bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of a Pseudo Two-axis Sun Tracking System
Authors: Adibpour Saeed , Alemrajabi Ali Akbar
Published: June 2022

Tracking the sun is an important method for increasing the electricity generation of photovoltaic panels. Sun tracking systems are designed to track the sun with one axis or two axes, based upon solar azimuth angle and altitude angle. In this research, a pseudo two-axis sun tracker is presented and applied for installing the photovoltaic panel on. In this tracking system, one rotating motor is used instead of two, and more solar radiation is absorbed compared with common one-axis tracking systems. The results show that pseudo two-axis sun tracking system gains 2.82% more radiation than the conventional one-axis sun tracker. Through adjusting the angle two times a year, 4.01% more radiation is gained and adjusting the angle four times a year results in gaining 4.12% more radiation, while using a two-axis sun tracker results in 4.39% more radiation on the panel compared with one-axis sun tracker. The pseudo two-axis sun tracker’s performance with adjusting angle four times a year has little difference with two-axis sun tracker and due to using one motor instead of two, using a pseudo two-axis sun tracker is more economical. The percentage of increased radiation of pseudo two-axis sun tracker compared with fixed panel differs for various cities, which could be as high as 31% for some of major Iranian cities.
Does secondary data suffice? Protected area conflict analysis in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rechciński Marcin , Tusznio Joanna , Akhshik Arash , Grodzińska-Jurczak Małgorzata
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected an established way of analysing protected area (PA) conflicts. A compelled turn towards a broader use of secondary data evokes doubts about validity of the results unless restrictive assessment procedures are implemented. To address this need, we propose a three-fold (theory-, method-, and cross-scale simulation-driven) approach to assess usefulness of a state register dataset and a group of methods of the indicator analysis for recognizing PA conflict determinants at the regional and local level. With the ultimate aim to inform case study selection, we used 187 relevant indicators from the Polish Central Statistical Office register for a Lesser Poland region and processed them using principal component/exploratory factor and cluster analyses. We distinguished five types of PA conflict determinants in a region (‘urbanity’, ‘agriculture’, ‘tourism’, ‘small-scale entrepreneurship’ and ‘sprawl’) and respective groups of clusters comprising local-level units. Then, we selected one cluster to juxtapose the results with secondary data from another source (Internet content) for a specific PA. We confirmed that reported conflict issues corresponded with indicator-derived descriptors of the cluster. However, secondary data from the state register failed to address the key prerequisites of PA conflicts (parties’ interests and their mutual perception). Overall, our approach can serve as a proxy for a multi-level PA conflict determinant analysis in crisis conditions such as COVID-19, provided it synthesises the results of various methodological approaches, followed by in-person inquiries in the selected case studies.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy in hispanic population in northeastern Mexico
Authors: Castillo Alberto , Arreola Jesús Enrique , Loya Denise , Valdez Jorge Eugenio , Valdez Jorge Eugenio
Published: June 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) in northeastern Mexico.
Methods
Cross-sectional study in which NK patients admitted to our ophthalmology clinic between 2015–2021 were consecutively enrolled. Data regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities were collected at the time diagnosis of NK was made.
Results
In the period from 2015 to 2021, a total of 74,056 patients were treated and of these 42 had a diagnosis of neurotrophic keratitis. The prevalence found was 5.67 [CI95 3.95 ~ 7.38] in 10,000 cases. The mean age observed was 59 ± 17.21 years (Table 1), occurring more frequently in males in 59% and with corneal epithelial defects in 66.7% (Table 1). The most frequent antecedents were the use of topical medications in 90% (Table 1), the presence of diabetes mellitus 2 in 40.5% (Table 1) and systemic arterial hypertension in 26.2% (Table 1). A higher proportion of male patients with corneal alterations and a higher proportion of female patients with corneal ulcerations and/or perforation were observed (Table 2).
Conclusion
Neurotrophic keratitis is an underdiagnosed disease with a broad clinical spectrum. The antecedents that were contracted corroborate what was reported in the literature as risk factors. The prevalence of the disease in this geographical area was not reported, so it is expected to increase over time when searching for it intentionally.
Impact of an empirical protocolized management in patients with isolated non-specific terminal ileal abnormalities (ulcer, erosions, and nodularity)-A pilot study
Authors: Kumar Raj , Nath Preetam , Anand Anil Chandra , Misra Pranati , Devisetty VJ , Tiwari Anirudh , Praharaj Dibya Lochan , Mallick Bipadabhanjan , Panigrahi Sarat Chandra , Acharya Subrat Kumar
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim:Non-specific terminal ileum abnormalities (INSTIA) are frequently observed on ileo-colonoscopic examinations, but their clinical significance is unclear. Moreover, there is no recommended protocol for the management of these abnormalities. Presuming infectious origin, a randomized controlled trial of empirical protocolized management with three commonly used antimicrobial agents was carried out with an aim to study its impact on patients with INSTIA. Methodology:Patients with INSTIA were randomized into two groups such as both symptomatic and empirical protocolized treatment with three commonly used antimicrobial agents [rifaximin, albendazole and tinidazole (group A)] and symptomatic treatment alone (group B). Clinical, endoscopic, and histological findings of these subjects were noted at baseline and after follow-up of 3 months. The primary outcome measure was mucosal healing on follow-up ileo-colonoscopy after 3 months.Results: A total of 60 patients with INSTIA were enrolled. The most prevalent symptoms were abdominal discomfort (61.6%), diarrhoea (41.6%), and constipation (40%). The incidence of ulcers, nodularity and erosions were 62.1%, 27.6%, 10.34% in group A and 58%, 29%, 13% in group B respectively. After a mean follow-up duration of 3.36 ± 0.27 months, both groups showed comparable resolution in clinical symptoms (92.4% vs 88.8%, p=0.954), ileo-colonoscopic findings (88.5%vs 81.5%, p=0.765), and histological characteristics (76.5%vs 70.4%, p=0.806).Conclusion: The clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological remission occurs in most patients with INSTIA. The use of empirical protocolized management with antimicrobials did not have any impact on the rate of mucosal healing in these patients.
Production of bio-composite films from gum Arabic and Galangal extract to prolong the shelf life of Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Gomaa Maha M , Fadly Enas El. , Salama Mohamed Abdelbaset , Abdin Mohamed
Published: June 2022

