bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Rice: A Review
Authors: Reshna O.P. , Beena R.
Published: August 2021

Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crop globally and it is the staple food of more than half of world population. Current average yield is 10 to 15% lower than its potential yield. There are many reasons for this yield gap such as biotic and abiotic stresses, management strategies as well as nutrient deficiencies. Salinity is one of the most serious factors limiting the productivity of rice, with adverse effects on germination, plant vigor and crop yield. This salinity may be natural or induced by agricultural activities such as irrigation or the use of certain types of fertilizer. Methods: Salinity induced ionic imbalance and osmotic stress affect water and nutrient uptake, stomatal closure, gas exchange, photosynthesis, transpiration, carbon assimilation and hence decrease in rice yield. Studying the response of rice at physiological, genetic and molecular level is the mandate to develop salt tolerant rice varieties. Conclusion: This review described the impact of salt stress in rice, various types of salt tolerance mechanisms in rice, including the ion homeostasis, production of compatible organic solutes, antioxidative genes, salt responsive regulatory elements, role of ion transporters and channel proteins. Further, the future perspective of developing salt-tolerant varieties using landraces via., marker assisted breeding, genome editing tool, utilization of beneficial microorganisms
​Economics Analysis of Tomato Hybrid Seeds Produced through Soilless Systems
Authors: Rajatha K.D. , Prasad S. Rajendra , Thimmegowda M.N. , Nethra N. , Gobhinath P.S.R.
Published: August 2021

Background: The agricultural sector is highly dependent on the availability and quality of seeds for a productive harvest. The global demand for food and water is expected to increase due to population outgrowth, urbanization and climate change. Soilless farming may change the face of agriculture by providing a more sustainable and productive alternative to traditional cultivation and is being largely exploited for vegetable cultivation. Methods: The experiment consisted of 12 treatments. Two parental lines (P1: TAG 1 and P2: TAG 2) were subjected to seed treatment (S1: Untreated and S2: Thiram @ 2g kg-1 and chlorpyrifos @ 3g kg-1) and twenty-eight days old seedlings were transplanted to soil (M1: Conventional) and soilless systems (M2: Hydroponics and M3: Aeroponics). Hybrid seeds were produced in all the system were analysed for the quality and economics of seed production in soilless system was worked out. Result: The results revealed that there was a significant increase in test weight (0.39 g), average seed length (0.52 cm) in the soilless system due to the continuous availability of nutrients at controlled condition. Although the cost incurred was comparatively higher in the soilless method, the gross return was 94.68 per cent higher under aeroponics and 79.22 per cent higher under hydroponics compared to the conventional method. The benefit to cost ratio was found higher in aeroponics (2.08) followed by hydroponics (1.97) and lower under the conventional method (1.87). It is inferred that soilless agriculture could be a promising tool for quality and healthy hybrid tomato seed production throughout the year within protected cultivation.
Supply Chains, the Informal Economy, and the Worst Forms of Child Labour
Authors: Aked Jody
Published: August 2021

As a cohort of people, ‘children in work’ have become critical to the everyday functioning of diverse supply chain systems. This Working Paper considers diverse commodity chains (leather, waste, recycling and sex) to explore the business realities that generate child labour in its worst forms. A review of the literature finds that occurrence of the worst forms of child labour (WFCL) in supply chain systems is contingent on the organising logics and strategies adopted by actors in both the formal and informal economies. Piecing together the available evidence, the paper hypothesises that a supply chain system is sensitive to the use of WFCL when downward pressure to take on business risk cannot be matched by the economic resilience to absorb that risk. Emergencies and persistent stressors may increase risk and reduce resilience, shifting norms and behaviour. There is a need for further work to learn from business owners and workers in the informal economy.
How Does Participatory Action Research Generate Innovation? Findings from a Rapid Realist Review
Authors: Snijder Mieke , Apgar, J. Marina
Published: August 2021

This Emerging Evidence Report shares evidence of how, for whom, and under what circumstances, Participatory Action Research (PAR) leads to innovative actions. A rapid realist review was undertaken to develop programme theories that explain how PAR generates innovation. The methodology included peer-reviewed and grey literature and moments of engagement with programme staff, such that their input supported the development and refinement of three resulting initial programme theories (IPTs) that we present in this report. Across all three IPTs, safe relational space, group facilitation, and the abilities of facilitators, are essential context and intervention components through which PAR can generate innovation. Implications from the three IPTs for evaluation design of the CLARISSA programme are identified and discussed. The report finishes with opportunities for the CLARISSA programme to start building an evidence base of how PAR works as an intervention modality, such as evidencing group-level conscientisation, the influence of intersecting inequalities, and influence of diverse perspectives coming together in a PAR process.
Культура Виленщины — «взгляд издали»
Authors: Dąbrowski Grzegorz
Published: August 2021

