bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and Reliability of Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires for Assessing Nutrient Intake among Preschool Children in Northwest China
Authors: Ma Yonghong , Tan Jiao , Tan Zhijun , Shang Lei
Published: January 2022

Background. Considering the lack of valid and reliable food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) for nutritional epidemiological studies in China, it is necessary to develop an effective one for assessing nutrient intake among preschool children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of newly developed FFQs for assessing food and nutrient intakes among preschool children in Northwest China. Methods. Semiquantitative 67-item FFQs were developed and validated. In total, 326 children (aged 2–6 years) were recruited from three different cities in Northwest China. All subjects were asked to complete the FFQs twice with a six-month interval period for test-retest reliability. Apart from the FFQs, a 3-day food record (3-DFR) was also carried out to evaluate the validity of the FFQs. Results. There was no significant difference in the nutrient intakes of preschool children between the two FFQs (

P
>
0.05

), and these two FFQs demonstrated a positive correlation (

P
<
0.05

). Spearman’s coefficient correlation values ranged from 0.222 (“Selenium”) to 0.832 (“Energy”). The intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.282 (“Selenium”) to 0.882 (“Energy”). With regards to the validity of FFQs, nutrient intakes from FFQs were greater than 3DR dietary recalls (

P
<
0.05

). After adjusting for total energy and intraindividual variation, all nutrient intakes showed a positive correlation (

P
<
0.05

), and these correlations became stronger. According to the quartiles of nutrient intakes, the exact agreement between the FFQs and 3DR dietary recalls ranged between 40% (“Selenium”) and 70% (“Energy”), and grossly misclassified was low (12.5%). Conclusions. The findings of this study indicate that the designed FFQs exhibit good test-retest reliability and moderate relative validity. Hence, the FFQs can serve as an important tool for the large-scale assessment of food and nutrient intakes among preschool children (in the mentioned areas of China).
[Retracted] Intelligent Recommendation Algorithm of Multimedia English Distance Education Resources Based on User Model
Authors: Zhang Xiushan
Published: January 2022

Based on the understanding and comparison of various main recommendation algorithms, this paper focuses on the collaborative filtering algorithm and proposes a collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm with improved user model. Firstly, the algorithm considers the score difference caused by different user scoring habits when expressing preferences and adopts the decoupling normalization method to normalize the user scoring data; secondly, considering the forgetting shift of user interest with time, the forgetting function is used to simulate the forgetting law of score, and the weight of time forgetting is introduced into user score to improve the accuracy of recommendation; finally, the similarity calculation is improved when calculating the nearest neighbor set. Based on the Pearson similarity calculation, the effective weight factor is introduced to obtain a more accurate and reliable nearest neighbor set. The algorithm establishes an offline user model, which makes the algorithm have better recommendation efficiency. Two groups of experiments were designed based on the mean absolute error (MAE). One group of experiments tested the parameters in the algorithm, and the other group of experiments compared the proposed algorithm with other algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed method has better performance in recommendation accuracy and recommendation efficiency.
Modeling the Viscoelastic Behavior of Quartz and Clay Minerals in Shale by Nanoindentation Creep Tests
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Liu Yuke , Yang Chao , Jiang Wenmin , Li Yun , Xiong Yongqiang
Published: January 2022

The viscoelastic behavior of minerals in shales is important in predicting the macroscale creep behavior of heterogeneous bulk shale. In this study, in situ indentation measurements of two major constitutive minerals (i.e., quartz and clay) in Longmaxi Formation shale from the Sichuan Basin, South China, were conducted using a nanoindentation technique and high-resolution optical microscope. Firstly, quartz and clay minerals were identified under an optical microscope based on their morphology, surface features, reflection characteristics, particle shapes, and indentation responses. Three viscoelastic models (i.e., three-element Voigt, Burger’s, and two-dashpot Kelvin models) were then used to fit the creep data for both minerals. Finally, the effects of peak load on the viscoelastic behavior of quartz and clay minerals were investigated. Our results show that the sizes of the residual imprints on clay minerals were larger than that of quartz for a specific peak load. Moreover, the initial creep rates and depths in clay minerals were higher than those in quartz. However, the creep rates of quartz and clay minerals displayed similar trends, which were independent of peak load. In addition, all three viscoelastic models produced good fits to the experimental data. However, due to the poor fit in the initial holding stage of the three-element Voigt model and instability of the two-dashpot Kelvin model, Burger’s model is best in obtaining the regression parameters. The regression results indicate that the viscoelastic parameters obtained by these models are associated with peak load, and that a relatively small peak load is more reliable for the determination of viscoelastic parameters. Furthermore, the regression values for the viscoelastic parameters of clay minerals were lower than those of quartz and the bulk shale, suggesting the former facilitates the viscoelastic deformation of shale. Our study provides a better understanding of the nanoscale viscoelastic properties of shale, which can be used to predict the time-dependent deformation of shale.
Evaluating Freshness Loss of Green Tea with Q10 Method and Weibull Hazard Analysis under Accelerated Shelf Life Testing
Authors: Xiao Mengxuan , Liu Sitong , Jin Huozhu , Xiao Mingji , Wang Huiqiang , Zhang Haiwei , Dai Qianying
Published: January 2022

