bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Fractional-Order Hyperchaotic System and Its Adaptive Tracking Control
Authors: Chen Yinlan , Zhang Haodong , Kong Xu
Published: February 2021

We construct for the first time a fractional-order hyperchaotic system via the original integer-order system. The dynamical behavior of this fractional-order hyperchaotic system is investigated in detail using first approximation method and Lyapunov exponents. Next, an adaptive control strategy for the univariate controlled hyperchaotic system has been proposed. Also, the tracking performance is fully taken into account in numerous applications, for instance, tracking sinusoidal periodic signal, self-synchronization, and generalized synchronization of heterogeneous structure. Simulation results illustrate the validity and performability of the proposed adaptive tracking control scheme.
Cybersecurity and Countermeasures at the Time of Pandemic
Authors: Ramadan Rabie A. , Aboshosha Bassam W. , Alshudukhi Jalawi Sulaiman , Alzahrani Abdullah J. , El-Sayed Ayman , Dessouky Mohamed M.
Published: February 2021

With the emergence of one of this century’s deadliest pandemics, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has an enormous effect globally with a quick spread worldwide. This made the World Health Organization announce it as a pandemic. COVID-19 has pushed countries to follow new behaviors such as social distancing, hand washing, and remote work and to shut down organizations, businesses, and airports. At the same time, white hats are doing their best to accommodate the pandemic. However, while white hats are protecting people, black hats are taking advantage of the situation, which creates a cybersecurity pandemic on the other hand. This paper discusses the cybersecurity issues at this period due to finding information or finding another related research that had not been discussed before. This paper presents the cybersecurity attacks during the COVID-19 epidemic time. A lot of information has been collected from the World Health Organization (WHO), trusted organizations, news sources, official governmental reports, and available research articles. This paper then classifies the cybersecurity attacks and threats at the period of COVID-19 and provides recommendations and countermeasures for each type. This paper surveys the cybersecurity attacks and their countermeasures and reports the ongoing cybersecurity attacks and threats at this period of time. Moreover, it is also a step towards analyzing the efficiency of the country’s infrastructure as well as hackers and criminals’ social behavior at the time of the pandemic.
Product Module Attribute Parameter Configuration Model considering Customer Requirements Preferences
Authors: Qin Yang , Zhaofa Ye , Xuzheng Li , Zufang Zhang , Weijie Chang , Sheng Ruan
Published: February 2021

In the process of modular product configuration, it is necessary to transform customer requirements into product module attributes (PMA) parameters. However, previous research lacks consideration about customer requirement preference in the process of this transformation. First, we use a preference graph (PG) to obtain the customer preference weight vector for the requirement node. Second, on the basis of traditional Quality Function Deployment (QFD), the method of fuzzy correlation evaluation is introduced to get the correlation value between module attributes, and the combination programming model of PMA is further obtained by synthesizing the preference weight vector. Finally, the final configuration scheme is obtained by solving the model with the genetic algorithm. By integrating the weights of the above-mentioned nodes, the similarity of the product case is obtained, and a more satisfied case of the customer is obtained. Taking the automated guided vehicle car product as an example, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method are verified.
Newton-PGSS and Its Improvement Method for Solving Nonlinear Systems with Saddle Point Jacobian Matrices
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wu Qingbiao , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2021

The preconditioned generalized shift-splitting (PGSS) iteration method is unconditionally convergent for solving saddle point problems with nonsymmetric coefficient matrices. By making use of the PGSS iteration as the inner solver for the Newton method, we establish a class of Newton-PGSS method for solving large sparse nonlinear system with nonsymmetric Jacobian matrices about saddle point problems. For the new presented method, we give the local convergence analysis and semilocal convergence analysis under Hölder condition, which is weaker than Lipschitz condition. In order to further raise the efficiency of the algorithm, we improve the method to obtain the modified Newton-PGSS and prove its local convergence. Furthermore, we compare our new methods with the Newton-RHSS method, which is a considerable method for solving large sparse nonlinear system with saddle point nonsymmetric Jacobian matrix, and the numerical results show the efficiency of our new method.
A Simulation Study on the Spatial‐Temporal Characteristics of Pore Water Pressure and Roof Water Inrush in an Aquiclude
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Ji , Wan Longwen , Wang Sheng
Published: February 2021

As the working face advances, the overlying aquiclude is subjected to periodic dynamic loads, causing pore water pressure distortion, which provides important forewarning for a water inrush disaster in shallow coal seams. In order to analyze the pore water pressure in an aquiclude and determine the spatial‐temporal characteristics of the water inrush, the aquiclude is simplified into a saturated, porous, liquid‐solid medium and a viscoelastic dynamic model is created to obtain the analytical solution of the pressure distribution. FLAC3D is used to develop a fluid‐solid coupling model and to analyze the characteristics of the pressure change and overburden under different mining intensities. This study on pore water pressure in an aquiclude and the determination of the spatial‐temporal characteristics of the water inrush provides a foundation for developing early‐warning systems for roof water inrush.
[Retracted] E‐Commerce Enterprise Supply Chain Cost Control under the Background of Big Data
Authors: Mao Haijun , Chen Long
Published: February 2021

