bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the calibration of the cohesive strength for cohesive zone models in finite element analyses
Authors: Linke Max , Lammering Rolf
Published: November 2022

Cohesive zone models are commonly used to numerically model fracture phenomena
on the microscale. Typical fracture processes are described experimentally via the
Double Cantilever Beam test and the End Notched Flexure test on the macroscale.
Analytical solutions, e.g. the LEFM-based beam theory, are used to evaluate these
tests and to validate numerical models. However, some input parameters of cohesive
zone models, i.e. cohesive stiffness and cohesive strength, are independent of the
analytical solutions. In particular, the cohesive strength has a significant effect on the
accuracy of the numerical model compared to the analytical solution and thus needs
to be calibrated. This work extends the available literature by fitting the numerical to
the analytical solution through calibration of the cohesive strength by using more
suitable and generally applicable criteria. It considers the deformation, the applied load
and the crack length of the specimen. The latter has been neglected so far in the
existing literature. Via a parametric study, the derived criteria are minimised to find the
best fit to the analytical solution. In addition, the effect of all input parameters and of
the numerical element size on the calibrated cohesive strength is investigated. The
obtained information can be used to qualify numerical models with coarse meshes to
accurately compute fracture processes. Further, it provides a comprehensive
understanding of the cohesive strength as a modelling parameter.
Effect of Fibro-adipogenic progenitor for muscle weakness after rotator cuff injury: A scoping review of animal studies
Authors: Nihei Kota , Murata Kenji , Sone Kenta , Nagata Shiori , Kawabata Sora , Kojima Takuma , Takasu Chiharu , Terada Hidenobu
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Muscle weakness rotator cuff tear (RCT) after is the most important factor for physical function. However, the mechanism underlying muscle atrophy and treatment after rotator cuff injury remains to be elucidated. This study sought to systematically review published animal studies to explore effective treatment options for muscle weakness following human rotator cuff injury, focusing on fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs).
Materials and methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase were systematically searched for articles published in June 2022, using relevant keywords. Animal species, injury and repair types, study duration, and fatty degeneration parameters were summarized.
Results: Of the 120 studies, 51 were secondarily evaluated for cell treatment of muscle weakness in rotator cuff injury. Finally, six studies examining the effects of FAPs on atrophy were selected for analysis. Six studies showed positive effects on the supraspinatus muscle following FAP (n = 3) or pluripotent stem cell (n = 3) injections.
Conclusion: Following the review, we concluded that FAP might be effectively inhibit fatty degeneration after rotator cuff injury. However, mechanical stress also should required for prevention of muscle weakness in various article. Overall, there are few FAP injection reports for RCTs, and basic research should proceed in this direction.
Effects of warming and drought stress on growth characteristics, photosynthetic-transpiration rates, and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Qian , Gao Yang , Hamani Abdoul Kader Mounkaila , Wang Guangshuai , Liu Junming , Fu Yuanyuan , Wang Xingpeng
Published: November 2022

Climate change has limited crop productivity worldwide. Understanding crop response to global climate changes is vital to maintain agricultural sustainable development. A two-year experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of warming and drought on crop growth and winter wheat yield production. The results showed that both warming and drought shortened the crop growth period, reduced the leaf area index, and increase winter wheat biomass accumulation. Under sufficient water supply conditions, warming would increase photosynthetic and transpiration rates and water use efficiency, while under water deficit conditions, the opposite was observed. Under warming conditions, the grain yield of the water deficit treatment was 8.9% lower than that of the sufficient water supply treatment. Under non-warming conditions, the grain yield of water deficit treatment was 12.4% lower than that of the sufficient water supply. Under the conditions of water-sufficient supply, the grain yield of the warming treatment was 4.4% lower than that of the non-warming treatment, and under the conditions of water deficit, the grain yield of the warming treatment was 1.3% lower than that of the non-warming treatment. Warming tends to decrease wheat growth and grain yield, but sufficient water supply could improve winter wheat’s water use efficiency and reduce the warming limitation on wheat production.
Association of circulating serum free bioavailable and total vitamin D with cathelicidin levels among active TB patients and household contacts
Authors: Acen Ester Lilian , Worodria William , Kateete David Patrick , Olum Ronald , Joloba Moses L. , Akintola Ashraf , Bbuye Mudarshiru , Andia Irene Biraro
Published: November 2022

The free hormone hypothesis postulates that the estimation of free circulating 25(OH)D may be a better marker of vitamin D status and is of clinical importance compared to total vitamin D levels because it is the fraction involved in biological activities. Studies have shown that cathelicidin inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in a vitamin D-dependent manner and therefore adequate vitamin D is required for its expression. The aim of the study was to determine the association between serum-free and bioavailable and total vitamin D with LL-37 levels in ATB patients, LTBI and individuals with no TB infection. This was a cross sectional study and free and bioavailable vitamin D and LL-37 levels were measured. 95 specimens were further selected to estimate total vitamin D levels. The median free and bioavailable vitamin D levels of study participants were 3.8 ng/mL. The median LL-37 levels were 318.8 ng/mL. The mean total vitamin D levels were 18.9 ng/mL. Significantly weak inverse associations were found and vitamin D is involved in the regulation of LL-37 expression and low vitamin D levels can alter this relationship.
Major occupations, paid maternity leave, and private insurance of working peripartum women with poverty in the United States, 2019
Authors: Seo Bojung , Nan Hongmei
Published: November 2022