The important quality of green tea is freshness, but high temperature, light, oxygen, and humidity during storage may reduce the freshness of green tea. Thus, this study investigated the freshness loss of green tea (FLGT) under an accelerated shelf-life testing (ASLT) by sensory evaluation and acceptability test. The FLGTs of the samples stored at 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C, were determined as 67 days, 55 days, and 45 days, respectively by the Q10 method. In addition, they were further determined as 67 days, 57 days, and 42 days, respectively, by the Weibull Hazard Analysis (WHA). The sensory evaluation and acceptability test confirmed the correctness of the above results by 2-alternative choice analysis and chemical analysis. The Q10 method was applied to predict the FLGTs stored at 4°C and −20°C which were 93 days and 150 days, which was further verified by 2-alternative choice analysis and chemical analysis. The results show that it is possible to predict the suitable drinking period of green tea during storage by the Q10 method.
Study on Interface Microstructure and Bonding Properties of Hot-Rolled Nickel-Based Composite Plate
Authors: Ma Yunzan , Yang Weijiang , Liu Qi , Liu Kejia , Chen Kun
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the interface microstructure, elements’ diffusion features at the interface, and bonding properties in nickel-based alloy/carbon steel clad composite prepared by vacuum hot-roll bonding were investigated, comprehensively. The influence of element distribution on the interface bonding strength was revealed as well. The results showed that there was a 13 μm thick diffusion layer at the interface of nickel-based alloy/carbon steel composite plate, which was beneficial to a strong bond between nickel-based alloy and carbon steel, as well as the stable transition of mechanical properties in the thickness direction. Kirkendall voids and fine-grained structure (the grain size is about 41.5 nm) were observable by peeling off the nickel-based alloy cladding, which greatly promoted element diffusion and enhanced the interfacial bonding strength of the nickel-based alloy/carbon steel composite plate. The diffusion coefficient of Ni at the interface was about 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of nanocrystalline Fe. The shear strength reached up to 453 MPa, which was much higher than the minimum of 140 MPa defined in ASTM A-264 specifications. Furthermore, in the shear test, the fracture occurred on the X52 carbon steel side at the contact rather than at the composite plate interface.
College Students’ Choice Behavior of Electric Two-Wheeled Vehicle
Authors: Jou Rong-Chang , Lin C. W. , Wang P. L.
Published: January 2022

Many countries have made great efforts to boost the use of electric vehicles in recent years; for example, advanced countries including Norway and the Netherlands in Europe and the United States have enhanced people’s willingness to use electric vehicles by means of appropriate subsidies and suppression of private vehicles. In Asia, Taiwan has been promoting the policy of replacing traditional fuel two-wheeled vehicles (FTWVs) with electric two-wheeled vehicles (ETWVs) and strengthening the policy by means of replacing a large number of old FTWVs and subsidizing the purchase of ETWVs. This study took college students as the subjects, as they were the first potential group to buy ETWVs, and their concept of environmental sustainability can be shaped for cultivating vehicle use habits. This study applies a questionnaire to probe into the ETWV usage preferences of college students and explores the significant factors affecting college students’ purchase of ETWVs. This study uses a mixed logit (MXL) model for estimation. The results of model estimation show that those who are younger, have higher income, have good experience in using ETWVs, and are in user-friendly external traffic environments, are more inclined to choose ETWVs. In the future, government units can formulate policies to promote ETWVs according to the characteristics of different relevant factors.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Patients with Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Shamsizadeh Morteza , Fathi Jouzdani Ali , Rahimi-Bashar Farshid
Published: January 2022

Introduction. The incidence and risk factors for ventilator-related pneumonia (VAP) in patients with delirium are deficient, and there is a lack of in-depth knowledge of the impact of VAP on outcomes in this population. We investigated the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of VAP in patients with delirium. Materials and Methods. This prospective observational study was performed in a surgical ICU at Be’sat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, between 2018 and 2019. A total of 108 patients with delirium were identified using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for the ICU and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) and enrolled in this study. The association between VAP and delirium, risk factors, and outcomes (ICU length of stay and ICU mortality) for VAP were investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model and logistic and simple linear regression analyses with a 95% confidence interval. Results. Of 108 delirium patients, 86 patients (79.6%) underwent mechanical ventilation (MV) and 16 patients (18.6%) experienced VAP during ICU stay. The median onset of VAP was 6.5 (IQR 4.2–7.7) days after intubation. Delirium patients with VAP stayed longer in the ICU (21.68 ± 4.26 vs.12.93 ± 1.71,

