bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Comparison of Several Range-based Techniques for Indoor Localization Based on RSSI
Authors: Suroso Dwi Joko , Adiyatma Farid Yuli Martin , Kurniawan Ahmad Eko , Cherntanomwong Panarat
Published: December 2021

The classical rang-based technique for position estimation is still reliably used for indoor localization. Trilateration and multilateration, which include three or more references to locate the indoor object, are two common examples. These techniques use at least three intersection-locations of the references' distance and conclude that the intersection is the object's position. However, some challenges have appeared when using a simple power-to-distance parameter, i.e., received signal strength indicator (RSSI). RSSI is known for its fluctuated values when used as the localization parameter. The improvement of classical range-based has been proposed, namely min-max and iRingLA algorithms. These algorithms or methods use the approximation in a bounding-box and rings for min-max and iRingLA, respectively. This paper discusses the comparison performance of min-max and iRingLA with multilateration as the classical method. We found that min-max gives the best performance, and in some positions, iRingLA gives the best accuracy error. Hence, the approximation method can be promising for indoor localization, especially when using a simple and straightforward RSSI parameter.
Toxic Comment Classification on Social Media Using Support Vector Machine and Chi Square Feature Selection
Authors: Azzahra Nadhia , Murdiansyah Danang , Lhaksmana Kemas
Published: December 2021

The use of social media in society continues to increase over time and the ease of access and familiarity of social media then make it easier for an irresponsible user to do unethical things such as spreading hatred, defamation, radicalism, pornography so on. Although there are regulations that govern all the activities on social media. However, the regulations are still not working effectively. In this study, we conducted a classification of toxic comments containing unethical matters using the SVM method with TF-IDF as the feature extraction and Chi Square as the feature selection. The best performance result based on the experiment that has been carried out is by using the SVM model with a linear kernel, without implementing Chi Square, and using stemming and stopwords removal with the F1 − Score equal to 76.57%.
Forecasting the COVID-19 Increment Rate in DKI Jakarta Using Non-Robust STL Decomposition and SARIMA Model
Authors: Rosmelina Deliani Satrisna  , Aniq A. Rohmawati  , Siti Sa’adah
Published: December 2021

The Corona virus known as COVID-19 was first present in Wuhan, China at this time has troubled many countries and its spread is very fast and wide. Data on daily confirmed COVID-19 cases were collected from the DKI Jakarta province between early May 2020 and late January 2021. The daily increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases has a percentage of the value of increase in total cases. In this study, modeling and analysis of forecasting the increment rate in daily number of new cases COVID-19 DKI Jakarta was carried out using the Seasonal-Trend Loess (STL) Decomposition and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models. STL Decomposition is a form of algorithm developed to help decompose a Time Series, and techniques considering seasonal and non-stationary observation. The results of the best forecasting accuracy are proven by STL-ARIMA, there are MAPE and MSE which only have an error value of 0.15. This proposed approach can be used for consideration for the DKI Jakarta government in making policies for handling COVID-19, as well as for the public to adhere to health protocols.
STL Decomposition and SARIMA Model: The Case for Estimating Value-at-Risk of Covid-19 Increment Rate in DKI Jakarta
Authors: Agnes Zahrani  , Aniq A. Rohmawati  , Siti Sa’adah
Published: December 2021

In this research, we propose an extreme values measure, the Value-at-Risk (VaR) based Seasonal Trend Loess (STL) Decomposition and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models, which is more sensitive to the seasonality of extreme value than the conventional VaR. We consider the problem of the seasonality and extreme value for increment rate of Covid-19 forecasting. For stakeholder, government and regulator, VaR estimation can be implemented to face the extreme wave of new positive Covid-19 in the future and minimize the losses that possibly affected in term of financial and human resources. Specifically, the estimation of VaR is developed with the difference lies on parameter estimators of STL and SARIMA model. The VaR has coverage probability as well as close 1-α. Thus, we propose to set α as parameter to estimate VaR. Consequently, the performance of VaR will depend not only on parameter model but also α. Our aim estimates VaR with minimum α based on correct VaR value. Numerical analysis is carried out to illustrate the estimative VaR.
Study on the Bearing Characteristics and Application of the Filling Body in Original Roadway Filling and Nonpillar Driving
Authors: Shi Wenbao , Li Yan , Chang Jucai
Published: December 2021

