bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis Quantification in Tissue: Development of a Semi- automatic Protocol and Assessment of Critical Steps of Image Processing
Authors: de Noiron Juliette , Hoareau Marion , Colin Jessie , Guénal Isabelle
Published: July 2021

Apoptosis is associated with numerous phenotypical characteristics, and is thus studied with many tools. In this study, we compared two broadly used apoptotic assays: TUNEL and staining with an antibody targeting the activated form of an effector caspase. To compare them, we developed a protocol based on commonly used tools such as filters, zprojection and thresholding. Even though it is commonly used in imageprocessing protocols, thresholding remains a recurring problem. Here we analyzed the impact of processing parameters and readout choice on the accuracy of apoptotic signal quantification. Our results show that TUNEL is quite robust, even if image processing parameters can allow or not to detect subtle differences of the apoptotic rate. On the contrary, images from anticleaved caspase staining are more sensitive to handle and proved to necessitate to be processed more carefully. We then developed an open source Fiji macro automatizing most steps of the image processing and quantification protocol. It is noteworthy that the field of application of this macro is wider than apoptosis as it can perfectly be used to treat and quantify other kind of images.
Smart Cities’ Strategies to Ameliorate Environmental Impacts of Rapid Urbanization in Beijing, China
Authors: Fiscal Paulina Rodríguez , Taratori Rallou , Pacho Marie Abigail , Ioakimidis Christos S. , Koutra Sesil
Published: July 2021

One of the main drivers behind the urbanization process is attributed to economic fundamentals of urban growth, which boost migration from rural to urban context. This migration can be studied geographically, with increasing rates of population as the main component in developing countries, over Asia and Africa, specifically. Research has been focusing in creating models and adaptative schemes to manage and plan cities to promote sustainable development for housing large quantities of population and preserve a long-term living environment. The approach from a smart city perspective, adjusted to the rapid urbanization condition can be helpful to deal urban issues by convergence and interaction between urban agents and information technology. At academia, few works have addressed the role of Smart Cities to face the challenge of rapid urbanization. The aim of this study is to research and analyze if strategies with smart city vision can lessen environmental impacts at cases with rapid urbanization, and how can we leverage technology to promote environmental sustainability at rapid urbanization phenomena occurring at developing countries using RIAM environmental assessment method in the case of Beijing, China'.
Altering Nitrogen Sources Affects Growth Carbon Costs in Vachellia nilotica Growing in Nutrient Deficient Grassland Soils
Authors: Sithole Nonkululeko , Tsvuura Zivanai , Kirkman Kevin , Magadlela Anathi
Published: July 2021

Vachellia nilotica (L.) Willd. Ex Del. is multipurpose leguminous tree which is common in grass-land and savanna ecosystems in southern and eastern Africa. These ecosystem soils are reported to be acidic and nutrient limited, specifically with regards to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The presence of this plant in these terrestrial ecosystems improves soil fertility benefiting the sur-rounding vegetation due to its ability fix atmospheric N. This study seeks to understand the mi-crobial symbiosis and physiological adaptations of V. nilotica in these acidic and nutrient defi-cient KZN soils. The soils used for this study were collected from the Ukulinga Grassland Nutri-ent Experiment located at the Ukulinga research farm of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pie-termaritzburg, South Africa. Due to long-term soil nutrient addition treatments, these soils of-fered a diverse nutrient variation for better understanding the effects of acidity and nutrient var-iation on microbial symbiosis, plant nutrition and biomass accumulation of V. nilotica. V. nilotica was able to maintain growth by relying on both atmospheric and soil derived N across all treat-ments decreasing carbon (C) growth costs. There was an increased reliance on atmospheric de-rived N of un-nodulated high N treated plants. The plants grown in high N+P soils were able to nodulate with various species from the Mesorhizobium genus which resulted in an increased bio-mass compared to other plants. The results of this study show that V. nilotica can alter N sources to reduce C growth costs. Also, free-living N2 fixing bacteria play an important role under P deficient conditions.
Comparative Analysis of Lenvatinib and Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Center, Propensity Score Study
Authors: Lee Jaejun , Han Ji Won , Sung Pil Soo , Lee Soon Kyu , Yang Hyun , Nam Hee Chul , Yoo Sun Hong , Lee Hae Lim , Kim Hee Yeon , Lee Sung Won , Kwon Jung Hyun , Jang Jeong Won , Kim Chang Wook , Nam Soon Woo , Oh Jung Suk , Chun Ho Jong , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Yoon Seung Kew
Published: July 2021

