bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Stocks in Miombo Woodlands: Evidence From Over 50 Years
Authors: Bulusu Medha , Martius Christopher , Clendenning Jessica
Published: March 2021

Miombo woodlands are extensive dry forest ecosystems in central and southern Africa covering ≈2.7 million km2. Despite their vast expanse and global importance for carbon storage, the long-term carbon stocks and dynamics have been poorly researched. The objective of this paper is to present and summarize the evidence gathered on above- and belowground (root and soil) carbon stocks of miombo woodlands from the 1960s to mid-2018 through a review. We analyzed data to answer: (1) What is the range of aboveground and belowground carbon stocks found in miombo woodlands over the last six decades? (2) Are there differences in carbon stocks based on land-management categories? (3) Does precipitation influence aboveground carbon stocks in old-growth miombo? (4) Do differences in cover type, age and region influence carbon stocks? (5) How does previous land-use affect carbon stocks in re-growth miombo? A literature review protocol was used to identify 56 publications from which quantitative data on aboveground and soil carbon pools were extracted. We found that the mean aboveground carbon stock in old-growth miombo was 30.83±16.76 Mg C ha-1 (range 1.48—107.24 Mg ha-1). Old-growth miombo had an average calculated root carbon stock of 16.49±9.18 Mg C ha-1 (range 0.8—57.81 Mg ha-1). Soil carbon stocks in old-growth miombo varied widely, between 8.75 and 134.6 Mg C ha-1 while in re-growth miombo they varied between 10.73 and 52.2 Mg C ha-1. It must be noted these soil data are given only for information; they inconsistently refer to varying soil depths and are thus difficult to interpret. The wide range reported suggests a need for further studies, much more systematic in methods and reporting. Other limitations of the dataset include the lack of systematic sampling and lack of data in some countries, viz. Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Trend of Scientific Productivity of Chinese, European Union and United States Universities and Private Companies: Does the Future Belong to E-Technology Companies?
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Angermeyer Matthias , Tagliagambe Silvano
Published: March 2021

The purpose is to verify trends of scientific production from 2010 to 2020, considering the best universities of the United States, China, the European Union (EU) and private companies. The top 30 universities in 2020 in China, the EU, and the US and private companies were selected from the SCImago institutions ranking (SIR). The positions in 2020, 2015, 2010 in SIR and three sub-indicators were analyzed by means of non-parametric statistics, taking into consideration the effect of time and group on rankings. American and European Union universities have lost positions to Chinese universities and even more to private companies, which have improved. In 2020, private companies have surpassed all other groups considering Innovation as sub-indicator. The loss of leadership of European and partly American universities mainly concerns research linked to the production of patents. This can lead to future risks of monopoly that may elude public control and cause a possible loss of importance of research not linked to innovation.
Oral and Topical Vitamin D, Sunshine, and UVB Phototherapy Safely Control Psoriasis in Patients with Normal Pretreatment Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations: A Literature Review and Discussion of Health Implications
Authors: McCullough Patrick J , McCullough William , Lehrer MD Douglas , Travers MD Jeffrey , Repas Steven
Published: March 2021

Vitamin D, sunshine and UVB phototherapy were first reported in the early 1900s to control psoriasis, cure rickets and cure tuberculosis (TB). Vitamin D also controlled asthma and rheumatoid arthritis with intakes ranging from 60,000 to 600,000 International Units (IU)/day. In the 1980s interest in treating psoriasis with vitamin D rekindled. Since 1985 four different oral forms of vitamin D (D2, D3, 1-hydroxyvitaminD3 (1(OH)D3) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD3 (calcitriol)) and several topical formulations have been reported safe and effective treatments for psoriasis—as has UVB phototherapy and sunshine. In this review we show that many pre-treatment serum 25(OH)D concentrations fall within the current range of normal, while many post-treatment concentrations fall outside the upper limit of this normal (100 ng/ml). Yet, psoriasis patients showed significant clinical improvement without complications using these treatments. Current estimates of vitamin D sufficiency appear to underestimate serum 25(OH)D concentrations required for optimal health in psoriasis patients, while concentrations associated with adverse events appear to be much higher than current estimates of safe serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Based on these observations, the therapeutic index for vitamin D needs to be reexamined in the treatment of psoriasis and other diseases strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency, including COVID-19 infections, which may also improve safely with sufficient vitamin D intake or UVB exposure.
A Full Computational Evaluation of Two Novel Chalcone Derivatives as Inhibitors for Colon Cancer Related Proteins.
Authors: Vlasiou Manos C. , Petrou Christos C. , Sarigiannis Yiannis , Pafiti Kyriaki S.
Published: March 2021

