bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of Anatolian Earthquake on February 6, 2023 Prediction using seismic coefficient analysis
Authors: Shamgani Amir , Saffari Hamid
Published: March 2023

A number of large and deadly earthquake occurred on February 6, 2023, in the vicinity of the Eastern Anatolian Fault, which caused a lot of financial and human losses. This fault runs from the south to the northeast of Turkey, which forms a tectonic boundary between the Arabian plate and the Anatolian plate. Due to the fact that the Arabian plate is moving towards the north and the Anatolian plate is moving towards the west, the mechanism of this fault is strike-slip. In this article, the spatial and temporal changes of seismic parameters in an area with coordinates of 35 to 40 degrees longitude and 35.5 to 39 degrees latitude, which includes the Eastern Anatolian fault, have been investigated. To this purpose, seismic data from 01/01/1990 to 02/21/2023 with a moment magnitude greater than or equal to 3.5 (Mw≥3.5) was considered. This research showed that before large earthquakes occurred on February 6, 2023, the seismicity parameter b clearly decreased. This was happened in the about 6 months before the earthquakes so the b-value had significantly decreased from 3.98 to 0.69. Using spatial and temporal analysis of seismic coefficients besides other pre-detectors such as changes in the amount of stress, wave velocity, gravity characteristics, electric resistance and magnetic field can lead to better prediction of hazardous earthquakes.
Rates of robust superlinear convergence of preconditioned Krylov methods for elliptic FEM problems
Authors: Castillo Sebastian , Karátson János
Published: March 2023

This paper considers the iterative solution of finite element discretizations of second-order elliptic boundary value problems. Mesh independent estimations are given for the rate of superlinear convergence of preconditioned Krylov methods, involving the connection between the convergence rate and the Lebesgue exponent of the data. Numerical examples demonstrate the theoretical results.
Community violence in neighborhoods and common mental disorders among Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Miliauskas Claudia Reis , Hellwig Natalia Hellwig , Bloch Katia Vergetti , Junger Washington Junger , Lopes Claudia de Souza
Published: March 2023

Background: The objectives of this study are to investigate the association between exposure to neighborhood violence and the presence of common mental disorders (CMDs) among Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years and to analyze whether sex, age and race are modifiers of the effect of this association.
Methods: The study population consisted of 1,686 adolescents living in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, which is located in the Southeast region of Brazil. To measure exposure to community violence, three crime indicators were created from records at the Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro: crimes against property, nonlethal crimes, and lethal crimes. Geospatial analysis was performed based on the adolescents’ residence area, and logistic regression modeling was performed to measure the association between violence and CMDs.
Results: Adolescents living in regions with higher rates of the three types of violence studied herein were more likely to have CMDs, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.33 to 2.99. When stratified by sex, age and race, girls, younger adolescents and black individuals had a higher likelihood of having CMDs than their respective counterparts.
Conclusion: This study provides important contributions to the field of public health, as it reveals new information on the influence of community violence on adolescents’ mental health. Given the high rates of violence globally, knowing the effects of violence on adolescents is critical to prevent and treat CMDs in this population.
The use of an RP-HPLC-UV method for the analysis of oxcarbazepine in the presence of its preservatives; stability studies and application to human plasma samples
Authors: Fouad Ali , Abdelkhalek Ahmed S. , Soltan Moustafa K. , Batakoushy Hany A.
Published: March 2023

A simple, sensitive, selective, accurate and precise method was developed and fully validated for determination of oxcarbazepine (OXC) in presence of their preservatives and determination of oxcarbazepine (OXC) in human plasma. A reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV detection techniques were applied for separation and quantification of studied drug OXC. Successful separation of the drug from methyl paraben (M.P.), propyl paraben (P.P.) and potassium sorbate (P.ST.) was achieved on a Kromasil C18 column (5 µm particle size, pore size 300 Å, L × I.D. 250 mm × 4.6 mm). The mobile system that contain aqueous 0.05M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 7): acetonitrile, (50: 50, %v/v). The method was linear over concentration ranges 5.0–50 µg/mL for OXC. Bioanalytical validation of the developed method was carried out according to US-FDA guidelines. The developed method can be applied for routine drug analysis, therapeutic drug monitoring and bioequivalence studies through the analysis of plasma samples taken from blood bank.
Health-related Quality of Life in Chinese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Zihuan , Wang Xingli , Chen Yanhan , Zhou Hengyu , Zhu Wenfen , Xiong Xiu , Tang Jiao , Zhao Qinghua
Published: March 2023

