bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of three decades of sugarcane researches focusing on ethanol and bioethanol.
Authors: Sabour Mohammad Reza , Tajvar Arsham , Hatami Amir Mostafa , Mohamadi Fateme
Published: May 2021

Biofuel production from sugarcane has been researched in terms of the environment. Performing a bibliometric method and visual network analysis, the purpose of this study is to assess the trends in sugarcane and bioethanol researches and recognize the associated hotspots based on 4958 publications from 1991 to 2020. The geographical distribution of articles and per capita sugarcane production in the world were also examined. As a widely used database in the field of bibliometric, the Scopus database was used in this research to collect relevant literature. The research method includes the bibliometric analysis of documents and citations, subject categories, journals, countries, institutions, authors, geographical distribution status of articles and annual sugarcane production, top articles. Finally, the social network of the author's keywords was reviewed. The VOSviewer software was used for performing graphic maps showing the co-authorship and communication of countries, authors and keywords. The results show a high growth in the number of published documents in this field and the tendency change from agricultural sciences to environmental sciences in documents and journals. Based on the study's gained results, Brazil is the undisputed leader, publishing 43.8% of the documents in last three decades, followed by the USA and India.
Shape and position design of two-step micro-channel on plate during rubber pad forming process based on simulation
Authors: Teng Fei , Wang Hongyu , Wang Guodong , Jiang Lei , Li Jirui , Shi Shengnan , Sun Juncai , Sun Jie
Published: May 2021

Rubber pad forming is an advanced processing technology. The micro-channel is formed on the plate by both rubber pad and the metal mold. With the development of micro-channel, a two-step micro-channel has been applied in more and more fields. However, little attention was given to the design during rubber pad forming process for these unique channels. In this paper, the rubber pad forming process of an entire plate with two-step channels is studied. In order to find the suitable design, the main parameters of the two-step micro-channel are discussed. Not only for the geometric ones for structures like: length, width, edge chamfer and the height ratio of first to second step, but also for the spatial distribution like: the number and distance of two-step micro-channels in the entire plate. Matlab is used to study the influences on the final forming results because of the various parameters. Moreover, a better design of the plate with two-step micro-channels are provided. Finally, based on the FEM and forming experiments, a design strategy is provided by forming results in conclusions.
Internet Addiction Among Medical and Non-Medical Students During COVID-19 Pandemic, Tanta University, Egypt
Authors: Shehata Walaa M. , Abdeldaim Doaa E.
Published: May 2021

Background: Internet addiction is one of the most growing addictive behaviors worldwide, especially among university students affecting their physical and mental health negatively. It increased significantly during period of unusual events of COVOD-19 pandemic. Aim: To assess the level of internet addiction among medical and non-medical students in Tanta University, Egypt.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted during October and November 2020. It included 373 students from faculty of medicine and 373 non-medical students from faculty of science. The validated (IAT-20) was used to assess the level of internet addiction among these students.Results: 51.7% of medical students were found severe internet addicts and 43.4% of them were possible addicts compared to only 11.3% of non- medical students were severely addicted to internet and 68.9% of them were possible addicts with statistically significant difference between them. Female students of both colleges were found addicted to internet than males.Conclusions: Medical students and female medical and non-medical students suffered from severe internet addiction more than non-medical and male ones.Recommendations: Appropriate awareness creation intervention strategies should be implemented to decrease the level of internet addiction among university students and to reduce its harmful and negative consequences.
Effect of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Urinary Bladder Matrix Scaffold on the Structure and Function of Autografted Rat Ovaries
Authors: Xing Yanyan , Zhao Wei , Li Wen
Published: May 2021

Background: Ovarian transplantation has unique advantages in the preservation of female fertility, especially in young women with cancer who need chemotherapy. However, a large number of follicles are lost because of ischemia during ovarian tissue transplantation. While it has been reported that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) accelerate angiogenesis, the transplanted ADSCs usually diffuse quickly from the target tissue. Urinary bladder matrix (UBM) is an extracellular matrix biomaterial that has a complete basement membrane and provides a foundation for transplanted cells to anchor, migrate, and function. In this study, ADSCs on UBM scaffolds (UBM/ADSCs) were transplanted during ovary autotransplantation in rats to test whether collagen/ADSCs have a better therapeutic effect than transplantation of ADSCs alone. Method: A total of 30 rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats in each . untreated-control, oophorectomy , autograft , autograft + ADSCs (ADSC) and autograft + UBM/ADSCs(UBM/ADSC). 28 days after ovary autografting, follicle number, serum concentrations of follicular stimulating hormone and anti-Mullerian hormone and apoptosis rate were also estimated. At 7and 28 days post ovary autografting, angiogenesis was detected. The estrous cycle recovery was measured.The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test, and the means were significantly different at P< 0.05.Results: The number of both growing follicles and primordial follicles in rats in the ADSC/UBM and ADSC groups was significantly higher than that in rats in the autograft group (P <0.05). Follicle stimulating hormone levels in rats in the ADSC/UBM group were significantly decreased and anti-Müllerian hormone levels increased compared to control rats (P <0.05). Apoptosis rate in the UBM/ ADSC group was lower than the autograft group (P<0.05). The angiogenesis was accelerated following ADSC/UBM transplantation.Rats in the ADSC/UBM and ADSC groups showed better estrous cycle recovery than rats in the autograft group (P<0.05).Conclusions: UBM increases the retention of ADSCs in ovaries and contributes to long-term restoration of ovarian function. UBM/ADSC transplantation may be a promising candidate for ovarian transplantation.
In Vivo Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Deformation During Lateral Bending Motion Under Different Load-Bearing Conditions
Authors: Xu Haoxiang , Wen Wangqiang , Zhang Zepei , Kou Bowen , Wu Jincheng , Xu Hanpeng , Miao Jun
Published: May 2021

