bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODERN APPROACHES TO SOLVING THE CONTACT PROBLEM OF PRESSING A DOUBLESTAMP STAMP INTO AN ELASTIC HALF-SPACE
Authors: Zaytseva Tetyana , Shmelov Ivan
Published: July 2021

The work is devoted to solving indentation problems into an elastic half-space of a cylindrical punch with a flat base by the vertical force. The force is aimed through the center of the base. The cross-section of the stamp is a doubly connected area bounded by two concentric lines. A concise review of methods for solving problems of analyzing the contact interaction of cylindrical dies with an elastic half-space is given. The solution of the problem in the form of decomposition by a small parameter is used when the equation of the edge curves depends on the same small parameter. To achieve it, in each approximation, the problem of indentation of a stamp with a doubly connected contact area in the form of a non-circular ring is reduced to a similar problem of indentation of a stamp with a contact area in the form of a circular ring. The software in the Java language has been developed for processing the analytical solution according to the obtained calculation formulas. With the help of the ANSYS software package, a finite element model of the contact interaction of an absolutely rigid stamp with an elastic half-space has been created. Numerical modeling was carried out using a licensed version of the program, free of charge. Several problems have been solved for square rings of different widths. The distribution of pressure under the stamp over different sections and the deepening of the stamp have been obtained. The pressure distribution graphs are plotted. When considering several test problems to assess the adequacy of the finite element model, the numerical results are compared with the results obtained analytically. The resulting model can analyze and predict loads, wear, and fracture of the contact area. The research prospects can include the solution of several problems of analysis of the stress-strain state of the interaction of dies of a complex shape with an elastic half-space, as well as groups of stamps of a complex shape, and the analysis of behavior models depending on the properties and characteristics of an elastic half-space.
Keywords: contact problem, stamp, stress-strain state, modeling, JAVA language, finite element analysis, ANSYS software package.
USING METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES OF RECOMMENDATION SYSTEMS FOR DYNAMIC SOFTWARE PRODUCT LINES CONFIGURATION
Authors: Gamzayev Rustam , Tkachuk Mykola
Published: July 2021

Software product lines (SPL) dynamic configuring process could use methods for recommendation system (RS) elaboration. An overview and analysis of such methods was done in this paper. SPL represent a set of software systems that have common and variable functional components and use a set of paradigms and methods for development. In the classical static SPL the process of configuring performed before executing and performing in the operation environment (OE), in contrast dynamic software product lines performs after executing in the OE. Through the use of which it is possible to customize software solutions in accordance with the needs of end users. The following possible methods to build RS were considered: clustering, Markov decision-making process, matrix factorization. According to the review of the intelligent RS method development and researching of the functionalities of such systems in some open-source projects it was proposed to use N-dimensional context-dependent tensor factorization method and CARSkit tool system. Functional requirements and software architecture of the RS were developed. It allows to automatize software components configuration in the „Smart Home” (SH) systems that could be implemented with CARSkit software toolkit and algorithms implemented with programming language Python. This implementation allows to build a process for tracking changes in the external environment and transfer information to the SH system and, after analyzing the input data, process it in the RS to track changes in the context information. In the future research some additional quantitative experiments will be performed considering the specifics of the SH systems, additionally quantitative metrics will be used for efficiency assessment of the tensor factorization algorithms to predict the dynamic configurations of software components in these systems.

Keywords: recommendation system, software product line, variability, dynamic configuration, architecture.
FORECASTING THE RESULTS OF THE SINGLE ENTRANCE EXAM IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE BY BACHELORS OF THE INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Melnykov Oleksandr
Published: July 2021

The paper provides information on the need to pass the “Unified entrance exam” in a foreign (English) language by students who have received a bachelor’s degree and wish to continue their studies to obtain a master’s degree. It is determined that when working with undergraduate students, it is advisable, firstly, to determine the percentage of graduates whose passing EVE is unlikely, and secondly, to intensify work with such graduates to increase this probability. The task was set to create a model for predicting the results of the unified entrance exam in a foreign language by bachelor’s graduates of higher education institutions upon entering the master’s program. A number of factors that affect the EVE score are proposed, namely: competitive score at enrollment (indicator of the student’s basic level), rating (assessment) based on the results of the first year of study (exam in the compulsory subject “Foreign Language”), choice “Foreign language” in the 2-3rd year (maximum of all or “0”, if the student did not choose), the rating of additional classes “Foreign language” in the 4th year, the average rating for the penultimate session (indicator “current” student’s attitude to the educational process), the fact of having additional points (an indicator of the student’s interest in other activities than learning), the average rating of a bachelor’s degree (an indicator of the general student’s attitude to the educational process). The available data concerning students of two years of the department of intelligent decision-making systems of the Donbas State Engineering Academy are given. A method of artificial neural networks with a two-layer perceptron architecture with ten neurons in each hidden layer, a sigmoid activation function, and an error backpropagation algorithm for network training is proposed. Calculations were performed in the Deductor Studio Lite environment, their results were analyzed. It is noted that the proposed approach to forecasting can be applied when working with undergraduate students, to determine the percentage of graduates whose EVI is unlikely to pass, and to intensify work with such graduates to increase this probability.

