bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk and Oral Decontamination: Scarce Evidence Albeit Promising Future
Authors: Suárez Londoño Lina Janeth , Martínez Pabón María Cecilia , Arce Muñoz Roger Mauricio , Rodríguez Ciódaro Adriana
Published: May 2021

Background: Oral decontamination recommendations/guidelines have exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic for the contemporary dental practice, due to SARS-CoV-2 relative high presence in saliva and the possibility of risk contagion through its aerosolization. However, such guidelines are mostly based on research carried out for other diseases caused by different viruses and/or bacteria, low-level evidence publications, and/or anecdotal information. Purpose: To review the biological basis for the use of oral antiseptics to decrease viral load in saliva as a plausible mechanism for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk, including other aspects such as pathogenesis, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 expression in the oral cavity, aerosolization, and oral antiseptics potential mechanistic virucidal properties. Results: Our group could only identify a limited number of reports evaluating specific direct effects of commonly used oral antiseptics (Hydrogen Peroxide, Povidone-Iodine and Chlorhexidine) on SARS-CoV-2, however, these reports are limited to surface disinfection, in vitro activity, or preliminary in vivo observations. Conclusion: Although we conclude that there is no direct evidence of clinical effectiveness of the use of mouth rinses prior to dental procedures with antiseptic solutions for SARS-CoV-2 specifically to date, we here present recommendations that could aid in reducing the risk of transmission in the dental office.
Síntomas musculoesqueléticos asociados a posturas ergonómicas inadecuadas de trabajo en odontólogos de la ciudad de León, Nicaragua
Authors: Quintana Salgado Luis Alberto , Midence Salazar Xiloé Angélica , López Narváez Lilliam , Aragón Benavides Aurora
Published: May 2021

Antecedentes: Los trabajos realizados en posición estática, posturas ergonómicamente forzadas y movimientos repetitivos en los odontólogos son causa frecuente de síntomas de desórdenes musculoesqueléticos. Objetivo: Establecer la prevalencia de síntomas musculoesqueléticos asociados a posturas ergonómicamente inadecuadas de trabajo en odontólogos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con una grupo de 97 odontólogos de la ciudad de León, Nicaragua, a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario nórdico sobre síntomas musculoesqueléticos y otro sobre percepción de posturas inadecuadas.  Resultados: El principal síntoma musculoesquelético fue el dolor con una prevalencia de 64,9 %. Los más afectados fueron odontólogos mayores de 40 años, con 20 años o más de ejercicio profesional. Las áreas corporales más afectadas fueron la mano/muñeca (35,8 %), el cuello (30,9 %), la espalda alta (30,9 %) y la espalda baja (26,8 %). Las posiciones corporales conocidas como “flexión de espalda” y “giro o rotación de cuello” fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes al ser estadísticamente significativos en cuanto al dolor de mano/muñeca (OR: 5; IC 95 % 1,2-19,3), cuello (OR: 5; IC 95 % 1,3-20,4  ), espalda alta (OR: 6; IC 95 % 1,6-23) y espalda baja (OR: 6; IC 1,3-26) (p<0,005). Conclusión: Este estudio aporta evidencia sobre el alto riesgo de los odontólogos de padecer síntomas musculoesqueléticos asociados a posturas ergonómicas inadecuadas de trabajo, que se asocian al tipo de procedimiento. De no controlarse, pueden generar problemas de salud posteriores más severos, así como incapacidad laboral, jubilación temprana y deterioro de la calidad de vida.
Calibration of sound power sources: Current status and new developments
Authors: Brezas Spyros , Wittstock Volker
Published: May 2021

Reference sound sources used in sound power measurements are currently calibrated according to well-documented techniques. Low frequency limitations and solely broadband analysis restrict the applicability of these methods. The concept of traceability is introduced to overcome these deficiencies. This study presents the calibration of reference sound sources through a measurement chain, which is based on the substitution method. The applicability of the substitution method extends to sound intensity measurements and narrowband frequency analysis. A specially designed apparatus allows the detection of the sound field over a fully scanned hemisphere. The results of the apparatus are comparable to the results of the existing methods. The substitution method reduces the required corrections, which are presented. The sound power levels are supplemented by a transparent uncertainty budget, which allows the estimation of each uncertainty component individually. The comparison between the methods is also given in terms of a confidence interval.
A Network Perspective on the Relationship Between Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Fundamental Motor Skills in Early Childhood
Authors: Bezerra Thaynã Alves , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , de Souza Filho Anastácio Neco , Clark Cain Craig Truman , Mota Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva , Duncan Michael Joseph , de Lucena Martins Clarice Maria
Published: May 2021

