bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retail "Save the Sale" tactics: Consumer perceptions of in‐store logistics service recovery
Authors: Peinkofer Simone T. , Esper Terry L. , Smith Ronn J. , Williams Brent D.
Published: October 2021

To prevent customers from leaving stores empty‐handed when encountering a stockout, retailers increasingly leverage their inventory visibility and order fulfillment capabilities to implement “save the sale” tactics. Retailers have several logistics service options available in designing “save the sale” stockout recovery initiatives: “buy at store—ship from (different) store” and the “buy at store—ship from DC,” leading to different order fulfillment speeds. In addition, there is the home delivery approach, which is generally more convenient to customers than the option of store delivery for customer pick‐up. In this paper, we explore how customers evaluate and respond to varying elements of these “save the sale” stockout recovery services when experiencing an in‐store stockout. Building on justice theory and literatures on service recovery and impression formation, we develop a series of four experiments. We explain and provide empirical evidence for (1) why and how customers assess specific stockout service recovery dimensions (i.e., order fulfillment speed and delivery location) as more just, (2) how customers appraise the justice of these bundled stockout recovery dimensions, (3) how purchase involvement and monetary offers impact these perceptions, and (4) how justice perceptions and stockout recoveries impact the likelihood of “saving the sale.”
Can SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine increase the risk of reactivation of Varicella zoster? A systematic review
Authors: Desai Hardik D. , Sharma Kamal , Shah Anchal , Patoliya Jaimini , Patil Anant , Hooshanginezhad Zahra , Grabbe Stephan , Goldust Mohamad
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Although the COVID‐19 vaccination is deemed safe, exact incidence and nature if adverse effects, particularly dermatological ones, are still unknown.

Objective

To describe the demographic, clinical, morphological characteristics, outcomes, and timing of development of herpes zoster to the various COVID‐19 vaccines. And to identify on whether COVID‐19 vaccine has temporal relationship between development of herpes zoster (HZ).

Methods

We have performed a systemic review of articles from PubMed and Embase using MeSH and keywords like “Shingles,” “Herpes zoster,” “Varicella zoster,” “COVID‐19,” “Vaccine,” “SARS‐CoV‐2.” No filters including country of publication, language, type of articles were applied. Individual case report references were filtered for any pertinent cases.

Results

A total of 54 cases consisting of 27 male and 27 female patients have been reported. There were cases with known risk factors for herpes zoster, which included age more than 50 years (n = 36), immunological disorders (n = 10), chronic disease (n = 25), metabolic disorder (n = 13), malignancy (n = 4), and psychiatric disorder (n = 2). The mean (SD) period between development of herpes zoster and COVID‐19 vaccination was 7.64 (6.92) days. Majority of the cases were from the high‐income and/or middle‐income countries. 86.27% of the cases of HZ were reported due to mRNA vaccine. Thirty‐six patients 36/45 (80%) developed herpes zoster following the priming dose of COVID‐19 vaccine among those who received mRNA vaccine.

Conclusion

We could not establish definite link but there may be possible association between COVID‐19 vaccine and shingles. Large‐scale studies may help to understand the cause‐effect relationship.
Effect of clinical photography on postprocedure patient satisfaction in female patients who underwent nonsurgical rhinoplasty
Authors: Akpolat Nebahat Demet , Unlu Sezin
Published: October 2021

Study design

A prospective clinical study.

Background

To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in the literature that addresses the effect of showing comparative photographs in the follow‐up period to patients who had undergone nonsurgical rhinoplasty on patient satisfaction.

Objectives

To examine the effect of showing preprocedure and postprocedure photographs to patients in the follow‐up period on patient satisfaction.

Methods

It was a nonsimultaneous prospective study that included patients suitable for nonsurgical rhinoplasty. Photographs were taken during routine follow‐up after 1 month of the procedure, and patients were asked to fill the Derriford Appearance Scale 24 (DAS24) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaires. Next, after the preprocedure and postprocedure photographs were shown to the patients, they were asked to complete the DAS24 and ROE questionnaires again.

Results

The study included 265 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 35.11 ± 8 (18–61 years). Before the preprocedure and postprocedure photographs were shown, the DAS24 score was 52.2 ± 14.26 and the ROE score was 75.91 ± 11.91. After the photographs were shown, the DAS24 score was found to be 40.80 ± 13.25 and the ROE score as 87.722 ± 8.56. Therefore, significant improvement in DAS24 and ROE scores and an increase in patient satisfaction were observed after the preprocedure and postprocedure photographs were shown (p = 0.01, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Showing preprocedure and postprocedure photographs in the follow‐up period to patients who underwent nonsurgical rhinoplasty leads to greater patient satisfaction with the surgery and their self‐image.
Phospholipase D and retromer promote recycling of TRPL ion channel via the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Wagner Krystina , Smylla Thomas K. , Lampe Marko , Krieg Jana , Huber Armin
Published: October 2021

