bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimum Design of Multidischarge Outlet Biomass Briquetting Machine
Authors: Yang Jiaqi , Wang Jirong , Li Jun , Shi Lianwen , Dai Xiangwu
Published: October 2020

A high-efficiency biomass material was designed according to the densification mechanism of biomass. This machine improved the efficiency by recombining the feeding stage, prepressing stage, compaction stage, pressure-holding stage, and pushing stage of the compression process, so that part of the working stages was carried out simultaneously. To further improve efficiency and rationally allocate power at each stage, in this paper, we established a mathematical model for the machine. We use the nonlinear programming in Matlab (2016b) to solve the minimum value of the model, making the machine work time the shortest.
Experimental Study on MICP Technology for Strengthening Tail Sand under a Seepage Field
Authors: Zhang Zhi-jun , Li Biao , Hu Lin , Zheng Huai-miao , He Gui-cheng , Yu Qing , Wu Ling-ling
Published: October 2020

Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology is a new green reinforcing technology in soil stabilization. Targeting on the problem that seepage is the main factor of causing the instability of a tailings dam, a comparative experiment is conducted, which includes the MICP technology on reinforcing tailings with or without the effect of a seepage field. The results of the comparative experiment are as follow: the mercury penetration test indicates that, under the function of a seepage field, the total pore in the tailing is relatively decreased; SEM shows that under the function of a seepage field, the intergranular pore increases; the direct shear test shows that under the function of a seepage field, the tailings’ shear strength decreases; the determination of calcium ion content shows that the distribution of calcium carbonate in the tailings under the action of a seepage field is more uneven.
Numerical Simulation of Thawing Process in Frozen Soil
Authors: Yan Zhaoyu , Pan Wei , Fang Junjie , Liu Zihui
Published: October 2020

Permafrost has been thawing faster due to climate change which would release greenhouse gases, change the hydrological regimes, affect buildings above, and so on. It is necessary to study the thawing process of frozen soil. A water-heat coupling model for frozen soil thawing is established on Darcy’s law and Heat Transfer in Porous Media interfaces in Comsol Multiphysics 5.5. Three curves of total liquid water volume, minimum temperature, and total heat flux in the thawing process are obtained from a numerical simulation. The distributions of liquid water, temperature, and pressure based on time are simulated too. The liquid water distribution is consistent with the total liquid water volume curve. The temperature distribution is confirmed by the minimum temperature and total heat flux curve. The pressure distribution represents ice in the frozen soil that generates negative pressure during the melting process. The numerical simulation research in this article deepens the understanding of the internal evolution in the process of frozen soil thawing and has a certain reference value for subsequent experimental research and related applications.
Active Vibration Distribution through Restricted Topology and Single Node Control
Authors: Wang Jiqiang
Published: October 2020

Vibration distribution comprises both vibration control and harvesting. Active vibration distribution control represents a generic yet challenging problem to be addressed in many engineering applications. Current norm-optimization-based methods would require significant modification for its solutions. This paper proposes a restricted control method where a variety of results concerning active vibration distribution through restricted topology control and restricted single node control are obtained. Important issues associated with both parametric constraints and performance limit are also given considerations. A systematic design methodology is thus established for active vibration distribution through restricted controls. The theoretical results are exemplified with numerical examples providing detailed design procedures.
Structure, Reproductive Biology, and Regeneration Status of Podocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) R. B. ex Mirb. in Bale Mountains, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldearegay Mesfin , Bekele Tamrat
Published: October 2020

This study was carried out in the Dodola forest, Southern Ethiopia, to investigate the structure, reproductive biology, and regeneration status of Podocarpus falcatus. Based on their disturbance status, two blocks each having an area of 16 ha (400 m × 400 m) were laid in the forest to collect vegetation data. 16 plots (100 m × 100 m) and 256 subplots (25 m × 25 m) were established in each block. The population status of Podocarpus falcatus (dbh ≥ 5 cm) was assessed in the 256 subplots. The regeneration status of Podocarpus falcatus was also assessed around 40 randomly selected female trees isolated at least 10 m from any other female tree in each block. A total of 1363 Podocarpus falcatus individuals were recorded, with an average distribution of 43 individuals ha−1 and a higher proportion of small-sized individuals. The population structures of Podocarpus falcatus in the two blocks were a typical inverted J-shape pattern, indicating good regeneration and recruitment status of the study species. Podocarpus falcatus had a good regeneration status in Dodola forest and also larger quantities of its seedlings were recorded under canopy shades suggesting that the species is shade tolerant. The density of seedlings and saplings was small within 4 m radius from the seed source (female trees) compared to that observed greater than 4 m distance. Thus, poor regeneration is observed within a 4 m radius around the female trees compared to distances greater than 4 m. Therefore, the local community and other responsible stakeholders should work together to stop and/or reduce the selective cutting of this ecologically and economically important tree species in the forest.
Personalized News Recommendation and Simulation Based on Improved Collaborative Filtering Algorithm
Authors: Han Kunni
Published: October 2020

