bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology Optimization of the Network with Renewable Energy Sources Generation Based on a Modified Adapted Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Bramm A. M. , Khalyasmaa A. I. , Eroshenko S. A. , Matrenin P. V. , Papkova N. A. , Sekatski D. A.
Published: December 2022

The article presents an adaptive genetic algorithm developed by the authors, which makes it possible to optimize the topology of a power network with distributed generation. The optimization was based on bioinspired methods. The objects of the study were a 15-node circuit of a power net-work with photovoltaic stations and a 14-node IEEE augmented circuit with distributed generation sources (three wind farms and two photovoltaic plants). The simulation of the modes of electric power systems was performed using the Pandapower library for the Python programming language, which is in the public domain. Three types of electric load of consumers were considered, reflecting the natures of electricity consumption in the nodes of real electric power systems, the results of numerical studies were presented. The proposed genetic algorithm used two different functions of interbreeding, the function of mutation, selection of the best individuals and mass mutation (complete population renewal). At the end of each iteration of the algorithm operation, statistical dependencies were de-rived that characterized its work: the best (minimal losses) and average adaptability in the population, a list of the best individuals throughout all iterations, etc. The verification was carried out in comparison with the results obtained by a complete search of possible radial configurations of the system, and it showed that the developed genetic algorithm had fast convergence, high accuracy and was able to work correctly with different configurations of electrical circuits, generation and load structures. The algorithm can be used in conjunction with renewable energy sources generation forecasting systems for the day ahead when planning the operating modes of power units in order to minimize the costs of covering electricity losses and improve the quality of electricity supplied.
Efficiency Estimation of Constructing of Wind Power Plant for the Heat Supply Needs
Authors: Bezhan A. V.
Published: December 2022

As in the whole world, there are regions in Russia that experience heat supply difficulties, mainly due to the high cost of fossil fuel as well as to growth of energy resources cost and polluting emissions. In this regard, search for solutions which would provide energy saving with an increase of energy, commercial and ecological efficiency of modern heat supply systems is becoming vitally important today. One of them is the development and use of special types of energy including renewable energy sources, wind energy in particular. Accordingly, the paper presents one of the possible solutions to the heat supply problem which are directed at meeting the whole region’s heat demand through the joint use of wind power plants with a boiler room operating on fuel oil. The study assessed the efficiency of constructing of wind power plants with a total capacity of 1.7 MW for the heat supply needs of a settlement, which is located on the Barents Sea coast in Russia. The selected area is characterized by an average annual wind speed of 7.0 m/s and a long heating period (9–10 months a year). The assessment showed that the wind power plant construction is financially reasonable, as additional profit can be generated by the end of the wind power plants scheduled service life that make up the half of primary investments. The results obtained in the paper are expected to make up for the lack of information on the feasibility of wind power plants construction for the heat supply needs, which is very useful for other countries that have similar areas experiencing various heat supply difficulties.
Improvement of Calculation Technique for Flexible Orthotropic Plates on Elastic Base. Part 2. Calculation Results
Authors: Kozunova O. V.
Published: December 2022

The proposed paper is a continuation of the author's theoretical work presented earlier in the development of the theory and methodology for calculating flexible orthotropic reinforced concrete plates on an elastic foundation, taking into account the physical nonlinearity of the plate material. The paper presents numerical results of elastic and nonlinear calculations of an isolated rectangular orthotropic plate on an elastic foundation, modeled by an elastic homogeneous isotropic layer rigidly connected to a non-deformable foundation under the action of an external static load, taking into account the own weight of the reinforced concrete plate. The change in its stiffness at the time of cracking and further active opening of cracks has been taken into account in the calculation of the structure under study. The nonlinear calculation of the studied structure takes into account the change in its rigidity at the time of cracking and further active crack opening. The calculation of a flexible orthotropic plate on an elastic foundation in a nonlinear formulation is performed iteratively by the method of B. N. Zhemochkin. A mixed method of structural mechanics has been used to determine the coefficients of canonical equations and free terms. At the first iteration, the reinforced concrete plate is calculated as linearly elastic, homogeneous, and orthotropic; at the subsequent ones – as linearly elastic, inhomogeneous, and orthotropic at each Zhemochkin site. Camber plates with a clamped normal in the primary system of mixed method due to the action of a concentrated force are determined by the Ritz method when the deflections were represented as a power polynomial in a new original expression that has been proposed for the first time in the Part 1 of the paper. The solution algorithm has been implemented using the Wolfram Mathematica 11.3 computer program. Numerical and graphical results of elastic and non-linear calculations of sediment concrete road plate, contact stresses and bending moment diagrams on the plate are presented in the paper.
Technology for Production of MSF-fuel – Direction Providing Transition to Circular Economy
Authors: Khroustalev B. M. , Pekhota A. N. , Vostrova R. N. , Pekhota E. A.
Published: December 2022

