bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a standardised and quality-assured enhanced gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme in accordance with WHO protocols in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kakooza Francis , Musinguzi Patrick , Workneh Meklit , Walwema Richard , Kyambadde Peter , Mande Emmanuel , Lubega Christopher , Nakasi Jhamira M , Kiggundu Reuben , Hamill Matthew M , Bagaya Bernard S , Lamorde Mohammed , Unemo Magnus , Manabe Yukari C
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The emergence of multidrug-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) is a major global health threat necessitating response and control measures. NG antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance data from sub-Saharan countries is exceedingly limited. This paper aims to describe the establishment, design and implementation of a standardised and quality-assured gonococcal surveillance programme and to describe the susceptibility patterns of the cultured gonococcal isolates in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods

From March 2018 to September 2019, using the WHO Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) protocol, consecutive males with urethral discharge syndrome were recruited from 10 surveillance sites in Kampala City, Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Males completed a questionnaire and provided a urethral swab specimen. Culture, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Etest) were performed.

Results

Of the 1013 males recruited, 73.1% (740/1013) had a positive Gram stain and 51.1% (n=518) were culture-positive for NG. Using Etest (458 isolates), the resistance to ciprofloxacin was 99.6%. Most isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, cefoxitin and gentamicin, that is, 99.8%, 98.5% and 92.4%, respectively, and all isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime.

Conclusions

We established a standardised, quality-assured WHO EGASP. Using Etest, 458 isolates were characterised, with associated epidemiological surveillance data, in 1.5 years, which by far exceed the minimum 100 isolates per year and country requested in the WHO Global GASP, to detect AMR levels with confidence. These isolates with the epidemiological data can be used to develop population level interventions.
Modified self-obtained pooled sampling to screen forChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections in men who have sex with men
Authors: Ando Naokatsu , Mizushima Daisuke , Watanabe Koji , Takano Misao , Shiojiri Daisuke , Uemura Haruka , AOKI Takahiro , Yanagawa Yasuaki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess whether pooled sample testing with nucleic acid amplification tests was a potential alternative to three single-site sample testing to screen forChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfections in asymptomatic men who have sex with men.

Methods

We prospectively compared pooled sample testing with single-site sample testing in asymptomatic MSM. Self-obtained paired rectal samples, one gargle sample and one first-void urine sample were collected from participants to generate two sets of samples: one for pooled sample testing and the other for single-site testing. We used modified pooled sampling, which is defined as the use of gargle samples, instead of swabs, for the pooled sample to test for pharyngeal infection.

Results

This study included 513 MSM. The positive rates ofC. trachomatisandN. gonorrhoeaewere 20.3% and 11.7%, respectively, for single-site sample testing. Compared with the sensitivity of single-site testing as the gold standard, the sensitivities of pooled sample testing forC. trachomatisandN. gonorrhoeaewere 94.2% (95% CI 88.0% to 97.3%) and 98.3% (95% CI 90.9% to 99.9%), respectively. The concordance rate and kappa coefficient were 98.3% (95% CI 96.7% to 99.2%) and 0.945 (95% CI 0.859 to 1.000), respectively, forC. trachomatisand 98.8% (95% CI 90.1% to 100%) and 0.943 (95% CI 0.857 to 1.000), respectively, forN. gonorrhoeae.

Conclusions

The modified pooled sampling had a comparably high consistency with single-site sample testing. The results strongly suggest that the gargle sample is suitable as a part of pooled sample for STI screening ofC. trachomatisandN. gonorrhoeae.
Shark-related injuries in Hawai’i treated at a level 1 trauma center
Authors: Scala Victoria A , Hayashi Michael S , Kaneshige Jason , Haut Elliott R , Ng Karen , Furuta Sho
Published: October 2020

Background

Although rare, human–shark interactions can result in a wide spectrum of injuries. This is the first study to characterize shark-related injuries (SRIs) in Hawai’i.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of the State of Hawai’i Division of Aquatic Resources Shark Incidents List between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019. Trauma registry data and medical records of patients treated for SRIs at the only level 1 trauma center in Hawai’i were reviewed.

Results

Sixty-one patients sustained SRIs in the Hawaiian Islands: 25 in Maui, 16 in O’ahu, 12 in Hawai’i, and 8 in Kaua’i. In cases where the shark species could be identified, tiger sharks were the most frequent (25, 41%). Four cases were fatal—all died on scene in Maui with the shark species unknown. Forty-five survivors (79%) received definitive care at regional facilities. Twelve (21%) were treated at the level 1 trauma center, of which two were transferred in for higher level of care. Of the 12 patients, 11 (92%) had extremity injuries, with 3 lower extremity amputations (25%), 2 with vascular injuries (17%), and 5 with nerve injuries (42%). One had an injury to the abdomen. All patients had local bleeding control in the prehospital setting, with 9 (75%) tourniquets and 3 (25%) hemostatic/pressure dressings applied for truncal or proximal extremity injuries. The mean time from injury to emergency department arrival was 63 minutes.

