bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted] Upregulation of miR‐29c‐3p Hinders Melanoma Progression by Inhibiting CDCA4 Expression
Authors: Liu Jiazheng , Tao Guilu , Zhong Cundi , Liu Xiao
Published: August 2021

Objective. To investigate the expression and regulation mechanism of miR‐29c‐3p and cell division cycle associated 4 (CDCA4) in melanoma (MM). Data and Methods. Fifty‐nine patients with MM admitted to our hospital were enrolled as the MM group. They were followed up for 3 years to analyze the prognostic factors; meanwhile, 51 healthy subjects were allocated into a normal group. MM cell lines (M21 and C8161) were transfected with miR‐29c‐3p‐mimics, miR‐29c‐3p‐inhibitor, miR‐NC, si‐CDCA4, and sh‐CDCA4. The expression of miR‐29c‐3p, CDCA4, Bax, Caspase3, Bcl‐2, N‐cadherin, vimentin, and E‐cadherin was quantified, and cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), were determined. Results. Serum miR‐29c‐3p was lowly expressed and CDCA4 was highly expressed in the MM group. The area under the curve (AUC) of both for diagnosing MM was greater than 0.9. miR‐29c‐3p and CDCA4 were related to regional lymph node staging (N staging), distant metastasis (M staging), tumor diameter, and pathological differentiation. Low miR‐29c‐3p and high CDCA4 were associated with poor prognosis of MM. Overexpression of miR‐29c‐3p and suppression of CDCA4 hindered cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression of Bax, Caspase3, N‐cadherin, and vimentin, but cell apoptosis and expression of Bcl‐2 and E‐cadherin were enhanced. Dual‐luciferase reporter (DLR) assay confirmed the targeted relationship between miR‐29c‐3p and CDCA4. After miR‐29c‐3p‐mimics+sh‐CDCA4 was transfected into M21 and C8161 cells, the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were not different from those in the miR‐NC group transfected with unrelated sequences. Conclusion. Overexpression of miR‐29c‐3p suppresses CDCA4 expression and decreases proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and EMT of MM cells, thus hindering MM progression.
Comparison between the Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Fenugreek and Buckthorn in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Alsieni Mohammed A. , El Rabey Haddad A. , Al-Sieni Abdulbasit I. , Al-Seeni Madeha N.
Published: August 2021

This study is aimed at comparing the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of fenugreek and buckthorn which are commonly used in modulating diabetes in the Middle East. In this study, the antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extracts of the leaf and seed of fenugreek and buckthorn was tested in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rats fed with a fat‐rich diet for 8 weeks. Thirty‐six male albino rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6); the 1st group was the negative control. Diabetes was induced in the other 30 rats using streptozotocin, which were then divided into 5 groups; the 2nd was the untreated positive diabetic group, the 3rd was treated with fenugreek leaf aqueous extract, the 4th was treated with the fenugreek seed aqueous extract, the 5th was treated with buckthorn leaf aqueous extract, and the 6th was treated with buckthorn seed aqueous extract. The positive control group showed an increase in blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, liver function enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, kidney indices, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐ and very‐low‐density lipoprotein, immunoglobulins, and lipid peroxidation and a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein, albumin, and antioxidant activity. The histology of the liver and testes showed severe histopathological alterations. Rats of groups 4‐6 that were treated with the aqueous extract of the leaf and seed extract of fenugreek and buckthorn showed improvement of all biochemical and histopathological parameters. The seed extract of fenugreek and buckthorn showed more antioxidant activity than their leaves.
[Retracted] Construction and 3D Simulation of Virtual Animation Instant Network Communication System Based on Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Wu Qiang
Published: August 2021

In recent years, great progress has been made in 3D simulation modeling of instant network communication system, such as the application of virtual reality technology and 3D virtual animation online modeling technology. Facing the increasing demand of different industries, how to build an instant network communication system for 3D virtual animation has become a research hotspot. On this basis, the construction method of fast instant network communication system based on convolutional neural network and fusion morphological 3D simulation model is studied. This paper analyzes the research status of instant network communication system. The experiment optimizes and improves the shortcomings of the current research hotspot of virtual animation instant network communication system and takes the morphological 3D simulation model fusion as the core for in‐depth optimization. Finally, the experimental results show that the fusion morphological 3D simulation model can reconstruct the standard 3D virtual animation model according to different needs and can quickly model the optimization strategy according to the local differences of different animations. The response accuracy of the network communication system reaches 97.7%.
Effects of Coverage Area Treatment, Spatial Analysis Unit, and Regression Model on the Results of Station-Level Demand Modeling of Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Yang Hongtai , Li Chaojing , Li Xuan , Huo Jinghai , Wen Yi , Sexton Emma G. P. , Liu Yugang
Published: August 2021