Colorectal cancer is a major threat to the society causing the death through metastasis to several patients with stage IV. Computational tools provide a relatively quick procedure in order to evaluate several molecules for their drug activity. Prenylated flavonoids are well known for their anticancer properties even in colon cancer. Here, we provided altered structures of chalcones, based on theoretical studies that are showing better binding affinities to several colon cancer related proteins. Using molecular docking and dynamics, alongside with density function theory and ADMET studies we are representing two new derivatives of Xanthohumol prenylated flavonoids having promising results against this disease.
Hilfer-Polya, psi-Hilfer Ostrowski and psi-Hilfer-Hilbert-Pachpatte Fractional Inequalities
Authors: Anastassiou George
Published: March 2021

Here we present Hilfer-Polya, psi-Hilfer Ostrowski and psi-Hilfer-Hilbert- Pachpatte types fractional inequalities. They are univariate inequalities involving left and right Hilfer and -Hilfer fractional derivatives. All estimates are with respect to norms ||.||p, 1 <_ p <_infinite. At the end we provide applications.
Diagnostic Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorders by Sex: Analysis of Current Status and Future Lines
Authors: Navarro-Pardo Esperanza , López-Ramón Fernanda , Alonso-Esteban Yurena , Alcantud-Marín Francisco
Published: March 2021

Studies on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders show a gender disproportion. In the last years, there has been an increasing interest in the search for an explanation. There are two main lines of research; the first one looks for sex-related biological reasons that justifies the low prevalence of ASD in women (some protective factor related to hormones or immune system among others), and the second line of studies is related to the possible biases introduced in the diagnostic tools or procedures. In this article, a review of the latter line of research is made. Theoretical analysis following two objectives: a) Analysis of possible biases in diagnostic tools and b) Other non-biological explanations for gender differences in the prevalence of ASD. The literature analyzed provides contradictory results although it evidences the possible bias both in the construction of the diagnostic tools and in the assessment and determination of their standards. It is necessary to develop specific or complementary tools and diagnostic procedures differentiated by gender in order to control for this bias.
Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and Intention to Vaccinate Among Healthy Pregnant Women in Serbia: A Cross-Sectional Study on Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes
Authors: Markovic-Denic Ljiljana , Milicevic Srboljub , Todorovic Jovana , Nikolic Vladimir , Djuric Olivera , Marusic Vuk , Dugalic Stefan , Vasiljevic Brankica , Gojnic-Dugalic Miroslava
Published: March 2021

We aimed to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of healthy pregnant women towards human papillomavirus (HPV), to estimate factors associated with a positive attitude towards HPV immunization and to assess the uptake of the vaccine among their children. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Belgrade, Serbia among pregnant women attending their regular gynecological check-ups at the 12th gestational week. Knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine was assessed using a specifically designed 12-item and 5-item questionnaires. Out of total 265 included women, 79.3% had heard of HPV, and 37.5% knew that HPV vaccine exists. HPV vaccine knowledge score was associated with higher odds for a positive attitude towards vaccination of both female (OR = 4.10, 95% CI 1.50-11.29) and male (OR = 3.71, 95% CI 1.52-9.01) child. The number of children (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.67) and high vaccine knowledge score (OR = 1.64 95% CI 1.13-2.39) were independent predictors associated with willingness to vaccinate child against HPV. The gynecologist was the preferable point of reference for information seeking about the HPV vaccine. Despite relatively high HPV awareness and knowledge among pregnant women in Serbia, about one-third of them are HPV vaccine aware, and are willing to vaccinate their children against HPV.
Enriching Elementary School Mathematical Learning with the Steepest Descent Algorithm
Authors: Araya Roberto
Published: March 2021

The Steepest Descent (or Ascent) algorithm is one of the most widely used algorithms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, this powerful mathematical tool is neither taught nor even mentioned in K12 education. We study whether it is feasible for elementary school students to learn this algorithm, while also aligning with the standard school curriculum. We also look at whether it can be used to create enriching activities connected to children’s real-life experiences, thus enhancing the integration of STEM and fostering Computational Thinking. To address these questions, we conducted an empirical study in two phases. In the first phase, we tested the feasibility with teachers. In a face-to-face professional development work-shop with 457 mathematics teachers actively participating using an online platform, we found that after a 10-minute introduction they could successfully apply the algorithm and use it in a couple of models. They were also able to complete two complex and novel tasks: selecting models and adjusting the parameters of a model that uses the steepest descent algorithm. In a second phase, we tested the feasibility with 90 fourth graders from 3 low Socioeconomic Status (SES) schools. Using the same introduction and posing the same questions, we found that they were able to understand the algorithm and successfully complete the tasks on the online platform. Additionally, we found that close to 75% of the students completed the two complex modeling tasks and performed similarly to the teachers.
Numerical Integration of Weight Loss Curves for Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Conesa Juan A.
Published: March 2021

