bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stackelberg–Nash–Cournot Equilibrium in a Pollution Reduction Scheme
Authors: Perera Ryle S.
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a Stochastic Stackelberg–Nash–Cournot Equilibrium model with continuous market demand distribution to examine the effectiveness of ambient charges as an effective policy measure for reducing nonpoint source pollution in a hybrid scheme. To do so, we consider the supply side of an energy market with hybrid technology that competes in an oligopoly market setting. Within such a setting, each power plant or firm uses a mix of fossil fuels (F) and renewable energy sources (R) to generate power at any given time. The demand for electricity is not realized at the time when the firm (leader) makes the decision. The competition between the two energy sources available to leader is assumed to be of Nash–Cournot equilibria, implying that they use one energy source to generate electricity, whilst holding the other energy source as a constant when the followers reactions are known. Based on the assumption that the demand function is affine and power plants cost functions are quadratic, we obtain the Stackelberg–Nash–Cournot equilibrium. Hence, our analysis provides an interesting insight into the effectiveness of using ambient charges, within the context of a Stochastic Stackelberg–Nash–Cournot competition, as an environmental economic policy measure when included within a robust hybrid scheme. From an economical point of view, this allows pollutants to develop specific control technologies by undertaking research and development (R&D) measures or production processes to maintain emissions standards in a hybrid scheme. From a policy implementations point of view, the environmental authority can use the pollution abatement technology ratio to set ambient charges and industry specific pollutant quantitative limits subject to technological variations.
RESEARCH ON STRATEGIES OF HOME CARE AND INTERVENTION FOR STROKE BASED ON KNOWLEDGE RULES
Authors: SHAO ZEGUO , WANG LI , WANG YUNGUANG , ZHU YINGCHAO , XIANG YUHONG , CHEN WEI
Published: October 2021

For patients with stroke at home, strategies have been formulated for emotional nursing, sports rehabilitation nursing, and interventions for poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, and picky eating. Data were obtained through tracking investigation, effect evaluation indexes were developed according to Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), activities of daily living (ADL) and other rating scale; C4.5 decision tree algorithm was used to analyze the effect of nursing intervention strategy, then we derived the corresponding knowledge rules. We come to conclusions: ① Effective emotional care and bad living habits interventions are contributed to reduce the risk of stroke. ② Smoking, drinking, picky eating, exercising and other factors are associated, so we should combine and intervene them as to better perfect the risk of stroke to provide decision-making reference for home nursing and rehabilitation intervention of stroke patients.
TWO-LEAD JOINT DETECTION ALGORITHM OF QRS COMPLEXES IN ECG SIGNAL
Authors: XU WANSONG , CHEN TIANWU , DU FANYU
Published: October 2021

Objective: The detection of QRS complexes is an important part of computer-aided analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG). However, most of the existing detection algorithms are mainly for single-lead ECG signals, which requires high quality of signal. If the signal quality decreases suddenly due to some interference, then the current algorithm is easy to cause misjudgment or missed detection. To improve the detection ability of QRS complexes under sudden interference, we study the QRS complexes information on multiple leads in-depth, and propose a two-lead joint detection algorithm of QRS complexes. Methods: Firstly, the suspected QRS complexes are screened on the main lead. For the suspected QRS complexes with low confidence and the complexes that may be missed, further accurate detection and joint judgment shall be carried out at the corresponding position of the auxiliary lead. At the same time, the adaptive threshold adjustment algorithm and backtracking mechanism are used to modify the detection results. Results: The proposed detection algorithm is validated using 48 ECG records of the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, and achieves average detection accuracy of 99.71%, sensitivity of 99.88% and positive predictivity of 99.81%. Conclusion: The proposed algorithm has high accuracy, which can effectively deal with the sudden interference of ECG signal. Meanwhile, the algorithm requires small amount of computation, and can be embedded into hardware for real-time detection.
Zinc–air batteries in neutral/near-neutral electrolytes
Authors: Kuang Jason , Renderos Genesis D. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , Wang Lei
Published: October 2021

To fully utilize intermittent renewable energy and have energy security, large-scale batteries are necessary. The aqueous zinc–air battery (ZAB) is a promising potential candidate for its safety, low-cost, and theoretical capacity. This research on ZAB mainly focused on alkaline electrolytes. These are favored for their conductivity, but greatly reduce the stability of the battery by zinc corrosion from the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), dendrite formation, and carbonate formation. To address these issues, recently neutral and near-neutral electrolytes have been applied to aqueous ZAB to suppress HER, dendrite formation, and minimize carbonate formation. These include the use of chloride-based, potassium nitrate, aqueous organic, solid-state electrolytes supplemented with additives to improve the performance and stability. This field is still young with significant opportunities available for research.
Fabrication and optical characterization of GaN quasi-phase matching crystal by double polarity selective area growth in metal organic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Matsuhisa Kai , Ishihara Hiroki , Sugiura Mako , Kawata Yoshimasa , Sugita Atsushi , Inoue Yoku , Nakano Takayuki
Published: October 2021