Direct ridership models can predict station-level urban rail transit ridership. Previous research indicates that the direct modeling of urban rail transit ridership uses different coverage overlapping area processing methods (such as naive method or Thiessen polygons), area analysis units (such as census block group and census tract), and various regression models (such as linear regression and negative binomial regression). However, the selection of these methods and models seems arbitrary. The objective of this research is to suggest methods of station-level urban rail transit ridership model selection and evaluate the impact of this selection on ridership model results and prediction accuracy. Urban rail transit ridership data in 2010 were collected from five cities: New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston. Using the built environment characteristics as the independent variables and station-level ridership as the dependent variable, an analysis was conducted to examine the differences in the model performance in ridership prediction. Our results show that a large overlap of circular coverage areas will greatly affect the accuracy of models. The equal division method increases model accuracy significantly. Most models show that the generalized additive models have lower mean absolute percentage errors (MAPE) and higher adjusted

R

2

values. By comparison, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of the negative binomial models are lower. The influence of different basic spatial analysis unit on the model results is marginal. Therefore, the selection of basic area unit can use existing data. In terms of model selection, advanced models seem to perform better than the linear regression models.
A New Method for Controlling Rockbursts in the Mining Roadway of Ultrathick Coal Seams Based on the Dual Pressure Relief Method
Authors: Yu Guangyuan , Wang Jiong , Ma Zimin , Ming Wei , Ma Xingen
Published: August 2021

To control rockbursts in mining roadways in ultrathick coal seams, a new method for preventing rockbursts through dual pressure relief by roof cutting through cumulative blasting in medium‐deep boreholes from the conveyor gateway and return airway was proposed. The mechanical characteristics of key overlying strata of the working face under the effect of dual pressure relief were theoretically investigated. Furthermore, a mathematical relationship between the roof‐cutting depth and the advanced abutment pressure on the working face was established to reveal the mechanism of dual pressure relief in controlling rockbursts. Moreover, the effect of the dual pressure relief method on controlling rockbursts was validated through numerical simulation and field testing. Results showed that artificially increasing the caving height of gangues in goaf based on the dual pressure relief method can restrict the subsidence of key strata, thus reducing the advanced abutment pressure of the working face; the method influences a range of 20 m in front of the working face along the strike and areas 30 m away from the two roadways along the dip. The average energy density of coal in the side of the conveyor gateway is decreased by 15.4%, while that in the side of return airway is reduced by 13.8% within the range of influence. The field test results indicated that the average pressure on support declines by 21.4% within 30 m from the working face to the conveyor gateway, while it decreases by 20.5% within that region 25 m from the return airway by using the dual pressure relief method. After conducting dual pressure relief, the total number of microseismic (MS) events during mining of the working face is decreased by 25.4%. The number of MS events with energy release exceeding 103 J falls by 36.6%, while the number of events releasing less than 103 J is increased by 28.6%. The characteristics of MS energy release change from coexistence of low‐energy events and a small number of high‐energy events to the occurrence of numerous low‐energy events. Results can verify the effectiveness of the dual pressure relief method in controlling rockbursts in the mining roadway of ultrathick coal seams.
Cortisol in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Bin Rubaia’an Muslat A , Alotaibi Muath Khaled , Alotaibi Naif Mutlaq , Alqhtani Nasser Raqe
Published: September 2021

Cortisol is a hormone that is naturally produced by the zona fasciculata of the cortex in the adrenal gland. One of its main functions is to decrease inflammation, particularly in areas where an inflammatory response is not necessary. In the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, cortisol is used to improve the outcomes of surgical procedures and to make the postoperative period more comfortable for the patient. However, cortisol is considered a double-edged sword because its use is associated with both benefits and adverse effects. It is imperative to use cortisol following an accurate diagnosis, in addition to clarity regarding the desired surgical procedure for treating the acute or chronic condition affecting the patient. When used with caution, cortisol can serve as a valuable agent for reducing the postoperative inflammatory response in patients undergoing moderate as well as moderately severe surgical procedures.
Research on the Impact of Chinese Total Factor Productivity on the Modern Economic System Based on the Spatial Dubin Model
Authors: Tang Qin , Ren Zhi-An , Zhu Kang-Feng , Xu Nai-Ru
Published: August 2021

