bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cross-Industry Universal Laws of Exponential Booking Curves
Authors: Shintani Masaru , Umeno Ken
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the e-commerce market has grown with the spread of the internet worldwide every year. Accordingly, in service industries, purchasing products with reservations has become common. With the spread of online reservations, the booking curve, which is the concept of the time series in the cumulative number of reservations and has been used for sales optimization in the airline ticket and hotel industries, has been used in various industries. Booking curves in specific industries have been studied, but a universally applicable model across various industries has not been developed. In this study, we show that booking curves can be modeled universally by the exponential decay function, and we also show that the model is valid by using real data from some industries before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, that is, under completely different market conditions. The cross-industry exponential laws of booking curves constitute an important discovery in regard to mathematical laws in the social sciences and can be applied to give leading microeconomic indicators.
Multiplexed Complementary Signal Transmission for a Self-Regulating Artificial Nervous System
Authors: Choi Young Jin , Roe Dong Gue , Choi Yoon Young , Kim Seongchan , Jo Sae Byeok , Lee Hwa Sung , Kim Do Hwan , Cho Jeong Ho
Published: October 2021

Neuromorphic engineering has emerged as a promising research field that can enable efficient and sophisticated signal transmission by mimicking the biological nervous system. This paper presents an artificial nervous system capable of facile self-regulation via multiplexed complementary signals. Based on the tunable nature of the Schottky barrier of a complementary signal integration circuit, a pair of complementary signals was successfully integrated to realize efficient signal transmission. As a proof of concept, a feedback-based blood glucose level control system was constructed by incorporating a glucose/insulin sensor, a complementary signal integration circuit, an artificial synapse, and an artificial neuron circuit. Certain amounts of glucose and insulin in the initial state were detected by each sensor and reflected as positive and negative amplitudes of the multiplexed presynaptic pulses, respectively. Subsequently, the pulses were converted to postsynaptic current, which triggered the injection of glucose or insulin in a way that confined the glucose level to a desirable range. The proposed artificial nervous system demonstrates the notable potential of practical advances in complementary control engineering.
A Regime Shift in the Interhemispheric Teleconnection between the Yellow and East China Seas and The Southeastern Tropical Pacific in The Southern Hemisphere during The Boreal Summer
Authors: Kim Yong Sun , Kwon Minho , Chung Eui-Seok , Yeh Sang-Wook , Jeong Jin-Yong , Jang Chan Joo
Published: October 2021

Through statistical estimations on reconstructed datasets for the period 1982−2020 after removing a long-term trend, we observed that there was a drastic regime shift in the early summer’s connection between the YECS and the tropical Pacific in the early 2000s. The summer YECS SSTs had seemed to be modulated by local oceanic and atmospheric processes along with their marginal coupling to the tropical Pacific during the pre-2003 period before the regime shift. In contrast, an interhemispheric YECS−tropical southeastern Pacific (SEP) coupling appeared after the regime shift. This teleconnection was at least partially attributed to a reduced El Niño signature in the tropical Pacific, which favors the emergence of the South Pacific meridional mode (SPMM) independently from ENSO signals. Precipitation anomalies in the western tropical Pacific act as an atmospheric bridge to mediate the air-sea interacted variability associated with the SPMM into the North Pacific. The susceptibility of the YECS to atmospheric forcing may highlight the role of SST over the YECS as a potential indicator of basin-scale climate changes.
Impact of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography with Automated Feeder Detection Software on the Survival Outcome of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma During Chemoembolization
Authors: Bannangkoon Kitttipitch , Hongsakul Keerati , Tubtawee Teeravut
Published: October 2021

Background

Inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is treated by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We compared patient survival outcomes between CBCT-TACE with automated tumor-feeder detection (AFD) software and DSA-TACE alone in inoperable HCC patients.
Methods

We reviewed the data of 337 HCC patients treated by CBCT-TACE or DSA-TACE between January 2015 and December 2019. Treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complications between the CBCT-TACE and DSA-TACE groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined the potential prognostic factors affecting survival after chemoembolization.
Results

Tumor response rates in complete response, partial response, and stable disease at 1 month were 67%, 28%, and 4% in the CBCT-TACE group and 22%, 48%, and 9% in the DSA-TACE group, respectively. OS rates of patients in the CBCT-TACE vs DSA-TACE groups were 87% vs. 54%, 44% vs. 15%, and 34% vs. 7% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The CBCT-TACE group had significantly improved PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that CBCT with AFD software was an independent factor associated with longer OS (hazard ratio, 0.38; p < 0.001).
Conclusions

Compared with conventional DSA, combining selective TACE with CBCT and AFD software leads to better tumor response and prolongs OS in patients with inoperable HCC.
miR166h Directed Cleavage of Target Upon PGPR Inoculation Under Drought Stress and Tissue-Specific Expression Analysis Under Abiotic Stresses in Chickpea.
Authors: Yadav Ankita , Kumar Sanoj , Verma Rita , Rai Shashi Pandey , Lata Charu , Sanyal Indraneel
Published: October 2021