Plasma membrane protein trafficking is of fundamental importance for cell function and cell integrity of neurons and includes regulated protein recycling. In this work, we report a novel role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for protein recycling as discovered in trafficking studies of the ion channel TRPL in photoreceptor cells of Drosophila. TRPL is located within the rhabdomeric membrane from where it is endocytosed upon light stimulation and stored in the cell body. Conventional immunohistochemistry as well as stimulated emission depletion super‐resolution microscopy revealed TRPL storage at the ER after illumination, suggesting an unusual recycling route of TRPL. Our results also imply that both phospholipase D (PLD) and retromer complex are required for correct recycling of TRPL to the rhabdomeric membrane. Loss of PLD activity in PLD3.1 mutants results in enhanced degradation of TRPL. In the retromer mutant vps35MH20, TRPL is trapped in a Rab5‐positive compartment. Evidenced by epistatic analysis in the double mutant PLD3.1 vps35MH20, PLD activity precedes retromer function. We propose a model in which PLD and retromer function play key roles in the transport of TRPL to an ER enriched compartment.
Assessing the Safety of Express Bus in Malaysia from Bus Operators’ Perspective
Authors: Azman Abdul Hadi , Ting Wea Wong
Published: October 2021

Express buses provide cheap and convenient services for long distance travelling. However, the safety aspect of express buses is a primary concern for passengers. The government and the private sector have contributed in improving the safety level of express buses. However, the accident and death rates involving express buses remains at a high level. There is a lack of detailed analysis regarding express bus accidents from the perspective of bus operators. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the causes of express bus accidents, characterize the statistical factors of express bus accidents and evaluate the safety of express buses in Malaysia from the perspectives of bus operators. The methodology consists of a survey conducted among staffs serving express bus operators located at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The results showed that from bus operators’ perspective, road factors are the main contributors to the factors of occurrence of express bus accidents. In conclusion, the statistical characterization of accident causes has been determined and this can contribute in helping the bus operators and the community reduce express bus accidents and increase overall safety.
Surface Modification of PES Hollow Fiber Membranes using Iron Oxide Particles for Water Treatment Does Particle Size Really Matter?
Authors: Mohd Nawi Nadiene Salleha , Jye Lau Woei , Yusof Norhaniza , Said Noresah , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: October 2021

Factors such as particle type and its loading have been previously studied in tailoring the efficiency of particles-modified polymeric membranes for water treatment. However, the role of particle sizes in membrane modification is often overlooked.
Highly Stable Photocatalytic Removal of Paraquat Dichloride using ZnO/TiO2 supported on PVC
Authors: Ashiru Abubakar Garba , Matmin Juan , Toemen Susilawati
Published: October 2021

This study presents on ZnO/TiO2 supported on PVC (ZnO/TiO2@PVC) in the photocatalytic removal of paraquat dichloride. The ZnO/TiO2@PVC was characterized using XRD, FESEM-EDX, FTIR, and AFM. Findings indicated that ZnO/TiO2@PVC allowed degradation of paraquat dichloride under UV irradiation by the rate of up to 73%. XRD pattern indicated the presence of both TiO2(anatase) and ZnO (zincite) crystalline as well as PVC amorphous structures. FESEM and AFM results revealed the observed shape and surface of TiO2 interconnected nanowires with ZnO nanorods uniformly distributed according to EDX mapping. The reduced surface roughness was also shown in the supported photocatalyst. FTIR analysis clearly demonstrate the combined spectra of immobilised ZnO/TiO2 powder catalyst onto the PVC in the composite. Kinetic study of the degradation process was performed according to pseudo-first-order and the influence of ZnO/TiO2 coating onto PVC polymer and initial paraquat concentration were investigated on the treatment performance. Under optimized condition (pH = 7, PQ =20 mg/L and catalyst coating =15%), the stability and reusability of the supported catalyst was also evaluated over ten sequential treatment runs, and the catalyst maintain high reactivity. High recyclability of the ZnO/TiO2@PVC composites as catalyst in photodegradation processes are also reported in this study.
Diversity of Agroforestry Species and Uses in Two Ecological Regions: A Case from Central Nepal
Authors: Pandey Hari Prasad , Pokhrel Narayan Prasad , Luitel Dol Raj , Acharya Kamal , Shah Kabita Kumari
Published: October 2021