The current study was performed to develop biodegradable films forming matrix composed from gum Arabic (GA) and different concentrations from Alpinia officinarum phenolic extract (AOE). The color indices, physical properties, surface shape, crystallinity, mechanical properties and thermal stability of produced films were investigated. The grafting of AOE extract inside GA films increased dark yellow color and reduced moisture, swelling, solubility and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films. Furthermore, the scanning electron micrographs showed uniform structure with rough surface and turmoil spots in the structure by increasing AOE concentration inside films. Additionally, physically interaction occurred between AOE extract and GA polymer was proven by using FT-IR analysis. The fabricated films showed satisfied thermal stability manners with declining trend by incorporation of AOE inside GA films. Furthermore, the developed films showed significant effects on reducing the changes of browning index and firmness of Agaricus bisporus caps during storage days compared with commercial packaging materials.
Herbivorous fish microbiome adaptations to sulfated dietary polysaccharides
Authors: Podell Sheila , Oliver Aaron , Kelly Linda Wegley , Sparagon Wesley , Nelson Robert S. , Laurens Lieve M. L. , Sims Neil A. , Nelson Craig E. , Allen Eric E.
Published: June 2022

Background.
Gut microbiota of kyphosid herbivorous fish, known for feeding almost exclusively on red and brown macroalgae rich in sulfated polysaccharides, contain highly compartmentalized, herbivore-specific taxonomic compositions. The current study explores protein functional activities of microbial taxa comprising this system in digestive compartment-specific metagenomes, identifying specific enzyme associations contributing to macroalgal decomposition.
Results.
Assembled metagenomes from proximal gut samples were enriched in taxa most closely related to environmental marine species, especially Vibrio-related Gammaproteobacteria, which progressively decline in hindgut compartments in favor of host-specific groups often found in terrestrial vertebrate microbiomes, including Alistipes-related Bacteroidota, Clostridia-related Bacillota, uncharacterized Verrucomicrobiota, and Desulfovibrio-related Deltaproteobacteria. Predicted degradative capacity for sulfated macroalgal polysaccharides is highly enriched in fish hindgut samples, concomitant with expansion of Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Verrucomicrobiota clades. Extracellularly exported arylsulfatase (SulfAtlas) and carbohydrate active enzyme (CAZy) classes associated with red and brown macroalgal digestion are greatly expanded in kyphosid fish gut versus terrestrial ruminant metagenomes. Genomic mapping of these fish gut-enriched gene functions reveals quantitative signatures suggesting polysaccharide utilization loci associations and coordinated networks of extracellularly exported enzymes targeting specific macroalgal polysaccharides. Co-localization frequencies provide insight into potential gene duplication events and suggest preferred substrates for previously uncharacterized arylsulfatase classes.
Conclusions.
Metagenomic networks of co-localized polysaccharide hydrolysis and sulfatase gene functions have been used to demonstrate distinct patterns of fish gut compartment-specific microbial enzymes targeting complex sulfated polysaccharides. These patterns reveal previously undescribed potential for cooperative exported enzyme activities and highlight prospective contributions of multiple bacterial taxa to overall digestive capabilities.
Phylogenetic placement of new species and combinations of Neopodoconis within Torulaceae
Authors: Qiu Ling , Hu Ya-Fen , Liu Jing-Wen , Xia Ji-Wen , Castañeda-Ruíz Rafael F. , Xu Zhao-Huan , Ma Jian
Published: June 2022

Five new species of Neopodoconis, N. jiangxiensis, N. meilingensis, N. obclavata, N. saprophyticus and N. sinensis are described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead branches of unidentified plants in China. Phylogenetic analysis of partial DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal small subunit (SSU) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (LSU), using Maximum-Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI), supported the establishment of the five new species, and indicated a close relationship to Torulaceae in Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes. Sporidesmioides and Rostriconidium are synonymised with Neopodoconis based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic data, and the new combinations Neopodoconis aquaticum, N. cangshanense, N. pandanicola and N. thailandica are proposed. A synoptic table to Neopodoconis species are provided.
HCK and IL1RN as potential gene targets of sepsis based on the bioinformatics and verification in the mice model
Authors: Wang Tao , Han Jian-ge , Dong Wei , Yu Yong-hao
Published: June 2022

