bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Heterosis Heterotic Potential Combining Ability and Its Correlation with Grain Yield and Physiological Traits in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Saini Manoj Kumar , Kumar Vishnu , Supriya Patel , Chaturvedi Sushil Kumar , Singh Sultan , Yadav Rajeev Kumar
Published: August 2023

To utilize heterosis and combining ability for grain yield and its attributing traits along with three physiological traits viz., leaf area index, chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content in bread wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) the crosses were attempted during rabi, 2019-20 in a half diallel mating scheme among 8 wheat varieties and the study was carried out during rabi, 2020-21 at Block No. D-13 field of Mahua block, Simradha research farm, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for treatments. Based on per se performance the hybrids NW 5054 x PBW 723 (23.3 g), and HI 1544 x NIAW 34 (23.14 g), were identified for the higher grain yield. The hybrid HI 544 x NIAW 34 (18.41 %) was identified as the best heterotic cross for grain yield per plant and its component traits. The hybrids HI 1544 x NIAW 34 (3.40) and HI 1544 x GW 322 (2.76), as well as the parents HD 3086 (21.85) and PBW 723 (20.68), were identified as superior economic hybrids and parents based on SCA/GCA effects, per se performance for grain yield per plant, and its component trait in bread wheat. Days to heading, flag leaf length, biological yield per plant, harvest index, number of grains per spike, 1000 grain weight, spike length, leaf area index, chlorophyll fluorescence, and chlorophyll content were all positively correlated with grain yield per plant.
Temporal and Spatial Correlation of Air Pollution with COVID-19 in the USA: Challenges and Implications
Authors: Maniat Mohammad , Habibi Hosein , Manshoorinia Elham , Marous Payam , Sanjari Pirayvatlou Pouyan , Majidi Alireza
Published: August 2023

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about potential environmental factors that could influence the spread and severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Atmospheric pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), has been suggested as a contributing factor to viral infections and respiratory complications. This two-year observational study aimed to investigate the relation between air pollution and the spread of COVID-19, focusing on PM2.5. Unlike previous studies limited to specific cities or countries, inevitable to use temporal data. Our research analyzed data from various states across the United States, considering both spatial and temporal correlation. The analysis considered the number and geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases along with daily PM2.5 exposure levels, accounting for monthly average PM2.5 exposure, from March 2020 to December 2021. The observed conflicting results of the temporal and spatial correlation present challenges for researchers in understanding the true nature of the relationship between PM2.5 air pollution and COVID-19 cases. The correlation between various factors, such as population density, PM2.5, temperature, and wind speed, and COVID-19 refers to an association or statistical relationship, not causation. Moreover, the intricate interplay of these variables makes it difficult to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
Impact Assessment of the Implementation Effect of the Post-relocation Support Policies of Rural Reservoir Resettlers’ Livelihoods in Energy Transition
Authors: Liang Bing , Shi Guoqing , Sun Zhonggen , Wang Yuelin , Zhang Bosen , Xu Yuangang , Dong Yingping
Published: August 2023

Energy transition is a major structural change in the whole social system, and the energy system must be changed globally to replace fossil fuels. Hydropower is one of the largest renewable energy in the world. However the involuntary resettlees due to the construction of hydropower projects are suffering from being far away from their native land, losing the land cultivated for generations and the houses they live in, and losing the social relationship network based on geography and blood ties. Based on the system evaluation theory of reservoir resettlement and referring to relevant research findings, this paper constructs a comprehensive evaluation index framework for assessing the implementation effect of the PostRelocation Support (PReS) policy. The research region is located in Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, China. Accordingly, a combined method of a structural equation model and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluationary model is used in this paper to analyze the implementation of the PReS policy. The results show that the total score of implementing effects of the PReS policy is 4.4, with dramatic significance. The subindex scores of the resettlers’ family income, living conditions, and production conditions; the local economy; and social stability are 4.3, 4.6, 4.4, 4.6, and 4.3, respectively, with dramatic significance. This paper has analyzed and summarized the successful practices of implementing the PReS policy for reservoir resettlers in three dimensions: poverty alleviation, beautiful home construction and accelerating rural revitalization. Research shows that China's rural reservoir resettlers' PReS policy has been more effective in restoring the livelihoods of reservoir resettlers.
Cashless Payment Services’ Acceptance among Malaysians – Enablers and Barriers
Authors: Eesan Meesha Lini , Balakrishnan Vimala , Ramakrishnan Kalaimagal
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the factors affecting consumers’ acceptance to use cashless payment services in Malaysia through the construction of the Cashless Society Acceptance (CSA) model. The Technology Readiness Index 2.0 and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 were employed to create the CSA model. A total of 434 questionnaires were collected from Malaysian consumers, aged 18 years and above. The results show that Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Discomfort have the most significant influence on the consumers’ acceptance of cashless payment services with R-square of 71.4%.
The Influence of Reverse Yielding on the Plastic Conditioning of Interference Fits in the Power Transmission Engineering
Authors: Schierz Mario , Hasse Alexander
Published: August 2023

