bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle-Laden Turbulence: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Brandt Luca , Coletti Filippo
Published: September 2021

This review is motivated by the fast progress in our understanding of the physics of particle-laden turbulence in the last decade, partly due to the tremendous advances of measurement and simulation capabilities. The focus is on spherical particles in homogeneous and canonical wall-bounded flows. The analysis of recent data indicates that conclusions drawn in zero gravity should not be extrapolated outside of this condition, and that the particle response time alone cannot completely define the dynamics of finite-size particles. Several breakthroughs have been reported, mostly separately, on the dynamics and turbulence modifications of small inertial particles in dilute conditions and of large weakly buoyant spheres. Measurements at higher concentrations, simulations fully resolving smaller particles, and theoretical tools accounting for both phases are needed to bridge this gap and allow for the exploration of the fluid dynamics of suspensions, from laminar rheology and granular media to particulate turbulence.
Cultivating Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Socioecological Perspective
Authors: Zhang Ning , Yang Shujuan , Jia Peng
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses wide-ranging impacts on the physical and mental health of people around the world, increasing attention from both researchers and practitioners on the topic of resilience. In this article, we review previous research on resilience from the past several decades, focusing on how to cultivate resilience during emerging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic at the individual, organizational, community, and national levels from a socioecological perspective. Although previous research has greatly enriched our understanding of the conceptualization, predicting factors, processes, and consequences of resilience from a variety of disciplines and levels, future research is needed to gain a deeper and comprehensive understanding of resilience, including developing an integrative and interdisciplinary framework for cultivating resilience, developing an understanding of resilience from a life span perspective, and developing scalable and cost-effective interventions for enhancing resilience and improving pandemic preparedness.
Tripolarizated MIMO: Experimental Analysis and Modeling of Channel Properties in Both Indoor and Outdoor Scenarios
Authors: Tang Pan , Zhang Jianhua , Ying Zuolong , Zhang Yuxiang , Tian Lei , Qi Zihang , Li Xiuping
Published: September 2021

The tripolarized MIMO system can provide one more degree of freedom and have a more compacted size over a dual-polarized MIMO system, which is attractive for high-capacity wireless communication systems. In this paper, we analyze and model channel properties for tripolarized MIMO systems based on experimental channel measurements in typical indoor and outdoor scenarios. Firstly, channel measurement campaigns in the laboratory and the Urban Micro (UMi) scenarios on sub-6 GHz bands are presented. Then, based on measured data, path loss, delay spread (DS), and cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) for 9 polarization combinations are analyzed and modeled in a statistical way. Statistical results of these channel properties are also given. It is observed that channel properties of both large-scale fading and small-scale fading depend strongly on the polarization direction. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of tripolarized MIMO systems by analyzing the Demmel condition number and channel capacity gain (CG). For both the indoor and the outdoor scenarios, it is found that colocated tripolarized antenna can bring a nearly threefold CG with respect to the unipolarized one. These results can give good insights into the design and evaluation of tripolarized MIMO systems.
Physicomechanical Assessments and Heavy Metals’ Leaching Potential of Modified Asphalt Binders Incorporating Crumb Rubber and Tin Slag Powders
Authors: Ibrahim Ali Huddin , Mohd Hasan Mohd Rosli , Sani Ashiru , Poovaneshvaran Sharvin , Wong Tracy Leh Xin , Megat Johari Megat Azmi , Choong Kok Keong , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah
Published: September 2021

Industrial solid waste has been widely used as an alternative additive for bituminous material modification. This study aims to evaluate the basic properties and quantify the leaching potential of modified asphalt binders incorporating crumb rubber powder (CRP) from waste tires and tin slag (TS) for a local smelting company. Three percentages of CRP and TS, at 5, 10, and 15%, were considered. The conventional asphalt binder (PEN 60/70), CRP, and TS‐based modified asphalt binders were analyzed for toxicity, softening point, penetration value, elastic recovery, torsional recovery (TR), and coatability index. The findings indicated that the addition of the waste materials led to no significant heavy metal content in the asphalt binder mix. Moreover, the basic and physical properties of the asphalt binders were also improved by 5, 10, and 15% of the waste, respectively. However, TS waste exhibited limited effects on all the parameters and had a 5% optimum dosage. The modified binders’ results showed that the CRP modified asphalt binders had fewer heavy metals and responded more to elastic recovery and coatability.
Evaluation of Ergonomics‐Related Disorders in Online Education Using Fuzzy AHP
Authors: Upadhyay Hemant , Juneja Sapna , Juneja Abhinav , Dhiman Gaurav , Kautish Sandeep
Published: September 2021

