bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Fenton Based Processes in Reducing COD of the Petroleum Effluents Using the Waste of Steel Slag
Authors: Etemadiasl Fatemeh , Tishehzan Parvaneh , Kashefipour Seyed Mahmood , Haaghighifard Nematolah Jaafarzadeh
Published: January 2022

Petroleum effluents pollution is an important challenge for many countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Fenton, Photo-Fenton (PF), Electro-Fenton (EF) and Photo-Electro-Fenton (PEF) processes in reducing chemical oxygen demand (COD) of desalination unit effluent using steel slag as catalyst, cathode and anode. For achieving this goal the experimental design by Taguchi method using Mintab18 software was used. The desired variables include pH (3, 5 and 7), hydrogen peroxide (5, 10 and 15 mmol/l), contact time (30, 60 and 90 minutes), catalyst (5, 7.5 and 10 g/l), radiant intensity (16, 24 and 32 watts) and voltage (5, 15 and 30 volts). In order to perform the experiments, the pilot was made using UV-C lamps (wavelengths of 200-280 nm) each with a power of 8 watts and an AC power supply of 0-30 volts in the range of 0-2 amps. According to the results, PEF process under pH = 7, 10 mmol/l hydrogen peroxide, catalyst content of 5 g/l, radiant intensity of 24 watts and voltage of 5 volts for 90 minutes, provides the highest COD removal rate (98.7%). The present study showed that following the combined process of PEF, EF, PF and Fenton processes have a high potential in reducing COD using steel slag.
Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Anxiety Measures in Clinical Sample: Evaluation of the PROMIS Pediatric Anxiety Short Forms
Authors: Parkhurst John , Von Mach Tara , Vesco Anthony T. , Kerns Caroline E. , Lavigne John V.
Published: January 2022

Objective: Examine the psychometric properties, validity in relation to a legacy measure, and diagnostic accuracy of the PROMIS Anxiety Short Form 2.0 (PROMIS A-SF) Caregiver and Youth Reports in a clinical sample. Methods: Participants were 301 youth and caregivers referred to a behavioral health clinic by their pediatrician. Participants and their caregivers completed PROMIS A-SF (youth and caregiver proxy), SCARED (youth and caregiver proxy), and a semi-structured interview. Descriptive, correlational, psychometric, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted for both measures. Results: PROMIS A-SF measures were highly correlated with SCARED total scores and the panic subscale. PROMIS A-SF measures had AUCs ranging from .49-.79 for the detection of any of three primary subtypes of anxiety: Generalized Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, and Social Anxiety. Implications: Dimensional anxiety subtypes, such as Social Anxiety may not be well detected on the PROMIS youth measure. Use of the PROMIS A-SF as a part of Evidence Based Assessment process is discussed.
Influence of Immigrant Background onthe Outcome of Total Hip ArthroplastyBetter outcome in 280 Native Patients in Bosnia and Herzegovinian than in 449 Immigrants Living in Sweden
Authors: Krupic Ferid , Manojlovic Slavko , Custovic Svemir , Fazlic Mirsad , Sadic Sahmir , Kärrholm Johan
Published: January 2022

Background: Despite the overall success of THA, betwen 5-20% report unsatisfactory results. Several factors may cause this variable outcome. One of them is ethnicity, which because of its potential social impact on living conditions may influence life quality. We investigated whether patients born and operated in their home country Bosnia and Herzegovina, report the same results as do patients living in Sweden, born in Europe outside the Nordic countries.Methods: Data were prospectively collected from 280 patients planned to be operated with a THA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 449 immigrants born in Europe but outside the Nordic countries. Logistic and linear regression models including age, sex, diagnosis, type of fixation, surgical incision, marital status, and education level were analyzed. Outcomes were the 5 dimensions in EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, pain, VAS, and satisfaction VAS. Data collected before the operation and 1 year after were studied. Results: Before the operation patients born and living in Bosnia and Herzegovina reported more problems with self-care and usual activities before and after adjustment for confounding. Patients living in Sweden reported higher EQ-VAS and more pain on VAS than did those born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the difference in EQ-VAS became statistically insignificant after adjustment for confounding. A higher share of patients living in Bosnia and Herzegovina reported more benefit 1 year after the operation in all dimension except from self-care as reflected in the basic chi-square test and the unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses. After adjustment for confounding this group of patients was also more satisfied, but there was no statistically significant difference in pain VAS and EQ-VAS when compared to the immigrant group living in Sweden. Conclusion: Our findings that immigrant patients operated in Sweden despite a tendency to more symptoms before the operation have less benefit from a THA according to EQ5D 1 year after the operation cause concern. We do not know to what extent this situation can be improved by a more multidimensional caretaking of immigrant patients. Probably other factors not only involving the healthcare system play a role as do probably also methodological problems related to these types of studies.
Relationship Between Indoor Solid Fuel Use for Cooking with Blood Pressure and Hypertension Among the Elderly in China
Authors: Yu Qiutong , Zuo Genyong
Published: January 2022

