bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biostratigraphy, Microfacies and Depositional Environment of the Sarvak Formation at the Pyun Anticline (Zagros Basin, Southwest of Iran)
Authors: DOUSTI MOHAJER Mahtab , AFGHAH Massih , DEHGHANIAN Mohammadsadegh , SHEIKH ZAKARIAII Seyed Jamal
Published: June 2021

The Sarvak Formation is a carbonate sequence of Late Albian–Early Turonian age in Zagros Basin in Iran. In this investigation, the Sarvak Formation at the Pyun Anticline section (Izeh Zone) has been studied. It consists of 797 m thick limestone which overlies the Kazhdumi Formation conformably and underlies the Gurpi Formation unconformably at the Pyun Anticline. A very rich fossil association (85 genera and 132 species) characterizes the Pyun section. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of diagnosed foraminifera, five biozones are established: 1, Muricohedbergella‐Globigerinelloides sp. assemblage zone (Late Albian); 2, Praealveolina iberica‐Chrysalidina gradata interval zone (Early Cenomanian); 3, Chrysalidina gradata‐Cisalveolina fraasi (fallax) and C. lehneri interval zone (Middle Cenomanian); 4, C. fraasi (fallax) and C. lehneri‐Praetaberina bingistani assemblage zone (Late Cenomanian); 5, Nezzazatinella picardi‐Mangashtia‐Dicyclina assemblage zone (Early Turonian). Based on the petrographic and sedimentological analyses, some 13 carbonate microfacies were identified. The investigated microfacies confirm a ramp‐type paleoenvironment. These microfacies, from distal to proximal environments, consist of: MF1: planktonic foraminifera wackestone‐packstone; MF2: Oligostegina planktonic foraminifera wackestone to packstone; MF3: planktonic‐benthic foraminifers sponge spicules wackestone‐packstone; MF4: rudist floatstone; MF5: rudist rudstone; MF6: bioclast intraclast grainstone; MF7: peloid intraclast grainstone; MF8: benthic foraminifers rudist grainstone‐packstone; MF9: peloid bioclast grainstone‐packstone; MF10: bioclast (benthic foraminifers) wackestone‐packstone; MF11: peloid bioclast packstone; MF12: dacycladacea benthic foraminifera packstone‐wackestone; MF13: miliolids wackestone‐packstone.
Distribution of Mid‐deeply Buried Sand‐bodies and their Hydrocarbon Significance at Basin Margins: Case Study of the Paleogene in the Eastern Liuzan Area of the Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: CUI Lijie , JIAN Shikai , ZHANG Boming , XIE Xiongju , LI Liang
Published: June 2021

The current research aims to unlock the temporal and spatial distribution of sand‐bodies and their relationship with hydrocarbon accumulation in the mid‐deep layer of basin margins, located in the eastern part of the Liuzan area of the Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Through this study, the main target interval of the area was divided into two fourth‐order sequences. The lean sand mixed sedimentary belt with great importance in controlling hydrocarbon accumulation was identified through the comprehensive use of 3D seismic data, logging data, lithological data and seismic inversion data. A detailed analysis of sand‐body development characteristics and their role in controlling hydrocarbon accumulation was conducted. The results reveal that the study area mainly develops two distinct fan‐delta lobes from the NE‐trending sediment supply direction. Due to the relatively high influence of the lacustrine transgression event, the scale of the lean sand mixed sedimentary belt within the SQ1‐1 (the lacustrine transgressive systems tract) is relatively small, showing a relatively continuous distribution of sand bodies in the plane. Conversely, due to the relatively high impact of the lacustrine regression event, the scale of the lean sand mixed sedimentary belt developed within the SQ1‐2 (the highstand systems tract) is relatively large, the two east sets of fan‐delta sedimentary systems being clearly separated. The lean sand mixed sedimentary belt formed a good lateral occlusion belt in favor of hydrocarbon accumulation. Through composite analysis of structural interpretation results, sand‐body distribution and well test data, it is evident that the lean sand mixed sedimentary belt located in the structural high is not a favorable zone for hydrocarbon accumulation. In contrast, the wing of the high part of the structure is the zone of sand‐bearing bodies and is a favorable zone of hydrocarbon accumulation.
A model of asynchronous bi‐hemispheric production in global agricultural commodity markets
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Glauber Joseph W.
Published: June 2021

