bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A High-Frequency Phase Feature for the Measurement of Magnetic Permeability Using Eddy Current Sensor
Authors: Lu Mingyang , Meng Xiaobai , Huang Ruochen , Chen Liming , Peyton Anthony , Yin Wuliang
Published: August 2021

Electromagnetic sensing has been used for diverse applications of non-destructive testing, including the surface inspection, measurement of properties, object characterization. However, the measurement accuracy could be significantly influenced by the lift-off between sensors and samples. To address the issue caused by lift-offs, various strategies have been proposed for the permeability measurement of ferromagnetic steels, which mainly involves different sensor designs and signal features (e.g., the zero-crossing feature). In this paper, a single high-frequency scenario for the permeability retrieval is introduced. By combining the signal of two sensing pairs, the retrieval of magnetic permeability is less affected by the lift-off of sensors. Unlike the previous strategy on reducing the lift-off effect (directly taking the phase term out of the integration) using the Dodd-Deeds analytical method, the proposed method is based on a high-frequency linear feature of the phase term. Therefore, this method has the merit of high accuracy and fast processing for the permeability retrieval (a simplified version of Dodd-Deeds analytical formulas after the integration). Experimental measurement has been carried out on the impedance measurement of designed sensors interrogating ferromagnetic dual-phase steels. For sensor lift-offs of up to 10 mm, the error of the permeability retrieval is controlled within 4 % under the optimal frequency.
Effects of Media and Plant Growth Regulators on Mini-Tuber Yield of Granola Cultivar of Potato in Aeroponics System
Authors: Sugiyono Sugiyono , Prayoga Lucky , Proklamasiningsih Elly , Faozi Khavid , Prasetyo Rendie
Published: August 2021

Potato is a perennial plant (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the nightshade family, which is one of the most developed and competitive vegetable crops compared to other vegetables. Furthermore, its production could not meet the increasing demand, which led to very intensive research and development programs. This research aims to examine the effect of nutrients and growth regulators on the yield of mini-tuber in the aeroponic system and to determine the best type of nutrient, as well as the type and concentration of plant growth regulators to increase mini-tubers yield in an aeroponics system. This experiment has been carried out experimentally using a split-split plot design. The main plots were the types of nutrient media, which consisted of Grow More-modified nutrient and AB-Mix nutrient. The sub-plots were the types of plant growth regulator (PGR), which consisted of BAP and GA3, while the sub-sub-plot were the concentrations of PGR, which consisted of 0; 5; 10; 15; 20 and 25 µM. Each combination of treatments was repeated three times. The results showed that the use of media type, PGR and PGR concentration affected the formation and yield of Granola cultivar of potato mini-tubers. Knols grown in AB-Mix nutrient medium supplemented with 20 µM GA3 resulted in the best mini-tuber formation, as shown by the average number of mini-tubers of 8.33, the total weight of mini-tubers of 21.38 g and the average mini-tuber diameter of 13.05 mm.
Strategi Pengembangan Toleransi Masyarakat melalui Konseling Kelompok dengan Pendekatan Konseling Singkat Berfokus Solusi
Authors: Rosyidi Fajar
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangan sikap toleransi yang ada di masyarakat dengan konseling kelompok yang menggunakan pendekatan konseling singkat berfokus solusi. Toleransi merupakan hal dasar dalam bermasyarakat. Sikap toleransi berarti seseorang dapat menerima dan menghargai pendapat, agama, suku, dan ras orang lain. Hal ini perlu ada sebuah tindakan dalam pengembangannya. Metode yang digunakan adalah pre-experimental desain dengan model one group pretets-posttets. Pelaksanaan koseling kelompok dengan subjek berjumlah 8 orang. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara hasil skor awal sikap toleransi dan hasil skor akhir sikap toleransi setelah diberikan layanan konseling kelompok dengan pendekatan konseling singkat berfokus solusi.
Print time vs. elapsed time : a temporal analysis of a continuous printing operation
Authors: Diggs-McGee Brandy , Kreiger Eric , Kreiger Megan , Case Michael
Published: August 2021

In additive construction, ambitious goals to fabricate a concrete building in less than 24 hours are attempted. In the field, this goal relies on a metric of print time to make this conclusion, which excludes rest time and delays. The task to complete a building in 24 hours was put to the test with the first attempt at a fully continuous print of a structurally reinforced additively constructed concrete (ACC) building. A time series analysis was performed during the construction of a 512 ft2 (16’x32’x9.25’) building to explore the effect of delays on the completion time. This analysis included a study of the variation in comprehensive layer print times, expected trends and forecasting for what is expected in future prints of similar types. Furthermore, the study included a determination and comparison of print time, elapsed time, and construction time, as well as a look at the effect of environmental conditions on the delay events. Upon finishing, the analysis concluded that the 3D-printed building was completed in 14-hours of print time, 31.2- hours elapsed time, a total of 5 days of construction time. This emphasizes that reports on newly 3D-printed constructions need to provide a definition of time that includes all possible duration periods to communicate realistic capabilities of this new technology.
Editorial: If the settler never came
Authors: Backhaus Vincent , Fraser Henry , Macdonald Shem
Published: August 2021