Multiple benefits of the agroforestry systems attract the attention of the global community and are being practiced in Nepal from time immemorial. However, there is minimal evidence of the diversity of species and the use value of plants and their comparative analysis in ecological regions. This study compares the diversity and use value of plants grown in the agroforestry system (home garden) in two separate ecological regions in central Nepal. The frequently used diversity indices were used to measure species diversity. A total of 130 and 99 species, 96 and 69 genera, and 50 and 40 families were reported from home gardens in the Terai and midhill ecological regions, respectively, where 58 species were common for both. The findings reveal Terai farmer prefers ornamental plants over fruit and fodder in the midhills indicating that horticulture and livestock-based livelihood could be enhanced in the hilly region. The diversity indices indicate a higher diversity of plants in the Terai region than in midhills. However, Mann–Whitney U test showed an insignificant difference in species diversity between the regions. Moreover, the chi-square test revealed that there is no significant variation in the use diversity for the regions. The results demonstrate similar plant diversity in the home garden despite the difference in ecological regions and species varieties. The finding assists in understanding the composition of biodiversity in agroforestry systems in specific areas of two different ecological zones and provides insight into the agroforestry for species preferences and use-related decisions. Future research with established management procedures may be required to confirm these findings and provide agroforestry establishment criteria for agricultural sustainability.
An Improved EMG-Driven Neuromusculoskeletal Model for Elbow Joint Muscle Torque Estimation
Authors: Hu Bingshan , Tao Haoran , Lu Hongrun , Zhao Xiangxiang , Yang Jiantao , Yu Hongliu
Published: October 2021

The accurate measurement of human joint torque is one of the research hotspots in the field of biomechanics. However, due to the complexity of human structure and muscle coordination in the process of movement, it is difficult to measure the torque of human joints in vivo directly. Based on the traditional elbow double-muscle musculoskeletal model, an improved elbow neuromusculoskeletal model is proposed to predict elbow muscle torque in this paper. The number of muscles in the improved model is more complete, and the geometric model is more in line with the physiological structure of the elbow. The simulation results show that the prediction results of the model are more accurate than those of the traditional double-muscle model. Compared with the elbow muscle torque simulated by OpenSim software, the Pearson correlation coefficient of the two shows a very strong correlation. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant difference, indicating that the improved elbow neuromusculoskeletal model established in this paper can well predict elbow muscle torque.
Influence of We Media Information Dissemination on Public Emotional Cognition and Behavior under Government Responsibility Constraint
Authors: Xie Rongjian , Liu Dongju , Jia Yucai , Zhang Peiyun
Published: October 2021

In recent years, We Media’s chaotic behavior has emerged one after another. How to properly supervise We Media and effectively manage its violations has become an urgent problem in the process of national governance system and governance capacity building. From the three aspects of opportunity, motivation, and control methods, this paper analyzes the relevant stakeholders and their relationships in the process of We Media information dissemination. It constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of government, We Media, and public participation, which focuses on the analysis of the equilibrium point of the game model and carries out simulation experiments to explore the influence of government responsibility constraints on the evolution results. The research results show that government regulation plays an important role in restricting We Media’s information release. When the government's willingness to regulate increases, We Media will be punished more if it violates rules. In order to reduce the cost of punishment and other factors, We Media will reduce the willingness to violate the rules. After the occurrence of social hot events, the public is more willing to be guided by positive information from We Media, prompting the government to choose strict supervision strategies, effectively reducing the violations of We Media and achieving the Pareto optimum. According to the research results, this paper puts forward reasonable countermeasures to realize the comprehensive governance pattern of noncompliance of We Media and correct guidance of public emotional cognitive behavior under responsibility constraints. The research results provide theoretical support and decision-making basis for We Media information management and control.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of How Information Sharing Influences Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Wang Weibin , Chi Renyong
Published: October 2021

With the growing intensity of cooperation, the partners in the manufacturing supply chain (SC) raise stricter requirements for information sharing (IS) within the SC, which has been an effective capability to improve the performance of manufacturing SC. To reveal the influence of IS on SC performance, this paper firstly carries out a theoretical analysis on the influencing factors of IS, SC integration and SC performance, and builds a theoretical model of the IS’s impacting on SC performance. Next, valid index data were obtained by investigating typical manufacturing enterprises in Yangtze River Delta region of China. Then, according to the dynamics system flow of IS influence on SC performance, the proposed theoretical model would be modeled from system dynamics and simulated by Vensim PLE software. The results show that IS among manufacturing SC nodes enhances the SC performance via SC integration; when SC integration is suitable for IS, SC performance will be improved as long as the IS amount is greater than zero; however, excessive IS would reduce the quality and weaken the amount of IS; overall, the degree of IS and SC integration are the key to better SC performance. This implies that how to improve IS among SC partners is a very important thing in manufacturing SC management. And, it also enlightens that enterprise managers should pay attention to establish a high-level trust relationship with SC partners, achieve high-quality IS with a wider range, and then promote the SC system more integrated to improve its operational performance.
Association of Inflammatory Markers/Cytokines with Cardiovascular Risk Manifestation in Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Rafi Uzma , Ahmad Shaaf , Bokhari Syeda Shazia , Iqbal Muhammad Amir , Zia Amna , Khan Muhammad Amjad , Roohi Nabila
Published: October 2021

