General anesthesia is a powerful and indispensable tool to ensure the accomplishment of surgical procedures or clinical examinations. Sevoflurane as an inhalational anesthetic without unpleasant odor is commonly used in clinical practice, especially for pediatric surgery. However, the toxicity caused by sevoflurane has gained growing attention. Mitochondria play a key role in maintaining cellular metabolism and survival. To maintain the stability of mitochondrial homeostasis, they are constantly going through fusion and fission. Also, damaged mitochondria need to be degraded by autophagy, termed as mitophagy. Accumulating evidence proves that sevoflurane exposure in young age could lead to cell toxicity by triggering the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, inducing the abnormalities of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. In the present review, we focus on the current understanding of mitochondrial apoptosis, dynamics and mitophagy in cell function, the implications for cell toxicity in response to sevoflurane, and their underlying potential mechanisms.
The Elliptic Harmonic Balance Method for the Performance Analysis of a Two‐Stage Vibration Isolation System with Geometric Nonlinearity
Authors: Wu Weilei , Tang Bin
Published: February 2021

This study develops a modified elliptic harmonic balance method (EHBM) and uses it to solve the force and displacement transmissibility of a two‐stage geometrically nonlinear vibration isolation system. Geometric damping and stiffness nonlinearities are incorporated in both the upper and lower stages of the isolator. After using the relative displacement of the nonlinear isolator, we can numerically obtain the steady‐state response using the first‐order harmonic balance method (HBM1). The steady‐state harmonic components of the stiffness and damping force are modified using the Jacobi elliptic functions. The developed EHBM can reduce the truncation error in the HBM1. Compared with the HBM1, the EHBM can improve the accuracy of the resonance regimes of the amplitude‐frequency curve and transmissibility. The EHBM is simple and straightforward. It can maintain the same form as the balancing equations of the HBM1 but performs better than it.
System Optimization and Robustness Stability Control for GIS Inspection Robot in Complex Microgrid Networks
Authors: Yan Yu , Jiang Wei , Luo Zhiping , Zhang Jianjun , Liu Weidong
Published: February 2021

GIS (gas‐insulated switchgear) is important equipment in the substation system in a complex microgrid network. Due to the long‐term service in harsh operation environments, the electrical performance of GIS equipment will be seriously affected. Therefore, the regular maintenance of GIS equipment in the substation system is a routine task so as to ensure the normal operation of the microgrid networks. The traditional method relies on manual labor, where not only with the low operation efficiency but also regarding some maintenance, labors cannot reach the inside of the GIS equipment, which seriously restricted the completion of GIS equipment maintenance operation. Based on the above analysis, a basic configuration of a GIS equipment maintenance robot with smart structure, convenient control, and stable motion characteristic has been proposed in this paper. Through the optimization design of the chassis adsorption system, the GIS inspection robot can achieve hanging and vertical adsorption inside the GIS equipment and some special motion status. In this way, the entire GIS equipment can be inspected without blind spots. Through establishing the mechanical model of the GIS inspection robot under the hanging and vertical motion state, the robustness and stability of the GIS inspection robot in the special status have been analyzed, and the corresponding GIS inspection robot robust stability motion control method has also been proposed. Finally, through the integrated design of mechanical system and hardware and software control system, the GIS inspection robot physical prototype system has been developed and the maintenance operation experiment has been carried out in Hunan Electric Power Company Maintenance Company through simulating the internal GIS equipment. The physical prototype can realize the basic movement and special movement in internal GIS equipment without any blind spots and complete the inspection task of GIS equipment operation; the movement of GIS robot is dexterous and stable in the whole operation process, which has strong robust stability. The research of GIS inspection robot in the complex microgrid networks has important theoretical significance and practical application value for the intelligent operation and maintenance management of substation system in complex microgrid networks.
Human Gait Recognition Based on Multiple Feature Combination and Parameter Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Gao Farong , Tian Taixing , Yao Ting , Zhang Qizhong
Published: February 2021

Accuracy is a key index of human gait recognition. In this paper, we propose an improved gait recognition algorithm, which combines multiple feature combination and artificial bee colony for optimizing the support vector machine (ABC‐SVM). Firstly, considering the complexity characteristics of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals, four types of features are extracted from the denoised sEMG signals, including the time‐domain features of integral of absolute value (IAV), variance (VAR), and number of zero‐crossing (ZC) points, frequency‐domain features of mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MF), and wavelet features and fuzzy entropy features. Secondly, the classifiers of SVM, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and extreme learning machine (ELM) are employed to recognize the gait with obtained features, including singe‐class features, multiple combination features, and optimized features of dimension reduction by principal component analysis (PCA). Thirdly, the penalty coefficient and kernel function parameter of the SVM classifier are optimized by the ABC algorithm, and the influence of different features and classifiers on the recognition results is studied. Finally, the feature samples selected to construct the SVM classifier are trained and recognized. Results show that the classification performance of the ABC‐SVM classifier is significantly better than that of the nonoptimized SVM classifier, and the average recognition rate is increased by 3.18%. In addition, the combined feature samples (time‐domain, frequency‐domain, wavelet, and fuzzy entropy features) not only improve the gait classification accuracy but also enhance the recognition stability.
Method for Calculating Productivity of Water Imbibition Based on Volume Fracturing Stimulations of Low Permeability Reservoirs
Authors: Zhao Lisha , Li Xin , Wu Shuhong , Wu Zhongbao , Tong Min
Published: February 2021