Interference fits are a very common shaft-hub connection due to their low manufacturing cost and excellent technical properties. Plastic Conditioning of this machine element is a new and not very well known method. By exploiting residual stresses and the associated increase in the yield point, these components can absorb operating loads such as rotating bending moments, torsion, temperature changes and centrifugal forces purely elastically and avoid plastic deformation during operation. Compared to conventionally joined interference fits, the load bearing capacity in the elastic range can be increased by almost 200% and a specifically defined additional safety against plastic deformation in the elastic-plastic range can be ensured. This paper examines the effects of Reverse Yielding on the technology of Plastic Conditioning of Interference Fits in Power Transmission Engineering. Based on the Shear Stress Hypothesis (SH), the Plane Stress State (PSS) and the ideal plastic behavior of materials, the stress-mechanical relationships are explained, the influencing parameters are examined and conclusions are drawn for the plastic conditioning process. Taking into account the theoretical knowledge according to the state of the art, modified material behavior assumptions (isotropic hardening) and the Von Mises Yield Criterion (VMYC) are also considered. In addition, the method of plastic conditioning of interference fits is introduced and its basic principles are briefly explained. Along with computational suggestions to avoid Reverse Yielding, open issues requiring further research are identified.
Numerical Analysis of the Axial-Flexural Behavior of CFST Columns with Active Transverse Prestressing
Authors: Hu Xiao , Albareda Albert , Bu Xiangbo , López-Almansa Francesc
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a numerical study on the vertical (axial) and lateral (flexure) behavior of CFST (Concrete-Filled Steel Tube) columns with active hoop prestress; this transverse prestressing effect is achieved by bolting together two steel half-tubes. This study refers to new construction only (i.e., no retrofit). 12 prototype CFST column specimens (segments) are analyzed. These specimens differ in the prestressing force (3 levels) and in the gravity loading ratio (4 levels); they are selected to represent typical ground columns of mid-rise buildings. The structural behavior of these column specimens is simulated with a nonlinear model implemented in Abaqus; the concrete and steel behavior are described with a damage-plasticity and a plasticity model, respectively. Finally, the interface concrete-steel interaction is represented by a hard (compression-only) surface-to-surface contact model. The calculations involve three consecutive loading steps: (i) transverse prestress, (ii) axial force, and (iii) lateral loading (shear force and bending moment). The structural behavior of the CFST columns is deeply examined and discussed; the results show that their axial-flexural capacity is adequate. Noticeably, it is concluded that the overall benefits of prestressing the columns are only modest. Preliminary studies on the aforementioned mid-rise buildings equipped with the CFST columns show that their gravity and wind capacities are largely enough; conversely, their seismic capacity is sufficient for moderate seismic ground motions only.
Exploration of the Feeling Sensing Analysis via Electrochemical In-Vitro Carbon Nano Tube Paste Tattoo Working Sensor
Authors: Choi Jong wan , Min Ji won , Kim Sahng wook , Park Jung Hyun , Ly5 Suw Young
Published: August 2023

As the human-body controls depend on the brain neuro current, here assay is related to thinking nerve detection. For this purpose, the brain current was analyzed by electrochemical three-electrode systems using 0.1-mm micro wire in vivo probe, which probe was made by using carbon nanotube paste coated needle type. Here working electrode was inserted in the rat brain’s muscle core with a 0.3-mm-diameter needle type Ag/AgCl Cl-coated Ag wire reference, and counter electrode of 0.1-mm-diameter Pt micro needle was inserted 5 mm deep into the in vivo muscle skin, under anesthesia with 2.0 ~ -2.0 V potential windows, 50 mv/s cyclic scan and 1.0x10-5A chrono amperometric sensitivity on the body systems. Under the optimum conditions, diagnostic application was performed to such as smell signal, muscular strength, five sense assay and thinking neuro current.
Partially averaged Navier-Stokes equations
Authors: Kuchugov Pavel Alexandrovich , Tishkin Vladimir Fedorovich
Published: August 2023

Flows containing a transition to turbulence are inherent in a wide range of phenomena and processes, such as supernova explosions, combustion of gas mixtures, flow around bodies of various shapes, etc. Numerical simulation of such flows is of significant practical interest and is a complex independent task. To solve this problem, there are several main approaches in computational fluid dynamics, which have their own area of applicability, advantages and disadvantages. Thus, direct numerical simulation (DNS) and the large eddy simulation method (LES/ILES) are optimal approaches for describing flows in which there is a transition to turbulence, since they resolve a wide range of flow scales, but at the same time require significant computational resources due to the use of fine grids. Approaches based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations (RANS) use a completely stochastic description of turbulence and have a significantly lower computational cost. At the same time, they allow one to describe only steady or slowly changing flows. A possible alternative is hybrid methods that combine the strengths of DNS/LES and RANS. In this paper, it is considered a hybrid approach based on partially averaged Navier-Stokes equations (PANS), which provides a seamless transition from RANS to DNS/LES. A detailed derivation of the corresponding system of equations and theoretical estimates characterizing the possibilities of the approach are given.
Leakage Detection in Water Distribution Networks using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Intelligent Software and Artificial Neural Network with Experimental Validations
Authors: Kılıç Recep , KOÇ MEHMET , AY Ayşe Nur , Korkmaz Furkan
Published: August 2023