The comparative efficacy and safety between lenvatinib and hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear. This multicenter historical cohort study enrolled 244 patients who were treated with HAIC (n = 173) or lenvatinib (n = 71) between 2012 and 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, and 52 patients were selected per group. Clinical outcomes and safety were compared. Objective response rate (ORR) was not different between the two groups (26.0% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.736). Before PSM, HAIC group had a higher proportion of Child-Pugh B and portal vein tumor, whereas lenvatinib group had more patients with extrahepatic metastases, which was adjusted after PSM. There were no differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after PSM (HAIC vs. lenvatinib, median PFS, 3.6 vs. 4.0 months, P = 0.706; median OS 10.8 vs. 7.9 months, P = 0.106). Multivariate Cox-regression showed that alpha-fetoprotein ≤ 1000 ng/mL was only associated factor for OS after PSM in all patients (hazard ratio = 0.421, P = 0.011). Subgroup analysis for patients with high tumor burden beyond the REFLECT eligibility criteria revealed that HAIC group (n = 29) had a significantly longer OS than did lenvatinib group (n = 30) (10.0 vs. 5.4 months, P=0.004). More patients in HAIC group achieved better liver function than those in lenvatinib group at the time of best responses. There was no difference in the incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse events between the two groups. Therefore, lenvatinib is comparable to HAIC in terms of ORR and OS in unresectable HCC meeting REFLECT eligibility criteria.
INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT IN TRANSITION ECONOMY
Authors: CHARINA A. , SOKOV V.
Published: July 2021

The article considers theoretical aspects of innovation management in countries with transitive economy on a way to post-industrial development model according to the structural crisis caused by their specificity. The ways of solving the emerging problems are proposed. The role of human capital and social-functional innovations is emphasized in the transition to "knowledge economy”.
MODEL OF FORMING REGIONAL CLUSTER OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN VIETNAM
Authors: TUYET NGO
Published: July 2021

The article presents the main steps of model of forming regional cluster of renewable
energy sources in Vietnam, including method of evaluating the possibility of creating regional cluster of renewable energy resources in Vietnam. The approbation of model in region Ninh Thuan – Binh Thuan.
HOUSEHOLD IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF GLOBALIZATION: PROSPECTS
OF USE OF POLISH EXPERIENCE FOR BELARUS
Authors: YANOVICH P.
Published: July 2021

Globalization is considered as one of the major factors shaping modern economic processes. Liberalization and integration of markets, which are based on the achievement of scientific and technological revolution, qualitatively forms the political and economic environment. The global economic system becomes more and more complex. The consequence of that is a change in behavior of market participants – not only enterprises, but also households. In case of Poland, with proper participation in international economic, political, scientific, cultural and social cooperation, it was not until the late 1980s. The last decades for Polish households can be viewed as a period of a new socio-economic reality.
PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS MARKET IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: MELESHKO Yu.
Published: July 2021

The article considers the problems of the development of the industrial Internet of things in the Republic of Belarus as one of the system-forming technologies in the industrial sector. Based on the analysis of terminological features of the Internet of things, the concept and main characteristics of the industrial Internet of things are revealed. The economic consequences of using this technology in industrial production are shown. The formation and development of the Internet market of things in the Republic of Belarus in the context of its infrastructure component, spheres of use, main producers and consumers is considered. The factors preventing the wider use of the Internet of things in the industry of Belarus, and the development prospects of the market under consideration are revealed.
PECULIARITIES OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY OF RUSSIA IN THE CONTEXT OF STRUCTURAL CHANGES
Authors: GALOYAN D. , KARAPETYAN V. , MAZURENKO О.
Published: July 2021

Industrial policy of Russia in the 1990’s was aimed at preventing negative structural
changes in the country's economy, as well as compensation for losses from non-competitive domestic producers. However, by the end of 2014 the increase in geopolitical risks forced the industrial policy approaches to change. This period is characterized by a reduction in investment and a sharp devaluation. As a result, at present, the urgency of radical changes is high in industrial policy approaches that would group the heterogeneous measures of other functional policies and accentuate their impact on specific sectors of the economy.
Organização curricular e práticas de letramentos para uma formação profissional integradora: perspectivas, possibilidades e desafios
Authors: Santos Gleyde , Cavalcante Rivadavia , Maldaner Jair José
Published: July 2021

O artigo versa sobre as bases conceituais da Educação Integral, Omnilateral e Politécnica, relacionadas à oferta do ensino médio profissionalizante e possui natureza de pesquisa exploratória e bibliográfica da literatura especializada em Educação e em EPT. Discute-se a organização e as práticas curriculares de ensino-aprendizagem numa perspectiva de integração entre Trabalho, Ciência e Cultura e evidencia o conceito de Linguagem atrelada às práticas dos Letramentos numa perspectiva Freireana, com vistas à implementação desse modelo norteador de currículo. Os resultados revelam que a organização curricular precisa dialogar com as práticas sociais, Gramsci (2004) - articulando formação profissional e formação de vida, aliada às bases sólidas da Ciência e do Trabalho, aspectos indissociáveis da existência humana em sociedade.
New Triaxial Connection Safety Factor for Tubular Design
Authors: Goodman Malcolm A.
Published: July 2021