Total factor productivity is not only the core of high‐quality economic development but also a core indicator for measuring the quality of economic development. Improving total factor productivity is one of the most critical points in building a modern economic system. Firstly, this paper uses the DEA‐Malmquist index method to measure and decompose the total factor productivity of China’s 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from 2001 to 2017 and analyzes the characteristics of its temporal and spatial changes. From a spatial perspective, the regional gap is relatively large. Secondly, we construct the index system of five dimensions and use this index system to comprehensively evaluate the improvement degree of China’s modernized economic system. The results show that the overall level of the improvement degree of China’s modernized economic system is relatively low, and the differences between provinces are great. Thirdly, this paper uses static and dynamic spatial econometric models to empirically analyze the effect of total factor productivity on the improvement degree of the modern economic system. The results show that the improvement degree of the modern economic system in China has obvious characteristics of time spillover and space spillover. Finally, we put forward countermeasures and suggestions on how to perfect the modern economic system.
[Retracted] Application of Wireless Communication Technology in Construction Project Information Management
Authors: Zhang Jie , Guo Xin , Xu Ying
Published: August 2021

With the replacement of the times, the electronic information technology of all countries in the world has developed rapidly, and 4G mobile communication technology has also obtained the opportunity of development, which has improved the transmission speed of 5G mobile communication technology, which has been widely used in intelligent information management of construction engineering. Under this background, this paper selects the research methods of theory guiding practice and practice updating theory to guide the application of information technology. Based on the actual engineering cases, this paper discusses the scientific process of information management construction of construction projects from the perspective of BIM Technology by taking the specific construction details as the starting point. Firstly, this paper systematically introduces the key technologies of BIM and the related concepts and basic contents of construction project management informatization, expounds and analyzes the three construction modes that should be followed by construction project collaborative management informatization, and puts forward the key and main contents of standardization construction. Then, taking New York freedom building as an engineering case, this paper analyzes the application of building information modeling (BIM) in the architectural design of New York freedom building. Relevant research can provide theoretical and practical references for realizing and ensuring the combination of project management and information technology.
Integrative Analyses of Genes Associated with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Qiu Kangli , Li Kai , Zeng Tianshu , Liao Yunfei , Min Jie , Zhang Nan , Peng Miaomiao , Kong Wen , Chen Lu-lu
Published: August 2021

Objective. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common autoimmune thyroiditis, which mostly occurs in young and middle-aged women. It can be manifested as hyperthyroidism in the early stage; hypothyroidism may appear with the progression of the disease. Studies have shown that multiple factors such as heredity, environment, and autoimmunity are involved in the pathogenesis, but the specific mechanism is not clear. In our study, we tried to find key genes and potential molecular mechanisms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to provide new ideas for the therapeutic targets of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Method. GSE138198 and GSE54958 were downloaded from the GEO database, and two datasets were combined for analysis. The combined data were normalized to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and hub genes between DEGs were identified. We also used the miRWalk database to identify regulatory miRNAs associated with expressions of DEGs. Result. We identified 182 DEGs (160 upregulated and 22 downregulated) between Hashimoto’s disease patients and the healthy control group. GO analysis showed that DEGs were mostly concentrated in detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception, intermediate filament cytoskeleton, and olfactory receptor activity. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEGs were mainly related to olfactory transduction. Some members of the KRTAP family and HTR5A, KNG1, DRD3, HTR1D, TAS2R16, INSL5, TAS2R42, and GRM7 are the most important hub genes in the PPI network. In addition, we recognized that OTUD4, LLPH, and ECHDC1 were the most important hub genes in the miRNA-target gene network. Conclusion. In this study, a series of bioinformatics analyses of DEGs were performed to identify the key genes and pathways associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. These genes and pathways provide a more detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s disease and provide new ideas for the therapeutic targets of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Sharp Lower Bounds of the Sum-Connectivity Index of Unicyclic Graphs
Authors: Atapour Maryam
Published: September 2021

The sum-connectivity index of a graph

G

is defined as the sum of weights

1
/

d

u

+

d

v

over all edges

u
v

of

G

, where

d

u

and

d

v

are the degrees of the vertices

u

and

v

in graph

G

, respectively. In this paper, we give a sharp lower bound on the sum-connectivity index unicyclic graphs of order

n
≥
7

and diameter

D

G

≥
5

.
An Empirical Study on Virtual English Teaching System Based on the Microservice Architecture with Wireless Internet Sensor Network
Authors: Jin Gaimin , He Lifang , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: September 2021