Background

Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (LDD) is one of the largest health worldwide problems, based on lost working time and associated costs. Inappropriate mechanical loading is considered to be an important factor in the development of LDD. L3-4 and L4-L5 were the commonly affected levels. Recent studies have measured geometric deformation of lumbar intervertebral discs during an in vivo functional weightbearing of the lumbar. The purpose of the present study was to determine the lumbar disc deformation in living human subjects during lateral bending motion under different load-bearing conditions.
Methods

11 healthy subjects, 6 males and 5 females, aged 21 ≤ 39 years, with an average age of 30 ± 5 years, were recruited for the present study. Using the combination of dual fluoroscopic imaging system(DFIS)and CT, the sagittal images of L3-5 segments scanned by CT were transformed into three-dimensional reconstruction models and then matched to the instantaneous images of lumbar spine motion taken by a double fluorescent X-ray system under different loads. Motions were reproduced with the use of the combined imaging technique during left and right bending movements. Then, the kinematics data of the height, tension and compression deformation, and shear deformation of the lumbar intervertebral disc were obtained by using computer-related software.
Result

The data indicated that the tendency of tensile deformation during left and right bending was approximately symmetric. During the functional bending of the body, there was a greater compression deformation behind the same side of the movement and a higher tension deformation in front of the contralateral movement. The magnitude changed along the diagonal towards the posterolateral direction. During left bending, the upper vertebrae had a larger deformation range and tension deformation than the lower vertebrae. Meanwhile, it was not found that the small load had a significant effect on the tensile deformation of the intervertebral disc.
Conclusion

Lumbar disc deformation showed direction-specific and level-specific changes during lateral bending motion. These results could help understand the physiological motion characters of the lumbar spine and provide data support for other biomechanical studies.
Changes in the Job Satisfaction of Village Clinic Doctors Since the New Health Care System Reform: A Comparison Based on Three Surveys in Shandong, China
Authors: Chen Zhongming , Zhou Lifang , Lv Haiyuan , Sun Kui , Guo Hongwei , Hu Jinwei , Yu Qianqian , Huang Dongmei , Ma Dongping , Feng Zhiqiang , Tang Changhai , Dai Mengna , Yin Wenqiang
Published: May 2021

Background: In 2009, the Chinese government launched a new health care system reform. One of the important aims of the reform was to improve the capacity of primary health institutions. Village clinic doctors are part of the health service force rooted in rural China and the basis of the three-tiered health service system. The job satisfaction of village clinic doctors has an important impact on the stability and sustainable development of the three-tiered health service system. This study aimed to analyse the changes in village clinic doctors' job satisfaction after the implementation of the new health care system reform.Methods:All the data came from three surveys of village clinic doctors in Shandong Province conducted in 2012, 2015 and 2018. In 2012, an originally designed questionnaire was used to conduct a baseline survey of 405 village clinic doctors from 27 townships in 9 counties (the response rate was 92.9%). In 2015 and 2018, 519 and 223 village clinic doctors in the same counties were surveyed with the same questionnaire (the response rates were 94.3% and 92.9%, respectively). Descriptive analysis, χ2 test and ANOVA were used to analyse the level of and changes in village clinic doctors' job satisfaction.Results: The mean scores of village clinic doctors' total job satisfaction were 2.664 ± 1.069, 3.121 ± 0.931 and 2.676 ± 1.044 in 2012, 2015 and 2018, respectively, with a significant difference (F = 28.732, P < 0.001). The mean scores of the medical practice environment and the job itself showed a continuous downward trend. The change trends of the mean scores for job reward, internal work environment and organizational management were consistent with the trend for total job satisfaction.Conclusion: After the implementation of the NHCSR, the job satisfaction of village clinic doctors showed a trend of first rising and then falling. To improve primary health care service capacity, the Chinese government has implemented a series of new reform policies. With their ongoing implementation, village clinic doctors' job satisfaction should be the subject of more systematic and detailed research.
The Rice Blast Resistance Gene Pid Family has been Strictly Diverged into Indica and Japonica Subspecies
Authors: Chai Ruipeng , Wang Jinyan , Wang Xing , Wen Jianqiang , Ye Xuemei , Zhang Yaling , Yao Yongxiang , Zhang Jianfu , Zhang Yihua , Wang Ling , Pan Qinghua
Published: May 2021

