bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Risk Early Warning Based on Wireless Network Communication and the Optimal Fuzzy SVM Artificial Intelligence Model
Authors: Ma Yong , Liu Hao , Zhai Guangyu , Huo Zongjie
Published: December 2021

Since the beginning of the new century, risk events such as the world economic crisis have occurred, which have greatly impacted the real economy of our country. A wireless network is a network implemented using wireless communication technology. It includes both global voice and data networks that allow users to establish long‐distance wireless connections, as well as infrared technology and radio frequency technology optimized for short‐distance wireless connections. These events have a great impact on many small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies, resulting to many small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies going bankrupt. Indeed, one of the important reasons for the frequent bankruptcy of small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies is the lack of awareness of risk prevention and effective financial risk early warning mechanism. The support vector machine is a machine learning method based on the VC dimension theory of statistical learning and the principle of structural risk minimization. This method shows many unique advantages when dealing with classification problems and has been widely used in many fields. The purpose of this article is to realize the financial risk analysis of listed companies through wireless network communication and the optimal fuzzy SVM artificial intelligence model, which help small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies find abnormalities in their business management activities in advance and deal with market risks in a timely manner. Taking 81 small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies as the research object, this paper chooses the small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies in every quarter of 2018 as the research sample. By using the financial and nonfinancial data of small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies and introducing the support vector machine (SVM) with the fuzzy method, the model of the fuzzy support vector machine (FSVM) is constructed. And the performance of the FSVM under four different kernel functions is compared and studied. At the same time, the performance of the FSVM is compared with other artificial intelligence models. The empirical results show that different kernel functions have different effects on the prediction performance of the FCM‐SVM model. Under the Gauss radial basis function, the prediction accuracy of the FCM‐SVM is over 86%. It can be seen that in predicting the financial crisis of small‐ and medium‐sized listed companies, the FCM‐SVM model with Gauss radial basis function has the best predictive performance. The FSVM model based on Gauss radial basis function not only has the advantages of linearity, being polynomial, and nonlinearity of neurons but also is significantly superior to the traditional artificial intelligence model.
Predicting the Grade of Prostate Cancer Based on a Biparametric MRI Radiomics Signature
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhe Xia , Tang Min , Zhang Jing , Ren Jialiang , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Longchao
Published: December 2021

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bp-MRI)-based radiomics signatures for the preoperative prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) grade compared with visual assessments by radiologists based on the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2.1 (PI-RADS V2.1) scores of multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI). Methods. This retrospective study included 142 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed PCa who were undergoing mp-MRI before surgery. MRI images were scored and evaluated by two independent radiologists using PI-RADS V2.1. The radiomics workflow was divided into five steps: (a) image selection and segmentation, (b) feature extraction, (c) feature selection, (d) model establishment, and (e) model evaluation. Three machine learning algorithms (random forest tree (RF), logistic regression, and support vector machine (SVM)) were constructed to differentiate high-grade from low-grade PCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the machine learning-based analysis of bp-MRI radiomics models with PI-RADS V2.1. Results. In all, 8 stable radiomics features out of 804 extracted features based on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and ADC sequences were selected. Radiomics signatures successfully categorized high-grade and low-grade PCa cases (

P
<
0.05

) in both the training and test datasets. The radiomics model-based RF method (area under the curve, AUC: 0.982; 0.918), logistic regression (AUC: 0.886; 0.886), and SVM (AUC: 0.943; 0.913) in both the training and test cohorts had better diagnostic performance than PI-RADS V2.1 (AUC: 0.767; 0.813) when predicting PCa grade. Conclusions. The results of this clinical study indicate that machine learning-based analysis of bp-MRI radiomic models may be helpful for distinguishing high-grade and low-grade PCa that outperformed the PI-RADS V2.1 scores based on mp-MRI. The machine learning algorithm RF model was slightly better.
The Use of Hall’s Technique Preformed Metal Crown (HTPMC) by Pediatric Dentists in Malaysia
Authors: Jesmin Fabiha , Kamarudin Aimi , Baharin Fadzlinda , Ahmad Wan Muhamad Amir Bin W. , Mohammed Mahmud , Marya Anand , Messina Pietro , Alessandro Scardina Giuseppe , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Hall’s technique preformed metal crown (HTPMC) has been used widely by pediatric dentists in developed countries as a new approach for managing decayed primary molars without local anesthesia, caries removal, and tooth preparation. Currently, inadequate information is available regarding the implementation of this technique (HTPMC) in Malaysia. This study is aimed at evaluating the implementation of HTPMC by Malaysia’s pediatric dentists and identify the co‐occurrence frequencies of the HTPMC implementation with the respondents’ demographic profile. Materials and Methods. A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based research was conducted among 65 pediatric dentists in Malaysia. Online questionnaires were distributed to the pediatric dentists employed at public hospitals (MOH) and universities in Malaysia. Result. It was found that over half of the respondents (65.6%) employed HTPMC. The analysis of the co‐occurrence network frequency revealed that a high frequency of female pediatric dentists who were within the age group of 31‐40 years old had fulfilled their postgraduation overseas and was employed in the university mainly applied HTPMC. Conclusion. The application of HTPMC among respondent pediatric dentists in Malaysia was high. However, most respondents considered HTPMC a treatment option only to manage carious primary molar rather than a treatment of choice.
Assessing the Quality of Calyx of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii Based on Quantitative Analysis of Q-Marker Combined with Chemometrics and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Liu Meiqi , Qiu Ziying , Zhao Xiaoran , Sun Lili , Wang Lizhi , Ren Xiaoliang , Deng Yanru
Published: December 2021

