bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Multitask Scheduling and Distributed Collaborative Computing Method of Edge Nodes in the Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Yong , Tang Siyu , Zhu Xiaorong , Xie Yonghua
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel multitask scheduling and distributed collaborative computing method for quality of service (QoS) guaranteed delay‐sensitive services in the Internet of Things (IoT). First, we propose a multilevel scheduling framework combining the process and thread scheduling for reducing the processing delay of multitype services of a single edge node in IoT, where a preemptive static priority process scheduling algorithm is adopted for different types of services and a dynamic priority‐based thread scheduling algorithm is proposed for the same type of services with high concurrency. Furthermore, for reducing the processing delay of computation‐intensive services, we propose a distributed task offloading algorithm based on a multiple 0‐1 knapsack model with value limitation with the collaboration of multiple edge nodes to minimize the processing delay. Simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce not only the scheduling delay of a large number of time‐sensitive services in single edge node but also the process delay of computation‐intensive service collaborated by multiple edge nodes.
Association of Iris Structural Measurements with Corneal Biomechanics in Myopic Eyes
Authors: Fu Lin , Ye Yufeng , Jia Xu , Zhang Yunjie , Chen Xiaoyu , Lian Hengli , Yang Weihua , Dai Qi
Published: December 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the relationship between iris sectional parameters on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) with corneal biomechanics measured by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST) in young adults with myopia. Methods. 117 patients with myopia aged ≥18 years were recruited from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, who had complete SS-OCT and Corvis ST data. Only the left eye of each participant was selected for analysis. Iris sectional parameters included iris thickness at 750 μm from the scleral spur (IT750), iris sectional area (I-area), and iris curvature (I-curv) measured from four quadrants. Associations between the iris parameters and corneal biomechanics were analyzed using linear regression models. Results. The mean age of the included young adults was

26.26
±
6.62

years old with 44 males and 73 females. The iris parameters were different among the four quadrants. The nasal, temporal, and inferior quadrants of IT750, together with nasal and temporal quadrants of I-area, were correlated with corneal biomechanical parameters after being adjusted for age, gender, pupil diameter, and axial length. Thicker IT750 and larger I-area were related to a softer cornea. However, no association was found between I-curv and corneal biomechanics. Conclusions. Iris sectional parameters measured from SS-OCT images were associated with corneal biomechanical properties in myopic eyes. Thicker IT750 and larger I-area indicate a softer cornea. IT750 and I-area may provide useful information on corneal biomechanical properties in myopic eyes.
Health Risk Assessment and Levels of Heavy Metals in Farmed Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from the Volta Basin of Ghana
Authors: Magna Emmanuel Kaboja , Koranteng Samuel Senyo , Donkor Augustine , Gordon Christopher
Published: December 2021

Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) are some of the most toxic elements that can bioaccumulate from sources linked to human activities, such as industry and agriculture. This study quantifies the concentrations of several heavy metals in caged tilapia found in Ghana’s Volta Basin and assesses the associated health risks. The levels of heavy metals in the tissues of Oreochromis niloticus from three cage farms (N = 52) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The implication for human health was assessed using several risk assessment techniques. Fe (50.11 ± 10.22 mg/kg) and Cr (0.31 ± 0.07 mg/kg) had the highest and lowest accumulated metal concentrations, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations in tilapia tissue from fish farms were ordered as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr (farm A), Fe > Zn > Ni > Mn (farm B), and Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr (farm C). All metals had an estimated daily intake (EDI) below the threshold, and mean differences between sample farms were not statistically significant. Similarly, the values of target hazard quotients (HQs) and hazard indices (HIs) were less than one. According to the risk assessment results, eating tilapia from farms posed no risk to human health. The presence of Mn, Fe, and Ni concentrations above the maximum level in the fish, on the other hand, suggests that they may affect fish health.
Provably Secure Lattice-Based Self-Certified Signature Scheme
Authors: Yang Qiang , Li Daofeng
Published: December 2021

Digital signatures are crucial network security technologies. However, in traditional public key signature schemes, the certificate management is complicated and the schemes are vulnerable to public key replacement attacks. In order to solve the problems, in this paper, we propose a self-certified signature scheme over lattice. Using the self-certified public key, our scheme allows a user to certify the public key without an extra certificate. It can reduce the communication overhead and computational cost of the signature scheme. Moreover, the lattice helps prevent quantum computing attacks. Then, based on the small integer solution problem, our scheme is provable secure in the random oracle model. Furthermore, compared with the previous self-certified signature schemes, our scheme is more secure.
Aberrant Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Dorsal Attention Network in Tinnitus
Authors: Hu Haimeng , Lyu Yining , Li Shihong , Yuan Zheng , Ye Chuntao , Han Zhao , Lin Guangwu
Published: December 2021