Статья представляет попытку взгляда с дистанции, «издали» на культуру Виленщины, в частности, на два характерных для неё явления, какими можно считать многоязычность и относительно частые случаи заключения так называемых смешанных браков. Этот подход основывался на тезисах и обобщениях, содержащихся в двух текстах Клода Леви-Стросса: «Раса и история» и «Раса и культура». Обоснованием применяемого мной подхода является факт, что французский учёный, поднимая тему реляций, обусловливающих развитие и стабильность культур, учитывает такие категории человеческого поведения, которые следовало бы свести к понятиям «языка» и «брачных отношений». С этой точки зрения культура Виленщины предстаёт не только как область конфликта, а скорее как модель человеческого поведения, которое благоприятствует хотя бы хорошей физической форме популяции, функционирующей в её пределах.
The polonaise from the film Pan Tadeusz directed by Andrzej Wajda as a choreographic work protected by copyright
Authors: Brzózka Katarzyna
Published: August 2021

Choreographic work was the object of copyright protection under the Berne Convention, as revised at Berlin in 1908, as well as under the historical Polish copyright legislations — the 1926 Act (as an original, “not based on any existing work of art” work of “rhythmic art (choreography)”) and the 1952 Act (as a “work of choreographic art” preserved in “scenarios, drawings or photographs”). It was also included, as a “choreographic work”, in the exemplary catalogue of works protected under the Act of 4 February 1994 on Copyright and Related Rights (“the Copyright Act”), currently in force. The purpose of this paper, due to limited framework, is to analyse some basic concepts related to the conditions that a movement composition shall meet in order to qualify as a choreographic work in the meaning of the Copyright Act. It is shown based on the polonaise from the film Pan Tadeusz, directed by Andrzej Wajda. This choice allows to introduce threads related to folklore as well as the use of unprotected pieces of the public domain in choreographies into the discussion. Moreover, the article briefly presents the correlation between choreographic work and other intellectual works — literary, musical, and audiovisual.
Acessibilidade espacial de deficientes físicos, visuais e idosos em parque público
Authors: Klein Pâmela , Grigoletti Giane de Campos
Published: August 2021

As circunstâncias em que se inserem pessoas com deficiência e mobilidade reduzida, além da perspectiva médica e individual, incluem uma perspectiva estrutural e social, em que o ambiente tem um enorme impacto sobre a experiência e a extensão das suas dificuldades de mobilidade. Dentre as restrições enfrentadas, está o seu lazer, visto que é frequente, nas cidades brasileiras, encontrar espaços livres públicos de lazer que possuem falta de acessibilidade. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma avaliação de acessibilidade espacial, com foco em deficientes físicos, visuais e idosos, realizada no Parque João Goulart, em Santa Rosa, RS, por meio de vistoria técnica. O método baseou-se nas recomendações da NBR9050 e em componentes da acessibilidade espacial (deslocamento, orientação, uso e comunicação). Os resultados apontam que os espaços do parque não são totalmente acessíveis ao grupo estudado, apresentando problemas em relação a todos os componentes da acessibilidade espacial, a despeito do projeto ter buscado atender o PCD. O público menos atendido são os deficientes visuais e os mais atendidos, os idosos. Os resultados dessa pesquisa confirmam a contribuição das vistorias técnicas para melhor compreender e solucionar problemas relacionados à acessibilidade espacial e a importância de abordá-la a partir da compreensão das necessidades específicas de cada indivíduo em condição de mobilidade reduzida ou deficiência.
EFFECT OF Polygonum minus (KESUM) LEAVES ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES ON THE WALL AORTA OF MICE (Mus musculus) INDUCED BY CADMIUM CHLORIDE ANTIOXIDANT
Authors: Kusumaningrum Putri Anggraheni , Yustinasari Lita Rakhma , Hamid Iwan Sahrial , Sudjarwo Sri Agus , Santoso Kuncoro Puguh , Anwar Chairul
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect Polygonum minus leaves extract on the histopathological changes on aorta wall of mice (Mus musculus) induced by cadmium chloride. Thirty male mice were divided into five groups and were administered via intragastric gavage with different treatments for 21 days. The treatment were Negative Control (CMC Na 0.5% solution + aquadest), Positive Control (CMC Na0.5% solution + 8 mg/kg bw of mercuric chloride), Treatment 1, 2, and 3 (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg bw of Polygonum minus leaves extract respectively + 8 mg/kg bw of cadmium chloride). The microscopec examine followed analyzed by One Way ANOVA continued with Duncan test for counting the amount of foam cell and the histopathological changes of wall aorta were examined by using Ifora Scoring method was analysed using Kruskal Wallis and continued with Mann-Whitney test. The result showed Polygonum minus leaves extract could protect wall aorta of mice from the damage effect of cadmium chloride. The best dose of Polygonum minus on this research was 400 mg/kg bw.
THE EFFECT OF POLYPROPYLENE PLASTIC RESIDUE ON HEATED PALM OIL AGAINST HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF SMALL INTESTINE ON MALE WHITE RAT (Rattus norvegicus) WISTAR STRAIN
Authors: Amaris Aulia Puspa , Yustinasari Lita Rakhma , Legowo Djoko , Plumeriastuti Hani , Anwar Chairul , Hidajati Nove
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of polypropylene residue on heated palm oil against histopathological changes of small intestine on male white rat (Rattus norvegicus) wistar strain. Eighteen male white rats divided into three groups and were administered via peroral gavage with different treatments for five weeks. The treatment were Control (84 grams palm oil), P1 (84 grams palm oil with 2.3 grams plastic), and P2 (84 grams palm oil with 6.81 grams plastic). The histopathological changes of small intestine were examined by using Barthel Scoring method was analysed using Kruskal Wallis and continued with Mann-Whitney test. The result showed that were significant difference (p<0.05) between treatment groups. The worse damage of polypropylene plastic residue was 6.81 grams.
UJI PENETAPAN STABILITAS RETENTION TIME Megestrole acetate DALAM ELUENT MOBILE PHASE MENGGUNAKAN HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Cholifah Siti Chusnul , Lazuardi Mochamad , Rahardjo Dadik , Maslachah Lilik , Sukmanadi Mohammad , Kurnijasanti Rochmah
Published: August 2021

