bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting potholes in asphalt pavement under small-sample conditions based on improved faster region-based convolution neural networks
Authors: Pei Lili , Shi Li , Sun Zhaoyun , Li Wei , Gao Yao , Chen Yao
Published: April 2021

Pavement potholes have low detection accuracy under the condition of small samples. To address this issue, we propose a method for efficient and accurate pothole detection under small-sample conditions based on an improved Faster R-CNN (Region-based Convolution Neural Networks). First, images consisting of different pothole shapes and sizes were acquired from different sources and then augmented and denoised to obtain an image set. Second, two representative target-detection models, Faster R-CNN and YOLOv3, were tested. The detection results indicate that Faster R-CNN achieves better detection performance. Furthermore, to overcome inconsistencies (missed detections and inaccurate position estimations), the feature extraction layers of VGG16, ZFNet, and ResNet50 networks were used in combination with Faster R-CNN. The results showed that the VGG16+Faster R-CNN fusion model yielded superior accuracy. Finally, the detection accuracy improved to 0.8997 after adjusting the size of the candidate frame, which also enabled successful detection of previously missed targets.
A design-based assessment of an expanded set of auxiliary information for forest growth estimation
Authors: Massey Alexander , Lanz Adrian , Ferretti Marco
Published: April 2021

To improve the design-based precision of gross increment estimates from forest inventories, we propose an assessment of an expanded set of auxiliary information grouped from five sources: (i) a vegetation height model, (ii) satellite imagery, (iii) spatial data, (iv) topography, and (v) variables identified by external forest monitoring and research networks. The former two are from optical remote sensing and the latter three are chosen on the basis of interpretable and proven connections with forest growth. We evaluate each source individually and collectively for the Swiss National Forest Inventory using two-phase estimation with the elastic net method. In terms of relative efficiency, all individual groups demonstrated improvement over one-phase estimation by 7% to 29% with the interpretable sources consistently outperforming those based on optical remote sensing. However, the interpretable sources do not provide significant additional gains when combined together, whereas the optical remote sensing consistently and substantially supports other sources of auxiliary data when combined, leading to a 50% to 71% improvement overall. Given the availability of data, such as that from international monitoring programs, expanding the set of auxiliaries to include both interpretable sources and optical remote sensing is a feasible and promising option for national forest inventories.
Union-Freeness Revisited — Between Deterministic and Nondeterministic Union-Free Languages
Authors: Nagy Benedek
Published: April 2021

Union-free expressions are regular expressions without using the union operation. Consequently, (nondeterministic) union-free languages are described by regular expressions using only concatenation and Kleene star. The language class is also characterised by a special class of finite automata: 1CFPAs have exactly one cycle-free accepting path from each of their states. Obviously such an automaton has exactly one accepting state. The deterministic counterpart of such class of automata defines the deterministic union-free (d-union-free, for short) languages. In this paper [Formula: see text]-free nondeterministic variants of 1CFPAs are used to define n-union-free languages. The defined language class is shown to be properly between the classes of (nondeterministic) union-free and d-union-free languages (in case of at least binary alphabet). In case of unary alphabet the class of n-union-free languages coincides with the class of union-free languages. Some properties of the new subregular class of languages are discussed, e.g., closure properties. On the other hand, a regular expression is in union normal form if it is a finite union of union-free expressions. It is well known that every regular expression can be written in union normal form, i.e., all regular languages can be described as finite unions of (nondeterministic) union-free languages. It is also known that the same fact does not hold for deterministic union-free languages, that is, there are regular languages that cannot be written as finite unions of d-union-free languages. As an important result here we show that every regular language can be defined by a finite union of n-union-free languages. This fact also allows to define n-union-complexity of regular languages.
Foreword
Authors: Bryant R. , Cheng S. Y. , Griffiths P. , Ma X. , Ni L. , Wallach N.
Published: April 2021

This is a special volume in honor of the 110th anniversary of the late Professor Shiing-Shen Chern, who was the founding advisor of this journal.
On the geometry of submanifolds in certain warped products
Authors: Araújo Jogli G. , de Lima Henrique F. , Lima Eraldo A. , Santos Márcio S.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we deal with [Formula: see text]-dimensional submanifolds immersed in a slab of a warped product of the type [Formula: see text]. Under suitable constraints on the warping function [Formula: see text] and assuming that such a submanifold [Formula: see text] is either complete or stochastically complete, we apply some maximum principles in order to show that [Formula: see text] must be contained in a slice of [Formula: see text]. In particular, from our results we guarantee the nonexistence of [Formula: see text]-dimensional closed minimal submanifolds immersed in [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we construct a nontrivial duo-graph in [Formula: see text] which illustrates the importance of our rigidity results.
Uncovering local community structure on line graph through degree centrality and expansion
Authors: Wang Guishen , Wang Kaitai , Wang Hongmei , Lu Huimin , Zhou Xiaotang , Feng Yuncong
Published: April 2021