Keywords: educational and qualification level, the only entrance exam, forecasting, artificial neural network, perceptron, sigmoid, network training.
Dexmedetomidine vs Fentanyl in Attenuating the Sympathetic Surge During Endotracheal Intubation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Schwieger Alexandra , Shrewsbury Kaelee , Shaver Paul
Published: July 2021

Purpose/Background Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation after induction of anesthesia can cause a reflex sympathetic surge of catecholamines caused by airway stimulation. This may cause hypertension, tachycardia, and arrhythmias. This reflex can be detrimental in patients with poor cardiac reserve and can be poorly tolerated and lead to adverse events such as myocardial ischemia. Fentanyl, a potent opioid, with a rapid onset and short duration of action is given during induction to block the sympathetic response. With a rise in the opioid crisis and finding ways to change the practice in medicine to use less opioids, dexmedetomidine, an alpha 2 adrenergic agonist, can decrease the release of norepinephrine, has analgesic properties, and can lower the heart rate. Methods In this scoping review, studies published between 2009 and 2021 that compared fentanyl and dexmedetomidine during general anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation of surgical patients over the age of 18 were included. Full text, peer-reviewed studies in English were included with no limit on country of study. The outcomes included post-operative reviews of decrease in pain medication usage and hemodynamic stability. Studies that were included focused on hemodynamic variables such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and use of opioids post-surgery. Result Of 2,114 results from our search, 10 articles were selected based on multiple eligibility criteria of age greater than 18, patients undergoing endotracheal intubation after induction of general anesthesia, and required either a dose of dexmedetomidine or fentanyl to be given prior to intubation. Dexmedetomidine was shown to effectively attenuate the sympathetic surge during intubation over fentanyl. Dexmedetomidine showed a greater reduction in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure than fentanyl, causing better hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing elective surgery.Implications for Nursing Practice Findings during this scoping review indicate that dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective alternative to fentanyl during induction of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation in attenuating the hemodynamic response. It is also a safe choice for opioid-free anesthesia.
Evaluation of In-Place Asphalt Recycling for Airfield Applications
Authors: Carruth William D.
Published: July 2021

Over the last few decades, in-place recycling of asphalt pavements has seen increased use by the highway industry, primarily to take a dvantage of potential cost and logistical savings compared to conventional reconstruction. More recently, the U.S. Navy and Federal Aviation Administration have allowed recycling to be used on airfields with lighter traffic. This report contains a discussion of in-place recycling design considerations obtained from a literature review of its use in the highway industry. Observations developed from a review of airfield pavement projects that have utilized recycling is also included. A structural analysis was performed using the Pavement-Transportation Computer Assisted Structural Engineering (PCASE) tool to determine typical stiffness values that recycled layers must achieve to support various types of military aircraft traffic for different pavement structures. Overall, in-place recycling is recommended for consideration as a rehabilitati on technique for military airfield pavements, and further investigation is recommended before it is implemented it into design guidance.
The future of vocational higher education: the blended learning approach
Authors: Jeevaruban Jason , Boden Gemma M
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled higher education institutions to implement online learning provisions, however, within vocational education, the primary use of online learning may not satisfactorily allow students to achieve competency in practical skills. The blended learning approach offers an incredible solution to this and produces new opportunities to not just build but innovate towards the future.
The power of a partnership approach: the tripartite relationship between academics, academic skills staff and students
Authors: Gibson Poppy Frances , Morgan Robert , Sinclair Andrew , Hartiss Rachael , Kosek Agnieszka , Clark Ashley
Published: July 2021

This reflection piece shares the innovative approach to an embedded skills model on an accelerated two-year BA programme. At the University of Greenwich annual teaching and learning conference (SHIFT), in 2020, a collaborative team from the degree course presented a case study on this model. This article explores how, through such partnerships, student success can be promoted and student outcomes can shine. Living and teaching through a pandemic has highlighted the importance of staff and student relationships to ensure success.
Assessment strategies and employability in the environmental and engineering sectors
Authors: Bartlett Debbie , Sims Deborah
Published: July 2021