The cities should improve their sustainability to meet the many objectives outlined in the sustainable development goals. For this purpose, water leakages directly affect consumers' and water companies' financial and environmentally sustainable performance, and water leakages are essential factors in drinking water. The leakage detection techniques are unpractical and inaccurate, using the traditional leakage-detection method. This study proposes that the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is modeled for the leakage estimation for two different districted metered areas of Sakarya in Turkey. Three different input data, minimum flow ratio, maximum flow ratio, and average flow ratio in the range of [15.4, 29.2], [41.4, 61], and [31.1, 45.2], respectively, have been determined as the input data for the ANFIS. The output of the ANFIS model is used as the leakage ratio (%) parameter. The required data for the training (174 data) and testing (173 data) processes have been gathered from the experimental study. Some parameters which affect the ANFIS training performance, such as the number of membership functions and training cycle, are investigated for different simulation cases. Consequently, it is proven that the ANFIS has a very high prediction performance of water leakage with R2 0.994 and MSE 4.63. Moreover, the performance of the ANFIS has been compared with that of the artificial neural network (ANN) in the case of leakage detection, and it has been shown that the training and testing performance of the ANFIS is better than that ANN with a ratio of 13.6% and 17.02%, respectively.
Seismic Analysis of Tunnel from Physics-Based Ground-Motion Simulations of the 5 September 2022 Mw 6.6 Luding Earthquake Scenario in China
Authors: Yuan Yong , Sang Qiaozhi
Published: August 2023

A Mw 6.6 earthquake struck Luding county, in Sichuan province of China on 5 September 2022, causing severe damage of nearby infrastructures. The earthquake indicates an awakening of southeast branch of Xianshuihe fault since the last 1973 Mw 7.6 Luhuo earthquake in Sichuan, thus attracting attention from the public. A physics-based method, combining Spectral Element Method (SEM) and Finite Element Method (FEM), was presented in this paper to investigate the correlation between near-fault motions and response of a road tunnel, which has a closest distance of about 6.0 km to the fault. This method allows to incorporate the rupture details, geological irregularity, 3D velocity structure, as well as the underground tunnel. The ground motions simulated by SEM were validated by comparison to specific station records and empirical Ground Motion Model (GMM), which were subsequently input into the tunnel to obtain its axial deformation and sectional inner forces. Parametric study on tunnel alignment was conducted, and wavelet transformation was used to extract dynamic pulses from the ground motions. Results show that the tunnel response is remarkably affected by dynamic pulse directivity, and the axial forces could be dominated by permanent fault displacement for tunnel of the strike-normal alignment.
Toray-PPy-Au electrodes for the electrooxidation of glycerol in alkaline medium
Authors: Muñoz Jaime M. Mora , Torres-Pacheco Luis J , Martínez Carlos Guzmán , Álvarez-Contreras Lorena , Guerra-Balcázar Minerva
Published: August 2023

In the present work, a polypyrrole-gold electrocatalyst was fabricated over Toray carbon paper via electrochemical techniques and was characterized through SEM-EDX, ATR-IR, RAMAN, and XRD. The electrode has been investigated for its application in the electrooxidation process of glycerol in alkaline medium by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that the manufactured electrocatalyst present favorable activity towards the glycerol electrooxidation reaction with peak density currents up to 43.49 mA cm-2 with peak potentials at 0.48 V vs RHE.
RETRACTED: Finding balance between rigor and relevance: Implementing adaptations to a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (pRCT) of a two-way texting study for voluntary medical male circumcision in South Africa using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications in Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS)
Authors: Setswe Geoffrey , Ndebele Felex , Pienaar Jacqueline , Wasunna Beatrice , Ncube Vuyolwethu , Maja Lactricia , Sherr Kenneth , Barnhart Scott , Feldacker Caryl
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Couple-stress asymmetric wave equations modeling with an optimal Finite-difference scheme
Authors: Wei Xuruo , Bai Wenlei , Feng Haixin , Zhou Zhichun , Wang Zhiyang
Published: August 2023