The aim of the presented work is to analyze the ergonomics‐related disorders in online education using the fuzzy AHP approach. A group dialogue with online education academicians, online education students, biotechnologists, and sedentary computer users has been performed to spot ergonomics‐related disorders in online education. Totally eight ergonomics‐related disorders in online education have been identified, and the weight of each disorder has been computed with triangle‐shaped fuzzy numbers in pairwise comparison. Furthermore, the ergonomics‐related disorders in online education are kept in four major categories such as afflictive disorders, specific disorders, psychosocial disorders, and chronic disorders. These four categories of ergonomics‐related disorders in online education are evaluated and compared using fuzzy analytical hierarchical process methodology to get ranked in terms of priorities. The results may be instrumental for taking appropriate corrective actions to prevent ergonomics‐related disorders.
Evolution of Traffic Microsimulation and Its Use for Modeling Connected and Automated Vehicles
Authors: Raju Narayana , Farah Haneen
Published: September 2021

Traffic microsimulation has a functional role in understanding the traffic performance on the road network. This study originated with intent to understand traffic microsimulation and its use in modeling connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). Initially, the paper focuses on understanding the evolution of traffic microsimulation and on examining the various commercial and open-source simulation platforms available and their importance in traffic microsimulation studies. Following this, current autonomous vehicle (AV) microsimulation strategies are reviewed. From the review analysis, it is observed that AVs are modeled in traffic microsimulation with two sets of strategies. In the first set, the inbuilt models are used to replicate the driving behavior of AVs by adapting the models’ parameters. In the second strategy, AV behavior is programmed with the help of externalities (e.g., Application Programming Interface (API)). Studies simulating AVs with inbuilt models used mostly VISSIM compared to other microsimulation platforms. In addition, the studies are heavily focused on AVs’ penetration rate impact on traffic flow characteristics and traffic safety. On the other hand, studies which simulated AVs with externalities focused on the communication aspects for traffic management. Finally, the cosimulation strategies for simulating the CAVs are explored, and the ongoing research attempts are discussed. The present study identifies the limitations of present CAV microsimulation studies and proposes prospects and improvements in modeling AVs in traffic microsimulation.
Energy Storage Configuration Optimization Strategy for Islanded Microgrid Interconnection Based on Energy Consumption Characteristics
Authors: Wang Haoqing , Ma Chunyan , Sheng Wanxing , Sha Guanglin , Zhao Caihong , Liu Ning , Duan Qing
Published: September 2021

As a result of distributed energy development, the demand for energy storage grows more rapidly. The optimization of energy storage allocation is urgently needed. The economic benefits and characteristics of storage allocation have been thoroughly explored, and a mathematical model of economy was established. The centralized configuration of energy storage can make the best use of surplus electricity and reduce charging loss. The peak cutting and valley filling effect is quite obvious. Furthermore, some allocation strategies of storage were proposed. Based on the data of a user-side transformer and photovoltaic power generation, the cost under different strategies and the configuration scheme with the lowest cost is calculated. The example was used to analyze and compare the benefits under various strategies, and the results show it works in cost-saving. The strategy of similarity storage allocation has a positive effect on energy and cost-saving.
Molecular Spectroscopic (FTIR and UV-Vis) and Hyphenated Chromatographic (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) Analysis and In Vitro Bioactivities of the Momordica balsamina Leaf Extract
Authors: Mabasa X. E. , Mathomu L. M. , Madala N. E. , Musie E. M. , Sigidi M. T.
Published: September 2021

Momordica balsamina (M. balsamina) is a medicinal herb comprising health-promoting secondary metabolites. This study was aimed to profile bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of M. balsamina leaves using molecular spectroscopic (UV-Vis and FTIR) and hyphenated chromatographic (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) techniques and evaluate the biological (in vitro anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity) activities of the extract. The preliminary phytochemical screening tests revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. The UV-Vis profile revealed various absorption bands ranging from 200 to 750 nm, indicating the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and alkaloids. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, anthraquinones, and phenolic compounds. A high-resolution and accurate mass spectrometer (LC-QTOF-MS model LC-MS-9030 instrument) was used, and the results confirmed the presence of flavonoid aglycones, such as quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, as well as pseudolaroside A and dicaffeoylquinic and feruloyl isocitric acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of pseudolaroside A dimer and feruloyl isocitric acid in M. balsamina leaves. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the extract was nontoxic against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29 and Caco2), Vero, and RAW 264.7 cells. However, the extract showed anti-inflammatory activity on RAW 264.7 cells. The study confirmed that M. balsamina leaves contain nontoxic secondary metabolites that may play a pivotal role in human health as anti-inflammatory agents.
An Unsupervised Approach for Detecting Group Shilling Attacks in Recommender Systems Based on Topological Potential and Group Behaviour Features
Authors: Cai Hongyun , Zhang Fuzhi
Published: September 2021