P
<
0.001

) and also had higher ICU mortality (31.25% vs. 0%,

P
<
0.001

) than subjects without VAP. According to multivariate cox regression, the expected HR for VAP was 53.5% lower for patients with early-onset delirium than in patients with late-onset delirium (HR: 0.465, 95% CI: 0.241–0.894,

P
=
0.022

). However, the expected hazard for VAP was 1.854 times and 4.604 times higher in patients with longer ICU stay (HR: 1.854, 95% CI: 1.689–3.059,

P
=
0.032

) and in patients with a prolonged MV duration (HR: 4.604, 95%CI: 1.567–6.708,

P
=
0.023

). Conclusion. According to the results, there seems to be an inverse relationship between early onset of delirium and VAP. This finding cannot be conclusively cited, and more studies in this filed should be conducted with a larger sample size. Furthermore, VAP in delirium patients is associated with increases in poor outcomes (higher ICU mortality) and the use of medical resources (longer stay in the ICU and MV duration).
Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulated by Surface Manganese Chemistry in SLA Titanium Implants
Authors: Park Jin-Woo , Tsutsumi Yusuke , Park Eui-Kyun
Published: January 2022

The manganese (Mn) ion has recently been probed as a potential candidate element for the surface chemistry modification of titanium (Ti) implants in order to develop a more osteogenic surface with the expectation of taking advantage of its strong binding affinity to the integrins on bone‐forming cells. However, the exact mechanism of how Mn enhances osteogenesis when introduced into the surface of Ti implants is not clearly understood. This study investigated the corrosion resistance and potential osteogenic capacity of a Mn‐incorporated Ti surface as determined by electrochemical measurement and examining the behaviors of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a clinically available sandblasted/acid‐etched (SLA) oral implant surface intended for future biomedical applications. The surface that resulted from wet chemical treatment exhibited the formation of a Mn‐containing nanostructured TiO2 anatase thin film in the SLA implant and improved corrosion resistance. The Mn‐incorporated SLA surface displayed sustained Mn ion release and enhanced osteogenesis‐related MSC function, which enhanced early cellular events such as spreading, focal adhesion, and mRNA expression of critical adhesion‐related genes and promoted full human MSC differentiation into mature osteoblasts. Our findings indicate that surface Mn modification by wet chemical treatment is an effective approach to produce a Ti implant surface with increased osteogenic capacity through the promotion of the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The improved corrosion resistance of the resultant surface is yet another important benefit of being able to provide favorable osseointegration interface stability with an increased barrier effect.
The Fitting Optimization Path Analysis on Scale Missing Data: Based on the 507 Patients of Poststroke Depression Measured by SDS
Authors: Lv Xiaoying , Zhao Ruonan , Su Tongsheng , He Liyun , Song Rui , Wang Qizhen , Yu Xueyun , Zhu Yanbo
Published: January 2022

Objective. To explore the optimal fitting path of missing data of the Scale to make the fitting data close to the real situation of patients’ data. Methods. Based on the complete data set of the SDS of 507 patients with stroke, the data simulation sets of Missing Completely at Random (MCAR), Missing at Random (MAR), and Missing Not at Random (MNAR) were constructed by R software, respectively, with missing rates of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% under three missing mechanisms. Mean substitution (MS), random forest regression (RFR), and predictive mean matching (PMM) were used to fit the data. Root mean square error (RMSE), the width of 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) were used to evaluate the fitting effect and determine the optimal fitting path. Results. when dealing with the problem of missing data in scales, the optimal fitting path is ① under the MCAR deletion mechanism, when the deletion proportion is less than 20%, the MS method is the most convenient; when the missing ratio is greater than 20%, RFR algorithm is the best fitting method. ② Under the Mar mechanism, when the deletion ratio is less than 35%, the MS method is the most convenient. When the deletion ratio is greater than 35%, RFR has a better correlation. ③ Under the mechanism of MNAR, RFR is the best data fitting method, especially when the missing proportion is greater than 30%. In reality, when the deletion ratio is small, the complete case deletion method is the most commonly used, but the RFR algorithm can greatly expand the application scope of samples and save the cost of clinical research when the deletion ratio is less than 30%. The best way to deal with data missing should be based on the missing mechanism and proportion of actual data, and choose the best method between the statistical analysis ability of the research team, the effectiveness of the method, and the understanding of readers.
Dynamics of the Rumor‐Spreading Model with Control Mechanism in Complex Network
Authors: Zhang Wei , Deng Hongyong , Li Xingmei , Liu Huan
Published: January 2022