The aim of this research was to determine the level of stability of Megestrole acetate-retention time in storage period for six, eight and 12 hours using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The research method used posttest-only control group design by using three treatments and six repetitions. The three repetitions consist into six hours, eight hours and 12 hours. The data were obtained analyzed by Summery Independent T-Test with SPSS 24 for windows. The result showed six hours retention time of Megestrole acetate is stable and eight hours treatment and 12 hours treatment are not stable there is one unstable point of 12 hours treatment that indicates the substance is break down. Based on those result, it could be concluded that the storage time of Megestrole acetate in Eluent Mobile Phase began to show unstable at eight hours of storage.
Character Education Oriented Physics E-Module Development in the Static Fluid Section
Authors: Anwar Pratiwi Ineke , Pasaribu Abidin , Ariska Melly , Akhsan Hamdi
Published: August 2021

This development research aimed to produce a valid and practical character education-oriented Physics e-module for students Class XI Senior High School. The model used in this research was the development of Rowntree with three stages, namely the planning stage, the development stage, and the evaluation stage. At the evaluation stage, Tessmer's formative evaluation was used, namely, self-evaluation, expert review, one-to-one evaluation, small group evaluation to determine the validity and practicality of the e-module. The characteristics of the developed e-module were oriented in static fluid material on several character values, namely religious, curiosity, discipline, cooperation and communicativeness. The orientation aimed to instill the values of religious character, curiosity, discipline, cooperation and communicativeness in students. At the expert review stage, the average results of content, language, and design validation respectively were 4.5, 4.5 and 5 with very valid categories. In the one-to-one and small group evaluation stage, the average results of the assessment on the use of the developed e-module were 4.05 and 4.35 with practical and very practical categories. The implication of this research was that it can be used as one of the teaching materials used in learning also as a learning resource that aims to motivate students to learn independently.
The Effectiveness of Guided Inquiry-Based Worksheets to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills on Archimedes’ Law Materials
Authors: Lestari Suci Rizki , Makiyah Yanti Sofi
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Guided Inquiry-based Student Worksheets on Archimedes’ Law. This study used an experimental method with a research design of one group pretest-posttest design. The population in this study was all students of class XI MIA Public Senior High School 1 Sariwangi, the research sample was XI MIA 2. The sampling technique was done by using cluster random sampling. The data collection instrument used a pretest and posttest assessment sheet. Data analysis used statistical tests, namely N-Gain and t-test. The test result of the effectiveness of student worksheets based on guided inquiry using N-Gain analysis obtained a value of 0.97 with high criteria. Furthermore, the result of the t-test showed 15tcount>t(0,995)(30)">  that it was 4.15>2.75. This indicated that there was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores. Based on the average N-Gain and t-test, it can be concluded that guided inquiry-based student worksheets are very effective in improving students' critical thinking skills. The results of this study have the implication that guided inquiry-based student worksheets can be used in the implementation of learning as a form of assistance for students to improve students' critical thinking skills.
Application of Snowball Throwing Model to Improve Students’ Understanding of Concepts and Communication Skills in Gas Kinetic Theory
Authors: Ripani Siti Nurlina , Makiyah Yanti Sofi
Published: August 2021

