bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active control of dielectric singularities in Indium-Tin-Oxides hyperbolic metamaterials: from deep-subwavelength collimation to Purcell effect optimization
Authors: Pianelli Alessandro , Caligiuri Vincenzo , Dudek Michał , Kowerdziej Rafał , Chodorow Urszula , Sielezin Karol , De luca Antonio , Caputo Roberto , Parka Janusz
Published: July 2022

Dielectric Singularities (DSs) constitute one of the most exotic features occurring in the effective permittivity of artificial multilayers called Hyperbolic Metamaterials (HMMs). Associated to DSs, a rich phenomenology arises that justifies the ever-increasing interest profuse by the photonic community in achieving an active control of their properties. As an example, the possibility to “canalize” light down to the nanoscale as well as the capability of HMMs to interact with quantum emitters, placed in their proximity, enhancing their emission rate (Purcell effect), are worth mentioning. HMMs, however, suffer of an intrinsic lack of tunability. Several architectures have been proposed to overcome this limit and, among them, the use of graphene outstands. Graphene-based HMMs recently shown outstanding canalization capabilities achieving λ/1660 light collimation. Despite the exceptional performances promised by these structures, stacking graphene/oxide multilayers is still an experimental challenge, especially envisioning electrical gating of all the graphene layers. In this paper, we propose a valid alternative in which indium-tin-oxide (ITO) is used as an electrically tunable metal. Here we describe an ITO/SiO2 based HMM with electrically tunable canalization wavelength within the range between 1.57 μm and 2.74 μm. The structure we propose feature light confinement of λ/8.8 (resolution of about 178 nm), self-focusing of the light down to 0.26 mm and Purcell factor of approximately 700. The proposed HMM nanoarchitecture could be potentially used in applications like ultra-fast signal processing, high harmonic generation, lab-on-a-chip nanodevices, bulk plasmonic waveguides in integrated photonic circuits and laser diode collimators.
Enhanced fluoride adsorption and regeneration efficiency of cross-linker-free mesoporous hydroxyapatite/chitosan nanocomposites
Authors: Sekar Saranya , Panchu Sandeep Eswaran , Kolanthai Elayaraja , Subbaraya Narayana Kalkura
Published: July 2022

The presence of F− ions in water is either a helpful or harmful outcome, contingent upon the concentration level of the pollutant. In this work, hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HAp/CS) nanocomposites were prepared incorporating varying weight percentages of chitosan with HAp, using co-precipitation followed by lyophilization without employing any cross-linking agents for adsorption of F− ions. Increase in the concentration of chitosan with HAp matrix significantly enhanced the colloidal stability, F− ions adsorption capacity and reduced the particle size (length 38% and width 86%) compared to HAp. The maximum F− adsorption capacity of HAp/CS1, HAp/CS2, and HAp/CS4 nanocomposites are 56 mg/g, 80 mg/g and 100 mg/g at pH 7, which was considerably higher (10 times) than HAp when compared to other existing reports. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics of HAp and HAp/CS nanocomposite adsorbent confirm the monolayer and strong chemisorption. After adsorption of F− ions, the surface morphology of adsorbent changed from rod to sphere along with an increase in particle size, as confirmed by HR-TEM. Moreover, FTIR and XPS analysis revealed the surface interaction between adsorbent and F− ions through ion exchange and electrostatic interaction, which lead to formation of fluorapatite. HAp/CS4 showed 2.5 times higher sustainable regeneration efficiency (90% in 30 mins) up to 7th cycle than HAp. Furthermore, the solution pH (5–7) of treated water was maintained at neutral after fluoride adsorption, making the water potable. Hence, these results demonstrate that chitosan plays a major role in removal of F− ion and this composite is ideal for F− adsorption application.
Machine Learning for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome and its Prognostic Factors
Authors: Bakhtawar Shahzadi , Bashir Komal , Anjum Fatima , Kanwal Faria , Afzaal Ayesha , Ali Ayesha Haider
Published: July 2022

This study explores the potential for early detection of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) using Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Dissection of prognostic components inciting the syndrome could help patients take cautious steps to prevent it in the early stages. MetS outnumbered diabetics by three to one, a 2020 report found that one billion people worldwide were affected. Patients with MetS typically have no symptoms or signs of the condition and are left undiagnosed. These conditions include extensive circulatory tension, high glucose levels, muscular overload around the abdomen, and unusual levels of cholesterol or fat. Supervised ML techniques like Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machines, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, C4.5, Cart, etc. are widely used for predictions and diagnoses in various fields. It has been extensively used in medical sciences as well. ML is used for the prediction of the progression of certain diseases and analysis of important parameters in the medical domain. This research uses the aforementioned algorithms for the prediction of MetS using the patients’ dataset. The results were analyzed using precision-recall and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating characteristic Curve (ROC). The results showed that Naïve Bayes predicted MetS more accurately showing 94.1% accuracy than the rest of the algorithms, while Random Forest surpassed the other tree-based algorithm. According to the results of this research, the prognosis factors for MetS identification are hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or a combination of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Monitoring these factors reduces the risk of MetS occurrence, assists in the prevention, and provides important information for treatment in the early stages.
A novel capnogram analysis to guide ventilation during continuous chest compressions resuscitation. From clinical to experimental observations
Authors: Lesimple Arnaud , Fritz Caroline , Hutin Alice , Charbonney Emmanuel , Savary Dominique , Delisle Stéphane , Ouellet Paul , Bronchti Gilles , Lidouren Fanny , Piraino Thomas , Beloncle François , Prouvez Nathan , Broc Alexandre , Mercat Alain , Brochard Laurent , Tissier Renaud , Richard Jean-Christophe , CAVIAR Cardiac Arrest and Ventilation International Association for
Published: July 2022

