bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Thermal Treatment on The Characteristics Quality of Some Ghanaian Vegetable Oils (Palm, Coconut and Groundnut)
Authors: Owusu Evans , Berkoh Dorice A , Koffie Simone , Barimah John , Ngala Robert A
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Vegetable oils contain natural antioxidants and other properties reported to impart anti-diabetic properties when consumed, in animal study. In humans however, these oils are subjected to high temperatures during cooking before consumption. High temperature tends to affect the characteristic quality and potential to impart on health benefits such as antidiabetic properties. The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics quality of vegetable oils after thermal treatment that equates to temperatures oils are subjected to during food processing/cooking. Methodology: Three portions of 200g of each fresh unrefined red palm oil, coconut oil and groundnut oils in three conical flasks T1, T2 and T3 were heated to room temperature 28oC (T1) to 100o C in boiling water (T2) and to 200o C in electric cooker oven (T3) for 10 minutes. Acid, iodine, peroxide, saponification, unsaponification values of the oils were then determined after cooling to room temperature. Results; Coconut oil heated to 200˚C had the least Acid value of 2.89±0.135 whiles Palm oil heated to 100 ˚C had the highest value of 19.57±0.165. There were no peroxides formed in Coconut and Palm oils at 28 ˚C as well as Palm oil at 100 ˚C. However, peroxides were highest in Coconut oil at 200˚C with value of 15.28±2.315. Saponification value of groundnut oil at 28 ˚C was the least at 89.52 ± 2.18 and 296.57±1.045 the highest in coconut oil at 200 ˚C. Heating however increased the unsaponifiable matter in all the vegetable oils used.Conclusion: The quality of the oils in terms of acid value, iodine vale, peroxide value and saponification value were retained after one heat treatment. This implies the quality of the oils are maintained during food processing.
A Hydrodynamic Lake Model Coupled with a Three-Dimensional Dynamic Visualization Method
Authors: Gu Xianyong , Liao Zhenliang , Zhi Guozheng , Tian Wenchong , Xie Jiaqiang
Published: July 2021

The hydrodynamic lake model is an important tool for lake management and decision-making. When model results are analyzed by the traditional analysis methods, the multi-source heterogeneous data are not expressed systematically and intuitively, which leads to the inability to extract useful information efficiently. In order to solve the above problems, a three-dimensional dynamic visualization analysis method of the hydrodynamic lake model (3DV-HLM) is proposed by coupling the hydrodynamic lake model and the three-dimensional dynamic visualization technology. Chaohu Lake is taken as an example to verify the feasibility of the method. 13 working conditions are set up and the simulated water flows changing with space and time are analyzed and compared by the 3DV-HLM method. Results show that the 3DV-HLM method proposed in this study is more systematic and effective in the expression of multi-source heterogeneous information than the traditional analysis methods. It is easier to discover rules and obtain useful information from huge data set by the 3DV-HLM method. Besides, the intuitive display of the model results by the 3DV-HLM method is close to the real environment, which can enhance the understanding of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the lake by the water environment managers.
Evaluation of Hydraulic Performance of Water Distribution System for Sustainable Management
Authors: Kuma Tarekegn , Getahun Brook Abate
Published: July 2021

Understanding water distribution system hydraulic performance is crucial for a water supply system management. A case study was conducted evaluating the hydraulic performance of water distribution system of Tulu Bolo town. The hydraulic model of water distribution network was developed using GIS integrated with WaterGEMS hydraulic model. The implementation of the integrated system verified that water to regulate the pressure and velocity in order to sustain. According to the analysis, about 92.6% of nodes have optimized pressure ranged between 15m to 70m and about 1.27% is under permissible pressure. Model calibration was performed by comparing simulated data with field data, the result of pressure calibration has a linear correlation coefficient of 0.93 and the hydraulic model in WaterGEMS was calibrated and optimized with a field data.
Long-term Exposure to Phenanthrene-Induced Gene Expressions and Enzyme Activities of Cyprinus Carpio Below the Safe Concentration
Authors: Kang Xin , Li Dongpeng , Cao Xin , Zhao Xiaoxiang , Lv Yanfeng , Chen Xi , Song Xinshan , Liu Xiangyu , Chen Chengrong
Published: July 2021

