bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Drilling Process Parameters of Palmyra Based Composite
Authors: Mohan Kumar A. , Rajasekar R. , Manoj Kumar P. , Parameshwaran R. , Karthick Alagar , Mohanavel V. , Sakthi T. , Muhibbullah M.
Published: November 2021

The drilling process is the most essential in the final assembly of the mechanical parts. Natural fiber based composites replace traditional materials due to their advantages, such as strength to weight ratio, availability, and environmental hazards. In this work, an attempt has been made to find the minimum thrust force produced by the drill tool at specified drilling process parameters. The drilling process parameters used for the investigation are rotational speed, tool feed, and resins. The spindle speed and feed rate are selected with three levels. Three resin materials were used, namely, epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester. Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array was implemented. The result shows that the candlestick drill bit generated lesser thrust force at the specified drilling process parameters, followed by the twist and step cone drill bits.
Effects of Fire Compartmentation and Smoke Exhaust Measures on Smoke Spread Caused by Cable Fire in Utility Tunnel
Authors: Xin Li , Yuanyuan Zhang , Boyan Jia , Guowei Zhang , Li Zheng
Published: November 2021

Investigating the behavior of fire smoke in utility tunnel as well as smoke prevention and control measures are of vital significance for exhausting smoke from utility tunnel, realizing efficient firefighting and rescue, and guaranteeing the normal operation of cities. Taking utility tunnel as the research background, this paper builds a simulation calculation model for fire smoke prevention and control in the utility tunnel using PyroSim numerical simulation software and explores the rules of smoke spread under conditions such as building ceiling screen, changing fire compartmentation tightness, and adding smoke exhaust facilities. According to study results, before the tunnel was filled with smoke, ceiling screens lowered smoke spread rate, and smoke spread rate was inversely proportional to the ceiling screen height. When the fire door was opened, fire smoke spread to the adjacent fire compartment, and smoke spread rate was directly proportional to the fire door opening angle. Before the tunnel was filled up, mechanical smoke exhaust facilities significantly lowered the smoke spread rate by as much as 50%. When the entire tunnel was full of smoke, mechanical smoke exhaust facilities significantly reduced the smoke concentration in the utility tunnel; smoke layer temperature dropped by as much as 32°C, while visibility improved by as much as 66%. By studying smoke spread in utility tunnel, this paper aims to determine the optimal measures of preventing and controlling smoke spread in utility tunnel. This paper could also offer some reference for practical engineering applications in smoke prevention and control in utility tunnel.
Risk Decision‐Making Technology in Gas Reservoir Development at Sichuan Basin
Authors: Yu Guo , Li Haitao , Chen Yanru , Liu Linqing , Zhang Dongming
Published: November 2021

During the development of complex gas reservoirs, the risk decision‐making problem often emerges. Thus, the study on risk assessment is an important tool used to identify potential hazards and create appropriate avoidance measures accordingly. Based on the analysis of seven types of risk factors in gas reservoir development planning, this paper aims to clarify the logical relationship between the risk factors in the strategic planning of natural gas development. The comprehensive research on target risks in the gas reservoir development planning based on stochastic simulation was carried out. The “probability curve scanning method” was used to evaluate objective risk factors, while the decision‐making risk factors were evaluated using the “probability curve displacement method.” According to the realization probability and dispersion degree of the planned target combined with the risk grade evaluation matrix, the planning target evaluation risk grade was implemented. Moreover, the planning unit risk grade evaluation was obtained at different stages. Regarding the specific production capacity conditions in gas wells (horizontal and vertical wells) and gas reservoir water invasion, the probability method with Monte Carlo stochastic simulation was used to calculate the production and water invasion volumes. The established decision‐making risk technology for gas reservoir development, along with the associated supporting procedures, can be used to evaluate the risks of reservoir development planning, production, and water invasion.
Hermite–Hadamard-Type Inequalities for Generalized Convex Functions via the Caputo-Fabrizio Fractional Integral Operator
Authors: Zhang Dong , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Botmart Thongchai , Zahoor M. S. , Bano R.
Published: November 2021

Due to applications in almost every area of mathematics, the theory of convex and nonconvex functions becomes a hot area of research for many mathematicians. In the present research, we generalize the Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities for

p
,
h

-convex functions. Moreover, we establish some new inequalities via the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional integral operator for

