bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing and mapping wind erosion-prone areas in northeastern Algeria using additive linear model, AHP, FAHP approaches, GIS, and medium resolution multisource remotely sensed data
Authors: Mihi Ali , Benaradj Abdelkrim
Published: April 2021

Wind erosion is one of the most severe environmental problems in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions of the planet. This dissertation aimed to identify areas sensitive to wind erosion in northeastern Algeria (Wilaya of Tebessa) based on empirical model using analytic hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) approaches, and geomatics-based techniques. Sixteen causative factors were used incorporating meteorological, soil erodibility, physical environment, and anthropogenic impacts as main available inputs in this approach. Weighted linear combination (WLC) algorithm was used to combine all standardized raster layers. Area under curve (AUC) value equal 0.96 indicate an excellent accuracy for the proposed approach. Globally, wind erosion risk increase gradually from the north to south of the whole area. Besides, it was found that areas with slight, moderate, high, and very high covered 9.65 %, 25.83 %, 24.30 %., and 40.22 %, respectively of the total. Our results highlighted the potential of additive linear model, and free available medium resolution multi-source remote sensing data in studying natural hazards and disasters mainly under data-scarce or areas of difficult access in developing countries. In addition, restoration and re-vegetation activities of sensitive areas at high risk of wind erosion represent a challenge for researchers and decision-makers.
I Think, Therefore I Forgive: The Role of Reasoning in Forgiving Accidental Harms
Authors: Patil Indrajeet , Trémolière Bastien
Published: April 2021

People experience a strong conflict while evaluating actors who unintentionally harmed someone - her innocent intention exonerating her, while the harmful outcome incriminating her. Different people solve this conflict differently, suggesting the presence of dispositional moderators of the way the conflict is processed. In the present research, we explore how reasoning ability and cognitive style relate to how people choose to resolve this conflict and judge accidental harms. We conducted three studies in which we made vary the reasoning measures and the population. The results showed that individual differences in reasoning ability and cognitive style predicted severity of judgments in fictitious accidental harms scenarios, with better reasoners being less harsh in their judgments. Internal meta-analysis confirmed that this effect was robust only for accidental harms. We discuss the importance of individual differences in reasoning ability in the assessment of accidental harms.
Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Overweight/obesity and Adipose Tissue Distribution in Resectable Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gu Lihu , Zhang Yangfan , Hong Jiaze , Xu Binbin , Yang Liuqiong , Yan Kun , Zhang Jingfeng , Chen Ping , Zheng Jianjun , Lin Jie
Published: April 2021

Background: This is a study aimed at exploring the relationship between pretreatment overweight/obesity, adipose tissue distribution, and long-term prognosis of gastric cancer.Methods: A total of 607 gastric cancer patients were involved in the retrospective cohort study. Overweight/obese patients was defined as body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2 and adipose tissue distribution parameters, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and VAT/SAT ratio were measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra using computerized tomography images within 15 days before the surgery. Multiple Cox regression models were applied to evaluate the association between overweight/obesity and disease-specific survival (DSS) of gastric cancer and covariates including age, gender, T stage, N stage, and chemotherapy were adjusted. Furthermore, multiple Cox regression models were performed to evaluate the association between adipose tissue distribution parameters and DSS of gastric cancer, expect for covariates mentioned above, overweight/obesity was adjusted additionally.Results: Overweight/obesity was a protective factor (HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.37-0.99) for the prognosis of gastric cancer. While high SAT percentage was independently related to a good prognosis, high VAT percentage and high VAT/SAT ratio were independently related to poor prognosis of resectable gastric cancer.Conclusion: These results suggest that overweight/obesity is a protective factor for the prognosis of gastric cancer. The VAT/SAT ratio could be used as a promising prognostic factor for gastric cancer. Therefore, in preoperative evaluation of gastric cancer patients, attention should be paid not only to BMI but also to adipose tissue distribution.
Determinants of Skilled Birth Attendance Utilization Among Mothers Who Gave Birth In The Past 24 Months In Kembata Tembaro Zone
Authors: Mathewos Eyassu , Kassa Belete
Published: April 2021