Discussion

Most SRIs are managed at regional facilities, rather than at a level 1 trauma center. Prehospital hemorrhage control is an important survival skill as time to definitive care may be prolonged. For cases treated at the level 1 trauma center, nerve injuries were common and should be suspected even in the absence of major vascular injury. Correlating shark behavior with observed injury patterns may help improve public awareness and ocean safety.

Level of evidence

Level V, epidemiological.
Mathematical characterization of pile–soil interface boundary for consolidation analysis of soil around permeable pipe pile
Authors: Chen Zheng , Xiao Tao , Feng Jianxue , Ni Pengpeng , Chen Deqiang , Mei Guoxiong , Chen Yifeng
Published: October 2020

A permeable pipe pile is proposed to accelerate the dissipation of excess pore-water pressure through drainage holes around the pile circumference into the pile’s cavity. This investigation generalizes the permeable pile–soil interface as an impeded boundary, based on which a mathematical model for soil consolidation around the permeable pile is derived. Subsequently, the influence of opening pattern, drainage hole-to-pipe pile radius ratio, and opening ratio on the consolidation efficiency is numerically investigated. A total of 240 numerical cases with different drainage hole-to-pipe pile radius ratios, opening ratios, and hydraulic conductivity ratios are calculated to determine the permeable pile–soil interface parameter using back-analysis, and an approximate expression for interface parameter is obtained. Comparing against experimentally measured excess pore-water pressure dissipation, the proposed technique with impeded drainage boundary can provide good evaluations for drainage characteristics at the permeable pile–soil interface and consolidation behavior of the surrounding soil. It is found that the spatial distribution pattern of drainage holes has negligible influence on the consolidation efficiency. Increasing the opening ratio (with constant opening size) or reducing the drainage hole-to-pipe pile radius ratio (with constant opening ratio) can both accelerate the consolidation efficiency.
Safety effects of maintenance treatments to improve pavement condition on two-lane rural roads — insights for pavement management
Authors: Jafari Anarkooli Alireza , Nemtsov Iliya , Persaud Bhagwant
Published: October 2020

The research used data from two-lane rural roads in Ontario, Canada to evaluate the change in safety following maintenance treatments to improve pavement condition as measured by International Roughness Index (IRI). The state-of-the-art empirical Bayes (EB) before-after methodology was applied to estimate the effects on crashes, separately for arterial and collector roads. The results indicate statistically significant reductions (P < 0.05) in all crashes and property damage only (PDO) crashes of approximately 5% and 7%, respectively, for arterial roads and approximately 11% and 13% for collector roads. For fatal plus injury (FI) crashes, there were small, statistically insignificant changes for the two road types. The results provide interesting, and sometimes counterintuitive insights for those planning maintenance treatments to improve IRI. In sum, the results suggest that consideration should be given to designing and planning pavement maintenance treatments on a site-by-site basis, and, in so doing, to optimize the IRI levels and safety effects that may be accomplished with specific treatments.
An elicitation process to quantify Bayesian networks for dam failure analysis
Authors: Verzobio Andrea , El-Awady Ahmed , Ponnambalam Kumaraswamy , Quigley John , Zonta Daniele
Published: October 2020

Bayesian networks support the probabilistic failure analysis of complex systems, e.g., dams and bridges, needed for a better understanding of the system reliability and for taking mitigation actions. In particular, they are useful in representing graphically the interactions among system components, while the quantitative strength of the interrelationships between the variables is measured using conditional probabilities. However, due to a lack of objective data it often becomes necessary to rely on expert judgment to provide subjective probabilities to quantify the model. This paper proposes an elicitation process that can be used to support the collection of valid and reliable data with the specific aim of quantifying a Bayesian network, while minimizing the adverse impact of biases to which judgment is commonly subjected. To illustrate how this framework works, it is applied to a real-life case study regarding the safety of the Mountain Chute Dam and Generating Station, which is located on the Madawaska River in Ontario, Canada. This contribution provides a demonstration of the usefulness of eliciting engineering expertise with regard to system reliability analysis.
CDC Buryu oilseed flax
Authors: Booker Helen M. , Rowland Gordon G. , Kutcher H. Randy , Rashid Khalid Y.
Published: October 2020

CDC Buryu, a late maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), was registered in 2016 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. This cultivar had a yield (106%) comparable to CDC Bethune and a maturity rating equal to Flanders in all soil zones of the northern prairies. The yield advantage over CDC Bethune was greater (>8%) in the Brown soil and Black soil zones of the northern prairies. It had medium oil content, oil quality, and seed size and good lodging resistance. It is immune to North American rust (race 371) caused by Melampsora lini (Ehrenb.) Thüm. and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. f. sp. lini (Bolley) W.C. Snyder & H.N. Hansen and powdery mildew caused by Oidium lini.
Probing chemical freeze-out criteria in relativistic nuclear collisions with coarse grained transport simulations
Authors: Reichert Tom , Inghirami Gabriele , Bleicher Marcus
Published: October 2020

