bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parameter Optimization of Graded Macadam Transitional Layer for Inverted Asphalt Pavement Based on the Mechanical Response and Strength Standard
Authors: Zhang Chen , Lei Yong
Published: June 2021

To improve the durability of asphalt pavement with heavy traffic conditions in cold regions, the parameter optimization of graded macadam transitional layer (GMTL) for the inverted asphalt pavement based on the mechanical response and the strength standard was studied. The stress distribution laws of GMTL were studied with different loads by means of BISAR3.0. The influences of the thickness and the modulus of GMTL on the pavement stress were analyzed. The optimal thickness and the modulus range of the GMTL were determined. Combined with a self‐developing real‐time data acquisition and a processing system for aggregate attitude (RDAPS), the strength control standard of the GMTL was established. Finally, the performance of the optimized inverted asphalt pavement structure was verified through the MEPDG design method. The results show that the tensile stress at the bottom of the surface layer reduced by about 58%, and the shear stress in GMTL increased by about 17% when the modulus of GMTL increases from 300 MPa to 800 MPa. However, the change in modulus has no significant influence on the maximum shear stress in the asphalt surface layer and the tensile stress in the base layer bottom. When the thickness of GMTL increases from 12 cm to 20 cm, the tensile stress in the bottom of the base layer reduced by about 31%. Based on the mechanical results from simulation calculation and the technical indicator required in the field, the recommended optimal parameters of GMTL are the modulus of 700 MPa and the thickness of 18 cm. In addition, the spatial attitude angle ΦN of wireless intelligent attitude aggregate (WIAA), the compressive strength Rc standard, and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) standard were analyzed, and the strength control standard of inverted asphalt pavement with GMTL was proposed, namely, CBR ≥ 354%, Rc ≥ 1.06 MPa, and ΦN ≤ 3°. A significant improvement in the resistance to crack can be seen in the inverted asphalt pavement when the optimized structure was applied. Taking the 20‐year service life as an example, the top‐down cracks reduced by 29.3% and the bottom‐up cracks reduced by 32.6% in comparison to the original structure. The recommended structural parameters of GMTL could be used to guide the construction and design of inverted asphalt pavement in cold regions.
Rejection Sampling Revisit: How to Choose Parameters in Lattice-Based Signature
Authors: Zheng Zhongxiang , Wang Anyu , Qin Lingyue
Published: June 2021

Rejection sampling technology is a core tool in the design of lattice-based signatures with ‘Fiat–Shamir with Aborts’ structure, and it is related to signing efficiency and signature, size as well as security. In the rejection sampling theorem proposed by Lyubashevsky, the masking vector of rejection sampling is chosen from discrete Gaussian distribution. However, in practical designs, the masking vector is more likely to be chosen from bounded uniform distribution due to better efficiency and simpler implementation. Besides, as one of the third-round candidate signatures in the NIST postquantum cryptography standardization process, the 3rd round version of CRYSTALS-Dilithium has proposed a new method to decrease the rejection probability in order to achieve better efficiency and smaller signature size by decreasing the number of nonzero coefficients of the challenge polynomial according to the security levels. However, it is seen that small entropies in this new method may lead to higher risk of forgery attack compared with former schemes proposed in its 2nd version. Thus, in this paper, we first analyze the complexity of forgery attack for small entropies and then introduce a new method to decrease the rejection probability without loss of security including the security against forgery attack. This method is achieved by introducing a new rejection sampling theorem with tighter bound by utilizing Rényi divergence where masking vector follows uniform distribution. By observing large gaps between the security claim and actual security bound in CRYSTALS-Dilithium, we propose two series of adapted parameters for CRYSTALS-Dilithium. The first set can improve the efficiency of the signing process in CRYSTALS-Dilithium by factors of

61.7
%
 and 
41.7
%

, according to the security levels, and ensure the security against known attacks, including forgery attack. And, the second set can reduce the signature size by a factor of

14.09
%

with small improvements in efficiency at the same security level.
Development and Validation of a Postoperative Delirium Prediction Model for Elderly Orthopedic Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Lei , Qi Ying , Chen Guangjian , Zhou Juan , Zhu Huihui , Hao Yingxin
Published: June 2021

