bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ILLUSTRATING THE PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS TOWARDS AUTONOMOUS SERVICE ROBOTS IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: Wakelin-Theron Nicola
Published: July 2021

Research purpose – The purpose of the study was to explore the students’ perceptions towards autonomous service robots, using interviews and, in a novel manner, also their drawings, to generate data. The paper contributes to current knowledge claims around the Techno-Economic Paradigm by providing a greater understanding of, and student response to, autonomous service robots. Additional insights were gained on transformational skills set for tourism practitioners. Design/Methodology/Approach – A qualitative approach followed a participatory research design which was set in a public higher education institution. Undergraduate tourism and hospitality students who had previous exposure and engagement with robots were the purposive sample. The paper draws on the Techno-Economic Paradigm to illuminate how, according to students’ experiences and perceptions, autonomous robots interact in, and disrupt, the tourism industry. Findings – Four main drawings essentially expressed tourism and hospitality students’ perceptions of autonomous service robots in the tourism industry. Centrally there are opportunities for the absorption of robots in certain sectors of the tourism industry. Despite greater use of robots in service-driven industries like tourism, it remains challenging to establish the right balance between humans and robots, and up- and re-skilling transformation would be required of those working in the tourism industry and those studying towards a tourism qualification. This study advances that additional research is still required, including longitudinal studies on the effects of autonomous services in the tourism industry, as well as students’ perception on the use of robots, re-skilling as well as ethical risks to customers, the greater value to the economy and those working in the tourism industry. Originality of the research – The article contributes to the use of visual methodology as part of data generation, specifically how students’ perceptions regarding autonomous robots in the tourism industry were graphically distilled using this methodology.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: A review of recent records from Western Australia and Australian external territories
Authors: Singor Marcus
Published: July 2021

All Australian records of the Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo are summarised. Before 2016, the only Australian records of the Eurasian Hobby were on external territories to the north-west of the mainland. Each year between 2016 and 2021 a single Eurasian Hobby was observed as an austral summer visitor to the Swan Coastal Plain in south-western Western Australia. These sightings involved an adult in 2016, 2019 and 2020, and single immature birds in 2017–2018. The age of the Hobby seen in 2020–2021 was undetermined. As it appears that multiple individuals have been recorded across years, it is likely that the species is now more than just an accidental vagrant to Australia.
Effects of Soil Fertilization on the Allocation of Net Primary Productivity in Tropical Rainforests of Chocó, Colombia
Authors: Quinto-Mosquera Harley , Valois-Cuesta Hamleth , Moreno-Hurtado Flavio
Published: July 2021

Tropical rainforests have the highest rates of net primary productivity (NPP) of the world. Hypotheses about the effect of edaphic nutrient contents, especially the availability of P, propose that they limit NPP of tropical forests or promote the redistribution of its above and belowground components. However, these hypotheses have not been tested experimentally in highly rainy tropical forests. To test such hypotheses, the effects of soil fertilization on the above and belowground NPP were evaluated in forests of two localities of Chocó (Colombia), one of the rainiest regions of the world. Five fertilization treatments (N, P, K, NPK and Control) were applied, and the above and belowground NPP were determined in permanent plots. There were no significant effects of treatments on total NPP; only the application of N significantly increased litter NPP. Additionally, a redistribution of the above and belowground NPP was found with the application of P, which increased the proportion of fine roots and litter, and decreased the woody components of forest NPP. This change of carbon allocation is interpreted as an ecophysiological mechanism to capture additional nutrients in soils with very low content of available P.
Interferon alpha-2b in comprehensive treatment of patients with COVID-19
Authors:   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russian Federation, Mordyk A.V. , Ivanova O.G. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russian Federation, Samsonov K.Yu. ,   Omsk State Medical University, Omsk, Russian Federation, Sitnikova S.V. ,   Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary No 4, Omsk, Russian Federation, Zenkova L.A. ,   City Clinical Hospital No 11, Omsk, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of human recombinant interferon alpha-2b (VIFERON®) as a part of comprehensive treatment for coronavirus infection COVID-19. Patients and methods. This prospective, comparative, controlled study included 140 patients with COVID-19 randomized in two groups. The experimental group (EG) included 70 patients who received standard therapy plus VIFERON® (one rectal suppository 3,000,000 IU three times a day and gel 36,000 IU/g 5 times a day applied to the nasal mucosa and palatine tonsils for 14 days); the control group (CG) comprised 70 patients who received standard therapy alone. Results. Patients in the EG demonstrated more rapid resolution of main symptoms, such as intoxication, bronchopulmonary and catarrhal manifestations. Normalization of the total score in the EG was observed 7 days earlier than in the CG. In the EG, the proportions of patients who had their D-dimer and CRP levels normalized were 42.7% and 18.7% higher than those in the CG, respectively (р < 0.05). Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated that the proportion of patients with positive dynamics in the EG was 8.1% higher than that among controls, whereas advanced disease with 51%–75% of lung tissue affected was 11.9% less common in participants from the EG than in controls (р = 0.019). We observed no adverse events associated with interferon alpha-2b (VIFERON®) or other medicines included in the treatment scheme. Conclusion. Our findings suggest high efficacy and safety of recombinant interferon alpha-2b (VIFERON®) used in combination with symptomatic agents, antibiotics, anticoagulants, which allows us to recommend this drug for inclusion into standard treatment schemes for COVID-19. Key words: COVID-19, coronavirus infection, human recombinant interferon alpha-2b
Cytokine production and clinical and laboratory aspects of EBV-associated acute infectious mononucleosis in children
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khakizimana J.-C. , Timchenko V.N. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Novikova V.P. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Gurina O.P. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Chernova T.M. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Blinov A.E. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Varlamova O.N. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Bulina O.V. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Shakmaeva M.A. ,   Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