The past forty years have witnessed a rapid expansion of grain and oilseed production in the southern hemisphere, particularly in South America. The growth of southern hemisphere production is significant, not only because it has increased supplies to meet growing world food needs but also because it has effectively shortened the global crop growing cycle from twelve months to six months. In this paper, we develop and analyze a semi‐annual stochastic spatial–temporal equilibrium model of a generic agricultural market with two major exporting regions, North and South, which plant and harvest at different times of the year. As a case study, we calibrate our model parameters to reflect the stylized facts of the global soybean market between 1980 and 2019, with the United States serving as North and Brazil and Argentina serving as South. We find that more balanced production, with both hemispheres producing nearly equal amounts at different times of the year, has, from a global perspective, shortened the traditional crop “season” from twelve months to six months, allowing semi‐annual adjustments to planned production that stabilize supply and prices in all regions while reducing global inventories.
Effect of a high‐calorie diet and constant light exposure on female reproduction, metabolism and immune inflammation: A comparative study of different mouse models
Authors: Zhang Lingshan , Liu Yukai , Li Mingqing , Zhu Xiaoyong , Shi Yingli
Published: June 2021

Problem

Excess caloric intake and irregular circadian rhythm could severely impair female reproductive, metabolic, and immune function. However, the similarities and differences between their individual and combined effects and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Due to limitations and confounding factors in clinical research, we used these two kinds of unhealthy factors to intervene the mice singly or in combination to explore their effects on individuals.

Method of study

We used a high‐calorie diet (HCD), constant light exposure (CLE), and a high‐calorie diet combined with constant light exposure (HCD + CLE) to build three different mouse models. During the 9 weeks modeling period, the estrous cycles were monitored, and after modeling, the indicators of glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, and reproductive endocrine function were tested.

Results

We found that both HCD and CLE alone could induce ovulatory disorders, obesity, and chronic low‐grade inflammation and inhibit melatonin secretion. The difference was that HCD significantly reduced the serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) levels, inhibited the expression of FSH β and LH β in pituitary, increased cytochrome P450 enzymes and LH receptor expression in ovary, as well causing impaired glucose tolerance and hyperlipidemia, and significantly promoted the secretion of leptin and inhibited the secretion of adiponectin. However, CLE significantly increased blood LH and T, prompted the expression of kisspeptin in hypothalamus and LH β in pituitary, and had no effect on glycolipid metabolic indexes or the secretion of leptin or adiponectin. The phenotype of HCD + CLE model was basically the same as that of HCD model, associated with more severe visceral obesity and chronic inflammation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we found that unhealthy lifestyle determines the phenotype of reproductive endocrine, immune, and metabolic disorders. These findings can provide theoretical support for the subsequent study of PCOS‐like features.
Colposcopic outcomes for symptomatic patients with a negative oncogenic human papillomavirus test
Authors: Mitchell Georgina , Phung Jason , Holliday Elizabeth , Day Tania
Published: June 2021

This study assesses outcomes of colposcopy referrals for post‐coital, intermenstrual, or other abnormal bleeding with negative oncogenic human papillomavirus and negative to low‐grade cytology. Of 112 cases with median age of 34.5 years, cervical biopsy occurred in 19%, treatment of ectropion in 19%, endometrial sampling in 8%, polypectomy in 4%, and contraceptive change in 2%. No cervical or endometrial neoplasia was detected. Patients with bleeding symptoms and reassuring co‐test may instead attend a general gynaecology clinic.
Dual mobility cup in hip arthroplasty: An in‐depth analysis of joint registries
Authors: Castiello Emanuela , Moghnie Alessandro , Tigani Domenico , Affatato Saverio
Published: June 2021

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown successful results, instability remains a major complication. In recent years, dual mobility cups (DMC) have gained interest among clinicians thanks to its low rate of dislocation and good clinical results. The main aim of this work was to describe the accuracy of data on DMC from national and regional joint registries (JRs) and the available worldwide literature. We identified topics on DMC among JRs to propose a new harmonized and standardized section for DMC with the aim to understand its surveillance over the time. We extracted survival and implant data for a separate analysis. After performing a critical exclusion process, nine JRs were considered eligible and included for final synthesis; these were the results from the available worldwide data from JRs. In our study, eight analyzed JRs reported a slight increase in DMC use in the last decade. In all the JRs evaluated and the available articles, dislocation remains one of the main reasons for revision and re‐revision in hip arthroplasties. DMC is considered to be a valid construct increasingly used worldwide in primary and revision THA with the primary aim of reducing dislocation rates. Annual reports from JRs collect heterogeneous and low‐quality information about outcomes and surveillance of DMC, creating a burden for clinicians to extract comparable data from different JRs. Longer follow‐up and a systematic registering of DMCs with international registry harmonization are needed to monitor DMC outcomes.
Phylogeography of the Dendrocolaptes picumnus (Aves: Dendrocolaptidae) species complex: new insights on the diversification of a trans‐American lineage
Authors: Santana Antonita , Silva Sofia Marques , Do Nascimento Nayron Francês , Sampaio Iracilda , Aleixo Alexandre
Published: June 2021