Since the twentieth century, it has been an era of rapid development of information technology; the scale of data is almost the growth rate of the blowout type; no matter what it is, a large number of enterprises or departments are increasing a large number of cost data. However, the current cost management model still remains in the traditional management method and lacks a smarter big data analysis method. In addition, there is a lot of research on big data applications, and there are few e‐commerce supply chains. Therefore, the research purpose of this study is to use big data technology to explore a series of practical operation methods for supply chain Cultural Communication Enterprises and summarize the operation mode of building SCC control by using big data technology. In terms of research methods, this study combined bibliographic review and empirical analysis, explored cost‐based mobile e‐commerce (EU) cost control related to big data information, used smart and digital analysis methods to thoroughly analyze CCE business issues from internal and external supply chains, established an e‐commerce business supply chain cost control model based on big data technology and elaborated cost control procedures and measures. Finally, it summarized the research results and drew conclusions to provide a theoretical basis for promoting enterprises products products to reduce supply chain costs. The research in this study has achieved a breakthrough in the cost management and control of EE; it provides empirical guidance and theoretical reference for EE to adopt big data technology for cost command of supply chain (CCSC), could help EE to reduce cost of supply chain management to gain higher profit margins, and promote e‐commerce industry as a whole to the next level eventually. This study concluded that the use of big data technology for cost command can solve a series of problems effectively, such as the lack of systematic analysis of cost, the lack of contractual partners, the serious waste of sales links, and the policy errors of logistics links, and continuously improve the enterprise management level and the decline of comprehensive cost. The application mode of supply chain CCE enterprises using big data technology constructed in this study has universal applicability.
Bibliometric Analysis of Research on the Comorbidity of Pain and Inflammation
Authors: Xiong Huan-Yu , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Wang Xue-Qiang
Published: February 2021

Objectives. To provide a comprehensive review on the global scientific research status of comorbid pain and inflammation from 1981 to 2019 and capture its subsequent development trends. Data Sources. The primary database chosen to collect publications on comorbid pain and inflammation research from 1981 to 2019 was the Web of Science (WOS). Core of the search strategy was the key word “pain” and the key word “inflammation” in the medical subject headings’ major field. Study Selection. All articles retrieved were included in the bibliometric analysis. Data Extraction. We used CiteSpace to analyze publication outputs, subject categories, distribution by country/institution/journal, and other types of information. Then, knowledge base, hot issues, and future development directions were explained. Data Synthesis. A total of 2887 papers met the inclusion criteria in our research. Linear regression analysis results showed that the publications of studies of comorbid pain and inflammation significantly increased (

P
<
0.001

) and have grown about 192 times in 40 years. The countries with the most outputs were the USA (886 publications), China (375 publications), and England (236 publications). Besides, Harvard University was the most prolific institution with 730 publications and 6646 citations. In accordance with the subject categories of WOS, neurosciences (31.832%), pharmacology/pharmacy (18.427%), and clinical neurology (15.206%) were the main research areas of these 2887 papers. Conclusions. The current study reveals that research on comorbid pain and inflammation has gradually become more extensive worldwide since 1981, and neuropathic pain was the most popular study type. Most of our research output in this field came from countries in Europe and North America, although some Asian countries showed promising performance.
Family Planning for People with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia: an Expert Consensus
Authors: Al Jumah Mohammed , Al Malik Yaser , AlKhawajah Nuha M. , Saeedi Jameelah , AlThubaiti Ibtisam , Bohlega Saeed , Bunyan Reem F. , Cupler Edward J. , ElBoghdady Ahmed , Hassan Ahmed , Ali Eman Nassim , Clerico Marinella
Published: February 2021

More than half of all patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are women of childbearing age. Raising a family is an important life goal for women in our region of the world. However, fears and misconceptions about the clinical course of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and the effects of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) on the foetus have led many women to reduce their expectations of raising a family, sometimes even to the point of avoiding pregnancy altogether. The increase in the number of DMDs available to manage RRMS and recent studies on their effects in pregnancy have broadened management options for these women. Interferon beta now has an indication in Europe for use during pregnancy (according to clinical need) and can be used during breastfeeding. Glatiramer acetate is a further possible option for women with lower levels of RRMS disease activity who are, or about to become, pregnant; natalizumab may be used up to 30 weeks in patients with higher levels of disease activity. Where possible, physicians need to support and encourage women to pursue their dream of a fulfilling family life, supported where necessary by active interventions for RRMS that are increasingly evidence based.
Oil-Based Drilling Fluid Plugging Method for Strengthening Wellbore Stability of Shale Gas
Authors: Wu Pengcheng , Zhong Chengxu , Li Zhengtao , Zhang Zhen , Wang Zhiyuan , Huang Weian
Published: February 2021