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic and life-threatening disease. Nevertheless, there are controversies on the factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese individuals with T2DM.
Methods: This multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary grade-A hospitals in Chongqing, China, from January to December 2019. A total of 385 individuals with T2DM were included by the convenient sample method. Fear of Progression Questionnaire-short Form (FOP-Q-SF), Hypoglycemia Fear Survey II(HFSII), diabetes management self-efficacy scale (DESES), and EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) were used for data collection.
Results: The mean age of the 385 individuals was 57.65 (SD = 15.15) years old, and three-quarters of individuals had a high school or above education level. Participants in our study had moderate HRQoL and were more likely to have trouble with the pain/discomfort dimension. The fear of progression (FOP) level was moderate, and 23.1% of individuals suffered from psychological dysfunction. Participants had higher levels of fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) and self-efficacy. Multiple steppage-regression analysis predicted higher levels of FOP and FOH, reduced self-efficacy, older age, longer duration since diagnosis, lower educational attainment, higher level of HbA1c, and living with comorbid conditions were related to lower HRQoL of individuals.
Conclusion: Present research showed that the quality of life of Chinese T2DM patients may be impaired by increased FOP, FOH, and poor glycemic control, due to regional, cultural, and economic differences. In addition, with the increase in the patient's age and duration since diagnosis, the patient's quality of life could further decline. We recommend that improve the quality of life by encouraging patients to attain more health education and resilience skills to enhance self-efficacy and reduce negative emotions of patients.
The influence of photoperiod on development and population growth performance of the Phytoseiulus persimilis fed on Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Pakyari Hajar , Arbab Abbas , Sedaratian-Jahromi Amin
Published: March 2023

Environmental factors, such as photoperiod can play an important role in the development of mites. The influence of photoperiod (L:D= 4:20, 8:16, 12:12, 16:8 and 20:4) on the development and population parameters of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot fed on two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch was examined under laboratory conditions. Pre-adult development decreased with increasing photoperiod until 12h, after which development period progressively increased. Longevity of both sexes demonstrated significant differences throughout photoperiods, with the longest at 20:4 L:D and the shortest at 8:16 L:D. The highest value of mean total fecundity was 13.62 egg/female at 12:12 L:D photoperiod. The net reproductive rate (R0), the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ), showed the highest value at 12:12 L:D. The R0, r and λ for P. persimilis increased with increasing photoperiod from 4:20 to 12:12 L:D, but decreased sharply at the 16:8 and 20:4 L:D treatments. Our findings indicate that photoperiod has a significant role in advancing the rate of development, survival rate and reproduction for commercial production of P. persimilis, with a 12:12 photoperiod length recognized as the ideal period for commercial production in culture.
Barycentric Lagrange Interpolation in Matrix-Vector Versions for solving Love’s Integral Equations
Authors: Shoukralla E. S.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we solve two integral equations of Love’s type that have many applications, especially in electrostatic systems. The approach of the solution is based on an innovative technique using matrix algebra for the barycentric Lagrange interpolation. The unknown function is expressed through the product of four matrices, one of which is a square matrix in which each row expresses the coefficients of one barycentric function. The kernel is interpolated twice, so we get the product of five matrices. One of these matrices is the most important matrix in the solution’s procedure. As it expresses the functional values of the kernel at the interpolation nodes for the two variables. Additionally, we derive an equivalent linear algebraic system to the solution by substituting the matrix-vector barycentric interpolated unknown function together with the double interpolation kernel into both sides of the integral equation. The obtained results converge strongly with the approximate analytical solutions. In addition to being uniformly approximated, continuous, and even, which proves the validity of the solution by the presented method.
MSC code: 00A69
Influence Factors of Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Occlusion in Cancer Patients: Developing a Prediction Model
Authors: Zou Pan-Pan , Wu Dan , Wang wen , Hu yingxin
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study explores the risk factors of peripheral intravenous catheter occlusion in cancer patients and establishes a nomogram prediction model for the risk of peripheral intravenous catheter occlusion.
Methods: In this prospective study, 243 patients from multiple centers were included in the prediction model. The subset of influencing factors of peripheral intravenous catheter occlusion in cancer patients was obtained by LASSO regression 10-fold cross validation. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine the predictive factors of the risk of such patients, and a nomogram prediction model was drawn. The ROC curve was utilized to evaluate the predictive ability of the model. The bootstrap method was utilized for internal validation and the C-index was calculated to evaluate the discrimination ability of the model. The calibration curve was drawn to evaluate the calibration of the model.
Results: LASSO-logistic regression analysis showed that nurses’access to peripheral venous catheter maintenance (OR=9.269), patient gender (OR=2.627), number of complications (OR=2.005), and indwelling time of indwelling needle (OR=1.021) were the risk factors of venous indwelling needle blockage in tumor patients. The nomogram model was constructed based on the above risk factors, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.729% (95% CI: 0.657 ~ 0.801), and the C-index after internal verification was 0.712%. The calibration curve shows that the predicted results are in good agreement with the actual results.
Conclusion: The prediction model has good prediction efficiency, which can provide reference for clinical nurses to identify the high-risk groups of indwelling needle blockage and formulate targeted intervention measures.
Hybrid Dynamics for Closed-Loop Multibody Systems
Authors: Jain Abhinandan
Published: March 2023