The American Petroleum Institute (API) equation for internal leak of API connections is uniaxial because it ignores axial force and external backup pressure. The ISO 13679 (2002) standard for qualification of premium connections is biaxial at best. It includes tension/compression but ignores backup pressure for both internal and external leak tests. For tubular design, this paper introduces a new fully triaxial safety factor for threaded connections with dependence on thread shear and hydrostatic pressure. Triaxial hydrostatic behavior is modeled with the mean normal stress, and thread shear behavior is modeled with the shear component of the von Mises stress. A leak line for use like the pipe body ellipse is proposed for quick leak assessment. Leak ratings and correlation with finite element analysis (FEA) results are presented for an example case of a 7-in. 35-ppf N80 long-thread-casing (LTC) connection. The new triaxial safety factor with two connection constants applies to all types of threaded connections, including tubing, casing, and drillpipe, so long as the two constants are evaluated with appropriate but simple physical tests.
Physiological and behavioural responses of modification psychomotor task in the virtual reality on cycling
Authors: Zainuddin Nurul Farha , Jamaludin Mohd Najeb , Zulkapri Izwyn , Hasan Hosni , Ibrahim Halijah , Miswan Mohd Syafiq
Published: July 2021

Road cycling requires cyclists to deal naturally with uncertain environments due to different terrain and responses from competitors. Hence, virtual reality is an alternative tool to provide a safe and competitive environment especially for training and performance during competition. This study intends to evaluate the effects of task difficulty levels in the developed virtual reality on alpha/beta ratio, power output, heart rate, and cadence. The eight cyclists were recruited from National Sport School. The environment of virtual reality is modified from the available virtual reality smart trainer TACX system. The one-way multivariate of variance (MANOVA) identified the effect of 5 different levels of the psychomotor task (independent variables) in the virtual reality on multiple variables of physiological responses. The results from MANOVA revealed a statistically significant multivariate main effect (p < 0.05) for the 5 levels of task difficulty in road cycling when considered jointly on the variables of alpha/beta ratio, power output, heart rate, and cadence; Wilk’s λ = 0.28, F(16,98) = 3.19, partial η2 = 0.27. Alternative nonparametric test for a smaller number of participants also shows there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the 5 levels of task difficulty on alpha/beta ratio and cadence. The result of cadence suggested human interaction with the virtual reality specifically during a psychomotor task to road cycling. The significant effects on the joint physiological responses ensure that the evaluation of the experiment from the procedure of developed task difficulty in the virtual reality is practical and applicable. Future studies could consider an involvement of cognitive functions in response to behavioural mechanism.
Effect of Mechanical Properties On Light Weight Sustainable Concrete With The Use of Waste Coconut Shell As Replacement For Coarse Aggregate
Authors: Natarajan Karthiga Shenbagam , Ramalingasekar Dhivya , Palanisamy Sushmitha , Ashokan Mohanraj
Published: July 2021

Concrete is one of the most important material that is used in the construction industry all around the world. A larger part of the capacity in concrete is generally employed by the coarse aggregate. Due to the tremendous use of coarse aggregate in the construction industry the material is getting degraded. In order to preserve the natural material, we are in search of an alternate material that can be used in concrete instead of the original one. So in this research work a try has been attempted to study the mechanical behaviour of light weight concrete when we use coarse aggregate as waste coconut shell inside concrete. To improve the strength of concrete we also use the sisal fibers in various proportions ranging between 1% to 5% in accordance to the binder weight. After the mechanical properties tests such as the compression test, spilt tensile strength, flexural test, modulus of elasticity test, impact resistant test were conducted finally it was concluded that there was increment in the compression strength up to 5%, tensile strength was increased to 17% elastic modulus to 7% when the fiber content used was 3%. Thus with the use of these waste materials it was found that the concrete's strength gets increased and it leads to the formation of sustainable concrete thus reducing the pollution in the environment.
The Strong Correlation Between ADAM33 Expression and Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Candidate for Biomarker and Treatment of COPD
Authors: Fachri Muhammad , Hatta Mochammad , Massi Muhammad Nasrum , Santoso Arif , Wikanningtyas Tri Ariguntar , Dwiyanti Ressy , Junita Ade Rifka , Primaguna Muhammad Reza , Sabir Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Airway inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an amplified response of the normal immune system that occurs as a result of chronic irritation by toxic substances, such as cigarette smoke. This leads to the characteristic pathological changes in the inflammatory cells of COPD patients. ADAM33 has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD in East Asia by affecting airway inflammation and other immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of ADAM33 (mRNA and soluble levels) as a biomarker of inflammation in COPD patients. This is a case-control study using consecutive sampling. The COPD case and control (non-COPD) groups comprised 37 and 29 patients, respectively. We used univariate analysis to assess differences in the parameters between the groups and bivariate analysis to non-parametrically compare these parameters between the two groups. We observed significantly higher mRNA levels of ADAM33 in the COPD patients (10.39 ± 1.76) as compared to that in the non-COPD individuals (6.93 ± 0.39; p < 0.001). The levels of soluble ADAM33 were also significantly higher in the COPD patients (2.188 ± 1.142 ng/ml) compared to the non-COPD individuals (0.487 ± 0.105 ng/ml; p < 0.001). The mRNA and soluble ADAM33 levels were significantly higher in COPD patients compared to those in the parameter-matched non-COPD individuals. Thus, ADAM33 is a potential biomarker and treatment for inflammation in COPD patients.
Heavy Metal Distribution and Bioaccumulation Combined with Ecological and Human Health Risk Evaluation in a Typical Urban Plateau Lake, Southwest China
Authors: Liu Xi , Zhang Junqian , Huang Xiaolong , Zhang Lu , Yang Chao , Li Enhua , Wang Zhi
Published: July 2021