If the settler never came and the (Australian) continent developed herself, what kinds of conversations would we consider? Perhaps, we would highlight the fact that the Country and Island landscape did not have an estimated number of languages but significantly more than the speculated 250 (or “over 300”, or “hundreds of”) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across the island and continental landscape. It would be a given continuance that every year across the Country, and not just 2019 declared by the United Nations General assembly, as the year to celebrate the Indigenous languages. Perhaps the ways we define, discuss and distinguish these numerous, living languages would be very different from our current forensic approaches.
AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL ENGLISH: CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN AN ADOPTED LANGUAGE
Authors: Clews Madeleine
Published: August 2021

AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL ENGLISH: CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN AN ADOPTED LANGUAGEMalcolm, Ian G.Series: Dialects of English, Series editors: Joan C. Beal, Karen P. Corrigan, Bernd Kortmann, Volume: 16.Boston: De Gruyter, Inc., 2017
Remote Indigenous education and translanguaging
Authors: Wigglesworth Gillian
Published: August 2021

Indigenous1 children living in the more remote areas of Australia where Indigenous languages continue to be spoken often come to school with only minimal knowledge of English, but they may speak two or more local languages. Others come to school speaking either a creole, or Aboriginal English, non-standard varieties which may sound similar to English, which gives them their vocabulary, while differing in terms of structure, phonology and semantics and pragmatics. This paper begins with a discussion of the linguistic contexts the children come from and the school contexts the children enter into before moving on to discuss a potential role for some use of translanguaging techniques in the classroom and discussing the potential benefits and advantages these may have.

1The term Indigenous is used respectfully to refer to all people of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. Indigenous languages and Australian Indigenous languages are used to refer to the languages of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders following NILS3 (2020).
REFLECTIONS ON TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING
Authors: Mohammadi Elham
Published: August 2021

REFLECTIONS ON TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING Rod EllisBristol, Blue Ridge Summit: Multilingual Matters, 2018
MIND MATTERS IN SLA
Authors: Sumithran Suma
Published: August 2021

MIND MATTERS IN SLA Edited by Clare Wright, Thorsten Pike and Martha Young-ScholtenBristol, UK: Multilingual Matters, 2018
Aplicación de prácticas en gerencia de proyectos de investigación, desarrollo tecnológico e innovación en grupos de investigación
Authors: Contreras-Gutiérrez Diana Carolina , Moreno-Ávila Nelson de Jesús , Pérez-Londoño Gloria Viviana , Leal-Coronado César Augusto
Published: August 2021

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar los procesos gerenciales que realizan los investigadores para la planeación, ejecución y seguimiento de los proyectos de investigación, desarrollo tecnológico e innovación, con el fin de categorizar por niveles la aplicación de prácticas en gerencia de proyectos por parte de los grupos de investigación. El estudio se enfoca en generar un método de valoración de prácticas gerenciales, aplicable a la gestión de proyectos de I+D+i y dirigido a organizaciones dedicadas al desarrollo de procesos de ciencia y tecnología. Para esto se creó un instrumento que tiene como propósito identificar y medir las prácticas en gerencia, el cual se aplicó en una muestra de 329 grupos de investigación ubicados en Bogotá. Se diseñó un cuestionario para las tres áreas de conocimiento que conforman la triple restricción en la gerencia de proyectos: alcance, cronograma y costo, así como sus respectivos procesos. Entre los resultados obtenidos se identificó que los grupos aplican procesos gerenciales empíricos producto de su experiencia, al categorizar el 74,1 % de los grupos en un nivel medio de aplicación de prácticas de gerencia y resaltar que los procesos más críticos para los investigadores son la validación del alcance y la determinación del presupuesto.
El compliance: repercusiones en la concepción de la empres
Authors: Sanclemente-Arciniegas Javier
Published: August 2021