Faced with massive amounts of online news, it is often difficult for the public to quickly locate the news they are interested in. The personalized recommendation technology can dig out the user’s interest points according to the user’s behavior habits, thereby recommending the news that may be of interest to the user. In this paper, improvements are made to the data preprocessing stage and the nearest neighbor collection stage of the collaborative filtering algorithm. In the data preprocessing stage, the user-item rating matrix is filled to alleviate its sparsity. The label factor and time factor are introduced to make the constructed user preference model have a better expression effect. In the stage of finding the nearest neighbor set, the collaborative filtering algorithm is combined with the dichotomous K-means algorithm, the user cluster matching the target user is selected as the search range of the nearest neighbor set, and the similarity measurement formula is improved. In order to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper, this paper selects a simulated data set to test the performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of the average absolute error of recommendation, recommendation accuracy, and recall rate and compares it with the user-based collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm. In the simulation data set, the algorithm in this paper is superior to the traditional algorithm in most users. The algorithm in this paper decomposes the sparse matrix to reduce the impact of data sparsity on the traditional recommendation algorithm, thereby improving the recommendation accuracy and recall rate of the recommendation algorithm and reducing the recommendation error.
A Reversible Cytotoxic Lesion of the Corpus Callosum Developing after a Rapid Alteration in Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure/Volume in a Patient with New Daily Persistent Headache
Authors: Rozen Todd D. , Robles Hector A.
Published: October 2020

A case is presented of a woman with a history of daily persistent head pressure and dizziness who developed a cytotoxic lesion of the splenium of the corpus callosum after an acute withdrawal of chronic acetazolamide treatment and then, in quick succession, a CSF pressure/volume drop with a lumbar puncture. This is the first documentation that rapid alterations of CSF pressure/volume may trigger cytotoxic lesions in the central nervous system.
Analysis and Prediction of Hydraulic Support Load Based on Time Series Data Modeling
Authors: Pang Yi-Hui , Wang Hong-Bo , Zhao Jian-Jian , Shang De-Yong
Published: October 2020

Hydraulic support plays a key role in ground control of longwall mining. The smart prediction methods of support load are important for achieving intelligent mining. In this paper, the hydraulic support load data is decomposed into trend term, cycle term, and residual term, and it is found that the data has clear trend and period features, which can be called time series data. Based on the autoregression theory and weighted moving average method, the time series model is built to analyze the load data and predict its evolution trend, and the prediction accuracy of the sliding window model, ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model, and SARIMA (Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) model to the hydraulic support load under different parameters are evaluated, respectively. The results of single-point and multipoint prediction test with various sliding window values indicate that the sliding window method has no advantage in predicting the trend of the support load. The ARIMA model shows a better short-term trend prediction than the sliding window model. To some extent, increasing the length of the autoregressive term can improve the long-term prediction accuracy of the model, but it also increases the sensitivity of the model to support load fluctuation, and it is still difficult to predict the load trend in one support cycle. The SARIMA model has better prediction results than the sliding window model and the ARIMA model, which reveals the load evolution trend accurately during the whole support cycle. However, there are many external factors affecting the support load, such as overburden properties, hydraulic support moving speed, and worker’s operation. The smarter model of SARIMA considering these factors should be developed to be more suitable in predicting the hydraulic support load.
A Nonlinear Statistical Damage Constitutive Model for Porous Rocks
Authors: Pan Yue , Zhao Zhiming , He Liu , Wu Guang
Published: October 2020

In the current paper, the deformation behaviours of rocks during compression are studied by testing 10 groups of sandstone samples with different porosity characteristics. According to the energy theory, the rock material was divided into two parts: solid skeleton and voids. A statistical damage‐based approach was adopted to establish a nonlinear statistical damage constitutive model. The validity of the statistical damage constitutive model is verified by the test data. The statistical damage constitutive model performs well in each stage of rock compression before failure. For different types of rocks, different confining pressures, and different water contents, the statistical damage constitutive model fits well. This model can be applied to most types of rocks and in most engineering environments.
Numerical Study on Acoustic Resonance Excitation in Closed Side Branch Pipeline Conveying Natural Gas
Authors: Jiang Liuyi , Zhang Hong , Duan Qingquan , Zhang Yulong
Published: October 2020

Flow-induced acoustic resonance in the closed side branch of a natural gas pipeline can cause intensive vibration which threatens the safe operation of the pipeline. Accurately modeling this excitation process is necessary for a workable understanding of the genetic mechanism to resolve this problem. A realizable k-ε Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) model was conducted in this study to numerically simulate the acoustic resonance problem. The model is shown to accurately capture the acoustic resonance phenomenon and self-excited vibration characteristics with low calculation cost. The pressure pulsation component of the acoustic resonance frequency is gradually amplified and transformed into a narrowband dominant frequency in the process of acoustic resonance excitation, forming a so-called “frequency lock-in phenomenon.” The gas is pressed into and out of the branch in sinusoidal mode during excitation. The first-order frequency, single vortex moves at the branch inlet following the same pattern. A quarter wavelength steady standing wave forms in the branch. The mechanism and characteristics presented in this paper may provide guidelines for developing new excitation suppression methods.
Improved Density Peaks Clustering Based on Natural Neighbor Expanded Group
Authors: Ding Lin , Xu Weihong , Chen Yuantao
Published: October 2020