Research abounds in the literature on kinetic analyses using thermogravimetric (TG) runs. Many of these studies use approximations of integral or derivative forms of the kinetic law and all of them use programmed temperature, not the actual temperature measured by thermocouples close to the sample. In addition, it is common to conduct a single run in order to perform the calculation. Nevertheless, many authors consider that numerical methods should be used to analyse the kinetics of decomposition. In such cases, the actual temperature is used and, generally, several runs are fitted using the same kinetic parameters, giving robustness to the results. In the present work, a numerical integration procedure was discussed and applied to different examples. We focused on materials presenting a single decomposition curve as well as other materials with more complex processes. Different examples were explored, and the methodology was applied to a number of wastes such as coffee husks, polystyrene and polyethylene.
Characterization of the Teaching Profile Within the Framework of Education 4.0
Authors: Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad , Loaiza-Aguirre María Isabel , Zúñiga-Ojeda Alexandra , Portuguez-Castro May
Published: March 2021

Education 4.0 postulates the flexible combining of digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving in training environments linked to real-world scenarios. Therefore, teachers are challenged to find or develop new methods and resources to integrate into their curricula to help students develop these desirable and necessary skills; hence, the question: What are the characteristics of a teacher to consider within the framework of Education 4.0? This article presents a study carried out in a higher education institution in Ecuador. The objective was to identify the teaching profile required in new careers within the framework of Education 4.0. The descriptive, exploratory methodology applied quantitative and qualitative instruments (surveys) to 337 undergraduate students in education careers and 313 graduates. It also included interviews with 20 experts in the educational field and five focus groups with 32 rectors, school principals, university professors and specialists in the educational area. The data was triangulated, and the results were categorized in (a) processes as facilitators (b), soft skills, (c) human sense and (d) use of technologies. This article may be of value to administrators, educational and social entrepreneurs, trainers, and decision-makers interested in implementing innovative training programs.
Combined Treatment of Improvisation and Desensitization to Alleviate Music Performance Anxiety in Female College Pianists: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Youngshin
Published: March 2021

This study examined the effect of a Music Therapy Improvisation and Desensitization Protocol (MTIDP) on ameliorating music performance anxiety of female college pianists. Six participants served as their own controls and participated in (1) a baseline assessment (pretest); (2) six weekly
sessions that involved rhythmic breathing exercises, free improvisation, and desensitization exercises; and (3) a final evaluation (posttest). Measures of the Likert Anxiety Scale, Spielbergers State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Performance Anxiety Response Questionnaire were obtained
before and after the series of MTIDP sessions. A Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test was computed to determine whether the data were significantly different from the pretest to the posttest. Results indicated that there were significant differences in the Likert Anxiety Scale and Spielbergers
State Anxiety Inventory. No clear trends were found in the Trait Anxiety Inventory. Although not significant, the mean for the Performance Anxiety Response Questionnaire in the posttest (M = 78.50) was lower than it was in the pretest (M = 74.67).
Investigating Performance-related Problems of Young Musicians
Authors: Britsch Lisa
Published: March 2021

Many investigators have expressed concern about the paucity of research literature on the subject of younger musicians, particularly adolescents, and little is known about their performance-related injuries. This study was undertaken to explore this neglected area. Ninety-seven students
in four youth orchestras in a midsized midwestern city were surveyed to examine the relationships between such factors as practice time and pain, to explore what students do when they experience pain while playing, and to determine whether students have been exposed to any injury prevention
education. Few reported accepting the belief of playing through pain, while performance anxiety was reported at a higher-than-expected rate. The older students had more awareness of possible causes of playing-related pain and strategies for its elimination than did the younger students. The
older students also discussed their pain with teachers more frequently than did the younger students. It appeared that those students who sought help from teachers for their performance-related problems received information that was beneficial in reducing or solving the problem. Two statistically
significant relationships were found; one between amount of practice time and grade of pain reported in the youngest orchestra, and the other comparing females by age and grade of pain reported.
Adaptive Engineering for Musical Instruments
Authors: Snedeker James P
Published: March 2021

Musicians who become disabled may not necessarily need to discontinue music making. This article provides 12 examples of musicians for whom musical instruments were modified to accommodate specific disabilities. Ingenuity, imagination, and flexibility can help individuals with disabilities
overcome obstacles to continue music making.
Does Prior Training Affect Risk of Injury in University Dance Programs?
Authors: Weigert Bonnie J
Published: March 2021

Dancers in all settings are known to have high injury rates. Identifying risk factors is critical in developing strategies for preventing injury. At the university level, lack of prior training overall or in a specific technique may be cited as a potential risk for injury. As part of
a larger study examining injury patterns in university-level modern dancers, the association between prior training in ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance and rates of injury was examined. The subjects were dance majors and minors enrolled in a modern technique class in a university dance
program. Subjects completed a questionnaire at the beginning of the school year that asked them to list their years of experience in each discipline before their university training. They then were surveyed at the end of both the first and second semester and asked if they had an injury during
the prior semester, the number of days they had to miss or modify class as a result, and the degree to which pain limited their participation at the time of the survey. The overall injury rate was 67% for the first semester and 77% for the second semester. No correlations were found between
the presence or duration of prior ballet, modern dance, or jazz dance training and overall injury rates, number of days of class missed or modified, or total pain score. No differences were found when subjects were stratified by technique or academic level. Prior dance training, regardless
of type or duration, does not appear to decrease the risk of injury in university-level modern dancers.
Energy Conservation in Amenorrheic Ballet Dancers
Authors: Glace Beth , Kremenic Ian , Liederbach Marijeanne
Published: March 2021