p
,
h

-convex functions. Finally, the applications of our main findings are also given.
Antioxidant Effect of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Marseglia Lucia , Gitto Eloisa , Laschi Elisa , Giordano Maurizio , Romeo Carmelo , Cannavò Laura , Toni Anna Laura , Buonocore Giuseppe , Perrone Serafina
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Preterm infants are at risk of free radical‐mediated diseases from oxidative stress (OS) injury. Increased free radical generation has been demonstrated in preterm infants during the first seven days of life. Melatonin (MEL) is a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. In preterm neonates, melatonin deficiency has been reported. Exogenous melatonin administration appears a promising strategy in the treatment of neonatal morbidities in which OS has a leading role. Objective. The aim was to evaluate plasma MEL concentrations and OS biomarkers in preterm newborns after early administration of melatonin. Methods. A prospective, randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled pilot study was conducted from January 2019 to September 2020. Thirty‐six preterm newborns were enrolled. Starting from the first day of life, 21 received a single dose of oral melatonin 0.5 mg/kg once a day, in the morning (MEL group); 15 newborns received an equivalent dose of placebo (placebo group). Samples of 0.2 mL of plasma were collected at 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration. Plasma concentrations of melatonin, non‐protein‐bound iron (NPBI), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and F2‐isoprostanes (F2‐Isopr) were measured. Babies were clinically followed until discharge. Results. At 24 and 48 hours after MEL administration, the MEL concentrations were significantly higher in the MEL group than in the placebo group (52759.30 ± 63529.09 vs. 28.57 ± 46.24 pg/mL and 279397.6 ± 516344.2 vs. 38.50 ± 44.01 pg/mL, respectively). NPBI and AOPP did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups both at 24 and 48 hours. At 48 hours, the mean blood concentrations of F2‐Isopr were significantly lower in the MEL group than in the placebo group (36.48 ± 33.85 pg/mL vs. 89.97 ± 52.01 pg/mL). Conclusions. Early melatonin administration in preterm newborns reduces lipid peroxidation in the first days of life showing a potential role to protect high‐risk newborns. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with NCT04785183, Early Supplementation of Melatonin in Preterm Newborns: the Effects on Oxidative Stress.
Experimental Study on Seepage Characteristics of Fractured Rock Mass under Different Stress Conditions
Authors: Haifeng Ma , Fanfan Yao , Xin’gang Niu , Jia Guo , Yingming Li , Zhiqiang Yin , Chuanming Li
Published: November 2021

In order to obtain the mechanical behavior and permeability characteristics of coal under the coupling action of stress and seepage, permeability tests under different confining pressures in the process of deformation and destruction of briquette coal were carried out using the electrohydraulic servo system of rock mechanics. The stress-strain and permeability evolution curves of briquette coal during the whole deformation process were obtained. The mechanical behavior and permeability coefficient evolution response characteristics of briquette coal under stress-seepage coupling are well reflected. Research shows that stress-axial strain curve and the stress-circumferential strain curve have the same change trend, the hoop strain and axial strain effect on the permeability variation law of basic consistent, and the permeability coefficient with the increase of confining pressure and decreases, and the higher the confining pressure, the lower the permeability coefficient, the confining pressure increases rate under the same conditions, and the permeability coefficient corresponding to high confining pressure is far less than that corresponding to low confining pressure. The confining pressure influences the permeability of the briquette by affecting its dilatancy behavior. With the increase of the confining pressure, the permeability of the sample decreases, and the permeability coefficient decreases with the increase of the confining pressure at the initial stage, showing a logarithmic function. After failure, briquette samples show a power function change rule, and the greater the confining pressure is, the more obvious the permeability coefficient decreases.
Role of TLR5 in the Translocation and Dissemination of Commensal Bacteria in the Intestine after Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zhang Jian , Xu Tao , Zhang Cheng , Yu Wen-Qiao , Wei Tao , Zhang Bo , Chen Qi , Qiu Jun-Yu , Li Hai-Jun , Liang Ting-Bo
Published: November 2021

Enterogenous infection is a major cause of death during traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS). It has been reported that Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) plays an integral role in regulating mucosal immunity and intestinal homeostasis of the microbiota. However, the roles played by TLR5 on intestinal barrier maintenance and commensal bacterial translocation post-THS are poorly understood. In this research, we established THS models in wild-type (WT) and Tlr5−/− (genetically deficient in TLR5 expression) mice. We found that THS promoted bacterial translocation, while TLR5 deficiency played a protective role in preventing commensal bacteria dissemination after THS. Furthermore, intestinal microbiota analysis uncovered that TLR5 deficiency enhanced the mucosal biological barrier by decreasing RegIIIγ-mediated bactericidal activity against G+ anaerobic bacteria. We then sorted small intestinal TLR5+ lamina propria dendritic cells (LPDCs) and analyzed TH1 differentiation in the intestinal lamina propria and a coculture system consisting of LPDCs and naïve T cells. Although TLR5 deficiency attenuated the regulation of TH1 polarization by LPDCs, it conferred stability to the cells during THS. Moreover, retinoic acid (RA) released from TLR5+ LPDCs could play a key role in modulating TH1 polarization. We also found that gavage administration of RA alleviated bacterial translocation in THS-treated WT mice. In summary, we documented that TLR5 signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating RegIIIγ-induced killing of G+ anaerobic bacteria, and LPDCs mediated TH1 differentiation via RA. These processes prevent intestinal bacterial translocation and enterogenous infection after THS, suggesting that therapeutically targeting LPDCs or gut microbiota can interfere with bacterial translocation after THS.
Delayed Feedback Control of Hidden Chaos in the Unified Chaotic System between the Sprott C System and Yang System
Authors: Zhu Huijian , Li Lijie
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the influence of delayed feedback on the unified chaotic system from the Sprott C system and Yang system is studied. The Hopf bifurcation and dynamic behavior of the system are fully studied by using the central manifold theorem and bifurcation theory. The explicit formula, bifurcation direction, and stability of the periodic solution of bifurcation are given correspondingly. The Hopf bifurcation diagram and chaotic phenomenon are also analyzed by numerical simulation to prove the correctness of the theory. It shows that this delay control can only be applied to the hidden chaos with two stable equilibria.
A Method Based on Numerical Wind Field and Extreme Learning Machine for Typhoon Wind Speed Prediction of Wind Farm
Authors: Xu Hong , Wang Wan-Yu
Published: November 2021