We developed a prediction model for delirium in elderly patients in the intensive care unit who underwent orthopedic surgery and then temporally validated its predictive power in the same hospital. In the development stage, we designed a prospective cohort study, and 319 consecutive patients aged over 65 years from January 2018 to December 2019 were screened. Demographic characteristics and clinical variables were evaluated, and a final prediction model was developed using the multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the validation stage, 108 patients were included for temporal validation between January 2020 and June 2020. The effectiveness of the model was evaluated through discrimination and calibration. As a result, the prediction model contains seven risk factors (age, anesthesia method, score of mini-mental state examination, hypoxia, major hemorrhage, level of interleukin-6, and company of family members), which had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.76–0.88) and was stable after bootstrapping. The temporal validation resulted in an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.67–0.93). Our prediction model had excellent discrimination power in predicting postoperative delirium in elderly patients and could assist intensive care physicians with early prevention.
A Quantized Hill’s Dynamical System
Authors: Abouelmagd Elbaz I. , Kalantonis Vassilis S. , Perdiou Angela E.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a modified version of Hill’s dynamical system that is called the quantized Hill’s three-body problem in the sense that the equations of motion for the classical Hill’s problem are now derived under the effects of quantum corrections. To do so, the position variables and the parameters that correspond to the quantum corrections of the respective quantized three-body problem are scaled appropriately, and then by taking the limit when the parameter of mass ratio tends to zero, we obtain the relevant equations of motion for the spatial quantized Hill’s problem. Furthermore, the Hamiltonian formula and related equations of motion are also derived.
Influencing Factors of Cross-Border E-Commerce Consumer Purchase Intention Based on Wireless Network and Machine Learning
Authors: Lu Chun-Wei , Lin Gu-Hong , Wu Tzu-Jung , Hu I-Hsiang , Chang Yuan-Chieh
Published: June 2021

In recent years, with the continuous development of Internet technology and the deepening of economic globalization, cross-border e-commerce has become a new international trade model and an important growth point of foreign trade. With the popularity of international trade, domestic consumers have a deeper understanding of foreign products and brands and willingness to purchase, but at this stage, cross-border e-commerce transactions are not as close to domestic online shopping, and a few have business opportunities. PortUnity is the first among overseas consumers and some avant-garde consumers with a sense of consumption. Most people have not yet reached real cross-border e-commerce, so cross-border e-commerce has broad development potential on a global scale. As a high-tech field, cross-border e-commerce has few relevant theories and literature. Therefore, this article aims to explore the influencing factors of consumer purchase intention of cross-border e-commerce based on a wireless network and machine learning and to provide decision support for the management and operation of e-commerce in order to promote the better development of cross-border e-commerce. This article analyzes the influencing factors of consumers' intention in cross-border e-commerce shopping by combining literature research and empirical research. With the support of wireless networks and machine learning, perceptual-based ease of use and perceived usefulness of the original TAM, the individual influencing factors of cross-border e-commerce consumers' purchase intention and e-commerce platform factors are summarized according to the characteristics and technology acceptance model of cross-border e-commerce. In this questionnaire survey, the author fully explored the survey value of each respondent, and all the 100 questionnaires were successfully recovered, with a 100% utilization rate of data. The research results of this article show that in addition to the originally perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, consumers' income level, education level, age, gender, service, safety index and price of cross-border e-commerce platform, and other factors also affect the cross-border consumption frequency of consumers.
Successful Treatment of Recalcitrant Granuloma Gluteale Infantum with Topical Tacrolimus 0.03% Ointment
Authors: Leung Alexander K. C. , Leong Kin Fon , Lam Joseph M.
Published: June 2021

Granuloma gluteale infantum is a rare complication of irritant contact dermatitis. For the treatment of granuloma gluteale infantum, the diaper area should be kept clean and dry and the source of skin irritation should be removed or mitigated. For those infants who fail to respond to the conservative management, the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors should be considered. We report the successful treatment of a 12-month-old infant with recalcitrant granuloma gluteale infantum with the use of topical tacrolimus 0.03% ointment. To our knowledge, this is the second case reporting the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors in the treatment of recalcitrant granuloma gluteale infantum.
Independencia del Banco Central
Authors: García Carlos
Published: June 2021

La defensa sobre la independencia del Banco Central ha estado rodeada de afirmaciones que están lejos de corresponder a un análisis desapasionado, más bien es una defensa cerrada a la autonomía existente, como si la única alternativa a esta fuera volver a una entidad supeditada a las necesidades de financiamiento del Gobierno. Debemos recordar que, en su génesis, a finales del régimen militar, 30 años atrás, se enfrentaron los economistas del oficialismo y los de oposición de ese entonces para discutir sobre el tema. Continuar leyendo...
Structural and Functional Aspects of Social Relationships and Episodic Memory: Between-Person and Within-Person Associations in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Hülür Gizem
Published: June 2021

Objectives: A growing body of research has documented associations between social relationships and cognitive function, while findings are less clear regarding specific aspects of social relationships that are relevant to change in cognitive function. Furthermore, it is unclear whether associations differ at the between-person and within-person levels. Method: The present study used 8-year longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to examine the role of structural (partnered/married, number of social network partners, and contact frequency) as well as functional (support, strain, and loneliness) aspects of social relationships for episodic memory at the between-person and within-person levels. Analyses are based on up to 3 waves of data from 19,297 participants (mean age at baseline = 66 years, SD = 10, range = 50–104; 58% women). Control variables include age at baseline, gender, education, functional health, and depressive symptoms. Results: Findings showed that at the between-person level, most structural and functional aspects were related to levels of memory performance, with participants with higher numbers of social network members, more frequent contact, and more positive experiences outperforming others. An exception was a higher number of family (child or relative) relationships. At the within-person level, on occasions where participants had a higher number of close family relationships than usual, had more social contact than usual, and felt less lonely than usual, they also showed higher than usual episodic memory performance. Finally, negative effects of social strain and loneliness on episodic memory performance at the between-person level were moderated by social network size, indicating that effects were more negative among individuals with larger social networks. Discussion: Both structural and functional aspects of social relationships contribute to between-person differences in levels and fluctuations of episodic memory performance. Ups and downs of relationships to relatives, social contact, and feelings of loneliness contribute to ups and downs of episodic memory. Potential mechanisms underlying these associations are discussed.
Diffuse Facial Hyperpigmentation as a Presenting Sign of Lupus Erythematosus: Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Azrielant Shir , Ellenbogen Eran , Peled Alon , Zemser-Werner Valentina , Samuelov Liat , Sprecher Eli , Pavlovsky Mor
Published: June 2021