The spread of rumors has a great impact on social order, people’s psychology, and life. In recent years, the application of rumor‐spreading models in complex networks has received extensive attention. Taking the management and control of rumors by relevant departments in real life into account, the SIDRQ rumor‐spreading model that combines forgetting mechanism, immune mechanism, and suspicion mechanism and guides on a uniform network is established in this paper. Then, the basic reproductive number of the system and the unique existence of the solution are discussed, and the stability of the system is analyzed using the basic reproductive number, Lyapunov function, and Lienard and Chipart theorem; furthermore, the basic reproductive number may not be able to deduce the stability of the system and a counterexample is given. Finally, the influence of different parameters on the spread of rumors is studied, and the validity of the theoretical results is verified.
Current Status and Evaluation of Randomized Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Guo Xi , Chen Xiaojun , Chen Jinlan , Tan Zhiping , Yang Yifeng , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2022

Traditional Chinese medicine has long been applied to various diseases in China for a few thousand years. In recent years, its market has gradually developed from Asian countries to Western countries. At present, due to the lack of evidence-based medicine research, the effect of traditional Chinese medicine on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease remains unclear. In evaluating the efficacy and safety of drugs, randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are recognized as the gold standard for testing the effectiveness and safety of treatments and could offer the best evidence for the formulation of clinical treatment guidelines. Although traditional Chinese medicine has long been used to treat cardiovascular diseases, the research on the application of RCT to test the combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy or single traditional Chinese medicine therapy started late, and the number is comparably small. In order to summarize and objectively evaluate the research results of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in intervention of cardiovascular diseases, we reviewed the literature of RCTs in this field by searching some Chinese and English databases and put forward some suggestions for the future development and research of traditional Chinese medicine.
Realization of Super-Large-Diameter Slurry Shield Passing through Settlement-Sensitive Area Based on Unreinforced Disturbance Control Technology
Authors: Liu Dongshuang , Liu Xinrong , Zhong Zuliang , Han Yafeng , Xiong Fei , Zhou Xiaohan
Published: January 2022

Due to the complex construction conditions of shield tunnels, ground disturbance is inevitable during the construction process, which leads to surface settlement and, in serious cases, damage to surrounding buildings (structures). Therefore, it is especially important to effectively control the constructive settlement of subway tunnels when crossing settlement-sensitive areas such as high-density shantytowns. Based on the project of Wuhan Metro Line 8 Phase I, the shield of Huangpu Road Station-Xujiapang Road Station interval crossing high-density shantytowns, we study the disturbance control technology of oversized diameter mud and water shield crossing unreinforced settlement-sensitive areas during the construction process. By optimizing the excavation parameters and evaluating the ground buildings, the excavation process can be monitored at the same time, and the water pressure, speed, and tool torque required during the excavation during the construction process can be finely adjusted; the control of tunneling process parameters can provide reference and basis for analyzing the construction control of large-diameter shield through old shantytowns.
Toward Piano Teaching Evaluation Based on Neural Network
Authors: Luo Wanshu , Ning Bin
Published: January 2022

With the rise of piano teaching in recent years, many people participated in the team of learning steel playing. However, expensive piano teaching fees and its unique one-to-one teaching model have caused piano education resources to be very short, so learning piano performance has become a very extravagant event. The factors affecting music performance are varying, and there are many types of their evaluation such as rhythm, expressiveness, music, and style grasp. The computer is used to simulate this evaluation process to essentially identify the mathematical relationship between factors affecting music performance and evaluation indicators. The use of computer multimedia software for piano teaching has become a feasible way to alleviate the contradiction. This paper discusses the implementation method of piano teaching software, the issues of computer piano teaching, the computer teaching as one-way knowledge, and the lack of interaction. The neural network (NN) model is used to evaluate the piano performance and simulate teachers to guide students through their exercise. The performance of the proposed system is tested for the piano music of “Ode to Joy,” which is different from the collection of NN training samples, and is delivered ten times by another piano teacher, student A (piano level 6), and student B (piano level 5).
The rs13347 Polymorphism of the CD44 Gene Is Associated with the Risk of Kidney Stones Disease in the Chinese Han Population of Northeast Sichuan, China
Authors: Ying Qiao , Liu Guixi , Zhou Wenjun , Lan Jianhua , Du Jianhui , Tang Xianfu , Xu Xiaohan
Published: January 2022

Objective. To investigate the association between the rs13347 polymorphism of the CD44 gene and the risk of kidney stone disease (KSD) in the Han population of northeast Sichuan, China, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of KSD. Methods. We used PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique to perform genotyping at rs13347 locus of the CD44 gene in the KSD group and the gontrol group. SNP Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) testing was used to confirm the balance of genetic inheritance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for the assessment of rs13347 polymorphism and the risk of developing KSD and to compare the relationship between the polymorphism of rs13347 and clinical characteristics of patients with KSD. Results. Genotypic results of rs13347 locus of the CD44 gene in the two groups were consistent with the SNP-HWE test, indicating the genetic balance. At the same time, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that subjects with CT and TT genotypes at rs13347 in the CD44 gene were more likely to have KSD, and there was a higher prevalence rate in males. Furthermore, carrying allele T at rs13347 was also a risk factor for KSD. In addition, people carrying CT and TT genotypes at rs13347 also have a significantly increased risk of relapsing KSD. Conclusion. The rs13347 polymorphism of the CD44 gene may be associated with the risk of KSD in the Han population of northeast Sichuan in China, and the recurrence rate of KSD in the carriers of CT and TT genotypes is higher.
Identification of Characteristic Genes in Whole Blood of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Patients by Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Ma Xiaobo , Su Junqiang , Wang Bo , Jin Xiasheng
Published: January 2022