Ballet dancers may be at risk of eating disorders, and women with eating disorders are at increased risk for menstrual dysfunction. Caloric intakes of amenorrheic dancers have been reported to be less than those of eumenorrheic dancers, indicating a possible conservation of energy.
We evaluated resting metabolic rate and the thermic effect of food following ingestion of a 500-kcal liquid supplement in 8 amenorrheic dancers and 10 eumenorrheic dancers. Body fat was higher for the eumenorrheic group (20%) than the amenorrheic group (15%). Resting metabolic rate did not
differ between groups when corrected for body mass (24.2 ± 1.1 kcal/kg/day for amennorheic dancers vs. 25.0 ± 0.9 kcal/kg/day for eumennorheic dancers), nor did resting metabolic rate differ when adjusted for lean mass. However, amennorheic dancers expended significantly less
energy post-prandially once adjusted for lean mass (ANOVA, effect of group p = 0.035). Dancers were asked to complete the Eating Disorder Inventory, a self-report scale that measures symptoms of disordered eating; 9 of 10 eumennorheic but only 4 of 8 amennorheic women were willing to
complete the questionnaire. Eumennorheic dancers had profiles similar to or less pathologic than those of non-eating-disordered populations. Greater dissatisfaction was expressed by eumennorheic women as body fat increased. Contrary to the findings in previous studies, amennorheic ballet dancers
did not exhibit energy conservation via reductions in resting metabolic rate but did expend slightly less energy in thermic effect of food compared to normally menstruating women.
Risk Factors for Piano-related Pain among College Students
Authors: Yoshimura Eri , Paul Pamela Mia , Aerts Cyriel , Chesky Kris
Published: March 2021

Although pianists commonly report pain and musculoskeletal problems from playing, the related research literature on this topic is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between pain and several independent playing-related and anthropometric variables.
Subjects included 35 piano majors attending a large college of music. Subjects were assessed with a questionnaire, bilateral anthropometric measurements of the upper arm and hand, and upper-extremity performance tests for range of motion, isometric strength, and rotation speed. Finger mobility,
including active digit-to-digit span, was assessed using digital photography. Four questions regarding pain associated with piano were treated as dependent variables and used for correlation and regression analyses with other variables. A five-factor model emerged and each model was statistically
significant. In addition to accounting for a large amount of variance associated with the dependent variables, results highlighted the importance of right 3–4 span (flexibility/mobility). This specific risk factor is rarely mentioned in the performing arts medicine literature. Additional
studies are highly warranted for replication and for determining the clinical and pedagogical relevance of this finding.
Environmental Factors in Susceptibility to Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Student Musicians
Authors: Phillips Susan L , Shoemaker Julie , Mace Sandra T , Hodges Donald A
Published: March 2021

Hearing threshold and survey data collected over 3 years in a university school of music indicate that 52% of undergraduate music students show declines in high-frequency hearing at 6000 Hz consistent with acoustic overexposure. Declines at 4000 Hz have grown in number over the 3 years,
from 2% the first year to 30% in the third year. These “noise notches” are seen in all instrument groups, including voice, and are seen more in the right ear than the left ear in all groups. Exposure to outside noise does not appear to be a determining factor in who develops these
declines. It is concluded that genetic predisposition is a likely risk factor.
Effects of Psychological Stress on State Anxiety, Electromyographic Activity, and Arpeggio Performance in Pianists
Authors: Yoshie Michiko , Kudo Kazutoshi , Ohtsuki Tatsuyuki
Published: March 2021

The present study examined the effects of psychological stress, as manipulated by performance evaluation, on the cognitive, physiological, and behavioral components of music performance anxiety (MPA) and performance quality. Twelve skilled pianists (five women, seven men) aged 21.9
± 3.3 yrs performed arpeggios on a digital piano at the metronome-paced fastest possible tempo under the evaluation and no-evaluation conditions. Measurements were made of self-reported state anxiety, heart rate (HR), sweat rate (SR), and electromyographic (EMG) activity from eight
arm and shoulder muscles, and MIDI signals were obtained. The increases in self-reported anxiety score, HR, and SR in the evaluation condition confirmed the effectiveness of stress manipulation. The EMG activity of all the muscles investigated significantly increased from the no-evaluation
to evaluation condition, suggesting that psychological stress can add to the risk of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders. Furthermore, the elevated muscle activity in the forearm was accompanied by increased key velocities. We also obtained the first evidence of increased arm stiffness
associated with MPA by estimating the cocontraction levels of antagonist muscles in the forearm and upper arm. Consistent with the three systems model of anxiety, the three MPA components were moderately intercorrelated. Participants with high trait anxiety showed stronger correlations between
the self-reported anxiety score and other objective measures, which indicated their heightened perceptual sensitivity to physiological and behavioral changes caused by psychological stress. These results provide some practical implications for understanding and coping with MPA.
Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis of the Upper Right Limb Movements in the Bowing Arm of Violinists Through a Digital Photogrammetric Method
Authors: Yagisan Nihan , Karabork Hakan , Goktepe Ayhan , Karalezli Nazim
Published: March 2021

