bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Sensitive Amperometricα-Ketoglutarate Biosensor Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide-Gold Nanocomposites
Authors: Peng Gang , Yu Yadong , Chen Xiaojun , Huang He
Published: August 2020

Herein, a rapid and highly sensitive amperometric biosensor for the detection ofα-ketoglutarate (α-KG) was constructed via an electrochemical approach, in which the glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD) was modified on the surface of reduced graphene oxide-gold nanoparticle composite (rGO-Aunanocomposite). The rGO-Aunanocomposite was one-step electrodeposited onto glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface and was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and electrochemical techniques. In addition, the rGO-Aunano/GCE was also found to electrocatalyze the oxidation ofβ-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) at the peak potential of 0.3 V, which was negatively shifted compared with that at bare GCE or Aunano/GCE, illustrating better catalytic performance of rGO-Aunano. After the modification of GLUD, the GLUD/rGO-Aunano/GCE led to effective amperometric detection ofα-KG through monitoring the NADH consumption and displayed a linear response in the range of 66.7 and 494.5 μM, with the detection limit of 9.2 μM. Moreover, the prepared GLUD/rGO-Aunano/GCE was further evaluated to be highly selective and used to testα-KG in human serum samples. The recovery and the RSD values were calculated in the range of 97.9–102.4% and 3.8–4.5%, respectively, showing a great prospect for its real application.
Effects of Air Temperature and Precipitation on Soil Moisture on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau during the 2015 Growing Season
Authors: Xie Qingyan , Li Jianping , Zhao Yufei
Published: August 2020

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) holds massive freshwater resources and is one of the most active regions in the world with respect to the hydrological cycle. Soil moisture (SM) plays a critical role in hydrological processes and is important for plant growth and ecosystem stability. To investigate the relationship between climatic factors (air temperature and precipitation) and SM during the growing season in various climate zones on the QTP, data from three observational stations were analyzed. The results showed that the daily average (Tave) and minimum air temperatures (Tmin) significantly influenced SM levels at all depths analyzed (i.e., 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm deep) at the three stations, and Tmin had a stronger effect on SM than did Tave. However, the daily maximum air temperature (Tmax) generally had little effect on SM, although it had showed some effects on SM in the middle and deeper layers at the Jiali station. Precipitation was an important factor that significantly influenced the SM at all depths at the three stations, but the influence on SM in the middle and deep layers lagged the direct effect on near-surface SM by 5–7 days. These results suggest that environment characterized by lower temperatures and higher precipitation may promote SM conservation during the growing season and in turn support ecosystem stability on the QTP.
Identification and Evolution of the Noncoordination Coupling Relationship between Tourism Poverty Alleviation and Ecological Environments in Poor Mountainous Areas
Authors: Qin Qu , Hu Zeli , Liu Anle , Huang Yan , Zhang Fengtai
Published: August 2020

Tourism poverty alleviation and ecological environments are closely associated with each other’s dissipation structure, which contains various coordinated and noncoordinated coupling states. Based on the perspective of reverse thinking and problem diagnosis, this paper constructs a bridge from uncoordinated pathology to coordinated development. From the perspective of incongruity, the framework model and evaluation index system of tourism poverty alleviation and ecological environments incongruity coupling coordination driving mechanism are constructed. Also, the variation coefficient method is used to calculate the weight of each evaluation index and the coupling relationship and evolution of tourism poverty alleviation and ecological environments in Liupanshui city are analyzed by the noncoordination coupling function. The results suggest the following: (1) During the study period, the poverty alleviation level of tourism in Liupanshui city presents a continuous growth curve. Meanwhile, ecological environment development level depicts rapid growth initially and then slows down and improves further. In this way, it shows different stage characteristics from the tourism poverty alleviation level. (2) The discordant coupling between tourism poverty alleviation and ecological environments in Liupanshui city shows a decreasing curve. So, the noncoordinated development relationship between tourism poverty alleviation and ecological environments is significant.
An Epilepsy Detection Method Using Multiview Clustering Algorithm and Deep Features
Authors: Zhan Qianyi , Hu Wei
Published: August 2020

The automatic detection of epilepsy is essentially the classification of EEG signals of seizures and nonseizures, and its purpose is to distinguish the different characteristics of seizure brain electrical signals and normal brain electrical signals. In order to improve the effect of automatic detection, this study proposes a new classification method based on unsupervised multiview clustering results. In addition, considering the high-dimensional characteristics of the original data samples, a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) is introduced to extract the sample features to obtain deep features. The deep feature reduces the sample dimension and increases the sample separability. The main steps of our proposed novel EEG detection method contain the following three steps: first, a multiview FCM clustering algorithm is introduced, and the training samples are used to train the center and weight of each view. Then, the class center and weight of each view obtained by training are used to calculate the view-weighted membership value of the new prediction sample. Finally, the classification label of the new prediction sample is obtained. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively detect seizures.
Return Mode Selection and Pricing Strategy for a Dual-Channel Retailer
Authors: Hu Xiaojian , Feng Shuai , Liu Jiqiong , Yang Aifeng , Wang Guanxiong , Xu Hui
Published: August 2020