Original roadway filling and nonpillar driving can effectively solve the difficulty facing mining replacement in the stope of deep mines. As the bearing characteristics of the filling body in the original roadway play a crucial role in the structural stability of the overlying strata, with the recovery and geological conditions of 62210 working face in Xinzhuangzi Coal Mine, Huainan Mining Group, China, as the background, this study analyzed the stability characteristics of the filling body in the original roadway through comprehensive research methods of theoretical analysis, laboratory tests, and onsite monitoring. The results disclose that the filling body in the original roadway should boost early strength, strong bearing capacity, and long-term weakening. When the water-cement ratios are 1 : 1, 1.5 : 1, 2 : 1, 2.5 : 1, and 3 : 1, the strengths of the filling body are 1.12 MPa, 0.93 MPa, 0.57 MPa, 0.33 MPa, and 0.21 MPa at 2 h and 5.63 MPa, 4.66 MPa, 2.87 MPa, 1.65 MPa, and 1.02 MPa at 48 h, respectively. The strengths surge by 5 times within 2 d on the whole and reach the maximum at about 7 d, i.e., 8.12 MPa, 6.91 MPa, 6.60 MPa, 3.95 MPa, and 2.20 MPa, respectively. As time goes, the water content of the filling body gradually decreases and the compressive strength plunges. This demonstrates that the rapid solidification material with a high water content can satisfy the requirements of the bearing characteristics of the original roadway filling body. With reference to numerical simulation and the data monitored onsite, it can be known that the filling body in the original roadway can support the roof effectively and control the surrounding rock deformation of newly excavated roadways in the lower section. The research results provide theoretical guidance for coal mining under similar geological conditions and serve as reference for safe and efficient coal mining.
Integrative Analyses of Whole-Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals CeRNA Regulatory Network of mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs and circRNAs in Pulmonary Hypertension Treated with FGF21
Authors: Li Xiuchun , Cai Haijian , Zhang Chi , Zhang Yaxin , Wang Xinghong , Song Lanlan , Zhang Jianhao , Lin Jin , Tong Shuolan , Wang Liangxing , Huang Xiaoying
Published: December 2021

Noncoding RNAs have been shown to play important roles in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Our preliminary data showed that HPH is attenuated by fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) administration. Therefore, we further investigated the whole transcriptome RNA expression patterns and interactions in a mice HPH model treated with FGF21. By whole-transcriptome sequencing, differentially expressed mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA were successfully identified in normoxia (Nx) vs. hypoxia (Hx) and Hx vs. hypoxia + FGF21 (Hx + F21). Through intersection and predictive analysis, differentially co-expressed mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA were selected, followed by functional enrichment analysis. MAPK signaling pathway and epigenetic modification were enriched and may play fundamental roles in the therapeutic effects of FGF21. A ceRNA regulatory network was constructed with miR-7a-5p, miR-449c-5p, miR-676-3p and miR-674-3p as the core. Then the quantitative real time-PCR validation results were consistent with the results of whole-transcriptome sequencing. This study may provide potential biomarkers, pathway and ceRNA regulatory network in HPH treated with FGF21.
Assessment of Breeding Practice and Statues of Estrus Synchronization and Mass Insemination Conception Rate of Dairy Cattle in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.
Authors: mekonnen Sharew , Bestha Simret , Banerjee Sandip
Published: December 2021