To protect recommender systems against shilling attacks, a variety of detection methods have been proposed over the past decade. However, these methods focus mainly on individual features and rarely consider the lockstep behaviours among attack users, which suffer from low precision in detecting group shilling attacks. In this work, we propose a three-stage detection method based on strong lockstep behaviours among group members and group behaviour features for detecting group shilling attacks. First, we construct a weighted user relationship graph by combining direct and indirect collusive degrees between users. Second, we find all dense subgraphs in the user relationship graph to generate a set of suspicious groups by introducing a topological potential method. Finally, we use a clustering method to detect shilling groups by extracting group behaviour features. Extensive experiments on the Netflix and sampled Amazon review datasets show that the proposed approach is effective for detecting group shilling attacks in recommender systems, and the F1-measure on two datasets can reach over 99 percent and 76 percent, respectively.
Research on Deep Learning Algorithm in Cultural and Creative Product Design
Authors: Liu Wenming , Kou Fusheng , Huang Hengbo
Published: September 2021

Cultural and creative design is a new design mode based on the Internet platform, which gathers the design wisdom of the public and provides online solutions for design tasks. Evaluation indicators are used to score cultural and creative design schemes that require manual construction of an evaluation matrix, which makes the evaluation efficiency very low and increases the product design cycle. Therefore, based on the deep belief network of cultural creation, the method of constructing the evaluation model of the scheme is designed in this paper. According to the characteristics of the deep belief network, the k-medoids clustering method is adopted, and the clustering key value k is set. Meanwhile, the clustering result is calculated, and k central point elements are obtained. Moreover, project the central point elements back to the cultural and creative design plan to obtain the characteristic plan, and use manual evaluation to calculate the comprehensive score. Besides, the feature scheme data and the data simulation formula are used to construct the training set of the deep belief network, which are used to train the evaluation model of the deep belief network to solve the problem of the length of time that requires a large amount of manual evaluation to construct the output of the training set. In addition, according to the number of evaluation indicators, the number of nodes in the input layer of the deep belief network is determined to define the initialization method of network weights and biases, formulating experimental procedures to determine the optimal network structure. In the simulation experiment, through the test analysis of the comparison model, the function synchronization rate in this paper is 4.2% better than that of the comparison method. After multiple iterations, the test effect is 7 times higher than that of the comparison method, realizing the optimal evaluation of the design schemes that have not been manually evaluated in the same design scheme set.
High Maternal Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in Pregnancy with Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Dachlan Erry Gumilar , Amirah  , Cininta Nareswari , Pranadyan Rizky , Putri Alisia Yuana , Oktaviono Yudi Her , Akbar Muhammad Ilham Aldika
Published: September 2021

Objectives. This study is aimed at evaluating the maternal and perinatal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of ES. Material and Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnancy with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) in Dr. Soetomo Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. Total sampling size was obtained. We collected all baseline maternal-perinatal characteristic data, cardiac status, and pregnancy outcomes as primary outcomes. The maternal death cases were also evaluated, and we compared characteristics based on defect size (< or >3 cm). Results. During study periods, we collected 18 cases with ES from a total of 152 pregnancies with heart disease. The underlying heart disease type includes atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricle septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). All cases suffered pulmonary hypertension (PH), 3 cases moderate, and 15 cases as severe. 94% of cases fall into heart failure (DC FC NYHA III-IV) during treatment. The majority of cases are delivered by cesarean section (88.9%). Pregnancy complications found include preterm birth (78%), low birthweight (94%), intrauterine growth restriction (55%), oligohydramnios (16%), severe preeclampsia (33%), and placenta previa (5.5%). Large defect group has an older maternal ages (

30.18
±
4.60

vs.

24.15
±
2.75

;

p
=
0.002

), higher clinical sign (100 vs. 40%,

p
=
0.003

), and higher preterm delivery rate (100% vs. 69%,

p
=
0.047

) compared to small defect groups. The R to L or bidirectional shunt is significantly higher at the large defect group (13 vs. 5 cases,

p
=
0.006

, 95% confidence interval: -1.156 to -0.228). There were seven maternal death cases caused by shock cardiogenic. Conclusions. Pregnancy with ES is still associated with very high maternal neonatal mortality and morbidity. The larger defect size is correlated with clinical performances and pregnancy outcomes. Effective preconception counseling is the best strategy to reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal death in ES women.
The Immunomodulation Potential of Exosomes in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2021