Molecular studies have shown that many polytypic species of birds are paraphyletic and may actually consist of multiple independent species, some of them phenotypically cryptic. One of such cases is Dendrocolaptes picumnus, which was found to be a paraphyletic species, with Dendrocolaptes hoffmannsi nested in it. Recent evidence also showed that multiple independent evolutionary lineages exist in the polytypic D. picumnus that may be characterized as distinct species, however, conclusions were weakened due to small sample sizes. To further evaluate phylogenetic relationships, species limits, and the diversification history of the D. picumnus species complex, herein we performed the densest sampling ever registered for the complex, and analyzed sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes from 106 specimens, belonging to all but four taxa grouped in the complex. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed the monophyly of D. hoffmannsi and D. platyrostris, as well as the paraphyly of the polytypic D. picumnus. A combination of coalescent and population genetic structure analyses further supported an evolutionary independent status for D. picumnus transfasciatus, but were ambiguous with respect to the statuses of nominate D. picumnus, D. picumnus pallescens, D. picumnus validus, and D. picumnus costaricensis. In contrast, D. picumnus olivaceus and D. platyrostris intermedius were polyphyletic and not genetically structured with respect to D. picumnus pallescens and D. platyrostris platyrostris, respectively. Our results did not support the monophyly of the previously defined ‘Amazonian' and ‘montane' subspecies groups of D. picumnus, further indicating that at least one ‘montane' taxon may actually belong to the ‘Chaco' group, a relationship that highlights a close historical connection between the Andean and Chacoan biotas. When interpreted together with previous morphological studies, our results support the split of the polytypic D. picumnus into at least two species, while keeping the status of D. hoffmannsi and D. platyrostris as distinct species.
Drying turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) using far‐Infrared radiation: Drying characteristics and process optimization
Authors: Fernando A. Jayaruwani , Gunathunga Chanaka , Brumm Thomas , Amaratunga Sanath
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the turmeric drying characteristics and process parameters optimization for far‐infrared (FIR) radiation drying of turmeric. The initial moisture contents of the sliced wet turmeric samples were approximately 80 ± 0.12% (wb). The turmeric was exposed to 6.65, 5.97, 4.97, and 4.80 μm FIR radiation for 70, 30, 25, and 20 min, respectively. The moisture content and color (L*, a*, and b* values) of turmeric were measured during the experiment. The optimization experiments were conducted based on response surface methodology according to a central composite design with two independent variables: exposure time and FIR wavelength. The dependent variables considered were moisture content, curcumin content, energy consumption, and color‐changing index. The final moisture content and curcumin content were reduced with decreasing FIR radiation wavelength. FIR radiation drying of turmeric was observed to be a falling rate process. The optimal conditions were obtained with the FIR wavelength of 5.51 μm and exposure time of 21 min by applying the desirability function method. Under the optimal conditions, the predicted values of response variables, curcumin content, color‐changing index, energy consumption, and final moisture content were 3.26% (dry weight), 13.29, 2.51 kWh/g water, and 10.25% (wb). The desirability of 0.8157 under the optimal conditions further confirmed the validation of models. The results concluded that the FIR radiation could effectively apply for drying turmeric.

Practical Applications

The far‐infrared radiation can be applied for turmeric drying on an industrial scale. The drying rates and color‐changing index of turmeric increased with decreasing far‐infrared wavelength and increasing far‐infrared exposure time. Curcumin was reduced by increasing the far‐infrared wavelength and far‐infrared exposure time. The wavelength of 5.51 μm and exposure time of 21 min was the optimal conditions for FIR drying of turmeric. Therefore, the industry can achieve the optimum quality of turmeric within a shorter period of time by applying this technique.
Integrating Genomic Professional Skills Into Nursing Practice: Results From a Large Cohort of Israeli Nurses
Authors: Dagan Efrat , Amit Yulia , Sokolov Libi , Litvak Patricia , Barnoy Sivia
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To explore the association of genomic knowledge, self‐epistemic authority (SEA; i.e., subjective perception of knowledge expertise), perceived importance of genomics in nursing, and the integration of genomic skills into nursing practice.

Design

A cross‐sectional study of nurses working in pediatric, obstetric, and internal wards of two medical centers in Israel between February and October 2018.

Methods

Participants completed anonymous questionnaires about genomic knowledge, SEA, perceived importance of genomics, and the performance of genomic skills in nursing practice. Associations between variables were analyzed using Pearson correlations, and a hierarchical regression model was used to determine which variables explained the performance of genomic practices among participants.

Findings

Altogether 423 nurses participated in the study. The mean genomic knowledge was low (55.05 ± 14.82%). Nurses reported a low integration of genomic skills in their practice (M = 1.90, SD = 0.71), although their overall perceived importance of genomics was positive (M = 2.88, SD = 0.68). Positive correlations were found between SEA and the integration of genomic skills in nursing practice. Obstetric nurses had more genomic knowledge, more positive perceptions about genomics, and performed more genomic skills in their nursing practice.

Conclusions

Although nurses realized the importance of genomics to their practice, and genomics is part of the Israeli nursing core curriculum, we found disappointingly low levels of knowledge and performance of genomic skills in nursing practice.

