bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muestra Estatal de Teatro: 28 años de actividad escénica
Authors: Montiel Contreras Carlos Urani , Rodríguez Isais Amalia
Published: March 2021

Con casi tres décadas de realización consecutiva, la Muestra Estatal de Teatro (MET) en Chihuahua es fundamental para comprender el quehacer escénico regional en su articulación con el teatro nacional. Nuestro objetivo principal consiste en una valoración crítica de su última edición, la número 28, a partir de un análisis sincrónico y diacrónico que se ocupe del origen y trayectoria tanto de la MET como de las compañías que se dieron cita en la región Delicias del 17 al 22 de agosto del año pasado. La crítica teatral de los montajes programados será el punto de inflexión para apreciar el estado del arte del teatro chihuahuense contemporáneo.
KNOWLEDGE AND REASONS FOR ANXIETY AMONG NURSES TOWARDS COVID -19 IN NIGERIA
Authors: Odikpo Linda Chihurumnanya , Abazie Helen Ogechi , Emon Duke , Mobolaji-Olajide Mary Oluwafunmilola , Gbahabo Dorothy Dooshima , Musa-Malikki Aisha
Published: March 2021

Background: Nurses in Nigeria and the whole world are facing an unprecedented severe level of anxiety in their professional and individual lives, compounded by not knowing what the future holds especially with regards to the present COVID-19 pandemic. This research is to evaluate the knowledge and reasons for anxiety toward COVID 19 among nurses in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional quantitative survey that utilized a multistage sampling technique and data was collected with questionnaire instrument from 418 nurses using Google form for a period of eight weeks. Analysis of the result was with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software. Descriptive data of participants was presented in tables while the test of the inferential data was with Chi-square at 95% level of significance (p = 0.05). Results: The result revealed that 81.3% of the respondents are female, with a mean age of 37.81+8.21 years and mean years of experience of 13.1+8.44 years. One hundred and eighty (56.9%) of the respondents have good knowledge of COVID -19, with mean of 10.67±1.19. 88.5% were anxious because they are front line workers and having direct contact with COVID-19 patients. The relationship between identified reasons for the anxiety experienced among Nigerian nurses and level of knowledge of COVID-19 were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although nurses in Nigeria are knowledgeable about the COVID-19, they have reasons for being anxious. Addressing the reasons for their anxiety will promote their physical and psychological well-being.
ASSESSMENT OF MEASURES ON SOCIAL SUPPORT OF MEDICAL WORKERS IN THE IRKUTSK REGION STATED IN OFFICIAL EMPLOYMENT PROPOSALS
Authors:   Irkutsk State Medical University MOH Russia, Irkutsk, Russia, Makarov S.V. , Gajdarov G.M. ,   Irkutsk State Medical University MOH Russia, Irkutsk, Russia
Published: March 2021

Significance. Social support measures for healthcare workers are one of the key mechanisms for retaining specialists. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the current indicators of their implementation remain unsatisfactory. The purpose of the study was to assess frequency and structure of social support measures for medical workers based on the data of the official employment proposals posted by state medical organizations on the website of the Ministry of Health of the Irkutsk Region. Material and methods. Statistical charts have been developed, they included information from the employment proposals posted on the official website of the Ministry of Health of the Irkutsk Region, the total number of proposals added up to 429. Statistical methods to process the material included calculation of the extensive and intensive indexes without determining confidence intervals because the general aggregate was used in all cases. Results. The most wanted out of all doctors are district therapists (7.0% in the structure of doctors’ vacancies), followed by obstetricians-gynecologists (6.7%) and infectious disease specialists (6.1%). As for nursing staff, the highest number of employment proposals were looking for feldshers (22.4%), ward nurses (12.9%) and district nurses (11.2%). Of the total number of job proposals, social support measures were stated in 76.2 proposals out of 100, while the frequency of these measures added up to 77.4 out of 100 for doctors and 63.8 for nurses. The stated social support measures for doctors in the ascending order include as follows: issues related to housing (79.2 per 100 employment proposals); direct financial support (72.2 per 100); provision of a place in a preschool facility without waiting (35.1); additional vacation and travel expense reimbursement (27.2); reimbursement of expenses related to relocation and travel to the place of employment (14.4); payment for postgraduate and additional professional education (9.3). The rank structure of social support measures for nursing staff differs in the order, starting from the third. Conclusion. In both absolute and relative terms, the measures of social support stated by the employment proposals for doctors prevail. While primary health care workers are in highest demand, the need for such specialists is not directly reflected by the corresponding frequency of the stated social support measures. The results obtained are relevant to the development and implementation of the evidence-based personnel policy in healthcare at the level of an individual region of the Russian Federation.
Ice fog monitoring near Fairbanks, AK
Authors: Vas Dragos , Peckham Steven , Schmitt Carl , Stuefer Martin , Burgener Ross , Wong Telayna
Published: March 2021