Local community detection algorithms are an important type of overlapping community detection methods. Local community detection methods identify local community structure through searching seeds and expansion process. In this paper, we propose a novel local community detection method on line graph through degree centrality and expansion (LCDDCE). We firstly employ line graph model to transfer edges into nodes of a new graph. Secondly, we evaluate edges relationship through a novel node similarity method on line graph. Thirdly, we introduce local community detection framework to identify local node community structure of line graph, combined with degree centrality and PageRank algorithm. Finally, we transfer them back into original graph. The experimental results on three classical benchmarks show that our LCDDCE method achieves a higher performance on normalized mutual information metric with other typical methods.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Prediction Models for Optimal Design of Tuned Mass Dampers in Damped Structures Subjected to Different Excitations
Authors: Etedali Sadegh , Bijaem Zohreh Khosravi , Mollayi Nader , Babaiyan Vahide
Published: April 2021

Tuned mass damper (TMD) is a type of energy absorbers that can mitigate the vibrations of the main system if its frequency and damping ratios are well adjusted. By adopting simple assumptions on the structure and loadings, many analytical and empirical relationships have been presented for the estimation of the parameters for TMDs. In this research, methods based on the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are proposed for optimal tuning of the TMD parameters of the main damped-structure for three kinds of loadings: white-noise base acceleration, external white-noise force, and harmonic base acceleration. For this purpose, a dataset using the cuckoo search (CS) optimization algorithm is created. The performance of the proposed methods based on the radial basis function (RBF) neural network, feed-forward neural network (FFNN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and random forest (RF) techniques are evaluated by some statistical indicators. The results show the proper performance of these methods for the optimal estimation of the TMD parameters. Overall, the ANFIS method results in best matching with the observed dataset. Moreover, the simulation results indicate that the TMD’s optimal frequency ratio is reduced, while its optimal damping ratio is increased, against the increase in the TMD mass ratio of the main structure subjected to harmonic base acceleration. This trend with a less slope is observed for the optimal frequency ratio of the TMD in the main structure subjected to external white-noise force; however, the optimal damping ratio of the TMD is independent of its mass ratio in this case. Similar results are obtained for the main structure subjected to white-noise base acceleration.
Burst Detection-Based Selective Classifier Resetting
Authors: Wares Scott , Isaacs John , Elyan Eyad
Published: April 2021

Concept drift detection algorithms have historically been faithful to the aged architecture of forcefully resetting the base classifiers for each detected drift. This approach prevents underlying classifiers becoming outdated as the distribution of a data stream shifts from one concept to another. In situations where both concept drift and temporal dependence are present within a data stream, forced resetting can cause complications in classifier evaluation. Resetting the base classifier too frequently when temporal dependence is present can cause classifier performance to appear successful, when in fact this is misleading. In this research, a novel architectural method for determining base classifier resets, Burst Detection-Based Selective Classifier Resetting (BD-SCR), is presented. BD-SCR statistically monitors changes in the temporal dependence of a data stream to determine if a base classifier should be reset for detected drifts. The experimental process compares the predictive performance of state-of-the-art drift detectors in comparison to the “No-Change” detector using BD-SCR to inform and control the resetting decision. Results show that BD-SCR effectively reduces the negative impact of temporal dependence during concept drift detection through a clear negation in the performance of the “No-Change” detector, but is capable of maintaining the predictive performance of state-of-the-art drift detection methods.
Exquisite chemistries of meso-pentafluorophenyl and meso-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) dipyrromethanes
Authors: Shin Ji-Young , Nguyen An Quang
Published: April 2021

meso-Aryl dipyrromethanes are important building blocks to create various practical molecules, and the electron-withdrawing effect of the meso-aryls can play an important role in improving/controlling their reactivities in further reactions: meso-Pentafluorophenyl and meso-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) substituted dipyrromethanes towards the associating dipyrrins and other derivatives have been investigated, in which coordination with different transition metals followed by the dissociation of the metal coordination by interruption of proton and halide ions have been verified. Furthermore, simple DDQ-oxidations of the dipyrromethanes have afforded DDQ-dipyrrin adducts which were delivered to distinctly advanced molecular rearrangements in the presence of acid and base. Vinylene bisdipyrrin compounds, obtained in the reactions of DDQ-dipyrrin adducts with a Lewis base triethylamine, have produced expanded porphyrinoid bis-nickel complexes during the metalation procedure with nickel acetate, while a cobalt metalation of the vinylene bisdipyrrin compounds resulted in an isolation of diamagnetic octahedral cobalt(III) complex. Moreover, meso-pentafluorophenyl and meso-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) dipyrromethanes have been useful platforms to accomplish size-controlled series of meso-aryl-substituted expanded porphyrins and easy separation/purification of selective meso-aryl expanded porphyrins, in which advanced metal complexes and various fascinating properties and reactivities admitting moderate functional molecules have arisen.
How Does Culture Impinge Upon Managers’ Demeanor of Earnings Management? Evidence from Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Chaney Paul K. , Lodh Suman , Nandy Monomita
Published: April 2021