Clinical Relevance

The results call for action to establish ongoing education programs in genomics for nurses, which would lead to the inclusion of genomic skills into routine nursing practice, and prepare nurses for providing personalized medicine.
Drug‐induced liver injury associated with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions: A nationwide study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yi‐Shin , Wu Chen‐Yi , Chang Ting‐Tsung , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Lo Gin‐Ho , Hsu Chao‐Wei , Hu Chi‐Tan , Huang Yi‐Hsiang
Published: June 2021

Background & Aims

Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) including Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) are high‐mortality adverse drug reactions. The risk factors and prognosis of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) concomitant with SCAR warrant clarification. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of DILI with SCAR.

Methods

We analysed the database of a 10‐year multi‐centre prospective study in Taiwan from 2011 to 2020.

Results

A total of 1415 patients with DILI were enrolled, including 81 cases combined with SJS/TEN, 74 with DRESS, 3 with AGEP and 1257 with pure DILI. Approximated 11.2% of patients had SCAR, of which allopurinol was the leading incriminated drug, followed by sulphonamides and carbamazepine. The SJS/TEN group had the highest mortality (34.6%). Jaundice, acute kidney injury and SJS/TEN were independent risk factors of mortality (odds ratio: 29.54, 4.43 and 4.86, respectively, P < .003). Chronic kidney disease with high‐dose allopurinol also contributed to high mortality (78.9%) in cases of allopurinol‐induced DILI with SCAR. The HLA‐B*5801 was associated with a high risk and mortality of allopurinol‐induced DILI with SCAR. Likewise, the HLA‐B*1502 was closely related to carbamazepine‐induced DILI with SCAR.

Conclusions

DILI patients combined with SCAR are common and have a high mortality in Taiwan. Allopurinol is the leading incriminated drug. Jaundice, acute kidney injury and SJS/TEN are risk factors of mortality. HLA‐B*5801, chronic kidney disease and high drug dosage also contribute to high mortality in allopurinol‐induced DILI with SCAR.
Forest cover and connectivity have pervasive effects on the maintenance of evolutionary distinct interactions in seed dispersal networks
Authors: Monteiro Erison C. S. , Pizo Marco A. , Vancine Maurício Humberto , Ribeiro Milton Cezar
Published: June 2021

Seed dispersal by animals is one of the most important ecological processes in tropical forests, entailing millions of years of evolutionary adaptations of plants and frugivorous animals forming networks of interactions that, ultimately, contribute to the resilience of such forests. We analyze 29 seed dispersal networks in the threatened Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot, with data on the frequency of feeding visits by birds to fruiting plants to answer: 1) which are the effects of forest cover and landscape connectivity on the maintenance of phylogenetic diversity (PD) of interacting birds and plants and the evolutionary distinctiveness of the interactions (EDi) between them; and 2) how EDi and plant/bird PD affects the robustness of the interaction networks? We found that forest cover positively influences both plant and bird PD and EDi. Landscape connectivity is an important predictor of bird PD, but not plant PD, suggesting that the spatial arrangement of forest remnants is essential for guaranteeing bird movement among forest fragments. Furthermore, interaction networks of areas with higher PD and EDi had great robustness to the simulated extinction of species, which underscore the importance of larger forest blocks for conserving evolutionary information and, consequently, the health and natural resistance of seed dispersal networks against environmental change.
Wild geckos considered as the natural reservoir of Salmonella Weltevreden in Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Thuan , Hasegawa Mizuki , Vo Thi Minh Tam , Huynh Tan Loc , Nagata Emi , Ly Thi Lien Khai , Taniguchi Takahide , Hayashidani Hideki
Published: June 2021

A total of 1,318 wild geckos were collected in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam (Hue and the Mekong Delta) from 2012 to 2015 to determine the prevalence of Salmonella Weltevreden. Those geckos belong to three species: common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus), flat‐tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) and four‐clawed gecko (Gehyra mutilata). Of 1,318 gecko samples, 293 (22.2%) samples were positive for Salmonella in this study. The prevalence of Salmonella in geckos was 46.0% in Thailand, 17.3% in Cambodia and 16.3% in Vietnam. Among the Salmonella isolates, S. Weltevreden was the most predominant serovar (32.1%) isolated from wild geckos in these countries. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Salmonella among gecko species. All S. Weltevreden isolates (100%) were susceptible to the nine antibiotics examined in this study. The PFGE assay by XbaI enzyme identified 19 different patterns from 75 S. Weltevreden isolates. These isolates showed high genetic heterogenicity, and there were specific types prevalent in each region. Furthermore, S. Weltevreden has been prevalent since the ancient times in this region. The results indicate that wild gecko seems to be an important natural reservoir for S. Weltevreden as well as a source of Salmonella infections in humans in Southeast Asian countries.
Nursing knowledge on skin ulcer healing: a living scoping review protocol
Authors: Gomes João , Sousa Paulino , Pereira Filipe , Queirós Carmen , Neves Hugo , Silva Catarina , Silva Abel Paiva e , Parente Paulo , Sousa Paula , Brito Alice , Silva Antónia Paiva e , Morais Ernesto Jorge , Cardoso Alexandrina , Cruz Inês , Machado Natália , Oliveira Fernando , Bastos Fernanda , Prata Paula , Sequeira Carlos
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This review aims to continuously map the nursing knowledge on skin ulcer healing in any context of care.

