bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The combined measurement of synovial markers in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Felstead A , Kundasamy P , Penfold G , Whiting K , Buck J , Sturridge S , Meda M
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Currently there is no single test for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) that demonstrates an acceptable level of sensitivity. The aim of this pilot study was to identify a combination of biomarkers that could exclude periprosthetic infection prior to revision surgery in hip and knee arthroplasty. This would help in equivocal cases of PJI, such as those with low-virulence organisms, chronic low-grade infection or ‘aseptic’ loosening. Current research has focused on measuring the levels of biomarkers in the patient’s synovial fluid, and these can be combined to improve accuracy.

Methods

We selected synovial white cell count (SF-WCC) and C-reactive protein (SF-CRP), as they demonstrated an acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity which could be measured using existing equipment. One hundred and sixty-one synovial fluid samples from 134 patients were collected and analysed prospectively using calculated cut-off values of 10mg/l for SF-CRP and 3,000×106/l for SF-WCC. Samples were deemed positive for infection when either of the SF-CRP or SF-WCC values were above the cut-off.

Results

The combined test demonstrated a sensitivity greater than 98.5% and specificity above 80% in all samples analysed or looked at separately for total hip replacement and total knee replacement infections. All ten aspirates taken from chronically infected joints tested positive.

Conclusions

The combination of SF-CRP and SF-WCC measurement has been shown to have high sensitivity of over 99% in detecting both acute and chronic PJI in both hip and knee arthroplasty. This ability of the test to exclude infection with a high degree of certainty will help in preoperative planning of PJIs.
Fracture of a triple-polished tapered cemented femoral stem at the Morse taper after metal-on-metal primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Díaz-Dilernia F , Sanchez-Mele H , Zanotti G , Comba F , Piccaluga F , Buttaro M
Published: April 2022

Total hip arthroplasty, one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures, is influenced by several variables. Corrosion at the modular junction is known as trunnionosis. Despite being reported infrequently, corrosion between the femoral head and the Morse taper can result in severe complications. Fracture of the femoral component in primary metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty at the Morse taper is an extremely rare event and can be associated with several risk factors. We report a case of corrosion at the Morse taper in a hybrid primary MoM total hip arthroplasty, resulting in Morse taper fracture with consequent femoral head entrapment inside the acetabular component. We hypothesise that some risk factors, such as age over 60years, active male patients, body mass index above 30kg/m2, large femoral heads, high-offset stems, 9/10 Morse taper and MoM-bearing surfaces, are associated with this mode of failure.
Comparing the surgical management of acute paediatric scrotal pain between adult urologists and general surgeons in the UK: an observational study
Authors: Bermingham HN , Popplewell MA , Naumann DN , Gulamhussein MA , Liaw F , Layton GR , Fernando H , Tucker O , Bowley D , Dilworth MP
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Acute scrotal pain is a common paediatric surgical emergency. Assessment and timely exploration are required to rule out testicular torsion (TT) and prevent unnecessary morbidity.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was carried out at two district general hospitals in the UK for boys aged ≤16 years presenting with acute scrotal pain between January 2014 and October 2017 managed by adult general surgery (AGS) at one hospital and adult urology (AU) at the other.

Results

Some 565 patients were eligible for inclusion (n=364 AGS, n=201 AU). A higher proportion of patients underwent surgical exploration at AGS compared with AU (277/346 (80.1%) vs 96/201 (47.8%); p<0.001). Of those who underwent exploration, 101/373 (27.1%) had TT, of whom 25/101 (24.8%) underwent orchidectomy and 125/373 (33.5%) had torted testicular appendage. There was no statistically significant difference in rates of orchidectomy between AGS (19/68, 27.9%) and AU (6/33, 18.2%) with testicular salvage rates of 72.1% and 81.8%, respectively (p=0.334). Patients were twice as likely to be readmitted at AGS as at AU (28/346 (8.1%) vs 8/201 (4.0%); p=0.073).

Conclusion

Although intraoperative findings were similar between adult general surgeons and urologists, there were significant differences in surgical management, with a higher rate of surgical exploration by general surgeons. Testicular salvage and 30-day postoperative morbidity rates at both institutions were acceptable but the readmission rate was high at 6.6%. It is not known why there is a heterogeneity in management of acute scrotal pain between specialist centres, and further prospective investigations are warranted.
A novel treatment for supraglottic stenosis secondary to immunoglobulin G4-related disease
Authors: Siau R , Zammit M , Harper J , Kinshuck A
Published: April 2022