We examine the impact of national culture on earnings. Specifically, we examine managers’ likelihood of using accrual or real earnings management (REM) and the role of culture on various attributes of earnings (accruals quality, persistence, smoothing, and predictability). We measure national culture using Hofstede’s six dimensions of culture (1984, 2001, 2010). Using data from 36 countries during 1997–2018, we find that managers are likely to use both accruals and REM in high power distance (PDI) countries. In long-term-oriented countries, managers are more likely to use REM. In uncertainty avoidance (UAI) countries, in high individualist countries, and in higher indulgent versus restraint countries, managers are less likely to use either type of earnings management. In masculine countries, managers tend to use lower accruals management and rely on production cost REM. We also find the use of accruals management and the use of REM are substitutes for each other. In addition, we are able to classify countries into four earnings quality groups based on the culture impact on the earnings attributes (primarily driven by accruals quality, predictability, and smoothing). Persistence is generally not significant in classifying countries by earnings attributes. Our findings indicate that a universal set of accounting standards is a challenging goal to achieve given the cultural diversity across countries. To improve the existing corporate governance framework and to ensure high quality and uniform financial statements, the enforcement of standards should be tailored to specific cultures, or at a minimum, corporate boards need to be more culturally diversified.
Technological Resources for Fighting COVID-19 Pandemic Health Issues
Authors: Joshi Preeti , Tyagi R K , Agarwal Krishna Mohan
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global effect with several people dying daily due to the dreaded disease. Therefore, each individual has a duty to support the efforts of their countries either financially, socially, technically, or by any other means to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. During this crisis, engineers can come up with innovations to fight the pandemic. One of the reasons for the death of a patient suffering from COVID-19 was the lack of resources required for patient care. The doctors who are taking care of COVID patients could get infected due to lack or the deficiency of available safety kits. Some of the resources required to fight COVID-19 are personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g. gloves, gowns, face masks and shields for respiratory and eye protection respectively), mechanical ventilators and body vital monitoring devices. Engineers can contribute to the fight against COVID-19, by developing compact size ventilators, 3D printed face shield, masks, door handles, hand sanitizer, etc. The available medicines to fight the disease are still under development and trials with limited options at present has led to deaths among patients mostly those who are elderly or having any co-morbid condition. The deficiency of medicine availability can be resolved up to some extent by applying tools of supply chain management.
HCDA
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Sun Xian-He , Wang Yang , Bao Yungang
Published: April 2021

As a new era in computing emerges, so too must our fundamental thinking patterns.
Greed Is Good: Exploration and Exploitation Trade-offs in Bayesian Optimisation
Authors: De Ath George , Everson Richard M. , Rahat Alma A. M. , Fieldsend Jonathan E.
Published: April 2021

The performance of acquisition functions for Bayesian optimisation to locate the global optimum of continuous functions is investigated in terms of the Pareto front between exploration and exploitation. We show that Expected Improvement (EI) and the Upper Confidence Bound (UCB) always select solutions to be expensively evaluated on the Pareto front, but Probability of Improvement is not guaranteed to do so and Weighted Expected Improvement does so only for a restricted range of weights.

We introduce two novel

-greedy acquisition functions. Extensive empirical evaluation of these together with random search, purely exploratory, and purely exploitative search on 10 benchmark problems in 1 to 10 dimensions shows that

-greedy algorithms are generally at least as effective as conventional acquisition functions (e.g., EI and UCB), particularly with a limited budget. In higher dimensions,

-greedy approaches are shown to have improved performance over conventional approaches. These results are borne out on a real-world computational fluid dynamics optimisation problem and a robotics active learning problem. Our analysis and experiments suggest that the most effective strategy, particularly in higher dimensions, is to be mostly greedy, occasionally selecting a random exploratory solution.
Feature Construction for Meta-heuristic Algorithm Recommendation of Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Jiang Hao , Wang Yuhang , Tian Ye , Zhang Xingyi , Xiao Jianhua
Published: April 2021