This study is aimed at determining the association of inflammatory markers and proinflammatory cytokines with cardiovascular risk manifestation in women with endometriosis as compared to healthy controls. A total of 181 females of reproductive age with the absence of other inflammatory or autoimmune disorders and a lack of hormonal therapy for at least 6 months voluntarily participated in this investigation. Patients were 81 females, laparoscopically diagnosed with endometriosis, while the control group comprised 80 healthy females without any pelvic pathology. All subjects were 20-40 years of age. Exclusion criteria were diabetes, obesity, hypertension, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular, and renal disorders. C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, interleukin-17, and interleukin-33 were analyzed using commercially available ELISA kits. For statistical interpretation, the unpaired Student “

t

” test was used. All inflammatory markers and cytokines demonstrated elevated levels (

P
<
0.001

) in endometriosis patients as compared to healthy controls. The results of the study revealed that the patients with endometriosis demonstrate a hypercoagulable status due to inflammation, which initiates atherosclerosis and associated complications. Hence, endometriosis can cause a risk of cardiovascular disorders in these patients.
A Comprehensive Family of Biunivalent Functions Defined byk-Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Frasin Basem Aref , Swamy Sondekola Rudra , Aldawish Ibtisam
Published: October 2021

By usingk-Fibonacci numbers, we present a comprehensive family of regular and biunivalent functions of the typegz=z+∑j=2∞ djzjin the open unit discD. We estimate the upper bounds on initial coefficients and also the functional of Fekete-Szegö for functions in this family. We also discuss few interesting observations and provide relevant connections of the result investigated.
A Review of Codes and Standards for Bamboo Structural Design
Authors: Amede Ermias A. , Hailemariama Ezra K. , Hailemariam Leule M. , Nuramo Denamo A.
Published: October 2021

Bamboo is a strong, fast‐growing, and sustainable material. In modern times, it can be an aesthetically pleasing and low‐cost alternative to more conventional materials. Despite the literature’s consideration of bamboo’s promising potential as a resilient, sustainable building material for structural element design, its application is limited. This is mainly due to the limited availability of universally applicable standards and codes to guide or assist in developing the structural element design. As a result, bamboo as an engineering material was mainly dependent on established practical traditions, intuitions of forbears, and engineering experience. This paper reviewed available structural element design standards and codes of practice. Based on the literary works, it was possible to conclude that there is a need to develop a comprehensive universally applicable bamboo design, construction standards, and code of practices, addressing several social and trade benefits as well as engineering recognition and enhanced status of bamboo as an engineering material.
Revisiting Controls on Shale Oil Accumulation in Saline Lacustrine Basins: The Permian Lucaogou Formation Mixed Rocks, Junggar Basin
Authors: Zhang Chenjia , Cao Jian , Li Erting , Wang Yuce , Xiao Wenyao , Qin Yang
Published: October 2021

Fine-grained mixed rocks in saline lacustrine basins are important targets for shale oil exploration. However, the controls on shale oil accumulation are complex due to the multi-source mixed deposition. This is a challenging issue in the study of shale oil. Here, we present a case study in the Middle Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin, northwestern China. Results show that the Lucaogou Formation consists mainly of carbonate rocks, dolomitic or calcareous mudstones, tuffaceous or silty mudstones, and siltstones. The dolomitic/calcareous mudstones (TOCaverage=6.44 wt.%) and tuffaceous/silty mudstones (TOCaverage=4.83 wt.%) have the best hydrocarbon generation potential and contain type I–II1 kerogens that are in the peak oil generation stage. However, the shale oil potential is highest for the carbonate rocks and siltstones with average oil saturation index (OSI) values of 315.03 mg HC/g TOC and 343.27 mg HC/g TOC, respectively. This indicates that hydrocarbon generation potential is not the main factor controlling shale oil potential. Micro-nanoscale pores are the main control. Abundant dissolution pores provide excellent reservoir space for near-source migration and accumulation of shale oil. Different mixing processes between lithofacies control the accumulation of shale oil, and shale oil productivity is the best when multi-facies deposition in transitional zones formed the mixed rocks (facies mixing). In addition, local accumulations of calcareous organisms and adjacent carbonate components on terrigenous sediments (in situ mixing) are also conducive to shale oil enrichment. This is an unusual and special feature of saline lacustrine shale oils, which is different from freshwater lacustrine and marine shale oils. Comprehensive assessment of source rock and reservoir is needed to robustly establish a widely applicable method to determine the shale oil potential in such basins.
A Study of New Class of Star-Like Functions Associated by Symmetric

p
,
q

-Calculus
Authors: Akbar Khalid , Murtaza Rashid , Adnan  , Khan Umar , Khan Ilyas , Fayz-Al-Asad Md.
Published: October 2021