Background: The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fundamental motor skill (FMS) is inconsistent in early childhood, due to its complex and nonlinear characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between MVPA, FMS, body mass index (BMI), sex, and age in preschoolers. Methods: This cross-sectional study with preschoolers (n = 204; 4.0 [0.8] y old; 99 boys), provided objective physical activity data, FMS assessments, and BMI. The associations between MVPA, FMS, BMI, sex, and age were explored using the network analysis (RStudio and qgraph). Results: Boys were more motor competent than girls in all FMS skills, while girls were more active than boys during the weekend. Older children were less active than their younger peers during these days. MVPA is weak and differently related to each FMS, and the leap skill emerged with the highest betweenness and strength values in the network. Conclusions: For the assessed preschoolers, when considering BMI, age, and sex, the relationships between MVPA and FMS are inconsistent, and leap emerged as the main variable. During early childhood, these variables are connected as part of a complex system in which each skill has a dynamic role within the emerging pattern.
The spatial distribution of target cell ligands determines NK cell degranulation
Authors: Veillette André
Published: May 2021

The spatial distribution of target cell ligands determines NK cell degranulation (Verron
et al
., in 25 May 2021 issue).
On the Reproductive Diapause in the Predatory Ladybird Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae)
Authors: Reznik S. Ya. , Ovchinnikov A. N. , Ovchinnikova A. A. , Bezman-Moseyko O. S. , Belyakova N. A.
Published: May 2021

The ability to enter reproductive diapause was experimentally studied in females of the laboratory population of the predatory ladybirdCheilomenes sexmaculataoriginated from individuals collected in Nepal in a region of subtropical monsoon climate. The experiment included 12 regimes, i.e. combinations of 2 temperatures (20 and 24°C), 3 photoperiods (day lengths of 10, 12, and 14 h), and 2 diets (the green peach aphidMyzus persicaeand eggs of the grain mothSitotroga cerealella).Females with undeveloped ovaries and well developed fat body were considered as diapausing. The proportion of diapausing females was significantly dependent only on the temperature being 0.8% at 24°С and 7.4% at 20°С. Although found in only a small fraction of the studied population, the ability to enter reproductive diapause (as suggested by literature data) was probably an important prerequisite forCh. sexmaculataspread northwards to the temperate zone.
Incidentally discovered severe hypercalcaemia from a functioning parathyroid cyst: the limitations of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring
Authors: Nogues Juan Carlos , Cox Robert , Mulcahy Collin , Benito Daniel , Goodman Joseph
Published: May 2021

Parathyroid cysts (PCs) are rare pathologies and are typically non-functional (do not secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH)). The aetiology of PCs is highly debated, and management is complex. We present a unique case of a parathyroid adenoma contained within a functional PC and highlight the limitations of intraoperative PTH monitoring during the surgical resection of functional PCs.
Unusual case of amyloidosis presenting as a jejunal mass
Authors: Mohan Sachin , Graziano Elliot , Campbell James , Jafri Irshad H
Published: May 2021

Amyloidosis constitutes a heterogeneous group of disorders of protein misfolding that can involve different organ systems. The disease can occur either in a systemic or localised manner that is well known to involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI amyloidosis can present with a wide range of symptoms including diarrhoea, bleeding and obstruction. This case illustrates a patient with localised jejunal amyloid light chain disease that was diagnosed serendipitously during a workup for haematuria. Our patient was otherwise asymptomatic, but this case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis as a possible cause of isolated masses of the small intestine.
Acquired unilateral upper limb hypertrophy as a late complication of tuberculous meningitis complicated by Chiari 1 malformation and syringomyelia
Authors: Essajee Farida , Solomons Regan , Goussard Pierre , Van Toorn Ronald
Published: May 2021

Syringomyelia associated with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is an extremely rare condition. Only a few adult cases have been reported. A 12-year-old woman, who previously suffered TBM at the age of 6 months, presented with a long-standing history of right upper limb panhypertrophy, dissociate anaesthesia, frequent headaches, scoliosis and acquired macrocephaly. MRI demonstrated hydrocephalus, descent of the cerebral tonsils and an intramedullary syrinx extending from C2 to L1. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) leads to reduction in the size of the syringomyelia and resolution of the thermoanaesthesia. This case highlights a very rare long-term complication associated with childhood TBM and the potential benefit offered by ETV.
Successful treatment of massive haemoptysis in a young woman with anastomosis of right internal mammary artery to right superior pulmonary vein fistula
Authors: Bechsgaard Thor , Midtgaard Annette , Jakobsen Erik , Kjeldsen Anette Drøhse
Published: May 2021

A 21-year-old, otherwise healthy, female patient was admitted with haemoptysis. Chest X-ray and CT found a consolidated right middle pulmonary lobe. Catheter angiography of ascending aorta visualised two hypertrophic and tortuous branches of the right internal mammary artery with a fistula to the right superior pulmonary vein. The inflow was embolised with coils. Catheter angiography of descending aorta found hypertrophic right bronchial arteries and right phrenic artery supplying a web-like network of vessels, which drained to the right superior pulmonary vein with discrete filling of an accessory right middle pulmonary vein. CT angiography with a catheter for contrast administration in the ascending aorta was performed for characterisation. After two additional episodes of haemoptysis, right middle lobe lobectomy was performed. Perioperatively pulmonary artery blood supply to the right middle pulmonary lobe was absent and an atretic accessory middle pulmonary vein was seen. The patient was discharged 7 days afterwards without sequelae.
Paraganglioma in an adolescent awaiting a cardiac transplant due to unrepaired congenital cyanotic heart disease and a univentricular heart: the first reported case
Authors: Doyle Conor , Bolger Jarlath , Conneely John B , Walsh Kevin P
Published: May 2021