The algorithm recommendation is attracting increasing attention in solving real-world capacitated vehicle routing problems (CVRPs), due to the fact that existing meta-heuristic algorithms often show different performances on different CVRPs. To effectively perform algorithm recommendation for CVRPs, it becomes vital to extract suitable features to characterize the CVRPs accurately. To this end, in this article three groups of penetrating features are proposed to capture the characteristics of CVRPs. The first group consists of some basic features of CVRPs, where several features are suggested to capture the distribution of customer demand, the relationship between customer demand and vehicle capacity, besides some common attributes widely used in CVRPs. The second group is composed of the features extracted from some CVRP solutions generated by local search, where in addition to the feasible and better solutions, the worse solutions and the distribution of travel cost are also used to measure the sensitivity of CVRPs to local search operations. The third group is made up of image features obtained by depicting CVRP instances through images, which is first introduced by us to enhance the generalization of algorithm recommendation. Furthermore, based on the three groups of features, an algorithm recommendation method called ARM-I is built on the basis of a KNN classifier to recommend suitable algorithm for CVRPs. Experimental results on several selected benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed features. More interestingly, the proposed ARM-I shows high generalization on real-world instances.
Teaching other teachers how to teach CS better
Authors: Guzdial Mark
Published: April 2021

The
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Mark Guzdial shares how he assesses the efforts of other computer science teachers.
Catching the fakes
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: April 2021

Applying neural networks to images helps identify counterfeit goods.
The 10 best practices for remote software engineering
Authors: Sochat Vanessa
Published: April 2021

Focusing on the human element of remote software engineer productivity.
Gob’s Circles of a Triangle in the Isotropic Plane
Authors: Kolar-Šuper Ružica
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we consider Gob’s circles of an allowable triangle in the isotropic plane and derive their equations in the case of a standard triangle. We prove that the potential axes of the circumscribed circle and Gob’s circles are the angle bisectors of the given triangle. We investigate some other interesting properties of Gob’s circles and some other circles related to the given triangle.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Subway Station Construction to Achieve Sustainability Using the Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Set Pair Analysis
Authors: Wang Junwu , Liu Sen , Song Yinghui , Wang Jing , Wu Han
Published: April 2021

Environmental risks have a significant impact on the sustainability of subway station construction projects. This paper proposes an environmental risk assessment model based on the intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (IFAHP) and set pair analysis (SPA) to deal with the ambiguity and uncertainty in the assessment. An index system for environmental risk assessment is established based on a literature review and the rough set method. Subsequently, the IFAHP is used to calculate the indicator weights to describe the certainty, uncertainty, and hesitation degree of expert decisions in the weighting calculation by means of affiliation, nonaffiliation, and hesitation. Finally, SPA, which can deal with the randomness, uncertainty, and ambiguity of the indicators, is used to assess environmental risk. A case study of two typical stations (Lushan Avenue Station and Huilong Road West Station) of Metro Line 11 in Chengdu, China, is conducted. The case study results are consistent with field surveys. The evaluation results of the proposed model are more objective and reasonable than those of the traditional analytic hierarchy process, the entropy weight method, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, grey correlation analysis, and technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS). The research results prove the scientific validity and superiority of the proposed model.
Effect of Integrative Neuromuscular Training for Injury Prevention and Sports Performance of Female Badminton Players
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Changquan , Bi Yan , Chen Lianxu
Published: April 2021

Objectives. Investigate the effects of integrated neuromuscular training (INT) on injury prevention and the performance of professional female badminton athletes by comparing their preintervention and postintervention tests. The study hypothesized that integrated neuromuscular training can improve the asymmetry and improve the sport performance of female badminton players. Methods. According to pretest value based on functional movement screening, 38 participants were divided into a high‐risk group (HG) and a low‐risk group (LG) with 22 and 16 people in each group. Two groups of athletes took part in an 8‐week INT program consisting of four 90‐min sessions each week. The asymmetries in movement, physical fitness, and special abilities were tested before and after the intervention. Independent sample t‐test was used for the statistical analysis. Results. This research found indicated that 8 weeks of INT influenced FMS scores in both groups (HG and LG). The change of inline lunge (ESH = 0.42, ESL = 0.21) and trunk stability push‐up (ESH = −0.58, ESL = −0.20) showed significant differences (P < 0.05), and the change of the FMS scores (ESH = 0.81, ESL = 0.65), deep squat (ESH = 0.6, ESL = 0.3), and rotation stability (ESH = −0.65, ESL = −0.72) showed very significant differences (P < 0.01). Compared to the pretest, most of the physical fitness parameters improved significantly in the HG and LG groups except strength index, and special abilities of the HG and LG group women badminton athletes showed a substantial increase. Conclusion. Integrated neuromuscular training can effectively improve the asymmetry of female badminton athletes’ limbs, prevent sports injury, and improve the athlete’s performance ability. However, athletes in different risk groups have certain differences in the degree of improvement in their motor skills.
Seismic Response Analysis and Evaluation of Laminated Rubber Bearing Supported Bridge Based on the Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Bingzhe , Wang Kehai , Lu Guanya , Guo Weizuo
Published: April 2021