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analyses have shown that the dorsal attention network (DAN) is involved in the pathophysiological changes of tinnitus, but few relevant studies have been conducted, and the conclusions to date are not uniform. The purpose of this research was to test whether there is a change in intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) patterns between the DAN and other brain regions in tinnitus patients. Thirty-one patients with persistent tinnitus and thirty-three healthy controls were enrolled in this study. A group independent component analysis (ICA), degree centrality (DC) analysis, and seed-based FC analysis were conducted. In the group ICA, the tinnitus patients showed increased connectivity in the left superior parietal gyrus in the DAN compared to the healthy controls. Compared with the healthy controls, the tinnitus patients showed increased DC in the left inferior parietal gyrus and decreased DC in the left precuneus within the DAN. The clusters within the DAN with significant differences in the ICA or DC analysis between the tinnitus patients and the healthy controls were selected as regions of interest (ROIs) for seeds. The tinnitus patients exhibited significantly increased FC from the left superior parietal gyrus to several brain regions, including the left inferior parietal gyrus, the left superior marginal gyrus, and the right superior frontal gyrus, and decreased FC to the right anterior cingulate cortex. The tinnitus patients exhibited decreased FC from the left precuneus to the left inferior occipital gyrus, left calcarine cortex, and left superior frontal gyrus compared with the healthy controls. The findings of this study show that compared with healthy controls, tinnitus patients have altered functional connections not only within the DAN but also between the DAN and other brain regions. These results suggest that it may be possible to improve the disturbance and influence of tinnitus by regulating the DAN.
Network Intrusion Detection with Nonsymmetric Deep Autoencoding Feature Extraction
Authors: Gu Zhaojun , Wang Liyin , Liu Chunbo , Wang Zhi
Published: December 2021

To address the problems of high reconstruction error and long training time when using Stack Nonsymmetric Deep Autoencoder (SNDAE) feature extraction technology for intrusion detection, Adam Nonsymmetric Deep Autoencoder (ANDAE) is proposed based on SNDAE. The Adam optimization algorithm is used to update network parameters during training so that the loss function can quickly converge to the ideal value. Under the premise of not affecting the effect of feature extraction, the network structure is simplified, and the training time of the network is reduced to realize the efficient extraction of the rapid growth of high-dimension and nonlinear network traffic features. For the low-dimensional prominent features extracted by ANDAE, Random Forest is used for classification to detect intrusion action, and a network intrusion detection model based on ANDAE feature extraction is implemented. The experimental results on the NSL-KDD and the CIC-IDS2017 datasets show that, compared to the SNDAE-based intrusion detection model, the ANDAE model has an average increase of 6.78% in accuracy, an average of 13.06% in recall, and an average of 14.9% in F1 scores. Feature extraction time is reduced by 23.1% on average. Thus, the ANDAE model is an intrusion detection solution, which can simultaneously improve detection accuracy and time efficiency.
[Retracted] A Novel of New 7D Hyperchaotic System with Self‐Excited Attractors and Its Hybrid Synchronization
Authors: Al-Obeidi Ahmed S. , Fawzi Al-Azzawi Saad , Abdullah Hamad Abdulsattar , Thivagar M. Lellis , Meraf Zelalem , Ahmad Sultan
Published: December 2021

In this study, a novel 7D hyperchaotic model is constructed from the 6D Lorenz model via the nonlinear feedback control technique. The proposed model has an only unstable origin point. Thus, it is categorized as a model with self‐excited attractors. And it has seven equations which include 19 terms, four of which are quadratic nonlinearities. Various important features of the novel model are analyzed, including equilibria points, stability, and Lyapunov exponents. The numerical simulation shows that the new class exhibits dynamical behaviors such as chaotic and hyperchaotic. This paper also presents the hybrid synchronization for a novel model via Lyapunov stability theory.
Investigation of the Road Performance of AH‐30 Bitumen and Its Mixture: Comparison with AH‐70 and SBS‐Modified Bitumen
Authors: Chu Chenfeng , Zhu Jing , Wang Zi-ang
Published: December 2021

AH‐30 is a type of high‐viscosity matrix asphalt. The asphalt mixture made by AH‐30 as a binder has an excellent antirutting performance. However, the other road performance of AH‐30 was still worthy of attention. This research aims to reveal the properties of AH‐30 and its impact on the road performance of asphalt mixtures (AH30‐AC20/25). The AH‐70 neat asphalt and SBS modified asphalt were prepared for comparison. The high‐temperature sensitivity and fatigue resistance of AH‐30 are evaluated by the dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test. The low‐temperature performance is evaluated by the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. The high‐temperature stability (HTS) of AH30‐AC20/25 is carried out by the wheel tracking (WT) test and the repeated shear constant height (RSCH) test. The low‐temperature crack resistance (LTCR) is carried out by the direct stretching (DS) test. The fatigue property is carried out by the three‐point bending test. Water stability (WS) is carried out by the Marshall residual stability (MRS) and the intensity ratio of the frozen and melted (IRFM) test. The test results show that the high‐temperature resistance of AH‐30 is better than that of AH‐70. The low‐temperature crack resistance of AH‐30 is equivalent to that of AH‐70. The AH‐30 as a binder can meet the requirements of the roads, which are located at a minimum temperature of not less than −10.5°C in winter. The fatigue property of the AH‐30 asphalt mixture is poor, which may be one reason why AH‐30 asphalt pavement is more prone to cracking. The water stability of the AH30‐AC (20/25) asphalt mixture can meet the specification requirements, and AH30‐AC20 is better than the other two asphalt mixtures. The research of this paper will provide a basis and reference for the popularization and application of AH‐30 in asphalt pavement.
Evaluation Method of IT English Blended Teaching Quality Based on the Data Mining Algorithm
Authors: Shao Lin
Published: December 2021