We report a case of a 16-year-old adolescent male born with univentricular congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD) who was diagnosed with an incidental paraganglioma while awaiting a cardiac transplant. The coexistence of paraganglioma and univentricular CCHD is very rare, with no previous cases described in the literature of a patient concurrently requiring a cardiac transplant. The complex physiology associated with a common atrium, common ventricle, aortopulmonary lung perfusion and a hypoplastic left lung rendered our patient extremely vulnerable to catecholamine-mediated effects of preload, contractility and afterload. The interactions and interdependence between these systems provided unique difficulties for perioperative management with serious implications for prospective cardiac transplant.
Empyema associated with a cough-induced rib fracture
Authors: Hayano Satoshi , Kashima Masayuki
Published: May 2021

A 44-year-old man presented to the emergency department with fever and right anterior chest pain. He reported a persistent cough and the development of sudden-onset right anterior chest pain after coughing. The inspiratory pain in the right lung was severe, and therefore deep breathing was impossible. Chest CT revealed a fracture in the right seventh rib with consolidation and pleural effusion. A pleural fluid culture test result was positive for methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus. He was diagnosed with empyema associated with a cough-induced rib fracture. Thoracic drainage tube placement and intravenous antibiotic therapy successfully ameliorated his condition. He was discharged on day 13 and switched to an 8-week course of oral antibiotic therapy. There was no clinical relapse at the 6-month follow-up.
Crystallising galactocele of the breast: a rare cytological diagnosis
Authors: Varshney Bharti , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Saha Souvik , Sharma Naveen
Published: May 2021

Galactocele of the breast is a benign condition characterised by milk containing cystic lesions, usually present during pregnancy and lactation. The diagnosis of galactocele is difficult due to physiological changes which occur during pregnancy and lactation. Fine needle aspiration cytology proves to be a simple and minimally invasive procedure in diagnosing and treating this condition. Very rarely, long-standing galactoceles can show crystal formation on aspirate smears, termed as crystallising galactocele. Herein, we present this rare case of crystallising galactocele in a 26-year-old lactating woman. We are reporting this case because of its rarity, as less than 10 cases have been reported so far.
Streptococcus gordoniiseptic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint following deltoid intramuscular vaccination
Authors: Flowers Robert Costigan , Rivera Rodriguez Beatriz , Corbitt Kelly
Published: May 2021

A 68-year-old woman presented for left shoulder pain, decreased range of motion (ROM) and fever 7 days following COVID-19 vaccination. Investigations showed a tender left deltoid mass, decreased shoulder ROM and elevated inflammatory markers. MRI demonstrated a large glenohumeral effusion with synovitis, and arthrocentesis confirmed septic arthritis (SA). She required subtotal bursectomy. Intraoperative joint cultures grewStreptococcus gordonii. She completed 6 weeks of antibiotics and is undergoing physical therapy for post-infectious adhesive capsulitis. SA is most commonly due toStaphylococcus aureusand β-haemolytic streptococci, and rarely due to viridans group streptococci includingS. gordonii. To avoid inadvertent injection into the glenohumeral joint, vaccination should be performed posteriorly and inferiorly into the deltoid musculature. Progressive pain, fever or decreased passive ROM following vaccination should raise concern for SA. Given its rarity, however, concern for secondary SA should not affect the general population’s consideration for vaccination.
Prescribing for pregnancy: managing diabetes
Authors: Hurrell Alice , White Sara L , Webster Louise Mary
Published: May 2021

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.
Talking it better: conversations and normative complexity in healthcare improvement
Authors: Cribb Alan , Entwistle Vikki , Mitchell Polly
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we consider the role of conversations in contributing to healthcare quality improvement. More specifically, we suggest that conversations can be important in responding to what we call ‘normative complexity’. As well as reflecting on the value of conversations, the aim is to introduce the dimension of normative complexity as something that requires theoretical and practical attention alongside the more recognised challenges of complex systems, which we label, for short, as ‘explanatory complexity’. In brief, normative complexity relates to the inherent difficulty of deciding what kinds of changes are ‘improvements’ or, more broadly, what is valuable in healthcare. We suggest that explanatory and normative complexity intersect and that anyone interested in healthcare improvement needs to be sensitive to both. After briefly introducing the idea of normative complexity, we consider some contrasting examples of conversations, reflecting on how they do and might contribute to healthcare quality. We discuss both conversations that are deliberately organised and facilitated (‘orchestrated conversations’) and more informally occurring and routine conversations. In the first half of the paper, we draw on some examples of orchestrated and routine conversations to open up these issues. In the second half of the paper, we bring some more theoretical lenses to bear on both conversations and normative complexity, summarise what we take to be the value of conversations and draw together some of the implications of our discussion. In summary, we argue that conversations can play a crucial role in negotiating the normative complexity of healthcare quality improvement because of their capacity to hold together a plurality of perspectives, to contribute and respond to emergence and to help underpin institutional conditions for empathy and imagination.
Workplace interventions that aim to improve employee health and well-being in male-dominated industries: a systematic review
Authors: Hulls Paige M , Richmond Rebecca C , Martin Richard M , Chavez-Ugalde Yanaina , de Vocht Frank
Published: May 2021

