bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Tracking Systems for the Assessment of Farmed Poultry
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh
Published: May 2021

The world's growing population is highly dependent on animal agriculture. Animal products provide nutrient-packed meals that help to sustain individuals of all ages in communities across the globe. As the human demand for animal proteins grows, the agricultural industry must continue to advance its efficiency and quality of production. One of the most commonly farmed livestock is poultry and their significance is felt on a global scale. Current poultry farming practices result in the premature death and rejection of billions of chickens on an annual basis before they are processed for meat. This loss of life is concerning regarding animal welfare, agricultural efficiency, and economic impacts. The best way to prevent these losses is through the individualistic and/or group level assessment of animal on a continuous basis. On large-scale farms, such attention to detail was generally considered to be inaccurate and inefficient, but with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted technology individualized and per-herd assessments of livestock are possible and accurate. Various studies have shown cameras linked with specialized systems of AI can properly analyze flocks for health concerns, thus improving the survival rate and product quality of farmed poultry. Building on the recent advancements, this review explores the aspects of AI in the detection, counting and tracking of the poultry in commercial and research-based applications.
Connecting the Dots Between Mental and Menstrual Health
Authors: Ajari Esther
Published: May 2021

Context: Mental and menstrual health, two emerging aspects of health critical to the female population, are bidirectionally linked. But there is limited empirical evidence that establishes the association between these entities. This essay aims to draw the attention of researchers to this healthcare niche. Evidence Acquisition: A systematic review was carried out on literatures sourced from medical databases (e.g. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science), and gray sources—popular and reputable institutional and journalistic websites that publishes mental or menstrual health research. The key words used for the search are “Menstruation, menstrual hygiene, menstrual disorders, premenstrual syndrome, period poverty, menarche, menopause, mental health, mental disorder, mental illness, depression, anxiety, phobia, mania, mood, and affect”. The initial search generated 368 results. But after the duplicates were removed, the exclusion criteria (publication before 2000) was applied, and manual review of abstract (for relevance) was done, 21 publications from the databases and 5 from gray sources were included in this essay. Results: Associations were found between menstrual cycle irregularities and disorders; and mental disorders such as premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, major depressive disorder, major anxiety disorder, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, sleep disorder, substance use/abuse, and suicidal ideation and attempts.Few positive associations between mental and menstrual health were recorded, and several research and treatment gaps were identified. Conclusion: Research into the links between mental and menstrual health should not remain a fringe area of scientific curiosity, as it shows tremendous promise in improving healthcare offered to women/girls globally.
Quantum Theory Without Classical Time: Octonions, and a Theoretical Derivation of the Fine Structure Constant 1/137
Authors: SINGH TEJINDER P.
Published: May 2021

There must exist a reformulation of quantum field theory which does not refer to classical time. We propose a pre-quantum, pre-spacetime theory, which is a matrix-valued Lagrangian dynamics for gravity, Yang-Mills fields, and fermions. The definition of spin in this theory leads us to an eight dimensional octonionic space-time. The algebra of the octonions reveals the standard model; model parameters are determined by roots of the cubic characteristic equation of the exceptional Jordan algebra. We derive the asymptotic low energy value 1/137 of the fine structure constant, and predict the existence of universally interacting spin one Lorentz bosons, which replace the hypothesised graviton. Gravity is not to be quantized, but is an emergent four-dimensional classical phenomenon, precipitated by the spontaneous localisation of highly entangled fermions.
Three Generic Policies for Sustained Market Growth Based on Two Interdependent Organizational Resources – A Simulation Study and Implications
Authors: Schaffernicht Martin F.G.
Published: May 2021

This article addresses the generic dynamic decision problem of how to achieve sustained market growth by increasing two interdependent organizational resources needed (1) to increase and (2) to sustain demand. The speed and costs of increasing each resource are different. Failure to account for this difference has been reported to lead to policies that drive a quick increase of demand followed by decline. Three generic policies derived from the literature have been implemented in a system dynamics model. Simulation shows that all three policies can generate sustained exponential growth but differ in performance. These results suggest that even policies which risk generating overshoot and collapse can avoid it. This poses two questions for further research: (1) what is the reasoning of human decision-makers when choosing between these policies and (2) how can the important but easily overlooked features of such decision situations be made sufficiently salient to be accounted for?
Second-Generation Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Parekh Amit , Sood Anshum , Monsef Jad Bou , Hamouda Mohammed , Hussain Awais , Gonzalez Mark
Published: May 2021

» Bearing materials that are used in total hip arthroplasty have undergone major developments in structure and durability since the 1960s.

» Osteolysis and aseptic loosening associated with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene had been a major concern; this led to the development of the first generation of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE), which was followed by a second generation of HXLPE.

» The second generation of HXLPE was introduced with the aim of providing oxidative stability while maintaining high wear resistance.

» Oxidative stabilization methods include mechanical deformation and annealing, incorporation of antioxidant-containing materials, high-pressure crystallization after melting, and polyethylene surface-grafting with a biocompatible polymer.