Introduction:

Chronic wounds are an increasing concern for society and health care providers. Pressure ulcers and venous ulcers, among others, have devastating effects on morbidity and quality of life and require a systematic approach. The nursing process is an important method that allows a better organization and overall care quality for a systematic and continuous professional approach to nursing management of skin ulcers. The integration of this nursing knowledge in informatics systems creates an opportunity to embed decision-support models in clinical activity, promoting evidence-based practice.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider articles on nursing data, diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes focused on people with skin ulcers in all contexts of care. This review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods study designs as well as systematic reviews and dissertations.

Methods:

JBI's scoping review guidance, as well as the Cochrane Collaboration's guidance on living reviews, will be followed to meet the review's objective. Screening of new literature will be performed regularly, with the review updated according to new findings. The search strategy will map published and unpublished studies. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PEDro. Searches for unpublished studies will include OpenGrey and Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal. Studies published in English and Portuguese since 2010 will be considered for inclusion.

Scoping Review Protocol Registration:

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/f6s4e/
Stable Coordination Variability in Overground Walking and Running at Preferred and Fixed Speeds
Authors: Wyatt Hannah E. , Weir Gillian , Jewell Carl , van Emmerik Richard E.A. , Hamill Joseph
Published: June 2021

Coordination variability (CV) is commonly analyzed to understand dynamical qualities of human locomotion. The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines for the number of trials required to inform the calculation of a stable mean lower limb CV during overground locomotion. Three-dimensional lower limb kinematics were captured for 10 recreational runners performing 20 trials each of preferred and fixed speed walking and running. Stance phase CV was calculated for 9 segment and joint couplings using a modified vector coding technique. The number of trials required to achieve a CV mean within 10% of 20 strides average was determined for each coupling and individual. The statistical outputs of mode (walking vs running) and speed (preferred vs fixed) were compared when informed by differing numbers of trials. A minimum of 11 trials were required for stable mean stance phase CV. With fewer than 11 trials, CV was underestimated and led to an oversight of significant differences between mode and speed. Future overground locomotion CV research in healthy populations using a vector coding approach should use 11 trials as a standard minimum. Researchers should be aware of the notable consequences of an insufficient number of trials for overall study findings.
Subdural false twins: concomitant appearance of subdural haematoma and spontaneous subdural empyema
Authors: Santos Cardoso Rúben , Tavares Sofia , Reis Inácio , Alves José Luís
Published: June 2021

A 55-year-old man was taken to the emergency department due to right arm weakness for the past 3 days and fever (39.5°C). There was no impaired consciousness, no history of trauma and meningeal signs were absent on physical examination. Blood analysis and inflammatory markers were not evocative of a systemic infection. A cranial CT scan was requested, revealing hypodense bilateral hemispheric subdural collections, suggestive of chronic subdural haematomas. He was submitted to surgical drainage by burr holes, which confirmed the chronic subdural collection on the left side. Unexpectedly, after dural opening on the right side, a subdural purulent collection was found, which was later confirmed as an empyema due toEscherichia coliinfection. A second surgical drainage was performed by craniotomy due to recurrence of the right subdural collection. Spontaneously appearing subdural empyemas due toE. coliare extremely rare and their treatment is not always straightforward. The reported case is an example of an apparently straightforward and frequent pathology that turned out to be a challenging case, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
Spontaneous resolution of a Chiari malformation with syringomyelia
Authors: Cuthbert Hadleigh , Pepper Joshua , Price Rupert
Published: June 2021

The Chiari I malformation (CM-I) is characterised by overcrowding of the posterior fossa and descent of the cerebellar tonsils and is associated with syringomyelia. With the increasing availability of magnetic resonance imaging, CM-I is placing a growing burden on neurosurgical services. However, its natural history remains poorly understood, and the timing and nature of surgical intervention is controversial. We present a case of a significant, symptomatic CM-I with associated syrinx which underwent complete spontaneous resolution over a 4-year period. Spontaneous regression of Chiari malformation and syringomyelia is exceedingly rare; a literature review reveals 15 other cases and only one case which underwent complete resolution. The present case and literature review suggest a more benign natural history of CM-I and support a more conservative approach to its management. Further studies are required to determine whether any factors can predict resolution for certain patient cohorts.
Trigeminal and cervical radiculitis after tozinameran vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Narasimhalu Kaavya , Lee Wai Ching , Salkade Parag Ratnakar , De Silva Deidre Anne
Published: June 2021

