bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sewage sludge biofertilizer impacts the accumulation of heavy metals in the leaves and fruits of sweet passion fruit (Passiflora alata Curtis)
Authors: de Freitas Allan Rocha , Fávaris Nathália Aparecida Bragança , de Mello Tamyris , Pires Fábio Ribeiro , Otoni Wagner Campos , Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira , Lopes José Carlos
Published: April 2023

Treatment of industrial sewage results in the production of a solid residue, sewage sludge, whose rich organic matter and chemical content makes it useful in agriculture. However, some soil components can be potentially toxic to humans if they enter the food chain. The aim of this study was to analyze the accumulation of heavy metals in the leaves and fruits of Passiflora alata Curtis grown on sewage sludge. Sweet passion fruit plants were cultivated in plain Oxisol soil and in lime-adjusted Oxisol enriched with sludge. After fruit maturation, the leaves and fruits were collected, growth variables were measured, and the concentration of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, and lead was determined. The use of sewage sludge increased the concentration of essential elements and organic matter in the soil, thereby favoring plant growth and development. However, the sludge caused also the differential accumulation of heavy metals in the leaves and fruits of sweet passion fruit.
Unknown Rheumatic Cardiac Disease as Cause of Acute Onset Post-Partum Dyspnea: a Case Report
Authors: De Pinho António , de Sousa Andreia Mota , Melo Anabela , Ferreira Anabela
Published: April 2023

Background: Acute post-partum dyspnea configures an obstetric challenge with multiple differential diagnosis.
Case Presentation: We present a case of a previous healthy woman with preeclampsia who developed severe dyspnea 30 hours after delivery. She complained of cough, orthopnea, and bilateral lower extremities oedema. She denied headaches, blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, fever or chills. Auscultation revealed a diastolic murmur, and was compatible with pulmonary oedema. A timely bedside echocardiogram showed moderate dilated left atrium with severe mitral insufficiency suggestive of an unknown rheumatic disease. She was managed with noninvasive ventilation, loop diuretics, vasodilators, thromboprophylaxis, head-end elevation, and fluid restriction with progressive improving.
Conclusions: Previously silent cardiac diseases constitute intriguing causes of post-partum dyspnea with pulmonary oedema. A timely and multidisciplinary approach is required to manage these situations.
Large Gaps in Public Awareness of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Hong Kong: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Lai Angel , Chan Tsz Him , Tan Guang-Ming , Chan Christy KY , Xu Daniel JL , Wong Ken KT , Lai Sushanna PS , Lam Ching Clarise , Yan Bryan P
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is prevalent and associated with significant cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity. However, PAD is under-recognized and awareness is low in the community, especially in Asian countries. We aimed to assess awareness of PAD relative to other CV diseases and risk factors and perceived consequence of PAD. Insights into public awareness of PAD will form the basis to develop strategies to improve clinical care for PAD patients.METHODS 1,008 adults attending outpatient clinics at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong were recruited between January 2020 and August 2020. Participants were considered (i) aware of a condition if they have “heard about and could describe the disease” or (ii) not aware if they cannot. Bivariate analysis for awareness of PAD by selected participant characteristics was performed, and differences between groups were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square tests.RESULTS Only 36.7% of participants were aware of PAD which was significantly lower than diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. Among patients who were aware of PAD, most associated the disease with walking difficulties and blood clots but significantly fewer were aware of serious CV complications including death, heart attack, stroke and limb loss.CONCLUSION Overall awareness of CV diseases and risk factors was high. However, awareness of PAD was significantly lower compared to other CV diseases and risk factors. Education ought to emphasize on CV complications of PAD which are comparable to that of CAD and CVD.
Prediction of Survival and Analysis of prognostic factors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A 20-year of Imaging Diagnosis in Upper Northern Thailand
Authors: Nakharutai Nawapon , Chitapanarux Imjai , Traisathit Patrinee , Srikumm Pimwarat , Pojchamarnwiputh Suwalee , Inmutto Nakarin , Chiangmai Wittanee Na
Published: April 2023

Background:
To evaluate survival rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the Chiang Mai Cancer Registry provided characteristics data of 6276 HCC patients diagnosed between 1998-2020 based on evolution of imaging diagnosis. Evolution can be separated into four cohorts, namely, cohort 1 (1990-2005) when we had ultrasound (US) and single-phase computed tomography (CT), cohort 2 (2006-2009) when one multi-phase CT and one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were added, cohort 3 (2010-2015) when MRI with LI-RADS was added, and finally, cohort 4 (2016-2020) when two upgraded MRIs with LI-RADS were added.
Methods:
Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the relation between death and risk factors including methods of imagining diagnosis, gender, age of diagnosis, tumor stages, history of smoking and alcohol-use, while Kaplan–Meier curves were used to calculate survival rates.
Results:
The median age of diagnosis was 57.0 years (IQR: 50.0-65.0) and the median survival time was 5.8 months (IQR: 1.9–26.8) during the follow-up period. In the univariable analysis, all factors were all associated with a higher risk of death in HCC patients except age of diagnosis. In a multivariable analysis, elderly age at diagnosis, regional and metastatic stages and advanced methods of imagining diagnosis during cohorts 2 and 3 were independently associated with the risk of death in HCC patients. The survival rate of patients diagnosed during cohort 4 was significantly higher than the other cohorts.
Conclusion:
As a significantly increasing survival rate of HCC patients, advanced methods of imagining diagnosis in cohort 4 can be recommended as a guideline of imaging diagnosis.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention to Obtain HPV Vaccination Among Undergraduate Students in Saint Lucia
Authors: Daniel Esther Shirley , Nelson-George Tisha , Ramdeen-Mootoo Gloria , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Seiwdass Parbatee , Victor Virginia Mary
Published: April 2023