Background: Rice blast (causative agent the fungus Pyricularia oryzae) represents a major constraint over the productivity of one of the world’s most important staple foods. Genes encoding resistance have been identified in both the indica and japonica subspecies genepools, and combining these within new cultivars represents a rational means of combating the pathogen.Results: In this research, a deeper allele mining was carried out on Pid-2, Pid-3, and Pid-4 by their specific FNP markers in the three panels consisting of 70 indica and 58 japonica cultivars. Within Pid-2, three functional and one non-functional alleles were identified; the former were only identified in indica type entries. At Pid-3, four functional and one non-functional alleles were identified, and once again, all of the former were present in indica type entries. However, the pattern of variation at Pid-4 was rather different: here, the five functional alleles uncovered were dispersed across the japonica type germplasm. Among all the 12 candidate functional alleles, both Pid2-ZS and Pid3-ZS were predominant.Conclusions: Variation in both Pid-2 and Pid-3 appears to have evolved in response to pathogen pressure exerted on indica type cultivars, while that in Pid-4 reflects the interaction between the fungus and the host in japonica type crops. Owning to the founder lineage, ‘Zhenzhuai 11-ZS97’, rather limited genotypes of the Pid family have been effective in both indica and japonica rice groups, of which Pid2-ZS+Pid3-ZS is present in a large proportion of Chinese indica cultivars released since the 1960s.
Evaluation of Rice Landraces for Brown Planthopper Resistance Based on Phenotypic Reactions and Biochemical Attributes
Authors: Roy Debashis , Biswas Abhisek , Sarkar Sukamal , Chakraborty Gautam , Sarkar Pijush Kanti
Published: May 2021

Brown planthopper (BPH), [Nilaparvata lugens (Stål.)] is an economically important pest of rice (Oryza sativa L.) throughout Asia, where the damage caused by nymphs and adults, especially during post-tillering to milking stages, significantly reduces grain yield. There is, thus, a pressing need to develop varieties that are resistant to BPH. In this study, the reaction of various rice landraces from Indian origin were assessed (both phenotypically and biochemically) in response to BPH infestation. It was found that the landraces, viz. Badshabhog, Gamra, Haldichuri, Janglijata, Kalabhat, Khara, Adanshilpa, Chikonmashuri, Kerala sundari and Lal dudheshwar exhibited resistance to BPH consistently along with the standard check Ptb33, for three consecutive years under both greenhouse and open-field conditions. These phenotypically resistant rice landraces including Ptb33 exhibited lowest feeding rate, least nymphal and adult preference, minimum survival and higher frequency (%) of unhatched eggs when compared with the susceptible check (Swarna). Higher levels ascorbic acid, oxalic acid (OA), crude silica (CS), while lower levels of phenols, reducing sugar and total free amino acid (TFA) were expressed in un-infested resistant and moderately resistant landraces. The resistant plants exposed to herbivory by BPH produced higher levels of phenolic compounds, potassium and TFA than plants of susceptible cultivar Swarna. The feeding rate, settling behaviour and survivability of BPH correlated significantly and negatively with OA and CS, whereas the latter showed a significant and positive correlation with egg hatchability.
A continuous-time stochastic model to study the abandonment strategy of carbon capture and storage project
Authors: Chang Shuhua , Li Yu , Chang Yanqin
Published: May 2021

We build a continuous-time stochastic real options model to study the abandonment strategy of carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. Based on the stochastic optimal control theory, we solve the problem with the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman variational inequality (HJBVI) to derive the evolution of the optimal CCS investment over time. Using optimal stopping time, we establish a free boundary for each time node over the entire CCS construction stage as a function of the market carbon price and the individual project's remaining total deployment investment. The boundary is to help the investors decide whether to keep investing or abandon the project. Numerical simulations based on Chinese data are conducted by applying the finite element method with the power penalty. Concerning a hypothetical CCS project with a remaining total deployment investment of 10 billion RMB, our projected critical carbon prices relevant to its decisions on CCS project in 2020 are, respectively, 137.27 RMB/ton CO2 (0.123 RMB/kW·h) and 104.14 RMB/ton CO2 (0.093 RMB/kW·h). Being well below either threshold, if the current price prevails in 2020, the private investors will have no incentive to keep investing in or operate the above CCS project. It seems to us that this should indicate the exact right moment for the government to consider subsidizing them with at least the amount of money to prevent their abandonment of CCS from happening.
Regulation and Rehabilitation of Hindlimb Gait Based on CPG in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Shao Wei , Shen Xiaoyan , Li Zhiling , Li Qianqian , Wu Yan , Lou Xiongjie
Published: May 2021