Background: Sepsis is emergency and severe problem with high incidence and fatality rate. Sepsis may be related to genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities, gene fusion and other factors, pathogenesis is not clear. In-depth research on molecular mechanism of sepsis is particularly important.Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify significant module. DAVID, metascape, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed to make enrichment analysis for differently expressed genes (DEGs). Hub genes were screened and identified in protein-protein interaction network via Cytoscape. Construction of mouse model of sepsis was made in C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks old), TNF-α, lactic acid, IL-6 were detected by ELISA assay to verify successful construction of sepsis model. RT-qPCR and ELISA were performed to test expression of hub genes. BP-neural network and support vector machine (SVM) were constructed with expression HCK, IL1RN, severity degree of sepsis.Results: Compared with normal group, relative expression of TNF-α, lactic acid, IL-6 via ELISA in sepsis animal model was higher (P<0.05). After therapy by hydrogen for sepsis mice, relative expression of TNF-α, lactic acid, IL-6 significantly decreased compared with sepsis group (P<0.05). After therapy of hydrogen, expression of HCK and IL1RN was down-regulated. Relativity among expression of HCK, IL1RN, sepsis was 0.99542 via BP-neural network. Relationship between predicted value and actual value is that: y=0.8954*x+16.2933, R2=0.9805, r=0.9948 in SVM model.Conclusion: HCK and IL1RN were significantly up-regulated in sepsis. They might be potential predictable biomarkers of sepsis, therapy of hydrogen was related to expression of HCK and IL1RN.
Two-loop amplitude generation in OpenLoops
Authors: Pozzorini Stefano , Schär Natalie , Zoller Max
Published: June 2022

Numerical tools, such as OpenLoops, provide NLO scattering amplitudes for a very wide range of hard scattering amplitudes in a fully automated way. In order to match the numerical precision of current and future experiments, however, the higher precision of NNLO calculations is essential, and their automation in a similar tool highly desirable.

In our approach, D-dimensional amplitudes are decomposed into loop-momentum tensor integrals with coefficients constructed in four dimensions and rational terms. We present a fully generic algorithm for the efficient numerical construction of the tensor coefficients, which constitutes an important building block for an automated NNLO tool.
Leading fermionic three-loop corrections to W-boson mass and Z-pole observables
Authors: Chen Lisong , Freitas Ayres
Published: June 2022

In this proceeding, we highlight the computation of leading fermionic three-loop corrections to electroweak precision observables (EWPOs) accomplished recently. We summarize the numerical analysis and provide an outlook.
Eikonal Dressed Gluon Exponentiation to study power corrections to Thrust, C-parameter, and Angularity
Authors: Agarwal Neelima , Mukhopadhyay Ayan , Pal Sourav , Tripathi Anurag
Published: June 2022

Dressed Gluon Exponentiation is a well known method to study power corrections. We present here its eikonalized version - Eikonal Dressed Gluon Exponentiation (EDGE) to determine the dominant power corrections to shape variables such as Thrust, C- parameter, and Angularity. Our method remarkably simplifies the calculations.
Local Unitarity
Authors: Capatti Zeno
Published: June 2022

Within the Local Unitarity formalism, any physical cross-section is re-written in such a way that cancellations of infrared singularities between real and virtual contributions are realised locally. Consequently, phase-space and loop integrals are regulated locally without the need of any counter-terms or dimensional regularisation aside from those strictly needed to achieve ultraviolet regularisation. This Local Unitarity representation is especially suitable to direct Monte Carlo integration. As such, it offers a clear and direct path to automate the computation of fixed-order differential observables in Quantum Field Theories.
Towards two- and three-loop QCD corrections to the width difference in $B_s-\bar{B}_s$ mixing
Authors: Shtabovenko Vladyslav
Published: June 2022

In this work we address the issue of large perturbative uncertainties
in the theory prediction for \Delta \Gamma_sΔΓs,
the width difference in the B^0_s - \bar{B}^0_sBs0−B‾s0
mixing process. To this aim we complete important steps towards the full
analytic result for the previously unknown Wilson coefficients from the
matching between |\Delta B|=1|ΔB|=1
and |\Delta B|=2|ΔB|=2
effective Hamiltonians at next-to-next-leading order (NNLO) in the
strong coupling constant. We provide a thorough discussion of technical
and conceptual difficulties behind this computation and give an outlook
regarding the availability of the new NNLO theory prediction for
\Delta \Gamma_sΔΓs.
$\mathcal{O}(α_s^3)$ corrections to semileptonic $b \to c$ decays in the heavy daughter approximation
Authors: Schoenwald Kay
Published: June 2022

