bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of post-exercise sodium bicarbonate ingestion on acid-base balance recovery and time-to-exhaustion running performance: a randomised crossover trial in recreational athletes
Authors: Gurton William , Macrae Heather , Gough Lewis , King David G.
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the effect of post-exercise sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on acid-base balance recovery and time-to-exhaustion (TTE) running performance. Eleven male runners (stature, 1.80 ± 0.05 m; body mass, 74.4 ± 6.5 kg; maximal oxygen consumption, 51.7 ± 5.4 mL·kg−1·min−1) participated in this randomised, single-blind, counterbalanced and crossover design study. Maximal running velocity (v-V̇O2max) was identified from a graded exercise test. During experimental trials, participants repeated 100% v-V̇O2max TTE protocols (TTE1, TTE2) separated by 40 min following the ingestion of either 0.3 g·kg−1 body mass NaHCO3 (SB) or 0.03 g·kg−1 body mass sodium chloride (PLA) at the start of TTE1 recovery. Acid-base balance (blood pH and bicarbonate, HCO3–) data were studied at baseline, post-TTE1, after 35 min recovery and post-TTE2. Blood pH and HCO3– concentration were unchanged at 35 min recovery (p > 0.05), but HCO3– concentration was elevated post-TTE2 for SB vs. PLA (+2.6 mmol·L−1; p = 0.005; g = 0.99). No significant differences were observed for TTE2 performance (p > 0.05), although a moderate effect size was present for SB vs. PLA (+14.3 s; g = 0.56). Post-exercise NaHCO3 ingestion is not an effective strategy for accelerating the restoration of acid-base balance or improving subsequent TTE performance when limited recovery is available.

Novelty: Post-exercise sodium bicarbonate ingestion did not accelerate the restoration of blood pH or bicarbonate after 35 min. Performance enhancing effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion may display a high degree of inter-individual variation. Small-to-moderate changes in performance were likely due to greater up-regulation of glycolytic activation during exercise.
$$\varLambda $$CDM suitably embedded in f(R) with a non-minimal coupling to matter
Authors: Ortiz-Baños María , Bouhmadi-López Mariam , Lazkoz Ruth , Salzano Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

In this work, we further study a metric modified theory of gravity which contains a non-minimal coupling to matter, more precisely, we assume two functions of the scalar curvature, $$f_1$$

f
1

and $$f_2$$

f
2

, where the first one generalises the Hilbert–Einstein action, while the second couples to the matter Lagrangian. On the one hand, assuming a $$\varLambda $$
Λ
CDM background, we calculate analytical solutions for the functions $$f_1$$

f
1

and $$f_2$$

f
2

. We consider two setups: on the first one, we fix $$f_2$$

f
2

and compute $$f_1$$

f
1

and on the second one, we fix $$f_1$$

f
1

and compute $$f_2$$

f
2

. Moreover, we do the analysis for two different energy density contents, a matter dominated universe and a general perfect fluid with a constant equation of state fuelling the universe expansion. On the other hand, we complete our study by performing a cosmographic analysis for $$f_1$$

f
1

and $$f_2$$

f
2

. We conclude that the gravitational coupling to matter can drive the accelerated expansion of the universe.
Recasting direct detection limits within micrOMEGAs and implication for non-standard dark matter scenarios
Authors: Bélanger G. , Mjallal A. , Pukhov A.
Published: March 2021

Direct detection experiments obtain 90% upper limits on the elastic scattering cross sections of dark matter with nucleons assuming point-like interactions and standard astrophysical and cosmological parameters. In this paper we provide a recasting of the limits from XENON1T, PICO-60, CRESST-III and DarkSide-50 and include them in micrOMEGAs. The code can then be used to directly impose constraints from these experiments on generic dark matter models under different assumptions about the DM velocity distribution or on the nucleus form factors. Moreover, new limits on the elastic scattering cross sections can be obtained in the presence of a light t-channel mediator or of millicharged particles.
Ghost-free higher-order theories of gravity with torsion
Authors: de la Cruz-Dombriz Álvaro , Torralba Francisco José Maldonado , Mazumdar Anupam
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript we will present the theoretical framework of the recently proposed infinite derivative theory of gravity with a non-symmetric connection. We will explicitly derive the field equations at the linear level and obtain new solutions with a non-trivial form of the torsion tensor in the presence of a fermionic source, and show that these solutions are both ghost and singularity-free.
A nonlinear partially-averaged Navier–Stokes model with near-wall correction for separated turbulent flow
Authors: Liu Benqing , Yang Wei , Li Sien , Huang Xianbei
Published: March 2021