As the mixed education model gradually becomes widespread in various universities in Japan, the evaluation of the quality of IT English mixed education has become a very important issue, and it is worth considering the corresponding evaluation method. In this paper, we use a data mining algorithm to implement an evaluation method for the interconversion of quantitative data and qualitative concepts and use the IT English mixed teaching model to evaluate and analyze the teaching quality of the course. The evaluation method is feasible and provides a mixing method. Evaluation of the quality of education. Reference method.
Confusion and Hallucination: A Case Report of an Unusual Presentation of COVID-19
Authors: Aljumaiah Rawabi , Alturaiki Wael , Alosaimi Bandar
Published: December 2021

Besides respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 disease has a wide range of clinical, subclinical, and atypical presentations reported previously. Here, we report the case report of a middle-aged man, with no previous known medical illness, who presented with a 5-day-history of anxiety, fever, confusion, and hallucinations. Patient’s SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test was positive, and he underwent daily vital signs and respiratory, cardiovascular, and abdominal examinations. Chest radiography, electrocardiogram, microbial culture, biochemistry, and toxicology tests were also investigated. In this report, a case of COVID-19 is described with an unusual presentation of confusion and hallucinations in the absence of severe upper respiratory or constitutional symptoms. The earlier recognition of atypical manifestation, the safer the practice, with optimal timely diagnosis, and less anticipated outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Further studies are needed to establish the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
TNF‐Like Ligand 1 Aberrance Aggravates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis via M1 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Luo Yuxin , Guo Jinbo , Jia Wenxiu , Wu Mengyao , Yin Fengrong , Niu Guochao , Shih David Q. , Targan Stephan R. , Zhang Xiaolan
Published: December 2021

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive, chronic liver disease worldwide which imposes a large economic burden on society. M1/M2 macrophage balance destruction and recruitment of mononuclear immune cells to the liver play critical roles in NASH. Several studies have shown that the expression of TNF‐like ligand 1 aberrance (TL1A) increased in macrophages associated with many inflammatory diseases, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, primary biliary cholangitis, and liver fibrosis. One recent research showed that weight, abdominal adipose, and liver leptin, one of the critical fat cytokines, were reduced in TL1A knockout mice. However, the functional and molecular regulatory mechanisms of TL1A on macrophage polarization and recruitment in NASH have yet to be clarified. The authors found that high fructose high fat diet and methionine‐choline deficiency diet induced the expression of TL1A in macrophages of liver tissue from murine NASH models. Myeloid‐specific TL1A overexpressed mice showed exacerbated steatohepatitis with increased hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, liver injury, and apoptosis. M1 macrophages’ infiltration and the production of proinflammatory and chemotactic cytokines increased in liver of NASH mouse models with myeloid‐specific TL1A overexpressed. Furthermore, this paper revealed that bone marrow‐derived macrophages and Kupffer cells with overexpression of TL1A exacerbated the lipid accumulation and expression of proinflammatory factors in the murine primary hepatocytes after free fatty acid treatment in vitro. In conclusion, TL1A‐mediated M1‐type macrophage polarization and recruitment into the liver promoted steatohepatitis in murine NASH.
Characterization of Two Historical Postage Stamps Made from Cotton Fibers and Their Restoration Trials Based on the Experimental Studies
Authors: Mansour Maisa M.A. , Zidan Yassin E. , El Fettouh A Abd El Hakim Abou , Allam Mohamed Mahmoud , Ali Hayssam M. , Akrami Mohammad , Salem Mohamed Z. M.
Published: December 2021