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (PALF) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which is well known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and expectorant properties. Its fruits and fruiting calyxes are used as dietary supplements and traditional herbs in China. However, the quality of calyxes is uneven, and it is prone to getting moldy or moth-eaten during storage. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints and multivariate chemometric methods were combined to evaluate quality, and three representative compounds were chosen as the quality markers (Q-markers). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) provided a clear discrimination of PALF samples. Through further verification by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN), machine learning, and combination with the determination of the content, biology, and pharmacology effect judgment, galuteolin, rutin, and physalin O could be used as Q-markers that their contents affect the quality of PALF grade evaluation. A simple method was established to rapidly assess the quality of PALF that is important for its clinical application and storage and provide a reference for evaluating the quality of materials used in Chinese medicine.
3D Printing Adjustable Stiffness External Fixator for Mechanically Stimulated Healing of Tibial Fractures
Authors: Li Hongwei , Li Dichen , Qiao Feng , Tang Lei , Han Qi
Published: December 2021

External fixation is a long‐standing but well‐established method, which has been widely used for the treatment of fractures. To obtain the maximum benefit from the mechanical stimulus, the stiffness of the external fixator should be adjusted properly throughout the treatment phase. Nevertheless, the lack of a valid dynamic adjustable fixation device impedes this possibility. Based on the stiffness adjustment tolerance of the healing callus, this paper proposes an active‐dynamic stiffness adjustable external fixator design method to meet stiffness requirements at different stages of the tibial fracture healing process. A novel external fixator with an adjustable stiffness configuration was designed, and the finite element method was used to simulate the stress distribution between fixator and fracture gap. The stiffness adjustment tolerance was determined based on previous studies. According to this tolerance, the optimal block structure dismantling sequence was sought and the corresponding stiffness was calculated through topology optimization for the entire external fixator model. The appropriate amount of variable stiffness at the fracture gap was applied by dismantling the configuration of the block structure external fixator during the healing process. A novel patient‐specific adjustable stiffness external fixator for mechanically stimulated tibial fracture reduction and therapy was proposed. This enables surgeons to tailor the construction of the external fixator frame to the clinical needs of each patient. The presented dismantling approach of the block structure to produce conformable stiffness provides a new clinical treatment strategy for tibial fractures.
Systematic Analysis of Artificial Intelligence-Based Platforms for Identifying Governance and Access Control
Authors: Alomari Mohammad Kamel , Khan Habib Ullah , Khan Sulaiman , Al-Maadid Alanoud Ali , Abu-Shawish Zaki Khalid , Hammami Helmi
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become omnipotent with its variety of applications and advantages. Considering the other side of the coin, the eruption of technology has created situations that need more caution about the safety and security of data and systems at all levels. Thus, to hedge against the growing threats of cybersecurity, the need for a robust AI platform supported by machine learning and other supportive technologies is well recognized by organizations. AI is a much sought-after topic, and there is extolling literature available in repositories. Hence, a systematic arrangement of the literature that can help identify the right AI platform that can provide identity governance and access control is the need of the hour. Having this background, the present study is commissioned a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to accomplish the necessity. Literature related to AI and Identity and Access Management (IAM) is collected from renowned peer-reviewed digital libraries for systematic analysis and assessment purposes using the systematic review guidelines. Thus, the final list of articles relevant to the framed research questions related to the study topic is fetched and is reviewed thoroughly. For the proposed systematic research work, the literature reported during the period ranging from 2016 to 2021 (a portion of 2021 is included) is analyzed and a total of 43 papers were depicted more relevant to the selected research domain. These articles were accumulated from ProQuest, Scopus, Taylor & Franics, Science Direct, and Wiley online repositories. The article's contribution can supplement the AI-based IAM information and steer the entities of diverse sectors concerning seamless implementation. Appropriate suggestions are proposed to encourage research work in the required fields.
Attribute Set-Based Boolean Keyword Search over Encrypted Personal Health Records
Authors: Lin Yu , Xu Lingling , Li Wanhua , Sun Zhiwei
Published: December 2021

A personal health record (PHR) is an electronic application which enables patients to collect and share their health information. With the development of cloud computing, many PHR services have been outsourced to cloud servers. Cloud computing makes it easier for patients to manage their personal health records and makes it easier for doctors and researchers to share and access this information. However, due to the high sensitivity of PHR, a series of security protections are needed to protect them, such as encryption and access control. In this article, we propose an attribute set-based Boolean keyword search scheme, which can realize fine-grained access control and Boolean keyword search over encrypted PHR. Compared with the existing attribute-based searchable encryption, our solution can not only improve the flexibility in specifying access policies but also perform Boolean keyword search, which can meet the needs of large-scale PHR users. Furthermore, we simulate our scheme, and the experimental results show that our scheme is practical for PHR systems in cloud computing.
Different Concentrations of Ropivacaine under Ultrasound Guidance on Quadratus Lumbar Muscle Nerve Block in Elderly Patients with Hip Replacement
Authors: Han Yi , Chen Xiaoyuan , Mi Panpan , Ji Yunzhao , Meng Xiangan , Han Pengbo , Zhang Jingyi
Published: December 2021