This case study builds on material presented at the HEA Advance STEM conference held in Birmingham, England, in January 2019 which raised the issue of assessment strategies, suggesting that, for example, examinations do little to prepare students for the workplace. The initial research has been developed to provide an analysis of the current assessments in ecology/environmental management and civil engineering and the relevance to the tasks new entrants carry out in their roles as young professionals. We have developed our initial research, carried out in spring/early summer 2019, to explore this in more depth, using a survey to investigate early career professionals’ perceptions of the usefulness of the various types of assessment they experienced at university and to the requirements of their jobs. At the same time, we asked the employers of graduate ecologists/environmental managers and civil engineers how well prepared they feel graduate entrants are for their job roles and whether they are finding it difficult to recruit applicants with the appropriate competency, with respect to both transferable and technical skills.  We argue that greater links and communication between employers and education providers would benefit the employability outcomes for graduates and ease the transition between university and the workplace and we make recommendations for competency-based assessment strategies. This research was supported by the University of Greenwich Learning and Teaching Fund.
The power of peers in GTA development of practice: evaluation of an equal-status teaching observation project
Authors: Dobbins Kerry , Adams Neil F , Bishop Ellen , Ismayilli Mehman , Papadopoulou Martha , Phillips Megan L , Tauchner Nadine , Van Wessem Elizabeth , Watkins Joe
Published: July 2021

Peer observation of teaching is a well-established professional development practice and can occur through a range of different activities (e.g., micro-teaching, lesson study, performance reviews, etc.). There is evidence that these various activities are being increasingly used to support Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). This paper reports the findings of a pilot project that implemented equal-status, interdisciplinary and developmental peer observations. As a collaborative project, it was co-designed and evaluated by eight GTAs and an academic developer. Our observation framework involved GTAs’ undertaking the observee and observer roles and retaining five of six identified dimensions of control. The findings show that the observation experiences encouraged both new and experienced GTAs to take a self-reflective and critical stance to their teaching and disciplinary approaches. This confirms the value of GTAs’ experiencing the observer role and their exposure to other disciplinary environments. The post-observation ‘learning conversations’ provided significant opportunities for GTAs to discuss and reflect on their practice contexts and experiences together. This represents an effective example of peer supported learning, which also reduces the sense of isolation that GTAs often experience.
The body healing phenomenon: learning, teaching and living through a pandemic
Authors: Gibson Poppy Frances , Bale Amber
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions will likely have had an impact on your daily rituals and routines. Reduced opportunities for much needed collaboration and socialisation may have left you feeling lethargic or overwhelmed (Lavie et al., 2021); it is widely recognised that the issues the pandemic has brought will heighten emotional distress as well as increase risk for psychiatric illness (Pfefferbaum and North, 2020). Whether you are an educator, student, or both, there will have been effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on your practice and performance. In this opinion piece, the phenomenon of body healing is discussed, prompting consideration of this ability to help take back control of our own minds, health and general wellbeing.
Water Supply in Protracted Humanitarian Crises: Reflections on the sustainability of service delivery models
Authors: Day St John , Forster Tim , Schweitzer Ryan
Published: July 2021

UNHCR estimates that the average time spent by a refugee in a camp is 10 years, while the average refugee camp remains for 26 years. WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) is a crucial component of humanitarian response and longer-term recovery. Humanitarian agencies and host governments face many challenges in protracted situations and complex long-term humanitarian crises. One key issue is how water supplies should be managed in the long term. Who is best placed to operate and manage WASH services and which delivery model is the most viable? At the end of 2019, there were 15.7 million refugees in protracted situations, representing 77% of all refugees. This report takes stock of the various alternative service delivery models, to enable humanitarian and development agencies to work together to smooth the transition from emergency relief to sustainable services.
Fighting Inequality in the time of COVID-19: The Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index 2020
Authors: Martin Matthew , Lawson Max , Abdo Nabil , Waddock David , Walker Jo
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has swept across a world unprepared to fight it, because countries had failed to choose policies to fight inequality. Only one in six countries assessed for the CRI Index 2020 were spending enough on health, only a third of the global workforce had adequate social protection, and in more than 100 countries at least one in three workers had no labour protection such as sick pay. As a result, many have faced death and destitution, and inequality is increasing dramatically. This third edition of the CRI Index report recommends that all governments adopt strong anti-inequality policies on public services, tax and labour rights, to radically reduce the gap between rich and poor. The international community must support them with Special Drawing Rights, debt relief and global solidarity taxes. See also the CRI Index website at www.inequalityindex.org
Investigating microscale patchiness of motile microbes driven by the interaction of turbulence and gyrotaxis in a 3D simulated convective mixed layer.
Authors: Christensen Alexander , Piggott Matthew , Sebille Erik van , Reeuwijk Maarten van , Pawar Samraat
Published: July 2021