Heavy metal contamination in lakes caused by the rapid industrialization and urbanization is a serious problem. In this study, 12 heavy metals were systematically surveyed in aquatic environment and organisms of Dianchi Lake. Results showed that heavy metals pollutions in surface water exhibited a decreasing order of Ba > Fe > Zn > Mn > As > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Cd > Co, equipped a consistency in spatial distribution, seriously contaminating the northern and southern parts. The average concentration of sedimentary heavy metals appeared in an order of Fe > Mn > Zn > Ba > Cu > Pb > Cr > As > Ni > Co > Cd > Ag. The main existing fraction (51.9–75.0%) of Cu, Pb, Cr, As, Fe, Co, Ni, Ag, and Ba in sediments was residual fraction, whereas the exchangeable fraction (40.9–62.0%) was the dominant component for Cd, Zn, and Mn. Among the selected aquatic organisms, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ag possessed a strong bioaccumulation effect, followed by Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni. Ecological risk assessment indicated that Cu, Cr, and Zn were the dominant heavy metal contaminants in surface water; Cd presented the disastrous risk and accounted for the considerable proportion of ecological risk in sediments. Human health risk evaluation showed that the selected aquatic products of Dianchi Lake were not absolutely safe, and As was the major contributor. This study systematically revealed heavy metal distributions in aquatic environments, which was conductive to environmental safety and human health.
Image Driven Hydrological Components Based Fish Habitability Modeling in Riparian Wetlands Triggered by Damming
Authors: Pal Swades , Khatun Rumki
Published: July 2021

Assessing fish habitability in pursuance of damming for some selected fishes in wetland of Indo-Bangladesh barind tract using hydrological ingredients like hydro-period, water depth, and water presence consistency is major focus of the present study. Rule based decision tree modeling has been applied for integrating aforesaid hydrological parameters to find out habitat suitability for some selected fishes like carp fishes, shrimps, tilapia and cat fishes both for pre-dam and post-dam periods. From this work it is highlighted that damming has accelerated the rate of wetland deterioration in forms of hydrological flow alteration i.e. inconsistency in water presence has increased, hydro-duration became shortened and water depth has attenuated. From the model it is very clear that a small proportion area was considered to be good fish habitat (16.54–39.90%) in pre-dam period, but after damming almost all parts have become least suitable for fish habitability. Field survey has confirmed that fishing quantity, growing rate of fishes was higher in pre-dam situation but it is reduced gradually during post-dam period. Image driven hydrological parameters to model fish habitability is a new approach but important parameters like food availability, water quality parameters could also be incorporated in order to get better result.
Relay Assisted Spectrum Sensing in Presence of IQ Imbalance in Multi-Channel System
Authors: Sahu Amaresh Kumar , Mahapatro Arunanshu , Patra Radheshyam
Published: July 2021

The increasing demand of wireless technology leads to a need for dynamic spectrum access that is positively accomplished by cognitive radio (CR) technology. For its acceptable efficiency it needs a robust detection scheme which detect the spectrum holes. This paper investigates a cooperative spectrum sensing method for a relay-based cognitive radio network. In general relay is a low cost device and is more prone to hardware impairment such as In-phase and Quadrature-phase Imbalance (IQI), which can considerably limit the capabilities of sensing spectrum holes. This work studies the energy detection (ED) based spectrum sensing in multi-channel receiver scenarios that are affected by IQI. The detection and false alarm probabilities considering Gaussian primary user signal models are derived. Our results are simulation based and verified with theoretical findings.
Plasma and Urine Total Antioxidant Capacity in Patients With Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Choromańska Barbara , Myśliwiec Piotr , Kozłowski Tomasz , Łukasiewicz Jerzy , Vasilyevich Harelik Petr , Dadan Jacek , Zalewska Anna , Maciejczyk Mateusz
Published: July 2021