A popular method for solving the dynamics of closed-loop systems is
the {\it tree-augmented (TA)} dynamics algorithm. In this method, a
minimal set of the inter-body constraints are ``cut'' to convert the
system into a tree-topology system. The inter-body constraints within
the tree are treated as hinges parameterized with a minimal set of
coordinates. The overall dynamics model formulation consists of the
minimal-coordinate dynamics model for the tree system together with
the minimal set of bilateral closure constraints for the tree system.
A DAE solver is needed for solving the equations of motion in this
formulation. An alternative method that avoids DAEs altogether is the
{\it constraint embedding (CE)} dynamics algorithm
\cite{Jain2011b}. This technique uses the TA model as a starting
point. However, TA model's bilateral constraints are eliminated by
aggregating bodies affected by the bilateral constraint into compound
bodies. The result system topology is once again a tree with only
inter-body hinges and no bilateral constraints. The benefit of this
approach is that the structure-based tree algorithms can be directly
used to solve the dynamics, and this formulation requires the simpler
ODE solver. While the CE algorithm is undoubtedly superior for
systems with small loops - and especially ones where the loop
kinematics has analytical solution. However when the loops become
larger, or more complex (eg. meshes), the benefits of the CE approach
over the TA approach decrease. For systems involving both small and
large loops, the analyst is left with the unsatisfactory situation of
choosing between either the TA or CE approaches. The main
contribution of this paper is the development of a {\it hybrid
dynamics method} which allows the use of TA and CE approaches to
different loops in the multibody system. This allows the user to
judiciously choose the better of the TA or CE approaches for each of
the loops in the system.
T cell proliferation-related subtypes, prognosis model and characterization of tumor microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Wanjin , Yang Xiaonan , Gan Ruijia , Hua Hongting , Ding Zhimin , Si Dongyu , Zhu Xinbei , Yang Qi , Wang Xu , Zhang Huabing , Gao Chaobing
Published: March 2023

Background: Thirty-three synthetic driver genes of T-cell proliferation have recently been identified through genome-scale screening. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration, prognosis, and response to immunotherapy mediated by multiple T cell proliferation-related genes (TRGs) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remain unclear.
Methods: This study examined the genetic and transcriptional changes in 771 patients with HNSC by analyzing the TRGs from two independent datasets. Two different subtypes were analyzed to investigate their relationship with immune infiltrating cells in the TME and patient prognosis. The study also developed and validated a risk score to predict overall survival (OS). Furthermore, to enhance the clinical utility of the risk score, an accurate nomogram was constructed by combining the characteristics of this study.
Results: The low-risk score observed in this study was associated with high levels of immune checkpoint expression and TME immune activation, indicating a favorable OS outcome. Additionally, various factors related to risk scores were depicted.
Conclusion: Through comprehensive analysis of TRGs in HNSC, our study has revealed the characteristics of the TME and prognosis, providing a basis for further investigation into TRGs and the development of more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
Effects of maxillary expansion in mixed dentition with Invisalign First System and Hass: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lu Lanxin , Zhang Lingling , Li Chengri , Yi Fang , Lei Lei , Lu Yanqin
Published: March 2023

Objective: This prospective cohort study aimed to compare the dento-skeletal effects of using Invisalign First System with Hass excluding growth factors.
Materials and Methods: A total of 51 patients were included in this study: Invisalign First System (First) group (n = 17), Hass group (n = 17), natural growth (NG) group (n = 17), after screening by strict inclusion criteria and propensity score matching (PSM). Research indicators were measured on digital dental casts at baseline (T0) and six-month follow-up (T1), including intercanine width, interpremolar width, second interdeciduous molar width, arch depth, arch perimeter, intercanine alveolar bone width, intermolar alveolar bone width, and molar inclination.
Results: In the NG group, there was no statistically significant difference in dento-skeletal indicators. In the First and Hass group, all indicators were significantly increased after treatment. The Hass group showed a greater expansion than First group for intercanine width, first interpremolar width, second interdeciduous molar width and first intermolar mesial width, arch perimeter, intercanine alveolar bone width, intermolar alveolar bone width, and molar inclination (p < 0.05). Whereas, arch depth showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusions: 1. Both Hass and First can effectively expand maxillary in mixed dentition.
2. Invisalign First System is a new method of comfortably and effectively acting on maxillary expansion, recommended for patients with aesthetic, arch space management needs and mild to moderate narrowing of the maxillary in mixed dentition.
3. Hass allows a greater expansion, recommended for patients with severe maxillary transverse deficiency.
Clinical relevance: The present fndings provide theoretical basis for various clinical treatments regarding maxillary expansion with mixed dentition.
Registration number:ChiCTR2200056220, February 1, 2022.
Multicenter Prospective Trial Evaluating the Utility of CYP3A5 Genotype in Determining Optimal Initial Dosage of Tacrolimus in Chinese Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zhang Xi , Tong Weihang , Chen Hui , Fu Shangxi , Lei Ning , Li Guangrun , Zhang Zheng , Li Pengfei , Liu Lihong
Published: March 2023