BackgroundAssisted reproductive biotechnology like oestrus synchronization mass insemination(OSMI), and artificial insemination (AI) are the most important bio techniques for improving the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cattle including enhancing overall profit in Ethiopia. In North Shewa zone different study were conducted. However, there is no study conducted on breeding practice, and status of OSMI conception rate of dairy cattle. Therefore the aim of this study to assess breeding practice, and status of OSMI conception rate of dairy cattle in North Shewa zone.MethodsOut of 27 districts, three district and 135 respondents were selected purposive followed by random sampling techniques per each district. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and Ms-Excel (2010).ResultMilk yield, High growth rate, body weight, fertility and udder size were the major traits perceived by farmers. Breed preference of the respondents were HHFC and HFC in Basonaworena and Angolelanatera ranked first. Breeding objective and rearing system of cattle were milk production with sale of calves and all cattle categories reared together except HHFC and lactating cows respectively. Most of the respondents were used AI mating system due to rapid genetic improvement. HHFC and HJERC bulls breed were not available in the study area as a result alternative strategies taken by the respondents was take cows in other kebele. Reproductive performance of dairy cattle per district and breeds were statistically significant. 86.6% of respondents were not maintained mating and pedigree records due to lack of awareness. Heat detection problem and AIT efficiency were the major factor that affect CR in OSMI program. The perception and satisfaction of farmer on CR of OSMI (34.4%) was not good and (67.1%) not satisfied respectively. The selection criteria of cows for OSMI program (58.9%) of respondents were not aware. The status of CR and NSPC per district, breed and year were vary (p<0.05) in table16 in OSMI program.ConclusionIn conclusion that the status of CR was increasing starting 2013/14-2015/16 in OSMI. In addition creation of farmer’s awareness on breeding aspects as well as OSMI is mandatory. Finally empowering the AI technician efficiency and procurement of the necessary facilities should be in place before implementing an OSMI.
Analysis of the Cooling Effect of Urban Green Spaces in Mitigating Micro-climate Change Using Geospatial Techniques in Adama City, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Merga Biratu Bobo , Tabor Kenate Worku , Alemu Girma
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, addressing urban climate in urban planning through mapping has got world-wide attention. Greening urban environment is one of the best mechanisms to combat the effects of micro-climate change. Therefore, this study aims at analyzing the cooling effects of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) in mitigating micro-climate change in Adama City with special emphasis on land surface temperature variation with respective to vegetation cover for the last two decades i.e. from 2000 to 2020. Three different remotely sensed data of Landsat7 ETM+ (2000 and 2010) as well as Landsat8 OLI/TIRS (2020) were used in the study. The consistent land surface temperature data were retrieved from Landsat7 ETM+ and Landsat8 OLI/TIRS using mono window and split window algorithms, respectively. Regression and correlation analysis among Land Surface Temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were also performed in Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V23). The study reveals that the proportion of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) to other land use/land cover particularly, dense vegetation cover were reduced from 29.3Km2(21.20%) in 2000 to 18.17Km2 (13.15%) in 2020. The main land dynamic process, which could considerably contribute to the increase in Land Surface Temperature, was the rapid expansion of built-up areas in the study area. The model produced through multiple linear regression analysis clearly indicates that the two urban parameters (built up and green areas) contributed 75.2% of the Land Surface Temperature (LST) variations in Adama City. The cooling efficiency (CE) and the threshold value of efficiency (TVoE) of green space in Adama City were calculated as 5.5 ± 0.5 ha. This finding implies that when Adama City municipality implements urban planning, allocating a green space area of 5.5 ± 0.5 ha reduces surface temperature by about 2.85 0C which is the most efficient to reduce heat effects. The study suggests that strengthening of plan execution capacity, public participation in urban planning and strengthening the development of urban green spaces as an important strategy to mitigate the effects of micro-climate change.
Advance Aerobic Granular Sludge Development for the Treatment of Low Strength Wastewater
Authors: Basri Hazlami Fikri , Anuar Aznah Nor , Halim Mohd Hakim Ab , Yuzir Muhammad Ali
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to assess the start-up performance of aerobic granular sludge for the treatment of low-strength (COD <200 mg L−1) domestic wastewater by the application of a diatomite carrier. The feasibility was evaluated in terms of the start-up period and stability of the aerobic granules as well as COD and phosphate removal efficiencies. A single pilot-scale Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) was used and operated separately for the control granulation and granulation with diatomite. Complete granulation (granulation rate ≥ 90%) was achieved within 20 days for the case of diatomite with an average influent COD concentration of 184 mg L−1. In comparison, control granulation required 85 days to accomplish the same feat with a higher average influent COD concentration (253 mg L−1). The presence of diatomite solidifies the core of the granules and enhances physical stability. Diatomite granules recorded the strength and SVI of 18 IC and 53 mL/g SS which clearly superior to control granulation (19.3 IC, 81 mL/g SS). Quick start-up and achievement of stable granules lead to an efficient COD (89%) and phosphate removal (74%) in 50 days of bioreactor operation. Interestingly, this study revealed that diatomite has some special mechanism in enhancing the removal of both COD and phosphate. The result of this research implies that the advanced development of granular sludge by using diatomite can provide a promising low-strength wastewater treatment.
Meteorological Drought Analysis Using Global Climate Model and Drought Indicators in West of Iran
Authors: Pakdin Mahsa , Akbari Morteza , Noughani Mohamad Alizadeh
Published: December 2021

Climate change and global warming impact the frequency of droughts and supply systems. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct appropriate studies to evaluate the impact of climate change on weather patterns and drought. For this purpose, data from 6 synoptic stations located in the wet and temperate areas in the Zagros region in western Iran were used to construct four general atmospheric models including BCC-CSM1, CANESM2, HADGEM2-ES, NORESM1-M under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5, for three future periods (2010-2039), (2040-2069) and (2070-2099). Then, spatio-temporal variations of drought severity and frequency were studied in the study area using SPI and SPEI indices in different periods up to 2100. The results showed the spatial extent of areas classified as extremely dry will increase by 47.9% in the first period compared to the base period. In the second and third periods, however, the severely dry class covers more area. Analysis of SPEI showed that drought will be more severe in all future periods. According to SPEI, drought frequency will increase by 2% according to the first period (2010-2039) relative to the base period (1984-2013), and by 0.3% in the second and third periods by 2099. The results of this study indicate that the severity, frequency, and impacts of drought will increase in the study area until the end of the century. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to control and reduce its potential effects in the future.
Dental Education During Pandemic – Cross-Sectional Lecturer-Side Evaluation For The Use of Digital Teaching Concepts In German Universities
Authors: Nold Ephraim , Demeter Vivienne , Erdelt Kurt , Edelhoff Daniel , Liebermann Anja
Published: December 2021