Total antioxidant capacity better characterizes the redox status of the biological system than the determination of individual antioxidants separately. This study is the first to assess the total antioxidant/oxidant status in the plasma and urine of patients with adrenal tumors. The study group consisted of 60 patients (31 women and 29 men) with adrenal masses, classified into three subgroups: non-functional incidentaloma, pheochromocytoma and Cushing’s/Conn’s adenoma. The number of patients was set a priori based on our previous experiment (α = 0.05, test power = 0.9) Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased in incidentaloma patients, whereas in pheochromocytoma group was decreased. Plasma and urine total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were significantly higher in patients with adrenal tumors. Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) was decreased in plasma and urine, while DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antiradical activity only in plasma of patients with adrenal masses. In pheochromocytoma patients, plasma and urine TAC, as well as plasma DPPH and FRAP correlated positively with methanephrine and normethanephrine. Reduced levels of TAC, DPPH and FRAP clearly indicate a reduced ability to scavenge free radicals and thus a lack of effective protection against oxidative stress in patients with adrenal tumors. Therefore, those patients are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress and oxidative damage, which can lead to impaired cellular metabolism. Both plasma and urine redox biomarkers can be used to assess systemic antioxidant status in adrenal tumor patients.
Mechanical, Barrier, Adhesion and Antibacterial Properties of Pullulan / Graphene Bio Nanocomposite Coating on Spray Coated Nanocellulose Film for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Shanmugam Ragavanantham , Mayakrishnan Vishnuvarthanan , Kesavan Radhakrishnan , Shanmugam Kirubanandan , Veeramani Subha , Ilangovan Rajangam
Published: July 2021

In this study, an environmentally friendly and biodegradable pullulan/graphene bio nanocomposite was prepared and coated on the nanocellulose film to improve the surface, mechanical, barrier and antibacterial properties. The nanocellulose films were prepared by using a spray coating of nanocellulose suspension on stainless steel plates. The graphene nanoparticles were prepared by the modified Hummers method. The pullulan/graphene bio nanocomposites were prepared by solvent method with the addition of various wt% (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2) of graphene with pullulan. The coating was carried out by the roller coating method. Results showed that the increased graphene nanoparticles in pullulan coating increased the opacity, surface hydrophobicity, tensile strength, oxygen transmission rate and watervapour transmission rate of the coated nanocellulose film. Also, the coated film showed excellent antibacterial properties against both gram-negative E.coli and gram-positive S.aureus. In this research work, it was concluded that the graphene nanoparticles of 0.2 wt% showed efficient results. The exceptional properties of the pullulan/graphene bio nanocomposite coating on the nanocellulose film will give a new pathway to high performance food packaging applications.
Smart AMD Prognosis through cellphone: An Innovative Localized AI Based Prediction System for Anti-VEGF Treatment Prognosis in Nonagenarians and Centenarians.
Authors: Qidwai Uvais , Qidwai Umair , Raja Muhammad , Burton Ben
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective Age-related macular-degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common reasons for blindness in the world today. The most common treatment for wet AMD is the intra-vitreal injections for inhibiting Vascular-Endothelial-Derived-Growth-Factor (VEGF). This treatment usually involves multiple injections and thus multiple clinic visits which not only causes increased cost on national health services but also causes exposure to the hospital environment which is sometimes high risk considering current COVID crisis. The treatment, in spite of the above concerns, is usually effective. However, in some cases, either the medicine fails to produce the anticipated favorable outcome, resulting in waste of time, medication, efforts, and above all, psychological distress to the patients. Hence, early predictability of anatomical as well as functional effectiveness of the treatment appears to be a very desirable capability to have. Method A Machine Learning approach using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) two-sample prediction model has been presented that requires only the base line measurements and changes in Visual Acuity (VA) as well as Macular Thickness (MAC) after four months of treatment to estimate the values of VA and MAC at 8th and 12th months. In contrast to most of the AI techniques, ANFIS approach has shown the capability of the algorithm to work with very small dataset as well, which makes it a perfect candidate for the presented solution. Results The presented model has shown to have a very high accuracy (>92%) and works in near-real-time scenarios. It has been converted into a smart-phone-App, OphnosisAMD, for convenient usage. With this App, the clinician can visualize the progression of the patient for a specific treatment and can decide on continuing or changing the treatment accordingly. The complete AI-engine developed with ANFIS algorithm is localized to the phone through the App, implying that there is no need for internet or cloud connectivity for this App to function. This makes it ideal for remote usage, especially under the current COVID scenarios. Conclusions With a smart AI-based App on their fingertips, the presented system provides ample opportunity to the doctors to make a better decision based on the estimated progression, if the same drug is continued with (Good/Fair Prognosis) or alternate treatment should be sought (Bad Prognosis). From a functional point of view, a prediction algorithm is triggered through simple entry of the relevant parameters (base-line and 4 months only). No internet/cloud connectivity is needed since the algorithm and the trained network are fully embedded in the App locally. Hence, using the App in remote and/or non-connected isolated areas is possible, especially in the secluded patients during the COVID scenarios.
Comparing Deep and Shallow Neural Networks in Forecasting Call Center Arrivals
Authors: Manno Andrea , Rossi Fabrizio , Smriglio Stefano , Cerone Luigi
Published: July 2021

Forecasting volumes of incoming calls is the first step of the workforce planning process in call centers and represents a prominent issue from both research and industry perspectives. We investigate the application of Neural Networks to predict incoming calls 24 hours ahead. In particular, a Deep Learning method known as Echo State Networks, is compared with a completely different shallow Neural Networks strategy, in which the lack of recurrent connections is compensated by a careful input selection. The comparison, carried out on three different real world datasets, reveals similar predictive performance, although the shallow approach seems to be more robust and less demanding in terms of time-to-predict.
A tug of war between filament treadmilling and myosin induced contractility generates actin cortex
Authors: Ni Qin , Wagh Kaustubh , Upadhyaya Arpita , Papoian Garegin
Published: July 2021