Objective. To analyze clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as the dynamics of cytokine production in children of different ages with acute infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV mononucleosis). Patients and methods. We examined two groups of patients: group I included 20 children aged 1 to 7 years, whereas group II included 29 children aged 8 to 17 years. All study participants were tested in the acute phase of the disease and in early convalescence. We evaluated serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-α (IFN-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (standard Vektor-Best kits, Russia). Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 for Windows and IBM SPSS statistics; we applied the methods of non-parametric statistics. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results. The majority of children had fever, intoxication, acute tonsillitis, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Laboratory makers, such as lymphocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were more pronounced in children from group II. In both groups, the level of cytokines in the acute period of the disease was higher than the discriminatory one. In early convalescence, patients from group I demonstrated more significant reduction in the cytokine level than patients from group II (р < 0.05). In children over 7 years of age, the levels of IL-10 and TNF-α positively correlated with the disease duration (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) Conclusion. The level of cytokine production in acute EBV mononucleosis depends on patients’ age. Concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-α can serve as markers reflecting the severity of EBV mononucleosis and can be used for disease prognosis. Key words: EBV mononucleosis, children, cytokines, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-α
Clinical, epidemiological and etiological features of severe acute respiratory infections in hospitalized patients
Authors:   Ekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, “State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Smirnova S.S. ,   Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Lelenkova E.V. ,   Ekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, “State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Markaryan A.Yu. ,   Ekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, “State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Vyalykh I.V. ,   Ekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, “State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation, Alimov A.V. ,   Ekaterinburg Research Institute of Viral Infections, “State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Published: July 2021

Objective. To study the clinical, epidemiological and etiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in in-patients in Ekaterinburg during the epidemic season 2017–2018. Patients and methods. 403 individual medical records were studied. Etiological decoding was carried out by isolating RNA or DNA of respiratory viruses from nasopharyngeal swabs by polymerase chain reaction. Results. SARI in hospitalized patients were caused by both influenza viruses (В Yamagata – 25.2% and А(H1N1)pdm09 – 11.0%) and viruses of non-influenza etiology (respiratory syncytial virus (RS-virus) – 13.3%, rhinovirus – 12.9%, metapneumovirus – 11.0%). It was found that viruses were more often secreted in children than in adults; among children of the younger age group (0–2 years old) viruses of non-influenza etiology were detected significantly more often, and in children 7–14 years old, influenza viruses were more often isolated. Patients with upper respiratory tract infections were significantly more likely to have influenza viruses (78.9%) than patients with lower respiratory tract infections (21.1%). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the importance of hospital surveillance for SARI from the point of view of the etiological diagnosis of respiratory infections, the study of epidemiology and typical clinical manifestations for the timely diagnosis and development of additional preventive and anti-epidemic measures. Key words: hospital surveillance, influenza, PCR diagnostics, respiratory infections, epidemiology, etiology
Uncommon Bilateral Absence of Long Heads of the Biceps Tendons in Twin Sisters
Authors: Kwapisz Adam , Xu Mark , Koenig James , MacDonald Peter , McRae Sheila , Marsh Jonathan
Published: July 2021

We present 2 cases, 45-year-old identical twin sisters, with bilateral congenital absence of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT); 1 twin was symptomatic, while the other was not. Variations of the intra-articular portion of this tendon are widely reported, but there are few reports of cases with absent LHBT. These cases may be of particular interest to radiologists and surgeons because they demonstrate that absent biceps when congenital in nature may not always coincide with symptoms.
Fusobacterial Pelvic Osteomyelitis with Brodie's Abscess in a 10-Year-Old Boy Requiring Surgical Evacuation
Authors: Kokkonen Miina , Syvänen Johanna , Raitio Arimatias , Ivaska Lauri , Peltola Ville , Helenius Ilkka
Published: July 2021

Case:

A 10-year-old boy presented with pain in the lateral hip and buttock area and fever. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the pelvis with extensive Brodie's abscess (2.6 × 4.5 × 10.0 cm) continuing into the pelvic cavity. Surgical evacuation through the ilioinguinal approach was performed. In prolonged culture and in polymerase chain reaction of pus, the Fusobacterium nucleatum was found.