Phenanthrene (PHE) is a typical food chain biomagnified compound which endangers human health and is generally accumulated from marine lives. Previous PHE-stressed Carp acute toxicity test showed that the safe concentration of PHE to carp was 1.12 mg/L. In this study, the carp was long-term exposed to PHE below safe concentration up to 25 days. The gene expression levels and cytochrome P450 (CYP1A/EROD (7-Ethoxylesorufin O-deethylase)) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were determined in the carp liver and brain tissues. The results showed that both the CYP1A mRNA expression and EROD activity in the liver were continuously stimulated after induction with the increase in exposure time and exposure concentration. However, with the increase of PHE concentration, GST mRNA expression in the liver was firstly induced and then inhibited and the induction was significant in the treatment with 0.1 mg/L PHE in the 15th day (almost 2-fold). In the brain, after the 15th day, GST mRNA expression was suppressed, but GST activity was induced. Correlation analysis results showed that the CYP1A mRNA expression was significantly correlated with the activity of EROD in both tissues (liver, r = 0.602, P < 0.01; brain, r = 0.508, P < 0.01), but the correlation between GST mRNA expression and GST activity was poor (liver, r = 0.385, P < 0.01; brain, r = 0.293, P < 0.01). This experiment revealed the self-regulation mechanism of carp exposed to lower than safe concentrations of PHE for a long time, indicating the toxicological risk of PHE in the ecosystem.
Visiting Peri-Urban Forests and Mountains During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Analysis of Environmental Factor and Awareness of Visitors via Large-Scale Online Survey
Authors: Uchiyama Yuta , Kohsaka Ryo
Published: July 2021

This research analyzed the status of visiting peri-urban forestlands and mountains during the first emergency period in Japan via large-scale online questionnaire survey. We examined in explorative manner corelating factors with visits; i.e. social-economic attributes as well as environmental factors of residents (such as land use patterns of residential areas), and their awareness on forestlands. Results implied that environmental factors could provide a basis to encourage the residents to visit peri-urban forestlands and mountains during the pandemic. Peri-urban areas with forestlands have such environmental factors, and the residents who visited peri-urban forestlands and mountains tended to live in peri-urban areas. As for the awareness of the visitors, the expectations for forest functions were identified as another influential factor to facilitate them to visit those places. The residents who visited the area (forests and mountains) had relatively high expectations for mental and educational functions of forest. The environmental factor might be able to encourage to have such expectations. In future research, the relationships between the environmental factors and expectations or awareness of residents for peri-urban forest need to be explored.
Synthesis of Reusable Cyclodextrin Polymers for Removal of Naphthol and Naphthylamine from Water
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Liu Xiang , Cai Jianzhe , Xue Tiemeng , Tang Kewen
Published: July 2021

As one group of important naphthalene derivatives, naphthol and naphthylamine, are diffusely employed as dye intermediates. The presence of naphthol and naphthylamine in water systems may pose risks to the environment and public health due to their carcinogenicity. In this study, four mesoporous polymers prepared by β-cyclodextrin derivatives and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile were obtained, and applied to deal with 1-naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol, and 2-naphthol from water. The impact of adsorption time, initial concentration of naphthol and naphthylamine, and temperature on the adsorption efficiency of the four polymers were explored separately. The four polymers present fast adsorption kinetics towards naphthol and naphthylamine, attaining 93%~100% of adsorption equilibrium uptake for 1-naphthol, 1-naphthylamine, 2-naphthylamine in 15 min, and 87%~90% of equilibrium uptake for 2-naphthol in 15 min. The kinetics could be depicted well by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherms of the four polymers towards naphthol and naphthylamine accord with Redlich-Peterson or Sips model. The adsorption ratio increases fast with reducing the initial concentration of naphthol and naphthylamine, which suggest that these polymers are applicable to removing low concentration of naphthol and naphthylamine from water. The adsorption ratio of naphthol and naphthylamine in 5 mg/L, can achieve over 95% in 25 oC. In addition, the four polymers can be effortlessly recovered by a gentle and simple washing procedure with little reduction in performance. The adsorption performance of the four polymers towards the four naphthalene derivatives can be improved by increasing the adsorption temperature. In conclusion, the prepared β-cyclodextrin polymers exhibit rapid water treatment in removing the four low-concentration naphthalene derivatives with convenient regeneration and good reusability.
Apo D and Apo E Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Esnafoglu Erman , Cırrık Selma
Published: July 2021

Apo D is an atypical plasma apolipoprotein and a member of the lipocalin protein superfamily. In recent years, Apo D has been identified as an important factor in the pathology of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Apo D is highly produced in the brain and acts as a multiligand and multifunctional carrier. Apo D binds to and stabilizes Arachidonic acid in the cell membrane and cytosol. Thus, it suppresses inflammation and protects the cell membrane against oxidation. Apo E is important in cholesterol transfer and it has been reported that it may play a role in immune regulation, nerve regeneration, synaptogenesis and neuronal homeostasis. In this study, plasma Apo D and Apo E levels were examined and its possible role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) pathology was investigated. Thirty-nine subjects with ASD were compared with 30 healthy subjects who typically developed. Accordingly, plasma Apo D and Apo E levels were statistically significantly lower in the ASD group compared to the healthy control group. According to the results of this study, it can be suggested that low levels of Apo D and Apo E may play a role in ASD pathogenesis.
Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Shift Manipulator for Robot Driver with Multiple Joint Clearance
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Xinyao
Published: July 2021