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disorder commonly affecting the skin; cutaneous lesions may indicate systemic involvement, warranting further evaluation. Photosensitivity, which may result in hyperpigmentation, is a well-known feature of the disease. In contrast, the prevalence of primary hyperpigmentation as a presenting sign of LE is not well established. Here, we compare 3 unique cases of diffuse facial hyperpigmentation as the primary manifestation of LE (cutaneous or systemic) and review previously reported cases. Our data highlight the need for considering LE in the differential diagnosis of facial hyperpigmentation and substantiate the importance of this unique lupus variant in early diagnosis and patient evaluation.
Anal Cancer with Atypical Brain and Cranial Bones Metastasis: About 2 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Chihabeddine Meryeme , Naim Asmaa , Habi Jihane , Kassimi Mariam , Mahi Mohamed , Kouhen Fadila
Published: June 2021

Canal anal cancer is a rare tumor that accounts for 2% of all colorectal neoplasms, with a low propensity for metastasis. The spread of anal squamous cell carcinoma to the brain is exceedingly rare and has been previously reported only 5 times in the medical literature. However, the first and only case of cranial bone metastasis from anal canal carcinoma was described in 2019. The purpose of this article is to add our cases to the limited literature for the management of metastatic anal cancer. The current study presents 2 cases of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal how underwent chemo and radiotherapy. Despite the treatment our patients developed neurological symptoms, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed brain lesions for the first case, and cranial bones metastasis for the second one, histopathology confirmed these lesions to be a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, consistent with the known primary tumor of the anal canal. Unfortunately, both patients succumbed quickly to systemic complications of the disease during these treatments. Despite its rarity, brain metastasis should be considered in any patient with a history of anal cancer presented neurological symptoms.
Validation of Tokyo Guidelines 2007 and Tokyo Guidelines 2013/2018 Criteria for Acute Cholangitis and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Mohan Ramkumar , Wei Lynn Goh Stefanie , Tan Guan Wei , Tan Yen Pin , Junnarkar Sameer P. , Huey Cheong Wei Terence , Low Jee Keem , Shelat Vishal G.
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute cholangitis (AC) is a common emergency with a significant mortality risk. The Tokyo Guidelines (TG) provide recommendations for diagnosis, severity stratification, and management of AC. However, validation of the TG remains poor. This study aims to validate TG07, TG13, and TG18 criteria and identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with AC. Methods: This is a retrospective audit of patients with a discharge diagnosis of AC in the year 2016. Demographic, clinical, investigation, management and mortality data were documented. We performed a multinomial logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable selection to identify severity predictors for in-hospital mortality. Results: Two hundred sixty-two patients with a median age of 75.9 years (IQR 64.8–82.8) years were included for analysis. TG13/TG18 diagnostic criteria were more sensitive than TG07 diagnostic criteria (85.1 vs. 75.2%; p < 0.006). The majority of the patients (n = 178; 67.9%) presented with abdominal pain, pyrexia (n = 156; 59.5%), and vomiting (n = 123; 46.9%). Blood cultures were positive in 95 (36.3%) patients, and 79 (83.2%) patients had monomicrobial growth. The 30-day, 90-day, and in-hospital mortality numbers were 3 (1.1%), 11 (4.2%), and 15 (5.7%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 12.531; 95% CI 0.354–116.015; p = 0.026), systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg (OR = 10.108; 95% CI 1.094–93.395; p = 0.041), Glasgow coma score <15 (OR = 38.16; 95% CI 1.804–807.191; p = 0.019), and malignancy (OR = 14.135; 95% CI 1.017–196.394; p = 0.049) predicted in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: TG13/18 diagnostic criteria are more sensitive than TG07 diagnostic criteria. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, systolic blood pressure <100 mm Hg, Glasgow coma score <15, and malignant etiology predict in-hospital mortality in patients with AC. These predictors could be considered in acute stratification and treatment of patients with AC.
bioethical aspects of the new eugenics
Authors: Silva Renata Luchini Paes da , Viana Joseval Martins
Published: June 2021