Ice fog events, which occur during the Arctic winter, result in greatly decreased visibility and can lead to an increase of ice on roadways, aircraft, and airfields. The Fairbanks area is known for ice fog conditions, and previous studies have shown these events to be associated with moisture released from local power generation. Despite the identified originating mechanism of ice fog, there remains a need to quantify the environmental conditions controlling its origination, intensity, and spatial extent. This investigation focused on developing innovative methods of identifying and characterizing the environmental conditions that lead to ice fog formation near Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Preliminary data collected from December 2019 to March 2020 suggest that ice fog events occurred with temperatures below −34°C, up to 74% of the time ice fog emanated from the power generation facility, and at least 95% of ice particles during ice fog events were solid droxtals with diameters ranging from 7 to 50 μm. This report documents the need for frequent and detailed observations of the meteorological conditions in combination with photographic and ice particle observations. Datasets from these observations capture the environmental complexity and the impacts from energy generation in extremely cold weather conditions.
Prognostic value of Onodera’s Nutritional Index for intermediate and high risk gastrointestinal stromal tumors treated with or without Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Wang Feng , Tao Tingting , Yu Heng , Xu Yingying , Yang Zhi , Xia Xuefeng , Wang Meng , Zong Liang , Guan Wenxian
Published: March 2021

Background
Immunoinflammatory and nutritional markers such as peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) have gained considerable attention and revealed preliminaryly as prognostic markers in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
Methods
In this study, we firstly investigated the prognostic value of OPNI in GIST treated with or without TKIs based on the propensity score matching (PSM) method. All of the patients had received surgical resection for primary GIST, the data from 2010 to 2018 were initially and retrospectively identified from our gastrointestinal center. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.
Results
These patients who were treated with TKIs and those who did not were divided into two groups, and we used propensity score matching method to make them have more unified baseline data. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied to identify associations with outcome variables. A total of 563 GISTs were initially chosen and 280 of them were included for analysis under an inclusion criteria. After PSM, there were 200 patients included. Multivariate analyses identified OPNI was an independent prognostic marker, and was associated with primary site, tumor size, mitotic index, tumor rupture, necrosis, and modified NIH risk classification. Low OPNI (< 42.6; HR 0.315; P༜0.001) were associated with worse RFS.
Conclusions
Preoperative OPNI is a novel and useful prognostic marker for GISTs both treated with or without TKIs.
Rapid and precise diagnosis of pneumonia coinfected by Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus assisted by next-generation sequencing in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Authors: Chen Yili , Ai Lu , Zhou Yingqun , Zhao Yating , Huang Jianyu , Tang Wen , Liang Yujian
Published: March 2021

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus, are opportunistic pathogenic fungus that has a major impact on mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. With the potential to invade multiple organs, early and accurate diagnosis is essential to the survival of SLE patients, establishing an early diagnosis of the infection, especially coinfection by Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus, still remains a great challenge.Case presentation: In this case, we reported that the application of next-generation sequencing in diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus coinfection in a Chinese girl with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Voriconazole was used to treat pulmonary aspergillosis, besides sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP), and caspofungin acetate to treat Pneumocystis jirovecii infection for 6 days. On Day 10 of admission, her chest radiograph displayed obvious absorption of bilateral lung inflammation though the circumstance of repeated fever had not improved. Unfortunately, the patient discharged from the hospital since the financial burden, therefore further condition couldn't be tracked.Conclusions: This successful application of the next generation sequencing assisting the rapid diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus coinfection provides a new perspective in the clinical approach against the systematic fungi infections and highlights the potential of this technique in rapid etiological diagnosis.
Relationship between advancing abutment pressure and deformation of surrounding rock in a roadway: A case study in Helin coal mine in China
Authors: Qin Hongyan , Cheng Zhiheng , Ouyang Zhenhua , Zhao Xidong , Feng Jicheng
Published: March 2021

The deformation stages of the working face of a mine in front of the roadway were defined based on the location of the roadway and the coal wall in different deformation zones. Observational data of the advancing abutment pressure and the surrounding rock deformation of the roadway from Helin coal mine were analyzed using least squares fitting. The results show that the distance between the boundary of the rapid deformation stage and the deceleration deformation stage and the position where the advancing abutment pressure is equal to the original rock stress is 0.8 m. The distance between the boundary of the large deformation stage and the stable small deformation stage and the peak value of the advancing abutment pressure is 0.3 m. A theoretical analysis indicated that the boundary between the rapid deformation stage and the deceleration deformation stage is located at the intersection of the advancing abutment pressure curve and the original rock stress curve. The boundary between the large deformation stage and the stable small deformation stage is located at the peak value of the advancing abutment pressure.
Incidence and Survival of Thyroid Cancer with Lung Metastasis
Authors: Zhong Miaochun , He Xianghong , Cui Lingfei , Yang Qiong , Lei Kefeng
Published: March 2021