Indoor air pollution caused by solid fuel cooking use affects 2.5 billion people worldwide and may elevate blood pressure (BP) and increase the burden of hypertension. Although the elderly are the most at risk of elevated BP and hypertension, few studies have evaluated the effect of indoor solid fuel use for cooking on BP in persons over the age of 65. Therefore, in this study, we randomly selected 8067 elderly people aged over 65 years from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to determine the impact of indoor solid fuel use on BP/hypertension. The results showed that, compared with those who cooked with clean fuel, those who cooked with solid fuel had a 1.87 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure, a 0.09 mmHg higher diastolic blood pressure, a 0.97 mmHg higher pulse pressure, and a 1.22 mmHg higher mean arterial pressure. However, we did not find any association between indoor solid fuel use and hypertension. We further observed that northern China residents, women, people aged over 90 years, hypertensive and heart patients, and those with natural ventilation in the kitchen that used indoor solid fuel experienced a greater BP impact. Replacing solid fuel with clean fuel may be an important way to lower BP. Regarding this, priority access to clean fuels should be given to the susceptible population, including the elderly aged ≥ 75 years, northern China residents, women, and hypertensive and heart patients.
Recommendation method for fusion of knowledge graph convolutional network
Authors: Jiang Xiaolin , Fu Yu , Dong Changchun
Published: January 2022

In the application of Internet of Vehicles (IOV) system, it is particularly important to obtain real-time and effective vehicle information and provide personalized functional services for vehicle operation. This algorithm combines knowledge graph technology with convolutional network and presents a new algorithm model, that is, when calculating the representation of a given entity in the knowledge graph, the information of the neighboring entity is combined with the deviation. Through the integration of neighbor entity information, the local neighborhood structure can be better captured and stored in each entity, and the weight of different neighbor entities depends on the relationship between them and the specific user, which can better reflect the user's personalized interests, in order to fully demonstrate the characteristics of the entity. Compared with the traditional coordinated filtering technology SVD model, this model has improved accuracy and F1 value.
Artificial Ponds as Hotspots of Nitrogen Removal in Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Cai Min , Li Shuai , Ye Fei , Hong Yiguo , Lü Mingquan , Camp Huub J M Op den , Wang Yu
Published: January 2022

Small waters, like ponds, are the most abundant freshwater environments, and are increasingly recognized for their function in ecosystem service delivery. In agricultural watershed, artificial ponds play an essential role in reducing nitrogen pollution. However, until now artificial ponds remain the least investigated part of water environments. The importance of microbial activities has seldom been discussed, which makes the microbial pathways and processes rates in nitrogen removal poorly understood. To illustrate the role of artificial ponds in microbial nitrogen removal in agricultural watersheds, 21 pond sediments and 11 soils are collected in an agricultural watershed of China. Results show that surface sediments in ponds carry significantly higher dissolved inorganic nitrogen (9.1-21.9 mg/kg) and total organic matter (64.8-113.0 g/kg) compared to the surrounding agricultural soils. High rates of microbial nitrogen removal in ponds (12.4-25.5 nmol N g-1 h-1) are observed, which are 2-9 times higher than those in dryland soils. In pond sediments, denitrification dominates (> 90% N-loss) the microbial nitrogen removal process with only a minor contribution of anaerobic ammonium oxidation. A high potential of N2O production (up to 9.4 nmol N g-1 h-1) occurs in ponds along with the rapid nitrogen removal. For denitrifier genes, nir gene are always more abundant than nosZ gene. Additionally, the nirS gene is more abundant under flooded conditions, while nirK gene prefers higher dissolved oxygen and NO3- in drylands. These findings present essential information on the mechanisms of microbial nitrogen removal in ponds, and highlight the ecosystem function of ponds in agricultural watersheds.
Enzymatic production of sustainable jojoba fatty alcohols. Biorefinery approach
Authors: Bouaid Abderrahim , Tardon Natalia , Hurtado Olivia
Published: January 2022

To evaluate jojoba oil (JO) in high-added-value products, a new biorefinery strategy was used, consisting of enzymatic transesterification employing a branched 2-ethylhexanol (EH) chain alcohol. The suggested biorefinery approach utilizes an integrated process to produce jojobyl alcohols (JA) mixture (11-eicosenol, 13-docosenol, and 15-tetracosenol) as the principal product for pharmaceutical applications. Since it meets the European Biodiesel Standard EN 14214, the remaining fraction of fatty acid ethyl-hexyl esters (FAEHE) could be a potential alternative to traditional fuels.Factorial design (FD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to investigate and improve the effects of variables such as temperature and catalyst concentration on the production of both fractions. The derived models can be used to estimate the best operating parameters for an up-scaled industrial process with the least number of tests possible, resulting in cost savings. However, from a technical perspective, the best feasible yield for the more valuable JA fraction should be achieved, using a catalyst concentration of 5.7%, a temperature of 63°C, and a 6:1 alcohol/oil molar ratio. Conversion rates of 63.5% and 36% for JA and FAEHE, respectively, could be produced under these conditions. The crystallization method was used to separate JA from FAEHE. The main properties of FAEHE were measured after the separation stage. The results showed that the FAEHE fraction, which was formed as a co-product during the process, displayed better cold flow properties and oxidation stability when compared to tranesterified jojoba oil. In the transesterification reaction, using 2-ethylhexanol alcohol enhances the amount of the most valuable fraction containing jojobyl alcohols. The MTT test was used to assess in vitro cell viability in HEK293T cells. The findings revealed that a 1 μmolL-1 oily liquid mixture of jojobyl alcohols components (cis-11-eicosenol, cis-13-docosenol, and cis-15-tetracosenol) had no influence on cell cycle progression, has no harmful impacts in the examined cells, and could be employed as a therapeutic compound.The product preparation is a green engineering process that is clean, solvent-free, and uses a highly selective catalyst to reduce water and energy utilization, as well as the integrated process's downstream processing.
Numerical Investigation of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Wing of Ichoku-18 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Isah Abubakar , Lawal Mohammed Shariff , Yahuza Ibrahim , Na’inna Abdulmajid
Published: January 2022