Legumes are an indispensable food after cereals with extensive production across the world. The legume production is imposed with limitations and has been augmented by various environmental stresses. The symbiotic relations between legumes and rhizobacteria have been an intriguing topic of research in view of their roles in plant growth, development and various stress responses. Recent advances on gene networks involving plethora of evolutionarily conserved miRNAs have been investigated pertaining to their roles in plant stress responses. The interaction between plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strain Pseudomonas putida RA, MTCC5279 and abiotic stress responsive miRNAs have previously been studied with roles in abiotic stress mitigation by modulating stress responsive miRNAs and their target genes. The present studyis an investigation involving the role of RA in abiotic stress responsive miR166h for drought mitigation in tolerant desi chickpea genotype. miRNA166 directed cleavage of its target, ATHB15 has been drifted of drought treated plantlets upon RA inoculation using 5´RLM-RACE analysis. Drought stressed chickpea plants when inoculated with growth promoting rhizobacteria, RA, the inverse correlation in expression patterns were noticed in miR166h and its validated target, ATHB15. Tissue-specific expression patterns in 15 days old chickpea seedlings including leaves, shoot and roots when exposed to salinity, drought and abscisic acid at different time points indicated the role of miR166 in different abiotic stress response. In view of the results, validation and functional characterization of such interactions involving stress responsive miRNAs along with microbial stress management techniques could be an important technique for crop improvement.
An Exploration of Midwives’ Experiences of Reducing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality From Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) in Rural Communities in Eastern Nigeria.
Authors: Kalu Felicity Agwu , Chukwurah Joan Nkechi
Published: October 2021

Background

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the major complications of childbirth which results in maternal morbidity and mortality especially in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Midwives play a vital role in preventing and managing PPH in Nigerian rural communities. The aim of this study is to understand the experiences of midwives in rural maternity care settings in order to provide appropriate support and improve practice.
Methods

An exploratory qualitative study of a purposive sample of 15 practicing midwives was carried out using semi-structured interviews from November 2018 to February 2019. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis.
Results

Four themes were identified; intervention for preventing PPH, approaches to managing PPH, challenges of preventing and managing PPH, and ways of supporting midwives to overcome the challenges of preventing and managing PPH in rural health care settings. Midwives employed various strategies, such as antenatal education, diagnosis, and treatment of anaemia to prevent PPH. Their understanding of the condition as a life-threatening condition enabled the midwives to provide holistic and effective management that sometimes involved multidisciplinary team approach. However, inadequate resources and delay in seeking health care services militate against their efforts. The midwives also identified the need for continuing education and training as means of enhancing their standard of care.
Conclusion

These midwives in Nigerian rural health care setting engage in preventive practices and active management of PPH though not without barriers, such as inadequate resources. There is need for the midwives in rural areas to have cultural competence, be provided with adequate resources and participate in ongoing education to be more effective.
Decoding Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Properties of Cinnamon and Cardamom Essential Oils: A Combined Molecular Docking and Experimental Study
Authors: Pourkhosravani Elahe , nayeri fatemeh dehghan , Bazargani Mitra Mohammadi
Published: October 2021

This study sets out to compare the antibacterial and antibiofilm profiles of Ci/Ca EOs alone and in combination together against infectious bacterial strains. MIC assay was carried out to survey the effectiveness of prepared EOs by two-fold serial dilution method and MTT evaluation. Synergic antibacterial properties of EOs against target strains were studied by using checkerboard titration method. Biofilm growth and development were evaluated using CV and XTT reduction assays. Antibacterial activity was observed for EOs against both bacterial strains with stronger activity for CiEO against both bacteria. The synergistic antibacterial effect was observed only against B. subtilis. Based on the FIC index, combinations could not inhibit the growth of E. coli. The pure EOs and their combination inhibited cell attachment for both studied bacteria with stronger effect on E. coli. CV and XTT reduction assays results showed that Ci EO and its combination with CaEO had the highest antibiofilm activity at lowest MIC value 0.08% and 0.04/0.02% against biofilm formed by E. coli and B. subtilis respectively, indicating a high antibiofilm potential. Computational docking analyses also postulated that the active constituents of evaluated EOs have the potential to interact with different bacterial targets, suggested binding mode of action of EOs metabolites. By and large, synergistic anti-biofilm properties of EOs may provide further options for developing novel formula to inhibit a variety of infectious clinical and industrial strains without (or less) toxicity effects on human body.
Monitoring Alpha-Synuclein – Tau Interactions In Vitro and In Vivo Using Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation
Authors: Torres-Garcia Laura , Domingues Joana M.P. , Brandi Edoardo , Haikal Caroline , Brás Inês C. , Gerhardt Ellen , Li Wen , Svanbergsson Alexander , Outeiro Tiago F. , Gouras Gunnar K. , Li Jia-Yi
Published: October 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are characterized by pathological accumulation and aggregation of different amyloidogenic proteins, α-synuclein (aSyn) in PD, and amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau in AD. Strikingly, few PD and AD patients’ brains exhibit pure pathology with most cases presenting mixed types of protein deposits in the brain. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) is a technique based on the complementation of two halves of a fluorescent protein, which allows direct visualization of protein-protein interactions. In the present study, we assessed the ability of aSyn and Tau to interact with each other. For in vitro evaluation, HEK293 and human neuroblastoma cells were used, while in vivo studies were performed by AAV6 injection in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of mice and rats. We observed that the co-expression of aSyn and Tau led to the emergence of fluorescence, reflecting the interaction of the proteins in cell lines, as well as in mouse and rat SNpc. Thus, our data indicates that aSyn and Tau are able to interact with each other in a biologically relevant context, and that the BiFC assay is an effective tool for studying aSyn-Tau interactions in vitro and in different rodent models in vivo.
Cooperative Cathodes for Enhanced Hexavalent Chromium Reduction and Electricity Generation in Bioelectrochemical Reactor with Simultaneous Sludge Degradation
Authors: Yu Hang , Zhao Qingliang , Cao Yuhui , Sun Tiantian , Liang Zhuyuan , Liu Weifeng , Zhu Yimin
Published: October 2021