The fabrication of ultra-violet (UV) second-harmonic generation (SHG) (UV-SHG) devices requires GaN quasi-phase matching (GaN-QPM) crystals with periodically arranged polar GaN. For fabricating GaN-QPM crystals, the double polarity selective area growth (DP-SAG) using carbon mask technique is employed. However, the growth of narrow (2–4 [Formula: see text]m) pitch pattern GaN-QPM crystals, which is necessary for UV-SHG devices, has not been reported using this technique. Herein, we report the successful fabrication of 4 [Formula: see text]m pitch pattern GaN-QPM. We fabricated a thick GaN-QPM crystal at the optimized V/III ratio. Through optical characterization, we observed SHG generation from the GaN-QPM crystal fabricated using DP-SAG.
About this title - Forensic Soil Science and Geology
Authors: Fitzpatrick R. W. , Donnelly L. J.
Published: October 2021

Forensic soil science and geology provides information and operational support to assist the police and law enforcement with criminal and environmental investigations. These include: crime scene examination and the collection of soil and other materials; analysis and interpretation of this geological trace evidence; and searches associated with homicide graves, counter-terrorism and serious and organized crime. This volume provides new and sophisticated field and laboratory methods and operational casework.
Markov Chain Monte Carlo in Practice
Authors: Jones Galin L. , Qin Qian
Published: October 2021

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is an essential set of tools for estimating features of probability distributions commonly encountered in modern applications. For MCMC simulation to produce reliable outcomes, it needs to generate observations representative of the target distribution, and it must be long enough so that the errors of Monte Carlo estimates are small. We review methods for assessing the reliability of the simulation effort, with an emphasis on those most useful in practically relevant settings. Both strengths and weaknesses of these methods are discussed. The methods are illustrated in several examples and in a detailed case study.
A model of anemic tissue perfusion after blood transfusion shows critical role of endothelial response to shear stress stimuli
Authors: Li Weiyu , Tsai Amy G. , Intaglietta Marcos , Tartakovsky Daniel M.
Published: October 2021

Transfusion of 1 or 2 units of blood accounts for about 3/4 of the world blood consumption of 119 million units per year, whereas a current world demand deficit is on the order of 100 million units. Therefore, factors supporting the practice of transfusing 1 unit instead of 2 are of interest, given their potential to expand the number of interventions without increasing blood availability. Our mathematical model provides a physiological support for this practice.
A Method for Detecting Incipient Faults in Satellites Based on Dynamic Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ge , Yang Qiong , Li Guotong , Leng Jiaxing
Published: October 2021

Timely detection and treatment of possible incipient faults in satellites will effectively reduce the damage and harm they could cause. Although much work has been done concerning fault detection problems, the related questions about satellite incipient faults are little addressed. In this paper, a new satellite incipient fault detection method was proposed by combining the ideas of deviation in unsupervised fault detection methods and classification in supervised fault detection methods. First, the proposed method uses dynamic linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to find an optimal projection vector that separates the in‐orbit data from the normal historical data as much as possible. Second, under the assumption that the parameters obey a multidimensional Gaussian distribution, it applies the normal historical data and the optimal projection vector to build a normal model. Finally, it employs the noncentral F‐distribution to test whether a fault has occurred. The proposed method was validated using a numerical simulation case and a real satellite fault case. The results show that the method proposed in this paper is more effective at detecting incipient faults than traditional methods.
Toxoplasma gondii Tyrosine‐Rich Oocyst Wall Protein: A Closer Look through an In Silico Prism
Authors: Asghari Ali , Majidiani Hamidreza , Nemati Taher , Fatollahzadeh Mohammad , Shams Morteza , Naserifar Razi , Kordi Bahareh
Published: October 2021

Toxoplasmosis is a global threat with significant zoonotic concern. The present in silico study was aimed at determination of bioinformatics features and immunogenic epitopes of a tyrosine‐rich oocyst wall protein (TrOWP) of Toxoplasma gondii. After retrieving the amino acid sequence from UniProt database, several parameters were predicted including antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility and physico‐chemical features, signal peptide, transmembrane domain, and posttranslational modifications. Following secondary and tertiary structure prediction, the 3D model was refined, and immunogenic epitopes were forecasted. It was a 25.57 kDa hydrophilic molecule with 236 residues, a signal peptide, and significant antigenicity scores. Moreover, several linear and conformational B‐cell epitopes were present. Also, potential mouse and human cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T‐lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted in the sequence. The findings of the present in silico study are promising as they render beneficial characteristics of TrOWP to be included in future vaccination experiments.
Prophylactic Topical Antibiotics in Fracture Repair and Spinal Fusion
Authors: Kim Eric K. , Donnelley Claire A. , Tiee Madeline , Roberts Heather J. , Von Kaeppler Ericka , Shearer David , Morshed Saam
Published: October 2021