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain. However, to date, the molecular mechanism of the IDD remains unclear. Gene expression profiles and clinical traits were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Firstly, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen IDD-related genes. Moreover, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were used to identify characteristic genes. Furthermore, we further investigated the immune landscape by the Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm and the correlations between key characteristic genes and infiltrating immune cells. Finally, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was established to show the regulatory mechanisms of characteristic genes. A total of 2458 genes were identified by WGCNA, and 48 of them were disordered. After overlapping the genes obtained by LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, genes including LINC01347, ASAP1-IT1, lnc-SEPT7L-1, B3GNT8, CHRNB3, CLEC4F, LOC102724000, SERINC2, and LOC102723649 were identified as characteristic genes of IDD. Moreover, differential analysis further identified ASAP1-IT1 and SERINC2 as key characteristic genes. Furthermore, we found that the expression of both ASAP1-IT1 and SERINC2 was related to the proportions of T cells gamma delta and Neutrophils. Finally, a ceRNA network was established to show the regulatory mechanisms of ASAP1-IT1 and SERINC2. In conclusion, the present study identified ASAP1-IT1 and SERINC2 as the key characteristic genes of IDD through integrative bioinformatic analyses, which may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of IDD.
Robust Power Designing of Supplementary Damping Controller in VSC HVDC System to Improve Energy Conversion Efficiency of Wind Turbine and Power System Stability
Authors: Hamidi A. , Beiza J. , Abedinzadeh T. , Daghigh A.
Published: January 2022

Because of low losses and voltage drop, fast control of power, limitless connection distance, and isolation issues, using high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission system is recommended to transfer power in the power systems, including wind farms. This paper aims to propose a supplementary damping controller (SDC) based on the HVDC to improve not only power system dynamic stability but also energy conversion efficiency and torsional vibration damping in the wind power plants (WPPs). When the WPPs are working in power control mode, the active power is set to its reference value, which is extracted from power-speed curve. This paper shows that torsional oscillations associated with the poorly torsional modes can be affected by different operating regions of the power-speed curve of WPP. Therefore, it is essential to employ an SDC to have the optimum energy conversion efficiency in the wind turbine and the most dynamic stability margin in the power system. The SDC is designed using a fractional-order PID controller (FOPID) based on the multiobjective bat-genetic algorithm (MOBGA). The simulation results show that the proposed control strategy effectively works in minimizing the torsional and electromechanical oscillations in power system and optimizing the energy conversion efficiency in the wind turbine.
Mathematical Approach to Investigate Stress due to Control Measures to Curb COVID-19
Authors: Paul James Nicodemus , Mirau Silas Steven , Mbalawata Isambi Sailon
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is a world pandemic that has affected and continues to affect the social lives of people. Due to its social and economic impact, different countries imposed preventive measures that are aimed at reducing the transmission of the disease. Such control measures include physical distancing, quarantine, hand-washing, travel and boarder restrictions, lockdown, and the use of hand sanitizers. Quarantine, out of the aforementioned control measures, is considered to be more stressful for people to manage. When people are stressed, their body immunity becomes weak, which leads to multiplying of coronavirus within the body. Therefore, a mathematical model consisting of six compartments, Susceptible-Exposed-Quarantine-Infectious-Hospitalized-Recovered (SEQIHR) was developed, aimed at showing the impact of stress on the transmission of COVID-19 disease. From the model formulated, the positivity, bounded region, existence, uniqueness of the solution, the model existence of free and endemic equilibrium points, and local and global stability were theoretically proved. The basic reproduction number (

R

0

) was derived by using the next-generation matrix method, which shows that, when

R

0

<
1

, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable whereas when

R

0

>
1

the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. Moreover, the Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (PRCC) method was used to study the correlation between model parameters and

R

0

. Numerically, the SEQIHR model was solved by using the Rung-Kutta fourth-order method, while the least square method was used for parameter identifiability. Furthermore, graphical presentation revealed that when the mental health of an individual is good, the body immunity becomes strong and hence minimizes the infection. Conclusively, the control parameters have a significant impact in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
Blockchain-Based Digital Twins Collaboration for Smart Pandemic Alerting: Decentralized COVID-19 Pandemic Alerting Use Case
Authors: Sahal Radhya , Alsamhi Saeed H. , Brown Kenneth N. , O’Shea Donna , Alouffi Bader
Published: January 2022