Density peaks clustering (DPC) is an advanced clustering technique due to its multiple advantages of efficiently determining cluster centers, fewer arguments, no iterations, no border noise, etc. However, it does suffer from the following defects: (1) difficult to determine a suitable value of its crucial cutoff distance parameter, (2) the local density metric is too simple to find out the proper center(s) of the sparse cluster(s), and (3) it is not robust that parts of prominent density peaks are remotely assigned. This paper proposes improved density peaks clustering based on natural neighbor expanded group (DPC-NNEG). The cores of the proposed algorithm contain two parts: (1) define natural neighbor expanded (NNE) and natural neighbor expanded group (NNEG) and (2) divide all NNEGs into a goal number of sets as the final clustering result, according to the closeness degree of NNEGs. At the same time, the paper provides the measurement of the closeness degree. We compared the state of the art with our proposal in public datasets, including several complex and real datasets. Experiments show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Coupling Mechanism of Rotating Casing Effect and Impeller Structure of Roto-Jet Pump
Authors: Huang Qi , Liu Zailun , Wang Xiaobing , Li Qifei , Quan Hui
Published: October 2020

An increase in internal pressure of a Roto-Jet pump is due to combined action of its impeller and rotating casing. Internal pressure of the pump chamber was determined according to outlet pressure of the impeller, and the influence of the rotary casing effect was ignored. To study the combined action mechanism of the rotating casing effect and impeller structure on the Roto-Jet pump, we used the open test bed of the Roto-Jet pump and four model pumps with impellers of different structures as research objects. We also conducted a comprehensive experimental study on the coupling mechanism between the rotating casing effect and impeller structure. Numerical calculation was performed to avoid the assumption of isotropic eddy viscosity, Reynolds stress linear pressure-strain model is selected, and the numerical calculation results are compared with the experimental results to verify its credibility. The results show that the rotating casing effect has multiple functions to reduce the friction loss of the disc, improve the pressure distribution inside the rotating casing, and increase the pump head. All scheme, pressure, and velocity fluctuations occur in the upstream and wake regions of the collecting pipe and the energy loss is concentrated in the upstream region. The difference in velocity distribution inside the collecting pipe is small and negligible. As long as the impeller and rotating casing continue to rotate synchronously, the liquid shear velocity at the same coordinate position of each scheme remains unchanged, and the liquid rotation angular velocity in the rotating casing is approximately 75% of the rotating casing which conforms to the rigid motion law. In the same scheme, the coefficient of uneven velocity inside the rotating casing gradually increases along the radial direction. The closer to the axis, the faster is the decrease of the peak tangential velocity and the velocity tends to be uniform. The size, shape, and position of the vortex core inside the rotating casing change constantly with various schemes. The distribution of vortex cores varies under each scheme. The front cover and rotating casing have a serious effect on the vortex core. The extremely poor analysis of the test results shows that the performance of the Roto-Jet pump is better when the closed impeller is rotated in synchronisation with the rotating casing. The advantages and disadvantages of each blade type can be determined according to the situation. The research results can exhibit the influence mechanism of the Roto-Jet pump shell effect. Selection of an impeller structure provides a reference.
Endogenous Endophthalmitis: A Review of Case Series Published between 2011 and 2020
Authors: Danielescu Ciprian , Anton Nicoleta , Stanca Horia Tudor , Munteanu Mihnea
Published: October 2020

This is a literature review of 31 case series of endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) published in the last ten years, identified from a literature search of several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library). While diabetes mellitus and malignancies remain the most frequently associated medical conditions, intravenous drug use is a significant risk factor (especially in the last years, in studies from Western countries). Ophthalmologic screening is recommended for candidaemia, but not in patients with sepsis of other aetiologies (however, the physician treating patients with sepsis must be well aware of EE). The most frequent Gram-positive microorganisms that cause EE are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus; the most frequent Gram-negative organism is Pseudomonas, and yeasts, probably Candida, usually cause fungal infections. In all-cause EE, prognostic factors of better visual outcomes are initial VA better than counting fingers, performing a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), performing an intravitreal injection within the first 24 hours after clinical diagnosis, and the presence of a focal type of EE. In endogenous fungal endophthalmitis, more than 1/4 of patients have bilateral involvement. Blood samples have a low rate of positivity. Yeasts remain the most prevalent cause. Many authors report using azoles and echinocandins for systemic therapy (and voriconazole for intravitreal injections). Although PPV was performed in small proportions of eyes, the anatomical success rate is quite high. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of EE in Southeast Asia (and probably an emergent etiology in other regions), which is frequently associated with diabetes. There is a robust association with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) (but in up to half of the cases, the diagnosis of EE precedes that of PLA). Blood cultures have a high diagnostic yield, while vitreous samples have a low yield. K. pneumoniae may carry antibiotic resistance. Anatomical and functional success rates are small, but they may be improved with PPV.
In Vitro Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activities, and Phenolic Profile of Senecio glaucus from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Ali S. , Herqash Rashed N. , Noman Omar M. , Nasr Fahd A. , Alyhya Nouf , Anazi Shamsa H. , Farooq Muhammad , Ullah Riaz
Published: October 2020