Introduction. The objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to determine whether prophylactic local antibiotics prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) in instrumented spinal fusions and traumatic fracture repair. A secondary objective is to investigate the effect of vancomycin, a common local antibiotic of choice, on the microbiology of SSIs. Methods. An electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases and major orthopedic surgery conferences was conducted to identify studies that (1) were instrumented spinal fusions or fracture repair and (2) had a treatment group that received prophylactic local antibiotics. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies were included. Meta-analysis was performed separately for randomized and nonrandomized studies with subgroup analysis by study design and antibiotic. Results. Our review includes 44 articles (30 instrumented spinal fusions and 14 fracture repairs). Intrawound antibiotics significantly decreased the risk of developing SSIs in RCTs of fracture repair (RR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40–0.93, I2 = 32.5%) but not RCTs of instrumented spinal fusion. Among observational studies, topical antibiotics significantly reduced the risk of SSIs in instrumented spinal fusions (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.27–0.43, I2 = 52.4%) and in fracture repair (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37–0.65, I2 = 43.8%). Vancomycin powder decreased the risk of Gram-positive SSIs (OR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27–0.51, I2 = 0.0%) and had no effect on Gram-negative SSIs (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.62–1.44, I2 = 0.0%). Conclusions. Prophylactic intrawound antibiotic administration decreases the risk of SSIs in fracture surgical fixation in randomized studies. Therapeutic efficacy in instrumented spinal fusion was seen in only nonrandomized studies. Vancomycin appears to be an effective agent against Gram-positive pathogens. There is no evidence that local vancomycin powder is associated with an increased risk for Gram-negative infection.
Periodic Points of Asymmetric Bernoulli Shifts
Authors: Shi Yong-Guo , Chen Kai , Liao Wei
Published: October 2021

It is well-known that Sharkovskii’s theorem gives a complete structure of periodic order for a continuous self-map on a closed bounded interval. As a further study, a natural problem is how to determine the location and number of periodic points for a specific map. This paper considers the periodic points of asymmetric Bernoulli shift, which is a piecewise linear chaotic map.
Comparison of the Accuracy of Fixture-Level Implant Impression Making with Different Splinting Techniques
Authors: Nateghi Mehrdad , Negahdari Ramin , Molaei Sahar , Barzegar Ali , Bohlouli Sepideh
Published: October 2021

Objectives. The impression-taking technique is one of the most critical factors that not only prevents the shrinkage caused by polymerization but also enhances the accuracy of implant impressions. Also, choosing the right time of taking impressions after splinting implants is one of the important criteria that affects the impression-taking technique. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of different splint methods for implant impressions made at different times. Methods. In this in vitro study, a two-piece metallic index was prepared, and the patient’s jaw was simulated by placing self-cured acrylic resin in the lower part of the index. Then, two holes were made in the acrylic resin at a specific distance from each other, and the analogs were placed in these holes. Splinting of impression copings was carried out with autopolymerized acrylic resin (GC Pattern resin LS, GC America Inc., USA), and an open tray impression approach was performed. Thirty-six casts in three groups (n = 12) were fabricated from the acrylic model. After scanning the casts, the impression accuracy was compared between the three study groups by measuring the distance between the outer portions of the scan bodies screw-retained on implant analogs inside the cast using the Exocad software (2015.07 version). Group 1: splinting impression copings with autopolymerized acrylic resin and impression making immediately after the setting time (4 minutes); group 2: splinting and impression procedure after 17 minutes with splint sectioning and reconnection; group 3: splinting and impression procedure after 24 hours with splint sectioning and reconnection. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17 using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results. The mean distance measured in group 1 was 19.14 ± 0.029 mm, which was significantly lower than the main model. The distances were 19.15 ± 0.039 and 19.159 ± 0.33 mm in groups 2 and 3, respectively. These two groups were not significantly different from the main model. Moreover, the mean distance measured in the three impression techniques was similar. Conclusions. There was no significant difference in the measurements between group 2, group 3, and the main model. Therefore, dentists can make an impression after 17 minutes to reduce chair time.
Study on Prediction of Coal-Gas Compound Dynamic Disaster Based on GRA-PCA-BP Model
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Kangnan , Du Feng
Published: October 2021

The intensity and depth of China’s coal mining are increasing, and the risk of coal-gas compound dynamic disaster is prominent, which seriously restricts the green, safe, and efficient mining of China’s coal resources. How to accurately predict the risk of disasters is an important basis for disaster prevention and control. In this paper, the Pingdingshan No. 8 coal mine is taken as the research object, and the grey relational analysis (GRA), principal component analysis (PCA), and BP neural network are combined to predict the coal-gas compound dynamic disaster. First, the weights of 13 influencing factors are sorted and screened by grey relational analysis. Next, principal component analysis is carried out on the influencing factors with high weight value to extract common factors. Then, the common factor is used as the input parameter of BP neural network to train the previous data. Finally, the coal-gas compound dynamic disaster prediction model based on GRA-PCA-BP neural network is established. After verification, the model can effectively predict the occurrence of coal-gas compound dynamic disaster. The prediction results are consistent with the actual situation of the coal mine with high accuracy and practicality. This work is of great significance to ensure the safe and efficient production of deep mines.
A Selection Model of Strategic Emerging Industries in Fujian Based on Entropy-VIKOR Algorithm
Authors: Zheng Qionge , Chen Kunhui , Kong Deyi , Liang Jingxuan , Wu Jingjing
Published: October 2021