Violin is one of the most widely taught string instruments in the world. The positions of the right upper arm, elbow, and wrist and the vertical inclinations of the arm and forearm differ among violin players. The objective of this study was to measure the angular changes in the wrist
and elbow joints, as well as the vertical inclinations of the arm, forearm, and hand, which are active in basic bow drives in violin playing, by using digital photogrammetric methods. In this way, we could determine the angular changes of the joints during bow drives, allowing us to incorporate
this information into teaching proper bow techniques as well as preventing possible problems due to excessive force. This study involved nine male university violin players. Certain anatomic areas were marked on the players for measurement. The wrist and elbow joints of the right upper extremity
were filmed on a calibrated test field using a metric camera, and images were transferred to the computer for photogrammetric evaluation using Pictran software (Technet GmbH, Germany). The angles of the elbow and wrist as well as the vertical inclinations of the arm, forearm, and hand of the
right arm were ascertained from these marks on the photographs. The study showed that there are significant interindividual differences in the angular changes and inclinations on the E string and in the vertical inclinations on all strings among the different players.
Changes and evolution among SARS-COV-2 hospitalised patients in terms of severity, mortality and virus genome in a Spanish cohort
Authors: Aznar-Gimeno Rocío , Paño-Pardo J. Ramón , Esteban Luis M. , Labata-Lezaun Gorka , Esquillor-R M. José , Lanas Angel , Abadía-Gallego David , Diez-Fuertes Francisco , Tellería-Orriols Carlos , del-Hoyo-Alonso Rafael , Serrano M. Trinidad
Published: March 2021

A comparison between pandemic waves could help to understand the evolution of this disease. The objective of this work was to study the evolution of COVID-19 hospitalized patients on different pandemic waves in terms of severity and mortality.
We performed an observational retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients (5,220) with SARS-CoV-2 infection from February to September in Aragon, Spain. In a comparative way, we analyzed ICU admission and 30-day mortality, clinical characteristics and risk factors, of first and second waves. SARS-CoV-2 virus genome were analyzed in 236 samples.
Patients in the first wave (n=2,547) were older (74 y, IQR: 60-86 vs. 70 y, IQR: 53-85; p<0.001) and showed worse clinical and analytical parameters related to severe COVID-19 than in the second wave (n=2,673). The probability of ICU admission at 30 days was 16% and 10% in the first and second wave, respectively (p<0.001). The cumulative 30-day mortality rates were 38% in the first wave and 32% in the second one (p=0.007). Survival differences were observed among patients aged 60 to 80 years. There was variability among death risk factors and virus genome between waves.
Therefore, the two COVID-19 pandemic waves analyzed were different, in terms of disease severity and mortality.
Empowering prosumers to trade renewable energy can benefit the individual, the community, and the grid
Authors: Pena-Bello Alejandro , Parra David , Herberz Mario , Tiefenbeck Verena , Patel Martin , Hahnel Ulf
Published: March 2021

Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange of renewable energy is an attractive option to engage and empower citizens to actively participate in the energy transition. Whereas previous research has provided techno-economic models and technological solutions to enable P2P energy trading, little is yet known about citizen preferences for solar power trading. Importantly, the impacts of community members’ trading decisions across scales such as individual electricity bills, community autarky, and grid stability remain unknown. Here, we assess actual P2P trading strategies based on an experimental study with German homeowners and simulate how retrieved decision-making strategies impact the performance of P2P communities across the three scales. Our findings suggest that community autarky is higher in P2P communities than in self-consumption communities, even if self-consumption communities search to maximize autarky (an autarky paradox). We show that actual prosumer decision-making may lead to benefits at the individual (reduced energy bills), community (higher community autarky), and grid level (reduced stress).
Postoperative bleeding in a patient with appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma and liver dysfunction patient: A case-report
Authors: Sun MingKun , Niu Xiaohua , Tang Ying , Mo Wenzhong , Xin Haiyang , Tang Chaoming , Qi Ling
Published: March 2021