A nonlinear Partially-Averaged Navier–Stokes model with near-wall correction is developed for separated turbulent flow simulations. The periodic hills flow is simulated to validate the new model and the results are compared with the standard [Formula: see text] model, MPANS model, MSST PNAS model, standard [Formula: see text] PANS model, and experimental/LES results. It is found that the new model shows better performance in the prediction of both mean velocity and turbulent statistics compared to the other models. From the prediction of the near-wall friction coefficient of periodic hills flow, the new model shows good resolution in the near-wall region by considering the near-wall damping function to turbulent viscosity, gradient production term, and turbulence scale correction term for the near-wall region. From the analysis of anisotropy-invariant and sub-filtered stress (SFS), it can be found that the nonlinear term is necessary for prediction accuracy improvement in turbulent flow simulation with strong separation.
Mathematical modeling of antireflection coating based on double negative index materials
Authors: Shabat Mohammed M. , Safi Shaban , Abushaar Kholoud Kh. , Schaadt Daniel M.
Published: March 2021

New artificial Negative index materials (NIMs) or metamaterials have rapidly attracted researchers and industry due to their unusual properties. Applications of various NIMs have been found to be used in manufacturing and design some nano devices such as optical sensors and solar cells. The concept of solar cells depends on the maximizing the light transmission and minimizing the reflection. We propose solar cell structure model based on NIMs to enhance the light efficiency in solar cells. The proposed structure consists of four layers including two NIMs layers called Double NIMs. The simulation of the proposed model has been done utilizing the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). High transmission and low reflection have been obtained. Solar cells based on double NIMs show promising future and could successfully be used to design highly efficient solar cells.
Local null controllability of a model system for strong interaction between internal solitary waves
Authors: Bárcena-Petisco Jon Asier , Guerrero Sergio , Pazoto Ademir F.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we prove the local null controllability property for a nonlinear coupled system of two Korteweg–de Vries equations posed on a bounded interval and with a source term decaying exponentially on [Formula: see text]. The system was introduced by Gear and Grimshaw to model the interactions of two-dimensional, long, internal gravity waves propagation in a stratified fluid. We address the controllability problem by means of a control supported on an interior open subset of the domain and acting on one equation only. The proof consists mainly on proving the controllability of the linearized system, which is done by getting a Carleman estimate for the adjoint system. While doing the Carleman, we improve the techniques for dealing with the fact that the solutions of dispersive and parabolic equations with a source term in [Formula: see text] have a limited regularity. A local inversion theorem is applied to get the result for the nonlinear system.
Predictive Platforms of Bond Cleavage and Drug Release Kinetics for Macromolecule–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Ghosal Souvik , Walker Javon E. , Alabi Christopher A.
Published: March 2021

Macromolecule–drug conjugates (MDCs) occupy a critical niche in modern pharmaceuticals that deals with the assembly and combination of a macromolecular carrier, a drug cargo, and a linker toward the creation of effective therapeutics. Macromolecular carriers such as synthetic biocompatible polymers and proteins are often exploited for their inherent ability to improve drug circulation, prevent off-target drug cytotoxicity, and widen the therapeutic index of drugs. One of the most significant challenges in MDC design involves tuning their drug release kinetics to achieve high spatiotemporal precision. This level of control requires a thorough qualitative and quantitative understanding of the bond cleavage event. In this review, we highlight specific research findings that emphasize the importance of establishing a precise structure–function relationship for MDCs that can be used to predict their bond cleavage and drug release kinetic parameters.
Mitigation of Mechanical Membrane Degradation in Fuel Cells by Controlling Electrode Morphology: A 4D In Situ Structural Characterization
Authors: Singh Yadvinder , White Robin T. , Najm Marina , Boswell Alex , Orfino Francesco P. , Dutta Monica , Kjeang Erik
Published: March 2021

Mechanical degradation is a critical mechanism responsible for the operational failure of fuel cell membranes. In addition to the membrane’s intrinsic durability, component interactions play a crucial role in this degradation process. This work investigates the interaction and associated impact of electrode morphology on membrane failure under pure mechanical degradation conditions by utilizing 4D in situ visualization by X-ray computed tomography. Using periodic identical-location imaging, membrane damage progression is monitored and compared for electrodes with high and low initial crack density. Membrane fracture is found to be significantly curtailed through minimization of ab initio crack density in the cathode catalyst layer. Hydration-dehydration cycles, however, still introduce early electrode cracking which, as an intermediate step, exclusively governs the subsequent initiation and propagation of membrane cracks. Two distinct membrane failure mechanisms are identified that are characterized by: (i) permanent buckling deformation of the catalyst coated membrane; and (ii) direct membrane fracture from electrode cracks without buckling. The buckling phenomenon is found to be strongly influenced by the microstructure of the gas diffusion media and has a dominant contribution towards the overall frequency and scale of membrane fracture. Additionally, the effect of hydration on the in situ size and geometry of fracture features is demonstrated.
Recent advances and health implications of dietary fasting regimens on the gut microbiome
Authors: Mohr Alex E. , Gumpricht Eric , Sears Dorothy D. , Sweazea Karen L.
Published: March 2021