Objective. To compare the effect of ropivacaine in different concentrations under ultrasound guidance on lumbar muscle nerve blocking in elderly patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. Methods. 60 elderly patients underwent hip replacement in our hospital over a period of April to December of 2019 were equally randomized into control and observation groups, with 30 each. Patients in the control group and observation group received 0.5% and 0.25% ropivacaine to block psoas muscle nerve, respectively. The anesthetic effect of ropivacaine at different concentrations was evaluated by time of sensory block onset and recovery and time of motor block onset and regression, blood pressure, heart rate, visual analogy scale, and postoperative nerve blocking degree. Results. The onset time of sensory and motor block in the observation group was dramatically higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), while the recovery time of sensory and motor was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The heart rate in the observation group was notably lower than that in the control group, while the average blood pressure was remarkably higher (P < 0.05). After surgery, the degree of nerve block in the observation group was much lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05), while no marked difference in the visual analogue scale in the control group before and after surgical intervention was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusion. The 0.25% ropivacaine method has distinctive advantages over 0.50% ropivacaine psoas nerve anesthesia in hip replacement surgery in elderly patients.
Giant Gastric Folds in Juvenile Polyposis
Authors: Leonard Nicole B. , Bronner Mary P.
Published: December 2021

To advance the diagnostic accuracy of juvenile polyposis syndrome, an important yet often difficult diagnosis, we describe in detail a new and medically significant presentation. This hereditary and high-risk GI cancer syndrome is often associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, as in this 47-year-old female patient with a SMAD4 germline pathogenic mutation. Total gastrectomy revealed giant gastric folds with inflamed foveolar hyperplasia consuming most of the gastric cardia and body but sparing the antrum. Together, this gross and histologic pathology mimics Ménétrier’s disease, an exceedingly rare and acquired protein-losing hypertrophic gastropathy. Classical gastric juvenile polyposis almost always and principally involves the antrum with multiple distinctive inflammatory polyps rather than the newly illustrated giant gastric folds of this case. No reports of giant gastric folds in juvenile polyposis have appeared in the literature. The distinction between juvenile polyposis and Ménétrier’s disease is essential due to their disparate clinical outcomes and management. The differential considerations for giant gastric folds and inflamed gastric foveolar hyperplasia are fully reviewed. On the basis of this report, the differential for giant gastric folds must now expand to include juvenile polyposis syndrome. Genetic testing for pathogenic germline mutations of the 2 known causative genes of this syndrome, namely SMAD4 and BMPR1A, are readily available and should become part of the evaluation of giant gastric folds, particularly in view of the neoplastic and hereditary aspects of juvenile polyposis syndrome.
Clinical Profiles of Asians with NAFLD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kam Leslie Y. , Huang Daniel Q. , Teng Margaret L.P. , Takahashi Hirokazu , Tanaka Kenichi , Yasuda Satoshi , Fung James , Lee Teng-Yu , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ono Masafumi , Saruwatari Junji , Oniki Kentaro , Yeo Yee Hui , Barnett Scott , Henry Linda , Li Jie , Zou Biyao , Cheung Ramsey C. , Kumada Takashi , Yuen Man-Fung , Eguchi Yuichiro , Toyoda Hidenori , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: December 2021

Introduction: NAFLD is increasingly prevalent in Asia, where people suffer more metabolic comorbidities at a lower body mass index (BMI), suggesting potential differences in their clinical profile. Therefore, we attempted to characterize the clinical profile of Asians with NAFLD via a meta-analytic approach. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from January 1, 2000, to January 17, 2019. Two authors independently reviewed and selected 104 articles (2,247,754 persons) that identified NAFLD in Asians and reported relevant data, especially BMI and ALT, and excluded individuals with other liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption. Individual patient-level data were obtained from seven cohorts in Asia to complement meta-analyzed data. Results: Overall, the mean age was 52.07 (95% CI: 51.28–52.85) years, with those from Southeast Asia (42.66, 95% CI: 32.23–53.11) being significantly younger. The mean BMI was 26.2 kg/m2, higher in moderate-severe versus mild hepatic steatosis (28.3 vs. 25.7) patients and NFS ≥ −1.455 versus <−1.455 (27.09 vs. 26.02), with 34% having nonobese NAFLD. The mean ALT was 31.74 U/L, higher in NFS < −1.455 versus ≥−1.455 (33.74 vs. 27.83), though no differences were found by obesity or steatosis severity. The majority of males (85.7%) and females (60.7%) had normal to minimally elevated ALT (1–1.5 × 95% ULN). Individual patient-level data analysis (N = 7,668) demonstrated similar results. Conclusion: About one-third of Asians with NAFLD were nonobese, and the majority did not have markedly elevated ALT. Therefore, abnormal ALT or BMI is not recommended as a criterion for NAFLD screening in this population. Additionally, there were significant differences in the clinical profiles of NAFLD among the different regions of Asia.
Діагностичні критерії гострого деструктивного панкреатиту
Authors: Лихман В. М. , Меркулов А. О. , Шевченко О. М. , Ткач С. В. , Мирошниченко Д. О. , Білодід Є. О. , Бацман Н. В. , Яцько К. М.
Published: December 2021

Мета роботи: дослідження білків гострої фази у крові хворих на гострий панкреатит різного ступеня тяжкості.