The published evidence on whether workplace health and well-being interventions are as effective in male-dominated industries compared with mixed-gender environments has not been synthesised. We performed a systematic review of workplace interventions aimed at improving employee health and well-being in male-dominated industries. We searched Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database and Web of Science for articles describing workplace interventions in male-dominated industries that address employee health and well-being. The primary outcome was to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and the process evaluation (intervention delivery and adherence). To assess the quality of evidence, Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool was used. Due to the heterogeneity of reported outcomes, meta-analysis was performed for only some outcomes and a narrative synthesis with albatross plots was presented. After full-text screening, 35 studies met the eligibility criteria. Thirty-two studies delivered the intervention face-to-face, while two were delivered via internet and one using postal mail. Intervention adherence ranged from 50% to 97%, dependent on mode of delivery and industry. 17 studies were considered low risk of bias. Albatross plots indicated some evidence of positive associations, particularly for interventions focusing on musculoskeletal disorders. There was little evidence of intervention effect on body mass index and systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Limited to moderate evidence of beneficial effects was found for workplace health and well-being interventions conducted within male-dominated industries. Such interventions in the workplace can be effective, despite a different culture in male-dominated compared with mixed industries, but are dependent on delivery, industry and outcome. CRD42019161283.
The influence of habitual breaks in sedentary time on cardiovagal baroreflex function
Authors: O’Brien Myles W. , Al-Hinnawi Amera , Wu Yanlin , Petterson Jennifer L. , Shivgulam Madeline E. , Johns Jarrett A. , Frayne Ryan J. , Kimmerly Derek S.
Published: May 2021

Sedentary time has recently been included in the 24-h activity guidelines. However, the impact of habitual sedentary patterns on autonomic cardiovascular regulation are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that more sedentary time and fewer sedentary breaks were associated with lower cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity. More frequent sedentary breaks, but not total sedentary time, was independently and positively associated with vagally mediated blood pressure control. Breaking up sedentary time could be more important than total sedentary time for cardiovascular health.

Novelty: Breaks in sedentary time is an independent predictor of cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity, with more frequent breaks associated with better vagally mediated blood pressure regulation.
Effect of trenbolone acetate, melengestrol acetate, and ractopamine hydrochloride on the growth performance of beef cattle
Authors: Ribeiro Gabriel O. , Terry Stephanie , Hünerberg Martin , Ominski Kim , Larney Francis J. , McAllister Tim A.
Published: May 2021

The effect of trenbolone acetate + estradiol (TBA) implants, melengestrol acetate (MGA), and ractopamine hydrochloride + TBA (RAC + TBA) on growth performance and carcass characteristics in beef cattle (n = 680; 279 ± 10.1 kg) fed barley grain/corn silage was examined in a 4 yr study (four pens per treatment per year; 262 ± 8 d feeding period). In the first 2 yr, treatments were (1) control heifers (H-CON; no growth promoters), (2) TBA-implanted heifers (H-TBA), (3) MGA heifers (H-MGA), (4) control steers (S-CON; no growth promoters), and (5) TBA-implanted steers (S-TBA). A sixth treatment (6) RAC + TBA steers (RAC + TBA) was included in years 3 and 4. Overall dry matter intake (DMI) of heifers was increased (P < 0.001) by TBA but not MGA. Compared with H-CONs, H-TBA had greater average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.001), gain to feed ratio (G/F) (P < 0.001), and carcass weight (P < 0.001), whereas S-TBA had increased ADG (P < 0.001), G/F (P< 0.001), and carcass weight (P < 0.001) compared with S-CON. Compared with H-CON, H-MGA had increased (P < 0.01) ADG, G/F, and carcass weight. The RAC + TBA had increased (P < 0.01) ADG and carcass weight (3.2%) but not G/F or DMI compared with S-TBA. This 4 yr study showed a consistent positive impact of growth-enhancing technologies on the performance of Canadian feedlot cattle.
Thermal behavior of a radially deformed black hole spacetime
Authors: Barman Subhajit , Mukherjee Sajal
Published: May 2021