Conclusion:

Pelvic osteomyelitis caused by Fusobacterium is very rare. In this case, surgical treatment was required after conservative treatment with antibiotics was ineffective.
Early-Onset Spinal Deformity in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Marrache Majd , Suresh Krishna V. , Miller Daniel J. , Hwang Steven , Schorry Elizabeth K. , Rios Jonathan J. , Sponseller Paul D.
Published: July 2021

» Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) or kyphosis is common in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) and is characterized by rapid progression of deformity.

» Traditional growing rods provide good functional and deformity outcomes in patients with NF and EOS; magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) also provide good deformity correction, although high rates of revision have been reported after their use.

» Among patients with NF type 1 (NF1), morphologic characteristics of the spinal deformity are different in those with paraspinal neurofibromas than in those without paraspinal tumors.

» Patients with NF1 are at low risk for developing malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors during childhood (<1%) and their lifetime (8% to 12%), and routine imaging surveillance for malignancy in the absence of symptoms should be clinically directed.

» Further investigation is needed to standardize screening for EOS in children with NF1 and to develop guidelines for ideal imaging modalities, including their frequency and a timeline.
Design of All-Optical Directional Coupler Using Plasmonic MIM Waveguide For Switching Applications
Authors: Nanda Rupalin , Rath Ramakrushna , Swarnakar Sandip , Kumar Santosh
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we have proposed, analyzed, and verified theperformance of an optimized plasmonic 10-dB directional coupler and a 3-dB directional coupler in 2-D plasmonic waveguides using finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method. A plasmonic 10-dB directional coupler and a 3-dB directional coupler are based on the metal-insulator-metal (MIM) slab waveguide and analyzed at the telecommunication wavelength (λ) of 1550 nm. Here, coupling and transmission characteristics are analyzed with the optimized separation distance between the two parallel waveguides. The developed approach ensures the minimization of the crosstalk and overall directional coupler length via simultaneous adjustment of the separation distance between the parallel waveguide and length of the linear waveguide. Then an optimized structure is acquired by trading off between coupling length and separation distance. The proposed 10-dB directional coupler and 3-dB directional coupler features good energy confinement, ultra-compact and low propagation loss, which has potential applications in photonic integrated devices, optical signal processors, and other all-optical switching devices.
Red Deer and Simulation Annealing Optimization Algorithm-based Energy Efficient Clustering Protocol for Improved lifetime expectancy in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)
Authors: Govardanagiri Rajeswarappa , S Vasundra
Published: July 2021

Energy stability is considered as the core challenge of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) as it is the main factor that contributes towards improved network lifetime expectancy. Clustering with maximized energy efficiency is determined to be the well documented NP hard optimization solution that has the possibility of resulting in prolonged network lifetime. Diversified number of computational approaches that includes nature inspired metaheuristic algorithms, reinforcement schemes and evolutionary algorithms were used for attaining efficient clustering process in WSNs. In this paper, Red Deer and Simulation Annealing Optimization Algorithm-based Energy Efficient Clustering Protocol (RDSAOA-EECP) is proposed for improving lifetime expectancy and energy stability in WSNs. This clustering protocol is proposed with the global optimization capability of the red deer optimization algorithm and local optimization potential of simulation annealing. In specific, RDA is used for diversification and Simulated Annealing (SA) for intensification in order to establish balance between them during the clustering process in order to sustain energy stability. This RDSAOA-EECP protocol is proposed with SA as the search tool that prevents the phases of fighting and roaring phases of RDA involved in the intensification process. Moreover, this clustering protocol inherits the potentialities of the proposed metaheuristic properties in order to achieve optimal cluster heads together with the optimal base station location for the objective of enhancing energy efficiency. The simulation results of the proposed RDSAOA-EECP protocol guaranteed its potentiality over the baseline clustering approaches in improving network lifetime, throughput, packet deliver rate with minimized network latency and energy consumptions independent to the homogeneous and heterogeneous sensor network setup considered for implementation.
Spatial Dynamic Analysis of A Mangrove Patch Based On Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: A Case Study In Pear Bay In Guangxi, China
Authors: Lin Xin , Li Chungan , Zhou Mei , Liang Wenhai , Li Biao
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the short-term spatial variability of an mangrove patch, located in the Pearl Bay in Guangxi, China. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery covering the period from March 2015 to October 2017 were used and the following models were developed: two annual ultra-high resolution spatial resolution digital orthophoto maps (DOMs), two digital elevation models (DEMs), two digital surface models (DSMs), two canopy height models (CHMs), and a canopy height difference model (d-CHM). Using these models, the spatial dynamics of the extent and canopy height of the patch were analyzed. The resolution of the DOMs was 0.1 m, with an average geometrical error of 0.17 m and a maximum error of 0.44 m. The resolutions of DEMs, DSMs, CHMs, d-CHM were all 1 m. The average elevation errors of CHM in 2015 and 2017 were 0.002 m and -0.001 m, respectively, with maximum absolute errors of 0.034 m and 0.030 m, respectively. The average elevation error of d-CHM was -0.003 m and the maximum absolute error was 0.036 m, and the data quality were rated as good. From 2015 to 2017, the area of the mangrove patch increased from 8.16 ha to 8.79 ha, with an average annual increase of 3.7%. Specifically, the areas of expansion, shrinkage, and maximum seaward expansion were 6356 m2, 19 m2, and 24 m, respectively. The driving factor for the variability was natural processes. Stand canopy height exhibited a particular trend of decrease from northwest to southeast (horizontal; parallel to the seawall) and from the land to the sea (vertically; perpendicular to the seawall). From 2015 to 2017, 88.2% of the patch area showed increased canopy height, with an average increase of 0.78 m and a maximum increase of 3.2 m. In contrast, 11.8% of the patch area showed decreased canopy height with a maximum decrease of 3.1 m. The main reason for the decrease in canopy height was the death of trees caused by serious insect plagues. On the other hand, the reason for the increase in height could be attributed to the natural growth of mangrove trees, but further studies are required to verify the cause. UAV remote sensing has an incomparable advantage over traditional methods in that it provides extremely detailed and highly accurate information for in-depth study of the spatial evolution of mangrove patches, which would significantly contribute towards the protection and management of mangroves.
Human-nature connectedness as a pathway to sustainability: a global meta-analysis
Authors: Barragan-Jason Gladys , de Mazancourt Claire , Parmesan Camille , Singer Michael , Loreau Michel
Published: July 2021