Typhoon wind speed prediction is of great significance for it can help prevent wind farms from damages caused by frequent typhoon disasters in coastal areas. However, most researches on wind forecast are either for meteorological application or for normal weather. Therefore, this paper proposes a systematic method based on numerical wind field and extreme learning machine for typhoon wind speed prediction of wind farms. The proposed method mainly consists of three parts, IGA-YanMeng typhoon numerical simulation model, typhoon status prediction model, and wind speed simulation model based on an extreme learning machine. The IGA-YanMeng typhoon numerical simulation model can greatly enrich typhoon wind speed data according to historical typhoon parameters. The typhoon status prediction model can predict the status of typhoons studied in the next few hours. And wind speed simulation model simulates the average wind speed magnitude/direction at 10 m height of each turbine in the farm according to the predicted status. The end of this paper presents a case study on a wind farm located in Guangdong province that suffered from the super typhoon Mangkhut landed in 2018. The results verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Efficient and Secure Cross-Domain Sharing of Blockchain Electronic Medical Records Based on Edge Computing
Authors: Cheng Yage , Gong Bei , Jia ZhiJuan , Yang YanYan , He Yuchu , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: November 2021

In this article, we analysed the problems of electronic medical records (EMRs) and found that the EMRs generated by different hospitals for the same patient are mutually independent and duplication and data sharing are difficult among hospitals. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes an efficient and secure cross-domain sharing scheme of EMRs based on edge computing. The program allows the doctor to access the personal history EMRs through the patient’s authorization so that the doctor can understand the patient’s history of illness and, on this basis, generate a new medical record for the patient. Then, the doctor sends the EMRs to the edge server, and the server calculates the ciphertext and adds it to the patient’s personal medical record to complete the case update. Analysis shows that this solution can effectively prevent data tampering and forgery through blockchain and avoid privacy leakage problems in plaintext sharing by using searchable encryption and by relying on edge servers to solve nearby computing tasks and divert the computing capacity of cloud servers to improve efficiency. The security proof shows that the scheme satisfies the complex problem of the BDH assumption. Performance analysis shows that the scheme is feasible and efficient.
Application of Fuzzy Analytical Network Process and VIKOR Model in Foreign Trade Supplier Selection
Authors: Lin Tsung-Xian , Wang Xiao , Wu Zhong-huan , Chang Che-Chang
Published: November 2021

The technology in Taiwan’s panel industry is changing fast. However, after the financial tsunami and the increased price for raw materials, enterprises’ abilities to select suppliers and purchase have great influences on plan implementation. Therefore, with the prevailing issues of supply chain management, how to evaluate and select appropriate suppliers has become a very important topic for enterprises. Depending on customers’ needs, the requirements for suppliers vary from industry to industry. On this basis, this study summarizes and analyzes the literature on supplier selection to develop the supplier selection criteria, constructs the hierarchical network architecture by an expert interview, and proposes a complete supplier evaluation model by the fuzzy theory and network analysis. This study shows that the order of the important dimensions is as follows: performance evaluation, customer service, technology and competitiveness, cost benefits, and architecture, and the most important criterion is quality. Finally, the material suppliers of backlight modules in the panel industry are taken as the examples and ranked by VIKOR, based on their merits and demerits, to help related industries to understand their current advantages and disadvantages according to the selection results obtained by the fuzzy analytical network process and improve the gap between their actual situations and enterprises’ expectations and thus enhance their competitiveness.
Free Vibrations and Impact Resistance of a Functionally Graded Honeycomb Sandwich Plate
Authors: Zhang Jun-hua , Dong Bao-juan , He Bince , Sun Ying
Published: November 2021

The functionally graded honeycomb has the characteristic of light weight, low density, high impact resistance, noise reduction, and energy absorption as a kind of new composite inhomogeneous materials. It has the advantages of both functionally graded materials and honeycombs. In this paper, a functionally graded honeycomb sandwich plate with functionally graded distributed along the thickness of the plate is constructed. The equivalent elastic parameters of the functionally graded honeycomb core are given. Based on Reddy’s higher‐order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and Hamilton’s principle, the governing partial differential equation of motion is derived under four simply supported boundary conditions. The natural frequencies of the graded honeycomb sandwich plate are obtained by both the Navier method from the governing equation and the finite element model. The results obtained by the two methods are consistent. Based on this, the effects of parameters and graded on the natural frequencies of the functionally graded honeycomb sandwich plate are studied. Finally, the dynamic responses of the functionally graded honeycomb sandwich plate under low‐speed impacts are studied. The results obtained in this paper will provide a theoretical basis for further study of the complex dynamics of functionally graded honeycomb structures.
IL-18: The Forgotten Cytokine in Dengue Immunopathogenesis
Authors: Nanda Josephine Diony , Ho Tzong-Shiann , Satria Rahmat Dani , Jhan Ming-Kai , Wang Yung-Ting , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: November 2021