Current treatments for complex diseases have remarkable side effects that negatively impact patients’ quality of life. Thus, natural compounds with fewer side effects represent a promising source for safe drugs. The genus Senecio is widely used in folk medicine due to its various pharmacological properties. In the present study, the total phenolic content of Senecio glaucus, which is grown in Saudi Arabia, was assessed using the Folin‐Ciocalteau colorimetric method. Scavenging DPPH and ABTS assays were utilized to determine the antioxidant properties of S. glaucus fractions, and MTT assay was used to screen the cytotoxic activity of S. glaucus against various cancer cells. In addition, HPLC‐UV was utilized to detect the presence of two phenolic acids, namely, vanillic acid (VA) and gallic acid (GA). Among all fractions tested, S. glaucus chloroform fraction (SGCF) yielded the highest value (125.3 mg·GA/g) in terms of total phenolic content. SGCF also exhibited the highest scavenging activities (76.7 and 74.1%) on both DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Similarly, SGCF also possessed the most potent cytotoxic activity against the MCF‐7 cell line, with an IC50 value of 41.8 μg/ml. The validated HPLC method confirmed the presence of VA (4.8 μg/mg DW) and GA (3.9 μg/mg DW) in SGCF. Overall, our data show that S. glaucus had antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. A developed validated HPLC method which could be helpful for quantifying phenolic compounds in S. glaucus was established.
Survival Models for the Analysis of Waiting Time to First Employment of New Graduates: A Case of 2018 Debre Markos University Graduates, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Getie Ayaneh Muluye , Dessie Askalemariam Adamu , Ayele Amare Wubishet
Published: October 2020

This study was carried out to predict the time spell to first employment and to determine the effects of related factors on the timing of first employment on new graduates from Debre Markos University using survival models. The study used the 2018 Debre Markos University graduate tracer survey data. Cox PH and parametric accelerated failure time models were used. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to select the best parametric model that could explain the waiting time to first employment. The median waiting time to first employment of graduates was found to be 15 months, showing that 50% of graduates managed to find their first job 15 months after their graduation date. In a comparison among parametric survival models, the log-logistic parametric model was better in describing the timing of graduates to first employment. Covariates such as gender, cumulative grade point average (CGPA) earned from the university, age at graduation, residence, field of study preference of graduates, and college/faculty were found to be statistically significant (

p

value <0.05) predictors of the waiting time to first employment. The log-logistic parametric model fitted the waiting time to the first employment data well and could be taken as an alternative for the Cox PH model.
Evaluation of Future Climate and Potential Impact on Streamflow in the Upper Nan River Basin of Northern Thailand
Authors: Gunathilake Miyuru B. , Amaratunga Yasasna V. , Perera Anushka , Chathuranika Imiya M. , Gunathilake Anura S. , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: October 2020

Water resources in Northern Thailand have been less explored with regard to the impact on hydrology that the future climate would have. For this study, three regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) were used to project future climate of the upper Nan River basin. Future climate data of ACCESS_CCAM, MPI_ESM_CCAM, and CNRM_CCAM under Representation Concentration Pathways RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were bias-corrected by the linear scaling method and subsequently drove the Hydrological Engineering Center-Hydrological Modeling System (HEC-HMS) to simulate future streamflow. This study compared baseline (1988–2005) climate and streamflow values with future time scales during 2020–2039 (2030s), 2040–2069 (2050s), and 2070–2099 (2080s). The upper Nan River basin will become warmer in future with highest increases in the maximum temperature of 3.8°C/year for MPI_ESM and minimum temperature of 3.6°C/year for ACCESS_CCAM under RCP8.5 during 2080s. The magnitude of changes and directions in mean monthly precipitation varies, with the highest increase of 109 mm for ACESSS_CCAM under RCP 4.5 in September and highest decrease of 77 mm in July for CNRM, during 2080s. Average of RCM combinations shows that decreases will be in ranges of −5.5 to −48.9% for annual flows, −31 to −47% for rainy season flows, and −47 to −67% for winter season flows. Increases in summer seasonal flows will be between 14 and 58%. Projection of future temperature levels indicates that higher increases will be during the latter part of the 20th century, and in general, the increases in the minimum temperature will be higher than those in the maximum temperature. The results of this study will be useful for river basin planners and government agencies to develop sustainable water management strategies and adaptation options to offset negative impacts of future changes in climate. In addition, the results will also be valuable for agriculturists and hydropower planners.
Ginsenoside Rg1 Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines and Prevents Carcinogen‐Induced Breast Tumorigenesis in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Chu Yan , Zhang Wentao , Kanimozhi G. , Brindha G. R. , Tian Defu
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the anticancer potential of ginsenoside Rg1 using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In this study, we found that ginsenoside Rg1 induces cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in the triple‐negative breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐MD‐231 cell lines). We found that ginsenoside Rg1 induces the formation of gamma H2AX foci, an indication of DNA damage, and subsequent TUNEL positive apoptotic nuclei in the MDA‐MB‐MD‐231 cell lines. Further, we found that ginsenoside Rg1 prevents 7,12‐dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA; 20 mg/rat) induced mammary gland carcinogenesis in experimental rats. We observed oral administration of ginsenoside Rg1 inhibited the DMBA‐mediated tumor incidence, prevented the elevation of oxidative damage markers, and restored antioxidant enzymes near to normal. Furthermore, qRT‐PCR gene expression studies revealed that ginsenoside Rg1 prevents the expression of markers associated with cell proliferation and survival, modulates apoptosis markers, downregulates invasion and angiogenesis markers, and regulates the EMT markers. Therefore, the present results suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 shows significant anticancer properties against breast cancer in experimental models.
Communication Optimization Technology Based on Network Dynamic Performance Model
Authors: Cui Xiang , Li Xiaowen , Wang Bei
Published: October 2020