We introduce a novel approach based on elastic and inelastic scattering rates to extract the hyper-surface of the chemical freeze-out from a hadronic transport model in the energy range from E$$_\mathrm {lab}=1.23$$

lab

=
1.23

 AGeV to $$\sqrt{s_\mathrm {NN}}=62.4$$

s
NN

=
62.4

 GeV. For this study, the Ultra-relativistic Quantum Molecular Dynamics (UrQMD) model combined with a coarse-graining method is employed. The chemical freeze-out distribution is reconstructed from the pions through several decay and re-formation chains involving resonances and taking into account inelastic, pseudo-elastic and string excitation reactions. The extracted average temperature and baryon chemical potential are then compared to statistical model analysis. Finally we investigate various freeze-out criteria suggested in the literature. We confirm within this microscopic dynamical simulation, that the chemical freeze-out at all energies coincides with $$\langle E\rangle /\langle N\rangle \approx 1$$

⟨
E
⟩
/
⟨
N
⟩
≈
1

 GeV, while other criteria, like $$s/T^3=7$$

s
/

T
3

=
7

and $$n_\mathrm {B}+n_{\bar{\mathrm {B}}}\approx 0.12$$

n
B

+

n

B

¯

≈
0.12

fm$$^{-3}$$

-
3

are limited to higher collision energies.
Stable and self-consistent compact star models in teleparallel gravity
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , Capozziello S.
Published: October 2020

In the framework of Teleparallel Gravity, we derive a charged non-vacuum solution for a physically symmetric tetrad field with two unknown functions of radial coordinate. The field equations result in a closed-form adopting particular metric potentials and a suitable anisotropy function combined with the charge. Under these circumstances, it is possible to obtain a set of configurations compatible with observed pulsars. Specifically, boundary conditions for the interior spacetime are applied to the exterior Reissner–Nordström metric to constrain the radial pressure that has to vanish through the boundary. Starting from these considerations, we are able to fix the model parameters. The pulsar $$\textit{PSR J 1614-2230}$$

PSR J

1614
-
2230

, with estimated mass $$M= 1.97 \pm 0.04\, M_{\circledcirc },$$

M
=
1.97
±
0.04

M
⊚

,

and radius $$R= 9.69 \pm 0.2$$

R
=
9.69
±
0.2

km is used to test numerically the model. The stability is studied, through the causality conditions and adiabatic index, adopting the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkov equation. The mass–radius (M, R) relation is derived. Furthermore, the compatibility of the model with other observed pulsars is also studied. We reasonably conclude that the model can represent realistic compact objects.
A User Experience Study on Short Video Social Apps Based on Content Recommendation Algorithm of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Qi Wen , Li Danyang
Published: October 2020

As short video social apps develop rapidly, feed has become the main approach or algorithm to present recommendation content to users in such apps. There are big differences in the way that video apps make use of feed flow based on artificial intelligence algorithm. Two kinds of short video social apps including DouYin and KuaiShou are studied with a user experiment in this paper. Several indicators are established to quantify the user experience differences of these two apps. The results are analyzed with correlation analysis to find out the relationship between user experience performance and content presentation mode of feed flow. The differences found from the results are explained from the perspectives of user cognition and behavior.
Evolving Influence Maximization in Evolving Networks
Authors: Wu Xudong , Fu Luoyi , Zhang Zixin , Long Huan , Meng Jingfan , Wang Xinbing , Chen Guihai
Published: October 2020

Influence Maximization (IM) aims to maximize the number of people that become aware of a product by finding the “best” set of “seed” users to initiate the product advertisement. Unlike most prior arts on the static networks containing fixed number of users, we study the
evolving IM
in more realistic evolving networks with temporally growing topology. The task of evolving IM, however, is far more challenging over static cases in the sense that the seed selection should consider its impact on future users who will join network during influence diffusion and the probabilities that users influence one another also evolve over time.

We address the challenges brought by network evolution through EIM, a newly proposed bandit-based framework that alternates between seed nodes selection and knowledge (i.e., nodes’ growing speed and evolving activation probabilities) learning during network evolution. Remarkably, the EIM framework involves three novel components to handle the uncertainties brought by evolution: (1) A fully adaptive particle learning of nodes’ growing speed for accurately estimating future influenced size, with real growing behaviors delineated by a set of weighted particles. (2) A bandit-based refining method with growing arms to cope with the evolving activation probabilities via growing edges from previous influence diffusion feedbacks. (3)
Evo-IMM
, an evolving seed selection algorithm, which leverages the Influence Maximization via Martingale (IMM) framework, with the objective to maximize the influence spread to highly attractive users during evolution. Theoretically, the EIM framework returns a regret bound that provably maintains its sublinearity with respect to the growing network size. Empirically, the effectiveness of the EIM framework is also validated with three notable million-scale evolving network datasets possessing complete social relationships and nodes’ joining time. The results confirm the superiority of the EIM framework in terms of an up to 50% larger influenced size over four static baselines.
The Die is Cast
Authors: Levine Edlyn V.
Published: October 2020