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) whose wing consist of a combination of two different airfoils presents opportunity for improve aerodynamic performance; and research in this area has potential for significant innovation. This study employed a Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) technique to predict drag and lift coefficients and aerodynamic efficiency of the wing of Ichoku-18 (IU-18) UAV. The wing of the IU-18 UAV consists of two different aerofoil sections, NACA2415 at the root and SD7032 at the tip. The study investigates the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing at different Angle of Attack (AoA), AoA = 0°,4°, 8°, 12°, 16°, 20° and 24°. Using a standard and realizable k-ε turbulence models, the minimum and maximum drag coefficients and aerodynamic efficiencies were obtained at AoA = 0° and AoA = 24°. Both turbulence models predicted the critical angle of attack occurs at AoA = 16°. The results obtained were in agreement with analytical design data of the UAV and findings from the literature. While the standard k-ε turbulence model overpredicted the drag coefficients of the wing of IU-18 UAV, the values predicted by the realizable k-ε turbulence model were in closer agreement with the experimental data. Also, the lift coefficients predicted by the realizable k-ε turbulence model were more realistic and in closer agreement with that obtained analytically. Similarly, while the realizable k-ε turbulence models prediction of the CLmax is in closer agreement with the analytical data, the standard k-ε model underpredicted the variation of aerodynamic efficiency with AoA.
Protective Effect of Summer Savory (Satureja Hortensis) Essential Oil on Some Growth, Biochemical, Immune Serum, Mucosal Immune System and Antioxidant Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Exposed to Pretilachlor Herbicide
Authors: Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Shichiyakh Rustem Adamovich , Widjaja Gunawan , Altimari Usama S. , Aravindhan Surendar , Thijail Hayfaa Attia , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Naserabad Saeid Shahbazi
Published: January 2022

The main objective of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of summer savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oil (SEO) on growth and survival parameters, liver enzymes, immune serum, mucosal immune system and biochemical profiles of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to pretilachlor herbicide. Fish with the mean initial weight of (25.35 ± 0.13 g) assigned to six treatment groups (T1: control treatment; T2: low concentration of toxin (25% LC50 pretilachlor herbicide); T3: high concentration of toxin (50% LC50 pretilachlor herbicide); T4: 1% SEO; T5: low concentration of toxin + 1% SEO; and T6: high concentration of toxin + 1% SEO) were fed with experimental diets containing 1% SEO for 21 days. The results showed that the SEO-containing treatments significantly increased survival rate compared to the control group (P<0.05). The highest final weight, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were observed in T4 treatment (P<0.05). Glucose levels decreased in the SEO-containing treatments, and the treatment T4 showed a statistical difference with the control group (P<0.05); in treatments exposed to pretilachlor herbicide, the glucose levels increased compared to the control and there was a significant difference (P<0.05). The highest total protein content was observed in the treatment T4 containing SEO, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased in SEO-containing treatments so that the lowest level was found in the treatment T4 (P<0.05). Alternative complement pathway activity (ACH50) showed an increasing trend in SEO-containing treatments so that the highest level was seen in the treatment T4 (P<0.05). The results revealed that the activity levels of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) increased in the SEO-containing treatments compared to the control group and the treatments containing pretilachlor herbicide, and malondialdehyde (MDA) had the lowest content in the treatment T4, which showed a significant difference with the control group (P<0.05). The activity of liver enzymes, which indicates tissue damage, showed the lowest level in the treatment T4, which was statistically different from other treatments (P<0.05). To conclude, the findings of this study highlighted that the use of SEO in fish exposed to pretilachlor herbicide improves digestion and absorption of nutrients, promotes better growth, strengthens the immune system of fish and exerts a protective effect for the common carp species.
Effects on Hemodynamic Enhancement and Discomfort of a New Textile Electrode setup during Calf Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Sundström C , Juthberg R , Flodin J , Guo L , Ackermann Paul W.
Published: January 2022