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in significant restrictions on dental teaching. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the attitudes of faculty members towards digital teaching formats and the effort creating digital lectures. Methods: All German dental faculties were invited from January to April 2021 to the online survey by an anonymous voluntary questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 27 questions that could be answered with a visual analog scale, free text answers or with fixed answer options. Data was analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and an exploratory data analysis (α=0.05).Results: Before the pandemic, 24.8% of the participating lecturers were using digital teaching and 64.4% had no previous experience. After the outbreak of the pandemic, more than 80% of the lecturers stated that they offer online lectures (86.1%), online seminars (81.2%), and/or online bedside teaching (33.7%). 88.1% see face-to-face teaching as the preferred teaching format.The lecturers also see the greatest opportunities for interaction in the area of analog teaching and significantly worse in synchronous and asynchronous digital teaching. In the course of the pandemic, respondents' attitudes towards online teaching improved in the median of 24.0 to a median of 50.0. Conclusions: Faculty members have positively changed their attitudes towards online teaching formats over the course of the pandemic. Although they see the greatest learning success in conventional face-to-face teaching formats and the creation of digital lectures is associated with a higher effort, they want more online lessons in the future.
Application of Data-Driven Techniques For Landslide Susceptibility Prediction Along An Earthquake Affected Road Section in Kashmir Himalaya
Authors: Gardezi Syed Ahsan Hussain , Usmani Nadeem Ahmad , Chen Xiao-qing , Ikram Nawaz , Ahmad Sajjad , Wani Saad
Published: December 2021

The interaction of seismic events with geo-environmental conditions and anthropogenic activities may exacerbate the risk of landslide hazard in a mountainous region. As an example of this, 2005 Kashmir earthquake triggered a large number of shallow to deep slope failures, which was further intensified in following years by human activities notably along road networks, posing a long-term hazard. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of landslide susceptibility prediction along earthquake affected road-section of Neelum Highway using six different data-driven models. We applied analytical hierarchy process as heuristic approach, weight of evidence and index of entropy as statistical models and multi-layer perceptron, support vector machine and binary logistic regression (BLR) as machine learning models. Initially, 224 landslides locations were marked through field surveys to prepare landslide inventory which was further randomly divided into training (70%) and testing (30%) datasets. Then, 13 landslide causative factors (LCFs) were extracted from geo-spatial database and analysed by measuring collinearity among factors and assessing their contribution in landslide occurrence using different feature selection methods for inclusion in susceptibility modelling. Thereafter, six employed models were trained to produced landslide susceptibility maps of investigated road-section. Finally, the area under receiver operating characteristics (AU-ROC) curve and various statistical measures were applied to validate and compare the performance of modeled landslide susceptibility. The results revealed that no collinearity issue exists among all 13 LCFs, and all six models exhibited satisfying performance in predicting landslide susceptibility of study area. However, BLR model have produced most promising and optimum results as compared to other models with AU-ROC (0.881), Matthew’s correlation coefficient (0.609), Kappa coefficient (0.604), accuracy (0.797) and F-score (0.787). The outcomes of this study can be used as pertinent guide for preventing and managing the landslide disaster risk along Neelum Highway and beyond.
Molecular Docking Study and ADMET Profile: Manipulation of Angiotensin II Pathophysiology in COVID-19 by Potentilla Reptans Root Compounds
Authors: Enayati Ayesheh , Mirzaei Hassan , Khori Vahid , Jabbari Ali , Salehi Aref , Soltani Alireza
Published: December 2021

In the novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) as a global emergency event, the main reason of the cardiac injury from COVID-19 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) targeting in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The inhibition of ACE2 induces an increase in the angiotensin II (Ang II) and the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) leading to impaired cardiac function or cardiac inflammatory responses. The ethyl acetate fraction of Potentilla reptans L. root can rescue heart dysfunction, oxidative stress, cardiac arrhythmias and apoptosis. Therefore, isolated components of P. reptans evaluated to identify natural anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents via molecular docking. In silico molecular docking study were carried out using the Auto Dock software on the isolated compounds of Potentilla reptans root. The protein targets of selective ACE and others obtained from Protein Data Bank (PDB). The best binding pose between amino acid residues involved in active site of the targets and compounds was discovered via molecular docking. Furthermore, ADMET properties of the compounds were evaluated. The triterpenoids of P. reptans showed more ACE inhibitory potential than catechin in both domains. They were selective on the nACE domain, especially compound 5. Also, the compound 5 & 6 had the highest binding affinity toward active site of nACE, cACE, AT1R, ACE2, and TNF-α receptors. Meanwhile, compound 3 showed more activity to inhibit TXA2. Drug likeness and ADMET analysis showed that the compounds passed the criteria of drug likeness and Lipinski rules. The current study depicted that P. reptans root showed cardioprotective effect in COVID-19 infection and manipulation of angiotensin II-induced side effects.
Influence of Aerosols on Atmospheric Gravity Waves at an Urban Tropical Location
Authors: Jana Soumyajyoti , Rakshit Gargi , Maitra Animesh
Published: December 2021