Background: Appendiceal malignant tumors are rare in the clinic, and the incidence rate of gastrointestinal tumors is only approximately 0.5%. Our aim is to describe our experience with this rare disease and to increase knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of appendiceal malignant tumors. Case presentation: We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital due to dyspepsia. The patient was a carrier of hepatitis B virus, and liver dysfunction was diagnosed preoperatively. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography and colonoscopy showed that the appendix was significantly enlarged and dilated, and effusion and appendicitis were observed. Mucinous adenocarcinoma and appendiceal abscesses were not excluded because of the lack of specificity, which makes it difficult to diagnose the disease before a surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, and a rapid frozen pathological examination showed a mucinous tumor of the appendix. Intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy with cisplatin was administered. The patient had abdominal hemorrhage on the fifth day after the surgery. After active treatment, she was discharged from the hospital 19 days after the surgery.Conclusions: The diagnosis of appendiceal malignant tumors mainly depends on preoperative imaging and microscopic results,and highly suspected patients, rapid pathological examination is needed during the operation., and so on. Notably, for elderly patients with hepatitis B infection and liver dysfunction, there is a probability of postoperative bleeding.
Performance Enhancement of Mini Agri-voltaic System for Roof Top Garden
Authors: Prasad Arani Rajendra , Shankar Ramalingam , Patil Chandrashekhar K , Karthick Alagar , Kumar Amit , Rahim Robbi
Published: March 2021

The Agri-voltaic (AV) is an emerging technology to harness the solar energy. The performance of the AV modules depends on the incident solar radiation, geographical location and the surface temperature of the modules. The performance of the AV system needs to be monitored by manually or embedded controllers. The commercially available technologies for monitoring the system is costlier and need to be optimised. The Arduino controller is used to monitor the performance of the photovoltaic (PV) system in Coimbatore (11.0160 N, 76.95580 E), Tamilnadu, India. The PV surface temperature is monitored and controlled by flowing the water above the module by setting the mean ambient temperature as a reference temperature 34 °C when the system exceeds the reference temperature. PV surface temperature is reduced up to 16°C thus improved the electrical efficiency by 17% compare to the reference module. The Arduino controller control the relay to switch on the motor to control the mass flow rate of the water at 0.0028kg/s. The various parameters are measured such as voltage, current and solar radiation of the location and analysed. The estimated cost of monitoring system and various sensor is 10$ which cost comparatively 50% lower than the other PV monitoring controllers. This method can be employed in the medium and large-scale irrigation system.
Ssrp1 Promotes Lung Cancer Progression By Blocking The Wnt Pathway and Is Negatively Regulated By Mirna-28-5p
Authors: Jia Shengnan , Wang Qian , Jiao Yan , Guo Baofeng , Wang Lihui , Peng Liping , Zhang Ling
Published: March 2021

Background: Structure-specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP1) plays important roles in the development of various tumors. Numerous reports have described the effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) on lung cancer apoptosis, metastasis and proliferation. However, the relationship between SSRP1 and miRNAs in the development of lung cancer remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the functions of SSRP1 in the occurrence and development of lung cancer.Methods: First, we analyzed the expression of SSRP1 in human lung cancer tissues and normal tissues, and the relationship between SSRP1 gene expression and overall survival through the UALCAN and GEPIA browsers. Second, we conducted experiments in vivo and vitro to demonstrate the roles and mechanisms of SSRP1 in the occurrence and development of lung cancer and its relationship with miR-28-5p.Results: Our study demonstrated over-expression of SSRP1 in tissue sections from patients with lung cancer and in lung cancer cell lines, as validated by bioinformatics analysis. The over-expression of SSRP1 was found to be associated with lung cancer development and low overall survival rates. Silencing of SSRP1 by siRNA inhibited lung cancer proliferation, migration and invasion by blocking the WNT signaling pathway in vitro and vivo. We also verified SSRP1 was negatively regulated by miR-28-5p，as predicted by a variety of miRNA-related databases. Further studies showed that miR-28-5p mediated suppression of SSRP1 inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation.Conclusion: Therefore, our data suggested that SSRP1 promotes lung cancer progression by blocking the WNT pathway and is negatively regulated by miRNA-28-5p.
Double Tracking Control for the Directed Complex Dynamic Network via the Observer of Outgoing Links
Authors: Gao Peitao , Wang Yinhe , Liu Lizhi , Zhang Lili , Tang Xiao
Published: March 2021