El presente texto plantea un estudio sobre la noción jurídica del compliance y cómo esta repercute en la forma en la que se conciben las grandes empresas. El estudio se estructura en torno a los principales desarrollos de la figura a nivel internacional, por lo cual se evidencia que esa institución legal implica, de una parte, cambios en la identidad misma de las compañías, transformación que se expresa en nuevas interpretaciones sobre la naturaleza de las sociedades, sus obligaciones y su responsabilidad. De otra parte, ligado a lo anterior, el compliance impone mutaciones a los modelos de gobierno corporativo, en los que se trata de organizar la empresa de una manera que le permita atender los nuevos desafíos que el respeto de la ley establece, para lo que resulta necesario adoptar diferentes instrumentos que favorezcan el control de los riesgos jurídicos que se derivan de su propio comportamiento. A partir de una metodología analítica y comparativa de la doctrina y las normas internacionales, el estudio concluye que es pertinente la adopción de la institución en el caso colombiano, dado que se han presentado casos de empresas emblemáticas involucradas en grandes escándalos. La experiencia internacional enseña que el sometimiento de las grandes compañías al derecho es una condición necesaria para considerar esas organizaciones como algo positivo para la sociedad.
High Dependency Renal Unit (HDRU) for the management of COVID-19 in patients with severe acute or chronic kidney disease
Authors: Thakare Sayali , Modi Tulsi , Gandhi Chintan , Bose Sreyashi , Deb Satarupa , Katyal Abhinav , Saxena Nikhil , Patil Ankita , Patil Sunil , Pajai Atim , Bajpai Divya , Jadhav Pratap , Jamale Tukaram
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID-19 in patients on dialysis for acute or chronic kidney disease is associated with high mortality. We evaluated the effect of high dependency renal unit (HDRU) with nephrologists as primary care physicians for management of these patients. Methods: This was an observational, cohort study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in western India. Patients needing dialysis for COVID-19 associated Acute Kidney Injury (AKI-D) and patients with End-Stage-Renal-Disease (ESRD) hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in the study. After 2 months into the pandemic (28 March to 28 May 2020), HDRU was commissioned for management of these patients. With nephrologists as primary care physicians, the components of care included completion of care bundle focusing on key nephrology and COVID-19 related issues, checklist-based clinical monitoring, integration of multispecialty care, and training of nurses and doctors. Primary outcome of the study was in hospital mortality compared between pre-HDRU and HDRU cohorts. Secondary outcomes were- dialysis dependence in AKI-D, and predictors of death. Results: 238 of 4254 (5.59%) patients with COVID-19 admitted from 28th March to 30th September had severe renal impairment (116 AKI-D and 122 ESRD). 145 (62%) had severe COVID-19. HDRU care was delivered from 28th May to 30th August. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant improvement in survival after implementation of HDRU [19 of 52 (36.5%) in pre-HDRU versus 35 of 160 (21.9%) in HDRU died, p=<0.01]. 44 (67.7%) AKI-D survivors were dialysis dependent at discharge. Breathlessness and altered mental status at presentation, development of shock during hospital stay and leukocytosis predicted mortality. Conclusions: HDRU managed by nephrologists is a feasible and potentially effective approach to improve the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and severe renal impairment.
Fetal Atrial Flutter Associated With Atrial Septal Aneurysm
Authors: Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupun Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jatavan Phudit , Tongsong Theera
Published: August 2021

Objective: To provide evidence that fetal atrial flutter (AF) caused by atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) can be completely cured by delivery. Cases: Three fetuses with ASA complicated by AF in late gestation, including hydrops fetalis in one case, were collected and completely followed up. AF in all cases completely disappeared shortly after birth. New insights gained from this study are as follows: 1) PACs or bigeminy associated with ASA can progressively change to AF. 2) AF associated with ASA can cause hydrops fetalis and intrauterine treatment is needed but delivery is definitive treatment. 3) AF associated with ASA completely resolves after birth. Conclusion: This report may have clinical impact because of providing evidence that 1) In case of AF associated with ASA, the prognosis is much better than other causes and delivery should be strongly considered. 2) Fetuses diagnosed with AF should always be looked for the presence of ASA. 3) PAC/bigeminy related to ASA, different from isolated PAC, needs close follow-up for development of SVT and AF. 4) The fetuses remote from term can benefit from intrauterine treatment to avoid hydrops fetalis, and to prolong gestation for maturity and early delivery is recommended once lung maturity is confirmed.
The Ideal Insulin Resistance Index for c\Cardiovascular Risk Discrimination in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Azeez Taoreed Adegoke
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThis study was aimed at determining the correlation between insulin resistance indices and atherogenic index as well as determining the ability of the indices to discriminate between low and high cardiovascular risk in diabetic individuals. The study involved 70 participants. Ethical approval was granted by the institution review board. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin and lipid profile were analyzed for each participant. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), homeostatic mode assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting glucose insulin ratio (FGIR), fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI), McAuley’s index and Raynauld’s index were calculated using the appropriate formulae. Pearson’s correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were done.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 53.34 ± 9.57 years. Males were 50%. The mean duration of type 2 diabetes in the participants was 6.29 ± 2.78 years. Each index had a strong and significant correlation with fasting plasma insulin (p<0.001). Using AIP as a marker of cardiovascular risk, 14.3% had intermediate/high risk. Among the indices, only McAuley’s index showed a statistically significant negative correlation with AIP (r= -0.453;p<0.001). None of the indices could reliably discriminate between low and intermediate/high cardiovascular risk.ConclusionThe studied indices could not predict cardiovascular risk despite their usefulness as insulin resistance markers. Further studies are needed to identify an ideal insulin resistance index that can also predict cardiovascular risk.
Effect of positive and negative interface trap charges on the performance of M-FinFET and its RF/linearity analysis
Authors: Das Rinku Rani , Chowdhury Atanu , Chakroborty Apurba , Maity Santanu
Published: August 2021