With the advances in biotechnology and in the Human Genome Mapping Project, the ability to manipulate the DNA and perform gene therapy has increased and raised some concerns. The new eugenic theory is one of them. The concept of eugenics first appeared in the late nineteenth century1, as a theory of the improvement of the human race. It nearly disappeared after World War II2 but is now returning with new theories and ethical debates. The purpose of this study is to present some considerations regarding contemporary and widespread technological advances in assisted reproduction. We bring attention to the relations between assisted reproduction and a possible new eugenic policy, stressing the relevance of the matter and discussing some of the implied ethical issues. We do not intend to conduct a comprehensive study on the subject, but to provide some considerations that may contribute to further debate. A literature review was conducted focused on the ethical, bioethical and legal aspects of eugenics. In addition, some media coverage on the current use of the above-mentioned technologies was also consulted.
Dificuldades diagnósticas da causa mortis em cadáveres decompostos
Authors: Porto Aimée Christine Alcântara Ribeiro Szönyi , Miziara Ivan Dieb
Published: June 2021

Os autores clássicos da Medicina Legal brasileira fornecem uma base sólida para o estudo da decomposição cadavérica. Por meio da leitura de seus livros, notou-se que a marcha da decomposição é composta de fases ocorridas em períodos específicos, que podem se sobrepor ou ter seus rumos alterados por fatores que vão, desde o ambiente em que o cadáver se encontra, até sua compleição física e comorbidades em vida. Com o objetivo específico de aprender como contornar tais dificuldades durante as investigações e necropsias destes casos, foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico de artigos científicos nas bases PubMed, Scielo e Scopus, pelos unitermos Putrefied, Cadaveric Putrefaction, Diagnosis e Causa Mortis, que resultou em dez artigos em língua inglesa, publicados de 2000 a 2019, a respeito de cadáveres de seres humanos. Foi possível depreender que métodos já conhecidos pelos pesquisadores (a saber: equipamentos de imagem, histopatologia, e análises químicas de fluidos corporais), são capazes de alterar deduções feitas antes de seu uso. Entretanto, apesar de todo o auxílio que oferecem, não substituem o olhar atento de uma equipe forense bem treinada. Ao contrário, devem caminhar juntos, reforçando ainda mais a certeza de que a necropsia de um cadáver em decomposição é indispensável de ser realizada.
Métodos antropológicos para estimativa de idade em cadáveres ou em restos mortais
Authors: Scaramussa Fernanda Sobral , Miziara Ivan Dieb , Miziara Carmen Silvia M Galego
Published: June 2021

Introdução: A palavra antropologia deriva do grego e significa ciência que estuda os aspectos culturais e biológicos do ser humano. Na medicina legal, auxilia na identificação do indivíduo pela determinação do perfil biológico. Um dos aspectos mais importantes é a determinação da idade. Objetivos: Descrever os métodos mais utilizados para estimar a idade post mortem e avanços recentes. Métodos: Revisão bibliográfica entre 1920 a 2019. Resultados: Foram revisados os métodos de estimativa de idade em esqueletos e dentes. O estudo das suturas cranianas apresenta melhor precisão quando feito isoladamente. Na mandíbula, o ângulo formado é fundamental para a estimativa. Dos métodos dos ossos pélvicos, o de Suchey-Brooks é mais preciso que o de Todd e a técnica do Two Step Procedure é a de maior acurácia. Nos arcos costais, Kunos tem a melhor precisão. No contexto da “antropologia virtual”, o uso da ressonância nuclear magnética é o mais apropriado. Na análise do esterno ocorreu variação de 5,88 anos e o uso do acetábulo foi o de maior precisão em estimativas que considerem intervalo de idade de dez anos. Discussão: A antropologia forense é uma área afetada, principalmente, pelas dificuldades na padronização de métodos. Apesar da descrição de vários estudos para estimar a idade, muitos são equivalentes, como o de Lovejoy e o de Suchey Brooks. Além disso, a maioria compartilha das mesmas limitações, como a dificuldade em estimar a idade acima dos 70 anos. Outra ressalva é que os métodos são específicos para a população do estudo e, quando aplicados em amostras distintas, há redução significativa da precisão: variou de 83-100% para 30-56% na análise do acetábulo. Assim, a estimativa da idade deve ser feita por associação de métodos, a fim de melhores resultados. Conclusão: Os métodos mais utilizados são: análise das suturas cranianas, ângulo da mandíbula, ossos pélvicos, arcos costais e dentes. Os métodos mais recentes são a “antropologia virtual” e o estudo do esterno.
Sex‐Based Differences in Bleeding Risk After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Implications for the Academic Research Consortium High Bleeding Risk Criteria
Authors: Spirito Alessandro , Gragnano Felice , Corpataux Noé , Vaisnora Lukas , Galea Roberto , Svab Stefano , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Siontis George C. M. , Praz Fabien , Lanz Jonas , Billinger Michael , Hunziker Lukas , Stortecky Stefan , Pilgrim Thomas , Capodanno Davide , Urban Philip , Pocock Stuart , Mehran Roxana , Heg Dik , Windecker Stephan , Räber Lorenz , Valgimigli Marco
Published: June 2021

Background

Female sex was not included among the high bleeding risk (HBR) criteria by the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) as it remains unclear whether it constitutes an HBR condition after percutaneous coronary intervention. We investigated whether female sex associates with HBR and assessed the performance of ARC HBR criteria separately in women and men.