Background
We aimed to determine the major occupations and employee benefit gaps among US working peripartum women with poverty and examine the associations of the major occupations with poverty status, temporary absence from work, or private health insurance coverage.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, we included women who gave birth and have had a job within the last 12 months from 2019 Public Use Microdata Sample data from full American Community Survey microdata.
Results
Among women in the major occupations, 51.2% were uninsured through an employer/union. Single mothers accounted for 78.1% of working moms with poverty in the major occupations. Compared to women in other occupations, women in the major occupations had fewer working hours/weeks and paid leave. Cleaners and grounds maintenance workers were most likely to be in poverty or uninsured through an employer/union. Food preparation and serving related workers were least likely to have temporary absence from work.
Conclusions
Compared with other occupations, the major occupations were more likely to be insecure and less likely to include employee benefits. Our study suggests that supportive policies regarding employee benefits are needed for peripartum women with poverty working in the major occupations.
Pink Unicorns and gender inequality: Case of Fiji
Authors: Saliya Candauda Arachchige
Published: November 2022

Empirical studies show that there is lack of female presence on corporate boards in public companies, although some companies have a single female director (known as a ‘pink unicorn’) who, like a unicorn, might look nice but who is, in fact, only a fiction. We investigate whether traditions and rituals support gender inequality in a religious country and attempt to provide evidence that the Fijian cultural and religious systems influence sustained gender inequality. This paper seeks to identify the internal obstacles that seem to be intrinsic to women’s presence, such as self-effacing attitudes and which, among men, appear less prevalent. This qualitative study relies on results from 32 semi-structured interviews with auditors, educationalists, and company directors from leading accounting/audit firms, universities, and Fijian companies, and high-ranked government officers. The findings of this study may encourage stakeholders, including professional bodies, and those who have interests in gender diversity, to promote more female representation on corporate boards of Fijian public companies. The results support assertions that religious traditions and rituals are strongly linked to gender-inequitable beliefs and give voice to various segments of society who are advocating greater gender diversity on board representation in Fiji.
FFA and Personal Care Product Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kam Olivia , Na Sean , Guo William , Tejeda Christina I. , Kaufmann Tara
Published: November 2022

Background Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a cicatricial alopecia affecting the frontotemporal hairline. This scarring, immune-mediated follicular destruction most commonly affects postmenopausal Caucasian women, however the exact etiology of FFA is still unknown. Recent literature has reported cases of FFA as being potentially caused by personal care product. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis intends to be the first to analyze the relationship between FFA and cosmetic/personal care products and treatments, including sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, shampoo, conditioner, hair mousse, hair gel, hair dye, hair straightening/rebonding, chemical/laser facial resurfacing, aftershave, and facial cleanser. Methods The Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline (Ovid) databases were searched for the relevant studies from the date of inception to August 2022. Case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies examining the effects of cosmetic/personal care product use on FFA, available in English full-text, were included. Analyses were performed using Review Manager, version 5.4. Results Nine studies were included in our quantitative analyses, totaling 1,248 FFA patients and 1,459 controls. There were significant positive associations found for FFA and sunscreen (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.67–5.47; p < 0.05) and facial moisturizer (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.51–3.20; p < 0.05) use. Gender sub-analyses demonstrated a positive association for FFA and facial moisturizer in men (OR 5.07, 95% CI 1.40-18.32; p < 0.05), but not women (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.83–2.98; p < 0.05). There was no association found for facial cleanser (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.33–1.52; p < 0.05), foundation (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.83–1.55; p < 0.05), shampoo (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.22–1.10; p < 0.05), hair conditioner (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.52–1.26; p < 0.05), hair mousse (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.75–2.51; p < 0.05), and hair gel (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.48–1.69; p < 0.05), hair dye (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.69–1.64; p < 0.05), hair straightening/rebonding (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.01–32.76; p < 0.05), hair perming (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.89–2.23; p < 0.05), facial toner (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.12–2.21), or aftershave (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.28–9.49; p < 0.05). Conclusions This meta-analysis strongly suggests that the leave-on facial products, facial sunscreen and moisturizer, are associated with FFA. There was no significant relationship found with hair products or treatments. These findings suggest a potential environmental etiology in the development of FFA, particularly UV-protecting chemicals.
The Effect of Different Concentration of Probiotics (Lacto-sacc) Mixtures on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Digestive Enzyme Activities of Empurau (Tor tambroides) Fingerlings
Authors: Ying Chua Sing , Munir Mohammad Bodrul , Asdari Roslianah
Published: November 2022