Background: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may improve venous hemodynamics to decrease the risk of venous thromboembolism. However, whether calf-NMES using textile electrodes integrated in socks can improve venous hemodynamics without discomfort is unknown. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to examine whether calf-NMES, using one new textile electrode- compared to an established gel electrode-setup, could induce significant dose-dependent increases in the peak venous velocity (PVV) and non-inferior comfort.Methods: On ten healthy participants, intensity (mA) of calf-NMES (frequency 36 Hz, phase duration 200µs) was increased until a visible plantar flexion (threshold 1), plus an additional six NMES-levels (threshold II), utilizing two different electrode setups. A new transverse textile electrode (TTE) setup consisted of two textile electrodes (2 x 2.5 cm) sewn into the back of a sock placed 2 cm apart at the largest circumference of the calf. The established gel electrodes (3x3cm) were placed on the participants best motor points and designated the motor point electrode (MPE) setup. PVV was measured in v. poplitea and v. femoralis at baseline and at threshold I and II using a Doppler ultrasound machine. Comfort was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10). Values were expressed as medians and significance was set to p<0.05.Results: In v. poplitea both TTE and MPE induced significant dose-dependent increases in PVV from baseline to threshold I with 123% and 63% and to threshold II with 319% and 208%, respectively (all p<0.001). TTE, however, resulted in significantly higher increase of PVV in v. poplitea than MPE. In v. femoralis both TTE and MPE induced significant dose-dependent increases in PVV from baseline to threshold I with 47% and 55% and to threshold II with 102% and 107%, respectively (all p<0.001). In v. femoralis, however, there were no significant differences in PPV between TTE and MPE (p=0.700). MPE compared to TTE resulted in lower NRS, 1 versus 2, at threshold I (p<0.001), however at threshold II there was no difference in NRS (p=0.836).Conclusion: A new reusable TTE produces non-inferior dose-dependent venous hemodynamics compared to a standard MPE. Further development, however, is needed concerning textile electrode discomfort to improve patient compliance.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered with ISRCTN registry. Trial ID: ISRCTN49260430. Date: 11/01/2022.
The Impact of Nonlinear Fiscal Decentralization, Green Energy, and Policy Uncertainty on Sustainable Environment? A New Perspective From Ecological Footprint in Five OECD Countries
Authors: Zahra Samia , Badeeb Ramez Abubakr
Published: January 2022

The paper explores the short-run and long-run asymmetric impact of fiscal decentralization, green energy, and economic policy uncertainty on environmental sustainability proxied by ecological footprint. Using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed lag (NARDL) approach in selected five OECD countries, we find that ecological footprint responds to positive and negative fiscal decentralization asymmetrically in the long run and short run. However, the nature of the response varies significantly across countries. The result also suggests that green energy is a major factor in reducing the ecological footprint in all countries except Canada. Finally, economic policy uncertainty plays a negative and significant role in the ecological footprint in the UK, US, and Germany while insignificant in Australia and Canada. Implications for effective environmental policies are discussed.
Reported Adherence To COVID-19 Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions In Young People
Authors: Morata-Sampaio Leticia , Mulero-henriquez Itahisa , León Eva Elisa Álvarez
Published: January 2022

“Non-pharmaceutical Interventions” (NPIs) are effective public health interventions for COVID-19, but NPIs’ compliance could be low in younger individuals. We determine whether NPIs’ adherence in a young population is associated with COVID-19 infection, describe beliefs about the effectivity, and barriers to adherence.A case-control study was conducted among 18-29-year-old subjects exposed to COVID19 outbreaks in social events. Self-reported adherence to NPIs during the event was studied in confirmed COVID-19 cases and controls (close contact of confirmed cases).6 outbreaks were studied. 40 cases and 40 controls were interviewed. The adherence during the social event was low, with higher non-compliance in COVID-19 cases (98% report not using a face mask and 88% not maintaining physical distance, than in controls (58% and 55% respectively, all ps<.05). Interestingly, >90% of the participants believe that these NPIs were effective, but more cases state that they are not susceptible to the disease (88% cases vs. 45% controls), all ps<.05. The main barrier to adherence was “low-risk perception in the friends’ group.”Self-reported adherence, and perception of susceptibility to the disease is low, but higher adherence was reported in close contacts who did not develop the disease. Low-risk perception among friends was the perceived barrier.
Role of Global Longitude Strain related miRNAs as potential prognostic indicators in myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Xiaozhu , Huang Fengrong , Liu Yunhong , Liu Shujun , Tan Gangwen
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND
Real-time three-dimensional spot tracking echocardiography (RT3D-STE) can be used to assess the prognosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Analyzing the correlation between miRNAs and RT3D-STE, especially miRNAs and Global Longitude Strain (GLS) and Global Circumferential Strain (GCS), can provide new ideas for discovering and evaluating the role of miRNAs in assessing myocardial function and prognosis of MI.
METHODS
The present study collected forty-nine (49) plasma samples (15 normal samples and 34 MI samples; 22 before and 12 after intervention therapy) and employed high-throughput sequencing technology and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of a linear association between differentially expressed miRNAs and strain parameters of RT3D-STE.
RESULTS
One hundred forty-one (141) differentially expressed plasma exosome miRNAs were identified in STEMI compared with NSTEMI. The target genes of these ten miRNAs were analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and they were found to be involved mainly in cellular metabolism processes, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the FoxO signaling pathway. Moreover, three of these differentially expressed miRNAs (hsa-miR-4798-3p, hsa-miR-371a-3p and hsa-miR-4735-5p) had Pearson correlations greater than 0.5 based on GLS.
CONCLUSION
Differentially expressed miRNAs obtained before and after surgical therapy of MI may play important roles in the occurrence and development of MI. hsa-miR-4798-3p, hsa-miR-371a-3p, and hsa-miR-4735-5p may be used as potential prognostic indicators of MI.
COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Patients in Emergency Department
Authors: Murciano Manuel , Averna Roberto , Raucci Umberto , Vecchia Nicoletta Della , Musolino Anna Maria Caterina , Pontillo Maria , Pisani Mara , Labonia Milena , Cristaldi Sebastian , Pucciarini Maria Laura , Nacca Raffaella , Ferro Valentina Annarosa , Reale Antonino , Vicari Stefano , Villani Alberto , Raponi Massimiliano
Published: January 2022

