bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the influence of heat treatment in suppressing the layer orientation effect in finishing of electron beam melted Ti6Al4V
Authors: Dabwan Abdulmajeed , Anwar Saqib , Al-Samhan Ali M. , Nasr Mustafa M.
Published: May 2021

Electron beam melting (EBM) is gaining more interest due to its near-net-shape production and ability to process difficult to manufacture materials, such as titanium alloys. However, due to the poor surface quality of the EBM parts, finishing operations, such as machining, are required. The main issue in the finishing of the EBM parts is their directional properties that lead to different surface roughness values for different part orientations for the same employed machining parameters. In this study, EBM Ti6Al4V parts were subjected to heat treatment to suppress the effect of the part/layers’ orientations effect during the finish milling process. Three different heat treatments were employed to the as-fabricated EBM Ti6Al4V parts. The fine lamellar microstructure was set as a target from the heat treatment due to its overall superior mechanical properties and also, to keep a fair comparison in the machining of the as-fabricated and heat-treated EBM Ti6Al4V parts. The results of the heat treatments showed that the EBM Ti6Al4V parts heated at 600°C for 3 hours and then air-cooled exhibited the same fine lamellar microstructure and microhardness as that of the as-fabricated EBM parts. The other two heat treatments including heating at 950°C and 800°C for 2 hours followed by air cooling were not able to maintain the fine lamellar structure due to the increase in the width of the alpha grains. The as-fabricated and heat-treated EBM Ti6Al4V parts were subjected to the milling operation by considering the three possible parts/layers orientation with respect to the tool feed directions. The milling results showed that the as-fabricated parts showed up to a 27% difference in surface roughness for different part orientations. In contrast, the heat-treated parts showed uniform surface roughness for the three part orientations with a variation of 8%. Similarly, considerable differences were observed in the surface integrity and the machined surface microhardness (18%) of the as-fabricated EBM parts as compared to the heat-treated parts) 2%). The heat-treated parts showed more uniform and superior surface morphology across all the part orientations. This is because of the more uniform microstructure, less porosity, higher consolidation of the EBM layers, and elimination of the columnar grains in the case of the heat-treated parts as compared to the EBM parts. This study revealed that in the case of the heat-treated EBM part the effect of part orientation with respect to milling tool feed direction was almost removed.
Long-term intermittent cold exposure affects peri-ovarian adipose tissue and ovarian microenvironment in rats
Authors: Zhang Li , An Gaihong , WU Shuai , Wang Jing , Yang Danfeng , Zhang Yongqiang , Li Xi
Published: May 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold exposure on peri-ovarian adipose tissue (POAT) and the relationship between POAT changes and ovarian function, to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms associated with cold exposure-induced changes in female reproductive health. Methods: Twenty female rats with regular estrus cycles were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the cold exposure group, which was exposed to –10°C, for 4 hours/day, for two weeks, and (2) the control group, which was maintained at 23 ± 1°C. Results: Cold exposure can increase serum E2 and FSH levels, and reduce AMH hormone levels, and cause the numbers of primary and secondary follicles in the cold-exposed group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Meanwhile, cold-stress-induced browning-related genes, including UCP1, PGC -1a, PRDM16, Fndc5 were upregulated in POAT, and the number of mitochondria in the cold-exposed group was significantly increased. Under cold exposure, the level of adipokines, including APDN, Lep, AMPK were significantly upregulated in POAT. FST was also upregulated in POAT, whereas MST, an AMPK inhibitor, was downregulated. The E2 synthesis rate-limiting-enzymes Cyplla1 and Cyp19 were upregulated in POAT. Conclusion: Cold exposure caused abnormal follicle development and promoted the browning of POAT. POAT browning was accompanied by the activation of the AMPK-PGC1α-Fndc5 pathway.
Mechanism of nanodiamonds in the lapping of magnetic heads
Authors: Jiang Xionghua
Published: May 2021

Nanodiamond, as the main component of slurry in the precision lapping process of magnetic heads, plays an important role on its surface quality. This paper studies the mechanism of nanodiamond embedded into Sn plate in the lapping process. The embedded pressure satisfies, and the embedded depth satisfies. The above formulas are deduced from establishment of mathematical and physical models. AFM, SEM and AES are used to carry out surface quality detection and analysis of disk head. Results show that, both black spots on the surface and the removal rate have an important relationship with the nanodiamond. The experiments based on slurries with three different diameters(50 nm, 70 nm and 100 nm respectively)of nanodiamond are conducted, and the results show a better removal rate can be obtained with 100nm diamond embedded in the plate (21 nm·min− 1).
Dynamic Analysis of Emergency Inter-organizational Communication Network under Public Health Emergency ： A case study of COVID-19 in Hubei Province of China
Authors: Lu Yunmeng , Liu Tiezhong , Wang Tiantian
Published: May 2021