With the rapid development of e-commerce and the economy, an increasing number of retailers are adopting a dual-channel retail strategy (DCRS), which allows customers to return unsatisfactory products, provided that their complaints are reasonable, and receive a full refund. This paper studies the pricing strategies of an integrated dual-channel retailer (DCR) when it provides return policies to customers, including original channel return, fixed cross-channel return, and relaxed cross-channel return. The relationship between the DCR’s system performance and channel pricing is impacted by customer channel preferences, and the return rates of different channels are discussed. The results show that the greater the difference in customer preferences between channels is, the greater the profitability of the DCR will be. A fixed cross-channel return model should be selected when the return rate in the online channel is higher or the cross-channel return rate is lower; otherwise, the original channel return model should be selected. When the return rate of a certain channel is high, the retailer should increase the price in that channel and reduce the pricing of its competing channel to compensate for the loss caused by the returns and transfer sales between channels. A selective return policy can not only improve the flexibility of business operations and enhance competitive advantage but also provide convenient customer returns and enhance consumers’ sense of security.
Impact of Immunization Strategies on the Dynamics of Social Contagions
Authors: Peng Hao , Peng Wangxin , Zhao Dandan , Hu Zhaolong , Han Jianmin , Zheng Zhonglong
Published: August 2020

Immunization strategies on complex networks are effective methods to control the spreading dynamics on complex networks, which change the topology and connectivity of the underlying network, thereby affecting the dynamics process of propagation. Here, we use a non-Markovian threshold model to study the impact of immunization strategies on social contagions, in which the immune index greater than (or equal to) 0 corresponds to targeted (random) immunization, and when the immune index is less than 0, the probability of an individual being immunized is inversely related to the degree of the individual. A generalized edge-based compartmental theory is developed to analyze the dynamics of social contagions under immunization, and theoretical predictions are very consistent with simulation results. We find that increasing the immune index or increasing the immune ratio will reduce the final adoption size and increase the outbreak threshold, in other words, make the residual network after immunization not conducive to social contagions. Interestingly, enhancing the network heterogeneity is proved to help improve the immune efficiency of targeted immunization. Besides, the dependence of the outbreak threshold on the network heterogeneity is correlated with the immune ratio and immune index.
A Novel Parallel Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Warehouse Path Planning
Authors: Yu Junqi , Li Ruolin , Feng Zengxi , Zhao Anjun , Yu Zirui , Ye Ziyan , Wang Junfeng
Published: August 2020

In order to improve the working efficiency of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and the processing efficiency of fulfilling orders in intelligent warehouses, a novel parallel ant colony optimization algorithm for warehouse path planning is proposed. Through the interaction of pheromones among multiple subcolonies, the coevolution of multiple subcolonies is realized and the operational capability of the algorithm is improved. Then, a multiobjective function with the object of the shortest path and the minimum number of turns of the AGV is established. And the path satisfying this objective function is obtained by the proposed algorithm. In addition, the path is further smoothed by reducing the number of intermediate nodes. The results show that the stability and convergence rate of the algorithm are faster and more stable, compared to other algorithms, in generating paths for different complexity maps. The smoothing treatment of the path significantly reduces the number of turns and the path length in the AGV driving process.
Composition Operator, Boundedness, Compactness, Hyperbolic Bloch-Type Space βμ∗, Hyperbolic-Type Space
Authors: Tang Shuan , Wu Pengcheng
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we obtain some characterizations of composition operators Cφ, which are induced by an analytic self-map φ of the unit disk Δ, from hyperbolic Bloch type space βμ∗ into hyperbolic type space QK,p,q∗.
A Comparative Analysis of Visual Encoding Models Based on Classification and Segmentation Task-Driven CNNs
Authors: Yu Ziya , Zhang Chi , Wang Linyuan , Tong Li , Yan Bin
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, visual encoding models use convolution neural networks (CNNs) with outstanding performance in computer vision to simulate the process of human information processing. However, the prediction performances of encoding models will have differences based on different networks driven by different tasks. Here, the impact of network tasks on encoding models is studied. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, the features of natural visual stimulation are extracted using a segmentation network (FCN32s) and a classification network (VGG16) with different visual tasks but similar network structure. Then, using three sets of features, i.e., segmentation, classification, and fused features, the regularized orthogonal matching pursuit (ROMP) method is used to establish the linear mapping from features to voxel responses. The analysis results indicate that encoding models based on networks performing different tasks can effectively but differently predict stimulus-induced responses measured by fMRI. The prediction accuracy of the encoding model based on VGG is found to be significantly better than that of the model based on FCN in most voxels but similar to that of fused features. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the CNN performing the classification task is more similar to human visual processing than that performing the segmentation task.
Block Sparse Bayesian Learning over Local Dictionary for Robust SAR Target Recognition
Authors: Li Chenyu , Liu Guohua
Published: August 2020