Microbes play a primary role in aquatic ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. Spatial patchiness is a critical factor underlying these activities, influencing biological productivity, nutrient cycling and dynamics across trophic levels. Incorporating spatial dynamics into microbial models is a long-standing challenge, particularly where small-scale turbulence is involved. Here, we combine a fully 3D direct numerical simulation of convective mixed layer turbulence, with an individual-based microbial model to test the key hypothesis that the coupling of gyrotactic motility and turbulence drives intense microscale patchiness. The fluid model simulates turbulent convection caused by heat loss through the fluid surface, for example during the night, during autumnal or winter cooling or during a cold-air outbreak. We find that under such conditions, turbulence-driven patchiness is depth-structured and requires high motility: Near the fluid surface, intense convective turbulence overpowers motility, homogenising motile and non-motile microbes approximately equally. At greater depth, in conditions analogous to a thermocline, highly motile microbes can be over twice as patch-concentrated as non-motile microbes, and can substantially amplify their swimming velocity by efficiently exploiting fast-moving packets of fluid. Our results substantiate the predictions of earlier studies, and demonstrate that turbulence-driven patchiness is not a ubiquitous consequence of motility but rather a delicate balance of motility and turbulent intensity.
Breast Cancer Patients’ Experience and Wishes Regarding Communication on Sexual Health - The BEROSE Study
Authors: Aupomerol Marion , Chaltiel Dan , Pautier Patricia , Wehrer Delphine , Véron Lucie , Degousée Léna , Fasse Leonor , Accolas Laure Guéroult , Meglio Antonio Di , Scotte Florian , De Jesus Anne , Luis Inès Vaz , Delaloge Suzette , Pistilli Barbara
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Although sexual health (SH) is a major concern for many patients with breast cancer (BC), only few of them receive adequate information on this topic throughout their whole care pathway. BEROSE is a single-center pilot cross-sectional observational study, which aimed at evaluating communication on SH between women with BC and their health-care providers.Methods: From June 12th to July 31st, 2020, a survey was distributed to patients consulting at Breast Cancer Unit of Gustave Roussy Cancer Center. The primary endpoint was the rate of women reporting to have received information on SH from health professionals throughout active treatment administration or BC follow-up.Results: Of 348 surveys collected, 318 were fully completed and included in the analysis. Sixty-one percent of women were older than 50 years and 65% had a localized BC. The majority (63%) was receiving hormone-therapy (37%) or chemotherapy (26%). Overall, 65% reported that they had not received any information about SH throughout their care, while 69% felt it would have been important to discuss sexual issues. For 31% of women, professionals, preferably oncologists or gynecologists, should have initiated the discussion on SH, during an in-person consultation. Concerning satisfaction on SH, 83% reported being satisfied or very satisfied before BC diagnosis, and only 30% at the time they completed the survey.Conclusion: Most of women undergoing treatment or follow-up for BC feel that they lack of adequate information regarding sexual issues associated to BC. The impact of BC diagnosis and treatment on SH should be discussed with all women from the first visit and then regularly readdressed.
Air Quality Index: A Case of One-Day Monitoring in 253 Nigerian Urban and Suburban Towns
Authors: Abulude Francis Olawale , Abulude I. A. , Oluwagbayide S. D. , Afolayan S. D. , Ishaku D
Published: July 2021

Government departments use the air quality index (AQI) to inform the public about how unhealthy the air is now or may become in the future. As the AQI increases, so do the health threats. It is a daily air quality index that is used to report on air quality. In addition, a measure of how air pollution impacts one's health over a limited period of time. The AQI was created to assist people in understanding how local air quality affects their health. Therefore the aim of the study was to assess one-day air quality of 253 towns in Nigeria, thereby determining the health threat in these towns. The data was collected from the Tutiempo Network's regular data set by the EPA Environmental Protection Agency. Data on all of the major pollutants (O3, PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO, SO2) was collected and statistical analysis was performed. Kura (Kano State), a town in northern Nigeria, recorded the highest level of 184, while Idiroko, a border town (Nigeria-Benin Republic) in Ogun State, had the least value of 41. Kura was portrayed as unhealthy, while Idiroko was portrayed as healthy, implying that Idiroko air poses little to no danger, while Kura air showed that certain people of the general public, as well as members of sensitive groups, could encounter more severe health effects.
Effect of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) on Cell Differentiation and Abzymes Production in Transgenic EAE-Prone Th Mice with T Cells Response During the Development of Experimental Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Aulova Kseniya , Urusov Andrey , Toporkova Ludmila , Sedykh Sergey , Shevchenko Yuliya , Tereshchenko Valery , Sennikov Sergey , Budde Thomas , Meuth Sven , Orlovskaya Irina , Nevinsky Georgy
Published: July 2021