Laminated rubber bearings are commonly adopted in small‐to‐medium span highway bridges in earthquake‐prone areas. The accurate establishment of the mechanical model of laminated rubber bearings is one of most critical steps for the bridge seismic response analysis. A new constitutive model of bearing based on the artificial neural network (ANN) technique is established through the static cyclic test of laminated rubber bearings, considering the bearing initial stiffness, friction coefficient, and other parameters such as the bearing sectional area, height, loading velocity, vertical load, and aging time. Combined with the ANN method, the ANN‐based bridge seismic demand model is built and applied to the rapid evaluation of the bridge seismic damage. The importance of the bearing affecting design factors in the bridge seismic demands are ranked. The results demonstrated that the dimensions of the bearing and vertical load are the main factors affecting the bearings constitutive model. Based on the partial dependency analysis with the ANN‐based bridge seismic demand model, it is concluded that the height of bearing is the key design parameter which affects the bridge seismic response the most. The ANN seismic demands model can fit the complex function relationship between various factors and bridge seismic response with high precision, so as to achieve the rapid evaluation of bridge seismic damage.
Combined Configuration of Container Terminal Berth and Quay Crane considering Carbon Cost
Authors: Duan Jianguo , Liu Yi , Zhang Qinglei , Qin Jiyun
Published: April 2021

Berths and quay cranes are scarce resources in the container terminal system. If the equipment is reasonably planned, the service quality might be improved and the operation cost of the terminal would be reduced. In addition, the competition among ports is not only the competition of the terminal service quality, throughput, and scale but also the competition of low-energy consumption and low pollution. In order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, this paper developed a multiobjective optimization model for the joint allocation of container terminal berths and Quay cranes. The model is developed based on preference of ships for berths, and the impact of carbon emission cost on terminal operations have been considered. The carbon cost from two aspects, namely, reducing the operation cost of ships and minimizing the average waiting time and departure delay of ships, has been considered. The improved adaptive genetic algorithm has been used to solve the model. A container terminal in Ningbo has been used as a case study. The carbon emission cost of the berths and quay cranes operation system has been calculated. The influence of the variation in carbon emission cost on the berths and quay cranes configuration scheme has been evaluated. The result proves that considering the carbon cost can make the berths and quay cranes operation more green and reasonable. It can be seen that the objective function value of the joint scheme is 5.92% lower than that of the traditional scheme, and the terminal operation cost of carbon emission constraints is 11.76% lower than that of no carbon emission constraints.
Spiritual Well-Being among Medical and Nonmedical Science Students
Authors: Maazallahi Mahboobeh , Ghonchepour Asma , Sohrabi Mostafa , Golestani Zakiyeh , Parandeh Afshar Peiman , Malakoutikhah Alireza , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: April 2021

Spiritual well-being is one dimension of health that provides a person with stability, meaning, fulfillment in life, and self-belief. This study aimed to compare the spiritual well-being among students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences and the Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. With the demographic questionnaire and 20-item spiritual well-being scale of the “Paloutzian and Ellison” questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 626 students of the universities of medical and nonmedical sciences by the quota sampling method in Kerman in 2017-2018. The scores of spiritual well-being and its two components were significantly higher in nonmedical science students (89.83 ± 16.79) than in the medical science students (81.61 ± 15.21) (

p
<
0.05

). In addition, one percent of the nonmedical science students had a low level, 67.7% had a moderate level, and 31.3% had a high level of spiritual well-being. 0.3% of the medical science students had a low level, 84% had a moderate level, and 15.7% had a high level of spiritual well-being. Since spirituality is important for the profession of medical science students, it may be necessary to expand this component in their curriculum.
Pharmacotherapeutic Options for Managing Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Di Stefano Giulia , Di Lionardo Andrea , Di Pietro Giuseppe , Cruccu Giorgio , Truini Andrea
Published: April 2021

Despite an increasing number of available therapies, the treatment of neuropathic pain remains a major issue. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that only a minority of patients with neuropathic pain have an adequate response to pharmacological treatment and that most drugs have dose-limiting side effects. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published in the last five years. We searched for relevant papers within PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Clinical Trials database (ClinicalTrials.gov). Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, data extraction, and bias assessment. We identified 39 randomised controlled trials and included 16 in the meta-analysis. Trial outcomes were generally modest even for first-line drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and gabapentinoids. Many drugs acting on new pain targets are currently under development. Clinical data are currently available for sodium channel isoform-specific antagonists, anti-nerve growth factor molecules, and fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors.
The Hemodynamics of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Patients after Central Shunt Operation
Authors: Xu Pan , Yuan Haiyun , Zhuang Jian , Zhang Neichuan , Jia Qianjun , Dong Yuhao , Jian Qifei , Huang Meiping
Published: April 2021