This paper applied block sparse Bayesian learning (BSBL) to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target recognition. The traditional sparse representation-based classification (SRC) operates on the global dictionary collaborated by different classes. Afterwards, the similarities between the test sample and various classes are evaluated by the reconstruction errors. This paper reconstructs the test sample based on local dictionaries formed by individual classes. Considering the azimuthal sensitivity of SAR images, the linear coefficients on the local dictionary are sparse ones with block structure. Therefore, to solve the sparse coefficients, the BSBL is employed. The proposed method can better exploit the representation capability of each class, thus benefiting the recognition performance. Based on the experimental results on the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR) dataset, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method is confirmed.
A New Extended-F Family: Properties and Applications to Lifetime Data
Authors: Khosa Saima K. , Afify Ahmed Z. , Ahmad Zubair , Zichuan Mi , Hussain Saddam , Iftikhar Anum
Published: August 2020

In this article, a new approach is used to introduce an additional parameter to a continuous class of distributions. The new class is referred to as a new extended-F family of distributions. The new extended-Weibull distribution, as a special submodel of this family, is discussed. General expressions for some mathematical properties of the proposed family are derived, and maximum likelihood estimators of the model parameters are obtained. Furthermore, a simulation study is provided to evaluate the validity of the maximum likelihood estimators. Finally, the flexibility of the proposed method is illustrated via two applications to real data, and the comparison is made with the Weibull and some of its well-known extensions such as Marshall–Olkin Weibull, alpha power-transformed Weibull, and Kumaraswamy Weibull distributions.
Optimal Cutoff Values for Anthropometric Adiposity Measures of Sri Lankan Adult Women
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka , Lekamwasam Sarath
Published: August 2020

Anthropometric adiposity measures (AAMs) such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) are used to evaluate obesity status. Country-specific cutoff values of AAMs would provide more accurate estimation of obesity prevalence. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the optimal cutoff values for AAMs, BMI, WC, hip circumference (HC), and WHR, of Sri Lankan adult women. The study was conducted in Galle, Sri Lanka, with 350 healthy community-dwelling middle-aged women aged 30–60 years, divided into two groups (Group A, n = 175 and Group B, n = 175). Total body fat percentage (TBFP) (kg) was measured with DXA. Body weight (kg), height (m), and WC and HC (cm) were measured. BMI (kg/m2) and WHR were calculated. Optimal cutoff values were determined by area under curve (AUC) in Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using TBFP as the criterion at the TBFP level of 33% and 35% using the women in Group A. Then, the prevalence of obesity was determined in Group B while comparing the prevalence based on the cutoff values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Asians and the newly developed cutoff values for Sri Lankan women. Optimal cutoff values of AAMs which correspond to TBFP 33% are BMI, 24.5 kg/m2; WC, 80 cm; HC, 95 cm; and WHR, 0.83. TBFP 35% corresponds to the optimal cutoff values of BMI, 25.0 kg/m2; WC, 85 cm; HC, 100 cm; and WHR, 0.83. Prevalence of obesity (number, %) according to the WHO and newly defined cutoff values that correspond to TBFP 33% and 35% were as follows: BMI = 83 (47.4%), 98 (56.0%), 83 (47.4%); WC = 106 (60.6%), 106 (60.6%), 72 (41.1%); and WHR = 140 (80.0%), 106 (60.6%), 106 (60.6%). The observed cutoff values of BMI and WC in this study were within the ranges of those described by the WHO for Asian populations which correspond to the 33% and 35% TBFP levels, respectively. However, the WHR cutoff value of WHO (Asians) is lower when compared to the newly determined value for Sri Lankan females while overestimating the prevalence. More studies are needed to confirm these values before clinical use.
Assessment of Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors Among Neonates in Butajira General Hospital, South Ethiopia, Cross Sectional Study, 2019
Authors: Toru Tigistu , Anmut Walellign
Published: August 2020