Background: To reconstruct hindlimb gait movement in patients with spinal cord injury(SCI), a spinal stimulator using a one-port electrode is proposed to regulate bilateral hindlimb movements in rats. Functional electrical stimulation(FES) of rats with spinal cord injury(SCI) was performed, considering the central pattern generator(CPG) in the spinal cord as the target.Methods: Left hindlimb flexion and right hindlimb extension were achieved by stimulating the CPG site with a positive pulse, while negative pulse stimulation induced the opposite motions. Angle sensors were used to track and capture knee joint angle data, and the mapping relationship model between voltage amplitude and gait parameters was established. The hindlimbs were controlled using the reference angle. SCI rats were subjected to stimulation trained for 30 min each day for 28 days with a reference angle range of 96°-128°. Results: Based on CPG site stimulation, the hindlimbs of rats were regulated between 96° and 128° with this system. On the 28th day, a BBB score indicating. A 76% health level was achieved, while the SEP measurement results were close to the normal value.Conclusion: Compared with traditional spinal stimulators, the proposed spinal stimulator has fewer electrodes and a simplified time sequence. The system realizes an improved gait feedback and decreased muscle fatigue. The results of rehabilitation training proved the recovery effect of the system on the hindlimb gait of SCI rats.
Neuroendocrine Differentiated Breast Cancer Cases: A Retrospective Analysis and Literature Review
Authors: Özdemir Özlem , Zengel Baha , Yıldız Yaşar , Saray Seray , Alacacioglu Ahmet , Taşlı Funda , Can Züleyha , Oflazoglu Utku , Taskaynatan Halil , Salman Tarık , Varol Umut , Durusoy Raika , Küçükzeybek Yüksel
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Neuroendocrine breast carcinoma (NEBC) is a rare subgroup of breast cancer, which makes up 2 to 5% of all invasive breast cancers. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to present and analyze our own data of primary NEBCs.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, pathological, and radiological characteristics of 36 patients diagnosed with Neuroendocrine differentiated breast cancer between 2008-2019 compared to that of 925 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC/NOS) along with a literature review.Result:In this study, 36 patients with neuroendocrine differentiated breast carcinoma and 961 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC/NOS), as the comparison group, were identified, clinics between 2008-2019 . In NEBC patients, 7 were premenopausal and 29 postmenopausal. Patients whose ultrasound (USG), magnetic resonance (MR), and mammographic (MMG) images available in our hospital, high-density masses were detected in the MMG with irregular (77%), microlobulated (80%) and spiculated margins (63%), unaccompanied by asymmetry and structural distortion. Calcifications were less common than invasive breast cancer, present only in 4 patients (17%). When NEBC were compared to ductal carcinomas (n = 925), NEBC were more often HER2 negative (p = 0.039), ER positive (p = 0.05) ,PR positive (0.03) and the NEBC patients were older (p :0.02). Age, grade, metastatic status, lymph node number and molecular type were identified as prognostic factors that significantly affect survival in both groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: NEBC is a subtype that is both histopathologically and radiologically distinct from other breast cancer subtypes, and neuroendocrine differentiation will become more predictive in the future.
Thermally Control of Light Propagation in Plasmonics Waveguide and Filter
Authors: Bavil Mehdi Afshari , Daneshfar Nader , Li Chuanbo , Feng Shuai
Published: May 2021

An active ultra-compact plasmonic waveguide composed of a subwavelength slit and perforated in vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) followed by a metallic layer is proposed and numerically analyzed. Refractive index variation of VO 2 by external stimuli provides a feasible way for tuning the optical properties of the waveguide. Varying the refractive index of VO 2 corresponds with changing the phase of VO 2 to the metallic state (“on” state). Consequently, the entire structure becomes a typical metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide that routes the incident light through the slit. In addition, during the “off” state, the incident light thereby propagates in the slit and VO 2 medium and mitigates rapidly. By adding a MIM waveguide attached to the Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity, spectrally wide stopband and passband filtering features in telecommunication frequency regime are demonstrated. Tailoring the resonance wavelength can be performed through the geometrical parameters. Such active plasmonic waveguides with high transmission, coupling, and compact size can be utilized in future fully integrated all plasmonic chip technology.
Potential Molecular Mechanisms of JTW in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and Depression Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Tang Yueheng , Su Hao , Lu Fuer , Nie Kexin , Wang Zhi , Wang Hongzhan , Huang Wenya , Dong Hui
Published: May 2021