Dengue fever is an infection by the dengue virus (DENV) transmitted by vector mosquitoes. It causes many infections in tropical and subtropical countries every year, thus posing a severe disease threat. Cytokine storms, one condition where many proinflammatory cytokines are mass-produced, might lead to cellular dysfunction in tissue/organ failures and often facilitate severe dengue disease in patients. Interleukin- (IL-) 18, similar to IL-1β, is a proinflammatory cytokine produced during inflammation following inflammasome activation. Inflammatory stimuli, including microbial infections, damage signals, and cytokines, all induce the production of IL-18. High serum IL-18 is remarkably correlated with severely ill dengue patients; however, its possible roles have been less explored. Based on the clinical and basic findings, this review discusses the potential immunopathogenic role of IL-18 when it participates in DENV infection and dengue disease progression based on existing findings and related past studies.
Study on the Structure and Performance of an Antagonistic Pneumatic Bidirectional Rotary Joint
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Sun Guodong , Geng Dexu , Li Junye
Published: November 2021

An antagonistic pneumatic bidirectional rotary flexible joint was developed to improve both safety and environmental adaptability of service robots and associated human interactions. The joint comprises two semicircular rotary actuators with positive and negative symmetrical distributions and a pneumatic brake. As such, it achieves forward and reverse rotations, and its damping and braking are adjustable in real time, enabling it to maintain its position. According to the force/torque balance at the free end of the rotary actuator, the rotation angle static model was established. The relationship between the actuator rotation angle, driving torque, impedance torque, and air pressure was obtained experimentally. The brake airbag was manufactured using additive manufacturing and silicone gel casting technologies. The mathematical model of the braking torque was established next, and the model was verified through experiments. Furthermore, an experimental system was constructed to carry out the air pressure-angle, air pressure-torque, and speed response experiments without the load on the joint. The results have shown that the joint can achieve any position within ± 68.5° when the driving air pressure varies from 0 to 0.30 MPa; the time required to reach the maximum angle was 0.85 s. The joint has shown good adjustable damping characteristics. Lastly, the braking torque reached 4.21 Nm at 0.32 MPa, effectively maintaining the position.
Research and Implementation of Fast-LPRNet Algorithm for License Plate Recognition
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Jiang Yu , Liu Jiaxin , Gong Siyu , Yao Jian , Jiang Feng
Published: November 2021

The license plate recognition is an important part of the intelligent traffic management system, and the application of deep learning to the license plate recognition system can effectively improve the speed and accuracy of recognition. Aiming at the problems of traditional license plate recognition algorithms such as the low accuracy, slow speed, and the recognition rate being easily affected by the environment, a Convolutional Neural Network- (CNN-) based license plate recognition algorithm-Fast-LPRNet is proposed. This algorithm uses the nonsegment recognition method, removes the fully connected layer, and reduces the number of parameters. The algorithm—which has strong generalization ability, scalability, and robustness—performs license plate recognition on the FPGA hardware. Increaseing the depth of network on the basis of the Fast-LPRNet structure, the dataset of Chinese City Parking Dataset (CCPD) can be recognized with an accuracy beyond 90%. The experimental results show that the license plate recognition algorithm has high recognition accuracy, strong generalization ability, and good robustness.
Extent and Rate of Deforestation and Forest Degradation (1986–2016) in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Mutesi Fatuma , Tabuti John Robert Stephen , Mfitumukiza David
Published: November 2021

Understanding the extent of land cover change and the forces behind land cover changes is essential in designing appropriate restoration strategies. Land cover changes at local scales or the factors that lead to cover change have not been documented for much of Uganda. We undertook this study in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve (WBCFR) to fill this gap. We used remote sensing to determine land cover changes for a 30-year period, 1986–2016, and an interview survey to investigate the drivers of these changes. Our results show that the forest in this reserve has declined extensively by over 82% from 1,682 ha to 311 ha corresponding to an average change of −1.18% per year. The wetland has also been extensively degraded. Both the forest and wetland have transitioned into shrub land. The key drivers that have been highlighted by the survey are poverty (86%), population growth (56%), and associated harvesting of woody products (86%) for subsistence and income generation. We conclude that the forest in WBCFR has been extensively and rapidly deforested and degraded by humans.
Numerical Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam Seepage Characteristics Evolution considering the Calcium Leaching Effect
Authors: Zhang Kailai , Xu Liqun , Qiu Liting , Tan Jiacheng , Yang Chao , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2021