The clearance joint is very important to the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of mechanism. This paper presents a nonlinear dynamic characteristic model of shift manipulator for robot driver based on multiple revolute clearance joints to improve dynamic characteristics. The relative penetration depth and velocity between pin and bushing are obtained by establishing the kinematic model of the shift manipulator with clearance joint. Based on the improved L-N contact force model and the modified Coulomb friction model, the normal contact force and the tangential contact force of clearance joint are analyzed. With full clearance joints, the nonlinear dynamic characteristic model of the shift manipulator for robot driver is established. The nonlinear dynamic characteristic laws of the shift manipulator including the end displacement, velocity, acceleration and active joint driving torque are analyzed by different sizes of clearance joints. And the performance test of the shift manipulator for robot driver is conducted. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear dynamic characteristics are well analyzed and verified through the presented characteristic model with clearance joints.
A Novel Approach for Ranking Intuitionisitc Fuzzy Numbers and its Application to Decision Making
Authors: Liang Meishe , Mi Ju-Sheng , Zhang Shaopu , Jin Chenxia
Published: July 2021

Ranking intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is an important issue in practical application of intuitionistic fuzzy sets. For making a rational decision, people need to get an effective sorting over the set of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. Many scholars rank intuitionistic fuzzy numbers by defining different measures. These measures do not comprehensively consider the fuzzy semantics expressed by membership degree, nonmembership degree and hesitancy degree of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers. As a result, the ranking results are often counterintuitive, such as the indifference problems, the non-robustness problems, etc. In this paper, according to geometrical representation, a novel measure for intuitionistic fuzzy number is defined, which is called the ideal measure. After that a new sorting approach of intuitionistic fuzzy numbers is proposed. It is proved that the intuitionistic fuzzy order obtained by the ideal measure satisfies the properties of weak admissibility, membership degree robustness, nonmembership degree robustness, and determinism. Numerical example is applied to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of this method. Finally, using the presented approach, the optimal alternative can be acquired in multi-attribute decision making problem. Comparison analysis shows that the intuitionistic fuzzy value ordering method obtained by the ideal measure is more effectiveness and simplicity than other existing methods.
Dynamic Crack Initiation And Growth In Cellulose Nanopaper
Authors: Miao Chengyun , Du Haishun , Zhang Xinyu , Tippur Hareesh
Published: July 2021

Cellulose nanopaper (CNP) made of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) has gained extensive attention in recent years for its lightweight and superior mechanical properties alongside sustainable and green attributes. The mechanical characterization studies on CNP at the moment have generally been limited to tension tests. In fact, thus far there has not been any report on crack initiation and growth behavior, especially under dynamic loading conditions. In this work, crack initiation and growth in self-assembled CNP, made from filtration of CNF suspension, are studied using a full-field optical method. Dynamic crack initiation and growth behaviors and time-resolved fracture parameters are quantified using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. The challenge associated with dynamic loading of a thin strip of CNP has been overcome by an acrylic holder with a wide pre-cut slot bridged by edge-cracked CNP. The ultrahigh-speed digital photography is implemented to map in-plane deformations during pre- and post-crack initiation regimes including dynamic crack growth. Under stress wave loading conditions, macroscale crack growth occurs at surprisingly high-speed (600-700 m/s) in this microscopically fibrous material. The measured displacement fields from dynamic loading conditions are analyzed to extract stress intensity factors (SIF) and energy release rate (G) histories. The results show that the SIF at crack initiation is in the range of 6-7 MPa(m)1/2, far superior to many engineering plastics. Furthermore, the measured values increase during crack propagation under both low- and high-strain rates, demonstrating superior fracture resistance of CNP valuable for many structural applications.
Psychosocial Factors That May Help Make Exercise Programs For Prostate Cancer Patients Self-Sustaining: Two Case Studies
Authors: Fox Isaac Nikolai , Wassersug Richard J.
Published: July 2021

PurposeProstate cancer (PCa) patients benefit from regular exercise, but it is difficult for patients to maintain an exercise regime. We examined two exercise programs that have proven to be self-sustaining with the goal of identifying features they share that may contribute to their success.MethodsWe compared the FC Prostata football (soccer) league in Denmark and the “Butts in a Boat” (BIAB) dragon-boating team in Canada. The FC Prostata project coordinator and the BIAB leaders provided information on the programs’ histories and structures.ResultsBoth programs are team-based with regular, intense exercise at their core. In both cases, social activities spontaneously evolved, starting with the men going out for food and/or drinks after practices. The sustainability of these programs appears to be driven by the regular socialization that is linked to the fitness activities.ConclusionsOur two case studies suggest that exercise programs for prostate cancer patients may have a good chance of being self-sustaining, if they are: 1) centered around intense exercise, 2) of a team nature, 3) structured to promote egalitarianism and avoid one-on-one competition within teams, yet 4) have some competitions between teams.Informal socialization organized by patients after team practice appears particularly important for building fellowship and strengthening patients’ commitment to exercise for themselves and social support for others.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infection and Their Associated Factors Among HIV-Infected Individuals in Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Program in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Thitipatarakorn Supanat , Chinbunchorn Tanat , Peelay Jitsupa , Seekaew Pich , Amatavete Sorawit , Sangsai Monsiri , Pankam Tippawan , Avihingsanon Anchalee , Avery Matthew , Phanuphak Praphan , Ramautarsing Reshmie , Phanuphak Nittaya
Published: July 2021