Objective: Italy was the first country affected in Europe by the new coronavirus disease pandemic, so a national lockdown was set up. Side effects were anxiety, discomfort and social pressure, among others. This study analyses the characteristics of adolescent who required emergency help for neuropsychiatric disorders in the year before and after lockdown beginning. Methods: Data were collected from 1428 patients aged 12-18 years who enter the Emergency Department with a diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders in a pediatric tertiary Hospital in Rome, between March 2019 and March 2021.Results: History of previous neuropsychiatric episodes (p<0.001) and comorbidities (p=0.003) were more frequent in the pre-covid era. During post-lockdown, onset time of acute symptoms was longer (p<0.001) and number of hospitalizations was higher (p<0.001) but their length was the same. Psychomotor agitation was less frequent during post-lockdown period (p<0.001); there was a reduction in hetero-aggressiveness (p=0.005) but increment in suicidal ideation (p=0.002) and suicide attempt (p<0.001).Conclusion: Rates of suicide ideation and attempts were higher during some months but admission for psychomotor agitation was reduced after lockdown, probably due to protective factors, like anxiety reduction referred to school performances and the major presence of parents at home. First lockdown forced children and parents at home; second lockdown left children lonely for most of the day. Patients waited longer before going to the emergency room in the post-lockdown phase, probably because the media focus on pandemic and the fear of contagion in hospital. Breaks in schooling can lead to educational inequalities over time.
Topic Selectivity and Adaptivity Promote Spreading of Short Messages
Authors: Bojarski Patryk , Suchecki Krzysztof , Hołyst Janusz
Published: January 2022

We investigate how the spreading of messages in social networks is impacted by user selectivity for messages based on their content, competition for user's attention between different messages and message content adaptivity through user-introduced changes. An agent-based model of message spreading featuring these mechanisms is introduced and explored to asses the impact of each on statistical properties of resulting message cascades, in particular cascade size and mean length of the messages. We observe that selectivity changes the popularity distribution and is responsible for preference towards short or long messages -- long messages for low and short messages for high selectivity. The competition drastically limits message spread if selectivity is low, but has only small impact for high selectivity. Message content adaptivity has small effect of increasing popularity of already popular messages, but only for medium levels of selectivity. We explore the spread process on random and scale-free synthetic networks and conclude that the existence of hubs in the network seems to have a marginal impact on cascade size distribution. We relate the distribution of mutated message variant popularity to observations in real social media.
An Interpretable Deep Learning Model for Predicting the Risk of Severe COVID-19 from Spike Protein Sequence
Authors: Sokhansanj Bahrad A. , Zhao Zhengqiao , Rosen Gail L.
Published: January 2022

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus has mutated in ways that affect its ability to infect people, cause severe disease, and escape immunity. It can be costly and time-consuming to experimentally study viral mutations. Sequencing genetic code is cheaper, and millions of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences are available. With the quickly changing dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and patient outcomes, we need fast ways to translate sequence data to biologically meaningful and clinically relevant information. Inspired by advances in natural language processing, we design a deep learning architecture that can be visualized at multiple scales to interpret trained models. We train a model to predict the risk of severe disease based on genetic changes in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which plays a key role in infection and immune response. Trained solely on spike protein sequences from pre-Omicron infections (i.e., acquired before any empirical data for Omicron was available), the model predicts Omicron sequences with a reduced risk of severe disease (by 40-50%) relative to Delta. Testing on Omicron sequences collected so far, the deep learning model’s predictions agree with real world observations, suggesting that the methodology can be applied to future variants.
Ecological control of non-point source pollution driven by soil and water erosion in China
Authors: Wang Rongjia , Sun Shiyong , Zhang Jianfeng , Cai Chunju
Published: January 2022

Context

Emerging non-point source pollution (NPSP) driven by soil and water erosion (SWE) is a key factor affecting the environmental quality of many water source areas.
Objectives

Therefore, here we focus on NPSP driven by SWE, and critically review existing evidence of the spatial patterns and migration of N&P.
Methods

First of all, the occurrence of runoff-derived pollution under different land use and production strategies was probed, and the evidence for different forms of N&P loss from soils with varying vegetation covers was discussed. Then, the mechanism of N&P loss associated with SWE-driven NPSP was approached, and potential ecological control measures were concluded.
Results