The future of hardware security will evolve with hardware. As packaging advances and focus moves to beyond Moore's law technologies, hardware security experts will need to keep ahead of changing security paradigms, including system and process vulnerabilities. Research focused on quantum hacking is emblematic of the translation of principles of security on the physical attack plane for emerging communications and computing technologies. Perhaps the commercial market will evolve such that the GAO will run a study on compromised quantum technologies in the not-too-distant future.
Using Evidence-based Arguments to Support Dependability Assurance - Experiences and Challenges
Authors: Górski Janusz
Published: October 2020

The presentation introduces to the problem of evidencebased arguments and their applications. Then, based on the experiences collected during development and commercial deployment of a concrete solution to this problem (system NOR-STA) we overview selected challenges and the ways of addressing them.
Modeling Swarm Intelligence Algorithms for CPS Swarms
Authors: Schranz M. , Sende M.
Published: October 2020

Swarms of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) have a high potential for innovative and successful applications. Swarm intelligence algorithms are one approach to handle the increased complexity that comes with the high number of CPSs in a swarm. In such algorithms, individual CPSs follow simple rules that lead to an emergent behavior. This has advantages such as adaptability, scalability, and robustness without relying on a central control. Nevertheless, the design of such systems is still a hard problem. In this paper, we propose an approach to model the local behavior of individual CPSs using swarm intelligence algorithms from a software engineering perspective. Therefore, we introduce a two-level hierarchy: The first level models the swarm intelligence algorithms as opaque blocks which are detailed in the second level by individual actions as activity diagrams. The individual actions allow the designer to customize existing and create new swarm intelligence algorithms. This is done by extracting single actions from original swarm intelligence algorithms and assembling them in the activity diagrams. Furthermore, the two-level approach allows us to link the modeling of the CPS hardware with the modelling of the behavior of each CPS in a swarm. Finally, we demonstrate the modeling technique by applying the swarm intelligence algorithm BEECLUST to the robotic platform Spiderino.
Polarization and Vorticity in the Quark–Gluon Plasma
Authors: Becattini Francesco , Lisa Michael A.
Published: October 2020

The quark–gluon plasma (QGP) produced by collisions between ultrarelativistic heavy nuclei is well described in the language of hydrodynamics. Noncentral collisions are characterized by very large angular momentum, which in a fluid system manifests as flow vorticity. This rotational structure can lead to a spin polarization of the hadrons that eventually emerge from the plasma, and thus these collisions provide experimental access to flow substructure at unprecedented detail. Recently, the first observations of Λ hyperon polarization along the direction of collisional angular momentum were reported. These measurements are in broad agreement with hydrodynamic and transport-based calculations and reveal that the QGP is the most vortical fluid ever observed. However, there remain important tensions between theory and observation that might be fundamental in nature. In the relatively mature field of heavy-ion physics, the discovery of global hyperon polarization and 3D simulations of the collision have opened an entirely new direction of research. We discuss the current status of this rapidly developing area and directions for future research.
The Fermi–LAT Galactic Center Excess: Evidence of Annihilating Dark Matter?
Authors: Murgia Simona
Published: October 2020

The center of the Galaxy is one of the prime targets in the search for a signal of annihilating (or decaying) dark matter. If such a signal were to be detected, it would shed light on one of the biggest mysteries in physics today: What is dark matter? Fundamental properties of the particle nature of dark matter, such as its mass, annihilation cross section, and annihilation final states, could be measured for the first time. Several experiments have searched for such a signal, and some have measured excesses that are compatible with it. A long-standing and compelling excess is observed in γ-rays by the Fermi Large Area Telescope ( Fermi–LAT). This excess is consistent with a dark matter particle with a mass of approximately 50 (up to ∼200) GeV annihilating with a velocity-averaged cross section of ∼10−26 cm3 s−1. Although a dark matter origin of the excess remains viable, other interpretations are possible. In particular, there is some evidence that the excess is produced by a population of unresolved point sources of γ-rays—for example, millisecond pulsars. In this article, I review the current status of the observation of the Fermi–LAT Galactic center excess, the possible interpretations of the excess, the evidence and counterevidence for each, and the prospects for resolving its origin with future measurements.
In-Situ Time-Lapse SKPFM Investigation of Sensitized AA5083 Aluminum Alloy to Understand Localized Corrosion
Authors: Liew YanHan , Örnek Cem , Pan Jinshan , Thierry Dominique , Wijesinghe Sudesh , Blackwood Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

Sensitized AA5083-H2 aluminum alloy was exposed to chloride-laden thin-film electrolyte at ambient temperature (20%–85% relative humidity) and the local Volta potential measured,in-situand in real-time, using the Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, with the intention to elucidate the earliest stage of localized corrosion. Positive Volta potentials vs alloy matrix were measured for magnesium silicides in ambient air, which, however, underwent a severe nobility loss during corrosion, causing their nobility to invert to active potentials (negative) relative to the alloy matrix. The reason for the nobility inversion was explained by the preferential dissolution of Mg2+, which resulted in an electropositive surface. Aluminides, both with and without silicon, were seen to form the main cathodes at all exposure conditions. The local alloy matrix next to closely-separated aluminides were seen to adopt the Volta potential of the neighbor aluminides, which, hence, resulted in local corrosion protection. The phenomenon of nobility adoption introduced in this work raises questions regarding the anode-to-cathode ratio, which was observed to change during corrosion, and the resulting impact to localized micro-galvanic corrosion. This work further demonstrates that it is necessary to measure the Volta potential during corrosion to reflect the true relationship between the Volta potential and corrosion potential or breakdown potential.
Finite-Time Stability Analysis: A Tutorial Survey
Authors: Xu Honglei
Published: October 2020