Background: Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) decreases lung volume below the functional residual capacity and can generate intrathoracic airway closure. Conversely, large insufflations can induce thoracic distension and jeopardize circulation. The capnogram (CO2 signal) obtained during continuous chest compressions can reflect intrathoracic airway closure and we hypothesized here that it can also indicate thoracic distension. Objectives: to test whether a specific capnogram may identify thoracic distension during CPR and assess its impact on gas exchange and hemodynamics. Methods: 1. In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, we identified on capnograms three patterns: intrathoracic airway closure, thoracic distension or regular pattern. An algorithm was designed to identify them automatically.2. To link CO2 patterns with ventilation, we conducted three experiments:i) Reproducing the CO2 patterns in human cadavers. ii) Assessing the influence of tidal volume and respiratory mechanics on thoracic distension using a mechanical lung model. iii) Exploring the impact of thoracic distension patterns on different circulation parameters during CPR on a pig model. Measurements and main results: Clinical data: 202 patients were included. Intrathoracic airway closure was present in 35%, thoracic distension in 22% and regular pattern in 43%. Experiments:i) Higher insufflated volumes reproduced thoracic distension CO2 patterns in 5 cadavers. ii) In the mechanical lung model, thoracic distension patterns were associated with higher volumes and longer time constants. iii) In six pigs during CPR with various tidal volumes, a CO2 pattern of thoracic distension, but not tidal volume per se, was associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure and cerebral perfusion. Conclusions: During CPR, intrathoracic airway closure, thoracic distension or regular pattern can be identified by capnogram analysis. A thoracic distension pattern on the capnogram may indicate a negative impact of ventilation on blood pressure and cerebral perfusion during CPR, not predicted by tidal volume per se.
Phenomenological model of hardening and flow for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheets under hot forming conditions
Authors: Fu Kunning , Peng Heli , Zheng Kailun , Yuan Shijian
Published: July 2022

Hardening is the core factor to determine deformation uniformity in sheet metal forming. Hot deformation of titanium alloy sheets encounters the coupled effects of strain hardening, strain rate hardening and softening, which makes the determination of forming parameters aiming for an enhanced hardening very difficult in practical processes. This paper presents a new model to quantify the hardening of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheets under hot forming conditions based on the underlying correlation between uniform strain and hardening. Firstly, to precisely determine hot deformation characteristics of titanium alloy sheets, hot tensile uniaxial tests using Gleeble systems at various strain rates of 0.01-1 s− 1 and temperatures of 973–1123 K were performed systematically. A newly developed volume-based correction method for stress-strain curves of Gleeble thermo-mechanical testing was proposed to eliminate the damaging effect of temperature gradients on strain calculations, which enables the strain hardening, strain rate hardening and softening to be determined precisely. Then, a simple unified formula of hardening components (n, m and s) was proposed to predict the achievable uniform strain at certain conditions efficiently. Using which, occupation of each hardening can be quantified and compared to facilitate the determination of process parameters. Finally, a phenomenological model based on the hardening and softening components was developed to predict the hot flow behaviour. The proposed quantitative model can provide an efficient and useful approach for process designers to design process parameters driven by the objective of enhancing hardening to maximize uniform deformation during hot forming of titanium alloy sheets.
A Fractal Portfolio Model of the RMB Exchange Rate
Authors: Zhao HongQiang
Published: July 2022

Most classical economic theories are building on the hypothesis of effective market hypothesis that has many conflicts with realistic economy. With the economic development, the effective market hypothesis is outmoded. In this case, the fractal market hypothesis came out. This paper combined the fractal financial market theory with the portfolio exchange theory, originally proposed a fractal portfolio model. This model had the advances of both macro analysis and microanalysis. It is a latest exchange equilibrium model. Took the RMB exchange as an example, this paper empirically analyzed the equilibrium level of the RMB exchange rate. Moreover, inducted a classical portfolio balance model as a benchmarking, this fractal model is coincide with the benchmarking model. Consulting the equilibrium conclusions, this paper made some corresponding suggestions to keep the RMB exchange even and robust.
Determination of the phosphorus content in sewage sludge – comparison of different aqua regia digestion methods and ICP-OES, ICP-MS and photometric determination
Authors: Sichler Theresa Constanze , Becker Roland , Sauer Andreas , Barjenbruch M. , Ostermann Markus , Adam Christian
Published: July 2022