Finding out the reasons for wellbore instability in the Longmaxi Formation and Wufeng Formation and putting forward drilling fluid technical countermeasures to strengthen and stabilize the wellbore are very crucial to horizontal drilling. Based on X-ray diffraction, electron microscope scanning, linear swelling experiment, and hot-rolling dispersion experiment, the physicochemical mechanism of wellbore instability in complex strata was revealed, and thus, the coordinated wellbore stability method can be put forward, which is “strengthening plugging of micropores, inhibiting filtrate invasion, and retarding pressure transmission.” Using a sand bed filtration tester, high-temperature and high-pressure plugging simulation experimental device, and microporous membrane and other experimental devices, the oil-based drilling fluid treatment agent was researched and selected, and a set of an enhanced plugging drilling fluid system suitable for shale gas horizontal well was constructed. Its temperature resistance is 135°C and it has preferable contamination resistibility (10% NaCl, 1% CaCl2, and 8% poor clay). The bearing capacity of a 400 μm fracture is 5 MPa, and the filtration loss of 0.22 μm and 0.45 μm microporous membranes is zero. Compared with previous field drilling fluids, the constructed oil-based drilling fluid system has a greatly improved plugging ability and excellent performance in other aspects.
Cytomegalovirus Infection and Its Relationship with Leukocyte Telomere Length: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lin Zhu , Gao Hongmei , Wang Bing , Wang Yongqiang
Published: February 2021

Background. Telomeres undergo shortening with each cell division, which could be accelerated by infection. The association between virus infection and telomere length is poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the putative associations between leukocyte telomere length (TL), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a national representative sample of noninstitutionalized population. Methods. We analyzed data that was collected in a cross-sectional setting, where 3,987 participants were enrolled with available data on telomere length. The association between telomere length with previous CMV infection and CRP was analyzed using multivariable linear regression models. We further tested if obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), and smoking could modify this relationship. Results. In total, around 46% percent of the study population were men and 54% were women. Average ages were 35.1 years for men and 35.0 years for women. One unit increase of CMV antibody IgG titer was associated with -0.07 (95% confidence interval: -0.12, -0.01) unit decrease of leukocyte TL when sex was adjusted for. After additionally adjusting for BMI and smoking status, the magnitude of the association was only slightly decreased to -0.06 (95% confidence interval: -0.11, -0.01). The effect sizes were comparable after additionally adjusting for CRP. These analyses imply that previous CMV infection affects leukocyte TL through pathways other than CRP. Conclusions. Previous CMV infection was associated with shorter leukocyte TL. This association was independent of CRP.
Recurrent Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in an Adolescent Boy with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Shieh Andrew , Darro Natalie
Published: February 2021

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), also known as reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, is a neurological entity characterized by acute change in consciousness, visual impairment, headache, and seizures. It is associated with autoimmune disease, immunosuppressive agents, organ transplantation, acute glomerulonephritis, and sepsis. Typically, vasogenic edema is seen in the white matter of parieto-occipital lobes but can also involve atypical locations such as frontal lobes, thalamus, basal ganglia, and gray matter. While occurring extensively in adults, few cases, especially recurrent episodes, have been described in children. We report a case of recurrent PRES in a 17-year-old boy with end-stage renal disease on a peritoneal dialysis program who initially presented with hypertension and seizures. He emergently received intravenous antihypertensive medication with immediate and sustained improvement in his mental status. Information about recurrent PRES in children is limited because it is not commonly seen. We examine the clinical features of PRES and highlight important points for the diagnosis and management of this rare syndrome. This report demonstrates the importance of pediatricians to consider PRES in the differential diagnosis in children presenting with acute altered mental status. Blood pressure measurements, which are often overlooked in pediatric care, may assist in correctly diagnosing patients.
Analysis and Classification of Mobile Apps Using Topic Modeling: A Case Study on Google Play Arabic Apps
Authors: Fuad Ahlam , Al-Yahya Maha
Published: February 2021