Exosomes are lipid bilayer particles that originated from almost all types of cells and play an important role in intercellular communication. Tumor-derived exosomes contain large amounts of noncoding RNA, DNA, and proteins, which can be transferred into recipient cells as functional components in exosomes. These exosomal functional constituents depend on the originating cells, and it has been proved that types and numbers of exosomal components differ in cancer patients and healthy individuals. This review summarizes the role of tumor-derived exosomes in immunomodulation and discusses the application of exosomes in immunotherapy in cancers. Overall, exosomes isolated from cancer cells are turned out to promote immune evasion and interfere with immune responses in tumors through inducing apoptosis of CD8+ T cells, facilitating generation of Tregs, suppressing natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, inhibiting maturation and differentiation of monocyte, and enhancing suppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Mechanistically, exosomal functional components play a significant role in the immunomodulation in cancers. Moreover, based on the existing studies, exosomes could potentially serve as therapeutic delivery vehicles, noninvasive biomarkers, and immunotherapeutic vaccines for various types of cancers.
Rebalancing Strategy for Bike-Sharing Systems Based on the Model of Level of Detail
Authors: Hu Zhenghua , Huang Kejie , Zhang Enyou , Ge Qi’ang , Yang Xiaoxue
Published: September 2021

Traveling by bike-sharing systems has become an indispensable means of transportation in our daily lives because green commuting has gradually become a consensus and conscious action. However, the problem of “difficult to rent or to return a bike” has gradually become an issue in operating the bike-sharing system. Moreover, scientific and systematic schemes that can efficiently complete the task of rebalancing bike-sharing systems are lacking. This study aims to introduce the basic idea of the k-divisive hierarchical clustering algorithm. A rebalancing strategy based on the model of level of detail in combination with genetic algorithm was proposed. Data were collected from the bike-sharing system in Ningbo. Results showed that the proposed algorithm could alleviate the problem of the uneven distribution of the demand for renting or returning bikes and effectively improve the service from the bike-sharing system. Compared with the traditional method, this algorithm helps reduce the effective time for rebalancing bike-sharing systems by 28.3%. Therefore, it is an effective rebalancing scheme.
Investigating Feature Ranking Methods for Sub-Band and Relative Power Features in Motor Imagery Task Classification
Authors: Mohdiwale Samrudhi , Sahu Mridu , Sinha G. R. , Nisar Humaira
Published: September 2021

Interpreting the brain commands is now easier using brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. Motor imagery (MI) signal detection is one of the BCI applications, where the movements of the hand and feet can be recognized via brain commands that can be further used to handle emergency situations. Design of BCI techniques encountered challenges of BCI illiteracy, poor signal to noise ratio, intersubject variability, complexity, and performance. The automated models designed for emergency should have lesser complexity and higher performance. To deal with the challenges related to the complexity performance tradeoff, the frequency features of brain signal are utilized in this study. Feature matrix is created from the power of brain frequencies, and newly proposed relative power features are used. Analysis of the relative power of alpha sub-band to beta, gamma, and theta sub-band has been done. These proposed relative features are evaluated with the help of different classifiers. For motor imagery classification, the proposed approach resulted in a maximum accuracy of 93.51% compared to other existing approaches. To check the significance of newly added features, feature ranking approaches, namely, mutual information, chi-square, and correlation, are used. The ranking of features shows that the relative power features are significant for MI task classification. The chi-square provides the best tradeoff between accuracy and feature space. We found that the addition of relative power features improves the overall performance. The proposed models could also provide quick response having reduced complexity.
Nomogram to Predict the Survival of Chinese Patients with Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Authors: Duan Fangfang , Liu Chen , Liu Yuwei , Chang Chunyan , Zhai Hang , Xing Huichun , Cheng Jun , Yang Song
Published: September 2021

Objectives. Alcohol-related liver disease is an increasing public health burden in China, but there is a lack of models to predict its prognosis. This study established a nomogram for predicting the survival of Chinese patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Methods. Hospitalized alcohol-related liver disease patients were retrospectively enrolled from 2015 to 2018 and followed up for 24 months to evaluate survival profiles. A total of 379 patients were divided into a training cohort (n = 265) and validation cohort (n = 114). Cox proportional hazard survival analysis identified survival factors of the patients in the training cohort. A nomogram was built and internally validated. Results. The 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month survival rates for the training cohort were 82.6%, 81.1%, 74.3%, and 64.5%, respectively. The Cox analysis showed relapse (P=0.001), cirrhosis (P=0.044), liver cancer (P<0.001), and a model for end-stage liver diseases score of ≥21 (P=0.041) as independent prognostic factors. A nomogram was built, which predicted the survival of patients in the training cohort with a concordance index of 0.749 and in the internal validation cohort with a concordance index of 0.756. Conclusion. The long-term survival of Chinese alcohol-related liver disease patients was poor with a 24-month survival rate of 64.5%. Relapse, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and a model for end-stage liver disease score of ≥21 were independent risk factors for those patients. A nomogram was developed and internally validated for predicting the probability of their survival at different time points.
High-Capacity Image Steganography Algorithm Based on Image Style Transfer
Authors: Bi Xinliang , Yang Xiaoyuan , Wang Chao , Liu Jia
Published: September 2021