Phosphorus recycling from sewage sludge will be obligatory in Germany from 2029. Phosphorus content determination in sewage sludge is crucial to assess the prescribed recycling rates. Currently, German law regards sample preparation using aqua regia digestion in a microwave or under reflux conditions as well as instrumental phosphorus determination by ICP-OES, ICP-MS or photometric determination with ammonium molybdate as equivalent. However, it is questionable whether these methods are indeed equivalent regarding phosphorus quantification in sludges near the limit of 20 g/kg for mandatory recycling. To answer this question, 15 sewage sludges of 11 different wastewater treatment plants were investigated with all permitted method (digestion and measurement) combinations. Moreover, one sewage sludge was also examined in an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) with 28 participants. This study shows that the above-mentioned methods differ in some cases significantly but across all method combinations and sludges, phosphorus recovery was between 80 and 121% after normalization to the grand mean (average of 15 sludges between 85–111%). The ILC and the examination of 15 sludges produced largely similar results. There is a tendency to higher phosphorus recovery after microwave digestion compared to reflux digestion and ICP-OES measurements determine higher phosphorus contents than ICP-MS and photometric phosphorus determination. As a result, the authors recommend ICP-OES determination of phosphorus in sewage sludge after microwave digestion.
PSMA-617 inhibits proliferation of human prostate cancer cells and enhances their radiosensitivity to 177Lu-PSMA-617
Authors: Zhao Yi , Culman Juraj , Nithack Niklas , Marx Marlies , Cascorbi Ingolf , Zuhayra Maaz , Lützen Ulf
Published: July 2022

The human prostate – specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is substantially up-regulated in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) cells. PSMA can be targeted by 177Lu conjugated to PSMA-617, a high-affinity ligand for the PSMA. The binding of the radioligand, 177Lu-PSMA-617, results in its internalization and delivery of β-radiation into the cancer cells. However, PSMA-617, a component of the final product in the synthesis of the radioligand, may also play a role in the pathophysiology of PCa cells. The present study clarifies the effects of PSMA-617 (10, 50 and 100 nM) on the expression of PSMA in PSMA-positive LNCaP cells, their proliferation and damage, and on the 177Lu-PSMA-617-induced cell death by WST-1 and lactate dehydrogenase assays, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-617. PSMA-617 at 100 nM concentration induced cell-growth arrest, down-regulated cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 (by 43 and 36 %, respectively) and up-regulated the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1 (by 48 %). Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated reduced content of DNA, pointing to a lower rate of cell division. PSMA-617 (up to 100 nM) did not alter the uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-617 into the LNCaP cells. Interestingly, simultaneous treatment with 177Lu-PSMA-617 and PSMA-617 for 24 and 48 h substantially potentiated the cell-death promoting effects of the radioligand. In conclusion, the impeding tumour cell proliferation by PSMA-617 and its potentiation of the radiation-induced cell death brought about by 177Lu-PSMA-617 in PCa cells may considerably improve the outcome of the radiation therapy with 177Lu-PSMA-617, especially in patients with decreased radiosensitivity of PCa cells to the radioligand.
Evaluating ERIC-PCR for determining genetic diversity among Escherichia coli isolated from human and retail imported frozen shrimp and beef
Authors: Alsultan Afnan , Elhadi Nasreldin
Published: July 2022

There is a global concern and increasing reports regarding foodborne disease infections associated with consuming contaminated vegetables, seafood, meat, and poultry products. Among foodborne bacterial pathogens globally, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Shigella were the most frequently implicated in causing food poisoning infections in children and adults. In Saudi Arabia, the consumption rates of imported fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat products are considered high. Therefore, the development of epidemiological DNA fingerprinting methods is essential to trace foodborne bacterial pathogens among imported frozen meat and seafood products. A total of 38 E. coli strains were subtyped using ERIC1R, ERIC2, and a pair combination (ERIC1R+ERIC2) to generate genomic fingerprinting. The three Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR)-based primers were generated in 26, 24, and 16 different genotypes while using ERIC1R, ERIC2, and ERIC1R+ERIC2, respectively. The Discrimination Index values obtained by ERIC1R, ERIC2, and ERIC1R+ERIC2 were 0.976, 0.965, and 0.903, respectively. ERIC1R and ERIC2 primers had the best discriminatory ability and typeability value and proved suitable for epidemiological investigation and genetic analysis among the population of E. coli strains. At the same time, the ERIC1R+ERIC2 primer pair has average discriminatory power and typeability value for differentiating E. coli strains. These results suggest that subtyping using ERIC1R and ERIC2 primer is a more reliable and rapid typing strategy for E. coli strains.
Hemolytic Anemia Caused by Kinked Graft 6 Months After Aortic Dissection Repair: A Case Report
Authors: Tamura Kazuki , Tatsuishi Wataru , Konishi Yasunobu , Konnno Naoki , Katou Yusuke , Abe Tomonobu
Published: July 2022