This work analyses different communication modes in applications of supercomputing, proposes a communication dynamic performance model based on topology awareness, and realizes the prototype system of all-to-all communication and stencil communication optimization based on this model. Basic tests on the optimization of all-to-all communication and stencil communication were carried out on the Sunway TaihuLight System, and this achieved obvious optimization results. Several applications, including molecular dynamics simulation and turbulence simulation, have been optimized and tested. The average performance has been improved obviously. It can be expected that, for other large-scale applications, this optimization method can also be used to obtain significant improvement in communication performance.
A Mean Convolutional Layer for Intrusion Detection System
Authors: Mohammadpour Leila , Ling T.C. , Liew C.S. , Aryanfar Alihossein
Published: October 2020

The significant development of Internet applications over the past 10 years has resulted in the rising necessity for the information network to be secured. An intrusion detection system is a fundamental network infrastructure defense that must be able to adapt to the ever-evolving threat landscape and identify new attacks that have low false alarm. Researchers have developed several supervised as well as unsupervised methods from the data mining and machine learning disciplines so that anomalies can be detected reliably. As an aspect of machine learning, deep learning uses a neuron-like structure to learn tasks. A successful deep learning technique method is convolution neural network (CNN); however, it is presently not suitable to detect anomalies. It is easier to identify expected contents within the input flow in CNNs, whereas there are minor differences in the abnormalities compared to the normal content. This suggests that a particular method is required for identifying such minor changes. It is expected that CNNs would learn the features that form the characteristic of the content of an image (flow) rather than variations that are unrelated to the content. Hence, this study recommends a new CNN architecture type known as mean convolution layer (CNN-MCL) that was developed for learning the anomalies’ content features and then identifying the particular abnormality. The recommended CNN-MCL helps in designing a strong network intrusion detection system that includes an innovative form of convolutional layer that can teach low-level abnormal characteristics. It was observed that assessing the proposed model on the CICIDS2017 dataset led to favorable results in terms of real-world application regarding detecting anomalies that are highly accurate and have low false-alarm rate as opposed to other best models.
Enhancing Vibration Reduction on Lightweight Lower Control Arm
Authors: Messana Alessandro , Ferraris Alessandro , Airale Andrea G. , Fasana Alessandro , Carello Massimiliana
Published: October 2020

This paper describes the design procedure to enhance the damping properties of a multimaterial lightweight suspension arm for a C-segment vehicle. An innovative viscoelastic material has been used to join carbon fiber with steel that has a function of passive constrained layer damper and adhesive simultaneously. Therefore, the hybrid technology applied has been focused on reducing the LCA mass, diminishing the steel thickness, and adding a CFRP tailored cover without compromising the global mechanical performance. Particular attention has been paid to the investigation of the dynamic response in terms of vibration reduction, especially in the range of structure-borne frequencies of 0–600 Hz. Two different viscoelastic materials have been evaluated in such a way to compare their stiffness, damping, and dynamic properties. The experimental test results have been virtually correlated with a commercial FEM code to create the respective material card and predict the real behavior of the LCAs (original and hybrid). The experimental modal analysis has been performed and compared on both the arms highlighting a very good correlation between virtual and experimental results. In particular, the hybrid LCA allows an interesting improvement of damping ratio, about 3,5 times higher for each eigenmode than in the original solution.
Thresholds of Abnormality Perception in Facial Esthetics among Laypersons and Dental Professionals: Frontal Esthetics
Authors: Alrbata Raed H. , Alfaqih Ayham Kh. , Almhaidat Mohammad R. , Al-Tarawneh Ahmad M.
Published: October 2020

Aim. To find thresholds at which laypersons and dental professionals perceive abnormalities in two facial frontal esthetics variables: facial symmetry and vertical harmony. Materials and Methods. A baseline frontal image of a young male face with optimum facial proportions was generated from a real image using a photo editing software. Different facial asymmetry images were then generated from this image by manipulating the chin point position at 2 mm increment to the left side. Vertical harmony was perceived through manipulating lower anterior facial height (LAFH) at a ratio of 2% of increased and decreased heights. A total of 120 raters divided equally into four groups of laypersons, general dental practitioners (GDPs), orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) rated these images using an analog scale of 100 mm long. Using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at