We present our recent calculation of the third order
corrections to the semileptonic b \to cb→c and the muon decays.
The calculation has been performed in an expansion around the
limit m_c \sim m_bmc∼mb, but shows decent convergence even for m_c=0mc=0 from
which the contribution to the muon decay can be extracted.
For the semileptonic b \to cb→c decay we find large perturbative corrections
in the on-shell scheme which can be significantly reduced by changing
to the kinetic scheme for the bottom quark mass.
These results are important input for the inclusive determination
of |V_{cb}||Vcb| and the Fermi coupling constant G_FGF.
Applications of the Perturbative Gradient Flow
Authors: Lange Fabian
Published: June 2022

Over the last decade the gradient flow formalism became an important tool for lattice simulations of Quantum Chromodynamics.
It offers remarkable renormalization properties which pave the way for cross-fertilization between perturbative and lattice calculations.
In this contribution we discuss the perturbative approach.
As first application we compute vacuum expectation values of flowed operators which could help to extract parameters like the strong coupling constant from lattice simulations.
Afterwards, we apply the flowed operator product expansion to the time-ordered product of two currents which could be employed for an alternative first-principle evaluation of vacuum polarization functions on the lattice.
NLO electroweak and QCD corrections to off-shell ttW production at the LHC
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Pelliccioli Giovanni
Published: June 2022

The foreseen luminosities for the next LHC runs will enable precise
differential measurements of the associated production of top–antitop
pairs with a W boson. Therefore, providing accurate theory predictions
for this process is needed for realistic final states. We present the
first combination of NLO electroweak and QCD corrections to off-shell
ttW^++
production in the three-charged-lepton channel, including non-resonant
effects, full spin-correlations and interferences. Such radiative
corrections comprise the electroweak and QCD corrections to the leading
QCD order, and the QCD corrections to the leading electroweak order.
W+c-jet production at the LHC with NNLO QCD accuracy
Authors: Czakon Michal , Mitov Alexander , Pellen Mathieu , Poncelet Rene
Published: June 2022

In these proceedings, we highlight some aspects of the recent computation of NNLO QCD corrections for W production in association with a charm jet at the LHC.
The results are presented in the form of cross sections and differential distributions and are compared to ATLAS data.
Two-Loop renormalization of High-Dimensional QCD operators and Higgs EFT amplitudes
Authors: Jin Qingjun , Ren Ke , Yang Gang , Yu Rui
Published: June 2022

We consider the two-loop renormalization of high-dimensional operators in QCD and the relevant Higgs EFT amplitudes.
Efficient unitarity-IBP strategy is used to compute the two-loop minimal form factors of length-3 operators up to dimension sixteen. From the ultraviolet divergences of form factor results, we extract the renormalization matrices and compute anomalous dimensions. We also obtain the analytic finite remainder functions which exhibit several universal transcendentality structures.
The form factors we compute are equivalent to Higgs plus three-gluon amplitudes which capture high-order top mass corrections in Higgs effective field theory.
Application of Video Mapping Technique in Kotak Band Video Music
Authors: Wicaksana Inovensius Hugo Bima
Published: June 2022

In the current development of visual videography technology, especially in the creation of music video content, new media are developing very rapidly, one of which is video projection (Projection Mapping). apart from the screen. Video Mapping is one of the newest video projection techniques used to convert almost any surface into a dynamic video display. The purpose of video mapping is to create the physical illusion of an image by combining visual elements. Most of the mapping projects are used in fashion shows, corporate events, concerts, and theater performances and can be an asset in artistic music videos. This research explains how to implement video projection into an artistic asset. Then displayed in public spaces to reach a wider audience. This paper will focus on the aspect of video mapping with the technical aspects of developing the concept of the Musik Video Kotak Band project entitled Wings of Garuda by using visual elements of applying visual video mapping in music videos to convey visual messages in video projections on the faces of the band members of the Kotak band. visual delivery in projection mapping creates artistic innovation in music video visuals to minimize the number of production teams in music video projects and messages in video projection visuals can convey their messages, the visuals will be perfected in the editing process to achieve the desired contrast so that video projections on the face more visible detail.
Inventory Control Analysis with Continous Review System and Periodic Review System Methods at PT. XYZ
Authors: Kurniawan Shelvy , Saragih Melva Hermayanty , Angelina Vivi
Published: June 2022

Companies must have various strategies in order to survive and face the competition in the retail industry, where the strategy can be in the form of inventory control. The objective of this research is to categorize products owned by PT. XYZ based on the ABC analysis method, to analyze the best forecasting method for PT. XYZ for Filo Compound, Meses Valentino and Mercolade Dark 1 KG, to analyze the total cost using Q-Method & P-Method, and last to compare among Q-Method, P-Method and PT. XYZ’s policy. By doing ABC analysis, company is able to know which products to be prioritized. Forecasting is the first step to find out how much demand is expected in the future by analyzing demand data from the previous period. By having the smallest error which is reflected by MAD and MSE value, Trend Projection is the best method for forecasting as compared to the other five methods. Furthermore, this research is calculating the total cost by using the Q method and P Method to find out the best method with the smallest total cost for PT. XYZ. Q method is the best for Filo Compound and Meses Valentino with the cost saving as much as Rp 38.582.771,08 and Rp 43.215.539,68. While for the Mercolade Dark 1 KG, P Method is the best method with the cost saving as much as Rp 200.290.337,56.
Asal Usul Rumus Dasar Transformasi Laplace
Authors: Gazali Wikaria
Published: June 2022