Background: Thyroid cancer (TC) is a common malignancy. Lung metastasis is one of the top metastases for TC. The incidence and survival rates of TC with lung metastasis remain unclear.Methods: Data on TC with lung metastasis and other site-specific metastases were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Chi-square tests were employed to compare the biological and clinical features of thyroid patients with different metastatic sites. Survival analysis was performed utilizing Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests. We used a Cox proportional hazards model for the multivariate analysis to identify prognostic factors of thyroid patients with lung metastases. Statistical significance was indicated by a two-tailed P value < 0.05.Results: A total of 77322 patients suffering from TC with clear metastasis information were identified from 2010-2016. The probability of isolated lung metastasis was significantly higher than that of isolated distant metastasis to other sites among TC patients (P < 0.05). Patients with isolated lung metastases had worse overall survival (OS) and thyroid cancer-specific survival (TCSS) than patients with bone metastasis only (P < 0.05). There was a slight difference in thyroid cancer-specific survival between patients with lung metastasis and patients with liver metastasis (P=0.0496), while there was no significant difference in overall survival. (P >0.05). There was no significant difference in OS or TCSS between patients with lung metastasis and those with brain metastasis (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that white race was associated with better outcomes in terms of both endpoints in the lung metastasis population.Conclusions: The incidence of lung metastasis from TC was higher than that of other organ metastases. Thyroid cancer patients with isolated lung metastases have worse outcomes than patients with isolated bone metastases and liver metastases but are similar to brain metastases. There was the worst survival outcome in patients with multiorgan metastases.
Externalizing behavior problems and influencing factors among Hui nationality left-behind children in rural areas of China
Authors: Yu Xue , Wang Lingling , Liu Miaomiao , Li Qiuli , Dai Xiuying
Published: March 2021

Background: Externalizing behavior problems (EBP) is being increasingly viewed as a public health problem. Previous study showed that the detection rate of behavioral problems of Hui nationality left-behind children (LBC) was far higher than that of Han nationality LBC. However, existing literature has not reported EBP of Hui nationality LBC. The purpose of current study was to investigate the prevalence EBP and its influencing factors among Hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students from the southern rural areas in Ningxia, China (2012-2013). The general self-made questionnaire, Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ for Children), Piers-Harri Children's Self-concept Scale (PHCSS) and Achenbach's Child behavior Checklist (CBCL for parents) were used to investigate the related information. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were conducted. Results: The prevalence of EBP in Hui nationality LBC and non-left-behind children(non-LBC) were 12.01% (46/383) and 8.57% (49/572), respectively, and there was no significant difference between them (χ2 =3.04, P=0.08). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low self-concept of behavioral (OR=13.71), introversion (OR =11.19) and intermediate personality (OR=9.35) were risk factors for EBP of Hui nationality LBC, while the intermediate type of mother refusal and denial (OR =0.43) was their protective factor. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration is a risk factor for EBP among Hui nationality LBC in rural China. Influencing factors should be considered when formulating relevant policies and undertaking intervention measures in the future, so as to reduce EBP of Hui nationality LBC.
Effects of Freezing-Thawing Pretreatment on Anaerobic Digestion of Wheat Straw and its Kinetics Analysis
Authors: ZHANG QIANRU , Yao Yiqing , Xi Xinming
Published: March 2021

In this study, freezing-thawing (FT) pretreatment of different freezing time and freezing temperatures was investigated to find the effect on anaerobic digestion of wheat straw (WS). The freezing temperature gradient is -10, -20, -40 and -80℃, and the freezing time gradient is 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h. Total methane production exhibited a mere distance among all samples. Morphology change sculptured by SEM showed this method broken the structure of WS leaving fragments and pores in varying degrees. Three kinetic models were performed on WS to represent the behavior of experimental data. Kinetic model parameters of total methane production and lag phase time showed that logistic function model had the best fit, followed by modified Gompertz model, yet transfer function model lost efficacy in this experiment. Logistic function model was then used to reveal the influence on lag phase caused by freezing time and freezing temperature, the results implied that FT pretreatment can shorten the lag phase time of anaerobic digestion (AD), providing a 21.39% improvement under the optimal conditions of -20℃ 96 h. The analysis of response surface regression shows that the freezing temperature has more effect on the lag phase time of anaerobic digestion than freezing time. Warmer freezing temperature of -20℃ do better than -80℃ on lag time, which can be achieved in most cold regions, so this treatment can occur naturally in such area without additional energy input.In this study, freezing-thawing (FT) pretreatment of different freezing time and freezing temperatures was investigated to find the effect on anaerobic digestion of wheat straw (WS). The freezing temperature gradient is -10, -20, -40 and -80℃, and the freezing time gradient is 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h. Total methane production exhibited a mere distance among all samples. Morphology change sculptured by SEM showed this method broken the structure of WS leaving fragments and pores in varying degrees. Three kinetic models were performed on WS to represent the behavior of experimental data. Kinetic model parameters of total methane production and lag phase time showed that logistic function model had the best fit, followed by modified Gompertz model, yet transfer function model lost efficacy in this experiment. Logistic function model was then used to reveal the influence on lag phase caused by freezing time and freezing temperature, the results implied that FT pretreatment can shorten the lag phase time of anaerobic digestion (AD), providing a 21.39% improvement under the optimal conditions of -20℃ 96 h. The analysis of response surface regression shows that the freezing temperature has more effect on the lag phase time of anaerobic digestion than freezing time. Warmer freezing temperature of -20℃ do better than -80℃ on lag time, which can be achieved in most cold regions, so this treatment can occur naturally in such area without additional energy input.
Сomparative analysis of high carbon steel behavior on contact surface with a tool in different methods of deformational nanostructuring
Authors: Polyakova Marina , Gulin Aleksandr , Stolyarov Alexey , Nikiforova Oksana
Published: March 2021