P
<
0.05

, the image that showed the first statistical difference compared to the baseline was considered as a threshold of abnormality. Results. The image of 4 mm asymmetry was defined by the laypersons and GDPs as the threshold of abnormality, while the orthodontists and OMFSs realized that at 2 mm. Laypersons and GDPs defined a threshold of 46% as an abnormal decrease in the LAFH and the other 2 groups at 48%. All dental professionals groups rated the image of 54% as an abnormal increase in the LAFH while laypersons perceived that at 56%. Conclusion. These thresholds regarding frontal esthetics may contribute to the process of establishing proper orthodontic treatment planning that suits the highest facial esthetic standards.
Natural Compound Mixture, Containing Emodin, Genipin, Chlorogenic Acid, Cimigenoside, and Ginsenoside Rb1, Ameliorates Psoriasis‐Like Skin Lesions by Suppressing Inflammation and Proliferation in Keratinocytes
Authors: Nguyen Uy Thai , Nguyen Ly Thi Huong , Kim Bo-Ae , Choi Min-Jin , Yang In-Jun , Shin Heung-Mook
Published: October 2020

Herbal combinations of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Gardeniae Fructus, Cimicifugae Rhizoma, and Ginseng Radix have been used in traditional formulas to treat the symptoms of heat and dryness. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a natural compound mixture (PSM) of these herbal combinations, containing emodin, genipin, chlorogenic acid, cimigenoside, and ginsenoside Rb1, for the treatment of psoriasis and its underlying molecular mechanisms. PSM was applied topically to the dorsal skin lesions of imiquimod‐ (IMQ‐) induced C57BL/6 mice, and the expression of the proinflammatory mediators was investigated. The topical application of 1% PSM reduced psoriasis‐like symptoms in IMQ‐induced C57BL/6 mice significantly. PSM also attenuated the production of IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in skin lesions. Histological analysis showed that PSM had antipsoriatic effects by reducing the lesional epidermal thickness. Either M5 (IL‐1α, IL‐17A, IL‐22, oncostatin M, and TNF‐α, 10 ng/ml each) or IL‐22‐ (100 ng/ml) stimulated HaCaT cells were used to examine the efficacy and underlying mechanism of PSM. In M5‐stimulated HaCaT cells, PSM inhibited the production of C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 10 and C‐C motif chemokine ligand (CCL) 20 effectively. Moreover, compared to the use of a single compound, it had synergistic inhibitory effects in CXCL8 production. PSM suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and STAT3 signaling pathways in M5‐stimulated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, PSM reduced the proliferation rate and K16 and K17 expressions in IL‐22‐stimulated HaCaT cells by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These results suggest that PSM may have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of psoriasis lesions.
Determinants of Maternal Behavior of Mobile Phone Use during Pregnancy
Authors: Li Min , Wu Xia , Sun Guoqiang , Peng Min
Published: October 2020

Excessive use of mobile phones might bring negative physical and psychological consequences to pregnant women. This study aims to explore the potential determinants of pregnant women’s mobile phone use behavior to assist healthcare providers in the development of guideline programs. In order to explain the behavior, we developed a theoretical model based on the widely applied theory of planned behavior (TPB) by incorporating two additional constructs of personal habit and perceived risk. Structural equation modeling technique is employed to estimate the model based on questionnaire survey. Research results clearly show that behavior attitude and perceived behavior control play dominant roles in determining the intention and behavior. It is interesting to find that perceived risk and personal habit are less important in determining pregnant women’s behavior of mobile phone use. Finally, suggestions are put forward to reduce the risk of mobile phone use during pregnancy.
Adherence to Antihypertensive Treatment and Associated Factors in Central Ethiopia
Authors: G/Tsadik Daniel , Berhane Yemane , Worku Alemayehu
Published: October 2020