Steganography is a technique for publicly transmitting secret information through a cover. Most of the existing steganography algorithms are based on modifying the cover image, generating a stego image that is very similar to the cover image but has different pixel values, or establishing a mapping relationship between the stego image and the secret message. Attackers will discover the existence of secret communications from these modifications or differences. In order to solve this problem, we propose a steganography algorithm ISTNet based on image style transfer, which can convert a cover image into another stego image with a completely different style. We have improved the decoder so that the secret image features can be fused with style features in a variety of sizes to improve the accuracy of secret image extraction. The algorithm has the functions of image steganography and image style transfer at the same time, and the images it generates are both stego images and stylized images. Attackers will pay more attention to the style transfer side of the algorithm, but it is difficult to find the steganography side. Experiments show that our algorithm effectively increases the steganography capacity from 0.06 bpp to 8 bpp, and the generated stylized images are not significantly different from the stylized images on the Internet.
Noise Source Identification Method for a Carpet Tufting Machine Based on CEEMDAN‐AIC
Authors: Haohui Wang , Xiaowei Sheng , Yang Xu
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the noise reduction research of the carpet tufting machine has been developing slowly. The research gaps of the existing work mainly focus on the noise source identification for the carpet tufting machine. MEEMD (EEMD) has been proposed to apply to source recognition on textile machinery. Due to the uniqueness of the MEEMD/EEMD, it is difficult to set suitable white noise control parameters. MEEMD (EEMD) has only been tested via simulation; however, it has not been mathematically proven or evaluated. This leads to inevitable flaws in the research conclusions, and even some conclusions are wrong. The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, in order to recognize the noise source of a carpet tufting machine, a method based on complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMDAN) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) is proposed. The CEEMDAN‐AIC method is applied to measure the noise signal of a carpet tufting machine and analyzed every single effective component selected. Noise source identification is realized by combining the vibration signal characteristics of the main parts of the carpet tufting machine. CEEMDAN is used to decompose the measured noise signal of the carpet tufting machine into a finite number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Then, singular value decomposition (SVD) is performed on the covariance matrix of the IMF matrix to obtain the eigenvalue. Next, the number of effective IMFs is estimated based on the AIC criterion, and the effective IMFs are selected by combining the energy characteristic index and the Pearson correlation coefficient method. Furthermore, reconstruction and comparison of the decomposed signals of MEEMD and CEEMDAN proved that CEEMDAN is effective and accurate in source recognition. The results show that the noise signal of the carpet tufting machine is a mixture of multiple noise source signals. The main noise sources of the carpet tufting machine include shock caused by the impact of the tufted needle and looped hook and vibration of the hook‐driven shaft and pressure plate. It provides theoretical support for the noise reduction of the carpet tufting machine.
Relationship between Family Function, Anxiety, and Quality of Life for Older Adults with Hypertension in Low-Income Communities
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Wenyan , Liu Yu , Wu Meiliyang , Zhou Jin , Mao Zhongmin
Published: September 2021

Background. Effective functional family was beneficial for older adults’ health, which may affect the quality of life (QoL) in hypertension patients. This study aimed to clarify the association between family function, anxiety, and QoL for older adults with hypertension in low-income communities. Methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 363 older adults with hypertension in low-income communities in Wuhan from September 2019 to November 2019. The relationships among the variables were examined by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Predictor effects were tested using hierarchical multiple regressions, controlling for demographic characteristics. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediation effects of anxiety on the pathway from family function to QoL. Results. Family function was negatively correlated with the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score and positively correlated with the mental component score (MCS), but had no influence on the physical component score (PCS). Both PCS and MCS were negatively correlated with SAS. Anxiety was the negative predictor of MCS and PCS. Family function was the positive predictor of MCS, but had no influence on PCS. The path model indicated that anxiety significantly mediated the link between family function and QoL (R2 = 32.8%), but only partially. Conclusion. A significant correlation between anxiety, family function, and QoL was found. Anxiety had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between family function and QoL. Further research should focus on increasing the level of family function and reducing the perceived anxiety of older adults with hypertension to improve their QoL level.
Effect of Alternate Treatment with Intravitreal Corticosteroid and Anti-VEGF for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Bae Young Hwan , Kim Seong Mi , Kim Jin Young , Bae So Hyun , Kim Hakyoung , Ma Dae Joong
Published: September 2021

Purpose. To evaluate whether treatment with intravitreal corticosteroid and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections alternately can improve treatment outcomes of macular edema (ME) caused by retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods. This dual-center retrospective study included 112 eyes with treatment-naïve ME secondary to RVO that were alternately treated with intravitreal corticosteroid and anti-VEGF injections (33 eyes, alternate group) or treated only with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (79 eyes, anti-VEGF group) on a pro re nata basis. Results. During the 12-month follow-up period, the alternate group achieved a visual acuity gain of 0.39 logMAR, while the anti-VEGF group achieved a gain of 0.21 logMAR (