During the long‐term service life of hydraulic structures, the calcium compounds in cement‐based materials decompose in the aqueous environment, leading to the continuous change of seepage characteristics. To study the influence of calcium leaching on the concrete dam seepage characteristics, we proposed a new mathematic model of the cement‐based material calcium leaching model under advection‐diffusion‐driven leaching. A solid‐liquid nonequilibrium model is adopted to model the decomposition of calcium hydroxide (CH) and calcium silicate hydrate gel (C‐S‐H). To calculate the porosity more accurately, the proposed model takes the effect of different calcium compound decomposition on the porosity increase in consideration, respectively. Shimantan dam is selected for the three‐dimensional (3D) calcium leaching analyses. The 3D finite element model of this dam is analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics software that is based on the finite element method. Based on the proposed model, seepage characteristics evolutions of the Shimantan dam are studied. Good agreement between the numerical results and the monitored data indicates the accuracy of this simulation. The result shows that after 100 a leaching duration, the uplift pressure increases by 40.8%, and the leakage quantities of the dam body and foundation increase by 48 and 17 times. The rise of uplift pressure and leakage changes caused by curtain deterioration are the main influences of calcium leaching on the dam seepage. The parameter sensitivity results show that it is necessary to reduce CH content in cement‐based materials to obtain better calcium leaching durability. This model and simulation results can guide the operation of concrete dams under advection‐diffusion‐driven leaching.
High‐Performance Work System and Employee Counterproductive Work Behavior: The Perspective of Employee Perception
Authors: Peng Ling , Su Jiafu , Du Yupei , Li Muzi
Published: November 2021

Employee counterproductive work behavior (ECWB) in the workplace has caused serious harm to the organization, and its recessive occurrence creates difficulty for the organization to guard against it. This study aims to explore the influence of high‐performance work systems (HPWS) on the two sides of ECWB with employees and the internal influence path. It also aims to combine resource conservation and affective events theories to build an HPWS five‐level model. It provides human resource management measures for enterprises to reduce and prevent the ECWB effectively. This study adopts a quantitative analysis method to conduct a questionnaire survey among employees in 366 enterprises in China. The results show that HPWS has a significant two‐sided impact on ECWB. For employees with positive emotions, HPWS improved employee performance and inhibited ECWB. Meanwhile, for employees with negative emotions, HPWS reduces employees’ work input and increases employees’ counterproductive behaviors. For negative employees, the positive effect of HPWS is more significant than the negative effect of positive employees. In addition, organizational commitment has a moderating effect on the counterproductive behavior of negative employees. Therefore, when implementing HPWS, enterprises should consider the impact of both sides of HPWS on ECWB and adopt a more humane management method. In this study, a practical five‐level HPWS model is constructed, which complements the existing research model and provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for enterprises to scientifically and effectively promote employees to achieve high performance.
Tacrolimus as Single-Agent Immunotherapy and Minimal Manifestation Status in Nonthymoma Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Duan Weiwei , Peng Yuyao , Jin Wanlin , Ouyang Song , Yang Huan
Published: November 2021

Background. Tacrolimus is a second-line immunosuppressant in myasthenia gravis (MG) therapy, which is mainly used in combination with corticosteroids to reduce steroid dose and maintain the effect of immunotherapy. However, few studies have focused on the effect of tacrolimus as single-agent immunotherapy on achieving minimal manifestation status (MMS). Thus, this study is aimed at exploring the efficacy and influencing factors of tacrolimus as single-agent immunotherapy in MG. Methods. Clinical data of 75 nonthymoma MG patients treated with tacrolimus single-agent as initial immunotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America postintervention status. Clinical factors affecting the achievement of MMS and treatment reactivity of different MG subtypes were determined by Cox regression analysis. Results. Tacrolimus was generally safe, with only two patients (2.7%) switching medications due to side effects. 32% of patients had improved symptoms after 1 month of treatment. 69.2% of patients achieved MMS or better after one year. The

age
<
39

years old,

QMG
 
score
<
11

points, and

AChR
−
Ab
 
titer
<
8.07
 
nmol
/
L

were indicative of a favorable response, which was independent of gender, course of the disease. As for MG subtypes, ocular and seronegative MG showed better treatment sensitivity. Conclusions. Tacrolimus as single-agent immunotherapy takes effect quickly and can effectively enable nonthymoma MG patients to achieve MMS. Tacrolimus can be used alone for the initial immunotherapy of MG patients, especially for young, mild, and low antibody titer patients.
BK Polyomavirus Activates HSF1 Stimulating Human Kidney Hek293 Cell Proliferation
Authors: Baldelli Sara , Limongi Dolores , Coni Cristiana , Ciccarone Fabio , Ciotti Marco , Checconi Paola , Palamara Anna Teresa , Ciriolo Maria Rosa
Published: November 2021

