bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Based Image Feature Recognition and Clinical Nursing of Children’s Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Lung Injury
Authors: Li Linyan
Published: July 2021

This work was aimed at investigating image feature recognition and clinical nursing of children’s rheumatoid arthritis- (CRA-) related lung injury under maximum correlation minimum redundancy algorithm of machine learning. In this study, 18 children with CRA in the hospital were selected as the rheumatoid group to explore the nursing method, and 18 healthy children were selected as the control group. The maximum correlation minimum redundancy algorithm of machine learning was compared with the information gain algorithm and the Fisher score algorithm and applied in computed tomography (CT) images of 18 CRA children. The classification accuracy of the algorithm in this study (94.52%) was higher than that of the information gain algorithm (88.64%) and Fisher score algorithm (81.24%). CT alveolitis score (2.35 ± 0.72 points) of children from the rheumatoid group was markedly higher than that of the control group (1.21 ± 0.24 points) (t = 2.147 and

P
<
0.05

). The nitric oxide level (14.00 ppb) of children from the rheumatoid group increased greatly compared with the control group (10.00 ppb) (

P
<
0.05

). CRA can cause a decline of lung function in children, while the nitric oxide level exhaled by children can assess the activity of RA. In addition, adopting active nursing methods can help children get better.
Machine Learning Algorithm-Based Analysis of Efficacy of Pulmonary Surfactant Combined with Mucosolvan in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome of Newborns through Ultrasonic Images
Authors: Ji Yanni , Lou Wenqian , Ji Jianwei
Published: July 2021

Objective. The study aimed to explore the efficacy of pulmonary surfactant (PS) combined with Mucosolvan in the diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in newborns through ultrasonic images of lung based on machine learning. Methods. 138 cases of infants with MAS were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into PS group (n = 46), Mucosolvan group (n = 46), and combination group (n = 46). Then, ultrasonic images based on machine learning algorithm were used for examination. On the basis of conventional treatment, the PS group accepted intratracheal PS drip treatment with 100 mg/kg. For the Mucosolvan group, 7.5 mg/kg of Mucosolvan was added with 50 g/L glucose, which was diluted to 3 mL. Then, the mixture was injected intravenously with a micropump for more than 5 min. The combination group received combined treatment of PS and Mucosolvan. If there was no relief or the symptoms aggravated after 12 h of PS treatment, the patient should be treated again. 7.5 mg/kg/d of Mucosolvan was given for 7 days. Mechanical ventilation time, hospitalization time, oxygenation index (OI) before treatment, at 3 d and at 7 d after treatment, and arterial/alveolar oxygen ratio (a/APO2) of the three groups were detected and compared. Besides, in-hospital mortality and complication rate of the three groups were statistically compared. Results. Ultrasonic image edge detection based on machine learning algorithm was more condensed and better than Sobel operator. Compared with the PS group and the Mucosolvan group, treatment efficiency, OI at 3 d and at 7 d after treatment, and a/APO2 of combination group were increased. Mechanical ventilation time and hospitalization time of the combination group were shortened, and mortality rate of the combination group was reduced (

P

 < 0.05). Compared with the situation before treatment, OI at 3 d and at 7 d after treatment and a/APO2 of the combination group were increased, and OI at 7 d after treatment and a/APO2 of the PS group and the Mucosolvan group were increased (

P

 < 0.05). Curative effect, mechanical ventilation time, hospitalization time, OI before and after treatment, a/APO2, and mortality rate during hospitalization of the PS group and the Mucosolvan group had no significant difference (

P

 > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the complications rates in the three groups (

P

 > 0.05). Conclusion. Pulmonary ultrasound based on machine learning algorithm can be used in the diagnosis of MAS in neonates. PS combined with Mucosolvan is feasible and safe in treating neonatal MAS and effectively improves the pulmonary oxygenation function. Therefore, it is worthy of clinical application.
The Convergence of Three-Step Iterative Schemes for Generalized
Φ
−
Hemi-Contractive Mappings and the Comparison of Their Rate of Convergence
Authors: Li Linxin , Wu Dingping
Published: July 2021

Charles proved the convergence of Picard-type iteration for generalized

Φ
−

accretive nonself-mappings in a real uniformly smooth Banach space. Based on the theorems of the zeros of strongly

Φ
−

quasi-accretive mappings and fixed points of strongly

Φ
−

hemi-contractions, we extend the results to Noor iterative process and SP iterative process for generalized

Φ
−

hemi-contractive mappings. Finally, we analyze the rate of convergence of four iterative schemes, namely, Noor iteration, iteration of Corollary 2, SP iteration, and iteration of Corollary 4.
Prevalence of Strongyle Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Horses and Donkeys in and around Mekelle City, Northern Part of Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Wossene , Erdachew Yosef , Dubie Teshager
Published: July 2021

