bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Glacier Change Monitoring and Its Response to Climate Change in the Koshi River Basin
Authors: Qin Ji , Li-yuan Tong , Jia-Qi Wang
Published: May 2024

With the data available now from Landsat remote sensing images and digital elevation model (DEM), we employ both the ratio threshold technique and visual interpretation approach to discern glacier boundaries within the Koshi River Basin, across the years 1990 to 2020. Meanwhile, using meteorological grid data, we investigate the glaciers' responses to climatic change. Research findings show that: (1) The Koshi River Basin's glaciers exhibited an unbroken trend of shrinking dimensions between 1990 and 2020, and the withdrawal rate is increasing. The annual area retreat percentage of debris-covered glacier was approximately 0.28%/a and the clean glacier was 0.73%/a. (2) During the last thirty years, within the investigated zone, the glacier area takes on a upward and then downward trend with increased altitude. Debris-covered glaciers are mainly distributed at an elevation range of 5000 ~ 6600 m, while the debris-free glaciers are mainly located at elevations from 5200 to 6400 m. (3) The distribution and retreat tendency appears to have distinctions between different slopes. Debris-covered glaciers were mainly distributed between 5 ~ 10°, while debris-free glaciers were greatly distributed between 10 ~ 15°. Glacier shrinkage was largely in the range of 30 ~ 35°. (4) Glaciers shrinkage shows a certain hysteresis phenomenon. This paper comprehensively analyzes the regional temperature and precipitation data with a 10-year lag period, and finds that rising temperature and decreasing precipitation are likely to be the main factors that cause glaciers to retreat. What’s more, the former plays a greater role.
Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag as an additive in sodium carbonate-activated slag cements
Authors: Stefanini Laura , Walkley Brant , Provis John L.
Published: May 2024

Basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) is a high-volume waste resulting from the production of steel from pig iron. Due to its high free lime content, BOFS is difficult to recycle and/or include into conventional cement systems. Alkali-activation technology offers a pathway to transform industrial wastes such as BOFS into low-carbon cements. Alternative precursors for cement systems are needed as the reliance on commonly used materials like ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is becoming unsustainable due to decreasing availability. This study investigates alkali-activated cements incorporating 20 and 30 wt. % of weathered BOFS as a replacement for GGBFS, in both sodium silicate- and sodium carbonate-activated systems. A fraction of BOFS subject to mechanical activation is compared against the untreated BOFS in the 20 wt. % systems. It is observed that in weathered BOFS, a significant portion of the free-lime is found to convert to portlandite, which accelerates alkali-activation kinetics. In sodium silicate-activated systems, the high pH of the activator results in incomplete reaction of the portlandite present in BOFS. The sodium carbonate-activated system shows near complete conversion of portlandite, causing an acceleration in the kinetics of reaction, setting, and hardening. These findings confirm the viability of sodium carbonate activated GGBFS-based systems with only a minor loss in strength properties. BOFS can be utilised as a valuable cement additive for the production of sustainable alkali-activated cements utilising sodium silicate as a less carbon-intensive activator solution than the more commonly used sodium silicate. Mechanical activation of BOFS offers further optimisation potential for alkali-activation.
An exploratory study of metabolomics in endogenous and cannabis-use-associated psychotic-like experiences in adolescence
Authors: Kurkinen Karoliina , Kärkkäinen Olli , Lehto Soili , Luoma Ilona , Kraav Siiri-Liisi , Kivimäki Petri , Therman Sebastian , Tolmunen Tommi
Published: May 2024

In adolescence, psychotic-like experiences (PLE) may indicate potential prodromal symptoms preceding the onset of psychosis. Metabolomic studies have shown promise in providing valuable insights into predicting psychosis with enhanced precision compared to conventional clinical features. This study investigated metabolomic alterations associated with PLE in 76 depressed adolescents aged 14–20 years. Serum concentrations of 92 metabolites were analyzed with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. PLE were assessed using the Youth Experiences and Health (YEAH) questionnaire. The associations between PLE symptom dimensions (delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, negative symptoms, thought disorder, and dissociation) and metabolite concentrations were analyzed in linear regression models adjusted for different covariates. The symptom dimensions consistently correlated with the metabolome in different models, except those adjusted for cannabis use. Specifically, the hallucination dimension was associated with 13 metabolites (acetoacetic acid, allantoin, asparagine, decanoylcarnitine, D-glucuronic acid, guanidinoacetic acid, hexanoylcarnitine, homogentidic acid, leucine, NAD+, octanoylcarnitine, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and valine) in the various linear models. However, when adjusting for cannabis use, eight metabolites were associated with hallucinations (adenine, AMP, cAMP, chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid, L-kynurenine, neopterin, and D-ribose-5-phosphate). The results suggest diverse mechanisms underlying PLE in adolescence; hallucinatory experiences may be linked to inflammatory functions, while cannabis use may engage an alternative metabolic pathway related to increased energy demand and ketogenesis in inducing PLE. The limited sample of individuals with depression restricts the generalizability of these findings. Future research should explore whether various experiences and related metabolomic changes jointly predict the onset of psychoses and related disorders.
Bi-level Identification of Governing Equations for Nonlinear Physical Systems
Authors: Yang Lijun , Li Zeyu , Yuan Huining , Han Wang , Li Hongjue , Hou Yiming , Ding Haidong , Jiang Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