The asymmetric wave equation encompasses the influence of the actual fine structure inside the medium on the wave field, which can better represent the complex seismic wavefield excited by the complex source and reflect the scale effects of the seismic wave response under equal computational power. However, when the finite-difference (FD) operator is applied to implement the numerical modelling using the asymmetric wave equation, numerical dispersion appears due to the use of difference operator to approximate the differential operator, which negatively affects the analysis of the seismic wavefield. To suppress the numerical dispersion, this paper proposes an improved Dung Beetle Optimization (IDBO) algorithm to obtain the optimized FD operators. The IDBO algorithm adopts an improved Tent map and the Opposition-Based Learning strategy to initialize the population, which improves the diversity of the population. The nonlinear function adaptive control strategy is introduced to adjust the population allocation ratio and boundary selection Parameter R to achieve an adequate balance between global exploration and local exploitation. In addition, adaptive weights and the Levy flight mechanism are combined to improve the ball-rolling dung beetle position updating strategy to avoid falling into local extremes. Numerical dispersion analysis and numerical modelling results demonstrate that the optimization of FD operators based on the IDBO algorithm can effectively suppress numerical dispersion. It is of great significance to extract the wave field perturbation caused by heterogeneity due to the complex microstructure in the medium and analyze the influence of the microstructural properties in the medium on seismic wave propagation.
Assessing the Impacts of Future Land Use Land Cover and Climate Change on the Water Balance Components and Sediment Yield of The Bhavani Watershed in India
Authors: Kamaraj Manikandan , Rangarajan Sathyanathan
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate land use/land cover (LULC) and climate change for a better understanding of the hydrological processes of the Bhavani watershed, India. The ANN-CA model, which is based on artificial neural networks and cellular automata, is utilized for the simulation and prediction of LULC. Five criteria, including DEM, slope, aspect, distance from the road, and distance from existing built-up areas, were used as exploratory data for the learning process of the ANN-CA model. The calibrated LULC maps for 2020 showed a high level of agreement, with a kappa index of 0.76 and a percentage of correctness 78.23%. The model was then used to predict LULC changes for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050 and integrated these predictions with different future climate scenarios (CMIP6 RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) to estimate changes in hydrological components using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). The average sediment yield ranges from 9.86 to 14.79 ton/ha/year between 2000 and 2020, which is attributed to the changes in LULC. Additionally, the combination of climate change scenarios and changes in LULC resulted in the projected increases in annual average soil losses by 23.90 and 20.18 ton/ha/year in 2030; 18.22 and 25.07 ton/ha/year in 2040 and 23.87 and 23.54 ton/ha/year in 2050. Among the 26 sub-watersheds, SW-07, SW-09, SW-21, SW-22, SW-25, and SW-26, showed high sediment yield in the watershed. The model calibration and validation values of R2, NSE, PBIAS, and RSR showed that the predicted flow and sediment yield results are in good agreement with the observed values.
Maternal near miss as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes: findings from a prospective cohort study in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Jjuuko Mark , Lugobe Henry Mark , Migisha Richard , Agaba David Collins , Tibaijuka Leevan , Kayondo Musa , Ngonzi Joseph , Kalyebara Paul Kato , Kanyesigye Hamson
Published: August 2023

Background
Despite efforts, Uganda has not met the World Health Organization target of < 12 newborn deaths per 1,000 live births. Severe maternal morbidity or ‘near miss’ is a major contributor to adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings. However, the specific impact of maternal near miss on perinatal outcomes in Uganda remains insufficiently investigated. We examined the association between maternal near miss and adverse perinatal outcomes at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in southwestern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study among women admitted for delivery at MRRH’s maternity ward from April 2022 to August 2022. We included mothers at ≥ 28 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancies, while intrauterine fetal death cases were excluded. For the near-miss group, we consecutively included mothers with any one of the following: antepartum hemorrhage with shock, uterine rupture, hypertensive disorders, coma, and cardiac arrest; those without these complications constituted the non-near-miss group. We followed the mothers until delivery, and their infants until seven days postpartum or death. Adverse perinatal outcomes considered were low birth weight (< 2,500 g), low Apgar score (< 7 at five minutes), fresh stillbirths, early neonatal death, or admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to determine predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Results
We enrolled 220 participants (55 maternal near misses and 165 non-near misses) with a mean age of 27 ± 5.8 years. Most of the near-misses were pregnancies with hypertensive disorders (49%). Maternal near misses had a four-fold (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.32–6.98) increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to non-near misses. Other predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes were primigravidity (aRR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.01–2.31), and gestational age < 34 weeks (aRR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.19–2.77).
Conclusion
Maternal near misses, primigravidity, and preterm pregnancies were independent predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in this study. We recommend implementing maternal near-miss surveillance as an integral component of comprehensive perinatal care protocols, to improve perinatal outcomes in Uganda and similar low-resource settings. Targeted interventions, including specialized care for women with maternal near misses, particularly primigravidas and those with preterm pregnancies, could mitigate the burden of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Simplified Methodology for Fatigue Analysis of Reinforced Asphalt Systems
Authors: Orešković Marko , Bohuš Štepan , Virgili Amedeo , Canestrari Francesco
Published: August 2023