Purpose
Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressant extensively, due to different gene expressions of CYP3A5 in different populations, tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic index and there is significant heterogeneity in the dose required to achieve target blood concentrations, leading to difficulty in determining the optimal initial dosage.
Methods
145 Chinese renal transplant recipients were divided into two groups according to different CYP3A5 genotypes. The initial oral dose of tacrolimus for patients with CYP3A5*1/*3 and *1/*1 genotypes (expressers) was 0.14 to 0.18 mg/kg/day, and 0.08 to 0.1 mg/kg/day for that with CYP3A5*3/*3 genotypes (non-expressing type). The primary endpoints were the time to achieve the first target tacrolimus blood concentration (TBC) (7 ~ 13 ng/ml) and the proportion of patients reaching this target range on Day 3 ~ 7. Secondary endpoints were the mean doses of tacrolimus, acute rejection, and delayed renal allograft function of tacrolimus.
Results
The time needed to achieve the first target TBC after transplantation is as follows: expressers patients (N = 59) at 7 days (3 to 28) and non-expressers patients (N = 86) at 3 days (3 to 14) (P < 0.01). The proportion of patients was 91.8% for non-expressers, which was significantly higher than 64.4% for expressers (p = 0.02). Within one month after transplantation, the mean daily dose of tacrolimus was 0.151 ± 0.036 mg/kg for expressers and 0.089 ± 0.032 mg/kg for non-expressers.
Conclusions
We recommend determining CYP3A5*3 genotype prior to transplantation in order to help facilitate determining the optimal tacrolimus dose. For non-expressers, the initial dose of 0.08 ~ 0.1 mg/kg daily of tacrolimus is appropriate. For expressers, a higher initial dose or combination therapy with drugs are potential strategies that require further evaluation.
Digitalization and Changes to Work Organization and Management in the Norwegian Petroleum Industry
Authors: Melberg Kjersti , Gressgård Leif
Published: March 2023

This article analyses how implementation and use of digital technologies involve changes in work content, organization, and management in the petroleum industry. This is important, given that the industry is in a phase with mature technology and heavy pressure on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, at the same time as older systems and work processes prevail. The article draws on data acquired through interviews in a number of companies, organizations and specialist teams. The results show that far-reaching digitalization will mean radical changes to the way employees and managers work. The level of success in using digital technologies can be related to the ability to alter the content and form of work and expertise requirements, while retaining trust in technology and coping with uncertainty. A key conclusion is that clarifications related to work processes, roles, and responsibilities between the various actors in the supply chain are the most significant obstacles to successful technology adoption.
Finding the optimal candidate for shock wave lithotripsy: external validation and comparison of five prediction models
Authors: Popiolek Marcin , Jendeberg Johan , Sundqvist Pernilla , Wagenius Magnus , Lidén Mats
Published: March 2023

Purpose
To externally validate five previously published predictive models (Ng score, Triple D score, S3HoCKwave score, Kim nomogram, Niwa nomogram) for shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) single-session outcomes in patients with a solitary stone in the upper ureter.
Methods
Patients treated with SWL from September 2011 to December 2019 were included in a retrospective analysis. Patient-related variables were collected from the hospital records. Stone-related data including all measurements were retrieved from computed tomography prior to SWL. We estimated discrimination using area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and clinical net benefit based on decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
A total of 384 patients with proximal ureter stones treated with SWL were included in the analysis. Median age was 55.5 years, and 282 (73%) of the sample were men. Median stone size was 8.0 mm. All models significantly predicted the SWL outcomes after one session. S3HoCKwave score, Niwa, and Kim nomograms had the highest accuracy in predicting outcomes, with AUC 0.716, 0.714 and 0.701, respectively. These three models outperformed both the Ng (AUC: 0.670) and Triple D (AUC: 0.667) scoring systems, approaching statistical significance (P = 0.05). Of all the models, the Niwa nomogram showed the strongest calibration and highest net benefit in DCA.
Conclusions
The models showed small differences in predictive power. The Niwa nomogram, however, demonstrated acceptable discrimination, the most accurate calibration, and the highest net benefit whilst having relatively simple design. Therefore, it could be useful for counselling patients with a solitary stone in the upper ureter.
Metabolomics analysis reveals changes related to pseudocyst formation induced by iron depletion in Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Cheng Wei-Hung , Huang Po-Jung , Lee Chi-Ching , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Ong Seow-Chin , Lin Rose , Ku Fu-Man , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Tang Petrus
Published: March 2023