Mobile app stores provide an extremely rich source of information on app descriptions, characteristics, and usage, and analyzing these data provides insights and a deeper understanding of the nature of apps. However, manual analysis of this vast amount of information on mobile apps is not a simple and straightforward task; it is costly in terms of human effort and time. Computational methods such as topic modeling can provide an efficient and satisfactory approach to mobile app information analysis. Topic modeling is a type of statistical modeling technique for discovering abstract topics that occur in a set of documents. This study explores the relationship between features of Arabic apps and investigates how well the current predefined Google Play app categories represent the type and genre of Arabic mobile apps. Based on the textual app description analysis, we aim to design and develop a sustainable classification system using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method of topic modeling in order to cover the Arabic apps classification in Google Play app store. Our study supports the hypothesis that the textual app descriptions are effective in suggesting new categories for Arabic mobile apps in Google Play app store. Also, the results indicated that the current classification on Google Play app store is not suitable for our case study “Arabic apps,” as well as it is not sustainable, as it can not cover the new app types including Arabic apps. This study offers an important contribution to Arabic app analysis and design, to improve app search and exploration in several domains such as business, marketing, and technical development. Furthermore, it provides insights for the future of Arabic app research and provides guidance for the development of an Arabic app dashboard that will support users on how to select an app based on their specific needs.
A New Paradigm to Design a Class of Combined Ternary Subdivision Schemes
Authors: Tariq Humaira Mustanira , Hameed Rabia , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: February 2021

Subdivision schemes play a vital role in curve modeling. The curves produced by the class of

2
n
+
2

-point ternary scheme (Deslauriers and Dubuc (1989)) interpolate the given data while the curves produced by a class of

2
n
+
2

-point ternary B-spline schemes approximate the given data. In this research, we merge these two classes to introduce a consolidated and unified class of combined subdivision schemes with two shape control parameters in order to grow versatility for overseeing valuable necessities. However, the proposed class of subdivision schemes gives optimal smoothness in the final shapes, yet we can increase its smoothness by using a proposed general formula in form of its Laurent polynomial. The theoretical analysis of the class of subdivision schemes is done by using various mathematical tools and using their coding in the Maple environment. The graphical analysis of the class of schemes is done in the Maple environment by writing the codes based on the recursive mathematical expressions of the class of subdivision schemes.
A Novel and Simplest Green Synthesis Method of Reduced Graphene Oxide Using Methanol Extracted Vernonia Amygdalina: Large-Scale Production
Authors: Meka Chufa Bayisa , Abdisa Gonfa Bedasa , Yohannes Anshebo Teketel , Adam Workneh Getachew
Published: February 2021

The large-scale production of high-quality graphene is the major focus of scientists and engineers recently. However, its massive manufacturing routes from its precursor graphene oxide (GO) are involved in the production of toxic gasses and consist of hazardous explosive steps that severely hurt and threaten ecological balance and human health. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the green, effective, and economical approach for the synthesis of graphene by using Vernonia amygdalina (VA) plant leaf extracts for the effective and efficient reduction of GO. The nonexplosive two-step synthesis of GO in a short period of time in the absence of an ice bath was used in this study. The appropriate solvent for the extraction of VA for the green synthesis of graphene was methanol, and the reducing and capping agent in the plant extract was identified to be terpenoids and polyphenols. The graphene/rGO obtained this way was characterized by UV-VIS, XRD, FTIR, SEM, HR-TEM, and EDAX that confirmed the successful reduction of GO to graphene under the hydrothermal process. The HR-TEM images showed the development of few layers of graphene. The FTIR result also shows the complete reduction of GO. Hence, methanol extracted VA leaves consisted of the most appropriate compounds for reducing and capping agent in the green synthesis and could be the preferred method for the large-scale production of graphene-based materials.
Analytical Solutions for Gas-Water Two-Phase Flow in Multiseam Coalbed Methane Production
Authors: Shang Xiaoji , Zhang Zhizhen , Niu Yixin , Yang Xiao , Gao Feng
Published: February 2021

Multiseam coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation can not only reduce single-well investment but also increase the length of service of the well and significantly enhance the CBM economic recovery of the entire basin. To compare with and further to guide the actual project of CBM production, this study proposed a conceptual gas-water two-phase separate flow model for single coal seam considering the solubility of gas. This mathematical model was solved analytically by separation of variables and verified through history matching of the production data from the No. 3 seam of 1# test well of Jincheng and then applied to investigate the effect of gas solubility on the gas pressure. Furthermore, based on the coupled two-phase separate flow model of single seam, another two-phase separate flow model for the development of multicoal seam development was established. Similarly, the analytical solution of this model for multicoal seam layers was matched with the in situ data of TS-1 well of Liupanshui coal mine. It is found that the height difference and pressure difference between the two seams play key roles in the multiseam CBM development comprehensively.
Experimental Study of Hysteresis Characteristics of Water-Sediment Mixture Seepage in Rock Fractures
Authors: Cao Lili , Zhang Pu , Zhang Jiazhi , Lin Gang , Jiskani Izhar Mithal , Chen Zhanqing , Wang Zhifei , Li Ming
Published: February 2021