This research is based on the number of students who find it difficult to learn physics because of the lack of understanding of concepts and only memorization and still lack of communication skills of students. Based on this background, a study was conducted that aims to improve the understanding of students' concepts and communication skills by applying snowball throwing learning model on gas kinetic theory material. The method used in this study is experimental method, the population in this study is all students of XI IPA SMA IT Nurul Jannah and then selected with simple random sampling technique so that there are 23 students of grade XI IPA SMA IT Nurul Jannah. The result of the study is the application of snowball throwing model can improve the understanding of the concept with a pretest average of 25,6 and then increase by a posttest average of 57,4, with a large N-gain of 0,4 so that the medium category and t-test results of 7,65 are greater than the table t with a confidence level of 5%. The snowball throwing learning model can also improve students' communication skills, with an initial average of 45,41 and after the application of the model to 67,15, with a large N-gain of 0,4 so that the medium category, as well as the t-test results are 8,48 greater than the large, t-table that is 2,07. So, it can be concluded that the Learning Model of Snowball Throwing can improve the concept and communication skills understanding of student. For further research, it is recommended to utilize learning media to improve concept understanding by collaborating using snowball throwing learning models.
Pengembangan Prototipe Kincir Angin Savonius Menggunakan Bilah Baling Sel Surya Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Fisika
Authors: Ridwan Muhammad , Yuliani Hadma , Syar Nur Inayah
Published: August 2021

Pengembangan prototipe sebagai media pembelajaran di lembaga pendidikan yang menggabungkan dua sumber energi kedalam satu buah sistem alat. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan desain prototipe, kelayakan prototipe, dan tanggapan guru serta peserta didik terhadap hasil dari pengembangan prototipe kincir angin. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Research and Development model 4-D. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Data diperoleh melalui lembar validasi dan angket respon peserta didik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa  kincir angin vertikal dengan jenis savonius dengan melakukan pengembangan pada bagian bilah baling-baling menggunakan sel surya. Kelayakan prototipe kincir angin meliputi kelayakan desain dan kelayakan produk. Kelayakan desain memiliki kategori sangat baik dan kelayakan produk memiliki kategori baik. Tanggapan guru dan peserta didik terhadap hasil dari pengembangan prototipe kincir angin sebesar 86% dengan kategori sangat baik dan 77,3% dengan kategori baik. Berdasarkan dari hasil penelitian tersebut dihasilkan sebuah produk berupa kincir angin savonius yang dapat berfungsi sebagai media pembelajaran fisika untuk peserta didik. Selain itu, kincir angin tersebut dapat dijadikan sumber energi terbarukan. Kincir angin tersebut mampu menghasilkan energi dari dua sumber yang berbeda dalam satu buah alat, sehingga diharapkan akan mampu menjadi pembangkit listrik tenaga angin dan matahari yang membantu pasokan listrik di Kalimantan Tengah. Development of a prototype as a learning medium in educational institutions that combines two energy sources into one tool system. This study aims to describe the prototype design, the feasibility of the prototype, and the responses of teachers and students to the results of developing a windmill prototype. This study uses the Research and Development 4-D model. The data analysis technique used is descriptive qualitative. Data were obtained through validation sheets and student response questionnaires. The results showed that the vertical windmill with the type of savonius developed the blades of the propeller using solar cells. The feasibility of the windmill prototype includes the feasibility of the design and the feasibility of the product. The feasibility of the design has a very good category and the feasibility of the product has a good category. The responses of teachers and students to the results of the development of the windmill prototype were 86% in the very good category and 77.3% in the good category. Based on the results of the study, a product in the form of a savonius windmill was produced which could function as a medium for learning physics for students. In addition, the windmill can be used as a source of renewable energy. The windmill is capable of producing energy from two different sources in one device, so it is hoped that it will be able to become wind and solar power plant that helps supply the electricity in Central Kalimantan.
Clinical and Cytokine Profile in Patients with Early and Late Onset Meniere Disease
Authors: Moleon Maria del Carmen , Martinez-Gomez Estrella , Flook Marisa , Peralta-Leal Andreina , Gallego Juan Antonio , Sanchez-Gomez Hortensia , Montilla Maria Alharilla , Dominguez Emilio , Soto-Varela Andres , Aran Ismael , Frejo Lidia , Lopez-Escamez Jose Antonio A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Meniere disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder associated with comorbidities such as autoimmune diseases or migraine. This study describes clinical and cytokine profile in MD according to the age of onset of the condition. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 83 MD patients: 44 with early onset MD (EOMD, <35 years old), and 39 with late onset MD (LOMD, > 50 years old), 64 patients with migraine and 55 controls was carried out. Clinical variables and cytokines levels of CCL3, CCL4, CCL18, CCL22, CXCL1 and IL-1β were compared among the different groups. Results: CCL18 levels were higher in patients with migraine or MD than in controls. Elevated levels of IL-1β were observed in 11.4% EOMD and in 10.3% LOMD patients and these levels were not dependent on the age of individuals. EOMD had a longer duration of the disease (p=0.004) and a higher prevalence of migraine than LOMD (p=0.045). Conclusions: Patients with EOMD have a higher prevalence of migraine than LOMD, but migraine is not associated with any cytokine profile in patients with MD. The levels of CCL18, CCL3 and CXCL4 were different between patients with MD or migraine and controls.
LED Induced Microglial Activation and Rise in Caspase3 Shows Reorganization in the Retina
Authors: Balogh Boglárka , Szarka Gergely , Tengölics Ádám J , Hoffmann Gyula , Völgyi Béla , Kovács-Öller Tamás
Published: August 2021