We design in this paper a virtual English teaching system based on a wireless sensor network using the features of microservice architecture such as low coupling, lightweight, and high autonomy. This paper explains the characteristics of microservice architecture, uses the wireless sensor network as a carrier, uses the technology provided by Spring Cloud ecology to practice microservices, and makes a specific design and implementation of microservice architecture. The system allows teachers and students to upload and download English course resources, adopts the knowledge map to classify and manage course resources, realizes the diversified search and sorting function of course resources, greatly facilitates users to query and manage course resources, and improves the utilization rate. The internal functional modules of the platform are reasonably divided with the microservice design principle and are developed and deployed independently. For the security of the system, the authentication mechanism of the device and the authentication and authentication strategy of the application interface are designed, respectively. Finally, functional and nonfunctional tests were conducted on the system through the built test environment. The test results show that the virtual English teaching system designed and implemented in this paper has good feasibility and scalability. Through the research of this paper, it brings great help to the wireless sensor network virtual English teaching system and also improves the learning efficiency of students.
An English Network Teaching Method Supported by Artificial Intelligence Technology and WBIETS System
Authors: Du Haibao
Published: August 2021

The traditional English teaching system has certain problems in the acquisition of teaching resources and the innovation of teaching models. In order to improve the effect of subsequent English online teaching, this paper improves the machine learning algorithm to make it a core algorithm that can be used by artificial intelligence systems. Moreover, this paper combines the WBIETS system to expand the system function, analyzes the needs of the English network teaching system, and constructs the system function modules and logical structure. The data layer, logic layer, and presentation layer in the system constructed in this paper are independent of each other and can be effectively expanded when subsequent requirements change. In addition, this paper solves the problem of acquiring English teaching resources through the WBIETS system. To evaluate the performance of the English network teaching system, this paper performs comprehensive mathematical and experimental analysis. The experimental results show that the system constructed in this paper basically meets the actual teaching requirements.
An Approach to Ship Deck Arrangement Optimization Problem Using an Improved Multiobjective Hybrid Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Shunhuai
Published: August 2021

Ship deck arrangement design is about determining the positions and dimensions of arranged objects. This paper presents the mathematical model for the ship deck arrangement optimization problem statement and how the individual’s objective and constraint functions are computed. Moreover, an improved multiobjective hybrid genetic algorithm is redesigned to solve this complex nondeterministic problem and generate a set of diverse and rational deck arrangements in the early stage of ship design. An adaptive crossover operator and a novel topological replace operator invoked in this algorithm are described. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on a main deck arrangement optimization of an underwater detection ship. In the validation tests, the proposed algorithm is compared to the standard NSGA-II to determine its ability to produce a set of diverse and rational deck arrangements. Subsequently, the performance tests are used to determine the ability of the algorithm to work with the highly constrained arrangement problems and the efficiency of the adaptive crossover and topological replace operators.
Analysis of Challenges in Modern Network Forensic Framework
Authors: Qureshi Sirajuddin , Li Jianqiang , Akhtar Faheem , Tunio Saima , Khand Zahid Hussain , Wajahat Ahsan
Published: August 2021

Network forensics can be an expansion associated with network security design which typically emphasizes avoidance and detection of community assaults. It covers the necessity for dedicated investigative abilities. When you look at the design, this indeed currently allows investigating harmful behavior in communities. It will help organizations to examine external and community this is undoubtedly around. It is also important for police force investigations. Network forensic techniques can be used to identify the source of the intrusion and the intruder’s location. Forensics can resolve many cybercrime cases using the methods of network forensics. These methods can extract intruder’s information, the nature of the intrusion, and how it can be prevented in the future. These techniques can also be used to avoid attacks in near future. Modern network forensic techniques face several challenges that must be resolved to improve the forensic methods. Some of the key challenges include high storage speed, the requirement of ample storage space, data integrity, data privacy, access to IP address, and location of data extraction. The details concerning these challenges are provided with potential solutions to these challenges. In general, the network forensic tools and techniques cannot be improved without addressing these challenges of the forensic network. This paper proposed a thematic taxonomy of classifications of network forensic techniques based on extensive. The classification has been carried out based on the target datasets and implementation techniques while performing forensic investigations. For this purpose, qualitative methods have been used to develop thematic taxonomy. The distinct objectives of this study include accessibility to the network infrastructure and artifacts and collection of evidence against the intruder using network forensic techniques to communicate the information related to network attacks with minimum false-negative results. It will help organizations to investigate external and internal causes of network security attacks.
Strength and Road Performance of Superabsorbent Polymer Combined with Cement for Reinforcement of Excavated Soil
Authors: Dai Di , Peng Jie , Zhao Xiaowan , Li Gang , Bai Lanlan
Published: August 2021