The paper presents the technology of multi-component briquetting of solid fuel (MSF-fuel) developed by the authors, which makes it possible to reduce economic losses from the non-use of combustible waste from industrial and municipal human activities. The issues of energy and resource saving, rational use of natural and secondary resources in accordance with the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Republic for the period up to 2035 are considered in the paper. The concept, structure and principles of the circular economy are analyzed. The paper provides characteristics of the main areas of use and processing of waste that have not found application in traditional technologies and energy. Some aspects of the conducted research on the production of multicomponent solid fuels are presented in the paper. The technology of briquetting wet mixtures with the addition of various binders, including combustible waste, is described, taking into ac-count the factors that affect the performance of the briquetting plant and the density of the fuel. Various ratios of the components of briquetting fuel have been analyzed and the compositions are determined, at which the best production, consumer and environmental indicators are analyzed. The paper studies the energy and physicochemical characteristics of the produced multicomponent fuel. Algorithms for selecting fuel components have been developed. The results obtained can be used to solve problems of rational use of combustible industrial waste by producing a multicomponent solid fuel that meets the established energy and environmental requirements.
Modeling of High-Pressure and High-Temperature Microemulsion Experiments using HLD-NAC-Based Equation of State
Authors: Magzymov Daulet , Johns Russell T. , Hashim Hafsa , Dindoruk Birol
Published: December 2022

Surfactant flooding is a promising technique that can reduce interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water to ultralow values, mobilizing previously trapped oil. For reservoirs at moderate to high pressures, understanding and modeling how pressure affects the phase behavior of a surfactant-brine-oil system is important to the design and implementation of an efficient/cost-effective surfactant flooding project. Typically, however, phase behavior experiments and models of that phase behavior are made only at low pressures. The main objective of this paper is to show how to model experimental data in a unified way for a large range of pressure, temperature, and other parameters, using hydrophilic-lipophilic deviation (HLD) and net-average curvature (NAC)-based equation-of-state (EOS).

Pressure and temperature scans show that pressure has a significant effect on the surfactant microemulsion phase behavior, shifting it from an optimal three-phase system at low pressure to a nonoptimal two-phase system at high pressure. Further, multiple scans at different water/oil ratios (WORs) show a shift in the optimum indicating that phase behavior partitioning of the various components is changing with oil saturation. We obtained good fits of all experimental data including all two- and three-phase regions using a single tuned HLD-NAC EOS for a wide range of simultaneous variations in pressure, temperature, salinity, and overall composition. Such a simultaneous match and prediction by a single set of model parameters has never been done before. We also demonstrate the type of data needed for an accurate EOS. When input into a numerical simulator, the tuned EOS improves the predictions of the resulting phase behavior (size and shape of the two-phase lobes and three-phase regions) and IFTs with changing pressure, temperature, salinity, WORs, and surfactant/alcohol concentrations.
Formation of EpiTS embryoids
Authors: Girgin Mehmet Ugur , Lutolf Matthias
Published: December 2022

The difficulty of studying post-implantation development in mammals has sparked a flurry of activity to develop in vitro models, termed embryoids, based on self-organizing pluripotent stem cells. Previous approaches to derive embryoids either lack the physiological morphology and signaling interactions, or are unconducive to model post-gastrulation development. Here, we report a bioengineering-inspired approach aimed at addressing this gap. We employ a high-throughput cell aggregation approach to simultaneously coax mouse embryonic stem cells into hundreds of uniform epiblast-like aggregates in a solid matrix-free manner. When co-cultured with mouse trophoblast stem cell aggregates, the resulting hybrid structures initiate gastrulation-like events and undergo axial morphogenesis to yield structures, termed EpiTS embryoids, with a pronounced anterior development, including brain-like regions. We identify the presence of an epithelium in EPI aggregates as the major determinant for the axial morphogenesis and anterior development seen in EpiTS embryoids. Our results demonstrate the potential of EpiTS embryoids to study peri-gastrulation development in vitro.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female University Students in Ishaka Western Uganda
Authors: Usman Ibe Michael , Chama Sunday Naguledaticha , Aigbogun Eric Osamudiamwen , Kabanyoro Annet , Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Usman Comfort Ojochenemi , Diaz Mario Edgar Fernandez , Ndyamuhakyi Elisa , Onongha Comfort , Ochieng Juma John , Kanee Rogers Bariture , Ssebuufu Robinson
Published: December 2022