The identification of governing equations from data for nonlinear physical systems has been a long-standing challenge in scientific discovery. However, the inherently ill-posed nature of this inverse problem often leads to false discoveries that overfit certain datasets without capturing the true dynamics of the studied system. To overcome the challenge, we propose a Bi-level Identification of Equations (BILLIE) framework in this work to simultaneously perform equation discovery and validation in two hierarchical objectives of a bi-level optimization. BILLIE is effectively solved using policy gradient techniques from reinforcement learning and hence offers the possibility of identifying very challenging physical systems where the existing approaches fail. Our experimental results on the Navier-Stokes equation, the Burgers' equation, and the three-body system demonstrate BILLIE's dominant performance over existing methods. Moreover, we apply BILLIE to the task of discovering the RNA and protein velocity equations from real-world single-cell sequencing. For the first time, we can quantitatively discover these prominent velocity equations in a data-driven manner, which marks a departure from previous reliance on experts' empirical intuitions to hypothesize these equations. Notably, the equations identified by BILLIE surpass empirical equations in accurately characterizing the future states of differentiated cells. This demonstrates BILLIE's strong potential to contribute to the discovery of fundamental physical rules underlying diverse scientific phenomena.
The transfer of health care from hospital to home from the perspective of the health- and social care providers – an interview study
Authors: Tarvis Maria , Ziegert Kristina , Forsberg Elenita , Andersson Janicke , Gillsjö Catharina
Published: May 2024

Background
The process of transferring health care services from hospital care to municipal home health care is ongoing in Sweden, which contributes to an increasingly advanced health care in patients’ homes.
Methods
This study has a qualitative design. Data were collected in two rural municipalities in western Sweden during autumn 2020. Fourteen registered nurses and ten assistant nurses employed by the municipalities participated in focus group interviews, and three physicians in primary mobile health care employed by primary health care were individually interviewed via telephone. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data.
Results
The analyze resulted in two main themes. The first theme, Home—An arena in which one balances dual roles and respectfully negotiates the provision of care as a guest, was related to respect for the home and for those who live there. The second theme, Striving to fulfill expectations and requirements while simultaneously preserving professionalism, was related to profession and cooperation.
Conclusions
The result of this study shows that working in home health care requires negotiation to achieve an appropriate home- and work environment, and collaboration between health care providers to achieve good and safe patient care in the home.
Development and validation of a predictive model for failure of ureteral access sheath placement in patients with ureteral calculi
Authors: Luo Di , Zhang Jingdong , Xie Linguo , Wang Rui , Ren Haotian , Shang Zhiqun , Li Chunpeng , Liu Chunyu
Published: May 2024

Objective: Construction and validation of a dynamic online nomogram for failed ureteral access sheath (UAS) placement during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in patients with ureteral stones.
Methods: This study retrospectively gathered medical records and stone data from patients undergoing retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for ureteral stones at the Department of Urology, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, between January and December 2022. Lasso combined logistic regression was utilized to identify independent risk factors associated with unsuccessful UAS placement in individuals with ureteral stones. Subsequently, a nomogram model was developed to predict the likelihood of failed UAS placement in this patient cohort. The model's performance was assessed through Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis, calibration curve assessment, and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA).
Results: Significant independent risk factors for unsuccessful UAS placement in patients with ureteral stones included age (OR = 0.95, P < 0.001), male gender (OR = 2.15, P = 0.017), body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.12, P < 0.001), history of stone evacuation (OR = 0.35, P = 0.014), and ureteral stone diameter (OR = 0.23, P < 0.001). A nomogram was constructed based on these variables. Model validation demonstrated an area under the ROC curve of 0.789, indicating good discrimination. The calibration curve exhibited strong agreement, and the decision curve analysis revealed a favorable net clinical benefit for the model.
Conclusions: In our study, we concluded that young age, male sex, high BMI, no history of stone evacuation, and small diameter of ureteral stones were independent risk factors for failure of UAS placement in patients with ureteral stones, and the dynamic nomogram established with these 5 factors was clinically effective in predicting the outcome of UAS placement.
On the crack resistance and damage tolerance of 3D-printed nature-inspired hierarchical composite architecture
Authors: Hong Soon Hyung , Yu Siwon , Park Seunggyu , Lee Kang Taek , Hwang Jun Yeon , Marrow T.
Published: May 2024