Although immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has a predilection for the head and neck region, laryngeal pathology is rare. We report a case of supraglottic stenosis due to IgG4-RD together with a novel treatment strategy of employing a laryngeal stent. A 69-year-old man was referred with longstanding dyspnoea and worsening inspiratory stridor. Despite two supraglottic dilations over a 12-month period, his stenosis recurred and symptoms persisted. Serum investigations revealed elevated IgG4 levels (2.390g/l), with IgG4 infiltrate in laryngeal biopsies. The patient underwent endoscopic balloon dilation, intralesional Depo-Medrone® injection, CO2 laser therapy and insertion of a laryngeal stent to prevent re-stenosis. Rituximab and prednisolone were commenced postoperatively and the stent was removed at 6weeks. No stenosis recurrence was visualised over a further 12-month follow-up period. Sixteen cases of laryngeal lesions with confirmed IgG4 infiltrate in biopsies have been reported in the worldwide literature to date. Based on a literature review and our experience, we recommend that similar laryngeal pathologies undergo early IgG4 serological testing and biopsy immunohistochemistry. Prompt diagnostic confirmation may prevent unnecessary surgical interventions and optimise immunosuppression. Furthermore, the use of a laryngeal stent following laryngeal surgery may help reduce stenotic recurrence and promote healing.
The introduction of the trauma triage clinic at a district general hospital: safety and efficacy during the first year of implementation
Authors: Madhusudan N , Lewis T , Kunicki A , Hardie J , Macleod I , Marsland D
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Previously published work has shown that there are no missed injuries following the introduction of a trauma triage clinic (TTC). This study aimed to assess both the safety and efficacy of the TTC model in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom. We aimed to assess the rate of missed ‘high-risk’ injuries, including posterior shoulder dislocations, talar injuries, Lisfranc injuries and complex carpal instability.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively between November 2017 and October 2018 (inclusive). During this time, 3,721 patients were reviewed (mean age 38 years, SD 25.5, range 1–103 years). Case notes and x-rays were reviewed for all patients. Compliance was assessed against British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST 7) guidelines for fracture clinic services. The standard for adherence to guidelines was 100%.

Results

Thirty-two of 3,721 patients had a missed injury during the study period, and 66% of these injuries were high risk. TTC was effective in reducing the number of patients seen in the fracture clinic, with 23% of patients discharged directly from the TTC. Eighty-nine per cent of patients were reviewed in clinic within 72 hours of presentation, with a median time to review of 2 days.

Conclusion

This study has shown that TTC is efficient in reducing the burden of patients seen in the fracture clinic, but it is not as safe as reported previously. Although the prevalence of missed injuries is low, hospitals introducing a TTC model should consider departmental processes to help accurately identify and triage high-risk injuries.
Bilateral obstructive megaureter with right lower ureteric urothelial carcinoma: a very rare coalition
Authors: Kumar S , Kaundal P , Parmar K , Akif S , Dey S
Published: April 2022

Upper tract urothelial cancers account for 5% of all urothelial cancers. Among these, more than 90% of tumours are located in the renal pelvis, while ureteric tumours are extremely rare. The distal ureter is the most common location, although multifocal implants may also occur. Megaureter is a common cause of obstructive uropathy in neonates and children. Nevertheless, it may be unnoticed, if asymptomatic. Megaureter may be obstructing or refluxing. Long-standing urinary stasis and recurrent urinary tract infection in megaureter may cause chronic irritation of the ureteric mucosa leading to dysplasia and malignancy. We report a 55-year-old man diagnosed with bilateral obstructive megaureter with right lower ureteric urothelial cancer and review the current literature.
What’s the SCORE? Current management of symptomatic, clinically occult, radiologically evident inguinal hernias
Authors:   The Surgical Trainees in East of England Research (STEER) Collaborative
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Symptomatic, clinically occult, radiologically evident inguinal hernias (SCORE-IH) are challenging due to diagnostic uncertainty and a lack of treatment consensus. This study explores current practice among surgeons treating SCORE-IH.

Methods

A trainee-led research collaborative (STEER) disseminated a validated online survey among UK and international consultants. Collated responses were analysed to determine surgeons’ experience and approach to the management of SCORE-IH.

Results

A total of 73 responses were received. Overall, 26% of respondents performed more than 100 IH repairs annually. Nearly two-thirds (62%) were unaware of SCORE-IH guidelines. Surgeons chose ultrasonography (31.5%) or ultrasonography with magnetic resonance imaging (24.6%) to manage SCORE-IH. Surgeons managed SCORE-IH conservatively or operatively in 31% and 36% of cases, respectively. Surgeons’ experience and laparoscopic capacity did not correlate with their approach to SCORE-IH management.

Conclusions

There is heterogeneity in SCORE-IH management, likely due to an absence of adequate guidelines. The results highlight that further SCORE-IH research is needed to achieve consensus.
Entrevista com João Ribeiro: não só o cinema, mas também as outras artes, são fundamentais na educação, no processo educativo da criança, do homem, mulher, portanto, do homem como ser humano.
Authors: Costa Silva Jean Paul d’Antony , Reis Mírian Sumica Carneiro
Published: April 2022

Entrevista com João Ribeiro: não só o cinema, mas também as outras artes, são fundamentais na educação, no processo educativo da criança, do homem, mulher, portanto, do homem como ser humano.
Entrevista com Miguel Jost: esse é o sentido mais efetivo de políticas culturais democráticas: criar um país com relatos e narrativas mais plurais
Authors: Botton André Natã Mello
Published: April 2022