Internationally-agreed sustainability goals are being missed. Here, we show how the extent to which humans see themselves as part of nature –known as human-nature connectedness (HNC) –can be used as a leverage point for reaching sustainability. We conduct the first global meta-analysis of the HNC literature. Meta-analysis of 147 correlational studies documents that individuals with high HNC had more pro-nature behaviours and were significantly healthier than those with low HNC. Meta-analysis of 59 experimental studies documents no effect of environmental education on HNC while HNC significantly increased after manipulations involving contact with nature and mindfulness practices. Thus, HNC is positively linked to mindsets that value sustainability and behaviours that enhance it. Further, we show that HNC can be enhanced by interventions and we identify techniques most likely to succeed. These results suggest that enhancing HNC, via promotion of targeted practices, can improve sustainability and should be integrated into conservation policy.
The Role of Prior Assumptions for Leak Localisation in Water Networks with Uncertainties
Authors: Blocher Caroline , Pecci Filippo , Stoianov Ivan
Published: July 2021

Hydraulic model-based leak (burst) localisation in water networks is a challenging problem due to uncertainties, the limited number of hydraulic measurements, and the wide range of leak properties. In this study, we investigate the use of prior assumptions to improve the leak localisation in the presence of model uncertainties. For example, 𝓁2-regularisation relies on the assumption that the Euclidean norm of the leak coefficient vector should be minimised. This approach is compared with a method based on the sensitivity matrix, which assumes the existence of only a single leak. We show that while applying the sensitivity matrix often yields a better estimate of the leak location in single leak scenarios, the 𝓁2-regularisation successfully identifies a leak search area for pinpointing the accurate leak location. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the additional error introduced by a quadratic approximation of the Hazen-Williams formula for the solution of the localisation problem is negligible given the uncertainties in Hazen-Williams resistance coefficients in operational water network models.
Estimation and Inference for the Mediation Effect in a Time-Varying Mediation Model
Authors: Cai Xizhen , Coffman Donna , Piper Megan , Li Runze
Published: July 2021