Background: Clinically insignificant hemolytic anemia is occasionally a complication of prosthetic valve replacement. However, hemolysis related to kinked grafts is a very rare complication after central repair for acute aortic dissection.Case presentation: A 42-year-old man had undergone replacement of the ascending aorta and a root repair for type A aortic dissection 6 months previously. Laboratory data showed mild hemolysis 5 months later, and he began to complain of fatigue on exertion. The serum hemoglobin level reduced to 8.6 g/dL, and lactate dehydrogenase levels increased to 3071 IU/L with gross change in urine color, indicating hemoglobinuria. We diagnosed mechanical hemolytic anemia caused by a kinked graft and planned a repeat operation. The kinked graft was resected and graft-graft anastomosis was performed. Postoperatively, the clinical course was uneventful, and the hemolytic anemia completely resolved. Conclusion: We herein report a case of hemolytic anemia caused by kinking of the graft 6 months after acute aortic dissection repair. The diagnosis was swiftly made, and the patient was successfully managed with redo surgery.
Neutron fields at high- and low-energy particle accelerators: a novel experimental approach based on the DIAMON spectrometer
Authors: Braccini Saverio , Casolaro Pierluigi , Dellepiane Gaia , Mateu Isidre , Mercolli Lorenzo , Pola Andrea , Rastelli Dario , Scampoli Paola
Published: July 2022

The characterization of particle accelerator induced neutron fields is challenging but fundamental for research and industrial activities, including radiation protection, neutron metrology, developments of neutron detectors for nuclear and high-energy physics, decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and studies of neutron damage on materials and electronic components. This work reports on the study of a novel approach to the experimental characterization of neutron spectra at two complex accelerator environments, namely the CERF, a high-energy mixed reference field at CERN in Geneva, and the Bern medical cyclotron laboratory, a facility used for multi-disciplinary research activities, and for commercial radioisotope production for nuclear medicine. In particular, measurements were performed through an innovative active neutron spectrometer called DIAMON, a device developed to provide in real time neutron energy spectra without the need of guess distributions. The intercomparison of DIAMON measurements with reference data, Monte Carlo simulations, and with the well-established neutron monitor Berthold LB 6411, has been found to be highly satisfactory in all conditions. It was demonstrated that DIAMON is an almost unique device able to characterize neutron fields induced by hadrons at 120 GeV/c as well as by protons at 18 MeV colliding with different materials. The accurate measurement of neutron spectra at medical cyclotrons during routine radionuclides production for nuclear medicine applications is of paramount importance for the facility decommissioning. The findings of this work are the basis for establishing a methodology for producing controlled proton-induced neutron beams with medical cyclotrons.
Determinable and interpretable network representation for link prediction
Authors: Deng Yue
Published: July 2022

As an intuitive description of complex physical, social, or brain systems, complex networks have fascinated scientists for decades. Recently, to abstract a network's structural and dynamical attributes for utilization, network representation has been one focus, mapping a network or its substructures (like nodes) into a low-dimensional vector space. Since the current methods are mostly based on machine learning, a black box of an input-output data fitting mechanism, generally the space's dimension is indeterminable and its elements are not interpreted. Although massive efforts to cope with this issue have included, for example, automated machine learning by computer scientists and computational theory by mathematics, the root causes still remain unresolved. Given that, from a physical perspective, this article proposes two determinable and interpretable node representation methods. To evaluate their effectiveness and generalization, this article further proposes Adaptive and Interpretable ProbS (AIProbS), a network-based model that can utilize node representations for link prediction. Experimental results showed that the AIProbS can reach state-of-the-art precision beyond baseline models, and by and large it can make a good trade-off with machine learning-based models on precision, determinacy, and interpretability, indicating that physical methods could also play a large role in the study of network representation.
Construction method of equipment defect domain ontology for next generation cloud computing
Authors: Yang Huafei , Yang Wenqing , Zhang Nan , Wei Shanming , Shang Yingnan
Published: July 2022

Equipment defect domain ontology is the semantic basis for constructing equipment defect knowledge graph, which can be used to organize, share, and analyze equipment defect related knowledge. At present, there are many relevant data in the field of equipment defects, such as equipment information model, equipment management documents, and equipment defect reports. These equipment defect data often focus on a single aspect of the equipment defect field. It is difficult to integrate the database with various types of equipment defect information. This paper combines the characteristics of existing equipment defect data sources to build a general equipment defect domain ontology. This research can break the barrier of multi-source heterogeneous knowledge, build an efficient storage engine for multimodal data, and empower the safety of Industrial applications, data, and platforms in multi-clouds for Internet of Things (IoT).
Nonlinear creep properties and time-to-failure prediction of sandstone under saturated and dry conditions
Authors: Ye Chunfeng , Xie Heping , Wu Fei , Li Cunbao
Published: July 2022