Background: Skilled delivery is encouraged as a single most important strategy in preventing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It ensures safe birth, reduce both actual and potential complications and increase the survival of most mothers and newborns. Little is known on current factors that affect utilization of skilled birth attendance in the study area. Therefore this study was aimed identify determinants of skilled birth attendance utilization among women who gave birth in the last 24 months preceding the studyMethods: A community based cross-sectional study was employed among women who gave birth in the last 24 months prior to the survey in Kembata Tembaro zone from April 1 to 30, 2020. 624 study participants were recruited for the study as eligible study participants. Multi-stage stratified sampling was used to select three districts and one town administrative unit of the study area. The data were collected and verified for their completeness, edited, and coded. Multivariate analysis was performed using the back ward LR method to identify factors independently associated with dependent variable. Statistical significance was declared at p-value of less than 0.05 and the strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.Results: In this study, 375(61.8%) women gave their last birth at health institutions being attended by skilled birth attendants. Place of residence [AOR (95% CI)=0.33(0.215, 0.582)], age at interview [AOR (95% CI=3.41(1.572, 5.449)], maternal education [AOR (95% CI)=1.50(1.336, 4.193)], history of still birth [AOR (95% CI)=3.85(2.144, 6.905)], maternal occupation [AOR (95% CI)=3.35(1.793,6.274)], husband occupation [AOR (95% CI)=2.69(1.701,7.986)], ANC visit [AOR (95% CI) =4.62(3.124, 7.324)], knowledge about obstetric complications [AOR (95% CI) =3.10(1.371,5.214)] and final decision maker about place of delivery [AOR (95% CI)= 3.64(1.701,7.986)] were significant with utilization of skill birth attendance.Conclusion: In this study, about two fifth of the respondents were delivering in the home without using unskilled delivery attendant. Place of residence, age at interview, maternal education, history of still birth, maternal occupation, husband occupation, ANC visit, knowledge about obstetric complications and final decision maker about place of delivery were determinants of utilization of skilled attendant delivery.
Changes of Entropy Connectivity of the Default Mode and Central Executive Networks in ASD
Authors: Zhao Haichen , Lv Rui , Cai Xiaotao , Zhang Guangyu
Published: April 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by different levels of repetitive and stereotypic behavior as well as cognitive deficit. Brain structural and functional changes of individuals with ASD have been reported in previous investigations. To provide more implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment of ASD, it is necessary to further explore the changes of cerebral neural activities in ASD.Method: We reinvestigate the brain functional networks (viz. the default mode network (DMN) and central executive network (CEN)) of ASD utilizing entropy connectivity (a kind of causal connectivity) method and nodal degree (a topological property in graph theoretical analysis). Eighty-nine patients with ASD and 94 age-matched typical developing (TD) teenagers participated in this study.Result: Two-sample t tests revealed weakened entropy connectivity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left supramarginal gyrus in the CEN, as well as reduced entropy connectivity in the ventral posterior cingulate cortex and the retrosplenial cingulate cortex but enhanced asynchronous output entropy connectivity from the right dorsal frontal cortex to the left piriform cortex in the DMN in patients with ASD. In addition, we also noted significantly decreased nodal degrees in the right somatosensory association cortex and the supramarginal gyrus in individuals with ASD.Limitation: The differences of data from different sites in MRI acquisition settings, such as keep eye open or close, decline the credibility of the results. And further discussion is blocked for BAs template, the lack of ADOS data in ABIDE I and regardless of the effect of sensorimotor related cortex. Conclusion: These findings indicate that overconnecitivity and underconnecitivity in the CEN and DMN might be an important factor that contributes to executive and cognitive disorders of individuals with ASD.
Theoretical Study of The Chemical Reactivity of A Class of Trivalent Phosphorus Derivatives Towards Polyhaloalkanes: DFT Study.
Authors: Barhoumi Ali , idrissi Mohammed El , Zeroual Abdellah , Tounsi Abdessamad , Bakkas Salam , hajbi Abdeslam El
Published: April 2021

In the current work, the chemical reactivity of some trivalent phosphorus derivatives R2PR' towards polyhaloalkanes CCI3POR''2 was studied by the quantum method DFT/B3LYP/6-311G (d,p). The introduction of substituents for the trivalent phosphorus derivative and polyhaloalkane allowed us to have more information on these reactions. On the one hand, the calculation of reactivity indices derived from the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method and the gapLUMO-HOMO show that trivalent organophosphorus derivatives behave as nucleophiles, while polyhaloalkanes act as electrophiles. On the other hand, the calculation of the activation barrier and the determination of the free enthalpy variation prove that the kinetic and thermodynamic products of these reactions result from the nucleophilic attack of the phosphorus atom on the chlorine halogen. All these theoretical predictions are in very good agreement with the experimental results.
Difference in Risk Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Intubation/Death in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Two-hospital Retrospective Cohort Study in Hubei, China
Authors: Mu Jing-Lan , Qin Ming-Zhe , Sun Hui-Mei , Guo Bao-Sheng , Qiu Shi-Da , Zhang Fu , Yang Huang , Nie Juan , Liu Xu-Dong , Yeung Wing-Fai , Liu Xiao-Dong , Dong Ye-Hong , Li Bi-Xi , Song Xiao-Yang , Lin Shao-Yan , Liu Ke-Xuan
Published: April 2021