The elevated layer of heat-absorbing pollutant aerosols causes temperature perturbations in the pre-monsoon period above the boundary layer height (1.6-4 km) as observed over a polluted tropical urban location Kolkata (22°34' N, 88°22' E) during 2007-2016. Satellite observations of different types of aerosols show an increase in aerosol extinction coefficient around 1.6-4 km altitude, enhancing the perturbations in both temperature and wind profiles at that height. The opposing air mass movement within and above the boundary layer, which is strengthened by elevated heat-absorbing aerosols, is illustrated by height profiles of atmospheric vorticity and divergence. This results in higher Brunt-Vaisala frequencies indicating increased atmospheric oscillations. Consequently, atmospheric gravity waves, which manifest the temperature and wind profile perturbations, have enhanced energy in the upper troposphere (6-10 km). Based on multi- technique observations consisting of radiosonde, space-borne lidar and model data, this study reveals the interactions between aerosol and other atmospheric processes such as temperature variations and wind perturbations, which affect the atmospheric instability and increase gravity wave activities during the pre-monsoon period over a tropical metropolis.
Molecular Epidemiology and Genetic Evolution of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 in Diarrheic Dogs in Serbia From 2008 To 2020
Authors: Milicevic Vesna , Glisic Dimitrije , Sapundzic Zorana Zurovac , Ninkovic Milan , Milovanovic Bojan , Veljovic Ljubisa , Kureljusic Branislav
Published: December 2021

Canine Parvovirus 2 (CPV2) is a causal agent of an infectious disease with the highest fatality rate among dogs. However, in Serbia, it has never been investigated thoroughly. This study was conducted on samples originating from dogs with diarrhea in anamnesis, stored in the sample bank, submitted for various reasons to the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia. In total, 50 rectal swab samples were collected from the period 2008 to 2020, and consequently tested. Out of 50 rectal swab samples, the CPV2 genome was detected in 14 (28%). This retrospective study showed the presence of three different variants of CPV2 in diarrheic dogs during the last 12 years in Serbia. CPV2a was the most prevalent variant (60%) followed by CPV2b (30%), and CPV2c (10%). Interestingly, CPV2a had been the predominantly detected variant up until 2018. Nevertheless in 2019, there was the first detected occurrence of the CPV2b variant, followed by the first detection of the CPV2c in 2020. This study reports the evidence and distribution of CPV2 throughout the time-lapse from 2008 to 2020, providing new information about the presence and the prevalence of virus strains in Serbia.
An Efficient and Easy Micro-propagation of Reseda Lutea (Resedaceae) a Rare and Medicinally Valuable Plant of Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-QURAINY FAHAD , ALANSI SALEH , KHAN SALIM , NADEEM MOHAMMAD , AL-SHAMERI AREF , TARROUM MOHAMED , GAAFAR ABDEL-RHMAN Z. , AL-FARRAJ NORA
Published: December 2021

The goal of this work was to look at the propagation of Reseda lutea L. by organogenesis in tissue culture. Explants from in vitro grown seedlings were taken from the axillary bud. After seven days of culture on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BA, the adventitious buds developed. After three weeks of culturing on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BA, the maximum multiplication of shoots (16.12 shoots/explant) was discovered, with an average (7.37 cm) shoots/explant. These shoots were sub-cultured on MS media with varying concentrations of NAA and IBA for root initiation. The MS medium combined with IBA produced the greatest percentage of root development (92%) and the greatest number of roots (7.37 roots/plant). In MS media supplemented with 0.5 NAA, the longest roots (3.08 cm) were found. After 17 days in a glasshouse, the plantlets were acclimatized in pots containing Peat moss and pearlite, 98 percent of the plantlets were acclimatized. To get a plant in a pot, the complete procedure took about 75 days. The technique proposed could aid in the preservation of the plant both in vivo and in vitro.
Study on the effect of Koumiss on the intestinal flora of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Yan Xinlei , Han Wenying , Jin Xindong , Sun Yufei , Gao Jialu , Yu Xiuli , Guo Jun
Published: December 2021

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide food-borne parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. To date, there are no effective drugs to prevent or eradicate T. gondii infection. Recent studies have shown that probiotics could influence the relationship between the microbiota and parasites in the host. Koumiss has been used to treat many diseases based on its probiotic diversity. Therefore, we explored the effect of koumiss on T. gondii infection via its effect on the host intestinal flora. BALB/c mice were infected with T. gondii and treated with PBS, koumiss and mares’ milk. Brain cysts were counted, and long-term changes in the microbiota and the effect of koumiss on gut flora were investigated with high-throughput sequencing technology. The results suggested that koumiss treatment significantly decreased the cyst counts in the brain (P < 0.05). Moreover, T. gondii infection changed the microbiota composition, and koumiss treatment increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Akkermansia muciniphila, which were associated with preventing T. gondii infection. Moreover, koumiss could inhibit or ameliorate T. gondii infection by increasing the abundance of certain bacteria that control unique metabolic pathways. The study not only established a close interaction among the host, intracellular pathogens and intestinal flora but also provided a novel focus for drug development to prevent and eradicate T. gondii infection.
Characterization of Spatio-temporal Trends in Long-term Rainfall of Three Weather Stations in Benin: Implications for Agricultural Decision Making.
Authors: WABI Moudjahid Akorédé , Vanhove Wouter , Idohou Rodrigue , Hounkpèvi Achille , Kakaï Romain Lucas Glèlè , Damme Patrick Van
Published: December 2021