Calorie restriction is a primary dietary intervention demonstrated over many decades in cellular and animal models to modulate aging pathways, positively affect age-associated diseases and, in clinical studies, to promote beneficial health outcomes. Because long-term compliance with daily calorie restriction has proven problematic in humans several intermittent fasting regimens, including alternate day fasting and time-restricted feeding, have evolved revealing similar clinical benefits as calorie restriction. Despite significant research on the cellular and physiological mechanisms contributing to, and responsible for, these observed benefits, relatively little research has investigated the impact of these various fasting protocols on the gut microbiome (GM). Reduced external nutrient supply to the gut may beneficially alter the composition and function of a “fed” gut microflora. Indeed, the prevalent, obesogenic Western diet can promote deleterious changes in the GM, signaling intermediates involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, and immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract. This review describes recent preclinical and clinical effects of varying fasting regimens on GM composition and associated physiology. Although the number of preclinical and clinical interventions are limited, significant data thus far suggest fasting interventions impact GM composition and physiology. However, there are considerable heterogeneities of study design, methodological considerations, and practical implications. Ongoing research on the health impact of fasting regimens on GM modulation is warranted.
Visual selective attention and the control of tracking eye movements: a critical review
Authors: Souto David , Kerzel Dirk
Published: March 2021

People’s eyes are directed at objects of interest with the aim of acquiring visual information. However, processing this information is constrained in capacity, requiring task-driven and salience-driven attentional mechanisms to select few among the many available objects. A wealth of behavioral and neurophysiological evidence has demonstrated that visual selection and the motor selection of saccade targets rely on shared mechanisms. This coupling supports the premotor theory of visual attention put forth more than 30 years ago, postulating visual selection as a necessary stage in motor selection. In this review, we examine to which extent the coupling of visual and motor selection observed with saccades is replicated during ocular tracking. Ocular tracking combines catch-up saccades and smooth pursuit to foveate a moving object. We find evidence that ocular tracking requires visual selection of the speed and direction of the moving target, but the position of the motion signal may not coincide with the position of the pursuit target. Further, visual and motor selection can be spatially decoupled when pursuit is initiated (open-loop pursuit). We propose that a main function of coupled visual and motor selection is to serve the coordination of catch-up saccades and pursuit eye movements. A simple race-to-threshold model is proposed to explain the variable coupling of visual selection during pursuit, catch-up and regular saccades, while generating testable predictions. We discuss pending issues, such as disentangling visual selection from preattentive visual processing and response selection, and the pinpointing of visual selection mechanisms, which have begun to be addressed in the neurophysiological literature.
Protective Effect of Ultraviolet C Irradiation on the Gastric Mucosa of Rats with Chronic Gastritis Induced by Physicochemical Stimulations
Authors: Wang Likang , Chen Wei , Lin Xisheng , Zhang Zhao , Wang Na , Lv Youkui , Wang Xinglin , Gao Yueming
Published: March 2021

Background. Chronic gastritis (CG) is a common digestive disease with the highest morbidity among multiple digestive diseases, which seriously lowers the life quality of patients. The pathological alternations of gastric mucosa, and its possible mechanisms have been the focus of CG-related researches. Accumulative basic and clinical evidence has confirmed that ultraviolet C (UVC) is effective in relieving superficial acute infective inflammation, skin and mucous membrane injuries, and ulcers, and promoting wound healing. Objective. This study was aimed at investigating the protective effects of UVC on gastric mucosal injury in rats stimulated with physicochemical irritants like ethanol and exploring the mechanisms underlying the protection by UVC against gastric mucosal injury and CG. Methods. Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, including Group A (normal), Group B (model), Group C (omeprazole treatment), Group D (intragastric UVC irradiation for 24 s × 2 yields), and Group E (intragastric UVC irradiation for 48 s × 2 yields). Rats in Groups B–E were made CG model by physicochemical stimulations. All rats were sacrificed one week after the 22-week experiment, and gastric tissues were harvested. Histopathological examinations were performed. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase as well as the contents of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde in gastric mucosal tissues were detected. Serum interleukin-6, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, pepsin, and gastrin were measured. Results. Results showed that physiochemical irritants like ethanol could be used for easily establishing a rat CG model that shared similar pathological features with human CG. Intragastric UVC irradiation could promote the repair of gastric mucosa and improve the atrophy of gastric mucosa by inhibiting the inflammatory factors, increasing the levels of pepsin and gastrin, decreasing the expression of lipid peroxide, and enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and the levels of reduced glutathione. UVC irradiation for 48 s × 2 yields showed the strongest protective effect. Conclusion. UVC irradiation could inhibit the inflammatory factors, activate the antioxidative system, and enhance the secretion of pepsin and gastrin, which promoted the repair of injured gastric mucosa and improved gastric mucosa atrophy.
Evaluation of the Relationship between Drink Intake and Periodontitis Using KoGES Data
Authors: Hong Seok Jin , Kwon Bin , Yang Byoung Eun , Choi Hyo Geun , Byun Soo Hwan
Published: March 2021