» Results of clinical studies with ≤5 years of follow-up have shown that second-generation HXLPE acetabular liners are superior to any of the previous generation with regard to wear rates; however, additional studies are needed to compare second-generation materials among each other.
The evidence of politics in trans-fatty acid regulation in Mexico
Authors: Idris Israel Oluwaseyidayo , Mensah Ekow Adom , Gavkalova Nataliia
Published: May 2021

According to the World Health Organization, coronary heart disease (CHD)-caused deaths accounted for one-fifth of the total deaths in Mexico in 2017. Researches done in the past have confirmed the association between dietary trans-fatty acids (TFA) and CHD. Dietary TFA are mostly derived from industrial-hydrogenated oils, milk products, and meat fats. This paper is a build on of a policy paper done on international policies for TFA in low-to-middle income countries, using Mexico as the case study. This write up, however, aims to critically analyse the TFA regulation policy process in Mexico, evaluating the strength of evidence proposed and identifying the barriers preventing the usage of the evidence for a TFA regulation policy implementation. Although evidence abounds for TFA regulation policy, lack of effective collaboration and communication among the major actors (researchers, policy­makers, and consumers) in Mexico remains a major setback in its implementation.
Panorama del gasto en comunicación social en salud: un caso del sector salud en México, 2015-2017
Authors: Castro-Onofre M Magdalena , Charvel-Orozco Sofía
Published: May 2021

Objetivo. Describir y analizar el gasto de la Secretaría de Salud asociado con iniciativas de comunicación social de las campañas de prevención de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores (Zika, chikunguña y dengue) y la evaluación de impacto o resultados. Material y métodos. La in­formación se obtuvo de 690 contratos de prestación de servicios de comunicación social (2015-2017), asociados con dos declaraciones de emergencia epidemiológica (EE- 2-2015 y EE-1-2016). Resultados. Se concluye una débil evaluación de impacto del gasto público. No existe evidencia suficiente que demuestre la correspondencia del gasto en comunicación social con la efectividad y cumplimiento de las campañas. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos permiten definir recomendaciones para vigilar, transparentar y hacer más eficiente el gasto público. Existe información pública sobre el gasto; sin embargo, es necesario garantizar mecanismos de transparencia, trazabilidad de contratos y evaluación de impacto de las campañas.
Conocimientos y prácticas de odontología preventiva en odontólogos en México
Authors: Aguilar-Díaz Fatima del Carmen , Pérez-Pérez Nora , Maldonado-Ortega Miriam , De la Fuente-Hernández Javier , Villanueva-Vilchis María del Carmen
Published: May 2021

No disponible
Disponibilidad de antibióticos en tiendas de Guatemala
Authors: Moreno Purificación , Cordón Celia , Ramay Brooke M , Grajeda Laura , Palmer Guy H , Lopez Maria Renee , Morales Marinees , Sosa Karen , Cerón Alejandro , Call Douglas R
Published: May 2021

No disponible
A decreasing trend in zinc deficiency in Mexican children aged 1-4: analysis of three national health and nutrition surveys in 1999, 2006 and 2018-19
Authors: De la Cruz-Góngora Vanessa , Shamah-Levy Teresa , Villalpando Salvador , Méndez-Gómez Humarán Ignacio , Rebollar-Campos Rosario , Rivera-Dommarco Juan
Published: May 2021

Objective. To describe trends in zinc deficiency (ZD) prevalence among preschool-age Mexican children, and explore differences in this trend among beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program Progresa/Oportunidades/ Prospera (CCT-POP). Materials and methods. The serum zinc information of children aged 1-4 who participa­ted in the ENN 1999, Ensanut 2006 and Ensanut 2018-19 was analyzed. ZD was categorized according to IZiNCG cutoff values. Logistic regression models were used to iden­tify personal participant characteristics associated with ZD trends, and tests for interactions between survey CCT-POP beneficiaries were applied. Results. ZD decreased by 22.3 percentage points (pp) between ENN 1999 and Ensanut 2018-19; among CCT-POP beneficiaries, the decrease was 58.6 pp. Overweight was associated with higher odds of ZD (OR=2.18, p=0.023). Conclusions. In the last 19 years, ZD declined significantly among preschool-age Mexican children. Child beneficiaries of the social program CCT-POP showed the largest reduction of ZD.
Nutritional status of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A and anemia in Mexican children: results from the Ensanut 2018-19
Authors: De la Cruz-Góngora Vanessa , Martínez-Tapia Brenda , Shamah-Levy Teresa , Villalpando Salvador
Published: May 2021

Objective. To describe the current status of micronutrient deficiencies (MD) and anemia in Mexican children. Materials and methods. Serum data from 1 382 pre-school-age chil­dren (1-4 years) and 3 590 school-age children (5-11 years) Ensanut 2018-19 participants were analyzed. Iron deficiency (ID), vitamin B12 deficiency (B12D), vitamin A depletion (VADp), and anemia were identified. Logistic regression models were used to identify associations between socio­demographic characteristics of children and MD. Results. Anemia was present in 28.9 and 19.2% of the children aged 1-4 and 5-11, respectively; in ID 10 and 5.1%; B12D, in 5.1 and 4.8%, and VADp, in 4.7 and 4.3%. 18.5% of the preschool-age children and 13% of the school-age children had at least one MD associated to anemia. Conclusions. MD and anemia affect the younger children in larger proportion. Fortification and supplementation programs should be reinforced to avoid the long-term consequences of MD.
Numerical Simulation of Nonequilibrium Foamy Oil for Cyclic Solvent Injection in Reservoirs after Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand
Authors: Chen Tong , Leung Juliana Y.
Published: May 2021