Spontaneous water imbibition is an important mechanism in water-wet fractured reservoirs. For volume-fractured reservoirs, to evaluate the oil productivity and oil recovery through water counter-current imbibition, we propose an analytical method for optimizing the reservoir volume fracturing scheme. Based on the two-phase fluid flow differential equation for capillary force, a three-dimensional water imbibition productivity equation is derived analytically. The equation for the water imbibition productivity considering the fracture network is obtained. A numerical model is constructed to verify the validity of the average capillary diffusivity coefficient and the results of the analytical model. By applying this method to a low permeability reservoir, after volume fracturing and waterflooding huff and puff, the relationship between the tenth year’s oil recovery and oil production rate and the length, width, and density of the fracture network is predicted, which gives an optimization of the field fracturing construction scale. The results show that the length and width of the fracture network should be no less than 50% of the well spacing and row spacing to obtain a reasonable production. Considering the fracturing technique and economic feasibility, the higher the density of the fracture network, the better the production obtained. Through hydraulic volume fracturing and waterflooding huff and puff, water imbibition is brought into full play and the 10 year oil recovery is increased by 6%–8% in this area.
Modified Technique for Scleral-Sutured Fixation with the Double Knots Technique for Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens: Short-Term Observation
Authors: Wu Zhizhong , Liu Caijuan , Xu Yanhui , Dong Wei , Chen Zhimin
Published: February 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of a novel approach of utilizing the 9-0 looped polypropylene suture with double knots buried into the scleral groove and the scleral tunnel to minimize the risk of the suture erosion and suture knot exposure. Design. Clinical-based retrospective study. Methods. Records of consecutive patients who had anterior vitrectomy and scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between July 2018 and April 2020 with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were reviewed. Results. This study enrolled a total of 21 eyes from 20 patients (15 male). These patients had a mean age of 58.52 ± 8.55 years and were followed for an average of 1.08 ± 0.58 years postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from a preoperative mean of 0.43 ± 0.41 logMAR to a significantly higher mean 3-month postoperative value of 0.09 ± 0.21 logMAR (Z = -3.35,

p
<
0.01

). There were no statistical differences between the preoperative and postoperative corneal endothelial cell density (

p
=
0.71

). The postoperative complications included transient increased intraocular pressure in 5 eyes (24%). No other complications were detected during the follow-up. Conclusions. The modified technique proposed is a safe, effective, and reliable approach resulting in good visual outcomes. Our procedure might have the potential benefit to avoid suture-related complications in scleral-fixated IOL implantation. Trial registration. Retrospective case series study, not applicable.
Serum Glycocholic Acid‐to‐Total Bile Acid Ratio Is Independently Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Retrospective Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Li Hu , Ma Jin , Gu Leilei , Chen Peizhan , Chen Li , Zhang Xinxin
Published: February 2021

Introduction and Aims. Bile acids play an essential role in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was aimed at investigating the association of the serum glycocholic acid‐ (GCA‐) to‐total bile acid (TBA) ratio with NAFLD in the general population. Materials and Methods. A total of 6708 subjects (2859 cases with NAFLD and 3849 controls) were enrolled in the development cohort and additional 1568 subjects (784 cases with NAFLD and 784 controls) in an independent validation cohort. Demographic characteristics and biochemical data were compared between subjects with NAFLD and controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of the GCA‐to‐TBA ratio with NAFLD. A novel model incorporating the GCA‐to‐TBA ratio was developed for screening NAFLD from the general population. Results. The serum TBA and GCA levels were significantly higher in subjects with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (2.8 (2.0‐4.2) μmol/L vs. 2.5 (1.8‐3.7) μmol/L and 1.30 (1.10‐1.53) μg/mL vs. 1.28 (1.08‐1.50) μg/mL, respectively, all p ≤ 0.01), whereas the serum GCA‐to‐TBA ratio was significantly lower in subjects with NAFLD than in subjects without NAFLD (0.44 (0.33‐0.60) vs. 0.48 (0.36‐0.64), p ≤ 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the GCA‐to‐TBA ratio was independently associated with NAFLD after adjustment for confounding factors (odds ratio: 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71‐0.92, p ≤ 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the novel developed GCA‐to‐TBA ratio score model in discriminating NAFLD was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.83‐0.85) in the development cohort and was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.36‐0.65) in the validation cohort. Conclusion. The serum GCA‐to‐TBA ratio is independently associated with NAFLD. A simple novel model incorporating the GCA‐to‐TBA ratio score has a good performance in discriminating NAFLD from the general population.
Materiality Conditions in the Interplay between Environment and Financial Performance: A Graphical Modeling Approach for EEA Oil and Gas Companies
Authors: Sichigea Mirela , Siminica Marian , Cristea Mirela , Noja Gratiela Georgiana , Circiumaru Daniel
Published: February 2021