Background: Traditional mediation analysis typically examines the relations among an intervention, a time-invariant mediator, and a time-invariant outcome variable. Although there may be a total effect of the intervention on the outcome, there is a need to understand the process by which the intervention affects the outcome (i.e. the indirect effect through the mediator). This indirect effect is frequently assumed to be time-invariant. With improvements in data collection technology, it is possible to obtain repeated assessments over time resulting in intensive longitudinal data. This calls for an extension of traditional mediation analysis to incorporate time-varying variables as well as time-varying effects. Methods: We focus on estimation and inference for the time-varying mediation model, which allows mediation effects to vary as a function of time. We propose a two-step approach to estimate the time-varying mediation effect. Moreover, we use a simulation-based approach to derive the corresponding point-wise conffidence band for making inference of the time-varying mediation effect. Results: Simulation studies show that the proposed procedures perform well when comparing the conffidence band and the true underlying model. We further apply the proposed model and the statistical inference procedure to real-world data collected from a smoking cessation study. Conclusions: We present a practical model for estimating the time-varying mediation effects to allow time-varying outcome as well as time-varying mediator. Simulation-based inference tool is also proposed and implemented an R package on CRAN.
Transcriptomics and Transmission Ultrastructural Examination Reveals the Nephrotoxicity of Cadmium in Laying Hens
Authors: Zhao Man , He Wenbo , Tao Can , Zhang Beiyu , Wang Shuai , Sun Zhangjian , Xiong Zhifeng , Zhang Niya
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to reveal the effects of cadmium (Cd) on ultrastructural changes, oxidative stress, and transcriptome expression in the kidneys of laying hens. Seventy-two healthy Hy-Line brown laying hens at 41 weeks old were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with six replicates. The control group received a basal diet without additional Cd incorporation, and the other three treatment groups received diets supplemented with 15, 30, or 60 mg Cd /kg of feed. After 6 weeks of exposure the results show that administration of 60 mg/kg Cd significantly reduced (P < 0.05) eggshell thickness. With an increase in the Cd concentration in feed, the concentrations of renal Zn, Fe also had changed. Renal histopathology and ultrastructure also showed aggravated damage to glomeruli and renal tubules, and the deformation of nuclei and mitochondria in all Cd treatment groups. With an increase in Cd in feed, the activity of GPX and CAT was significantly reduced (P＜0.05), while the activity of T-AOC was decreased (P＜0.05) only in the 60 mg/kg Cd group. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 410 genes displayed differential expression (≥ 1.5-fold) in the 60 mg/kg supplementation group, compared to the control group. GO and KEGG pathway analysis results showed that Cd affected many genes involved in mitochondria and ion transport. In conclusion, this study elaborates the mechanisms underlying renal toxicity caused by Cd, which might provide target candidate genes for alleviating Cd poisoning in laying hens.
The Mechanism And Effects of National Smart City Pilots In China On Environmental Pollution: Empirical Evidence Based On A DID Model
Authors: Xu Guoxiang , Yang Zhijiu
Published: July 2021

The policy of the national smart city (NSC) pilots, a new type of urbanization for future development, has been implemented in China in batches. This paper investigates the mechanism and effects of the NSC pilots on the environment. Using the prefecture-level panel data during 2004-2018 period, our dynamic difference-in-differences (DID) estimation shows that the NSC pilots causally mitigate air (water) pollution by 21.5% (23.3%). The mediating effect model indicates that the allocation efficiency and technological innovation play a partial mediating role in the impacting mechanism. After introducing the two mediating channels into the dynamic DID model, the reduction effect for air (water) pollution drops to 15.5% (17.3%). Comparatively, improving allocation efficiency instead of technological innovation takes the major mediating role in reducing air pollution, while water pollution the opposite. The result of city heterogeneity shows that cities with high human capital and fiscal support contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution. This study also provides some related policy suggestions by analyzing the initial mechanism and city heterogeneity of the NSC pilots.
Assessment of the Effects of Four Plant Species Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine Against Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Jiménez René Solano , Hoyos Sofia Esperanza Garrido , Villasana Ana María Sandoval , Villareal Maria Luisa , Ibarra José Roberto Villagómez
Published: July 2021

Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the main harmful bloom-forming cyanobacteria species worldwide. Plant extracts are considered an appropriate practice to obtain effective, economical and sustainable algaecides. For the first time, the effects of Argemone mexicana, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Larrea tridentata and Tradescantia zebrina on the growth of M. aeruginosa in solid and liquid media were investigated by measuring cell density, Chl-a concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), proteins and nucleotides. Total polyphenol content was quantified to reveal the nature of inhibition. The results in solid medium showed that the methanolic extract of L. tridentata had the greatest effect, showing an inhibition zone of 28.67±0.58 mm. In liquid medium, the methanolic extract of L. tridentata again showed the greatest effects on the cell density of M. aeruginosa (93.80%, p<0.0001), followed by B. spectabilis (87.66%, p<0.0001) and A. mexicana with (87.11%, p<0.001), with EC50 = 13.63, 20.27 and 24.47 mg/L, respectively. L. tridentata also showed a decrease of Chl-a of 91.51% (P<0.0001), MDA increased 6.42 times, and proteins and nucleotides 2.09 and 2.12 times in relation to the control, respectively. L. tridentata showed the highest total polyphenol content, 363.51 mgGAEq/gDE. These results indicate that the decrease in photosynthetic capacity and lipid peroxidation are the most probable mechanisms of action of this species against M. aeruginosa.
Evaluation of The Antiproliferative Effect of Iso-Mukaadial Acetate on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Raphela-Choma Portia , Simelane Mthokozisi , Choene Mpho
Published: July 2021