Матеріали і методи. В основу дослідження покладено результати обстеження 88 хворих із гострим панкреатитом різного ступеня тяжкості, які перебували на лікуванні в клініці Інституту загальної та невідкладної хірургії імені В. Т. Зайцева НАМНУ, м. Харків, а також 45 донорів (контрольна група).

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Проводили визначення активності сироваткових ензимів у динаміці гострого деструктивного панкреатиту. Верифікацію показників проводили перед операцією й після операційного лікування в динаміці, а також перед повторною операцією і після неї у динаміці. Маркери тканинної деструкції можуть одночасно слугувати індикаторами тяжкості запального процесу в підшлунковій залозі й визначати якість проведеного операційного втручання.               

У порядку обговорення та порівняння з роботами інших авторів можна встановити доведену діагностичну цінність феритину та лактоферину як маркерів гострого деструктивного процесу підшлункової залози на підставі достовірного підвищення їх рівня в сироватці крові й ексудатах хворих.         

Виявлені зміни концентрації клініко-лабораторних показників альфа-2-макроглобуліну, лактоферину, С-реактивного білка, феритину в сироватці крові корелюють зі ступенем запальних процесів і гнійно-деструктивних змін у підшлунковій залозі.
САМОСТІЙНА РОБОТА ІНТЕРНІВ ЯК ОДИН ІЗ НАПРЯМІВ УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ФАХІВЦІВ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНОЇ ГАЛУЗІ
Authors: Фіра Л. С. , Чубка М. Б. , Вронська Л. В. , Підгірний В. В.
Published: December 2021

В умовах докорінних змін, що відбуваються нині у нашому суспільстві й системі вищої освіти, різко зростає роль і значення самостійної роботи інтернів у закладі вищої освіти, яка поступово перетворюється на провідну форму організації навчального процесу.

У статті висвітлено роль самостійної роботи при підготовці фахівців фармацевтичної галузі на післядипломному етапі. У  навчально-виховному процесі вищої школи самостійну роботу інтернів прийнято вважати завершальним етапом розв’язання навчально-пізнавальних завдань. На сучасному етапі розвитку вищої освіти окремої уваги заслуговує проблема використання інтернет-технологій у самостійній роботі інтернів.

Завдання кафедри – сформувати вміння інтерна самостійно виконувати завдання з дисциплін з циклу професійної підготовки за певних умов та самостійно керувати своєю діяльністю з реалізації планів кафедри.
КЛІНІКО-ЛАБОРАТОРНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА КОМОРБІДНОГО ПЕРЕБІГУ ЦУКРОВОГО ДІАБЕТУ 2 ТИПУ З НАДМІРНОЮ МАСОЮ ТІЛА/ОЖИРІННЯМ ТА АРТЕРІАЛЬНОЮ ГІПЕРТЕНЗІЄЮ
Authors: Вівсяна І. В. , Марущак М. І.
Published: December 2021

Вступ. Артеріальна гіпертензія (АГ) є основною причиною захворюваності та смертності серед пацієнтів із цукровим діабетом 2 типу (ЦД2), що пов’язано із серцево-судинними захворюваннями.

Мета дослідження – проаналізувати основні клініко-лабораторні фактори коморбідного перебігу цукрового діабету 2 типу з надмірною масою тіла/ожирінням та артеріальною гіпертензією.

Методи дослідження. Ретроспективний аналіз медичної документації проведено в 579 хворих на цукровий діабет 2 типу (T2DM). Концентрацію глюкози та інших біохімічних показників визначали з використанням стандартного набору на автоматичному біохімічному аналізаторі “COBAS INTEGRA® 400” (“Roche Diagnostics”). Показники загального аналізу крові визначали на автоматичному гематологічному аналізаторі “Yumizen H500 CT”.

Результати й обговорення. При проведенні аналізу рангових варіацій Краскела – Уолліса не виявлено цінності показників загального аналізу крові та загального аналізу сечі в діагностиці коморбідного перебігу ЦД2, надмірної маси тіла/ожиріння та АГ. Під час аналізу біохімічних параметрів встановлено найвищі рівні сечовини і сечової кислоти у хворих на ЦД2, ожиріння та АГ. Аналіз показників вуглеводного обміну показав, що рівні глюкози, інсуліну та індекс HOMA у крові пацієнтів різних дослідних груп вірогідно різнилися при проведенні аналізу рангових варіацій Краскела – Уолліса.