Materials scientists have taken a learn-from-nature approach to study the structure-property relationships of natural materials. Here we introduce a new type of nature-inspired composite architecture showing a hierarchical assembly of granular-like building blocks with specific topological textures. The structural complexity of the resulting architecture was advanced by applying the concept of ‘grain orientation’ internally to each building block to induce a tailored crack resistance. Hexagonal grain-shaped building blocks were filled with parallel-oriented filament bundles, and these functioned as stiff-blocks with high anisotropy due to the embedded fiber reinforcements. Process-induced interfacial voids provided preferential crack paths, were strategically integrated with cracks to improve fracture toughness at the macroscopic scale. The resultant characteristic cracking behaviors were inherently induced by the synergistic crack-void interactions and the obstacle effects of aligned fibers. This study discusses the structural effects of the local/global orientations, stacking sequences, feature sizes, and gradient assemblies of granular blocks on crack tolerance behavior. Our approach to applying crystallographic concepts to complex composite architectures provides an alternative method for gaining insight into natural toughening mechanisms at the meso- and macro-scale and may inspire for new models of fracture mechanics.
VCP regulates early tau seed amplification via specific cofactors
Authors: Batra Sushobhna , Vaquer-Alicea Jaime III , Valdez Clarissa , Taylor Skyler P , Manon Victor A , Vega Anthony R , Kashmer Omar M , Kolay Sourav , Lemoff Andrew , Cairns Nigel J , White Charles L , Diamond Marc I
Published: May 2024

Background Neurodegenerative tauopathies may progress based on seeding by pathological tau assemblies, whereby an aggregate is released from one cell, gains entry to an adjacent or connected cell, and serves as a specific template for its own replication in the cytoplasm. In vitro seeding reactions typically take days, yet seeding into the complex cytoplasmic milieu happens within hours, implicating a machinery with unknown players that controls this process in the acute phase.
Methods We used proximity labeling to identify factors that control seed amplification within 5h of seed exposure. We fused split-APEX2 to the C-terminus of tau repeat domain (RD) to reconstitute peroxidase activity 5h after seeded intracellular tau aggregation. Valosin containing protein (VCP/p97) was the top hit. VCP harbors dominant mutations that underlie two neurodegenerative diseases, multisystem proteinopathy and vacuolar tauopathy, but its mechanistic role is unclear. We used immortalized cells and human neurons to study the effects of VCP on tau seeding. We exposed cells to fibrils or brain homogenates in cell culture media and measured effects on uptake and induction of intracellular tau aggregation following various genetic and chemical manipulations of VCP.
Results VCP knockdown reduced tau seeding. Chemical inhibitors had opposing effects on aggregation in HEK293T tau biosensor cells and human neurons alike: ML-240 increased seeding efficiency, whereas NMS-873 decreased it. The inhibitors were effective only when administered within 8h of seed exposure, indicating a role for VCP early in seed processing. We screened 30 VCP co-factors in HEK293T biosensor cells by genetic knockout or knockdown. Reduction of ATXN3, NSFL1C, UBE4B, NGLY1, and OTUB1 decreased tau seeding, as did NPLOC4, which also uniquely increased soluble tau levels. By contrast, reduction of FAF2 increased tau seeding.
Conclusions Divergent effects on tau seeding of chemical inhibitors and cofactor reduction indicate that VCP regulates this process. This is consistent with a dedicated cytoplasmic processing complex based on VCP that directs seeds acutely towards degradation vs. amplification.
Decent Work in the Informal Sector and Economic Growth: Jua Kali Artisan Businesses’ Sustainability Challenges in Eastlands of Nairobi
Authors: Momanyi Christopher
Published: May 2024

With the shrinking of the formal employment and the creation of more jobs in the informal sector, a lot needs to be done to create more decent jobs in the informal sector. It seems that most governments have plans to improve the informal sector by supporting in various ways to create decent jobs. The Kenyan government policy plans in recent years have single out the Jua Kali sector as the mainstay of Kenya’s economy in the creation of jobs. There are many efforts by many government departments to lay strategies on how to better the operating capability of the informal sector as the most viable alternative to employment. However, these efforts are being put into test by the inability of most Jua Kali artisan businesses and in general micro small and medium (MSMEs) businesses not surviving their fifth year since their inception. There is a general consensus that the Jua Kali sector is expanding and accounts for 80 percent of new jobs in the Kenyan economy. However, creating decent jobs seems to be a tall order as many Jua Kali artisan businesses collapse by the 10th year after their inception. The Jua Kali sector should not be evaluated only by the number of jobs it creates but also by how many businesses are stable and long lasting in creating and maintaining decent jobs. The magnitude of the informal sector does not reflect the number of decent jobs being created and how long the businesses that create them will last. Data for this research were obtained by a survey carried out in the Eastlands of Nairobi, Kenya by using an interview and observation schedule. The research established that it is only 52.2 percent of the interviewed artisans who owned artisan businesses. Out of the 481 artisans interviewed for this research, 254 had been in the Jua Kali sector within six years, 110 within ten years, 36 within 18 years. Most Jua Kali artisans gained their skills in the Jua Kali sector by apprenticeship (86.3%) while a small percentage (12.7%) trained in Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions while a further one percent gained their skills in their former employment. Most of the artisans had attained the basic formal education qualifications i.e. primary education (27.9%) and secondary education (47.6%).
A Transfemoral Prosthesis Modelling in SolidWorks and Stress, Elongation Analyses of it in ANSYS
Authors: Bulut Semiha , Duman Burak
Published: May 2024