Entrevista com Miguel Jost: esse é o sentido mais efetivo de políticas culturais democráticas: criar um país com relatos e narrativas mais plurais
A Seventh Century BCE Pendant, Ištar and Cross-Cultural Artistic Exchange
Authors: Gray Taylor
Published: April 2022

What is the proper approach that scholars should use for understanding cross-cultural artistic exchange in the ancient Near East? There are certainly a number of ways one group may borrow another group’s artistic motifs and incorporate them into their own system. This paper examines a seventh-century BCE silver pendant that was discovered at Tel Miqne-Ekron in 1992. Since the time of publication, the pendant is usually understood as depicting the Mesopotamian goddess Ištar. The present paper challenges the prevailing scholarly opinion on the grounds that the consensus is too simplistic. It is not always the case that when a culture borrows ‘foreign’ imagery it also adopts the meaning that the image possessed in the source culture. It is argued that there is good reason to conclude that the pendant from Ekron incorporated an Assyrianising artistic style, which looks like Ištar but was intended to show a local goddess.
The problem of the use of hormonal therapy aimed for sex correction by transgender persons on their own initiative
Authors: Makarova E. V. , Solovieva N. V. , Kremenitskaya S. A.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the demand for feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapy has increased significantly among transgender people around the world. There are no such studies in Russia and the amount of medical information on the transgender population is limited.

AIM: to assess the number of transgender patients who take hormone therapy without a doctor’s prescription and to characterize the medicines they use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: data from 1117 transgender patients were included in to analysis: 44.01% (n=515) of them were trans women, 55.99% (n=630) were trans men. Patients applied to the “Scientific Center for Personalized Medicine” in order to receive medical care.

RESULTS: Half of transgender people (53.6%) are already taking hormonal drugs. More often transgender women (76.7%), less often transgender men (32.3%). In this case, only 8.6% turned to endocrinologists for the therapy prescription. Many patients used unlicensed drugs, use irrational schemes and combinations, often overdose.

CONCLUSION: A significant number of transgender people start using hormone replacement therapy on their own initiative, without the doctor’s supervision. The solution to this problem could be incensement of knowledge level in doctors and patients to create a friendly environment and productive interaction between therapists, endocrinologists and transgender people, as well as the organization of consulting centers within public medical institutions.
Interaction between the gut microbiota and oral antihyperglycemic drugs
Authors: Buyvalenko U. V. , Pokrovskaya E. V.
Published: April 2022

The gut microbiome is the largest microbial habitat in the human body. The main functions include obtaining energy from complex food fibers, maturation and formation of the immune system, intestinal angiogenesis, restoration of epithelial damage to the intestine, development of the nervous system, protection against pathogens, etc. It is also known that a number of drugs can cause changes in the composition of the intestinal microflora, and intestinal bacteria, in turn, produce a number of enzymes and metabolites that can chemically change the structure of drugs, leading to more side effects, and in some cases to positive changes. In this review we present current evidence supporting the effects of microbiota in host-drug interactions, in particular, the reciprocal effects of gut microbiota and oral hypoglycemic drugs on each other. Gaining and evaluating knowledge in this area will help pave the way for the development of new microbiota-based strategies that can be used in the future to improve treatment outcomes for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).
Book Review - Learning that Matters: A field guide to course design for transformative education.
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyi
Published: April 2022

In today’s 21st century, the traditional way of teaching has mostly given way to transformative education in which teachers should not only impart knowledge, but also facilitate the acquisition of skills by students (David, 2016). Educators in transformative education play the role of helping students to understand and acknowledge “the dynamics between their inner and outer worlds” (Boyd & Myers, 1988, p.261). This book provides guidance to teachers in the higher education system to help them design courses that can create meaningful learning experiences for students and actively engage them in social issues.
Communication Problems Facing Agricultural Employees Working in Agricultural Extension in Extension Centers in the Central and Northern Governorates of Iraq and their Relationship to Some Variables
Authors: Mohammed Yousif Khudhair , Jassim Mahmood Hadees
Published: April 2022

Survey to identify the size of the problems, solving them in solving them, solving their problems, solving them in solving them, solving their problems, solving their problems, solving them in solving them, solving their problems in solving them, solving their problems in solving them, solving their problems in solving communication, solving translation problems in Work environment) educational seminar, seminar, seminar, seminar, educational seminar, upbringing, participation in extension activities). The research included all the agricultural workers working in agricultural extension in extension centers in the governorates of central and northern Iraq, and their number was (103). The exploratory sample consisting of (30) employees was excluded from the final procedures of the research, and thus the final research community became (73) employees. A questionnaire form was prepared to collect data for the research. It consisted of two parts. The first part included the factors related to the employees, while the second part included (63) phrases, each of which represented a communication problem, divided into five areas. SPSS program has been used for the social and psychological sciences and some other statistical methods to analyze the data and achieve the research objectives. The results showed that more than half of the respondents suffer from medium communication problems, as it was found that the area of problems related to the counsellor ranked first. The results showed a significant correlation between the size of the problems and a number of the studied factors. The researchers concluded that a large number of respondents suffer from communication problems that limit them from carrying out counseling activities with high efficiency. The two researchers recommend solving the communication problems of the employees and taking into consideration the factors that had a significant correlation with the size of the communication problems when assigning the employees to implement the extension activities.
Measurement of Radon Gas Concentrations for different Types of Water in AL-Najaf Refinery by Using RAD7 Monitor
Authors: Mohammed Mokhalad A. , Obaid Rawaa M.
Published: April 2022