The moisture content of rock significantly influences its time-dependent deformation behavior. This paper studied the different properties of the creep behavior of sandstone under saturated and dry conditions and their impact on the time-to-failure(TTF) through multistage creep tests. The results show that under an identical driving stress ratio (not identical creep stress), the dry specimens' creep strain and steady-state creep rate are relatively higher than those of the saturated ones. Nevertheless, the water-saturated specimen has a shorter creep strain path and TTF due to the softening effect of water. It is evident that in terms of creep deformation and creep rate, the impact of creep stress is much more significant than that of moisture content; however, in terms of creep TTF, the moisture content of sandstone plays a dominant role. The rationality of the generalized Kelvin, Burgers, and power-law creep models was evaluated based on the experimental data. The power-law model was found to be capable of fitting the test data, and better predicting sandstone creep deformation than other two models. Finally, based on the assumption of a critical strain value εcri, a method for predicting creep TTF from limited laboratory data was proposed, providing a foundation for incorporating TTF prediction into continuum numerical simulations.
Electrospun hydrophobic nanofiber films from biodegradable zein and curcumin with improved tensile strength for air filtration
Authors: Xie Shiyu , Xu Bo , Yuan Li , Zhao Yaxin , Ma Na , Wang Yaomin , Liu Dagang , Xiang Aimin , Ouyang Yuge , tian Huafeng
Published: July 2022

Zein as a natural protein had been widely used in various fields due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, its sensitivity to humidity and poor mechanical performance limited its application in practice. In this study, zein-based composite nanofibers loaded with curcumin were prepared by electrospinning assisted with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The filtration efficiency of the modified nanofibers to the particles with diameters larger than 0.5 µm was all above 98%. The loaded curcumin interacted with protein molecular chains to form a network structure within tightly connected nanofibers, which exhibited excellent moisture resistance and good adhesion to cellulose paper towels used as air filter substrates. Meanwhile, its tensile strength had also been enhanced vastly to 0.72 MPa compared with the initial tensile strength of 0.21 MPa. This study provides a new electrospinning strategy for the preparation of zein-based composite nanofibers that can be widely utilized in air filtration with high moisture resistance.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Association with COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abolmaali Meysam , Rezania Fatemeh , Behnagh Arman Karimi , Hamidabad Negin Mahmoudi , Gorji Ali , Mirzaasgari Zahra
Published: July 2022

Since the beginning of worldwide vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), studies have reported a possible association between vaccination and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). In this regard, we conducted a systematic review assessing different demographic, clinical, and neurophysiological aspects of patients with GBS following immunization with COVID-19 vaccines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was performed. Articles in English between January 2020 and November 2021 were included. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, vaccines information, treatment approaches, and outcomes were extracted. The data of a total of 88 patients out of 41 studies was included. The mean age of patients was 58.7 ± 16.6 years and 55 cases (62.5%) were male. AstraZeneca was the most-reported vaccine associated with GBS with 52 cases (59.1%) followed by Pfizer with 20 cases (22.7%). GBS occurred after the first dose of vaccination in 70 cases (79.5%). The mean time interval between vaccination and symptom onset was 13.9 ± 7.4 days. Limb weakness (47.7%), sensory disturbance (38.6%), and facial weakness (27.3%) were the most common reported symptoms, respectively. Albuminocytologic dissociation was seen in 65% of patients who underwent lumbar puncture (n = 65). Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy was the most common GBS subtype, which was reported in 38 patients (43.2%). While one-fifth of patients underwent intubation (n = 17), a favorable outcome was achieved in the majority of subjects (n = 46, 63%). Overall, a small rise in GBS incidence, following various COVID-19 vaccines, was observed. Notably, 85% of affected individuals experienced at least a partial recovery.
Malware Classification Approaches Utilizing Binary and Text Embedding of Permissions
Authors: Zyout Mo'ath , Shatnawi Raed , Najadat Hassan
Published: July 2022

The development of mobile applications is rapidly increasing with the advances in smartphone technology. These applications are intended to assist mobile users in accomplishing various daily tasks including e-commerce and online services. Many mobile applications were also developed to attack smartphone users. Hence, new challenges have been found such as the difficulty to distinguish between benign and malicious malware categories.In this paper, two approaches for classifying malware applications are presented, including Conv1d (Conventional one dimension) and LSTM (Long short Time Memory). The proposed approaches have modeled and solved the malware classification problem using the natural language processing method. Two encoding techniques, binary and text encoding, were conducted on android permissions as a preprocessing phase. In addition, two other classifiers, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbor(KNN) were also reported. The two main approaches were evaluated on well-known dataset, the CICMalDroid2020. The Conv1d-approach and LSTM-approach using text encoding achieved the best classification, i.e., high precision and accuracy (98.16\%, 97.72\% and 96.63\%, 96.69\%, respectively). The Conv1d-approach on binary classification has outperformed the LSTM-approach model when compared with Mal-prem and datasets. The Conv1d-approach achieved the best performance, with 99.3\%,99.80\%, 98.90\%, and 98.95\% of accuracy.
Effect of an e-Educational Poster on Improving Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Proper Use of Hand Hygiene among School Students
Authors: Weerasinghe Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage
Published: July 2022

Hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus by contact. It also interrupts the transmission of other viruses and bacteria causing common colds, flu, and pneumonia, thus useful in reducing the general burden of infectious disease. Literature shows that there is inadequate knowledge, attitude, and practice on the proper use of hand hygiene among school students. Therefore knowledge, attitude, and practice on hand hygiene of school students should be improved. Currently, different approaches are used to improve knowledge, attitude, and practice on the proper use of hand hygiene among school students. But e-educational posters are rare and the effect of e- educational posters to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of school students on the proper use of hand hygiene has not been studied. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an e-educational poster on improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the proper use of hand hygiene among school students. An interventional and prospective study was conducted on advanced-level students in Dehiovita educational zone, Sri Lanka. Pre group consisted of 405 students prior to the e-educational poster intervention. The Post group consisted of 364 subjects after being educated through e-educational poster intervention on the proper use of hand hygiene. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS Software version 25. Students of the pre and post-groups were identical in terms of demographic variables; gender (P=0.905), subject stream (P=0.972), and grade (P=0.774). After the educational intervention, a significant improvement was established in the mean score of knowledge (P < 0.05), attitude (P < 0.05), and practice (P < 0.05) of students in the post-group compared with the pre-group. Within each group, there was no difference in knowledge, attitudes and practice attributes due to gender (p>0.05) or grade (p>0.05). However, there was an influence of the educational stream on attitude (P<0.05) and practice (p< 0.05) in pre-group as well as post-group. The influence of the educational stream on knowledge was significant (P<0.05) in the pre-group but not significant (P=0.051) in post group.
Is it COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or inquisitiveness? Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the adult population in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Oloya Johnson Nyeko , Baguma Steven , Okot Christopher , Alema Nelson Onira , Acullu Denis , Ochula Denis , Atim Pamela , Olwedo Patrick Odong , Okot Smart Godfrey , Pebolo Francis Pebalo , Oyat Freddy Wathum Drinkwater , Ikoona Eric Nzirakaindi , Aloyo Judith , Kitara David Lagoro
Published: July 2022

Background
When the COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Uganda in early March of 2021, there was a lack of information on the vaccine acceptance in the population due to many factors, mainly misinformation and disinformation circulating in the Ugandan social and mainstream media. This study aimed to determine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the adult population in northern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among the 723-adult population in northern Uganda. Participants were selected randomly from the nine districts of the Acholi sub-region. Ethical approval was obtained from a local IRB, and SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis at a multivariable logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
The most significant finding was that COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the adult population in northern Uganda was at 580/723(80.22%) and was significantly associated with those with comorbidities AoR = 0.397, 95%CI: 0.233,0.674; p = 0.001; those who agreed that vaccines in health facilities in northern Uganda were safe AoR = 0.724, 95%CI:0.597,0.878;p = 0.001; graduates AoR = 2.781,95%CI:1.278,6.052;p = 0.010; females AoR = 0.616, 95%CI:0.396,0.957; p = 0.031; Catholics AoR = 1.703,95%CI:1.048,2.765;p = 0.032; Baganda tribe AoR = 3.829,95%CI:1.170,7.790;p = 0.026; non-smokers AoR = 7.349,95%CI:1.767,30.566;p = 0.006; ex-smokers AoR = 8.687,95%CI:1.052,71.734;p = 0.045; Agago district AoR = 2.950,95%CI: 1.118,7.789; p = 0.029, and Lamwo district AoR = 2.781, 95%CI:1.278,6.052; p = 0.010.
Conclusion
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the study population was encouragingly high despite the disinformation and misinformation in the Ugandan media. The independent determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were among females, those who agreed that vaccines in health facilities were safe, those with comorbidities, graduates, Catholics, Baganda tribe, ex-smokers and non-smokers, and participants from Agago and Lamwo districts. The fear of contracting the coronavirus and the fear of death if not vaccinated contributed significantly to the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in northern Uganda. There is a need for health managers to engage, sensitize and mobilize the population on the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination using the VHTs and the catholic church structures, which remain critically important for the vaccination campaign if the high COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the sub-region is to be maintained or improved.
Telehealth for Opioid Use Disorder: One Year Retention during the US COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Martin Stephen , Smith Alyson , Kahn Nathan , Strong Stephanie
Published: July 2022

Objective: To determine retention in care for opioid use disorder when treated solely via telehealth with a harm reduction, low-threshold model.
Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of aggregated, anonymized data from 991 patients in telehealth-based buprenorphine treatment. The cohort consisted of patients with commercial or governmental insurance who enrolled between May 17, 2019 andSeptember 28, 2021. Analysis was extended to a maximum of one year for each patient.
Results: At one year, retention in care was 55% overall. When analyzed separately, retention at one year was 62% for patients with commercial insurance and 53% for those with governmental insurance.
Conclusions: Telehealth-based treatment of opioid use disorder can achieve retention in care for patients—with governmental or commercial insurance—that is superior to inperson treatment as usual.
Policy implications: Telehealth for opioid use disorder can be effective for patients over a range of incomes. Regulatory action allowing telehealth-only care
WITHDRAWN: Effects of different combustion factors on the heat transfer characteristics of microchannel reactors for hydrogen production
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: July 2022