Background. Low birth weight is defined as when a newborn weighs less than 2,500 grams within an hour of birth. Globally, it has been known that around 15.5% of newborns were below the normal level of weight at their birth and 95% of these infants lived in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Butajira General Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed. All 196 paired study participants (newborn-mother) who were born on a one-month duration of the data collection period were included in the study. A pretested questionnaire was used to gather pertinent information about mother and newborn along with measuring newborn birth weight. Result. Majority of mothers 175 (92.1%) were aged between 20 and 34 years, and 186 (97.9%) were married. About 169 (88.9%) were protestant religion followers. This study showed that the magnitude of low birth weight among study participants was 12.5%, and factors such as maternal medical complication during pregnancy, maternal MUAC less than 23 cm, and birth interval less than 24 months were significantly associated with low birth. Conclusion. The study finding indicated that a significant number of newborns measured underweight which is below the normal level of weight at birth. The study identified factors such as maternal medical condition during pregnancy, maternal MUAC less than 23 cm, and birth interval less than 24 months. Based on study findings, we recommend health care officials, policymakers, key persons in the family, and volunteers to work on nutritional values particularly during pregnancy and before pregnancy. Spacing of birth is crucial to have healthy baby and healthy family even healthy society at large, so attention should be paid on family planning utilization.
Utilization and Predictors of Maternal Health Care Services among Women of Reproductive Age in Hawassa University Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site, South Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shudura Elsabet , Yoseph Amanuel , Tamiso Alemu
Published: August 2020

Background. Regular utilization of maternal health care services decreases maternal morbidity and mortality. However, major predictors that influence the utilization of the existing maternal health care services are complex and differ from place to place. Therefore, assessing these predictors assists health planners to prioritize promotion strategies and is a fundamental step for intervention. This study assessed the utilization and predictors of maternal health care services among women of the reproductive age in Hawassa Health and Demographic Surveillance System site, South Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 682 women of the reproductive age from January to February, in 2019. A two-stage stratified sampling method was utilized. Data were collected using a structured, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The variables were entered into the multivariable model using the backward stepwise regression approach. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with utilization of the maternal health care. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to assess the presence and strength of associations. Result. The overall utilization of ANC, institutional delivery, and PNC was 69.1, 52.1, and 32.7%, respectively. The odds of utilizing ANC were 4.72 times higher for women who have a formal education (AOR: 4.72, 95% CI = 2.82–7.90) as compared to those who have no formal education. The odds of utilizing institutional delivery were 5.96 times higher for women who had ANC follow-up (AOR: 5.96; 95% CI = 3.88–9.18) as compared to those who had no ANC follow-up. Presence of information about the PNC (AOR: 3.66; 95% CI = 2.18–6.14) and autonomy of a woman to make decision on health issues (AOR: 6.13, 95% CI = 3.86–9.73) were positively associated with utilization of PNC. Conclusion. The utilization of maternal health care services is far below the national target in the study area. Maternal and paternal education status, autonomy of the woman to make decision on the health issues, wealth status, and having a plan on the current pregnancy were major predictors of the maternal health care service utilization. Providing information and training about the model household to the women about maternal health care service utilization using various methods of health education should be considered.
Research and Verification of Convolutional Neural Network Lightweight in BCI
Authors: Xu Shipu , Li Runlong , Wang Yunsheng , Liu Yong , Hu Wenwen , Wu Yingjing , Zhang Chenxi , Liu Chang , Ma Chao
Published: August 2020

With the increasing of depth and complexity of the convolutional neural network, parameter dimensionality and volume of computing have greatly restricted its applications. Based on the SqueezeNet network structure, this study introduces a block convolution and uses channel shuffle between blocks to alleviate the information jam. The method is aimed at reducing the dimensionality of parameters of in an original network structure and improving the efficiency of network operation. The verification performance of the ORL dataset shows that the classification accuracy and convergence efficiency are not reduced or even slightly improved when the network parameters are reduced, which supports the validity of block convolution in structure lightweight. Moreover, using a classic CIFAR-10 dataset, this network decreases parameter dimensionality while accelerating computational processing, with excellent convergence stability and efficiency when the network accuracy is only reduced by 1.3%.
The Effects of a Recollection-Based Occupational Therapy Program of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim DeokJu
Published: August 2020

Considering the high socioeconomic costs related to the increasing number of dementia patients and their poor quality of life and that of their families, it is important to identify the condition early on and provide an appropriate intervention. This study organized a recollection-based occupational therapy program: a nonpharmacological intervention consisting of five categories of activities (physical, horticultural, musical, art, and instrumental activity of daily living; IADL) and applied it to those having a mild stage of Alzheimer’s disease. The experimental group participated in a total of 24 sessions––five times per week for one hour per session––while the control group took part in regular activities offered by the existing facilities. The experimental group presented improved cognitive functions, reduced depression, and enhanced quality of life; the two groups showed a statistically significant difference in every category. This study is meaningful in that it made a cognitive stimulation program concerning five different categories, implemented it for people suffering mild dementia, and confirmed positive outcomes. If a systemic version of the program is offered in dementia care facilities, it is expected to make a considerable contribution to the care of dementia patients.
Learning-Based Dark and Blurred Underwater Image Restoration
Authors: Xu Yifeng , Wang Huigang , Cooper Garth Douglas , Rong Shaowei , Sun Weitao
Published: August 2020