Methods and Results

Among all consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention between 2009 and 2018, bleeding occurrences up to 1 year were prospectively collected and centrally adjudicated. All but one of the originally defined ARC HBR criteria were assessed, and the ARC HBR score generated accordingly. Among 16 821 patients, 25.6% were women. Compared with men, women were older and had lower creatinine clearance and hemoglobin values. After adjustment, female sex was independently associated with access‐site (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.22–3.74;
P
=0.008) but not with overall or non–access‐site 1‐year Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5 bleeding. This association remained consistent when the femoral but not the radial approach was chosen. The ARC HBR score discrimination, using the original criteria, was lower among women than men (c‐index 0.644 versus 0.688;
P
=0.048), whereas a revised ARC HBR score, in which age, creatinine clearance, and hemoglobin were modeled as continuous rather than dichotomized variables, performed similarly in both sexes.

Conclusions

Female sex is an independent predictor for access‐site bleeding but not for overall bleeding events at 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention. The ARC HBR framework shows an overall good performance in both sexes, yet is lower in women than men, attributable to dichotomization of age, creatinine clearance, and hemoglobin values, which are differently distributed between sexes.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02241291.
“Impossible” Somatosensation and the (Ir)rationality of Perception
Authors: Won Isabel , Gross Steven , Firestone Chaz
Published: June 2021

Impossible figures represent the world in ways it cannot be. From the work of M. C. Escher to any popular perception textbook, such experiences show how some principles of mental processing can be so entrenched and inflexible as to produce absurd and even incoherent outcomes that could not occur in reality. Surprisingly, however, such impossible experiences are mostly limited to visual perception; are there “impossible figures” for other sensory modalities? Here, we import a known magic trick into the laboratory to report and investigate an impossible somatosensory experience—one that can be physically felt. We show that, even under full-cue conditions with objects that can be freely inspected, subjects can be made to experience a single object alone as feeling heavier than a group of objects that includes the single object as a member—an impossible and phenomenologically striking experience of weight. Moreover, we suggest that this phenomenon—a special case of the size-weight illusion—reflects a kind of “anti-Bayesian” perceptual updating that amplifies a challenge to rational models of perception and cognition. Impossibility can not only be seen, but also felt—and in ways that matter for accounts of (ir)rational mental processing.
Envoy Envy? Competition in African Mediation Processes and Ways to Overcome It
Authors: Lanz David
Published: June 2021

This article seeks to make sense of the dynamics of competition in African mediation processes and to outline approaches for effective cooperation between mediators. To this end, it analyzes four cases of recent peace processes: Sudan (1994–2005), Kenya (2008), Madagascar (2009–2013) and South Sudan (2013–2015). The article identifies four driving forces of competition among mediators: clashing interests of states involved in mediation, overlapping mediation mandates, incompatible norms guiding conflict resolution, and mediators’ lack of performance. These factors risk undermining peace processes unless the involved mediators and guarantors take active steps to mitigate the negative effects of competition. This can be done through ‘hierarchical coordination,’ where a recognized authority takes the lead and allocates roles to other actors, or through ‘collaborative cooperation,’ where partners have unity of purpose and decide on a division of labor based on comparative strengths.
Taxonomy and predicted distribution of a rare Indian skink, Eutropis innotata (Blanford, 1870) (Reptilia: Scincidae) with the redescription of its holotype
Authors: AMARASINGHE A. A. THASUN , GANESH S. R. , PATEL HARSHIL , DEUTI KAUSHIK , CAMPBELL PATRICK D. , PALOT M. JAFER , KARUNARATHNA SURANJAN , ABINAWANTO A. , SUPRIATNA JATNA
Published: June 2021

We examined the holotype of Euprepes innotatus Blanford, 1870 which was presented to the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK) by Blanford himself, and is redescribed herein. Based on the morphological similarity, we placed Eutropis innotata within the E. carinata group (contra Blanford, 1870), as it is closely allied to E. dissimilis and E. carinata in morphological and morphometric traits. Based on the current distribution pattern, we conducted Species Distribution Modelling using the Maximum Entropy algorithm and the distribution range of this species was predicted to be wider than the currently known limits within the south-central parts of the Deccan plateau. Furthermore, we updated the conservation status of E. innotata using the criteria of the IUCN Red List, and suggested it be considered as a species of Least Concern.
Photovoltaic Off-Grid Inverter and Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology
Authors: Yao Na , Zhang Zhi , Tang Xiao
Published: June 2021

The photovoltaic cells’ output characteristics and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology are studied to design a two-stage cascaded photovoltaic off-grid inverter, including the front-end Boost converter and the rear-end three-phase inverter. The state-space averaging method is adopted in front-end Boost converter modeling, and space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) technology is adopted in the rear-end three-phase inverter. The simulation drive model is obtained through research principles and algorithm realization. Based on the theoretical analysis and simulation, front-end Boost converter’s and the back-end inverter’s hardware are designed. The main circuit includes the front-end Direct Current (DC)-DC topology and the back-end DC-AC topology. The TMS320F28027 digital signal processor is the core of the front-end DC-DC topology’s control system, and LabView is the core of the back-end DC-AC topology’s control system. The front-end Boost converter’s analog output voltage is 32 V, stable at the maximum operating point in the test. The maximum power point can be effectively tracked in the proposed inverter. The rear-end three-phase inverter’s total harmonic distortion (THD) of phase voltage is less than 3%. Less harmonic wave meets the circuit harmonic distortion rate’s design requirements.
Nano Sensor Using One Dimensional Porous Indium Oxide and Pattern Recognition Method of Its Electronic Information
Authors: Wu Qinghong , Zhang Wanying
Published: June 2021