Background. In Ethiopia, equines serve in traction power, carting, recreation, festival packing, riding, transportation, and other activities since time immemorial. Strongyles are common equine health problems in Ethiopia though research based data on equine strongyles are limited particularly in the study areas, in and around Mekelle city. Therefore, the present study was intended to estimate the prevalence of common equine strongyles in and around Mekelle city from November 2018 to April 2019 and to assess risk factors associated with infection of strongyle parasites as well. Cross sectional design was used in this study, and the study population consisted of both donkeys and horses of all age and both sex groups. From randomly selected horses and donkeys, approximately 25 grams of faecal samples was drawn with gloved hands from rectum of study equines, labeled, and transported to laboratory for coprological examination. Flotation technique was employed to separate parasitic eggs from faeces, followed by microscopic examination for identification of strongyle eggs based on morphology. Pearson’s chi-square (χ2) was carried out to determine association between risk factors and parasitic infection. Moreover, both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed to assess the strength of association of those risk factors at 95% CI and

P
<
0.05

. Result. Out of 384 samples collected, 204 were found to be positive for strongyles with an overall prevalence of 53.13%. Prevalence of strongyle species in equines was also estimated to be 53% and 53.3% for donkeys and horses, respectively. Accordingly, of the six risk factors considered, only three factors (age, management type, and body condition scores) were found to influence the occurrence of strongyle infection and to be statistically significant as well. Conclusion. The higher prevalence of equine strongyles in the present study might be suggestive of urgent and coordinated actions to be in place.
Lifetime Ambient UV Radiation Exposure and Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma by Anatomic Site in a Nationwide U.S. Cohort, 1983–2005
Authors: Little Mark P. , Lee Terrence , Kimlin Michael G. , Kitahara Cari M. , Zhang Rui , Alexander Bruce H. , Linet Martha S. , Cahoon Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has long been associated with UV radiation (UVR) exposure, but data are limited on risks by anatomic site.

Methods:

We followed 63,912 cancer-free White U.S. radiologic technologists from cohort entry (1983–1989/1994–1998) to exit (date first BCC via 2003–2005 questionnaire). We estimated associations between cumulative ambient UVR and relative/absolute risks of self-reported BCC by anatomic location via Poisson models.

Results:

For incident first primary BCC in 2,124 subjects (mean follow-up, 16.9 years) log[excess relative risks] (ERR) of BCC per unit cumulative ambient UVR = 1.27/MJ cm–2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.68; Ptrend < 0.001] did not vary by anatomic site (P = 0.153). However, excess absolute risks of BCC per unit cumulative ambient UVR were large for the head/neck = 5.46/MJ cm–2/104 person-year (95% CI: 2.92–7.36; Ptrend < 0.001), smaller for the trunk (2.56; 95% CI: 1.26–3.33; Ptrend = 0.003), with lesser increases elsewhere. There were lower relative risks, but higher absolute risks, for those with Gaelic ancestry (P < 0.001), also higher absolute risks among those with fair complexion, but relative and absolute risks were not generally modified by other constitutional, lifestyle or medical factors for any anatomic sites. Excess absolute and relative risk was concentrated 5–15 years before time of follow-up.

Conclusions:

BCC relative and absolute risk rose with increasing cumulative ambient UVR exposure, with absolute risk highest for the head/neck, to a lesser extent in the trunk.

Impact:

These associations should be evaluated in other White and other racial/ethnic populations along with assessment of possible modification by time outdoors, protective, and behavioral factors.
Oral Antibiotics and Risk of New Colorectal Adenomas During Surveillance Follow-up
Authors: Passarelli Michael N. , Mott Leila A. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Rees Judy R. , Baron John A.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Antibiotics may increase colorectal neoplasia risk by modifying the gut microbiome. It is unknown whether use is associated with the risk of new colorectal adenomas among individuals with prior adenomas.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis of four randomized clinical trials for the chemoprevention of colorectal adenomas. Participants self-reported all currently used prescription drugs shortly after an initial colorectal adenoma diagnosis and two or three times a year thereafter over 3 to 5 years of follow-up. We estimated adjusted risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident adenomas, analyzing the four trials together.

Results:

Cumulatively, the four trials enrolled 5,174 participants (3,491 men and 1,683 women), of whom 4,769 (92%) completed ≥1 follow-up colonoscopy. A total of 763 (15%) participants reported using oral antibiotics on ≥2 occasions. Overall, 39% of those using oral antibiotics at least twice developed new colorectal adenomas compared with 40% of those with no use or a single report of use (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.90–1.10). No statistically significant associations were found in study-specific analyses, and results were similar for high- and low-risk adenoma findings, antibiotic class, anatomic location of adenomas, and analyses excluding those with interim colorectal exams.

Conclusions:

Oral antibiotic use during colonoscopic surveillance after an initial adenoma diagnosis was not associated with risk of these polyps.

Impact:

Any changes to the gut microbiome as a consequence of oral antibiotic use during surveillance may not affect the development of metachronous colorectal adenomas.
Healthful and Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets and Risk of Breast Cancer in U.S. Women: Results from the Nurses' Health Studies
Authors: Romanos-Nanclares Andrea , Willett Walter C. , Rosner Bernard A. , Collins Laura C. , Hu Frank B. , Toledo Estefania , Eliassen A. Heather
Published: July 2021

Background:

Plant-based diets have been associated with lower risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the association between plant-based diet quality and breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods:

We prospectively followed 76,690 women from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1984–2016) and 93,295 women from the NHSII (1991–2017). Adherence to an overall plant-based diet index (PDI), a healthful PDI (hPDI), and an unhealthful PDI (uPDI) was assessed using previously developed indices. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident invasive breast cancer.