Background: The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and depression is increasing year by year around the world, bringing a serious burden to patients and their families. As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Jiao-tai-wan (JTW) has obvious hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects, but its specific targets and mechanisms are still unclear.Methods: The active compounds and corresponding targets of JTW were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN-TCM). The GeneCards, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), the DrugBank and the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD) were used to collect targets of DM and depression. After sorting out the intersection targets of drugs and diseases, the Cytoscape software was used to perform a "Drug-Compounds-Targets-Disease (D-C-T-D)" network to analyze the active compounds of JTW, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING database to screen and analyze the key target proteins. Finally, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the intersection targets were carried out by the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID). Results: 28 active compounds and 484 corresponding targets of JTW, 1407 DM targets and 1842 depression targets were collected by screening the above databases, and a total of 117 targets were obtained after taking the intersection. JTW plays a role in reducing blood glucose level and antidepressant mainly through active compounds such as quercetin, styrene, cinnamic acid, ethyl cinnamate, (R)-Canadine, palmatine and berberine, etc., the key targets of its therapeutic effect include insulin (INS), protein kinase B1 (AKT1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and so on, mainly involved in HIF-1 signal pathway, pathways in cancer, Hepatitis B, TNF signal pathway, PI3K-Akt signal pathway and MAPK signaling pathway, etc.Conclusion: In this paper, the possible mechanism of JTW on DM and depression was explored by network pharmacology, reflecting the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, which provides a theoretical basis for the experimental research and clinical application of JTW in the future.
Improving User Equipment Privacy using Non-Redundant Traffic Authentication Scheme in 5G Networks
Authors: P Sakthibalan , K Devarajan
Published: May 2021

End-to-end authentication is a critical necessity in 5G networks due to increasing device demands and autonomously transmitted user data. A difficult problem in obtaining shared information is the lack of data-related characteristics and the communicating network. Furthermore, due to the network's lack of traceability and handoff, managing protection for the created data is impractical. The non-redundant traffic authentication scheme (NRTAS) is proposed with the aim of authenticating data sources and contact traffic through active user equipment. This scheme provides more efficient non-replicated authentication by classifying traffic based on its errors. Using a differential private key, the classified traffic is authenticated in a linear or discrete way. The suggested scheme's mechanism is tailored to all of the available contact slots, increasing the likelihood of success. Non-redundant authentication eliminates information sharing overhead while simultaneously achieving the shortest access time and response delay.
Potential habitat and productivity loss of Populus deltoides industrial forest plantations due to global warming
Authors: Sun Jiejie , Jiao Wenxing , Wang Qian , Wang Tongli , Yang Hongqiang , Jin Jiaxin , Feng Huili , Guo Jiahuan , Feng Lei , Xu Xia , Wang Weifeng
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Risk Factor Analysis for Above-knee Amputation in Patients With Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee: a Case-control Study
Authors: Eckers Franziska , Laux Christoph J. , Schaller Sebastian , Berli Martin , Achermann Yvonne , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: May 2021

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication following knee arthroplasty. Therapeutic strategies comprise a combination of surgical and antibiotic treatment modalities and aim to eradicate the infection. Sometimes control of the disease can only be attained by above-knee amputation (AKA). While a vast amount of literature exists illuminating predisposing factors for PJI, risk factors favoring the endpoint AKA in this context are sparsely known. Methods: The purpose of this investigation was to delineate whether patients with PJI of the knee present specific risk factors for AKA. In a retrospective case-control study 11 cases of PJI treated with AKA were juxtaposed to 57 cases treated with limb salvage (LS). The minimum follow-up was two years. Comorbidities, signs and symptoms of the current infection, factors related to previous surgeries and the implant, microbiology, as well as therapy related factors were recorded. Comparative analysis was performed using student’s t-test, chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Binary differences were calculated using odds ratio (OR). Reoperation frequency was compared using Mann-Whitney U test. In-depth descriptive analysis of 11 amputees was carried out. Results: A total of 68 cases aged 71±11.2 years were examined, hereof 11 with AKA and 57 with LS. Severe comorbidities (p=0.009), alcohol abuse (p=0.015), and preoperative anemia (p=0.022) were more frequently associated with AKA. Preoperative anemia was found in all 11 amputees (100%) and in 33 of 57 LS patients (58%) with an average preoperative hemoglobin of 99.9±15.1 g/dl compared to 118.2±19.9 g/dl (p=0.011). No other parameters differed significantly. AKA patients underwent a median of eight (range 2-24) reoperations, LS patients a median of five (range 2-15).Conclusion: Factors potentially influencing the outcome of knee PJI are diverse. The indication of AKA in this context remains a rarity and a case-by-case decision. Patient-intrinsic systemic factors such as alcohol abuse, severe comorbidities and preoperative anemia may elevate the individual risk for AKA in the setting of PJI. We recommend that anemia, being a condition well amenable to therapeutic measures, should be given special consideration in management of PJI patients. Trial registration: This study was registered with Kantonale Ethikkommission Zürich, (BASEC-No. 2016-01048).
Fuzzy Balanced Allocation Problem with Efficiency on Servers
Authors: Azodi Azam , Fathali Jafar , Ghiyasi Mojtaba , Sayar Tahereh
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with the problem of allocation customers to servers with regards to some fuzzy parameters. In this problem each customer is allocated to the nearest server, and assignment of a customer to a server involves the cost to the customer, which is due to the customer's fuzzy distance to the server. Each server has a fuzzy efficiency which is calculated by the data envelopment analysis method with fuzzy parameters. The higher efficiency of the server to which a customer is assigned, cause more profit for the customer. The goal is allocation of all customers to the servers such that the profitability of the least profits for the customers is maximized. In addition, to prevent queuing in some servers, we consider the balancing on allocation customers to the servers. Therefore, the second goal is minimizing the difference between the maximum and minimum number of customers that are assigned to different servers. A fuzzy bi-objective programming model is presented for the problem, then two fuzzy approaches are proposed for solving this model.
Do Black Lives Matter in the American Public’s Mitigation Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Mask Wearing and Racial/ethnic Disparities in Deaths from COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Franz Berkeley , Milner Adrienne , Braddock Jomills H.
Published: May 2021