Objective In the Caribbean, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of mortality. Without interventions, the incidence is predicted to increase by 66% within the next decade, with over 56,000 women being diagnosed with cervical cancer annually and more than 28,000 succumbing to the disease. However, life-saving prevention and treatment measures are available. This research sought to explore potential differences in knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to receive HPV vaccinations among male and female undergraduate students at a chosen Community College in St. Lucia.Methods This investigation utilized a descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional approach, with participants (n = 100) chosen through random sampling and completing 59-item self-administered questionnaires addressing the targeted variables. Multivariable statistical techniques were employed to determine independent predictors for HPV-vaccine acceptance among participants.Results Despite recognizing the associated risks, the findings highlighted a substantial deficit in public health promotion efforts. Firstly, although HPV is widespread in St. Lucia and causes cancer in both genders, there is insufficient awareness-raising about HPV. Secondly, the vaccine is not accessible in St. Lucia. Thirdly, the high expenses associated with the vaccine ($500 US) and HPV test ($275 EC) serve as barriers to obtaining them. Lastly, HPV vaccine uptake was minimal among participants; only 7 out of 100 had been vaccinated and received it in the US. Despite low vaccine uptake, 53% acknowledged the urgent need for vaccination.Conclusions Integrating HPV vaccination within healthcare and HPV awareness initiatives can yield positive outcomes in mitigating cancer's long-term impact on St. Lucia's male and female populations. Educational programs could prove advantageous in enhancing knowledge about HPV and vaccinations.
A novel mutation causing complete TYK2 deficiency, with severe respiratory viral infections, EBV-driven lymphoma, and Jamestown Canyon viral encephalitis
Authors: Roussel Lucie , Pham-Huy Anne , Yu Andrea C , Venkateswaran Sunita , Perez Anna , Bourdel Guillaume , Sun Yichun , Villavicencio Stephanya Tellez , Bernier Stephane , Li Yongbiao , Kazimerczak-Brunet Makayla , Alattar Rolan , Déry Marc-André , Shapiro Adam J. , Penner Justin , Vinh Donald C.
Published: April 2023

Autosomal recessive Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency is characterized by susceptibility to mycobacterial and viral infections. Here, we report a four-year-old female with severe respiratory viral infections, EBV-driven Burkitt-like lymphoma, and infection with the neurotropic Jamestown Canyon virus. A novel, homozygous c.745C > T (p.R249*) variant was found in TYK2. The deleterious effects of the TYK2 lesion were confirmed by immunoblot; by evaluating functional responses to IFN-α/β, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23; and by assessing its scaffolding effect on cell surface expression of cytokine receptor subunits. The effects of the mutation could not be pharmacologically circumvented in vitro, suggesting that alternative modalities, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy, may be needed. We characterize the first patient from Canada with a novel homozygous mutation in TYK2.
A Theoretical Study on the Interaction of 1,4-Benzodiazepines with 2-Hydroxypropyl-βCD: Insights from Molecular Dynamics and DFT Calculations
Authors: Koli Mokhtar Ganjali , Malekshah Rahime Eshaghi , Hajiabadi Hossein
Published: April 2023

This study delves into the interaction between benzodiazepine (BZD) drugs and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2HPβCD), a cyclodextrin (CD) known to improve drug delivery and enhance therapeutic outcomes. We find that the 2HPβCD’s atoms become more rigid in the presence of chlordiazepoxide (CDP), clonazepam (CLZ), and diazepam (DZM), whereas they become more flexible in the presence of nordazepam (NDM) and nitrazepam (NZP). We also investigated the structure of 2HPβCD and found that loading these drugs increases both the area and volume of the 2HPβCD cavity, making it more suitable for drug delivery. According to our research, all the drugs have negative binding free energies, indicating thermodynamic favorability and improved solubility. The binding free energy order of the BZDs was consistent in both molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods, with CDP and DZM having the highest affinity for binding. We also analyzed the contribution of different interaction energies in binding between the carrier and the drugs and found that Van der Waals energy is the primary component. Our results indicate that the number of hydrogen bonds between 2HPβCD/water slightly decreases in the presence of BZDs, but the hydrogen bond’s quality remains constant.
Academic literacy practices in scientific initiation of high school students: uses, interactions, and meanings
Authors: Leite Evandro G. , Pereira Regina C. M. , Barbosa Maria S. M. F.
Published: April 2023