Results:

Over 4,841,083 person-years of follow-up, we documented 12,482 incident invasive breast cancer cases. Women with greater adherence to PDI and hPDI were at modestly lower risk of breast cancer [(HRQ5 vs. Q1, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84–0.95); (HRQ5 vs. Q1, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.94)]. We observed significant heterogeneity by estrogen receptor (ER) status, with the strongest inverse association between hPDI and breast cancer observed with ER-negative tumors [HRQ5 vs. Q1, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.90; Ptrend < 0.01]. We also found an inverse association between extreme quintiles of healthy plant foods and ER-negative breast cancer [HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61–0.88; Ptrend < 0.01].

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that adherence to a healthful plant-based diet may reduce the risk of breast cancer, especially those that are more likely to be aggressive tumors.

Impact:

This is the first prospective study investigating the relation between healthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary indices and risk of total and subtype-specific breast cancer.
Redefining Tumor Burden in Patients with Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Seven-Eleven Criteria
Authors: Hung Ya-Wen , Lee I-Cheng , Chi Chen-Ta , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Liu Chien-An , Chiu Nai-Chi , Hwang Hsuen-En , Chao Yee , Hou Ming-Chih , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims: For patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the definition of high tumor burden remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the prognostic value of different criteria of tumor burden in patients with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: From 2007 to 2019, 632 treatment-naive patients with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing TACE were retrospectively enrolled. We compared different criteria of tumor burden in discriminating radiologic response and survival, including up-to-7, up-to-11, 5–7, 7 lesions criteria, and newly proposed 7–11 criteria. Results: The proportions of patients classified as high tumor burden were varied by different criteria. Among the 5 criteria, 7–11 criteria have the best performance to discriminate complete response (CR) and overall survival (OS) after TACE. In patients with low, intermediate, and high tumor burden classified by 7–11 criteria, the CR rate was 21, 12, and 2.5%, respectively (p < 0.001), and the median OS was 33.1, 22.3, and 11.9 months, respectively (p < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, 7–11 criteria were significantly associated with CR (intermediate vs. high burden, odds ratio = 4.617, p = 0.002; low vs. high burden, odds ratio = 8.675, p < 0.001) and OS (intermediate vs. high burden, hazard ratio = 0.650, p < 0.001; low vs. high burden, hazard ratio = 0.520, p < 0.001). Seven to 11 criteria also had the lowest corrected Akaike information criteria, highest homogeneity value, and highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year mortality among all criteria. Conclusion: Conventional definitions of tumor burden were not optimal for patients with intermediate HCC. The new 7–11 criteria had the best discriminative power in predicting radiologic response and survival in patients with intermediate-stage HCC undergoing TACE.
Immune, Blood Cell, and Blood Gas Biomarkers of Delirium in Elderly Individuals with Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Thisayakorn Paul , Tangwongchai Sookjaroen , Tantavisut Saran , Thipakorn Yanin , Sukhanonsawat Siree , Wongwarawipat Tanya , Sirivichayakul Sunee , Maes Michael
Published: July 2021

Background: Postoperative delirium in elderly people with hip fracture is associated with various adverse clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, the pathophysiological processes underpinning delirium have remained elusive. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between delirium and its features and immune-inflammatory and blood gas biomarkers. Methods: In this prospective study, we examined 65 patients who underwent a hip fracture surgery and assessed the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), and Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98 (DRS-R-98) before and during 4 days after the surgery. Complete blood count and venous blood gas markers were obtained at the same time points. Results: Delirium was observed in 19 patients and was accompanied by significantly increased pO2, number of white blood cells, neutrophil percentage, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and lower mean platelet volume (MPV) after adjusting for age, central nervous system (CNS) disease, blood loss during surgery, sleep disorders, and body mass index. The severity of delirium was associated with lowered number of platelets and MPV. Psychomotor disorders were associated with lower bicarbonate levels. The requirement of physical restraint of the patients was predicted by increased percentages of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Prior CNS disease was together with these biomarkers a significant predictor of delirium and severity of delirium. Conclusion: Delirium and psychomotor disorders following hip fracture and surgery may be caused by immune-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways probably attributable to an aseptic inflammatory process.
Validation of the Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination in Mild Cognitive Impairment in Arabic Speakers
Authors: Qassem Tarik , Khater Mohamed S. , Emara Tamer , Rasheedy Doha , Tawfik Heba M. , Mohammedin Ahmed S. , Tolba Mohammad F. , Aly El-Gabry Dina , Abdel Aziz Karim , Saber Heba G.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a target for early detection and intervention in dementia, yet there is a shortage of validated screening tools in Arabic to diagnose MCI. The mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (m-ACE) is a brief cognitive battery that is scored out of 30 and can be administered in under 5 min providing a quick screening tool for assessment of cognition. Objective: We aimed to validate the m-ACE in Arabic speakers in Egypt with MCI to provide cut-off scores. Methods: We included 24 patients with MCI and 52 controls and administered the Arabic version of the m-ACE. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) on the total m-ACE score between MCI patients (mean 18.54, SD 3.05) and controls (mean 24.54, SD 2.68). There was also a statistically significant difference between MCI patients and controls on the total score and the fluency, visuospatial, and memory recall sub-scores of the m-ACE (p < 0.05). Performance on the m-ACE significantly correlated with both the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III). Using a receiver operator characteristic curve, the optimal cut-off score for MCI on the m-ACE total score was 21 out of 30 (87.5% sensitivity, 84.6% specificity, and 85.5% accuracy). Conclusions: We validated the Arabic m-ACE in Egyptian patients with MCI and provided objective validation of it as a screening tool for MCI, with good sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy that is comparable to other translated versions of the m-ACE in MCI.
Posttreatment Ischemic Lesion Evolution Is Associated With Reduced Favorable Functional Outcome in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Konduri Praneeta , van Voorst Henk , Bucker Amber , van Kranendonk Katinka , Boers Anna , Treurniet Kilian , Berkhemer Olvert , Yoo Albert J. , van Zwam Wim , van Oostenbrugge Robert , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik , Roos Yvo , Bot Joost , Majoie Charles , Marquering Henk ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN Trial Investigators
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Ischemic lesion volume can increase even 24 hours after onset of an acute ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigated the association of lesion evolution with functional outcome and the influence of successful recanalization on this association.