Background: The mechanisms of multiple sclerosis development are still unknown. It was shown that the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in EAE prone C57BL/6 mice (model mimicking human multiple sclerosis) having B and T lymphocyte responses is associated with modification in the differentiation profiles of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the increase in lymphocyte proliferation. Methods: Only T cell responses characterize other EAE transgenic prone Th mice. Different characteristics of the autoimmune reaction in Th mice were analyzed. During the development of EAE (and inflammation processes), the differentiation profiles of Th mice bone marrow HSCs (BFU-E, CFU-E, CFU-GM, CFU-GEMM, T, and B lymphocytes) were noticeably or significantly different in male and female mice before and after their immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55). Results: The patterns of B and T (including CD4 and CD8 cells) lymphocytes proliferation in several organs (spleen, thymus, bone marrow, blood, and lymph nodes) during spontaneous (completely untreated mice) and MOG-treatment-accelerated development of EAE was also remarkably or significantly different in male and female mice. All these changes in male and female mice, despite some differences, were coupled with the increase in the concentrations of autoantibodies against DNA, myelin basic protein, and MOG, and with the increase in the relative activity of catalytic antibodies hydrolyzing these antigens. Conclusions: A comparison of the changes in a large number of parameters characterizing the development of EAE in Th and C57BL/6 mice was carried out. It was shown that MOG very much accelerates the development of EAE in Th mice with T cell responses. Despite some differences, the general patterns of the developing of spontaneous and MOG-accelerated EAE in Th male and female mice and in C57BL/6 mice are similar to a notable extent.
Static Strength Analysis and Experimental Research of Clinched Joints By Two-strokes Flattening Clinching Method
Authors: Peng Hao , Chen Chao , Ren XiaoQiang , Ran XiangKun , Qin Denglin
Published: July 2021

Clinching technology is widely used to join sheet materials in manufacturing fields, especially in automotive lightweight applications. However, the clinched joints have a weak static strength and high protuberance, which influence the application of the clinching technology. In order to improve the static strength and decrease the protuberance height of clinched joint, a new method to join aluminum alloy sheet materials with two-strokes flattening clinching (TFC) was investigated in this paper. The tension-shear strength, cross-tension strength, energy absorption and failure modes of clinched joint and TFC joint were investigated. Furthermore, the stiffness and the hardening exponent of the joints under different experimental tests were studied. The results indicated that the mechanical behaviors of the joints were optimal when the forming force was 35 kN. The maximum cross-tension and tension-shear strength of TFC joint were increased by 514 N and 1145 N on average compared with the initial clinched joint. The main failure modes of the joints were the neck fracture mode under the tension-shearing and cross-tension test. In addition, the stiffness and hardening exponent explained the variation of the mechanical properties of the joints under different forming forces.
Loss of Neuroligin 4X Induces An Intrinsic Innate Immune Response in TNBC
Authors: Yirsaw Alehegne , Omar Muhammad G , Elhussin Isra A , King Dequarius , Henderson Henry J , Sandhey Maninder , White Jason , Samuel Temesgen , Karanam Balusubramanyam , Yates Clayton , Bedi Deepa
Published: July 2021

Background Immune checkpoint blockade therapies, which act on T cell inhibitory receptors, including CTLA-4 and PD-1, induce durable responses across diverse cancers. However, most patients do not respond to these therapies, and initially responsive cancers may relapse. Identifying molecular mechanisms that influence therapeutic responses and resistance is critical to realize the full therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The presence of immune infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment is associated with positive outcomes in breast cancer, specifically in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The underlying mechanisms driving this response are unclear. We have previously identified Neuroligin 4X (NLGN4X) as a protein expressed in TNBC.Methods Bioinformatic analysis was used for pathway analysis of TCGA TNBC patient dataset. Immunohistochemistry was performed on breast cancer tissue microarray for NLGN4X protein expression. RNA-seq was performed on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells for differential gene expression upon gene knockdown. Cytokine array, western blot, cell adhesion array and Nanostring was performed to determine the role of NLGN4X in TNBC.Results In this study, we report that NLGN4X expression is lost in breast cancer with lymph node metastasis. Its expression negatively correlates with immune markers in vitro, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TNBC patient dataset, and metastatic breast cancer tissues. RNA-seq analysis of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line, silenced for NLGN4X by siRNA showed more than 500 differentially regulated genes. GSEA analysis of these genes revealed upregulation of interferon signaling pathway, cytokine signaling, and downregulation of cholesterol metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. NLGN4X knockdown induced loss of cell adhesion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and MAVS-IRF7 signaling in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, analysis of the TCGA dataset of 104 TNBC patients also showed interferon signaling (IFN) as one of the significant pathways downregulated in TNBC patients expressing NLGN4X.Conclusion Loss of NLGN4X leads to innate immune activation in breast cancer and coincides with an aggressive phenotype of cancer. This study identifies the role of NLGN4X in regulating interferon signaling and immune microenvironment in TNBC.
Potential Use of UAVs in COVID19 Vaccination: A Case Study of Nepal
Authors: Thapa Pawan
Published: July 2021