In a typical microbial electrochemical system (MES) with dual-chamber for Cr(VI) reduction, it was faced with the decline of Cr(VI) reduction efficiency after several cycles of operation, which limited the continuous and effective Cr(VI) reduction of MES. In this study, a novel bioelectrochemical reactor assembled with cooperative cathodes of chemical cathode and bio-cathode (BERCC) and with excess sludge as anodic substrate was designed to solve the problem. Comparative study of BERCC and BER with dual chemical cathodes (BERDC) revealed that BERCC broke through the limitation of Cr(VI) reduction decline for cycles of operation and improved performance of electricity generation. Both the Cr(VI) reduction rate and the power density were increased with the decrease of pH and the increase of TCOD and initial Cr(VI) concentration. Cooperative cathodes stimulated the growth of electrochemically active microorganisms in the anodic biofilm and produced 8.21±0.64 mg Coulomb/(L·h) more electrons than dual chemical cathodes, which enhanced the electrons for electricity generation and Cr(VI) reduction by about 58.3% and 56.1±5.6% in BERCC than those in BERDC.
Caveolae respond to acute oxidative stress through membrane lipid peroxidation, cytosolic release of CAVIN1, and downstream regulation of NRF2
Authors: Wu Yeping , Lim Ye-Wheen , Stroud David , Martel Nick , Hall Thomas , Lo Harriet , Ferguson Charles , Ryan Michael , McMahon Kerrie-Ann , Parton Robert
Published: October 2021

Caveolae have been linked to many biological functions, but their precise roles are unclear. Using quantitative whole cell proteomics of genome-edited cells, we show that the oxidative stress response is the major pathway dysregulated in cells lacking the key caveola structural protein, CAVIN1. CAVIN1 deletion compromised sensitivity to oxidative stress in cultured cells and in animals. Wound-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were suppressed in Cavin1-null zebrafish, negatively affecting regeneration. Oxidative stress triggered lipid peroxidation (LPO) and induced caveolar disassembly. The resulting release of CAVIN1 from caveolae allowed direct interaction between CAVIN1 and NRF2, a key regulator of the antioxidant response, facilitating NRF2 degradation. CAVIN1-null cells with impaired negative regulation of NRF2 showed resistance to LPO-induced ferroptosis. Thus, caveolae, via LPO and CAVIN1 release, maintain cellular susceptibility to oxidative stress-induced cell death demonstrating a crucial role for this enigmatic organelle in cellular homeostasis and wound response.
A Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Signature Predicts Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment for Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhiyang , Xie Zhongcheng , Zhi Chenxi , Lin Xiaoyan , Ma Wentao , Tan Xiaoqian , Li Pin , Ouyang Siyu , Yu Jiang , Chen Xi , Peng Tianhong , Li Liang , Xie Wei
Published: October 2021