It was hypothesized that periodontal diseases could be influenced by nutrition and food types. However, the role of nutritional factors in the risk of periodontal disease has not been clearly elucidated. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between coffee, green tea, or soft drink intake and periodontitis. This prospective cohort study used epidemiological data from 2004 to 2016 from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Among 173,209 participants, 9,933 with periodontitis and 124,922 controls were selected. The frequency histories of coffee/green tea/soft drink intake among the participants were analyzed, and intake was categorized as no drink, mild drink (one time a month through six times a week), and heavy drink (one or more times a day). Variable factors were adjusted using logistic regression analysis (adjusted model). The chi‐square test and independent t‐test were used for statistical analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for coffee or green tea intake and periodontitis were not statistically significant. The aOR was 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–1.21, P < 0.001) for mild soft drink intake and 1.02 (95%CI = 0.96–1.09, P = 0.518) for heavy soft drink intake. Subgroup analysis showed that mild soft drink intake was significant across all groups (P < 0.05), whereas coffee and green tea intakes were not significant in any subgroup. Overall, the study elucidated an association between mild soft drink intake and periodontitis.
Factors Affecting the Evolution of Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Networks Based on Cloud Computing and Multiagent Simulation
Authors: Jianbo Wang , Cao Xing
Published: March 2021

Facing the pressure of low-cost competition brought by the homogenization of commodities, the manufacturing industry seeks to survive by providing services. By providing outsourcing of value-added services to date, we are focusing on innovation in our business model. With the advancement of science and technology, manufacturing innovation is facing higher challenges, especially the popularization of the Internet, which makes the manufacturing industry have to move closer to new industries. Based on cloud computing, this paper conducts a multiagent simulation on the evolution factors of the innovation network of advanced manufacturing. This article takes three types of simulation subjects: evolutionary network, manufacturing (cluster), and innovation evolution system as the research objects. The factors affecting the evolution of the research are innovation resources, innovation opportunities, innovation desire, innovation pressure, relationship strength, network scale, and network scope. Network differences carry over variable indicators and analyze quantitative regression indicators and then build a research model. The research results show that the average conversion efficiency of the manufacturing industry (0.523) is significantly lower than the average R&D innovation efficiency (0.725), which to a certain extent indicates that the manufacturing industry still has weak links in the export conversion stage at the back end of the innovation value chain. Some of the companies may have problems such as low ability to transform scientific and technological achievements and insufficient export competitiveness of high-tech products, which to a large extent affects and restricts the improvement of manufacturing export transformation efficiency.
Integrated Image Sensor and Light Convolutional Neural Network for Image Classification
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jian , Lin Chun-Hui , Wang Shyh-Hau
Published: March 2021

Deep learning has accomplished huge success in computer vision applications such as self-driving vehicles, facial recognition, and controlling robots. A growing need for deploying systems on resource-limited or resource-constrained environments such as smart cameras, autonomous vehicles, robots, smartphones, and smart wearable devices drives one of the current mainstream developments of convolutional neural networks: reducing model complexity but maintaining fine accuracy. In this study, the proposed efficient light convolutional neural network (ELNet) comprises three convolutional modules which perform ELNet using fewer computations, which is able to be implemented in resource-constrained hardware equipment. The classification task using CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-100 datasets was used to verify the model performance. According to the experimental results, ELNet reached 92.3% and 69%, respectively, in CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-100 datasets; moreover, ELNet effectively lowered the computational complexity and parameters required in comparison with other CNN architectures.
Evaluation and Analysis of Traditional Physical Training by Using Mobile Edge Computing and Software-Defined Networking
Authors: Pan Wenwen , Wang Jianzhi , Ji Jingsheng
Published: March 2021

The body health plays an important metric in people’s everyday life, and it directly determines whether people have the ability to preferably contribute to the society. In fact, the physical training is a universal sport to enhance the body health. Therefore, the evaluation and analysis of physical training become particularly significant. With the rapid development and emerging of new techniques and networking paradigms, the traditional offline physical training evaluation and analysis cannot be performed well. Instead, this paper uses Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to implement the evaluation and analysis of physical training, shortened for MSPT, where MEC is the new computing technique and SDN is the new networking paradigm. The proposed MSPT includes two parts. At first, the physical training data from different mobile devices are migrated into the edge server for computing according to the current condition, in which the game theory is used to complete the task scheduling. Then, SDN is responsible for the global scheduling in the centralized control manner, in which the multigranularity scheduling strategy is used to handle the traffic between the SDN controller and edge computing server. The experiments are driven by OMNet, including three aspects of evaluation, i.e., task offloading of MEC, traffic scheduling of SDN, and performance analysis of physical training, and the results show that the proposed MSPT has better performance than the corresponding baselines.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Interface between Basalt Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer/Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Composite Cement Plate and Concrete
Authors: Zhang Lifeng , Liu Hui , Li Wenqiang , Liu Hangjun , An Xuehui , Song Xiaoruan
Published: March 2021