Висновки. Під час аналізу статевого диморфізму встановлено переважання осіб жіночої статі з коморбідним перебігом цукрового діабету 2 типу з надмірною масю тіла/ожирінням та артеріальною гіпертензією. При цьому серед хворих на цукровий діабет 2 типу з коморбідною артеріальною гіпертензією виявлено вірогідно вищий відсоток хворих чоловіків з нормальною масою тіла. При аналізі антропомет­ричних показників пацієнтів різних груп встановлено, що у пацієнтів 6-ї групи зріст був вірогідно меншим стосовно даних у хворих на цукровий діабет 2 типу з нормальною масою тіла та при поєднанні з артеріальною гіпертензією. Індекс маси тіла був достовірно вищим у пацієнтів з надмірною масою тіла/ожирінням. У хворих з коморбідним перебігом цукрового діабету 2 типу з надмірною масою тіла/ожирінням та артеріальною гіпертензією встановлено вірогідно вищі рівні сечовини (на 24,4 %) та сечової кислоти (на 93,0 %) щодо даних у пацієнтів із ЦД2 та нормальною масою тіла.
Atomic Level Dissection of the Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (PECAM-1) Homophilic Binding Interface: Implications for Endothelial Cell Barrier Function
Authors: Liao Danying , Sundlov Jesse , Zhu Jieqing , Mei Heng , Hu Yu , Newman Debra K. , Newman Peter J.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1) is a 130 kDa member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) gene superfamily that is expressed on the surfaces of platelets and leukocytes and concentrated at the intercellular junctions of confluent endothelial cell monolayers. PECAM-1 Ig domains 1 and 2 (IgD1 and IgD2) engage in homophilic interactions that support a host of vascular functions, including support of leukocyte transendothelial migration and the maintenance of endothelial junctional integrity. The recently solved crystal structure of PECAM-1 IgD1 and IgD2 revealed a number of intermolecular interfaces predicted to play important roles in stabilizing PECAM-1/PECAM-1 homophilic interactions and in formation and maintenance of endothelial cell-cell contacts. We sought to determine whether the protein interfaces implicated in the crystal structure reflect physiologically important interactions.

Approach and Results:

We assessed the impact of single amino acid substitutions at the interfaces between opposing PECAM-1 molecules on homophilic binding and endothelial cell function. Substitution of key residues within the IgD1-IgD1 and IgD1-IgD2 interfaces but not those within the smaller IgD2-IgD2 interface, markedly disrupted PECAM-1 homophilic binding and its downstream effector functions, including the ability of PECAM-1 to localize at endothelial cell-cell borders, mediate the formation of endothelial tubes, and restore endothelial barrier integrity.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these results validate the recently described PECAM-1 IgD1/IgD2 crystal structure by demonstrating that specific residues visualized within the IgD1-IgD1 and IgD1-IgD2 interfaces of opposing molecules in the crystal are required for functionally important homophilic interactions. This information can now be exploited to modulate functions of PECAM-1 in vivo.
Central African Republic
Authors: Okyere Frank O.
Published: December 2021

Central African Republic (car) has been a theatre of instability for decades, especially following the 2013 coup, which saw crimes that have been found to be premeditated and systematic. This article identifies states collapse, persistent instability and impunity as key factors engendering atrocity crimes in car. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the risk of atrocity crimes, the international response has been inadequate if not passive, and interventions do not consider atrocity prevention in their execution. Thus, subsequent peacebuilding initiatives have not had real and visible impact on the prevention of atrocity crimes. To address this, the establishment of an accountable and functioning state is the overriding condition precedent to preventing and mangaging atrocity crimes in car. The international community should further engage local actors to promote inclusive governance and lay the foundations for stability and sustainable peace. Subsequent restoration of structures for justice and ensuring their effective functioning will help end structural impunity in the country and go a long way in averting future atrocity crimes.
Anti-American Expressions: The 1957 Taipei Incident and Chinese in the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong
Authors: Yeh Chiou-Ling
Published: December 2021

Although scholars have investigated the intricacies of anti-Americanism, few have examined the factors that affected the abilities of minorities or colonized people to protest U.S. policies. This article compares and contrasts the responses of Chinese in the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong to the May 24th Incident of 1957, when 25,000 Chinese attacked the U.S. embassy and ransacked the U.S. Information Service Office in Taipei, Taiwan, due to the acquittal of a U.S. soldier for killing a Chinese. While U.S. military and economic aid motivated recipients to rally behind the anti-Communist banner, geopolitics, domestic conditions, and anti-Chinese racism also played pivotal roles in determining whether the Chinese could voice or act upon their anti-American sentiment. The Philippines’ heavy dependence on U.S. military and economic aid, coupled with long-lasting anti-Chinese racism, limited the potential for Philippine Chinese to critique U.S. policies. By contrast, tenuous U.S.-Thai relations and domestic anti-Americanism emboldened Thai Chinese to lambaste U.S. military injustice. Although the largest U.S. aid recipient, Britain adhered to neutrality in its Cold War politics and permitted a vibrant cultural industry in Hong Kong, resulting in strong criticism of U.S. policies among the city’s Chinese.
Cambarus ectopistes sp. nov., a new stream-dwelling crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky River watersheds in the Appalachian Mountain region of North Carolina and Tennessee, USA
Authors: LOUGHMAN ZACHARY J. , WILLIAMS BRONWYN W.
Published: December 2021