In this report, we describe a patient who developed an acute trigeminal neuritis and cervical radiculitis after receiving a Pfizer-BioNtech vaccination (tozinameran) against SARS-CoV-2.
Acquired haemophilia A: successful treatment of a patient using upfront immunosuppressive therapy and haemostatic agents
Authors: Chung Su Yun , Shen Janice Gloria , Sticco Kristin Lynn
Published: June 2021

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare and possibly fatal autoimmune disorder that is challenging to treat. Although a majority of cases are idiopathic, AHA can also be associated with an underlying malignancy, autoimmune disorder, pregnancy, infection or certain medications. The diagnosis and treatment of AHA require a specialist with both clinical and laboratory expertise. The goal of treatment is aimed at achieving haemostasis as well as eradicating factor inhibitors. We present a patient with AHA and life-threatening haemorrhage who was successfully treated with a combination of haemostatic agents and a triple-drug immunosuppressive regimen. In reviewing recent studies and published guidelines, we advocate that a newer agent, emicizumab, can potentially be incorporated into the treatment protocol for AHA given its promising performance in the realm of congenital haemophilia.
Developing a simulation programme to train airway management during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary-level hospital
Authors: Wong Heung Yan , Johnstone Craig , Dua Gunjeet
Published: June 2021

Tracheal intubation of a patient with COVID-19 is a high-risk procedure for not only the patient, but all healthcare workers involved, leading to an understandable degree of staff anxiety. We used simulation to help train airway managers to intubate patients with COVID-19. Based on action cards developed by our department, we designed a series of scenarios to simulate airway management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams were asked to perform a rapid sequence induction with tracheal intubation. We designed in situ scenarios with low-fidelity manikins that could be set up in operating theatres across multiple sites. Over a period of 4 weeks, 101 consultant anaesthetists, 58 anaesthetic trainees and 30 operating department practitioners received intubation training. These members made up the airway response team of our hospital. 30 emergency department doctors also received training in anticipation of further COVID-19 surges leading to the possibility of overwhelmed services. Simulation-based training was an invaluable tool for our hospital to rapidly upskill medical professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have used feedback and additional guidelines to improve our scenarios to retrain staff during subsequent waves.
High-harmonic spectra of hexagonal nanoribbons from real-space time-dependent Schrödinger calculations
Authors: Drüeke Helena , Bauer Dieter
Published: June 2021

High-harmonic spectroscopy is a promising candidate for imaging electronic structures and dynamics in condensed matter by all-optical means and with unprecedented temporal resolution. We investigate harmonic spectra from finite, hexagonal nanoribbons, such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride, in armchair and zig-zag configuration. The symmetry of the system explains the existence and intensity of the emitted harmonics.
The N-soliton solutions to the Hirota and Maxwell–Bloch equation via the Riemann–Hilbert approach
Authors: Li Jian , Xia Tiecheng , Wei Hanyu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions for the Hirota and Maxwell–Bloch equation with physical meaning. From the Lax pair and Volterra integral equations, the Riemann–Hilbert problem of this integrable equation is constructed. By solving the matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem with the condition of no reflecting, the [Formula: see text]-soliton solutions for the Hirota and Maxwell–Bloch equation are obtained explicitly. Finally, we simulate the three-dimensional diagram of [Formula: see text] with 2-soliton solutions and the motion trajectory of [Formula: see text]-axis in the case of different [Formula: see text].
Optimal fusion of multi-focus image: Integrating WNMF and focal point analysis
Authors: Zhang Shi-Hong , Zhan Qi-Yuan , Li Wen-Yu , Wang Qiong-Ze
Published: June 2021

Image fusion can be used to improve the image utilization, spatial resolution and spectral resolution, which has been widely applied on medicine, remote sensing, computer vision, weather forecast and military target recognition. The goal of image fusion is to reduce the uncertainty and redundancy of the output and increase the reliability of the image on the basis of the maximum combination of relevant information. In this paper, a multi-focus image fusion algorithm based on WNMF and Focal point position analysis is proposed to improve the image fusion method based on nonnegative matrix factorization. In the imaging process, the Gaussian function is used to approximate the point spread function in the optical system. Then calculate the difference between the original image and the approximate point spread function and get the weighted matrix [Formula: see text]. Finally, we apply the weighted nonnegative matrix algorithm to image fusion, and the new fusion image with clear parts is obtained. Experimental results show that the multi-focus image fusion algorithm based on WNMF and Focal point position analysis (MFWF) is better.
The Vulnerability of k-Uniform Linear Hypergraph
Authors: Zhao Ning , Li Yinkui
Published: June 2021