In this study, the average radon gas concentration for different types of water was measured in AL-Najaf refinery by using RAD7 monitor manufactured by DURRIDGE company, USA, there are two sources of water inside the refinery, river water, and well water, at RO unit inside the refinary, they use 50% of well water (W1) and 50% of river water (W7), as drinking water after mixing and processing them, the mixed water also used as tap water (W5), or as water for oil refining process, in the refining units, the water boils before it is used in the refining process and it does not contain any concentration of radon gas as in sample (W8), and after refining process, the water becomes wastewater (W4), the other wells inside the refinery, (W3), (W9), (W4) and (W2) are used to irrigate the plants located at the borders of the refinery, the results showed that the maximum value was 471 Bq/m3 in the well water (W1), and the minimum value was 0 Bq/m3 in the water of the boiler at the refining units (W8), and the average of readings obtained from all water samples was of 108.6888889 Bq/m3, also the estimation for the average of radon gas concentration in the refinery air was made with the help of EPA estimations and the annual effective dose for inhalation (Einhalation), Lung Cancer Risk (LCR), exposure to radon and it’s progenies (Ep) and Potential Alpha Energy Concentration (PAEC) were determined for the workers inside the refinary. All the results were within the accepted limits recommended by EPA and WHO.
First Molecular Study and Sequencing of Cryptosporidium spp. Isolated from Human, Cattle and Sheep in Wasit Province, Iraq
Authors: Hussein Noor J. , Khadim May N.
Published: April 2022

The current study aimed to investigate Cryptosporidium spp. that infect humans and some animal species as well as to compare among various isolates obtained. A total of 96 human stool samples and 96 animal fecal samples (48 for cattle and 48 for sheep) were collected and examined by using Nested PCR technique followed by DNA sequencing analysis through phylogenetic tree to know the parasite species. The whole infection rate in human was 36.4% (35/96), while in cattle was 22.9% (11/48) and in sheep was 14.5% (7/48) by nested polymerase chain reaction technique. The findings of DNA sequencing based on 18s rRNA gene (654 bp) showed the presence of three Cryptosporidium spp. which namely C. hominis, C. parvum, and C. bovis, all of them have identity 99 %, Cryptosporidium parvum was the most widespread species being detected in 60% (9/15), followed by C. bovis 33.33% (5/15), and C. hominis 6.66% (1/15). This is the first report revealed the molecular sequencing among human, cattle and sheep in Wasit province, Iraq and the role of livestock (cattle, sheep) in zoonotic transmission of the cryptosporidiosis.
CMOS Trans Conductance based Instrumentation Amplifier for Various Biomedical Signal Analysis
Authors: Gajare Milind , D.K. Shedge
Published: April 2022

Feed forward design techniques for the Trans-conductance operational amplifier removes the barriers of operating frequencies. It is now possible to design amplifiers with large the Trans-conductance that operates at Giga hertz frequency range. There are several Trans-conductance amplifiers used to design a medical and Industrial application that helps in processing various bio medical signals such as Electrocardiographs, Electroencephalographs, Electromyograms and several others. The proposed paper shows the implementation of an instrumentation amplifier using CMOS based the Trans-conductance operational amplifiers also the processing of biomedical ECG, EEG and EMG signals. The CMOS process technology helps to integrate complex circuits on minimal surface area. The Trans-conductance instrumentation operational amplifiers has features includes noise reduction, low DC offset, High output impedance and Common Mode rejection Ratio values. The circuit implementation and simulations has been done on Electronic Design and Automation tool with 0.13μm CMOS process technology.
A Survey on the Application of Artificial Neural Network-based Approach for Fault Location in Extra High Voltage (EHV) Network
Authors: Shingare Saurabh S. , Khampariya Prabodh , Bakre Shashikant M.
Published: April 2022

Recently, neural networks have acquired substantial relevance in defect location. The widespread use of neural networks began in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Normally, neural networks are used to improve defect detection, classification, and localization. There has been a lot of study and material written on fault location using neural networks. This research covers use of artificial neural networks (ANN) in identification of faults in EHV networks. We choose recent publications to uncover research gaps or expansions in the chosen study field.
A Survey on the Investigation and Analysis for a Power System (Micro-Grid) with Stochastic Harmonic Distortion of Multiple Converters
Authors: Kuralkar Vaishali P. , Khampariya Prabodh , Bakre Shashikant M.
Published: April 2022