In this article, we thematize the uses, interactions and meanings of academic literacy in the scientific initiation of high school students at a public educational institution in Brazil. We aim to understand participants' conception of the practices experienced in academic literacy regarding constitutive elements: participants/groups, artifacts/resources, settings/domain, and activities/routines. These elements are categories provided by New Literacy Studies. We qualitatively analyzed scientific initiation research reports and responses through a questionnaire applied to advisors and students who developed and completed scientific initiation projects in the area of Agricultural Sciences at the Pau dos FerrosCampusof the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil) between 2015 and 2017. The data reveal that, on scientific initiation, students have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of text genres from the academic domain. Furthermore, these students would experience and be able to learn the specificities of experiences that are quite characteristic of scientific work. Therefore, high school students can engage in comprehension and textual production activities with academic texts. As a result, scientific initiation is an experience that provides these students with knowledge of academic literacy practices.
Total Polyphenolic, Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of Homemade Kara Sakı Apple Vinegar Produced by Traditional Method Using Different Yeast Materials
Authors: Kılıçgün Hasan , Yangılar Filiz
Published: April 2023

Apple is a significant fruit that studied in recent years in vinegar production owing to its phytochemicals and health effects. In this study, the bioactive content, microbial, physicochemical, sensory and functional properties of seven different vinegar samples traditionally produced using different yeast materials (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chickpea, buckwheat, barley, whey, natural home apple vinegar and commercial apple cider vinegar) were assessed. Significant differences were found in sensory analysis, dry matter, ash, pH, total acidity, brix, alcohol, viscosity, total sugar and color values in traditional vinegar samples (p < 0.05). The total antioxidant activities, polyphenolic and flavonoid contents of apple vinegar types are 44.45 ± 8.69 and 470.30 ± 2.40 mg GAE/100 mL, respectively; 34.82 ± 0.30 and 81.02 ± 2.77 mg QE/100 mL; 29.169 ± 1.43 and 29.169 ± 1.43 DPPH% were obtained. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), mold and yeast, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) varied from 5.53 ± 0.18 to 2.62 ± 0.19 log CFU/ml, 3.4 ± 0.08 to 1 ± 0.01 log CFU/ml, 3.85 ± 1.06 to 1.01 ± 0.01 log CFU/ml and 4.48 ± 0.04 to 1.35 ± 0.21 log CFU/ml, respectively. The sensory evaluation results showed that the panelists liked the commercial, natural and chickpea vinegars the most. In current study is very important because it is the first scientific study on the use of the apple variety in the production of vinegar using different yeasts, and it will help more detailed studies to be done from now on.
The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans adapts to the host environment through TOR-mediated remodeling of phospholipid asymmetry
Authors: Krysan Damian , Ristow Laura , Jezewski Andrew , Chadwick Benjamin , Stamnes Mark , Lin Xiaorong
Published: April 2023

Cryptococcus spp. are environmental fungi that first must adapt to the host environment before they can cause life-threatening meningitis in immunocompromised patients. Host CO2 concentrations are 100-fold higher than the external environment and strains unable to grow at host CO2 concentrations are not pathogenic. Using a genetic screening and transcriptional profiling approach, we found that the TOR pathway is critical for C. neoformans adaptation to host CO2 partly through Ypk1-dependent remodeling of phosphatidylserine asymmetry at the plasma membrane. We also identified a candidate C. neoformans floppase (Lat1) that is highly expressed in CO2-sensitive environmental strains and suppresses CO2-induced phosphatidylserine remodeling. Interestingly, regulation of plasma membrane lipid asymmetry by the TOR-Ypk1 axis is distinct in C. neoformans compared to S. cerevisiae. Finally, host CO2 concentrations suppress the C. neoformans pathways that respond to host temperature (Mpk1) and pH (Rim101), indicating that host adaptation requires a stringent balance among distinct stress responses.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus at herd levels in four provinces of Vietnam
Authors: Pham H. M. , Pham K. H.
Published: April 2023

Biosecurity measures are critical for protecting pig health; however, medium- and small-scale farmers in Vietnam do not always use these practices. This study performed a cross-sectional investigation of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) seroprevalence in healthy pigs without PRRSV vaccination from four provinces in Vietnam from 2015 to 2017 and analyzed risk factors associated with PRRSV serological status at herd levels. A total of 1202 serum samples from 564 pig households were collected. True PRRSV seroprevalence at the animal and herd levels was 19.91% (95% CI: 17.54–22.50) and 20.59% (95% CI: 17.17–24.48), respectively. Pig farms, which used local feed grains and kitchen waste (OR = 2.18; P = 0.002), introduced newly purchased pigs without isolation (OR = 2.12; P = 0.007), or purchased pigs from local wholesale markets (OR = 3.48; P = 0.000), were associated with a higher risk of PRRSV seroprevalence. Those risk factors had positive interaction effects on the prevalence of PRRSV antibodies at herd levels (P = 0.000). The information on the evidence of PRRSV seroprevalence and risk factors is a valuable resource to improve awareness of the potential PRRSV transmission for farmers and veterinary services. Biosecurity education for pig owners and surveillance strategies on healthy pig populations will help significantly reduce the health risks of pig farms, especially small and medium pig farms, and minimize the economic effects of PRRS as well as other infectious diseases.
Genome-wide association mapping combined with gene-based haplotype analysis identify a novel gene for shoot length in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Yang Tifeng , Dong Jingfang , Zhao Junliang , Zhang Longting , Zhou Lian , Yang Wu , Ma Yamei , Wang Jian , Fu Hua , Chen Jiansong , Li Wenhui , Hu Haifei , Jiang Xianya , Liu Ziqiang , Liu Bin , Zhang Shaohong
Published: April 2023