Methods:

We included patients from the MR CLEAN trial (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) who received good quality noncontrast CT images 24 hours and 1 week after stroke onset. The ischemic lesion delineations included infarct, edema, and hemorrhagic transformation. Lesion evolution was defined as the difference between the volumes measured on the 1-week and 24-hour noncontrast CTs. The association of lesion evolution with functional outcome was evaluated using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression. Adjustments were made for baseline, clinical, and imaging parameters that were associated
P
<0.10) in univariate analysis with favorable functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2. Interaction analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of successful recanalization, defined as modified Arterial Occlusion Lesion score of 3 points, on this association.

Results:

Of the 226 patients who were included, 69 (31%) patients achieved the favorable functional outcome. Median lesion evolution was 22 (interquartile range, 10–45) mL. Lesion evolution was significantly inversely correlated with favourable functional outcome: unadjusted odds ratio, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.66–0.86; per 10 mL of lesion evolution;
P
<0.01) and adjusted odds ratio: 0.85 (95% CI, 0.72–0.97; per 10 mL of lesion evolution;
P
=0.03). There was no significant interaction of successful recanalization on the association of lesion evolution and favorable functional outcome (odds ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.77–1.36];
P
=0.94).

Conclusions:

In our population, subacute ischemic lesion evolution is associated with unfavorable functional outcome. This study suggests that even 24 hours after onset of stroke, deterioration of the brain continues, which has a negative effect on functional outcome. This finding may warrant additional treatment in the subacute phase.
Reasons for Not Performing Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Population-Based Study of Stroke Codes
Authors: Guisado-Alonso Daniel , Martínez-Domeño Alejandro , Prats-Sánchez Luis , Delgado-Mederos Raquel , Camps-Renom Pol , Abilleira Sònia , de la Ossa Natalia Pérez , Ramos-Pachón Anna , Cardona Pere , Rodríguez-Campello Ana , Molina Carlos A. , Rudilosso Salvatore , Martí-Fàbregas Joan , Marín Rebeca , Purroy Francisco , Serena Joaquín , Canovas David , Gómez- Choco Manuel , Ustrell Xavier , Zaragoza Josep , Krupinski Jerzy , Mas Sala Natalia , Palomeras Ernest , Cocho Dolors , Maria Aragonés Josep , López Núria , Sanjurjo Eduard , Carrión Duch Dolors , López Mercè , Almendros Rivas M.Cruz , Monedero Boado Jordi , Catena Esther , Catena Esther , Rybyeba Maria , Diaz Gloria
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is effective for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in selected patients with large intracranial vessel occlusion. A minority of patients with AIS receive MT. We aimed to describe the reasons for excluding patients with AIS for MT.

Methods:

We evaluated patients with AIS in a prospective population-based multicenter registry (Codi Ictus Catalunya registry) that includes all stroke code activations from January to June 2018 in Catalonia, Spain. We analyzed the major reasons for not treating with MT.

Results:

Stroke code was activated in 3060 patients. Excluding 355 intracranial hemorrhages and 502 stroke mimics, resulted in 2203 patients with AIS (mean age 72.8±13.8 years; 44.6% were women). Of the patients with AIS, 405 (18.4%) were treated with MT. We analyzed the reasons for not treating with MT. The following reasons were considered not modifiable: absence of large intracranial vessel occlusion (922, 41.9%), transient ischemic attack (206, 9.4%), and more than one cause (124, 5.6%). The potentially modifiable reasons for not performing MT by changing selection criteria were as follows: an intracranial artery occlusion that was considered inaccessible or not indicated (48, 2.2%); clinical presentation that was considered too mild to be treated (222, 10.1%); neuroimaging criteria (129, 5.9%), age/prior modified Rankin Scale score/medical comorbidities (129, 5.9%), and therapeutic time window >8 hours (16, 0.7%).