The bonding behaviors of the plate‐concrete interface of a composite structure consisting of a concrete block in the middle and two cement plates at both sides play a key role in its overall mechanical performance. In this paper, the authors conduct 3 groups of push‐out shear tests on a total of 39 composite samples to assess the bonding performance. The influence of the FRP cement plates, the concrete strength, and the ribs installed in the cement plate on the interfacial shear strength, the relative bond‐slip, strain, and the failure modes of the composite samples is recorded and analyzed. The results show that (1) the shear strength and bond‐slip performance of the interface are largely improved if the GFRP/BRRP cement plates are used; (2) shear strength of the interface increases with the concrete strength, while the deformation behaviors show no significant improvement; (3) an inclusion of the ribs to the interface enhances the shear strength and shear stiffness but decreases the maximum relative slip at failure; (4) most of the samples present the shear failures along the interface; however, the bending shear failure prior to the interface shear failure is also observed on the concrete block for low concrete strength samples and the samples with ribs; and (5) regression method is used to develop a constitutive model of the stress‐slip at the interface to describe the relationship between the shear strength with the cement plates, the concrete strength, and ribs.
Antihyaluronidase and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Activities of Medicinal Plants to Combat Echis carinatus Venom‐Induced Toxicities
Authors: Fatima Syeda , Aslam Nazia , Khalid Sofia , Ullah Kalim , Abbas Khizar , Hussain Shahzad , Shah Syed Sajid Hussain , Qureshi Zia-Ur-Rahman , Qayum Mughal , Asad Muhammad Hassham Hassan Bin
Published: March 2021

Snakebite is one of the most neglected diseases of developing countries. Deaths due to snakebite envenoming are quite high in Pakistan, and many deaths are caused by Echis carinatus envenomation. Traditional use of medicinal plants against snakebites is a common practice in Pakistan due to countless benefits. The current study was performed with the objective to evaluate eighteen Pakistani medicinal plants inhibitory potential against hyaluronidase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes of Pakistani Echis carinatus venom. Hyaluronidase activity (0.2‐1.6 mg/0.1 mL) and alkaline phosphatase activity (0.1‐0.8 mg/0.1 mL) were measured in dose‐dependent manner. Crude methanolic extracts of medicinal plants were used for in vitro investigation of their inhibitory activity against toxic enzymes. All active plants were fractioned using different solvents and were again analyzed for inhibitory activity of same enzymes. Results indicated all plants were able to neutralize hyaluronidase that Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Flem.) Karst., Terminalia arjuna Wight and Arn, Rubia cordifolia Thumb., and Matthiola incana (L.) R.Br. inhibited maximum hyaluronidase activity equivalent to standard reference (p > 0.5). Pakistani medicinal plants are dense with natural neutralizing metabolites and other active phytochemicals which could inhibit hyaluronidase activity of Pakistani Echis carinatus venom. Further advanced studies at molecular level could lead us to an alternative for envenoming of Pakistani Echis carinatus venom.
Optimization of ATP System Based on Quantum Secure Communication and Its Tracking Control Strategy
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhang Fan , Cattani Carlo , Yang Haima , Wanqing Song
Published: March 2021

In quantum key distribution experiments, ground motion is usually used to simulate satellite‐based motion. The posture fluctuation of the platform affects the normal operation of the acquisition, tracking, and pointing (abbreviated as ATP) system seriously. To achieve the verification of the ground motion platform, the ATP parameters of the ground simulation motion system cannot be designed only according to the satellite‐based ATP parameters. To solve this problem, a set of initial pointing system and inertial stabilization system is added to the simulation ATP system. This provides a technical solution for the ground simulation ATP system similar to the satellite‐based motion platform. In the meanwhile, a tracking control strategy based on the identification method is proposed by establishing identification symbols. Compared with traditional proportion, integral, and differential (abbreviated as PID) control, this method overcomes the shortcoming of tentative modification of the control parameters and improves the stability and adaptability of the tracking control process. Tracking accuracy of ±0.1° is achieved under heavy‐load conditions. This guarantees the success of the quantum key distribution (QKD) verification test of the ground motion platform.
Mechanical Characteristics of Ballast Bed under Dynamic Stabilization Operation Based on Discrete Element and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Wang Lihua , Zhao Zemin , Wang Jiongli , Li Xianzeng , Huang Yayu , Yao Tingqiang
Published: March 2021

To study the mechanical characteristics of ballasted bed under dynamic stability, a three‐dimensional discrete element model of ballasted bed with 1000 mm × 700 mm × 550 mm is established based on the discrete element method. Meanwhile, a simulation test bench with the same size is built for simulation analysis and experimental research. The variation law and trend of settlement, lateral resistance, and compactness of ballasted bed under different excitation frequencies are analyzed comprehensively. The results show that when the excitation frequency is constant, the lateral resistance of sleeper, the settlement of sleeper, and the compactness of track bed under sleeper increase first and then tend to be stable. With the increase in horizontal excitation frequency, lateral resistance of ballast bed, sleeper settlement, and compactness first increase and then decrease after stable operation. The values of these parameters are maximized when the excitation frequency is 36 Hz which is the relative optimal horizontal excitation frequency of this model.
Effects of Physicochemical Variables of Superficial Waters on the Abundance of the North African Freshwater Crab Potamon algeriense (Bott, 1967)
Authors: Fadlaoui Soufiane , El Asri Ouahid , Bouterfas Mustapha , Melhaoui Mohammed
Published: March 2021