The objective of the study was to assess; the level of knowledge, attitude and practice on cervical cancer screening (CCS) among female university students (FUS) in Ishaka, western Uganda. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study among FUS (n = 407) in western Uganda conducted after the first nationwide lockdown in Uganda. Information was collected using a questionnaire and descriptively presented as frequency and percentages. Majority of our respondents were medical students 283 (69.5%), below 25years 339 (83.3%), with Anglican Christian religious background 150 (36.9%). More respondents above the age of 25years (p = 0.0052) and those in the medical profession (p < 0.001) had more knowledge. More medical students had a better attitude (p = 0.0043) and favorable practices (0.0134) compared to their non-medical counterparts. There is a weak correlation between attitude (r = 0.206, p < 0.001) and practice (r = 0.181, p = 0.0003) with knowledge on CCS. Observation from the present study suggests the need for more efforts in the fight against cervical cancer and encouragement of positive attitude and practice towards cervical cancer screening and uptake of vaccination.
Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is effective for long management of adenomyosis
Authors: Jiang Jilan , Yu Jin , Zhang Ye , Yang Yeping , Xu Hong , Sun Feng
Published: December 2022

Background: Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy combined with intraoperative placement of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUS) is a novel conservative surgical procedure for adenomyosis. Our study aimed to compare the efficacy of surgery with or without intraoperative placement of LNG-IUStreatment in adenomyosis.
Methods: We retrospectively studyed the medical records of adenomyosis patients who received laparoscopic adenomyomectomy from January 2017 to December 2018, including 50 patients surgery-LNG-IUS as group A and 48 patients undegoing surgery alone as group B. Demographic data, surgery-related conditions, and symptom replapse 3 years after surgery were analyzed and compared.
Results: Visual analog scale and Mansfield-Voda-Jorgensen Menstrual Bleeding Scale scores of group A at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were significantly lower than those of group B at the corresponding points (P < .001 for both scales). Individuals in both groups showed statistically significant symptom relief. The recurrence rate in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (6.0% vs. 22.9%,P = .017).
Conclusions: Conservative surgery with intraoperative placement of LNG-IUS is more effective for adenomyosis long-term therapy and has a lower recurrence rate of adenomyosis compared to surgery alone.
Perception of aesthetic impairment in patients with systemic sclerosis using a semi-quantitative scale and association with disease characteristics.
Authors: Farhat Meryem-Maud , Guerreschi Pierre , Morell-Dubois Sandrine , Deken Valerie , Labreuche Julien , Sanges Sebastien , Sobanski Vincent , Hachulla Eric , Cottencin Olivier , Launay David
Published: December 2022

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a fibrotic disease. Assessment of body image could be central in optimizing care. Yet, data are scarce. The main objective was to assess perception of aesthetic impairment using a visual aesthetic scale (AES) in patients with SSc compared to healthy subjects. Secondary objectives were to assess associations between perception of aesthetic impairment and standardized questionnaires for aesthetic impairment as well as clinical, psychological/quality of life, and functional parameters of SSc.
Methods: This study evaluated and compared perception of aesthetic impairment in two populations: patients with SSc, in a referral center at Lille Hospital, France, and healthy controls.
Results: This study included 88 patients (69 [78.4%] women) with a median age of 52 years and 88 controls (49 [55.7%] women) with a median age of 45 years. Perception of aesthetic impairment assessed using the AES was poorer in patients than in controls (3.7 ± 0.3 vs 2.8 ± 0.3, p=0.028), with statistical correlation with ASWAP, a specific aesthetic impact assessment questionnaire for patients with SSc. Patients with anxiety or depressive symptoms had significantly higher AES scores. SSc patients with facial involvement and pitting scars had a worse perception of aesthetic impairment. SSc patients have a worse perception of aesthetic impairment than healthy controls, especially in SSc patients with anxiety or depression and those with facial and hand involvement.
Conclusion: The AES appears to be an ease of use tool to evaluate body image. Correlations found with psychological and quality of life parameters reflect the importance of these parameters for body image evaluation and its complex assessment.
Trial registration: Clinical Trial NCT03271320. Registered 09 January 2017, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03271320?term=NCT03271320&cntry=FR&draw=2&rank=1
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of a cationic dye using slurry of anatase titania in a falling film reactor
Authors: Fouad Samar , Noseir Shaaban , ElShazly Yehia
Published: December 2022

Dyes are hazardous when it comes to dispense of the production process wastewater to the environment. The presence of trace amounts of dyes in water bodies threatens the lives of aquatic creatures and upsets the balance of the ecosystem. Moreover, the diffusion to the drinking water bodies can result in catastrophic incidents. Heterogeneous photocatalysis has shown great potential for the treatment of dyeing wastewater. Careful selection of the three main components of a photocatalytic system: irradiation source, photocatalyst and reactor configuration determines its effectiveness. In the current study, a mercury UVC lamp, along with a slurry of anatase Titania were used in a batch recirculating falling film reactor. Methylene blue was used as a model cationic dye. Photocatalyst characterization was carried out using BET, XRD and TEM analyses. Effects of the solution flow rate, initial solution pH, photocatalyst dose and initial dye concentration were studied. It was found that these factors greatly influence both the reaction rate and the removal extent. Moreover, the kinetics of the photocatalytic reaction were studied using Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Modified Freundlich kinetic models. The photocatalytic degradation of the Methylene Blue using the falling film reactor showed an outstanding performance where 98% removal was achieved.
Spiking Neural Networks for Predictive and Explainable Modelling of Multimodal Streaming Data with a Case Study on Financial Time-series and Online News
Authors: Kasabov Nikola , AbouHassan Iman , Jagtap Vinayak , Kulkarni Parag
Published: December 2022