Background
Iron is an essential element for cellular functions, such as energy metabolism. Trichomonas vaginalis, a human urogenital tract pathogen, is capable of surviving in the environment without sufficient iron supplementation. Pseudocysts (cyst-like structures) are an environmentally tolerated stage of this parasite while encountering undesired conditions, such as iron deficiency. We demonstrated that iron deficiency induces more active glycolysis but a drastic downregulation of hydrogenosomal energy metabolic enzymes. Therefore, the metabolic direction of pyruvate is still controversial.
Methods
In the present work, we conducted an LC‒MS-based metabolomics analysis to obtain accurate insights into the enzymatic events of T. vaginalis under iron-depleted (ID) conditions.
Results
First, we showed the possible digestion of glycogen, cellulose polymerization, and accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs). Second, a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) capric acid was elevated, whereas most detected C18 fatty acids were reduced significantly. Third, amino acids were mostly reduced, especially alanine, glutamate, and serine. There were 33 dipeptides that showed significant accumulation in ID cells, which was probably associated with the decrease in amino acids. Our results indicated that glycogen was metabolized as the carbon source, and the structural component cellulose was synthesized at same time. The decrease in C18 fatty acids implied possible incorporation in the membranous compartment for pseudocyst formation. The decrease in amino acids accompanied by an increase in dipeptides implied incomplete proteolysis. These enzymatic reactions (alanine dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and threonine dehydratase) were likely to be involved in ammonia release.
Conclusion
These findings highlighted the possible glycogen utilization, cellulose biosynthesis, and fatty acid incorporation in pseudocyst formation, as well as NO precursor ammonia production induced by iron-depleted stress.
Production and characterization of antimicrobial nanocomposite film based on Plantago major seeds gum/carboxymethyl cellulose reinforced by Cerium oxide nanoparticles and fenugreek essential oil
Authors: Asadi Seyyed Mohammad Ehsan , Marand Sina Ardebilchi , Amiri Saber , Fazeli Manuchehr , Heidari Zhiyar , Nabavi Seyyed Moein , Kashtiban Ayla Elmi
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to produce Plantago major seeds gum (PMSG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) antimicrobial nanocomposite film by adding Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) (2.5 and 5%W/W) as reinforcing additive and fenugreek seeds essential oil (FSEO) (4 and 8%W/W) as a bioactive agent. The nanocomposite films were prepared by casting method, and moisture content, moisture absorption, opacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant properties of them were examined. FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and TGA tests were carried out to study the morphology, crystalline structure, and thermal stability of films, respectively. Moreover, mechanical properties, for instance, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and thickness of the films, were measured. The results indicated that adding CeO2 NPs improved the mechanical properties and formed new crystalline structures on the nanocomposite films. The inclusion of 5% CeO2 NPs and 8% FSEO had a significant reduction in moisture content and moisture absorption (p\(<\)0.05). Besides, FSEO addition did not have a significant effect on the WVP amount (p\(>\)0.05). However, adding CeO2 NPs and FSEO caused a significant effect on antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were obtained by the film containing 2.5% CeO2 NPs and 8% FSEO. The results showed that the TS was decreased by adding FSEO, and it increased by adding CeO2 NPs, especially at higher concentrations. EB was significantly affected by the addition of CeO2 NPs and FSEO, EB was enhanced by the addition of FSEO, and was reduced by the addition of CeO2 NPs. Instrumental analysis FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and TGA tests showed high potential of PMSG/CMC-based nanocomposite reinforced by CeO2 NPs and FSEO for food packaging technology.
Description of the design of a mixed-methods study to assess the burden and determinants of malaria transmission for tailoring of interventions (microstratification) in Ibadan and Kano metropolis
Authors: Ozodiegwu Ifeoma D. , Ogunwale Akintayo O. , Surakat Olabanji , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Bamgboye Eniola , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi F. , Bello Musa Muhammad , Adamu Al-Mukhtar Y. , Uhomobhi Perpetua , Ademu Cyril , Okoronkwo Chukwu , Adeleke Monsuru , Ajayi IkeOluwapo
Published: March 2023

Introduction
: Rapid urbanization in Nigerian cities may likely result in small-scale variation in malaria transmission with a higher malaria burden in informal settlements and slums. However, data is unavailable to quantify city-level variations in transmission risk and to inform selection of appropriate interventions. We are conducting field studies to understand how malaria risk varies at the smallest administrative units (wards) in two major Nigerian cities – Ibadan and Kano – to inform tailoring of interventions for cities in Nigeria’s National Malaria Strategic Plan.
Methods and Analysis:
This is a mixed-method research design involving qualitative and quantitative research methods. We will carry out formative qualitative studies to inform sampling strategies for formal settlements, informal settlements and slums and the design of survey questionnaires. Cross-sectional surveys will be conducted in the wet and dry seasons across wards in the study cities and within different settlement types at the household and health facility levels to map all-age and under-five malaria prevalence and evaluate related risk factors. A 12-month longitudinal study among children under the age of 10 years will provide information on malaria seasonality in the two cities and related factors. Entomological surveys will be undertaken for six months (three months in each season) per city to assess local transmission risk in both cities. Descriptive and regression analysis will be applied to study data to assess malaria prevalence, seasonality and related factors. Mathematical models of malaria transmission for each study ward will be developed based on study data to inform assessment of the impact of various intervention scenarios specified by the NMEP on malaria transmission.
Conclusion
The combination of various study types provide in-depth information useful for subcity tailoring of interventions in Nigeria
A Survey of Deep Causal Models and Their Industrial Applications
Authors: Li Zongyu , Zhu Zhenfeng , Guo Xiaobo , Zheng Shuai , Guo Zhenyu , Qiang Siwei , Zhao Yao
Published: March 2023