Background: The reviews on the risk factors with ARDS and the worse outcomes concluded lacking robust data of risk factors to prevent COVID-19 and identified an urgent need for large sample and high-quality research in this area, as well as the features of the ARDS.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 333 COVID-19 inpatients at two hospitals in Hubei of China in 2020. The COVID-19-related ARDS was diagnosed according to the Berlin criteria. The outcomes were ARDS development and the intubation or in-hospital death. The cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) models were employed to determine the significant risk factors. Results: The median number of days from symptom onset to ARDS diagnosis was 11.0 (IQR, 8.0–13.0). Up to 84.1% COVID-19-related ARDS patients demonstrated multiple organ injuries. The mortality rates were 41.9% and 85.7% in moderate and severe ARDS. The survival patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) had been intubated earlier since ARDS diagnosis than those who had not survived (5.5 median days, IQR 4.0-7.0 days versus 11.5 median days, IQR 6.0-14.0 days, P < 0.001). Males and all abnormal laboratory indices associated with the higher risk of ARDS (P<0.05) but were not linked with the risk of intubation or death (P>0.05). The sensitivity analyses found that lymphocyte count of < 1000 per mm3 at hospital admission were still significantly associated with developing ARDS when adjusting for age and male gender (HR, 4.10; 95% CI, 2.40-7.10), and oxygenation index (OI) ratio < 150 were more likely to predict the intubation/death after age adjustment (HR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.17-5.30). Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2-caused ARDS was not the typical ARDS according to Berlin criteria. The alive patients with IMV had been intubated earlier since ARDS diagnosis than those who had not survived. We identified male gender and abnormal laboratory indices associated with the ARDS but were not linked with the intubation/death. Sensitivity analysis concluded lymphocyte count of < 1000 per mm3 could predict ARDS while OI ratio less than 150 could predict intubation/death.
Dynamic Behavior of T-beam Resonator With Repulsive Actuation
Authors: Tian Yu , Daeichin Meysam , Towfighian Shahrzad
Published: April 2021

We introduce a MEMS resonator that uses a "T"-shape beam driven by repulsive force, of which the first advantage is to avoid pull-in instability; thus, high enough voltages can be applied to the MEMS system to tune the center frequency. A T-beam model is derived from the beam-paddle hypothesis, and theoretical analysis regarding both static and dynamic behaviors, including primary resonance and secondary resonance, is conducted. This study shows an electrostatic T-beam resonator's feasibility based on repulsive force and outlines its advantages over a traditional cantilever beam resonator. Additional micro-paddle to the micro-beam means larger surface for absorption of targeted analytes and lower natural frequency, but higher resonant responses. We present a thorough analysis of primary and parametric resonances, which can enhance the system signal-to noise ratio and response time. This design enables potential applications in MEMS mass-sensors, where a large area for attachment and a high resolution are often vital.
Behavioural Symptoms of Mental Health Disorder such as Depression among Young People using Instagram: A Systematic Review
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Solfa Ron Patrick , Tran Thuy Linh , Wohlfarth Sophia , Büttner Jonas , Osobajo Oluyomi A. , Otitoju Afolabi
Published: April 2021

There is a growing debate on the linkage between social networking platforms and mental health disorder, such as depressive behaviour or depression. However, the relationship between Instagram use and depression or depressive behaviour has not been exhaustively examined. This review aims to examine these two variables. Only peer-reviewed journal articles that are published between October 2010 and December 2018 were sought in central and journal databases. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria and assessed for risk of bias and quality of evidence using GRADE. 1,856 studies were the outcome of the search, out of which 9 meets all eligible criteria. Of the 9 studies, three-quarter was published between 2017 and 2018, covering five continents: (North America: 3; Asia: 2; Australia: 2; South America: 1, Europe: 1). The final included studies broadly examined young Instagram users between the age of 19 and 35. The synthesis affirmed a linkage between Instagram and symptoms of depression or depressive behaviour. Variables that moderate this relationship are social comparison, self-esteem built on validation and approval of others, social media dependence, gender, negative or insufficient feedback, poor self-rated attractiveness, Instagram broadcasting and loneliness, younger users and risk of anxiety, and the number of strangers that users follow. There is a strong relationship between Instagram use and mental health disorders such as depression or depressive behaviour; however, no in-depth direct causality is proven yet. Further studies are needed to unravel the direct causality puzzles.
NR2F2-AS1 Suppressed Trastuzumab Effects on Esophageal Cancer By Inhibiting miR-4429 and miR-425-5p Expression Through Targeting IGF1R
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Zhao Xu , Zhu Rui , Ren Hong
Published: April 2021

Aim:In this manuscript, we aimed to investigate the involvement of non-coding RNAs in mediating trastuzumab effects in EAC. Background: Scarce evidences supported that targeted drugs, like Trastuzumab, can be applied to esophageal adenocarcinoma patients (EAC). Objective: Evaluating the role and mechanism of NR2F2-AS1 in regulating Trastuzumab effects in EAC patients. Method: RNA sequencing to screen IGF1R related lncRNAs. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to evaluate the expression level of genes. CCK-8 was used to test the cell proliferation ability. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down were used for crosstalk evaluation. Results: NR2F2-AS1 was identified to be associated with HER2 expression by RNA sequencing and its expression related to worse prognosis and advanced T and N stage.NR2F2-AS1 expression induced by Trastuzumab through mediating H3K27ac. Furtherly, miR-4429 and miR-425-5p, which were predicted and proved to interact with NR2F2-AS1 and IGF1R, expressed lowly in esophageal cancer both in vivo and in vitro and suppressed cell viability. Most importantly, miR-4429 and miR-425-5p overexpression could increase trastuzumab’s inhibitory effect on cell viability. Conclusion: Trastuzumab has the potential to suppress EAC progression mainly in the presence of miR-4429 and miR-425-5p overexpression targeting HER2. However, Trastuzumab induces exosomal NR2F2-AS1 expression, which binds to miR-4429 and miR-425-5p to suppress their expression, resulting in the failure of trastuzumab treatment. Therefore, targeting exosomes might be a novel way to develop auxiliary drugs for trastuzumab in EAC.
FIN Junctionless Field Effect Transistor (FIN-JLFET) With Ground Plane For Surpassing Parasitic BJT Action
Authors: Kumar Bhaskar , Gupta Bharat , Singh Sangeeta , Kumar Pankaj
Published: April 2021