In the past decades, there has been a growing research interest in the field of finite-time stability and stabilization. This paper aims to provide a self-contained tutorial review in the field. After a brief introduction to notations and two distinct finite-time stability concepts, dynamical system models, particularly in the form of linear time-varying systems and impulsive linear systems, are studied. The finite-time stability analysis in a quantitative sense is reviewed, and a variety of stability results including state transition matrix conditions, the piecewise continuous Lyapunov-like function theory, and the converse Lyapunov-like theorem are investigated. Then, robustness and time delay issues are studied. Finally, fundamental finite-time stability results in a qualitative sense are briefly reviewed.
Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Induction Therapies for the Treatment of Patients with Proliferative Lupus Nephritis in South Africa
Authors: Sogayise Phelisa , Ekrikpo Udeme , Gcelu Ayanda , Davidson Bianca , Wearne Nicola , Okpechi-Samuel Ugochi , Umeizudike Theophilus Ifeanyichukwu , Chukwuonye Innocent Ijezie , Okpechi Ikechi
Published: October 2020

Background. Lupus nephritis (LN) can be complicated with requirement for kidney replacement therapy and death. Efficacy of induction therapies using mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) has been reported from studies, but there is limited data in Africans comparing both treatments in patients with proliferative LN. Methods. This was a retrospective study of patients with biopsy-proven proliferative LN diagnosed and treated with either MMF or IVCYC in a single centre in Cape Town, South Africa, over a 5-year period. The primary outcome was attaining complete remission after completion of induction therapy. Results. Of the 84 patients included, mean age was 29.6 ± 10.4 years and there was a female preponderance (88.1%). At baseline, there were significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and presence of glomerular crescents between both groups (p≤0.05). After completion of induction therapy, there was no significant difference in remission status (76.0% versus 87.5%;p=0.33) or relapse status (8.1% versus 10.3%;p=0.22) for the IVCYC and MMF groups, respectively. Mortality rate for the IVCYC group was 5.5 per 10,000 person-days of follow-up compared to 1.5 per 10,000 person-days of follow-up for the MMF group (p=0.11), and there was no significant difference in infection-related adverse events between both groups. Estimated GFR at baseline was the only predictor of death (OR: 1.0 [0.9–1.0];p=0.001). Conclusion. This study shows similar outcomes following induction treatment with MMF or IVCYC in patients with biopsy-proven proliferative LN in South Africa. However, a prospective and randomized study is needed to adequately assess these outcomes.
Ureteral Avulsion during Semirigid Ureteroscopy: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Bhaskarapprakash A. R. , Karri Leelakrishna , Velmurugan P. , Venkatramanan S. , Natarajan K.
Published: October 2020

Aims. The aim of the study is to present our experience with the management of ureteral avulsions following semirigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones. This is one of the largest series reported so far. Methods and Materials. It is a retrospective and observational study done at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research over the last 18 years. Results. There were seven cases of ureteral avulsion following semirigid ureteroscopy. All patients were males with a mean age of 35.7 years. All had impacted stones, with proximal ureteric location in 6 patients and distal ureteric location in 1 patient. Five cases had two-point avulsions with loss of entire ureter. Two cases had one-point avulsion: one distal ureteric and the other mid-ureteric. Of the five cases with whole length ureteral avulsion, four were managed by classical ileal replacement of ureter and the the fifth case was managed by ileal replacement of ureter by the Yang–Monti technique. Of the two cases with one-point avulsion, one was managed by uretero-neocystostomy and the other by uretero-ureterostomy. All the patients had successful outcome. Conclusions. Even though rare, ureteral avulsion can potentially happen especially when dealing with impacted ureteric stones. Being conscious of the possible occurrence of this serious complication during any difficult ureteroscopy and exercising utmost care during the procedure are important preventive measures. However, this catastrophe can be successfully managed by either immediate definitive repair or in a staged manner.
The Study of Incidence and Characteristics of Patients with Eye-Related Chief Complaints at the Emergency Department of Thammasat University Hospital
Authors: Imsuwan Intanon , Amnuaypattanapon Kumpol , Vongkittirux Sakchai , Imsuwan Yutthaphong
Published: October 2020