The hysteresis of water-sediment mixture seepage in rock fractures is one of the critical factors which affect the determination of the timing of coal mine water inrush disasters prevention and control. In this paper, a mechanical model was established to study the hysteresis whose criteria were also put forward. The area of the hysteresis loop and the maximum pressure gradient were selected as characterization parameters of hysteresis. On this basis, an experimental system was established to study influences of different sand particle size, sand mass concentration, and fracture opening on water-sediment mixture seepage in rock fractures. The results indicated that the increase in the sand particle size and sand mass concentration could effectively enhance hysteresis characteristics of specimen fractures. While hysteresis characteristics decreased significantly with the increase of fracture opening. The research results are useful to prevent and control water inrush disasters of coal mine.
A Vaginal Inlay for Reduction of Stress Urinary Incontinence: Outcome of a Randomized Clinical Trial and Four User Acceptance Studies
Authors: Jonasson Aino Fianu , Bryder Karin , Sthengel Elisabeth
Published: February 2021

A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial and four postmarket user acceptance investigations were carried out to document the safety, performance, and user acceptance of Efemia Bladder Support, a novel vaginal inlay for the temporary reduction of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The clinical investigation enrolled 97 women diagnosed with SUI, randomized 3 : 1 to either treatment or standard care (control). The primary endpoint was reduction of urine leakage, measured as change in pad weight baseline week compared with treatment week. Secondary endpoints were treatment success, calculated as the percentage of subjects with >70% reduction in pad weight, reduction in incontinence episodes, and quality of life (QoL). 75 women (77%) completed the clinical investigation. No serious adverse events occurred. The treatment group reached a 55% (

p
<
0.001

) mean reduction of total leakage compared to the control arm. A subanalysis, involving only leakage during provocation testing (coughing and jumping), showed a 67% (

p
<
0.001

) mean reduction of leakage. No significant effect on QoL could be observed. 51% of the women answered “yes” to the question if they would use the device to reduce SUI. The user acceptance of the device was further investigated in four postmarket studies, using an improved device design with a slimmer centerpiece and a thinner handle, while keeping the effect achieving parts of the device unchanged. An average of 74% of the 102 participants in the postmarket studies reported that they were likely to continue using Efemia. The highest user satisfaction was seen in the two studies evaluating the use of Efemia during exercise, where 83% and 88% of the women were likely to continue using Efemia. It can be concluded that Efemia is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective alternative for reducing SUI, both in everyday life and during physical exercise.
Design and Synthesis of a Fluorescent Probe Based on Copper Complex for Selective Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Mao Guanglan , Liu Chenxi , Yang Nan , Yang Linlin , He Guangjie
Published: February 2021

A novel fluorescence probe NA‐LCX was rationally designed and synthesized for the sequential recognition of Cu2+ and H2S by the combination of hydroxyl‐naphthalene and diformylphenol groups. The response properties of NA‐LCX for Cu2+ ions and H2S with “on‐off‐on” manner were investigated by fluorescence emission spectra. A highly selective and sensitive response of complex NA‐LCX‐Cu2+ for H2S over other competing amino acids was observed with a limit of detection at 2.79 μM. The stoichiometry of NA‐LCX toward Cu2+ ions was determined to be 1 : 1 by the UV‐Vis absorption spectrum, and the coordination configuration was calculated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Moreover, probe NA‐LCX was applied successfully for the recognition of Cu2+ ions and H2S in living cells.
Qualitative Precipitation Estimation from Satellite Data Based on Distributed Domain-Specific Architecture
Authors: Prongnuch Sethakarn , Wiangtong Theerayod , Sitjongsataporn Suchada
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the qualitative precipitation estimation (QPE) based on data from the Himawari satellite and distributed-domain specific architecture. The QPE process consists of receiving and managing the raw data from the satellite every 10 minutes and calculating the rain-temperature relationship. The aim of this research is to decrease the QPE processing time by using distributed domain-specific architecture (DDSA), with 9 small computing boards are connected to a gigabit switch. Instead of using a high-performance PC, this distributed embedded system is also suitable for processing interval data receiving from the satellite every 10 minutes. The experimental results show that the proposed fast-satellite data processing algorithm is optimal for QPE processing on the DDSA platform, requiring 115.53 seconds processing time and low power consumption.
A Network Pharmacology-Based Approach for Exploring Key Active Compounds and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Tangshen Formula for Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Weie , Zhou Xuefeng , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yuyang , Wu Wenjie , Zhang Haojun , Zhao Tingting , Peng Liang , Zhao Hailing , Li Ping
Published: February 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The occurrence and development of DN are related to multiple factors in the human body, which makes DN a complex disease, and the pathogeneses of DN have not yet been fully illustrated. Furthermore, DN lacks effective drugs for treatment nowadays. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) often shows the feature of multicomponents, multitargets, multipathways, and synergistic effects and shows a promising source of new therapeutic drugs for DN. As a CHM, Tangshen Formula (TSF) was used to treat DN patients in China. However, its bioactive compounds and holistic pharmacological mechanisms on DN are both unclear. A network pharmacology approach was firstly applied to explore multiple active compounds and multiple key pharmacological mechanisms for TSF treating DN by drug-targeted interaction databases, herb-compound-target network, protein-protein interaction network, compound-target-pathway network, and analysis methods. And the results showed that TSF have the characteristic of multicomponents, multitargets, multipathways, and synergistic effects for treating DN. The quercetin, naringenin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin as key active compounds and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focal adhesion, rap1 signaling pathway, T cell receptor signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and insulin resistance as the key molecular mechanisms play important roles in TSF treating DN. Moreover, quercetin, naringenin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin were successfully detected in TSF by the UHPLC-MS/MS analysis method. And their concentrations were 0.224, 8.295, 0.0564, and 0.0879 mg·kg-1, respectively. The present findings not only provide new insights for a deeper understanding of the constituent basis and pharmacology of TSF but also provide guidance for further pharmacological studies on TSF.
Dynamic Fracture Experiment of Medium with Defects under Impact Loading
Authors: Xiao Chenglong , Yang Renshu , Ding Chenxi , Chen Cheng , Zhao Yong , Kang Yiqiang , Shi Guoli
Published: February 2021