As of late quantum calculus is broadly utilized in different parts of mathematics. Uniquely, the hypothesis of univalent functions can be newly portrayed by utilizing

q

-calculus. In this paper, we utilize our recently presented symmetric

p
,
q

-number

m
˜

 

p
,
q

to characterize new symmetric

p
,
q

-derivative

D

 

p
,
q

of analytic function

f

in the open unit disk

U

. Utilizing

D

 

p
,
q

, we introduce new class of analytic star-like functions and examine some fascinating results.
Berberine Reduces Renal Cell Pyroptosis in Golden Hamsters with Diabetic Nephropathy through the Nrf2-NLRP3-Caspase-1-GSDMD Pathway
Authors: Ding Baozhu , Geng Songyan , Hou Xiaojie , Ma Xuelian , Xu Huazhou , Yang Fan , Liu Kun , Liang Wenjie , Ma Guoping
Published: October 2021

Objective. To observe the effect of berberine (BBR) on kidney cell pyroptosis in golden hamsters with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and to explore the molecular mechanism of its renal protection. Methods. Fifty clean-grade male golden hamsters were randomly divided into a control group (10) and a model building group (40). The DN model was established by high-sugar and high-fat feeding and injection of a small amount of STZ. After successful establishment of the model, they were randomly divided into a model group, western medicine group, and berberine high- and low-dose groups. The western medicine group was given irbesartan 13.5 mg/kg, and the berberine high- and low-dose groups were given BBR 200 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for 8 consecutive weeks. An automatic biochemical analyser was used to measure blood glucose, blood lipids, kidney function, MDA, and other indicators; radioimmunoassay was used to assess serum insulin; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α; HE, PAS, and Masson staining were used to observe kidney pathological tissue morphology; western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were used to assess protein and mRNA expression of molecules, such as Nrf2, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD; and TUNEL staining was used to detect DNA damage. SPSS statistical software was used for the data analysis. Results. The kidney tissues of golden hamsters in the control group were normal; Nrf2 was highly expressed, serum MDA level was low, NLRP3 expression in kidney tissue was not obvious, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were weakly expressed, and only a few TUNEL-positive cells were observed. Compared with the control group, the golden hamsters in the model group had obvious renal pathological damage; blood glucose, blood lipids, renal function-related indexes, insulin, and inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α were increased (

P
<
0.05

); NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression was increased; Nrf2 expression was decreased; MDA level was increased (

P
<
0.05

); and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was increased. Compared with the model group, the pathological morphology of the kidney tissue of golden hamsters in the three treatment groups was significantly improved; blood glucose, blood lipids, renal function, and the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced (

P
<
0.05

); NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and other molecular proteins and mRNA expression were decreased; Nrf2 expression was increased; MDA level was decreased (

P
<
0.05

); and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was decreased. Conclusion. DN golden hamster kidney NLRP3-Caspase-1-GSDMD signalling was enhanced. BBR can reduce oxidative stress damage by regulating antioxidative Nrf2 and then regulating NLRP3-Caspase-1-GSDMD signalling to inhibit pyroptosis, antagonizing DN inflammation-induced damage.
Antibacterial and Anticancer Potentials of Presynthesized Photosensitive Plectranthus cylindraceus Oil/TiO2/Polyethylene Glycol Polymeric Bionanocomposite
Authors: Amina Musarat , Al Musayeib Nawal M. , Alarfaj Nawal A. , El-Tohamy Maha F. , Al-Hamoud Gadah A.
Published: October 2021

The present study is concerned with the fabrication of the bifunctional Plectranthus cylindraceus oil/TiO2/polyethylene glycol polymeric film for antibacterial and anticancer activities. The suggested film is based on the utility of naturally extracted P. cylindraceus oil in the formation of the polymeric bionanocomposite film decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles. The bionanocomposite film was fabricated by incorporating 15 w% of P. cylindraceus oil with 10 w% polyethylene glycol and 5 w% TiO2 nanoparticles. The active components of P. cylindraceus oil were verified using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The surface morphology of the resulted bionanocomposite film was characterized by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The antibacterial potential of the fabricated bionanocomposite film was investigated against four pathogenic strains. The obtained results revealed excellent sensitivity against the bacterial strains, particularly E. coli and S. aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration 320 µg mL−1 and minimum bactericidal concentration 640 and 1280 µg mL−1 for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Polymeric bionanocomposite exerted significant cytotoxicity against human lung carcinoma cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 42.7 ± 0.25 μg mL−1. Safety assessment test against peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) demonstrated that the bionanocomposite is nontoxic in nature. Bionanocomposite also showed potent photocatalytic effects. Overall, the results concluded that the bionanocomposite has expressed scope for multifaceted biomedical applications.
Research on the Construction of a Petrophysical Model of a Heterogeneous Reservoir in the Hydrate Test Area in the Shenhu Area of the South China Sea (SCS)
Authors: Lei Xing , Xueqin Liu , Huaishan Liu , Zhiliang Qin , Benjun Ma
Published: October 2021