Due to its high sensitivity, low price and fast response speed, gas sensors based on metal oxide nanomate-rials have attracted many researchers to modify and explore the materials. First, pure indium oxide (In2O3) nanotubes (NTs)/porous NTs (PNTs) and Ho doped
In2O3 NTs/PNTs are prepared by electrospinning and calcination. Then, based on the prepared nanomaterials, the 6-channel sensor array is obtained and used in the electronic nose sensing system for wine product identification. The system obtains the frequency signals of
different liquor products by means of 6-channel sensor array, analyzes the extracted electronic signal characteristic information by means of ordinary least squares, and introduces the pattern recognition method of moving average and linear discriminant to identify liquor products. In the
experiment, compared with pure In2O3 NTs sensor, pure In2O3 PNTs sensor has higher sensitivity to 100 ppm ethanol gas, and the sensitivity is further improved after mixing Ho. Among them, 6 mol% Ho + In2O3 PNTs have the highest
sensitivity and the shortest response time; based on the electronic nose system composed of prepared nanomaterial sensor array, frequency signals of different Wu Liang Ye wines are collected. With the extension of acquisition time, the corresponding frequency first decreases and then becomes
stable; the extracted liquor characteristic signal is projected into two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. The results show that the pattern recognition system based on this method can extract the characteristic signals of liquor products and distinguish them.
Nano-Efficient Photoelectric Conversion-Based Solar Photovoltaic System and Its Usage in Green Buildings
Authors: Xue Yibing , Song Ziye
Published: June 2021

Solar energy is a world-recognized green and pollution-free energy source. Photovoltaic technology based on solar energy has become the focus of new energy development. On this basis, how to improve the energy efficiency of solar energy has become a research hotspot. In this study,
the solution method was used, acety-lacetonate was used as the precursor, and the mixture of dodecyl mercaptan (DDT) and oleylamine (OLA) was used as the solvent to obtain CuInS2 nanocrystals with wurtzite structure. Then, the dispersion of organic synthesized CuInS2
nanocrystals was retained, and the organic macromolecules affecting electron transport in the nanocrystals were eliminated. This material was used for the counter electrode of dye-sensitized solar cells. While analyzing the photoelectric characteristics of the nanoelectronic material, the
hardware of the photovoltaic solar cell prepared based on the material should be designed, including the selection of the main control unit, the design of the peripheral circuit, the design of the charging and discharging circuit, so as to realize the management of the photovoltaic solar cell.
In the test, OLA had an impact on the crystal structure, size, and dispersion of CuInS2 nanocrystals, thereby changing the photoelectric properties of the nanoelectronic materials, which were applied in photovoltaic panels for green buildings. The photoelectric conversion efficiency
of CuInS2 nanocrystals after phase exchange in the green build-photovoltaic system was much higher than that of CuInS2 nanocrystals before phase exchange, and even higher than that of CuInS2 nanocrystals calcined at high temperature before phase exchange in
the green build-photovoltaic system.
When Good Cash Goes “BADs”: The Role of Bankers’ Acceptance Drafts as a Cash Substitute in China’s Economy
Authors: McMahon Dinny
Published: June 2021

Bankers’ acceptance drafts (BADs) are transferrable promissory notes that are designed to facilitate trade and that circulate among firms much like large-denomination bank notes. They play an important role in facilitating sales between industrial companies in China, particularly during straitened economic times. They have also been used to commit widescale fraud as bankers took advantage of the lack of insight regulators had into BADs’ circulation. However, BADs’ true value is as a tool that banks—and, to a lesser extent, companies—have repeatedly used to meet the often contradictory demands made of them by Beijing as it regulates the economy. In the years after the 2008 stimulus, banks used BADs to harvest deposits (companies must place a portion of the face value of a BAD issued on their behalf on deposit at the issuing bank), allowing them to meet strict loan-to-deposit ratios even as the practice resulted in ballooning off-balance-sheet credit creation. When Beijing cracked down on local government borrowing, some local governments got around the strictures by structuring BADs in creative ways that ensured ongoing access to funding. And starting in 2018, banks met Beijing’s demand that they reduce risk while increasing lending to small private companies—a group banks regard as the riskiest potential borrowers in the economy—by massively increasing their discounting of BADs, an approach that technically realized the competing demands but had none of the stimulatory effects Beijing had hoped for. This article will look at how BADs—and their counterpart, commercial acceptance drafts—give banks and state firms the flexibility to balance the political demands of the state with their own perceived interests. It will focus on how banks used BADs in 2018 and 2019 to deal with Beijing’s concerns about lack of funding for small private firms.
Core Beliefs Disruption in the Context of an Election: Implications for Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Zhu Xianghe , Neupert Shevaun D.
Published: June 2021