Vision is our primary sense as the human eye is the gateway for more than 65% of information reaching the human brain. Today’s increased exposure to different wavelengths and intensities of light from Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) sources could induce retinal degeneration and accompanying neuronal cell death. Damage induced by chronic phototoxic reactions occurring in the retina accumulates over years and it has been suggested to be responsible for the etiology of many debilitating ocular conditions. In this work, we examined how LED stimulation affects vision by monitoring changes in the expression of death and survival factors as well as microglial activation in LED-induced damage (LID) of the retinal tissue. We found an LED exposure-induced increase in the mRNA levels of major apoptosis-related markers -BAX, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 and an accompanying wide-spread microglial and Caspase-3 activation. Everyday LED light exposure was accounted for all the described changes in the retinal tissue of mice in this study, indicating that overuse of non-filtered direct LED light can have detrimental effects on the human retina as well.
The Mechanism of Joint Reduction of MoO3 and CuO by Combined Mg/C Reducer at High Heating Rates
Authors: Kirakosyan Hasmik , Nazaretyan Khachik , Aydinyan Sofiya , Kharatyan Suren
Published: August 2021

Understanding of the decisive role of the interaction mechanism and kinetics in the combustion processes is highly relevant for the elaboration of optimal conditions for obtaining Mo-Cu composite powders. From this perspective, the efficient delivery of the reduction mechanism of copper and molybdenum oxides with combined Mg + C reducing agents at high heating rates is crucial to develop a valuable approach for the combustion synthesis of Mo-Cu composite powders. Herein, we shed light on the mechanism of the reactions in all the studied binary, ternary and quaternary systems contemporaneously demonstrating the effect of the heating rate on the conversion degree. The combination of two highly exothermic and speedy reactions (MoO3+3Mg and CuO+Mg vs MoO3+CuO+4Mg) led to a slow interaction with weak self-heating (dysynergistic effect) due to a change in the reaction mechanism. On the other hand, it has been shown that during the simultaneous utilization of the Mg and C reducing agents, the process begins exclusively with carbothermic reduction, and at relatively high temperatures it continues with magnesiothermic one. The effective activation energy values of the magnesiothermic stages of the studied reactions were determined by Kissinger isoconversional method.
Barriers in Adult Vitamin D Service Provision by Health Care Workers: A Qualitative Study in Three Ecologies of Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Wubegzier , Feleke Yeweyenhareg , Asnake Wubetsh , Desalegn Yakob , Haidar Jemal , Lambisso Biruk , Zewdie Tewabech
Published: August 2021

Background: Adult vitamin D deficiency, which is a public health problem in low-income countries, is correlated with increased mortality. Although health care workers (HCWs) in Ethiopia are educated on important minerals their counseling on the uses of vitamin D and its possible sources was not witnessed since their knowledge and practice is low. The main aim of this study is to explore barriers to good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice of health care providers on adult vitamin D.Methods: An exploratory qualitative study is done in three ecologies covering highland, midland, and lowland. The size of 27 participants was fixed by saturation of ideas. In-depth interviews were conducted among leaders and HCWs of different professional groups in health centers and hospitals. Moderators were Ph.D. holders. An interview guide was developed after reviewing research that was translated into the local language. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and, translated. Open Code software was used to code and categorize the data. Themes were developed using thematic analysis which is presented using themes and sub-themes.Result: The main barriers are related to health systems, HCWs’ understandings, health facilities, and the educational system. Lack of attention by the health systems’ leadership, missing adult vitamin D as a priority in health programs, and the absence of adult vitamin D management and treatment guidelines are barriers related to the health system. On the other hand, health care professionals believed that the prevalence of adult vitamin D deficiency is insignificant and vitamin D deficiency is only an issue related to children. Besides, the inadequacy of laboratory investigation and limited in-service training are barriers related to health facilities while the absence of studies and the focus of the medical curriculum on child vitamin D are barriers related to the education system. Conclusion: Adult vitamin D deficiency is a neglected public health problem with many barriers related to diagnosis and treatment. Barriers are related to the professionals themselves, their leadership, health facilities, and the education system. The government should give attention to adult vitamin D management and treatment, continuous on the job training, development of guidelines, purchase of laboratory equipment, the inclusion of adult vitamin D in pre-service and, in-service training curriculums.
Preferences of Gastric Cancer Survivors for Follow-up Care---A Multicenter Discrete Choice Experiment Study
Authors: Li Hui-qin , Yuan Hua , Wan Guang-ying , Xue Hui , Zhang Xiu-ying
Published: August 2021