Underwater image processing is a difficult subtopic in the field of computer vision due to the complex underwater environment. Since the light is absorbed and scattered, underwater images have many distortions such as underexposure, blurriness, and color cast. The poor quality hinders subsequent processing such as image classification, object detection, or segmentation. In this paper, we propose a method to collect underwater image pairs by placing two tanks in front of the camera. Due to the high-quality training data, the proposed restoration algorithm based on deep learning achieves inspiring results for underwater images taken in a low-light environment. The proposed method solves two of the most challenging problems for underwater image: darkness and fuzziness. The experimental results show that the proposed method surpasses most other methods.
A Hybrid Event Trigger Mechanism and Time-Delay Partitioning Are Applied to Event-Driven Control Systems
Authors: Wang WanRu , Sun LianKun , Shen BinBin
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes an idea of using time-delay partitioning to construct a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) to analyse event-driven network control systems (NCSs) with the H∞ performance. Firstly, select a mixed event-driven mechanism, in which an adjustable absolute trigger mechanism is added to the trigger condition. Trigger term can be indicated to use a delay model. Secondly, a suitable LKF is created, which makes use of time-delay partitioning. Based on Wirtinger inequality and linear matrix inequalities (LMI), the close system with H∞ performance index level is global uniform ultimate bounded. Finally, a numerical simulation example proves the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Thermal Performance Evaluation of a Double Pipe Heat Exchanger Installed in a Biomass Gasification System
Authors: Nwokolo Nwabunwanne , Mukumba Patrick , Obileke KeChrist
Published: August 2020

Heat exchangers are widely used for heat recovery purposes in many industrial applications such as gasification systems. In a biomass gasification system situated at Melani village in Eastern Cape of South Africa, a significant quantity of heat energy is lost during syngas cooling. Thus, a heat exchanger was constructed and installed in the gasification system for the purpose of heat recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the heat exchanger under variable operating conditions for counterflow and parallel flow configurations. The experimental investigation was carried out on a double pipe heat exchanger as the downdraft gasifier system operated on a wood consumption rate of 180 kg/h. The heat exchanger was installed at the exit point of the syngas in the gasifier, and water served as the cooling fluid. Inlet and outlet temperatures of the hot syngas and cooling water (fluids) were measured using thermocouples at variable flow rates. Experimental data were processed using energy equations to determine vital performance parameters (overall heat transfer coefficient, effectiveness, and log mean temperature difference). The findings showed that optimum heat exchanger effectiveness of 0.55 was determined at a mass flow rate of 0.07 kg/s. In addition, counterflow configuration was found to be approximately 14% more effective than the parallel flow configuration. This is attributed to the relative direction of the fluids in the configurations of both flows. The study recommends that double pipe heat exchanger is suitable for recovering heat from the gasification system.
Door-Triggering Mechanism for Large-Scale Rapid-Decompression Experiments
Authors: Zhang Lei , Han Xiao , Zhang Xinbin , Yan Jihong
Published: August 2020

For large-scale rapid-decompression experiments, a new door-triggering mechanism is proposed for a 750 mm diameter pressure relief channel. Quick opening of the door is realized by utilizing a spring-based release mechanism to instantly convert large amounts of elastic potential energy into kinetic energy. To counteract the significant inertial effect of the high-speed door on the chamber, a flywheel-based cushioning mechanism is designed to absorb the kinetic energy of the door after opening. This carefully designed mechanism consists of the closing mechanism, energy storage unit, locking/releasing mechanism, and cushioning mechanism. Kinetic models are established to analyze the dynamic properties. Simulation results reveal that it takes approximately 280 ms for the door to open from 0° to 90°. This work can provide insights for the development of large-scale rapid-decompression equipment in the future.
Characteristics of Slovenian Adults in Community-Based Whole-Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Program
Authors: Jakše Boštjan , Jakše Barbara , Pinter Stanislav , Pajek Jernej , Mis Nataša Fidler
Published: August 2020