Public health emergencies, especially major infectious diseases, may cause global crises. Timely and effective communication is essential for response to such incidents. However, the emergency response to such incidents usually lasts longer and break out repeatedly, and the existing static emergency communication network (ECN) analysis cannot fully reflect the dynamic information interaction between organizations during the emergency process. Therefore, this article takes the recent COVID-19 epidemic in Hubei, China as a case, and uses social network analysis (SNA) to reveal the dynamic evolution of communication networks, organizational positions, roles, and organizational tasks from the time dimension. The results show that: (1) The ECN has changed from concentrated to decentralized over time; (2) The positions and roles of participating organizations in the ECN has changed, but there are still a few key organizations that at the central position in all phases of emergency communication; (3) The core tasks have changed due to emergency needs at each stage; (4) Under the concentrated management system, the core organization of the ECN mainly comes from government organizations. The research results reveal the dynamic evolution of communication networks between different types of emergency organizations, which is beneficial to guide emergency management of public health emergencies. In actual emergency, the emergency communication mode should be dynamically adjusted based on the characteristics of the emergency situation at different stages, comprehensively using the advantages of the concentrated and decentralized emergency network. In addition, communication between different types of organizations such as governments, research institutions, and enterprises should be strengthened, and channels for diversified organizations to participate in emergency communication should be set up. The research helps to improve communication between emergency response organizations and is of great significance to controlling and reducing the harm caused by public health emergencies.
Predictors and Treatment Strategies of Intraprocedural Rupture in Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience with 2302 Patients
Authors: Liu Heng-Jian , Lin Yuan , Kong Xiang-Yi , Lu Dong-Lin , Feng Yu-Gong
Published: May 2021

Objective: Intraoperative rupture of an aneurysm is a known risk in the surgical management of intracranial aneurysms. The aim of the present study is to determine the risk factors for IPR.Methods: This study retrospectively examined 2302 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated surgically between December 1996 and July 2019. These patients were categorized into two groups according to whether they exhibited IPR or not: i) The non-IPR group; and ii) the IPR group. Multiple factors, including sex, age, history of SAH, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher score, operation timing, surgical approach, GOS, size, side, site, number, orientation, morphology and adhesion to surrounding tissue, were analyzed to identify factors associated with IPR.Results: The overall rupture rate was 14.8%. Overall, the number of SAHs (1, ≥2) and aneurysm location (supraclinoid ICA and PICA) were found to be independent risk factors for IPR. This analysis revealed that in the MCA aneurysm database the risk for IPR decreased in patients aged >40 years. Furthermore, the present study identified a progressive increase in the risk of IPR with increasing H-H grade. Finally, in the ACOA aneurysm database the left pterional and coronal craniotomy approach increased the risk for IPR up to 1.99- and 15.153-fold, respectively, compared with the right pterional approach.Conclusions: The number of SAHs (1, ≥2) and aneurysms site (supraclinoid ICA and PICA), age ≤40 years, higher H-H grade and surgical approach (left pterional and coronal craniotomy) seem to be important factors affecting the incidence of IPR.
Reporting ethics approval in health and social sciences articles. An audit of adherence to GDPR and national legislation
Authors: Asplund Kjell , Åsberg Kerstin Hulter
Published: May 2021

Background. Previous studies have indicated that the failure to report ethics approval is common in health science articles. In social sciences, the occurrence is unknown. The Swedish Ethics Review Act applies to all human research and requests that personal data, as defined by the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), should undergo independent ethical review. We have explored the adherence to this regulation. Methods. Using the Web of Science databases, we reviewed 600 consecutive articles from three domains (health sciences with and without somatic focus and the social sciences) based on identifiable personal data published in 2020. Results. Information on ethical review was lacking in 12 of 200 health science articles with a somatic focus (6%), 21 of 200 health science articles with non-somatic focus (11%), and in 54 of 200 social science articles (27%; p<0.001 vs. both groups of health science articles). Failure to report on ethics approval was more common in (a) observational than in interventional studies (p<0.01), (b) articles with only 1-2 authors (p<0.001) and (c) health science articles from universities without a medical school (p<0.001). There was no significant association between journal impact factor and failure to report ethics approval. Conclusions. We conclude that reporting of research ethics approval is reasonably good, but not strictly adhered to, in health science articles. Failure to report ethics approval is approximately three times more common in the social sciences. Adherence needs to be improved, particularly in observational studies, articles with few authors and social science research.
Complexity of relationship between 2D/3D urban morphology and land surface temperature: A multi-scale perspective
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Zhipeng , Liu Xuan , Zhang Baolei
Published: May 2021