For a given graph [Formula: see text], denote by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] the order of the largest component and the number of connected components of [Formula: see text], respectively. The scattering number of [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text]. The tenacity of [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text]. These two theoretical parameters are important combinatorial parameters for measuring the vulnerability of networks. In this paper, we determine the scattering number and tenacity of [Formula: see text]-uniform linear hypergraph [Formula: see text].
An Evolutionary Clustering Analysis of Social Media Content and Global Infection Rates During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Arpaci Ibrahim , Alshehabi Shadi , Mahariq Ibrahim , Topcu Ahmet E.
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the impact of global infection rates on social media posts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analysed over 179 million tweets posted between March 22 and April 13, 2020 and the global COVID-19 infection rates using evolutionary clustering analysis. Results showed six clusters constructed for each term type, including three-level [Formula: see text]-grams (unigrams, bigrams and trigrams). The frequent occurrences of unigrams (“COVID-19”, “virus”, “government”, “people”, etc.), bigrams (“COVID 19”, “COVID-19 cases”, “times share”, etc.) and trigrams (“COVID 19 crisis”, “things help stop” and “trying times share”) were identified. The results demonstrated that the unigram trends on Twitter were up to about two times and 54 times more common than the bigram terms and trigram terms, respectively. Unigrams like “home” or “need” also became important as these terms reflected the main concerns of people during this period. Taken together, the present findings confirm that many tweets were used to broadcast people’s prevalent topics of interest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the results indicate that the number of COVID-19 infections had a significant effect on all clusters, being strong on 86% of clusters and moderate on 16% of clusters. The downward slope in global infection rates reflected the start of the trending of “social distancing” and “stay at home”. These findings suggest that infection rates have had a significant impact on social media posting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multi-Layers Planar Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Toward Reducing Control Voltage in In-Plane Actuation Applications
Authors: Liu Chong , Wu Qichen , Su Youbiao , Li Yunfei , Xie Shilin
Published: June 2021

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) belong to an emerging soft actuation technology that have advantages in large actuation strain. However, the existing single-layer planar DE actuators commonly need fairly high voltage to achieve good in-plane actuation capability. A multi-layers planar dielectric elastomer actuator (MPDEA) is proposed in this work to realize effective in-plane actuation under low voltage. To facilitate the studies on the effects of multi-layers planar configuration of actuator on control voltage, a base flexible thin-walled beam equipped with a MPDEA is investigated. The electromechanically coupling finite element model of composite beam structure is first established. The theoretical model of actuating force of MPDEA is obtained. The numerical and experimental studies on the in-plane actuation capabilities of MPDEAs with different layer number are then carried out through evaluating the electro-driven deformation of base flexible thin-walled beam. The results demonstrate that increasing the number of layers can improve significantly the in-plane driving capability of MPDEA. As a result, a four-layers MPDEA can reduce control voltage by 53.62% compared with a single-layer planar DEA to generate the same deformation at the tip of beam.
Automated Feature Selection for Anomaly Detection in Network Traffic Data
Authors: Nakashima Makiya , Sim Alex , Kim Youngsoo , Kim Jonghyun , Kim Jinoh
Published: June 2021

Variable selection (also known as
feature selection
) is essential to optimize the learning complexity by prioritizing features, particularly for a massive, high-dimensional dataset like network traffic data. In reality, however, it is not an easy task to effectively perform the feature selection despite the availability of the existing selection techniques. From our initial experiments, we observed that the existing selection techniques produce different sets of features even under the same condition (e.g., a static size for the resulted set). In addition, individual selection techniques perform inconsistently, sometimes showing better performance but sometimes worse than others, thereby simply relying on one of them would be risky for building models using the selected features. More critically, it is demanding to automate the selection process, since it requires laborious efforts with intensive analysis by a group of experts otherwise. In this article, we explore challenges in the automated feature selection with the application of network anomaly detection. We first present our ensemble approach that benefits from the existing feature selection techniques by incorporating them, and one of the proposed ensemble techniques based on greedy search works highly consistently showing comparable results to the existing techniques. We also address the problem of when to stop to finalize the feature elimination process and present a set of methods designed to determine the number of features for the reduced feature set. Our experimental results conducted with two recent network datasets show that the identified feature sets by the presented ensemble and stopping methods consistently yield comparable performance with a smaller number of features to conventional selection techniques.
Edge Content Caching with Deep Spatiotemporal Residual Network for IoV in Smart City
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Fang Zijie , Zhang Jie , He Qiang , Yu Dongxiao , Qi Lianyong , Dou Wanchun
Published: June 2021