Rainfall regimes, land use and terrain were the main factors affecting NPSP driven by SWE. Ecological treatment technologies such as ecological ditch interception technology and constructed wetlands can effectively reduce NPSP.
Conclusions

In water source areas, integrated protection, restoration, and management are needed to enhance the circulation capacity of the hydrological systems and maintain ecological balance. In particular, the greater protection of drinking water sources and construction of water-conserving forests are required.
Area Deprivation Index is Associated with Variation in Quality of Life and Psychosocial Well-being Following Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Offodile Anaeze , Hassan Abbas M. , Nguyen Huan T. , Corkum Joseph P. , Liu Jun , Kapur Sahil K , Chu Carrie K , Butler Charles E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Neighborhood-level factors have been shown to influence surgical outcomes through material deprivation, psychosocial mechanisms, health behaviors, and access to resources. To date, no study has been conducted to examine the relationship between area-level deprivation (ADI) and post-mastectomy outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of all adult female breast cancer patients who underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy between January 2018 to June 2019. Patient-specific demographics, clinical history and ADI information were abstracted and correlated with post-operative global- (SF-12) and condition-specific (Breast-Q) quality-of-life performance via multivariable regression. Patients were classified into three groups based on their ADI scores: 0–39 (prosperous/comfortable), 40–59 (mid-tier), and 60–100 (at risk/distressed). Results: A total of 564 consecutive patients were identified; mostly white (75%) with a mean age of 60.2±12.4, mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8±7.1, mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 3.5±2.0, and mean ADI of 42.3±25.7. Minority patients and those with high BMI were more likely to reside in highly-deprived neighborhoods (p=0.003 and p<0.001). In adjusted models, Patients at risk/distressed had significantly lower mean SF-12 physical (44.9 [95%CI, 43.8-46.0] vs. 44.9 [95%CI, 43.7-46.1] vs. 46.3 [95%CI, 45.3-47.3], p=0.03) and BREAST-Q psychosocial well-being scores (63.5 [95%CI, 59.32-67.8] vs. 69.3 [95%CI, 65.1-73.6] vs. 69.7 [95%CI, 66.4-73.1], p=0.01) than the mid-tier and prosperous/comfortable groups.Conclusions: Patients residing in deprived neighborhoods were more likely to have worse psychological well-being and quality of life. ADI should be incorporated in the shared-decision making process and perioperative counselling to engender value-based and personalized care, especially for vulnerable populations.
Copula - Based Bivariate Drought Severity and Duration Frequency Analysis Considering Spatial-Temporal Variability in the Ceyhan Basin, Turkey
Authors: Esit Musa , YUCE Mehmet Ishak
Published: January 2022

In recent times, copula families have been mostly employed in bivariate drought duration and severity. Archimedean copulas are mainly used conveniently among various potential families for hydrologic design and water resource management. In this study, drought events are defined by standard precipitation index (SPI 1-, 3- and 6-time series) series for 24-gauge stations in Ceyhan Basin Turkey, when the value fell below zero. Both duration and severity are tested their dependence with Mann-Kendall and Spearman Rho trend test at 0.05 significant level. The different marginal distribution function is fitted to duration and severity data. Weibull and Lognormal distribution for drought duration, Weibull and Gamma distribution for drought severity are found more appropriate, respectively. The best fit copula is found to construct a joint distribution function. However, disregarding tail dependencies can cause high uncertainty in extreme quantile predictions, resulting in incorrect hydrological design findings. Hence, the influence of upper tail dependencies is tested to select the most appropriate copula function. After acquiring the best fit copula, the joint return periods are modeled for each station. Finally, considering drought risk categories (light, moderate, severe and extreme drought), spatial distributions of drought risk-return period are constructed. Apart from using univariate frequency analysis, bivariate frequency analysis is performed to model the joint return period based on copula theory that is great of importance for hydrology design and water resource management.
Decreased Copper/Selenium Ratio Among Non-Responder Healthcare Workers to SARS-CoV-2: An Evidence of High Copper/Selenium Ratio Effects on the Immune Response to COVID-19 and Symptoms
Authors: Tashakori Mahnaz , Jamalizadeh Ahmad , Nejad-Ghaderi Mohsen , Hadavi Maryam , Yousefi-Ahmadipour Aliakbar , Moghadam Fatemeh Mohseni , Rahnama Maryam , Mashayekhi Kazem
Published: January 2022

Background: The relationship between strong immune response to infections and trace elements such as selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) is well documented. Furthermore, Se and Cu behave as negative and positive acute phase reactants under infectious conditions, respectively. Since SARS-CoV-2 causes systemic inflammation, this study was conducted to evaluate the association of Se and Cu serum levels with symptoms and immune response to SARS-CoV-2, and then assess the Cu/Se ratio in this matter.Methods: Blood samples and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 126 SARS-CoV-2 participants with mild and severe clinical symptoms. The SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune response to the virus were confirmed by RT-PCR and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, respectively. The measurement of Se and Cu serum levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and colorimetric assay, respectively. Finally, data were analyzed and a P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean Se levels were higher in patients with mild symptoms (108.73 ± 5.38 μg/L, P-value = 0.0012) and IgG non-responders (110.33 ± 3.38 μg/L, P-value < 0.001), whereas, the mean Cu was higher in participants with severe symptoms (111.055 ± 11.98 μg/dL, P-value = 0.045) and IgG responders (112 ± 9.98 μg/dL, P-value = 0.0058). The Cu/Se ratio was lower (ratio < 1) in participants with no immune responses to infection and mild symptoms versus immune responder patients with severe symptoms (P-value < 0.001).Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cu/Se ratio may be considered as a nutritional biomarker of severity and immune response in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.
Analysis of Power Law Non-Linearity in Solitonic Solutions Using Extended Hyperbolic Function Method
Authors: Ullah Naeem , Asjad Muhammad Imran , Muhammad Taseer , Akgül Ali
Published: January 2022