This paper discusses the Origin of the Basic Formula of the Laplace Transform L{f(t)}=∫_0^∞▒〖e^(-st) f(t) 〗 dt=F(s). To obtain this model, the author derives the basic formula for the Laplace Transform from a Power Series. In this derivation, we use Euler’s number to the power of the function and the Maclaurin Series to obtain the derivation of the Basic Formula for the Laplace Transform where the Maclaurin Series is derived from the Taylor Series.
Encrypted Short Message Service Design Using Combination of Modified Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Vigenere Cipher Algorithm
Authors: Christopher Christopher , Gunawan Abel , Prima Sheila
Published: June 2022

Despite the popularity of social media and Internet-based messaging services, Short Message Service (SMS) is still widely used by a lot of people worldwide. However, in this modern era, Short Message Service (SMS) is not a secure way of sending and receive text messages. Anyone with the right privilleges can easily read all the messages sent using SMS service. Therefore, appropriate cryptographic algorithms should be applied to ensure confidentiality of the message content. In this paper, a modified AES with Vigenere Cipher Algorithm will be used to encrypt the text message, hence greatly increasing the security of the sent messages. Avalanche Effect is chosen as a metric for measuring performance of the proposed algorithm and its implementation. The proposed algorithm shows high Avalanche Effect compared to standard AES algorithm.
Seawater as Alkali Activator in Fly Ash Based Geopolymer
Authors: Harmaji Andrie
Published: June 2022

Indonesia as a maritime country in the world with 66% of its territory consists of maritime territory. A lot of potential that can be exploited, such as sea water. XRD characterization results indicate that the sea water from Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, Indonesia has a compound Halite (NaCl) and Bassanite (CaSO4.5H2O) in the salt form. These compounds are alkaline thereby can influence the compressive strength of the geopolymer. Geopolymer is made up of aluminosilicate precursors which are activated by the alkaline activator solution, which usually combines sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. The precursor material is waste from the coal based power plant called fly ash that produce 219.000 tonne per year and still underutilized but potentially as an alternative to cement. In this study, seawater was used to substitute the sodium hydroxide in alkali activator as an effort to reduce the manufacturing cost of Geopolymer. Geopolymer prepared by mixing fly ash as a precursor, silica sand as aggregates, with activator, then casted and cured by immersion. After 28 days compression test was conducted to measure the strength of resulting geopolymer. The sample consisted of a mixture of fly ash, silica sand, waterglass, and seawater produces strength of 16.60 MPa. X-Ray Diffraction characterization was conducted to study the compound formed from precursors activated with seawater alkali activator. Resulting diffractogram indicate the formation of anorthite compound as proof of Geopolymerization has been successfully occured.
Archetypes of Traditional Culture in the XXI Century
Authors: Bakirova Aygul'
Published: June 2022

The article deals with the archetypes of traditional nomadic culture in Kazakhstan that were abolished in the Soviet period as remnants of the tribal system. However, polygamy and abduction of women in order to force them into marriage occur quite often nowadays. The author examined the transformation of the legal status of women in Kazakhstan in the XX – early XXI centuries. The research focused on the Soviet transformations of traditional family and marriage institutions in Kazakhstan, which were caused by the radical change in social relations, state power, and nomadic lifestyle. The author analyzed criminal statistics on offenses against the rights and freedoms of women and compared the current situation with abductions of women and polygamy in neighboring post-Soviet states. The research objective was to find out the motives behind the revival of the archetypes of traditional culture, as well as the latency of committed offenses related to the use of Kazakh customary law and Sharia. The methodology was based on legal comparative studies, i.e., diachronization and synchronization of legal phenomena and processes. The diachronic method made it possible to compare the traditions of bride kidnapping and polygamy in Kazakhstan in different historical periods. The legal-dogmatic method was used to analyze the customs, norms of Islam, pre-revolutionary imperial law, Soviet and post-Soviet legislation, etc.
Analytical and numerical solutions to describe water table fluctuations due to canal seepage and time-varying recharge
Authors: Upadhyaya Ashutosh , Kankarej Manisha M.
Published: June 2022