Background. Patients with eye-related chief complaints could be diagnosed not only with eye diseases but also with noneye diseases. This study determines rates and characteristics of patients with eye-related chief complaints at the Emergency Department of Thammasat University Hospital. Methods. The study design is a descriptive retrospective observational study of patients with eye-related chief complaints at the Emergency Department of Thammasat University Hospital in 2017. Demographic data, diagnosis, management, consultation, and disposition were recorded by chart review. Categorical data were reported by percentage. Results. Of the 52081 patients, 704 (1.3%) presented with eye problems. 60% of the patients were males. Patients were classified into three groups which are traumatic eye disease, nontraumatic eye disease, and noneye disease. 75.9% of the patients suffered traumatic injuries. The most common diagnoses of the traumatic eye injuries were foreign bodies at the cornea and conjunctiva and minor trauma to the conjunctiva. The most common mechanisms were foreign bodies in the eyes, cuts, or pierces. The most common causes of the injuries were from metals and housewares. The most common nontraumatic eye diagnoses were conjunctivitis and corneal ulcer. The most common noneye diagnoses were exposure of healthcare providers to secretions from patients, angioedema, and hypertensive crisis. Conclusions. Most of the patients who came to the ER with chief complaints of the eyes could be treated by doctors in the emergency room without consulting ophthalmologists. Chief complaints of the eyes could be the leading symptoms of many organ systems. Emergency physicians should be differentially diagnosed to cover neurologic, cardiovascular, and immunologic problems.
Wireless Localization Based on Deep Learning: State of Art and Challenges
Authors: Ye Yun-Xia , Lu An-Nan , You Ming-Yi , Huang Kai , Jiang Bin
Published: October 2020

The problem of position estimation has always been widely discussed in the field of wireless communication. In recent years, deep learning technology is rapidly developing and attracting numerous applications. The high-dimension modeling capability of deep learning makes it possible to solve the localization problems under many nonideal scenarios which are hard to handle by classical models. Consequently, wireless localization based on deep learning has attracted extensive research during the last decade. The research and applications on wireless localization technology based on deep learning are reviewed in this paper. Typical deep learning models are summarized with emphasis on their inputs, outputs, and localization methods. Technical details helpful for enhancing localization ability are also mentioned. Finally, some problems worth further research are discussed.
Verapamil Inhibits Mitochondria-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species and Dependent Apoptosis Pathways in Cerebral Transient Global Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Jangholi Ehsan , Sharifi Zahra Nadia , Hoseinian Mohammad , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Mowla Ashkan , Aryan Hoda , Javidi Mohammad Amin , Parsa Yekta , Ghaffarpasand Fariborz , Yadollah-Damavandi Soheila , Arani Hamid Zaferani , Shahi Farshad , Movassaghi Shabnam
Published: October 2020

The prefrontal cortex is the largest lobe of the brain and is consequently involved in stroke. There is no comprehensive practical pharmacological strategy for ameliorating prefrontal cortex injury induced by cerebral ischemia. Therefore, we studied the neuroprotective properties of verapamil (Ver) on mitochondrial dysfunction and morphological features of apoptosis in transient global ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Ninety-six Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, I/R, I/R+Ver (10 mg/kg twice 1 hour prior to ischemia and 1 hour after reperfusion phase), and I/R+NaCl (vehicle). Animals were sacrificed, and mitochondrial dysfunction parameters (i.e., mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP concentration, ROS production, and cytochrome c release), antioxidant defense (i.e., superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and caspase-3 activation), and morphological features of apoptosis were determined. The results showed that mitochondrial damage, impairment of antioxidant defense system, and apoptosis were significantly more prevalent in the I/R group in comparison with the other groups. Ver decreased mitochondrial damage by reducing oxidative stress, augmented the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain, and decreased apoptosis in the I/R neurons. The current study confirmed the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in I/R progression and indicated the possible antioxidative mechanism of the neuroprotective activities of Ver.
lncRNA CASC2 Enhances 131I Sensitivity in Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Sponging miR‐155
Authors: Tao Ling , Tian Ping , Yang Li , Guo Xiangyang
Published: October 2020

Long noncoding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) has been reported to play an anticancer role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Radioiodine (131I) is a common option for the treatment of PTC. However, the role and mechanism of CASC2 in 131I sensitivity remain unclear. In this study, 131I‐resistant cells were constructed through continuous treatment of 131I. The expression levels of CASC2 and miR‐155 were measured by qRT‐PCR. The IC50 of 131I was analyzed by cell viability using MTT assay. Flow cytometry was conducted to determine cell apoptosis induced by 131I. The association between CASC2 and miR‐155 was evaluated by luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. A mouse xenograft model was built to explore the effect of CASC2 on the growth of 131I‐resistant PTC cells in vivo. Results showed that CASC2 expression was decreased in PTC tissues and cells, and low expression of CASC2 was associated with poor outcome of patients. CASC2 level was reduced in 131I‐resistant cells. Knockdown of CASC2 inhibited 131I sensitivity in thyroid cancer cells. Overexpression of CASC2 enhanced 131I sensitivity in constructed resistant PTC cells. CASC2 was a decoy of miR‐155, and CASC2‐mediated promotion of 131I sensitivity was weakened by decreasing miR‐155. Abundance of CASC2 inhibited the growth of 131I‐resistant cells in vivo. As a conclusion, CASC2 increases 131I sensitivity in PTC by sponging miR‐155, providing a novel target for the treatment of thyroid cancer patients with 131I resistance.
Analysis of Dynamic Response and Fatigue Life of Masonry Pagoda under the Influence of Train Vibration
Authors: Xia Qian , Zhao Jin , Wang Defa , Li Yiqing
Published: October 2020