Every method of deformational nanostructuring is characterized by typical scheme of the processing. One of the main aspects of such methods is the behavior of the processed metal on the contact surface with a tool. The aim of this study is to analyse the distribution of deformation from the contact surface of the workpiece to the bulk in different methods of deformational nanostructuring. High carbon steel was chosen for the analysis. Simulation was performed in ABAQUS software. Methods based on different kinds of deformation were chosen for the comparison: method based on simple shear in one deformation zone, method based on simple shear with torsion, method based on simple shear in two deformation zones with torsion, and continuous method of combined deformational processing by drawing with torsion. Data of the distribution of main strains, tangential strains, equivalent strains, and the Mizes stress from the contact surface to the depth of 0.05 mm to the bulk was obtained. The results of simulation can be used for prediction of steel behavior under different kinds of deformational processing.
Penny wise, pound foolish: Substitution cost of cropland lost to urbanization
Authors: Andrade Jose , Cassman Kenneth , Edreira Juan Rattalino , Agus Fahmuddin , Bala Abdullahi , Deng Nanyan , Grassini Patricio
Published: March 2021

Urbanization has appropriated millions of hectares of cropland1, and this trend will persist as cities continue to expand2. Here we estimated the substitution cost by comparing the yield potential between the converted and newly cultivated land as determined by climate and soil properties. To do so, we used robust spatial upscaling techniques, well-validated crop simulation models, and soil, climate, and cropping system databases 3–5, focusing on populous countries exhibiting high rates of land conversion. We found that productivity of new cropland is substantially lower than the land it replaces, which means that projection of food production potential must account for expected cropland loss to urbanization and the lower productivity of new land that replaces it. Policies that protect existing farmland from urbanization would relieve pressure on expansion of agriculture into natural ecosystems and reduce the associated greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
Functional and anatomical characterization of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor subtypes of the rat spinal cord involved in somatic pain relief
Authors: Mousa Shaaban , Shaqura Mohammed , khalefa Baled , Li Li , Al-madol Mohammed , Treskatsch Sascha , Schäfer Michael
Published: March 2021

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) orchestrates our body’s response to stressful stimuli. Pain is often stressful and counterbalanced by activation of CRF receptors along the nociceptive pathway although the involvement of the CRF receptor subtypes 1 and/or 2 (CRF-R1 and CRF-R2, respectively) in CRF-induced analgesia remains controversial. This study examined CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 expression within the spinal cord of rats with Freund’s complete adjuvant-induced hindpaw inflammation using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis. Moreover, paw pressure algesiometry examined antinociceptive effects of intrathecal (i.t.) CRF and their possible antagonism through CRF-R1 and/or CRF-R2 selective antagonists as well as the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Our results demonstrated predominantly CRF-R2 mRNA, protein, binding sites and immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord. Consistently, CRF as well as CRF-R2 agonist elicited potent, dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effects which were antagonized selectively by i.t. CRF-R2 (K41498) antagonist but not by CRF-R1 (NBI35965) antagonist. Moreover, the opioid antagonist naloxone dose-dependently reversed the i.t. CRF- as well as CRF-R2 agonist-elicited inhibition of somatic pain. Supporting these findings, double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed CRF-R2 on enkephalin (ENK)-containing inhibitory interneurons in close opposition of incoming mu-opioid receptor-immunoreactive nociceptive neurons. CRF-R2 was, however, not seen on pre- or on postsynaptic sensory neurons of the spinal cord. Taken together, these findings suggest that i.t. CRF or CRF-R2 agonist inhibit inflammatory somatic pain, occurring predominantly through CRF-R2 receptors located on spinal enkephalinergic inhibitory interneurons, which results in endogenous opioid-mediated pain inhibition.
Implication Of Geological Domains Data For Modeling And Estimating Resources From Nkout Iron Deposit (South-Cameroun)
Authors: William Boroh Andre , Yvan Sore-Gamo Koutou , Mohamed Ayiwouo Ngounouno , Bertrand Gbambié Mbowou Isaac , Ismaïla Ngounouno
Published: March 2021