Tor tambroides, also known as empurau, is Malaysia's most valuable freshwater fish. With an extensive growing period, a good feeding management is required to maintain fish health. Probiotics have been shown to improve growth performance, feed utilization, immune response, and disease resistance in aquaculture. Lacto-sacc is the mixture of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae commonly used as feed additives and antibiotics substitute in the diet. This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of Lacto-sacc mixtures on growth performance, feed utilization and digestive enzyme activities of Empurau (Tor tambroides) fingerling. Fingerlings with an average body weight of 6.53g ± 0.17g were stocked 50 fingerlings per tank into twelve 650L tanks. Diets were formulated with 40% protein and supplemented with different concentration of Lacto-sacc forming 4 experimental diets; control (0LS), 0.5% Lacto-sacc (0.5LS), 1.0% Lacto-sacc (1.0LS) and 1.25% Lacto-sacc (1.25LS). As result, the study showed no significant difference in most parameter. However, empurau fed with 0.5LS diet gave the best result, showing the highest weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), lipase and protease activity with lowest feed conversion rate (FCR) compared to other treatments. From observation, the mortality in 0.5LS and 1.25LS was among the larger fish expected due to overfeeding. In contrast, the 0LS mortality showed symptoms of disease infection with pop-eye and red spots on the skin. The study shows that fingerlings supplied with Lacto-sacc, especially at 0.5% show better growth performance, feed utilization and digestive enzyme activities than the control diet.
Assessment of atmospheric emissivity models for clear-sky conditions with reanalysis data
Authors: Morales-Salinas Luis , Ortega-Farias Samuel , Riveros-Burgos Camilo , Chávez José L. , Wang Sufen , Tian Fei , Carrasco-Benavides Marcos , Neira-Román José , López-Olivari Rafael , Fuentes-Jaque Guillermo
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric longwave downward radiation (Ld) is one of the significant components of net radiation (Rn), and it drives several essential ecosystem processes. Ld can be estimated with simple empirical methods using atmospheric emissivity (εa) submodels. In this study, eight εa global models were evaluated, and the one with the best performance was calibrated on a global scale using a parametric instability analysis approach. Climatic data were obtained from a dynamically consistent scale resolution of basic atmospheric quantities and computed parameters known as NCEP/NCAR reanalysis (NNR) data. The model's goodness of fit was evaluated with monthly average values of the NNR data. The εa Brutsaert model resulted in the best performance, and then it was calibrated. The seasonal global trend of Brutsaert’s εa equation calibrated coefficient ranged between 1.2 and 1.4, and five homogeneous zones with similar behavior (clusters) were found with the K-means analysis. Finally, the calibrated Brutsaert’s εa equation improved the Rn estimation, with an error reduction, at the worldwide scale, of 64%. Meanwhile, the error reduction for every cluster ranged from 18 to 77%. Hence, Brutsaert’s equation coefficient should not be considered a constant value for use in εa estimation, nor in time nor space.
Evolution of wakefield excited by the interaction of two laser beams with an inhomogeneous plasma channel
Authors: Arefnia Motahareh , Ghorbanalilu Mohammad , Niknam Ali Reza
Published: November 2022

The beat-wave accelerator is a promising candidate for accelerating electrons to relativistic energies in very short distances. Hence, in this paper, based on the fluid model coupled with Maxwell equations and obtaining a nonlinear plasma wave equation, we study the evolution of large‐amplitude wakefield excited by the beating of two laser beams in an axially and radially inhomogeneous plasma channel. We numerically solve the nonlinear wave equation by the finite difference method (FDM) in cylindrical coordinates. We also discuss the excitation of wakefield and the possibility of electron acceleration by taking into account three profiles of preformed density-ramped plasma channels. The results showed that the wakefield amplitude in the preformed plasma channel is much stronger than the inhomogeneous plasma with a density-ramped profile. The results also indicated that the wakefield amplitude in the parabolic-radial density profile and exponential-radial density is, respectively, higher than in the linear-radial density profile.
Mechanical Characterization of Precast Self-Compacting Concrete Shell Beam Incorporating Grounded Coal Bottom Ash and Coir Fibre
Authors: AHMED MUNEER , Khan Suliman , Aziz Sajid
Published: November 2022