In the present article, we study the Hawking effect and the bounds on greybody factor in a spacetime with radial deformation. This deformation is expected to carry the imprint of a non-Einsteinian theory of gravity, but shares some of the important characteristics of general relativity (GR). In particular, this radial deformation will restore the asymptotic behavior, and also allows for the separation of the scalar field equation in terms of the angular and radial coordinates – making it suitable to study the Hawking effect and greybody factors. However, the radial deformation would introduce a change in the locations of the horizon, and therefore, the temperature of the Hawking effect naturally alters. In fact, we observe that the deformation parameter has an enhancing effect on both temperature and bounds on the greybody factor, which introduces a useful distinction with the Kerr spacetime. We discuss these effects elaborately, and broadly study the thermal behavior of a radially deformed spacetime.
The (n,k)-Modified-Bubble-Sort Graph: A Generalized Modified-Bubble-Sort Graph
Authors: Cao Mengyue , Ding Tongtong , Xu Min
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present a new interconnection topology, called the[Formula: see text]-modified-bubble-sort graph, which is a generalization of the modified-bubble-sort graph. Additionally, we show many of its properties, such as its hierarchical structure, vertex transitivity, connectivity, edge-connectivity, super connectivity and super edge-connectivity. The [Formula: see text]-modified-bubble-sort graph presents more flexibility than the modified-bubble-sort graph in terms of its major design properties.
Properties of HYMNs in examples of four-color, five-color, and six-color adinkras
Authors: Gates S. James , Hu Yangrui , Stiffler Kory
Published: May 2021

The mathematical concept of a “Banchoff index” associated with discrete Morse functions for oriented triangular meshes has been shown to correspond to the height assignments of nodes in adinkras. In recent work there has been introduced the concept of “Banchoff matrices” leading to HYMNs — height yielding matrix numbers. HYMNs map the shape of an adinkra to a set of eigenvalues derived from Banchoff matrices. In the context of some examples of four-color, minimal five-color, and minimal six-color adinkras, properties of the HYMNs are explored.
Vassiliev invariants for flows via Chern–Simons perturbation theory
Authors: de-la-Cruz-Moreno J. , García-Compeán H. , López-González E.
Published: May 2021

The perturbative expansion of Chern–Simons gauge theory leads to invariants of knots and links, the so-called finite type invariants or Vassiliev invariants. It has been proved that at any order in perturbation theory the superposition of certain amplitudes is an invariant of that order. Bott–Taubes integrals on configuration spaces are introduced in the present context to write Feynman diagrams at a given order in perturbation theory in a geometrical and topological framework. One of the consequences of this formalism is that the resulting amplitudes are rewritten in cohomological terms in configuration spaces. This cohomological structure can be used to translate Bott–Taubes integrals into Chern–Simons perturbative amplitudes and vice versa. In this paper, this program is performed up to third order in the coupling constant. This expands some work previously worked out by Thurston. Finally we take advantage of these results to incorporate in the formalism a smooth and divergenceless vector field on the [Formula: see text]-manifold. The Bott–Taubes integrals obtained are used for constructing higher-order average asymptotic Vassiliev invariants extending the work of Komendarczyk and Volić.
Simulation of electrothermal characteristics of MEMS energy changer under different current excitation
Authors: Li Hui , Ren Wei , Chen Jian-Hua , Liu Yun , Li Jiao , Zhang Jing-Xin , Wang Yin
Published: May 2021

The simulation model of MEMS energy changer is established by using the finite element analysis software ANSYS. The electrothermal performance of MEMS energy changer under the action of different currents was simulated and analyzed. The bridge area is made of NiCr, and the shape of the bridge area is two different chamfering rectangles. The temperature distribution diagram of MEMS energy changers, the temperature change curve and the phase transition distribution diagram of the bridge region were obtained when the four current values acted on each other. The simulation results are analyzed and discussed.
Research on application of dual-wavelength LED in pulse oxygen saturation
Authors: Zhao Yanru , Shao Qipeng , Niu Dongjie
Published: May 2021

Pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2) is a main parameter that reflects the condition of the human cardiovascular system. It is best to detect SpO2 non-destructively with photoplethysmography (PPG). The embedded technique was used to control the dual-wavelength LED illuminating the fingertips, photoelectric sensors to detect reflection data and, then, upload the data to computers, IIR filtering and S-G smoothing filtering on MatLab to process the collected data. The results is shown that the discreteness of the processed data was reduced by 2–6% and the high-frequency noise and motion artifact were removed effectively. It would provide some references for improving the accuracy of the pulse oxygen saturation monitoring system in a complex environment.
A novel two-lane lattice hydrodynamic model on a gradient road considering heterogeneous traffic flow
Authors: Liu Huimin , Cheng Rongjun , Ge Hongxia
Published: May 2021