The large number of pollutants discharged into the aquatic environment may influence the physicochemical and biological qualities of the aquatic ecosystem. This study discloses the global quality of the surface waters and the effect of physicochemical variables on the abundance of the African freshwater crab Potamon algeriense inhabiting Zegzel watercourse, a mountain stream in the northeast of Morocco. Physicochemical variables including streamflow, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended matter, chloride, calcium, magnesium, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and organic matter were evaluated monthly for one year (October 2017–September 2018). The evaluation of the physicochemical quality showed that the waters of all the stations studied are between the excellent and good quality classes concerning all the physicochemical variables and highlights also two variations with a tendency towards degradation, one spatial from upstream to downstream and the other seasonal from the wet to the dry period. The abundance of crabs was recorded to exhibit a positive correlation with dissolved oxygen, calcium (N = 44) (p < 0.01), and magnesium. However, a negative correlation has been noticed for streamflow (N = 1) (p < 0.01), water temperature, pH, suspended matter, chloride, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, orthophosphate, and organic matter. The results obtained reveal that besides the biotic variables, the distribution of P. algeriense also depends on these specific environmental variables.
Surgical Treatment Outcomes of Unresolved Osgood-Schlatter Disease in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Mun Frederick , Hennrikus William L.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this case series is to report the outcomes of ossicle excision and tubercleplasty for unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease that has failed conservative treatment in six adolescent athletes. A retrospective chart review was completed, and data collected include age at onset of symptoms, age at surgery, sex, laterality, mechanism of injury, conservative treatment regimen, radiographic findings, sports played, time to return to sport, length of follow-up, and Lysholm score. Surgery involved an open ossicle excision, tubercleplasty, and repair of the patellar tendon to bone using a suture anchor. Postoperatively, patients were allowed to fully weight-bear in an extension knee brace for 4 weeks and then allowed to gradually resume activity. Four males and 2 females were studied. The right knee was involved in 3 cases and the left knee in 3. The average age at onset of symptoms was 15.8 (range 12-18) and at surgery was 17.3 (range 17-18). Radiographic findings included a large bump in 4 cases, an ossicle in 2, and free fragments at the tendon insertion in 3. Sports played included basketball, football, running, and dancing. All patients returned to sports at an average of 21 weeks and 6 days postsurgery (range 8-56). The average length of follow-up was 14.2 weeks (range 5-27). The average Lysholm score postsurgery was 97.2 (range 94-100). Surgical treatment of unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease was successful in all patients. No patients reported any postoperative complications or additional surgery. For skeletally mature and symptomatic patients, we recommend removal of the ossicle and adjacent bursae, smoothing the bump, and repairing the patellar tendon to bone.
Simultaneous Optimization of Train Timetabling and Platforming Problems for High-Speed Multiline Railway Network
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhu Xiaoning , Wang Li , Wang Shuai
Published: March 2021

The optimization problems of train timetabling and platforming are two crucial problems in high-speed railway operation; these problems are typically considered sequentially and independently. With the construction of high-speed railways, an increasing number of interactions between trains on multiple lines have led to resource assignment difficulties at hub stations. To coordinate station resources for multiline train timetables, this study fully considered the resources of track segments, station throat areas, and platforms to design a three-part space-time (TPST) framework from a mesoscopic perspective to generate a train timetable and station track assignment simultaneously. A 0-1 integer programming model is proposed, whose objective is to minimize the total weighted train running costs. The construction of a set of incompatible vertexes and links facilitates the expression of difficult constraints. Finally, example results verify the validity and practicability of our proposed method, which can generate conflict-free train timetables with a station track allocation plan for multiple railway lines at the same time.
Application and Effect of Loading Rates on Coal Sample Failure
Authors: Li Genwei , Lu Shuaifeng , Liu Sifei , Liu Jing , Shi Peng , Fan Bowen
Published: March 2021

In order to evaluate the coal pillar stability in recovery of residual room pillars under different mining rates, this paper studies the influence of loading rate on the mechanical properties of the coal body. The uniaxial compression tests of coal samples in Yangcheng area at different loading rates were carried out with the MTS815 electrohydraulic servo rock mechanics test system. The stress‐strain curves and the evolution characteristics of AE signals were analyzed. At same time, the mechanism of damage and failure of specimens are also discussed. The results show the following. (1) With the increase in loading rate, the ultimate stress and ultimate strain of specimens decrease first and then increase. (2) Loading rate has a significant effect on the stability adjustment of specimens. With the decrease in loading rate, the earlier the stress adjustment is, the larger the adjustment range is, and the failure mode changes from shear failure to tensile failure. (3) In addition, when the loading rate increases, the AE evolves from continuous dense to discrete catastrophe, which indicates that the failure of the sample at a larger loading rate is sudden, which is not conducive to the maintenance of the stability of the coal pillar. (4) Finally, the failure mechanism of the specimen structure under different loading rates is obtained, and the improvement measures for the effect of mining velocity of working face on the stability of coal pillar are put forward. The results reveal the loading rate effect of mechanical properties of coal and provide a reference for controlling the stability of the residual coal pillar.
Exploring a Chemotactic Role for EVs from Progenitor Cell Populations of Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth for Promoting Migration of Naïve BMSCs in Bone Repair Process
Authors: Luo Lin , Avery Steven J. , Waddington Rachel J.
Published: March 2021