The current study is based on a survey on the exploration and analysis of stochastic harmonic distortion in power systems using multiple converters (Micro-Grid). When Renewable Energy Systems are integrated into EPS, they may create clean energy, fulfill consumer energy needs, and help to protect fossil fuel supplies, which are rapidly dwindling. These renewable energy sources (RES) are frequently connected to the grid via power converters (Voltage Source Converters) to provide the necessary energy regulation and conversion. However, Voltage Source Converter (VSCs) generates both current and voltage harmonics, has a negative impact on the Power Quality (PQ) of a small grid and has the potential to cause damage or equipment failure. In the face of uncertainties, such as those resulting from design parameter selection or system parameter changes, the amount of harmonic distortion of many VSCs may be greatly influenced and difficult to forecast. When dealing with VSC harmonic distortion levels in the face of uncertainty, it is necessary to use statistical methodologies.
Path Analysis : Public Health Impacts Overview in High Natural Background Radiation Area in Botteng, West Sulawesi of Indonesia
Authors: Fikri Elanda , Puspitasari Evan , Khair Amar Sharaf Eldin
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The effect of ionizing radiation exposure in a human being is chromosome aberrations. Botteng has the highest annual radiation exposure rate in Indonesia, which is 6,15 ± 0,81 mSv/year. The people in Botteng were exposed to the low dose radiation, continuously. The purpose of this research is to describe the pathway radiation exposured to inhabitants and the cytogenetic response in the high natural background radiation area.Methods : This is a statistical research by cross-sectional. The population is 61 residents, who were chosen randomly from 9 different exposure rate areas. Path analysis model is used to determine the linearity relationship between internal and external radiation dose to the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocyte cells.Results: The results concluded that the external radiation dose rate is 5.49 mSv / year, the internal radiation dose rate is 10.34 mSv / year, the effective dose rate of lymphocyte cells is 1.92 mSv / year, and the mean of chromosome aberrations frequency is 0.00082 of approximately 14,695 metaphase cells observed. The result of the analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between the external dose and the chromosome aberrations frequency. There is a linear relationship between the internal dose and the chromosome aberrations frequency (f count = 6,634 and p-value 0,013 <0,05). The internal and external radiation dose simultaneously affects the effective dose (R2 = 0.901, p-value = 0,000> 0.05), The Internal and external radiation doses affect the chromosome aberrations frequency of peripheral blood lymphocytes only through effective doses (R2 = 0.093, p-value = 0.017> 0.05)Conclusion: this study provide an effective recommendation for further research as an effort to improve public health in areas with high natural background radiation.
Phenology of the Genus Crotalaria L. (Fabaceae-Papilionoideae) of Holalkere, Hosadurga and Chitradurga Thaluks of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Rachitha C. J , Krishnaswamy K
Published: April 2022

The present study describes detailed distribution of the genus Crotalaria L. in a natural habitat. This research is carried out by extensive field survey and observation across all the 3 thaluks of Chitradurga, area is botanized for Crotalaria species in all seasons and critically analysed the phenological features of all the documented species during the study period 2018-2021. We have recorded 11 species of Crotalaria, Crotalaria calycina Schrank., Crotalaria globosa Wight & Arn, Crotalaria goreensis Guill. & Perr., Crotalaria hebecarpa (DC.) Rudd. Crotalaria juncea L., Crotalaria orixensis Willd., Crotalaria pallida Aiton., Crotalaria prostrata Willd., Crotalaria pusilla DC., Crotalaria retusa L., and Crotalaria varicosa Polhill. Data obtained through this research is the basis for the study of further characterisation of Crotalaria species; this research describes the importance of phenology in taxonomy and the behaviour biology of the Crotalaria species, as they are economically important group.
Histological and in vitro seed culture studies on Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod. (Caesalpiniaceae)
Authors: Ebbie M.G , Grace K. A. S , Ravishankar S , Venkatesan M
Published: April 2022

Establishment of a tissue culture protocol for clonal regeneration is an essential prerequisite for the potential and economically important plant species Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod. (syn. Caesalpinia sappan L.; Caesalpiniaceae). This plant is a valuable dye-yielding legume shrub native to Indomalayan and is used in India by the local people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu States for its biological potential. The present study evaluated seed development both in vivo and in vitro through histological analysis. The mature seed was used as explants and cultured on modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2, 4-D, BAP, GA3 and IBA. The cultures showed direct regeneration of shoots from nodular structures in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) region. During in vitro regeneration, the callus cells exhibited ballooning of cells, and the morphogenetic seed developed parenchymatous, polygonal cells filled with polyphenols. Histological studies indicated that in vitro plant regeneration involved the organogenic pathway that leads to de novo shoot primordia development.
Survey on Handwritten Signature Biometric Data Analysis for Assessment of Neurological Disorder using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Gornale Shivanand , Kumar Sathish , Siddalingappa Rashmi , Hiremath Prakash S.
Published: April 2022