In the actual traffic, there are not only cars, but also buses, trucks and other vehicles. These vehicles with different maximum speeds or security headway or both are interspersed irregularly to form a heterogeneous traffic flow. In addition, most of the maximum speed of modern cars is hardly affected by gradients due to the fact that the car engine and brakes are rarely operated at their max while the maximum speed of trucks is affected. Considering that the performance of various types of vehicles is multifarious and the vehicles sometimes drive on the road with slopes, a novel two-lane lattice hydrodynamic model on a gradient road considering heterogeneous traffic flow is proposed in this paper. In order to verify the rationality of the model, the linear stability analysis is carried out first, that is, the linear stability conditions are derived from the linear stability theory and the stability curve is drawn accordingly. The results of the above analysis prove that the three factors studied in this paper, namely, time lane change, slope and mixing of different types of vehicles, all have a significant influence on the stability of traffic flow. The modified Korteweg–de Vries (mKdV) equation is deduced by the nonlinear analysis method, which can describe the propagation characteristics of the traffic density waves near the critical point. Last but not least, the numerical simulation for new model is conducted and the numerical simulation results obtained are in good agreement with theoretical ones. In summary, increasing the lane changing rate or the slope on the uphill can improve the traffic flow stability. What is more, increasing the slope can lower the traffic flow stability on the downhill. Finally, in the heterogeneous traffic flow of different types of vehicles, the vehicles with larger security headway will make traffic flow difficult to stabilize, as do the vehicles with larger maximum speed.
Using hierarchical mesoporous Mg–Al LDH as a potential model to precisely load BSA for biological application
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Liang Luxin , Tan Yanni , Huang Qianli , Yang Si , Tian Yingtao , Zhou Jixiang , Wu Hong
Published: May 2021

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a familiar protein and often used as a model drug to test the adsorption efficiency of material, while the cytotoxicity of hybrid is overlooked. In this study, we synthesized hierarchical mesoporous flower-like Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) microspheres through anion surfactant mediated hydrothermal method. The scanning electron microscopic images demonstrated that 10S-LDH and 100S-LDH samples possessed a porous surface and the porosity structure were affected by the concentration of anionic surfactant, i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS). By being immersed in the BSA/phosphate buffer solution (PBS) solution, the 100S-LDH had a loading capacity about 44.6 mg/g. Compared to 1S-LDH and 10S-LDH, the SDS intercalated in 100S-LDH could form the hydrogen bond with BSA molecules and promote the adsorption efficiency. In the cytotoxicity test towards Raw264.7 cells, the hybrid of BSA and [Formula: see text]S-LDH showed a superior biocompatibility to the raw LDH materials. The SDS intercalated Mg–Al LDH is expected to be used in the bioactive molecules delivery.
An OT-ET Analysis of Polish Singular-Plural Pairs
Authors: Ji Xiaowen , Ni Jincheng
Published: May 2021

Optimality Theory (OT) and Exemplar Theory (ET) are two enchanting theories to many scholars, but each still faces criticism and remaining persistent problems. Application of both theories to areas in linguistics where conflicts may arise has been attempted, but still the suitability of combining the two theories to resolve contradictions awaits further analysis and verification. This article takes Polish singular-plural pairs as the object of study and argues in favor of an OT-ET combined model of analyzing the linguistic phenomenon. First, an underlying representation is identified to be the input in an OT analysis. Then two main changes are recognized between the input and output, and are regarded as instances of positional neutralization, and their relevant constraints and constraint hierarchies are presented. Following this, challenges are posed to OT despite its merits. It turns out that the combined OT-ET model works well, with historical development, underspecification, constraint hierarchy, and resemblance to existing word clouds, among others, all playing relevant parts. The current study adds to the extensiveness of language data analyzed for or against combining OT and ET, and sketches the analysis pattern of thus doing, with a view to offering more real-life language materials for an OT-ET combined model.
The Role of Formalism in System Requirements
Authors: Bruel Jean-Michel , Ebersold Sophie , Galinier Florian , Mazzara Manuel , Naumchev Alexandr , Meyer Bertrand
Published: May 2021

A major determinant of the quality of software systems is the quality of their requirements, which should be both understandable and precise. Most requirements are written in natural language, which is good for understandability but lacks precision.

To make requirements precise, researchers have for years advocated the use of mathematics-based notations and methods, known as “formal.” Many exist, differing in their style, scope, and applicability. The present survey discusses some of the main formal approaches and compares them to informal methods.

The analysis uses a set of nine complementary criteria, such as level of abstraction, tool availability, and traceability support. It classifies the approaches into five categories based on their principal style for specifying requirements: natural-language, semi-formal, automata/graphs, mathematical, and seamless (programming-language-based). It includes examples from all of these categories, altogether 21 different approaches, including for example SysML, Relax, Eiffel, Event-B, and Alloy.