Objectives. Some DNA viruses, such as BKPyV, are capable of inducing neoplastic transformation in human tissues through still unclear mechanisms. The goal of this study is to investigate the carcinogenic potential of BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) in human embryonic kidney 293 (Hek293) cells, dissecting the molecular mechanism that determines the neoplastic transformation. Materials and Methods. BKPyV, isolated from urine samples of infected patients, was used to infect monolayers of Hek293 cells. Subsequently, intracellular redox changes, GSH/GSSH concentration by HPLC, and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production were monitored. Moreover, to understand the signaling pathway underlying the neoplastic transformation, the redox‐sensitive HFS1‐Hsp27 molecular axis was examined using the flavonoid quercetin and polishort hairpin RNA technologies. Results. The data obtained show that while BKPyV replication is closely linked to the transcription factor p53, the increase in Hek293 cell proliferation is due to the activation of the signaling pathway mediated by HSF1‐Hsp27. In fact, its inhibition blocks viral replication and cell growth, respectively. Conclusions. The HSF1‐Hsp27 signaling pathway is involved in BKPyV infection and cellular replication and its activation, which could be involved in cell transformation.
A Lightweight Proxy Re-Encryption Approach with Certificate-Based and Incremental Cryptography for Fog-Enabled E-Healthcare
Authors: Hassan Junaid , Shehzad Danish , Ullah Insaf , Algarni Fahad , Aftab Muhammad Umar , Asghar Khan Muhammad , Uddin M. Irfan
Published: November 2021

Cloud computing aims to provide reliable, customized, and quality of service (QoS) guaranteed dynamic computing environments for end-users. However, there are applications such as e-health and emergency response monitoring that require quick response and low latency. Delays caused by transferring data over the cloud can seriously affect the performance and reliability of real-time applications. Before outsourcing e-health care data to the cloud, the user needs to perform encryption on these sensitive data to ensure its confidentiality. Conventionally, any modification to the user data requires encrypting the entire data and calculating the hash of the data from scratch. This data modification mechanism increases communication and computation costs over the cloud. The distributed environment of fog computing is used to overcome the limitations of cloud computing. This paper proposed a certificate-based incremental proxy re-encryption scheme (CB-PReS) for e-health data sharing in fog computing. The proposed scheme improves the file modification operations, i.e., updation, deletion, and insertion. The proposed scheme is tested on the iFogSim simulator. The iFogSim simulator facilitates the development of models for fog and IoT environments, and it also measures the impact of resource management techniques regarding network congestion and latency. Experiments depict that the proposed scheme is better than the existing schemes based on expensive bilinear pairing and elliptic curve techniques. The proposed scheme shows significant improvement in key generation and file modification time.
A Content Analysis and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Classcraft on Gamification Learning Experiences in terms of Learning Achievement and Motivation
Authors: Zhang Qi , Yu Liheng , Yu Zhonggen
Published: November 2021

Classcraft has become an attractive gamification choice that turns classes into motivating and joyful role-playing experiences. Based on the content analysis and meta-analysis, this study aims to investigate the efficiency of Classcraft in terms of optimal gamification learning experiences associated with learning achievement and motivation. After the identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion processes, we have found that learning achievement and motivation are significant factors conducive to optimal gamification learning. The meta-analysis based on STATA 15 has demonstrated that gamification platforms including Classcraft can similarly enhance learning achievement (d = 0.621, z = 5.846, 95% CI [0.413, 0.829]) and motivation (d = 0.608, z = 6.167, 95% CI [0.415, 0801]), suggesting that gamification platforms including Classcraft can create optimal learning experiences. Another content analysis has revealed that Classcraft involving gamified reward mechanics, interactive settings, and collaborative tasks can fulfil the conditions of optimal gamification learning experiences. The main conclusion is that Classcraft can efficiently create optimal gamification learning processes that can positively influence learning achievement and motivation. We have also discussed the potential reasons for the positive effects of gamification on learning achievement and motivation. Game implementation can reflect learners’ preference for well-being based on continuity, interaction, and openness.
Starlikeness of Normalized Bessel Functions with Symmetric Points
Authors: Nazir Maryam , Bukhari Syed Zakar Hussain , Ahmad Imtiaz , Ashfaq Muhammad , Raza Malik Ali
Published: November 2021

Bessel functions are related with the known Bessel differential equation. In this paper, we determine the radius of starlikeness for starlike functions with symmetric points involving Bessel functions of the first kind for some kinds of normalized conditions. Our prime tool in these investigations is the Mittag-Leffler representation of Bessel functions of the first kind.
miR-183-5p Aggravates Breast Cancer Development via Mediation of RGS2
Authors: Wu Chihua , Tuo Youlin , Hu Gang , Luo Jing
Published: November 2021

This study mainly explores how miR-183-5p pertains to breast cancer (BC) development. Functional assays were employed to test impacts of miR-183-5p in this cancer. Targeting between RGS2 and miR-183-5p was examined with dual-luciferase assay, and how their interaction pertains to cancer progression was further unraveled. miR-183-5p level was noticeably high in cancer tissue/cells. Overexpressing miR-183-5p could remarkably deteriorate cancer progression. The regulatory gene RGS2 levels was markedly low in BC, and two genes we researched were negatively correlated. It was uncovered by rescue assay that miR-183-5p/RGS2 axis mediated tumor-relevant behaviors in BC. Altogether, miR-183-5p aggravates BC development via mediation of RGS2. miR-183-5p supplies a promising target for BC therapy.
LDH and GGT/ALT Ratio as Novel Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Zhang Qi , Jiao Xingyuan
Published: November 2021