The Cataloochee Crayfish, Cambarus ectopistes sp. nov., is a large, stream-dwelling crayfish that occupies a narrow noncontiguous distribution within the Appalachian Mountain region running through the Upper Tennessee River basin, in the French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky watersheds along the Tennessee and North Carolina border. It is split from the southernmost extent of the C. robustus species complex, and is morphologically and genetically most similar to a second undescribed member of the group endemic to the upper Nolichucky River watershed in North Carolina. Cambarus ectopistes sp. nov. can be distinguished from other members of the C. robustus complex and co-distributed congeners by a combination of characters, including body size, coloration, and morphology of the chela and rostrum. The new species is typically found in channel and edge habitats of moderate to large perennial streams with large cobbles and boulders.
Salsolaius gen. nov. a new genus of Apalochrini (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Malachiinae) from the salt Lake Way of Western Australia
Authors: LIU ZHENHUA , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM , PANG HONG
Published: December 2021

Apalochrini comprises nearly half of the genera of Australian Melyridae, which are all recognized by male specific characters, and are commonly found on grasses, flowers and riverside or seashore rocks. Here we describe a new genus Salsolaius gen. nov. from Lake Way of Western Australia, representing the first known genus of Australian Melyridae inhabitating in salt lakes. The new genus can be easily distinguished by asymmetrically biserrate antennae and exposed apical abdomen from above in both male and female, the former characters is firstly found in Melyridae. Consequently, Salsolaius biserratus sp. nov. was described as the type species of this genus. An updated key to genera of Australian Apalochrini is provided.
Case report: Interference from isatuximab on serum protein electrophoresis prevented demonstration of complete remission in a myeloma patient
Authors: Wheeler Rachel D , Costa Micsha V , Crichlow Asante , Willis Fenella , Reyal Yasmin , Linstead Sarah E , Morris Joanne E
Published: December 2021

Multiple myeloma is a haematological cancer caused by malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow that can result in organ dysfunction and death. Recent novel treatments have contributed to improved survival rates, including monoclonal antibody therapies that target the CD38 protein on the surface of plasma cells. Anti-CD38 therapies are IgG kappa monoclonal antibodies that are given in doses high enough for the drug to be visible on serum protein electrophoresis as a small paraprotein. We present a case where isatuximab, the most recent anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody to be approved for treatment of myeloma, obscured the patient’s paraprotein on gel immunofixation, so that complete remission could not be demonstrated. This was resolved using the isatuximab Hydrashift assay. The interference on gel immunofixation was unexpected because isatuximab migrated in a position distinct from the patient’s paraprotein on capillary zone electrophoresis. We demonstrate the surprising finding that isatuximab migrates in a different position on gel electrophoresis compared to capillary zone electrophoresis. It is vital that laboratories are aware of the possible interference on electrophoresis from anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody therapies, and are able to recognise these drugs on protein electrophoresis. The difference in isatuximab’s electrophoretic mobility on capillary and gel protein electrophoresis makes this particularly challenging. Laboratories should have a strategy for alternative analyses in the event that the drugs interfere with assessment of the patient’s paraprotein.
Ranking of decision making units using the imperialist competitive algorithm in DEA
Authors: Babaei Keshteli Hasan , Rostamy-Malkhalifeh Mohsen , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad
Published: December 2021

One of the challenging and important subjects in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is the ranking of Decision Making Units (DMUs). In this paper, a new method for ranking the efficient DMUs is firstly proposed by utilizing the DEA technique and also developing a capable metaheuristic, imperialist competitive algorithm, derived from social, political, and cultural phenomena. Efficient DMUs are known as colonizers, and the virtual units, which are within their regions of exclusive domination, are considered as colonies. Efficient units are ranked by utilizing the factor of competition among imperialists to attract each other’s colonies. One advantage of proposed method is that, without solving any mathematical, and complex solution approaches, all extreme and non-extreme units are ranked only by comparing the pairs.
Stability analysis method and application of multi-agent systems from the perspective of hybrid systems
Authors: Yu Zhenhua , Li Xiaobo , Abouel Nasr Emad , Mahmoud Haitham A , Xu Liang
Published: December 2021

Many multi-agent systems (MASs) can be regarded as hybrid systems that contain continuous variables and discrete events exhibiting both continuous and discrete behavior. An MAS can accomplish complex tasks through communication, coordination, and cooperation among different agents. The complex, adaptive and dynamic characteristics of MASs can affect their stability that is critical for MAS performance. In order to analyze the stability of MASs, we propose a stability analysis method based on invariant sets and Lyapunov’s stability theory. As a typical MAS, an unmanned ground vehicle formation is used to evaluate the proposed method. We design discrete modes and control polices for the MAS composed of unmanned ground vehicles to guarantee that the agents can cooperate with each other to reliably achieve a final assignment. Meanwhile, the stability analysis is given according to the definition of MAS stability. Simulation results illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Swing up and stabilization control of rotary inverted pendulum based on energy balance, fuzzy logic, and LQR controllers
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad , Amin Arslan Ahmed , Iqbal Sajid , Mahmood-ul-Hasan Khalid
Published: December 2021