Background: Ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (FerLncRNAs) were developed to play a significant role in cancer treatment and prognosis. However, the relationship between FerLncRNAs and Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) remains unclear.Method: Based on ferroptosis-related differentially expressed lncRNAs in LUSC, we established a prognostic 8-lncRNA signature.Results: 8 Ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (LUCAT1, AL161431.1, AL122125.1, AC104248.1, AC016924.1, MIR3945HG, C10orf55 and AP006545.2) had prognostic value for LUSC by multivariate COX analysis (P<0.05), and possessed significant association with patient outcomes. Kaplan–Meier curves showed an obvious difference in OS that the high-risk group patients exhibited poorer survival than the low-risk group patients. The clinical receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed that the ferroptosis-related lncRNAs prognostic signature can (FerRLSig) emerged more outstanding performance than clinical features in predicting the prognosis of LUSC. GSEA revealed that the majority of the novel Ferroptosis-related lncRNAs signature-regulated immune responses and the immune system processes were enriched in the high-risk group. 34 immune checkpoints (ICs) were detected significantly different expression between high-risk and low-risk groups.Conclusion: A novel FerRLSig based on 8 Ferroptosis-related lncRNAs provided important prognostic value for LUSC patients and developed new insights about ferroptosis-related immunotherapy targets in clinic.
Inhibition of ATR prevents macropinocytosis driven retraction of neurites and opposes invasion in GBM
Authors: Birch Joanna , Strathdee karen , Stevenson Katrina , Derby Sarah , Dutton Louise , Clough Emily , Koessinger Anna , Gilmour Lesley , McGhee Ewan , McGarrity-Cottrell Connor , Dibekeme Aurelie anderlinden , Collis Spencer , Rominiyi Ola , Soares Leandro Lembruber , Solecki Gergely , Winkler Frank , Carlin Leo , Inman Gareth , Chalmers Anthony , Norman Jim , Carruthers Ross
Published: October 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumour and remains incurable despite decades of research. GBM are characterised by highly infiltrative growth patterns that contribute to the profound cognitive and neurological symptoms experienced by patients, and to inevitable recurrence following treatment. Novel treatments that reduce infiltration of the healthy brain have potential to ameliorate clinical symptoms and improve survival. Here, we report a novel role of the Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad 3 related kinase (ATR) in supporting the invasive properties of GBM cells through the regulation of macropinocytosis-driven internalisation of integrin adhesion receptors. We demonstrate that inhibition of ATR opposes GBM migration in vitro, and correspondingly reduces infiltrative behaviour in orthotopic mouse models. These results indicate that ATR inhibition, in addition to its use as a radiosensitiser, may be effective in reducing GBM infiltration and its associated symptoms.
Promoting Cultural Change Towards Dementia Friendly Communities: A Multi-level Intervention in Japan
Authors: Tsuda Shuji , Inagaki Hiroki , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Sugiyama Mika , Ogawa Madoka , Miyamae Fumiko , Edahiro Ayako , Ura Chiaki , Sakuma Naoko , Awata Shuichi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundEffective strategies to develop dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are needed in aging societies. We aimed to propose a strategy to develop DFCs from a Japanese perspective and to evaluate an intervention program that adopted the strategy.MethodsThis study implemented a multi-level intervention that emphasized nurturing community social capital in a large apartment complex in the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2017. We offered an inclusive café that was open for extended hours as a place to socialize and a center for activities that included monthly public lectures. Individual consultation on daily life issues was also available for free at the café. Postal surveys were sent out to all older residents aged 70 years and older in 2016 and 2019. With a one-group pre-test and post-test design, we assessed changes in the proportion of older residents who had social interaction with friends and those who were confident about living in the community, even if they were living with dementia.ResultsTotals of 2,633 and 2,696 residents completed the pre and post-intervention surveys, respectively. The mean age of the pre-intervention respondents was 77.4 years; 45.7% lived alone and 7.7% reported living with impaired cognitive function. The proportion of men who had regular social interaction and were confident about living in their community with dementia increased significantly from 38.8–44.5% (p=0.008) and from 34.1–38.3% (p=0.045), respectively. Similar significant increases were observed in the subgroup of men living with impaired cognitive function, but not in the same subgroup for women.ConclusionsThe intervention benefitted male residents who were less likely to be involved in the community’s web of social networks at baseline. A strategy to create DFCs that emphasizes nurturing community social capital can form a foundation for DFCs.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered in the University hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trial Registry (registry number: UMIN000038193, date of registration: Oct 3, 2019).
Preoperative Differentiation of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasm Subtypes on CT-Based Radiomics: SCN, MCN And IPMN
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Zhang Yifan , Wu Jin , Tang Shengnan , He Jian
Published: October 2021