Background. Liver inflammation indices reflect its inflammatory microenvironment, which may play a role in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of carcinoma. This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic significance of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplant (LT). Methods. We retrospectively analyzed data from 155 patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma who received LT between January 2013 and September 2017. We used receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves to determine the optimal LDH and GGT/ALT ratio cut-off values. The Kaplan–Meier method and the logarithmic rank test were used to compare the survival curves without recurrence (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with survival. Results. Serum LDH levels were significantly associated with the Child-Pugh score (

P
=
0.037

), largest tumor size (<50 vs. ≥50 mm) (

P
=
0.017

), tumor count (<3 vs. ≥3) (

P
=
0.009

), microvascular invasion (

P
=
0.006

), and the Milan criteria (

P
≤
0.001

). The serum GGT/ALT ratio was significantly correlated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (of <400 vs. ≥400 ng/ml) (

P
≤
0.001

), largest tumor size (of <50 vs. ≥50 mm) (

P
≤
0.001

), the Edmondson grade (I-II vs. III-IV) (

P
=
0.028

), microvascular invasion (

P
≤
0.001

), and the Milan (

P
=
0.002

) and Hangzhou criteria (

P
=
0.018

). The survival curves showed that the patients with high LDH and the GGT/ALT ratio were associated with poor RFS and OS (

P
<
0.05

). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that AFP levels of ≥400 ng/ml, largest tumor size of ≥50 mm, microvascular invasion, LDH levels of ≥213.5 U/l, and the GGT/ALT ratio of ≥3.1338 were factors independently associated with RFS. Conclusion. Elevated LDH levels and the GGT/ALT ratio before LT were associated with poor OS and RFS in the present study. These factors could be used in the prognostication of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing LT.
Hysteretic Behavior of Specimens of Circular Concrete‐Filled CFRP‐Steel Tubular Beam‐Column
Authors: Qing-li Wang , LingFeng Yu , Kuan Peng
Published: November 2021

To study the difference in hysteretic behavior of specimens of circular concrete‐filled CFRP‐steel tube under different influencing factors, 12 specimens were designed, and their failure modes and P‐Δ curves were studied. ABAQUS was used to simulate the specimens’ P‐Δ curves and deformation mode. Based upon the simulation results, the stress distribution of all of the specimens’ component materials and the interaction between the steel tube and concrete was analyzed throughout the entire loading process, and the trilinear model, the restoring force model of circular concrete‐filled CFRP‐steel tube, was proposed. All of the specimens’ P‐Δ curves were full and demonstrated excellent hysteretic behavior. The specimens’ P‐Δ curves, the skeleton curves, and deformation mode were simulated by the ABAQUS, and the simulation results agreed well with the experimental results. Further, the results of the restoring force model built based upon the trilinear model agreed well with the finite element simulation results.
Endovascular Thrombectomy Versus Medical Therapy Alone in Patients With Large Core Based on Computed Tomography Perfusion
Authors: Aghaebrahim Amin N. , Desai Shashvat M. , Monteiro Andre , Cortez Gustavo M. , Granja Manuel F. , Agnoletto Guilherme J. , Gonsales Douglas , Legault Catherine , Powers Ciarán , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Sauvageau Eric , Albers Gregory W. , Jovin Tudor , Hanel Ricardo
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients presenting with large vessel occlusion and a large ischemic core (>50 mL) have been consistently undersampled in the major endovascular thrombectomy (ET) trials. As such, equipoise exists as to whether ET is associated with improved outcomes over medical therapy alone in this population.

Methods

Prospectively collected databases from 4 US centers were reviewed to identify patients with baseline ischemic cores >50 mL based on computed tomography perfusion imaging using RAPID software (iSchemaView), who were treated with ET or medical therapy alone between January 2014 and October 2019. Baseline characteristics, procedural information, and clinical follow‐up data were collected. A matched‐control comparison of these patients was performed.