The cultivation of strategic emerging industries is strategic to the economic transformation and upgrading in Fujian, a southeastern province of China. It is of great significance to study its selection model. In this paper, according to the characteristics of strategic emerging industries, drawing on the double helix model, this paper sets up an evaluation system for strategic emerging industries. Then, the entropy-VIKOR algorithm was introduced to evaluate and rank the backbone enterprises in Fujian, based on the data on 21 listed enterprises of strategic emerging industries in the province from 2017 to 2019. The empirical research results are consistent with the actual situation of the development of strategic emerging industries in Fujian Province, which proves the feasibility of this research method. Finally, according to the empirical analysis results, this study puts forward some countermeasures for the development of strategic emerging industries in Fujian province.
An Analytical Method for Parameter Interpretation of Fracture Networks in Shale Gas Reservoirs considering Uneven Support of Fractures
Authors: Huang Shijun , Zhang Jiaojiao , Fang Sidong , Wang Xifeng
Published: October 2021

In shale gas reservoirs, the production data analysis method is widely used to invert reservoir and fracture parameter, and productivity prediction. Compared with numerical models and semianalytical models, which have high computational cost, the analytical model is mostly used in the production data analysis method to characterize the complex fracture network formed after fracturing. However, most of the current calculation models ignore the uneven support of fractures, and most of them use a single supported fracture model to describe the flow characteristics, which magnifies the role of supported fracture to a certain extent. Therefore, in this study, firstly, the fractures are divided into supported fractures and unsupported fractures. According to the near-well supported fractures and far-well unsupported fractures, the SRV zone is divided into outer SRV and inner SRV. The four areas are characterized by different seepage models, and the analytical solutions of the models are obtained by Laplace transform and inverse transform. Secondly, the material balance pseudotime is introduced to process the production data under the conditions of variable production and variable pressure. The double logarithmic curves of normalized production rate, rate integration, the derivative of the integration, and material balance pseudotime are established, and the parameters are interpreted by fitting the theoretical curve to the measured data. Then, the accuracy of the method is verified by comparison the parameter interpretation results with well test results, and the influence of parameters such as the half-length and permeability of supported and unsupported fractures on gas production is analyzed. Finally, the proposed method is applied to four field cases in southwest China. This paper mainly establishes an analytical method for parameter interpretation after hydraulic fracturing based on the production data analysis method considering the uneven support of fractures, which is of great significance for understanding the mechanism of fracturing stimulation, optimization of fracturing parameters, and gas production forecast.
Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy following COVID-19 Vaccination: Consequence or Coincidence
Authors: Tsukii Rika , Kasuya Yuka , Makino Shinji
Published: October 2021

To report a patient with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) occurring soon after the COVID-19 vaccination. A 55-year-old woman presented with a 4-day history of inferior visual field disturbance in the right eye 7 days after receiving the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Examination revealed a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes. A relative afferent pupillary defect was observed in the right eye. Fundoscopy revealed diffuse optic disc swelling in the right eye, which was prominent above the optic disc. Goldmann visual field testing identified an inferior altitudinal visual field defect with I/2 isopter in the right eye. Although typical complete inferior visual field defect was not detected, a diagnosis of NA-AION was made. The patient was followed without any treatment. During the 2-month follow-up period, the optic disc swelling was gradually improved, and visual acuity was maintained 20/20; however, the optic disc looked diffusely pale in the right eye. Although it is uncertain whether the development of NA-AION after COVID-19 vaccination was consequential or coincidental, we speculate that the close temporal relationship with COVID-19 vaccination suggests the possibility of vasculopathy on the microvascular network of optic nerve head as background of inflammatory or immune-mediated element to the timing of the onset of NA-AION. The aim of this case report is to present this biological plausibility and to elucidate potential ophthalmological complications.
Physical Fruit Traits, Nutritional Composition, and Seed Oil Fatty Acids Profiling in the Main Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Varieties Grown in Morocco
Authors: Ibourki Mohamed , Azouguigh Fadma , Jadouali Si Mohamed , Sakar El Hassan , Bijla Laila , Majourhat Khalid , Gharby Said , Laknifli Abdelatif
Published: October 2021