Urban morphology is a crucial contributor to urban heat island (UHI) effects. However, few studies have explored the complex effect of 2D/3D urban morphology on UHI from a multi-scale perspective. In this study, We chose the central area of Jinan city, which was commonly known as the “furnace”, as the case study area. novel 2D/3D urban morphology indexes-building coverage ratio (BCR)(for assessing the 2D building density), building volume density (BVD)( for assessing the 3D building density), and the frontal area index (FAI)(for assessing 3D ventilation conditions) were calculated and derived to investigated complexity of relationship between 2D/3D urban morphology and land surface temperature(LST) at different scales using the maximum information coefficient (MIC) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The results indicated that (1) These newly 2D/3D urban morphology indexes as essential factors that are responsible for LST variation, BCR is the most important urban morphology index affecting the LST, followed by BVD and FAI. Importantly, the relationship between the BCR, BVD, and FAI and the LST was an inverse U-shaped curve. (2) The relationship between 2D/3D urban morphology and LST variation showed a significant scale effect. With increased grid size, the correlation between the BCR, BVD, and FAI and the LST strengthened, “inflection point” of inverse U-shaped curve was significantly declined, and their explanation rate to LST first increased and then decreased, with a maximum value at the 700-m scale. Additionally, the FAI exerted a stronger negative effect, while the BCR and BVD generally had stronger positive effects on LST as the grid size increasing. This study extends our scientific understanding of the complexity effect of urban morphology on LST and is of great practical significance for urban thermal environment regulation at multi-scale.
Assessment of the Relationship Between Red Cell Distribution Width and Brucellosis: A Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Gou Li , Gao Feng , Lan Siqin , Guo Hui
Published: May 2021

Background: As a multisystem infectious disease, there is inflammation, which causes an increase in brucellosis. The red cell distribution width (RDW) has been identified as markers of inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive contribution value of RDW in the diagnosis of brucellosis.Methods: Medical records of 398 patients with brucellosis and 398 age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls in a single center from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.Results: The mean age of brucellosis patients was 47.1±12.9 years. The RDW levels were significantly higher in brucellosis group when compared to the control group (p < 0.001); The RDW levels were markedly lower in brucellosis male patients（14.32±2.15%）when compared to the brucellosis female patient（s 15.41±3.13%）(t= -9.56, p < 0.001). The biochemical markers of brucellosis patients included erythrocyte, hemoglobin, HCT, corpuscular volume, hemoglobin, hemoglobin concentration were all negatively correlated with RDW (r = −0.227, -0.383, -0.266, -0.253, -0.311 and -0.225, all p < 0.001). The values of hemoglobin (β coefficient = -0.084, p < 0.001), ESR (β coefficient = -0.020, p = 0.004) were significantly and independently correlated with RDW. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the best cutoff point for RDW in the diagnosis of brucellosis was 13.45%, which evaluated brucellosis with a sensitivity of 64.1% and a specificity of 83.9%. The area under the ROC curve for RDW was calculated as 0.80 (95% CI 0.769–0.831, P<0.001).Conclusion: This study revealed that the RDW in diagnosing brucellosis had a higher sensitivity and specificity. RDW values may be useful complementary indirect markers for the diagnosis of brucellosis.
Cyclonic Activity In The Mediterranean Region From A High-Resolution Perspective Using Ecmwf Era5 Dataset
Authors: Aragão Leonardo , Porcu' Federico
Published: May 2021

This study focuses on developing a new Cyclone Detection and Tracking Method (CDTM) to take advantage of the recent availability of a high-resolution reanalysis dataset of ECMWF ERA5. The proposed algorithm is used to perform a climatological analysis of the cyclonic activity in the Mediterranean Region (MR) into a 40-year window (1979–2018). The tuning of the new CDTM was based on the comparison with currently available CDTMs and verified through careful subjective analysis to fully exploit the finer details of MR cyclones features. The application of the new CDTM to the ERA5 high-resolution dataset resulted in an increase of 40% in the annual number of cyclones, mainly associated with subsynoptic and baroclinic driven lows. The main cyclogenetic areas and seasonal cycle were properly identified into the MR context, including areas often underestimated, such as the Aegean Sea, and emerging new ones with cyclogenetic potential such as the coast of Tunisia and Libya. The better cyclone features description defined three distinct periods of cyclonic activity in the MR with peculiar and persistent characteristics. In the first period (Apr-Jun), cyclones develop more frequently and present higher velocities and deepening rates. In the second (Jul-Sep), the cyclonic activity is governed by thermal lows spreading slowly over short tracks without reaching significant depths. In the last and longest season (Oct-Mar), cyclones become less frequent, but with the highest deepening rates and the lowest MSLP values, ranking this period as the most favourable to intense storms.
The behaviour of six electrode arrays used in electrical resistivity imaging to detect underground cavities: a numerical study
Authors: Hebbache Kamel , Boubaya Djamel
Published: May 2021