The leakage mechanism due to lateral band-to-band tunneling (L-BTBT) results in increased off state current and hinders the scaling of the junctionless transistor. The effect of L-BTBT on FIN shaped gate Junctionless field effect transistor (JLFET) with the ground plane (GP) in oxide has been investigated. The proposed device is simulated using 3-D Silvaco TCAD and shows that it can mitigate the L-BTBT and leads to efficient volume depletion which relaxes the requirements of ultra-thin silicon thickness and high workfunction of the gate electrode. The results show significantly reduced OFF-state current and high Ion /Ioff ratio even at scaled gate length beyond 10 nm along with the reduction in drain induced barrier lowering and threshold voltage roll-off . Thus, the proposed device shows better performance at sub-10 nm node.
The diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian tumors: an indirect comparative analysis
Authors: Hu Xianwen , Li Dandan , Liang Zhigang , Liao Yan , Yang Ling , Wang Rui , Wang Pan , Cai Jiong
Published: April 2021

Objective: To compare the value of Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian tumors.Material and Methods: Retrieved the research on the diagnostic performance of MRI or 18F-FDG PET/CT in identifying benign and malignant ovarian tumors published in PubMed and Embase from January 2000 to January 2021. Two authors independently extracted the data of the characteristics of each study. If the data of the study report can be used to construct a 2X2 contingency table comparing 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI, these studies were selected. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies were used to evaluate the quality of the studies. According to the sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI, forest plots is generated.Results：A total of 27 articles including 1118F-FDG PET/CT studies and 17 MRI studies on the differentiation of benign and malignant ovarian or accessory tumors were included for this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for 18F-FDG PET/CT in differentiating benign and malignant ovarian tumors were 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86-0.96) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.91), respectively, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity for MRI were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.95) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.89), respectively.Conclusion：MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT have the same diagnostic performance in the differential diagnosis of ovarian benign and malignant tumors. However, MRI is more worthy of clinical application because of its lack of radiation, shorter scanning time, and lower medical costs.
Serum miRNA-204-5p as a potential noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer with sentinel lymph node mapping
Authors: Wu Cailiang , Zhou Xuexin , Li Jiayong , Xiao Ruiying , Yang Ye , Xin Haomin , Dai Lei , Zhu Yaping , Wu Sufang , Bao Wei
Published: April 2021

Background

Lymph node status is one of the most important prognosis factors in determining adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer (EC). However, lymphadenectomy bears significant surgical and postoperative risks. The use of the sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) has emerged as an alternative method to complete lymphadenectomy in EC. There remains controversy surrounding the SLNM in high-risk disease and its false negative rate (3%). We previously identified miR-204-5p is tumor suppressor miRNA associated with lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer tissues. Here, we report serum miR-204-5p in EC patients have potential early diagnostic value combined with sentinel lymph node mapping.
Methods

The relative expression levels of miR-204-5p were detected by quantitative RT-PCR in the serum of 52 EC patients (total SLNM), 20 benign ovarian cyst patients and 20 myoma patients. The miR-204-5p expression was also detected in endometrial cancer tissues by in situ hybridization.
Results

Our results showed that serum miR-204-5p expression was down-regulated in EC patients than that in the benign ovarian cyst or myoma patients (p < 0.01).In accordance with final pathological evaluation, positive SLN EC patients have a significant lower level of miR-204-5p compared with negative SLN EC patients. The area under the ROC curve of miR-204-5p was 0.923, 95% CI(0.847, 1.000), and the diagnostic value with a sensitivity of 87.2% specificity of 80.0%.
Conclusions

Lower miR-204-5p expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in these SLN(+) EC tissues, indicate that down-regulation of serum miR-204-5p in EC patients have potential early diagnostic value combined with sentinel lymph node mapping.
Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses of Complete Plastomes of Aucuba (Garryaceae)
Authors: Chen Xiong , Fan Linyuan , Huang Jian , Zhou Guohua , Huang Yuan
Published: April 2021