Emerging technologies such as digital twins, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play a vital role in driving the industrial revolution in all domains, including the healthcare sector. As a result of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, there is a significant need for medical cyber-physical systems to adopt these emerging technologies to combat COVID-19 paramedic crisis. Also, acquiring secure real-time data exchange and analysis across multiple participants is essential to support the efforts against COVID-19. Therefore, we have introduced a blockchain-based collaborative digital twins framework for decentralized epidemic alerting to combat COVID-19 and any future pandemics. The framework has been proposed to bring together the existing advanced technologies (i.e., blockchain, digital twins, and AI) and then provide a solution to decentralize epidemic alerting to combat COVID-19 outbreaks. Also, we have described how the conceptual framework can be applied in the decentralized COVID-19 pandemic alerting use case.
Breakage Characteristics of Quartz Sand Based on Ring Shear Tests: Implications for the Fragmentation Processes of Rock Avalanches
Authors: Zheng Xinxin , Chen Ruichen , Chen Jian , Chen Song , Shi Lulu
Published: January 2022

To investigate the effects of internal shear fragmentation on dry granular flow, in this study a series of ring shear tests were performed on quartz sand samples under different normal stresses (100 kPa, 200 kPa, and 300 kPa), shear displacements (3 m, 5 m, 10m, 15 m, and 20 m), and shear rates (30 deg min−1, 60 deg min−1, and 90 deg min−1). Next, the grain‐size distributions, fractal dimensions, and microcharacteristics of the quartz sand before and after the experiments were compared and analyzed. The study results show that grain breakage under shearing preferentially occurs at the edges of the particles and forms a bimodal distribution in frequency grain‐size distribution curves, which is consistent with observations of rock avalanches. The fine particles prevent the coarse particles from breaking, in turn leading to the ultimate grain‐size distribution and stable fractal dimension (2.61) of quartz sand at relatively small shear displacements compared with the travel distance of rock avalanches. The results of this study suggest that the fragmentation of rock avalanches during the shear spread stage may be far less significant than previously believed. Therefore, the fragmentation effect is not considered to be a major factor of the hypermobility in the late stage of rock avalanches.
Optimization of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid Production Using High Pressure Processing (HPP) by Lactobacillus brevis PML1
Authors: Ghafurian Nasab Atefe , Mortazavi Sayed Ali , Tabatabaei Yazdi Farideh , Sarabi Jamab Mahboobe
Published: January 2022

In the present research, the production potential of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) using Lactobacillus brevis PML1 was investigated. In addition, the microorganism viability was examined in MAN, ROGOSA, and SHARPE (MRS) after undergoing high hydrostatic pressure at 100, 200, and 300 MPa for 5, 10, and 15 min. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the production conditions of GABA as well as the bacteria viability. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that both the independent variables (pressure and time) significantly influenced the dependent ones (GABA and bacteria viability) (P < 0.05). The optimum extraction conditions to maximize the production of GABA included the pressure of 300 MPa and the time of 15 min. The amount of the compound was quantified using thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and spectrophotometry. For the process optimization, a central composite design (CCD) was created using Design Expert with 5 replications at the center point, whereby the highest content of GABA was obtained to be 397.73 ppm which was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the morphological changes in the microorganism. The results revealed that not only did have Lactobacillus brevis PML1 the potential for the production of GABA under conventional conditions (control sample) but also the content of this bioactive compound could be elevated by optimizing the production parameters.
Exercise Rehabilitation Improves Heart Function and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Peng Xingyun , Tang Liuquan
Published: January 2022

With the acceleration of the aging process, there are more and more elderly patients with chronic heart failure. Chronic heart failure has severely affected the heart function and quality of life of the elderly. This article aims to study the further improvement of the heart function and the quality of life of elderly patients with chronic heart failure through exercise rehabilitation. In this paper, experimental analysis and comparative analysis are adopted, the experimental group and the control group are designed, the adaptive heart rate and breathing rate algorithm is adopted, the heart failure symptom assessment scale and the quality of life assessment tool are selected, and the two groups of different rehabilitation forms are compared. Data collection, sorting, and analysis of the patient’s conditions are utilized. Through the use of exercise rehabilitation, the heart failure process will be slower and the recovery of heart strength will be faster than the control group. Before the experiment, the probability of shortness of breath in the two groups of patients with chronic heart failure symptoms was as high as 84.08%, and the symptom clusters were more serious; after the experiment, the SV and EF values after exercise rehabilitation were higher than those of the control group (

p
<
0.05

). The quality of life in the realm, emotional realm, and other realms has been significantly improved. For elderly patients with chronic heart failure, reasonable exercise rehabilitation training can provide them with effective preventive measures and protective measures, improve the patients’ heart function and quality of life, and play an important and key role.
Screening of Autophagy-Related Prognostic Genes in Metastatic Skin Melanoma
Authors: Chen Cao-Jie , Kajita Hiroki , Aramaki-Hattori Noriko , Sakai Shigeki , Kishi Kazuo
Published: January 2022