The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficiency of six electrode arrays used in electrical resistivity imaging. Pole-Pole (PP), Pole-Dipole (PD), Wenner-Alpha (WA), Wenner-Schlumberger (WS), Dipole-Dipole (DD) and multiple Gradient (MG) electrode arrays have been selected to detect underground cavities at shallow depth. Numerical simulation has been made for three synthetic models that have been generated using Res2dmod program. Each model represents three cavities with 2m diameter, spaced 6m from each other and located at a depth of 1.5m from the surface of the ground: 1) air-filled cavity, 2) half-watered cavity and 3) full-watered cavity. The background resistivity of each model was chosen equal to 10, 50 and 250 Ωm respectively. The resistivity of the air and water were set at 106 Ωm and 1 Ωm respectively. The results show that the PD, MG, PP and WS arrays gave good resolutions and clear images, and are less contaminated by noise. The DD array is very sensitive to noise and for this reason, it gave less accurate results for the first and the second synthetic models. An exception is the third synthetic model, where a good resolution model was obtained. This means, that the DD is more efficient in mapping cavities when the background environment is moderately resistive. The shapes of resistive air-filled cavities were found more clearly than those of conductive watered cavities, for the latter, however, the true resistivity values were better estimated than for the air-filled cavities. From the results of the analysis of the inverted synthetic models, the PD, MG, PP and WS arrays show the best results among the other used electrical arrays.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: The Lebanese Societies for Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Joint Guidelines
Authors: Riachy Moussa , Zakhem Aline El , Afif Claude , Choucair Jacques , Yazbeck Patricia , Matar Madonna J. , Aoun-Bacha Zeina , Saleh Wajdy Abi , Juvelekian Georges S. , Yared Nadine , Khalil Pierre Bou , Chalhoub Viviane , Nehme Ralph , Haddad Youssef , Zeineldine Salah , Khuzam Rani Abu , Kanj Souha S.
Published: May 2021

Background: The Lebanese Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (LSIDCM), the Lebanese Society of Critical Care Medicine (LSCCM), and the Lebanese Pulmonary Society (LPS) play a major role in guiding clinicians across Lebanon in prescribing antibiotics for the management of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Members of these societies have tailored the international recommendations for the management of HAP/VAP to local epidemiological and microbiological data. The aims of these local guidelines are to guide clinicians in the prevention of VAP, selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antimicrobial regimens for VAP/HAP and to contribute to improving patient outcomes.
Methods: Recommendations in these guidelines are adapted from international guidelines and are modeled based on locally-derived epidemiological and microbiological data, as well as the availability of antimicrobial agents and other resources.
Results: These guidelines aim to combine both clinical and bacteriological strategies to appropriately diagnose and manage HAP/VAP. They recommend implementing evidence-based preventive measures to lower the rate of VAP and improve patient outcomes. The recommended duration of treatment with antibiotics in general should not exceed 7 days in patients with HAP whereas it should be 7–8 days in patients with VAP. Imunnosuppressed patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection might require longer courses. Ceftolozane/tazobactam (CFT/TAZ) and ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI) are considered good options in patients with HAP/VAP caused by extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They also play a key role in the implementation of a carbapenem-sparing strategy in an antimicrobial stewardship program.
Conclusion: These guidelines represent a major step towards establishing Lebanese national guidelines for the management of HAP/VAP. They also emphasize on timeliness and appropriateness of antibiotic therapy for the management of HAP/VAP.
Is there an optimal timing for surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures in the first 24 hours?
Authors: Okkaoglu Mustafa Caner , Ozdemir Firat Emin , Ozdemir Erdi , Karaduman Mert , Ates Ahmet , Altay Murat
Published: May 2021

Background:We aimed to determine the ideal surgical timing in the first 24 hours after admission to the hospital of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SHF) that do not require emergent intervention. Materials and Methods:Patients who underwent surgery in our institution between January 2011 and January 2019 due to pediatric Gartland type 3 SHFs were evaluated retrospectively. Open fractures, fractures associated with vascular injury and compartment syndrome, flexion type fractures were excluded. A total of 150 Gartland type 3 were included. The effect of early (<12 hours) or late (>12 hours) surgical interventions, daytime or night-time surgeries, working or non-working hour surgeries on operative parameters (operative duration and open reduction rate, reduction quality on postoperative early radiographs) were evaluated in pediatric SHFs. Results:Early (<12 hours) or late (>12 hours), daytime or nighttime, working or non-working hour surgeries were found to be similar in Gartland type 3 patients regarding early postoperative reduction quality, duration of surgery, open reduction rate (p>0.05). Mean times passed from first admission to hospital until surgery were longer in working hour, late (>12 hours) and daytime surgery groups than non-working hour, early (<12 hours) and night-time surgery groups (p<0.001). Conclusion:Although delaying the operation to the working hours seems to prolong the time until surgery in pediatric Gartland type 3 SHF patients who do not require emergent intervention such as open fractures, neurovascular impairment and compartment syndrome, there may not be a time interval that makes a difference for the patients if surgery is performed within the first 24 hours, thus the surgery could be scheduled according to the surgeons’ preference.Level of Evidence: Level 3, Retrospective cohort study
Chemical-Free Recovery of Crude Protein from Livestock Manure Digestate Solid by Thermal Hydrolysis
Authors: Tasaki Ken
Published: May 2021