Defects have a significant effect on the dynamic fracture characteristics of the medium. In this paper, the dynamic fracture experiment of specimens with bias precracks is designed by utilizing the digital laser dynamic caustics system, and the effect of defect eccentricity on the dynamic fracture behavior is studied. Research shows that crack propagation can be divided into four stages: crack initiation stage, attraction stage, repulsion stage, and specimen fracture stage. The change of defect eccentricity has no obvious effect on the crack propagation behavior in the crack initiation stage and penetration stage but has a significant effect on the attraction stage and specimen fracture stage. In the process of the interaction between defect and crack, mode I stress intensity factor decreases at first and then increases. The decrease of mode I stress intensity factor reduces with the increase of defect eccentricity. The value of mode II stress intensity factor changes from negative to positive. With the increase of defect eccentricity, the symbol of mode II stress intensity factor no longer changes. The fractal dimension and the deflection angle of crack trajectory both decrease with the increase of defect eccentricity. In addition, a numerical simulation of the experiment is conducted by ABAQUS, which provides results that are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Application of Mixed Reality Using Optical See‐Through Head‐Mounted Displays in Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Sun Jianmin , Zheng Meimei , Cui Xingang
Published: February 2021

Purpose. Mixed reality (MixR) technology merges the real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations; it is being tested for numerous minimally invasive surgical procedures. This study is aimed at evaluating the use of MixR technology using optical see‐through head‐mounted displays (OST‐HMDs) during transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (TPED). Methods. Forty‐four patients treated with MixR‐assisted TPED through OST‐HMDs were compared with matched patients treated with conventional TPED (n = 43). In the MixR‐assisted TPED group, MixR technology was used to navigate the four procedures of marking, needle insertion, foraminoplasty, and positioning of the working sheath. The clinical outcomes were evaluated based on the numerical rating scale (NRS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) on preoperative and postoperative day 1 and at the last follow‐up examination. The procedural times, radiation exposure, and eye fatigue were also recorded. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Results. The NRS scores and ODI were significantly improved in both groups at the last follow‐up visit compared with the preoperative values (P < 0.05); these values were not statistically different between the groups. The operation time and radiation exposure during marking, needle insertion, and total procedure significantly decreased in the MixR‐assisted TPED group compared to those in the conventional TPED group (P < 0.05). Unfortunately, the incidence of eye fatigue increased owing to the use of OST‐HMDs in the MixR‐assisted TPED group. Conclusion. This study shows the utility of MixR technology for image guidance in conventional TPED. Radiation exposure is decreased, and this technology serves as a valuable tool during the TPED procedure; however, the assistance of conventional fluoroscopy is still required.
First record of Rocinela aff. australis (Isopoda, Aegidae) in the Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides (Pisces, Nothotenidae) from southern Chile
Authors: Fernández Italo , De los Ríos-Escalante Patricio , Retamal Marco A. , Valenzuela Ariel , Oyarzún Ciro , Campos Víctor
Published: February 2021

An isopod of the family Aegidae, provisionally referred to as Rocinela aff. australis Schiœdte & Meinert, 1879, is reported from the Patagonian tootfish Dissostichus eleginoides Smitt, 1898, from off the Biobio region, Chile. One specimen was collected, its body suboval, symmetrical, the dorsum weakly vaulted, stout, and with a few pits on the body. The specimen collected clearly belongs to the genus Rocinela and within that genus would most closely resemble Rocinela australis, but its actual specific status, whether an established species of the genus (and if so, which one) or possibly proving to be an as yet undescribed species, will have to await close examination by a specialist in marine isopod taxonomy. For the time being, we refer to the specimen as “Rocinela aff. australis”, since, compared with existing Rocinela spp., it matches best with that species both in general morphology and in geographical occurrence. This species, then, was reported until now only for the Strait of Magellan, Magellan region, and the southern Argentinean Atlantic coast. Thus, if the specimen would prove to really belong to Rocinela australis, then this report would constitute the most northern record of that species.
Molecular cloning, tissue distribution and gene expression in response to nutritional regulation of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876) (Decapoda, Portunidae)
Authors: Hu Xiaoying , Shi Bo , Jin Min , Wang Xuexi , Yuan Ye , Luo Jiaxiang , Zhou Qicun
Published: February 2021

The sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are a family of transcription factors known to activate the transcription of genes encoding key lipogenic enzymes. The present study reports on the molecular cloning, tissue expression and nutritional regulation of SREBP-1 from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus (Miers, 1876). The SREBP-1 full-length cDNA was 3785 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 1039 amino acids. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that SREBP-1 expression was detected in various tissues, and the significantly higher expression levels were found in eyestalk and hepatopancreas compared with other tested tissues. Additionally, the effects of dietary iron on expression of SREBP-1 were investigated, and the results indicated that SREBP-1 expressions were down-regulated by crabs fed diets containing 218.9 and 373.9 mg/kg iron compared with that fed the basal diet (55.2 mg/kg). Suggesting that the relative expression level of SREBP-1 can be suppressed by dietary iron supplementation. These findings provide further insight into the regulatory capacity of SREBP-1 in the lipid anabolism of P. trituberculatus.
A Restorative Response to Victims in Proceedings before the International Criminal Court: Reality or Chimaera?
Authors: Cuppini Alessandra
Published: February 2021

The integration of the framework of victims’ participation into the legal proceeding of the International Criminal Court (icc) has been seen as a transformation of the icc process beyond narrow retribution to better accommodate restorative justice (rj) values and practices. However, there is little research into whether, or how the icc metes out rj. This article argues that rj principles brought within icc emphasise the growing importance that victims’ participation in proceedings plays in achieving justice for victims. It then examines how the icc process aligns to the key elements of rj practice, namely victim-offender meeting; offender’s acknowledgement of responsibility and apology; collaborative conflict-resolution approach; victims’ healing and reconciliation; symbolic reparation and material restitution. This article demonstrates that these elements, developed to address ordinary juvenile criminality, are not structured to operate in the particular context of the icc, characterised by grave harm caused to victims and communities by mass atrocity.
A Socio-Historical Perspective on the Amazigh (Berber) Cultural Movement in North Africa
Authors: El Aissati Abderrahman
Published: February 2021

A socio-historical perspective on the Amazigh (Berber) Cultural Movement in North Africa

North Africa has known various colonizations which in contact with indigenous ones have given the area a special character. One continuing presence since antiquity is that of the Berbers, or the Imazighen, the indigenous population of the area. In this article an attempt is made to shed light on the status of the language and culture of the Imazighen, and in particular on the recent calls for official recognition of the Amazigh language in the constitutions of the two countries with the highest presence of Imazighen, namely Morocco and Algeria. Although some recent developments, like the teaching of the Amazigh language in primary schools, give reason enough to be optimistic about the future of the indigenous language and culture, a closer look at the ideological background of pan Arab-nationalists casts doubts on any serious government intentions to guarantee the maintenance and development of the Amazigh language and culture. This ideology will be brought to light by contrasting the constitutional rights that some Muslim and/or African countries grant to their citizens who speak different languages than the official one(s).
Het Suggereren van Verzoening Tijdens de Hoorzittingen van de Waarheids- en Verzoeningscommissie
Authors: Verdoolaege Annelies
Published: February 2021

Suggesting reconciliation at the hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) took place under unique circumstances and in a very particular historical context. This article will explore how such a specific kind of reality gave rise to a specific kind of discourse, a so-called ‘reconciliation discourse’. On the one hand, this discourse offered the apartheid victims a lot of opportunities regarding linguistic expression. On the other hand, though, this discourse was also regimented and limited to a certain extent. By means of fragments from the TRC victim testimonies, this article will deal with one aspect of this linguistic manipulation, namely the introduction of the concept of reconciliation. In the first part of the article, I will explain which linguistic methods were used during the TRC hearings in order to emphasize the notion of reconciliation in the narratives of the testifying victims. In doing so, a lot of attention will be paid to the concrete interaction between the testifiers and the TRC commissioners. In a second part, I will try to investigate why the construction of this specific reconciliation discourse was necessary in the South African context. We will see that, amongst others, also political considerations played a role in the control exercised over the discourse of the TRC victims. In this way, we will understand that the reconciliation discourse of the Commission was a reflection of a very ambiguous social attitude: this discourse had to reveal as much as possible about the apartheid past – and this in a manner as spontaneous, as transparent and as open as possible -, but it also had to be adapted to certain socio-political needs. This will tell us that also a quasi-judicial institution such as the TRC involves an inevitable interplay between language on the one hand and ideology and society on the other.
De Civiele Maatschappij: Een 'Nieuwe' Partner in een 'Oud' Systeem?
Authors: Vervisch Thomas
Published: February 2021

Civil Society in Africa: A 'new' partner in an 'old' system?