Background:The serous cystic neoplasm (SCN), mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) comprise the large proportion of pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN). The appropriate clinical management of MCN and IPMN isextremely essential to improve the 5-years survival rate for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. However, the differential diagnosis of patients with PCN before the treatment is still a tough challenge for all surgeons. Therefore, a reliable diagnosis tool is urgently required to be established for the improvement of precision diagnostics.Method:Between February 2016 and December 2020, 143 consecutive patients with PCN who were confirmed by postoperative pathology were retrospectively included in the study cohort, randomized into development and test cohort at the ratio of 7:3. The predictors of preoperative clinical-radiologic paraments were evaluated by the use of univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 1218 radiomics features were computationally extracted from the enhanced computed tomography (CT) of tumor region and a radiomics signature was established by the random forest algorithm. In the development cohort, the multi-class and binary-class radiomics models integrating preoperative variables and radiomics features were constructed to distinguish between the three types of PCN. The independent internal test cohort was applied to validate the classification models.Result:All preoperative prediction models were built by integrating the radiomics signature with thirteen diagnosis-related radiomics features and three important clinical-radiologic parameters of age, sex and tumor diameter. The multi-class prediction model presented an overall accuracy of 0.804 in the development cohort and 0.707 in the test cohort. The binary-class prediction models displayed the higher overall accuracy of 0.853, 0.866, 0.928 in the development dataset and 0.750, 0.839, 0.889 in the test dataset. In the test cohort, the binary-class radiomics models showed better predictive performances (AUC = 0.914, 0.863 ,0.926) than the multi-class radiomics model (AUC = 0.850), with a large net benefit in the decisive curve analysis. The radiomics-based nomogram provided the correct predicted probability for the diagnosis of PCN.Conclusion: The proposed radiomics models with clinical-radiologic parameters and radiomics features helped predict the accurate diagnosis among SCN, MCN, and IPMN to advance personalized medicine.
The Ultra-low Frequency and Broad Band Gaps Characteristics of Multilayer Composite Cylindrical Three-dimensional pentamode metamaterials
Authors: Cai Chengxin , Wang Xue , Wang Qifu , Li Mingxing , He Guangchen , Wang Zhaohong , Yao Qin
Published: October 2021

For three-dimensional pentamode metamaterials, it is of great significance to realize underwater ultra-low frequency acoustic wave control. Therefore, two types multilayer composite cylindrical three-dimensional pentamode metamaterials with ultra-low frequency and broad band gaps are proposed in this paper. By using pentamode metamaterials with lattice constants on the order of centimeters, the phononic band gaps below 60 Hz and the single-mode area below 30Hz can be obtained. Compared with asymmetrical double-cone locally resonant pentamode metamaterials, the lower edge frequency, relative bandwidth and figure of merit of the first phononic band gap can be reduced by up to 61.4%, 10.3% and 40.6%, respectively. It will provide reference and guidance for the engineering application of pentamode metamaterials in controlling the ultra-low frequency broadband acoustic waves, vibration and noise reduction.
Mandatory CME Grand Rounds Evaluations: More Data, Less Information
Authors: Wecksell Matthew , Salik Irim
Published: October 2021

Background: For several years, learners have been required to evaluate a continuing medical education (CME) session prior to receiving a certificate of participation from an accredited provider. The mandatory nature of these evaluations has led to a high number of evaluations that offer information of questionable utility. Results: We obtained time stamped evaluation data from our CME services vendor, and compared the times that sessions were evaluated to the start and completion times of those CME sessions. While almost all attendees completed evaluations, 8% did so prior to the start of the session and half did so prior to its completion. Conclusions: Making evaluations mandatory has had the effect of lowering the quality of the data thus obtained. In an age that has been described as the “graying of grand rounds,” there are more effective strategies to enhance educational value and learner satisfaction.
Multimodal Optimization with the Local Optimum Ranking 2 Algorithm
Authors: Duarte Francisco Daniel Filip
Published: October 2021

In optimization tasks, it is interesting to achieve a set of efficient solutions instead of one single output, in the case the best solution is not suitable. Many niching methods offer a diversified response, yet some important problems are common: (1) The most interesting solutions of each local optimum are not identified. Thus, the output is the overall population of solutions, which increases the work of the designer in verifying which solution is the most interesting. (2) Existing niching algorithms tend to distribute the solutions on the most promising regions, over-populating some local optima and sub-populating others, what leads to a poor optimization.To solve these challenges, a novel niching method is presented, named local optimum ranking 2. This sorting methodology favors the exploration of a defined number of local optima, and ranks each local population by objective value within each local optimum. Thus, is performed a multi-focus exploration, with an equalized number of solutions on each local optimum, while identifying which solutions are the local apices. Experimental results demonstrate the local optimum ranking 2 provides superior performance than other popular niching methods, for the selected test functions and global optimization algorithms. Also, its versatility is demonstrated in the several ways it can be combined with some of the most well-known methods.In a second experiment, the LOR2 algorithm is applied in the design optimization of a metallic cantilever beam. It is exemplified how the LOR2 algorithm can achieve a set of efficient and diverse design configurations, identifying which are the apices of each local optimum. Thus, the LOR2 facilitates multimodal optimization tasks, while offering both performance and diversity for design challenges.In addition, a third experiment describes how the algorithm can be applied to segment the domain of any function, with any type of input distribution or number of coordinates, into a mesh of similar sized or custom sized elements. Thus, it can segment a response surface named Kriging, significantly simplifying it and reducing computation time.
“Oral Health-related Quality of Life and Periodontal Status in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross Sectional Study”
Authors: Tabesh Adel , Narimany Reyhane , Abtahi Maryam , Fakheran Omid
Published: October 2021