The process of road construction is often accompanied by a large number of excavation work, and most of the excavated soil has poor engineering performance and needs to be transported away. It has the significance of environmental protection and cost saving to treat the excavated soil as pavement materials. The aim of this study is to present laboratory experiments into the mechanical properties, engineering properties, and microstructure of excavated soil stabilized by ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Laboratory experiments were performed to determine unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compactness, durability after wetting and drying cycles, drying shrinkage, and California bearing ratio (CBR). Apart from these, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for the microstructure analysis to understand the impact of SAP on cemented excavated soil. It shows that SAP can effectively improve the strength and the compaction of cemented excavated soil with good durability. Although SAP will reduce the CBR value of cemented excavated soil, it still meets the requirements of engineering acceptance. Microscopic analysis shows that SAP absorbs water in the cemented excavated soil and plays a filling role.
Effect of Aggregate Roughness on Strength and Permeation Characteristics of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Hilal Ameer A.
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to examine the effect of surface roughness of lightweight aggregate particles (LWA) on the strength and permeation characteristics of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). Changing the smooth surface texture of LWA particles was achieved by applying surface polishing to make rough texture of the aggregate particle surface. LWAC mixes with different LWA surface roughness (smooth and rough) were produced, and their strength and permeation properties were investigated. Cut section method was adopted to measure the surface roughness of LWA particles. The surface profile was measured by using ImageJ software on images captured using the optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with different magnifications. The ability of making the surface of LWA particles rough by polishing them was proved by means of 2D roughness measurements. From the results, it was found that using treated LWA with rough surface helped in enhancing the strength (compressive) and the permeation properties (water absorption and sorptivity) of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). Making the LWA rough helped in improving the compressive strength by about 13.5% owing to enhancing the ITZ between the LWA particles and the cement paste as well as improving the chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking forces between them. In addition, using rough lightweight aggregate led to reduce the water absorption and cumulative volume of water absorbed by about 9% and 12%, respectively, compared to values of mix with original (smooth) LWA.
Impact of High‐Tech Image Formats Based on Full‐Frame Sensors on Visual Experience and Film‐Television Production
Authors: Liu Jie
Published: August 2021

Today, the application of high‐tech image format technology in contemporary visual experience and film and television production has become infinitely mature. In the era of the combination of modern technology and the Internet, virtual numbers connect the past with the future, merge reality, and myth and even synchronize the world between primitive and modern. This article adopts experimental analysis and comparative analysis, setting the experimental group and the reference group aim to use high‐tech image formats from the perspective of a full‐frame sensor to basically realize a perspective screen and a three‐dimensional screen for observers in indoor scenes. In addition, the process of reconstructing a 3D model using high‐precision geometric information and realistic color information is also described. The experimental results show that the sharpness threshold cannot be too small; otherwise, part of the clear image is misjudged as a blurred image. If the threshold is too large, the missed detection of the blurred image will increase. Combined with the subjective evaluation of the image, when the threshold is 0.8, the experimental result is close subjective evaluation, and the missed detection rate is 2.41%. This shows that the ASODVS three‐dimensional digital scene constructed in this article can meet the needs of real‐time image processing; it can effectively evaluate the clarity of realistic analog images. It shows that controlling the size of the y coordinate value can affect the user’s visual experience. The smaller the y value in a certain range, the clearer the result can be.
Construction of the Teaching Quality Monitoring System of Physical Education Courses in Colleges and Universities Based on the Construction of Smart Campus with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Huang Xiang , Huang Xingyu , Wang Xiaoping
Published: August 2021

With regard to the development of colleges and universities, ensuring the quality of education is the fundamental goal and main task of teaching daily management. With the continuous improvement of the application level of the Internet and other information technologies, the construction of smart campus in colleges and universities in China is rapidly advancing. This paper studies the construction and innovation strategy of the public sports quality monitoring system and discusses the changes in college students’ sports quality after the introduction of smart campuses from the perspective of artificial intelligence and the creation of smart universities. In this paper, the field survey method and other research methods are combined to study, and in the process of data storage, SQL Server database platform is used to store the data. This study shows that the proportion of each element of physical state management has changed significantly before and after college entrance. According to the data, since the introduction of smart campus real name system identification, tracking data, and evaluation functions, the number of college students’ physical exercise has increased significantly. The number of students with exercise plan in school 1 has increased from 70 to 222, and that of school 2 has increased from 49 to 199. Before the introduction, the students were very satisfied with the learning effect of physical education, which was 40.12% and increased to 45.70% after the introduction. Before the introduction, the students were very satisfied with the sports equipment, which was 30.12% before the introduction and increased to 35.24% after the introduction. Therefore, building a system for monitoring the quality of public sports in universities is very important for improving the quality of education in public sports in universities and plays an active role in promoting the physical and mental health of students.
The Effectiveness of Health Education in Improving Knowledge about Hypoglycemia and Insulin Pen Use among Outpatients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at a Primary Care Hospital in Vietnam
Authors: Chu Loan Thi , Nguyen Tran Que , Pham Phuong Thu Thi , Thai Truc Thanh
Published: August 2021