The review discusses a number of open questions, including seamlessness, the role of tools and education, and how to make industrial applications benefit more from the contributions of formal approaches.
Automatic Story Generation
Authors: Alhussain Arwa I. , Azmi Aqil M.
Published: May 2021

Computational generation of stories is a subfield of computational creativity where artificial intelligence and psychology intersect to teach computers how to mimic humans’ creativity. It helps generate many stories with minimum effort and customize the stories for the users’ education and entertainment needs. Although the automatic generation of stories started to receive attention many decades ago, advances in this field to date are less than expected and suffer from many limitations. This survey presents an extensive study of research in the area of non-interactive textual story generation, as well as covering resources, corpora, and evaluation methods that have been used in those studies. It also shed light on factors of story interestingness.
The Political Economy of the Resource Curse: A Development Perspective
Authors: Savoia Antonio , Sen Kunal
Published: May 2021

This article reviews the recent literature on the developmental effects of resource abundance, assessing likely effects and channels with respect to key development outcomes. To date, this area has received less analysis, although it is relevant to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals agenda, as a significant number of the world's poor live in African resource-rich economies. We argue that the presence of a natural resource sector per se does not necessarily translate into worse development outcomes. The natural resource experience varies to a significant extent. Countries with similar levels of resource rents can end up with significantly different achievements in terms of income inequality, poverty, education, and health. The challenge is to explain the different natural resource experiences. A pivotal mechanism behind the developmental effects of the natural resources sector is the type of states and political institutions that resource-abundant economies develop.
Parental Factors Related to Physical Activity among Adolescent Men Living in Built and Natural Environment: A Population-Based MOPO Study
Authors: Pyky Riitta , Puhakka Soile , Ikäheimo Tiina M. , Lankila Tiina , Kangas Maarit , Mäntysaari Matti , Jämsä Timo , Korpelainen Raija
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Physical inactivity is a global concern, especially among adolescent men. Little research has been done on the association between parental factors and young adults’ physical activity in the context of residential environment. We aimed to reveal what parental factors are associated with physical activity among adolescent men living in built and natural environments. Methods. A population-based sample of 1,904 men (mean age = 17.9, SD = 0.7 years) completed a questionnaire regarding physical activity, parental factors, and lifestyle in Northern Finland in 2012 and 2013. Geographical information system methods and dominant land-use type were used to define the residential environment in a 1-kilometer radius buffer zone surrounding each participant’s home address. If the residential area included more artificial surfaces, it was defined as a built environment, and areas including more nature were defined as natural environments. Results. According to multivariable analyses, a mother’s physical activity (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–2.8) was positively associated with the physical activity of adolescent men living in built environments, and the father’s physical activity was positively associated with the physical activity of adolescent men living in natural environments (2.8; 1.7–4.8). Self-rated health (built 5.9 [4.0–8.7]; natural 5.2 [3.0–9.0]) was positively associated with physical activity level. Those with symptoms of depression were more likely to be physically inactive (built 0.5 [0.3–0.8]; natural 0.3 [0.1–0.6]). Adolescent men were equally physically active regardless of the living environment. Conclusions. The level of physical activity of parents, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms should be considered when designing physical activity promotions for adolescent men according to their residential environments.
Sports Dance Movement Assessment Method Using Augment Reality and Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Xu Fang , Chu Wentao
Published: May 2021

AR (Augment Reality) is an emerging technology that combines computer technology and simulation technology. It uses a computer to generate a simulation environment to immerse users in the environment. AR can simulate the real environment or things and present it to users by virtue of its multiperceptual, interactive, immersive, and other characteristics, to achieve an immersive effect. For sports dance, the same can be used to enhance the effect of teaching and learning through the use of AR technology. Aiming at the problems of delay and terminal equipment energy consumption caused by high-speed data transmission and calculation of virtual technology, this paper proposes a sports dance movement transmission scheme that uses equal power distribution on the uplink. Firstly, based on the collaborative attributes of the AR sports dance business, a system model for AR characteristics is established; secondly, the system frame structure is analyzed in detail, and the constraint conditions are established to minimize the total energy consumption of the system; finally, the mathematical model of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) based on convex optimization is established under the condition that the delay and power consumption meet the constraints, so as to obtain the optimal communication and computing resource allocation scheme of sports dance in AR. The experimental results reveal that the proposed sports dance movement assessment method based on AR and MEC is efficient.
Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries in Southern Italy: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Fichera Grazia , Santonocito Simona , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Polizzi Alessandro , Torrisi Salvatore , Deodato Ludovica , Palazzo Giuseppe , Isola Gaetano
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and oral habits among preschool children from a southern Italian cohort. The survey population consisted of 300 subjects randomly selected among children attending two kindergartens in Catania, Italy. The prevalence of ECC and oral habits were clinically evaluated. During the clinical evaluation, the oral hygiene of children was also assessed. Parents were also interviewed using a brief and simple online questionnaire aimed at investigating eating and oral hygiene habits. The selected sample age ranged between 3 and 5 years. The prevalence of ECC was 9.34%, and the most affected teeth were primary molars. Moreover, the prevalence of oral habits was 44.66%. Only two-thirds of the sample brush their teeth at least once per day. The prevalence of ECC among Sicilian children (9.33%) seems suitable with the rest of the country. The results of the present study evidenced that oral habits showed a high prevalence among preschool children. The level of oral hygiene among preschool children is still not sufficient.
Combined Staged Surgery and Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy for Closure of a Giant Omphalocele
Authors: David Vlad Laurentiu , Neagu Mihai Cristian , Sosoi Aurelia , Stanciulescu Maria Corina , Horhat Florin George , Stroescu Ramona Florina , Popoiu Calin Marius , Boia Eugen Sorin
Published: May 2021