Backgroud: Aucuba (Garryaceae), which includes approximately 10 evergreen woody species, is a genus endemic to East Asia. Their striking morphological features give Aucuba species remarkable ornamental value. Owing to high levels of morphological divergence and plasticity, species definition of Aucuba remains perplexing and problematic. Here, we sequenced and characterized the complete plastid genomes (plastomes) of three Aucuba species: Aucuba chlorascens, Aucuba eriobotryifolia, and Aucuba japonica. Results: Comparative analyses revealed that Aucuba plastomes are highly conserved in size, structure, gene content, and organization, and exhibit high levels of sequence similarity. We recommend 11 plastid DNA regions as potential DNA barcodes for species identification and genotyping of Aucuba germplasm. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on 71 plastid protein-coding genes from taxa encompassing a wide phylogenetic diversity in the lamiids strongly supported the sister relationship between Garryaceae and Eucommiaceae. Conclusion: Plastome tree revealed the monophyly of Garryales, offering plastid phylogenomic evidence for the acceptance of Garryales as outlined by the updated Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. Under a comparative framework within Garryales, we detected massive plastome arrangements between Aucuba and Eucommia. In summary, our study provides useful genomic resources for further study of the taxonomy, evolution, conservation, and exploitation of Aucuba species.
Title Health Priority-Setting For Overseas Development Assistance in Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries: A Comparative Case Study of Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania
Authors: Kwete Xiaoxiao Jiang , Berhane Yemane , Mwanyika-Sando Mary , Oduola Ayo , Liu Yuning , Workneh Firehiwot , Hagos Smret , Killewo Japhet , Mosha Dominic , Chukwu Angela , Salami Kabiru , Yusuf Bidemi , Tang Kun , Zheng Zhi-Jie , Atun Rifat , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: April 2021

Background Priority setting process for the health care sector in low- and middle-income countries involves multiple agencies, each with their unique power, decision-making and funding mechanisms. Methods This paper developed and applied a new framework to analyze priority setting processes in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania, from a scoping review of literature. Interviews were then conducted using a pre-determined interview guide developed by the research team. Transcripts were reviewed and coded based on the framework to identify what principles, players, processes, and products were considered during priority setting. Those elements were further used to identify where the potential capacity of local decision-makers could be harnessed. Results a framework was developed based on 40 articles selected from 6860 distinct search records. 21 interviews were conducted in three case countries from 12 institutions. Transcripts or meeting notes were analyzed to identify common practices and specific challenges faced by each country. We found that multiple stakeholders working around one national plan was the preferred approach used for priority setting in the countries studied. Conclusions Priority setting process can be further strengthened through better use of analytical tools, such as the one described in our study, to enhance local ownership and improve aid effectiveness.
Factors Influencing the Utilization of Community Cultural and Leisure Services for the Older Adults From The Perspective of Supply and Demand: Based on the Case of Shaanxi Province
Authors: Niu Qing , Zhang Chi , Yu Zhao , Zhang Sifeng
Published: April 2021

Background

Along with the increasing number of older adults in China, the demand for older adults services of China's aging population has been transformed and upgraded, and the demand for community cultural and leisure services of the older adults has become increasingly prominent. The research on the influencing factors of the utilization of community cultural and leisure services of the older adults can help improve the service effect and enhance the quality of life of the older adults. Based on Anderson's model, we constructed an analytical framework of the influencing factors of the utilization of community cultural and leisure services for the older adults from both the supply and demand sides, and then used Poisson regression method to empirically test the analytical framework based on the survey data of three cities in Shaanxi Province in 2019.
Results

The results found that supply-side factors significantly influenced the utilization of community cultural and leisure services by the older adults, mainly including service facility supply, service content supply, and service location accessibility; demand-side factors significantly influenced the utilization of community cultural and leisure services by the older adults, mainly including service acceptability, service satisfaction, and service need. The study also found that, unlike the results of previous studies, the use of community cultural and leisure services by older adults was not constrained by economic level.
Conclusions

Both supply-side factors and demand-side factors significantly affect the utilization of community spiritual culture services by the older adults. In strengthening and improving the supply of community cultural and leisure services, the previous "top-down" and "service-centered" approach should be changed to a "bottom-up" and "demand-centered" approach. In the past, the supply of community spiritual culture services should be changed from a "top-down" and "service-centered" approach to a "bottom-up" and "demand-centered" approach, and attention should be paid to the urban-rural differences in supply.
Facile Synthesis of Micro CuO Crystals for Li Ion Full Battery
Authors: Song Y.Z. , Liu Z.J. , Qi B.X. , Li Mengting , Xie Jimin , Song W.H.
Published: April 2021

One step facile synthesis of micro CuO crystals is carried out by hydrothermal method. The porous lithium foil/Li-graphite is used as the anode for CuO-Li ion full battery. The micro CuO crystals are characterized by scanning electron micro porousscopy, X-ray powder diffractometer, Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimeter and differential scanning calorimeter. The battery with porous lithium foil/graphite anode is tested by the galvanostatic current charge-discharge technology at higher current densities of 0.25～0.5 mA/cm2. The porous lithium foil-graphite anode can effectively improve the discharge capacity of the CuO crystal battery.
Altered N-/O-Glycosylation Sites On The Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) in COVID-19 Are Related To Coronavirus Infection And Pathogenesis.
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Xiao Fan , He Lingling , Yang Junru , Wei Hongshan
Published: April 2021