Human intelligence is characterized by the ability to incrementally integrate different sources of information for a better decision making. This paper argues that brain-inspired spiking neural networks (SNN) can be used for predictive and explainable modelling of multimodal streaming data. The paper proposes a new method, based on the brain-inspired SNN architecture NeuCube, where, first, all streaming data are represented as numerical times series in the same time domain. Then a NeuCube model is incrementally trained on the integrated time series and continuously interpreted. The method is illustrated on integrated modelling of financial time series and online news. In contrast to traditional machine learning techniques, the proposed method reveals the dynamic interaction between all types of temporal variables and their impact on the model accuracy. The method is applicable on a wide range of multimodal time series, such as financial, medical, environmental, supporting also the use of massively parallel and low energy neuromorphic hardware.
Digital Resilience and Academic Skills in College Students
Authors: Kurniadi Kurniadi , Meiliyandrie Laila , Rahmah Rosyidah
Published: December 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the policy of higher education in Indonesia from conventional learning to online. This policy change encourages students to have psychological resilience and adaptability through digital resilience and academic skills. The research method is divided into two stages: qualitatively formulating a measurement construct using an open-ended questionnaire with a total of 137 respondents. Based on the qualitative data, a digital measuring instrument for resilience and academic skills was developed as a 5-choice Likert Scale. The second stage is carried out quantitatively, looking at the reliability and item-total correlation test to select items not aligned with the measuring function using the Statistical Program for Social Science. The trial was conducted on 137 respondents. Based on the digital scale of resilience trials, the results showed that 64.9% of respondents had high resilience, 33.8% had moderate stability, and 1.2% had low strength. While analyzing the items measuring digital resilience and academic skills research, it was found that Cronbach's Alpha reliability value was 0.917. So the measuring instrument for digital resilience and academic skills is reliable and appropriate to be used to explain the condition of students during Covid-19.
Analysis of subclinical hypothyroidism and related factors in obese population
Authors: Che Weiqi , Liu Qianqian , Fu Songbo , Tang Xulei , Jing Gaojing , Niu Qianglong , Teng Weiping
Published: December 2022

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in obese people.
Patients and Methods: A survey was conducted on adult Han Chinese residents in Gansu Province, Northwest China, and the subjects' examination data were recorded. χ2 test was used to analyze the prevalence of SCH in the obese people, and Pearson correlation analysis of TSH levels in the overweight and obese people was conducted. Logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the risk factors for SCH in the obese people.
Results: A total of 2849 individuals (1456 males and 1393 females) were included in this study, including 352 obese patients and 694 patients with SCH (294 males and 400 females).The prevalence of SCH was lower in men than in women in the obese people (23.48% vs 35.25%, P=0.019).The overall trend of SCH prevalence in overweight and obese people increases with age.TSH levels in overweight and obese people were positively correlated with age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and blood phosphorus.Logistic regression analysis concluded increased age, high fasting glucose (FPG), high TPOAb, high SBP, high AST, and high blood phosphorus as risk factors for SCH in overweight and obese people, and male, uric acid (UA) as protective factors.
Conclusions: The prevalence of SCH in overweight and obese people is relatively high, and effective control of BMI may have a role in reducing the prevalence of SCH; the prevalence of SCH in overweight and obese people is higher in women than in men, and attention should be paid to its screening and prevention.
A freely precessing magnetar following an X-ray outburst
Authors: Desvignes Gregory , Weltevrede Patrick , Gao Yong , Jones Ian , Kramer Michael , Caleb Manisha , Karuppusamy Ramesh , Levin Lina , Liu Kuo , Lyne Andrew , Shao Lijing , Stappers Ben
Published: December 2022

Magnetars, highly magnetised neutron stars, are thought to be the most likely progenitors for fast radio bursts (FRBs). Freely precessing magnetars are further invoked to explain the repeating FRBs. We report here on new high-cadence polarimetric radio observations of the magnetar XTE J1810−197 recorded shortly after an outburst in late 2018. We interpret the rapid polarisation variations of the magnetar radio emission as strong evidence for the magnetar undergoing free precession following the X-ray outburst and damped on a timescale of months. The observations of precession being damped argue against the scenario of freely precessing magnetars as the origin of repeating FRBs. Using a free precession model based on crust-core coupling with relaxing ellipticity, we find the magnetar ellipticity to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions from nuclear physics. Our precise measurement of the magnetar’s geometry can also further help in refining the modelling of X-ray light curves and constrain the star’s compactness.
A Cryptosporidium parvum vaccine candidate effect on immunohistochemical profiling of CD4, CD8, Caspase-3 and NF-κB in mice
Authors: Aboelsoued Dina , Toaleb Nagwa I. , Ibrahim Sally , Shaapan Raafat M. , Megeed Kadria N. Abdel
Published: December 2022