Nonequilibrium foamy oil behavior and solvent transport are two important recovery mechanisms for cyclic solvent injection (CSI) processes in post-cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS) reservoirs. The nonequilibrium solvent exsolution and gas bubbles generated during the pressure depletion stage have the typical characteristics of foamy oil flow. In this paper, a field-scale post-CHOPS model is constructed and upscaled from a core model, which was calibrated against detailed experimental data involving various propane (C3H8)-based and carbon dioxide (CO2)-based solvent mixtures. The field model is upscaled from the core model to analyze the impacts of simulation scales, heterogeneous wormholes, and the operating schedules on foamy oil behavior of different solvent systems.

Reaction kinetics are implemented to represent the nonequilibrium gas dissolution and exsolution for foamy oil flow. A fractal wormhole network is modeled. To analyze the impacts of pressure depletion strategies, single-stage pressure depletion involving three oil solvent systems, as well as two cycles of CSI production processes, are examined. Detailed sensitivity analyses involving different solvent compositions are discussed.

The results illustrate that both C3H8-based and CO2-based solvents exhibit significant nonequilibrium foamy oil characteristics, enabling the oil viscosity to remain close to its value with dissolved solvent during the pressure depletion process. However, the amount of nonequilibrium foamy oil flow is strongly dependent on the pressure depletion rate: A faster depletion rate is beneficial for higher oil recovery. The core model results are more sensitive to the solvent types, whereas the field-scale simulations show comparable recovery performance for both C3H8-based and CO2-based solvents. This observation highlights the significance of domain size, time scale, and wormhole heterogeneities on the ensuing foamy oil behavior.

Although several post-CHOPS models were developed in the past, detailed field-scale models that simulate nonequilibrium foamy oil kinetics in a realistic wormhole network are lacking. The simulation model developed here has been calibrated against detailed experimental measurements and upscaled from a core-scale model. Improving our understanding of solvent dissolution/exsolution would aid in the design of operating strategies (e.g., pressure depletion and solvent injection schemes) for enhanced solvent/oil mixing and transport.
Glycolytically impaired glial cells fuel neural metabolism via β-oxidation
Authors: Schirmeier Stefanie , Hertenstein Helen , McMullen Ellen , Deharde Leon , Brankatschk Marko
Published: May 2021

Neuronal function is highly energy demanding and thus requires efficient and constant metabolite delivery. Like their mammalian counterparts Drosophila glia are highly glycolytic and provide lactate to fuel neuronal metabolism. However, flies are able to survive for several weeks in the absence of glial glycolysis1. Here, we study how glial cells maintain sufficient nutrient supply to neurons under conditions of carbohydrate restriction. We show that glycolytically impaired glia switch to fatty acid breakdown via β-oxidation and provide ketone bodies as an alternate neuronal fuel. Moreover, flies also rely on glial β-oxidation under starvation conditions with glial loss of β-oxidation increasing susceptibility to starvation. Further, we show that glial cells act as a metabolic sensor in the brain and can induce mobilization of peripheral energy stores to ensure brain metabolic homeostasis. In summary, our study gives pioneering evidence on the importance of glial β-oxidation and ketogenesis for brain function, and survival, under adverse conditions, like malnutrition. The glial capacity to utilize lipids as an energy source seems to be conserved from flies to humans.
Sleep states detection using halfwave and Franklin transformation
Authors: Paul Yash , Fridli S.
Published: May 2021

Sleep is a physiological phenomenon and a sufficient amount of sleep is mandatory for a human for his/her health. The aim of the paper is to develop an efficient algorithm to detect the various sleep states by combining different biomedical signals. The novelty of the algorithm is that we used two piecewise linear data reduction techniques namely a new Halfwave method in time domain and Franklin transformation in frequency domain. The obtained two piecewise linear forms of signals have low complexity that still preserve the characteristics of the stages of the sleep in the signals. The components of the feature vector are generated from the parameters of the two reduced piece wise linear functions. Algorithm is tested on MIT-BIH Polysomnographic Database having more than 70 hours long term EEG, blood and nasal signals with six different sleep classes. Proposed method shows better performance in terms of average Sensitivity, Specificity, Accuracy and False Alarm Rate/hour than state of the art methods.
Multiple Accurate-Cubic Optical Solitons to the Kerr-Low and Power-low Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation without the Chromatic Dispersion
Authors: Zahran Emad H.M. , Bekir Ahmet
Published: May 2021