A central shunt (CS) was an important surgery of systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (SPS) for the treatment of complex congenital heart diseases with decreased pulmonary blood flow (CCHDs-DPBF). There was no clear conclusion on how to deal with unclosed patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) during CS surgery. This study expanded the knowledge base on PDA by exploring the influence of the closing process of the PDA on the hemodynamic parameters for the CS model. The initial three-dimensional (3D) geometry was reconstructed based on the patient’s computed tomography (CT) data. Then, a CS configuration with three typical pulmonary artery (PA) dysplasia structures and different sizes of PDA was established. The three-element windkessel (3WK) multiscale coupling model was used to define boundary conditions for transient simulation through computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The results showed that the larger size of PDA led to a greater systemic-to-pulmonary shunt ratio (

Q

S
/
A

), and the flow ratio of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) to right pulmonary artery (RPA) (

Q

L
/
R

) was more close to 1, while both the proportion of high wall shear stress (WSS) areas and power loss decreased. The case of PDA nonclosure demonstrates that the aortic oxygen saturation (Sao2) increased, while the systemic oxygen delivery (Do2) decreased. In general, for the CS model with three typical PA dysplasia, the changing trends of hemodynamic parameters during the spontaneous closing process of PDA were roughly identical, and nonclosure of PDA had a series of hemodynamic advantages, but a larger PDA may cause excessive PA perfusion and was not conducive to reducing cyanosis symptoms.
Feature Extraction of Kidney Tissue Image Based on Ultrasound Image Segmentation
Authors: Lian Jie , Zhang Mingyu , Jiang Na , Bi Wei , Dong Xiaoqiu
Published: April 2021

The kidney tissue image is affected by other interferences in the tissue, which makes it difficult to extract the kidney tissue image features, and it is difficult to judge the lesion characteristics and types by intelligent feature recognition. In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of feature extraction of kidney tissue images, refer to the ultrasonic heart image for analysis and then apply it to the feature extraction of kidney tissue. This paper proposes a feature extraction method based on ultrasound image segmentation. Moreover, this study combines the optical flow method and the speckle tracking algorithm to select the best image tracking method and optimizes the algorithm speed through the full search method and the two-dimensional log search method. In addition, this study verifies the performance of the method proposed in this paper through comparative experimental research, and this study combines statistical analysis methods to perform data analysis. The research results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper has a certain effect.
An Efficient Three-Phase Fuzzy Logic Clone Node Detection Model
Authors: Lalar Sachin , Bhushan Shashi , Jangra Surender , Masud Mehedi , Al-Amri Jehad F.
Published: April 2021

Wireless sensor networks have been deployed in the open and unattended environment where the attacker can capture the sensors and create the replica of captured nodes. As the clone nodes have been considered legitimate nodes, clone nodes can initiate different network attacks. We have designed a three-phase clone node detection method named fuzzy logic clone node detection (FLCND). The first phase of FLCND checks whether any node is missing from the network or not. In the next phase, FLCND finds out whether any missing node has arisen in the network in a stipulated time. If any missing node is alive, there is a possibility the node may be cloned. The information of suspected nodes is entered into the Hot-List, which has been maintained in the network. Phase III uses the suspected list and finds out the possibility of clone node using fuzzy logic. Two different scenarios have been simulated in NS2 to evaluate FLCND. The simulation result shows that the proposed method increases the packet delivery ratio (PDR) and reduces packet loss, end-to-end delay, and energy consumption. The simulation results illustrate that the FLCND method reduces the average power consumption by 27% and increases the detection rate by 46% compared to the existing techniques.
[Retracted] Using a Solution Construction Algorithm for Cyclic Shift Network Coding under Multicast Network to the Transformation of Musical Performance Styles
Authors: Wang Xiuqin , Geng Jun , Li Zhiyuan
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a theoretical framework of the circular shift network coding system through the study of nonmultiple clustered interval music performance style conversion and the analysis of music conversion by using circular shift topology, and a series of basic research results of circular shift network coding is obtained under this framework. It reveals the essential connection between scalar network coding based on finite domain and cyclic shift network coding, designs a solution construction algorithm for cyclic shift network coding under multicast network, and portrays the multicast capacity of cyclic shift network coding. It overcomes the problem that the piano roll‐curtain representation cannot distinguish between a single long note and multiple consecutive notes of the same pitch, describes musical information more comprehensively, extracts musical implicit style from the note matrix based on autoencoder, and better eliminates the potential influence of musical content on musical performance style. A two‐way recurrent neural network based on the gated recurrent unit is used to extract a sequence of note feature vectors of different styles, and a one‐dimensional convolutional neural network is used to predict the intensity of the extracted note feature vector sequence for a specific style, which better learns the intensity variation of different styles of MIDI music.
Surgical Complications Requiring Intervention in Open versus Minimally Invasive Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Haeuser Lorine , Reese Stephen W. , Paciotti Marco , Noldus Joachim , Brovman Ethan Y. , Urman Richard D. , Cone Eugene B.
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Injuries to surrounding structures during radical prostatectomy (RP) are rare but serious complications. However, it remains unknown if injuries to intestines, rectum, or vascular structures occur at different rates depending on the surgical approach. Methods: We compared the frequency of these outcomes in open RP (ORP) and minimally invasive RP (MIS-RP) using the national American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2012–2017). Along with important metrics of clinical and surgical outcomes, patients were identified as undergoing surgical repair of small or large bowel, vascular structures, or hernias based on Current Procedural Terminology codes. Results: In our propensity matched analysis, a total of 13,044 patients were captured. Bowel injury occurred more frequently in ORP than in MIS-RP (0.89 vs. 0.26%, p < 0.01). By intestinal segment, rectal and large bowel injuries were more common in ORP than MIS-RP (0.41 vs. 0.11% and 0.31 vs. 0.05%, both p < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for small bowel injury (0.17 vs. 0.11%, p = 0.39). Vascular injury was more common in MIS-RP (0.18 vs. 0.08%, p = 0.08). Hernias requiring repair were only identified in the MIS-RP group (0.12%). Conclusion: When considering surgical approach, rectal and large bowel injuries were more common in ORP, while vascular injuries and hernia repair were more common in MIS-RP. Our findings can be used in counseling patients and identifying risk factors and strategies to reduce these complications.
Marginal Integrity of CAD/CAM Ceramic Crowns Using Two Different Finish Line Designs
Authors: Akbar Jaber Hussain , Omar Ridwaan , Al-Tarakmah Yacoub
Published: April 2021