Purified hydrogen is an important fuel source for many energy conversion devices. Methanol steam reforming catalysts are typically low temperature shift catalysts that have copper oxide as a primary active component. Although effective at reforming methanol and water into a reformate stream containing hydrogen gas, low temperature shift catalysts are relatively quickly deactivated during use as a steam reforming catalyst. This study relates to a thermochemical process for producing hydrogen by the catalytic endothermic reaction of methanol with steam in a thermally integrated microchannel reforming reactor. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted to better understand the consumption, generation, and exchange of thermal energy between endothermic and exothermic processes in the reactor. The effects of different combustion factors on heat transfer characteristics and reactor performance are investigated. The results indicate that microchannel designs offer advantages for a compact reactor with excellent thermal control. Combustion makes it easier to tailor axial heat flux distribution to minimize entropy production or energy loss and, thus, making it more efficient. The inlet velocity of the mixture is a critical combustion factor in assuring flame stability within the system. There is a narrow range of inlet velocities that permit sustained combustion within the system. Fast flows can cause blowout and slow flows can cause extinction. There exists an optimum inlet velocity for greatest flame stability. The thermal conductivity of the system walls plays a vital role in flame stability. Reaction heat flux profiles are considerably affected by channel dimensions. The peak reaction heat flux increases with the channel dimensions while maintaining the flow rates. Design recommendations are made to improve thermal performance for the reactor.
Socio-ecological contagion in Veganville
Authors: Elliot Thomas
Published: July 2022

In order to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement for 1.5°C global warming, per capita emissions need to come down to 2.9 tonnes by 2030. Food systems are known to be a significant source of an individual’s carbon footprint and demands attention in sustainability management. The objective of this research is to conceptualise and define an intersection between contagion theory and socio-ecological systems models. This is achieved using a population dynamics model between two groups characterised by a distinct food regime: omnivores and vegans. The greenhouse gas emissions of each food regime is used to estimate the city’s changing carbon foodprint as the food regimes shift by social contagion. Social contagion is identified as a catalyst for social tipping points, and emission pathways are explored with a variety of different contagion variables to test sensitivity towards a tipping point. The main finding is that the urban carbon foodprint can be reduced significantly with widespread adoption of veganism, but that the foodprint reaches a minimum at 1.97 tonnes CO2-equivalent per capita. This demonstrates the need to embed food demand in urban climate governance such as nudging towards plant-based food alternatives. Nudging is discussed as a lever of ecological importance to social contagion. Lastly, socio-ecological contagion is defined as the interactions between social contagion and damage done to ecological systems to measure peer-to-peer spread of environmental stewardship agendas, such as the journey to Veganville.
Technological support of digital production when processing parts using a ball-rod hardener
Authors: Tamarkin M. A. , Tishchenko E. E. , Tishchenko R. G.
Published: July 2022

In this work, a module of an automated design system for machining using a multi-contact vibrating impact tool, namely a ball-rod hardener, was developed.

   The technological process of machining using such a hardener was studied. The performance and production cost of machining expressed as the duration and cost of achieving the specified hardening parameters were used to assess the efficiency. The specified geometric, physical and mechanical parameters of the surface layer of processed parts were used as restrictive functions. Residual stresses in samples were determined by Davydenko’s method. The Microsoft Visual Studio software and the C# programming language were used to automate process design. The studies established that the quality of the surface layer of parts is influenced by the main technological parameters (the impact energy of the indenter, the number of rods and grinding radius and tension in processing). The adequate theoretical models of developing various quality parameters of the surface layer of machined parts and processing time were obtained from the theoretical studies of the machining process using a ball-rod hardener. The obtained dependence was subjected to a comprehensive verification under the operating conditions at PJSC “Rostvertol” (Rostov-on-Don). Residual stresses in the surface layer of the BRH machined parts were measured using the ASCON-3-KI automated test stand produced by the Kazan Aviation Institute. The discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental results of the machining process was less than 15 %. The adequacy of the theoretical formulas was assessed by Fisher’s criterion. Based on the research findings, an algorithm and method of designing rational parameters for machining parts of complex geometry using a ball-rod hardener were developed. Using this software for the automated design of technological processes allowed the time of manufacturing preparation to be reduced and the stable quality of machined parts to be ensured. This offers manufacturing preparation in a digital production environment and ensures a significant increase in the useful life of manufactured products.
Determination of heat-transfer coefficients in multi-vortex heat-mass-exchange apparatus
Authors: Dmitriev A. V. , Madyshev I. N. , Galimova A. T. , Sakhibgareev N. F. , Badretdinova G. R.
Published: July 2022