A better understanding of rainfall variability and trends is vital for agricultural production systems. This study evaluates the spatio-temporal variability and trends in annual, seasonal and daily rainfall in Benin. Daily rainfall data for the 1970-2016 period measured at three weather stations (Savè, Malanville, and Tanguiéta) were obtained from the Benin National Weather Agency. Descriptive statistics, standardized anomaly of rainfall (SAR) and rainfall intensity were used to analyze rainfall variability. For rainfall trends analysis, we tested for auto-correlation and used the Mann-Kendall and Modified Mann-Kendall tests for non-auto-correlated and auto-correlated data, respectively. Trend magnitude was estimated using Sen’s slope. Globally a moderate-to-high seasonal rainfall and low variability of yearly rainfall were observed. The SAR indicated more than 50% of the years in the studies period experienced dry years. Between 1970 and 2016, a significant 20 % increase was observed in the yearly rainfall in Tanguiéta whereas no significant trends were observed in Malanville (10% increase) and Savè (0.6% decrease). The general rainfall increase observed during the post-monsoon season (October to November) in the three weather stations potentially increases flood frequencies during the harvest period of some crops, which can reduce crop yields. The changes in the pre-monsoon season (March to May) and monsoon season (June to September) were not globally uniform and can have positive/negative impact on agriculture, certainly when no adaptation strategies are applied. These findings are essential to the resilience building and climate risk management in agriculture which is largely dependent on weather conditions.
“Right Ventricle Speckle Tracking in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: One Year Follow Up”
Authors: Clavero-Adell Marcos , Palanca-Arias Daniel , López-Ramón Marta , Jiménez-Montañés Lorenzo , Serrano-Viñuales Itziar , Rite-Gracia Segundo , Ayerza-Casas Ariadna
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is still a main problem in preterm infants. The screening of secondary right ventricle (RV) failure concern neonatologist and pediatric cardiologists. Measurements of right ventricle deformation through speckle tracking analysis in echocardiography could help to early diagnosis.Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was carried out over 28 months at a tertiary care pediatric cardiology reference center. Under 32 weeks’ pre-term infants were eligible for the study. Twenty-eight days after birth, all enrolled patients were included in one group: no bronchopulmonary dysplasia (NO-BPD) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). At 36 PMA, BPD patients were included in one group according to severity categorization (mild, moderate, severe). At three time points echocardiogram measurements were performed. Right ventricle strain was studied using speckle tracking analysis and it was compared with classical function parameters between groups and along time. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled in the study, 22 on NO-BPD group and 28 on BPD group (16 mild, 8 moderate, 4 severe). RV strain showed no statistical differences between groups. However, BDP group showed worse RV function than NO-BPD group, both in speckle tracking analysis and in classical parameters. During de follow-up, an improvement trend is shown in RV strain. Conclusions: RV longitudinal strain and strain rate derived by speckle tracking is feasible in preterm infants. Although it seems to be a good correlation between RV strain and BPD severity, authors cannot conclude it. More studies should be carried out to investigate the optimum echocardiographic screening model of RV dysfunction in BPD patients.
Patient Reported Experience of Clinical Care of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Smyth Debra , Hytiris Monica , Kelday Coreen , McDonnell Ciara , Burren Christine , Gardner Adrian , Mills Lisa , Parekh Susan , Semler Joerg , Stewart Angie , Westerheim Inguun , Javaid Kassim , Osborne Patricia , Ahmed Syed Faisal
Published: December 2021