This study emphasizes a sustainable approach on alternative green construction techniques that make use of agro-industrial waste and recyclable construction materials to overcome the greenhouse gas emissions and to protect the consumptions of natural resources. In this research experimental study is carried out to evaluate the structural characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC) by utilizing ground coal bottom ash (GCBA) as a cement substitute, coir fibre (CF) as a filler with self-consolidating precast concrete beam (PS-B). To determine the fresh state and hardened state properties, a concrete mix design with compressive strength of 45 MPa based on Eurocode-2 guidelines was carried out with different percentages of GCBA and CF. The outcomes revealed that the workability of SCC mix increases up to 10% addition and decreases between 10% and 20% with the incorporation of GCBA. However, it increased significantly by addition of 10% GCBA and 0.5% CF. In addition, the modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and split tensile strength of SCC were improved substantially with addition of 10% GCBA and 0.5% CF. Lastly, the flexural capacity against four-point bending test in terms of load-deflection behaviour of PS-B was considerably increased by 62.96% by incorporating 0.5% CF − 10% GCBA- compared to the other shell beams, and observed the least deflection.
Boosting immunogenic cell death via Hollow MnO 2 based multiple stimuli- responsive drug delivery systems for improved cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Yueyao , Wang Runtian , Shen Peiliang , Zhou Weijia , Chen Chao , Yang Kaiyong , Yang Jingjing , Song Yujun , Han Xin , Guan Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2022

Cancer treatment by inducing tumor cell immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a hot research direction. However, ICD activation by single pathway is often limited in practical application due to its low efficiency. In addition, the low pH and anoxic environment in which solid tumors often occur also greatly limit the effective activation of ICD. Herein, hollow manganese dioxide (H-MnO2) nanomaterials were selected to load both Mitoxantrone (MTZ) and Chlorin e6 (Ce6) due to its hollow structure and ability to release drugs in the acidic environment. Thus, the synergy of photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy can induce the process of immunogenic cell death, stimulate the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), and activate the immune response to better kill tumor cells. Good immunotherapeutic effect was obtained when MnO2-C/M-HA was given intravenously to 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice and irradiated with 660 nm near-infrared laser. This study makes up for the limitations of monotherapy and provides a multifunctional platform for tumor immunotherapy.
Reliability Prediction of Alkali-activated Mortar during Flexural Loading by Weibull Analysis
Authors: Tajunnisa Yuyun - , Rasuli Mohammad Idris , Yamamura Akifumi , Shigeishi Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2022

This paper focuses on using Weibull analysis to predict various mortars' robustness based on the fracture process analysis through the flexural test which was recorded by the sensor of Acoustic Emission. Weibull distribution is used to clarify the reliability and robustness of cement by mortar characterization made from fly ash (F), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS or G), and micro-silica (M) alkali activation compared with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) Mortars. This mortar production aims to characterize and compare alkali-activated materials (AAMs) properties with the cement type commonly used, OPC. AAMs are an alternative to Portland cement, that can decrease the amount of CO2 emission. The fracture process under flexural loading of AAMs was made from 4 combinations of F/G/M activated by the alkaline solution. Four variations are AAM-IV, AAM-V, AAM-VI, AAM-VII, and OPC as a control. Weibull analysis showed that AAMs were more robust than OPC mortar and possessed minor fractures compared to OPC mortar.
Complications of the ureteral stump after upper tract approach treatment of duplex systems in children
Authors: Wang Jinbin , Zhao Yining , Zheng Rui , Chen Zhoutong , Xu Guofeng , Geng Hongquan , Fang Xiaoliang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Ectopic ureter or ureterocele is the most common upper urinary tract anomaly associated with duplex kidneys, and is usually treated by heminephrectomy and ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy in case of obstruction or reflux. However, the development of residual ureteral stump infection is a major concern. We reviewed the long-term outcome of residual ureteral stumps in children with duplex kidneys after surgery.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of 203 pediatric patients with duplex kidney who underwent upper pole heminephrectomy or ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy between January 2010 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. we evaluated preop diameter of the renal pelvis and ureteral on ultrasonography, preop history of urinary tract infections (UTIs), presence of preop vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), type of anomaly, type of surgical operation, preop differential renal function in these patients.

Results

During a follow-up of 36 months, 16 patients had recurrent UTIs at the residual ureteral stump after upper pole heminephrectomy, of which 11 underwent stump resection. Antibiotic treatment resolved the UTIs in the remaining 5 patients. Stump resection was not required in any of the patients who underwent ipsilateral ureteroureterostomy (IUU).

Conclusions

Most patients with residual ureteral stumps after upper tract surgery do not require stump resection at long-term follow-up. The length of residual ureteral stump is significantly correlated to ureteric stump syndrome, those with risk factor should be followed carefully at least for 12 months for ureteric stump syndrome after surgery.
Transporter Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (DaT-SPECT) use in The Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Parkinsonism: An Eight-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Tsang Kaki , Walker Richard
Published: November 2022

