bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-processed Foods are the Major Sources of Total Fat, Saturated and Trans-fatty Acids Among Tunisian Preschool and School Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dogui Darine , Doggui Radhouene , Aljawaldeh Ayoub , El Ati Jalila , El Ati-Hellal Myriam
Published: November 2021

Excessive intake of fat and fatty acids is associated with major health hazards such as obesity or chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to provide the first data on total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) intakes and their major food sources in Tunisian children. A total of 1200 children, aged 3 to 9 years old (yo), were randomly selected from primary schools and kindergarten under a cross-sectional design. The 24-hour recall method and food frequency questionnaire were used to assess dietary intake. The energy percentages of total fat, SFA and TFA in Tunisian children were respectively 29.6, 11.4 and 0.15. No sex differences were found. The WHO recommendations for total fat, SFA and TFA were adopted by 58 %, 39 % and 89 % of the study population, respectively. The leading food groups of fat and fatty acids were ultra-processed foods, breakfast cereals and dairy products. The meat, fish, eggs and fish alternatives were the fifth main contributors to the total fat and SFA intakes in Tunisian children. The implementation of a relevant strategy for fat reduction, especially from ultra-processed foods, considered as low nutrient energy-dense products, is needed to promote health among children and prevent diet-related chronic diseases.
Temporal and Spatial Impacts of Land Transfer on PM2.5 Concentration in 285 Cities of China
Authors: Song Ling Feng , Feng Yan Fei
Published: November 2021

The threat of fine particulate matter concentration (PM2.5) is increasing globally, Tackling this issue requires an accurate understanding of its trends and drivers. The article investigates the PM2.5 characteristics of 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2000-2018 based on multiscale geographically weighted regression(MGWR), and the results show that（1）previous studies based on classical MGWR models may be somewhat unstable, while MGWR can reflect the scale of influence of different variables on the dependent variable, and its regression results are more reliable.（2）PM2.5 is very sensitive to carbon emission(CE) factors, and there is a high degree of spatial heterogeneity, and the influence scale of location is the smallest among all variables, close to the municipal scale.（3）In 2000, the constant term all, IS, OFT, CE, and LT positively affect PM2.5, while GDP (jurisdiction) and UR negatively affect PM2.5; in 2010, the constant term all, GDP (jurisdiction), IS, OFT and LT positively affect PM2.5, while UR and CE negatively affect PM2.5; in 2018 the constant term all, IS, OFT and CE factors positively affect PM2.5, and GDP (jurisdiction), UR and LT negatively affect PM2.5.
Chronic Histological Outcomes of Indirect Traumatic Optic NEU-Ropathy in Adolescent Mice: Persistent Degeneration and Tem-Porally Regulated Glial Responses
Authors: Hetzer Shelby M. , Shalosky Emily M. , Torrens Jordyn N. , Evanson Nathan K.
Published: November 2021

Injury to the optic nerve, termed, traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a known comorbidity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is now known to cause chronic and progressive retinal thinning up to 35 years after injury. Although animal models of TBI have described the presence of optic nerve degeneration and research exploring acute mechanisms is underway, few studies in humans or animals have examined chronic TON pathophysiology outside the retina. We used a closed-head weight-drop model of TBI/TON in 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Mice were euthanized 7-, 14-, 30-, 90-, and 150-days post injury (DPI) to assess histological changes in the visual system of the brain spanning a total of 12 regions. We show chronic elevation of FluoroJade-C, indicative of neurodegeneration, throughout the time course. Intriguingly, FJ-C staining revealed a bimodal distribution of mice indicating the possibility of subpopulations that may be more or less sus-ceptible to injury outcomes. Additionally, we show that microglia and astrocytes react to optic nerve damage in both temporally and regionally different ways. Despite these differences, as-trogliosis and microglial changes were alleviated between 14-30 DPI in all regions examined, perhaps indicating a potential critical period for intervention/recovery that may determine chronic outcomes.
Multiscale Mapping of the Salt Marshes Using Sentinel-2, Dove and UAV Imagery in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
Authors: Collin Antoine , James Dorothée , Mury Antoine , Letard Mathilde , Houet Thomas , Gloria Hélène , Feunteun Eric
Published: November 2021