Cutaneous melanoma refers to a common skin tumor that is dangerous to health with a great risk of metastasis. Previous researches reported that autophagy is associated with the progression of cutaneous melanoma. Nevertheless, the role played by genes with a relation to autophagy (ARG) in the prediction of the course of metastatic cutaneous melanoma is still largely unknown. We observed that thirteen ARGs showed relations to overall survival (OS) in the Cox regression investigation based on a single variate. We developed 2-gene signature, which stratified metastatic cutaneous melanoma cases to groups at great and small risks. Cases suffering from metastatic cutaneous melanoma in the group at great risks had power OS compared with cases at small risks. The risk score, T phase, N phase, and age were proved to be individual factors in terms of the prediction of OS. Besides, the risk scores identified by the two ARGs were significantly correlated with metastatic cutaneous melanoma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated accurate predicting performance exhibited by the 2-gene signature. We also found that the immunization and stromal scores achieved by the group based on large risks were higher compared with those achieved by the group based on small risks. The metastatic cutaneous melanoma cases achieving the score based on small risks acquired greater expression of immune checkpoint molecules as compared with the high-risk group. In conclusion, the 2-ARG gene signature indicated a novel prognostic indicator for prognosis prediction of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, which served as an important tool for guiding the clinical treatment of cutaneous melanoma.
Effect of Combined Endurance Training and MitoQ on Cardiac Function and Serum Level of Antioxidants, NO, miR‐126, and miR‐27a in Hypertensive Individuals
Authors: Masoumi-Ardakani Yaser , Najafipour Hamid , Nasri Hamid Reza , Aminizadeh Soheil , Jafari Shirin , Moflehi Daruosh
Published: January 2022

Objectives. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Despite advances in treatment and control of HTN, the prevalence of HTN is still increasing. MitoQ is a supplement that acts on mitochondria and attenuates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which plays an important role in cardiovascular health. miRNAs play an important role in the pathophysiology of HTN. We evaluated the effects of MitoQ supplementation and endurance training (ET), alone and in combination, on functional indices of the heart and serum levels of miR‐126, miR‐27a, antioxidants, and NO, in patients with HTN. Methods. In a double‐blind randomized clinical trial, 52 male participants (age 40‐55 years) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 13) of placebo, MitoQ (20 mg/day, oral), ET (cycle ergometer, moderate intensity, 40‐60% VO2 peak, heart rate 120‐140 b/min, 45 min a day, three days/week for six weeks), and MitoQ+ET. Cardiac function indices were assessed by echocardiography before and after interventions. Results. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly decreased in all intervention groups (P < 0.001) while DBP (P < 0.01) and LV hypertrophy (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased only in the MitoQ+ET group. Serum levels of SOD, GPx, and NO and the level of miR‐126 significantly increased in all treatment groups, while miR‐27a reduced in the ET (P < 0.05) and MitoQ+ET (P < 0.01) groups. Conclusions. Compared to MitoQ and ET alone, their combination has more prominent improving effects on cardiac health and amelioration of BP in the patients with HTN. These effects are through miR‐126 and miR‐27a modulation and ameliorating mitochondrial ROS production.
Bifurcation Analysis and Single Traveling Wave Solutions of the Variable‐Coefficient Davey–Stewartson System
Authors: Han Tianyong , Wen Jiajin , Li Zhao
Published: January 2022

This paper mainly studies the bifurcation and single traveling wave solutions of the variable‐coefficient Davey–Stewartson system. By employing the traveling wave transformation, the variable‐coefficient Davey–Stewartson system is reduced to two‐dimensional nonlinear ordinary differential equations. On the one hand, we use the bifurcation theory of planar dynamical systems to draw the phase diagram of the variable‐coefficient Davey–Stewartson system. On the other hand, we use the polynomial complete discriminant method to obtain the exact traveling wave solution of the variable‐coefficient Davey–Stewartson system.
A Novel Artificial Neural Network-Based Correlation for Evaluating the Rate of Penetration in a Natural Gas Bearing Sandstone Formation: A Case Study in a Middle East Oil Field
Authors: Al-AbdulJabbar Ahmad , Mahmoud Ahmed Abdulhamid , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Abughaban Mahmoud
Published: January 2022