Background

Viral hepatitis is highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and can lead to chronic liver complications. Thailand started universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth in 1992. We explored prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C and associated factors among PLHIV from same-day antiretroviral therapy (SDART) service at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods

We collected baseline characteristics from PLHIV enrolled in the SDART service between July 2017 and November 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine factors associated with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV).
Results

We included a total of 4,011 newly diagnosed PLHIV who had HBsAg or anti-HCV results at baseline. Included were 2,941 men who have sex with men (MSM; 73.3%), 851 general population (21.2%), 215 transgender women (TGW; 5.4%), and 4 transgender men (0.1%). Median age was 27 years. Overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 6.0% and 4.1%, respectively. Subgroup prevalence rates were 6.2% and 4.7% among MSM, 4.6% and 2.4% among general population, and 9.3% and 3.7% among TGW. Factors associated with HBsAg positivity were being MSM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13 to 2.40), being TGW (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.17), birth year before 1992 (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.16), CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03, 1.86), and alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.43). Factors associated with anti-HCV positivity were being MSM (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.55), age > 30 years (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.17), alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L (aOR 7.74, 95% CI 5.48 to 10.9), creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min (aOR 5.58, 95% CI 1.95 to 16.0), and having syphilis (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.78).
Conclusions

Around 5–10% of newly diagnosed PLHIV in Bangkok had hepatitis B infection after 25 years of universal vaccination. Anti-HCV positivity was found in 4–5% of PLHIV who were MSM and TGW. Every PLHIV should be routinely tested for hepatitis B and C and immediately linked to appropriate prevention and treatment interventions.
Ellipsoid Zone Thickness in Sporadic Adult-Onset Foveomacular Vitelliform Dystrophy
Authors: Yousefi Shayan , Tiosano Liran , Jaouni Tareq , Averbukh Edward , Banin Eyal , Bdolah-Abram Tali , Chowers Itay
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the thickness of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) layer and its correlation with visual acuity and the disease stage in eyes with Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AFVD).Materials and Methods: Ninety-two eyes of 57 patients with AFVD were evaluated. Four consecutive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans from each study eye were analyzed. Retinal layers were segmented, and the EZ layer thickness was measure in two areas of the macula: at the center of fovea (CF) and at the foveal avascular zone edge (FE).Results: The mean±SD EZ thickness for was 16.5±9.6 microns at the center of fovea (CF) and 17± 9.8 microns at the edge of foveal avascular zone (FE; p=0.006, t-test). Compared to 30 healthy eyes, the EZ was thicker at the vitelliform stage in both CF and FE (p<0.001 in both points, t-test), and during the pseudohypopyon or vitelliruptive stages in CF (p=0.007, t test), but not in edge of the fovea (p=0.15, t test). Visual acuity was better in eyes with intact EZ compared to absent EZ (p=0.001 for both CF and FE, ANOVA test). There was a trend for an association between EZ thickness and the stage of AFVD (p=0.06, ANOVA test). Conclusion: The foveal EZ thickness in AFVD, is thicker comparing with controls. This might suggest that impaired retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis or excess photoreceptor EZ production play important role in the pathogenesis of AFVD.
Sustainable Solution to Low-Cost Alternative Abrasive From Electric Ceramic Insulator Waste For Use in Abrasive Water Jet Machining
Authors: Palaniyappan Sabarinathan , Veiravan Annamalai , Kaliyamoorthy Rajkumar , Kumar Vishal
Published: July 2021

Increasing demand and resource overuse has prompted the exploration of spent secondary materials as a primary raw material for a variety of applications, leading to a more sustainable environment. Spent electric grid ceramic insulator, one of the waste materials of ceramic industry has a good hardness and strength. It can be reused as value added material in Abrasive Water Jet Machining (AWJM) industry. This present work deals with conversion of electric insulator rejects (EIR) into a cost-effective replacement material for abrasive water jet machining process. Mechanical crushing method is opted to generate the abrasive grit for the machining process. Grit generation pattern and the friability of the electric insulator rejects were determined experimentally. The results indicate that the friability of the processed electric insulator rejects is comparable with the commercially available garnet abrasive. Geometric parameters such as sphericity, elongation ratio, and shape factor for the processed electric insulator rejects were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The machining performance indicators for standard aluminium material such as volume of material removal, kerf angle, surface roughness and cutting width were measured for electric insulator rejects and compared with existing garnet abrasive grain. The experimental results of newly generated electric insulator reject abrasive were matched with performance indicators of the garnet abrasive. The observed deviation was lower proving that it can be used as alternative abrasive in the abrasive jet machining process. Cost analysis and recycling ability predict the economical usability of the newly generated abrasives.
The Effect of Social Distancing and Personal Protective Equipment on the Outbreak of SARS-COVID-2: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach
Authors: Effati Sohrab , Tavakoli Eman
Published: July 2021