Hybrid finite analytic solution (HFAS), Galerkin's method based finite element solution (FES) and fully implicit finite difference solution (FIFDS) of one dimensional nonlinear Boussinesq equation and Analytical solution of Boussinesq equation linearized by Baumann's transformation (analytical solution I, AS I) as well as linearized by Werner's transformation (analytical solution II, AS II) were employed to obtain water table rise in a horizontal unconfined aquifer lying between two canals located at finite distance having different elevations and subjected to various patterns of recharge, i.e. zero recharge, constant recharge, as well as time varying recharge. Considering HFAS as benchmark solution, water table in mid region as obtained from FES followed by FIFDS was observed quite close to that obtained from HFAS and as per L2 and Tchebycheff norms computation, it was ranked at first and second place, respectively. Both AS I and AS II predicted higher water table at t = 5 days but at t = 10 days, AS I predicted lower and AS II predicted higher water table at all distances due to linearization effect. So, analytical solutions of linearized Boussinesq equation were rated lower than numerical solutions of nonlinear Boussinesq equation.
Insights into Melanoma Fibroblast Populations and Therapeutic Strategy
Perspectives: Friends or Foes?
Authors: Avagliano Angelica , Arcucci Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an aggressive and highly metastatic solid tumor
associated with drug resistance. Before 2011, despite therapies based on cytokines or
molecules inhibiting DNA synthesis, metastatic melanoma led to patient death within 18
months from diagnosis. However, recent studies on bidirectional interactions between melanoma
cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) have had a significant impact on the
development of new therapeutic strategies represented by targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
In particular, the heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations, including fibroblasts,
fibroblast aggregates, myofibroblasts, and melanoma associated fibroblasts
(MAFs), represent the most abundant cell population of TME and regulate cancer growth
differently. Therefore, in this perspective article, we have highlighted the different impacts
of fibroblast populations on cancer development and growth. In particular, we focused
on the role of MAFs in sustaining melanoma cell survival, proliferation, migration
and invasion, drug resistance, and immunoregulation. The important role of constitutively
activated MAFs in promoting CM growth and immunoediting makes this cell type a
promising target for cancer therapy.
Construction of C-S and C-Se Bonds Mediated by Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Under Metal-Free Conditions
Authors: Cheng Yifu , Li Guangchen , Jiang Luchen , Dong Yunyi , Zhan Xiangyu , Sun Fengxia , Du Yunfei
Published: June 2022

In the past few decades, the chemistry of hypervalent iodine reagents has undergone
a flourishing development in synthetic organic chemistry owing to their mild oxidative,
low toxicity, air and moisture stability, and environmentally benign features. A plethora of
oxidative coupling reactions have been conducted using hypervalent iodine reagents as nonmetallic
oxidants. In particular, the C-S and C-Se bond-forming reactions mediated by hypervalent
iodine reagents have emerged as a powerful approach in the construction of Scontaining
and Se-containing heterocycles or building blocks. In these reactions, hypervalent
iodine reagents behave as strong oxidants or electrophiles and activate the S-containing or Secontaining
species to form more electrophilic cationic or radical intermediates, which participate
in subsequent coupling reactions. It is anticipated that this review summarizes all C–S
and C-Se bonds forming reactions enabled by hypervalent iodine reagents under metal-free conditions.
Synthesis of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Medicinal Applications: A Mini- Review
Authors: Sharma Shobhana , Singh Anupama
Published: June 2022

“Graphene oxide” is obtained by the reaction of two-dimensional graphene sheets with oxygen-containing oxidants, like atomic oxygen (O), hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl (COOH). Graphene oxide-based nanomaterials are an interesting topic in research due to the presence of distinctive physicochemical properties in them. Biocompatibility is an important factor for applications in tissue engineering. The catalytic activity of carbon-based catalysts has been deeply affected by their surface chemistry. The presence of oxygen functionality at the graphene oxide surface provides reactive sites for chemical alteration. Graphene oxide (GO), is currently being used in biotechnology and medicine for the treatment of cancer, drug delivery, and also for cellular imaging and as anti-viral agent etc. Also, GO is characterized by various physicochemical properties, like nanoscale size, high surface area, and electrical charge. Recent studies suggest that several factors affect the biocompatibility of carbon-based nanomaterials.
Antimicrobials from Medicinal Plants: Key Examples, Success Stories and
Prospects in Tackling Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Tiwari Pragya , Bajpai Mangalam , Sharma Abhishek
Published: June 2022

The rising statistics of antimicrobial resistance pose an alarming concern for the mankind.
The extensive/injudicious use of antibiotics in the environment, animal husbandry, and health
care have led to the alarming rise of infectious microbes developing resistance against conventional
drugs. The use of phytotherapeutics defines an attractive approach to tackling drug-resistant microbes,
attributed to their ability to target major antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, including efflux
pumps, biofilms, and cell membranes, among others. In recent times, the discovery and bioprospection
of plants for value-added metabolites have witnessed a tremendous upsurge, with several
phytomolecules demonstrating bactericidal and drug-resistance reversal properties. However,
several existing challenges, including their low concentration in plants, climatic variations, overutilization
of plant resources, and deforestation, have limited the utilization of phytotherapeutics.
Discussing the growing concern of drug-resistant microbes and antimicrobial resistance, the thematic
article discusses the existing and emerging scenarios of antimicrobial resistance in microbes. In
the post-antibiotic era, phytotherapeutics defines enormous potential to tackle the growing threat of
antimicrobial resistance, addressed through genetic engineering of microbes/plant systems for enhanced
antimicrobial production. The success stories of antimicrobials from medicinal plants, as
exemplified by key examples, associated challenges, possible strategies, and prospects of antimicrobials
in drug discovery, form the key underlying theme of the article.
Quality Assurance based on Deep Learning for Pelvic OARs Delineation
in Radiotherapy
Authors: Yu Hang , He Yisong , Fu Yuchuan , Li Xia , Zhang Jun , Liu Huan
Published: June 2022

Background:

Correct delineation of organs at risk (OARs) is an important step for radiotherapy
and it is also a time-consuming process that depends on many factors.