Protein is becoming an increasingly important resource for a variety of commercial applications. Yet, a large volume of protein is being wasted. Notably, livestock manure solids have a significant content of protein which is not only underutilized, but prone to runoff and eventual breakdown to reactive nitrogen compounds, contributing to eutrophication. It would be desirable to remove protein before it causes environmental hazards and then convert it to value-added commercial applications. We have developed a novel thermal hydrolysis process (THP) to extract crude protein from livestock manure solid, or manure digestate solid (MDS) in particular, without the use of any chemical. We demonstrate the versatility of our new process to control the molecular weight (MW) distribution of the extracted protein hydrolysate (PH). The antioxidant activity of the crude protein hydrolysate (CPH) has been examined through Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Assay. The results have shown that our CPH had its antioxidant capacity against the peroxyl radical similar to that of vitamin E and exhibited almost 7 times as strong inhibition against the hydroxyl radical as vitamin E. We also evaluated the nutritional value of our PH by analyzing its amino acid composition and the MW distribution through amino acid analysis, SDS-PAGE, and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. The characterizations have revealed that the PH recovered from MDS had 2.5 times as much essential amino acids as soybean meal on dry matter basis, with the MW distribution ranging from over a hundred Da to 100 KDa. Finally, the protein powder was prepared from the extracted CPH solution and its composition was analyzed.
Establishment of HLA class I and MICA/B null HEK-293T panel expressing single MICA alleles to detect anti-MICA antibodies
Authors: Jeon Ji-Ho , Baek In-Cheol , Hong Cheol-Hwa , Park Ki Hyun , Lee Hyeyoung , Oh Eun-Jee , Kim Tai-Gyu
Published: May 2021

Pre- and post-transplantation anti-MICA antibody detection development are associated with an increased rejection risk and low graft survival. We previously generated HLA class I null HEK-293T using CRISPR/Cas9, while MICA and MICB genes were removed in this study. A panel of 11 cell lines expressing single MICA alleles was established. Anti-MICA antibody in the sera of kidney transplant patients was determined using FCM (flow cytometric method) and the Luminex method. In the 44 positive sera, the maximum FCM value was 2,879 MFI compared to 28,135 MFI of Luminex method. Eleven sera (25%) were determined as positive by FCM and 32 sera (72%) were positive by the Luminex method. The sum of total MICA antigens, MICA*002, *004, *009, *019, and *027 correlation showed a statistically significant between the two methods (P = 0.0412, P = 0.0476, P = 0.0019, P = 0.0098, P = 0.0467, and P = 0.0049). These results demonstrated that HEK-293T-based engineered cell lines expressing single MICA alleles were suitable for measuring specific antibodies against MICA antigens in the sera of transplant patients. Studies of antibodies to MICA antigens may help to understand responses in vivo and increase clinical relevance at the cellular level such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity.
Ultrafast charge transfer dynamics in 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks/Re-complex hybrid photocatalyst for CO2 reduction: hot electrons vs. cold electrons
Authors: Pan Qinying , Abdellah Mohamed , Cao Yuehan , Liu Yang , Lin Weihua , Meng Jie , Zhou Quan , Li Zonglong , Cui Hao , Tanner David , Abdel-Hafiez Mahmoud , Zhou Ying , Pullerits Tonu , Canton Sophie , Xu Hong , Zheng Kaibo
Published: May 2021

Rhenium(I)-carbonyl-diimine complexes are promising photocatalysts for CO2 reduction. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be perfect sensitizers to enhance the reduction activities. Here we investigated the excited state dynamics of COF (TpBpy) with 2,2'-bipyridine incorporating Re(CO)5Cl (Re-TpBpy) to rationalize the underlying mechanism. The time-dependent DFT calculation first clarified excited state structure of the hybrid catalyst. The studies from transient visible and infrared spectroscopies revealed the excitation energy-dependent photo-induced charge transfer pathways in Re-TpBpy. Under low energy excitation, the electrons at the LUMO level are quickly injected from Bpy into ReI center (1–2 ps) followed by backward recombination (13 ps). Under high energy excitation, the hot-electrons are first injected into the higher unoccupied level of ReI center (1–2 ps) and then slowly relax back to the HOMO in COF (24 ps). There also remains long-lived free electrons in the COF moiety. This explained the excitation energy-dependent CO2 reduction performance in our system.
Production And Characterization Of Protein Hydrolysate: Effective Utilization Of Trawl Bycatch
Authors: D Yuvaraj , K Sathyakala , R Gnanasekaran , Masi Chandran
Published: May 2021