Strong seedling vigor is an important breeding target for rice varieties used in direct seeding. Shoot length (SL) is one of the important traits associated with seedling vigor characterized by rapid growth of seedling, which enhance seedling emergence. Therefore, mining genes for SL and conducting molecular breeding help to develop varieties for direct seeding. However, few QTLs for SL have been fine mapped or cloned so far. In this study, a genome-wide association study of SL was performed in a diverse rice collection consisting of 391 accessions in two years, using phenotypes generated by different cultivation methods according to the production practice, and a total of twenty-four QTLs for SL were identified. Among them, the novel QTL qSL-1f on chromosome 1 could be stably detected across all three cultivation methods in the whole population and indica subpopulation. Through gene-based haplotype analysis of the annotated genes within the putative region of qSL-1f, and validated by gene expression and knockout transgenic experiments, LOC_Os01g68500 was identified as the causal gene for SL, which has a single-base variation (C-to-A transversion) in its CDS region, resulting in the significant difference in SL of rice. LOC_Os01g68500 encodes a DUF538 (Domain of unknown function) containing protein, and the function of DUF538 protein gene on rice seedling growth is firstly reported in this study. These results provide a new clue for exploring the molecular mechanism regulating SL, and promising gene source for the molecular breeding in rice.
Duplicated FAD2 genes, fatty acid profiles and membrane integrity in cold stress response of durum wheat genotypes
Authors: Cuppari Selva Yanet , Carrera Alicia Delia , Diaz Marina Lucia
Published: April 2023

Fatty acid desaturases (FADs) introduce double bonds at specific positions of fatty acyl chains and are involved in the protection of membrane integrity at low temperatures. Three genotypes of Triticum turgidum ssp. durum with differences in cold tolerance were considered. The analysis of TdFAD2 sequences identified an intronless gene encoding a 387 amino acid protein including three histidine domains. The in silico mapping on the cv Svevo genome revealed the occurrence of four FAD2 copies in tandem localized in 6A and 6B chromosomes and suggested an inversion in 6B. Three out of eight copies consisted of non-functional sequences. The exploration of the 5´regulatory region showed differences in TF binding sites among the copies suggesting certain specificity in gene expression. The evaluation of FAD2 by qRT-PCR, in plants exposed at 4 ˚C, showed transcriptional induction and variations among the genotypes. The fatty acid profiles determined by gas chromatography revealed that the major component of the fatty acids (60–80%) was linolenic acid (18:3). The more cold-tolerant genotypes increased 18:1 and 18:2 (the product of FAD2) content whereas the sensitive genotype did not show marked variations. Membrane integrity evaluated through electrolyte leakage was in accordance with phenotypic differences in cold tolerance. Our work provides information about the structure of TdFAD2 locus and the FAD2 expression and fatty acid profiles under the cold effect. Molecular and biochemical characterization of germplasm contributes to explain phenotypic variability in complex traits and thus facilitates the development of new varieties adapted to specific cultivation areas.
Evaluation of the mechanisms acting on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in CESM2 for the 1pctCO2 experiment
Authors: Sancho Lívia , Passos Elisa , Assad Luiz Paulo de Freitas , Landau Luiz , Cataldi Marcio
Published: April 2023

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a crucial component of the Earth’s climate system due to its fundamental role in the uptake and distribution of important tracers such as heat, carbon, and oxygen. Evaluating changes in AMOC in a warming climate is paramount to understanding the potential influence on global climate. In this study, we utilized outputs produced by the Community Earth System Model for Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, in addition to in situ data, to investigate changes in AMOC and the associated physical processes. Two experiments were carried out: a control experiment and an experiment with an annual increase of 1% CO2. Our analysis revealed a significant decrease in AMOC, with the upper branch weakening more than 60% and shallowing more than 600 m, compared to in situ data, leading to a reduction in heat transport to high latitudes in the North Atlantic. This decline was associated with changes in mixed layer depth and buoyancy in high latitudes of the North Atlantic, resulting in the shutdown of deep convection and potentially affecting the formation of North Atlantic Deep Water and Antarctic Bottom Water. Furthermore, the increase in CO2 levels altered the pattern of several parameters and the way they determine the flow of freshwater to the North Atlantic Ocean. Our findings suggest that continued warming may further weaken AMOC, with significant implications for global climate.
Cybersecurity challenges in IoT-based smart renewable energy
Authors: Rekeraho Alexandre , Cotfas Daniel Tudor , Cotfas Petru Adrian , Bălan Titus Constantin , Tuyishime Emmanuel , Acheampong Rebecca
Published: April 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) makes it possible to collect data from, and issue commands to, devices via the internet, eliminating the need for humans in the process while increasing productivity, accuracy, and economic value. Therefore, the integration of IoT plays a crucial role in achieving high efficiency and sustainability in the production of renewable energy that could be used to meet future electricity needs. While this approach has many significant benefits, it also opens smart renewable energy to cyber-attacks, giving hackers a new window of opportunity to take advantage of renewable energy’s vulnerabilities. This obviously affects the financial and physical functioning of smart renewable energy. This article reviews the literature on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in IoT-based smart renewable energy and cyber-attacks on power systems. False data injection, replay, denial of service (DoS), and brute force credential attacks have been identified as the main threats to IoT based smart renewable energy. These threats exploit IoT based smart renewable energy’s vulnerabilities such as the usage of insecure communication protocols, poor encryption techniques, poor hash algorithms, lack of access control, lack of parameter sanitization, and the inappropriate use of authentication alongside encryption. The findings of this review will assist researchers in better understanding the issues surrounding the cybersecurity of IoT-based smart renewable energy and the needs for grid security in light of the exponential growth in the number of renewable energy sources connected to the grid.
Anatomical and biometric study of the radial artery
Authors: BARRY Misbaou , GUN Mesut , HUN-CHABRY Yuthiline , HARMOUCHE Majid , PADUREAN Paul , PELTIER Johann , CAUS Thierry , HAVET Eric
Published: April 2023