The management of giant omphaloceles had always been a point of interest for the pediatric surgeons. Many surgical techniques were proposed, but none of them succeeded to become the standard procedure in closing the congenital abdominal defect. We present a case of giant omphalocele in which we used staged surgical closure combined with a prosthetic patch, with negative-pressure therapy and, finally, definitive surgical closure. Even though a major complication occurred during the treatment, we were able to close the defect without any prosthetic material left in place.
Emerging Technologies of Natural Language‐Enabled Chatbots: A Review and Trend Forecast Using Intelligent Ontology Extraction and Patent Analytics
Authors: Chao Min-Hua , Trappey Amy J. C. , Wu Chun-Ting
Published: May 2021

Natural language processing (NLP) is a critical part of the digital transformation. NLP enables user‐friendly interactions between machine and human by making computers understand human languages. Intelligent chatbot is an essential application of NLP to allow understanding of users’ utterance and responding in understandable sentences for specific applications simulating human‐to‐human conversations and interactions for problem solving or Q&As. This research studies emerging technologies for NLP‐enabled intelligent chatbot development using a systematic patent analytic approach. Some intelligent text‐mining techniques are applied, including document term frequency analysis for key terminology extractions, clustering method for identifying the subdomains, and Latent Dirichlet Allocation for finding the key topics of patent set. This research utilizes the Derwent Innovation database as the main source for global intelligent chatbot patent retrievals.
Construction of mRNA Regulatory Networks Reveals the Key Genes in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chen Nannan , Qin Mu , Gong Qunlin , Xu Nan , Lin Yu , Wang Jiahong , Zheng Pengxiang
Published: May 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most familiar heart rhythm disorder, is a major cause of stroke in the world, whereas the mechanism behind AF remains largely unclear. In the current study, we used the RNA-seq method to identify 275 positively regulated mRNAs and 117 negatively regulated mRNAs in AF compared to healthy controls. Through bioinformatic analysis, it indicated that these distinctively expressed genes took part in regulating multiple AF-related biological processes and pathways, such as platelet aggregation, platelet activation, pri-miRNA transcription, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified ITGB5, SRC, ACTG1, ILK, ITGA2B, ITGB3, TUBB4B, CDK11A, PAFAH1B1, CDK11B, and TUBG1 as hub regulators in AF. Moreover, the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was conducted and revealed that these hub genes were remarkably overexpressed in AF samples compared to normal samples. We believed that this study would enrich the understanding of the pathogenesis of AF and enable further research on the pathogenesis of AF.
Importance of New Edible Oil Extracted from Seeds of Seven Cereals Species
Authors: Slama Amor , Cherif Ammar , Boukhchina Sadok
Published: May 2021

Cereals constitute a major source of human and animal nutrition. In spite of the extensive production of numerous cereal species, some information is unavailable in terms of lipid composition. Due to the oil increasing demand by the overgrowth of the world population, oleaginous species have encountered problems in recent years. In order to find new sources of edible oil, the aim of this study was to describe the importance of seventeen varieties oil of seven cereal species. Oils were extracted by the Soxhlet method, and fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. The present study demonstrated that the lipid content of cereal seeds ranged from 1.42% to 5.97%. In average, oat, millet, and maize had significantly higher lipid content, respectively, 5.97%, 5.06%, and 4.71%. The main fatty acid recorded in the studied cereal species, except oat, was linoleic acid C18 : 2 (ω6). Regarding the essential fatty acids linoleic acid C18 : 2 and linolenic acid C18 : 3 (ω3), the oil of all studied species, except oat, was rich in ω6 fatty acids (47.50 to 60.13%) and poor in ω3 (0.45% to 5.33%). The content of unsaturated fatty acids in all studied species ranged from 77.22 to 81.89%. Cereal oil was considered as highly unsaturated oil with the presence of the essential fatty acids necessary for human health. Therefore, cereal oils could be commercialized in small quantities in pharmacies or parapharmacies.
Generalized Proxy Oblivious Signature and Its Mobile Application
Authors: Chiou Shin-Yan , He Yi-Xuan
Published: May 2021

Oblivious signature ensures users select from the specified candidates. However, users can choose only one candidate. This paper proposes a generalized oblivious signature scheme with proxy function. The scheme can be applied to many applications such as multichoice e-voting or e-lottery. Since there have been many applied research studies on e-voting, in this paper, we decided to apply this scheme to e-lottery, which is fair, secure, efficient, multiselect, and agent-based. In the lottery system, the server cannot cheat after a user makes a choice, and no one even the proxy can get any benefits. The signature scheme along with the lottery system is proved secure in the random oracle model. The lottery system is also implemented on Android smartphones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work done on a generalized proxy oblivious signature along with a fair and secure multiple-choice e-lottery system.