Conclusions:

In our area, considering all potentially modifiable causes for not performing MT, the percentage of patients with AIS eligible for MT could increase from 18.4% to a maximum of 43.1%. The clinical benefit of this increase is still uncertain and should be confirmed in future trials. Criteria for stroke code activation must be considered for the generalizability of these results.
Cerebroprotection for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Looking Ahead
Authors: Lyden Patrick D.
Published: July 2021

We search for ischemic stroke treatment knowing we have failed—intensely and often—to translate mechanistic knowledge into treatments that alleviate our patients’ functional impairments. Lessons can be derived from our shared failures that may point to new directions and new strategies. First, the principle criticisms of both preclinical and clinical assessments are summarized. Next, previous efforts to develop single-mechanism treatments are reviewed. Finally, new definitions, novel approaches, and different directions are presented. In previous development efforts, the basic science and preclinical assessment of candidate treatments often lacked rigor and sufficiency; the clinical trials may have lacked power, rigor, or rectitude; or most likely both preclinical and clinical investigations were flawed. Single-target agents directed against specific molecular mechanisms proved unsuccessful. The term neuroprotection should be replaced as it has become ambiguous: protection of the entire neurovascular unit may be called cerebral cytoprotection or cerebroprotection. Success in developing cerebroprotection—either as an adjunct to recanalization or as stand-alone treatment—will require new definitions that recognize the importance of differential vulnerability in the neurovascular unit. Recent focus on pleiotropic multi-target agents that act via multiple mechanisms of action to interrupt ischemia at multiple steps may be more fruitful. Examples of pleiotropic treatments include therapeutic hypothermia and 3K3A-APC (activated protein C). Alternatively, the single-target drug NA-1 triggers multiple downstream signaling events. Renewed commitment to scientific rigor is essential, and funding agencies and journals may enforce quality principles of rigor in preclinical science. Appropriate animal models should be selected that are suited to the purpose of the investigation. Before clinical trials, preclinical assessment could include subjects that are aged, of both sexes, and harbor comorbid conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. With these new definitions, novel approaches, and renewed attention to rigor, the prospect for successful cerebroprotective therapy should improve.
Congolese Child Soldier Narratives for Global and Local Audiences
Authors: Gehrmann Susanne
Published: July 2021

The article examines narratives by and about former child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a hitherto neglected corpus despite the topicality of child soldiering in African literatures after 2000. Critical readings of three testimonial texts that have been published in France are juxtaposed with the analysis of one testimonial narrative and one youth novel that have been published in Kinshasa. The editorial framing and narrative strategies that speak to different audiences located in different literary fields are identified. The popularity of testimonial narratives in the West relies on the depiction of violence and the iconic function of the child soldier in medial and human rights discourses. By contrast, narratives about the reconciliation and the reintegration of child soldiers prevail in the DRC. Thus, the different functions of global and local narratives on the sensitive issue of children at war are exposed.
Figuring Africa and China
Authors: Yoon Duncan M.
Published: July 2021

This article asks how China has figured as a trope in Congolese literature from the Cold War and to the present. To do so, I analyze three texts: V.Y. Mudimbe’s Entre les eaux (Between Tides) (1973), In Koli Jean Bofane’s Congo Inc. (2014), and Fiston Mwanza Mujila’s Tram 83 (2014). I also examine how Mobutu interpolated Maoism into his dictatorship. I argue that whereas the Cold War produces figures such as the Maoist guerrilla, the radical intellectual, and the authoritarian leader, Chinese investment in the DRC facilitates the rise of new figures such as the mondialiste and the economic tourist. As a result, Third Worldism is ironically recast through the lens of a mutual “win-win” for development. This lens masks a new era of extractivism that produces its own social dislocations, which lends Pierre Mulélé’s Maoist-inspired rebellion a paradoxical relevance to DRC-PRC relations at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
Congolese Literature as Part of Planetary Literature
Authors: Riva Silvia
Published: July 2021

Historically and economically, the Congo has been considered one of the most internationalized states of Africa. The idea that African cultural plurality was minimized during the colonial era has to be reconsidered because textual negotiations and exchanges (cosmopolitan and vernacular, written and oral) have been frequent during and after colonization, mostly in urban areas. Through multilingual examples, this paper aims to question the co-construction of linguistic and literary pluralism in Congo and to advocate for the necessity of a transdisciplinary and collaborative approach, to understand the common life of African vernacular and cosmopolitan languages. I show that world literature models based on Pierre Bourdieu’s notion of negotiation between center and periphery thus have to be replaced by a concept of multilingual global history. Finally, I propose the notion of “planetary literature” as a new way of understanding the interconnection between literatures taking care of the world.
Titanium Doped Barium Ferrite—A Case Study
Authors: Nagarjun B. , Raja Rao N. S. S. V. , Rajesh Ch. , Raghava Y. V. P. K. , Brahmajirao V.
Published: July 2021