The salt marshes, lying at the land-sea temperate interface, furnish a plethora of ecosystems services such as biodiversity niche support, ocean-climate change regulation, ornithology recreo-tourism or plant gathering by hand. They undergo significant worldwide losses due to their conversion into crop fields and to their spatial compression between the rising sea-level and the armoring shoreline. Their monitoring however requires to use a suite of remote sensing sensors to embrace the regional scale while capturing the plant details. This research innovatively adopts a multiscale approach using a cascading spaceborne and airborne process, from the 10-m Sentinel-2, through the 3-m Dove, to the 0.03-m unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) imageries. The high to very high temporal resolution of the Sentinel-2 and Dove enabled to cover twenties and tens of km2 over five and four years, respectively, in the form of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) classes, associated with microphytobenthos, low, medium and high salt marsh vegetation, including the opportunistic Elyma genus. The NDVI was then modelled at the UAV scale (a few km2) using a three-layered NN prediction, providing the final near-infrared (NIR), and the intermediate red, green and blue reflectance imageries, calibrated/validated/tested with the Dove reflectance imageries (R2NIR=0.98, R2red=0.88, R2green=0.84, and R2blue=0.90). The 100fold increase in pixel size allowed to detect the decimeter-scale objects of the tidal flats and salt marshes, to enlarge the NDVI class ranges, and hold great promise to model other spectral bands at the UAV scale for further deeply enhancing the salt marsh mapping.
An Improved Initialization Method for Monocular Visual-Inertial SLAM
Authors: Jun Cheng , Liyan Zhang , Qihong Chen
Published: November 2021

In the aim of improving the positioning accuracy of monocular visual inertial simultaneous localization and mapping (VI-SLAM) system, an improved initialization method with faster convergence is proposed. This approach is classified as three parts: Firstly, in the initial stage, the pure vision measurement model of ORB-SLAM is employed to make all the variables visible. Secondly, the frequency of IMU camera was aligned by IMU preintegration technology. Thirdly, an improved iterative method is put forward for estimating the initial parameters of IMU faster. The estimation of IMU initial parameters is divided into several simpler sub-problems, containing direction refinement gravity estimation, gyroscope deviation estimation, accelerometer bias and scale estimation. The experimental results on the self-built robot platform show that our method can up-regulate the initialization convergence speed, simultaneously improve the positioning accuracy of the entire VI-SLAM system.
Oligosaccharides from Coprophilous Fungi: An Emerging Functional Food with Potential Health-Promoting Properties: a Recent Appraisal
Authors: Ojwach Jeff Okinda , Adetunji Adegoke Isiaka , Mutanda Taurai , Mukaratirwa Samsom
Published: November 2021

Functional foods are essential food products that possess health-promoting properties for the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, they provide energy and nutrients, which are required for growth and survival. They occur as prebiotics or dietary supplements, including oligosaccharides, processed foods, and herbal products. However, oligosaccharides are more efficiently recognized and utilized, as they play a fundamental role as functional ingredients with great potential to improve health in comparison to other dietary supplements. They are low molecular weight carbohydrates with a low degree of polymerization. They occur as fructooligosaccharide (FOS), inulooligosaccharadie (IOS), and xylooligosaccahride (XOS), depending on their monosaccharide units. Oligosaccharides are produced by acid or chemical hydrolysis. However, this technique is liable to several drawbacks, including inulin precipitation, high processing temperature, low yields, high production costs, etc. As a consequence, the application of microbial enzymes for oligosaccharide production is recognized as a promising strategy. Microbial enzymatic production of FOS and IOS occurs by submerged or solid-state fermentation in the presence of suitable substrates (sucrose, inulin) and catalyzed by fructosyltransferases and inulinases. Incorporation of FOS and IOS enriches the rheological and physiological characteristics of foods. They are used as low cariogenic sugar substitutes, suitable for diabetics, and as prebiotics, probiotics & nutraceutical compounds. In addition, these oligosaccharides are employed as anticancer & antioxidant agents and aid in mineral absorption, lipid metabolism, immune regulation etc. This review, therefore, focuses on the occurrence, physico-chemical characteristics, and microbial enzymatic synthesis of FOS and IOS from coprophilous fungi. In addition, the potential health benefits of these oligosaccharides were discussed in detail.
Mechanism Analysis and Optimum Control of Negative Airgap Eccentricity Effect for in-wheel Switched Reluctance Motor Driving System
Authors: Deng Zhaoxue , Li Xu , Li Xingquan , Zhao Shuen , Wei Hanbing
Published: November 2021