We investigated fruit physical traits and nutritional value in both seed and flesh in eight Moroccan date palm varieties. The greatest values of weight for whole fruit, flesh, seed, and flesh percentage were found in “Boufgous,” “Agondari,” and “Bouskri.” These two later varieties displayed also their superiority with respect to proximate composition. For fruit flesh, proximate composition, energy value, and reducing capacity ranged as follows: proteins (1.60–3.53%), moisture (5.31–17.31%), ash (2.08–2.50%), lipids (0.32–1.09%), carbohydrates (76.69–90.18%), energy value (338.30–385.89 kcal/100 g), and reducing capacity (100.14–1607.12 mg GAE/100 g). Corresponding values in seeds were as follows: proteins (3.20–5.00%), moisture (1.42–4.14%), ash (1.14–1.50%), lipids (6.30–7.40%), carbohydrates (83.39–85.55%), energy value (417.06–429.51 kcal/100 g), and reducing capacity (1427.71–6843.84 mg GAE/100 g dry weight). Among all minerals (K, Ca, Mg, B, Fe, Cu, Mn, Na, and Zn) found in both fruit parts, K had the highest records for both flesh (12047 mg/kg) and seed (6127.6 mg/kg), followed by Mg and Ca. Seeds lipidic fraction was dominated by monounsaturated fatty acid C18 : 1 (47.5%), followed by saturated fatty acids mostly C12 : 0 (18.0%), C14 : 0 (10.5%), and C16 : 0 (10.6%) and finally polyunsaturated fatty acid C18 : 2 (8.8%). It could be concluded that investigated varieties presented a great importance from a nutritional point of view, and seeds could present important opportunities of valorization.
Differentially Expressed Salivary Proteins in Dental Caries Patients
Authors: Khan Zaid Majeed , Waheed Humera , Khurshid Zohaib , Zafar Muhammad Sohail , Moin Syed Faraz , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: October 2021

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease mainly caused by cariogenic bacteria commonly found in the oral cavity. Dental caries may cause demineralization of the tooth, cavitation, hypersensitivity, pulp inflammation, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Saliva secreted in the oral cavity can serve as a tool for identification of biomarkers for early detection of diseases. In the present study, differential expression of salivary proteins from 33 dental caries patients was compared with 10 control subjects. The unstimulated saliva was analyzed by 12% SDS‐PAGE and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. Gelatin and casein zymography was performed to check for protease activity. Also, salivary IgAs from both groups were compared by sandwich ELISA technique. Dental caries patient’s saliva showed decreased caseinolytic and increased gelatinolytic activity probably due to metalloproteases and cathepsins. Mean salivary levels of sIgA were also significantly higher (p < 0.018) in dental caries saliva samples. The 2D electrophoresis profile of both the groups showed regions on gel with visually detectable alterations in protein expression. The present study is among the few initial studies in the locality for identification of protein differences in saliva from dental caries patients and has demonstrated a good potential to identify alterations. However, a large population‐based analysis is required to validate these findings to be translated as a tool for indicative applications.
Effective and Simple NaOH-Modification Method to Remove Methyl Violet Dye via Ipomoea aquatica Roots
Authors: Lu Yie Chen , Kooh Muhammad Raziq Rahimi , Lim Linda Biaw Leng , Priyantha Namal
Published: October 2021

In this study, a simple chemical modification was applied to a sustainable and abundantly available resource, kangkong root (KR), to remove methyl violet 2B (MV) dye. The chemically modified adsorbent (NaOH-KR) was obtained using NaOH solution treatment. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of pH, ionic strength, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration. A regeneration experiment was also carried out to assess the potential of reusability. The adsorption process was modelled using various kinetics and isotherm models, whereby the best-fitting models were evaluated by using the coefficient of determination ([Formula: see text]) and error functions. The Sips ([Formula: see text], χ 2 =0.16) and pseudo-second-order ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) models were identified to best represent the adsorption process. The Sips model predicted a maximum adsorption capacity at 551.5 mg g-1 for NaOH-KR, which is 55% improvement in performance when compared to nonmodified KR. Lastly, the regeneration experiment showed that NaOH-KR was able to maintain reasonable dye removal even after five consecutive cycles of regenerating and reusing.
Highest Recorded Serum Creatinine
Authors: Persaud Christine , Sandesara Uttsav , Hoang Victor , Tate Joshua , Latack Wayne , Dado David
Published: October 2021

Serum creatinine is a commonly used laboratory marker to assess kidney function; however, there has not been an established level of serum creatinine to predict mortality. After extensive literature review, we present a case of the highest recorded serum creatinine of 73.8 mg/dL in a 23-year-old male with the history of pediatric deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT). He initially presented with uremia and signs of acute renal allograft failure after two months of immunosuppressive medication nonadherence, ultimately requiring emergent hemodialysis, which was complicated by new onset seizures. This was the patient’s fourth episode of late acute rejection and emphasizes the need for education of immunosuppressant adherence and periodic monitoring of renal function in high-risk patients. Though there is no known creatinine level incompatible with life, this patient appears to have the highest known serum creatinine in a uremic patient on record.
Application of 3D Printing Technology in the Mechanical Testing of Complex Structural Rock Masses
Authors: Xia Yingjie , Meng Qingkun , Zhang Chuanqing , Liu Ning , Zhao Zhenxing , Chen Jun , Yang Gao
Published: October 2021