The concept of causality plays a significant role in human cognition. In the past few decades, causal effect estimation has been well developed in many fields, such as computer science, medicine, economics, and other industrial applications. With the advancement of deep learning, it has been increasingly applied in causal effect estimation against counterfactual data. Typically, deep causal models map the characteristics of covariates to a representation space and then design various objective functions to estimate counterfactual data unbiasedly. Different from the existing surveys on causal models in machine learning, this paper mainly focuses on the overview of the deep causal models, and its core contributions are as follows: 1) we cast insight on a comprehensive overview of deep causal models from both timeline of development and method classification perspectives; 2) we outline some typical applications of causal effect estimation to industry; 3) we also endeavor to present a detailed catego-rization and analysis on relevant datasets, source codes and experiments.
Do women benefit from women education aid? Evidence from panel data
Authors: Maruta Admasu Asfaw
Published: March 2023

Most of the aid literature focuses on the potential growth effects of aggregate aid, with mixed results. Considering that donors have repeatedly asserted the multidimensionality of their purposes, a much-disaggregated analysis of aid effectiveness is necessary. The effect of women education aid is examined empirically for 72 developing countries during the period 1990–2016. The effectiveness of aid targeted to women education is assessed here within the framework of cross-country regression. This analysis exploits an instrumental variable since donors provide large amount of women education aid to countries which have similar voting positions in the United Nations General Assembly. The results show that women education aid has a significantly positive effect on women’s education. This result is robust with different sensitivity checks. The finding has strong policy implications for donor countries and international aid organisations, such as it helps identify the most effective types of foreign aid flow to various economic sectors of the recipient countries.
Linking up Bell-Beakers in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Jiménez-Puerto Joaquín , Bernabeu-Aubán Joan
Published: March 2023

Many studies in complexity theory employ agent-based models whose interactions can be expressed as networks. In such models, the pattern of interactions between actors is crucial, and the network topology that emerges from the raw data can be characterized through many metrics. There is one tool that has been previously employed in Archaeology studies and has the potential to deal with networks in social contexts at different scales of analysis: social network analysis (SNA). This discipline has been applied successfully in wide range of archaeological problems, providing valuable insights and a different perspective. It also could be useful to provide quantification to concepts associated with social complexity, such as robustness, resilience, and edge-of-chaos threshold. In this work, we will propose some methodologic possibilities to approximate some of these concepts through SNA. In order to illustrate the process, we will present a case study from the Copper Age in the Iberian Peninsula: Bell-Beaker phase.
Return to sport after meniscus RAMP lesion with anterior cruciate ligament injury management: A Systematic Reviews and protocol management
Authors: Srimongkolpi Surasak , Chernchujit Bancha , Ongkanchana Chavithorn , Apivatgaroon Adinun
Published: March 2023

The RAMP lesion is related to anterior cruciate ligament injury, and the management of the sport occupational patient is still lacking evidence and inconclusive on many issues, including return to sport timing, rehabilitation protocol, and whether to repair or leave the lesion (non-repair) during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Several databases were used to search for results in PRISMA 2009 guideline was used to discuss the term "return to sport" in the RAMP lesion. Several studies were selected by the level of sport, type of sport injury, return to sport timing, level of return to sport, and post-operative rehabilitation. Totally, four studies were selected by inclusion criteria. In three studies, the follow-up timing was more than 24 months. The total of 215 patients were analyzed, and conclusions were reached. Result of the range of return to sport timing was 7 to 9 months until be able to return to same level (> 80%) both of repair RAMP lesion with ACLR except non-repair might be delayed. However, the most studies found that patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between the non-repair and repair RAMP sport activity groups. Most authors still recommend repair of the unstable and extended RAMP lesion with ACLR.
Hydrogen Bonds Structure and Electrostatic Interactions in a Non-Empirical Model of Ion Hydration
Authors: Dolgonosov Anatoly M.
Published: March 2023

A model of the ion hydration shell based on its topological, electrostatic, and hydrophilic properties at an atomic level has been developed. The energy of hydration layer is described taking into account the local dielectric permittivity, layer geometry in the cases of creation and destruction of hydrogen bonds, and the formation of a multilayer hydration shell. An expression for the ion hydration number is derived, which accounts for the ionic radius, charge, and the hydrogen bonding ability of the ion.
Pan-cancer analysis of co-inhibitory molecules reveals their potential prognostic and clinical values as biomarkers
Authors: Ren Xiaoyu , Geng Jiahui , Chen Yuling , Wang Xue , Zhou Lian , Shi Lei
Published: March 2023

The widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA4 or PD-1) has opened a new chapter in tumor immunotherapy by providing long-term survival for patients. Unfortunately, these agents are not universally available and only a small portion of patients respond to them. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting other co-inhibitory molecules, such as LAG3, TIM3, TIGIT, NRP1, VISTA. In addition, combination therapies including combined blockade and chemo-immunotherapy are promising topics in this field, such as the recent FDA approval of combination therapy targeting both LAG3 and PD-1. However, comprehensive information on the expression and prognostic value of co-inhibitory molecules, including co-inhibitory receptors and their ligands, in different cancers is not yet available. For this reason, we performed this analysis to assess the expression patterns and correlations of co-inhibitory molecules, and further evaluated their relationships with patient prognosis, tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity. These co-inhibitory molecules have the potential to be prognostic biomarkers and drivers of individualized therapy for a wide range of cancers, as they are closely associated with these metrics.
Impact, Utility and Need for Teleorthodontics in Recent Times-A Systematic Review
Authors: Jha Sheetal , Singla Anshul , Sharma Shruti , Singh Rajeshwar , Nagar Ayushi
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION Teleorthodontics uses information technology to provide remote, global healthcare advice and treatment. This approach allows the exchange of patient-related information with healthcare providers and/ or related organizations using digital technology such as radiographs and healthcare-related consultations. This is in contrast to the traditional methods of healthcare management which rely on direct patient contact and communication. Furthermore, Teleorthodontics has been shown to be a valuable means of monitoring patients and facilitating patient-dentist communication, especially in the present COVID-19 pandemic that has challenged the existing global healthcare systems and all forms of healthcare policy.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact, relevance and utility of teleorthodontics in today’s era.
METHODS In this systematic review, the articles search was performed on relevant studies collected through systematically developed and executed search strategies for the past 10 years in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Medline etc. The research was carried out by online and offline surfing and 10yrs database records.442 records were screened, out of which 8 articles were narrowed down to be included for the systematic review.
RESULTS There are 8 articles which suggested the impact and relevance of teleorthodontics in recent times.
CONCLUSION Based on 8 articles teleorthodontics is a go-to modality and an adjunct to traditional orthodontic diagnosis, consultation and treatment therapy.
Solution-Processed Single-Component Organic Photodetectors - Strong Quadrupole Moments in Molecules Enable the State-of-the-Art Performance
Authors: Park Song Yi , Labanti Chiara , Lee Tack Ho , Pacalaj Richard A. , Dong Yifan , Chin Yi-Chun , Luke Joel , Ryu Gihan , Minami Daiki , Yun Sungyoung , Park Jeong-Il , Fang Feifei , Park Kyung-Bae , Durrant James R. , Kim Ji-Seon
Published: March 2023

Donor-acceptor based bulk-heterojunctions (BHJ) are commonly used as the photoactive layer in organic photodetectors (OPDs) to utilize the energetic offset formed at the donor and acceptor interface for exciton dissociation. However, this strategy often complicates optimization procedures and raises the concerns over device reproducibility and stability. Herein, we demonstrate that solution-processed single-component organic semiconductors can operate as efficient OPDs. We use non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) as the single-component photoactive layer, where the intermolecular charge transfer excitonic (CTE) states are formed within <1 ps, and efficient photocurrent generation is achieved via strong quenching of these CTE states by reverse bias. Y6 and IT-4F, prototypical NFAs, based OPDs show excellent OPD performances; low dark current density (~10-9 A cm-2), high responsivity (≥ 0.15 A W-1), high specific detectivity (> 1012 Jones) and fast photo-response time (< 10 μs), comparable to the state-of-the-art BHJ OPDs. We find these excellent single-component NFA OPD performances are strongly correlated with the high quadrupole moments of NFA molecules, which generate the energetic offset required for CTE state separation. Our work opens a new way to realize efficient OPD devices using single-component organic semiconductors via solution processing and provides the important molecular design rules required for single-component photoactive materials.
Different regrowth patterns after repeated clipping in two Mongolian pasture species
Authors: Hu Richa , Yoshihara Yu , Gantsetseg Batdelger , Kinugasa Toshihiko
Published: March 2023

We investigated changes in the regrowth patterns of two grass species on the Mongolian steppe, Agropyron cristatum and Stipa krylovii, in response to repeated clipping and used a growth analysis to identify the factors responsible for differences in their regrowth patterns. Plants grown in pots were clipped every 3 weeks, and leaf area, dry mass, and N and crude fiber contents were measured. Aboveground biomass recovered to the same level as that before clipping in both species even after 3 clipping–regrowth cycles, but the mechanisms behind their regrowth abilities differed. In A. cristatum, a decrease in biomass allocation to aboveground parts with repeated clipping was fully compensated by the positive effect derived from the increase in growth rate due to increased leaf area expansion associated with an increase in specific leaf area (SLA). In S. krylovii, a decrease in SLA reduced leaf area but at the same time increased N content per unit leaf area and consequently photosynthetic ability, leaving the growth rate unchanged. The values of growth parameters involved in regrowth after clipping changed with repeated clipping, and those changes differed between species. In particular, the difference in the response of SLA to repeated clipping contributed greatly to the difference in regrowth patterns. These results imply that changes in leaf morphology as plant strategies against grazing can contribute to plants’ regrowth patterns.
Quenched random mass disorder in the large N theory of vector bosons
Authors: Ma Han
Published: March 2023