Rotary Inverted Pendulum (RIP) mimics the behavior of many practical control systems like crane mechanism, segway, unicycle robot, traction control in vehicles, rocket stabilization, and launching. RIP is a fourth-order nonlinear open-loop unstable dynamical system and is widely used for testing the effectiveness of the newly developed control algorithms. In this paper, a Hybrid Control Scheme (HCS) based on energy balance and fuzzy logic controllers is proposed to implement the swing up and stabilization control of RIP. In the proposed control scheme, the fuzzy logic-based state feedback gains are dynamically tuned in real-time by minimizing the absolute error between the desired and actual states to get robust control performance. The proposed HCS is also compared with the conventional Linear Quadratic Controller (LQR) for this application. The comparative results show that the proposed fuzzy logic-based hybrid control scheme gives the optimal control performance in terms of achieving satisfactory transient, steady-state, and robust responses from a given RIP system, as compared to the conventional LQR based control scheme. The proposed control scheme is also relatively less complex with a low computational cost and provides desired response characteristics as compared to the existing ones in the literature.
Examining Recovery Status and Supports before and after Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment Among Clients Who Experienced Lifetime and Recent Firearm-Related Threats
Authors: Logan TK , Cole Jennifer , Schroeder Maggie
Published: December 2021

Firearm-related risks have often been overlooked in the sequela of substance use and substance use disorders. This study compares adult substance abuse disorder treatment (SADT) clients who experienced recent ( n = 274) and lifetime ( n = 889) firearm threats to adults who were not threatened with a firearm ( n = 2029) before and 12 months after program entry. More men experienced firearm threats (38.8%) than women (34.2%). However, among those with any firearm threats, more women (27.2%) experienced firearm threats in the year before program entry than men (20.2%). Being threatened with a firearm was associated with increased economic vulnerability, criminal justice system involvement, mental health problems, and victimization both before and after SADT program entry. A higher number of adverse childhood experiences were associated with firearm threats and particularly recent firearm threats. Results of this study underscore the importance of screening for firearm-related risks in substance abuse disorder treatment programs.
Influence of the hydrodynamic degumming process on the quality of decorticated flax fibers
Authors: Zimniewska Małgorzata , Różańska Wanda , Kicińska-Jakubowska Anna , Mańkowski Jerzy , Wiśniewski Marek , Dziedziczak Katarzyna , Baraniecki Przemysław
Published: December 2021

The study explored the impact of the hydrodynamic degumming process applied for decorticated monomorphic flax on fiber quality. The experiment was designed as the first stage of research leading to the development of a method for decorticated flax fiber elementarization and cottonization; in particular, effectively dividing the fiber bundles to ensure low linear density and reducing impurities in the content, to make the fibers suitable for cotton spinning systems. The degumming process of the decorticated fibers covered hydrodynamic disposal of the gluing substances, mainly pectins from the fibers, with use of a specially designed lab-scale Model Device for Physical Degumming of the Flax Fibers. The degummed fibers were tested for linear density, length, impurity content and chemical composition by thermogravimetric analysis combined with the analysis of evolved gases (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and analysis of images of fiber cross-sections and longitudinal views from a scanning electron microscope. The study outcomes allowed us to determine the optimal parameters of the degumming process applied for decorticated flax fibers, in which the obtained fibers were of the highest quality. It was found that the optimal parameters of the process were a bath temperature of 30°C and a degumming process duration of 24 hours. These lab-scale process conditions were used in further work on the degumming process of flax fiber carried out on a semi-technical scale, followed by a mechanical cottonization of the fiber, at the final stage of the technological chain.
Predictors of prolonged hospitalisation and mortality among children admitted with blackwater fever in eastern Uganda
Authors: Paasi George , Ndila Carolyne , Okello Francis , Olupot-Olupot Peter
Published: December 2021

Our study aimed at determining clinical factors associated with prolonged hospitalisation and death among children admitted with blackwater fever (BWF). We analysed 920 eligible records for the period January – December 2018 from Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals in Eastern Uganda. The median hospitalisation was 3 (IQR: 2–5 days) days. Prolonged hospitalisation was in 251/920 (27.3%). Clinical features independently associated with prolonged hospitalisation included abdominal tenderness, body pain and mild fever. 29/920 (3.2%) died, of these 20 (69.0%) within 48 h of admission. Features of severity associated with mortality were noisy or interrupted breathing, tachypnoea, chest pain, convulsions, delayed capillary refill time (≥3 s), severe pallor, high fever (>38.5°C), altered level of consciousness, prostration and acidotic breathing.
Neonatal chikungunya encephalitis
Authors: Sreekanth R. , Venugopal Lakshmi , Arunkrishnan B. , chaturvedi Somya , sundaram Shanmugha
Published: December 2021