Background. Adherence to treatment is a primary determinant of treatment success. Nonadherence attenuates clinical benefits to the recipients of the treatment. However, monitoring adherence to long treatment regimens is not given due emphasis in low-income contexts. This study aimed to assess adherence to antihypertensive treatment and factors associated with it in Central Ethiopia. Method. This is an institution-based cross-sectional study conducted in 4 public hospitals in Central Ethiopia from December 4, 2016, to September 25, 2017. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess the level of adherence. The Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) was used to assess illness perception. The MMAS-8 score ranges from 0 to 8, a score of 8 reflects high adherence, 6 to 7 medium adherence, and <6 low adherence. Results. A total of 989 hypertensive patients participated in the study, of which 36.0% were assessed to have high adherence, 31.7% medium adherence, and 32.3% low adherence. We found that treatment adherence was significantly and positively associated with having family support (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI = 1.23, 2.22), high perception about consequences of hypertension (AOR: 1.51; 95% CI = 1.17, 1.95), and high perception about the severity of the disease (AOR: 1.42; 95% CI = 1.09, 1.86). Conclusion. The treatment adherence to antihypertensive medications is low in Central Ethiopia. Engaging family members in the treatment plan and improving patients’ understanding of the illness are critical in achieving high adherence to medication in this context.
Prevalence and factors associated with depression in the elderly: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leite Tainara da Silva Mattos , Fett Carlos Alexandre , Stoppiglia Luiz Fabrizio , Neves Thiago , Figueiredo Karla Régia Ferreira Viana , Rodrigues Rosilene Andrade Silva , Fett Waléria Christiane Rezende
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Depression is a psychiatric disease that causes losses in the biopsychosocial aspect of the affected individuals. The prevalence in the elderly population is significant, and identify the factors related to this outcome allows preventive measures and treatment can be early applied. Objective: Assessing the association between depression and sociodemographic and health risk factors in the elderly. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 388 elderly of both genders, aged 65 years and older, urban residents of the city of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. A sociodemographic questionnaire, as well as a self-report of chronic diseases and lifestyle, a self-report questionnaire of functional capacity, occurrence of falls, Geriatric Depression Scale, mental state assessment, and anthropometry tests were used. The chi-square test, odds ratio (OR), and multiple logistic regression with 95% confidence interval and p<5% were used in the statistical analysis. Results: There was a predominance of women (64%) who were mulatto/caboclo/brown skin (43%) and married (45%). Depression was significantly associated with: the lowest level of education, <8 years (OR=2.15; p=0.012), partial or total dependence of instrumental activities of daily living (OR=1.85; p=0.003), having five or more diseases (OR=2.93, p=0.002), falls in the last twelve months (OR=1.90; p=0.021), and sleep (OR=2.39; p<0.001) and visual difficulties (OR=2.28; p<0.001). Conclusion:  Depression in this group of elderly was associated with modifiable and preventable factors in the health of these people. Thus, the early diagnosis of risk factors associated with depression, the inclusion of social, physical and cognitive activities must be considered for their prevention.
Análise epidemiológica da tuberculose em São Luís - MA
Authors: Aragão Francisca Bruna Arruda , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Carneiro Tânia Gomes , Cândido Fernanda Carla de Assis , Cunha José Henrique da Silva , Reis Andréa Dias , Fiorati Regina Célia
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: Analisar as ocorrências de Tuberculose registradas em São Luís. Método: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo, com dados obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN/Tuberculose) de 2014 a 2016. Aplicou-se estatística descritiva com cálculo de frequência absoluta e relativa para variáveis categóricas e medidas de posição e de dispersão para variáveis métricas. Resultados: Foram encontrados 2.306 casos em 378 bairros residenciais. Em 2014, o Distrito mais afetado foi a Vila Cidade Olímpica com 50 casos; em 2015, houve 39 casos e em 2016 ficou com 25 casos. Conclusão: O estudo avança no conhecimento na medida em que apresenta o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de tuberculose em São Luís. Observou-se que a maioria era do sexo masculino, em idade economicamente ativa, da raça/cor parda e com ensino médio completo.
Aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos dos acidentes botrópicos notificados em um hospital de referência de Alagoas
Authors: Batista Luís Antonio Xavier , Tenório Danielle de Paula Queiroz , Pacheco Luciana Maria de Medeiros
Published: October 2020

Os acidentes ofídicos configuram um sério transtorno à saúde pública dos países tropicais, em razão da frequência com a qual se apresentam e da magnitude da morbimortalidade que acarretam. No Brasil, observa-se uma prevalência anual entre 19 e 22 mil desses acidentes, e, dentre os casos em que se há notificação da espécie, o gênero Bothrops é responsável por 80,50% dos casos. Objetivo: Descrever os aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos dos acidentes botrópicos notificados em um hospital de referência no estado de Alagoas. Métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo do tipo transversal e retrospectivo, dos registros clínicos de pacientes internados no Hospital Escola Dr. Hélvio Auto, por acidentes botrópicos de 2010 a 2018. Resultados: A partir da investigação de 694 prontuários médicos, constatou-se a maior prevalência de acidentes no ano 2017. O perfil epidemiológico foi composto por indivíduos de sexo masculino, adultos, de etnia parda, de baixo nível de escolaridade, trabalhadores rurais, e caracterizado por ocorrer majoritariamente na mesorregião Leste Alagoano. Por sua vez, o perfil clínico caracterizou-se por apresentar como região anatômica mais acometida os membros inferiores, manifestações de dor e edema, gravidade leve a moderado e desfecho evolutivo satisfatório. Conclusões: A investigação realizada permitiu traçar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico dos acidentes botrópicos no estado de Alagoas, bem como identificou que o grupo social composto por trabalhadores rurais apresentou certa dificuldade de acesso ao atendimento hospitalar adequado em tempo hábil, o que determinou a incidência de casos de maior gravidade nessa população.
Perfil das internações por encefalite viral no Brasil em 2018 por unidade da federação, sexo e faixa etária
Authors: Silveira Elena Caires
Published: October 2020