This paper describes the modelling and analyses of a transfemoral prosthesis. The prosthesis design was done in SolidWorks as it includes, the modelling of a foot model that has a spring like mechanism. In this work, a transfemoral prosthesis leg was designed for a person who weights 90 kg and the forces and loads which the prosthesis exposed were analysed statically by ANSYS programme. The transfemoral prosthesis was designed and analysed as two parts: the foot and the leg. Two different materials were chosen for these two different parts of the prosthesis due to the fact that those parts were under different loads and deformation forces. The stress and deformation distribution of the both parts were analysed seperately. The steel material was chosen for the foot part and the aluminium alloy material was chosen for the leg and knee parts of the prosthesis. In this work, the first of all; each parts of the prosthesis were modelled in Solidworks. Afterwords, those models were imported into ANSYS programme and analysed. It was cofirmed by the analyses results that the chosen materials were suitable for the transfemoral prosthesis and the prosthesis was strong enough to carry those forces, loads and deformations that were produced by a 90 kg weight person.
From Sustainable Consumption to Climate Activism. Sustainability Careers of Young People in Germany.
Authors: von Querfurth Sarah , Herbes Carsten
Published: May 2024

This article examines young people’s pathways towards climate activism and how they relate to consumption practices. Based on 21 narrative interviews with younger adults in Germany, we identified different types of consumption practices and corresponding attitudes towards sustainability among activists, supporters and non-supporters of the climate movement. Using the concept of “careers of practice” by Reckwitz (2002), we highlight how sustainable consumption practices were broadened by supporters and actvists of the climate movement Fridays for Future. This emerged parallel to the development of the personal meaning of reflective consumption practices geared towards sustainability. For the group of activists, the relevance of individual consumption practices shrinks over time and they see more impact in political activism. They continue sustainable consumption practices but emphasize participating in political activism. The article identifies typical pathways of young adults coping with the experience of the climate crises and relates their “sustainability careers” to biographical markers.
Investigating Racial Bias and Attribution Error in Grading Student Performance
Authors: Reibel Anthony , Roegman Rachel
Published: May 2024

Standards-based grading (SBG) is a more recent approach to grading that aims to reduce the impact of teacher biases that affect grading. This study investigates whether SBG effectively mitigates biases related to race and attribution errors that can distort traditional grading methods. To achieve this, a quantitative factorial vignette experiment was conducted to analyze the qualitative feedback given on student performance, shedding light on teachers' evaluative reasoning under SBG. Findings indicate that despite the structured framework of SBG, the evaluative process remains susceptible to a wide range of influencing factors, though there were no significant findings related to racial bias. The results of the factorial vignette experiment underscored that while SBG aims to objectify the grading process, some biases may still affect teachers' evaluations, highlighting the intricate web of factors involved in the evaluation process. The paper contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse surrounding modern grading systems, emphasizing the need for continuing evolution in grading methodologies to ensure fairness and objectivity in student assessments.
Molecular Detection and Clinico-Therapeutic Studies of Contagious Ecthyma in Goat
Authors: Matre C.B. , Sakhare M.P. , Siddiqui M.F.M.F. , Shafi T.A. , Shaikh S.R. , Suman Pankaj , Sakhare Swati
Published: May 2024