The main target of this work is implementing multiple accurate cubic optical solitons for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the presence of third-order dispersion effects, absence of the chromatic dispersion. The emergence cubic optical solitons of the proposed model are extracted for the kerr-law and power law nonlinearity in the framework of two distinct techniques, the first one is the extended simple equation method (ESEM), while the other is the solitary wave ansatz method (SWAM). These cubic optical solitons for the kerr-law and power law nonlinearity have been extracted successfully at the same time and parallel via these two different techniques. A good comparison not only between our achieved results by these two manners but also with that achieved previously has been extracted. .
Two-Dimensional Nanoplatelet Superlattices Overcoming Light Outcoupling Efficiency Limit in Perovskite Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Marcato Tommaso , Krumeich Frank , Li Yen-Ting , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Shih Chih-Jen
Published: May 2021

Quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are emerging as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation displays. However, their intrinsic light outcoupling efficiency remains considerably lower than the organic counterpart, because it is not yet possible to control the transition-dipole-moment (TDM) orientation in QD solids at device level. Here, using the colloidal lead halide perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs) as a model system, we report a directed self-assembly approach to form the two-dimensional superlattices (2DSLs) with the out-of-plane vector perpendicular to the substrate plane. The ligand and substrate engineering yields close-packed planar arrays with the side faces linked to each other. Emission polarization in individual NPLs rescales the radiation from horizontal and vertical transition dipoles, effectively resulting in preferentially horizontal TDM orientation. Based on the emissive thin films comprised of stacks of 2D superlattices, we demonstrate an enhanced ratio of horizontal dipole as revealed by 2D k-space spectroscopy. Our optimized single-junction QD LEDs showed peak external quantum efficiency of up to 24% and power efficiency exceeding 110 lm W-1, comparable to state-of-the-art organic LEDs.
The Evolution Mechanism of the Slope Toppling Deformation for Early-Warning Analysis
Authors: Mu Jian-qiao , Li Tian-tao , Pei Xiang-jun , Huang Run-qiu , Lan Fu-an , Zou Xue-qing
Published: May 2021

With massive engineering projects performed in high and steep mountain areas, the evidence of toppling deformation, which has been an important engineering geological problem in construction, has been exposed and observed in quantities. Three key issues in the early warning of toppling slopes are the boundary condition, evolution mechanism, and deformation stability analysis. This paper investigates an evolution mechanism for timely predicting the occurrence of toppling induced slope failure in rock masses, relates boundary formation and progressive development about toppling fracture planes. By describing an instantaneous toppling velocity field and identifying two possible fracture plane geometries (linear and parabolic), the optimal path of toppling fracture plane is searched via critical toppling heights (i.e., minimum loads) calculation using the upper bound theory of limit analysis. It is interesting to find that no matter what the slope structures and mechanical parameters are, the optimal path of toppling fracture plane is straight and most likely oriented perpendicular to the bedding planes. Hereby, considering structural damage will enable progressive toppling deformation instead of systemic failure, the toppling deformation evolution is probably taking place of a loop following the formation of the first fracture plane due to exceeding slope critical height. In the loop, deformation and column inclination updates due to fracture plane formation and fracture plane inclination increase to adjust the changed inclination of columns, as it may take degrees perpendicular to columns. And this progressive formation of ever more inclined fractures plane is what lead to sliding collapse. Altogether we divide the toppling evolution into 5 stages, and define the instability criterion for toppling deformation transform into sliding collapse as the fracture plane inclination being equal to its friction angle. In addition, a PFC2D simulation of the entire slope toppling process is performed to verify this speculative evolution mechanism, and a satisfactory result is acquired. Finally, a deformation calculation model of toppling slopes is proposed for stability analysis in accordance with the instability criterion, which is further applied in a typical toppling case. The findings of this study could lay a foundation for the deformation, stability and early-warning analysis of toppling slopes.
The challenges in control COVID-19 in Injibera, Awi Zone, North East Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Amsalu Alemayehu
Published: May 2021

Background: In the globe, on April 2021, 130 million coronavirus cases, around 2.8 million were deaths, 102 million were recovered and 105.2 million were closed cases of COVID-19 reported. On April 2021, the world population were 7.9 billion of which United Nations estimates were 1.65% COVID-19 cases included the Ethiopia in report. The main objective of the study was identify the challenges of in control COVID-19.Methods: The cross-sectional study design was used November to February 2021 in Injibera from Ethiopia. The total 385 respondents using simple random sampling were interviewed. The chi-square test of association and ordinal logistic regression was applied to identify the effect of predictor variables on challenges in control COVID-19.Results: Out of 385 respondents 277(71.95%) were high challenges in control COVID-19 in Injibera. There was a significant relationship with social media and challenges of in control virus (p-value = 0.047). The variables considered social media, housing status and influence were significant relationship with challenges of in control virus (p-value < 5%). Facebook users were the responsible causes of challenges in control COVID-19 (p-value = 0.023). The more social media followed, decreased the occurrence of challenges in control virus. In addition, a unit increase rented, the challenges in control virus decreased by 0.60 times (p-value = 0.009).Conclusion: Winning against the coronavirus together with world couldn’t be a marathon. COVID-19 couldn’t be won without collective global and local effort. It would also need serious thinking, discipline and war against the only virus. COVID-19 war needs in control, the globe should be faced free, coordination and discover scientific methods together.
A Postpartum Rebound of Platelet Count in Patient with Type 2 Calreticulin -Mutant Essential Thrombocythemia: A Case Report
Authors: Al-Mashdali Abdulrahman Fadhl , Yassin Mohamed
Published: May 2021