Purposes: The purposes of this discrete choice experiment are as follows:1.To investigate the preference of gastric cancer survivors for follow-up care.2.To quantify the importance of follow-up care-related characteristics that may affect the gastric cancer survivors’ choices of their follow-up, so as to provide references for development of the follow-up strategy of gastric cancer survivors.Methods: Discrete choice experimental design principles was applied to develop the survey instrument. All questionnaires were filled out by the respondents and collected on site. A mixed logit model was used to estimate gastric cancer survivors’ preferences. Willingness to pay estimates and simulations of follow-up uptake rates were calculated.Results: All six attributes are significant important for the follow-up care of gastric cancer survivors (p＜0.05). Achieving very thorough follow-up contents was the most valued attribute level (coefficient=1.995). Specialist doctors are the most preferred providers, followed by specialist nurses and gastric cancer survivors were willing to pay more for these attribute levels. Changes in attribute levels affected uptake rate of follow-up. When the multiple attribute levels were changed at the same time, a very thorough follow-up contents provided by the same specialist doctor (specialist nurse), the probability of receiving follow-up increases by 95.82% (94.90%).Conclusions: The characteristics of follow-up care in our study reflect the health management services expectations of gastric cancer survivors. A dedicated specialist nurse involved in follow-up care should be developed to contributes to solve the complex and multifaceted personal needs of gastric cancer survivors.
Barriers and Enablers to Physical Activity in Patients during Hospital Stay: A Scoping Review
Authors: Geelen Sven Jacobus Gertruda , Huisman Hanneke Corine van Dijk - , de Bie Robert Adriaan , Veenhof Cindy , Engelbert Raoul , Schaaf Marike van der , Lenssen Antoine François
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Optic nerve gliomas in adults: a SEER-based study
Authors: Lin Xiaoning , Huang Rong , Su Jinyun , Li Heng , Liu Zhong , Zhang Pengfei , Tian Xinhua
Published: August 2021

Background: Optic nerve gliomas (ONGs) are uncommon tumors of the central nervous system in adults. The aim of this study was to define their characteristics, prognostic factors, and the impacts of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy on outcomes.Methods: Adult patients (age ≥18 years) with ONGs from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were utilized to analyze the factors associated with survival. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the impacts of adjuvant therapies on overall survival (OS).Results: A total of 179 adult patients diagnosed with ONGs were identified between 1991 and 2016, with a median follow-up period of 64.0 months. The median age at diagnosis was 41.0 years. After excluding 18 patients with unknown information, the remaining patients included 142 (88.2%) low-grade tumors and 19 (11.8%) high-grade tumors. Multivariate analysis showed age at diagnosis, tumor grade, adjuvant chemotherapy were significant factors for OS. The 5-year OS rates for patients with low- and high-grade ONGs were 85.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The employment of adjuvant RT or chemotherapy would significantly shorten OS time in the low-grade group and could not prolong OS time in the high-grade group.Conclusions: This is the largest retrospective study of adult ONGs up to date. The overall prognosis of high-grade ONGs in adult patients is still poor despite multi-modality treatments. Adjuvant RT or chemotherapy might not be considered in adult patients with low-grade ONGs unless the malignant transformation or aggressive progression has been confirmed.
Counterfactual Explanations as Interventions in Latent Space
Authors: Crupi Riccardo , Castelnovo Alessandro , regoli daniele , Gonzalez Beatriz San Miguel
Published: August 2021

Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is a set of techniques that allows the understanding of both technical and non-technical aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. XAI is crucial to help satisfying the increasingly important demand of \emph{trustworthy} Artificial Intelligence, characterized by fundamental characteristics such as respect of human autonomy, prevention of harm, transparency, accountability, etc. Within XAI techniques, counterfactual explanations aim to provide to end users a set of features (and their corresponding values) that need to be changed in order to achieve a desired outcome. Current approaches rarely take into account the feasibility of actions needed to achieve the proposed explanations, and in particular they fall short of considering the causal impact of such actions.

In this paper, we present Counterfactual Explanations as Interventions in Latent Space (CEILS), a methodology to generate counterfactual explanations capturing by design the underlying causal relations from the data, and at the same time to provide feasible recommendations to reach the proposed profile. Moreover, our methodology has the advantage that it can be set on top of existing counterfactuals generator algorithms, thus minimising the complexity of imposing additional causal constrains. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach with a set of different experiments using synthetic and real datasets (including a proprietary dataset of the financial domain).
Generation and annihilation of scalar particles due to a curved expanding and contracting space-time.
Authors: Hudak Matej - , Tothova Jana - , HUDAK ONDREJ
Published: August 2021