We study the critical bosonic O(N) vector model with quenched random
mass disorder in the large N limit. Due to the replicated action which
is sometimes not bounded from below, we avoid the replica trick and
adopt a traditional approach to directly compute the disorder averaged
physical observables. At N=\infty,
we can exactly solve the disordered model. The resulting low energy
behavior can be described by two scale invariant theories, one of which
has an intrinsic scale. At finite N,
we find that the previously proposed attractive disordered fixed point
at d=2 continues to exist at d=2+\epsilon
spatial dimensions. We also studied the system in the
3<d<4 spatial dimensions where the disorder is relevant at the Gaussian fixed
point. However, no physical attractive fixed point is found right below
four spatial dimensions. Nevertheless, the stable fixed point at
2+\epsilon
dimensions can still survive at d=3
where the system has experimental realizations. Some critical exponents
are predicted in order to be checked by future numerics and
experiments.
Research and application of the parallel computing method for the grid-based Xin'anjiang model
Authors: Liu Qian , Wan Dingsheng , Yu Yufeng , Zhang Yangming
Published: March 2023

The grid-based Xin'anjiang model (GXM) has been widely applied to flood forecasting. However, when the model warm-up period is long and the amount of input data is large, the computational efficiency of the GXM is obviously low. Therefore, a GXM parallel algorithm based on grid flow direction division is proposed from the perspective of spatial parallelism, which realizes the parallel computing of the GXM by extracting the parallel routing sequence of the watershed grids. To solve data skew, a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) scheduling algorithm based on dynamic priority is proposed for task scheduling. The proposed GXM parallel algorithm is verified in the Qianhe River watershed of Shaanxi Province and the Tunxi watershed of Anhui Province. The results show that the GXM parallel algorithm based on grid flow direction division has good flood forecasting accuracy and higher computational efficiency than the traditional serial computing method. In addition, the DAG scheduling algorithm can effectively improve the parallel efficiency of the GXM.
Multiple Natural Polymers in Drug and Gene Delivery Systems
Authors: Jiang Zhengfa , Song Zongmian , Cao Chen , Yan Miaoheng , Liu Zhendong , Cheng Xingbo , Wang Hongbo , Wang Qingnan , Liu Hongjian , Chen Songfeng
Published: March 2023

Background:

Natural polymers are organic compounds produced by living organisms.
In nature, they exist in three main forms, including proteins, polysaccharides,
and nucleic acids. In recent years, with the continuous research on drug and gene delivery
systems, scholars have found that natural polymers have promising applications in
drug and gene delivery systems due to their excellent properties such as biocompatibility,
biodegradability, low immunogenicity, and easy modification. However, since the structure,
physicochemical properties, pharmacological properties and biological characteristics
of biopolymer molecules have not yet been entirely understood, further studies are required
before large-scale clinical application. This review focuses on recent advances in
the representative natural polymers such as proteins (albumin, collagen, elastin),
polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, cellulose) and nucleic acids. We introduce the characteristics
of various types of natural polymers, and further outline the characterization
methods and delivery forms of these natural polymers. Finally, we discuss possible challenges
for natural polymers in subsequent experimental studies and clinical applications.
It provides an important strategy for the clinical application of natural polymers in drug
and gene delivery systems.
Advances in the Management of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction;
The Role of SGLT2is, ARNI, Myotropes, Vericiguat, and Anti-inflammatory
Agents: A Mini-review
Authors: Vrachatis Dimitrios A. , Papathanasiou Konstantinos A. , Giotaki Sotiria G. , Raisakis Konstantinos , Kaoukis Andreas , Kossyvakis Charalampos , Theodorakis Andreas , Pediotidis Stauros , Avramides Dimitrios , Siasos Gerasimos , Deftereos Spyridon
Published: March 2023

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been associated with poor prognosis, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare expenditure. Despite tremendous advances in HFrEF management, reduced survival and a high rate of hospitalization remain unsolved issues. Furthermore, HFrEF morbidity and economic burden are estimated to increase in the following years; hence, new therapies are constantly emerging. In the last few years, a series of landmark clinical trials have expanded our therapeutic armamentarium with a ground-breaking change in HFrEF-related outcomes. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (mainly dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) have already revolutionized the management of HFrEF patients via a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations. Furthermore, vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil have emerged as promising and novel disease-modifying therapies. The former restores the impaired cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, and the latter stimulates cardiac myosin without marked arrhythmogenesis. Both vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil have been shown to reduce heart failure admissions. Sacubitril/valsartan is an established and effective therapy in HFrEF patients and should be considered as a replacement for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Lastly, inflammasome activity is implicated in HFrEF pathophysiology, and the role of anti-inflammatory agents in HFrEF trajectories is readily scrutinized, yet available therapies are ineffective. This mini-review summarizes the major and most recent studies in this field, thus covering the current advances in HFrEF therapeutics.