Ancient stamps are suffering from the destructive effects of different kinds of inks that were prepared from different ingredients. Two Egyptian historical postage stamps printed in blue and red printing inks were evaluated and examined for their composition using a light microscope, SEM-EDS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopic analyses. Mechanical, chemical, and deacidification treatments were done for the two stamps. Model stamps were made from the cotton pulp in the book house to simulate historical stamp paper with an average thickness of 11 microns. The unprinted and printed paper samples with printing inks that aged and unaged were treated with 0.7% Klucel G, 0.2% TiO2 NP, or a mixture of 0.7% Klucel G + 0.2% TiO2 NP, and the color change was measured and compared with the blank samples. The two stamps are suffering from high pH, where the margin color of the stamps changed to yellow-brown with weakness of the stamp paper. By SEM examination, stamps have suffered from fibers’ weakness and dryness resulting from the self-oxidation reactions. EDS elemental composition of the red stamp showed the presence of C, O, Na, Al, Si, Mg, S, Ca, Ba, and Fe, while in the blue stamp, it was C, O, Na, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, and Ca. Raman spectrometer wavelengths turn out that the blueprinting ink of the stamp was characterized with spectra of ultramarine blue (lazurite), while hematite was characterized by the red stamp. FTIR analysis for the printing inks identified that gum Arabic sample and linseed oil were the binding and color medium, respectively. From the model trials, it was observed that the treatment of a mixture of Klucel G and TiO2 NP had the best properties for the consolidation of stamps. The two historical stamps were documented through different spectroscopic analyses, and from the restoration trials, it was observed that the mixture of 7% Klucel G + 0.2% TiO2 NP appeared to be a new and effective method for recovering the historical postage stamps.
Penetration Planning and Design Method of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Inspired by Biological Swarm Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Xiang Fengtao , Chen Keqin , Su Jiongming , Liu Hongfu , Zhang Wanpeng
Published: December 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gradually used in logistics transportation. They are forbidden to fly in some airspace. To ensure the safety of UAVs, reasonable path planning and design is one of the key factors. Aiming at the problem of how to improve the success rate of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) maneuver penetration, a method of UAV penetration path planning and design is proposed. Ant colony algorithm has strong path planning ability in biological swarm intelligence algorithm. Based on the modeling of UAV planning and threat factors, improved ant colony algorithm is used for UAV penetration path planning and design. It is proposed that the path with the best pheromone content is used as the planning path. Some principles are given for using ant colony algorithm in UAV penetration path planning. By introducing heuristic information into the improved ant colony algorithm, the convergence is completed faster under the same number of iteratives. Compared with classical methods, the total steps reduced by 56% with 50 ant numbers and 200 iterations. 62% fewer steps to complete the first iteration. It is found that the optimal trajectory planned by the improved ant colony algorithm is smoother and the shortest path satisfying the constraints.
Comprehensive Analysis of Pertinent Genes and Pathways in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Yanzhe , Cai Wenjuan , Gu Liya , Ji Xuefeng , Shen Qiusheng
Published: December 2021

Purpose. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in clinical practice. The pathogenesis of AF is not yet clear. Therefore, exploring the molecular information of AF displays much importance for AF therapy. Methods. The GSE2240 data were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R limma software package was used to screen DEGs. Based on the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) databases, we conducted the functions and pathway enrichment analyses. Then, the STRING and Cytoscape software were employed to build Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and screen for hub genes. Finally, we used the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiment to explore the effect of hub gene knockdown on the proliferation of AF cells. Result. 906 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 542 significantly upregulated genes and 364 significantly downregulated genes, were screened in AF. The genes of AF were mainly enriched in vascular endothelial growth factor-activated receptor activity, alanine, regulation of histone deacetylase activity, and HCM. The PPI network constructed of significantly upregulated DEGs contained 404 nodes and 514 edges. Five hub genes, ASPM, DTL, STAT3, ANLN, and CDCA5, were identified through the PPI network. The PPI network constructed by significantly downregulated genes contained 327 nodes and 301 edges. Four hub genes, CDC42, CREB1, AR, and SP1, were identified through this PPI network. The results of CCK-8 experiments proved that knocking down the expression of CDCA5 gene could inhibit the proliferation of H9C2 cells. Conclusion. Bioinformatics analyses revealed the hub genes and key pathways of AF. These genes and pathways provide information for studying the pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of AF and have the potential to become biomarkers in AF treatment.
Ranolazine Improves Glycemic Variability and Endothelial Function in Patients with Diabetes and Chronic Coronary Syndromes: Results from an Experimental Study
Authors: Nusca Annunziata , Bernardini Federico , Mangiacapra Fabio , Maddaloni Ernesto , Melfi Rosetta , Ricottini Elisabetta , Piccirillo Francesco , Manfrini Silvia , Ussia Gian Paolo , Grigioni Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background. Ranolazine is a second-line drug for the management of chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). Glucose-lowering and endothelial effects have also been reported with this agent. However, whether ranolazine may improve short-term glycemic variability (GV), strictly related to the prognosis of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), is unknown. Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of adding ranolazine to standard anti-ischemic and glucose-lowering therapy on long- and short-term GV as well as on endothelial function and oxidative stress in patients with T2D and CCS. Methods. Patients starting ranolazine (

n
=
16

) were evaluated for short-term GV, haemoglobin 1Ac (Hb1Ac) levels, endothelial-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and oxidative stress levels at enrolment and after 3-month follow-up. The same measurements were collected from 16 patients with CCS and T2D that did not receive ranolazine, matched for age, gender, and body mass index. Results. A significant decline in Hb1Ac levels was reported after 3-month ranolazine treatment (mean change -0.60%; 2-way ANOVA

p
=
0.025

). Moreover, among patients receiving ranolazine, short-term GV indexes were significantly improved over time compared with baseline (

p
=
0.001

for time in range; 2-way ANOVA

p
=
0.010

). Conversely, no significant changes were reported in patients without ranolazine. Finally, greater FMD and lower oxidative stress levels were observed in patients on ranolazine at 3 months. Conclusions. Ranolazine added to standard anti-ischemic and glucose-lowering therapy demonstrated benefit in improving the glycemic status of patients with T2D and CCS. How this improvement contributes to the overall myocardial benefit of ranolazine requires further studies.
In Vivo and Ex Vivo Evaluation of 1,3-Thiazolidine-2,4-Dione Derivatives as Euglycemic Agents
Authors: Alemán-González-Duhart Diana , Álvarez-Almazán Samuel , Valdes Miguel , Tamay-Cach Feliciano , Mendieta-Wejebe Jessica Elena
Published: December 2021