Background: Fishing is an industry that provides livelihood to millions who live along the coast and delicious delicacies for the rest. Hence, improving the profitability of the trade has been of utmost importance and has been the research focus of major fishery industries around the globe. Exploring the potential commercialization of wastes produced by the industry is one way to achieve this goal. In this context, the waste may point towards discarded fishes, fish parts, etc. In this research, we are going to study the possibility to efficiently extract Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) which has a huge commercial value from discarded by-catch fishes. Trawling is a fishing method which when employed often results in the capture of a huge quantity and diversity of non-target species due to lack of selectivity of the trawl net. These non-targeted species often termed as by-catch, are often disposed of. These under-valued species are targeted in this work for producing Fish Protein Hydrolysates (FPHs) using commercially available enzymes such as Papain (FPH1), Proteinase K (FPH2), and their functional characteristics such as solubility, foaming and emulsifying properties, oil and water-binding capacity are compared. The experimental design is as shown in the graphical abstract below.Results: Among the two, Fish Protein Hydrolysates (FPHs), prepared FPH1 has comparatively slightly improved functional properties. Conclusion: It offers the potential to be used for various applications in the food industries.
WITHDRAWN: Psychological Impact of a Peer-Led Life Skills-Based Intervention for HIV-Infected Adolescents
Authors: Chari Uttara , Dinakar Chitra , Angeline Nancy
Published: May 2021

Background: Peers are salient in an adolescent’s life, influencing attitudes and behaviours. This study examines the psychological impact of a peer-led life skills-based intervention for HIV-infected adolescents. We examined trends in change, following a peer-led life skills-based intervention for HIV-infected adolescents, on (i) emotional and behavioural problems and pro-social behaviours, and (ii) coping self-efficacy.Methods: This study is a pre and post intervention cross-sectional study done among 33 HIV-infected adolescents (14 boys and 19 girls) between 12 to 18 years of age from a semi-urban community. Peer-led life skills-based intervention encompassed aspects of HIV-infection including adolescent health, living with HIV, disclosure of HIV status, treatment adherence, substance use, and reproductive health. Life skills comprised of self-awareness, empathy, problem solving, decision making, effective communication, coping with stress, and interpersonal relationships in the context of living with HIV. Outcome measures were (i) Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and (ii) Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES).Results: The mean age of sample was 16 years (15.61 ± 1.78). On SDQ, there was significant increase in peer problems (Z = -2.75, p = 0.01) and decrease in pro-social behaviours (Z=-3.76, p = 0.00). Trends suggested decrease in emotional problems (Z = -1.31, p = 0.19). On CSES, there was significant decrease in coping self-efficacy (Z = -2.96, p = 0.00).Conclusions: Peer-led life skills-based intervention for HIV-infected adolescents increased peer problems; decreased pro-social behaviours, coping self-efficacy, and emotional problems.
Elevated Baseline Circulating Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio And Survival In Stage Ⅳ Gastric Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Guoming , Wang Shimin , Meng Liwei , Huang Liming
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSystemic inflammatory response (SIR) plays important roles in initiation, promotion and progression of tumor. However, the prognostic role of baseline circulating platelet–to–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (known as a marker of SIR) in human stage Ⅳ gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial. Hence, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the value of it in prognosis prediction for stage Ⅳ GC patients. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase and EBSCO to identify the studies and computed extracted data with STATA 12.0. ResultsA total of 2721 patients with stage Ⅳ GC from 12 published studies were incorporated into this meta-analysis. We found that elevated baseline circulating PLR was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (OS), but not with progression–free survival (PFS) in stage Ⅳ GC patients. However, in stratified analyses, high PLR was remarkably associated with worse 1-year OS, but not with 2-year, 3-year, 4-year or 5-year OS; In addition, it was considerably related with reduced 6-month PFS, but not with 1-year or 2-year PFS. Moreover, high PLR markedly correlated with peritoneal metastasis of patients. Conclusionelevated baseline circulating PLR decreased 1-year OS and 6-month PFS in stage Ⅳ GC patients, implicating that it is a valuable prognostic index for these patients and modifying the inflammatory responses may have a potential for effective treatment.
Genomic Signatures Define Three Subtypes of EGFR-Mutant Stage II-III NSCLC With Distinct Adjuvant Therapy Outcomes
Authors: Liu Si-Yang , Bao Hua , Wang Qun , Mao Weimin , Chen Yedan , Tong Xiaoling , Xu Song-Tao , Wu Lin , Wei Yu-Cheng , Liu Yong-Yu , Chen Chun , Cheng Ying , Yin Rong , Yang Fan , Ren Shengxiang , Li Xiao-Fei , Li Jian , Huang Cheng , Liu Zhidong , Xu Shun , Chen Ke-Neng , Xu Shi-Dong , Liu Lunxu , Yu Ping , Wang Bu-Hai , Ma Haitao , Yan Hong-hong , Dong Song , Zhang Xu-Chao , Su Jian , Yang Jin-Ji , Yang Xue-Ning , Zhou Qing , Wu Xue , Shao Yang , Zhong Wen-Zhao , Wu Yi-Long
Published: May 2021