Background Natural compounds derived from various medicinal plants may activate several physiological pathways which can be valuable to diseases such as cancer. Isomukaadial acetate has previously been shown to possess antimalarial and anti-diabetic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of isomukaadial acetate on breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. Method Cell viability assays were conducted using AlamarBlue assay and xCELLigence system. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined and analyzed by flow cytometer. Effector caspase (3/7) activation was evaluated by caspase Glo®-3/7 reagent and gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results The Alamar blue assay and xCELLigence showed that Iso-mukaadial acetate exhibited anti-proliferative effects on MDA-MB 231, RMG-1, and HEK 293 cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner. Iso-mukaadial acetate induced apoptosis in both cancer cell lines caused cell cycle arrest at the S phase (RMG-1) and early G2 phase (MDA-MB 231) and expressed caspase 3/7 activity in MDA-MB 231 and RMG-1 cells. BAX and p21 were upregulated in MDA-MB 231 and RMG-1 cells after treatment. Conclusion IMA significantly inhibited cancer growth and induced cell apoptosis with cell cycle modulation. IMA may be considered a promising candidate for the development of anticancer drugs either for its cytotoxic or cytostatic effect Furthermore, IMA requires to be further studied more to clearly understand its mechanism of action on cancer cells.
The Use of the Principal Component Analysis for the Prediction of Superlattices Hard Perovskites and Inverse Perovskites
Authors: Abdeldjalil Boubchir Mohamed , Boubchir Rachid , Aourag Hafid
Published: July 2021

We present in this work an approach to predict which compounds among perovskites and inverse perovskites with the potential for achieving high hardness and fracture toughness for applications as a thermal barrier coating (TBC). We employ a throughout multivariate technique based on the principal component analysis (PCA). Among the 129 tested perovskites and inverse perovskites, only ~ 10 compounds may exhibit an interesting potential as thermal barrier coating. These results may serve as a map for the design of perovskite-related new multilayer ultra-hard coating materials.
Genetic diversity in L1 gene of human papillomavirus variants in individuals with cervical cancer with and without human immunodeficiency virus in Botswana and Kenya
Authors: Tawe Leabaneng , Choga Wonderful T. , Paganotti Giacomo M. , Bareng Ontlametse T. , Ntereke Tlhalefo D. , Ramatlho Pleasure , Ditshwanelo Doreen , Gaseitsiwe Simani , Kasvosve Ishmael , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Orang’o Omenge E. , Robertson Erle , Zetola Nicola , Moyo Sikhulile , Grover Surbhi , Ermel Aaron C.
Published: July 2021

Background

The variation of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes shapes the risks of cervical cancer and these variations are not well defined in Africa. Nucleotide changes within the L1 gene, nucleotide variability, and phylogeny were explored in relation to HIV in samples from Botswana and Kenya.
Methods

A total of 98 HPV-positive cervical samples were sequenced to identify different HPV variants. Phylogenetic inferences were used to determine HPV genotypes and investigate the clustering of sequences between women living with HIV (WLWHIV) and -women not living with HIV (WNLWHIV).
Results

Out of 98 generated sequences, 83.7% (82/98) participants had high-risk(HR) HPV genotypes while 16.3% (16/98) had low-risk (LR) HPV genotypes. Among participants with HR-HPV genotypes, 47.6% (39/82) were coinfected with HIV. The prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes was statistically higher in the Botswana population compared to Kenya (p-value < 0.001). Multiple amino acid mutations were identified in both countries. Genetic diversity differed considerably among WLWHIV and WNLWHIV. The mean pairwise distances between HPV-16 between HIV and HIV/HPV as well as for HPV-18 were statistically significant. Six (6) new deleterious mutations were identified in the HPV genotypes based on the sequencing of the L1 region, HPV-16 (L441P, S343P), HPV-18 (S424P), HPV-45 (Q366H, Y365F), and HPV-84 (F458L). The majority of the patients with these mutations were co-infected with HIV.
Conclusions

Genomic diversity and different genomic variants of HPV sequences were demonstrated. Candidate novel mutations within the L1 gene were identified in both countries which can be further investigated using functional assays.
Valuable Characteristic of Patlak Parametric Imaging Based on Total-Body Dynamic PET Imaging: Higher Contrast For Tumor Lesions With Respect To Hypermetabolic Tissues
Authors: Chen Zixiang , Duan Yanhua , Li Chenwei , Wang Ying , Yang Yongfeng , Liu Xin , Liang Dong , Zheng Hairong , Cheng Zhaoping , Hu Zhanli
Published: July 2021