Background: Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary importance that causes neonatal diarrhea in many vertebrate hosts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of an affinity-purified antigen as a C. parvum vaccine candidate using ileal and liver tissues of experimentally infected neonatal mice by immunohistochemical profiling and immune scoring of CD4, CD8, Caspase-3, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). This vaccine was prepared from the C. parvum oocyst antigen using immunoaffinity chromatography with cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose-4B beads. Thirty neonatal mice were divided into three groups (10 mice/group): (1) nonimmunized noninfected, (2) nonimmunized infected (using gastric tubes with a single dose of 1×105 of C. parvum oocysts in 250 µl PBS solution 1 h before a meal) and (3) immunized (twice with 40 µg/kg of purified C. parvum antigen at 2-week intervals and then infected with 1×105 C. parvum oocysts simultaneously with the second group). After euthanizing the animals on the 10th day, post-infection, their ileal and liver tissues were collected and prepared for immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to detect CD4, CD8, Caspase-3, and NF-κB levels, which are indicators for T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, apoptosis, and inflammation, respectively.
Results: The IHC results showed that CD4, CD8, Caspase-3, and NF-κB antibodies varied significantly (P <0.001) in both organs in all the groups. We also recorded high CD4 levels and low CD8 antibodies in the nonimmunized noninfected mice tissues, while the opposite was observed in the nonimmunized infected mice tissues. In the immunized infected mice, the CD4 level was higher than CD8 in both organs. While the Caspase-3 levels were higher in the ileal tissue of nonimmunized infected than immunized infected mice ileal tissues, the reverse was seen in the liver tissues of both groups. Furthermore, NF-κB expression was higher in the liver tissues of nonimmunized infected mice than in immunized infected mice tissues. Therefore, the IHC results and immune-scoring program revealed a significant difference (P <0.001) in the CD4, CD8, Caspase-3, and NF-κB antibody levels in both ileal and liver tissues of all mice groups, which might be necessary for immunomodulation in these tissues.
Conclusions: The improvement observed in the immunized infected mice suggests that this vaccine candidate might protect against cryptosporidiosis.
Autosomal recessive type 3 Stickler syndrome caused by compound heterozygous mutations in COL11A2: a case report
Authors: Su Ying , Ran Chun-Qiong , Liu Zhe-Long , Yang Yan , Yuan Gang , Hu Shu-Hong , Yu Xue-Feng , He Wen-Tao
Published: December 2022

Background Stickler syndrome (SS) is a group of hereditary collagenopathies caused by a variety of collagen and non-collagen genes. Affected patients have characteristic manifestations involving ophthalmic, articular, craniofacial and auditory disorders. SS is classified into several subtypes according to clinical and molecular features. Type 3 SS is ultra-rare, known as non-ocular SS or otospondylomegaepiphyseal dysplasia (OSMED) with only a few ballisticCOL11A2variants reported to date. Case presentation A 29-year-old Chinese male was referred to our hospital for hearing loss and multiple joint pain. He presented a phenotype highly suggestive of OSMED, including progressive sensorineural deafness, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia with large epiphyses, platyspondyly, degenerative osteoarthritis, and sunken nasal bridge. We detected compound heterozygous mutations inCOL11A2, both of which are predicted to be splicing mutations. One of the mutations is synonymous mutation c.3774C > T (p.Gly1258Gly) whereas it may cause splicing mutation predicted byin silicoanalysis, the other is a novel intron mutation c.4750 + 5 G > A which is a highly conservative site across several species. The patient received medications to alleviate the joint pain and osteoporosis. We also present a review of the current known pathogenic mutation spectrum ofCOL11A2in patients with type 3 SS. Conclusion For patients with characteristic manifestations of SS syndrome, next-generation genetic analysis is beneficial for precision medical care and genetic counseling.
Contemporary atmospheric oxygen levels maximize global protection by ozone
Authors: Józefiak Iga , Sukhodolov Timofei , Egorova Tatiana , Chiodo Gabriel , Stenke Andrea , Rieder Harald , Peter Thomas , Rozanov Eugene
Published: December 2022