From the large system perspective, the directed complex dynamic network is considered as being composed of the nodes subsystem (NS) and the links subsystem (LS), which are coupled with together. Different from the previous studies which propose the dynamic model of LS with the matrix differential equations, this paper describes the dynamic behavior of LS with the outgoing links vector at every node, by which the dynamic model of LS can be represented as the vector differential equation to form the outgoing links subsystem (OLS). Since the vectors possess the flexible mathematical operational properties than matrices, this paper proposes the more convenient mathematic method to investigate the double tracking control problems of NS and OLS. Under the state of OLS can be unavailable, the asymptotical state observer of OLS is designed in this paper, by which the tracking controllers of NS and OLS are synthesized to ensure achieving the double tracking goals. Finally, the example simulations for supporting the theoretical results are also provided.
Preoperative fibrinogen / albumin ratio (FAR) Can be used to predict the prognosis of urothelial carcinoma patients after radical cystectomy
Authors: Liang Lei , Song Haifeng , Liu Zhenhua , Ma Binglei , Zhang Zhenan , Li Qinhan , Liu Jun , Zhang Quan , Zhu Shiyu , Meng Yisen , Zhang Qian
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To explore the feasibility of preoperative fibrinogen / albumin ratio (FAR) as a predictor of the total and elderly patients with urothelial carcinoma after radical cystectomy. Methods: A cohort of 275 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder tumor at Peking University First Hospital from 2012 to 2016 was analyzed retrospectively. The optimal cutoff value of FAR group was determined according to the survival dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (survival-ROC). Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analysis the overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Result: The AUC value of FAR in the survival-ROC curve is higher than other clinical indexes, and the cutoff value of FAR determined by survival-ROC is 0.0707. We found that the median survival time (27.63 months vs 32.11 months, P < 0.01) and 5-year survival rate (77.7% vs 92.7%, P < 0.01) in the high FAR group were significantly lower than those in the low FAR group. In the multivariate survival analysis, the FAR and AJCC stages were independent risk factors for long-term prognosis. In subgroup analysis, the long-term survival of patients in AJCC I+II subgroup, G1 + G2 subgroup, G3 subgroup, lymph nodes negative subgroup and old patient subgroup were all related to FAR, while the 5-years survival of patients in AJCCIII+IV subgroup, lymph nodes positive subgroup and young patient subgroup was not related to FAR. Conclusion: The value of FAR can be used as an independent risk factor to predict the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy, especially for patients with elder age, lymph nodes negative, or AJCC I + II stage.
Finite Element Modelling of MHD Stefan Blowing Convective Ag-MgO/Water Hybrid Nanofluid induced by Stretching Cylinder utilizing Non-Fourier/Ficks Model
Authors: Rana Puneet , Makkar Vinita , Gupta Gaurav
Published: March 2021

The objective of the current analysis is to implement the Cattaneo Christov heat (Non-Fourier’s) and mass flux (Non-Fick’s) concept in modified Buongiorno’s model for nanofluid magneto-transport phenomena over an extending cylinder in presence of gyrotactic microorganisms. The nanofluid comprises chemically reactive hybrid nanoparticles (Ag MgO Np’s) in the base fluid and Stefan blowing effect along with multiple slips is taken into account. The experimental correlations with their dependency on nanoparticle concentration are used for viscosity and thermal conductivity. The appropriate similarity transformations are applied to convert the PDE’s into non-linear ODE’s along with boundary conditions, prior to being evaluated computationally utilizing the Galerkin Finite Element Method (GFEM). The mesh independent test with different boundary layer thickness (ξ ∞) has been conducted by taking both linear and quadratic shape functions to achieve a optimal desired value. The numerical outcomes are in acceptable concurrence with those acquired from the literature. The results are calculated for realistic range of physical parameters. The warmth exhibitions are assessed through renowned Buongiorno’s model which effectively reflects the significant highlights of thermophoresis parameter(Nt = 0.001 to 0.05) and Brownian motion parameter (Nb = 0.001 to 0.05).
Fungal Endophytes Associated With the Actinorhizal Plant Species, Elaeagnus Latifolia L. (Elaeagnaceae) And Evaluating Their Antagonistic Potential Against Grey Blight Disease In Tea [Camellia Sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]: A Novel Study From North-East India
Authors: Bhattacharyya P. N. , Bhattacharyya L. H. , Parkash V.
Published: March 2021

The present investigation is a novel approach of exploring the endophytic fungal diversity of Elaeagnus latifolia L., an actinorhizal plant species of North-east India and evaluation of its biocontrol potential against Pestalotiopsis theae, the causal agent of grey blight disease in tea. A total of 17 endophytic fungal species belonging to 12 families and 03 orders were isolated from various parts of E. latifolia L. Isolates were identified based on colony morphology, spore and fruiting bodies using microscopical tools and techniques. Nigrospora sp. showed highest species density (0.5) among all the isolates. Isolation frequency was maximum (67%) in case of Fusarium sp., Nigrospora sp., Penicillium chrysogenum and Rhizopus sp. More fungal isolates were obtained from root and stem (47% each) as compared to leaves (29%). Species richness and diversity indices was maximum (15.0) in stem and minimum (9.0) in leaves. Highest Shannon and Simpson diversity index was in stem (2.02 and 0.860 respectively) followed by root (1.979 and 0.847 respectively) and least in leaves (1.494 and 0.75 respectively). Among the isolates tested for plant growth promoting parameters, EF09 (Fusarium sp.) showed positive response for all the tested parameters. The isolate, EF09 also showed maximum antifungal potential (up to 87.1%) against P. theae in poisoned food technique. Enumeration of endophytic fungal diversity of E. latifolia L. holds promises as the putative strains may lead to the isolation of novel bioactive components for use in industry, medicine and agriculture.
Accumulation, Translocation, and Toxicity of Arsenic in Barley Grown in Contaminated Soil
Authors: Burachevskaya Marina , Minkina Tatiana , Fedorenko Alexey , Fedorenko Grigorii , Chernikova Natalia , Rajput Vishnu D. , Mandzhieva Saglara , Bauer Tatiana
Published: March 2021