Objective: To discuss the possible significances of N-Linked and O-Linked glycosylation on the RBD of COVID-19Methods: Amino acid sequences multiple alignments of RBD used Clustal Omega (v.1.2.4) using default parameters. Prediction of potential N-linked glycosylation sites by NetNGlyc 1.0 server. Prediction of potential O-linked glycosylation sites by NetOGlyc 4.0 Server.Result: COVID-19 Spike glycoprotein has 22 potential N-linked glycosylation sites and 3 O-linked glycosylation sites. 2 of 22 N-linked glycosylation sites distributed in RBD. None of the 3 O-linked glycosylation sites distributed in RBD, which is markedly different from SARS and other bat coronavirus using ACE2 as a receptor. Comparing with its close coronavirus, but which can’t use ACE2 as a receptor, the COVID-19 has little N- and O-linked glycosylation sites.Conclusion: we show the obvious differences in glycosylation sites in RBD between COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. We speculate that altered N-/O-glycosylation sites on RBD in COVID-19 are related to its infection and pathogenesis.
Gender Differences in Dietary Behaviours, Health-Related Habits and Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study in Botswana
Authors: Letamo Gobopamang , Keetile Mpho , Navaneetham Kannan , Medupi Keitumetse
Published: April 2021

Background

There is scanty information regarding sex or gender differences in health-related habits, NCD risk factors, and prevalence of NCDs in Botswana. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of gender differences on health-related habits, weight status, common NCD risk factors, and on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based survey called the Botswana STEPS Survey II which was conducted in 2014 based on people aged 15–64 years. The survey used a multi-stage cluster sampling methodology to arrive at nationally representative sample. As such during analysis of data, a complex sample module from SPSS was adopted to account for the multiple stages of sampling. The predicted probabilities of outcome variables were derived by controlling the covariates. A total sample size of 2947 participants aged 25–64 years were used in this study.
Results

The study results showed that a statistically significant high predicted percentage of men compared to women smoked tobacco (34.4%, 95% CI: 33.5–35.1 vs. 4.4%, 95% CI: 4.3–4.5). Men were also consistently engaging in heavy alcohol use and low consumption of fruit and/or vegetables, and these differences were statistically significant. On the other, physical inactivity among women was higher than men. Controlling other covariates, a higher predicted probability of women than men were overweight (28.7%, 95% CI: 28.6–28.8 vs. 18.3%, 95% CI: 18.0-18.6) and obese (25.8%, 95% CI: 25.4–26.2 vs. 10.2%, 95% CI: 9.9–10.5). Women are at the greater risk of developing NCDs compared to men since the adjusted prevalence of at least 3 common risk factors were more among women than men. A higher adjusted predicted prevalence of women than men suffered from hypertension (39.4%, 95% CI: 38.9–40.0 vs. 26.1%, 95% CI: 25.5–26.8).
Conclusions

Overall, the study observed that there were gender differences in health-related habits, malnutrition, NCD risk factors and NCD prevalence. Appropriate policies and programmes need to be adopted in order to urgently address the problem of NCDs.
Effect of Liquid Volume And Microflora Source On Degradation Rate And Microbial Community In Corn Stover Degradation
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhu Dan , Zhao Siqi , Xu Song , Yang Rong , Zhao Wei , Zhang Xiaoxia , Huang Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

Degradation is the bottleneck in the utilization of crop straw. In this paper, we screened the microbial consortia degrading corn stover from straw degrading consortia MC1 (M), sheep feces (Y), and mixtures of M, Y, and cattle feces (Q). The effects of microflora source and liquid volume (representing dissolved oxygen) on the microbial community and degradation rate of corn stover were investigated. The results showed that the degradation rate and cellulase activity of a 200 mL liquid volume (L2) were significantly higher than that of 100 mL (L1). Microflora source had a significant effect on bacterial and fungal diversity, composition and taxa. Q and Y had higher bacterial and fungal α-diversity than that of M. The degradation rate was significantly correlated with cellulase activity but not with microbial diversity. This indicated that liquid volume had a greater impact on degradation rate and lesser impact on microbial community than microflora source in corn stover degradation.
Are Calcium-Channel Blockers the Most Effective Anti-hypertensive Agent in Black Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy? A Systematic Review
Authors: John Jeeva Reeba , Curry Gwenetta
Published: April 2021

BackgroundBlack women are four times more likely to die than White women due to complications during pregnancy or childbirth in the U.K. This cohort are also more prone to Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDP). Outside of pregnancy, there are race based differences in the management of hypertension as Calcium-Channel Blockers (CCB) are more effective in reducing blood pressure in Black patients. It is unclear whether these differences in anti-hypertensive management extend to the management of hypertension in pregnancy. The primary objective was to address this gap in evidence by undertaking a systematic review of randomised control trials, where one treatment arm comprised of CCBs, investigating pharmacological management of HDP to assess whether CCBs are the most effective anti-hypertensive agent in Black pregnant women.MethodsThe following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE and Embase. We used MeSH and free text terms in conjunction to increase sensitivity to potentially relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included: (1) study involved drug treatment of HDP; (2) study was of randomised control trial design; (3) one of the treatment arms involved CCBs (4) English full-text and (5) outcome data was stratified by race, and included Black women. Information regarding baseline participant data, type of anti-hypertensive, and clinical outcomes was extracted from each study.ResultsThis review highlighted four randomised control trials, which published race or ethnicity demographics, with only one trial that stratified HDP outcomes by ethnicity. ConclusionsThere is a lack of evidence to draw definite conclusions as to whether CCBs are the most effective anti-hypertensive agent for Black patients with HDP, highlighting the need for further research in this area. However, this review demonstrates some evidence to support the hypothesis that CCBs could be more effective in the management of HDP in Black patients and that Labetalol, which is the current first-line management of HDP, may not represent the gold standard of treatment in this cohort.
Development of gum acacia based magnetic nanocomposite adsorbent for wastewater treatment
Authors: Kulal Prajwal , Krishnappa Preetha B. , B Vishalakshi
Published: April 2021