Fatigue analysis has an imporant role in evaluation the durability and performance of ashalt pavements, especially when new or alternative materials are used. Numerous laboratory studies have investigated fatigue performance with aim to estimate field behavior as closer as possible. Therefore, there are currently many different testing methods and data analysis approaches that can be used. One of the most common laboratory test methods is four-point bending beam (4PBB) test, which results are usually analyzed using the so-called traditional approach (where 50% of stiffness reduction is considered as failure criterion) or the energy ratio (ER) approach. However, outcomes from previous studies have shown that these approaches may not be appropriate and reliable if geogrids are used as a reinforcement. As a possible solution, this study proposes a new Simplified Flex Point (SFP) approach that considers the flex point of the strain amplitude curve, measured during 4PBB fatigue tests, to calculate the number of cycles to failure. These three approaches were applied on four sets of double-layered asphalt samples: one unreinforced and three reinforced with geogrids of different strength (50, 100 and 200 kN). The impact of reinforcement on the fatigue life was evaluated by comparing the critical strain values (ε6) of reinforced and unreinforced sets through fatigue resistance improvement factor (FRIF). The research findings showed that the use of geogrids improves fatigue life when the SFP and ER approaches are applied and that the traditional approach might not always be appropriate for assessing the fatigue resistance of reinforced asphalt mixtures.
A Case of Unexpected Diagnosis of Fibronectin Glomerulopathy with Histological Features of Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Hata Misa , Mori Takayasu , Hirose Yurika , Nishida Yuriko , Mandai Shintaro , Ando Fumiaki , Susa Koichiro , Iimori Soichiro , Naito Shotaro , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Taguchi Towako , Tomii Shohei , Ohashi Kenichi , Uchida Shinichi
Published: August 2023

Fibronectin (FN) glomerulopathy (FNG), a rare autosomal hereditary renal disease, is characterized by proteinuria resulting from the massive accumulation of FN in the glomeruli. It typically affects individuals aged 10–50 years. In this report, we describe the case of a 57-year-old man who was diagnosed with FNG through genetic analysis and histological examination that revealed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Despite treatment with prednisolone (PSL), the therapeutic response was unsatisfactory. PSL was subsequently tapered and discontinued because the patient had pulmonary thromboembolism. Subsequent comprehensive genetic testing, which was initially not conducted because the patient’s parents did not have a history of kidney disease, identified a known disease-causing variant in the FN1 gene, indicating a de novo variant. FNG was further confirmed by positive staining of glomeruli with FN using an IST-4 antibody. Although corticosteroid is commonly employed as the initial treatment for MPGN, its appropriateness depends on the underlying etiology. Thus, clinicians must be aware of the potential hereditary nature of MPGN as an underlying condition.
Adaptive synchronization analysis of chaotic system based on memristor
Authors: Li Ping , Xia Lei , Qian Jin , Fan Yigang
Published: August 2023

On the basis of the classic chaos theory, a new memristive chaotic system with hidden attractor was constructed. And the basic dynamic characteristics of the system was analyzed. Based on the system, an analog circuit was designed for simulation. Finally, the synchronization control of the system was explored. The research show that the system has abundant nonlinear behaviors, such as Poincaré mapping, Brownian motion, bifurcation diagram and Lyapunov exponent spectrum. The circuit simulation results are basically consistent with the theoretical analysis and numerical simulation results, which lays a certain foundation for the practical application of the memristive chaotic system. According to the existing theory, a suitable adaptive controller was proposed to achieve synchronization. At the same time, the unknown parameters of the system were identified. The effectiveness of the control method was verified by the numerical simulation.
A comprehensive evaluation of pregnancy and newborn outcomes in Syrian refugees in Turkey
Authors: Dirican Aylin Önder , Korucu Dilay Gök
Published: August 2023

Background
The study was conducted to evaluate the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of Syrian migrant women in a tertiary centre.
Methods
It was conducted retrospectively using the birth records of 2,866 Syrian migrant women, who had given birth at a tertiary center between January 2016 and May 2020. Demographic features, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were analyzed according to age groups and vitamin D use.
Results
The mean age of the patients included in the study was 26.22 ± 5.90, the mean gestational age at birth was 38.06 ± 2.1 weeks, and the mean newborn birth weight was 3.151g. The mean hemoglobin value of the patients was 11.55 ± 1.54. While most of the patients were taking iron supplements (80.59%), vitamin D (vit D) supplement intake was 38.31%. The mean number of antenatal follow-ups was 3.40 ± 1.65. While the most common delivery method was normal vaginal delivery (61.93%), cesarean section rates were found to be 38.07%. The need for blood transfusion was significantly lower in the group that had received vitamin D than that in the group that had not received it (2.00% vs. 8.94% p < 0.001). The rate of preterm birth was found to be 5.74% in the group that had received vitamin D and 9.28% in the group that had not received it, which was significantly higher (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
We have seen that maternal and fetal outcomes can be improved with hospital follow-up and adequate vitamin supplements in refugee pregnant women.
Guiding Human Navigation with Non-Invasive Vestibular Stimulation and Evoked Mediolateral Sway
Authors: Brunyé Tad T. , Navarro Ester , Hart-Pomerantz Hannah , Valter Yishai , Datta Abhishek , Taylor Holly A.
Published: August 2023

Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) involves the non-invasive stimulation of otolith organs and semicircular canals by applying low-intensity electrical current to the mastoids. One consistent effect of GVS administration is a mild, transient, and polarity-specific mediolateral postural sway (MPS). The present study examined whether evoked MPS can be used to communicate instructions to humans, guiding performance on a stressful navigation task through a virtual urban environment. Our experimental design consisted of three primary phases: thresholding, training, and testing. During individualized thresholding, participants stood on a multi-axis force platform and received GVS stimulation at increasing intensity with two polarity conditions: anodal/cathodal on right/left mastoid, or vice-versa. The stimulation intensities reliably eliciting MPS during thresholding were then applied to a training session that involved learning associations between stimulation polarity and directions (i.e., left, right, straight). Participant then applied learned associations to a complex urban virtual navigation task. We found a polarity-specific and parametrically increasing MPS as a function of GVS stimulation intensity. Participants were able to rapidly learn GVS-to-direction associations, and they showed very high accuracy in applying learned associations to the navigation task. Results are discussed in the context of sensory augmentation research and identifying innovative methods for multisensory information transfer.
Risk effects of meteorological factors on human brucellosis in Jilin province, China, 2005-2019
Authors: Huang Shanjun , Wang Hao , Li Zhuo , Wang Zhaohan , Li Fande , Fan Wenqi , Du Lanping , Lu Menghan , Han Xin , Zhao Meifang , Zhen Hua , Yan Yuke , Zhen Qing , Shui Tiejun
Published: August 2023

Background
The impact of climate on zoonotic infectious diseases (or can be referred to as climate-sensitive zoonotic diseases) is confirmed. Seasonal distribution of brucellosis indicates meteorological factors have an important role in its epidemiology. Yet, research on brucellosis and climate change association is limited.
Methods
Monthly incidence data of brucellosis and monthly meteorological data (average temperature (℃), wind velocity (m/s), relative humidity (%), sunshine hours (h), air pressure (hPa), and rainfall (mm)) in Jilin province, China from 2005–2019 were collected. Use Spearman’s correlation analysis and a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) to estimate the lag and non-linearity effect of meteorological factors on the risk of brucellosis.
Results
A total of 24,921 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Jilin province from 2005–2019, with the peak epidemic period from April to June. Low temperature and low sunshine hours were protective factors for the brucellosis, where the minimum RR values were 0.50 (95% CI = 0.31–0.82) for − 13.7°C with 1 month lag and 0.61 (95% CI = 0.41–0.91) for 110.5h with 2 months lag, respectively. High temperature, high sunshine hours, and low wind velocity were risk factors for brucellosis. The maximum RR values were 2.91 (95% CI = 1.43–5.92, lag = 1, 25.7℃), 1.85 (95% CI = 1.23–2.80, lag = 2, 332.6h), and 1.68 (95% CI = 1.25–2.26, lag = 2, 1.4m/s). The trends in the impact of extreme temperature and extreme sunshine hours on the transmission of brucellosis were generally consistent.
Conclusion
High temperature, high sunshine hours, and low wind velocity were more beneficial to the activity of brucellosis with an obvious lag effect in Jilin province, China. The results will deepen the understanding of the relationship between climate and brucellosis and provide a reference for formulating relevant public health policies.
When single-host parasites become multi-host?
Authors: Klimov Pavel , He Qixin
Published: August 2023

Parasitic organisms have large impacts on wildlife, livestock, and human health, however, little is known about ecological and biological factors influencing their host range. When single-host mites are shifted to new hosts, they are likely to become more virulent and cause epidemics as new hosts may lack natural defenses against new parasites (high epidemic risk). Here, we assembled the largest and complete dataset on mites permanently parasitic on mammals and conducted an analysis of factors affecting the probability of single-host parasites becoming multi-hosts, while accounting for potentially unobserved host-parasite links and class imbalance. We identified statistically significant predictors related to parasites (5 variables), hosts (2), climate (2), and habitat disturbance (1). Among mite-related variables, the most important was the proximity to the host immune system which was correlated with the mouthpart morphology. The accuracy of predicting the multi-host risk group was estimated at 0.721. When our model was used for forecasting, it identified Chiroptera (bats) and Carnivora as hosts having the largest number of parasites belonging to the multi-host risk group category. Of them, several single-host bat parasitic species of Notoedres were identified as having the potential to become multi-hosts that are probably capable of causing an epidemic. Our study provides a robust quantitative framework showing how ecological and biological factors can affect the ability of a single-host parasite to become multi-host.
Assessment of Submarine Landslide Volume
Authors: Sager Thore Falk , Urlaub Morelia , Berndt Christian
Published: August 2023