In this paper synthesis of titanium doped barium ferrite (BaTixFe12–xO19) nanoparticles of hexagonal structure by employing sol-gel technique is reported. The composition was varied between x = 0.25 to 0.45. Structural analysis
were carried out with the help of techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological studies, to identify the elemental composition energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) was performed and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) for bonding related information. From X-ray analysis it was observed that initially, with increase in Ti concentration there was a decrease in lattice parameters and cell volume. However, at Ti concentration of 0.38, an increase in lattice parameter was observed and has been attributed
to electron hopping mechanism. Morphological analysis (SEM) done on the samples reveal that the nanoparticles are spherical in shape. EDX was utilized for elemental analysis of the products. FTIR spectroscopic studies reveal prominent peaks around 470 and 540 cm−1 is attributed
to formation of ferrite structure and also indicative that the reaction is complete. The obtained results were discussed in the light of the available literature.
Assessment and Recurrence of Kidney Stones Through Optimized Machine Learning Tree Classifiers Using Dietary Water Quality Parameters and Patient’s History
Authors: Kavitha B. , Parthiban P. , Goel M. , Ravikumar K. , Das A. , Sudarsan J. S. , Nithiyanantham S.
Published: July 2021

Kidney stone disease is a result of combination of food items consuming, drinking water quality and genetic heritability, which has been observed to be more prone (both occurrence and recurrence) to certain geographic regimes as Thanjavur suburbs of Tamil Nadu in southern India. The
research carried out involves collection of medical information of Kidneystone patients of the study area and survey of their dietary habits including drinking water quality (through laboratory study), selection of suitable classifier to model the Kidney stone recurrence with the most contributing
of 22 parameters (with due model evaluation). Weka (3.8.1) machine learning framework was used for the study, for evaluating the model accuracy of 66 classifiers, resulting 22 classifiers with accuracy higher than ZeroR, which was considered to be the benchmark. Based on this study, C-4.5
classifier (called J48 in Weka) was found to be most robust classifier, based on accuracy, precision, Recall, F-Measure, MCC, ROC Area and PRC Area. The selected classifiers were again evaluated based on domain conformance (namely, literature, logic and consistency) to obtain four validated
classifiers, thereby providing seven parameters and their threshold value for kidney stone recurrence, namely, family history (Yes), Sulphate (>17ppm), potassium (>74 ppm), nitrate (>1.2 ppm), salinity (>120 ppm), conductivity (<=289 ppm) and water consumption (moderate).
Study of Physical Properties of Cadmium Oxide (CdO) and CdO/DNA/RNA Nanostructures Thin Layers Produced by Spray Pyrolysis Technique for Manufacturing Cadmium Oxide (CdO) Nanoparticles and Evaluation of the Effect of DNA/RNA Doping on Their Optical Characteristics
Authors: Heidari Alireza
Published: July 2021

In the current research, Cadmium Oxide (CdO) nanoparticles are produced by ultrasonic waves and the effect of nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) doping on their optical and structural characteristics are investigated. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms extension of peaks and formation of
Cadmium Oxide (CdO) nanoparticles. Absorption spectra for the produced samples are shown that addition of DNA/RNA affects the spectrum and absorption edge shifts towards blue region which is due to reduction of nanoparticle size and it confirms by SEM images. In addition, SEM images show the
formation of approximately single size ellipsoidal nanostructures for pure Cadmium Oxide (CdO). However, the size, form and distribution of nanoparticles are varied after doping. On the other hand, in the current paper, Cadmium Oxide (CdO) and DNA/RNA/Cadmium Oxide (CdO) nanostructures thin
layers are produced using spray pyrolysis technique over a glassy substrate. Annealing of CdO thin layer for half an hour in the air leads to improvement of crystalline structure. Optical characteristics and crystalline structure of samples are studied through X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible
spectroscopy. The results of the current study were shown that CdO thin layers are of hexagonal structure. Further, optical gaff of CdO/DNA/RNA/glass thin layer is increased compared to CdO/glass layer.
Modular Self Reconfigurable Robotic Systems
Authors: Kaushik Nandini , Velentina Boro Vrinatri , Soni Manoj , Bhati Pooja
Published: July 2021

Modular Self-Reconfigurable robot (MSR) is a combinational system of independent and identical robotic modules. An MSR can further reconstitute itself out of the identical building units for adaptability to task-oriented functions and changing environment. An overview of the taxonomy
related to the building of MSR modules has been discussed. Further, the high utility areas of the MSR robots have been considered. Then a study of the existing MSR robotic systems has been carried out. Lastly, control architectures of MSR modules and reconfiguration along with the further
scope of advancement in the technological aspects have been discussed related to MSR.
Process, Voltage, and Temperature Aware Analysis of ISCAS C17 Benchmark Circuit
Authors: Sharma Suruchi , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Mishra Alok , Vaithiyanathan D. , Kaur Baljit
Published: July 2021