In most eukaryotic cells, actin filaments assemble into a shell-like actin cortex under the plasma membrane, controlling cellular morphology, mechanics, and signaling. The actin cortex is highly polymorphic, adopting diverse forms such as the ring-like structures found in podosomes, axonal rings, and immune synapses. The biophysical principles that underlie the formation of actin cortices and their structural plasticity remain unknown. Using a molecular simulation platform, called MEDYAN, we discovered that varying the filament treadmilling rate induces a finite size phase transition in actomyosin network structure. We found that actomyosin networks condense into clusters at low treadmilling rates but form ring-like or cortex-like structures at high treadmilling rates. This mechanism is supported by our corroborating experiments on live T cells, which show that disrupting filament treadmilling induces centripetal collapse of pre-existing actin rings and the formation of clusters. Our analyses suggest that the actin cortex is a preferred state of low mechanical energy, which is, importantly, only reachable at high treadmilling rates.
Sliding of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase over DNA creates a transient P pocket – Targeting P-pocket by fragment screening
Authors: Singh Abhimanyu , Martinez Sergio , Gu Weijie , Nguyen Hoai , Schols Dominique , Herdewijn Piet , De Jonghe Steven , Das Kalyan
Published: July 2021

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) slides over an RNA/DNA or dsDNA substrate while copying the viral RNA to a proviral DNA. We report a crystal structure of RT/dsDNA complex in which RT overstepped the primer 3’-end of a dsDNA substrate and created a transient P-pocket at the priming site. We performed a high-throughput screening of 300 drug-like fragments by X-ray crystallography and identified binding of two to P-pocket, which is composed of structural elements from polymerase active site, primer grip, and template-primer that are resilient to drug-resistance mutations. Analogs of a fragment were synthesized of which two showed noticeable RT inhibition. An engineered RT/DNA aptamer complex trapped the transient P-pocket in solution. Structures of the RT/DNA complex were determined with a fragment and a synthesized analog bound at P-pocket by single-particle cryo-EM. Identification of P-pocket and the devised structure-based platform provide an opportunity for designing new types of polymerase inhibitors.
Health Impact Assessment of Auto Rickshaw And Cab Drivers Due To Exposure To Vehicular Pollution In Delhi: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Jain Suresh , Barthwal Vaishnavi
Published: July 2021

Vehicular emission is an important contributor to air pollution in urban environment and impacts the health of commuters as well as drivers. In-vehicle concentration of pollutants is known to be higher than the ambient environment and varies with the mode of transport. Thus, this study attempts to assess the health impacts of exposure to air pollution on auto rickshaw and cab drivers. The study was conducted in Delhi using a triangular approach involving health perception survey, lung function test and in-vehicle monitoring of particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) concentration to assess the health impacts of air pollution on auto rickshaw and cab drivers. Total 150 respondents (75 from each occupation) were surveyed, and spirometry was performed for 40 respondents (20 from each occupation). Binary logistic regression showed auto rickshaw drivers were exposed to significantly higher in-vehicle PM concentrations in summers as well as winters and thus, had significantly higher risk of developing respiratory, ophthalmic and dermatological health symptoms (p< 0.05 and relative risk >1). Pulmonary function test showed obstructive lung impairment was reported only among auto rickshaw drivers (6%) and restrictive lung impairment was also more prevalent among auto rickshaw drivers (48%) than cab drivers (33%), suggesting a greater vulnerability of auto rickshaw drivers to respiratory health issues. Lung function impairment was associated with age (p= 0.002). Health and wellbeing of individuals is a matter of global concern, also highlighted in sustainable development goal no. 3. However, it was observed that neither auto rickshaw drivers, nor cab drivers used formal/ standard protective measures largely due to unawareness or being unaffordable. The study suggests increasing awareness and formulate guidelines to highlight the use of proper protective measures by these vulnerable groups along with specific policy measures to protect outdoor workers like auto rickshaw drivers.
Cardiac Surgery Under Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Pregnancy: Report of Four Cases
Authors: You Youhao , Liu Shenghua , Wu Zhaohong , Chen Dunjin , Wang Gefei , Chen Gangdong , Pan Youguang , Zheng Xing
Published: July 2021