Background: Anti-black and anti-Hispanic attitudes in the U.S. must be included in efforts to understand resistance to public health measures, such as mask wearing, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on the structural and individual context of racism will enable us to improve public health and better prepare for future public health challenges. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between mask usage, racial segregation, and racial disparities in COVID-19 deaths.Methods: We used linear regression to assess whether the racial/ethnic composition of deaths and residential segregation predicted Americans’ decisions to wear masks in July 2020. Results: After controlling for mask mandates, mask usage increased when the White death rates relative to Black and Hispanic rates increased. Conclusions: Mask wearing may be shaped by an insensitivity to Black and Hispanic deaths and a corresponding unwillingness to engage in health protective behaviors. The broader history of systemic racism and residential segregation may also explain why white Americans do not wear masks or perceive themselves to be at risk when communities of color are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
Stabilization of Energy Level Sets of Underactuated Mechanical Systems Exploiting Impulsive Braking
Authors: Kant Nilay , Mukherjee Ranjan , Khalil Hassan K
Published: May 2021

Recent investigations of underactuated systems have demonstrated the benefits of control inputs that are impulsive in nature. Here we consider the problem of stabilization of energy level sets of underactuated systems exploiting impulsive braking. We consider systems with one passive degree-of-freedom (DOF) and the energy level set is a manifold where the active coordinates are fixed and the mechanical energy equals some desired value. A control strategy comprised of continuous inputs and intermittent impulsive braking inputs is presented. The generality of the approach is shown through simulation of a three-DOF Tiptoebot; the feasibility of implementation of impulsive control using standard hardware is demonstrated using a rotary pendulum.
Governing Industry Involvement in the Non-Communicable Disease Response in Kenya
Authors: Buender Tobias , Wirtz Veronika J. , Karekezi Catherine
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), multinational companies have become increasingly involved in addressing public health challenges. Dealing with companies as partners in health sector development creates new challenges for governments. We sought to develop an approach to assess the existence and effectiveness of governance structures that can ensure that industry-led public health initiatives contribute to development.MethodsWe developed a governance assessment tool based on the principles of the Paris Declaration for Aid Effectiveness and other related agreements. We applied it to the case of pharmaceutical companies’ involvement in the Kenyan response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We gathered data for analysis through 46 stakeholder interviews and reviewing documents.ResultsThe Kenyan government has informal norms in place regarding program governance and strategy, but it has yet to issue formal regulations. While enabling elements exist that support initiatives to develop in alignment with these norms, implementation is often hindered by a lack of resources. Currently, broad stakeholder support for filling these gaps has created a window of opportunity for action.ConclusionThe application of the proposed assessment tool illustrates its viability for assisting companies and governments alike in defining governance needs for industry-led public health initiatives. Our findings in Kenya provide example considerations for LMICs working to integrate industry-led public health programs into the health system. Bilateral and multilateral donors also have important roles in strengthening LMICs capacities to govern multinational corporations’ contributions to NCDs in particular and development in general.
MiR-548ac Inhibits Wnt5a Expression and Promotes Proliferation of Glioma Cells Through the AKT/ERK Pathway
Authors: shan wen , Li Haonan , Lu Xu , Wu Xuting , Zhang Xinhua
Published: May 2021