Submarine landslides pose major geohazards as they can destroy seafloor infrastructure such as communication cables and cause tsunamis. The volume of material displaced with the landslide is one factor that determines its hazard and is typically estimated using bathymetric and/or seismic datasets. Here, we review methods to determine the initial failed volume based on a well-constrained case study, the Ana Slide, a small slope failure in the Eivissa Channel off the eastern Iberian Peninsula. We find that not only the availability and quality of datasets but also the emplacement mechanism determines the quality of the volume estimation. In general, the volume estimation based on comparison of modern and reconstructed pre-failure seafloor topographies yields conservative, yet robust volumes for the amount of material that was mobilized. In contrast, volume estimated from seismic data may be prone to overestimation if no detailed constraints on the nature of the chaotic, transparent, or disrupted seismic facies commonly used to identify landslide material are available.
Do animal husbandry operations contaminate groundwater sources with antimicrobial resistance: Systematic review
Authors: Meyer Cameron , Price Skyler , Ercumen Ayse
Published: August 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern. Animal husbandry operations are AMR hotspots due to heavy antibiotic use and dissemination of animal waste into the environment. In this systematic review, we examined the impact of swine, poultry and cattle operations on AMR in groundwater. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, CAB Direct, and the North Carolina State University Agricultural and Environmental Science databases in June 2022. The search returned 2,487 studies, of which 23 met our inclusion criteria. Studies investigated facilities for swine (13), poultry (4), cattle (3) and multiple types of animals (3), mostly in high-income countries. The sampling distance ranged from onsite to > 20 km from facilities; the majority of studies (19) sampled onsite. Most studies collected samples from monitoring wells; only 4 studies investigated private drinking water wells. Among the 23 studies, 17 found evidence of AMR in groundwater associated with animal husbandry operations. Contamination was mostly found in onsite wells, especially downgradient of waste lagoons, but also in offsite private wells up to 2–3 km away. AMR contamination was more common in non-high-income countries and increased with rainy conditions. Future studies should sample private wells at varying distances from animal husbandry operations under different weather conditions and include low- and middle-income countries where food animal production is intensifying.
Correlation analysis of cavitation-induced pressure pulsation and vibration in a bulb turbine
Authors: Li Tianshu , Feng Jianjun , Zhu Guojun , Li Yunzhe , Luo Xingqi
Published: August 2023

Cavitation is one of the primary factors leading to the destabilisation of tubular turbines. To enhance their stability, this study examines the effects of runner cavitation on draft tube pressure fluctuations and vibration in tubular turbines through experimental methods. With varying cavitation coefficients, a synchronous test system, including a high-speed camera, vibration acceleration sensors and pressure pulsation sensors, is applied to obtain cavitation images of the runner, and vibration and internal fluid pressure pulsation data of the draft tube. The results show that the correlated component of pressure pulsation signals during the cavitation process is the synchronous pressure pulsation of 16 fn. With the development of cavitation, the amplitude of synchronous pressure pulsation increases first and then decreases. Cavitation enhances the high-frequency vibration of the runner chamber wall and the RMS of the vertical vibration component IMF3 and the horizontal vibration components IMF2 and IMF4 are linearly negatively correlated with the cavitation coefficient. The associated component between cavitation-induced vibration and pressure pulsation signal is 16 fn and its harmonics. In the process of cavitation, pressure pulsation plays a leading role in vibration.
Annual and geographical variations in the specific composition of jassids and their damage on cotton in Ivory Coast
Authors: KOUADIO Houphouet , KOUAKOU Malanno , BINI Kouadio Kra Norbert , KOFFI Kouakou Jean Innocent , OSSEY Christian Landry , KONE Pitou Woklin Euloge , ADEPO-GOURENE Abouo Béatrice , OCHOU Ochou Germain
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to highlight the diversity of jassid species and their impact on cotton growing in Ivory Coast. The collections carried out in 2021 identified three species. Jacobiasca lybica (Bergevin & Zanon, 1922) is the most abundant, with proportions ranging from 73.3–93.3% depending on the site. The other two species are Empoasca papayae (Oman, 1937) (8.3%) and Empoasca facialis (Jacobi, 1912) (5%). In 2022, collections revealed the invasion of a new species, Amrasca biguttula (Shiraki, 1913), which became dominant with proportions of 90 to 100% depending on the site. Two other species, J. lybica (2.7%) and E. facialis (1.3%), cohabit with A. biguttula. Thus, while the damage noted in 2021 was attributable to J. lybica, that observed in 2022 is essentially due to A. biguttula, with incidences exceeding the economic impact threshold. The North-East of the cotton basin was the area most affected by attacks by these two species. The results of the study reveal significant changes in jassid species composition and climatic conditions in the cotton-growing areas of Ivory Coast, from one year to the next. This situation also explains the variations in damage levels.
Analytical solutions of fractional order Newell-Whitehead-Segel equation
Authors: Behera Sidheswar
Published: August 2023