Background: Oral health-related quality of life includes the effect of factors such as oral health and oral function on people’s lifestyles. Chronic kidney disease is caused by the deterioration of kidney structures, decreasing their function. CKD causes some oral problems, and these problems could affect people’s quality of life. This study was conducted to determine OHRQoL and periodontal health status in CKD patients. Methods: One hundred and four CKD patients participated in the study. Their OHRQoL was assessed by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), and their periodontal status was assessed by the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). The stage of the disease was measured by BUN and creatinine. We used t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation tests for statistical analyses. Results: The most frequent CKD stage was 5. The average total score of OHIP-14 in these patients was 14.82 (±4.86). The most frequent CPITN score was 2 (calculus). CPITN had a direct relationship with the total score of OHRQOL (P=0.004) and its physical domains (P<0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between periodontal status and OHRQoL in CKD patients. The quality of life in this group of patients might be improved by providing their periodontal treatment needs.
An Adaptive Iterative Symbol Clipping Scheme For OFDM-Based Visible Light Communication
Authors: Jia Kejun , Qin Cuicui , Yang Boran , Cao Minghua , Li Suoping
Published: October 2021

In this paper, an adaptive iterative symbol clipping scheme for OFDM-based visible light communication systems is proposed. This scheme can avoid the disadvantages of the conventional iterative signal clipping (ISC) scheme that produces all-zero symbols due to the fixed iterative clipping times, and also avoids the information transmission rate degradation due to an adaptive symbol decomposition with serial transmission (ASDST) scheme using serial transmission. In the proposal, optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM) symbols are decomposed into multiple O-OFDM symbols that are in the linear range of the LEDs after adaptive iterative clipping according to the signal amplitude and clipping threshold, thereafter simultaneously transmitted through multiple LEDs. When the number of LEDs is large enough, clipping distortion can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated. In addition, the all-zero symbols existing in the ISC scheme can be completely eliminated. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can not only improve the BER performance and the optical power efficiency, but also reduce the clipping times compared with the traditional ISC scheme. Besides,our proposed scheme could achieve higher information transmission rate compared with the ASDST scheme.
Mix-generation optimization for electricity market simulation
Authors: Bâra Adela
Published: October 2021

Owning several types of generating units requires an optimized schedule to cover the negotiated bilateral contracts. This approach will lead to a better electricity market strategy and benefits for an electricity producer. In this paper, we will simulate the operation of five different generators including generators based on Renewable Energy Sources (such as wind turbines and photovoltaic panels) that belong to an electricity producer. The five generators are modelled considering the specificity of their type and primary energy source. For instance, for renewable energy sources, we will consider the 24-hour generation forecast. The objective function of the optimization process is to obtain an optimal loading of generators, while the constraints are related to the capacity and performance of the generators. The output consisting in a generating unit optimized operation schedule will be further used for day-ahead or balancing market bidding process. Hence, the producer will be able to adequately bid on the future electricity markets knowing the commitment of generators for negotiated bilateral contracts market. The simulations are tested for more than five generators considering the connection to a relational database where more data for generators is stored.
Multi-level access using searchable symmetric encryption with applicability for earth sciences
Authors: Mihailescu Marius Iulian
Published: October 2021

Accessing the files remotely offers a rentable solution for file storage. If the files are sensitive these should be encrypted before they will be outsourced for assuring confidentiality. These being said, the searching process becomes a real challenging problem. Most of the schemes consider only the scenarios where the users can search entirely over the encrypted files or data. In practice, the sensitive data are classified using an access control policy and different users should have different rights. The current paper will examine and propose a scheme of a multi-level access control policy (MlACP) based on searchable symmetric encryption (SSE) for the software infrastructures that ensure the interoperability of the software applications that access and work with documents and files. The proof of MlACP is The accessibility of the documents is defined by an access control policy designed to take into consideration the applicability in a multitude of IT infrastructures’, such as maritime, environmental protection and ecology, physics analysis and statistics software applications.
Knowledge on and preventive practices of cholera in Al-Mahweet – Yemen, 2018: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dureab Fekri , Al-Qadasi Yasameen , Nasr Hani , Al-Zumair Marwah , Al-Mahbashi Taha
Published: October 2021