P
=
0.042

). The alternate group demonstrated a reduction in the central macular thickness of 229.9-μm, while the anti-VEGF group achieved a reduction of 220.1 μm (

P
=
0.887

). The alternate group required an average of 5.2 injections, while the anti-VEGF received 4.2 injections (

P
<
0.001

). In a propensity score-matched cohort to compensate for the differences in the injection numbers between the two groups, the alternate group achieved a better visual acuity gain than the anti-VEGF group at month 12 (0.39 logMAR vs. 0.17 logMAR,

P
=
0.048

). Conclusions. In ME secondary to RVO, treatment with intravitreal corticosteroid and anti-VEGF injections alternately resulted in a more favorable visual outcome compared with intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy.
Neutrosophic Exponential Distribution: Modeling and Applications for Complex Data Analysis
Authors: Duan Wen-Qi , Khan Zahid , Gulistan Muhammad , Khurshid Adnan
Published: September 2021

The exponential distribution has always been prominent in various disciplines because of its wide range of applications. In this work, a generalization of the classical exponential distribution under a neutrosophic environment is scarcely presented. The mathematical properties of the neutrosophic exponential model are described in detail. The estimation of a neutrosophic parameter by the method of maximum likelihood is discussed and illustrated with examples. The suggested neutrosophic exponential distribution (NED) model involves the interval time it takes for certain particular events to occur. Thus, the proposed model may be the most widely used statistical distribution for the reliability problems. For conceptual understanding, a wide range of applications of the NED in reliability engineering is given, which indicates the circumstances under which the distribution is suitable. Furthermore, a simulation study has been conducted to assess the performance of the estimated neutrosophic parameter. Simulated results show that imprecise data with a larger sample size efficiently estimate the unknown neutrosophic parameter. Finally, a complex dataset on remission periods of cancer patients has been analyzed to identify the importance of the proposed model for real‐world case studies.
Further Developments of Bessel Functions via Conformable Calculus with Applications
Authors: Abul-Ez Mahmoud , Zayed Mohra , Youssef Ali
Published: September 2021

The theory of Bessel functions is a rich subject due to its essential role in providing solutions for differential equations associated with many applications. As fractional calculus has become an efficient and successful tool for analyzing various mathematical and physical problems, the so-called fractional Bessel functions were introduced and studied from different viewpoints. This paper is primarily devoted to the study of developing two aspects. The starting point is to present a fractional Laplace transform via conformable fractional-order Bessel functions (CFBFs). We establish several important formulas of the fractional Laplace Integral operator acting on the CFBFs of the first kind. With this in hand, we discuss the solutions of a generalized class of fractional kinetic equations associated with the CFBFs in view of our proposed fractional Laplace transform. Next, we derive an orthogonality relation of the CFBFs, which enables us to study an expansion of any analytic functions by means of CFBFs and to propose truncated CFBFs. A new approximate formula of conformable fractional derivative based on CFBFs is provided. Furthermore, we describe a useful scheme involving the collocation method to solve some conformable fractional linear (nonlinear) multiorder differential equations. Accordingly, several practical test problems are treated to illustrate the validity and utility of the proposed techniques and examine their approximate and exact solutions. The obtained solutions of some fractional differential equations improve the analog ones provided by various authors using different techniques. The provided algorithm may be beneficial to enrich the Bessel function theory via fractional calculus.
A Short Review on Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Zeolites
Authors: Derbe Tessema , Temesgen Shewaye , Bitew Mamaru
Published: September 2021

The review emphasizes on synthesis, characterization, and application of zeolite. Zeolite is a hydrated aluminosilicate having a tetrahedral structural framework; it contains channels and cages which are occupied by exchangeable active metal ions and water molecules. Zeolite was synthesized through different synthesis methods, particularly, hydrothermal and green synthesis methods. The review also has tried to address the structure of zeolite such as morphology, functional group, and particle size using different characterization methods as reported via different authors. The characterization results verify that zeolite shows many unique properties such as uniform pore size, acidic properties, thermal stability, mobile extra cation, hydrophilicity, and hydrophobicity. These lead to a number of applications in catalysis, water purification, adsorption, and agriculture.
Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions with Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy by Guide Sheath and Radial Endobronchial Ultrasonography: A Prospective Control Study
Authors: Jiang Ling , Xu Jian , Liu Chunfang , Gao Na , Zhao Jing , Han Xue , Zhang Xiaolin , Zhao Xiaohui , Liu Yuan , Wang Weixue , Zhao Junjun
Published: September 2021