In the engineering of underground construction, the discontinuous structures in rock mass have important influences on the mechanical behaviors of the subsurface of rock mass. The acquisition of mechanical parameters is the basis of rock mass engineering design, construction, safety, and stability evaluation. However, the mechanical parameters and failure characteristics of the same rock mass under different mechanical conditions cannot be obtained due to the limitations of specimen preparation techniques. In recent years, with the continuous development of 3D printing (3DP) technology, it has been successfully applied to the repetitive preparation of rock mass samples. The combinations of 3DP and other techniques, such as 3D scanning and CT scanning, provided a new approach to study the mechanical behavior of complex structural rock masses. In this study, through a comprehensive review of the technical progress, equipment situation, application fields, and challenges of the use of 3DP technology, the following conclusions were obtained: (1) 3DP technology has advantages over traditional rock mass specimen preparation techniques, and the verification of test results using 3D printed samples shows that the 3DP has broad application prospects in geotechnical engineering. (2) The combination of 3DP and other advanced techniques can be used to achieve the accurate reconstruction of complex structural rock masses and to obtain the mechanical and failure characteristics of the same rock mass structure under different mechanical boundary conditions. (3) The development of 3DP materials with high strength, high brittleness, and low ductility has become the major bottleneck in the application of 3DP in geotechnical engineering. (4) 3D printers need to meet the high precision and large size requirements while also having high strength and long-term printing ability. The development of 3D printers that can print different types of materials is also an important aspect of the application of 3DP in geotechnical engineering.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Implementation and Performance Evaluation of Three-Phase Hybrid Shunt Active Power Filter for Power Quality Improvement
Authors: Khan Ayesha , Jaffery Mujtaba Hussain , Javed Yaqoob , Arshad Jehangir , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Khan Rabia , Bajaj Mohit , Kaabar Mohammed K. A.
Published: October 2021

The excessive use of nonlinear load causes electric current harmonics that ultimately downgrades the electrical power quality. If a failure exists due to internal integration of a power system in any one of the internal networks, it causes uncomplimentary consequences to the entire power system’s performance. This paper proposed a hybrid shunt active harmonic power filter (HSAHPF) design to reduce harmonic pollution. A digital controller HIL simulator has been modeled using a three-phase voltage source inverter to test the efficiency of HSAHPF and the performance of control algorithms. Moreover, the instantaneous active and reactive current theory (Id − Iq) and instantaneous active and reactive power theory (Pq0) control algorithms are implemented for the reference current generation in HSAHPF, resulting in reduced harmonic distortions, power factor improvement for a balanced nonlinear load. The control algorithms are further employed in Arduino MEGA to keep the factor of cost-effectiveness. The simulation of the proposed design has been developed in Simulink. The validation and testing of HSAHPF using controller HIL simulation prove the control algorithms’ ability to run in a portable embedded device. The statistical analysis of the proposed system response provides a minimum total harmonic distortion (THD) of 2.38 from 31.74 that lies in IEEE 519-1992 harmonic standards with an improved stability time of 0.04 s. The experimental verification and provided results of the HIL approach validate the proposed design. Significant mitigation of harmonics can be observed, consequently enhancing the power quality with power factor near unity.
A Family of Integer-Point Ternary Parametric Subdivision Schemes
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Asghar Muhammad , Ali Shafqat , Afzal Ayesha , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: October 2021

New subdivision schemes are always required for the generation of smooth curves and surfaces. The purpose of this paper is to present a general formula for family of parametric ternary subdivision schemes based on the Laurent polynomial method. The different complexity subdivision schemes are obtained by substituting the different values of the parameter. The important properties of the proposed family of subdivision schemes are also presented. The continuity of the proposed family is

C

2
m

. Comparison shows that the proposed family of subdivision schemes has higher degree of polynomial generation, degree of polynomial reproduction, and continuity compared with the exiting subdivision schemes. Maple software is used for mathematical calculations and plotting of graphs.
Study on Air Void Characteristics and Hydraulic Characteristics of Porous Asphalt Concrete Based on Image Processing Technology
Authors: Wang Zhanqi , Xie Jianguang , Gao Lei , Liu Yanping , Li Kuan
Published: October 2021