Yemen has experienced one of the world's worst cholera outbreaks in the recent history of cholera records. This study aims to identify knowledge and practices among people of Al-Mahweet governorate toward cholera infection, which can play a critical role in reducing cholera morbidity and shaping the public health response. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an area of high cholera prevalence in 2018 using structured questionnaires. Most community respondents were able to correctly identify the symptoms and risk factors of cholera. While 65% of the respondents in this study knew that proper disposal of human waste is an essential measure of cholera prevention, only 11% of the respondents knew that proper washing of fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of cholera infection. About 62.5% of households did not treat water for safe drinking. Water was scarce in about 30% of households and near-home defecation was observed in about 23%. In conclusion, this study reveals several gaps in different aspects of hygienic and preventive practices including water treatment, waste disposal, and defecation practices. Cholera response should contain comprehensive health promotion interventions to improve the public's knowledge and enhance healthy practices. Stakeholders should support communities with sustainable water and sanitation systems.
Impact of box section coverage on the hydraulic parameters of open channels
Authors: Osman Emam A. , Taha Zahraa
Published: October 2021

The effects of box coverage blockage on the hydraulic characteristics of open channels within the case of sub-critical flow in the open channel were explored experimentally in research. Fifty-two test runs were utilized to attain the research's objectives, with four water discharges of 2, 5, 8, and 11 L/sec, three-box coverage side dimensions of 8.8, 10.4, and 12.90 cm, and four coverage blockage ratios of 0, 10, 20, and 30%. The water depth and velocity were measured in each run. The results revealed that increasing the blockage ratios, water discharge, and a diminishing within the area passing water through the coverage led to an increment of the heading up, head losses, and water surface level. The worst-case situation was a little coverage dimension (8.80 cm side) with 30% blockage and discharge of 11 L/s. Within blockage ratios, of 0, 10, 20, and 30% and discharge 11 L/s, the relative heading up ratio (hRu%) values were 85, 97, 111, and 125 percent respectively, and for the relative head losses ratio values downstream the coverages (hRloss%) were 88, 99, 113, and 131 percent respectively related to the depth of a non-coverage case. The flow velocities and the relative area passing water through the coverage were the most effective variables on heading up and head losses. The relative heading up and the relative head loss increased with the increment of the Froude number (Frd). Within a constant relative wetted area of coverage (Ar), and increasing the Froude number (Frd) by 0.01 percent, the relative heading up and relative head loss approximately increased by 5.5% and 6.2% respectively. It is recommended to implement the periodic maintenance of the coverage to improve the discharge capacity of the open channel.
Shaping a baseflow model through multiple regression analysis: the Çoruh watershed example
Authors: Şenocak Serkan , Taşci Sait
Published: October 2021

In today's conditions, where the frequency of events related to global climate change is increasing, it is important to employ water science to utilize water with maximum efficiency and to keep water under control in the areas close to its consumption zone. It is also important to determine how much of the flow in the stream during dry periods is the baseflow and how much of it is direct flow. This study designed a model of the baseflow index (BFI) and the baseflow rate (Qb) in one of the watersheds in Turkey. The smoothed minima method designed by the United Kingdom Institute of Hydrology (UKIH) was used to calculate the BFI and Qb at 10 flow observation stations in the Çoruh watershed. The Çoruh Watershed Baseflow Model was designed using BFI and Qb values with watershed characteristics and other variables. The determination coefficient of the BFI model was calculated as R² = 0.842, and the Qb model determination coefficient was calculated as R² = 0.99. The usability of the Çoruh model was proven by using the UKIH's smoothed minima method and comparing its relative errors with the BFI and Qb in the Çoruh model.
Determinants of geographical inequalities in domestic water supply across city of Pune, India
Authors: Tholiya Jyoti Jain , Chaudhary Navendu , Alam Bhuiyan Monwar
Published: October 2021

The water supply system in the city of Pune is affected due to the fast and chaotic development in and around the city. The quantity of per capita water supply and hours of supply per day varies substantially across the city. Some central parts of the city benefit from a large availability of water as compared to peripheral areas. This research employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), and the new version of GWR termed Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) models to better understand the factors behind observed spatial patterns of water supply distribution and to predict water supply in newly merged and proposed villages in the Pune city's periphery. Results showed statistical significance of slope; distance from service reservoirs; and water supply hour. MGWR and GWR models improved our results (adjusted R2: 0.916 and 0.710 respectively) significantly over those of the OLS model (adjusted R2: 0.252) and proved how local conditions influence variables. The maps of GWR display how a particular variable is highly important in some areas but less important in other parts of the city. The results from the current study can help decision-makers to make appropriate decisions for future planning to achieve Sustainable Development Goal number 6 (SDG #6), which focuses on achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
THE EFFECT OF DANCE ON GIRLS' MOTOR ABILITIES
Authors: Uspuriene Aiste Barbora , Svipaite Julija
Published: October 2021

It is often forgotten that the health of the body, the ability to overcome stress and weakness depend on a person's physical activity and movement. Movement is an inexhaustible means of self-expression, self-realization and cognition of the surrounding world. Research aim – to analyze the literature and to reveal aspects of the effect of dance on girls’ motor abilities.
Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of Novel Chalcone Derivatives
Possessing Tryptophan Moiety with Dual Activities of Anti-Cancer and Partially
Restoring the Proliferation of Normal Kidney Cells Pre-Treated with Cisplatin
Authors: Yao Risheng , He Meng , Yu Mingjun , Li Chao , Meng Xiaoming , Su Jiamin , Zhu Yuting
Published: October 2021

Background:

Chalcone is a broad-spectrum natural product with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities.
However, low potency, low selectivity, and serious side effects limit its druggability. L-Tryptophan is an essential
precursor molecule of an anti-cancer active substance. Also, the indole moiety inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells
by binding to colchicine sites. A decrease in kidney cell activity caused by kidney inflammation is the primary side
effect of cancer therapy.