Chikungunya is a tropical viral disease and can present in the new born with perinatal transmission. Presentation usually mimics sepsis and high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis specially at times of outbreak. Characteristic skin rash and perioral blotchy hyperpigmentation can point to diagnosis along with laboratory confirmation with RTPCR.
COVID-19, Anxiety, and Hopelessness: Quality of Life Among Healthcare Workers in Turkey
Authors: Mert Selda , Peker Karatoprak Ayfer , Demirhan Yeliz , Baydemir Canan , Çetinarslan Berrin , Cantürk Zeynep , Selek Alev , Aydin Levent , Sözen Mehmet , Gezer Emre
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of intense anxiety and hopelessness experienced by healthcare workers during the pandemic on their quality of life. This cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between August 31, 2020 and October 31, 2020, with 729 healthcare workers in Turkey. The study showed that hopelessness, the weekly working time, fatigue, and the workload of healthcare workers negatively affected their quality of life, those who found the pandemic measures inadequate had a lower quality of life and higher hopelessness levels, and those who needed knowledge on various issues to improve their skills had lower quality of life and higher levels of anxiety and hopelessness. Increasing the measures to make healthcare workers feel competent and ready during the COVID-19 pandemic and meet their information needs to improve their skills will reduce their anxiety and hopelessness and improve their quality of life. Identifying the factors affecting anxiety, hopelessness, and quality of life will help achieve sustainable success in the delivery of health services and promote employee health and safety.
Axial loading during supine MRI for improved assessment of lumbar spine: comparison with standing MRI
Authors: Charoensuk Jarruwat , Laothamatas Jiraporn , Sungkarat Witaya , Worapruekjaru Ladawan , Hooncharoen Boonthida , Chousangsuntorn Khaisang
Published: December 2021

Background

There are no studies comparing the morphologic changes of lumbar spines between supine axial-loaded and 90° standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of patients with spinal stenosis.

Purpose

To determine whether axial-loaded MRI using a compression device demonstrated similar morphology of intervertebral disc, dural sac, and spinal curvature as those detected by 90° standing MRI in individuals with suspected spinal stenosis.

Material and Methods

A total of 54 individuals suspected of having spinal stenosis underwent both axial-loaded and standing MRI studies. The outcome measures included seven radiologic parameters of the lumbar spine: measures of the intervertebral disc (i.e. cross-sectional area [DA], disc height [DH], and anteroposterior distance [DAP]), dural sac (cross-sectional area [DCSA]), spinal curvature (i.e. lumbar lordosis [LL] and L1-L3-L5 angle [LA]), and total lumbar spine height (LH).

Results

For agreement between the two methods, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ≥ 0.8 was found for all seven radiologic parameters. Supine axial-loaded MRI underestimated LL but remained correlated (ICC = 0.83) with standing MRI. Minor differences between the two methods (≤5.0%) were observed in DA, DCSA, DAP, LA, and LH, while a major difference was observed in LL (8.1%).

Conclusion

Using a compression device with the conventional supine MRI to simulate weight-bearing on the lumbar spine generated MRI morphology, which was strongly correlated with those from a standing MRI.
Lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration in omental metastases indicates poor prognosis in advance stage epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Qin , Zhu Yingfan , Huang Yizhou , Qin Jiale , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Songfa
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of immune cells within omental metastases originating from advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

We performed immunohistochemical analysis to determine the levels of CD4+/CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CD68+ tumor-associated microphages (TAMs) in omental specimens from 100 patients with advanced EOC. Significant prognostic factors, including immune cells and clinical parameters, were assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox models.

Results

Cox regression analysis showed that elevated levels of CD68+ TAMs and intra-islet CD4+ TILs in omental metastases were the main risk factors associated with worse survival outcomes for advanced EOC. Moreover, the survival analysis of relationships between omental immune cells and favorable clinical predictors revealed additional prognostic stratification information.

Conclusion

Omental immune cells (TAMs and TILs) provide alternative prognostic factors in advanced EOC. In contrast to markers of the EOC tumor microenvironment at the primary site, elevated CD68+ TAMs and intra-islet CD4+ TILs in omental metastases serve as negative prognostic markers in advanced EOC and imply an unfavorable outcome.
Minimally invasive management of large duodenal lipoma: endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Yang Bin , Jiang Fei , Lu Pinxiang , Han Huazhong
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of large duodenal lipomas (DLs) of ≥2 cm between endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR).

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent endoscopic resection of large DLs from June 2017 to March 2021 at our hospital. Clinicopathologic features, clinical outcomes, and follow-up endoscopy findings were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Twenty-three patients (12 men) with a mean age of 57.4 years were included. The median tumor size was 28.4 ± 13.3 mm. ESD was performed in 19 patients, and EFTR was performed in 4. Complete resection was achieved in 21 patients. The operative time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the ESD than EFTR group. Four patients in the EFTR group developed a fever; no other adverse events occurred. No patients required surgical intervention. During the average follow-up of 21.1 months, no residual tumor, recurrence, or metastasis was observed.

Conclusion

Both ESD and EFTR provide minimally invasive, localized treatment of selected DLs. ESD might have some advantages in resecting large DLs in terms of procedure time and hospitalization.