Photolysis of molecular oxygen (O2) sustains the stratospheric ozone layer and is thereby protecting living organisms on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation. In the past, atmospheric O2 levels have not been constant, and their variations are thought to be responsible for the extinction of species due to the thinning of the ozone layer. Over the Phanerozoic Eon (last ~500 Mio years), the O2 volume mixing ratio ranged between 10% and 35% depending on the level of photosynthetic activity of plants and oceans. Previous estimates, however, showed ambiguous ozone (O3) responses to atmospheric O2 changes, such as monotonically positive or negative correlations, or displaying a maximum in the O3 column around a certain O2 level. Here, we assess the ozone layer sensitivity to atmospheric O2 varying between 5% and 40% with a state-of-the-art chemistry-climate model (CCM). Our findings show that the O3 layer thickness maximizes around the current mixing ratio of O2, 21%, under the contemporary boundary conditions. Lower or higher levels of O2 result globally in a reduction of total column O3 and, therefore, allow more harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV) to reach the surface. At low latitudes, the total column O3 is less sensitive to O2 changes, because of the known “self-healing” effect. In mid and high latitudes, however, there is an equator-to-pole variation between high and low O2 cases. Particularly, polar cap O3 is more sensitive to O2 with changes up to 20 DU even for small O2 perturbations. These variations are modulated by the radiative impact of O3 on stratospheric temperatures and on the strength of the Brewer-Dobson circulation (BDC), indicating chemistry-radiation-transport feedback. High O2 cases result in an acceleration of the BDC, and vice versa. This renders the relationship between O3 and molecular O2 to be non-linear on both global and regional scales, however still maximizing global mean total O3 column at contemporary O2 levels.
“Blowjobs are Jobs Too”: An Exploratory Study into the Victimisation Experiences of Male Sex Workers & Calls for Reforms in Botswana.
Authors: MASHUMBA LESEDI
Published: December 2022

This study conducted in-depth face to face interviews with 20 male sex workers (MSWs) servicing sex tourists in Botswana. Expert opinions were also sought with support organizations in Botswana to understand more about male sex work in Botswana. The research questions were directed at exploring a) how male sex workers experienced and perceived victimisation in their interactions with sex tourists, b) what role support groups played, and c) what reforms both male sex workers and support groups propose for the male sex work industry. The article presents their victimisation experiences, health risks and opinions of the support groups. The study found out that MSWs frequently experienced physical violence and sexual assaults such as stealthing, especially male sex workers who identified as gay or bisexual. MSWs never reported their victimisation experiences to the police due to fear of stigmatisation, shaming and possible arrests given the partial criminalisation of sex work. Support groups on the other, as non-governmental organizations offered the much-needed support services such as distribution of lubes, condoms, HIV screening, counselling, and ARV and PrEP access and management for sex workers. This study contributes to the limited literature examining the experiences of MSWs, demonstrating their vulnerability and the need for interventions to mitigate their victimisation and protect their health. Many sex workers emphasised constitutional protections of their rights, the need to decriminalise, as well as the promotion of safety and security. The study argues that traditionally, culture and religion have produced a gender-biased socio-cultural parameter that places males as providers, hence, their vulnerability to victimisation and sexual violence is often unnoticed, which also makes reporting difficult to law enforcement.
Understanding stakeholders’ experience with sickle cell disease by social media listening across Europe
Authors: Bras Daniel , Bento Celeste , Aasaithambi Sathyaraj , Chauhan Jyoti , Moital Inês
Published: December 2022

Background
The use of social media platforms for sharing health-related information is on the rise. Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects millions of people worldwide. However, discussions by SCD stakeholders on social media remain unexplored. This study aimed to gain understanding on patient and other stakeholders’ awareness about SCD and their perception of the patient journey by social media listening.
Methods
Data was retrospectively collected from April 2019 to April 2021 on SCD specific terms in 14 European countries from blogs, forums, and social networking sites (Twitter, public Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram).
Results
Of 317.9K conversations on SCD (93% Twitter), 945 posts on relevant patient-centric conversation were analyzed. Most patients were females (73%) and ≤ 30 years old (75%). Patient journey stages were addressed in 52% of conversations. Patient journey conversations were mainly regarding symptoms (56%) (mainly pain episodes, pain in general, and vaso-occlusive crises) and treatment (44%). Conversations on hospital visits or hospitalization mostly revolved around crisis faced due to symptoms. Impact on quality of life, especially emotional impact (56%), was also extensively discussed. Unmet needs were derived from 24% of the conversations, lack of awareness of SCD (42%) and lack of empathy and support from HCPs (24%) being the most frequent topics. Patients reported having their symptoms questioned or dismissed by healthcare professionals, which they attributed to racial bias.
Conclusions
Social media listening is a useful tool to explore the real experiences, concerns and needs of SCD patients and other stakeholders, providing valuable insights for improving the management of these patients.
miR-21-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation and calcification of valvular interstitial cells by targeting TGFBI in calcific aortic valve disease
Authors: Gu Yan , Chen Rongjin , Song Jianxiang , Shi Zhan , Wu Jixiang , Chang Huiwen , Yuan Conghu , Shi Woda , Zhang Yajun
Published: December 2022