Multiple Fins structured FinFET (M-FinFET) is a promising semiconductor device for future improvisation of CMOS technology. In this paper, we investigate the impact of interface trap charges (positive and negative trap) at the HfO2/Si interface in M-FinFET for the first time. The various important DC attributes, RF/analog, and linearity metrics are studied in presence and absence of traps. Simultaneously, the various trap concentration effect on the characteristics of M-FinFET are also observed. The results show that the introduction of interface trap charges (ITC) has optimized the ON current, OFF current, and also improves sub-threshold swing (SS) characteristics as compared to no trap condition. It is observed that positive trap having trap concentration of 1012/cm2 enhances the ION ~5.14x, SS by 44.75%, and various important RF/analog parameter such as transconductance (Gm) improves by a factor 5, device efficiency by 7.4% and intrinsic gain (Av) 80.4%. On the other hand, linearity parameters like VIP2, VIP3 and 1 dB compression point show better performance in presence of positive and negative trap.
Clathrin regulates the β-arrestin pathway regardless of ligand bias
Authors: Shiraki Atsuko , Shimizu Satoshi
Published: August 2021

μ-opioid receptors (MOP) are thought to activate the G protein-mediated analgesic pathway and β-arrestin 2-mediated side effect pathway; however, ligands that recruit β-arrestin 2 only minimally to MOP may also cause opioid side effects. Such side effects are also induced in mutant mice lacking β-arrestin 2 or expressing phosphorylation-deficient MOP that do not recruit β-arrestin 2. These findings critically questioned whether β-arrestin 2 recruitment to MOP triggers side effects. Here, we show that β-arrestin 1 partially compensates for the lack of β-arrestin 2 in a neuronal cell line and thus might be involved in triggering such side effects in β-arrestin 2-null mice. Moreover, the magnitude of β-arrestin-mediated signals is not correlated with β-arrestin recruitment to MOP via phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal of MOP, which has long been used to evaluate β-arrestin bias of a ligand. Instead, β-arrestin activates downstream signals by binding with the clathrin heavy chain in the process of clathrin-coated pit formation. Our findings provide not only a novel insight into G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signalling to overcome opioid side effects but also an unexpected concept that the accumulation of molecules required for endocytosis is a key for activating the intracellular signalling.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Plus Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Xin Yuanfang , Shen Guoshuang , Zheng Yonghui , Guan Yumei , Huo Xingfa , Li Jinming , Zhao Fuxing , Ren Dengfeng , Liu Zhen , Li Zitao , Zhao Jiuda
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Some studies have shown that Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a favorable efficacy in advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, but the results are controversial in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) stage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety after NACT plus ICIs in early TNBC patients.Methods: After searching PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and several mainly oncology conferences up to 30 January 2021 systematically, and define randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC patients. The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) in intention-to-treat populations (ITT), and the secondary endpoints were event-free survival (EFS) and safety analysis in the ITT populations.Results: Six RCTs (N = 2142) were included in our meta-analysis; NACT plus ICIs increased pCR rates compared with NACT in intention-to-treat (ITT) populations (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.32–2.78, P < 0.001). The pCR rate also increased both in PD-L1 positive (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.26–2.16, P < 0.001) and negative patients (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.04–2.33, P = 0.03), especially in PD-L1 positive patients. The benefit was also observed in nodal-positive populations (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.69–3.77, P < 0.001) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance-status score (ECOG PS) 0 subgroup (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.42–2.53, P < 0.001). Three RCTs (N = 1615) reported that EFS and the addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors increased EFS (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.92, P = 0.01) in ITT populations with a short follow-up time. In the safety analysis of 2205 patients with early TNBC from five eligible studies, NACT plus ICIs had a higher risk of grade 3-4 diarrhea (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.21–5.32; P = 0.01), any grade of AEs including vomiting (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.00–1.86; P = 0.05), hyperthyroidism (OR: 6.04; 95% CI: 2.39–15.29; P < 0.001), and hypothyroidism (OR: 5.04; 95% CI: 3.02–8.39; P < 0.001).Conclusions: NACT plus ICIs might be an option in patients with early TNBC.
Dynamic Evolution Mechanism of A Rock Slope with Discontinuities Under Earthquake Motions Using Shaking Table Tests
Authors: Zhou Hanxu , Che Ailan , Zhu Renjie
Published: August 2021

Under the impact of earthquake, even if the slopes do not fail, the integrity of rock slope structure would be damaged subjected to the seismic motion. The process of damage, destruction and failure for slopes is characterized by the dynamic evolution of stability. In the areas with active tectonic activities, frequent earthquakes have a significant effect on the attenuation of slope stability. To investigate the dynamic evolution of a rock slope under earthquake motions, a series of shaking table tests were performed. An artificial synthetic earthquake seismic wave was adopted to investigate the horizontal acceleration response. The results show that the wave field propagation results in MPGA values for the slope body above the tuff structural surface are larger than those inside the slope, and a maximum value of 3.7 is observed at slope crest. The structural surface results in a mutation of the acceleration response, which is not conducive to the slope stability. The modeled slope entered the plastic stage (input motion of 2.97 m/s2) earlier than landslides occurred (input motion of 4.46 m/s2). In addition, the safety factor of the sliding blocks was calculated based on pseudo static analysis. A good correspondence was found between the safety factors and the failure mode of the slope. The damage evolution process for the rock slope can be divided into three stages: an elastic stage (Ks=1.6–4.7), a plastic stage (Ks=0.8–1.6), and a damage stage (Ks<0.8).
A Novel Solar Powered Milk Cooling Refrigeration Unit with Cold Thermal Energy Storage for Rural Application
Authors: Sidney Shaji , Prabakaran Rajendran , Kim Sung Chul , Dhasan Mohan Lal
Published: August 2021