Introduction
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder that is typically diagnosed clinically. DaT-SPECT scanning (DaT Scan) can be used when there is diagnostic difficulty differentiating from non-neurodegenerative Parkinsonism. This study assessed the effect of DaT Scan imaging on diagnosis and subsequent clinical management of these disorders.
Methods
This single-trust retrospective study involved 455 patients who had undergone DaT scans for investigation for Parkinsonism, between 01/01/2014 to 31/12/2021. Data collected included patient demographics, date of clinical assessment, scan report, pre-scan and post-scan diagnosis, and clinical management.
Results
The mean age at scan was 70.5 years and 57% were male. The percentage of patients who had an abnormal scan result was 40% (n=184), whilst 53% (n=239) had a normal scan result, and 7% (n=32) had an equivocal scan. Pre-scan diagnosis was consistent with scan results in 71% of cases of neurodegenerative Parkinsonism, whereas this figure was 64% for cases of non-neurodegenerative Parkinsonism. For all DaT scans, the diagnosis was changed in 37% of patients (n=168), whilst the clinical management was changed in 42% of patients (n=190). Change in management involved 63% starting dopaminergic medication, 5% stopping dopaminergic medications and 31% undergoing other changes in management.
Conclusion
DaT imaging is useful for confirming the correct diagnosis and clinical management for patients with clinically indeterminate Parkinsonism. Pre-scan diagnoses were generally consistent with scan results.
An improved Bingham fractional creep damage model of filling body containing water
Authors: He Feng , Yang Song , Ren Lingran
Published: November 2022

Filling mining technology is an important representative technology to realize green and low-carbon mining. The filling body has distinct rheological characteristics under the long-term action of formation loads and groundwater seepage. In order to study the creep characteristics of filling body under different moisture contents and reveal its aging-mechanical properties, an improved Bingham fractional creep model was established to describe the whole process of creep based on the traditional Bingham model. Based on the experimental data of gangue cemented backfill under different moisture content, the parameters of creep model are obtained by using user-defined function fitting and least square method. The results show that the improved Bingham fractional creep model can well describe the whole creep process of filling body under different moisture contents. Compared with the traditional Bingham model, the fitting degree is higher, which solves the problem that the Bingham model cannot describe the nonlinear creep stage. Model parameterαandξincrease with the increase of axial stress and moisture content. Under the same moisture content,ηgradually increases with the increase of axial stress. This work has a certain reference significance for studying the mechanical properties and creep constitutive model of filling body containing water.
Propagation Simulation of Ultrasonic Wave in Coal and Rock Medium
Authors: WEI Wei , LIU Yang , ZHOU ZhuKun
Published: November 2022

To identify coal-rock interface, ultrasonic detection technology is used to measure coal seam thickness based on acoustic impedance contrast between coal and rock. Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic model and anisotropy theory is used to established the coal-rock interface identification model including water, coal and rock layer. A staggered-grid infinite difference in time domain (FDTD) scheme is used to simulate the ultrasonic wave propagation in this model. To solve the problem of false reflection caused by artificial boundary in numerical simulation, three PML implementations including split-field perfectly matched layer (S-PML), multi-axial perfectly matched layer (M-PML) and complex frequency-shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS-PML) are compared. The simulation shows that CFS-PML has a better result and calculation stability. The results provide a theoretical basis for ultrasonic identification of coal-rock interface.
A Co-Anchoring Strategy for the Synthesis of Polar Bimodal Polyethylene
Authors: Chen Chang-Le , Zou Chen , Wang Quan , Si Guifu
Published: November 2022

Since polar groups can poison the metal centers in catalysts, the incorporation of polar comonomers usually comes at the expense of catalytic activity and polymer molecular weight. In this contribution, we demonstrate polar bimodal polyethylene as a potential solution to this trade-off. The more-polar/more-branched low-molecular-weight fraction provided polarity and processability, while the less-polar/less-branched high-molecular-weight fraction provided mechanical and melt properties. To achieve high miscibility between these two fractions, three synthetic routes were investigated: mixtures of homogeneous catalysts, separately supported heterogeneous catalysts, and a co-anchoring strategy (CAS) to heterogenize different homogeneous catalysts on one solid support. The CAS route was the only viable strategy for the synthesis of polar bimodal polyethylene with good molecular level entanglement and minimal phase separation. This produced polyolefin materials with excellent mechanical properties, surface/dyeing properties, gas barrier properties, as well as extrudability and 3D-printability.
Existence of optimal strategies in a normalized interval matrix game and applications
Authors: AFREEN SANA , Bhurjee Ajay Kumar , Aziz Rabia Musheer
Published: November 2022

Vagueness in the real-world problem performs a significant role in determining the existence of a feasible solution to the problem. This vagueness in the model may be handled by considering the parameters of the problem as a closed interval. In this competitive world, game models with uncertain payoffs can successfully handle conflicting real-world problems. Therefore, a two-player zero-sum game model in which payoffs vary in a range is considered. Then, the existence of saddle point (pure strategy) and dominance rules are discussed for the game model, and mixed strategy is defined in the case of non-existing saddle point. Thereafter, a methodology has been developed to discuss the existence of weak and control strategies in the interval game model. Furthermore, we obtain the optimal value of the game model as a deterministic number. Finally, the developed methodology is successfully implemented to solve real-world investment problems in the stock market and obtain the optimal strategy to achieve the maximum return.
Elevation of neutrophil-derived factors in patients after multiple trauma
Authors: Lingitz Marie-Therese , Wollner Gregor , Bauer Jonas , Kuehtreiber Hannes , Mildner Michael , Copic Dragan , Bormann Daniel , Direder Martin , Christ Alexandra , Krenn Claus Georg , Haider Thomas , Negrin Lukas , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan
Published: November 2022