The occurrence characteristics of hydrates in the Shenhu area reflect a typical inhomogeneity in terms of spatial distribution. It is difficult to accurately describe the petrophysical properties of a reservoir using a petrophysical model considering a single cementation factor parameter. According to the analysis of a mathematical model and the estimation results of

V

p

and

V

s

, the unique structure of foraminiferal sediment particles provides opportunities for forming a diversified hydrate occurrence in the foraminiferal area. In areas where hydrates are thin and interbedded, hydrate reservoirs are generally three-phase media, with obvious thermoelastic properties. Therefore, the parameters of the three characteristic models of the pore-filling model, particle cementation model, and thermodynamic elastic model are all included in the correction model. The weights of the influence factors are then changed to realize an accurate description of the petrophysical characteristics of the correction model in different drilling areas and at different formation depths, reducing the limitations of using a single petrophysical model to describe the petrophysical characteristics of heterogeneous regions under the influence of multiple factors.
Numerical Simulation of MHD Couette Flow of a Fuzzy Nanofluid through an Inclined Channel with Thermal Radiation Effect
Authors: Siddique Imran , Zulqarnain Rana Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Jarad Fahd
Published: October 2021

The present study especially concerns the investigation of the Couette flow and heat transfer with thermal radiation through an inclined channel. Single‐wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multiple‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) are nanoparticles embedded in the host fluid. The dimensionless highly nonlinear differential equations (DEs) are solved via numerical scheme bvp4c. The effects of the physical parameters on heat transfer are presented in the form of graphs. The results demonstrate that the heat transfer is enhanced by using solid particle frictions (SWCNT and MWCNT). The large estimation of a magnetic parameter declines the velocity component. The current and existing results with their comparisons are shown in the tabular form for the validation of our code. The current results are in good agreement with their existing results. Generally, fuzziness or uncertainty is inherent in modeling, analysis, and experimentation. Due to the uncertain environmental conditions, fuzziness broadly exists in various engineering heat transfer problems. In this work, the nanoparticles’ volume fraction of the SWCNT and MWCNT is taken as uncertain parameters in terms of triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). The TFNs are controlled by the α − cut which has less computational effort for analyzing the fuzziness or uncertainties. Also, a comparison between the SWCNT and MWCNT through the membership function and the variability of the uncertainty is studied.
Image Processing Method Based on Chaotic Encryption and Wavelet Transform for Planar Design
Authors: Liu Yiying , Ko Young Chun
Published: October 2021

This paper provides an in-depth study and analysis of image processing for graphic design through chaotic encryption combined with a wavelet transform algorithm. Firstly, the traditional Mallat algorithm is optimized; since the mean value of the transform coefficients generated after the wavelet transform of the image is used as the initial value of the chaotic system to iterate, when the image is modified, then the mean value of the wavelet coefficients will also change, and the final iteration comes out as two different sequences using the property that the chaotic system is extremely sensitive to the initial conditions, so the algorithm has a certain sensitivity to tampering and localization effect. The image of the encrypted graphic design is decrypted by the chaos decryption system, and the final image information of the graphic design is obtained. In terms of the security of the graphic design image itself, the complex dynamical properties of chaos are fully utilized to encrypt it, and the algorithm has a good encryption effect after statistical characteristic analysis, attack complexity, difference analysis, adjacent pixel correlation analysis, and key sensitivity analysis. The plaintext image is decomposed in odd-even sequence using the boosting algorithm to get the sequence with an even index and the sequence with an odd index; then, the diffusion algorithm is applied to the two sequences by the prediction and update algorithm, and this process is repeated many times to get the two ciphertext sequences after scrambling, merging these two sequences, and matrixing them to get the ciphertext image. Finally, the testing of the embedded planar designed image revolves around four aspects, namely, image processing, tamper sensitivity, robustness, and imperceptibility, to examine the designed planar designed image system. In the diffusion manipulation, the key matrix for diffusion is obtained using the threshold processing method of the Local Binary Pattern (LBP) algorithm for the matrices generated by the Logistic Chaos system, which improves the randomness of the algorithm. The experimental results verify the effectiveness and security of the algorithm.
Supply Chain Contract Choice with Different Behavior Preferences of Retailer
Authors: Wang Yonglong , Zheng Xinyu , Cai Jirong , Zheng Yuelong
Published: October 2021