This experimental study analyzed the use of solar photovoltaic energy for operating a novel twin-circuit DC milk chiller without batteries using water-based cold thermal energy storage for different seasons in Chennai, India. HFC-134a and HC-600a were used as refrigerants in the two individual circuits. For each season, the test was conducted continuously for 18 days to analyze the quantity of generated ice that could be utilized to chill 10 L of milk in the morning and in the evening. The average quantity of ice formed per day in the ice bank during monsoon, winter, and summer seasons was found to be 3.61, 19.75, and 27.97 kg, respectively. Thus, it is evident that the use of solar energy with thermal energy storage is effective for operating the milk chilling unit for two seasons, namely winter and summer. However, the system requires an additional power source for continuous operation during the monsoon season. In this study, solar photovoltaic power was observed to be a good choice for chilling milk in the context of global warming and energy consumption. The use of thermal energy storage also allows the initial cost to be reduced.
Long Range PCR-based deep sequencing for haplotype determination in mixed HCMV infections
Authors: Brait Nadja , Kül Büsra , Goerzer Irene
Published: August 2021

Background
Short read sequencing, which has extensively been used to decipher the genome diversity of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains, often falls short to assess co-linearity of non-adjacent polymorphic sites in mixed HCMV populations. In the present study, we established a long amplicon sequencing workflow to identify number and relative quantities of unique HCMV haplotypes in mixtures. Accordingly, long read PacBio sequencing was applied to amplicons spanning over multiple polymorphic sites. Initial validation of this approach was performed with defined HCMV DNA templates derived from cell-free viruses and was further tested for its suitability on patient samples carrying mixed HCMV infections.
Results
Our data show that artificial HCMV DNA mixtures were correctly determined upon long amplicon sequencing down to 1% abundance of the minor DNA source. Total error rate of mapped reads ranged from 0.17 to 0.43 depending on the stringency of quality trimming. PCR products of up to 7.7 kb and a GC content < 55% were efficiently generated when DNA was directly isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage samples, yet long range PCR may display a slightly lower sensitivity compared to short amplicons. In a single sample, up to three distinct haplotypes were identified showing varying relative frequencies. Intra-patient haplotype diversity is unevenly distributed across the target site and often interspersed by long identical stretches, thus unable to be linked by short reads. Moreover, diversity at single polymorphic regions as assessed by short amplicon sequencing may markedly underestimate the overall diversity of mixed populations.
Conclusions
Quantitative haplotype determination by long amplicon sequencing provides a novel approach for HCMV strain characterisation in mixed infected samples which can be scaled up to cover the majority of the genome. This will substantially improve our understanding of intra-host HCMV strain diversity and its dynamic behaviour.
Tuberculosis Forecasting and Temporal Trends by Sex and Age in a High Endemic City in Northeast Brazil: Where Were we Before the Covid-19 Pandemic?
Authors: de Andrade Hamilton Leandro Pinto , Gomes Dulce , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Arroyo Luiz Henrique , Neto Marcelino Santos , Palha Pedro Fredemir , Fiorati Regina Célia , Fronteira Inês , Monroe Aline Aparecida , Santos Márcio Souza dos , Fuentealba-Torres Miguel , Yamamura Mellina , Crispim Juliane de Almeida , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the temporal trend of tuberculosis cases according to sex and age group and evidence the level of disease before the Covid-19 pandemic in a city in northeast Brazil. Methods: This was a time series study carried out in a city in northeast Brazil. The population was composed of cases of tuberculosis, excluding those with HIV-positive status, reported between the years 2002 and 2018. An exploratory analysis of the monthly rates of tuberculosis detection, smoothed according to sex and age group, was performed. Subsequently, the progression of the trend and prediction of the disease were also characterized according to these aspects. For the trends forecast, the seasonal autoregressive linear integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the usual Box-Jenkins method were used to choose the most appropriate models. Results: A total of 1,620 cases of tuberculosis were reported, with an incidence of 49.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in men and 34.0 per 100,000 in women. Regarding the incidence for both sexes, there was a decreasing trend, which was similar for age. Evidence resulting from the application of the time series shows a decreasing trend in the years 2002–2018, with a trend of stability. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a decreasing trend in tuberculosis, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, for both sex and age; however, in a step really slow that recommended by the World Health Organization. According to the results, the disease would have achieved a level of stability had it not been for the Covid-19 pandemic. The results are relevant to evidence the problem of TB that transcends its aspects prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Study on the Influence of Snow Melt Water in Tianshan Mountains on the Water Filling of Yili No. 1 Mine and the Prevention of Water Hazards
Authors: Feng Lin , Sun Yajun , Zhang Chenghang , Xu Zhimin , Yuan Zewen , Luo Bin , Wang Xin
Published: August 2021