While a theory calculating a cosmological generation of particles ina case of the expanding space-time is quite developed, we study here a theory of a cosmological generation of particles in a case of a space- time which is expanding and then contracting back. The simplest case of fields studied in this connection is a scalar field. We will show in our paper that the quantum scalar field has delocalized in the conformal time η particle-like modes uⁱⁿ and two localized in the conformal time modes uⁱⁿ and uⁱⁿ for our choosen scale factor C(η). The vacuum for these states | 0, out > defined through massive modes uᵒᵘᵗ and through modes uᵒᵘᵗ and uᵒᵘᵗ is the same as the vacuum | 0, in >. A detector shows that there are no mass particles and no localized states forη → +∞ for non-accelerating case. For η → −∞ a Minkowski space- time is realized, as it is realized also in the out case. The quantum field has delocalized in the conformal time η particle-like modes uᵒᵘᵗ which in the -out region have k-dependent phase shifts with respect to the quantum field delocalized in the conformal time η particle-like modes uⁱⁿ in the -in region. The phase shift of delocalized modes (k-particles) is due to scattering in the gravitational field leading toexpansion and contraction of the space. Thus while in the expansion phase there is present generation of particles, due to nonpresence of particles in η → +∞ conformal time it is clear that in the phase of contraction of the scale factor there is present annihilation of particles from their peak state, where they are occurring from the generationprocess.
Power Generation Performance of a Spherical Robot With Pendulums in Amphibious Environment
Authors: Li Yansheng , Yang Meimei , Wei Bo , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2021

The energy of mobile robots severely limits their range of motion and work capabilities. This paper proposes a method of capturing energy from the amphibious environment for a spherical robot with pendulums. The movement of pendulums is analyzed during amphibious movement, and a feasible scheme is proposed for a pendulum to capture environmental energy and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The mathematical model of the swing power generation is established based on the pendulum dynamic equation and voltage balance equation. The physics experiment platform and virtual experimental platform are built to analyse the power generation performance. Furthermore, the power generation mathematical models are established respectively for the spherical robot rolling on the slope and floating in the water, and the power generation performance is analyzed and summarized under different conditions. The results show that the proposed power generation method and scheme can effectively supply the energy to the spherical robot, can enhance the endurance of the movement in the amphibious environment, and provide theoretical guidance for the development of the physical prototype of the new generation of amphibious spherical robot.
Morphological Variation and Discriminating Traits of Kersting’s Groundnut Accessions
Authors: Chodaton Gilles Y. , Agoyi Eric Etchikinto , Houndété Thomas A. , Kafoutchoni Konoutan M. , Sossou Hospice S. , Sodédji Fréjus A.K. , Ayi Sergino , Agbahoungba Symphorien , Chadare Flora J. , Adandonon Appolinaire , Vodouhè Raymond , Assogbadjo Achille E. , Sinsin Brice A.
Published: August 2021

Kersting’s groundnut [Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms) Maréchal & Baudet] (KG) is a nutritious, subterranean grain legume in West and Central Africa. Only limited information is available on the morphological traits that can discriminate accessions; without such information, appropriate breeding strategies cannot be devised. This study aimed to identify discriminating traits and assess the diversity among accessions of Kersting’s groundnut. Eighty-one KG accessions from Benin and Burkina Faso were evaluated based on 29 qualitative and quantitative traits. An experiment was conducted using an Alpha lattice design with three replications. Standardized Shannon-Weaver index (H') and descriptive statistics were calculated for qualitative traits. Pearson correlation coefficients, stepwise discriminant analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis and canonical discriminant analysis were conducted. Results showed that accessions varied greatly based on growth habit (H'= 0.68), flower color (H' = 0.50), seed-eye shape (H' = 0.47), and stem pigmentation (H' = 0.41). Eight quantitative traits, viz., seed width, seed thickness, number of branches per plant, petiole length, days to 50% flowering, number of seeds per pod, pod width, and pod length, were found to significantly discriminate the accessions. Accessions were grouped into three clusters based on quantitative traits. Cluster 1 had accessions with late flowering and good vegetative growth, Cluster 2 contained accessions with high germination percentage and Cluster 3 had accessions with high yield performance. Seed length varied greatly among accessions, thus indicating the potential for improving yield via seed size.
Image Encryption Algorithm Based On Genetic Crossover And Chaotic DNA Encoding
Authors: Qobbi Younes , jarjar Abdeltif , Essaid Mohamed , Benazzi Abdelhamid
Published: August 2021

Based on the two-dimensional logistic map and a single improved genetic operator, a new image encryption system is proposed. The original image is transformed into DNA sequences, a subdivision into blocks of size calculated by using the chaotic map, with the intention to apply a crossover between blocks chaotically selected from a chaotic control vectors. For the installation of a diffusion phase, a strong link is established between the block resulting from a crossing operation and the next original block. Hoping to considerably increase the impact of the avalanche effect and protect the system against any differential attack. Simulations performed on a large number of images of different size and formats ensure that our method is not subject to any known attacks.
Breaking Entry- and Species Barriers: LentiBOOST® Plus Polybrene Enables High Transduction Efficacy of Dendritic Cells and Monocytes by Adenovirus 5
Authors: Strack Astrid , Deinzer Andrea , Thirion Christian , Schrödel Silke , Dörrie Jan , Sauerer Tatjana , Steinkasserer Alexander , Knippertz Ilka
Published: August 2021