Mobilization of naïve bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) is crucial to desired bone regeneration in both orthopedic and dental contexts. In such conditions, mesenchymal progenitor cell populations from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) present advantageous multipotent properties with easy accessibility which makes them a good candidate in both bone and periodontal tissue regeneration. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a functional membranous structure which could participate in multiple cell interactions and imitate the biological functions of their parenting cells largely. To assess their ability to mobilize naïve BMSCs in the bone repair process, Nanosight Tracking Analysis (NTA) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) were performed to illustrate the composition and functional contents of EV samples derived from SHEDs with different culturing time (24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Afterwards, the Boyden chamber assay was performed to compare their capacity for mobilizing naïve BMSCs. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a post hoc Turkey test was performed for statistical analysis. SHEDs-derived EVs collected from 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h time points, namely, EV24, EV48, and EV72, were mainly secreted as exosomes and tended to reform into smaller size as a result of sonication indicated by NTA results. Moreover, different EV groups were found to be abundant with multiple growth factors including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) given the detections through ELISA. Boyden chamber assays implied the migratory efficiency of BMSCs driven by EVs at varying concentrations. However, the results showed that migration of BMSCs driven by different EV groups was not statistically significant even with chemotactic factors contained (

P
>
0.05

). Taken together, these data suggest that EVs derived from SHEDs are secreted in functional forms and present a potential of mobilizing naïve BMSCs, which may propose their relevance in assisting bone regeneration.
A Two‐Stage Offline‐to‐Online Multiobjective Optimization Strategy for Ship Integrated Energy System Economical/ Environmental Scheduling Problem
Authors: An Qing , Zhang Jun , Li Xin , Mao Xiaobing , Feng Yulong , Li Xiao , Zhang Xiaodi , Tang Ruoli , Su Hongfeng
Published: March 2021

The economical/environmental scheduling problem (EESP) of the ship integrated energy system (SIES) has high computational complexity, which includes more than one optimization objective, various types of constraints, and frequently fluctuated load demand. Therefore, the intelligent scheduling strategies cannot be applied to the ship energy management system (SEMS) online, which has limited computing power and storage space. Aiming at realizing green computing on SEMS, in this paper a typical SIES‐EESP optimization model is built, considering the form of decision vectors, the economical/environmental optimization objectives, and various types of real‐world constraints of the SIES. Based on the complexity of SIES‐EESPs, a two‐stage offline‐to‐online multiobjective optimization strategy for SIES‐EESP is proposed, which transfers part of the energy dispatch online computing task to the offline high‐performance computer systems. The specific constraints handling methods are designed to reduce both continuous and discrete constraints violations of SIES‐EESPs. Then, an establishment method of energy scheduling scheme‐base is proposed. By using the big data offline, the economical/environmental scheduling solutions of a typical year can be obtained and stored with more computing resources and operation time on land. Thereafter, a short‐term multiobjective offline‐to‐online optimization approach by SEMS is considered, with the application of multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) and typical schemes corresponding to the actual SIES‐EESPs. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy can obtain enough feasible Pareto solutions in a shorter time and get well‐distributed Pareto sets with better convergence performance, which can well adapt to the features of real‐world SIES‐EESPs and save plenty of operation time and storage space for the SEMS.
Role of an e-Health Intervention in Holistic Healthcare: A Quasiexperiment in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization in Taiwan
Authors: Peng Jian-Rong , Su Hung-Chi , Lin Chia-Pin , Chen Chun-Chi , Chang Chi-Jen , Gong Siou-Ling , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: March 2021

Background. The use of electronic health (e-health) resources is emerging as an alternative method to improve the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to describe the influence of an e-health application in holistic healthcare for patients with CAD. Methods. A quasiexperiment with nonequivalent groups design recruited outpatients with a high risk of CAD admitted for cardiac catheterization. They were divided into two groups. Before the procedure, the control group received traditional patient education, and the intervention group watched videos on Internet-based social media. EQ-5D and FACIT–Sp-12 questionnaires were used as outcome measures of interest, and they were administered before and after the procedure and at the first return visit to the outpatient clinic after discharge. The effect of each intervention was tested using a linear mixed effects model. In addition, the 90-day readmission rate was also studied. Results. A total of 300 patients were divided into intervention and control groups (150 patients in each group). The interaction effect of EQ-5D was not statistically significant; however, improvements in FACIT–Sp-12 were greater in the intervention group from baseline to before discharge (regression coefficient (B) = 1.70,

p
<
0.001

) and from baseline to postdischarge first outpatient visit (B = 1.81,

p
<
0.001

). Moreover, the 90-day readmission rate was significantly lower in the intervention group (14% vs. 18.7%;

p
=
0.016

, log-rank test). Conclusions. e-health intervention with easily accessible Internet-based social media is a promising model to meet the holistic needs of patients with CAD in the modern era.
Three‐Dimensional Force Prediction of a Flexible Tactile Sensor Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Feilu , Song Yang
Published: March 2021