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is an uncommon myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). It is more commonly encountered in females; around 20% of them are below 40 years old. The optimal management of ET during pregnancy and after delivery is still not well established. Here, we report a case of a young lady with ET who developed a marked rebound in her platelet count two weeks after delivery. She was on Pegylated Interferon (PEG-IFN) alfa 2-a during pregnancy, but she had stopped it on her own one month before delivery. We resumed her therapy, and subsequently, her platelet count reduced dramatically within four weeks to the acceptable range. This case emphasizes the importance of platelet count follow-up after delivery and outlines the management approach in such cases.
Analysis of Spatially Extended Excitable Izhikevich Neuron Model near Instability
Authors: Mondal Arnab , Mondal Argha , Sharma S. , Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar
Published: May 2021

The article focuses on the issue of a spatiotemporal excitable biophysical model that describes the propagation of electrical potential called spikes to model the diffusion induced dynamics based on an analytical development of amplitude equations. Considering the Izhikevich neuron model consisting of coupled systems of ODEs , we demonstrate various results of spatiotemporal architecture ( PDEs ) using a suitable parameter regime. We analytically perform the saddle node bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation analysis with bifurcating periodic solutions that show the transition phases in the system dynamics. We study different types of firing patterns both analytically and numerically by the formation of Riccati differential equation. To examine the characteristics of diffusive instabilities, we use Turing amplitude equations by multiscaling method and then expansion in powers of a small control parameter. The instabilities and Turing bifurcation are established using the theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. The spatial system has potential effects on the deterministic system as a result of the diffusive matrices with various couplings and the coupled oscillators with this nearest neighbor coupling show synchronization measured by the synchronization factor analysis. Our results qualitatively reproduce different phenomena of the extended excitable system based with an efficient analytical scheme.
The impact of a patient trolley's intra-hospital speed and position on the quality of ventilation performed by a self-inflating bag.
Authors: Sanak Tomasz , Chaluda Monika Bednarek , Szydek Magdalena Kromka , Zadlo Anna , Konieczna Dorota , Gorecki Tomasz , Jaskula Jerzy , Cebula Grzegorz , Łyzinski Karol , Malec Karol , Dziechciowski Zygmunt
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The aim of the study is to make a quantitative and qualitative assessment of selected parameters connected with a patient's ventilation using a self-inflating bag during simulated 'head-first' or ‘legs-first' directions of patient transport. Methods: Seventeen people participated in the conducted study. Their task included conducting alternative ventilation during the transport of the patient (Airway Management Simulator BT Inc.) by using the head or the legs technique: in the transport trolley's movement direction. At all times during the transport, video recording was carried out non–stop, and the spectrum of generated vibrations was recorded using the SVAN 958 vibration spectrum analyser, with a three-direction SVANTEK SV 39A disc for measuring whole body vibrations. Additionally, a survey was carried out. The task of the research participants was to indicate the degree of performer comfort related to the ventilation and the transport process. The assessment of the results was then subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The duration of the patient transport by using the legs-first technique was shorter (57.5 s on average) in comparison with the head-first one (62.5 s on average). The subjective assessment of performer comfort on the transport and ventilation process with the legs-first technique was perceived as higher compared to the head-first one. During the patient transport, the highest a RMS acceleration values in the vertical direction were obtained for frequencies 8-25 [Hz], corresponding to the resonance frequencies of the head (17-25 Hz), trachea and bronchi (12-16 Hz), lungs (4-11 Hz) and the spine (8-12 Hz). According to other authors, vibrations with a frequency of 8-10 Hz lead to a decrease in blood pressure, bradycardia and bradypnoe; vibrations at a frequency of 11-12 Hz cause increased heart rate, peripheral vasoconstriction, fatigue, abnormal temperature, nausea, abdominal and chest pain, while vibrations above 12 Hz cause dangerous arrhythmia, muscle tremors, pain and bleeding. Conclusions: The recommended position of intra-hospital patient transport is the legs-first technique. At the stage of preparation for transport, it is necessary to keep in mind the ergonomic aspects of carrying out possible rescue procedures, e.g. artificial ventilation, the effectiveness of which depends on the height of the patient’s trolley, the elbow-shoulder angle of the paramedic, and their back inclination in the thoracolumbar section. The training of medical staff should include conducting high fidelity simulation of activities connected with e.g. transport, enabling future paramedics to acquaint themselves with the working conditions in terms of the effectiveness of actions and ensuring adequate work ergonomics.
SERS background imaging – A versatile tool towards more reliable SERS analytics
Authors: Ebersbach Paul , Münchberg Ute , Freier Erik
Published: May 2021