Contagious ecthyma or Orf is a common, contagious and zoonotic disease of small ruminants caused by orf virus. The present research was conducted to study the prevalence of Orf in and around Parbhani and to evaluate efficacy of different treatment against Orf in goat. Overall prevalence of Orf in goat was recorded 38.83%. The higher prevalence of Orf recorded in the kids below 4 months of age, male, poor health status and non-descript goats. The overall clinical signs in contagious ecthyma goats were pyrexia, severe proliferative ulcerated cauliflower-like lesions around lips and scabby lesions were commences on the lips, muzzles, mucocutaneous junctions, nostrils, ear, inner aspect of thigh and gums. The hematological parameters revealed erythrocytopenia, reduced hemoglobin, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphopenia. For molecular confirmation, DNA extraction of all scab samples collected from suspected goats were showed amplification of partial B2L gene at 592 bp by PCR. Analysis of DNA sequence revealed that three Parbhani sequences were positive for CEV. The obtained 3 sequences of orf virus got accession numbers PP235095, PP235096 and PP235097 were closely related with each other and with other strains obtained from GenBank for the Parbhani district, Maharashtra and strains of other states of India mainly with Meghalaya, Assam and Goa. The present study concludes that aciclovir @ 10 mg/kg along with neem leaves extract and curcumin powder locally was effective in treating the CE in goats early as compared to other two groups.
A Predictive Sequence Filling Method using Protein Structures for Early Detection of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: A.G Balamurugan , N Gomathi
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a generic form of dementia causing memory loss and environmental responses. AD detection is pursued using the different protein structures and their intensity based on different physical behaviors. Using the time-series protein structures the detection and is eased through the proposed neural method for structural protein filling (NC-SSF). Structural differentiations are performed using the high and low intensity profiles observed. This analysis identifies the missing inputs and thereby the fillable sequences are identified. The protein biomarker determines the maximum filling requirement as per the changes observed. The neural network is trained using this sequence required under the low and high intensity variations. This process is recurrent until maximum false rate is confined through accuracy improvements. The AD progression detection is performed by estimating the intensity under different profile filling levels. The proposed method improves accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity by 8.74%, 10.29%, and 8.84% respectively. This method reduced the false rate and MMSE by 9.85% and 10.78% respectively.
Use of new-media health information among the elderly and its effect on their health and health management
Authors: Xie Haojie , Wu Xudong , Zhou Yuqiu , Wang Mengyao , Xu Chunmiao , Li Min , Zhang Min , Wei Xuelian , Li Guiling
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study to explore the use of new-media health information and its influence on their health and health management.
Methods: A total of 208 elderly people in Qiqihar City were selected as the survey objects, and a questionnaire was used to investigate their access to health information through new-media platforms. We analyze the factors ( e.g., education、pre-retirement occupation,etc) in the use of health information on new-media platforms.
Results: Monthly income, educational level, pre-retirement occupation and attention of the new-media of the elderly had significant effects on health information acquisition (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of new-media health information among the elderly was diversified and had an impact on their health management. We should standardize the management of new-media health information dissemination platforms and publicize the use of new-media health information in a targeted way, so as to improve the self-health management of the elderly and reduce their burden on the national medical system.
Effective Strategies for Creating Self-Compatible B. rapa by Introgression of Mutated SRK and SCR/SP11 Genes from B. napus
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Heng Shuangping , Xiao Chunxiu , Liu Cong , Song Liping , Tang Liguang , He Congan , Wang Bincai , Wang Aihua , Gao Changbin
Published: May 2024

SI (Self-incompatibility) is one of the major obstructions for the development and propagation of inbred lines in most Brassica vegetable crops. The manipulation of SI genes is an effective way to create Self-compatible (SC) materials. A mutated pollen recognition specificity gene BnSP11-1 on the A genome was responsible for the self-compatibility of the B. napus (AACC) cultivar ‘Westar’. In this study, site-specific manipulation of stigma recognition specificity gene BnSRK-1 was carried out using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in ‘Westar’. Then the mutated SI genes (BnSP11-1 and BnSRK-1) were transferred to B.rapa by distant hybridization, by continuous back cross and self pollination, 3 elite and completely self-compatible lines were obtained. The mutated SI genes can be applied widely in Brassica vegetable crops with AA genome (2n=20), such as Chinese cabbage, Pak choi, Purple flowering stalks and Chinese flowering cabbage to accelerate the breeding process.
Physiological Responses and Accumulation of the Emerging Contaminant Ivermectin Using Salvinia Minima
Authors: Lacava Judith Elizabeth , Olivelli Melisa Soledad , Peluso Julieta , Aronzon Carolina Mariel , Quintana Rubén Darío
Published: May 2024

Ivermectin (IVM) is a macrocyclic lactone widely used to control endo- and ectoparasites in livestock. After administration, it is partially metabolized by the animal and therefore excreted in its original form. IVM can enter water bodies through groundwater, runoff, soil erosion, and direct deposition. Once in aquatic and wetland environments, due to its chemical characteristics, can persist for a long time, increasing its environmental risk. Macrophytes are in frequent contact with this drug, resulting in chronic exposure and leading to an accumulation process. The objective of this study is to evaluate the uptake of IVM in S. minima, and its phytotoxicity potential. Bioassays were performed to expose S. minima to different concentrations of IVM, 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 30 mg/L. After 10 days, the accumulation of the compound in fronds, roots, and effluent was measured. Morphological parameters and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated. IVM was found in fronds and roots of S. minima after exposure. The percentage of remotion of the drug in effluent were significantly, up to 66%. The highest concentration evaluated showed phytotoxic effects. S. minima proved to be a promising species for IVM removal processes and early toxicity marker physiological parameters, especially in wetlands subject to intensive livestock farming activities. Of interest for its applicability in wetlands subjected to intensive livestock farming.
Indications and yield of Fresh Frozen Plasma in massive hemorrhage, efficiency biological monitoring. Preliminary results
Authors: Duranteau Olivier , Decamps Justine , Daper Anne , Cauchie Philippe , Ickx Brigitte , Tuna Turgay
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study was to examine various haemostasis values to identify the most relevant biological indicators for detecting significant hemorrhage, to determine the effectiveness of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion. Our findings suggest that a low prothrombin time, elevated Von Willebrand Antigen, increased plasma fibrinogen, and reduced Ca2+ levels are associated with challenges in achieving proper hemostasis. However, measurements of factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIII, protein C, and protein S do not appear to be linked to difficulties in achieving adequate haemostasis. Additionally, the administration of FFP appears to impact factors V, VII, X, and II.
Trial registration
EudraCT number: 2019-002898-64
Controller Reliability Assessment Model: A New Method for Reliability Assessment of Attitude Control Subsystem in Space Missions
Authors: Damircheli Mahrad , Fakoor Mahdi
Published: May 2024