Background Research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with rare diseases is limited. Few studies compare healthcare throughout the progression of the ongoing pandemic.Aims To assess the impact of lockdown on individuals with OI (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) across two consecutive years of the pandemic, to understand what challenges were encountered, and to analyse the experience of remote consultation.Methods Two independent surveys were distributed in August 2020 and April 2021. The primary survey was distributed following the first lockdown, and the second survey built on the experiences reported from the initial survey. The surveys explored four key themes- effects on therapy, alternatives to consultation, effect on mental health, and perceived risks of COVID-19.Results In the primary 2020 survey of the 110 respondents 69 (63%) had at least one appointment delayed due to lockdown, increasing to 89 of the 124 respondents (72%) in the follow-up survey. Of the 110 initial survey participants, 57 (52%) had a remote consultation, increasing to 92 of 124 (74%) in the follow-up survey. In the primary survey 63 of 91 (69%) expressed increasing anxiety due to lockdown, compared with 76 of 124 (61%) in the follow-up survey. In the primary survey 12 of 91 respondents (13%) expressed concerns at not seeing friends and family compared with 103 of 124 (83%) in the follow-up survey. In the second survey of 124 participants there were concerns regarding weight and diet (55, 44%), mobility (70, 56%), pain (71, 57%), and keeping physically active (89, 72%). The majority of participants felt they would have a worse illness and require longer rehabilitation than someone without OI (81 of 117 respondents, and 77 of 120 respectively), and the majority of participants (68%) had been vaccinated at the time of the second survey.Conclusions The pandemic has had widespread effects on both the mental and physical health of those with OI. These repercussions are likely to be felt for years to come. On the other hand, the pandemic has also revealed that in certain situations remote consultation may prove a viable long-lasting alternative to face-to-face appointments.
MicroRNA Candidate Biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease and Idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Wu Ligang , Liu Jun , Li Yuanyuan , Cao Ying , Liu Wei , Zhang Hongdao , Zhao Aonan , Luo Ningdi
Published: December 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD), a severe neurodegenerative disorder, and idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), a parasomnia recognized as the prodromal stage of synucleinopathies (including PD), both lack reliable, non-invasive biomarker tests for early intervention and management. Objectives: To investigate whether plasma extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated sncRNAs could discriminate PD and/or iRBD patients from healthy individuals.Methods: We optimized a cDNA library construction method, EVsmall-seq, for high throughput sequencing of sncRNAs associated with plasma EVs. We profiled EV-sncRNAs from the plasma of 60 normal controls, 56 iRBD patients, and 53 PD patients, and constructed a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to identify the informative miRNA features to distinguish PD and/or iRBD patients from healthy individuals. Results: First, a sixteen-miRNA signature was found to distinguish PD patients from healthy individuals with 88% sensitivity, 90.43% specificity, and 89.13% accuracy. Second, a three-miRNA signature was found to distinguish iRBD patients from healthy individuals with 96% sensitivity, 86.36% specificity, and 91.49% accuracy. Third, tweenty 20 miRNAs were found consistently increased or decreased in expression from healthy subjects to iRBD to PD patients, which might be linked to PD development through iRBD.Conclusions: Current study provides a valuable and highly informative dataset of EV-associated sncRNAs from plasma of iRBD and PD patients. We identified miRNA signature features that could serve as minimally-invasive, blood-based surveillance biomarkers for distinguishing iRBD or PD from healthy individuals with high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
Variation in the Accuracy of Endpoint Selection in Clinical Studies for Rare Diseases in Respect of Increasing Knowledge on Disease-Severity Measurement
Authors: Jandhyala Ravi
Published: December 2021

Background: Previous research assessed the accuracy of disease-severity measurement in clinical studies as a mathematical relationship between the set of endpoints selected and the disease-severity scale (DSS), a surrogate for the theoretical Neutral list of indicators representing the disease phenotype. New DSSs are continually developed, so clinical studies’ operationalisation of the Neutral list and resulting relative neutrality may vary over time. We assessed variation in the neutrality of clinical studies over time and the probability of false positive and false negative classifications at different disease prevalence rates.Methods: We used search strings extracted from the Orphanet Register of Rare Diseases using a proprietary algorithm to conduct a systematic review of studies published until January 2021 per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Overall, 483 studies and 12 rare diseases met inclusion criteria. We extracted all indicators from clinical studies and calculated neutrality and its components, sensitivity and specificity, as well as the probability of misclassifications at 20%, 50% and 80% disease prevalence rates at two time points, the times of publication of the first and last DSS. Surrogate Neutral lists were the first DSS and a composite of all later DSSs.Results: Over time, the neutrality of clinical studies increased for six diseases and decreased for five diseases, driven by sensitivity for all but Friedreich ataxia. The neutrality of clinical studies in encephalitis decreased, but sensitivity remained constant at zero. At both timepoints, the likely false negative rate increased and the likely false positive rate decreased with increasing disease prevalence. The probability that the least neutral clinical study for most diseases would yield a false positive result was equal to one at all disease prevalence rates. Conclusions: The potential for accurate clinical trial disease-severity measurement increases over time. Neutral theory showed that endpoint selection and DSSs may need improvement in Charcot Marie Tooth disease, Gaucher disease Type I, Huntington’s disease, Sjogren’s syndrome and Tourette syndrome. Using Neutral theory to benchmark disease-severity measurement in rare disease clinical trials may reduce the risk of misclassification, ensuring that recruitment and treatment effect assessment optimise medicine adoption and benefit patients.
Design, Manufacture and Experimental Characterization of Magnetorheological Rotary Brake Based on an Peristaltic Pump System
Authors: Korona Tomasz , Kowol Pawel , SCIUTO GRAZIA LO
Published: December 2021

In this article the design and manufacture of the innovative MR rotary brake based on peristaltic pump inspired by the concept model of the pliers and the Rochester Pean forceps are presented .
For the calculation and analysis of created structure comprehensive of roller, housing and pliers, simulations concerning the stress and strain are conducted to investigate the deformation and possible failure of part or assembly.
Experimental tests including measurements of compression force and magnetic field were conducted to evaluate the performance of proposed designed MR rotary brake based on peristaltic pump system constituted by tube containing MR fluid and pliers with arm responsible of the movement and arm completely hold on bench vise
Synapsin III Controls Early Phases of Dopaminergic Neurons Development in Fishes and Mammals by Acting Upstream of BDNF and Cdk5 Signaling
Authors: Faustini Gaia , Longhena Francesca , Muscò Alessia , Bono Federica , Parrella Edoardo , Via Luca La , Barbon Alessandro , Pizzi Marina , Onofri Franco , Benfenati Fabio , Missale Cristina , Memo Maurizio , Zizioli Daniela , Bellucci Arianna
Published: December 2021