Due to their ability to trigger strong immune responses, adenoviruses (HAdVs) in general and the serotype5 (HAdV5) in particular are amongst the most popular viral vectors in research and clinical application. However, efficient transduction using HAdV5 is predominantly achieved in coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-positive human cells. In the present study, we used the transduction enhancer LentiBOOST® comprising the polycationic Polybrene to overcome these limitations. Using LentiBOOST®/ Polybrene, we yielded transduction rates higher than 50% in murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), while maintaining their cytokine expression profile and their capability to induce T-cell proliferation. In human dendritic cells (DCs), we increased the transduction rate from 22% in immature (i)DCs or 43% in mature (m)DCs to more than 80%, without inducing cytotoxicity. While expression of specific maturation markers was slightly upregulated using LentiBOOST®/ Polybrene on iDCs, no effect on mDC phenotype or function was observed. Moreover, we achieved efficient HAdV5 transduction also in human monocytes and were able to subsequently differentiate them into proper iDCs and functional mDCs. In summary, we introduce LentiBOOST® comprising Polybrene as a highly potent adenoviral transduction agent for new in vitro applications in a set of different immune cells in both mice and humans.
Optimized Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) Based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) To Predict Carbon Price Under The Influence of Multiple Factors
Authors: Sun Wei , Ren Chumeng
Published: August 2021

The promotion of carbon market can accelerate the pace of low-carbon transformation of China's economic structure and achieve more efficient carbon emission reduction. Accurate carbon price prediction is conducive to improving the risk management of carbon market and the decision-making of investors, but it also brings great challenges to relevant industry practitioners and the government. In this paper, a new hybrid model is proposed, which combines complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and genetic algorithm (GA) optimized extreme learning machine (ELM). The application of GA-ELM in carbon price prediction is firstly studied in this paper. Eight intrinsic mode functions and one residual can be obtained by CEEMDAN, and then partial autocorrelation (PACF) is used to determine the partial correlation between each sequence and its lag data, and they were taken as internal factors affecting the prediction. At the same time, energy, economic and social factors are selected as the external factors affecting the prediction, and the carbon price prediction is realized through internal and external factors. It has been proved that the model successfully overcomes the challenge of carbon price prediction based on multiple influencing factors. The hybrid model shows superiority in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. The results show that the prediction performance of the proposed model is the best among the 15 models, and the prediction accuracy will be improved due to the decomposition of the carbon price. Besides, the CEEMDAN-GA-ELM model better overcomes the challenge of carbon price prediction with multiple influencing factors. This model provides a novel and effective tool for the government and enterprises to predict the carbon price.
Cryptostegia Madagascariensis Alters the Litterfall and Nutrient Cycling of Litter Inputs in An Invaded Tropical Cambisol From North-Eastern Brazil
Authors: de Lucena Edjane Oliveira , Souza Tancredo , de Andrade Leonaldo Alves , Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues da , Laurindo Lídia Klestadt , Nascimento Gislaine dos Santos
Published: August 2021

The invasive Cryptostegia madagascariensis occupies riparian areas covered by tropical Cambisols throughout the North-eastern Brazil however litter is known regarding its ability to impact litter inputs, and ecosystem processes. This study aimed to characterize the effects of the invader on the litter deposition, soil physical-chemical properties, litter nutrient content, and the litter decay rate in a Tropical Cambisol. Comparisons of native and invaded environments showed that C. madagascariensis alters the quantity of litter deposition during both dry and rainy seasons. In contrast to native species, C. madagascariensis litterfall displayed litter seasonal variation (rainy vs. dry season), however invaded sites had higher litter biomass compared to native sites. C. madagascariensis litter was enriched in soil organic matter, N, P, and K contents as compared to the native litter. Compared to native environments, invaded ones had significantly decreased soil temperature and soil water content. Results suggest that C. madagascariensis enhances litter and N, P, and K availability in ways that have potential to impact soil ecosystem in the Tropical Cambisols from Caatinga ecoregion, Brazil.
Micro-Calcification Classification Analysis in Mammogram Images With aid of Hybrid Technique Analysis
Authors: Shanker M.C. , Vadivel M.
Published: August 2021

The main cause of death in women is breast cancer. Early identification can contribute significantly to improving the survival rate. For diagnosis and accurate therapy automatic detection of micro-calcification is therefore essential. In the paper, an automated technique is utilized in the mammogram images according to their micro-calcification classification. The automated technique is working with the combination of Deep Belief Neural Network (DBNN) and Chimp Optimization Algorithm (COA). The proposed method is working with three phases such as pre-processing phase, feature extraction, and classification phase. In the pre-processing phase, a median filter is utilized to remove unwanted information from the images. In the feature extraction phase, Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM), Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), and Hu moments are utilized to extract essential features from the mammogram images. After that, the detection and classification are performed on the mammogram images according to their micro-calcifications with the utilization of the proposed advanced deep learning method. From the classification stage, the normal and abnormal images are identified from the images. The proposed method is implemented in the MATLAB platform and analyzed their statistical performances like accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, recall, and F-measure. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method this is compared with the existing method such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).