The objective of this research is to assess the reliability of the controller and attitude control subsystem (ACS) of a LEO satellite using the presented Controller Reliability Assessment Model (CRAM). CRAM is based on the Software in the Loop (SIL) simulation which leads to the construction of a database from ACS performance. Using data analysis techniques leads to a comprehensive understanding of the ACS’s controller functionality and determines the failure rate of the controller’s component. In addition, Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) is implemented to visualize the contribution of the controller and estimate the reliability of the controllers according to the evaluated failure rates and reliability mathematical model for three years of operating. CRAM defines the relatively most robust, and accurate controller with the fastest response and highest reliability. In the designed control system, solar radiation, gravity gradient, and aerodynamic effects are considered as external disturbances. The actuator's loss of effectiveness is considered as an internal disturbance. The Tetrahedron configuration of reaction wheels is modeled in which three reaction wheels serve as three-axis control, and one reaction wheel as a redundant actuator. In this research, controllers such as PD, H∞, and two different types of sliding mode controllers are considered.
Research on Optimal Selection of Drainage Gas Recovery Technology Based on CRITIC-AHP Combination Weighting and Mahalanobis distance TOPSIS Method
Authors: Chenhao Guo
Published: May 2024

Drainage and gas production technology is an important process technology for increasing production in gas fields in the later stage. In order to optimize the drainage and gas production technology for gas wells with liquid accumulation, a TOPSIS model based optimization study was conducted based on the technical and economic adaptability analysis of different drainage and gas production technology and well condition parameters. This model characterizes the priority level of each alternative solution by calculating the distance and relative progress between each alternative solution and the ideal solution. In response to the problem that the weights determined by traditional single weighting methods cannot meet the principle of subjective and objective unity, the CRITIC-AHP combination weighting method is proposed. Based on the subjective and objective weighting, the optimal weight is calculated based on the concept of game theory; A Mahalanobis distance calculation model based on the modified Cosine correlation coefficient matrix and absolute ideal point representation is proposed to address the Euclidean distance failure and reverse order issues caused by the correlation and dimensional inconsistency between indicators in the TOPSIS method. Combined with actual production data, a comprehensive evaluation system for economic and technical indicators of drainage and gas production processes is established, and the well condition parameters of XX well are selected for optimal drainage and gas production processes. The results show that after implementing the drainage gas production process, the average water production of XX well increased from 29.41m3/d when liquid was accumulated, and the gas production was less than 1200m3/d. The gas production increased to 8500-9200m3/d, with a significant increase in production.
Mapping of Zika virus-host protein-protein interactions using yeast two-hybrid system and identification of re-purposed drug targets
Authors: Komarasamy Thamil Vaani , Adnan Nur Amelia Azreen , Balasubramaniam Vinod RMT
Published: May 2024

Zika virus (ZIKV) garnered global attention over the past decade as outbreaks of the disease were linked to neurological complications. There are currently no antiviral drugs or vaccines with proven efficacy. The identification of human proteins targeted by ZIKV is crucial for deciphering the host pathways hijacked by the virus to replicate, evade innate immunity, and induce neuropathogenesis. In our study, Y2H screening of 8 ZIKV proteins identified 85 interacting host factors. These host factors are primarily involved in immune and inflammatory responses, cell death, centrosome and cell cycle regulation, ubiquitin pathways, central nervous system (CNS) development and neurological disorders. Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) was selected for further evaluation of its role in ZIKV infection. Immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization between ROCK2 and ZIKV NS5 in the cell nucleus, indicating the interaction likely contributes to viral replication via immune and inflammatory responses. Further siRNA knockdown of ROCK2 resulted in significant inhibition of ZIKV genome copy number. The ZIKV-host interactome was also used as a platform to identify druggable human proteins targeted by existing host-directed antiviral drugs. Taken together, findings of this study aid in improving the understanding of ZIKV pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Design of Parallel Cascade Controller for Nonlinear Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Atif
Published: May 2024