Biological phenomena such as disease outbreaks can be modeled as a subset of natural phenomena. Coronaviruses, first identified in the 1960s, are contagious diseases being constantly in the area of research and modeling in human society. The latest version of this group, SARS-COVID-2, has caused the Coronavirus disease one of the greatest pandemics in recent years. Due to the nature of this disease, being aware of the ways of transmission and how to prevent it, including social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve the general condition of society is of particular importance. In this study, dynamic systems (Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Asymptomatic, and Recovered individuals as SEIAR), control systems, and Agent-based modeling (ABM) were used to forecast the behavior of the SARS-COVID-2 virus in the community. The numerical results display the undeniable impact of adhering to hygiene protocols. A significant decline in the number of people with the Coronavirus disease, after applying the control measures, indicates their remarkable impact on reducing the disease peak. Moreover, the result of the Agent-based simulation, which is in four ideal cases, show a significant reduction in the number of death as well.
Altered Intrinsic Brain Activity In Patients With CSF1R-Related Leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Wu Jingying , Cao Yikang , Li Binyin , Jia Xize , Cao Li
Published: July 2021

Objective: CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy is an adult-onset white matter disease with high disability and mortality, while current diagnostic approaches are prone to misdiagnosis and not sensitive enough for pre-clinical alternations. This study introduced amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) based on resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) to compare the spontaneous brain activities of patients and healthy controls, aiming to provide early clues for disease onset and enhance our understanding of the disease.Methods: RsfMRI was performed on 11 patients and 23 healthy controls and preprocessed for calculation of ALFF and ReHo. Permutation tests with threshold free cluster enhancement (number of permutations =5,000) was applied for comparison. Voxels with P value<0.05 (family-wise error corrected) and cluster size>10 voxels was considered with significant difference.Results: Compared to controls, the patient group showed decreased ALFF in right paracentral lobule and precentral gyrus, and increased ALFF in left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, left precentral gyrus, right precuneus, as well as bilateral insula, parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, midbrain and cingulate gyrus. Decreased ReHo was found in bilateral supplementary motor area and paracentral lobule of patients, while ReHo increased in right superior occipital gyrus, right precentral gyrus, left angular gyrus, as well as bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, hippocampus, middle occipital gyrus, supramarginal gyrus and extra-nuclear.Conclusion: These results revealed altered spontaneous brain activities in CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy, especially in limbic system and supplementary motor area, which may serve as an early biomarker for the onset, and shed light on disease mechanisms.
The Impact of Hurricane Maria on Individuals Living with Non-Communicable Disease in Puerto Rico: The experience of 10 communities
Authors: Andrade Elizabeth L. , Mustafa Amalis Cordova , Riggle-vanSchagen Courtney , Jula Megan , Rodriguez-Diaz Carlos E. , Rivera M. Ivonne , Santos-Burgoa Carlos
Published: July 2021

Background

Coinciding with the rising non-communicable disease (NCD) prevalence worldwide is the increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards. Protecting populations with NCDs against natural hazards is ever more pressing given their increased risk of morbidity and mortality in disaster contexts.
Methods

This investigation examined Hurricane Maria’s impact across 10 communities in Puerto Rico to determine whether and how disaster impact and community attributes affected NCD management. We conducted 40 qualitative interviews with mayors, first responders, faith leaders, community leaders, and municipal employees, with 4 interviews per selected municipality. Using QSR NVivo software, we coded interview transcripts and created categorical community-level impact variables based on participant responses. We undertook thematic analysis to characterize community-level impact and consequences for NCD management, and to identify convergent and divergent themes. Using a matrix coding query, we compared NCD management experiences across communities by impact variables and community attributes.
Results

The delivery of healthcare, pharmacy, and dialysis services was compromised due to facility structural damage and ineffective contingencies for electrical power and water supply. The challenges resulting from power outages were immediate, and individuals who were reliant on life-sustaining medical equipment, dialysis, or the refrigeration of medications were most vulnerable. Inaccessible roadways and the need to travel greater distances to locate operational health services were major impediments to transporting patients in need of NCD care, with those requiring dialysis and living in remote, mountainous communities at highest risk due to landslides and lengthy roadway obstruction. These barriers were compounded by limited communication to locate services and coordinate care. Two weeks post-hurricane, emerging challenges to NCD management included widespread diesel fuel shortages for generators, and shortages in medications, oxygen, and medical supplies. In the weeks to months post-hurricane, the emergence or exacerbation of mental health disorders was characterized as a pressing health concern.
Conclusions