Polymorphisms in the Synapsin III (Syn III) gene can associate with attention deficits and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by alterations in the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways. In spite of evidence supporting that Syn III controls the development of cortical and hippocampal short-projecting neurons, whether it plays a similar role in midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDN), owning extensively arborized long-distance multi-synaptic axonal projections, was unexplored. Our studies on mDN development in zebrafish embryos exposed to Syn III gene knock-down (KD), Syn III knock-out (ko) mice and Syn III-deleted human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neurons disclose that Syn III governs early mDN developmental stages in fishes and mammals. Differently to what observed in cortical and hippocampal neurons, this Syn III function impinges on the upstream control of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated and cAMP-dependent protein kinase 5 (Cdk5)-stimulated dendrite development. These findings have significant implications for deciphering the basis of ADHD.
Disparities on Pancreatic Cancer Mortality Trends and Human Development Index (HDI) in Brazil
Authors: Silva Diego Rodrigues Mendonça e , Oliveira Max Moura , Fernandes Gisele Aparecida , Curado Maria Paula
Published: December 2021

Pancreatic cancer mortality is greatest in countries with a high and very high Human Development Index (HDI). The aim was to evaluate the pancreatic cancer mortality rates and trends related to HDI in Brazil by state. An ecological study was conducted on pancreatic cancer mortality in Brazilian states between 1979 and 2019. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and Annual Average Percent Change (AAPC) were calculated. Pearson´s correlation test was applied to compare rates over the 3 decades from 1986-2015 to verify correlation between change in HDI from 1991 to 2010. A total of 209,425 deaths from pancreatic cancer were reported in Brazil from 1979 to 2019. In men, ASMRs ranged from 2.9/100,000 in 1979 to 6.1/100,000 in 2019, with AAPC of 1.5% per year, and in women, ASMR ranged from 2.1/100,000 in 1979 to 4.7/100,000 in 2019, with AAPC of 1.9% per year. Mortality rates and trends increase with higher % of HDI improvement with a correlation between ASMRs and HDI above r>0.80. The mortality trends in pancreatic cancer were uneven increase in Brazil, there was an upward trend in mortality in both genders, but higher among women. Pancreatic cancer mortality trends were higher in those states where there was greatest increase in HDI, regions as North and Northeast. However, mortality rates remain higher in South, Southeast and Central-West of Brazil.
Density Functional Theory (DFT) Investigation of The Oxidative Degradation of NaAsO2 Via Hydroxyl Radical
Authors: Koval Ashlyn M , McAlexander Harley , Woodley Christa M. , Shukla Manoj K.
Published: December 2021

Arsenic is an environmentally ubiquitous health hazard due to its toxicity combined with its natural abundance and heavy industrial applications. Due to its role in cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity, and various cancers, it is important to understand environmental fate of arsenic-containing compounds to take steps towards remediation. Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is one such compound that has been used worldwide as an herbicide, rodenticide, and insecticide. It is also toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. In aqueous environments arsenite (As(III))-containing compounds can be oxidized to the less-toxic arsenate (As(V)) form. We have investigated the oxidation of sodium arsenite in water solution at the density functional theory level using the Minnesota 06 hybrid (M06-2X) functional and Pople basis sets (6-31G(d,p) and 6-311G(d,p)) with polarizable continuum model (PCM) solvation approach. Our computational results indicate that the oxidation mechanism of NaAsO2 by hydroxyl radical proceeds via sequential addition reactions where sodium arsenite (III) converts to sodium arsenate (V) via an arsenic (IV) intermediate.
The role of 3D digital applications in Manual Therapy Education – A scoping review
Authors: Sampath Kesava Kovanur , Arumugam Ashokan , Jull Gwendolen
Published: December 2021

Background: Currently, teaching methods for developing complex physical assessment and palpation skills in manual therapy is challenging for both learners and educators. 3D digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality may facilitate and/or address these challenges. However, their current usage and/or role in improving learning outcomes in manual therapy education is still largely unknown. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched from Jan 2005 to April 2021: PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers reviewed the articles retrieved from the databases to assess for eligibility. Studies of any methodology (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods) that investigated the use or application of the 3D digital applications were included in the review. Primary outcomes included any outcome related to learning based on the updated Blooms taxonomy. Narrative synthesis was used to synthesise data from the included studies.Results: A total of 4 articles were included in the final review. The main findings were classified into the following key concepts: (1) perception of tissue stiffness, (2) improved student self-efficacy in performing MT techniques, and (3) barriers and facilitators for utilizing 3D technologies. All included outcomes met understanding, applying, analysing and evaluating levels of Blooms taxonomy; however, no outcomes met the ‘creating’ level of Bloom’s taxonomy.Discussion: Our review found that there are no AR, VR or mixed applications that specifically serve the needs of MT education in relation to joint motion assessment, but applications are available that can be readily used or potentially adapted to train skills of tissue palpation. . Therefore, future studies are required to investigate the sophisticated requirements to teach/learn complex manual techniques for which palpation skills may be mandatory.