Background: Open heart surgery during pregnancy is relatively rare at home and abroad, with high risk and high probability of maternal and infant death. How to carry out heart valve replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under the condition of ensuring the safety of mother and child is a focus of attention at home and abroad. Case introduction: We reported four cases of pregnant women who underwent cardiac surgeries under CPB during pregnancy in our hospital. Three cases had infective endocarditis (IE), who underwent heart valve placement with mechanical mitral valve, and one case with ascending aortic aneurysm underwent Bentall surgery. The operations of four cases were successful, and further follow-up evaluation of the pregnant women and fetus showed no abnormality. Patients' details are available in the following table. Conclusion: Actively and proactively for heart disease during pregnancy with obvious symptoms. Cardiac valve replacement under CPB will be the first choice, and this may become the primary surgical treatment for symptomatic heart diseases during pregnancy.
Record performance of ultralow-temperature-driven water-based sorption refrigeration enabled by low-cost zeolite-like porous aluminophosphate
Authors: liu Zhang Li , Xu Jiaxing , Min Xu , Huang Caifeng , Wang Ruzhu , Li Tingxian , Huai Xiulan
Published: July 2021

Thermally driven water-based sorption refrigeration is considered a promising strategy to realize near-zero-carbon cooling applications by addressing the urgent global climate challenge caused by conventional chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants. However, developing cost-effective and high-performance water-sorption porous materials driven by low-temperature thermal energy is still a significant challenge. Here, we propose a low-cost zeolite-like aluminophosphate with SFO topology (EMM-8) for water-sorption-driven refrigeration. The EMM-8 is characterized by 12-membered ring channels with large accessible pore volume and exhibits high water uptake of 0.36 g·g-1, low-temperature regeneration of 65 °C, fast adsorption kinetics, remarkable hydrothermal stability, and scalable fabrication. Importantly, the water-sorption-based chiller with EMM-8 shows the potential of achieving a record coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.85 at an ultralow-driven temperature of 63 °C. The extraordinary working performance makes EMM-8 a practical alternative to realize high-efficient ultra-low-temperature-driven refrigeration.
Fall Prevention in Community-Dwelling Adults with Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Racey Megan , Markle-Reid Maureen , Fitzpatrick-Lewis Donna , Ali Muhammad Usman , Gagné Hélène , Hunter Susan , Ploeg Jenny , Sztramko Richard , Harrison Lisa , Lewis Ruth , Jovkovic Milos , Sherifali Diana
Published: July 2021

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) increases an individual’s risk of falls due to the role cognition plays in gait control. Older adults with dementia fall 2-3 times more than cognitively healthy older adults and 60-80% of people with dementia fall annually. Practitioners require evidence-based fall prevention best practices to reduce the risk of falls in cognitively impaired adults living in the community. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the effectiveness of primary and secondary fall prevention interventions in reducing falls and fear of falling, and improving gait, balance, and functional mobility. We searched 7 databases for fall prevention interventions involving community-dwelling adults ≥50 years with mild to moderate CI. Reviewers screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence (GRADE). We assessed statistical and methodological heterogeneity and performed a meta-analysis of studies including subgroup analysis based on intervention and risk of bias groupings.Results: 509 community-dwelling adults (mean age 67.5 to 84.0 years) with mild to moderate CI from 12 randomized or clinical controlled trials (RCTs/CCTs) were included in this review. Eight studies were exercise interventions, 3 were multifactorial, and 1 provided medication treatment. Fall prevention interventions had significant effects of medium magnitude on fear of falling (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.73 [-1.10, -0.36]), balance (SMD 0.66 [0.19, 1.12]), and functional mobility measured as Timed Up and Go test (SMD -0.56 [-0.94, -0.17]) and significant effects of small magnitude on gait control (SMD 0.26 [0.08, 0.43]) all with moderate certainty of evidence. The meta-analysis showed no significant effects for falls (number of events or falls incidence). Sub-analysis showed that exercise and low risk of bias studies remained significant for balance and perceived risk of falls.Conclusion: The effect of fall prevention interventions on direct outcomes, such as falls, remains unclear in cognitively impaired individuals. Exercise interventions are effective at improving fall risk factors, however, high quality studies with longer follow-up and adequate sample sizes are needed to determine their effectiveness on falls directly. There remains a gap in terms of effective fall prevention interventions for older adults with CI.
Environmental Protection Investment and Enterprise Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Jiang Xinfeng , Akbar Ahsan , Hysa Eglantina , Akbar Minhas
Published: July 2021

China has emerged as the world’s second-largest economy due to its rapid industrial expansion and phenomenal economic growth in recent decades. Though, this exponential economic turnaround has been fueled by widespread energy consumption, making China among the largest pollutant emitters in the world. Chinese enterprises have come under greater scrutiny and the government has mandated Chinese companies to undertake environmental protection investment. However, little is known that how these mandatory environmental investments affect Chinese firms’ ability to undertake R&D expenditures. This study employs data of China’s A-share listed firms during 2008-2016 to examine the nexus between environmental protection investment and corporate innovation. Our findings conjecture the crowding-out effects of environmental investments on enterprise innovation-related expenditures. Furthermore, additional empirical testing reveals that R&D undertakings of state-owned and politically connected firms are not affected by environmental investments. Likewise, corporate innovation activities are not negatively influenced by environmental investments in polluting industries. The study findings offer fresh insights to regulators, corporate managers, and stakeholders. Our results are robust to alternate econometric specifications and alternate variable specifications.
WITHDRAWN: Removal of MTBE From Groundwater Using A PRB of ZVI/Sand Mixtures: Role of Nitrate And Hardness
Authors: Ghayurdoost Farhad , Assadi Ali , Mehrasbi Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2021