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, act as full agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Unfortunately, they produce adverse effects, including weight gain, hepatic toxicity, and heart failure. Our group previously reported the design, synthesis, in silico evaluation, and acute oral toxicity test of two TZD derivatives, compounds 40 (C40) and 81 (C81), characterized as category 5 and 4, respectively, under the Globally Harmonized System. The aim of this study was to determine whether C40, C81, and a new compound, C4, act as euglycemic and antioxidant agents in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The animals were randomly divided into six groups (

n
=
7

): the control, those with diabetes and untreated, and those with diabetes and treated with pioglitazone, C40, C81, or C4 (daily for 21 days). At the end of the experiment, tissue samples were collected to quantify the level of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and liver enzymes, as well as enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activity. C4, without a hypoglycemic effect, displayed the best antioxidant activity. Whereas C81 could only attenuate the elevated level of blood glucose, C40 generated euglycemia by the end of the treatment. All compounds produced a significant decrease in triglycerides.
Open Partial Nephrectomy with Zero Ischaemia Using a Supra 12th Rib Miniflank Incision: A Minimally Invasive Open Approach for Small Renal Masses
Authors: Ehsanullah Syed Ali , Sultana Abida , Kelly Brian , Dunford Charlotte , Shah Zaheer
Published: December 2021

Introduction. To assess a minimally invasive open technique for partial nephrectomy with zero ischaemia time. Methods. A review was performed in a prospectively maintained database of a single surgeon series of all patients undergoing partial nephrectomy using a supra 12th rib miniflank incision with zero ischaemia. Data of seventy one patients who underwent a partial nephrectomy over an 82-month period were analyzed. Data analyzed included operative time, estimated blood loss, pre and postoperative renal function, complications, final pathological characteristics, and tumour size. Results. Seventy one partial nephrectomies were performed from February 2009 to October 2015. None were converted to radical nephrectomy. Mean operative time was 72 minutes (range 30–250), and mean estimated blood loss was 608 mls (range 100–2500) with one patient receiving blood transfusion. The mean pre and postoperative haemoglobin levels were 144 and 112 g/l. The mean pre and postoperative creatinine levels were 82 and 103 Umol/L. There were 8 Clavian–Dindo Grade 2 complications and 1 major complication (Clavian IIIa). Histology confirmed 24 benign lesions and 47 malignant lesions, 46 cT1a lesions, 24 cT1b lesions, and 1 cT2 lesion. Median follow-up was 38 months with no local recurrence or progression of disease with 5 patients having a positive margin (7%). Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that a supra 12th miniflank incision open partial nephrectomy with zero ischaemic time for SRMs has satisfactory outcomes with preservation of renal function. A minimally invasive open partial nephrectomy remains an important option for units that cannot offer patients a laparoscopic or a robotic procedure.
[Retracted] Machine Learning Implementation of a Diabetic Patient Monitoring System Using Interactive E‐App
Authors: Alazzam Malik Bader , Mansour Hoda , Alassery Fawaz , Almulihi Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Lifestyle influences morbidity and mortality rates in the world. Physical activity, a healthy weight, and a healthy diet are key preventative health behaviours that help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications, such as cardiovascular disease. A healthy lifestyle has been shown to prevent or delay chronic diseases and their complications, but few people follow all recommended self‐management behaviours. This work seeks to improve knowledge of factors affecting type 2 diabetes self‐management and prevention through lifestyle changes. This paper describes the design, development, and testing of a diabetes self‐management mobile app. The app tracked dietary consumption and health data. Bluetooth movement data from a pair of wearable insole devices are used to track carbohydrate intake, blood glucose, medication adherence, and physical activity. Two machine learning models were constructed to recognise sitting and standing. The SVM and decision tree models were 86% accurate for these tasks. The decision tree model is used in a real‐time activity classification app. It is exciting to see more and more mobile health self‐management apps being used to treat chronic diseases.
A Rare Case of Pseudomembranous Colitis Presenting with Pleural Effusion and Ascites with Literature Review
Authors: Salehi Hossain , Salehi Amir Mohammad
Published: December 2021