Objective:

The purpose of this work was to design, synthesize, and perform bioactivity evaluation of novel chalcone
derivatives possessing tryptophan moiety with dual activities of anti-cancer and partially restoring the proliferation of
normal kidney cells pre-treated with cisplatin.

Methods:

A series of novel chalcone derivatives possessing tryptophan moiety (5a-5g, 6a-6o) were designed, synthesized,
and evaluated for anti-cancer activity against four cancer cell lines (gastric (HGC-27), colon (HCT-116), prostate
(PC-3), and lung (A549)), and a human normal cell line (gastric mucosal epithelial (GES-1)). The activity of restoring
the proliferation of normal kidney cells pre-treated with cisplatin was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis,
and apoptosis proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) were used to evaluate the anti-cancer mechanism of the most potent compound.
Moreover, a docking study was performed to explain the high anti-cancer activity of 6n. The expressions of TNF-α, IL-
6, and MCP-1 were detected by ELISA.

Results:

Most of the compounds exhibited high anti-cancer activity against the HGC-27 cell line and exhibited low
toxicity against the normal cell line. Based on three rounds of a structure optimization, 6n was discovered as the most
potent compound against HGC-27 cells with an IC50 value of 2.02 μM and an SI value of 28.47. Further studies
demonstrated that 6n could induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and the apoptosis of the HGC-27 cell line by
reducing the expression of Bcl-2 and improving the expression level of Bax. Molecular docking result displayed 6n
bound to the colchicine site. At the same time, 6n also exhibited moderate activity of restoring the proliferation of
normal kidney cells pre-treated with cisplatin by reducing the expression of inflammatory substances.

Conclusion:

Our findings collectively suggested that 6n should be further studied as a potential anti-cancer agent that
could partially restore the proliferation of normal kidney cells pre-treated with cisplatin in gastric cancer patients by an
anti-inflammatory pathway.
A Semana Santa de Braga: Impacto Económico, Perfil do Visitante e Satisfação
Authors: Cerejeira João , Correia Isabel , Sousa Sílvia
Published: October 2021

A Semana Santa de Braga constitui, não apenas um fenómeno religioso, mas, sobretudo, um evento cultural que atrai, ano após ano, um número significativo de turistas. Motivado pelo impacto económico estimado para o ano de 2017, que traduz a inegável relevância deste evento para a economia da cidade e da região, o presente estudo pretende caracterizar o perfil do visitante para assim contribuir para a oferta de programações adequadas e a implementação de estratégias eficazes de marketing turístico. A abordagem baseia-se na perspetiva do consumidor, procurando determinar quem viaja para assistir ao evento, as suas motivações e o seu grau de satisfação relativamente a este evento. A metodologia utilizada usa dados primários e inclui a estimação de modelos econométricos que permitem identificar o perfil do visitante e distinguir entre visitantes nacionais e estrangeiros, bem como aferir o seu grau de satisfação, comparando-a com a revelada pelos residentes. Os resultados obtidos sugerem perfis de visitantes diferentes, com base na sua origem geográfica, sugerindo a necessidade de moldar a oferta e a sua promoção, de acordo com o perfil de visitante pretendido. Contudo, diferentes origens não se refletem, em geral, no nível de satisfação do visitante, estando esta última relacionada com outras características sociodemográficas.
Festa Religiosa em Dois Contextos – Brasil e Portugal
Authors: Vitorio Benalva , Andrade José Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Apresentamos os resultados do trabalho teórico e empírico que resulta de um estudo comparativo entre dois santuários marianos — Monte Serrat e Monte Sameiro. Procura-se compreender convergências e divergências socioculturais entre dois países católicos de língua oficial comum, por meio da observação participante e da entrevista. O objetivo desta investigação é contextualizar o ambiente de duas festas da religião católica em dois países lusófonos: Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat, na cidade de Santos, estado de São Paulo, Brasil; e Nossa Senhora do Sameiro, na cidade de Braga, Portugal. Especificamente, pretendemos perceber quais os pontos de aproximação e de distanciamento entre as festas religiosas no Brasil e em Portugal e analisar em que medida se observa uma inter-relação entre cultura, turismo e religião.