Introdução: A encefalite viral é uma condição com altas taxas de morbimortalidade, e um melhor entendimento de sua epidemiologia pode colaborar para a construção de estratégias de prevenção e controle. Diante disso, este estudo se propôs a traçar um perfil epidemiológico para a encefalite viral no Brasil no ano de 2018 a partir de dados de internações hospitalares no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Estudo ecológico de análise espacial. Os dados estudados foram relativos às internações hospitalares por encefalite viral no SUS em 2018, estratificadas por unidade da federação (UF), sexo e faixa etária. A distribuição geográfica foi abordada exploratoriamente, já as variáveis sexo e faixa etária foram abordadas analiticamente. Resultados: Foram registradas 2075 internações, com taxa de 0,99/105 habitantes. As taxas para cada UF foram representadas a partir de um mapa colorimétrico, enquanto as taxas para cada sexo e faixa etária foram representadas em uma tabela comparativa univariada. Discussão: Observou-se ampla variação numérica das taxas de internação dentre as UF, sendo Pernambuco o estado com maior incidência (4,13/105 habitantes) e Paraíba o estado com menor (0,29/105 habitantes). Foi constatada associação significativa com risco de internação hospitalar por encefalite viral para o sexo masculino e para as faixas etárias de 1 a 4 anos (RR: 3,28) e menores de 1 ano (RR: 6,02). Conclusão: UF, gênero e faixa etária foram determinantes importantes da taxa de internação hospitalar por encefalite viral. Todavia, carecem de estudos atuais no Brasil e no mundo para a melhor caracterização da epidemiologia da encefalite viral.
Fatores associados a reações transfusionais imediatas em um hemocentro universitário: estudo analítico retrospectivo
Authors: Vilar Vanessa Marques , Ferreira Natany da Costa , Nakasato Gislaine Rodrigues , Lupinacci Fernando Luiz , Lopes Juliana de Lima , Lopes Camila Takao
Published: October 2020

Estudo analítico, transversal, retrospectivo. Objetivos: Verificar a relação entre reações transfusionais imediatas, características demográficas e clínicas dos pacientes e características das hemotransfusões em um hemocentro universitário. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado com dados de transfusões realizadas em 2016 no hemocentro da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Foram coletados dados demográficos dos pacientes, características das hemotransfusões e ocorrência de reações transfusionais imediatas. Possíveis associações foram avaliadas usando os Testes de Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Qui-quadrado e t de Student. Associações com valores de p<0,05 foram consideradas significativas. Resultados: Foram analisados dados de 320 fichas de pacientes, totalizando 938 transfusões. Dos produtos sanguíneos transfundidos, 90,3% eram concentrados de hemácias, administrados por auxiliares de enfermagem em 43,8% das situações. As reações transfusionais ocorreram em 4,3% das situações (n=40). O sinal de reações mais frequente foi a febre (47,5%), seguido de prurido (22,5%). As reações foram mais prevalentes em pacientes com maior idade média (p= 0,0037), que receberam duas transfusões sanguíneas em comparação a uma (p<0,0001), consequentemente mais bolsas de transfusões (p=0,0002), maior volume total transfundido (p<0,0001) e maior tempo de administração (p=0,0017). Pacientes com anemia aplásica, leucemia mieloide aguda e neoplasias de órgãos sólidos tiveram reações transfusionais imediatas mais frequentemente do que pacientes com outros diagnósticos (p≤0,05). Conclusões: A ocorrência de reações transfusionais imediatas teve relação com a idade, diagnóstico médico, número de hemotransfusões, número de bolsas transfundidas, volume total transfundido e tempo de transfusão. O conhecimento desses fatores pode subsidiar treinamentos específicos voltados para a vigilância quanto às reações transfusionais imediatas.
Hospitais de cidades pequenas: inserção e pactuação no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)
Authors: Souza Francisco Eugênio Alvez de , Nunes Elisabete de Fátima Polo de Almeida , Carvalho Brigida Gimenez , Mendonça Fernanda de Freitas
Published: October 2020

Importância do problema: É indiscutível a importância do hospital na organização no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os hospitais com 50 leitos ou menos, também chamados de hospitais de pequeno porte (HPP) são essenciais para a construção das redes de atenção à saúde (RAS) considerando sua capilaridade no sistema. Objetivo: Descrever a caracterização dos hospitais de pequeno porte e sua adequação à política vigente. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, realizado a partir de dados secundários obtidos de bases de dados nacionais: Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES-MS), Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH/SUS) e o sistema de registro de dados hospitalares da Regional de Saúde. O estudo foi realizado em uma região de saúde localizada no norte do Paraná, Brasil. Resultados: Neste estudo, 100% dos hospitais em cidades pequenas da 17ª Regional de Saúde do Paraná são de pequeno porte. A oferta de leitos atende à estabelecida pela portaria do Ministério da Saúde n° 1.101/2002. Observou-se a extrema ociosidade da capacidade instalada, centros cirúrgicos inativos e baixíssima ocupação dos leitos hospitalares. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a forma de pactuação/contratualização isolada de cada hospital não surtiu os efeitos desejados pela Política Nacional de HPP (PNHPP). Sugere-se que uma nova vinculação ocorra de forma regionalizada e que se criem um sistema unificado de gestão.