Background: Glioma one of the most frequently occurring and lethal primary malignant tumors in adults. Micro (mi)RNAs) are a newly identified modulator involved in the occurrence and progression of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Previous studies found that miR-548ac had a role in suppressing laryngeal and breast cancer. This study investigated the role of mir-548ac in glioma progression.Methods: The function of miR-548ac was studied by stable knockdown or overexpression of miR-548ac in GBM cells. Luciferase reporter constructs were used to investigate the correlation between Wnt5a and miR-548ac. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell, and colony formation assays were used to investigate Wnt5a and miR-548ac activity in glioma cells. Flow cytometry was used to describe the cell cycle. Xenograft experiments were used to evaluate tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Western blotting was used to assess the function of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Results: Downregulation of miR-548ac promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion during GBM progression. Silencing of miR-548ac promoted expression of Wnt5a, a direct target of miR-548ac, which plays an oncogenic role in glioblastoma stem cells. Inhibiting the expression of Wat5a partially rescued the consequences of increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion caused by miR-548ac. Tumor growth was suppressed by Wnt5a knockdown in vivo.Conclusions: miR-548ac suppressed GBM progression by targeting Wnt5a. The miR-548ac/Wnt5a axis may be a new potential strategy for glioma therapy.
Proposal of a Microstrip Patch Antenna Array for the Osseus: An Equipment for the Aid of Diagnosis of Osteometabolic Diseases
Authors: Pinheiro Bruno , Campos Antônio Luiz , Carvalho Dionísio Dias , Cruz Agnaldo , Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro , Veras Nicolas Vinícius , Santos João Paulo dos
Published: May 2021

BackgroundApplications on electromagnetic waves in the field of biotelemetry have increased in the latest years, being used to prevent, diagnose, and treatment of several diseases. In this context, biotelemetry allows minimally invasive monitoring of the physiologic, improving the comfort and patient care and significantly reducing hospital costs. Aiming to assist the mineral bone density classification, through a radio frequency signal (RF), for a later diagnosis of osteoporosis, Osseus was proposed in 2018. This equipment is a combination of the application of techniques and concepts of several areas such as software, electrical, electronic, computational, and biomedical engineering, developed at a low cost, with easy access to the population, and non-invasive. However, when placed on evaluation, potential improvements were identified to increase the stability of Osseus operation.ResultsIt is proposed the implementation of improvements in the antennas used by Osseus, aiming its miniaturization, improvement in the reception of the RF signal, and better stability of the equipment's operation. ConclusionTwo antennas were then built, one of which was used as a project for the second, which is an array. The array showed significant improvements in the parameters relevant to the application, being a candidate to replace the antennas currently in use at Osseus.
Temporal Dynamics of Greenhouse Gas Flux of Warm Temperate Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forest Ecosystem Soil in North China
Authors: Wan Wuxing , Zhang Shuai , Li Jie , Gao Yiqin , Feng Meiqi , Wang Xiaoke
Published: May 2021

Background: According to the WMO's (World Meteorological Organization) Greenhouse Gas Bulletin (2019), the fastest increase atmospheric concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases has been detected in the past 20 years. Researchers have paid more and more attention to the problem of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Among the studies, people focus much more on grassland ecosystem than that of forest ecosystem，which has a more important effect on the emission and absorption of greenhouse gases. Estimating the impact of forest ecosystem on greenhouse effect in China is of great significance. Methods: 6 deciduous broad-leaved forest communities with similar elevation, slope orientations and slope gradient in Wuling Mountain National Natural Reserve are employed to conduct the GHG flux study. Five 50cm×50cm square stainless-steel bases are set in the study site by mechanical spot arrangement method to sample the GHG. The environmental temperature and soil moisture content is measured every sampling time. Static chamber-gas chromatograph method is adopted to examine the greenhouse gas fluxes of CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O. Results and conclusions: The GHG flux of CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 in the Warm Temperate Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forest Ecosystem has great relationship with environmental temperature and soil water content. GHG flux varies with seasons. Among them, the CH 4 flux shows the character of source or sink in different seasons. The other 2 are always the source of GHG flux during the study period. The peak value of CO 2 is in summer and that of N 2 O in March. The flux of CH 4 shows the feature of source in April and sink in other seasons. The peak value of sink comes in late July. The flux of CO 2 has the greatest relationship with the soil temperature 5cm below the ground surface and the flux of N 2 O has the greatest relationship with the soil water content. The relationship between CH 4 flux and the environmental temperature or the soil water content is complex.
Complete loss of CASK causes severe ataxia through cerebellar degeneration
Authors: Patel Paras , Hegert Julia , Cristian Ingrid , Kerr Alicia , LaConte Leslie , Fox Michael , Srivast Sarika , Mukherjee Konark
Published: May 2021