This study presented an empirical correlation to estimate the drilling rate of penetration (ROP) while drilling into a sandstone formation. The equation developed in this study was based on the artificial neural networks (ANN) which was learned to assess the ROP from the drilling mechanical parameters. The ANN model was trained on 630 datapoints collected from five different wells; the suggested equation was then tested on 270 datapoints from the same training wells and then validated on three other wells. The results showed that, for the training data, the learned ANN model predicted the ROP with an AAPE of 7.5%. The extracted equation was tested on data gathered from the same training wells where it estimated the ROP with AAPE of 8.1%. The equation was then validated on three wells, and it determined the ROP with AAPEs of 9.0%, 10.7%, and 8.9% in Well-A, Well-B, and Well-D, respectively. Compared with the available empirical equations, the equation developed in this study was most accurate in estimating the ROP.
Mercado Laboral
Authors: Tejada Mauricio
Published: January 2022

Las cifras del mercado laboral presentadas durante los dos últimos meses son claramente alentadoras. El mercado laboral se ha dinamizado considerablemente y el empleo está en franco crecimiento. La recuperación del nivel de actividad económica (medida por el IMACEC), que ha mostrado tasas de crecimiento en 24 meses por sobre el 5% desde julio 2021 (y crecimientos en 12 meses de dos dígitos por 8 meses consecutivos), es sin dudas la explicación de este mayor dinamismo del mercado laboral y es también un signo promisorio para los meses que vienen. Continuar leyendo...
Low Glucose–Induced Overexpression of HOXC-AS3 Promotes Metabolic Reprogramming of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhu Wenjie , Chen Xu , Guo Xiangyu , Liu Haiting , Ma Ranran , Wang Yawen , Liang Yahang , Sun Ying , Wang Mengqi , Zhao Ruinan , Gao Peng
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying breast cancer energy metabolism and progression remain obscure. Cancer cells rapidly adapt to microenvironments with fluctuating nutrient levels. Here, we characterized a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), HOXC-AS3, which is activated upon glucose deprivation to trigger a nutrient-stress response and a switch in glucose metabolism. Upregulation of HOXC-AS3 in breast cancer was identified by in published microarray and RNA-sequencing datasets, and then confirmed by qRT-PCR in fresh breast cancer tissues. Glucose deprivation induced HOXC-AS3 overexpression in a dose- and time-dependent manner in breast cancer cells. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo showed that HOXC-AS3 triggers energy metabolism reprogramming. ChIRP-mass spectrometry and unique molecular identifier RNA immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing (UMI RIP-seq) identified binding motifs of HOXC-AS3 with SIRT6. HOXC-AS3 selectively antagonized SIRT6-mediated H3K9ac deacetylation of glycolysis-related genes. Moreover, HOXC-AS3 binding to SIRT6 prevented contact inhibition of HIF1α, leading to reprogramming of metabolic pathways. In addition, HOXC-AS3, SP1, and miR-1224–5p formed a positive feedback loop to maintain cancer-promoting signals. Furthermore, administration of anti-HOXC-AS3-motif-RNAs effectively blocked the function of HOXC-AS3, ultimately suppressing breast cancer progression. These results reveal a critical role for HOXC-AS3 in regulating the metabolic reprogramming of breast cancer cells under metabolic stress. Use of an anti-HOXC-AS3-motif RNA mixture may be a promising strategy to suppress breast cancer progression.

Significance:

HOXC-AS3 is a low glucose–activated long noncoding RNA that triggers metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer cells to adapt to nutrient stress, identifying HOXC-AS3 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
Genetic, Pharmacogenomic, and Immune Landscapes of Enhancer RNAs Across Human Cancers
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Luo Mei , Li Qiang , Liu Yuan , Lussier Charles , Zhang Jian , Ye Youqiong , Guo An-Yuan , Han Leng
Published: January 2022

Enhancer RNAs (eRNA) regulate gene expression and play critical roles in cancer. Using large-scale omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we systematically investigated the impact of genetic variants on eRNA expression and identified approximately 1 million eRNA quantitative trait loci (eRNA-QTL) as cis- and trans-acting. Over 16,000 eRNA-QTLs were associated with patient overall survival. Assessing the impact of eRNAs on more than 1,000 imputed anticancer drug responses across approximately 10,000 patients with cancer revealed more than 7 million significant associations. Furthermore, approximately 240,000 significant associations were identified between eRNA expression and immune cell abundance deconvoluted by TIMER, CIBERSORT, ImmuCellAI, and ImmuneCellGSVA. Finally, a user-friendly data portal was generated: Genetic, Pharmacogenomic, and Immune Landscapes of eRNAs (GPIeR; https://hanlab.tamhsc.edu/GPIeR/). GPIeR is a large-scale multidimensional data portal that can be used to explore eRNA-associated genetic variants, drug responses, and immune infiltration, with the purpose of facilitating functional and clinical investigations of eRNAs in cancer.

Significance:

This study provides insights into the impact of the enhancer RNA (eRNA) landscape on patient outcome, the immune microenvironment, and drug response across cancers and develops a multidimensional data portal to facilitate eRNA research.