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common heart relating disease with high morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly population. A previous recent multi-omics study suggested a novel CAVD molecular interaction network contained miR-21-5p. To confirm the association between miR-21-5p and CAVD progression, in this study, we investigated the roles of miR-21-5p in the mineralization process of aortic valves obtained from CAVD patients and paired normal tissues. Valvular intersitial cells (VICs) were isolated from clinic samples and maintained for the following assays. RT-qPCR was utilized for detection of miR-21-5p and related protein expression levels to confirm the related factors in CAVD progression. Western blotting was applied to strengthen the results of RT-qPCR and confirm osterogenic differentiation of VICs via biomarker detection. The staining of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red was performed to assess the degree of VIC mineralization. We found that miR-21-5p was remarkably increased in calcified aortic valves (AVs) whereas TGFBI was diminished in CAVD samples compared to the paired normal tissues from CAVD patients. Additionally, TGFBI was targeted by miR-21-5p. Furthermore, overexpressing TGFBI could block VIC osteogenic differetiation mediated by miR-21-5p. To sum up, miR-21-5p promotes VIC osteogenic differentiation and calcificaion via TGFBI in CAVD progression. Our work might bring a sight on underlying mechansims of CAVD progression and provide a possible therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.
Addressing the crisis in child mental health: the feasibility of primary prevention through social prescribing as the missing link
Authors: Charlton Jenna Jane Victoria , Battersby Alexandra , Drinkwater Chris , McKean Mike , Quibell Toby
Published: December 2022

Background
The mental health (MH) and wellbeing of our children is in crisis. Increasing prevalence of disorder and need is placing extreme stress on under resourced and over stretched services. Most at-risk are those living in areas of social deprivation who experience multiple adverse effects of poverty and inequality in health access and care. Within the health sector Social Prescribing (SP) as a provision to target mental health and wellbeing has gained in popularity in adult MH, yet there is little exploration of SP practice addressing children’s MH or the value of embedding SP into education as well as the health sector. This study explores the feasibility of SP for children within an at-risk community, utilising cross-sector collaboration to design and implement a SP programme with health and education referral.
Methods
Taking place in the West End of Newcastle, SP programme design involved community consultation with 60 primary school children, 38 cross-sector professionals, and 9 parents. Implementation involved a hierarchy of three governance groups of cross-sector stakeholders.
Results
‘Zone West’ (ZW) was designed in response to a gap in the provision of support for children with MH needs below clinical thresholds but generating repeat attendance at primary care or poor educational engagement. Referral pathways for health and education sectors were defined, and the value of implementing SP into education were highlighted. Key to implementation was ‘buy-in’ from cross-sector partners and embedding ZW into community services.
Conclusions
SP offers the opportunity for early identification and intervention of child MH difficulties. Success requires cross-sector collaboration which presents unique challenges; unclear processes for information sharing and separate funding streams. More work is required to ensure these are streamlined and to evaluate evidence of impact to provide sustainable and replicable models in the future.
Auxin metabolism modulates rooting process in different geranium cultivars
Authors: GREGOR OSTERC , Veberič Robert , Hudina Metka
Published: December 2022

Geraniums are widely used ornamental plant species, mostly used as balcony plants. As a typical herbaceous plant species, it is generally believed that rooting is not a serious problem with this species. However, in practise, rooting has been shown to be highly dependent on the cultivar. In the present experiment, the rooting success of two cultivars, namely the easier-to-root cultivar 'Tango' and the more difficult-to-root cultivar 'Fire Cascade', was investigated based on the metabolism of IAA and its metabolite IAA aspartate. Cuttings of cultivar 'Fire Cascade', which had 2 to 5 times higher IAA concentration in their tissues immediately after abscission, rooted more slowly and formed a heavily stressed callus compared to cuttings of cultivar 'Tango'. Different hormone treatments applied to the cuttings prior to substrate insertion tended to decrease callus formation on the cuttings and tended to increase rooting in both cultivars. There were no statistically significant differences in IAA and IAA-aspartate concentrations in relation to the different hormone applications in cuttings, except in 'Tango' cuttings, where there was a significant relationship between hormone treatment and timing of IAA-aspartate concentration analysis.
An Integrative Machine Learning Framework for Classifying SEER Breast Cancer
Authors: P Manikandan , U Durga , C Ponnuraja
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND:Breast cancer is the commonest type of cancer in women worldwide and the leading cause of mortality for females. Despite the fact that many breast cancer patients have no family members who have also had the disease. Women who have it are more at risk than those who don't.OBJECTIVE:The aim of this research is to classify the death status of breast cancer patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) dataset. Due to its capacity to handle enormous data sets systematically, machine learning has been widely employed in biomedical research to answer diverse classification difficulties. Pre-processing data enables its visualization and analysis for use in making important decisions.METHODOLOGY:This research presents a feasible machine learning-based approach for categorizing datasets related to breast cancer. Moreover, a two-step feature selection method based on Variance Threshold and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to select the features from the SEER breast cancer dataset. After selecting the features, the classification of the breast cancer dataset is carried out using Supervised and Ensemble learning techniques such as Ada Boosting (AB), XG Boosting (XGB), and Gradient Boosting (GB), as well as binary classification techniques such as Naive Bayes (NB) and Decision Tree (DT).RESULTS:In this study, it is observed that the Decision Tree algorithm showed better results than other algorithms used in this analysis (AB, XGB, GB & NB). The accuracy of DT for both train-test split and cross validation achieved as 98%.CONCLUSION:Utilizing the train-test split and k-fold cross-validation approaches, the performance of various machine learning algorithms is examined. The Decision Tree algorithm outperforms other supervised and ensemble learning approaches, according to the experimental data.
Implantoplasty promotes radiographic bone gain at peri-implantitis sites over a 6-to-11- year follow-up: A case series
Authors: Bianchini Marco Aurélio , Kuhlkamp Lucas Freitas , Schwarz Frank , Galarraga-Vinueza Maria Elisa
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Biomechanical study of particle deposition in the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities of healthy subjects
Authors: Yang Hua , Sun Dong , Tang Yuanyuan , Su Yingfeng , Yu Shen , Sun Xiuzhen
Published: December 2022