Purpose To demonstrate the characteristics of high-contrast tumor lesions on total-body dynamic positron emission tomography (dPET) parametric images qualitatively and quantitatively. Method We reported the results of Patlak parametric images based on total-body dPET images of four patients with different types of tumor lesions. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the target tumor lesions were calculated with respect to hypermetabolic tissues, including the liver and ventricles, both on static PET and parametric images. Results Visual comparisons between the last frame of total-body dPET images and the generated parametric images illustrated the higher contrast of tumor lesions relative to other tissues in the patients. Visualization of the tumor lesions was reserved, while that of the livers and ventricles was diminished. The parametric images resulted in higher CNR values for the tumor lesions with respect to livers and ventricles compared to those given by dynamic PET images. The results were consistent in all the cases analyzed in this study. Conclusion Patlak parametric imaging provides the valuable characteristic of higher contrast for tumor lesions than hypermetabolic tissues, which helps in the clinical detection and diagnosis of tumor tissues.
Protective Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Cadmium-Induced Liver Toxicity: A Histopathological and Biochemistry Study
Authors: Deveci Haci Ahmet , NUR Gokhan , KUKURT Abdulsamed , KURU Mushap , DEVECI Ayla
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Future Climate Projection and Zoning of Extreme Temperature Indices
Authors: Zadeh Mohammad Askari , Mozaffari Gholamali , Kouhi Mansoureh , Khosravi Younes
Published: July 2021

Global warming due to increasing carbon dioxide emissions over the past two centuries has had numerous climatic consequences. The change in the behavior and characteristics of extreme weather events such as temperature and precipitation is one of the consequences that have been of interest to researchers worldwide. In this study, the trend of 3 extreme indices of temperature: SU35, TR20, and DTR over two future periods have been studied using downscaled output of 3 GCMs in Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. The results show that the range of temperature diurnal variation (DTR) at three stations of Mashhad, Torbat-e-Heydarieh and Sabzevar during the base period has been reduced significantly. The trend of the number of summer days with temperatures above 35°C (SU35) in both Mashhad and Sabzevar stations was positive and no significant trend was found at Torbat-e-Heydarieh station. The number of tropical nights index (TR20) also showed a positive and significant increase in the three stations under study. The results showed highly significant changes in temperature extremes. The percentage of changes in SU35 index related to base period (1961–2014) for all three models (CNCM3, HadCM3 and NCCCSM) under A1B and A2 scenarios indicated a significant increase for the future periods of 2011–2030 and 2046–2065. TR20 is also expected to increase significantly during the two future periods. The percentage of changes of DTR into the future is negligible.
Control of Spectral Shift of Plasmon Resonance of Ag-PVP Nanocomposite By Varying The PVP Shell Thickness In Core-Shell Structure
Authors: Sao Dilip , Kuiri Probodh Kumar , Nath Rajib
Published: July 2021

Metal-polymer nanocomposite materials have interesting physical,
chemical, and optical properties which were highly utilized in electronic, optical,and biomedical applications. Here, we have experimentally and theoretically studied the crucial role of polymer Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectra of silver (Ag) nanoparticles
(NPs). In this work, we have synthesized PVP stabilized Ag NPs in
Ethelene Glycol (EG) medium and observed a large blueshift (20 nm)of
LSPR peak and tunable plasmonic properties of PVP coated Ag NPs by only varying the concentration of PVP. A reduction of Ag NP size from 13 nm
to 5 nm with the increase in PVP concentration from 0.125 mM to 3 mM
is seen. We found that the observed large blueshift of the LSPR bands with
the varying in PVP concentration is not just due to the reduced Ag NP size
but due to the combined effect of thickness of the PVP shell and radius of the Ag NP core. The polymer PVP used in the synthesis process of Ag NPs plays role of a surface modifier and forms a protective shell/layer surrounding the (core) particle. This is supported by the theoretical optical absorption data obtained from a modified effective medium theory. To accommodate such a large blueshift of the LSPR bands we have considered the Ag-PVP core-shell structure. The LSPR peak shift in the core-shell nanostructure is well accommodated
by varying the effective shell thickness of PVP while taking the core size of Ag NPs as measured experimentally for each case. This clearly indicates
that the observed large blueshift of SPR band of Ag NPs cannot be justified by considering the decrease in Ag NP size alone. It is also confirmed that the shell thickness of PVP plays a crucial role in explaining the blueshift of the SPR band of Ag NPs. This study can help to understand the optical response especially plasmonic properties of other metal NPs coated with organic polymers.
Role of Pulmonary Surfactant in Gas Exchange Mechanism and Providing Protection against Progression of any Respiratory Viral Disease like SARS-CoV-2 and Need to focus it as First Point of Medication for all Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Phadke Makarand
Published: July 2021