Objective. We design a prospective control study on the utilization of transbronchial cryobiopsy guided by EBUS-GS (EBUS-GS-TBCB) to diagnose PPLs. Methods. PPLs were defined as pulmonary nodules or masses with a diameter from 10 mm to 50 mm. PPLs were randomly divided into group EBUS-GS-TBCB and transbronchial biopsy by forceps guided under EBUS-GS (EBUS-GS-TBB). Results. 28 cases were involved in group EBUS-GS-TBCB and 31 cases were in group EBUS-GS-TBB. The mean sizes of PPLs were 30.23 ± 11.10 mm in group EBUS-GS-TBCB and 28.69 ± 8.62 mm in group EBUS-GS-TBB (t = 0.600,

p
=
0.551

). The diagnostic yields of EBUS-GS-TBCB and EBUS-GS-TBB were 75% and 64.52% respectively, and the difference between the two groups was not significant (χ2 value = 0.137,

p
=
0.711

). If only the first specimen was taken into account, the diagnostic yields from EBUS-GS-TBCB and EBUS-GS-TBB were 64.29% (18/28 cases) and 35.48% (11/31 cases), respectively. The difference was statistically significant by Fisher’s Exact Test (χ2 value = 4.883,

p
=
0.038

). The total incidence rates of bleeding were 21.43% and 6.45%, respectively, in groups EBUS-GS-TBCB and EBUS-GS-TBB. The total incidence rates of pneumothorax were 7.14% and 0, respectively, in groups EBUS-GS-TBCB and EBUS-GS-TBB. Conclusion. The diagnostic yield of EBUS-GS-TBCB was slightly higher than that of EBUS-GS-TBB for the diagnosis of PPLs. EBUS-GS-TBCB might be useful if only the first sample was taken into account.
Secure Image Authentication Scheme Using Double Random-Phase Encoding and Compressive Sensing
Authors: Ren Hua , Niu Shaozhang , Fan Haiju , Li Ming , Yue Zhen
Published: September 2021

Double random-phase encoding- (DRPE-) based compressive sensing (CS) systems support image authentication for noisy images. When extending such systems to resource-constrained applications, how to ensure the authentication strength for noisy images becomes challenging. To tackle the issue, an efficient and secure image authentication scheme is presented. The phase information of the plain image is generated using DRPE and quantized into a binary image as the authentication information. Meanwhile, a sparser error matrix generated by the same plain image and vector quantization (VQ) image works as the input of CS. The authentication information and VQ indexes are self-hidden into the quantized measurements to construct the combined image. Then, it is permutated and diffused with the chaotic sequences generated from a modified Henon map. After decryption at the receiver side, the verifier can implement the blind authentication between the noisy decoded image and the reconstructed image. Supported by the detailed numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, the DRPE-CSVQ exhibits more powerful compression and authentication capability than its counterpart.
A New Growth Curve for Predicting Production Performance of Water-Flooding Oilfields
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Yancheng , Guo Xiao , Yang Fei , Zhou Ahuan , Li Chuanliang
Published: September 2021

Oil production and water cut prediction is one of the most important research contents of reservoir production performance analysis. The growth curve method has the advantages of the general water drive curve method and the combined solution model method with fewer parameters and simple and fast calculation process and so it has been widely used in well production prediction. Based on the analysis of 4W and 4Y4 model growth curves, a new generalized growth curve of the well production performance is proposed. The new model can forecast cumulative oil production, annual oil production, and water cut at different oilfield development periods. A MATLAB program was developed to derive the parameters in the new model. The built model was applied to the production data of the Samattalol oilfield and Daqing oilfield. The predicted cumulative oil production, annual oil production, and water cut are all close to the actual production data, and satisfactory results are obtained, which demonstrates the practicability and reliability of the new model.
Temperature Measurement and Control Application in a Laser Plastic Surgery Real Temperature Detection System
Authors: Wei Hong , Jiang Fang , Shao Fang , Zhang Denghui , Gu Fang , Yang Ying , Chen Qiuxia , Ai Zheng
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to grasp the development process of thermal image temperature measurement technology. It provides directional support for the optimization development of the thermal imagery and laser plastic surgery and laser treatment. This paper uses the infrared thermal image temperature measurement principle and performs infrared thermal image precise temperature measurement technology and its application research. The results showed that there was a correlation between 595 nm pulse dye laser, age, laser energy density, and skin temperature (

P
<
0.05

). There is a significant difference in the average (

P
<
0.05

). The infrared thermal imagery temperature monitoring system is a simple and relatively accurate temperature detection system that can be widely used in temperature measurement and control of laser plastic surgery.
Sustainable Tea Garden Ecotourism Based on the Multifunctionality of Organic Agriculture Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology
Authors: Hou Ruirui , Wen Chao
Published: September 2021