High leakage currents such as sub-threshold leakage, junction leakage, and gate leakage currents have become prominent sources of power consumption in CMOS VLSI circuits due to rapid technology scaling in the nanometer regimen accompanied by supply voltage reduction. Consequently, in
the nanometer regime, it is imperative to estimate and reduce leakage capacity. However, this continuous aggressive scaling makes the CMOS circuits more prone to Process, Voltage, and Temperature (PVT) variations at nanometer technologies. This paper explores a systematic analysis of various
leakage power reduction techniques at the circuit level, such as Power Gating (PG), Drain Gating (DG), LECTOR and GALEOR, and analyzes the effect of PVT variations on the dissipation and delay of leakage power using the ISCAS C17 benchmark circuit.
A Novel Tungsten Trioxide Based Gas Sensor for Indoor Formaldehyde Detection
Authors: Zhang Gaoqi , Zhang Fan , Wang Kaifang , Tian Tao , Liu Shanyu , Zhu Ruijuan , Liu Shuang , Wang Yanlong , Han Le , Lei Gen
Published: July 2021

Accurate and real-time detection of formaldehyde (HCHO) in indoor air is urgently needed for human health. In this work, a ceramic material (WO3·H2O) with unique structure was successfully prepared using an efficient hydrothermal method. The crystallinity,
morphology and microstructure of the as-prepared sensing material were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) as well as transmission electron microscope (TEM). The characterization results suggest that the as-prepared sample is composed of
square-like nanoplates with uneven surface. Formaldehyde vapor is utilized as the target gas to investigate gas sensing properties of the synthesized novel nanoplates. The testing results indicate that the as-fabricated gas sensor exhibit high gas response and excellent repeatability to HCHO
gas. The response value (Ra/Rg) is 24.5 towards 70 ppm HCHO gas at 350 °C. Besides, the gas sensing mechanism was described.
Preparation of MgO–Y2O3 Composite Ceramic by Aqueous Gel Casting
Authors: Liu Liangwen , Zhang Mu , Wang Xing’an , Sun Xudong
Published: July 2021

MgO–Y2O3 composite ceramics were prepared by gel-casting technology. The surface of MgO powder is passivated with H3PO4 ethanol solution. The treated powder can be dispersed in water with a dispersant. The powder surface modification
process was verified by pH, Zeta potentials, Fourier transmission infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR), the absorbance of suspension and rheological properties. The obtained stable suspensions were gel cast, dried, and sintered at 1400 °C for 30 min under 35 MPa. As a comparison, the
powder was compressed by die pressing and sintered at the same temperature and pressure. After sintering, the MgO–Y2O3 composite ceramic with a theoretical density of 97.29% can be prepared by aqueous gel casting process. The properties of MgO–Y2O3
composite ceramic fabricated by gel casting are better than die pressing.
Synthesis and Characterization of Organic–Inorganic Complex
Authors: Hou Jianfeng , Wang Haiwang
Published: July 2021

An new method is described for fabricating BiFeO3@PVDF composites using sultraviolet light to motivate the surface electronic of BFO conduct reduction system. The synthesis scheme consists of: (a) preparation of BiFeO3 nano particles using Hydrothermal synthesis method. (b)
oxidation of the PVDF powders in the effect of the mixed gas (ozone and dioxygen) and sultraviolet light. (c) redox reaction of the oxidated PVDF and BiFeO3 nano particles in the effect of sultraviolet light. The synthesized BiFeO3@PVDF composites show that this method could increase
the compatibility between PVDF and BiFeO3 nano particles. Moreover, a formation mechanism for the composite is proposed.
LED Device Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Zheng Fuzhong , Huang Shaochun , Zhai Yuan , Xiang Yi , Wu Ying
Published: July 2021

The migration model of the (n, 0) zigzag SWNT is established on the basis of Mathiessen’s law to calculate carrier mobility, which are the foundation for performance analysis of electroluminescence light emission. The split-gate technique is used to create p-and
n-doped regions in the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays that are separated by a gap with a width of several microns. The LED devices based on SWNT arrays using split-gate technique are fabricated and tested by using an optical measurement system. Compared to the LED with
the central gate, the split-gate SWNT LED has enhanced the light generation efficiency of the intrinsic SWNT array segment by decreasing the potential barrier across the junction of the intrinsic SWNT array segment. The results demonstrate the luminescent principle of LED based on SWNT array
in theoretical simulation and device measurement.
Intelligent Robot Obstacle Avoidance Perception Method Using a High-Precision Laser Distance Measuring System
Authors: Liu Yuzhou
Published: July 2021

Laser distance measuring is increasingly used in large-scale and real-time scanning measurement, including three-dimensional map construction, size measurement of large-scale buildings, and real-time surface information acquisition. Therefore, there are high-precision and high-efficiency
requirements for the laser distance measuring system. Based on the phase laser distance measuring, a laser parallel distance measuring system is proposed as per the frequency division multiplexer principle. The system uses multi-channel modulation signals with different frequencies to drive
multiple lasers to emit light intensity in parallel, and then the light wave is measured according to the change of the modulation signal. The single-channel modulation signal adopts the multi-scale composite wave to eliminate the uncertainty of the whole wavelength by using the combination
of two scales and distance measurement. The multiple echo signals after diffuse reflection of the measured target are mixed and received by the same photodetector and go through signal amplification, clutter filtering, etc., and then are sent to the mixing unit together with the reference
signal, followed by down-frequency processing, with the effective signal obtained through the low-frequency filter. In the experiment, the laser distance measuring system is used for obstacle avoidance control of mobile robots, and fuzzy control is used to design the corresponding obstacle
avoidance controller. The robot lateral deviation and heading angle are used as the input of the fuzzy controller, and the track variation is the output. The test verifies that the obstacle avoidance control is effective, that is, the laser distance measuring system designed in this research
can be used for the obstacle avoidance control of mobile robots.
A Method for Solving the Minimum Vertex Covering Problem Based on Graphene
Authors: Ma Jingjing
Published: July 2021