Study findings identify contributors to morbidity and mortality among individuals with NCDs following Hurricane Maria. The degree to which these impacts were experienced across communities with different characteristics is discussed, offering important lessons regarding the impact of catastrophic disasters on NCD management for improve community disaster resilience.
An Efficient Genetic Manipulation Protocol for Dark Septate Endophyte Falciphora Oryzae
Authors: Su Zhen-Zhu , Dai Meng-Di , Zhu Jia-Nan , Zeng Yu-Lan , Lu Xuan-Jun , Liu Xiao-Hong , Lin Fu-cheng
Published: July 2021

Falciphora oryzae is a dark septate endophyte (DSE) isolated from wild rice roots (Oryza sativa L.). It was classified as a non-clavicitaceous endophyte. The fungus colonizes rice roots, showing a significant increase in agronomic parameters with plant biomass, rice blast resistance, yield, and quality. The construction of the genetic manipulation system is critical to study the relationship between F. oryzae and O. sativa. In the present study, the protoplast preparation and transformation system of F. oryzae was investigated. The key parameters affecting the efficiency of protoplast production, such as osmotic pressure stabilizer, enzyme digestion conditions, and fungal age, were studied. The results showed that F. oryzae strain obtained higher protoplast yield and effective transformation when treated with enzyme digestion solution containing 0.9mol L-1 KCl solution and 10 mg mL−1 glucanase at 30℃ with shaking 80 rpm for 2-3 h. When the protoplasts were plated on a regenerations-agar (RgA) medium containing 1M sucrose, the re-growth rate of protoplasts was the highest. We successfully acquired GFP-expressing transformants by transforming the pKD6-GFP vector into protoplasts. Further, the GFP expression in fungal hyphae possessed good stability and intensity during symbiosis in rice roots.The genetic manipulation system of endophytic fungus facilitates the further exploration the interaction between the endophytic fungus and their hosts.
Breeding Practices and Traits Preferences of Goat Keepers at Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, South Africa: Implication for the Design of Breeding Programs
Authors: Tyasi Thobela Louis , Ng’ambi Jones , Mogashoa Stanley
Published: July 2021

Identification of breeding practices and traits preferences by farmers for selection of breeding animals to be parents of the next generations is the crucial step to the successful implementation of community-based breeding programs (CBBPs). The aim of the study was to detect breeding practices and traits preferences by farmers at Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, South Africa to determine their relevance in establishing a CBBPs. A structural questionnaire was designed and administered to 183 randomly selected goat keepers from 4 villages. Across the 4 communities, the majority of goat keepers were males with the traditional purposes, sales and meat production as their main reasons of keeping goats. Spring breeding season was practiced using natural mating system controlled mainly by means of castration and culling of poor reproductive or undesired goats for breeding. The most important common farmers’ preference traits among the four communities were twining ability, good mothering ability and body size in breeding does, and mating ability, growth rate and body size in breeding bucks. However, the selection of breeding stock might also include qualitative traits such as coat color of goats. The results from this study are useful for designing CBBPs for indigenous goats in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality.
Quasi-N4-Lattices
Authors: Rivieccio Umberto
Published: July 2021

Within the Nelson family, two mutually incomparable generalizations of Nelson constructive logic with strong negation have been proposed so far. The first and more well-known, Nelson paraconsistent logic , results from dropping the explosion axiom of Nelson logic; a more recent series of papers considers the logic (dubbed quasi-Nelson logic ) obtained by rejecting the double negation law, which is thus also weaker than intuitionistic logic. The algebraic counterparts of these logical calculi are the varieties of N4-lattices and quasi-Nelson algebras . In the present paper we propose the class of quasi- N4-lattices as a common generalization of both. We show that a number of key results, including the twist-structure representation of N4-lattices and quasi-Nelson algebras, can be uniformly established in this more general setting; our new representation employs twist-structures defined over Brouwerian algebras enriched with a nucleus operator. We further show that quasi-N4-lattices form a variety that is arithmetical, possesses a ternary as well as a quaternary deductive term, and enjoys EDPC and the strong congruence extension property.
Performance of Cutting Parameters for Surface Excellence on 304 Stainless Steel Using Abrasive Water Jet Technique
Authors: Qasem Isam , Hussien Ahmed , Kataraki Pramodkumar S. , Janvekar Ayub Ahmed
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Nitrogen Uptake by Rapeseed Varieties From Organic Matter and Inorganic Fertilizer Sources
Authors: CARTER CANDACE G , Schipanski Meagan E.
Published: July 2021