Results

A total of 167 patients were included, of whom 92 received medical therapy alone and 75 underwent ET. Seventy‐five pairs were obtained after matching for baseline ischemic core volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and age. Rate of 90‐day good outcome was significantly higher in the ET arm (28.4% versus 4.9%,
P
=0.002). In univariate analysis of ET patients, the rate of good outcome was significantly higher among patients treated within <6 hours compared with ≥6 hours (44.2% versus 17.4%,
P
=0.02). Predictors of good outcome included age (
P
=0.008), ischemic core volume (
P
=0.01), and time from last known well to groin puncture (
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

ET was associated with improved outcomes in patients with large ischemic core based on computed tomography perfusion. This association was more pronounced in patients who present early (<6 hours from last seen well) with an adequate target mismatch. These results may guide the practice until data from ongoing randomized trials become available.
Interlocution on the Imperative of Understanding: Gadamer’s Philosophical Hermeneutics and Cheng’s Onto-Hermeneutics
Authors: Ng On-cho
Published: November 2021

The essay imagines a dialogic interlocution that features the points of convergence and divergence between Hans-Georg Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics and Chung-ying Cheng’s onto-hermeneutics, taking note of the fact the latter is an ongoing response to and revision of the former, to the extent it seeks to construct a theory of reading that takes into account both the phenomenological and ontological dimensions of interpretation and understanding. The essay furthers identifies Cheng’s theory as a Eurotropic construct that sensitively represents the Chinese philosophical worldview while strategically employing appropriate western analytical apparatuses.
How Readers Construct New Testament Characters: The Calling of Peter in the Gospels in Cognitive-Narratological Perspective
Authors: Bennema Cornelis
Published: November 2021

The discipline of cognitive narratology applies insights of cognitive linguistics to narrative analysis. This study seeks to demonstrate the value of cognitive narratology by exploring the role of the reader and the extent of the reader’s knowledge in constructing characters. While traditional narrative criticism often limits itself to the world of the text, cognitive narratology recognizes that the reader’s knowledge from other texts and the real world also contributes to the construction of characters. This study will show that the extent of the reader’s literary and social knowledge of a text affects the construction of characters. As a case study, we will examine the calling of Peter in the canonical Gospels and show how four readers with varying degrees of knowledge will arrive at different constructions of Peter’s character.
Towards a Blending-Based Approach to Early Christian Characters: Nicodemus as a Test Case
Authors: Whitenton Michael R.
Published: November 2021

This article presents a blending-based approach to characters in early Christian narratives. Even cognitive approaches to complex characters (including my previous work) tend to frame character development as a primarily linear unidirectional process. However, the human mind integrates incoming information through processes that are more recursive than linear and more synergistic than summative. I propose that Cognitive Blending Theory, pioneered by Gilles Fauconnier & Mark Turner, provides a heuristic approach that better accounts for the complexity of cognitive information processing. First, I articulate a blending-based approach to ancient characters. Next, I show the validity of such an approach by modeling the blends for each of Nicodemus’s appearances in John’s gospel, focusing on the novel insights only available through blending. As will become apparent, these blends are interrelated, building upon and challenging one another on the path toward a complete characterization of “Nicodemus” across John’s gospel. I conclude with brief reflections on the future prospects of blending-based character studies.
Potential and Actual Cognitive-Emotional Engagement with Characters: A Response to Michael Whitenton and Bonnie Howe & Eve Sweetser
Authors: Schneider Ralf
Published: November 2021

This article addresses the contributions by Michael Whitenton, and Bonnie Howe and Eve Sweetser, in the present volume. I endorse all three contributors’ use of cognitive-linguistic approaches, highlighting their helpfulness for the reconstruction of frames that shape the reading experience of audiences located in different historical and cultural contexts. The two chapters meticulously trace the complexity and dynamics of understanding exemplary biblical characters. I emphasise that the level of attention to linguistic detail displayed by cognitive stylistics is a desideratum for a reader-oriented analysis of a text’s potential reading effects. At the same time, I question some assumptions in cognitive linguistics concerning the cognitive-emotional processes real readers are actually likely to perform. The two chapters serve as a starting point for me to discuss general tendencies in recent cognitive and empirical literary studies, which have perhaps overstated the intensity and impact of some processes, while overlooking others that may be just as important.
How Audience Members Envision New Testament Characters: Mental Character Models, Blending, and the Reception of Luke 1:5–2:52
Authors: Hartvigsen Kirsten Marie
Published: November 2021

In the Gospel of Luke 1–2, the narrator focuses on two couples and their (future) sons. The plot of the narrative emphasizes the main characteristics of the characters, which in turn accentuate important characteristics of God. Audience members construct these characters like real-life persons based on the discourse aspect (textual features which indicate character traits, plots, focalization, etc.) and the suggestion aspect (memories, emotions, schemata that are activated or primed, etc.). In this article, the construction of characters is analyzed with insights into mental character models and social schemata. The linear presentation of information in orally performed narratives structures the first part of the analysis. The latter part draws on conceptual blending theory to explore how the character of God is constructed based on selected information projected from the utterances of the other characters to the blended space.
Dramatis Personae in the Acts of Peter: Character Identification and the Conveyance of Ethical Values
Authors: Kraus Thomas J.
Published: November 2021

The Roman senator Marcellus plays a prominent role among the considerable number of characters mentioned in the apocryphal Acts of Peter. He was very important for the Christian community, and his house was a central meeting place for widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor, before it became the residence of Simon Magus and his followers. By applying a specific approach of cognitive narratology and by taking serious an active participation of readers in analyzing a character more closely, this study intends to analyze the extent to which such an approach might help to perceive and understand Marcellus more appropriately and to highlight his function within the story and his impact on readers.