Clostridium difficile infection usually results from long-term and irregular antibiotic intake. The high-risk individuals for this infection include the patients undergoing chemotherapy due to malignancy, immunocompromised patients, and hospitalized patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics. The most common clinical manifestation of Clostridium difficile infection is diarrhea. However, pleural effusion and ascites have rarely been observed. As mentioned, these manifestations can be developed in a patient being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Therefore, the present study reports a rare case of Clostridium difficile infection manifesting with these rare manifestations who was a 78-year-old female patient with a history of COVID-19, orthopedic surgery, and antibiotic treatment with cefixime and gentamicin.
PLncWX: A Machine-Learning Algorithm for Plant lncRNA Identification Based on WOA-XGBoost
Authors: Guo Fei , Yin Zhixiang , Zhou Kai , Li Jiasi
Published: December 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs longer than 200 nt and cannot encode the protein. Studies have shown that lncRNAs can regulate gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels, which are not only closely related to the occurrence, development, and prevention of human diseases, but also can regulate plant flowering and participate in plant abiotic stress responses such as drought and salt. Therefore, how to accurately and efficiently identify lncRNAs is still an essential job of relevant researches. There have been a large number of identification tools based on machine-learning and deep learning algorithms, mostly using human and mouse gene sequences as training sets, seldom plants, and only using one or one class of feature selection methods after feature extraction. We developed an identification model containing dicot, monocot, algae, moss, and fern. After comparing 20 feature selection methods (seven filter and thirteen wrapper methods) combined with seven classifiers, respectively, considering the correlation between features and model redundancy at the same time, we found that the WOA-XGBoost-based model had better performance with 91.55%, 96.78%, and 91.68% of accuracy, AUC, and F1_score. Meanwhile, the number of elements in the feature subset was reduced to 23, which effectively improved the prediction accuracy and modeling efficiency.
DCI after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Related to the Expression of MFG‐E8
Authors: Chen Xianjun , Jiang Yong’an , Liu Jiayu , Wang Changfeng , Wan Dengfeng , Liang Ai’jun , Leng Jingxing , Yang Yu , Xiang Hui , Liu Ru’en
Published: December 2021

Objective. To explore the predictive value of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG‐E8) in the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods. We recruited 32 patients with aSAH as the case group and 24 patients with unruptured aneurysms as the control group. Serum MFG‐E8 levels were measured by western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We analyzed the relationship between MFG‐E8 levels and the risk of DCI. Results. The levels of serum MFG‐E8 in the case group (mean = 11160.9 pg/mL) were significantly higher than those in the control group (mean = 3081.0 pg/mL, p < 0.001). MFG‐E8 levels highly correlated with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and modified Fisher scores (r = −0.691 and − 0.767, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, MFG‐E8 levels in patients with DCI (5882.7 ± 3162.4 pg/mL) were notably higher than those in patients without DCI (15818.2 ± 3771.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the occurrence of DCI could effectively be predicted by MFG‐E8 (area under the curve = 0.976, 95%CI = 0.850–1.000). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a remarkable decrease in the incidence of DCI in case group individuals with high levels of MFG‐E8 (≥11160.9 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Conclusion. MFG‐E8 may be a useful predictive marker for DCI after an aSAH and could be a promising surrogate end point.
Study of Endogenous Paramagnetic Centers in Biological Systems from Different Areas
Authors: Nasibova Aygun , Khalilov Rovshan , Abiyev Huseyn , Kavetskyy Taras , Trubitsin Boris , Keskin Cumali , Ahmadian Elham , Eftekhari Aziz
Published: December 2021

Plant leaves (Eldar pine (Pinus eldarica M.), fig (Ficus carica L.), and olive (Olea europaea L.)), collected in territories with different ecological conditions, of the Absheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan Republic) were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The generation of nanophase iron oxide magnetic particles in biological systems under the influence of stress factors was revealed. It was found that the process of biomineralization plays a role in the formation of biogenic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in plants and the generation of magnetite crystals in biological tissues, and stress factors have a stimulating effect on this phenomenon.
Applying the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior to Explore the Influencing Factors of NTC App Usage Intention
Authors: Lin Chih-Wei , Tsai Yi-Xuan , Chang Yu-Shan , Ding Yun-Jhih , Liu Jou-Chun , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: December 2021

This research is aimed at exploring the influencing factors of users’ behavioral intention toward the Nike Training Club (NTC) app, using the decomposed theory of planned behavior as the main research framework. In this study, users of the NTC app were the research objects. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed on the Internet by the purposive sampling method. After excluding invalid questionnaires, a total of 280 copies were obtained. The effective questionnaire recovery rate was 93.33%. All data were verified by descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results of this study were as follows. First, the NTC app users were mostly female, aged between 19 and 25 years, were students, had a monthly income below 20,000, and exercised one to two times a week. Second, the application of the decomposed theory of planned behavior found the following: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use had positive effects on attitude; interpersonal influence and electronic word of mouth had a positive influence on subjective norms; self-efficacy and technology facilitation had positive effects on perceptual behavior control; and attitude, subjective norms, and perceptual behavior control all had a positive impact on behavioral intention. The NTC app users thought that the program interface was easy to use and that the app could help them effectively achieve the effect of exercise and fitness, which increased the benefits of continuously using the program.
Cracking Behavior and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Rock Containing a Single Preexisting Flaw
Authors: Hu Xunjian , Luo Lina , Lei Gang , Gong Xiaonan , Guo Panpan , Hu Haibo , Ma Junjie
Published: December 2021