In this study, the efficiency of the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in a column reactor using zero-valent iron (ZVI) particles and sand mixture in the removal of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from aquatic phases was investigated. The main operating parameters influence reactor performance such as pH, reaction time, pollutant content, catalyst load, hydraulic loading rate, and the reaction rate constant was evaluated. The results showed that the efficiency of process decreased with increasing pH, inflow, and pollutant concentration. In this case, the optimal conditions were obtained at pH=7, flow rate=0.23 m3/m2.d and C0=1 mg/L, which achieved a remarkable removal efficiency up to 90.32%. The being of high nitrate and hardness concentrations as intervening factors were led to reduce process efficiency to less than 44.61% and 51.4%, respectively. Lack of interfering factors had a considerable effect on the reaction rate of MTBE reduction that is approximately 2.65 and 4.11 times higher than in the presence of calcium hardness and nitrate, respectively. The PRB can be operated to remediate groundwater containing hydrocarbons based on filling media and hydraulic conditions.
Systematic Analyses of The Role of Prognostic And Immunological of EIF3A, A Reader Protein, In Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hua Xiaoliang , Shi Haoqiang , Zhang Li , Xiao HaiBing , Liang Chaozhao
Published: July 2021

Background: Eukaryotic initiation factor 3a, EIF3A, as a “reader” protein for RNA methylation, has been found to be related to promote tumorigenesis in different variety of cancers. The impaction of EIF3A in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has yet to be expounded. This study aimed to identify the prognostic value of EIF3A in ccRCC and investigate the relationship between expression and immune infiltration.Methods: We collected 29 m6a related mRNA data and clinicopathological parameters from Cancer Genmoe Atlas (TCGA) database. Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the correlation between EIF3A expression and clinical characteristics. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to examine EIF3A levels in normal and ccRCC tissues. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to recognize forcefully independent factor in associated with overall survival (OS) and diseases free survival (DFS). Nomogram was aim at predicting the 1-, 3-and 5-year survival probabilities. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was carried out to the potential function and related signaling pathways of EIF3A expression. To investigate EIF3A of co-expressed genes, we used LinkedOmics and its result was undertaken enrichment analysis. Simultaneously, to employ LinkedOmics and STRING dataset drew a conclusion that EIF3A co-expressed genes and visualized via Cytoscape. Finally, we evaluated that EIF3A expression correlated between with infiltration of immune cells and the expression of marker genes in ccRCC by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA).Result: EIF3A expression was significantly different between ccRCC tissues and normal tissues. EIF3A expression was connected with poor prognostic clinicopathological factors, and K–M analyses revealed that low EIF3A expression was correlated with poor prognosis. The result of univariate and multivariate analyses proved that EIF3A was a prognostic factor in ccRCC patients. GSEA results indicated that high expression was enriched in renal cell carcinoma pathway and so on. EIF3A expression was significantly positively correlated with B cells, CD8+T cells, CD4+T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, EIF3A expression was associated with most of marker genes of immune cells.Conclusions: EIF3A could serve as potential biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic stratification factor for ccRCC and is related with immune cells infiltrates.
Rapid and Efficient Testing of The Toxicity of Graphene-Related Materials in Primary Human Lung Cells
Authors: Frontiñán-Rubio Javier , Jehová-González Viviana , Vázquez Ester , Durán-Prado Mario
Published: July 2021

Background

Graphene and its derivative materials are manufactured by numerous companies and research laboratories, during which processes they can come into contact with their handlers’ physiological barriers—for instance, their respiratory system. Despite their potential toxicity, these materials have even been used in face masks to prevent COVID-19 transmission. The increasingly widespread use of these materials requires the design and implementation of appropriate, versatile, and accurate toxicological screening methods to guarantee their safety. Murine models are adequate, though limited when exploring different doses and lengths of exposure—as this increases the number of animals required, contrary to the Three R’s principle in animal experimentation. This article proposes an in vitro model using primary, non-transformed normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells as an alternative to the most widely used model to date, the human lung tumor cell line A549. The model has been tested with three graphene derivatives—graphene oxide (GO), few-layer graphene (FLG), and small FLG (sFLG).
Results

We observed a cytotoxic effect (necrosis and apoptosis) at early (6- and 24-hour) exposures, which intensified after seven days of contact between cells and the graphene-related materials (GRMs)—with cell death reaching 90% after a 5 µg/mL dose. A549 cells are more resistant to necrosis and apoptosis, yielding values less than half those of NHBE cells at low concentrations of GRMs (between 0.05 and 5 µg/mL). Indeed, GRM-induced cell death in NHBE cells is comparable to that induced by toxic compounds such as diesel exhaust particles on the same cell line.
Conclusions

We propose NHBE as a suitable model to test GRM-induced toxicity, allowing refinement of the dose concentrations and exposure timings for better-designed in vivo mouse assays.