Background: The infectious diseases vaccine program started in Nepal. Transportation facilities using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will support the COVID 19 vaccine for remote areas where accessibility is unavailable and takes enormous time to reach the primary health centre. Methods: This case study provides one of the possible ways of transporting vaccines using UAVs to the remote areas of Nepal from two approaches; one approach will be by developing a customized prototype of UAVs and deploying it. The next will be studying the research articles on this particular field and implement them in this study. Results: The results show that drones can supply the medical kit to the primary health post to reduce cost, time, and life. It has been practicing that literature review on this related field states UAVs' possible implication in handling pandemics. Conclusion: This alternative can help to vaccine vulnerable groups deprived of health care. One of the significant steps to providing the vaccine for epidemic control in remote areas. It can support government plans to vaccine people incorporation with emerging technologies.
An Efficient Approach for Segmentation and Classification of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia via Optimized Spike-based Network
Authors: Noshad Ali , fallahi saeed
Published: July 2021

Identification of uncontrolled accumulation of abnormal blood cells ( lymphoblasts ) considered to be a challenging task. Despite a wide variety of image processing and deep learning techniques, the task of extracting the features from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) images and detection of ALL cells is still challenging and complex issue due to morphological variations in cells. In order to overcome these drawbacks, in this study, we proposed a new framework with a combination of spiking and residual network for the detection and classification of lymphoblasts cells from healthy ones in blood sample images. According to this, features are extracted using a novel First-Spike-based approach, and then the Gaussian function is applied to remove the low-intensity edges. To reduce dimensionality, Principal Component Analysis ( PCA ) is used and finally, a developed deep residual architecture is employed to diagnose the ALL blood cells from the reconstructed images. To show the effectiveness of the proposed model, it is evaluated on microscopic images of blood samples from ALL Images (ALL- IDB ) and ISBI -2019 C- NMC dataset. The results show the superiority of the model to be an appropriate choice for future biomedical imaging tasks.
Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors on Left Ventricular Remodelling and Longitudinal Strain: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Gamaza-Chulian Sergio , Díaz-Retamino Enrique , González-Testón Fátima , Gaitero José Carlos , Castillo María José , Alfaro Raquel , Rodríguez Elías , González-Caballero Eva , Martín-Santana Antonio
Published: July 2021

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) lower cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, although the mechanisms underlying these benefits are not clearly understood. Our aim was to study the effects of SGLT2i on left ventricular remodelling and longitudinal strain.Methods: Between November 2019 and April 2020, we included 52 patients with T2DM ≥18 years old, with HbA1c between 6.5% and 10.0%, and estimated glomerular filtration ≥45 ml/min/1.73 m2. Patients were classified into SGLT2i group and control group, according to prescribed treatment by their referring physician. Conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography were performed by blinded sonographers, at baseline and after 6 months of treatment.Results: Among the 52 included patients (44% females, mean age 66.8±8.6 years, mean HbA1c was 7.40±0.7%), 30 patients were prescribed SGLT2i and 22 patients were classified as control group. Mean change in indexed left ventricular mass (LVM) was -10.85±3.31 g/m2 (p=0.003) in the SGLT2i group, and +2.34±4.13 g/m2 (p=0.58) in the control group. Absolute value of Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) increased by a mean of 1.29±0.47 (p=0.011) in the SGLT2i group, and 0.40±0.62 (p=0.34) in the control group. We did not find correlations between changes in LVM and GLS, and other variables like change in HbA1c.Conclusions: Among patients with T2DM, SGLT2i were associated with a significant reduction in indexed LVM and a significant increment in longitudinal strain measured by speckle tracking echocardiography, which may explain in part the clinical benefits found in clinical trials.
Change In The Variability In The Western Pacific Pattern During Boreal Winter: Roles of Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies And North Pacific Storm Track Activity
Authors: Aru Hasi , Chen Shangfeng , Chen Wen
Published: July 2021

Using multiple reanalysis datasets, this study reveals that the variability in the Western Pacific pattern (WP) in boreal winter has shown notable changes during recent decades. The variability in the winter WP exhibited a marked weakening trend before the early 2000s and increased slightly thereafter. Two epochs with the highest and lowest WP variabilities are selected for a comparative analysis. Winter WP-related meridional dipole atmospheric anomalies over the North Pacific were stronger and had a broader range during the high-variability epoch than during the low-variability epoch. Correspondingly, the winter WP had larger impacts on surface temperature variations over Eurasia and North America during the high-variability epoch than during the low-variability epoch. We find that the shift in the winter WP variability is closely related to changes in the connection between the winter WP and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and to changes in the amplitude of the North Pacific storm track. Specifically, ENSO had a closer connection with the WP during the high-variability epoch, at which time the amplitude of the North Pacific storm track was also stronger. During the high-variability epoch, the extratropical atmospheric anomalies generated by the tropical ENSO shifted westward and projected more on the WP-related atmospheric anomalies, thus contributing to an increase in WP variability. In addition, the larger amplitude of the North Pacific storm track that occurred during the high-variability epoch led to the stronger feedback of synoptic-scale eddies to the mean flow and contributed to stronger WP variability. Further analysis indicates that the change in the connection of ENSO with the WP may be partly related to the zonal shift of the sea surface temperature anomaly in the tropical Pacific associated with ENSO.
Future Climate Projections in Algeria Using Statistical DownScaling Model
Authors: ABED Salah SAHABI
Published: July 2021