The existence of flaws in brittle rocks or rock‐like materials has an obvious influence on the material mechanical properties and cracking behavior of civil engineering projects. In this work, the two‐dimensional particle flow code PFC2D was used to study the deformation and strength properties, failure processes, and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of mudstone with a single preexisting flaw. First, the procedure to construct a parallel bond model is introduced. The Weibull distribution is used to reflect the mechanical heterogeneity of rocks. Then, the microscopic parameters used in PFC2D are calibrated to the macroproperties of mudstone obtained from laboratory tests under the uniaxial compression. The results indicate that the increases of the flaw inclination lead to the increasing uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus. In terms of microcrack evolution, the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of microcracks are closely related to the force chain. Specifically, an “X” shaped tension force chain concentrated area around the preexisting flaw is founded, which is the most prone area for microcracks to initiate. With an increase in flaw inclination, the b value of AE also shows an increasing trend. By incorporating the AE event numbers into a damage variable, this paper derives a constitutive model, which is verified by numerical results on brittle rocks with a single preexisting flaw under uniaxial compression.
Research on the Reform Direction of Ideological and Political Course Teaching Based on Online Open Courses
Authors: Liu Daoling
Published: December 2021

In the context of the “Internet +” era, educational information has become an inevitable trend in educational development. The successive introduction of relevant policies has laid the foundation for the steady development of educational information. Online open courses are an important means to expand teaching space and time, and this article aims to open up a new direction for the teaching reform and development of ideological and political courses through the combination of ideological and political courses and online open courses. This article proposes the analytic hierarchy process and the Delphi method. First, the Delphi method is used to revise the initially constructed indicator system; then, the analytic hierarchy process is used to design the weights of the indicator system; finally, we try to apply the established index system. The experimental results of this paper show that teacher expression and curriculum content have a greater impact on classroom teaching. The weight of teacher expression is 0.25, and the weight of curriculum content is 0.26.
A Five-Year Retrospective Study of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Southern Africa, 2014 to 2018
Authors: Fana Elliot Mpolokang , Mpoloka Sununguko Wata , Leteane Melvin , Seoke LaToya , Masoba Kelebogile , Mokopasetso Mokganedi , Rapharing Aobakwe , Kabelo Tshephang , Made Patricia , Hyera Joseph
Published: December 2021

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus (FMDv), like other ribonucleic acid (RNA) genome viruses, has a tendency to mutate rapidly. As such, available vaccines may not confer enough cross-protection against incursion of new lineages and sublineages. This paper is a retrospective study to determine the topotypes/lineages that caused previous FMD outbreaks in 6 southern African countries and the efficacy of the current vaccines to protect cattle against them. A total of 453 bovine epithelial tissue samples from 33 FMD outbreaks that occurred in these countries from 2014 to 2018 were investigated for the presence of FMDv. The genetic diversity of the identified Southern African Type (SAT)-FMD viruses was determined by comparing sequences from outbreaks and historical prototype sequences. Of the 453 samples investigated, 176 were positive for four FMDv serotypes. Out of the 176 FMD positive cases there were 105 SAT2 samples, 32 SAT1 samples, 21 SAT3 samples, and 18 serotype O samples. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the SATs VP1 gene sequences into previously observed topotypes in southern Africa. SAT1 viruses were from topotypes I and III, SAT2 viruses belonged to topotypes I, II, III, and IV, and SAT3 viruses were of topotypes I and II. Vaccine matching studies on the field FMDv isolates produced r1-values greater than or equal to 0.3 for the three SAT serotypes. This suggests that there is no significant antigenic difference between current SAT FMD vaccine strains and the circulating SAT serotypes. Therefore, the vaccines are still fit-purpose for the control FMD in the region. The study did not identify incursion of any new lineages/topotypes of FMD into the sampled southern African countries.
Applications of X-Ray Holography
Authors: Shi Bingjun , Fu Yuan , Yang Yan
Published: December 2021

X-ray holography is widely used in material, biology, and industry fields due to its potential to measure the microstructure and dynamic change of objects. In this review, the principle of X-ray holography and the development of this technology in different application fields are systematically summarized and discussed. Through analyzing the advancement of X-ray sources and recording medium, the research and development direction of X-ray holography are prospected and the overview on current strategies of novel X-ray holography is presented. It is proved that X-ray holography, as a powerful nondestructive measurement method, can be applied to a wide range of objects.
Simplified Algorithm Model for Explosion Shockwave Load in the Cabin
Authors: Chen Qing-hua , Jiang Yue-qiu , Gao Yu-xin , Liu Yu-hang , Yang Jia-qi
Published: December 2021