Aims
Improving crop utilization of N from soil organic matter (SOM) has received limited attention despite evidence that half of field crop N is often derived from SOM mineralization. We explored the effects of rapeseed (Brassica napus) genotypic diversity on N uptake from organic and inorganic N sources.
Methods
In a greenhouse study, we applied dual 15N labeled ammonium-nitrate fertilizer to examine N uptake patterns of rapeseed in different N environments. Ten varieties were grown in a full factorial experiment with four treatments, including combinations of high and low N fertilizer and SOM.
Results
While we found limited varietal differences in N uptake dynamics, SOM was an important N source across all varieties even as N fertilizer availability increased. High SOM/High Fertilizer treatment plants obtained 64% of N from SOM, while plants grown with High SOM/Low Fertilizer obtained 89% of total N from SOM. High N fertilizer additions increased overall N uptake from SOM by 42% relative to low N fertilizer treatments. In contrast, microbial enzyme activity related to nutrient mineralization was suppressed by 16–58% in high N fertilizer relative to low fertilizer treatments.
Conclusions
Integrating plant reliance on SOM-N sources into crop breeding and system management has the potential to improve productivity and overall N use efficiency.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Findings Encourage the Application of Three-Dimensional in Vitro Cell Co-Culture to Breast Cancer Research
Authors: Yang Shuqing , Chen Peixian , Mao Xiaofan , Lin KaiRong , Li Wei , He Tiancheng , Huang Huiqi , Yao Guangyu , Wu AiGuo , Luo Wei , Zhou Dan , Ye Guolin
Published: July 2021

Traditional research on breast cancer based on cell lines has its limitations. Three-dimensional (3D) cell co-culture is an important tool for breast cancer research. However, while researchers wait for single-cell RNA sequencing technology to mature, it remains impossible to study the 3D cell co-culture cellular function accurately at single-cell levels. In this study, MCF-7, HMF, and HUVEC cells were mixed and cultured directly. The transcriptome changes after cisplatin intervention were detected by single-cell RNA sequencing. Our work aims to verify the advantages of 3D cell co-culture, which seems set to replace the traditional cell line experiment and become a part of mainstream cancer cell in vitro experiments.
GAMP-SBL Based Channel Estimation for Millimeter-Wave MIMO Systems
Authors: Shao Jianfeng , Wang Xianpeng , Lan Xiang , Han Zhiguang , Su Ting
Published: July 2021

Based on the finite scattering characters of the millimeter-wave multiple-input multiple-output (mmWave MIMO) channel, the mmWave channel estimation problem can be considered as a sparse signal recovery problem. However, most traditional channel estimation methods depend on grid search, which may lead to considerable precision loss. To improve the channel estimation accuracy, we propose a high-precision two-stage millimeter-wave MIMO system channel estimation algorithm. Since the traditional expectation-maximization based sparse Bayesian learning (EM-SBL) algorithm can be applied to handle this problem, however, it spends lots of time to calculate the E-step which needs to compute the inversion of a high dimensional matrix. To avoid the high computation of matrix inversion, we combine damp generalized approximate message passing (DGAMP) with the E-step in SBL. We then improve a refined algorithm to handle the dictionary matrix mismatching problem in sparse representation. Numerical simulations show that the estimation time of the proposed algorithm is greatly reduced compared with the traditional SBL algorithm and better estimation performance is obtained at the same time.
The Role of Apoptotic Bodies From Different Stages of Apoptosis in Maintaining the Vitality of BMSCs
Authors: Li Maojiao , Xing Xiaotao , Huang Haiseng , Liang Cheng , Gao Xin , Tang Qi , Xu Xun , Yang Jian , Liao Li , Tian Weidong
Published: July 2021

Background: Apoptosis is a complex process of autonomously and orderly programmed cell death. During apoptosis, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) generate many vesicles termed apoptotic bodies (ABs). The formation of ABs is closely related to the process of apoptosis. ABs have been found to act as containers to transmit the nucleic acid, protein, and lipid signals to target cells to promote . However, whether the composition and function of ABs are related to the process of apoptosis remains elusive. Methods: After STS induced BMSCs apoptosis, ABs derived from apoptotic BMSCs were extracted, characterized. Then the effects of proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of ABs from different stages of apoptosis on normal BMSCs were evaluated in vitro. Results: We confirmed that apoptotic BMSCs generated abundant ABs. These ABs were engulfed by normal BMSCs and promoted the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of recipient cells. Besides, ABs from the middle stage of apoptosis were the most efficient at enhancing the capacity of proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.Conclusions: This study aims to understand the detailed biological role of ABs from different stages of apoptosis in promoting the activity of BMSCs. This study reveals a previously unknown relationship between the function of ABs and the process of dying BMSCs on promoting the viability of BMSCs.
Complex Dynamics of An Epidemic Model With Saturated Media Coverage and Recovery
Authors: Li Tangjuan , Xiao Yanni
Published: July 2021