In this study, we perform a statistical downscaling to investigate projected future changes in minimum temperature (T-min), maximum temperature (T-max), and precipitation (PRCP) for the three periods the 2020s (2011–2040), the 2050s (2041–2070), and the 2080s (2071–2100), with respect to the reference period 1981–2010 over Algeria by applying the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM). The NCEP reanalysis data and CanESM2 predictors of three future scenarios, RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 are used for model calibration and future projection, respectively. In order to get realistic results, bias correction was also applied to the climate variables. The evaluation of the SDSM performance indicated that model accuracy for simulating temperatures and precipitation was statistically acceptable. The predicted outcomes exhibit strong warming for both extreme temperatures under the worst-case scenario (RCP 8.5), it is more pronounced for the maximum temperature and over the Sahara region. The results indicate that the highest changes are expected to increase by 3.6 to 5.0°C for the minimum temperature and 5.0 to 8.0°C for the maximum temperature for the strong radiative forcing pathway (RCP8.5) by the end of the century as compared to the reference period. Under the optimistic scenario (RCP2.6), the strength of the warming is projected to increase up to 2.0°C for both extreme temperatures. For the precipitation, the projections indicate for all scenarios a significant decrease in rainfall by approximately 20% over the northwest region and central Sahara, while non-significant change is expected for the center and eastern coastal regions. Conversely, the projections of rainfall under different emission scenarios exhibit an increase (~10–40%) at the central and eastern high plateaus in the north and the extreme west and south of the Sahara. The study reveals several discrepancies among considered stations in the projections of seasonal rainfall under different emission scenarios where most of them exhibit a significant increase of precipitation in summer. Our findings corroborate previous studies by demonstrating that Algeria’s climate will warm further in the future. The results might be beneficial for policymakers for planning strategies and may help to mitigate the risks linked to climate change.
The Impacts of Climate Variability on the Wind Erosion Potentials in the Western Region of Makran Coastal Plain, Iran
Authors: Akbarian Mohammad , Khoorani Asadollah
Published: July 2021

Coastal plains are prone to various degrees of wind erosion due to their characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the effect of climatic factors in the western region of Makran coastal plain in a southeastern region of Iran on the wind erosion potential. The study period was 1993-2018. First, the data related to wind velocities, relative humidity and precipitation, and the granulometric data of plain surface sediments were obtained. Then, the wind erosion threshold velocity in humid air conditions was determined. Finally, the Mann-Kendall test was applied to analyze the probability of wind erosion and its temporal variability. The results indicated that the wind erosion threshold, in terms of humidity changes, varied from 7.21 to 12.31 meters per second during the study period. The highest probability of wind erosion was in February, March, and April, with 24.69%, 21.51%, and 20.41%, respectively. The lowest probability of wind erosion was in October, November, and September with 4.00%, 4.12%, and 6.00%, respectively. Finally, the erosion trend analysis indicated that wind erosion was a temporal phenomenon that increased significantly in January (winter solstice) and July (summer solstice). These months were characterized by an increase in the wind blowing at speed above the threshold. Otherwise, the months were not different from other months of the year in terms of precipitation or the number of dry days. Therefore, wind erosion is expected to maximize in the early winter and the early summer.
Clinical Characteristics of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniaee Infections In A Tertiary Hospital In China
Authors: Cui Zhiwen , Wang Lirui , Chang Wei , Li Minghui , Li Yuexia , Feng Min
Published: July 2021