Our objective is to study the anatomy and biometry of the radial artery in 45 anatomical subjects, 90 forearms dissected in the anatomy laboratory of our university, and to report the implications of this study in daily practice in Cardiac Surgery.
Our results showed that the distance between the epicondyle and the emergence of the radial artery was 32.4 ± 6.67 mm in men and 30.7 ± 9.00 mm in women, with a mean of 31.8 ± 7.58 mm. In the right upper extremity, the mean diameter of the radial artery was 31.5 ± 5.62 mm in its proximal part. In men, the mean diameter of the radial artery was 30.7 ± 4.45 mm in its proximal part and 24.4 ± 7.62 mm in its distal part. The mean diameter of the radial artery in the left upper extremity was 31.6 ± 5.94 mm proximally and 26.4 ± 6.79 mm distally. In men, the mean diameter of the left radial artery was 30.7 ± 4.45 mm proximally and 25.1 ± 5.69 mm distally. The mean length of the left radial artery was 197.0 ± 16.87 mm. The mean length of the right radial artery was 201.2 ± 33.36 mm. The results showed the presence of radial artery variation in 1.11% of the 90 dissected upper extremities.
If it is therefore important that the technique of radial artery harvesting is safe and reliable for its use as a graft, we affirm that it is also important to be aware of the possible variations of this artery despite their rarity.
zk-Oracle: Trusted Off-Chain Compute and Storage for Decentralized Applications
Authors: Gu Binbin , Nawab Faisal
Published: April 2023

Blockchain and Decentralized Applications (DApps) are increasingly important for creating trust and transparency in data storage and computation. However, on-chain transactions are often costly and slow. To overcome this challenge, off-chain nodes can be used to store and compute data. Unfortunately, this introduces the risk of untrusted nodes. To address this, authenticated data structures have been proposed , however, this ignores the compute of data from the raw data. We tackle this challenge by introducing zk-Oracle, which provides an efficient and trusted compute and storage off-chain. There is a challenge in using zero-knowledge proofs (zk-proof for short), which is the large proof generation time. We aim to overcome it with novel designs in zk-Oracle. zk-Oracle builds on zk-proofs technologies to achieve two goals. First, the computation of data structures from raw data and the corresponding proof generation is improved in terms of performance. Second, the verification on-chain is inexpensive and fast. Our experiments show that we can speed up zk-proof generation by up to more than 550× faster than the baseline method.
RETRACTED: Early Human Occupation of Australia’s Eastern Seaboard
Authors: Adams Shaun , Norman Kasih , Kemp Justine , Jacobs Zenobia , Costelloe Michael , Fairbairn Andrew , Robins Richard , Stock Errol , Moss Patrick , Smith Tam , Love Serena , Manne Tiina , Lowe Kelsey , Logan India , Manoel Michael , McFadden Karen , Burns Darren , Falkiner Zac , Clarkson Chris
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Risk perception and ride-pooling choice intention: a moderated mediating effect model
Authors: Miao Ge , Yuan Pengcheng
Published: April 2023

In order to explore the mechanism of urban residents ' risk perception on ride-pooling intention under the background of public health crisis, based on the moderated mediation effect model, this paper explores the relationship between residents ' risk perception, ride-pooling attitude and ride-pooling intention through correlation analysis and mediation effect analysis, and uses bootstrap test to analyze the moderating effect of gender and residence risk level. The results show that: (1) There is a significant negative correlation between risk perception and the two dimensions of ride-pooling attitude and intention; there is a significant positive correlation between ride-pooling attitude and ride-pooling intention. (2) The attitude of ride-pooling plays a complete mediating role between risk perception and ride-pooling intention. (3) The direct predictive effect of risk perception on ride-pooling intention and the mediating effect of ride-pooling attitude will not be regulated by gender. The direct predictive effect of risk perception on ride-pooling intention will be regulated by the risk level of residence. Based on the above research results, some suggestions on epidemic prevention measures and platform management are put forward to provide reference for urban governance and ride-pool optimization.
MALİ SUÇLA MÜCADELEDE ŞÜPHELİ İŞLEM BİLDİRİMLERİ
Authors: TAŞKIN Yasemin
Published: April 2023