The recovery after the unprecedented pandemic crisis that Europe has currently been facing is strengthening the strong dependence between social, economic, and environmental fields, maintaining green investments and innovation at the core of the European strategies. Shifting to clean industries is a challenging mission that a complex network of stakeholders and their different interests must take into account. Within this network, the interplay between environmental and financial performance of a company represents a common point with a growing emphasis on the transparency and the materiality capacity of the disclosed information. This paper uses the Structural Equation Modeling and the Gaussian Graphical Models as graphical analysis approaches and offers a first insight about the interaction between environmental materiality measures and financial performance. A preliminary step of the scientific research consisted of a hand‐mapping investigation about materiality conditions. Starting from the Materiality Map developed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), this paper extends the main concept about materiality and investigates it on three different content ranges, which focus on the general environmental policy of the company, the targets set, and its concrete footprint. The methodology approaches were grounded on a newly compiled dataset provided by the Thomson Reuters database for 194 Economic European Area (EEA) oil and gas companies. The results provide significant evidences for the manifestation of materiality and emphasize the informational content of the individual environmental measures as an important condition for its financial impact. Adding to the environmental‐financial performance relationship, our findings have both practical and academic relevance for the economic field and sustainable growth goals.
Dynamics of the Composition of Plasmodium Species Contained within Asymptomatic Malaria Infections in the Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Bredu Dorcas , Donu Dickson , Amoah Linda Eva
Published: February 2021

Background. Monitoring changes in the composition of the Plasmodium species circulating within the population over a period can inform appropriate treatment recommendations. This study monitored variations in the prevalence of four common human Plasmodium species carried by children with asymptomatic malaria infections over a two-year period. Methods. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in November 2017 and December 2019. A total of 210 children aged between 4 and 13 years were recruited in 2017, and 164 similarly aged children were recruited in 2019. Approximately 150 μl of finger-pricked blood was used to prepare thick and thin blood smears as well as spot Whatman® #3 filter paper. Genomic DNA was extracted from the dried blood spots and used in PCR to amplify the 18S rRNA gene from four different human Plasmodium parasites. Results. Parasite prevalence by microscopy and the prevalence of P. falciparum detected by PCR was relatively similar at the two time points (Pearson chi-square = 0.405,

p
=
0.525

, and Pearson chi-square = 0.452,

p
=
0.501

, respectively). However, the prevalence of PCR detectable P. malariae increased by 8.5-fold, whilst P. ovale increased from 0 to 9% in the children sampled in 2019 relative to the children sampled in 2017. The only parasite species identified by microscopy in this study was P. falciparum, and no P. vivax was identified by either microscopy or PCR in the study population during the study period. Conclusion. There is the need to implement molecular diagnostic tools for malaria parasite surveillance in Ghana. This will enable the identification and treatment of all circulating malaria parasites including P. malariae and P. ovale, whose population is expanding in parts of Ghana including Simiw.
A Case of Cementless Impaction Bone Graft in a Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Requiring Calcar Reconstruction
Authors: Ishiguro Shigeo , Asanuma Kunihiro , Tamaki Tatsuya , Oinuma Kazuhiro , Sudo Akihiro
Published: February 2021

Introduction. In cases of bone deficiency or osteoporosis, and especially in revision cases, there were only two options for treatment until the impaction bone graft procedure was proposed. These were cemented or cementless femoral prosthesis. In the early 1990s, the use of impaction bone graft with a cemented mantle had gained popularity and had proven to be clinically effective. In Germany, a cementless impaction bone graft procedure using Corail® (DePuy Synthes) stems was devised, and functional scores were similar to conventional cemented Impaction bone grafts. Case presentation. A 48-year-old man presented with femur loosening of a reamed bipolar arthroplasty performed in 1990. The patient was treated with a cementless impaction bone graft using a Corail® (DePuy Synthes) stem in the femur in revision THA surgery, and the calcar was reconstructed by allograft. Results. At five years, the calcar allograft united with the host bone, and the femoral component showed no subsidence. Conclusion. Calcar reconstruction with a strut allograft, aimed at preventing sinking of the stem was key in this operation. Surgical indication for femoral cementless impaction bone graft should be for loosened femoral prosthesis in a type II Paprosky classification, where only the cortical bone of the isthmus is partially affected, cortical thinning does not exist, and it is mechanically strong enough for the allograft tip impaction. The procedure was safely feasible through the direct anterior approach.