Retailer may exhibit irrationality when facing the risk of demand uncertainty; therefore, we consider four retailer behavioral preferences: risk neutral (RN), waste aversion (WA), stockout aversion (SA), and stockout-waste aversion (SW). The decision-making and contract choice of upstream and downstream enterprises in cases where demand depends on supplier’s effort are studied. The results show that if the retailer has only SA or RN preferences, then the supplier prefers to choose a wholesale price contract, while the retailer does the opposite, if the retailer has only WA, then the supplier prefers to choose a revenue sharing contract, but the retailer’s contract choice depends on the degree of waste aversion, and if the retailer has SW, then the contract choice of upstream and downstream enterprises is related to the degree of waste aversion and stockout aversion.
Impurity Substitution Enhances Thermoelectric Figure of Merit in Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Ramezani Akbarabadi Saeideh , Madadi Asl Mojtaba
Published: October 2021

The thermoelectric properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs) are sensitive to chemical modification. In this study, we employed density functional theory (DFT) combined with the nonequilibrium green’s function (NEGF) formalism to investigate the thermoelectric properties of a ZGNR system by impurity substitution of single and double nitrogen (N) atoms into the edge of the nanoribbon. N-doping changes the electronic transmission probability near the Fermi energy and suppresses the phononic transmission. This results in a modified electrical conductance, thermal conductance, and thermopower. Ultimately, simultaneous increase of the thermopower and suppression of the electron and phonon contributions to the thermal conductance leads to the significant enhancement of the figure of merit in the perturbed (i.e., doped) system compared to the unperturbed (i.e., nondoped) system. Increasing the number of dopants not only changes the nature of transport and the sign of thermopower but also further suppresses the electron and phonon contributions to the thermal conductance, resulting in an enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit. Our results may be relevant for the development of ZGNR devices with enhanced thermoelectric efficiency.
Research on the Evaluation and Optimization Method of the Impact of Chorus Education on University Culture Based on Coevolution Model in the Background of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Lin Qingna , Zhuo Lizheng
Published: October 2021

The development of artificial intelligence technology is a field where all walks of life need to carry out in-depth research in the future, and the introduction of artificial intelligence technology in the field of university evaluation has become an inevitable trend. Through the collection and collation of the literature at home and abroad, the influence of chorus education on college culture in China has long remained in qualitative and experiential judgment and the significance and value of chorus education to colleges and universities are relatively single. Therefore, it is of great innovative value and practical significance to establish a scientific, systematic, and comprehensive evaluation mechanism for the impact of chorus education on university culture and to scientifically analyze key issues, establish evaluation criteria, and inject new research perspectives into the promotion of chorus education in colleges and universities in China, combining with the mature coevolution theoretical model of management science. It is of great innovative value and significance to combine the DEMATEL research method with the current practice of promoting chorus education in China’s colleges and universities and to systematically and comprehensively construct the evaluation system and research paradigm in line with chorus education by using the qualitative and quantitative methods.
Reduction and fixation of proximal humeral fracture with severe medial instability using a small locking plate
Authors: Zhang Yuelei , Wan Lifu , Zhang Lecheng , Yan Chao , Wang Gang
Published: October 2021

Background

Currently, the reduction and support of comminuted medial cortex of humeral fracture remains a challenge, Therefore, a novel reduction and fixation technique that employs an anteromedial small locking plate was explored in this study, and its viability and the associated complications were assessed.

Methods

Fifteen cases of proximal humeral fractures with medial instability (five cases were classified as three-part and ten as four-part by Neer classification) were treated by the proposed reduction technique using an anteromedial small locking plate. Subsequently, the radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated over an average follow-up period of 18.53 months.

Results

The average operation time was 108 min (range, 70–130 min), and the mean fracture union time in all patients was 12.13 weeks (range, 8–16 weeks). Complications such as infection and neurovascular injury were not observed. Postoperative X-ray showed avascular necrosis and screw penetration in one patient, while screw penetration, varus malunion, or significant reduction loss was not found in the other cases. The mean Constant score was 79.8 (range, 68–92) during the final visit.

Conclusions

The use of an anteromedial small locking plate improved the reduction efficiency, reconstructed the medial support, and alleviated the occurrence of complications in proximal humeral fractures with medial instability.
Serum-derived exosomes promote CD8+ T cells to overexpress PD-1, affecting the prognosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Gao Qian , Liu Hui-Ting , Xu Yu-Qin , Zhang Lin , Liu Yuan-Ru , Ren Qianqian , Sheng Ju-ping , Zhang Zhen-Xin
Published: October 2021

Background

Hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) is associated with a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. Immune escape is one of the reasons for the poor prognosis of malignant tumors. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) have been shown to play important roles in immune escape. However, the role of PD-1/PD-L1 in HPC remains unclear. In this experiment, we investigated the effect of exosomes from HPC patient serum on CD8+ T cell function and PD-1/PD-L1 expression and, thus, on prognosis. We hope to provide guidance for the identification of new targets for HPC immunotherapy.