This paper retrieves the optical solitons to Biswas-Arshed equation (BAE) which is
deliberated in the lack of self-phase modulation by applying the new extended hyperbolic
function method (EHFM). Novel constructed solutions have the shape of bright,
singular, periodic singular, and dark solitons. The achieved solutions contain key applications
in engineering and physics. These solutions define the wave performance of the
governing models, actually. The outcomes disclose that our scheme is very active and
reliable. The acquired results are illustrated by 3-D and 2-D graphs to understand the
real phenomena for such sort of non-linear models.
Investigating the Influence of Friction and Material Wear on Triboelectric Charge Transfer in Metal-Polymer Contacts
Authors: Armitage Joshua Louis , Ghanbarzadeh Ali , Bryant Michael G , Neville Anne
Published: January 2022

A reciprocating tribometer has been modified with a high-impedance electronic measurement circuit for the purpose of addressing the question of how tribology influences triboelectrification. This measurement circuit allows for the accurate measurement of contact potential difference (CPD) and total triboelectric charge generated within the tribometer contact. These electronic properties can now be effectively compared with tribological parameters such as contact force, relative sample velocity, and friction coefficient (μ) for varying contacts. In this study we present our apparatus, alongside our findings regarding the influence of material wear mechanisms and friction on the accumulation and dissipation of triboelectric contact charges.
Notch3 Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Transactivating Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3-beta–Mediated Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Wei-Ling , Zhang Yong-Qu , Li Rong-Hui , Huang Wen-He , Wei Xiao-Long , Zeng De , Liang Yuan-Ke , Zeng Yun-Zhu , Li Yao-Chen , Zhang Guo-Jun
Published: January 2022

As a critical transformational process in the attributes of epithelial cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in tumor invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment, which contributes to the ultimate death of some patients with breast cancer. Glycogen synthase kinase-3-beta (GSK3β) is thought to be an EMT suppressor that down-regulates the protein, snail, a zinc finger transcription inhibitor, and regulates E-cadherin expression and the Wnt signaling pathway. Our previous studies have shown that Notch3 also inhibits EMT in breast cancer. In mammary gland cells, GSK3β physically bound and phosphorylated the intracellular domain of two Notch paralogs: N1ICD was positively regulated but N2ICD was negatively regulated. However, the relationship between Notch3, GSK3β, and EMT in breast cancer is still unclear and crosstalk between Notch3 and GSK3β has not been widely investigated.In this study, we revealed that Notch3 was an essential antagonist of EMT in breast cancer cells by transcriptionally upregulating GSK3β. In breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, the silencing of Notch3 reduced GSK3β expression, which is sufficient to induce EMT. Conversely, ectopic Notch3 expression re-activated GSK3β and E-cadherin. Mechanistically, Notch3 can bind to the GSK3β promoter directly and activate GSK3β transcription. In human breast cancer samples, Notch3 expression is positively associated with GSK3β (r=0.416, P = 0.001). Moreover, high expressions of Notch3 and GSK3β mRNA are correlated to better relapse-free survival in all breast cancer patients via analysis in “the Kaplan–Meier plotter” database.In summary, our preliminary results suggested that Notch3 might inhibit EMT by trans-activating GSK3β in breast cancer cells. The suppression of Notch3 expression may contribute to EMT by transcriptionally downregulating GSK3β in breast cancer.
Laparoscopic Treatment of The Gastro-Omental Hemangioma Hemorrhage: 2 Cases Report And Review of The Literature
Authors: Yin Long-Kuan , Liu Jian-Jun , Feng Yi-Guo , Yuan Hua-Yan , Wang Wei , Bai Xiang-Yu , Wang Pan
Published: January 2022

Background: Spontaneous hemorrhage of gastro-omental hemangioma is a rare disease. Such patients generally have no medical history of recent abdominal trauma, abdominal surgery, anticoagulation or systemic vascular disease. Treatment strategy of this disease variates along with its development. In the acute circumstances, surgery is somehow the first priority. Among them, laparoscopic treatment should be the most frequently considered option in the large general hospital, however, such cases are rarely reported until now.Case presentation: The present report enrolled two cases admitted with upper abdominal pain. Subsequent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed masses alongside the greater curvature of the stomach. Laparoscopic surgeries were conducted immediately and the postoperative pathological examination suggested ruptured omental hemangioma with thrombosis. Both two patients recovered smoothly after surgery, and no obvious abnormalities were complained in the follow-up period.Conclusions: Clinicians should consider the possibility of spontaneous rupture of gastro-omental hemangioma in patients with abdominal stroke. The center of medical institutions with mature technology and equipment can perform laparoscopic treatment to minimize surgical trauma and promote rapid recovery of the cases with abdominal apoplexy.
Genome of a Novel Freshwater Microcystis Cyanophage Mwe-Yong1112-1
Authors: Cai Ruqian , Li Dengfeng , Lin Wei , Qin Weinan , Pan Lingting , Wang Fei , Qian Minhua , Liu Weicai , Zhou Qin , Zhou Chengxu , Tong Yigang
Published: January 2022