Suçun gizlenmesi ve suç gelirlerine yasal bir görünüm kazandırılması amacıyla suçtan elde edilen malvarlığı değerlerinin niteliğinin, kaynağının, yerinin, durumunun, hareketlerinin ve bu değerlerin kime ait olduğunun saklanması olarak ifade edilen aklama suçu, 5549 Sayılı Suç Gelirlerinin Aklanmasının Önlenmesi Hakkında Kanun’da 5237 sayılı Türk Ceza Kanunu’nun 282. maddesine atıfta bulunularak açıklanmıştır. Aklama suçunun önlenmesine yönelik tedbirlerden biri olan Şüpheli İşlem Bildirimleri ise 5549 Sayılı Kanun’da ve ikincil mevzuatta düzenlenmiştir. Mali Suçları Araştırma Kurulu Başkanlığı (MASAK), suç gelirlerinin aklanması ve terörizmin finansmanıyla mücadelede etkin bir rol oynamaktadır. Bu kapsamda MASAK tarafından yıllık olarak açıklanan faaliyet raporlarında da şüpheli işlem bildirimlerinin ve bildirim sonucunda uygulanan yaptırımların payı yıldan yıla artmaktadır. Ayrıca, şüpheli işlem bildirimiyle yükümlü olanlara da uygulanan yaptırımların da arttığı görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada, mali suçlarla mücadelede şüpheli işlem bildirimlerinin anlamı ve hukuki niteliği, MASAK'a yapılan şüpheli işlem bildirimleri, bildirim yükümlülüğü olanların yükümlülük ihlalinin sonuçları açıklanmış ve yıllar itibariyle şüpheli işlem bildirimleri değerlendirilmiştir.
English Borrowings in the Virtual German-Language Advertising Communication: Sites of German Cosmetics Companies
Authors: Sinichkina Alina , Smirnova Anna
Published: April 2023

More and more English loan words appear on German internet sites with each year, following the mass media globalization trend. This article describes English loan words and phrases in the German-speaking online advertising of German cosmetics brands. The authors examined how English borrowings function in the virtual advertising and defined their place in the text structure. The research included such methods as dictionary definition, linguistic, contextual, and structural analyses. The continuous sampling revealed the following contexts: product names, slogans, and product descriptions. Advertisers referred to English borrowings to make the advertizing international, to use them as stylistic devices, or to designate new concepts. The borrowings differed in structure as individual lexemes or phrases, both English and German, sometimes with no grammatical agreement between the adjective and the noun. English phrases occurred more often than separate words.
Communicative Competencies and Internet Epistolary
Authors: Kozheko Anna
Published: April 2023

The article discusses the problem of online communication in higher education. It describes how digital business correspondence can develop communicative skills in university students. Analysis and systematization were used as review methods. Internet platforms can teach students to communicate in various situations of oral, written, and virtual communication in their professional sphere. By studying text samples from social networks, blogs, and e-mail correspondence, they learn to integrate communicative experience and observe Internet interaction in specific situations. They also learn to navigate in a constantly changing Internet environment and develop critical thinking. The ability to compose epistolary texts of different genres will help them to correspond with any type of communicants on various Internet platforms using appropriate style and nettiquette in social networks, forums, chat rooms, blogs, Internet comments, and e-mail correspondence.
A review on microbial contamination cases in Tunisian coastal marine areas
Authors: Ghozzi Khemissa , Nakbi Amel , Challouf Rafika , Dhiab Rym Ben
Published: April 2023

Microbial pollution in marine environments is one of the critical issues with regard to the sanitary status of recreational activities and seafood harvesting due to a potential contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. This review's objectives were to identify instances of bacterial, viral and protozoan parasite pollution in the Tunisian coastal region and to make recommendations for further research. Fecal indicators such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in samples of clams and mussels. Vibrionaceae species were also recorded in seawater, sediment, fish and clams in different sites from north to south with the dominance of Vibrio alginolyticus. Bivalve mollusks collected from the Tunisian coast have been revealed to harbor viruses as well as protozoan parasites. Furthermore, the isolation of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains from Tunisian coastlines proves the significant spread and circulation of antibiotic resistance caused by the massive use of antibiotics. In conclusion, we suggest intensive monitoring and cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies to enhance seawater quality and preserve the biodiversity of aquatic life. Rapid detection techniques for the most important pathogenic microorganisms in seafood and seawater must be also developed to reduce human health risk.
A Descriptive Analysis of Dermatology Content and Creators on Social Media in the Philippines (Preprint)
Authors: Quijote Kirk Llew , Castañeda Arielle Marie Therese , Guevara Bryan Edgar , Tangtatco Jennifer Aileen
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

N/A
Title: Patient Experience of Hospital Care in South Korea During 1st-3rd Survey: An Analysis of a National Patient Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Kwon A-Young , Jeon Jeong Gyu , Kim Yangjoong , Kim Bo Yeon , An You Me , Jeong Young-Ae , Kim Dong-Sook
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Patients’ experience with healthcare is becoming increasingly important in the quality of care. The Korean government introduced the Korean National Patient Experience Survey (KNPES) to improve patient-centeredness in 2017.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the quality of hospital care from patients’ perspectives and investigated factors associated with better patient experiences.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of a national cross-sectional survey completed by questionnaire in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Patient experiences were assessed with the KNPES Questionnaire, a 24-item survey of 5 domains (doctors, nurses, treatment process, hospital environment, and patient rights), as well as basic patient information. The subjects were patients aged ≥20 years, and discharged after hospitalization at 601 hospitals. The outcome measures were the overall scores of 6 domains in the KHPEQ. Multiple regression analysis was performed using factors including patient characteristics and hospital variables.