Background. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have limited knowledge about hypoglycemia and insulin pen use are likely to have hypoglycemia and other complications. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health education on knowledge about hypoglycemia and insulin pen use among outpatients with T2DM at a primary care hospital in Vietnam. Methods. A pretest–posttest study was conducted among 80 patients with T2DM at District 11 Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At baseline, patients were interviewed through a predefined, structural questionnaire to assess their knowledge about hypoglycemia and insulin pen use. After that, patients underwent an individual health education session about hypoglycemia and insulin pen. One month and two months after this intervention, knowledge about hypoglycemia and insulin pen use were recorded again. Results. The majority were males (65.0%) and the mean age was 59.6 (standard deviation 8.1, range 35-75) years. Very few patients had good knowledge and proper insulin pen use, with percentages ranging from 13.8% to 60%. There was a significant improvement of knowledge and practice after the intervention. Such improvement remained high one month and two months after the intervention. Conclusions. The health education intervention is effective in improving knowledge and practice in this population. There is a pressing need for such intervention at primary care hospitals to optimize treatment for patients with T2DM, possibly focusing on those who had characteristics to have the best effectiveness found in this study.
Evaluation of Intraventricular/Intrathecal Antimicrobial Therapy in the Treatment of Nosocomial Meningitis Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria after Central Nervous System Surgery
Authors: Sari Nagehan Didem , Baltali Sevim , Serin Istemi , Antar Veysel
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Postoperative meningitis (POM) is an infection with high mortality and morbidity following central nervous system surgery due to trauma or tumor. Intrathecal/intraventricular (IT/IVT) antibiotic administrations have been considered as the last treatment options for multidrug-resistance (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria that do not respond to intravenous (IV) regimens. IT/IVT can bypass the blood-brain barrier, obtain a more effective antibiotic concentration in CSF, and reduce systemic side effects. We aimed to determine the characteristics of postoperative patients who were diagnosed with MDR POM during follow-up in our intensive care unit (ICU). Material and Methods. In this study, POM patients who were followed up in ICU after the central nervous system intervention between January 2016 and December 2019 and whose MDR Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from CSF were evaluated. As soon as the patients were diagnosed with POM, a catheter was inserted and treatment was started. Results. Microbiological eradication was achieved in 3 ± 0.8 days with 30 mg/day amikacin treatment in POM due to K. pneumoniae and 3.7 ± 1.95 days with colistin sodium 10 mg/day treatment in POM due to A. baumannii via IT/IVT catheter. IT/IVT treatment was utilized for a median of 10 days and continued until the defined cure criteria were achieved. While cure was achieved in 6 of 14 POM cases, 8 of them were exitus. Discussion and Conclusion. To avoid the severe consequences of postoperative meningitis, acting fast and adding IT/IVT methods to parenteral administration routes by considering the distribution of MDR microorganisms within the hospital while planning effective treatment will increase the clinical success.
Purchasing Intentions toward Fast Food: The Mediating Role of Consumer Attitudes toward Fast Food
Authors: Xue Jian , Zhang Wenjing , Rasool Zeeshan , Khan Mohsin Ali , Khan Ahmad Imran , Khan Anum Afzal , Abbas Syed Arslan
Published: August 2021