This paper is devoted to determine whether the addition of geological information can improve the resource estimate of mineral resources. The geochemical data used come from 116 drill holes in the Nkout East iron deposit in southern Cameroon. These geochemical data are modeled on Surpac and Isatis softwares to represent the 3D geochemical distribution of iron in the deposit. Statistical analysis and then a variographic study is performed to study the spatial variability of iron. Estimation domains were defined based on the results of geological and geochemical analyses. Four domains were determined. These domains are in particular, the saprolitic domain; the poor domain or fresh rocks such as amphibolites, granites and gneisses; the rich domain or oxidized rocks (BIF) and the metasediment domain. Block modeling of the deposit is performed to estimate the resource. The grade of each block was estimated by using ordinary kriging and composites from each domain. This study also consisted of comparing two types of estimate, notably the domain estimate and the global estimate. The cross-validation made it possible to authenticate the obtained models. From this comparison, the domain estimation brings more precision the global estimate precisely on the error analysis while if we take into account the point clouds of the predicted and estimated values, the estimation by geochemical modelling provides the best results.
Enhancing the ecological value of tropical agriculture through set-asides
Authors: Bicknell Jake , O'Hanley Jesse , Armsworth Paul , Slade Eleanor , Deere Nicolas , Mitchell Simon , Hemprich-Bennett David , Kemp Victoria , Rossiter Stephen , Lewis Owen , Coomes David , Agama Agnes , Reynolds Glen , Struebig Matthew , Davies Zoe
Published: March 2021

Agricultural expansion across the tropics is the primary driver of biodiversity declines and ecosystem service degradation. However, efforts to mitigate these negative impacts may reduce commodity production. We quantify trade-offs between oil palm cultivation and ecological outcomes (biodiversity, above-ground carbon storage and dung nutrient cycling) across different potential set-aside (uncultivated areas in agricultural landscapes) strategies. We show that all set-aside configurations yield substantial gains in ecological outcomes. The best strategy involves spatially targeted riparian reserves, such as those used in oil palm certification schemes, where species occurrence can be doubled without reducing overall cultivation area. Adopting this strategy throughout the 8 million hectares of plantations in Borneo would lead to extensive improvements in ecological outcomes without losses to production area, and consequently, enhancing agricultural sustainability.
Effect of different parameters on the tensile properties of printed Polylactic acid samples by FDM: Experimental design tested with MDs simulation
Authors: Farazin Ashkan , Mohammadimehr Mehdi
Published: March 2021

Fused Depositional Modeling (FDM) is one of the common methods for 3D printing of polymers, which is expanding in various industrial applications, scientific researches, and engineering applications due to its ability to make complex parts. In this research, molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation has been used to predict the physical and mechanical properties. Then, the mechanical properties of the printed parts are obtained. The mechanical properties of 3D printed parts strongly depend on the correct selection of processing parameters. In this study, the effect of three important parameters such as infill density, printing speed, and layer thickness are investigated on the tensile properties of PLA specimens. For this purpose, standard specimens with four infill densities of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%, two speeds of 20 mm/s, and 40 mm/s, and two thicknesses of 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm are printed and tested under quasi-static tensile test. In all printed specimens, the print angle is ± 45°. The experimental results show that the infill density in comparison to the other two parameters has significant effect on mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, ultimate strength, and failure strain. According to these results, by increasing the infill density, the stiffness and strength of the specimens increases considerably. At infill density of 80%, the specimens has the highest stiffness and strength, but it exhibits a brittle behavior. Moreover, it can be deduced that by reducing the layer thickness although the modulus of elasticity increases a little, ductility is greatly affected.
High Serum Complement Component C4 as An Unique Predictor of Unfavorable Outcomes in Diabetic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Ximeng , Yin Jun , Shao Kai , Yang M. Le , Liu Wei , Wang Yiqing , Diao Shanshan , Huang Shicun , Xue Qun , Ni Jianqiang , Yang Yi
Published: March 2021

Objective: Previous studies demonstrated that diabetic stroke patient had a poor prognosis and excess activation of the complement system in the peripheral blood. In this study, the association of serum complement levels with prognosis of diabetic stroke was examined. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited and were divided into two groups according to the history of diabetes. Baseline data on the admission including C3 and C4 were collected. Neurologic function at discharge was the primary outcome and was quantified by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Results: A total of 426 patients with acute ischemic stroke (116 diabetic stroke and 310 non-diabetic stroke) were recruited in this study. There were significant differences on hypertension, CHD, TG, HDL, FGB, C4, and mortality rate between two groups. Furthermore, the values of complement protein levels were divided into tertiles. In diabetic stroke group, serum C4 level at acute phase in the upper third was independently associated with NIHSS score at discharge and concurrent infection. This associations were not significant in non-diabetic stroke. Conclusion: High serum C4 level at admission, as an unique significant predictor, was associated with unfavorable clinical outcome in the diabetic stroke, independently of traditional risk factors.
Are energy labels good enough for consumers? Experimental evidence on online appliance purchases
Authors: d'Adda Giovanna , Gao Yu , Tavoni Massimo
Published: March 2021