Taking Liangxiang Pagoda built in Liao Dynasty in Beijing as the research object, the vibration responses of the pagoda in the east‐west direction and south‐north direction under the action of trains on the Beijing–Guangzhou Railway Line and microseism were tested. On this basis, a numerical model was established by using ANSYS to further calculate the dynamic response of the pagoda, and the safety and integrity of the pagoda were evaluated based on existing standards. Cumulative fatigue damage theory was introduced to predict the remaining fatigue life of Liangxiang Pagoda. The following conclusions have been drawn: in the two directions mentioned above, the natural vibration frequencies of the pagoda of the first three orders are similar; the 1st‐order vibration modes in the plane are bending, and the vibration modes of the 2nd and 3rd orders are shear‐bending; under the action of trains, the peak vibration value of Liangxiang Pagoda at the position that bears the maximum load is 0.053 mm/s, which has a little impact on the safety and integrity of the pagoda; under the combined action of gravity and trains, the remaining fatigue life of Liangxiang Pagoda is 5.26 × 107 times. The research method used in this paper can provide data and scientific support for the protection of historical buildings, as well as the basis for the follow‐up research of the studied ancient pagoda.
Woody Species Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Wurg Forest, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Boz Girma , Maryo Melesse
Published: October 2020

This study was aimed to determine woody species composition, diversity, and vegetation structure and to investigate major threats to Wurg forest, southwest Ethiopia. In order to collect vegetation data, 64 (400 m2) sample plots from eight transect lines were employed. The distances between transect lines and plots were 400 m and 200 m, respectively. DBH of woody species >2.5 cm and the height >2 m were measured and recorded. Voucher specimens were brought to the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute for identification and deposited there. R program version 12.5.2 software and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet were used to analyze plant community classification and structural analysis, respectively. A total of 76 woody species representing 40 families were recorded. Rubiaceae was the dominant family followed by Asteraceae. The average Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) and the average evenness values of Wurg forest were 3.38 and 0.90, respectively. Four plant community types were identified by using the presence/absence values of each species. The total density of woody species with DBH > 2.5 cm was 1745.3 ha−1. The DBH and height class distributions showed an inverted J-shaped pattern, which indicates a good regeneration potential of the forest. The most frequently observed species (92%) was Syzygium guineense, which contributed 46% of the total basal area. The composition of seedling, sapling, and adult trees/shrubs species was 4966.07 ha−1, 3125.78 ha−1, and 1745.27 ha−1, respectively. However, the major threat to the forest was selective cutting of some woody species for various purposes. Therefore, raising local community awareness on conservation and sustainable use of the forest and exploring various alternatives for local communities’ livelihood and promoting private and community plantations are recommendable.
New Fixed Point Theorems forθ‐ϕ-Contraction on Rectangularb-Metric Spaces
Authors: Kari Abdelkarim , Rossafi Mohamed , Marhrani El Miloudi , Aamri Mohamed
Published: October 2020

The Banach contraction principle is the most celebrated fixed point theorem and has been generalized in various directions. In this paper, inspired by the concept ofθ‐ϕ-contraction in metric spaces, introduced by Zheng et al., we present the notion ofθ‐ϕ-contraction inb-rectangular metric spaces and study the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point for the mappings in this space. Our results improve many existing results.
Magnitude of Anemia and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Najo General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gari Wakshuma , Tsegaye Arega , Ketema Tsige
Published: October 2020

Anemia is one of the major causes of morbidity for pregnant women in resource-limited regions. Yet robust research-based evidence on this vital public health problem in remote areas where the problem could be massive is quite limited in Ethiopia, one of the developing countries. Thus, this study is aimed to assess the magnitude of anemia and its associated risk factors among pregnant women attending one of the health facilities in Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed in 2019. A total of 384 pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) unit of Najo General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, were included in the study. Their sociodemographic characteristics, and medical, obstetric, and gynecological history were collected using pretested interview questionnaires. Blood samples were collected from each participant for the determination of malaria parasite and hemoglobin (Hb) level. In addition, stool samples were collected for examination of intestinal parasites. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 25. The overall magnitude of anemia among pregnant women was 37.8% (95% CI, 32.8%–42.3%). The proportion of mild anemia, moderate anemia, and severe anemia was 24%, 11%, and 2.3%, respectively. Some variables such as absence of malaria infection (AOR: 0.195, 95% CI: 0.066–0.576), lack of history of abortion (AOR: 0.469, 95% CI: 0.265–0.830), and absence of history of anemia (AOR: 0.227, 95% CI: 0.134–0.385) were identified as protective variables of anemia during pregnancy, while urban residence (AOR: 1.753, 95% CI: 1.013–3.034) was unexpectedly found as a predisposing factor. Despite the higher number of anemic pregnant women observed in the current study, pregnancy-associated anemia is moderate public health importance in the study area.
Identifying Big Five Personality Traits through Controller Area Network Bus Data
Authors: Wang Yameng , Zhao Nan , Liu Xiaoqian , Karaburun Sinan , Chen Mario , Zhu Tingshao
Published: October 2020