The handwritten signature is considered one of the most widely accepted personal behavioral traits in Biometric system. Handwriting analysis has wide applications in multiple domains such as psychological disorders, medical diagnosis, and recruitment of staff, career counseling, writer credentials, forensic studies, matrimonial sites, e-security, e-health and many more. In this paper, we recapitulate the state-of-the-art techniques and applications based on the handwriting signature analysis for the Assessment of Neurological Disorder using Machine Learning Techniques, In addition to this, achievements and challenges the scientific community should address. Thus, an integrated discussion of various datasets used, feature extraction techniques and classification schemes regarding Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is done and surveyed scientifically. The present research paper aims to provide an extensive review of scientific literature, ascertain vulnerable challenges and offer new research directions in the field.
Nontrivial solutions of discrete Kirchhoff-type problems via Morse theory
Authors: Long Yuhua
Published: April 2022

In this article, we study discrete Kirchhoff-type problems when the nonlinearity is resonant at both zero and infinity. We establish a series of results on the existence of nontrivial solutions by combining variational method with Morse theory. Several examples are provided to illustrate applications of our results.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of solitary waves for a weakly coupled Schrödinger system
Authors: An Xiaoming , Yang Jing
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with the following weakly coupled nonlinear Schrödinger system

−
Δ

u

1

+

a

1

(

x

)

u

1

=
∣

u

1

∣

2
p
−
2

u

1

+
b
∣

u

1

∣

p
−
2

∣

u

2

∣

p

u

1

,

x
∈

R

N

,

−
Δ

u

2

+

a

2

(

x

)

u

2

=
∣

u

2

∣

2
p
−
2

u

2

+
b
∣

u

2

∣

p
−
2

∣

u

1

∣

p

u

2

,

x
∈

R

N

,

\left\{\begin{array}{ll}-\Delta {u}_{1}+{a}_{1}\left(x){u}_{1}=| {u}_{1}{| }^{2p-2}{u}_{1}+b| {u}_{1}{| }^{p-2}| {u}_{2}{| }^{p}{u}_{1},& x\in {{\mathbb{R}}}^{N},\\ -\Delta {u}_{2}+{a}_{2}\left(x){u}_{2}=| {u}_{2}{| }^{2p-2}{u}_{2}+b| {u}_{2}{| }^{p-2}| {u}_{1}{| }^{p}{u}_{2},& x\in {{\mathbb{R}}}^{N},\end{array}\right.

where

N
≥
1

N\ge 1

,

b
∈
R

b\in {\mathbb{R}}

is a coupling constant,

2
p
∈

(

2
,

2

∗

)

2p\in \left(2,{2}^{\ast })

,

2

∗

=
2
N

/

(

N
−
2

)

{2}^{\ast }=2N\hspace{0.1em}\text{/}\hspace{0.1em}\left(N-2)

if

N
≥
3

N\ge 3

and

+
∞

+\infty

if

N
=
1
,
2

N=1,2

,

a

1

(

x

)

{a}_{1}\left(x)

and

a

2

(

x

)

{a}_{2}\left(x)

are two positive functions. Assuming that

a

i

(

x

)

(

i
=
1
,
2

)

{a}_{i}\left(x)\hspace{0.33em}\left(i=1,2)

satisfies some suitable conditions, by constructing creatively two types of two-dimensional mountain-pass geometries, we obtain a positive synchronized solution for

∣
b
∣
>
0

| b| \gt 0

small and a positive segregated solution for

b
<
0

b\lt 0

, respectively. We also show that when

1
<
p
<
min

{

2
,

2

∗

/

2

}

1\lt p\lt {\rm{\min }}\left\{2,{2}^{\ast }\hspace{0.1em}\text{/}\hspace{0.1em}2\right\}

, the positive solutions are not unique if

b
>
0

b\gt 0

is small. The asymptotic behavior of the solutions when

b
→
0

b\to 0

and

b
→
−
∞

b\to -\infty

is also studied.
Relationships between struggling EFL writers’ motivation, self-regulated learning (SRL), and writing competence in Hong Kong primary schools
Authors: Bai Barry , Guo Wenjuan , Wang Chuang
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the relationships between struggling writers’ motivation (i.e., interest, self-efficacy, and growth mindset) and their use of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies (i.e., planning, text-generating, self-monitoring, and collaborative learning) and writing competence in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context. Participants were 368 primary students in Hong Kong who scored 15 or less out of 48 marks in a writing test. They reported a generally moderate level of motivation and lower medium level of SRL strategy use. Especially, the participants reported a low level of interest. Results of structural equation modelling (SEM) suggested that growth mindset had the strongest positive correlations with the struggling EFL writers’ use of SRL strategies. Both self-efficacy and interest also had positive correlations with the students’ SRL strategy use, but only self-efficacy had significant and positive relations with their writing competence. Implications for English teachers to improve instruction for struggling EFL writers’ in order to promote their motivation and SRL strategy use are provided and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Better School, Better Score? Evidence From a Chinese Earthquake-Stricken County
Authors: Leng Xuan , Liu Xinyan
Published: April 2022