Internet of Vehicles (IoV) enables numerous in-vehicle applications for smart cities, driving increasing service demands for processing various contents (e.g., videos). Generally, for efficient service delivery, the contents from the service providers are processed on the edge servers (ESs), as edge computing offers vehicular applications low-latency services. However, due to the reusability of the same contents required by different distributed vehicular users, processing the copies of the same contents repeatedly in an edge server leads to a waste of resources (e.g., storage, computation, and bandwidth) in ESs. Therefore, it is a challenge to provide high-quality services while guaranteeing the resource efficiency with edge content caching. To address the challenge, an edge content caching method for smart cities with service requirement prediction, named E-Cache, is proposed. First, the future service requirements from the vehicles are predicted based on the deep spatiotemporal residual network (ST-ResNet). Then, preliminary content caching schemes are elaborated based on the predicted service requirements, which are further adjusted by a many-objective optimization aiming at minimizing the execution time and the energy consumption of the vehicular services. Eventually, experimental evaluations prove the efficiency and effectiveness of E-Cache with spatiotemporal traffic trajectory big data.
Diagnosing Cardiac Amyloidosis: From Heart Failure to Electrical Storm
Authors: Mathews Adithya T. , Mirza Abu-Sayeef , Bohra Chandrashekar , Mathews Akshay G. , Ritucci-Chinni Philip , L. Weber Jamie , W. Bulkeley William , Siddique Maqsood , Whitaker David , Bowerman Richard
Published: June 2021

Cardiac amyloidosis is a condition when amyloid fibers are deposited in the extracellular space of the heart causing tachyarrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. We present a 71-year-old woman presenting with dyspnea on admission. Echocardiogram revealed diastolic heart failure and left ventricular hypertrophy with strain pattern concerning for an infiltrative process. She was discharged with diuretic therapy and scheduled for a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. One week after discharge, she was readmitted with progressive shortness of breath and syncope. She was found to be in shock and had multiple episodes of cardiac arrest with both ventricular tachycardia and pulseless electrical activity. She developed electrical storm and eventually passed within 24 hours. Autopsy revealed gross cardiomegaly and left ventricular hypertrophy with Congo red staining revealing amyloid fibrils with apple-green birefringence. This case demonstrates the rapid progression of cardiac amyloidosis from acute-onset diastolic heart failure to uncontrollable ventricular tachycardia, and eventually death. We review the literature regarding multiple diagnostic modalities that facilitate the confirmation of cardiac amyloidosis.
Determinants of Blockchain Technology Adoption in Supply Chains by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in India
Authors: Kumar Bhardwaj Amit , Garg Arunesh , Gajpal Yuvraj
Published: June 2021

In recent times, organizations are increasingly adopting blockchain technology in their supply chains due to various advantages such as cost optimization, effective and verified record-keeping, transparency, and route tracking. This paper aims to examine the factors influencing the intention of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India to adopt blockchain technology in their supply chains. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data from 216 SMEs in the northern states of India. The study has considered an integrated technology adoption framework consisting of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE). Using this integrated TAM-TOE-DOI framework, the study has proposed eleven hypotheses related to factors of blockchain technology adoption. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) have been used to test the hypotheses. The results show that relative advantage, technology compatibility, technology readiness, top management support, perceived usefulness, and vendor support have a positive influence on the intention of Indian SMEs to adopt blockchain technology in their supply chains. The complexity of technology and cost concerns act as inhibitors to the technology adoption by SMEs. Furthermore, the three factors, namely, security concerns, perceived ease of use, and regulatory support, do not influence the intention to adopt the technology. The study contributes to filling a significant gap in the academic literature since only a few studies have endeavored to ascertain the technology adoption factors by supply chains of SMEs in a developing country like India. The study has also proposed a novel integrated technology adoption framework that can be employed by future studies. The findings are expected to enable SMEs to understand important factors to be considered for adopting blockchain technology in their supply chains. Furthermore, the study may benefit the blockchain technology developers and suppliers as they can offer customized solutions based on the findings.
Buckling Stability Analysis for Piles in the Slope Foundation Based on Cusp Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Chuanxun , Jin Dandan
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to analyze the buckling stability problem for piles in the slope foundation based on cusp catastrophe theory. Formulation of critical buckling load of piles in the slope foundation is obtained. The influential factors of slope angle, distribution of landslide thrust behind the pile, pile-embedded ratio, pile constraints, pile-side friction, pile-side soil resistance, and pile socketed ratio upon buckling stability characteristic for piles in the slope foundation are examined. The results reveal that when pile diameter remains unchanged, critical buckling load increases with the increase of pile length when pile-embedded ratio reaches 60%. When pile length remains unchanged, critical buckling load increases with the increase of pile diameter. Critical buckling load with the assumption of nonlinear horizontal elastic resistance of pile-side soil in the paper is more close to the value based on horizontal elastic resistance of pile-side soil suggested in the code. When slope angle increases, decreased extent of buckling critical load for piles 30–60 m in length is more obvious than the piles which are 10–30 m in length. Strengthening of pile constraints and increase of pile-embedded ratio and socketed ratio are helpful to pile critical buckling load increase. The influential factors of pile-side friction and landslide thrust behind the pile upon pile critical buckling load are tiny and can be neglected.