During inhalation oxygen molecules are drawn towards type I cells. The partial pressure difference and solubility factor act as a Drive for this movement of oxygen molecules.It is well known that the pulmonary surfactant plays an important role in gas exchange. The surfactant is thin mono-layer. The top surface of surfactant with SP-B and C proteins faces alveolar air and is hydrophobic in nature and acts as a surface tension reducer, whereas lower surface with SP-A and D proteins is hydrophilic and is adsorbed on mucosal layer. This lower surface of surfactant acts as an anti invader, pathogen barrier. However there is a small missing link in explaining its exact mechanism or role in justifying these properties during normal conditions and during ‘viral ligand’ attack.Similarly a unique physical property of SP- C component is listed in research papers; however its application is not researched anywhere. SP-C has a dielectric constant of 2 to 3 and plays a very critical role in drastically reducing progression of any respiratory viral disease including SARS-CoV-2. This hypothesis targets to explain both micro mechanisms with the help of basic laws of physics, and fluid mechanics. The figures/sketches, drawn also depict the physics involved and not much of a physiology or genetic codes etc. Two examples, in the industry, are briefly listed in the last paragraphs to draw some parallel with above mechanisms.Vaccination is a proven method for containment of respiratory viral disease, if not its cure. But if focus is also given on health of pulmonary surfactant with respect to pathogenesis of any respiratory viral disease, probable loss of lot many lives can be avoided and vaccine development and vaccination management related issues can be less panicky.
Towards Communication UAV-Based: Improving Throughput By Optimum Trajectory And Power Allocation
Authors: Nasrollahi Sedighe , Mirrezaei Seyed Masoud
Published: July 2021

It is predicted that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in communication systems will be more extensive in future generations of wireless telecommunication networks, due to their facilitating advantages. In this paper, a UAV-based wireless communication system is considered in which a UAV is employed as a relay to connect two ground users. These two disconnected users make a communication pair. Our aim is to maximize the minimum achievable information rate for the communication link between the transmitter and receiver, by cooperatively optimizing UAV trajectory and transmitter and source power allocation. Motivated by the above, we formulate the optimization problem. The solving process is complicated because of the non-convexity of the formulated problem. To overcome this difficulty, we convert the main problem to some sub-problems by fixing some constraints and solve them with iterative algorithms such as successive convex optimization and reach the solution for the main problem. Simulation results show the capability of the proposed algorithm.
The Comparison of Diagnostic Criteria in Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Onder Esra Nagehan Akyol , Özcan Kudret Ebru , Sahin Feride Iffet , Gulleroglu Kaan Savas , Baskin Esra
Published: July 2021

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized with recurrent attacks of fever and serositis. The diagnosis is made according to clinical findings and supported by genetic analysis. The most used adult diagnostic criteria are the Tel-Hashomer criteria. The pediatric criteria for the FMF diagnosis of children were described in 2009, but their efficacy should be supported with further reports. In this study, we planned to compare the pediatric criteria and the Tel-Hashomer criteria in our FMF patients. We also aimed to evaluate the importance of the 2019 Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria in this patient group. A total of 113 patients diagnosed with FMF were included in our study. Demographic features and laboratory findings were retrospectively recorded from the patients’ files. The patients were evaluated with the Tel-Hashomer, pediatric and Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria. At least two of five new pediatric criteria were as sensitive (88.6%) and specific (84.62%) as the Tel-Hashomer criteria (sensitivity 69.9%, specificity 95.7%). We also evaluated the Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria in our patients and found its sensitivity 93.8% and specificity 90.6%. Conclusion: Using pediatric criteria in the diagnosis of FMF in children is a feasible and simple method that can diagnose the disease based on at least two criteria. Therefore, our study supports the use of pediatric criteria in the diagnosis of FMF in children. Our results also confirm that the Eurofever/PRINTO classification criteria can be successfully used in the diagnosis of FMF due to their high sensitivity (93.8%) and specificity (90.6%).
Downregulation of Circulating miR-23a-3p, miR-101-3p And miR-let-7c In Women With Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Tutunfroush Mina , Ghorbian Saeid , Mohseni Jafar , Danaii Shahla
Published: July 2021

Recently, circulating microRNAs have attracted much attention because they can serve as reliable non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for pregnancy-related complications. So, this study aimed to quantify miR-23a-3p, miR-101-3p and miR-let-7c expression levels in plasma of patients with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL) and healthy subjects and to evaluate their potential diagnostic value in iRPL patients. A total of 120 plasma samples were obtained from sixty women with a history of at least two consecutive iRPL and sixty healthy women without a history of miscarriage to evaluate the expression levels of the circulating miR-23a-3p, miR-101-3p and miR-let-7c by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique. The correlation between studied miRNAs and clinicopathological parameters was also assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of miR-23a-3p, miR-101-3p and miR-let-7c in iRPL. Our results showed that the miR-23a-3p expression level in plasma of iRPL patients was lower than those in healthy controls but without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.113). The expression levels of miR-101-3p and miR-let-7c were significantly downregulated in iRPL patients compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.05). The expression levels of miR-23a-3p and miR-let-7c was negatively correlated with number of abortions in iRPL patients. We observed statistically significant positive correlation between miR-23a-3p and miR-101-3p (r = 0.478, P = 0.001), miR-23a-3p and miR-let-7c (r = 0.561, P = 0.0001), miR-101-3p and miR-let-7c (r = 0.533, P = 0.0001) in patients with iRPL. The current study provides evidence indicating that downregulation of miR-23a-3p, miR-101-3p and miR-let-7c may be associated with iRPL.