Since the 1990s, there has been a growing consensus in the international development community about the role of civil society as a relevant partner in economic development and political change all over the world. This article places this debate in the context of state-society relations in Sub-Sahara-Africa. As will become clear, the international consensus is based on one specific and highly normative interpretation of this relation between state and civil society. This consensus defines civil society as an independent actor vis-à-vis the state, capable of championing democratic and governance reforms. Our own argument starts from the assumption that this interpretation ignores the complex interrelatedness of state and civil society in African societies. As such, we propose a theoretical framework that recognizes a plurality of different state-society relations and also pays attention to informal as well as formal relations between state and civil society. By doing so, we question the international consensus about the role civil society can play in Sub-Sahara-Africa.
Afrikaanse Krijgsheren, Versterking of Ondermuning van het Historisch Kapitalisme?
Authors: Vervaet Stephanie
Published: February 2021

African warlords, reinforcement or undermining of the historical capitalism?

With the end of the Cold War, global economic and political changes made African leaders rearrange their patrimonial politics towards warlord strategies. The aim of this paper is to find out what the influences are of these evolutions for the capitalist world-system. Is warlordism nothing more than a way of surviving for third world countries or does it affect historical capitalism? Is the upsurge of warlords an expression of the crisis of the modem world-economy or is it on the contrary capitalism pur sang? This paper does not provide a conclusive answer to these questions. It is only an attempt to consider warlords in the world-system from diverse perspectives.
Ethiopia: From a Centralised Monarchy to a Federal Republic
Authors: Van der Beken Christophe
Published: February 2021

Ethiopia: From a Centralised Monarchy to a Federal Republic

Although the Ethiopian state traces its roots back to the empire of Axum in the first centuries AD, the modern Ethiopian state took shape in the second half of the 19th century. During that period the territory of the Ethiopian empire expanded considerably. Several ethnic groups were incorporated into the empire and the foundations for a strong, centralised state were laid Centralisation of authority in the hands of the emperor and a strategy of nation building that denied the ethnic diversity of Ethiopian society characterised the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie. At the same time, these elements contributed to its decline. Haile Selassie was ultimately deposed by a military committee in 1974. This announced the end of the Ethiopian monarchy and the transformation of the Ethiopian state, following the Marxist model. In spite of Marxist-Leninist attention to the 'nationalities issue', Ethiopia remained a centralised state, dominated by one ethnic identity. This gave rise to increasing resistance from various regional and ethnic liberation movements. The combined effort of these movements caused the fall of military rule in May 1991. The new regime, which was dominated by ethnically organised parties, initiated a radical transformation of the Ethiopian state structure that leads to the establishment of a federation in 1995.
Otto Müller’s Surirella taxa (Bacillariophyta) from East Africa, based on a historical collection kept at the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem (B)
Authors: Cocquyt Christine , Kusber Wolf-Henning , Jahn Regine
Published: February 2021

At the beginning of the 20th century, Otto Müller described over 100 new freshwater diatom taxa from algae samples, collected during the German “Nyassa-See- und Kinga-Gebirgs-Expedition” in East Africa. He published valuable drawings and wrote detailed descriptions of these microalgae, but subsequent authors regarded many of these African taxa to be synonyms or infraspecific of European species. In the last two decades renewed attention to the diatom flora of East Africa has made it evident that Müller’s taxa have to be reinvestigated, in terms of both light as well as scanning electron microscopy, in order to evaluate possible new or endemic species. This was recently done for his Surirella taxa, a typical component of the African Great Lakes diatom flora of which many species are endemic to this area. Additional data, originating from material of later periods in the same region (e.g. Lakes Tanganyika, Malawi, Victoria, Edward), was incorporated in the investigation to study the variability in valve morphology and the African distribution of each species. Otto Müller’s samples thus provide the means to study historical African diatom diversity as a baseline for modern biodiversity assessment Type information and the English description for taxon have been published in international journals and online at the AlgaTerra Information System [www.algaterra.org], a site developed and updated by the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem (BGBM). High resolution digital photographs of the Surirella taxa will also be available in the future on the API website [www.aluka.org.
Pour la démarche géolinguistique de la standardisation des variétiés amazighes du Rif
Authors: Lafkioui Mena
Published: February 2021

This article presents a proposition to standardise the Amazigh (Berber) varieties of the Rif(Northern Morocco) on the basis of my geolinguistic study Atlas linguistique des variétés berbères du Rif which provides the data necessary to construct a representative linguistic koinè for the Rif region through computational dialectometry analyses. Dialectometry is a quantitative method to calculate distances between linguistic varieties and to group the latter following different parameters.