The ADJUVANT study reported the comparative superiority of adjuvant gefitinib over chemotherapy in disease-free survival (DFS) of resected EGFR-mutant stage II-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all patients experienced favorable clinical outcomes with TKI, raising the necessity for further biomarker assessment. By comprehensive genomic profiling of 171 tumor tissues from the ADJUVANT trial, five predictive biomarkers were identified (TP53 exon4/5 mutations, RB1 alterations, and copy number gains of NKX2-1, CDK4, and MYC. Then we integrated them into the Multiple-gene INdex to Evaluate the Relative benefit of Various Adjuvant therapies (MINERVA) score, which categorized patients into three subgroups with relative disease-free survival and overall survival benefits from either adjuvant gefitinib or chemotherapy (Highly TKI-Preferable, TKI-Preferable, and Chemotherapy-Preferable groups). This study demonstrates that predictive genomic signatures could potentially stratify resected EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients and provide precise guidance towards future personalized adjuvant therapy.
Hypoxic Preconditioned Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Enhance Myoblast Fusion and Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Archacka Karolina , Grabowska Iwona , Mierzejewski Bartosz , Graffstain Joanna , Górzyńska Alicja , Krawczyk Marta , Różycka Anna M , Kalaszczyńska Ilona , Stremińska Władysława , Jańczyk-Ilach Katarzyna , Walczak Piotr , Janowski Mirosław , Ciemerych Maria Anna , Brzoska Edyta
Published: May 2021

Background: The skeletal muscle reconstruction occurs thanks to unipotent stem cells, i.e., satellite cells. The satellite cells remain quiescent and localized between myofiber sarcolemma and basal lamina. They are activated in response to muscle injury, proliferate, differentiate into myoblasts, and recreate myofibers. Many stem and progenitor cells support skeletal muscle regeneration, which could be disturbed by extensive damage, sarcopenia, cachexia, or genetic diseases like dystrophy. Many lines of evidence showed that the level of oxygen regulates the course of cell proliferation and differentiation. Methods: In the present study, we analyzed hypoxic’s impact on human and pig bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) and mouse myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and fusion. Moreover, the influence of the transplantation of human bone marrow-derived MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions on skeletal muscle regeneration was studied. Results: We showed that bone marrow-derived MSCs increased VEGF expression and improved myogenesis under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Transplantation of hypoxic preconditioned bone marrow-derived MSCs into injured muscles resulted in the improved cell engraftment and formation of new vessels. Conclusions: We suggested that SDF-1 and VEGF secreted by hypoxic preconditioned bone marrow-derived MSCs played an essential role in cell engraftment and angiogenesis. Importantly, hypoxic preconditioned bone marrow-derived MSCs more efficiently engrafted injured muscles, however, they did not undergo myogenic differentiation.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Tanzania (#CCG)
Authors: Cannone Carla , Allington Lucy , Pappis Ioannis , Walker Miriam Zachau , Hirmer Stephanie , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Cronin Jen
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Tanzania, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Seasonal Preponderance of Gastrointestinal Parasites and their impact on Small Ruminants around Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) India
Authors: Wani Ovais Ali
Published: May 2021

In India, the Livestock (generally cattle-rearing) is one of the most potential sub-sectors of agriculture which plays a necessary role in endorsing human health and economy and most predominantly in central India, Small ruminants like (sheep and goat) constitute the major portion of livestock. Gwalior is considered as a Semi-Central Zone where different tribes particularly Gujjar’s and Bakerwals had made livestock usually cattle-rearing as their proficient business. The production and productivity of small ruminants in Gwalior state are greatly hindered by various diseases which specially include gastro-intestinal parasitic infection mainly caused due to inappropriate care, unhygienic environmental conditions, severe and hot climatic conditions, and close interaction with other infected animals. Gastrointestinal parasitism is a worldwide problem which has affected masses of ruminants throughout the entire world; and Therefore, a one-year-long epizootic survey was accompanied to study the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and various species of GI parasites present in small ruminants like (goats/sheep) in the Gwalior region of Madhya Pradesh. From January 2019 to January 2020, an aggregate of 338 faecal samples of (goats and sheep) from different locations in Gwalior were examined to confirm the presence of parasites and gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Majority of the samples were found positive for endoparasites and goats were also detected positive for gastrointestinal parasites too. In Goat, the inclusive incidence of Haemonchus, Coccidia, Trichuris, Nematodirus, and Fasciola were 47.6, 36.5, 39.6% respectively. While, In Sheep the incidence of Haemonchus, Coccidia, Trichuris were found to be as 58.1, 37.2, 23.2% respectively. More prominently, the occurrence of Nematodirus and Fasciola (20.9, 2.32%) were detected individually in sheep alone. The current analysis could assist as a reference line study for additional extensive experiments to evaluate specific region risk factors.
Cuticular hydrocarbon profile for queen recognition in the termite Reticulitermes speratus
Authors: Mitaka Yuki , Fujita Tadahide
Published: May 2021