During the outbreak of emerging infectious diseases, media coverage and medical resource play important roles in affecting the disease transmission. To investigate the effects of the saturation of media coverage and limited medical resources, we proposed a mathematical model with extra compartment of media coverage and two nonlinear functions. We theoretically obtained that saturated recovery significantly contributes the occurrence of backward bifurcation and rich dynamics. Then it is reasonable to only considering nonlinear recovery, we theoretically showed that backward bifurcation can occur and multiple equilibria may coexist under certain conditions in this case. And numerical simulations reveals the rich dynamic behaviors, including forward-backward bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, Saddle-Node bifurcation, Homoclinic bifurcation and unstable limit cycle. Comparing the system with linear recovery, where the threshold dynamic are almost completely characterized by a threshold condition called the basic reproduction number, we concluded that only saturated media impact hardly induces the complicated dynamics, while the nonlinear recovery function, associated with limitation of medical resources, may induce the coexistence of the disease-free equilibrium (DFE) and a endemic state or multiple endemic states, which means that the limitation of medical resources causes much difficulties in eliminating the infectious diseases.
Using a Convolutional Neural Network for Classification of Squamous and Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Based on Diagnostic Histopathology HES Images
Authors: Page Anne Laure Le , Ballot Elise , Truntzer Caroline , Derangère Valentin , Ilie Alis , Rageot David , Bibeau Frederic , Ghiringhelli François
Published: July 2021

Histological stratification in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is essential to properly guide therapy. Morphological evaluation remains the basis for subtyping and is completed by additional immunohistochemistry (IHC) labelling to confirm the diagnosis, which delays molecular analysis and utilises precious sample. Therefore, we tested the capacity of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify NSCLC based on pathologic HES diagnostic biopsies. The model was estimated with a learning cohort of 132 NSCLC patients and validated on an external validation cohort of 65 NSCLC patients. Based on image patches, a CNN using InceptionV3 architecture was trained and optimized to classify NSCLC between squamous and non-squamous subtypes. Accuracies of 0.99, 0.85, 0.87, 0.85 was reached in the training, validation and test sets and in the external validation cohort. At the patient level, the CNN model showed a capacity to predict the tumour histology with accuracy of 0.73 and 0.78 in the learning and external validation cohorts respectively. Selecting tumour area using virtual Tissue Micro-Array (TMA) improved prediction, with accuracy of 0.79 in both learning and external validation cohorts. This study underlines the capacity of CNN to predict NSCLC subtype with good accuracy and to be applied to small pathologic samples without annotation.
An Evaluation of The Evidence Brief for Policy Development Process in WHO EVIPNet Europe Countries
Authors: Murphy Adrianna , Šubelj Maja , Babarczy Balázs , Köhler Kristina , Chapman Evelina , Truden Polonca , Oliver Kathryn , Nahrgang Saskia , Reinap Marge , Kuchenmüller Tanja
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEvidence briefs for policy (EBPs) represent a potentially powerful tool for supporting evidence informed policy-making. Since 2012, the World Health Organization Evidence Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe has been supporting member states in developing EBPs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the process of developing EBPs in Estonia, Hungary and Slovenia.MethodsWe used a Rapid Appraisal approach, combining semi-structured interviews and document review, guided by the MRC Process Evaluation Framework. Interviews were conducted with a total of 20 individuals familiar with the EBP process in the three study countries. Data were analysed thematically and emerging themes were related back to the MRC Framework components (Implementation, Mechanisms of Impact, and Context). We also reflected on the appropriateness of this evaluation approach for EVIPNet teams without evaluation research expertise to conduct themselves.Results The following themes emerged as important to the EBP development process: how the focus problem is prioritised, who initiates this process, EBP team composition, EBP team leadership, availability of external support in the process, and the culture of policy-making in a country. In particular, the EBP process seemed to be supported by early engagement of the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders as initiators, clear EBP team roles and expectations, including a strong leader, external support to strengthen EBP team capacity and cultural acceptance of the necessity of evidence-informed policy-making. Overall the evaluation approach was considered feasible by the EBP teams and captured rich qualitative data, but may be limited by the absence of external reviewers and long lag times between the EBP process and the evaluation.ConclusionsThis process occurs in a complex system and must be conceptualised in each country and each EBP project in a way that fits local policy-making culture, priorities, leadership and team styles, roles and available resources. The use of a rapid appraisal approach, combining qualitative interviews and document review, is a feasible method of process evaluation for EVIPNet member countries.
Contact Ability Based Topology Control for Predictable Delay-tolerant Networks
Authors: Chen Hongsheng , Wu Chunhui
Published: July 2021

In predictable delay tolerant networks (PDTNs), the network topology is known a priori or can be predicted over time such as space planet networks and vehicular networks based on public buses or trains. Due to the intermittent connectivity, network partitioning, and long delays in PDTNs, most of the researchers mainly focuses on routing and data access research. However, topology control can improve energy effectiveness and increase the communication capacity, thus how to maintain the dynamic topology of PDTNs becomes crucial. In this paper, a contact ability based topology control method for PDTNs is proposed. First, the contact ability is calculated using our contact ability calculation model, and then the PDTNs is modeled as an undirected weighted contact graph which includes spatial and contact ability information. The topology control problem is defined as constructing a Minimum Spanning Tree(MST) that the contact ability of the MST is maximized. We propose two algorithms based on undirected weighted contact graph to solve the defined problem, and compare them with the latest method in terms of energy cost and contact ability. Extensive simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can guarantee data transmission effectively, and reduce the network energy consumption significantly.