There have been “tea-travel” resources combining tea gardens and tourism long ago. Chinese people pay more and more attention to the spiritual consumption demand, but they have been criticized because of their imperfect development. Although many experts and scholars have conducted research on this, they have not obtained valid results. However, with the development of modern science and technology agriculture, the emergence of organic agriculture can undoubtedly contribute to the sustainable development of tea garden ecotourism. Therefore, this article is based on the versatility of artificial intelligence technology and organic agriculture, starting from its definition and functional characteristics, combined with the current situation and development requirements of tea garden ecotourism, and deeply analyzes the sustainable development of tea garden ecotourism, ideas, and models in order to provide a reference for the development of ecotourism in China’s tea gardens. This paper uses the data analysis method, comparison method, questionnaire survey method, and other methods to first theoretically summarize the multifunctionality of organic agriculture and tea garden ecotourism and then takes Lushan Yunwu Tea Garden as an example to investigate the tea plantation area of Lushan in 2019 reaching 150,000 mu. The annual output reaches 20,000 tons, and the annual output value reaches 2.342 billion yuan; the plantation area of tea gardens in the country is expanded to 45.997 million mu in 2019, the output value increases to 25.47 billion yuan, and the sales volume reaches about 2 million tons. Research shows that based on artificial intelligence technology, the sustainable tea garden ecotourism market has broad prospects and good development prospects. The unique regional development model of Lushan Yunwu Tea Garden is worthy of reference for many domestic tea garden ecotourism scenic spots.
Study on the Mechanism of miR-34a Affecting the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Keloid Fibroblasts by Regulating the Expression of SATB1
Authors: Jiang Lei , Shi Xiufang , Wang Meng , Chen Huaxia
Published: September 2021

Objectives. To explore the effect and mechanism of miR-34a on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of keloid fibroblasts (KFB). Methods. Isolate and culture KFB and normal skin fibroblast (NFB), detect the mRNA expression levels of miR-34a and integrin β5 (SATB1) in KFB and NFB by RT-qPCR, and detect SATB1 by western blot. The level of protein expression, MTT method, Transwell method, RT-qPCR, and western blot were used to detect the effects of overexpression of miR-34a or inhibition of SATB1 expression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of KFB cells and the expression of related proteins. The dual luciferase reporter gene test verifies the targeting relationship between miR-34a and SATB1. Results. Compared with NFB, the expression of miR-34a was downregulated in KFB and the mRNA and protein expression levels of SATB1 were upregulated. Overexpression of miR-34a or inhibition of SATB1 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of KFB. miR-34a can negatively regulate the expression of SATB1, and overexpression of SATB1 reverses the effects of overexpression of miR-34a on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of KFB. Conclusions. miR-34a inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of keloid fibroblasts by downregulating the expression of SATB1.
The Dose-Dependent Effects of Spironolactone on TGF-β1 Expression and the Vulnerability to Atrial Fibrillation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Tang Mirong , Chen Yan , Sun Fuqing , Yan Liangliang
Published: September 2021

Objective. This study tends to assess the dose-dependent effects of spironolactone on TGF-β1 expression, atrial fibrosis, and the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and tries to clarify the association of atrial fibrosis with the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation. Methods. Forty 20-week-old male SHRs were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rats per group): 3 spironolactone groups were lower-dose group (10 mg·kg−1·d−1, dissolved in 2 ml saline solution, group SL), medium-dose group (40 mg·kg−1·d−1, dissolved in 2 ml saline solution, group SM), higher-dose group (80 mg·kg−1·d−1, dissolved in 2 ml saline solution, group SH) and one hypertension group (2 ml saline solution for stomach gavage, group H). Ten matched homologous WKY rats were set as the control group (group C). After 7 weeks of gavage, a multiple electroconductive physiological recorder was used to detect atrial electrical parameters, including P-wave duration, PR interval, and atrial effective refractory period (AERP), the inducibility, and duration of atrial fibrillation. HE staining was used to determine myocardial cell size. Masson staining was used to detect the deposition of the interstitial collagen fibers in atrial muscle. The expression of TGF-β1 was detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results. Compared with group C, the myocardial cell size, atrial fibrosis, TGF-β1 expression, P-wave duration, PR interval, AERP, inducibility, and duration of atrial fibrillation in group H were conspicuously increased (

p

 < 0.05); compared with group H, there was no significant difference in the myocardial cell size, atrial fibrosis, TGF-β1 expression, and electrophysiological indexes in group SH upon spironolactone intervention (

p

 > 0.05); compared with group H, the myocardial cell size, atrial fibrosis, the expression of TGF-β1, P-wave duration, PR interval, the inducibility, and duration of atrial fibrillation in the group SL and group SM were all decreased (

p

 < 0.05); compared with group SM, the effect in the group SL was more prominent (

p

 < 0.01). Conclusion. Hypertension can lead to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, deposition of interstitial fibrosis in myocardial tissue, and an increase in the vulnerability to atrial fibrillation. Spironolactone showed a certain dose-dependent effect in SHRs. Lower-dose spironolactone was superior to higher-dose spironolactone in the aspect of reducing hypertensive atrial fibrosis and TGF-β1 expression, as well as preventing the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.