In this article, the (G G)-expansion method along with the (G G , 1 G)-expansion method was considered to obtain analytical solutions of fractional order Newell-Whitehead-Segel(FNWS) equation. FNWS equation has paramount significance in nonlinear systems describing different stripe patterns in various surfaces(two-dimensional). The parametric condition influences the periodic solutions, kink solutions , and soliton solutions for the FNWS equation are extracted and classified into hyperbolic, trigono-metric, and rational solutions. The numerical results and their graphical simulations are presented by the use of MATLAB.
Ulnar nerve palsy as the initial presentation of small vessel vasculitis with a negative antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody level
Authors: Aponso Tilan , Wanni W. M.D.A.S. , Ratnayake R. M.S.K.
Published: August 2023

Small-vessel vasculitis is a rare disease entity that affects the arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and venules of the circulatory system. Small vessel vasculitis can cause severe small vessel inflammation and multisystem involvement. The respiratory tract and kidneys are the most commonly affected organs, and occasionally neurological manifestations can occur. But neurological manifestation as the initial presentation without other system involvement is very rare. We report a case of a 16-year-old previously well female patient presenting with right lower limb distal muscle weakness associated with malaise, lethargy, and multiple joint pains for 2 weeks. On examination, she had palpable purpura below the knees with right sided ulnar nerve palsy. Her antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and antinuclear antibody testing was negative. A skin biopsy showed vasculitis involving small vessels. She was started on Prednisolone 60mg daily, followed by Mycophenolate Mofetil 500mg twice daily, and physiotherapy. She had a good clinical response to treatment over time.
Pathogenicity and mycotoxin profile of Fusarium spp. inducing wheat head blight in Algeria
Authors: Imane BELABED , Hannane ABED , Amor BENCHEIKH , Carolina MONTEIRO Souza , Sara CUNHA , Eugénia PINTO , Noureddine ROUAG
Published: August 2023

Fusarium is one of the world's most harmful wheat pathogens, causing severe crop diseases like Fusarium head blight (FHB). They constitute a serious threat to the production of wheat by considerably reducing crop yield, quality, and safety due to grain contamination with mycotoxin. The focus of the current study emphasizes aspects related to the pathogenicity and toxigenicity of some FHB isolates recovered from symptomatic Algerian wheat samples. Three genotypes of durum wheat were subjected to two pathogenicity tests (in vitro and in vivo), and the results showed a significant difference in aggressiveness on different phenotypic parameters, indicating intrinsic genetic variation in the host-pathogen interaction. All of the Fusarium isolates tested for mycotoxinogenicity produced Deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, and T-2 toxin. With DON, the most common mycotoxin type, producing 7.128µ/kg in the ELISA test and 373196.19µg/kg by LC-MS/MS, exceeding the European limits (1750µg/kg), the FusBo59 isolate of F. culmorum stands out as the most toxic. Following DON (18.2%) and 3-ADON (9.1%), 15-ADON (63.6%) emerged as the most prevalent toxin in wheat grains, according to a toxin analysis. T-2 and zearalenone (ZEN) were present, but at concentrations below the permissible limits (100µg/kg). On the other hand, F. avenaceum FusBi7 stood out as being the most aggressive, and the Cirta variety was the most tolerant to attacks from the Fusarium isolates studied. Thus, our data demonstrate that disease induction and toxin generation evolve independently of each other.
A putative model of the infection cycle of plum pox virus M strain in Japanese apricot orchards via Asteraceae as an intermediate host.
Authors: Ishizaki Shunta , Okada Moeka , Nishio Takeshi , Tsuda Shinya
Published: August 2023

Plum pox virus (PPV) is one of the most economically important plant viruses. PPV M strain (PPV-M) was first isolated in Japan in 2016. The infection cycle of PPV by vector aphids remains unknown in Japan. Here, we present a seasonal model describing the infection cycle of PPV-M in Japanese apricot orchards. First, by mechanically inoculating twelve herbaceous species belonging to Asteraceae (alternatively Compositae) in orchards with PPV-M, we found that all were susceptible to infection. Of those, Hemisteptia lyrata showed high infection rates on the upper leaves. Second, a subsequent survey of multiple aphid species parasitizing H. lyrate showed a seasonal infection cycle in which A. fabae solanella likely transmitted PPV-M from Japanese apricot leaves to H. lyrata in the spring. Then, A. spiraecola, an efficient PPV vector known to shift between hosts in summer and autumn, transmitted the disease to healthy Japanese apricot seedlings from PPV-M infected H. lyrate in autumn. We propose that PPV-M in Japanese apricot follows a seasonal and multimodal infection cycle involving an intermediate host (Asteracease) and two aphid species.