Background：The infections due to carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP) have become an important problem. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of CR-KP.Methods: A retrospective cohort study has been made on all patients presenting with CR-KP infections. 615 patients with CR-KP humor infections diagnosed were identified. 135 patients who did not meet the requirements were excluded. Clinical characteristics, antimicrobial regimens, and outcomes of patients have been analyzed.Results: The CR-KP infections overall mortality was 37.3%, and bloodstream infections mortality was 66.2%. Survival analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences between bloodstream infection and pulmonary and drainage fluid infection. Logistics regression analysis showed that hemopathy, age (>60 years), solid tumors, diabetes, septic shock, acute kidney injury and stroke were independent predictors associated with the 30-day mortality. Multivariate linear regression was performed in APACHE II score, SOFA score, lymphocyte absolute value (LYM) and survival time. Survival time was negatively correlated with APACHE II score and SOFA score, while positively correlated with LYM. Finally, we investigated different antimicrobial regimens for CR-KP infections. Chi-square test showed that antimicrobial regimen combined carbapenems, tigecycline with polymyxin B was superior the one combined carbapenems with polymyxin B. Ceftazidime avibactam-based antimicrobial regimens also had no advantage over other therapeutic regimens.Conclusions: Our study confirmed there is a high mortality rate in CR-KP infections, especially in the bloodstream infections. The outcome is greatly influenced by the patients’ clinical conditions. Antimicrobial regimen combined carbapenems, tigecycline with polymyxin B might be a better choice.
Low Birthweight and its Associated Factors During the Era of COVID 19 at Assosa General Hospital, Western Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Jimma Melkamu Senbeta , GebreEyesus Fisha Alebel , Chanie Ermias , Belay Demek Mesfin , Bekele Habtamu , Bayih Wubet Alebachew , Mekonen Demewoz Kefale
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is birth weight less than 2.5 kg regardless of gestational age. The prevalence of low birth weight in developing countries is 16.5%. And it will help policy makers, health system planners, health care managers, and clinicians to perform evidence-based work and also help to contribute its own role to the achievement of World Health Organization goals by 2025. This study aims to assess low birth weight and its associated factors during the era of COVID 19 at Assosa General Hospital.Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 01, 2020 to February 01, 2021 at Assosa General Hospital. A total of 335 samples were selected. Allocation was performed using the systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through interview and chart reviewing. It’s checked for completeness and consistency. Then entered into Epi-Info and analyzed by using SPSS software version 22. First, descriptive analysis was carried out then, bivariate analysis was used to identify variables with p value of less than 0.25. Variables with p value < 0.25 were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis was used and confounding effect was controlled. Finally, those variables with p-value < 0.05 were identified as significant determinants of LBW.Result: The response rate of this research was 100%. Based on this study, the prevalence of LBW was 11%. Variables like no antenatal care [(AOR = 9; 95% CI 1.2 –66)], fear of COVID19 is reason for Missed ANC follow up [(AOR = 9; 95% CI 1.2 –66)] and type of pregnancy [(AOR = 6.35; 95% CI 1.7 – 23)] were identified as significant factors for this study.Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of LBW in the era of COVID 19 was 11%. The associated factors of low birth weight are no antenatal care visit (ANC) during pregnancy and pregnancy type. So, concerned bodies were recommended to do more and more on ANC follow-up.
Large-Scale Intrinsic Functional Brain Organization Emerges from Three Canonical Spatiotemporal Patterns
Authors: Bolt Taylor , Nomi Jason , Bzdok Danilo , Chang Catie , Yeo B.T. , Uddin Lucina , Keilholz Shella
Published: July 2021

The past decade of functional neuroimaging research has seen the application of increasingly sophisticated advanced methods to characterize intrinsic functional brain organization. Accompanying these techniques are a patchwork of empirical findings highlighting novel properties of intrinsic functional brain organization. To date, there has been little attempt to understand whether there is an underlying unity across this patchwork of empirical findings. Our study conducted a systematic survey of popular analytic techniques and their output on a large sample of resting-state fMRI data. We found that the apparent complexity of intrinsic functional brain organization can be seamlessly reduced to three fundamental low-frequency spatiotemporal patterns. Our study demonstrates that a long list of previously observed phenomena, including functional connectivity gradients, the task-positive/task-negative pattern, the global signal, time-lag propagation patterns, the quasiperiodic pattern and the network structure of the functional connectome are simply manifestations of these three spatiotemporal patterns. An in-depth characterization of these three spatiotemporal patterns using a novel time-varying complex pattern analysis revealed that these three patterns may arise from a single hemodynamic mechanism.
A Simple and Novel Noninvasive Method of Estimating Markedly Elevated Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in Patients with Pre-capillary Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Zhai Ya-Nan , Li Ai-Li , Tao Xin-Cao , Xie Wan-Mu , Gao Qian , Zhang Yu , Chen Ai-Hong , Lei Jie-Ping , Liu Min , Zhai Zhen-Guo , Zheng Jin-Gang
Published: July 2021

Background: Several echocardiographic methods to estimate pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have been proposed. So far, most studies have focused on relatively low PVR. We aimed to clarify the clinical usefulness of our new echocardiographic index of evaluating markedly elevated PVR in pre-capillary PH patients. Methods: We studied 129 consecutive patients with pre-capillary PH. We estimated the mean pulmonary artery pressure using echocardiography (mPAPEcho) and measured LV internal diameter at end diastole (LVIDd). The ratio of mPAPEcho / LVIDd was then correlated with invasive PVR. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cutoff value for the index was generated to identify patients with PVR > 15 Wood units (WU). Results: mPAPEcho / LVIDd correlated well with PVR (r = 0.70, P < 0.0001). There was a better correlation between PVR and mPAPEcho / LVIDd in patients with PVR > 15 WU compared with TRV2 /TVIRVOT and sPAPEcho / LVIDd. A cut-off value of 1.14 had an 80.0% sensitivity and 74.7% specificity to determine PVR > 15 WU (AUC=0.840, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The index of mPAPEcho / LVIDd could be a valuable noninvasive and simple method of estimating markedly elevated PVR in pre-capillary PH patients.