Little is known about the long-term impact of postdisaster government support on students’ educational outcomes in selective high schools. Using the instrumental variable approach and administrative education data on an earthquake-affected county, we found that entering a selective high school in a postdisaster government-supported county reduces the college entrance examination scores of students and, thus, their success in attending college. Suggestive evidence showed that the redistribution of educational resources across schools could be a reason for this negative impact of selective schools. We conclude that raising awareness of this educational misallocation problem can be of great importance in improving the average level of human capital in rural areas.
Bioinformatics network analyses of growth differentiation factor 11
Authors: Zhang Feng , Yang Xia , Bao Zhijun
Published: April 2022

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been implicated in rejuvenating functions in age-related diseases. The molecular mechanisms connecting GDF11 with these anti-aging phenomena, including reverse age-related cardiac hypertrophy and vascular and neurogenic rejuvenation, remain unclear. In this study, we sought to uncover the molecular functions of GDF11 using bioinformatics and network-driven analyses at the human gene and transcription levels using the gene co-expression network analysis, the protein–protein interaction network analysis, and the transcription factor network analysis. Our findings suggested that GDF11 is involved in a variety of functions, such as apoptosis, DNA repair, telomere maintenance, and interaction with key transcription factors, such as MYC proto-oncogene, specificity protein 1, and ETS proto-oncogene 2. The human skin fibroblast premature senescence model was established by UVB. The treatment with 10 ng/mL GDF11 in this cell model could reduce cell damage, reduce the apoptosis rate and the expression of caspase-3, and increase the length of telomeres. Therefore, our findings shed light on the functions of GDF11 and provide insights into the roles of GDF11 in aging.
Genetic diversity of Undaria pinnatifida populations from China and their genetic relationship with those from Japan and Korea as revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences
Authors: Shan Tifeng , Li Yuqian , Pang Shaojun
Published: April 2022

Large-scale farming of Undaria pinnatifida is conducted in northern China. Conspicuous natural populations of this alga are distributed on rocky shores in this region. However, the genetic relationship between U. pinnatifida from China and native populations in other countries remains largely uncertain. We obtained sequences for the mitochondrial cox3 and tatC–tLeu regions and the internal transcribed spacer one of nuclear ribosomal DNA from representative natural and farmed populations of U. pinnatifida in China. We analyzed genetic diversity, and evaluated the genetic relationship between Chinese populations and Japanese and Korean populations. The mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences revealed high genetic diversity in most Chinese populations. Unique mitochondrial haplotypes were detected in the Gouqi Island population consistent with historical records of a native population on the island. Phylogenetic analyses derived from the mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that the Chinese samples were classifiable as the Continental and Northern Japan types. All natural populations from rocky reefs in northern China were grouped with the Continental type and all farmed populations with the Northern Japan type. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences revealed significant genetic differentiation between the farmed populations and adjacent natural populations from rocky reefs, in agreement with previous results obtained using microsatellites.
Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Alpinia officinarum on nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats
Authors: Heidari Hamid , Khalaj Azam , Khani Sima , Abdollahi Maasoume , Farahani Hamid , Khani Samira
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Alpinia officinarum Hance, commonly known as lesser galangal, is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) traditionally used for many decades to treat inflammation, pain, stomach ache and cold. In the present study, the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. officinarum (AO) were investigated in the nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were divided into following six groups: Group I was normal control rats. Group II: normal diabetic control, Group III: Diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), IV, V and VI: Diabetic rats treated with 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg AO hydroalcoholic extract by daily gavage for 28 days, respectively. At the end of treatment, biochemical analysis, histological study, phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity tests were carried out.

Results

The results show significant reduction in blood glucose, serum lipid profiles, and liver enzyme levels in diabetic rats compared with diabetic control in AO treated group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AO extract had significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemia effects in addition to hepatoprotective effect in type II diabetic rats.
An experimental study and finite element analysis of the parametric of circular honeycomb core
Authors: Sakkampang Kunanon , Sakkampang Chatcharin , Sakkampang Davika
Published: April 2022

This paper experimentally and numerically investigated the impact test response and characteristics of circular honeycomb cores. The experiments were conducted on two different structures of aluminum-tube honeycomb core, square structure and star structure. The specimens were tested in order to find energy absorption, specific energy absorption, and crashworthiness behaviors. The results revealed that circular honeycomb cores with star structure could resist higher impact load than circular honeycomb cores with square structure. In addition, the larger tubes showed a lower impact load the smaller tubes. It was also revealed that the greater the collapse distance of the aluminum-tube honeycomb core, the lower the load. Moreover, FEA simulation results, through ABAQUS.CAE, were compared to the experimental results. The results revealed that good agreement was achieved between the experimental results and the FEA results. The comparison results showed that the difference in maximum load between experimental and FEA model was 0.47–11.84%, which is a reliable analysis result. In terms of energy absorption and specific energy absorption, the difference in maximum load between experimental and FEA model was 23.54% and 16.23%, respectively.
Procurement challenges analysis of Iraqi construction projects
Authors: Hamza Sadeq Abdul , Rasheed Sawsan , Hussein Azhar
Published: April 2022