Freshwater Microcystis cyanophage Mwe-Yong1112-1 is the first virus isolated with M. wesenbergii. The complete genome of the cyanophage is 39,679 bp in length with a G+C content of 66.6%. BLASTx scanning results indicated “No significant similarity found”. Mwe-Yong1112-1 shared the highest pair-wise average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 60.83% (below the ≥95% boundary to define a species) and the highest nucleotide sequence similarity of 17.48% (below the >50% boundary to define a genus) with the closest phage in pairwise sequence comparison (PASC). In the proteomic tree, Mwe-Yong1112-1 formed an independent branch in Siphoviridae family. Analysis indicated that cyanophage Mwe-Yong1112-1 should be considered as a novel phage presenting a novel genus in Siphoviridae family.
Effect of Workpiece Rotational Speed on Surface Quality in YAG Double-sided Planetary Lapping With the Trajectory Method
Authors: Lei Yang , Xiaoguang Guo , renke Kang , Xianglong Zhu , Yufan Jia
Published: January 2022

The double-sided planetary lapping technology with fixed grit is a good candidate to process thin Y3Al5O12(YAG) crystals wafer. However, the influence of workpiece rotational speed nw in the planetary wheel on grit trajectory distribution and surface quality has not been revealed, which is of most significance to obtain a better surface workpiece. To solve this problem, the mathematical model for calculating the grit trajectory left on the workpiece in double-side lapping considering the workpiece rotation is established, and a variation coefficient for uniformity of the track point distribution (NUTPD) is introduced to evaluate the trajectory uniformity. Then, the trajectory of multiple grits and the NUTPD value at different workpiece rotational speeds were simulated in MATLAB software. The simulation result showed that the workpiece rotational speed had an extraordinary effect on the uniformity of the motion trajectory leaving on the workpiece surface. The preferred workpiece rotational speed values for lapping are nw=1,3,5,7,9. By conducting a series of tests on the YAG wafer at two typically selected rotational speeds, the surface roughness Ra and the peak-to-valley (PV) error of flatness were used to characterize the uniformity of surfaces quality. The experimental results demonstrate that there was a more uniform lapping effect, when nw=5 rpm, and the Ra and PV were 147 nm, 2.62 μm, and 141 nm, 2 μm at the upper and lower surface after lapped, which was smaller. They were 161 nm, 3.05 μm, and 149 nm, 2.74 μm after lapping when nw=6 rpm. The experimental result is consistent with the simulation result, and the feasibility and validity of the trajectory method for controlling workpiece surface quality on the planetary double-side lapping were verified.
Effects of Rainfall on Human Leptospirosis in Thailand: Evidence of Multi-Province Study Using Distributed Lag Non-linear Model
Authors: Phosri Arthit
Published: January 2022

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that remains an important public health problem, especially in tropical developing countries. Some previous studies have revealed the outbreak of leptospirosis after heavy rain, but research determining its quantitative risks associated with rainfall in Thailand, especially at the national level, remains limited. The association between rainfall and leptospirosis was examined across 60 provinces of Thailand, and the heterogeneity of the estimated effects among provinces was also assessed. Monthly number of leptospirosis surveillance and meteorological data from 2007 to 2017 were obtained from the Bureau of Epidemiology and Thai Meteorological Department, respectively. A quasi-Poisson regression framework combined with the distributed lag non-linear model was used to estimate province-specific association between rainfall and human leptospirosis, adjusting for potential confounders. Province-specific estimates were then pooled to derive regional and national estimates using random-effect meta-analysis. The results found that the highest estimated risk of leptospirosis associated with rainfall was observed at the same month (lag 0). Using 0 cm/month of rainfall as a reference, the relative risks of leptospirosis associated with heavy (90th percentile), very heavy (95th percentile), and extremely heavy (99th percentile) rainfall at the national level were 1.0994 (95% CI: 0.9747, 1.2401), 1.1428 (95% CI: 1.0154, 1.2862), and 1.1848 (95% CI: 1.0494, 1.3378), respectively. The heterogeneity of the estimates was found among provinces ( I 2 = 27.1%, p -value <0.01), where northern and north-eastern regions were identified as the highest risk of leptospirosis associated with rainfall. In particular, relative risks of leptospirosis associated with extremely heavy rainfall in northern and north-eastern regions were 1.2362 (95% CI: 0.9110, 1.6775) and 1.2046 (95% CI: 0.9728, 1.4918), respectively. Increasing rainfall was associated with increased risks of leptospirosis, especially in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. This finding could be used for precautionary warnings against heavy rainfall.