Adsorbents fabricated on polysaccharides have captivated growing attention in water treatment owing to their low-cost and biodegradability. Modification of polysaccharides by incorporation of functional groups with potential binding ability towards pollutants is a good strategy to develop adsorbent materials. Imparting magnetic property to the materials facilitates easy separation of the adsorbent after use. The present work reports development of a magnetic hydrogel adsorbent material based on the polysaccharide, gum acacia. The graft copolymer nanocomposite hydrogel of gum acacia and poly(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate) containing magnetite nanoparticles has been prepared using microwave assisted technique and evaluated as adsorbent for sequestration of cationic dyes and metal ions from aqueous solutions. The FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, VSM and BET studies have been performed to characterize the sample. The nanocomposite displayed super-paramagnetic nature owing to the existence of magnetite nanoparticles. The presence of magnetite nanoparticles is observed to influence the adsorption characteristics favourably as evident from the comparative studies performed with the non-magnetic parent gel. It exhibited larger surface area of 2.524 m2g− 1 compared to the parent hydrogel with surface area of 0.481 m2g− 1. The adsorption capability of the parent hydrogel towards methylene blue, rhodamine 6G, Cu(II) and Hg(II) are 224.4, 283.5, 282.4 and 275.3 mgg− 1 respectively are enhanced to 265.2, 344.4, 307.5 and 292.8 mgg− 1 respectively in the case of nanocomposite. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic data fitted well with Freundlich and pseudo second order model respectively. Desorption studies indicated excellent reusability characteristics of the novel adsorbent developed, indicating its potential use in wastewater treatment.
Performance Testing on Transparent Data Encryption for SQL Server's Reliability and Efficiency
Authors: Madyatmadja Evaristus Didik , Hakim Aditya Nur , Sembiring David Jumpa Malem
Published: April 2021

Data security is being one of the most crucial aspects to be focused on system development. However, using such a feature to enhance the security of data might affect the system's performance. This study aims to observe how substantial Transparent Data Encryption as a solution for data security on Microsoft SQL Server will affect the database management system's performance. Each of the system performance is conducted with stress and load test. This paper concentrates on the upsides of using Transparent Data Encryption over standard database by finding how significant performance degradation has occurred in terms of Reliability and Efficiency.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Catastrophic Cost Incurred by Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Ghazy Ramy Mohamed , Saeh Haider M. El , Abdulaziz Shaimaa , Hammouda Esraa Abdellatif , Elzorkany Amira , Khidr Heba , Zarif Nardine , Elrewany Ehab , ElHafeez Samar Abd
Published: April 2021

Background: One of the World Health Organization End Tuberculosis (TB) Strategy is to reduce the proportion of TB affected families facing catastrophic costs (CC) to 0% by 2020. CC is defined if total cost related to TB management exceeded 20% of annual pre-TB household income. This study aimed to estimate the pooled proportion (PP) of TB affected households who suffered from CC. Method: A search of the online database through September 2020 was performed. Of 5114 articles, 29 articles were included in meta-analysis. We used R software to estimate the PP at 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the fixed/random-effect models. Result: The PP of patients faced CC was 43%. Meta-regression revealed that country, drug sensitivity and HIV co-infection were the main predictors. CC incurred by drug sensitive, drug resistant and HIV coinfection patients were 32%, 80%, and 81% respectively. Lower CC incurred by active than passive case finding; 12% versus 42%. Direct cost represented 55% (95% CI 43-66) of the total cost. About 45% of TB-affected household faced catastrophic health expenditure at cut-off point of 10%. Conclusion: There is still a significant proportion of TB patients facing CC, which represent a main obstacle against TB control.PROSPERO registration: CRD42020221283
A consensus and saturated genetic map provides insight into genome anchoring, synteny of Solanaceae and leaf- and fruit-related QTLs in wolfberry (Lycium Linn.)
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Li Haoxia , Xu Yuhui , Yin Yue , Huang Ting , Zhang Bo , Wang Yajun , Li Yanlong , Cao Youlong , An Wei
Published: April 2021