RESULTS

In total, 14,970 patients in 2017, 23,924 patients in 2019, and 58,258 patients in 2021 responded to the survey (mean age 56.26±15.32 years, 50.2% men). The overall composite score for patient experience was 83.94±15.98 points. The patient experience score was highest in the domain of communication with nurses and the lowest in the domain of patient rights. In the adjusted regression analysis, a younger age, higher education level, use of Medical Aid, and the field of internal medicine, as patients’ characteristics, and secondary hospital status and more nurses, as hospital factors, were found to be associated with better patient experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Only the number of nurses was found to be an influencing factor after adjusting for confounding factors. Thus, this study has identified the domain of care that needs to be addressed to improve the patient experience.

CLINICALTRIAL

None
Correction: The Evaluation of Health Care Services for Children and Adolescents With Post–COVID-19 Condition: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rathgeb Chiara , Pawellek Maja , Behrends Uta , Alberer Martin , Kabesch Michael , Gerling Stephan , Brandstetter Susanne , Apfelbacher Christian
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
Discussions of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) on TikTok: Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Vu Kathy Linh
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective method for preventing HIV infection. Despite its effectiveness, PrEP awareness and uptake in the United States are low, with PrEP coverage at only 26% for individuals indicated for PrEP in 2022. Previous literature suggests social media can be an effective communication method to raise PrEP awareness; however, there have been no studies analyzing PrEP-related content on the newer and highly popular social media platform TikTok.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the main categories of PrEP-related content on TikTok, content purpose, the sources creating PrEP-related content.

METHODS

The search phrases “HIV PrEP” and “PrEP HIV” were searched using TikTok’s “top videos” algorithm, and the top 120 videos created between January 2021 and January 2023 were selected for analysis. Videos that met the inclusion criteria were coded for the video’s content category, purpose of content, and content source.

RESULTS

A total of 98 videos were analyzed. There was a wide range of engagement, with an average of 241,130 views, 16,364 likes, 287 comments, 624 saves, and 404 shares. Over two-thirds of videos introduced and defined PrEP as an HIV prevention tool. Roughly a third of the videos discussed how to use PrEP and who can take PrEP. Nearly two-thirds of videos had an informative purpose, and half of the videos were created by individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

TikTok can be a useful tool for spreading awareness and information on PrEP, especially to younger demographics who comprise a majority of TikTok users and new HIV infections.
Troid: A Real-Time Multiplayer FPS Game
Authors: Nayak Kaartik , Singh Aman , Narayankar Omkar , Mahajan Prof. Shashikant
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Troid is a real-time multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) game designed to be played on a web browser without the need for a high-end PC or dedicated graphics card. The game allows two players to join a room and engage in a fast-paced, action-packed gameplay experience. The purpose of Troid is to provide a high-quality FPS game that can be enjoyed on any device with a modern web browser and an internet connection, regardless of hardware specifications. Unlike most FPS games that require high-end hardware to run smoothly, Troid is optimized for minimal requirements. Troid's front-end is built using a reactive web framework that facilitates the creation of fast and interactive user interfaces, while the game's graphics and animation are created using a 3D graphics library. Real-time communication between players is facilitated using a reliable real-time communication library, and an in-memory data store is utilized to store player coordinates and other in-game data. Overall, Troid exemplifies the potential of creating highquality multiplayer games that can be played on any device with a modern web browser and an internet connection, without compromising on the gameplay experience.
Survey on Automatic Cloth Folding Machine
Authors: Dixit Kamta , Mandal Kaustab , Kumar Abhishek , Ranjan Aman , Jenitta J.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: In this paper, we have given a detailed study about the existing literatures. The study reveals that till now only Folding of clothes machines are available. The systems are capable of folding only one size of the clothe. So, we conclude that Robotic Arm can be developed to keep clothes on the folding table and folding machine should be able to fold different sizes.
Design and Fabrication of IoT Operated Cono Weeder
Authors: T Sathees , K Prakash , J Praveen , S Ranjith Kumar , C Siva Guru Nathan
Published: April 2023