Public procurement in Iraq plays an essential function in the development and recovery of the country's economy as well as providing the essential infrastructure for the growth of the private sector. The Coalition Provisional Authority's Government Procurement Legislation No. 87 (2004) is the final procurement law in effect in Iraq. Preparations are underway for new procurement legislation as of Oct. 2021. The objective of the paper is to determine the effectiveness of the public procurement process used in a construction project in Iraq, there is also a lack of procurement methods and policy consistency between government agencies. procurement techniques, tender documentation information, Advertising deadlines, and document management procedures, for example, vary amongst federal contracting agencies. Furthermore, there is no mandatory process for the definition and disclosure of tender evaluation criteria, providing room for subjectivity in the tender award process. This paper's major conclusion that is competitive tendering is open to everyone, tendering is not mandated as Iraq's general rule, despite the fact that it is considered best practice elsewhere. Direct invitation techniques are widely used in the construction project process tendering of Iraq and if not adequately managed, they can lead to bias, fraud, and corruption.
Deformability of non-prismatic prestressed concrete beams with multiple openings of different configurations
Authors: Al-Hilali Amjad Majeed , Izzet Amer Farouk , Oukaili Nazar K.
Published: April 2022

This work presents experimental research using draped prestressed steel strands to improve the load-carrying capacity of prestressed concrete non-prismatic beams with multiple openings of various designs. The short-term deflection of non-prismatic prestressed concrete beams (NPCBs) flexural members under static loading were used to evaluate this improvement. Six simply supported (NPCBs) beams, five beams with openings, and one solid specimen used as a reference beam were all tested as part of the experiment. All of the beams were subjected to a monotonic midpoint load test. The configuration of the opening (quadrilateral or circular), as well as the depth of the chords, were the variables studied in this study. In comparison to a solid beam, experimental results show that beams with openings have a lower load-carrying capacity not exceeding (2.3–10.6%) and higher mid-span deflection through all loading stages of elastic, service, and ultimate loads (14–73%), (19–44%), and (31–55%), respectively. Furthermore, specimens with circular openings had stiffer behaviour under load than those with quadrilateral openings. Beams with quadrilateral openings and inclined posts, on the other hand, were stiffer than beams with quadrilateral openings and vertical posts.
Efficacy of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/lymphocyte ratio (LLR) to reduce the need for X-ray in pregnant patients with COVID-19
Authors: Dogu Sevilay Yavuz , Serin Istemi , Dogu Mehmet Hilmi , Guleroglu Filiz Yarsilikal , Dane Cem
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Pregnancy carries a significant risk for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) due to natural immunosuppression. A previous study from our center has shown that the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/lymphocyte ratio (LLR) can be used in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 and predicting mortality. Based on this, we aimed to determine the effect of LLR on early detection of critical pregnant women and mortality in COVID-19.

Methods

The data of 145 patients who were admitted to our hospital between March and December 2020; diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The median gestation period was 31 weeks (range: 5–41), 30.3% (n: 44) gave birth and 68.3% (n: 99) were pregnant. Median LLR was 0.13 (range: 0.04–0.70). The rate of cough (47% vs. 22.8%; p=0.003) was found to be high in patients with LLR>0.13. The patients were divided into subgroups. The proportion of patients without active complaints was higher in the Q1, followed by the Q4. The proportion of patients with an initial complaint of cough increased as LLR from Q1 to Q4, the distribution of other complaints did not differ between the quartiles.

Conclusions

The higher rate of cough in the group with high LLR indicates that it may be an important indicator of lung involvement during pregnancy. The highest rate of non-treatment follow-up in the lowest LLR group proved that the LLR value at the time of diagnosis can be used as an important clinical marker in pregnant women.
New observations on chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing in Boé, Guinea Bissau
Authors: Buys Bartelijntje , van Loon Sem , Puijk Anouk D.
Published: April 2022

Chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing at trees has been described by Kühl, H.S., Kalan, A.K., Arandjelovic, M., Aubert, F., D'Auvergne, L., Goedmakers, A., Jones, S., Kehoe, L., Regnaut, S., Tickle, A., et al. (2016). Chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing. Sci. Rep. 6: 1–8, but we lack important details about the social and ecological context for this rare behavior. Further observations may enhance future research, as the described observations have not yet been shared in the literature. We analyzed camera trap records from 2010 to 2020 of various research projects conducted in the Boé sector of Gabu Province in south-east Guinea Bissau, West-Africa, to identify ecological and social factors that might potentially influence chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing behavior (on a total of 298 records). From September 2019 until November 2019, we filmed five trees over 48 days to conduct a further exploratory study of this behavior. We discuss the importance of study design when investigating a little-described phenomenon, and the threat posed to chimpanzee populations in West-Africa by the expected expansion of mining activities. More knowledge on chimpanzee accumulative stone throwing is needed as the chimpanzee population is under stress because of increased mining activities in the area. With habitat rapidly being disturbed and destroyed, this population and its rare behavior are increasingly at risk of extermination.