Objective. Adopting a plant-based diet (PBD) and lifestyle is healthy, sustainable, and increasingly popular, while also demanding. Individuals might face challenges to maintain this lifestyle. We aimed to determine the anthropometric values and lifestyle factors and motives of adults to adopt a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle by joining our ongoing, community-based, WFPB lifestyle program 0.5–10 years ago. Methods. We measured body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage status (BF%) using bioimpedance. Lifestyle status was obtained by standardized electronic questionnaires. For evaluating the motives for following strict PBD, the participants were asked to rank 8 different motives (i.e., 8: the most-, 1: the least important). Setting. A cross-sectional study in Slovenia. Participants. A total of 151 healthy adults with an average age of 39.6 years (SD: 12.5 years). Results. The participants had an average BMI of 23.9 kg/m2 (SD: 3.8 kg/m2) and an average BF% of 22.3% (SD: 7.3%), were physically very active, with an average Long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (L-IPAQ) score of 5541.2 metabolic equivalents (METs) min/week (SD: 4677.0 METs min/week), having good sleep quality, with an average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 2.7 (SD: 1.8), perceiving low stress, and with an average Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) score of 0.29 (SD: 0.1). We discovered no significant differences in lifestyle between participants who were involved in our WFPB lifestyle program for short, medium, or long periods of time. The motives for WFPB lifestyle included health benefits (score: 7.9/8), body mass management (6.3), eating to satiety (4.9), convenience (4.3), environmental concerns (4.1), affordability (3.7), animal ethics (3.6), and religious reasons (1.1). Conclusion. A WFPB lifestyle program for any length of time that includes an extensive support system provides favorable, long-term lifestyle changes.
Deep RetinaNet for Dynamic Left Ventricle Detection in Multiview Echocardiography Classification
Authors: Yang Meijun , Xiao Xiaoyan , Liu Zhi , Sun Longkun , Guo Wei , Cui Lizhen , Sun Dianmin , Zhang Pengfei , Yang Guang
Published: August 2020

Background. Currently, echocardiography has become an essential technology for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Accurate classification of apical two-chamber (A2C), apical three-chamber (A3C), and apical four-chamber (A4C) views and the precise detection of the left ventricle can significantly reduce the workload of clinicians and improve the reproducibility of left ventricle segmentation. In addition, left ventricle detection is significant for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the heart chambers. Method. RetinaNet is a one-stage object detection algorithm that can achieve high accuracy and efficiency at the same time. RetinaNet is mainly composed of the residual network (ResNet), the feature pyramid network (FPN), and two fully convolutional networks (FCNs); one FCN is for the classification task, and the other is for the border regression task. Results. In this paper, we use the classification subnetwork to classify A2C, A3C, and A4C images and use the regression subnetworks to detect the left ventricle simultaneously. We display not only the position of the left ventricle on the test image but also the view category on the image, which will facilitate the diagnosis. We used the mean intersection-over-union (mIOU) as an index to measure the performance of left ventricle detection and the accuracy as an index to measure the effect of the classification of the three different views. Our study shows that both classification and detection effects are noteworthy. The classification accuracy rates of A2C, A3C, and A4C are 1.000, 0.935, and 0.989, respectively. The mIOU values of A2C, A3C, and A4C are 0.858, 0.794, and 0.838, respectively.
Multiswarm Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization with Simulated Annealing for Extracting Multiple Tests
Authors: Bui Toan , Nguyen Tram , Huynh Huy M. , Vo Bay , Chun-Wei Lin Jerry , Hong Tzung-Pei
Published: August 2020

Education is mandatory, and much research has been invested in this sector. An important aspect of education is how to evaluate the learners’ progress. Multiple-choice tests are widely used for this purpose. The tests for learners in the same exam should come in equal difficulties for fair judgment. Thus, this requirement leads to the problem of generating tests with equal difficulties, which is also known as the specific case of generating tests with a single objective. However, in practice, multiple requirements (objectives) are enforced while making tests. For example, teachers may require the generated tests to have the same difficulty and the same test duration. In this paper, we propose the use of Multiswarm Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (MMPSO) for generatingktests with multiple objectives in a single run. Additionally, we also incorporate Simulated Annealing (SA) to improve the diversity of tests and the accuracy of solutions. The experimental results with various criteria show that our approaches are effective and efficient for the problem of generating multiple tests.
Parathyroid Hormone Reduction Predicts Transient Hypocalcemia after Total Thyroidectomy: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Mo Kangnan , Shang Jinbiao , Wang Kejing , Gu Jialei , Wang Peng , Nie Xilin , Wang Wendong
Published: August 2020

Objective. We performed this study to investigate the risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection (CLND). Study Design. This was a single-center prospective study based on 176 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Setting. Patients were recruited between January 2016 and June 2018. Subjects and Methods. Patients who underwent bilateral (n = 155, bilateral group) and ipsilateral CLND (n = 21) after total thyroidectomy were included. The preoperative and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels were detected. The risk factors for transient hypocalcemia were identified using logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results. Fifty-one (28.98%) patients developed transient hypocalcemia, and 2 patients (1.14%) developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. There was no difference in the gender ratio or the morbidity of hypocalcemia between the patients who underwent bilateral and ipsilateral CLND. On postoperative day 1, PTH decrease was a risk factor for transient hypocalcemia in the whole cohort (β = 0.043, OR = 1.044, 95% CI 1.023–1.065, p<0.001), bilateral group (β = 0.042, OR = 1.043, 95% CI 1.022–1.064, p<0.001), and female patients (β = 0.049, OR = 1.050, 95% CI 1.026–1.075, p<0.001). Tumor diameter was a risk factor for transient hypocalcemia in female patients (β = 0.499, OR = 1.647, 95% CI 1.003–2.704, p=0.049). The ROC curve analysis illustrated that 65.58%, 71.00%, and 71.00% PTH level reduction had high accuracy in predicting transient hypocalcemia in the whole cohort, bilateral group, and female patients, respectively (AUC = 0.986, 0.987, and 0.987). Conclusion. Asymptomatic female patients with bilateral CLND and a 71.00% PTH level reduction were at a high risk of transient hypocalcemia.
Classification of Task-State fMRI Data Based on Circle-EMD and Machine Learning
Authors: Gui Renzhou , Chen Tongjie , Nie Han
Published: August 2020