Yili No.1 Mine locates opposite Tianshan Mountain in Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. The main coal seams are No.3 and No.5 coal seams. The alluvial strata cover the surface of the minefield in the piedmont of the Tianshan Mountains. Snowmelt in the Tianshan Mountains is an essential source of replenishment for surface water and alluvial strata in the basin. Due to the particular diagenetic environment and geological conditions, coal mining is mainly affected by weakly cemented sandstone aquifers on the roof and floor. To solve the water hazard problems of the No.3 coal roof and the No.5 coal floor faced by the mine, we take the 1520w first mining face of Yili No.1 Mine as the research object. And through drilling and on-site water release tests, the threat of water inrush from the working face of the study area and the treatment plan are analyzed. The results show that the Quaternary aquifer in the study area is thin in thickness and fast in velocity. Therefore, it mainly flows through the site in the form of “slope transit flow”, which has little impact on the roof water filling of the No.3 coal seams. In addition, the floor water discharge test proved that the sandstone aquifer of the No.5 coal seam floor has the characteristics of dredging. To eliminate the threat of water inrush during the next mining step in the mine, we proposed arranging an “L”-shaped drainage project in the first working face. And the dredging effect was pronounced and can ensure the safety of mining. At the same time, it has essential reference significance for the mining work of other similar mines in the western region.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Five Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Wastewater Treatment Plants from Monterrey, Mexico
Authors: López-Velázquez Khirbet , Guzmán-Mar Jorge L. , Saldarriaga-Noreña Hugo A. , Murillo-Tovar Mario A. , Villanueva-Rodríguez Minerva
Published: August 2021

The potential ecological risk of five residual endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was studied. The wastewater samples were collected in WWTPs of the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey, Mexico (designed as Monterrey City hereinafter) and 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4NP), and 4-tert-octylphenol (4TOP) were studied by SPE/GC-MS method. Results showed that all EDCs are widely distributed in WWTPs, finding high concentrations of BPA (450 ng/L) and EE2 (407.5 ng/L) in influents, while EE2 and 4TOP were the most abundant in effluents at levels from 1.6–26.8 ng/L (EE2) and < LOQ – 5.0 ng/L (4TOP), which corroborate that the wastewater discharges represent critical sources of EDCs to the aquatic environments. The potential ecological risk of residual EDCs was evaluated through risk quotients (RQs), and results indicated that the effluents of the WWTPs represent a high risk to exposed aquatic species, mainly due to the effect of residual estrogens E2 and EE2 which were considered as the most hazardous compounds among the studied EDCs, with RQ values up to 49.1 and 1165.2, respectively.
Regulating Immune Memory and Reversing Tumor Thermotolerance through a Step-by-Step Starving-Photothermal therapy
Authors: Luo Lihua , Qin Bing , Jiang Mengshi , Xie Lin , Luo Zhenyu , Guo Xuemeng , Zhang Junlei , Li Xiang , Zhu Chunqi , Du Yongzhong , Peng Ling , You Jian
Published: August 2021

Background: Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a highly effective treatment for solid tumorsand can induce long-term immune memory worked like an in situ vaccine. Nevertheless, PTT inevitably encounters photothermal resistance of tumor cells, which hinders therapeutic effect or even leads to tumor recurrence. Naïve CD8+T cells are mainly metabolized by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), followed by aerobic glycolysis after activation. And the differentiate of effector CD8+ T cell (CD8+Teff) into central memory CD8+ T cell (CD8+TCM) depends on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) to meet their metabolic requirements, which is regulated by adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK). In addition, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is severely immunosuppressive, confering additional protection against the host immune response mediated by PTT.Methods: Metformin (Met) down-regulates NADH/NADPH, promotes the FAO of CD8+T cells by activating AMPK, increases the number of CD8+TCM, which boosts the long-term immune memory of tumor-bearing mice treated with PTT. Here, a kind of PLGA microspheres co-encapsulated hollow gold nanoshells and Met (HAuNS-Met@MS) was constructed to inhibit the tumor progress. 2-Deoxyglucose (2DG), a glycolysis inhibitor for cancer starving therapy, can cause energy loss of tumor cells, reduce the heat stress response of tumor cell, and reverse its photothermal resistance. Moreover, 2DG prevents N-glycosylation of proteins that cause endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), further synergistically enhance PTT-induced tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD), and improve the effect of immunotherapy. So 2DG was also introduced and optimized here to solve the metabolic competition among tumor cells and immune cells in the TME.Results: We utilized mild PTT effect of HAuNS to propose an in situ vaccine strategy based on the tumor itself. By targeting the metabolism of TME with different administration strategy of 2DG and perdurable action of Met, the thermotolerance of tumor cells was reversed, more CD8+TCMs were produced and more effective anti-tumor was presented in this study.Conclusion: The Step-by-Step starving-photothermal therapy could not only reverse thetumor thermotolerance, but also enhance the ICD and produce more CD8+TCM during the treatment.
Polyester Fabric With Fluorescent Properties Using Microwave Technology For Anti-Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Saad Fredj , Baffoun Ayda , Mahltig Boris , Hamdaoui Mohamed
Published: August 2021