In order to obtain the shockwave load simplified algorithm model for the semiarmored projectile internal explosion in the cabin, this research made use of AUTODYN to provide a numerical modeling method for explosion in the cabin and verified the accuracy of the method via the experiment. Internal explosion simulation calculation was conducted on the operating condition numerical model with different cabin structural dimensions and different explosive loads. The cabin internal explosion space was divided into the noncorner central area, near‐wall area, two‐sided corner area, and three‐sided corner area. Through regression of the abovementioned calculation results, an engineering model to calculate the shockwave load was obtained. It is hoped that the model can offer some references to the antiexplosion design for the ship cabin and for damage assessment of the internal explosion.
Paleoenvironment, Geochemistry, and Pore Characteristics of the Postmature to Overmature Organic-Rich Devonian Shales in Guizhong Depression, Southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Yanqi , Liu Li , Geng Changxi , Cheng Zhuang , Fang Xinxin
Published: December 2021

Investigating shale pore characteristics has deepened our understanding of shale reservoir, while that of postmature-overmature shales is yet to be revealed, which is especially critical for shale gas evaluation in southern China. Ten Middle-Upper Devonian organic-rich shale samples were collected from well GY-1 in the Guizhong Depression, and the paleoenvironment, geochemistry, and pore system were analyzed with a series of experiments, including trace element analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), low-pressure N2 adsorption, and source rock geochemistry. Results show that the Middle-Upper Devonian shales in the Guizhong Depression are organic-rich mudstones with TOC ranging from 0.14% to 6.21%, which is highest in the Nabiao Formation (

D

2

n

) and Lower Luofu Formation (

D

2

l

) that were deposited in the anoxic and weak hydrodynamic deep-water shelf. They are thermally postmature to overmature with equivalent vitrinite reflectance (

EqV

R

o

) of 3.40%~3.76% and type I kerogen. The lithofacies in

D

2

n

and

D

2

l

are primarily siliceous/argillaceous mixed shale as well as a few siliceous argillaceous shales and argillaceous siliceous shales as well. Organic matter- (OM-) hosted pores within bitumen are primary storage volume, rather than inorganic pores (interparticle and intraparticle) which are rare. The total helium porosity of samples varies between 1.20% and 4.49%, while total surface area and pore volume are 2.39-14.22 m2/g and 0.0036-0.0171 ml/g, respectively. Porosity, pore surface area, and pore volume are in accordance with increasing TOC,

R

o

, and siliceous mineral contents. Considerable OM-macropores are found in shales with

R

o

>
3.6
%

in our study which demonstrates that the porosity at postmature to overmature stage (

R

o

=
3.5
−
4.0
%

) does not change fundamentally. The high level of maturity is not considered the main controlling factor that affects shale gas content, and more attention should be paid to preservation conditions in this area.
Activation of Neural Modeling-Related Genes in the Heart of Mice after Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Liu Jing , Hu Dan , Du Juanjuan , Liu Donglu , Wang Ximin , Zhang Jiandong , Hou Yinglong
Published: December 2021

Objective. Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a common sequela of thoracic irradiation. At the same time, nerve remodeling is involved in the progression of heart disease. However, the activation of the nerve remodeling related genes in radiation-induced heart disease is still lacking. Methods. In this study, C57BL/J mice was anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection with pentobarbital sodium (2%, 40 mg/kg), and radiation was delivered using a cobalt-60 (60Co) teletherapy unit (Cirus). When the mice were anesthetized, none of them showed the signs of peritonitis, pain, or discomfort. The mice hearts were exposed to a γ-radiation field of

5
 
mm
×
5
 
mm

. The total dose of γ-radiation was 3 Gy/day for each animal for 5 consecutive days. The mice were executed by severed neck, and its limbs were weak. Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to explore the possible mechanism of arrhythmia in patients with RIHD. Results. Our results demonstrated that Growth-Associated Protein 43 (GAP43) was increased significantly after radioactive heart injury compared with the control group. Moreover, the protein expression of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Choline acetyl-transferase (CHAT) was significantly decreased compared with the control group and gradually increased with time rend. The nerve growth factor (NGF) was remarkably increased after radiation-induced heart injury compared with the control group. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that the nerve growth factors GAP43 and NGF were significantly increased after radiation-induced heart injury. Conclusions. Chest radiotherapy could activate the neural modeling related genes in RIHD. This may provide a new treatment plan for the future treatment of heart problems caused by chest radiotherapy.
Dynamic Programming Structure Learning Algorithm of Bayesian Network Integrating MWST and Improved MMPC
Authors: Di Ruo-Hai , Li Ye , Li Ting-Peng , Wang Lian-Dong , Wang Peng
Published: December 2021

Dynamic programming is difficult to apply to large-scale Bayesian network structure learning. In view of this, this article proposes a BN structure learning algorithm based on dynamic programming, which integrates improved MMPC (maximum-minimum parents and children) and MWST (maximum weight spanning tree). First, we use the maximum weight spanning tree to obtain the maximum number of parent nodes of the network node. Second, the MMPC algorithm is improved by the symmetric relationship to reduce false-positive nodes and obtain the set of candidate parent-child nodes. Finally, with the maximum number of parent nodes and the set of candidate parent nodes as constraints, we prune the parent graph of dynamic programming to reduce the number of scoring calculations and the complexity of the algorithm. Experiments have proved that when an appropriate significance level

α

is selected, the MMPCDP algorithm can greatly reduce the number of scoring calculations and running time while ensuring its accuracy.