In the research work of the brain-computer interface and the function of human brain work, the state classification of multitask state fMRI data is a problem. The fMRI signal of the human brain is a nonstationary signal with many noise effects and interference. Based on the commonly used nonstationary signal analysis method, Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT), we propose an improved circle-EMD algorithm to suppress the end effect. The algorithm can extract different intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), decompose the fMRI data to filter out low frequency and other redundant noise signals, and more accurately reflect the true characteristics of the original signal. For the filtered fMRI signal, we use three existing different machine learning methods: logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and deep neural network (DNN) to achieve effective classification of different task states. The experiment compares the results of these machine learning methods and confirms that the deep neural network has the highest accuracy for task-state fMRI data classification and the effectiveness of the improved circle-EMD algorithm.
Chemosensing Test Paper Based on Aggregated Nanoparticles of a Barbituric Acid Derivative
Authors: Xu Jinzhen , Zhang Hanjun , Xu Zhen , Tao Furong , Cui Yuezhi , Yu William W.
Published: August 2020

The development of sensitive, cheap, and portable methods for detecting nitroaromatics explosives has a profound significance and value for public health and environmental protection. For this purpose, a new D-π-A barbituric acid derivative CB-CYH with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior was synthesized, which can interact with picric acid through photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicate that the enhanced emission of the compounds is related to the formation of nano-aggregates. It is well known that an important source of mechanochromic fluorescence (MCF) characteristic materials is the compound with AIE characteristics. The chemosensing test paper prepared by aggregated nanoparticles based on AIE properties is often subjected to external friction or squeeze during transportation or storage, resulting in changes of their optical properties, and destruction of test paper followed. Therefore, the development of compounds with AIE properties and stable optical properties in the presence of external stimuli is particularly important for chemosensing test paper. Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) shows that the presence of hydrophobic cycloalkyl group in CB-CYH, which caused the molecules to be closely interspersed with each other; hence, it is difficult to change the microstructure and stacking mode of molecules by external stimulation simultaneously; the optical properties are not changed by external stimuli. Therefore, the test paper based on the AIE effect of CB-CYH was developed as chemosensing test paper for the detection of nitroaromatics.
Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercises Evokes Longer Reductions on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Resistant Hypertension: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Pires Nayara Fraccari , Coelho-Júnior Helio José , Gambassi Bruno Bavaresco , de Faria Ana Paula Cabral , Ritter Alessandra Mileni Versuti , de Andrade Barboza Catarina , Ferreira-Melo Silvia Elaine , Rodrigues Bruno , Júnior Heitor Moreno
Published: August 2020

Aim. The present study compared the acute effects of aerobic (AER), resistance (RES), and combined (COM) exercises on blood pressure (BP) levels in people with resistant hypertension (RH) and nonresistant hypertension (NON-RH).Methods. Twenty patients (10 RH and 10 NON-RH) were recruited and randomly performed three exercise sessions and a control session. Ambulatory BP was monitored over 24 hours after each experimental session.Results. Significant reductions on ambulatory BP were found in people with RH after AER, RES, and COM sessions. Notably, ambulatory BP was reduced during awake-time and night-time periods after COM. On the other hand, the effects of AER were more prominent during awake periods, while RES caused greater reductions during the night-time period. In NON-RH, only RES acutely reduced systolic BP, while diastolic BP was reduced after all exercise sessions. However, the longest postexercise ambulatory hypotension was observed after AER (~11 h) in comparison to RES (~8 h) and COM (~4 h) exercises.Conclusion. Findings of the present study indicate that AER, RES, and COM exercises elicit systolic and diastolic postexercise ambulatory hypotension in RH patients. Notably, longer hypotension periods were observed after COM exercise. In addition, NON-RH and RH people showed different changes on BP after exercise sessions, suggesting that postexercise hypotension is influenced by the pathophysiological bases of hypertension.
Euler-Type Integral Operator Involving S-Function
Authors: Suthar D. L. , Hailay Teklay
Published: August 2020