Background: Lycium Linn. (Solanaceae) is a genus of economically important plants producing fruits and leaves with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. However, genetic analysis of this plant and molecular breeding for quality improvement are limited by the lack of sufficient molecular markers. Results: In this study, two parental strains, ‘Ningqi No. 1’ (Lycium barbarum L.) and ‘Yunnan Gouqi’ (Lycium yunnanense Kuang et A.M. Lu), and 200 F1 hybrid individuals were resequenced for genetic analysis. In total, 8,507 well-selected SNPs were developed, and a high-density genetic map (NY map) was constructed with a total genetic distance of 2,122.24 cM. A consensus genetic map was established by integrating the NY map and a previously published genetic map (NC map) containing 15,240 SNPs, with a total genetic distance of 3,058.19 cM and an average map distance of 0.21 cM. The 12 pseudochromosomes of the Lycium reference genome were anchored using this consensus genetic map, with an anchoring rate of 64.3%. Moreover, weak collinearities between the consensus map and the pepper, potato, and tomato genomes were observed. Twenty-five stable QTLs were identified for leaf- and fruit-related phenotypes, including fruit weight, fruit longitude, leaf length, the fruit index, and the leaf index; these stable QTLs were mapped to four different linkage groups, with LOD scores ranging from 2.51 to 19.37 and amounts of phenotypic variance explained from 6.2% to 51.9%. Finally, 82 out of 188 predicted genes underlying stable QTLs for fruit-related traits were differentially expressed according to RNA-seq analysis. Conclusions: A chromosome-level assembly can provide a foundation for further functional genomics research for wolfberry. The genomic regions of these stably expressed QTLs could be used as targets for further fine mapping and development of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS). The present study provided valuable information on saturated SNP markers and reliable QTLs for map-based cloning of functional genes related to yield and morphological traits in Lycium spp.
Comparison of the Sex Hormones’ Serum Level in Women With Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis and Healthy Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lavaee Fatemeh , Ranjbar Zahra , Jalalian Mina , Amiri Mohammad Amin
Published: April 2021

Background:In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sex hormonal serum level in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and compare them with healthy participants.Methods:This cross-sectional study was done on patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis who had referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine Department during 2018-2019. The non -menopause women with recurrence of at least 3 lesions per year were enrolled in this study.The mean serum level of FSH, LH, PRL (prolactin), testosterone, DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), estradiol and progesterone of 30 participants in each group of case and control were measured and compared. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 and independent T-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s test.Results: The mean serum level of DHEA-S in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) was significantly lower than the control group (p value=0.002). In addition to DHEA-S, the mean serum level of testosterone was lower in the evaluation group although this difference was not significant (p value=0.057).Considering the effect of age on the mean serum level of sex hormones, our results revealed that only DHEA-S mean serum level was decreased by increasing the age of participants in patients with RAS (p value=0.018).The number of participants with abnormal range of testosterone (p value<0.0001) and progesterone (p value=0.037) serum level was significantly more in patients with RAS. The frequency of RAS in a year did not show a significant relationship with the serum level of the evaluated hormones.Conclusion: The patients with RAS had a lower serum level of DHEA-S. The mean serum level of testosterone and progesterone was significantly abnormal in RAS patients.
Comparison of Resting-State Spontaneous Brain Activity between Treatment-Naive Patients with Schizophrenia and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Yu Xiao-Man , Qiu Lin-Lin , Huang Hai-Xia , Zuo Xiang , Zhou Zhen-He , Wang Shuai , Liu Hai-Sheng , Tian Lin
Published: April 2021

Background: Schizophrenia (SZ) and Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) share many demographic and clinical symptoms, genetic risk factors, pathophysiological underpinnings, and brain structure and function. However, the differences in the spontaneous brain activity patterns between the two diseases remain unclear. Here this study aimed to compare the features of intrinsic brain activity in treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and to explore the relationship between spontaneous brain activity and the severity of symptoms. Methods: Twenty-two treatment-naive patients with SZ, twenty-seven treatment-naive patients with OCD, and sixty healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and degree of centrality (DC) of SZ group, OCD group and healthy control (HC) group were compared. Results: Compared with SZ group and HC group, patients with OCD had significantly higher ALFF in the right angular gyrus and the left middle frontal gyrus/precentral gyrus, and significantly lower ALFF in the left superior temporal gyrus/insula/rolandic operculum and the left postcentral gyrus. Compared with HC group, lower ALFF values in the right supramarginal gyrus/inferior parietal lobule and DC values of the right lingual gyrus/calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex of the two patient groups, higher ReHo values in OCD group and lower ReHo values in SZ group in the right angular gyrus/middle occipital gyrus brain region, and higher DC values in the right inferior parietal lobule/angular gyrus in SZ group were documented in the present study. In addition, the ALFF values of the left postcentral gyrus were positively correlated with positive subscale score and general psychopathology subscale score respectively on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) in SZ group. The ALFF values in the left superior temporal gyrus/insula/rolandic operculum of patients with OCD were positively correlated with compulsion subscale score and total score respectively on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Conclusion: Our data showed various patterns of spontaneous brain activity damage in resting-state between treatment-naive patients with SZ and OCD, which might imply different underlying neurobiological mechanisms in SZ and OCD.