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a highly selective and sensitive straightforward analytical method, which is however not yet established in routine analysis due to a lack of reliability and reproducibility. To address this limitation, we show the distinct correlation of the ever-present but often neglected broad SERS background continuum with the SERS signal intensity of the analyte and how to exploit this correlation for an easy-to-handle, automatable and more reliable SERS measurement. First, fast and high-contrast imaging of the SERS substrate is performed for hot spot localisation utilizing the SERS background. Subsequently, highly enhanced SERS spectra are recorded at the centre of these spots. Furthermore, we correlate our SERS background imaging with other optical imaging modalities and electron microscopy to assess structure-property relationships. Monte Carlo simulations based on actual measurements illustrate the sampling error of a conventional SERS experiment and the advantages our method provides.
Population Diversity of Three Variants of the SLC47A2 Gene (MATE2-K transporter) in Mexican Mestizos and Native Americans
Authors: Faviola Favela-Mendoza Alma , Fricke-Galindo Ingrid , Cuevas-Sánchez Wendy Fernanda , Aguilar-Velázquez José Alonso , Martínez-Cortes Gabriela , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor
Published: May 2021

Background. MATE2-K is an efflux transporter protein of organic cation expressed mainly in the kidney and encoded by the SLC47A2 gene. Different variants of this gene have shown an impact on the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, including metformin, which represents one of the most widely used drugs in treating type 2 diabetes. The SLC47A2 gene variants have been scarcely studied in Mexican populations, especially in Native American groups. For this reason, we analyzed the distribution of the variants rs12943590, rs35263947, and rs9900497 within the SLC47A2 gene in 173 Native Americans (Tarahumara, Huichol, Maya, Puerépecha) and 182 Mestizos (admixed) individuals from Mexico. Methods and Results . Genotypes were determined through TaqMan probes (qPCR). The Hardy-Weinberg agreement was confirmed for all three SLC47A2 gene variants in all the Mexican populations analyzed. When worldwide populations were included for comparison purposes, for alleles and genotypes, a relative interpopulation homogeneity was observed for rs35263947 (C allele; range: 48.9–76.7%) and rs9900497 (G allele; range: 59.1–81.4%). Conversely, heterogeneity was evident for rs12943590 (G allele, range 40.9–77.9%), where the most differentiated population was the Huichol, with high frequencies of the risk genotype associated with decreased response to metformin treatment (A/A= 40.9%).Conclusions. Although the SLC47A2 gene variants allow predicting favorable response to the metformin treatment in Mexican populations, the probable high frequency of ineffectiveness should be discarded in Huichols.
Silicon Nanoparticles Decrease Arsenic Translocation and Mitigate Phytotoxicity in Tomato Plants
Authors: González-Moscoso Magin , Juárez-Maldonado Antonio , Cadenas-Pliego Gregorio , Meza-Figueroa Diana , SenGupta Bhaskar , Martinez-Villegas Nadia
Published: May 2021

In this study we simulate the irrigation of tomato plants with As contaminated water (from 0 to 3.2 mg L-1) and investigate the effect of the application of silicon nanoparticle (Si NPs) in form of silicon dioxide (0, 250 and 1000 mg L-1) on As uptake and stress. Arsenics concentrations were determined in substrate and plant tissue at three different stratums. Phytotoxicity, As accumulation and translocation, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds were also determined. Irrigation of tomato plants with As contaminated water caused As substrate enrichment and As bioaccumulation (roots > leaves > steam) showing that the higher the concentration in irrigation water, the farther the contaminant flowed and translocated through the different tomato stratums. Phytotoxicity was observed at low concentrations of As, while tomato yield increases increased at high concentrations. Application of Si NPs decreases As translocation, tomato yield, and root biomass. Increased production of photosynthetic pigments and improved enzymatic activity (CAT and APX) suggested tomato plant adaptation at high As concentrations in the presence of Si NPs. Our results reveal likely impacts of As and nanoparticles on tomato production in places where As in groundwater is common and might represent a risk.
Crosstalk Noise Analysis in Coupled On-Chip Interconnects Using MRTD Technique
Authors: Gugulothu Bhaskar , Bhukya Rajendra Naik
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the Crosstalk noise analysis of coupled on-chip interconnects have been analyzed. The multiresolution time-domain method (MRTD) is used to analyze the crosstalk noise model. The crosstalk induced propagation time delay and crosstalk peak voltage on the victim line of interconnects have been determined and compared to those of the conventional finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and validated with HSPICE simulations at the 22nm technology node. The results of the proposed method shows that crosstalk induced propagation delay in dynamic in-phase, out-phase and peak voltage timing, as well as the peak voltage value for functional crosstalk in the copper interconnects are an average error of less than 0.53% for the proposed model and HSPICE simulations. The results of the proposed model are closely similar to those of HSPICE simulations. Electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility of on-chip interconnects can also be addressed using the proposed method.
Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of sepsis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Zhihua , Cheng Shaowen , Liu Xini , Xian Lina , Liang Xinyuan , Guo Fanyu , Wang Yudie , Hu Mingdong , Lv Chuanzhu , Liang Huaping , Song Jun
Published: May 2021