We evaluate the impact of adding simple, accurate information to energy labels on consumers’ purchases through a large-scale field experiment with an online retailer of energy-using durables. In addition to the energy efficiency grades and energy usage information included in the standard EU labelling, we provide energy cost information at different aggregation levels. We find that providing lifetime energy costs leads to greater attention paid to low energy-efficiency class products during the search process and more purchasing, but has little impact on energy consumption in kWh or total cost of the products being purchased. Our results suggest that although customers do not understand the labels accurately, they still make nearly optimal decisions based on the coarse signals provided by labels. This is encouraging from a policy perspective because labels simplify the decision process and did not hurt economic-efficiency.
Pre-operative Predicting Model of Early Tumor Recurrence Outside the Milan Criteria for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hung Hao-Chien , Lee Jin-Chiao , Wang Yu-Chao , Cheng Chih-Hsien , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Chan Kun-Ming , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: March 2021

Background. Liver resection is a primary curative treatment for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the outcomes are impeded by early tumor recurrence. This study aimed to establish a prediction model which could predict tumor recurrence outside the Milan criteria prior to liver resection.Methods. A cohort of 891 HCC patients who had curative liver resections were reviewed. HCC recurrence was divided into 4 groups: early recurrence inside the Milan criteria (ER-MI), early recurrence outside the Milan criteria (ER-MO), late recurrence inside the Milan criteria (LR-MI), and late recurrence outside the Milan criteria (LR-MO). The risk factors of ER-MO were analyzed to establish a prediction model.Results: During a median follow-up of 83.4 months, 589 (66.1%) patients developed recurrent HCC. Among 589 patients, 276 (31.0%), 86 (9.6%), 46 (5.2%) and 181(23.3%) patients were in ER-MO, ER-MI, LR-MO and LR-MI groups, respectively. In multivariate analysis of pre-operative factors, large tumors, non-single tumors, high α-fetoprotein level, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and high indocyanine green retention were the independent predictors of ER-MO. By adjusting the weight of independent risk factors into scores and stratifying patients into class I, II, III and IV according to score 0, 2-6, 7-10 and ≥11, ER-MO events at 24 months were 12.5%, 22.5%, 45.4% and 66.3% for class I, II, III and IV, respectively (P< 0.05).Conclusions. A risk scoring model was built and could predict ER-MO based on pre-operative factors. This scoring model would be helpful for sharing the decision marking of treatments with patients.
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among International Postgraduate Students in a Uk University: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ejim Olivia C. , Livanou Maria , Khan Harun , Lindenmeyer Antje , Uwom Chinedum , Manaseki-Holland Semira
Published: March 2021

Background: Little is known about the prevalence of DAS among postgraduate international students in the UK. The study aimed to determine in these students the prevalence, associated individual characteristics, life and academic challenges related to DAS and suicidal thoughts, and management strategies used by the affected students.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a large English university. Self-selected postgraduate international students, aged 20-50 years, participated through online and paper questionnaires. The World Health Organisation’s Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to indicate the presence of DAS. Additional open questions explored social and academic challenges, and coping strategies. Results: Amongst the 289 participants, 43% (n=123) presented with DAS and 12% (n=34) experienced suicidal thoughts. In the multivariate analysis, significant independent predictors (p≤0.05) were length of stay in the UK (>3 years) and studying in a certain faculty. Significant challenges associated with DAS included relationship issues, inadequate finances, homesickness, difficulty carrying out domestic chores, problem finding a community with shared cultural/religious values, change of climate, and perceived insufficient support from university staff. Coping strategies included talking to academic advisors/tutors, friends/family in the UK or their home country. Of all students with DAS and suicidal thoughts, 25% and 21%, respectively sought medical help, and 17% and 32% were on medication.Conclusion: International postgraduates had higher rates of DAS and suicidal thoughts than the UK population. A low percentage sought medical help, which has implications for service planning. A model of influencing factors is presented, requiring future studies.
Female fatality due to cholera was higher than male. Studies of four cholera epidemics in the Poznań Province in the second half of the 19th century
Authors: Liczbinska Grazyna , Králík Miroslav
Published: March 2021