Major life events often challenge the core beliefs people hold about the world, which is a crucial cognitive process predictive of adjustment outcomes. Elections have been associated with physical and socioemotional responses, but what is unclear is whether core beliefs can be disrupted and what implication this disruption might have for well-being. In two studies, we examined the association between core beliefs disruption and well-being in the context of the 2018 U.S. midterm election. In both studies, participants reported a small degree of disruption of core beliefs due to the election. In Study 1, a 14-day daily diary study spanning the weeks before and after the election, multilevel modeling on 529 daily reports revealed that greater disruption of core beliefs was associated with lower mean levels of life satisfaction and greater changes in positive and negative affect. In Study 2, a cross-sectional study conducted 40 days following the election, linear regression analyses on 767 adults aged 18–77 from all 50 states revealed that the disruption of core beliefs due to the midterm election was positively associated with current life satisfaction. The effect held when controlling for multiple confounding factors. These findings suggest that elections can trigger disruption of core beliefs, and this disruption may spill over to subjective well-being in the short term but may positively contribute to post-election adjustment.
Construction of stochastic simulation metamodels with segmented polynomials
Authors: Reis dos Santos Pedro M. , Isabel Reis dos Santos M.
Published: June 2021

Metamodels are an important tool in simulation analysis as they can provide insight about the behavior of the simulation response. Modeling the response with low-degree polynomial segments allows the identification of different behavior zones and the parameters still have relation with the physical world. The purpose of this paper is to extend the use of segmented polynomial functions for simulation metamodeling, where the segments have at most identical value and slope at the breaks. Our approach is to build segmented polynomials metamodels where the hypothesis of degree and continuity of splines are less exigent, allowing more flexibility of the approximation. When breaks are known, constrained least squares are used for metamodel estimation, taking into account the linear formulation of the problem. If breaks have to be estimated, the unconstrained nonlinear regression theory is used, when it can be applied. Otherwise, the estimation is performed using an iterative algorithm which is applied repeatedly in a cyclic manner for estimating the breaks, and jackknifing yields the confidence intervals.
Fatigue-management strategies among women with endometriosis in South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Sibande Zamafiso Nombulelo , Roomaney Rizwana
Published: June 2021

Fatigue is a common, secondary symptom of endometriosis that has not been qualitatively explored. We conducted individual, face-to-face interviews with 25 women in South Africa about their experiences of endometriosis-related fatigue. Participants were recruited at a public hospital in Cape Town and through several South African endometriosis organizations. Interviews were conducted in English and Afrikaans and ranged from 30 min to 1 hr 16 min in duration. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that both the experience of fatigue and fatigue-management strategies were highly personalized. Participants reported using a variety of cognitive strategies, such as planning, pacing, and pushing through their fatigue to reduce the levels of fatigue. Participants also employed physical strategies such as rest, dietary changes, using supplements, and exercise. We found that while participants often tried fatigue-management strategies suggested to them by others, they struggled to maintain these strategies even when they were successful. There are currently no interventions aimed at reducing endometriosis-related fatigue. The findings of this study provide insight into the management of fatigue in women with endometriosis and may be used to develop a psychosocial intervention for fatigue among women with the disease.
Linked Descendants: Genetic-genealogical Practices and the Refusal of Ignorance around Slavery
Authors: Abel Sarah
Published: June 2021

The recent expansion of online genetic-genealogical networks has been hailed as a development that could break racial taboos in the United States by providing irrefutable evidence of the myriad historical and genetic links—many originating in slavery—connecting white and black families. These predictions are countered, however, by a scholarly literature on “white ignorance,” defined as an active historical project that works to prevent privileged groups from apprehending their links to, and positionality within, systems of racial oppression. This paper mobilizes concepts from the fields of agnotology and epistemic ethics to assess how far genetic-genealogical technologies can contribute to redressing racialized epistemic inequities between slave and slaveholder descendants, by inducing the latter to respond to the former’s kinship claims and give access to data that could help reconstruct their linked family histories. Drawing on ethnographic and interview data that foreground the experiences of African American genealogists, the study outlines the structural and affective dimensions that have converged to enable white ignorance regarding genealogies of slavery and discusses ethical and technical solutions proposed by genealogical practitioners to redress the racialized power dynamics that continue to condition access to, and public acceptance of, family history knowledge relating to slavery.
Diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for endometrioma: preliminary results from a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chen Hong , Wang Guoliang , Wang Xuexue , Gao Yan , Liang Junhua , Wang Jinhong
Published: June 2021

Background

Endometrioma is a common manifestation of endometriosis that can be difficult to diagnose with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) may be more sensitive than conventional MRI in the detection of chronic, local hemorrhagic disease.