This work presents an approach to control the temperature of a nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor (NCSTR) through parallel cascade control structure (PCCS). For the first time, PCCS is used to control the temperature of NCSTR by (1) modelling the dynamic behavior of CSTR with a recirculating jacket heat transfer system into a third order unstable transfer function and (2) using the model matching technique to synthesize the controller parameters. The controller of the secondary loop of PCCS is designed to achieve enhanced regulatory performance whereas, the primary loop controller is designed for better setpoint tracking. The closed loop performance of the proposed method is evaluated by carrying out simulation on the differential equation of the NCSTR and comparing it with other structures such as series cascade control structure (CCS) and parallel control structure (PCS). The response shows that the proposed method provides satisfactory performance in both the environment nominal, perturbed and noisy conditions.
RETRACTED: Genomic Footprints of Selection for Enhancing Productivity in Taiwanese Vegetable Soybeans through Core Collection Framework
Authors: Huang Yen-Hsiang , Chen Ling-Yu , Chen Shu-Yun , Kao Pei-Hsiu , Chen Shu , Kao Chung-Feng
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Edge and 2D states disentanglement and light-driven spin injection in MoS2
Authors: Garcia Flavio , Torrão Rodrigo , Safeer Syed , Marroquin John , Felix Jorlandio , Carozo Victor , Sampaio Luiz
Published: May 2024

Semiconductor transition metal dichalcogenides are a promising archetype for spintronic devices as they present several spin-to-charge interconversion mechanisms. Nevertheless, the microscopic origin of this interconversion is yet to be
established. Here, we report a comprehensive study of light-induced spin pumping in YIG/MoS2 heterostructures. In MoS2 monolayer microsized flakes, two distinct contributions to the spin current injection were identified. One from the metallic edge states and another from the 2D semiconductor states. A competitive interplay between the edge and 2D contributions was observed by changing the average flake size. We demonstrate that a light-driven spin current injection can enhance, attenuate, or even switch on/off the spin pumping depending on the size of the MoS2 flakes. The spin pumping in the MoS2 was independent of the film thickness, consistent with the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect at the YIG/MoS2 interface. These findings highlight distinct contributions to spin pumping in transition metal dichalcogenides and open avenues for developing opto-spintronic device applications.
Transcriptomics analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of male sterility in Chimonanthus praecox
Authors: Liu Bin , Wu HuaFeng , Cao YinZhu , Yang XiMeng , Zhu Ting , Sui ShunZhao
Published: May 2024

Background Chimonanthus praecox is a unique ornamental and economic flowering tree in China, and after thousands of years of cultivation, it has produced a large number of varieties and a rich variety of types. C.praecox utilizes heterozygous and dioecious mating systems that are mainly heterozygous and partially autogamous, thus ensuring the inheritance of good genes of the species, and promoting the improvement of plant varieties. Male sterility is widespread in flowering plants and is an important tool for the genetic improvement of plants and optimization using hybrid advantage, but there has never been any report on male sterile material and related studies in C.praecox.
Result In this study, we reported for the first time the plant material of male sterility in C.praecox and preliminarily investigated the molecular mechanism of male sterility using transcriptome technology. The results showed that male sterility in C.praecox was already formed during the budding period and presumably occurred during the pre-mature stage of pollen cell maturation. It was also found that differentially expressed genes in starch and sugar metabolic pathways and phytohormone signaling pathways showed regular expression trends.
Conclusion This study reported for the first time the germplasm resources of male sterility in C.praecoxand explored the molecular mechanism of their male sterility, which can provide new ideas for the cultivation and genetic improvement of C.praecox as well as the study of the molecular mechanism of male sterility formation.
Situational appraisal of post-fire wildlife occupancy on a mixed-use ranch in Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Evans Mungai , Njueini John Kabue
Published: May 2024

Fire is integral to the ecology of tropical savannas. This study evaluated the scenario after a huge outbreak on part of a mixed wildlife-livestock ranch one year earlier. Driving along the roads and tracks to search for animals on three consecutive days, findings confirmed that the study area remained a wildlife stronghold, with a large proportion of large mammal species being spotted in the portion affected by the fire over the three-day survey. Overall, large animal distribution was significantly different between the unburnt and burnt area (t = 3.712569, df =36, P<0.001**). A similar pattern was only evident for the elephant (t= 2.819678, df =4, P<0.05*) but no other species. The disturbance was akin to ‘beneficial’ prescribed burning.
Bayesian Estimation of Missile Hit Accuracy for Dirichlet Distribution Based on Multiple Stages Growth Tests
Authors: Liu Haobang , Shi Xianming , Hu Tao , Chen Tong
Published: May 2024