In this work, heat transfer coefficients from the working surfaces of a multi-vortex heat-and-mass exchange apparatus developed by the authors are determined along with dimensionless equations for calculating the heat transfer coefficients from the inner wall of a housing and bottom when generating. Numerical modelling is carried out using the ANSYS Fluent software package. When determining the velocity profile of a fluid in order to calculate the coefficient of heat transfer, the SST k-ω turbulence model is used. This allows for an adequate convergence in near-wall fluid and gas flow areas when simulating flows in similar constructions used, for example, to classify finely dispersed bulk solids. Dimensionless equations are obtained that relate the Nusselt number to the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers. Relationships are obtained for the increase in the heat transfer intensity as a function of the Reynolds number. It is established that the intensity of heat transfer from the inner wall in the multi-vortex apparatus exceeds the heat transfer from the bottom by 12.7–15.8 % depending on the Reynolds number. The values of heat transfer coefficients at the inner wall of the proposed apparatus can reach 14747 W/(m2 ∙ K) at an average fluid flow rate of 1 m/s. The proposed multi-vortex heat-exchange apparatus ensures swirling gas or fluid flow in the annular gap between the branch pipe and unit housing to provide high heat transfer coefficients and, hence, high intensity of heat transfer, especially through the wall of the contact stage. The numerical studies demonstrate the possibility of achieving high values of specific heat flux through the wall of the contact stage, which enables the most efficient use of the apparatus in the processes associated with the additional heat supply or removal from the contact stage through its external.
Evaluación ecológica mediante Realidad Virtual de las necesidades psicológicas básicas
Authors: Cárdenas-López Georgina , Durón-Figueroa Raúl , Chicchi Giglioli Irene Alice , Reyes Fabiola , Carrasco-Ribelles Lucia A. , Alcañiz Raya Mariano
Published: July 2022

Pese a que las técnicas de evaluación psicológica comúnmente utilizadas en lápiz y papel son una estrategia elegida por su adecuada validez, se presentan algunas limitaciones importantes que pueden superarse por los avances recientes en Realidad Virtual (RV), al permitir la evaluación de constructos psicológicos en entornos inmersivos, como una forma de evaluación ecológica. Es así que el propósito de la presente investigación fue determinar la eficacia de una herramienta de realidad virtual en la evaluación de cuatro necesidades psicológicas básicas: apego, autoestima, autoeficacia, maximización del placer/minimización del dolor. La muestra la conformaron 61 participantes, quienes fueron expuestos a entornos virtuales centrados en la evaluación conductual de cada uno de estos constructos. Los resultados mostraron una adecuada precisión de los entornos de RV en cuanto al reconocimiento de las necesidades evaluadas. En conclusión, los hallazgos permitieron contar con mayor evidencia en cuanto al uso de la RV como una alternativa válida para la medición de los constructos, se reconocen limitaciones importantes referentes al número limitado de participantes y a la ausencia de población clínica.
Stock market performance: Reaction to interest rates and inflation rates
Authors: Alzoubi Marwan
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the wealth effects of the consumer price index, interest rate, domestic credit and real economic activity on the Amman Stock Exchange performance. Over the period 1991–2020 using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test. While the interest rate is a powerful monetary tool to fight inflation and recession, it can be detrimental to investors. The target variables, consumer price index (CPI) and interest rate (IDR), are both highly significant with the correct signs. An increase of 1 percent in CPI and IDR leads to a fall in stock prices by 1.6 percent and 5 percent, respectively. While the central bank is targeting inflation by raising interest rates, its actions reflect negatively on the stock market. The short-run model confirms the causality from the independent variables to the dependent variable. Moreover, the error correction term (ECT) is very high and significant at the 1 percent level amounting to 83.3 percent, which confirms the evidence of the long-run relationship. Monetary objectives are really important, but financial stability is also important.
Treatment experience of post-COVID cognitive impairment (clinical observation)
Authors: Zhitkova Yu. V. , Khasanova D. R.
Published: July 2022

Post-Cognitive Impairment, including in  the young population, is an urgent medical and social problem. It is known that COVID-19, even in the absence of direct brain damage associated with covid-associated stroke or encephalitis, regardless of the severity of the infection during the acute period and the age of patients, can cause long-term and maladaptive cognitive impairment. The pathogenesis of these disorders is complex, and it is not completely clear today and continues to be actively studied. There is also no standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the management of patients with post-COVID cognitive impairment. The presented clinical observation demonstrates the experience of treating cognitive impairment after COVID-19 in a young patient using the available knowledge of pathogenesis. A review of modern publications on the problem of post-COVID cognitive impairment was carried out. Based on the available literature data, the role of various pathogenetic factors in the development of post-covid cognitive impairment in the presented patient is discussed. Based on a specific clinical example, the rationale for the choice of treatment strategies and the need to further increase knowledge about the postCOVID syndrome, conduct future research in  the field of  pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of  post-COVID cognitive impairment, which will create an evidence base for the development of clinical recommendations, is given.