A flexible tactile sensor array with 6 × 6 N‐type sensitive elements made of conductive rubber is presented in this paper. The property and principle of the tactile sensor are analyzed in detail. Based on the piezoresistivity of conductive rubber, this paper takes full advantage of the nonlinear approximation ability of the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) method to approach the high‐dimensional mapping relation between the resistance values of the N‐type sensitive element and the three‐dimensional (3D) force and to accomplish the accurate prediction of the magnitude of 3D force loaded on the sensor. In the prediction process, the k‐means algorithm and recursive least square (RLS) method are used to optimize the RBFNN, and the k‐fold cross‐validation method is conducted to build the training set and testing set to improve the prediction precision of the 3D force. The optimized RBFNN with different spreads is used to verify its influence on the performance of 3D force prediction, and the results indicate that the spread value plays a very important role in the prediction process. Then, sliding window technology is introduced to build the RBFNN model. Experimental results show that setting the size of the sliding window appropriately can effectively reduce the prediction error of the 3D force exerted on the sensor and improve the performance of the RBFNN predictor, which means that the sliding window technology is very feasible and valid in 3D force prediction for the flexible tactile sensor. All of the results indicate that the optimized RBFNN with high robustness can be well applied to the 3D force prediction research of the flexible tactile sensor.
Effectiveness and Suitability of Oyster Mushroom in Improving the Nutritional Value of Maize Flour Used in Complementary Foods
Authors: Siyame Prisca , Kassim Neema , Makule Edna
Published: March 2021

Complementary foods based on habitual cereals such as maize have been linked with the promotion of undernutrition in young children. Blending the starchy-rich maize with nutritious-rich indigenous food such as oyster mushroom could improve the nutritional composition of complementary foods. This study investigated the effectiveness and suitability of oyster mushrooms in improving the nutritional value of maize flour commonly used as a bulk ingredient in complementary foods. Flour made of well-cleaned and sun-dried oyster mushroom was blended with maize flour at 0% (control), 30%, 40%, and 50%. Proximate composition, mineral density, and sensory evaluation were determined using standard procedures. Significant improvement in the nutritional quality of formulated flour blends with all proportions of mushroom flour was obtained . Blending maize flour with 30%, 40%, or 50% oyster mushroom flour improved the protein content of formulated flour blends from 8.63% to 18.20%, 8.63% to 20.37% and 8.63% to 22.75%, respectively. The increase in ash and fiber content ranged between 82.52% to 84.16% and 50.69% to 58.35%, respectively. Mineral content of formulated flour blends was improved from 62.89% to 64.72% (iron), 7.63% to 22.69% (zinc), 77.48% to 78.02% (calcium), and 67.55% to 67.64% (potassium). Sensory scores of porridges prepared from formulated flour blends showed good acceptance for the colour, flavour, and aroma of the porridges from three formulated flour blends. Overall, this study recommends blending oyster mushroom with maize flour to improve the nutritional content of formulated flour blend for young children who rely on maize porridge as their complementary food.
A Comprehensive Study on the Antimicrobial Properties of Resveratrol as an Alternative Therapy
Authors: Abedini Ehsan , Khodadadi Ehsaneh , Zeinalzadeh Elham , Moaddab Seyyed Reza , Asgharzadeh Mohammad , Mehramouz Bahareh , Dao Sounkalo , Samadi Kafil Hossein
Published: March 2021

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic antioxidant whose possible health benefits include anticarcinogenic, antiaging, and antimicrobial properties that have gained significant attention. The compound is well accepted by individuals and has been commonly used as a nutraceutical in recent decades. Its widespread usage makes it essential to study as a single agent as well as in combination with traditional prescription antibiotics as regards to antimicrobial properties. Resveratrol demonstrates the action of antimicrobials against a remarkable bacterial diversity, viruses, and fungus. This report explains resveratrol as an all-natural antimicrobial representative. It may modify the bacterial virulence qualities resulting in decreased toxic substance production, biofilm inhibition, motility reduction, and quorum sensing disturbance. Moreover, in conjunction with standard antibiotics, resveratrol improves aminoglycoside efficacy versus Staphylococcus aureus, while it antagonizes the deadly function of fluoroquinolones against S. aureus and also Escherichia coli. The present study aimed to thoroughly review and study the antimicrobial potency of resveratrol, expected to help researchers pave the way for solving antimicrobial resistance.