We highlight the role of fast food awareness and the features affecting the intentions of individuals buying it. The fast food industry is developing rapidly, opening new doors for various stakeholders. The objective of the study is to identify the impact of knowledge of fast food on the desire to buy fast food, study its impact on fast food purchasing intentions, and uncover the effect of fast food attitudes on consumers’ purchasing intentions and intention patterns. Several studies discuss the factors prompting fast food purchases, but convincing findings have not been reported. The previous research did not disclose some significant variables influencing consumers’ fast food-related decisions, namely, knowledge and uniqueness-seeking qualities. The existing studies are centered on connections between facts about fast food and unique consumer traits (independent variables), attitudes toward fast food (mediator), and fast food purchasing expectations (dependent variable). The mediator between attitudes toward fast food and fast food purchasing intentions is family structure. In previous studies, the variables and connections were examined from a different perspective. The study’s data were collected through a questionnaire, and 279 consumers frequenting well-known shops in Pakistan were sampled. To provide statistical evidence, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and multigroup moderations were performed. Knowledge of fast food and uniqueness-seeking characteristics were relevant both directly and through mediation when predicting fast food purchasing intentions. The hypothesized direction between attitudes toward fast food and fast food purchases was also significantly moderated by family structure. This study is the first of its kind and helps identify the fast food purchasing behaviors of consumers in developing countries. The shift from joint family systems to a nuclear family model is a particularly important change in the social experience of food.
Effects of Partial Supporting Pile Removal from Deep Foundation Pits by Shallow Excavation Method in Loess Areas
Authors: Zheng Yunxin , Hu Zhiping , Ren Xiang , Wang Rui , Zhang Enxiang , Long Zhao
Published: August 2021

Partial supporting piles removal from deep foundation pit may lead to large‐scale foundation pit collapse, resulting in severe consequences. Various studies have investigated the underpinning technology of cutting abutment piles by combining field monitoring and numerical simulation, but there are few studies on cutting supporting piles of foundation pit by the shallow excavation method. Taking an actual deep and large foundation pit as an example, the finite element method (FEM) was adopted to study the surface settlement and the changing trend of the force and displacement of the supporting pile caused by cutting piles during the shallow excavation of double tunnels. The FEM results were verified with the field monitoring data. The simulation results show that the surface settlement around the foundation pit mainly occurs at the pile cutting stage under different excavation sequences (0D, 1D, 2D), and the main distribution area is the one‐fold diameter area outside the double tunnel. After the supporting piles are partially cut, the bending moment and displacement of the lower part of the broken piles differ significantly due to different excavation sequences, but the bending moment and displacement of the upper part of the broken piles are basically similar. In the process of removing the supporting piles, the Earth pressure behind the piles is redistributed, and the load is mainly transferred to the adjacent supporting piles outside the tunnel within the radius of one time of the tunnel diameter. However, the load is not evenly transferred to the adjacent supporting piles. Some recommendations for the reinforcement scheme of the supporting structure during cutting supporting piles in deep foundation pit are also proposed. The research results can provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for the construction of similar projects in the future.
Signal Pathways and Markers Involved in Acute Lung Injury Induced by Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Zhou Jialin , Zhou Pengcheng , Zhang Yingyi , Wang Guangzhi , Fan Zhe
Published: August 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common acute abdominal disease with a mortality rate of about 30%. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common systemic complication of acute pancreatitis, with progressive hypoxemia and respiratory distress as the main manifestations, which can develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome or even multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in severe cases, endangering human health. In the model of AP, pathophysiological process of the lung can be summarized as oxidative stress injury, inflammatory factor infiltration, and alveolar cell apoptosis. However, the intrinsic mechanisms underlying AP and how it leads to ALI are not fully understood. In this paper, we summarize recent articles related to AP leading to ALI, including the signal transduction pathways and biomarkers of AP-ALI. There are factors or pathway aggravating ALI, the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, NLRP3/NF-κB pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase, PKC pathway, neutrophil protease (NP)-LAMC2-neutrophil pathway, and the P2X7 pathway, and there are important transcription factors in the NRF2 signal transduction pathway which could give researchers better understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling AP and ALI and lay the foundation for finally curing ALI induced by AP.
Direct Position Determination of Noncircular Sources with Multiple Nested Arrays: Reduced Dimension Subspace Data Fusion
Authors: Qian Yang , Zhao Dalin , Zeng Haowei
Published: August 2021

Direct position determination (DPD) of noncircular (NC) sources with multiple nested arrays (NA) is investigated in this paper. Noncircular sources are used to expand the dimension of the received signal matrix, so the number of identifiable information sources and the accuracy of direct position determination are improved. Furthermore, nested array increases spatial degree of freedom. In this paper, the high‐dimensional search problem of noncircular sources is investigated. Therefore, we propose algorithm dimension reduction subspace data fusion (RD‐SDF) to reduce complexity and increase positioning accuracy. Simulation results show that the proposed RD‐SDF algorithm for multiple nested arrays with noncircular sources has improved positioning accuracy with higher spatial degree of freedom than SDF, Capon, and two‐step algorithms with uniform linear array and circular sources (CS).
Developing a Model with Ergonomic Aspects Using Endurance Time and Rest Allowance for Supporting the Optimization of Production Line Material Supply: A Case of Single-Operator Multi-Materials
Authors: Korkulu Sezen , Bóna Krisztián , Péter Tamás
Published: August 2021