The object of the present paper is to establish some interested theorems on Euler-type integrals involving S-function, which is defined by Saxena and Daiya. Further, we reduce some special cases involving various known functions like the k-Mittag-Leffler function, K-function, and M-series.
Geographically Weighted Multivariate Logistic Regression Model and Its Application
Authors: Fathurahman M. , Purhadi  , Sutikno  , Ratnasari Vita
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the geographically weighted multivariate logistic regression (GWMLR) model, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing procedures. The GWMLR model is an extension to the multivariate logistic regression (MLR) model, which has dependent variables that follow a multinomial distribution along with parameters associated with the spatial weighting at each location in the study area. The parameter estimation was done using the maximum likelihood estimation and Newton-Raphson methods, and the maximum likelihood ratio test was used for hypothesis testing of the parameters. The performance of the GWMLR model was evaluated using a real dataset and it was found to perform better than the MLR model.
An Inverse Problem Solution Scheme for Solving the Optimization Problem of Drug-Controlled Release from Multilaminated Devices
Authors: Zhang Xinming
Published: August 2020

The optimization problem of drug release based on the multilaminated drug-controlled release devices has been solved in this paper under the inverse problem solution scheme. From the viewpoint of inverse problem, the solution of optimization problem can be regarded as the solution problem of a Fredholm integral equation of first kind. The solution of the Fredholm integral equation of first kind is a well-known ill-posed problem. In order to solve the severe ill-posedness, a modified regularization method is presented based on the Tikhonov regularization method and the truncated singular value decomposition method. The convergence analysis of the modified regularization method is also given. The optimization results of the initial drug concentration distribution obtained by the modified regularization method demonstrate that the inverse problem solution scheme proposed in this paper has the advantages of the numerical accuracy and antinoise property.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Low Birth Weight among Term Newborns in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mehare Tsegaye , Sharew Yewbmirt
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Birth weight has emerged as the pointer of infant wellbeing and the fundamental focus of infant health policy. Low birth weight predisposes newborns to loads of health disarray like underweight, stunting, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, mental retardation, physical, and neurodevelopment problems which results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weights in term newborns.Objective. This study designed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight among term newborns in Dilla town, Southern Ethiopia.Materials and Methods. Institutional based cross-sectional study design was used on 472 term newborns. The study setting includes three health centers (Dilla, Wallemi, and Tumetecha) within Dilla town and Dilla University referral hospital from September 1, 2018, to January 30, 2019. The study subjects were mothers with term newborns delivered in the above institutions and those delivered at home and received care within the first 24 hours after delivery in the above health care settings.Results. A total of 161 (34.1%) of the term newborns were low birth weight. Divorced mothers, rural residents, maternal age <20 years old, unwanted and unintended pregnancy, no ANC follow-up, no dietary counsel, no foliate supplementation, and cigarette smoking have shown an association with low birth weight of neonates.Conclusions. Even though the method of sampling used in this study has its confines, the prevalence of low birth weight in this study was higher than the estimate in Ethiopia. Therefore, it is recommended that special attention should be given to pregnant mothers to get adequate rest, additional diet, and antenatal services available and accessible to all pregnant women.
Synergic Involvements of Microorganisms in the Biomedical Increase of Polyphenols and Flavonoids during the Fermentation of Ginger Juice
Authors: Kayath Christian Aimé , Ibala Zamba Armel , Mokémiabeka Saturnin Nicaise , Opa-Iloy Meddy , Elenga Wilson Paola Sandra , Kaya-Ongoto Moïse Doria , Mouellet Maboulou Rodd Jurah , Nguimbi Etienne
Published: August 2020

Steered fermentation by microorganisms gives great added value in the nutritional quality of local food. Ginger rhizome naturally contains a myriad of bioactive compounds including polyphenol and flavonoids. The aim of this work was to ferment the ginger juice, to evaluate the biochemical parameters of ginger wine, and to understand the involvement of microorganisms in the bioincrease of polyphenol compounds. Titratable acidity and pH values were determined and showed that pH is around 1.6 at the end of the fermentation when the acidity is around 6.431 g/L. Using colorimetric assay, the total polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds were evaluated throughout the fermentation. The variation of the polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations of the unsweetened sample was around 10.18 to 14.64 mg Eq AG/g and 1.394 to 2.224 mg Eq Cat/g Ms, but those from the sweet sample were around 10.82 to 18.34 mg Eq AG/g Ms and 1.311 to 2.290 mg Eq Cat/g. Using one-step PCR, multiplex techniques with specific primers, with yeast-like phenotype 27.27% (6), have been assigned among 22 isolates to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By using PCR multiplex techniques, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus safensis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been identified. Together with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we showed that Bacillus sp. are able to secrete enzymatic landscape with some activities up to 50% including cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and protease.