During the period of research and design of new missiles, the hit accuracy tests are usually carried out in multiple stages according to the task progress and results. The existing estimation methods seldom consider the tests characteristics of multiple stages growth of missile hit accuracy, which bring difficulties to accurately estimate the missile hit accuracy. Considering the different degrees of damage caused by missile hitting the target in different areas, the Dirichlet distribution is selected as the prior distribution of missile hit accuracy parameters based on the Bayesian method. The sequence constraint relationship between the missile hit accuracy parameters of each stage test is established, and the Bayesian estimation model of missile hit accuracy based on the multiple stages growth tests is constructed. The Markov Chain-Monte Carlo (MCMC) method combined with Gibbs sampling are used to overcome the problem of solving the posterior high-dimensional integral of the model, and the finally estimation of missile hit accuracy is completed. The example shows that compared with the existing single stage test method, this method can consider the tests characteristics of multiple stages growth of missile hit accuracy and integrate the test information of each stage, which can provide reference for the estimation of missile hit accuracy during the period of research and development.
The characteristics of Laguerre higher-order cosh-Gaussian beam propagating in uniaxial crystal orthogonal to the optical axis
Authors: Benzehoua H. , Saad F. , Belafhal A.
Published: May 2024

In this study, we examine the propagation characteristics of Laguerre Higher Order Cosh-Gaussian beam (LHOchGB) in uniaxial crystals. Utilizing integral of Huygens-Fresnel, analytical expression of the LHOchGB in the considered crystal is derived. During beam propagation, our analyses are performed using numerical simulations under different parameters to investigate the impact of beam parameters and crystal refractive indices on the received beam. The obtained results demonstrate that the features of the incident beam and the crystal's refractive indices can be adjusted to control the intensity and phase distributions of the corresponding beam. We anticipate that the insights gleaned from our research will prove valuable for controlling optical particles.
Identification of a Novel Aerobic Promoter for efficient poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Synthesis in Recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Yu , Ma Xuelian , Wang Huan , Liu Dan , Yang Xi , Gao Qiang
Published: May 2024

A synthetic promoter library was developed to substitute the native promoter of phaCAB from Ralstonia eutropha in order to produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)(P3HB) in Escherichia coli. The library yielded over 141 successfully characterized clones, from which 35 unique promoters were identified by Sanger sequencing. The synthetic promoter P1 was shown to be particularly effective in driving the expression of downstream genes, including sfGFP and phCAB gene clusters. The performance of P1 exceeded that of the native promoter, achieving P3HB production levels of up to 79.78 ± 3.13% under aerobic conditions. Statistical analysis revealed that P1 significantly outperformed the native promoter of phCAB under aerobic conditions (P < 0.05), while displaying comparable activity under microaerobic conditions (P > 0.05).
Distribution of rare and endangered terrestrial mollusks in Central Uzbekistan
Authors: Makhmudjonov Zafar M. , Pazilov Abduvaeit , Karimqulov Abdulla T. , Gaibnazarova Feruza P. , Umarov Farrukh U. , Karshibaev Jakhongir Kh. , Yuldashov Abrorjon U. , Allaeva Lobarkhon
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the research is to analyze the distribution, anatomical and morphological aspects of dryland mollusks found in the Central Uzbekistan region, and to provide information on their ecology, distribution, limiting factors, and conservation measures. The material collection was carried out according to the methodology of A.A. Shileyko. Based on the results of the collected research, it can be concluded that due to the necessity of moisture for mollusks in the ecological complex, they can be classified into three major groups: hygrophilous, mesophilous, xerophilous, and mesoxerophilous species. The research results indicate that out of the 7 species found in the Central Uzbekistan region, currently, 28.75% are classified as critically endangered, approximately 42.85% are considered vulnerable, and 28.75% are endangered. The dryland mollusk species found in the Central Uzbekistan region are categorized ecologically into hygrophilous, xerophilous, and mesoxerophilous types. In order to conserve and monitor the population of dryland mollusk species in the Central Uzbekistan region, it is recommended to first protect their habitats, particularly by halting deforestation and degradation of habitats where mollusks reside, secondly, to restrict extraneous use of these areas as pastures, and thirdly, to undertake research on their habitat preferences and biology to prevent their extinction as a species.
Algebraic Results of Centralizers in Associative Algebras
Authors: Martinez Wilson Arley , Ceron Samin Ingrith
Published: May 2024

In this document, we explore the algebraic properties of the centralizeror multiplier in different types of algebras, aiming to discern patternsand relationships. We introduce concepts such as Focal Algebra, NijenhuisOperator, and Reynolds Operator, and provide illustrative examples of theselinear applications within associative algebras defined by a left or right identityelement.
Furthermore, we investigate the interaction between the centralizer andthe construction of specific algebraic structures within the framework of nonassociativealgebra theory. Essentially, these operators applied to certain associativealgebras give rise to non-associative algebraic structures, such as LieAlgebras or Dendriform Algebras. Our main achievement lies in the constructionof non-associative algebras, particularly dendriform algebras, derived fromassociative algebras in conjunction with a centralizer. For each construction,we provide concrete examples of non-associative algebras within subspaces ofsquare matrices.