Objective: Research on evaluation of crowns made by the latest contemporary dental computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems for their marginal adaptation is scarce. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal integrity of crowns fabricated by the latest Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) system using 2 different finish line preparation designs: chamfer and shoulder. Materials and Methods: Typodont teeth were divided equally into 2 groups, A and B. The teeth were prepared for full coverage crowns with a shoulder (group A) and chamfer (group B) finish line design. An experienced prosthodontist prepared all crown preparations. Evaluation of 6 sites per sample was completed by 2 calibrated, experienced prosthodontists using the modified US Public Health Services (USPHS) criteria. The descriptive statistics and Z-test were used to evaluate the results. Results: A total of 180 teeth were included in the study (90 teeth in each group). Only 2 crowns in group A and 1 crown in group B were clinically unacceptable. There was no statistical significance (p = 0.282) between the 2 groups regarding finish line design. Conclusions: The CEREC system provides clinically acceptable crowns and can safely be utilized in dental treatment. Therefore, CAD/CAM restorations could be considered as a safe treatment modality by dental professionals.
Photographic record of Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii (Gray, 1831) (Aves: Galliformes: Phasianidae) from eastern Bhutan: an evidence of its westward range expansion
Authors: Dorji Tshering , Kinley Kinley , Letro Letro , Tshering Dawa , Maidali Prem Nanda
Published: April 2021

We report the second photographic evidence of Temminck’s Tragopan Tragopan temminckii from Bhutan.  Inhabiting warm broadleaved forest at an elevation of 2,952m, the species photo captured in a camera trap was much westward than its previous record, indicating westward range expansion of this rare and elusive bird.
Diversity of understory flowering plants in the forest patches of Marilog District, Philippines
Authors: Acma Florfe M. , Mendez Noe P. , Lagunday Noel E. , Amoroso Victor B.
Published: April 2021

The forest patches of Marilog District, Davao are the remnants of various anthropogenic activities including logging, conversion of land for agriculture, ecotourism and human settlements.  Floristic study was carried out in 2018–2019 from 100 established plots measuring 20 x 20 m, with repeated transect walks and opportunistic sampling along forest trails.  One-hundred-and-four species of understory flowering plants were identified from 102 genera and 40 families.  Species diversity mean values across study sites using Simpson’s (D) and Shannon-Wiener index (H’) were 0.97 and 3.9, respectively.  Species diversity was highest in sites 2 and 4 (D = 0.98; H’ = 4.0 each) and lowest in site 5 (D = 0.96; H’ = 3.7).  At family level, the most abundant taxa include Zingiberaceae (26 species) (15%), Orchidaceae (19 species) (11%), Gesneriaceae (14 species) (8%), and Rubiaceae and Arecaceae (13 species each) (7%).  Conservation status assessment using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) revealed 10 threatened species, while listing from the Philippines’ administrative order has categorized 13 threatened species.  A total of 54 species (ca. 1.14% of the total Philippine endemic vascular flora) of understory flowering plants were Philippine endemics.  Findings of this study were used as additional data for the proclamation of Mt. Malambo as Local Conservation Area, which was formalized through a barangay resolution.
Assessment of crop and property damage caused by Semnopithecus vetulus nestor (Bennett, 1833) (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae) in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijethilaka Sunil , Weerasekara Lakshani S. , Bandara Saumya , Ranawana Kithsiri B.
Published: April 2021