Methods

PD-1 and CD8 expression in 71 HPC tissues and 16 paracarcinoma tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Concurrently, the clinicopathological data of the patients were obtained to conduct correlation analysis. Exosomes were isolated from serum and then identified by Western blotting (WB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Flow cytometry was used to assess the activity of CD8+ T cells after exosome stimulation. The effects of exosomes on the ability of CD8+ T cells to kill FaDu cells were assessed by CCK-8 assay. The expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PD-L1 expression in HPC tissue samples was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between PD-1/PD-L1 expression and prognosis was investigated with patient specimens.

Results

PD-1 expression was significantly upregulated on CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues compared with those in normal tissues. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of PD-1-overexpressing patients were decreased. Serum exosomes from patients can elevate PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells and suppress their killing capacity and secretory function. The rate of positive PD-L1 expression was increased in HPC tissues compared with paracancerous tissues. The DFS and OS of the PD-1(+)-PD-L1(+) group were significantly lower than those of the PD-1(−)-PD-L1(−) group.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that serum exosomes from HPC patients can inhibit CD8+ T cell function and that the PD-1-PD-L1 pathway plays an important role in the immune escape of HPC. Exosomes combined with immunotherapy may guide the treatment of patients with advanced disease in the future.
Malaria Trigram: improving the visualization of recurrence data for malaria elimination
Authors: de Morais Cleber Matos , de Carvalho Monteiro Kayo Henrique , Brito-Sousa Jose Diego , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Sampaio Vanderson Souza , Endo Patricia Takako , Kelner Judith
Published: October 2021

Background

Although considerable success in reducing the incidence of malaria has been achieved in Brazil in recent years, an increase in the proportion of cases caused by the harder-to-eliminate Plasmodium vivax parasite can be noted. Recurrences in P. vivax malaria cases are due to new mosquito-bite infections, drug resistance or especially from relapses arising from hypnozoites. As such, new innovative surveillance strategies are needed. The aim of this study was to develop an infographic visualization tool to improve individual-level malaria surveillance focused on malaria elimination in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

Action Research methodology was employed to deal with the complex malaria surveillance problem in the Amazon region. Iterative cycles were used, totalling four cycles with a formal validation of an operational version of the Malaria Trigram tool at the end of the process. Further probabilistic data linkage was carried out so that information on the same patients could be linked, allowing for follow-up analysis since the official system was not planned in such way that includes this purpose.

Results

An infographic user interface was developed for the Malaria Trigram that incorporates all the visual and descriptive power of the Trigram concept. It is a multidimensional and interactive historical representation of malaria cases per patient over time and provides visual input to decision-makers on recurrences of malaria.

Conclusions

The Malaria Trigram is aimed to help public health professionals and policy makers to recognise and analyse different types of patterns in malaria events, including recurrences and reinfections, based on the current Brazilian health surveillance system, the SIVEP-Malária system, with no additional primary data collection or change in the current process. By using the Malaria Trigram, it is possible to plan and coordinate interventions for malaria elimination that are integrated with other parallel actions in the Brazilian Amazon region, such as vector control management, effective drug and vaccine deployment strategies.
Cell surface sphingomyelin: key role in cancer initiation, progression, and immune evasion
Authors: Tallima Hatem , Azzazy Hassan M. E. , El Ridi Rashika
Published: October 2021

Cell surface biochemical changes, notably excessive increase in outer leaflet sphingomyelin (SM) content, are important in cancer initiation, growth, and immune evasion. Innumerable reports describe methods to initiate, promote, or enhance immunotherapy of clinically detected cancer, notwithstanding the challenges, if not impossibility, of identification of tumor-specific, or associated antigens, the lack of tumor cell surface membrane expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I alpha and β2 microglobulin chains, and lack of expression or accessibility of Fas and other natural killer cell immune checkpoint molecules. Conversely, SM synthesis and hydrolysis are increasingly implicated in initiation of carcinogenesis and promotion of metastasis. Surface membrane SM readily forms inter- and intra- molecular hydrogen bond network, which excessive tightness would impair cell-cell contact inhibition, inter- and intra-cellular signals, metabolic pathways, and susceptibility to host immune cells and mediators. The present review aims at clarifying the tumor immune escape mechanisms, which face common immunotherapeutic approaches, and attracting attention to an entirely different, neglected, key aspect of tumorigenesis associated with biochemical changes in the cell surface that lead to failure of contact inhibition, an instrumental tumorigenesis mechanism. Additionally, the review aims to provide evidence for surface membrane SM levels and roles in cells resistance to death, failure to respond to growth suppressor signals, and immune escape, and to suggest possible novel approaches to cancer control and cure.