Trauma represents one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Traumatic injuries elicit a dynamic inflammatory response with systemic release of inflammatory cytokines. Disbalance of this response can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome or compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome. As neutrophils play a major role in innate immune defense and are crucial in the injury-induced immunological response, we aimed to investigate systemic neutrophil-derived immunomodulators in trauma patients. Therefore, serum levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) were quantified in patients with injury severity scores above 15. Additionally, leukocyte, platelet, fibrinogen, and CRP levels were assessed. Lastly, we analyzed the association of neutrophil-derived factors with clinical severity scoring systems. Although the release of MPO, NE, and CitH3 was not predictive of mortality, we found a remarkable increase in MPO and NE in trauma patients as compared with healthy controls. We also found significantly increased levels of MPO and NE on days 1 and 5 after initial trauma in critically injured patients. Taken together, our data suggest a role for neutrophil activation and NETosis in trauma. Targeting exacerbated neutrophil activation might represent a new therapeutic option for critically injured patients.
Three courses of treatment increase the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in patients with local advanced ESCC without increasing TRAEs compared with two courses of treatment
Authors: Huang Yuanheng , Su Xiaodong , Guo Guo , Luo Guangyu , He Haoqiang , Cai Peiqiang , Cai Muyan , Yue Haodong , Wang Zhiqiang , Yang Guozhen , Lin Peng , Zhang Xu
Published: November 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint (ICI) monotherapy and neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy has shown promising results in esophageal carcinoma. However, it is still unclear whether more courses in immunochemotherapy are better. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of three courses of neoadjuvant treatment for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the ChiCTR2000029807 clinical trial. Locally advanced ESCC patients have to receive three courses of camrelizumab (200mg every three weeks) plus nab-paclitaxel (260 mg/m2 every three weeks) and capecitabine (1250 mg/m2 every three weeks) before undergoing surgery. Patients received safety assessment, CT, and endoscopy (with endoscopic ultrasonography and mucosal biopsy) efficacy assessments before and in the second and third courses of treatment. We used the second and third courses' CT and endoscopic assessment results for comparison.Results: From May 2020 to December 2021, 47 patients were enrolled at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. In our study, 43 patients completed three courses of preoperative chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 therapy and radical surgical resection. All Forty-three patients received safety assessments and CT efficacy assessments. Sixteen patients did not undergo an endoscopy examination during the second course of treatment because of esophageal stenosis or refused the endoscopy examination. The toxicity of the third course of immunochemotherapy was mild and well tolerated without increased treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and mortality compared with the second course of treatment. In terms of efficacy, an additional course of treatment after the second course of treatment was effective, which continued to increase the CT and endoscopy T downstaging rates by 16.3% and 25.9%, N downstaging rates by 7.0% and 11.1%, and ORR by 13.6 and 22.0%, respectively.Conclusions: No matter downstaging or ORR, three courses of immunochemotherapy appear to be superior to two courses of treatment without increasing TRAEs. (www.chictr.org.cn number, ChiCTR2000029807)
Assessing the wildlife trade in western Africa through the prism of functional diversity: a comparative study between two types of wildlife markets from southern Benin
Authors: DJAGOUN Chabi A.M.S. , ZANVO Stanislas , AZIHOU Fortuné , NAGO Gilles , DJAGOUN Joël , VODOUHÊ Fifanou , DJOSSA Bruno , ASSOAGBADJO Achille , LEPRIEUR Fabien , SINSIN Brice , GAUBERT Philippe
Published: November 2022

We tackle the potential impact of bushmeat markets (BM) and traditional medicine markets (TMM) on the functional diversity of mammalian communities in southern Benin. A hybrid approach combining direct observations, DNA-typing and questionnaires allowed us to identify 94 species-level taxa across 11 mammalian orders, the greatest ever reported numbers for African wildlife markets. TMM sold species of high conservation concern or regulated by international conventions and recruited across all the taxonomic orders and bioclimatic zones. BM were taxonomically (25 species), bioclimatically and functionally 100% nested within TMM. However, functional diversity was high in both markets, which sampled across nine diet specializations and five main ecological functions, including seed dispersion (mostly frugivores, folivores and omnivores), prey regulation (mostly carnivores and invertivores), browsing (mostly folivores), grazing (omnivores) and fertilization (nectarivores). TMM sampled species with the greatest body weights and generation lengths, and smallest litter sizes, including large herbivores and keystone predators. For these reasons, they likely jeopardize the regulatory, structural and production functions of the sourced ecosystems. BM, despite their local sourcing, sampled across a non-selective taxonomic and functional spectrum and as such, also represent a significant threat to ecosystem functioning in southern Benin. The functional database that we provide can serve as a starting point to pursue the quantification of functional diversity in African mammals and further investigate the impact of wildlife markets on ecosystem functioning in tropical Africa. Overall, long-term surveys of BM and TMM are needed to accurately quantify the threat they constitute to mammalian biodiversity and the sustainability of ecosystem services.
Contact time has limited impact on the efficacy of disinfectant towelettes when tested under conditions reflective of realistic use
Authors: Kelley Alyssa M. , Voorn Maxwell G. , Tembo Geraldine M. , Horn Connor M. , Li Xiaobao , Teska Peter J. , Oliver Haley F.
Published: November 2022