The appearance of porous asphalt (PA) pavement is to solve the problem of road ponding in rainy days. The internal air voids in PA pavement are the main functional structure that determines its drainage performance. It is of great practical significance to find out the relationship between void drainage capacity and air voids. This paper is aimed at researching the relationship between three-dimensional (3D) pore structures and drainage performance of PA concrete. Four samples were formed and scanned by CT equipment to obtain the internal cross-sectional CT images. Image dodging algorithm and OTSU method were conducted to deal with these CT images for segmenting them into three subimages (void image, asphalt mortar image, and aggregate image) according to the three components of PA concrete. The voids on void images were identified and classified into three groups according to the three kind of pores (interconnected pore, semi-interconnected pore, and closed pore) and reshaped them into 3D pore structures according to the overlapping principle. Then, the volume and size distribution of the pores was analyzed. Besides, this research mainly focused on the influence of several parameters obtained from interconnected pores on the drainage performance of PA concrete at last. The permeability coefficient of PA concrete samples was tested, and equations between permeability coefficient and void content were fitted linearly. The distribution of hydraulic radius and cross-sectional area ratio was calculated and researched by statistical methods. A new parameter, perimeter variation coefficient, is proposed to study the influence of boundary wall roughness on the drainage performance. At last, equivalent drainage channel was drawn to reflect the drainage capacity of PA concrete.
Smart Grid Nontechnical Loss Detection Based on Power Gateway Consortium Blockchain
Authors: He Xudong , Wang Jian , Liu Jiqiang , Yuan Enze , Wang Kailun , Han Zhen
Published: October 2021

The rapid development of the smart grid brings convenience to human beings. It enables users to know the real-time power supply capacity, the power quality, and the electricity price fluctuation of the grid. However, there are still some threats in the smart grid, which increase all kinds of expenses in the grid and cause great trouble to energy distribution. Among them, the man-made nontechnical loss (NTL) problem is particularly prominent. Recently, there are also some NTL detection programs. However, most of the schemes need huge amounts of supporting data and high labor costs. As a result, the NTL problem has not been well solved. In order to better avoid these risks, problems such as tampering of smart meter energy data, bypassing the smart meter directly connected to the grid, and imbalance between revenue and expenditure of the smart grid are tackled, and the threat scene of NTL is constructed. A hierarchical grid gateway blockchain is proposed and designed, and a new decentralized management MDMS system is constructed. The intelligent contract combined with the elliptic curve encryption technology is used to detect the storage and the acquisition of power data, and the detection of NTL problems is realized. At the same time, it has a certain ability to resist attacks such as replay, monitoring, and tampering. We tested the time consumption and throughput of this method on Hyperledger Fabric. At the same time, eight indexes of other methods proposed in the literature are compared. This method has a good effect.
Preparation and Gas Separation Performance of Polysulfone Mixed Matrix Membrane
Authors: Jiang Lili , Meng Yimin , Xu Su , Yu Haitao , Hou Xingang
Published: October 2021

As an economical, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient separation technology, membrane separation is a popular research topic in the field of separation. Organic polymer materials have attracted considerable attention in membrane separation because of their controllable preparation processes, simple modification method, and high toughness. Taking polysulfone (PSF) as the substrate of gas separation membrane, we prepared the mixed matrix membrane jointly by using the solution casting method and by adding graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). On this basis, the permeability of the membrane for CO2 and N2 and the permeability coefficient of the mixed gas were studied. With the addition of CNTs and GO, the permeability of gas was significantly improved. At 0.2 MPa, permeability of CO2 increased from 553 Barrer to 975 Barrer, and permeability of N2 increased from 536 Barrer to 745 Barrer. The max ideal separation coefficient of CO2 and N2 is 1.94 at 0.1 MPa. Increasing of the content of carbon nanotubes can significantly improve the permeability coefficient of CO2, while the change of inlet side pressure has a great impact on the permeability coefficient of N2. At 0.1 MPa, when the ratio of CNTs to GO was 5 : 1, the ideal permeability coefficient of CO2/N2 was 1.94, whereas the ideal permeability coefficient of PSF membrane was 1.46. The above results of PSF/GO/CNT mixed matrix membrane lay a theoretical foundation for industrial application.
Increasing HPV Vaccination among Low-Income, Ethnic Minority Adolescents: Effects of a Multicomponent System Intervention through a County Health Department Hotline
Authors: Bastani Roshan , Glenn Beth A. , Singhal Rita , Crespi Catherine M. , Nonzee Narissa J. , Tsui Jennifer , Chang L. Cindy , Herrmann Alison K. , Taylor Victoria M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2006 was a game-changing advance in cancer control. Despite the vaccine's potential cancer prevention benefits, uptake remains low. We utilized a randomized design to evaluate a multicomponent intervention to improve HPV vaccine uptake among low-income, ethnic minority adolescents seeking services through a county health department telephone hotline.

Methods:

Hotline callers who were caregivers of never-vaccinated adolescents (11–17 years) were randomized by call-week to intervention or control conditions. The intervention included brief telephone and print education, delivered in multiple languages, and personalized referral to a low-cost/free vaccine provider. Participants completed baseline (n = 238), 3-month (n = 215), and 9-month (n = 204) telephone follow-up surveys.