Various studies on the issues regarding economic and environmental sustainability in inventory management have been investigated by many researchers in recent years. However, the integration of ergonomics as an aspect of social sustainability in an inventory model is still scarce. This paper presents an extension of ergonomic inventory modeling with a new mathematical model which integrates relaxation allowance and endurance time to the ergonomic inventory model. The rest allowance is determined by endurance time, contraction time, and relative force based on several items such as weight, and it helps to prevent ergonomic risks and fatigue of the back muscles. The model has been analyzed in a numerical work based on our specific simulator and parameteric analysis to present validness in different scenarios. Consequently, our results show that optimization with ergonomics in production line material supply provides notable advantages as it increases overall productivity.
Investigation of Silane Impregnation for Protection of Alkali‐Activated Slag Mortar
Authors: Li Jin , Chen Peiyuan , Cai Haibing , Xu Ying , Rasulov Murodjon
Published: August 2021

This paper investigated the effects of silane impregnation on the protective properties of alkali‐activated slag (AAS) mortars. The surface silane impregnation on water absorption, contact angle, and penetration depth were examined. The related protective mechanism regarding silane impregnation was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The results showed that the surface of the AAS mortar after silane impregnation was transformed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic with an increased contact angle of 80° from 36° to 116°. And the water absorption was significantly decreased by 74.42% to 97.79%. The penetration depth of the two‐layer coating was dramatically higher than that of the one‐layer coating. The optimal coating method and dosage of silane were two‐layer coating and 200 g/m2. In addition, silane impregnation formed a stable Si‐O bond with AAS mortars through a hydrolytic condensation reaction and the −CH2CH3 group of the silane acted on the surface of the AAS mortars.
Numerical Simulation on the Influence of Rotating Speed on the Hydraulic Loss Characteristics of Desalination Energy Recovery Turbine
Authors: Qi Bing , Zhang Desheng , Zhang Qi , Wang Mengcheng , Fall Ibra
Published: September 2021

The performance of energy recovery turbine (ERT) directly determines the cost and energy consumption of reverse osmosis desalination. In order to study the performance and loss mechanisms of ERT under different conditions, the external characteristics and the losses of different components were quantitatively analyzed. The loss mechanisms of each component in the turbine were revealed through the comparative analysis of the internal flow field. The results show that the efficiency is 2.2% higher than that at the design speed when turbine runs at n = 22000 r/min. The impeller losses account for more than 67% of the total losses. The impeller loss is mainly observed at the leading edge. The vortex on the pressure side of the leading edge is caused by the impact effect, while the vortex on the suction side of the leading edge is caused by the flow separation. With the increase in the rotating speed, the loss caused by flow separation in impeller decreases obviously. The volute loss is mainly observed near the tongue, which is caused by the flow separation at the tongue. The design of the tongue is very important to the performance of the volute. The turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and loss decrease with the increase in the rotating speed. The loss in the draft tube is mainly observed at the inlet core. With the increase in the rotating speed, the turbulence pulsation and the radial pressure fluctuation amplitude reduce. Therefore, the turbine can be operated at the design or slightly higher than the design rotating speed under the condition that both the hydraulic condition and the intensity are satisfied, which are conducive to the efficient utilization of energy.
Metabolomics as a Tool for Biomarker Discovery in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Drew David A. , Klempner Samuel J. , Chan Andrew T.
Published: September 2021

Globally, early detection and interception of gastric cancer remains limited by the lack of a broad screening paradigm for individuals with the exception of those at established hereditary risk (e.g., hereditary diffuse gastric cancer or CDH1 germline mutation status). The path forward will likely rely on establishment of biomarkers using multiple -omic approaches to detect molecular profiles associated with gastric cancer risk that can in turn be leveraged to identify individuals who may benefit from more intensive evaluation, such as screening endoscopy. In this issue, Shu and colleagues describe the results of a case-control cohort study of Asian individuals that demonstrates baseline metabolite levels are predictive of future gastric cancer risk above and beyond lifestyle and demographic risk factors. We discuss the promise and limitations of these exemplar circulating biomarkers and emphasize the need for a multifactorial risk assessment to advance precision prevention and early detection of gastric cancer.

See related article by Shu et al., p. 1634