Objective:

An automatic quality assurance (QA) method based on deep learning (DL) was proposed to
improve efficiency for detecting contouring errors of OARs.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 180 planning CT scan sets at the pelvic site and the corresponding
OARs contours from clinics were enrolled in this study. Among them, 140 cases were randomly chosen
as the training datasets, 20 cases were used as the validation datasets, and the remaining 20 cases
were used as the test datasets. DL-based models were trained through data curation for data cleaning
based on the Dice similarity coefficient and the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance between the original
contours and the predicted contours. All contouring errors could be classified into two types： minor
modification required and major modification required. The pass criteria were established using Bias-
Corrected and Accelerated bootstrap on 20 manually reviewed validation datasets. The performance of
the QA method was evaluated with the metrics of sensitivity, specificity, the area under the receiving
operator characteristic curve (AUC), and detection rate sensitivity on the 20 test datasets.

Results:

For all OARs, segmentation results after data curation were superior to those without. The
sensitivity of the QA method was greater than 0.890 and the specificity was higher than 0.975. The
AUCs were 0.948, 0.966, 0.965, and 0.932 for the bladder, right femoral head, left femoral head, and
rectum, respectively. Almost all major errors could be detected by the automatic QA method, and the
lowest detection rate sensitivity of minor errors was 0.863 for the rectum.

Conclusions:

QA of OARs is an important step for the correct implementation of radiotherapy. The
DL-based QA method proposed in this study showed a high potential to automatically detect contouring
errors with high precision. The method can be integrated into the existing radiotherapy procedures
to improve the efficiency of delineating the OARs.
Impact of the Vaccination Against COVID-19 on Frontline Health Workers
Authors: Magri Marcello M.C. , Uip David E. , Rodrigues Flaviane K. , Lima Elisangela R. , da Veiga Glaucia L. , da C.A. Alves Beatriz , Gascón Thaís , Gaiatto Ana C.M. , Bibo Thaciane A. , de Godoy Moreira e Costa Nicolle , Affonso Fonseca Fernando Luiz
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Brazil has been facing the pandemic of COVID-19 since march 2020.
More than 540,000 people have died from this disease in the country. Some estimates indicate that
the population exposed to SARS-CoV-2 represents 1 to 20%. However, these data are questionable
due to the number of asymptomatic and untested individuals. As a result, vaccination for COVID-
19 has become the main means of achieving herd immunity.

Objectives:

To demonstrate, through local sampling, that broad and rapid vaccination may decrease
the rate of COVID-19 detection in individuals potentially exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Methods:

A total of 1,128 individuals were studied, including students and health professionals
from Centro Universitário FMABC, who received the two doses of the vaccine for COVID-19
(Oxford/Astrazeneca ® and CoronaVac®).

Results:

In the studied period, there was a 41% reduction in the demand for RT-PCR tests after
vaccination. And a 78.3% reduction in positive results after vaccination started.

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that even vaccinating a population with higher exposure
to the risk of contamination significantly reduced test positivity and the demand to perform
these tests. This emphasizes that vaccination is the best strategy to achieve herd immunity and reduce
the spread of the disease.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Utilization among Cancer Patients with
Febrile Neutropenia at the Lebanese Hospitals
Authors: Cherri Sarah , Malaeb Diana , Shouman Lamis , Fahs Iqbal , Hallit Rabih , Hallit Souheil , Malaeb Bassem , Salameh Pascale
Published: June 2022

Background:

Febrile neutropenia is a prevalent oncologic complication. Initiating rapid treatment
with empirical antimicrobials in febrile neutropenia patients reduces mortality due to infections.

Objectives:

The study aims to evaluate antimicrobial utilization among FN patients in Lebanon in
terms of drug choice, dose, and duration of the treatment. This is a retrospective, multicenter, observational
study conducted at three different Lebanese university hospitals (in which the Infectious
Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines are adopted), between February 2014 and
May 2017.

Setting:

This is a retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted at three different Lebanese university hospitals (in which the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines are adopted), between February 2014 and May 2017.

Methods:

Adult cancer patients aged 18 years and older with febrile neutropenia were included in
the study. Using the IDSA guidelines as a reference, patients were assessed whether they received
the antimicrobial regimen inconsistent with the IDSA reference or not. Statistical analysis was performed
using the Statistical Package for the Social Science software (SPSS version 22.0).
The adherence to guidelines for the indication and doses of antibiotics and anti-fungal in patients
with febrile neutropenia.

Results:

A total of 124 patients with a mean age of 54.43 ± 17.86 years were enrolled in the study.
Leukemia (29.7%) was the most prevalent cancer and the most common infection was sepsis
(20.2%). Combination antibiotic lactams are the most prescribed antibiotics (86.8%). Only 94
(86.23%) patients were given the antibiotic therapy appropriate for choice, dose, and duration.
Empirical antifungal therapy was initiated in 63.7% of the patients and fluconazole was the most
used antifungal (36.3%). In contrast to antibiotics, the majority of antifungal choices were not selected
according to the recommendations and they were considered inappropriate for doses and the
required treatment duration as proposed by (IDSA). Fifty-eight percent of patients received antivirals,
even though it is not recommended as empirical treatment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study reveals a non-consistent antimicrobial utilization practice at
the involved sites concerning FN treatment. Inappropriateness was encountered in drug selection,
dose, and duration of treatment with antifungals and antivirals.
Are Patients with Schizophrenia Reliably Reporting their Cannabis Use? An African Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rammouz Ismail , Merzouki Mohamed , Bouri Sara , Rachid Aalouane , Bout Amine , Boujraf Saïd
Published: June 2022

Background:

Most studies of the prevalence of cannabis use among patients with schizophrenia used a self report as declared by the patient himself. We hypothesize that patients with schizophrenia did not tell the truth and might underreport their use for many reasons to be discussed later. Indeed, the under-report of cannabis use among these patients can affect the effectiveness of their treatment.