Background
The use of disinfectants, such as disinfectant towelettes, play an important role pathogen transmission that can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, the efficacy of disinfectant towelette products when tested under realistic use conditions is understudied. A test model was designed to replicate realistic wiping conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of varied contact time on disinfectant towelette efficacy under these conditions.
Methods
Five product types were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) at five contact times (30 s, one min, two min, three min, and 10 min) on hard, non-porous laminate templates to determine the impact of contact time on disinfectant towelette efficacy when tested under realistic use.
Results
Product type had a significant impact on the efficacy of disinfectant towelettes when tested under conditions reflective of realistic use. The effect of contact time was limited and no differences in efficacy were seen at a contact time of one min compared with the other contact times tested. Only one disinfectant towelette product achieved a 5-log reduction under the tested conditions.
Conclusion
Efficacy of disinfectant towelettes was primarily impacted by product type when applied in a model designed to replicate realistic use in which only a limited effect of contact time was observed. There is a need for further investigation into which factors have the greatest impact on disinfectant towelette efficacy when applied in clinical settings.
Influence of Relative Humidity on Compressive Strength of Low-Calcium Fly Ash Geopolymer During Heat Curing
Authors: Rasuli Mohammad Idris
Published: November 2022

Compare to ordinary Portland cement, Geopolymers are more environmentally friendly materials. They have some remarkable advantages such as resistance against fire and acid. Low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymers are heat cured in ovens and incubators where they are exposed to different temperatures and relative humidity (RH). The influence of the temperature on the alkali-activated materials (AAM) and geopolymers are well studied and understood. But there is a lack of enough information regarding the effect of RH during heat curing on the properties of the materials. This research aimed to study the influence of RH on the compressive strength of the geopolymer. Low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer was cured at 45 °C. The effect of around 10% and 94% RH was studied on 7-, 28- and 56- day compressive strength of the materials. It was found that RH has a negative influence on the early age strength of the mortars. More studies are required to find the influence of RH on other properties of the geopolymer.
Fusing LDA Topic Features for BERT-based Text Classification
Authors: Zhang PeiXin , Zhao Hua , Wang FengLing , Zeng QingTian , AMOS SITENDA
Published: November 2022

Text classification has been a major hot topic in natural language processing. Despite the significant progress made in this field, some deterrents have persisted, notable among which are features extraction from long and complicated sentences, and from sparse topic features. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method of text classification based on the combination of BERT and LDA classification methods (called BERT+LDA), focusing on effectively integrating the two to present a new fusion method. Our proposed fusion method begins with applying the LDA model on a document to assign topics to each sentence and to iterate over each sentence to derive the probability of each word with respect to the sentence topic. Word2Vec vectors are then generated for each word in a sentence by the Word2Vec model, which are weighted by their corresponding word probabilities to form weighted LDA Word2Vec vectors. Ultimately, the weighted LDA Word2Vec and BERT vectors are fused for classification. Experimental results prove that the weighted LDA Word2Vec vector that is generated creditably expresses sentence semantic, and the fusion method proposed in this paper fully combines the advantages of BERT semantic and topic vectors. It is also worth noting that the proposed method yields better results on short text datasets than traditional fusion methods.
Role of dentists and senior dental students in nutrition counseling: perceptions and practice
Authors: Maybodi Fahimeh Rashidi , Marvasti Zahra Falahati , Najarzadeh Azadeh
Published: November 2022

Background:Inadequate nutrition can affect oral health, including periodontitis and caries. Compromised oral health can also alter food choices and negatively lead to poor nutritional status. Therefore, current and future dentists should not neglect the nutritional issues of patients.This study aimed to assess the perceptions and practice of general dentists and dental students regarding nutrition counseling.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was used which included four parts of demographic information, 9 questions regarding knowledge, 6 questions regarding attitude, and 10 questions regarding practice with respect to nutrition counseling. The questionnaires were administered among senior students and dentists in Yazd. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square test and t-test (alpha=0.05).Results:98 (71%) dentists and 40 (29%) students participate. The mean knowledge score was 7.12±1.75 in dentists and 6.48±1.2 in students out of 9. The mean knowledge score of dentists was significantly higher than students (P=0.03). Mean practice score of dentists and senior students were 3.26± 2.43 and 3.20± 1.82 out of 10, respectively. No significant difference was found in mean practice score of two groups (P=0.879).Conclusions:The knowledge level of both groups was acceptable but the quality of practice was poor in dentists and students.
Antlion larvae localize long distant preys by a mechanism based on time difference
Authors: Martinez Vanessa , Sillam-Dussès David , Devetak Dusan , Lorent Vincent , Podlesnik Jan
Published: November 2022