The article presented concerns the application of fluorescein as a fluorescent material for anti-counterfeiting technology which will allow the labeling and identification of legitimate articles in the textile field. Fluorescein has been applied to polyester fabrics by microwave irradiation technique in the presence of a UV absorber. Thus, its presence in the textile substrate is detectable following an excitation at a specific wavelength belonging to the Ultra-violet zone, which makes this material very effective for tracking and detecting counterfeit articles. Fluorescent samples are characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitatively by optical spectroscopy such as reflectance and transmission measurements. The treated samples show under UV light a yellowish green emission with a slight yellow coloration of the polyester fiber. The UV absorber applied to the fluorescent solution improves the light resistance of the treated samples by 25%. Their addition to the bath can also ensure the production of a protective fabric against UV.
Rhizobium inoculation enhanced the resistance of alfalfa and soil enzymatic activity in Cu-polluted soils
Authors: Duan Chengjiao , Mei Yuxia , Wang Qiang , Wang Yuhan , Li Qi , Hong Maojun , Hu Sheng , Li Shiqing , Fang Linchuan
Published: August 2021

Although some studies have reported an important role of rhizobia in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, the regulatory mechanism of the alfalfa-rhizobium symbiosis system to resist copper (Cu) stress through biochemical reactions in the plant-soil system is still unclear. Hence, this study assessed the effects of rhizobium inoculation (i.e., Sinorhizobium meliloti CCNWSX0020) on the growth of alfalfa and soil enzyme activities under Cu stress. Our results showed that rhizobium inoculation markedly alleviated Cu-induced growth inhibition by increasing chlorophyll content, height and biomass and the contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in alfalfa. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased in both shoot and root of alfalfa under Cu stress. The application of rhizobium alleviated Cu-induced phytotoxicity by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and soluble protein content of tissues and inhibiting the level of lipid peroxidation (i.e., MDA level). In addition, rhizobium inoculation improved soil nutrient cycling, increased soil enzyme activities (i.e., β-glucosidase activity and alkaline phosphatase) and microbial biomass nitrogen. Both Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) identified that the interactions between soil nutrient content, enzyme activity, microbial biomass and plant antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage could jointly regulate plant growth. This study provides comprehensive insights into the mechanism of action of the legume-rhizobium symbiosis system to mitigate Cu stress and provide an efficient strategy for phytoremediation of Cu-polluted soils.
Evaluation of standard dosing for selected broad spectrum Hydrophilic antibiotics in critically ill patients with Augmented renal clearance: An observational Study
Authors: Almutairi Majed , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Alenazi Sultan , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Aljuhani Ohoud
Published: August 2021

Background: Inappropriate antibiotics dosing in critically ill patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC) may be associated with pathogens resistance and worse outcomes. Unfortunately, studies regarding the relationship between ARC and clinical outcomes in patients treated with antibiotics medication are rare. The study evaluates the efficacy and clinical outcomes of selected broad-spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics in ARC critically ill patients with confirmed infections. Methods: A retrospective cohort study in adult critically ill patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC)-Riyadh and received standard dosing of selected broad-spectrum hydrophilic antibiotics (Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam) with confirmed infection. All the patients who met our inclusion criteria during the study period (01/01/2018 – 31/12/2019) were included. Eligible patients have been divided into two groups (ARC Vs. non-ARC) according to the calculated creatinine clearance using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The primary outcome was to assess pathogen eradication at 10-14 days; other outcomes were considered secondary. Multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression analyses were used. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant. Results: A total of 133 patients were included in the study; 67 Patients had ARC. The distribution of infections and types of pathogens between the groups were the same. The pathogen eradication at 10-14 days was similar between the two groups (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.41–2.78 p = 0.88). Moreover, the odds of resistance development and persistence after 3 days were not significantly different between the groups ((OR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.25–2.40 p = 0.66) and (OR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.35–2.18 p = 0.78) respectively). Conclusion: Using standard dosing of Meropenem, Imipenem, or Piperacillin/Tazobactam in ARC patients was not associated with therapy failure. Further randomized clinical and interventional studies are required to confirm our findings.
Geographical Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based groundwater Potential Zones delineation in Chennai River Basin (CRB), India
Authors: PJ Sajil Kumar , L Elnago , Schneider Michael
Published: August 2021