Background: Heterozygous loss of X-linked genes like CASK and MeCP2 (Rett syndrome) causes neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in girls, while in boys loss of the only allele of these genes leads to profound encephalopathy. The cellular basis for these disorders remains unknown. CASK is presumed to work through the Tbr1-reelin pathway in neuronal migration.Methods: Here we report clinical and histopathological analysis of a deceased 2-month-old boy with a CASK-null mutation. We first analyze in vivo data from the subject including genetic characterization, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and spectral characteristics of the electroencephalogram (EEG). We next compare features of the cerebellum to an-age matched control. Based on this, we generate a murine model where CASK is completely deleted from post-migratory neurons in the cerebellum.Results: Although smaller, the CASK-null human brain exhibits normal lamination without defective neuronal differentiation, migration, or axonal guidance, excluding the role of reelin. The hypoplastic cerebellum instead displayed astrogliosis, a marker for neuronal loss. We therefore hypothesized that cerebellar hypoplasia with CASK loss is a result of early neurodegeneration. Data from our murine model confirm that a small cerebellum in the context of CASK-loss results from post-developmental degeneration of cerebellar granule neurons. We further demonstrate that at least in the cerebellum the functional loss with CASK deletion results secondary to degeneration of granule cells rather that any acute molecular functional loss of CASK. Intriguingly, female mice with heterozygous deletion of CASK in the cerebellum did not display any neurodegeneration.Conclusions: Herein we demonstrate in human that complete loss of CASK is not associated with any dysfunction in the Tbr1-reelin pathway. Further, immunohistochemistry indicates a degenerative cell death which is mechanistically confirmed in our murine model. In the absence of CASK in cerebellar cells, the cerebellum develops normally but degenerates over a period of several weeks. We suggest that NDDs like CASK mutation and Rett syndrome are pathologically neurodegenerative; however, random X-chromosome inactivation in the heterozygous mutant girls results in 50% of cells expressing the functional gene, resulting in a non-progressive pathology, whereas complete loss of the only allele in boys leads to unconstrained degeneration and encephalopathy.
The Role of Community Re-entry Program (CRP) in Strengthening the Effectiveness of Conventional Psychiatric Treatment on Therapeutic Outcomes During Hospitalization, in Patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghahestany Davood Arab , Borjali Ahmad , Sohrabi Faramarz , Delavar Ali , Rezaei Omid , Abbasi Atefeh , Darabi Fatemeh Karimi , Khorrami Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Background: Considering the many problems of conventional psychiatric therapies in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders especially schizophrenia spectrum disorders, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of CRP in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders during the acute phase hospitalization of these patients.Methods: We evaluated the role of (CRP) in strengthening the effectiveness of Conventional psychiatric treatment on the number of visits to the nursing station, PRN received, physical restraint(s) and the exact date of hospitalization and discharge of patients during hospitalization, in patients with Schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The Interventional method was Community Re-entry Program (CRP), in combination with conventional psychiatric treatment in the experimental group, while the patients in the control group received only conventional psychiatric treatment. Measurement Performed using demographic information questionnaire, and Positive and Negative syndrome Scale. Then the collected information and data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.Results: The results of this study showed that use of CRP in combination with conventional psychiatric treatment was more effective in reducing positive and negative syndrome, as well as the frequency of receiving PRN and physical restraint compared to conventional psychiatric treatment alone. However, the observed decrease in hospitalization duration and the rate of adhesion in the experimental group was not statistically significant.Conclusion: These results indicate that the implementation of CRP as an adjunctive therapeutic method, can increase the effectiveness of conventional psychiatric treatment used in therapeutic centers for patients with severe psychiatric disorders, leads to better treatment outcomes for these patients, and increases the social adjustment and sustainability of these patients in society; a finding that is consistent with new therapeutic theories of these patients, experiences of expert clinicians and the findings of research on improving of therapeutic approaches to severe psychiatric disorders.Trial registration: The study has been approved by the Ethical Review Board of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran (IR.USWR.REC.1396.150).
A New Stabilization Algorithm for Mechanical Systems with Underactuation Degree One based on Controlled Lagrangians
Authors: Chen guanjun , Huo wei
Published: May 2021

A new stabilization control algorithm based on controlled Lagrangian method for a class of mechanical systems with underactuation degree one is presented in this paper. Firstly, a desired controlled system with the Lagrangian structure and desired properties is constructed. By equating the underactuated system with the desired system, the matching condition and controller structure are determined. A sufficient condition for the matching condition to be held is derived, and from the sufficient condition desired kinetic energy, potential energy, gyroscopic forces and dissipative forces of the desired system can be solved explicitly. Compared with the existing matching conditions, to solve proposed sufficient condition at most two partial differential equations needs to be solved, and the rests are all algebraic equations, which is easier to solve.

An algorithm to solve this sufficient condition is given in detail, and a nonlinear smooth feedback control law can be obtained to stabilize the underactuated systems. Finally, the novel control algorithm is applied to achieve almost global stability for a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and to locally stabilize a Pendubot with two degrees of freedom at the highest point. Simulation results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method.