Pit building antlions \textit{Euroleon nostras} have been submitted to artificial cues in order to delineate their faculty to localize a prey. Series of propagating pulses in sand have been created from an extended source located at a large distance from the pit. The envelope of each pulse encompasses six oscillations at a carrier frequency of 1,250 Hz and up to eight oscillations at 1,666 Hz (yielding a wavelength of the order of 7 to 10 cm). In one set of experiments, the first wave front is followed by similar wave fronts and the antlions respond to the cue by throwing sand in the opposite direction of the wave front propagation direction. In another set of experiments, the first wave front is randomly spatially structured while the propagation of the wave fronts inside the envelope of the pulse are not. In that case, the antlions respond less to the cue by throwing sand, and when they do, their sand throwing is more randomly distributed in direction. One concludes that the localization of vibration signal by antlions are based on the equivalent for hearing animals of interaural time difference in which the onset has more significance than the interaural phase difference.
‘I feel like I found myself again’ – Rethinking ‘recovery’ in a qualitative exploration of Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) service users’ experiences
Authors: Riley Fleur , Harris Magdalena , Ahmed Danny , Moore Helen , Poulter Louise , Towl Graham , Walker Tammi
Published: November 2022

Background
Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) is an enhanced harm reduction programme designed for treatment-refractory opioid dependent individuals. The first HAT service in England was established in 2019, involving twice-daily supervised injections of medical-grade heroin (diamorphine). International research has produced promising evidence for HAT in reducing a range of intravenous drug-related harms and promoting myriad social benefits such as reduced criminal activity, increased social engagement and improved wellbeing. However, strict regulatory controls may constrain service users’ opportunities for social re-integration, inadvertently prioritising abstinence-focused treatment goals and definitions of ‘recovery’. The impact of HAT delivery from service user’s perspectives is not well documented, and this is the first qualitative research conducted within a fully operational HAT service in England.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with HAT service users in a North-East England drug treatment service (N=12). Data was subjected to thematic analysis, with common themes emerging inductively from the data.
Results
Participants overcame barriers to engagement and retention through self-motivation and commitment, supportive staff relationships and de-stigmatising treatment experiences that increased service users’ self-efficacy and sense of belonging. They reported multiple physical, emotional and social impacts, including minimised street heroin use and criminal behaviour, improved physical health, increased social engagement and emotional wellbeing.
Conclusions
Physical, social and psychological healing interacted throughout the course of HAT to facilitate holistic improvements in quality of life and wellbeing. However, HAT’s intensive treatment schedule was restrictive of patient’s daily activities, which could be mitigated through greater flexibility in treatment regulations. Middlesbrough HAT is an example of innovative drug treatment that offers continuing opportunities for success within a broad definition of recovery, in which abstinence sits on a spectrum alongside diverse forms of social, physical and psychological recovery from drug-related harms.
A Wheel-rotor Hybrid Robot for Wildlife Investigation in a Natural Reserve
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Wang Li , Gao Erhu , Yang Lei , Fu Rong , Liu Huaping , Li Jun
Published: November 2022

Knowing the population development and distribution patterns of wildlife resources is key to maintaining natural ecological balance and biodiversity in human-impacted ecosystems, which needs regular investigations. However, most investigations are performed artificially in vast natural reserves covering thousands of square kilometers, which is inefficient and inaccurate, especially in dangerous or inaccessible terrains. Here, we propose a wheel-rotor hybrid robot for wildlife investigations as an aid to assist investigators. In combination with wheels and rotors, the robot achieves land and flight amphibious abilities to adapt to complex terrains. The land mode enables the robot to operate for long periods and get close to targets, while the flight mode allows it to cross impassable terrains. The robot is equipped with multiple sensors, improving the investigation’s efficiency. A field test in Helan Mountain of China verifies the robot’s capability, showing excellent performance beyond traditional investigation and representing an advance for prolonged wildlife monitoring.
Design optimization of hilly water distribution network under different operation conditions
Authors: Chu Yangyang , Lv Mou , Su Yanbo , Li Yuan , Lu Chenggang
Published: November 2022

In order to optimize the water supply system for various operation models, this study uses a hilly water supply project as an example. In order to analyze the water supply network for optimization, this study uses two objective functions: cost and dependability. The designer can then select the best optimization strategy for his needs. The design of a real-world water supply network, a component of a water supply network in a seaside town in China, was done using this methodology. Based on the findings, it is crucial to improve the design of the water supply network under various operating models to get a more reliable design solution at a lower design cost.