Objective To assess the association between the Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to sepsis using a meta-analysis.Methods The publications were searched on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to December 1, 2019 for relevant literature. Results A total of 32 studies (21 adult and 11 pediatric studies) were selected for analysis. Overall, in the three models of MBL +54 A/B gene polymorphisms, namely the dominant model BB + AB vs. AA (p = 0.03), the recessive model BB vs. AB + AA (p < 0.00001), and the allele model B vs. A (p = 0.04), MBL +54A/B was significantly related to the risk of sepsis. In the adult group, the MBL A/O gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of sepsis in the dominant model AO + OO vs. AA (p = 0.006) as well as in the allele model O vs. A (p = 0.04). The MBL +54A/B gene polymorphism was significantly related to the risk of sepsis in the recessive model and, therefore, may increase the risk of sepsis. In the pediatric group, no polymorphic loci were significantly associated with sepsis in any of the three models. The results of the publication bias test demonstrated no publication bias in an unadjusted estimate of the relationship between MBL A/O and -211Y/X gene polymorphism and sepsis.
Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Versus DWI in the Clinical Assessment of Rectal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Mi , Yin Longlin , Lai Li , Zeng Ju , Wang Shaoyu
Published: May 2021

Background: To perform an analysis of mean diffusivity(MD)、mean kurtosis(MK) demonstrating the diagnostic value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with respect to rectal carcinoma. Methods: A total of thirty-nine rectal carcinoma cases and thirty-nine healthy subjects (Normal control group) were enrolled in our study. All the subjects underwent multi-parameter (DWI, DKI )magnetic resonance examination. The acquired images were individually analysed by two readers. The obtained images were input into the corresponding software, then an analysis of the subjects’ apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), MD and MK values was performed. A receiver-operating charasterictic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic efficiency of the MK, MD and ADC parameters. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to contrast the parameters in both groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation between ADC and MD, MK. The Kappa consistency test was used to evaluate the consistency between each reader’s evaluation. Results: Reflecting their diagnostic values with respect to rectal carcinoma, the AUC for MK, MD, and ADC were 0.911, 0.888, and 0.827 (all P <0.05), respectively. Using 0.59, 2.15×10 －3 mm 2 /s, 1.35×10 －3 mm 2 /s as thresholds, the sensitivities of MK, MD, ADC were 89.50%, 78.90%, and 76.30%, respectively; meanwhile their respective specificities were 84.20%, 73.70%, and 73.70%.The ADC was directly proportional to MD ( r =0.994, P <0.05) and inversely proportional to MK ( r =－0.460, P <0.05). Analysis of the imaging data revealed consistent results from both readers,Kappa=0.737. Conclusion: The ADC、MK and MD parameters were effective in diagnosing rectal carcinoma. Moreover, the MK and MD parameters were found to provide even more valid information regarding the microenvironment with a higher diagnostic performance.
Phosphorus Fluxes in a Restored Carolina Bay Wetland Following Eight Years of Restoration
Authors: Moorberg Colby James , Vepraskas Michael John , Niewoehner Christopher Paul , White Jeffrey Greville , Richter Daniel de Boucherville
Published: May 2021

Restoring wetlands on agricultural land can release soil P to surface waters. Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient in many freshwater systems, thus restricting its release will improve surface water quality. A P balance was used to examine how P was cycling in a Carolina Bay wetland eight years after restoration from prior-drained agricultural land. The change in soil P was evaluated between archived samples taken at restoration (2005), and eight years after restoration (2013). Measured P fluxes included atmospheric deposition, plant uptake, and loss to surface water outflow. The soil total P pool at the time of restoration was 810 kg P ha -1 . No significant (α=0.05) decrease in the soil P pool was observed. Atmospheric deposition contributed 7 kg P ha-1, plants accumulated 28 kg Pha-1 and incorporated 27 P ha-1 into woody biomass and 1 kg P ha-1 on the forest floor litter, and 1.7 kg P ha-1 was lost to surface waters draining the wetland. Because the loss of P to surface waters was small, and because runoff water concentrations of P declined through this period of study to concentrations below those likely to cause eutrophication (< 0.1 mg L-1), we concluded that the wetland was not contributing to the degradation of surface water quality of nearby streams following restoration. Further, relatively “isolated” wetlands such as that studied may be promising sites for future wetland mitigation projects due to limited impacts on surface water quality.
Efficacy of Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation on Brain Clearance Recovery in Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Xu Guang-qing , Huang Yi-qing , Jing Ying-hua , Ding Qian , Wu Cheng , Lin Tuo , Li Wan-qi , Pei Zhong , Wang Chu-huai , Lan Yue
Published: May 2021