To build a finite element numerical model of the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities in healthy subjects and analyze the particle deposition characteristics of the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities under different conditions, in order to investigate the influencing factors of particle deposition in the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities of healthy subjects from the perspective of biomechanics, and to provide reference for the potential predisposing factors of clinical nasal and nasopharyngeal diseases and transnasal drug delivery methods. The nasal multi-layer spiral CT data of a healthy adult male volunteer was collected, and a three-dimensional numerical model was reconstructed based on the obtained image data (the model included nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal cavity, and pharyngeal cavity), and then numerical simulations were performed for particle deposition under different airflow rate, particle size and particle density conditions. In the reconstructed model, the nasal threshold, the nasal vestibule, the anterior part of the inferior and middle turbinates, and the posterior wall of the nasopharyngeal apex are the most likely areas for particle settling. When the airflow rate was 30L/min and 60L/min, the deposition efficiency(DE) of the reconstructed model was more than 80% with different particle diameters and particle densities. When the particle diameter is 10um and 15um, the deposition efficiency of the reconstructed model can reach more than 90% under different airflow rate and particle density. When the particle density and airflow rate were constant, the deposition efficiency of particles in the posterior wall of the nasopharynx decreased as the particle diameter became larger. A numerical model of nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity biomechanics can be established to explore the important influencing factors of particle deposition in the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities from a biomechanical perspective. It was found that: 1. particle deposition mainly at the nasal threshold and nasal vestibule in the nasal cavity, and mainly at the posterior wall of the nasopharyngeal apex in the nasopharyngeal cavity; 2. airflow velocity, particle size and density all had effects on particle deposition rate, among which particle size had the greatest effect on particle deposition, followed by airflow rate, and the effect of particle density changes on particle deposition was not significant; 3. when particle density and airflow rate were constant, the smaller the particle diameter, the the more particle deposition in the nasopharyngeal cavity, the larger the particle diameter, the more particle deposition increases in the anterior part of the nasal cavity, and the less particle deposition in the nasopharyngeal cavity; 4. As the particle diameter increases, the particle deposition in this reconstructed model increases.
Identification of prognostic implications of potential biomarker in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Wang Ning , Wu Wen , Guo Jiadi , Zhao Qiuni , Yuan Qi , Zhou Xin , Zhu Baoli
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Exploring new understanding of genetic factors can help reveal the etiology of MPM and improve the survival rate of patients with MPM.
Methods: We explored the expression pattern in MPM across GEO, DAVID, HMDD, and miRNet. The PPI networks of the intersection targets were constructed by STRING and Cytoscape, and the hub genes were selected by plugin cytoHubba. The survival analysis of hub genes was also carried out based on the GEPIA and UALCAN database. The immune subtype and infiltration analyses were performed using TISTDB and TIMER database.
Results: A total of 251 DEGs were detected. GO and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix organization, ECM-receptor interaction. The PPI network was assessed, and the top 10 hub genes were identified by evaluating degrees. High expression level of CDH2, COL3A1, CAV1 was associated with worse prognostic value in MPM. For different immune subtypes, significant connection with CDH2/COL3A1/CAV1 expression existed in MPM. The correlation between immune cells and hub genes showed that CAV1 was positively correlated with Dendritic cells, CDH2 was positively correlated with Dendritic cells, while it was negatively correlated with Neutrophil. COL3A1 expression was positively associated with infiltration levels of Macrophages, whereas negative association with Neutrophil. Furthermore, Neutrophil and CDH2 was significantly correlated with the clinical outcomes of MPM.
Conclusion: CDH2, COL3A1, and CAV1 may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker in MPM, in particular, the correlation between CDH2 and Neutrophil is one of the critical factors affecting MPM prognosis.