As adapting vehicles to drivers’ preferences has become an important focus point in the automotive sector, a more convenient, objective, real-time method for identifying drivers’ personality traits is increasingly important. Only recently has increased availability of driving signals obtained via controller area network (CAN) bus provided new perspectives for investigating personality differences. This study proposes a new methodology for identifying drivers’ Big Five personality traits through driving signals, specifically accelerator pedal angle, frontal acceleration, steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration, and speed. Data were collected from 92 participants who were asked to drive a car along a pre-defined 15 km route. Using statistical methods and the discrete Fourier transform, some time-frequency features related to driving were extracted to establish models for identifying participants’ Big Five personality traits. For these five personality trait dimensions, the coefficients of determination of effective predictive models were between 0.19 and 0.74, the root mean squared errors were between 2.47 and 4.23, and the correlations between predicted scores and self-reported questionnaire scores were considered medium to strong (0.56–0.88). The results showed that personality traits can be revealed through driving signals, and time-frequency features extracted from driving signals are effective in characterizing and identifying Big Five personality traits. This approach could be of potential value in the development of in-car integration or driver assistance systems and indicates a possible direction for further research on convenient psychometric methods.
COVID-19-Associated Coagulopathy: A Case Report of Thrombosis despite Therapeutic Anticoagulation
Authors: Hussain Habiba , Sehring Matthew , Aulakh Bhagat Singh
Published: October 2020

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to tremendous morbidity and mortality. Various inflammatory markers have been monitored and considered to be associated with disease prognosis. One of the major sources of comorbidity involved has been development of thrombosis alongside the infection. This prothrombotic phenomenon considered, COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC), has been the center of discussion in dealing with this infection. There still remains ambiguity regarding management guidelines for thromboprophylaxis dosing and therapeutic anticoagulation. We present a case of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated by thrombosis despite therapeutic anticoagulation contributing to prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay.
A Supporting Design Method When Longwall FaceStrides across and Passes through a Roadway
Authors: Pan Weidong , Li Xinyuan , Li YiWei , Li Xiaobin , Qiao Qing , Gong Haoran
Published: October 2020

In coal underground mining, situation of longwall face striding across (SAR) or passing through roadway (PTR) is very common, especially in an inclined coal seam mining. A roadway supporting design method, consisting of a model using to determine the minimal rock strata thickness and a segmental supporting scheme, is developed. In addition, to represent the mechanical behaviour of the caved material authentically, an elastic model was developed. The results showed that the elastic model has a good agreement with the caved material mechanical behaviours at a relatively lower stress condition. By using a FDEM method, a real case in Xutuan coal mine is studied. Compared with the process without backfill, the z‐displacement of cross‐cut roof decreased shapely after backfilling, with a maximum z‐displacement, decreases from 0.76 m to 0.13 m and from 0.39 m to 0.064 m in PTR and SAR section, respectively. Therefore, the possibility of fall of ground (FOG) and crushing accidents can be reduced effectively with backfilling material of wood cribs. And the maximum subsidence (SAR section side) of face floor is 0.16 m, which is small enough to ensure normal production. The results of this study are likely to be useful as a reference for the safe and efficient mining of coal resources under similar conditions.
Type IV RTA in Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency and Concomitant Lisinopril Treatment
Authors: Galbiati Francesca
Published: October 2020

Type IV renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is the only RTA characterized by hyperkalemia, and it is caused by a true aldosterone deficiency or renal tubular aldosterone hyporesponsiveness. It is frequent among hospitalized patients as it is related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and common medications such as ACE-inhibitors (ACE-is) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Drug-induced RTA commonly manifests in patients with predisposing conditions such as mild renal insufficiency and certain pharmacological therapies. ACE-i use and chronic adrenal insufficiency (cAI) are other significant risk factors. Chronic ACTH suppression is thought to induce global adrenal atrophy, including the zona glomerulosa, thus affecting aldosterone secretion as well. Furthermore, in the setting of cAI, treatment with ACE-is further suppresses aldosterone production. This case report describes a patient with cAI secondary to corticosteroid use for years who developed type IV RTA in the setting of lisinopril use. Potassium (K) elevation persisted despite removing underlying conditions and metabolic acidosis correction. The patient required long-term treatment with mineralocorticoids in addition to sodium bicarbonate to maintain normal K levels and acid-base status. Mineralocorticoid administration is a second-line treatment for type IV RTA, but it might be necessary for a subgroup of high-risk patients. In fact, it is important to consider patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency and on ACE-is treatment at increased risk for refractory hyperkalemia in the setting of type IV RTA. Indeed, this subgroup of patients can have severe hypoaldosteronism.