Aims:

to assess the degree of agreement between the prevalence values obtained from patients’ reports and the results of the toxicological tests.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 403 patients with schizophrenia. For each patient, a profile containing sociodemographic, psychiatric history and his illicit drug use was performed. We assessed the patients with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression score (CDSS), Baratt Impulsiveness Score (BIS-10) and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). The consumption of cannabis used was confirmed with MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-DSM IV) and using toxicological analysis.

Results:

Among the 403 patients who consented to give their urine samples, 49.1% of them (198/403) tested positive for cannabis and 41.41% (82/198) underreported their use. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were 0.58 and 0.74. Based on the comparison between sociodemographic and psychiatric history data of patients who self-report and underreport their cannabis use, no significant difference was observed except the duration of cannabis use and the score of the medication adherence scale. Moreover, it was found that the impulsivity, PANSS score, CDSS score, and the type of schizophrenia are not involved in the prediction of the underreporting of cannabis use.

Conclusion:

The rate of patients who under report cannabis use is important. Therefore, toxicological analysis is becoming relevant for the identification of drug use among schizophrenic patients and in the addictive comorbidity research field.
A Case Report of Concurrent Graves’ Disease and Subacute Thyroiditis
Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: An Autoimmune/Inflammatory
Syndrome (ASIA)
Authors: Taşkaldıran Işılay , Altay Feride Pınar , Bozkuş Yusuf , İyidir Özlem Turhan , Nar Aslı , Tütüncü Neslihan Başçıl
Published: June 2022

Background:

The response against adjuvants in vaccines is presented as
autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome (ASIA). In this case report, we presented both SAT and
Graves’ disease in a patient as ASIA following the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Case Presentation:

A 31-year-old woman was admitted to the endocrinology outpatient clinic with
the complaint of neck pain following the second dose of the BNT162B2 SARS-CoV-2
(Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine. On physical examination, her thyroid gland was tender on palpation. Her
thyroid function tests were compatible with hyperthyroidism, and inflammatory markers were high.
In the thyroid ultrasonography (US) examination, we observed bilateral diffuse hypoechoic areas in
the thyroid gland and increased vascularity in some parts of the thyroid. Anti-thyroid stimulating
hormone receptor antibodies (TRAB) were positive. Overall, we considered concurrent subacute
thyroiditis (SAT) and Graves’ disease.

Conclusion:

The present study may be the first report to evaluate SAT and Graves’ disease as ASIA
following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians should be aware of possible vaccine-related
complications.
Land Use Capability and Suitability Classifications of a Plinthic Alfisol of a Derived Savannah Ecology of Nigeria
Authors: Adekiya Aruna Olasekan , Adegbite Kehinde Abodunde , Aremu Charity , Adebiyi Ojo Timothy , Alori Elizabeth Temitope , Ayorinde Bolajoko Bisola , Olaniyan Faridat , Makun Babatade , Ajayi Grace
Published: June 2022

Background:

In derived savanna ecology, the evaluation of soil characteristics for the current and future capability and suitability for crop production is crucial. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the capability and suitability of plinthic soil of a derived savannah ecology of Nigeria for sustainable crop production.

Methods:

The methodology was essentially Grid using hand-held GPS to determine the coordinates of sampling points for the collection of soil samples. In all, 18 profile pit samples were collected. The profile pits were described morphologically on the field using the FAO guideline on soil profile description. From the various horizons of these profile pits, soil samples were collected.

Results:

Land assessment indicates that the soils of the area are very fragile and inherently low in nutrients. Mapping unit A is moderately suitable for arable crop production while Units B and C are fairly suitable. For agricultural activities, mapping unit D is marginal for arable crop production. Stoniness, steep slope, and shallow soil depth are the major limitations. Mapping unit E is the most suitable for lowland rice production. Soil fertility management ought to be integrated (organic and inorganic). The land evaluation shows that the soils of the project site are very fragile and poor in native fertility. Also, the soils are generally defined by the plinthite content. Apart from the traditional crops grown in the area, some other crops like sweet potato and cowpea will do well on the soil of the area. Crop residue has to be well managed and adopted. Crop rotation and intercropping should be encouraged and included in the soil management plan. Also, due to the low level of organic carbon in the soils, the soils will benefit optimally from the application of manure. This will improve the soil aggregation, water, and nutrient-holding capacities as well as improve the pH status of the soil.

Conclusion:

Soil fertility assessments should be undertaken every two years after continuous cropping. ’High-Intensity Detailed Soil Survey’ of this nature should be carried out every ten years.