Based on the characteristics of graphene, this paper designs a method to solve the Minimum Vertex Covering problem of a graph. We designed a DNA-graphene oxide reaction platform in advance. At the same time, we designed the single DNA strands corresponding to each edge, and used the
single DNA strands of edges associated with each vertex to represent the vertex; then, the single DNA strands of edges representing the combination of vertices was added into the DNA-graphene oxide reaction platform, and the change of fluorescence signal was detected. According to the change
of fluorescence signal, whether a combination of vertices is the vertex cover of a graph or not can be determined. Our method takes advantage of the excellent properties of graphene, which can reduce the complexity of solving the Minimum Vertex Covering problem of a graph. At the same time,
the combination of DNA computing and Nanotechnology provides a new research idea for the future research of DNA computing.
An Electrophoretic Display Driving Waveform Design for Reducing a Flicker and a Driving Time Based on the Fusion Optimization of Driving Stages
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Yi-Fan , Zhang Ji-Tao , Wan Qi-Ming , Ma Peng-Chang
Published: July 2021

The speed of updating an image is very important for an electrophoretic display (EPD) application, but the flicker which can be produced among the process of updating an image is a main factor of affecting reading comfort for human eyes. In this paper, a new driving waveform, which
was based on DC balance, was proposed to reduce the number of flicker and decrease the driving time for updating an image. Firstly, we studied properties of particles in the EPD, and the stages in the driving waveform were fused according to the driving properties of the particles. Secondly,
an accurate reference was formed in the driving waveform for writing a new image, and the particle activity was guaranteed at the same time. Lastly, the driving waveform was downloaded to a real EPD waveform look-up table and the performance was compared with traditional driving waveforms.
Experimental results showed that the proposed driving waveform could reduce flicker effectively and shorten the driving time by 25%, and an accurate white reference gray scale was obtained for displaying high quality images.
Changing Impact of ENSO Events on the Following Summer Rainfall in Eastern China since the 1950s
Authors: Sun Linyuan , Yang Xiu-Qun , Tao Lingfeng , Fang Jiabei , Sun Xuguang
Published: July 2021

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, which generally mature in winter, profoundly affect the following summer rainfall in eastern China (ECSR), but such an impact can change significantly with decadal background. This study examines how the impact has changed since the 1950s by running correlation and regression analyses. It is found that ENSO’s impact on ECSR has undergone two decadal shifts, one in the late 1970s and the other in the 1990s. Sequentially, three distinct ENSO-induced ECSR anomaly patterns are categorized, which exhibit both robust and changeable sides. The robust side manifests generally as more precipitation in the Yangtze River basin affected by the anomalous tropical western North Pacific anticyclone (WNPAC) in the post–El Niño summer. The changeable side is reflected in the more variable ENSO-induced rainfall anomalies north of the Yangtze River, due to the different ENSO-induced East Asian midlatitude circulation anomalies. Meanwhile, the El Niño–induced drought in South China has been enhanced since the late 1970s with the intensification of the anomalous WNPAC. ENSO’s changing impact on the ECSR stems from the changes of ENSO-induced tropical and midlatitude circulation anomalies over East Asia, which are associated with different zonal (from the tropical Pacific to the Indian Ocean) and meridional (from the tropical Pacific to the midlatitude North Pacific) teleconnections of ENSO-induced SST anomalies. The former affects the intensity and location of the anomalous WNPAC by affecting the Indian Ocean capacitor effect and convection anomalies over the tropical Indo-western Pacific. The latter modulates the ocean-to-atmosphere feedback in the midlatitude North Pacific, contributes to different local geopotential anomaly sources, and then directly or indirectly through the Rossby wave train affects the East Asian midlatitude circulation.
Behavioral and Occupational Health in Military Firefighters: An Understudied Population
Authors: Moore Brian A. , Judkins Jason L. , Dyal Mari-Amanda , Schlenk Michael , Meyer Eric , Straud Casey L. , Mysliwiec Vincent , Peterson Alan L. , Baker Monty T.
Published: July 2021

To our knowledge, no studies on health conditions in U.S. military firefighters exist. Data and demographics from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database were analyzed on several shared medical issues among military personnel and civilian firefighters. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square goodness of fit tests were conducted to support study aims. Between 2001 and 2015, substantial incidence rate increases (per 10,000) of tinnitus, PTSD, insomnia, and OSA (2005–2015) were observed. Modest to large increases in depressive disorders, adjustment reaction, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder were observed. Decreasing rates were observed for alcohol dependence, hypertension, and tobacco use disorder. While efforts have examined the impact of sustained operations on military members, first responder military subgroups like firefighters are deficient. Cognitive Behavior Therapy interventions are efficacious for preventing and reducing behavioral health problems; therefore, tailoring them specifically for U.S. military firefighters could significantly improve quality of life and long-term health.