Results:

HPV vaccine initiation rates increased substantially by 9-month follow-up overall, although no differences were observed between intervention and control groups (45% vs. 42%, respectively, P > 0.05). We also observed significant improvements in perceived HPV risk, barriers to vaccination, and perceived knowledge in both study conditions (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

A low-intensity county hotline intervention did not produce a greater increase in HPV vaccination rates than routine practice. However, 44% of unvaccinated adolescents in both conditions received at least one dose of the vaccine, which can be viewed as a successful public health outcome. Future studies should evaluate more intensive interventions that address accessing and utilizing services in complex safety net settings.

Impact:

Study results suggest the need for investigators to be aware of the potential priming effects of study participation, which may obscure the effect of low-intensity interventions.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Erythropoietin Resistance among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Lu Xiangxue , Wang Shixiang , Li Han
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are recent prognostic biomarkers associated with inflammation. Increased erythropoiesis resistance index (ERI) may predict the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the roles of NLR and PLR in erythropoietin (EPO) responsiveness remain unclear in HD patients. This study aims to investigate the relationship between NLR and PLR and EPO responsiveness in maintenance HD patients. Methods: A total of 299 HD patients were included in this survey. Laboratory data and demographic details were collected. EPO responsiveness was evaluated by ERI. Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regressions were conducted to evaluate the factors that may be associated with EPO responsiveness. Results: The EPO responsiveness was positively related to ferritin and negatively related to serum albumin, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin. A multivariate linear regression revealed that only NLR (standardized β = 0.13, p = 0.024) but not PLR (standardized β = 0.107, p = 0.063) was correlated with a higher ERI. Conclusion: A higher NLR level was shown to be a cheaper method to predict worse EPO responsiveness in HD patients.
Neuropeptide Cortistatin Regulates Dermal and Pulmonary Fibrosis in an Experimental Model of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Barriga Margarita , Benitez Raquel , Robledo Gema , Caro Marta , O’Valle Francisco , Campos-Salinas Jenny , Delgado Mario
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Because its aetiology is unknown, the identification of genes/factors involved in disease severity, differential clinical forms, and associated complications is critical for understanding its pathogenesis and designing novel treatments. Neuroendocrine mediators in the skin emerge as potential candidates. We investigated the role played by the neuropeptide cortistatin in a preclinical model of scleroderma. Methods: Dermal fibrosis was induced by repetitive intradermal injections of bleomycin in wild-type and cortistatin-deficient mice. The histopathological signs and expression of fibrotic markers were evaluated in the skin and lungs. Results: An inverse correlation between cortistatin levels and fibrogenic activation exists in the damaged skin and dermal fibroblasts. Bleomycin-challenged skin lesions of mice that are partially and totally deficient in cortistatin showed exacerbated histopathological signs of scleroderma, characterized by thicker and more fibrotic dermal layer, enlarged epidermis, and increased inflammatory infiltration in comparison to those of wild-type mice. Cortistatin deficiency enhanced dermal collagen deposits, connective tissue growth factor expression, loss of microvessels, and predisposition to suffer severe complications that co-occur with dermal exposition to bleomycin, including pulmonary fibrotic disease and increased mortality. Treatment with cortistatin mitigated these pathological processes. Discussion/Conclusion: We identify cortistatin as an endogenous break of skin inflammation and fibrosis. Deficiency in cortistatin could be a marker of poor prognosis of scleroderma and associated complications. Cortistatin-based therapies emerge as attractive candidates to treat severe forms of systemic sclerosis and to manage fibrosis-related side effects of bleomycin chemotherapy in oncologic patients.
Perfil da mortalidade de mulheres em idade fértil por causas naturais no estado de Sergipe: um estudo retrospectivo
Authors: Aguiar João Eduardo Andrade Tavares de , Severo Joanna , Carvalho Marcos Antônio Lima , Silva Thais Serafim Leite de Barros , Bohland Anna Klara
Published: October 2021

Trata-se de um estudo ecológico retrospectivo com o objetivo de descrever a mortalidade de mulheres em idade fértil por causas naturais, de 2000 a 2015, em Sergipe. As declarações de óbitos foram coletadas do Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade e as estimativas populacionais foram obtidas junto ao Ministério da Saúde. Os casos selecionados foram classificados quanto à evitabilidade e foram analisados pelo programa Tabwin. Durante o período, ocorreram 8.945 óbitos por causas naturais. Destes, apresentaram os maiores coeficientes: mulheres na idade de 40 a 49 anos, óbitos hospitalares e residentes na Região de Saúde de Propriá. Quanto às causas evitáveis, considerando o primeiro e o último quadriênio, houve um aumento de 11,1%, destacando-se o coeficiente por doenças não transmissíveis. Entre as causas não evitáveis e mal definidas, houve diminuição de 0,4% e de 70,6%, respectivamente. Em relação ao percentual dos casos segundo raça/cor, estado civil e escolaridade, destacaram-se as pardas, solteiras e com escolaridade entre 4 e 7 anos. Assim, são necessários investimentos em ações que visem a redução dos óbitos por causas evitáveis e garantam a qualidade e a resolutividade na atenção à saúde.