Groundwater depletion is one of the most important concerns for users and policy makers. Information on the locations where groundwater potential is high, or low is the key factor that helps them to do proper planning. Application of new technologies and methods are essential in this situation. This study has used the possibilities of Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing and, of course, field data to delineate the groundwater potential zones in the Chennai River Basin (CRB). To provide accurate results, 11 controlling factors- geology, water level, drainage, soil, lineament, rainfall, land use, slope, aspect, geomorphology, and depth to bed rock-- were brought into a digital GIS environment and appropriate weightage given to each layer depending on their effect on potential. The weightage is given based on Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), namely Analytical Hierarchal Process (AHP). Groundwater potential zones in the CRB were mapped as very poor, poor, moderate, good, very good using weighted overlay analysis. The results were compared with actual specific capacity from the borehole data. The accuracy of prediction was found to be 78.43%, indicating that in most of the locations, the predicted potential map agrees with the bore hole data. Thus, AHP aided GIS-RS mapping is a useful tool in groundwater prospecting in this region of the world.
Estimation of COVID-19 Recovery and Decease Periods in Canada Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Paul Subhendu , Lorin Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

We derive a novel model escorted by large scale compartments, based on a set of coupled delay differential equations with extensive delays, in order to estimate the incubation, recovery and decease periods of COVID-19, and more generally any infectious disease. This is possible thanks to machine learning algorithms applied to publicly available database of confirmed corona cases, recovered cases and death toll. In this purpose, we separate i) the total cases into 14 groups corresponding to 14 incubation periods, ii) the recovered cases into 406 groups corresponding to a combination of incubation and recovery periods, and iii) the death toll into 406 groups corresponding to a combination of incubation and decease periods. In this paper, we focus on recovery and decease periods and their correlation with the incubation period. The estimated mean recovery period we obtain is 22.14 days (95% Confidence Interval(CI): 22.00 to 22.27), and the 90th percentile is 28.91 days (95% CI: 28.71 to 29.13), which is in agreement with statistical supported studies. The bimodal gamma distribution reveals that there are two groups of recovered individuals with a short recovery period, mean 21.02 days (95% CI: 20.92 to 21.12), and a long recovery period, mean 38.88 days (95% CI 38.61 to 39.15). Our study shows that the characteristic of the decease period and the recovery period are alike. From the bivariate analysis, we observe a high probability domain for recovered individuals with respect to incubation and recovery periods. A similar domain is obtained for deaths analyzing bivariate distribution of incubation and decease periods.
Stable Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Bismuth-Halide Monocrystalline Compounds With Adjustable Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Hu Xinru , Wang Jilin , He Jian , Zheng Guoyuan , Yao Disheng , Mo Shuyi , Tian Nan , Zhou Bing , Long Fei
Published: August 2021

Two kinds of novel organic-inorganic bismuth-halide hybrid monocrystalline compounds (C6H5CH2NH3)2BiCl5 and (C6H5CH2NH3)BiI4 were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure, intermolecular interaction, morphology, chemical groups and bonds, optical and thermal stability of the samples were systematically investigated through single crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface analysis, SEM, FTIR, TG and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The results indicated that (C6H5CH2NH3)2BiCl5 and (C6H5CH2NH3)BiI4 crystals displayed a monoclinic system with the space group P21/c and P21/n at room temperature, respectively. These materials showed strong absorption in the ultraviolet and visible light regions, resulting in very low Eg, which could be continuously adjustable from 1.67 eV to 3.21 eV by changing the halogen ratio. In addition, these hybrid materials also exhibited good thermal stability. The decomposition temperature of (C6H5CH2NH3)2BiCl5 and (C6H5CH2NH3)BiI4 were 260℃ and 300℃ respectively. Therefore, these organic-inorganic bismuth-halide hybrid compounds have excellent development potential in the field of solar cell research.
A Novel GIS-Based Approach to Assessment Suitable Irrigation Water Using a fuzzy-Multi Indices Method in Astaneh-Kuchesfahan Plain, Iran
Authors: Tafreshi Amin Mohebbi , Tafreshi Ghazaleh Mohebbi
Published: August 2021

Increasing soil salinity decreased soil permeability and reduced water absorption by plant roots leading to reduced agricultural productivity. For this reason, water quality must be tested before it can be used for agricultural purposes. Accordingly, the currentresearch aimed to assess suitable irrigation water (IW)using a new GIS-basedapproach in Astaneh-Kuchesfahan plain, Iran.Fuzzy logic (FL) via GISwas used to reduce the uncertainty. Four steps were performed to receive this aim. In step 1, the values of nine indices used for agricultural water quality classification were calculated based on chemical analysis of 19 water samples in wet and dry seasons.In step 2, these indices were interpolated via ArcGIS 10.8 software. In the following, fuzzy membership functions (FMF) were used for the standardization of parameters in step 3. Finally, in step 4, foraggregation of the indices, several fuzzy overlay operations were used. Eventually, to identify the most accurate overlay operation,the correlations between the fuzzy memberships and operation maps were used.The results showed that the sum of absolute values for correlations (SAVC) in the dry season is higher than in the wet season.The results also showed that the "GAMMA 0.9" and"GAMMA 0.95"withthe highest SAVCare the bestoverlay operations in dry and wet seasons, respectively. According to the best operation maps, only a small southeast area has"good" groundwater quality for IWin both dry and wet seasons.