Males and females differ in terms of patterns of morbidity and mortality resulting from diseases. It has been tested whether cholera epidemics killed selectively by sex in historical populations. Four cholera epidemics in the Poznań Province: 1852, 1855, 1866, and 1873 have been studied. Data have been derived from death registers of the selected parishes located on the territory of the Poznań Province. In total, the information about 34, 655 individual cases, with the causes of deaths recognized, has been used, encompassing 18,243 males and 16,325 females. More females than males died in the periods of cholera epidemics than in non- epidemic ones. The values of sex ratio at death from cholera (SRDCh) during the earlier epidemics (1852, 1855) and later epidemics (1866, 1873) were 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. A significant variances in the sex ratio at death (SRD) have been observed between the cholera epidemics periods (SRD=0.89) and non-epidemic periods (SRD=1.13) in Poznań. The gender-specific cholera death rates could have been related to the division of social roles between women and men. Women more frequently than men had contact with contaminated water, e.g. when preparing and cooking meals, feeding, caring for and washing children and caring for sick family members.
Facile Synthesis of SnS Nanostructures With Different Morphologies for Supercapcitor and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Dar Mohd Arif , Govindarajaran D. , Dar Gulam Nabi
Published: March 2021

In this paper, Tin Sulfide (SnS) nanoparticles is synthesized with three different solvents through hydrothermal method and characterized by using X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Drs spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X- ray spectrum, Supercapcitor and photovoltaic performance. XRD patterns indicate that the prepared SnS nanoparticles exist in the orthorhombic phase. The SEM analysis clearly picturize the morphological changes in the SnS nanoparticles synthesized through different solvents. The UV-Drs spectrum gives direct energy band gap which lies between 1.0 eV to 2.0 eV. The FT-IR spectrum explains various functional groups present in the SnS nanoparticles. The prepared SnS counter electrodes (CEs) showed good electrocatalytic activity in the redox reaction of the I−/I3−. The efficiency of SnS-e, SnS-a and SnS-m counter electrodes are 9.99 %, 9.90 % and 9.86 % in Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) than that of platinum counter electrode which is 9.80 %. The specific capacitance of 284 F/g is obtained for SnS-e electrode at a current density of 5 A/g and an energy density of 216 Wh/kg corresponding to power density value of 1.6 KWh/kg which proves SnS-e electrode possesses better capacitive performance.
Decades of tree planting in Northern India had little effect on forest density and rural livelihoods
Authors: Coleman Eric , Schultz Bill , Ramprasad Vijay , Fischer Harry , Rana Pushpendra , Filippi Anthony , Güneralp Burak , Ma Andong , Solorzano Claudia Rodrriguez , Guleria Vijay , Rana Rajesh , Fleischman Forrest
Published: March 2021

Myriad scholars, policymakers, and practitioners advocate tree planting as a climate mitigation strategy and to support local livelihoods. But, is the broad appeal of tree planting supported by evidence? We report estimated impacts from decades of tree planting in Northern India. We find that tree plantings have not, on average, increased the proportion of dense forest cover, and have modestly shifted species composition away from the broadleaf varieties valued by local people. Supplementary analysis from household livelihood surveys show that, in contrast to narratives of forest dependent people being supported by tree planting, there are few direct users of these plantations and their dependence is low. We conclude that decades of expensive tree planting programs have not proved effective.
Evaluating the Performance of ACR, SLICC and EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria in Childhood onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Abdwani Reem , AlMasroori Eman , Abdalla Eiman , Abrawi Safiya Al , AlZakwani Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

Background:
The ACR 1997, SLICC 2012 and EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria were validated based on adult patients. To date, there are no classification criteria specific for children with SLE. The aim of the study is to compare the performance characteristics among the three SLE classification criterias (ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019) in childhood onset SLE (cSLE) cohort of Arab ethnicity from Oman.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of cSLE patients as cases and patients with other rheumatic disease with a positive ANA titer as controls. Data were retrospectively collected to establish the ACR-1997, SLICC-2012 and EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria fulfilled at first visit, first year follow up and last follow up.
Results:
Study population included 113 cSLE cases (mean age at diagnosis 7.3 ± 3.4 years with disease duration 6.1 ± 4.6 years) and 51 controls (mean age at diagnosis 5.0 ± 3.4 with disease duration 5.7 ± 3.9). The performance measures demonstrated that EULAR/ACR-2019 criteria had the highest sensitivity (81%, 88%, 89%) compared to ACR 1997 ( 49%, 57%, 66%) and SLICC 2012 (76%, 84%,86%); while the ACR 1997 had the highest specificity (96%) compared to SLICC 2012 (94%) and EULAR/ACR 2019 ( 90%) at first visit, first year and last assessment. When we increased the threshold score to ≥ 13 rather than the traditional score ≥ 10 for ACR/EULAR 2019, there was increased specificity (96%) at the expense of lower sensitivity (76%, 83%, and 84%) at first visit, first year and last assessment.
Conclusion:
In this cSLE population, EULAR/ACR 2019 scored better at initial presentation, first year and last assessment follow up. Further multinational studies are needed to validate the appropriate cut off score for the newly proposed ACR/EULAR 2019 classification criteria in cSLE to increase early sensitivity and specificity for cSLE classification.
The Effect of Air Bubble on Corneal Endothelium after Phacoemulsification
Authors: Keles Ali , Karaman Suleyman Korhan
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Methane Production Using Brewery Spent Grain: Optimal Hydrothermolysis, Fermentation Of Waste And Role Of Microbial Populations
Authors: Gomes Marina Mauro , Rabelo Camila Abreu Borges Silva , Sakamoto Isabel Kimiko , Silva Edson Luiz , Varesche Maria Bernadete Amâncio
Published: March 2021