In earlier times, human-monkey interactions were not a severe problem in Sri Lanka, but has recently intensified as a result of habitat fragmentation and urbanization.  Due to these changes, Semnopithecus vetulus nestor has been listed among the 25 most Endangered primates.  The objective of our study was to evaluate the intensity of human-S.v. nestor negative interaction by identifying the crop and property damages in villages bordering Danawkanda Forest (7.001N & 80.049E), Gampaha, Sri Lanka.  We collected data using structured questionnaires interviewing households (N= 80) bordering the Danawkanda Forest from August 2014 to January 2015.  Households were most affected by damage to fruits, leaves, and buds of commercially important trees (93%), followed by damage to roof tiles (76%), and frightful confrontations with the monkeys (43%).  Average monthly loss per household from crop and property damage was estimated at between (Sri Lankan Rupees) LKR 2,700 and LKR 1,500.  Lighting firecrackers was the most common method used by the residents (99%) to deter monkeys, where as electrified barriers were rarely used (4%).  Households in close proximity to Danawkanda Forest experienced a considerable loss to their monthly income due to crop and property damage, compared to households further away.  As an alternative, residents now grow ornamental plants and short trees, eliminating the structures that attract and facilitate damage by S.v. nestor.  Awareness and active participation of residents, authorized government, and non-governmental organizations are needed to manage unplanned construction and agriculture plot extensions into the forest.  These two factors trigger the human-wildlife negative interactions in general and are not limited just to monkeys.
Nesting and hatching behaviour of Olive Ridley Turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) (Reptilia: Cryptodira: Cheloniidae) on Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha, India
Authors: Poornima P.
Published: April 2021

This paper reports the nesting, impact of lunar phase and rainfall on mass nesting, hatching, and hatchling behaviour of L. olivacea in Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, Bhadrak District, Odisha.  The study site is a well-known rookery for this species.  A study of 15 mass nesting events between 2003 and 2020 using Rayleigh’s test indicated that the onset of mass nesting was not uniform across a lunar month, but was most intense towards the beginning of the fourth quarter moon (mean lunar day = 22.44).  Also, rainfall and mass-nesting data from 2015 to 2020 revealed that ≥3.2 mm rainfall in February delayed mass nesting from the second fortnight of February to the end of the first fortnight of March.  Sporadic nesting continued after hatching commenced in May, and continued until the end of May 2020, with an average of three turtles nesting each day.  At night, a cohort of hatchlings from individual nests emerged synchronously.  Before emergence they remained a little beneath the sand surface in airy-shallow pits.  During hatchling emergence these pits fill with sand, leaving depressions described as “emergence craters” in recent literature on L. olivacea.  To study hatchling emergence 30 such craters were examined in May 2020, and the numbers of emerged hatchlings per cohort varied from 28 to 182.  Of 30 craters examined, 28 were circular and two were elliptical, with diameters varying between 10 and 26 cm.  Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the numbers of emerged hatchlings and crater diameter was 0.38.  Hatchlings took 17 min 22 sec (SD= ±5min 30 sec) on average to reach the sea from a mean distance of 34.6m.
Prospective Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in Patients With Suspected Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Chee Min Ru , Hoo Jesse , Libianto Renata , Gwini Stella M. , Hamilton Garun , Narayan Om , Young Morag J. , Fuller Peter J. , Yang Jun
Published: April 2021

Several studies have demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and primary aldosteronism (PA); however, many of these studies are limited to patients with known obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, or PA. We evaluated the role of screening for PA in all patients referred for a diagnostic sleep study without selecting for prior diagnoses with these conditions. Plasma aldosterone and renin concentration were measured after an overnight polysomnography. Blood pressure was measured at the sleep center for all patients, while a proportion underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Of the 85 participating patients, 2 (2.4%) were identified to have likely PA based on an elevated aldosterone:renin ratio and/or clinical characteristics. Another 10 (11.8%) were identified to have possible PA based on their low or normal plasma renin concentration despite taking antihypertensive medications that are known to elevate renin. In participants with both obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension (n=40), the prevalence of likely or possible PA was 30%. However, there was no correlation between aldosterone, rennin, or aldosterone:renin ratio and the apnea-hypopnea index using multiple regression analysis adjusted for interfering medications and hypertension status. The observed high prevalence of possible PA among those with both hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea suggests that they should be routinely screened for PA.