Aims Arsenic is a nonessential element for plants, however, high levels of As can inhibit plant growth. Toxicity of As is largely influenced by its speciation in soil. The objectives of the present study were to determine fractional composition of As in soil, its accumulation in plants, and toxic effects on the morphological, anatomical, and ultrastructural levels. Methods In a model experiment, barley (Hordeum sativum) was planted in Haplic Chernozem spiked with three different concentrations of As (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg). The fraction composition of As in the experimental soil was analysed using a method of sequential fractionation. The effect of As on plants was analysed microscopically at tissue, cellular, and intracellular levels.Results Analysis of the fraction composition of As revealed a higher amount of mobile forms of As that contaminated the generative organs of plants. Oxides of Fe, Al, and Mn became the main soil components to retain As when contamination of As increased. Arsenic toxicity inhibited plant growth by affecting morphological parameters (shape, size, and colour). It was shown impairment in the root cells and a reduction in the size of the chlorophyllic parenchyma in the leaves. Ultrastructural analysis found changes in the main cellular organelles (chloroplasts, mitochondria, and peroxisomes).Conclusions The bioconcentration factor (BCF), bioaccumulation factor (BF-soluble), and translocation factor (TF) allowed evaluation of plant protection mechanisms and determination of hazardous concentrations of As in soil. Despite high buffering capacity of soil, high As concentration affected morphological and ultrastructural parameters of the H. sativum.
Identification of Hub Genes for Early Diagnosis and Predicting Prognosis in Colon Adenocarcinoma: A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xu Shuo , Liu Dingsheng , Cui Mingming , Zhang Yao , Zhang Yu , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2021

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is among the most common digestive system malignancies worldwide. Although some molecular analyses of colon cancer were previously performed, the pathogenesis and gene signatures remain unclear. This study explored the genetic characteristics and molecular mechanisms underlying colon cancer development. Methods: Three gene expression data sets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between COAD and normal tissues. Then, the intersection of the data sets was obtained. Metascape was used to perform the functional enrichment analyses. Next, STRING was used to build protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Hub genes were identified and analysed using Cytoscape. Next, survival analysis of the hub genes was performed. To explore the early diagnostic value of the hub genes, UALCAN was used to analyse expression characteristics. Finally, alterations in the hub genes were predicted and analysed by cBioPortal. Results: Altogether 436 DEGs were detected. The DEGs were mainly enriched in cell cycle phase transition, nuclear division, meiotic nuclear division, cytokinesis. Based on PPI networks, 20 hub genes were selected. Among them, 6 hub genes (CCNB1, CCNA2, AURKA, NCAPG, DLGAP5, and CENPE) showed significant prognostic value in colon cancer (p<0.05), while 5 hub genes (CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, MAD2L1, and DLGAP5) were associated with early colon cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: In conclusion, integrated bioinformatics analysis was used to identify hub genes that reveal the potential mechanism of carcinogenesis and progression of colon cancer. The hub genes might be novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of colon cancer.
Intestinal Microbiota and Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Vieira Juliana Rosa Pires , Rezende Andréa Toledo de Oliveira , Fernandes Marcos Rassi , Silva Nilzio Antônio
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by being multi-systemic and, therefore, reaching various organs and affecting mainly young women. Its pathogenesis comprehends many factors, including the interaction between microbiota and immune system. The aim of this systematic review protocol is to assess the relationship between intestinal microbiota and SLE in activity, highlighting microbiota representative patterns regarding quantity and diversity. MethodsThe systematic review will be carried out using the following databases: Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria will be: observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control) that analyzed intestinal microbiota composition in patients with SLE, with no restriction of age or sex, which fulfilled the classification criteria of either Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinic (SLICC), European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) or American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and used the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) to classify disease in activity or remission. The Downs & Black Scale will be applied to analyze the risk of bias during study selection and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to assess the quality of the evidence of the selected studies.DiscussionThis review will identify investigation gaps, for better understanding of aspects related to etiopathogenesis and to the inflammatory process during SLE progression. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration: CRD42021229322
Stress Anisotropy Severely Affects Zinc-phosphate Network Formation
Authors: Sukhomlinov Sergey , Müser Martin
Published: March 2021

Using density-functional theory based simulations, we study how initially disconnected zinc-phosphate molecules respond to different externally imposed deformations. Hybridization changes are observed in all cases, in which the coordination of zinc atoms changes irreversibly from tetrahedral to seesaw and square pyramidal, whereby the system stiffens substantially. The point at which stiff networks are formed does not only depend on the hydrostatic pressure. Stress anisotropy generally reduces the required hydrostatic network-formation pressure. Moreover, networks obtained under isotropic deformations turn out stiffer, elastically more isotropic, and lower in energy after decompression than those produced under anisotropic stresses. We also find that the observed stress-memory effects are encoded to a significant degree in the arrangement of atoms in the second neighbor shell of the zinc atoms. These findings refine previously formulated conjectures of pressure-assisted cross-linking in zinc-phosphate based anti-wear films.