Purpose

To investigate whether signal voids in SWI sequences could be used in the preoperative diagnosis of endometrioma.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive female patients with clinically suspected endometrioma. All patients underwent pelvic 3-T MRI (T1- and T2-weighted) and SWI within two weeks before laparoscopy. Two experienced radiologists blinded to the histopathologic/clinical diagnoses interpreted the images together, and any disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Results

The final analysis included 73 patients: 46 patients (mean age=37 years; age range=22–68 years) with 85 endometrioma lesions and 27 patients (mean age=34 years; age range=15–68 years) with 34 non-endometrioid cystic lesions (18 hemorrhagic corpus luteal cysts, three simple cysts, three mucinous cystadenomas, two mature teratomas, and one endometrioid cyst with corpus luteum rupture/hemorrhage). The presenting symptoms for patients with endometrioma were chronic pelvic pain (44.6%), dysmenorrhea (31.9%), infertility (12.8%), dyspareunia (6.4%), and menstrual irregularity (4.3%). MRI identified all 119 lesions observed laparoscopically. SWI visualized punctate or curvilinear signal voids along the cyst wall or within the lesion in 67 of 85 endometriomas (78.8%) and only 3 of 31 non-endometrioid cysts (8.8%).

Conclusion

The use of SWI to look for signal voids in the cyst wall or within the lesion could facilitate the preoperative diagnosis of endometrioma.
A case of hepatic paragonimiasis was misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma with rupture and haemorrhage
Authors: Jin Wen-Xiang , Li Tie-Han , Zhu Hong , Zhu Lei
Published: June 2021

Paragonimiasis is a disease caused by parasitic infections that mainly involve the lungs. However, it can also produce ectopic infections, such as when the parasites invade the liver, brain and subcutaneous tissue, which then cause different symptoms. This current case report describes a 55-year-old male patient with hepatic paragonimiasis that was misdiagnosed as liver cancer with rupture and haemorrhage. The initial computed tomography findings suggested ruptured liver cancer. The patient underwent laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy. Postoperative pathological analysis resulted in a diagnosis of hepatic paragonimiasis. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was treated with 25 mg/kg praziquantel orally three times a day for 3 days after discharge with good efficacy. In this present case, the rupture and haemorrhage of the liver mass made it difficult for the treating physicians to consider hepatic paragonimiasis, which lead to the initial misdiagnosis of this patient. Although paragonimiasis is very rare, medical staff should be vigilant and have a comprehensive understanding of the different diseases that can cause liver masses so that misdiagnosis can be avoided.
Clinical Relevance of Persistent Off-Track Hill-Sachs Lesion After Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure
Authors: Calvo Claudio , Calvo Javier , Rojas Daniel , Valencia María , Calvo Emilio
Published: June 2021

Background:

The Latarjet procedure is often used to address off-track Hill-Sachs lesions (OFF-HS) in shoulders with anterior instability. There are concerns as to whether the Latarjet procedure is able to convert all OFF-HS into on-track Hill-Sachs lesions (ON-HS) and whether this limitation could explain the cases of recurrent postoperative instability.

Hypothesis:

Latarjet surgery converts many preoperative OFF-HS lesions, but not all of them, and there is a difference in the failure rate between shoulders with converted lesions and those with persistent OFF-HS lesions.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients with anterior shoulder instability and an OFF-HS lesion treated with an arthroscopic classic Latarjet procedure between January 2010 and September 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with moderate or severe shoulder arthrosis, rotator cuff tears, or age older than 50 years were excluded. Glenoid track (GT), HS, HS interval (HSI), and the difference between HSI and GT (ΔHSI-GT) were measured preoperatively. A postoperative computed tomography scan and a clinical evaluation, including the Rowe and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scores, were performed at a minimum 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively. Postoperatively, 2 groups of patients were obtained: (1) patients with postoperative persistent OFF-HS; (2) patients with postoperative ON-HS. Clinical and imaging data were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

A total of 51 patients (n = 51 shoulders), with a mean age of 29.8 ± 8.4 years (range, 15-50 years), met the inclusion criteria. Six shoulders (11.8%) still showed OFF-HS lesions despite Latarjet surgery. There were no postoperative dislocations, but 3 patients reported subluxations. The subluxation rate was significantly higher in the postoperative persistent OFF-HS group (2 [33%] vs 1 [2.2%]; P = .033). There was a wider preoperative HSI (29.8 ± 2.4 mm vs 22.9 ± 3.5 mm; P < .001) and a larger preoperative ΔHSI-GT (12.2 ± 3.8 mm vs 4.82 ± 3.2 mm; P < .001) in the persistent OFF-HS group. A receiver operating characteristic curve was performed based on preoperative ΔHSI-GT values. A preoperative ΔHSI-GT value ≥7.45 mm predicted a persistent OFF-HS after Latarjet surgery (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 87%; positive predictive value, 50%; and negative predictive value, 100%).

Conclusion:

Latarjet surgery converted many preoperative OFF-HS lesions into ON-HS lesions, but not all of them. Six patients (11.8%) retained an OFF-HS and had a statistically significantly higher failure rate after Latarjet surgery compared with those with postoperative ON-HS lesions. Because there were few postoperative OFF-HS lesions and few recurrences, findings are statistically fragile and should be confirmed with larger series.