Abstract: In this modern era research in the agricultural fields going on. Day by day the population of India is increasing andto fulfill the need of food, modernizationof agricultural sectors is important.Mechanization gives higher productivityin minimum input. Farmers are using same traditional methods. Paddy is one of the major crops grown in India. The problems in paddy cultivation are availability of labours, low productivity rate and more manual The problems in paddy cultivation are availability of labors, low productivity rate and more manual efforts required for weeding. For paddy cultivation, more time is required because of fertilizer feeding and weeding processes. For reducing these problems design and fabrication of auto functioned weeder is madeas our concept. This machine is designed as perthe standard dimensions which suits forthe field and then fabrication process is carried. The weeder will remove weeds between two rows. It will remove multiple weeds in less time, so a complexoperation is completed in a simple and effective manner. Therefore, it reduces the manpower, labour costandalso time.
Performance of Wind Turbine with Magnetic Levitation
Authors: Azad Dr. Duppala , Sai Dokkara Sri , Ramakrishna Kondra , Raviteja Panduru , Gowtham Kambala , Kumar Runku Kranthi
Published: April 2023

Abstract: A Maglev wind turbine is a new and innovative technology that has been developed to harness wind energy efficiently. Unlike traditional wind turbines, Maglev turbines use magnetic levitation to rotate the blades without the need for mechanical bearings. This approach has several benefits, including reduced friction, lower maintenance costs, and increased durability. The Maglev wind turbine technology is still in the experimental stage, but it has the potential to revolutionize the wind energy industry by providing a more reliable and efficient way to generate electricity from wind power.
Arynes in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Martin Nelson , Bharti Ruchi
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Arynes are a unique class of intermediates used in synthetic organic chemistry, and research interest has been intensely focused on their peculiar reactivities. Arynes have been researched for almost a century. However, difficulties in monitoring these reactive species, as well as difficulties in creating synthetically viable techniques for their synthesis and trapping, have restricted their application. A key tactic for achieving the racemic and enantiopure total synthesis of a broad variety of natural compounds or their structural derivatives. The chemistry of arynes has advanced significantly over the past thirty years, particularly in the field of transition metal carbon- carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming mechanisms. The field’s fast growth is largely attributable to the development of mild aryne production processes. To create a natural product with complex organic molecules, the role of aryne intermediates was non-replaceable. These organic substances are often used in medicine, therapies, or as raw material for the synthesis of other substances. Moreover, they may perform important biological tasks. There are numerous methods for synthesizing natural compounds including total synthesis, semi-synthesis, and biosynthesis. Total synthesis is the process of creating natural products entirely chemically from basic precursors as well as it can be produced in large quantities and can reveal information about its biological activity. One of the developments in Arynes’ chemistry is the chemical rearrangements brought about by this electrophilic intermediate. It is not feasible to use conventional methods in a single step. This review article discusses how arynes are used to create natural products. Arynes has a wide range of functionality in the field of scientific research. The evolution of this method has made a tremendous change in the total synthesis of natural products. Benzynes enabled creative synthesis in mild conditions. The transformation has expanded to investigate various reaction classes such as nucleophilic addition, (4+2), and (2+2) cycloaddition strategies and metal-catalyzed reactions are shown and explained in this article. This review will provide an idea about how the arynes act as an intermediate in those reaction mechanisms and enlighten the scope of these aryne intermediate.
Smart Infant Baby Monitoring System Using IOT
Authors: Kumar M Ravi , Harshitha D. , Prathyusha A. Siva , Sangeetha Ch. , Rao Ch. Duraga , Nitesh D.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The Smart Infant Baby Monitoring System is an IOT-based project. The goal of this research is to lower SIDS. The primary factor in infant mortality is sudden infant death syndrome. Infants' breathing, temperature, heart rate, and digestion are abnormal. If people neglect infants, they are very likely to die. Monitoring those risk variables on a constant basis helps lower the incidence of SIDS. With the aid of IOT, this clever initiative will enable parents to provide assistance from anywhere, whether they are at home or at work. The idea of wanting and caring for infants, along with the need for sensors and cloud technologies, plays a vital role. The Internet of Things (IOT) and modules like the Raspberry Pi, temperature sensor, MAX30100 sensor, and sound sensor are all integrated into this project.. A temperature sensor measures the body's temperature, a MAX30100 measures the infant's heart rate and SPO2, a sound sensor detects crying, and a camera in a Raspberry Pi module measures body position. With the help of all those data, parents may check on their child's health from anywhere in the world. When the modules notice something abnormal, they immediately send their parents an SMS using cloud technology. By doing this, we can lower the number of SIDS.
Detection of Power Grid Synchronization Failure on Sensing Frequency and Voltage Beyond Acceptable Range
Authors: Hiwarkar Chandrashekhar S. , Petkar Sahil , Masram Ritik , Lanjewar Divyam , Bobade Akansha
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Power grid synchronization is a critical aspect of icing the stability and trust-ability of the electrical grid. The proper functioning of power grids relies on the synchronization of frequency and voltage across all connected factors. If a element gets a synchronization failure, it can affect in wide power outages, outfit damage, and other serious consequences. In this paper, we propose a system for detecting power grid synchronization failure grounded on the seeing of frequency and voltage beyond respectable range. The system utilizes a real- time monitoring system to continuously measure frequency and voltage across the grid, and it triggers an alarm when values fall outside of respectable ranges. We dissect the performance of the system using simulation results. On the bases of simulation result, apply it on tackle to provides a dependable and effective means for detecting power grid synchronization failure.