The hydrothermolysis variables temperature (150 - 210 °C) and time (10 - 20 minutes) were assessed to improve hydrolysis efficiency of brewery spent grain (BSG) for renewable energy generation. The intensification of the pretreatment was expressed by the severity variation (2.8 - 4.5) and the process was optimized with methane production of 411.6 ± 7.2 mL. g -1 STV (severity 4.2). The fermentation-methanogenesis of BSG and hydrolysate resulting from BSG hydrothermolysis process under severity of 4.2 (210 o C for 10 min.) was evaluated by central composite design (CCD) with the variables operation temperature (30 - 60 °C), BSG concentration (7.3 - 20.7 g.L -1 ) and hydrolysate (0 - 12.4 mL). The higher methane production observed was 305.8 mL.g -1 STV, with 14 g.L -1 of BSG, without hydrolysate at 45 °C. The main soluble metabolites were acetic acid (233.17 mg.L -1 ) and butyric acid (156.0 mg.L -1 ). On other hand, the lower methane production (108.5 ± 2.0 mL. g -1 STV) verified was 14 g.L -1 of BSG, 6.5 mL of hydrolysate at 60 °C, which revealed that in this condition propionic acid (947.4 mg.L -1 ) and acetic acid (599.2 mg.L -1 ) were expressive. In the optimal fermentation-methanogenic condition of pretreated BSG, Macellibacteroides and Sphaerochaeta (15.9 and 14.7%, respectively) were identified, as well as archaea similar to Methanosaeta (80.4%), favoring the acetoclastic methanogenic pathway.
Corn Diseases Recognition Method Based on Multi-feature Fusion and Improved Deep Belief Network
Authors: Fan Xiangpeng , Zhou Jianping , Xu Yan , Yang Jingjing
Published: March 2021

The automatic monitoring timely and accurately of crop diseases has become an important research field in the process of intelligent management of precision agriculture. Aiming at the low application rate of current crop disease identification methods in real field environment, a disease identification method based on multi-feature fusion and improved deep belief network is proposed. We Obtained representative samples in the field, and augmented the data set. K-means clustering segmentation and morphological corrosion processing were utilized to obtain segmentation maps with clear boundaries and low noise. Then color features, shape features and textures of disease images were extracted and they were fused to normalize as input data. A corn disease recognition model based on deep belief network was designed, using labeled and unlabeled dual hidden layer network structure to study the DBN hidden layer node combination. We obtained the optimal hidden layer node number combination method for disease classification: [26,85,29,4], and the accuracy of DBN was 92.79%. On this basis, the deep belief network recognition model was optimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm. The experiment indicated that recognition effect using multi-feature fusion as input vectors was better than a single feature. The improved PSO-DBN had a faster convergence speed than the standard DBN, it has a recognition accuracy of 3.86% higher than that of DBN. Compared with state-of-the-art methods including SVM, ANN and CNN models, the proposed deep belief network can effectively dig deep into the digital features of disease areas or lesions and has the best performance, which could meet the needs of intelligent identification of field diseases.
Experience of Autistic Children and Their Families During the Pandemic: From Distress to Coping Strategies
Authors: Jacques Claudine , Saulnier Geneviève , Ethier Agnès , Soulières Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Background. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded during Spring 2020, families experienced multiple upheavals, including lockdown, school closures and ruptures in professional services. We wanted to better understand the experience of autistic children and their families in times of crisis. Methods. 109 parents of autistic children (2.6–18 years) and 56 autistic children (5.75–18 years) from Quebec (Canada) completed an online survey about needs, barriers and facilitators to coping with the pandemic. Quantitative data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-squares and open-ended questions with thematic analysis. Results. Half of the parents and children considered the pandemic to be a stressful time. Parents who expressed concerns about their child’s development and difficulty managing their child’s behaviors during the pandemic were significantly more likely than other parents to report these concerns before the pandemic, along with the following challenges during the pandemic: social isolation, having to pursue academic goals, feeling powerless over their child’s behaviors and no routine during the pandemic (all p < 0.05). Maintaining social relationships and implementing appropriate strategies, such as a routine, were identified as facilitators by both parents and children. Among children, 92.9% associated technologies with their well-being, but many parents saw too much access to electronics by their child as a barrier, suggesting a need to better understand and use autistic interests. Conclusion. Both autistic children and their parents identified social isolation as one of the main difficulties during the pandemic. We also need to consider autistic characteristics and children’s interests to implement emergency accommodations and services.