Chemical communication underlies the sophisticated colony organization of social insects. In these insects, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play central roles in nestmate, task, and caste recognition, which contribute to maintenance of the social and reproductive division of labor. Queen-specific CHCs reflect queen fertility status and function as a queen recognition pheromone, triggering aggregation responses around the queens. However, there are only a few studies about the royal recognition mechanism in termites, and particularly, no study has reported about queen-specific CHCs in the species using asexual queen succession (AQS) system, in which the primary queen is replaced by neotenic queens produced parthenogenetically. In this study, we identified the CHC pheromone for neotenic queen recognition in the AQS termite species Reticulitermes speratus. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the relative amount of n-pentacosane was disproportionately greater in the CHC profiles of queens than in the CHC profiles of kings, soldiers, and workers. Furthermore, we investigated the cuticular chemicals of the queen aggregate workers; bioassays demonstrated that n-pentacosane shows a worker arrestant activity in the presence of workers’ cuticular extract. These results suggest that R. speratus workers identify whether each individual is a neotenic queen by recognizing the relatively higher ratio of n-pentacosane in the conspecific CHC background. Moreover, they suggest that termites have evolved queen recognition behavior, independently of social hymenopterans.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of medical students towards COVID19 in Sudan, 2020: A cross sectional study among 19 universities
Authors: Alhusseini Radi Tofaha , Abdoalgadir Mohammed Alfatih , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Mohamed Rua Isameldin Bakhiet , Abdalla Monzer Omer Ahmed , muhmmed Khadija ala  Abdalmaqsud , Taha Osama Mohammed Nowar , Yousef Yaman Shurki Adel Husni , Alrufai Rawan Raad Hassan , ALAMIN AHMED EMADALDEEN AHMED MOHAMMED , Musa Muzamil Musa Mohamed , abdallah Saida abdallah mohammed taha , MOHAMMED MOHAMMED MAHMMOUD FADEL ALLAH , Kharif Basaier Mohammed Alamaldeen , Idris Areej Imad Aldeen Mohamed , Idris Sara Mohamed Abdalla , Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed Abugibba , Gurashi Malaz Salah Osman , Mohammed Mohammed Alfateh omer , Ahmed Ahmed Bukhari Mohamed , Nasr Isra Mohamed Hassan , saeed Abdlrhman saeed mohammed , ElSayed Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Since December 2019, an outbreak of severe respiratory infection (COVID-19) emerged in the city of Wuhan in China. It quickly spread around the world and is now a pandemic of epic proportions. Medical students are the future generation of doctors who will have to face this and any future similar catastrophe. The knowledge, awareness and practice of medical students toward Covid19 pandemic is of most importance as it demonstrates their preparedness to deal with this pandemic.Objective: To assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of medical students in 19 universities in Sudan about COVID 19.Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study done in 19 universities which have medical schools in Sudan. Data from at least 100 medical students from each university was included in the study. Data was collected using an online questionnaire in April 2020.Results: 2603 medical students from 19 universities were included. Overall good knowledge and practice were demonstrated by the medical students (88.9%) and (78.6%), respectively. Respondents answered that the most common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 were fever (51.9%), dry cough (40.5%). The main combination of clinical symptoms was dry cough, fatigue and fever in (27.7%), and the first initial symptom was headache (48.4%.).(60.2%) wear medical masks, (94.9%) said that avoiding crowded places protects against the spread of Covid19. (50.9%) have confidence that Sudan can win the battle against the COVID-19 with (48.6%) amongst males and (52.2%) amongst females. 69.0% agreed that COVID-19 will finally be successfully controlled.Conclusion: This study showed that medical students in Sudan demonstrated excellent Knowledge and good practice toward Covid19.Recommendations: Although the results were very positive, further education and awareness should be carried out to increase the preparedness of medical students towards such pandemics and public health modules should also focus more on the importance of the knowledge of newly emerging diseases and the practices toward them.
Machine Learning Classification Algorithms for Systematic Analysis to Understand Learners Drop out of MOOCs courses
Authors: Rawat Seema , Kumar Deepak , Khattri Chhaya , Kumar Praveen
Published: May 2021

The increasing popularity of massively online open courses (MOOCs) has been attracting a lot of learners. Despite the popularity, it has been observed that there is a significant percentage of learners who discontinue courses and drop out of the platform. This is a problem that most of the MOOC courses face. The dropout probability of any student depends on his/her interaction with the platform, and the features of the course in which the student has enrolled. The research work is intended to study and analyze the dropout behavior of the students in online learning with identification of the reasons and to understand their impact. The current research accounts for the activity log of learners of 13 different online courses offered by Harvard and MIT during 2012 to 2013. The work examines the attributes which affects the student dropout rate. The research can be useful in improving the existing features of the MOOC courses and content to ensure persistence turnout of their learners.