Background: Cognitive impairment is a frequent and often debilitating consequence of stroke. This single-blinded randomized controlled trial examined the therapeutic benefits of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) for patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods: Twenty patients with PSCI were randomly and equally allocated to cTBS and sham cTBS groups. Groups received the indicated treatments five consecutive days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions) plus 10 sessions of computer-assisted cognitive training. The primary outcomes were changes in Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) score and analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS) index. Results: The post-intervention change in ADAS-cog score from baseline was significantly greater in the cTBS group than the sham cTBS group (-7.7 ± 3.8 vs. -3.7 ± 1.5, t = -3.096, P = 0.006). Change in ALPS index from baseline was also greater in the cTBS group (0.182 ± 0.097 vs. 0.093 ± 0.080, t = 2.236, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Continuous theta burst stimulation can improve cognitive outcome and enhance ALPS. Enhanced waste clearance via the glymphatic system induced by cTBS may contribute to improved cognitive function following stroke.Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn. ChiCTR1800017997. Registered August 25, 2018, retrospectively registered.
Evaluating the Landslides Characterization and Deformation Using Multi-Temporal Uav Imageries in Northern Pakistan
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Ahmad Naseem , Hussain Mian Luqman
Published: May 2021

The Un Manned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as an effective tool for mapping and evaluating the landslides dynamics. This study aims to evaluate the dynamics of the landslide using the UAV derived aerial photos and Digital Surface Model (DSM). The selected landslides are the Nara and Nokot landslides in the rough terrain of Balakot, north Pakistan. The UAV survey was carried in April and August 2019 for Nara and Nokot landslides in Balakot. The images were processed in the Pix4D mapper to compute the orthomosaic and DSMs. The Ground Control Points (GCPs) collected in the geodetic survey with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) using Post Processing Kinematic (PPK) were used to accurately co-register and orthorectify the UAV imageries. The derived DSMs were analyzed to evaluate the dynamics in the landslide’s topography and volumetric changes. The shaded relief single band was used to correlate the temporal images for the Nara and Nokot landslide using the COSI-Corr algorithm. The statistical and frequent correlator was used for landslide displacement. The result shows that the Nara landside has a surface movement ranging from 1 to 29 m in the NE scarp and lateral areas. The Nokot landslide has active NS, NE and NW scarps with a surface movement ranging from 1 to 25.5 m. The accuracy assessment reveals the RMSE calculated for the Nara landslide as 4.58 m and 4.24 m for the Nokot landslide. This study reflected the potential application of UAVs for monitoring the landslides dynamics to mitigate the hazard.
Early Biochemical Analysis of COVID-19 Patients Helps Severity Prediction
Authors: Roncancio-Clavijo Andres , Gorostidi-Aicua Miriam , Alberro Ainhoa , Iribarren-Lopez Andrea , Butler Ray , Lopez Raul , Iribarren Jose Antonio , Clemente Diego , Marimon Jose María , Basterrechea Javier , Martinez Bruno , Prada Alvaro , Otaegui David
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has put the protocols and the capacity of our Hospitals to the test. The management of severe patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units has been a challenge for all health systems. To assist in this challenge, various models have been proposed to predict mortality and severity, however, there is no clear consensus for their use. In this work, we took advantage of data obtained from routine blood tests performed on all individuals on the first day of hospitalization. The test has been done by standardized cost-effective technique available in all the hospitals. We have analyzed the results of 1082 patients with COVID19 and using artificial intelligence we have generated a predictive model based on data from the first days of admission that predicts the risk of developing severe disease with an AUC = 0.78. Our results show the importance of immature granulocytes and their ratio with Lymphocytes in the disease and present an algorithm based on 5 parameters to identify a severe course.This work highlights the importance of studying routine analytical variables in the early stages of hospital admission and the benefits of applying AI to identify patients who may develop severe disease.
Melatonin May Be Associated With Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Wu Yao , Yi Jian Qi
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMelatonin has a protective role in adults with cardiovascular diseases. Diastolic dysfunction has been less well investigated in pediatric heart disease, and the effects of melatonin on cardiac diastolic dysfunction in children are not well understood. This study was designed to explore whether diastolic dysfunction is associated with the serum levels of melatonin or NO in children suffering from heart failure (HF) due to different etiology.Methodsforty-seven pediatric patients with HF were enrolled in this study. Echocardiographic parameters were employed to evaluate the cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Diurnal serum levels of melatonin and NO were measured and analyzed in all pediatric patients.ResultsDiurnal serum melatonin levels were positively correlated with mitral valve E:A ratio (E/A) in children with HF (P=0.044), especially in children with HF due to cardiomyopathy (P=0.023). Moreover, serum melatonin levels showed significant positive correlation with E/A ratio in children with deteriorate diastolic dysfunction when employing E/A < 1 or > 2 as an indicator (P=0.012), and especially in children with HF due to cardiomyopathy (P=0.0014). Serum melatonin levels demonstrated significant positive correlation with mitral regurgitation (MR) jet area (P =0.005) and showed significant negative correlation with pulmonary valve regurgitation (PVR) velocity (P =0.009). In addition, serum NO levels were positively correlated with isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) in children with HF(P=0.0047). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff value of serum melatonin levels for diagnosis for predicting E/A＞2 in pediatric patients with HF was 84 pg/mL.ConclusionsDiurnal serum melatonin and NO levels may be associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in pediatric HF especially due to cardiomyopathy.