This paper analyzes the generation and influence mechanism of negative airgap eccentricity effect for in-wheel switched reluctance motor (SRM) driving system, and proposes an optimum control strategy to achieve cooperative optimal performance between in-wheel motor driving system and electric vehicle (EV). Firstly, the electromagnetic characteristic of SRM under airgap eccentricity is studied based on electromagnetic coupling model and circuit driving equation. Then, the negative effect of airgap eccentricity on the in-wheel SRM driving system is analyzed in timefrequency domain combined on the excitation characteristics of unbalanced radial force. Finally, an independent current chopping control strategy for in-wheel SRM driving system based on vehicle vibration feedback is proposed, and the controller parameters are optimized by interpolation. The simulation results show that the proposed optimum control strategy can improve the driving torque while restrain the unbalanced radial force, and effectively suppress the negative airgap eccentricity effect of in-wheel motor driving system. This study starts from the dynamics relationship between SRM, in-wheel motor driving system and EV, and lays a theoretical foundation for solving the negative dynamic effect of in-wheel motor driving system.
Multi-step Hydroforming Process And Wall Thickness Optimization of 5A02 Aluminum Alloy Five-Way Tube With Different Branch Diameter
Authors: Wei Liming , Xu Xuefeng , Fan Yubin , Zhang Ju , Yuan Congcong
Published: November 2021

The different branch diameter of five-way tube affects the design of loading internal pressure in the hydroforming process, where the large-diameter branch is broken more easily than the small-diameter one due to the same ultimate stress of tube material in one-step forming method. Therefore, the first four-way and then five-way of multi-step forming (FFTF) method and the first three-way and then five-way of multi-step forming (FTTF) method were proposed to fabricate the 5A02 aluminum alloy five-way tube with two kinds of branch diameters to avoid the burst of large-diameter branch tube. The finite element simulation of five-way tube hydroforming process shows that the height of small-diameter branch tube is lower and serious wrinkles appear at the large-diameter branch tube in the one-step forming and FFTF method. By optimizing the length of punch, a five-way tube with a big branch height and uniform wall thickness was obtained with the FTTF method. The approach of lengthening the punch in the experiment increased the height of formed branch and reduced the wall thickness reduction rate of five-way tube in FTTF method. Overall, the findings mentioned above can not only offer guide in creating five-way tube with excellent quality, but also be taken as reference to the hydroforming studies on multi-way tube in the future.
Guiding the design of behavioural and lifestyle modification interventions for risk reduction, prevention, and treatment of non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: An overview of relevant literature
Authors: Gebregziabher Abel Negussie , Yalew Alemayehu Worku , Kidane Eshetu Girma
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe increasing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) calls for the development and dissemination of effective and viable interventions. In this respect, behavioural and lifestyle modification interventions (BLMIs) offer the most effective means of addressing the underlying lifestyle behaviours associated with NCDs at multiple disease prevention levels (primordial, primary, and secondary). This review aims to provide an overview of key features and components of BCIs, as well as practical considerations when implementing in LMIC settings. Methods An exploratory approach was used to provide an overview of salient issues in the design of BLMIs. A narrative review of relevant scientific literature was conducted. Based on the review's aim, the most important themes or issues were extracted. Results Thirty-four publications were included as the most relevant literature to the topic, and eight overarching themes were identified: understanding the target health behaviour; use of behavioural health theories; applying behaviour change techniques/strategies; providing effective support and follow-up; intervention delivery formats and providers; the need for cultural sensitivity; feasibility issues; and addressing multiple lifestyle behaviours.Conclusion Targeting lifestyle and behavioural modification interventions with a proper understanding of their essential design components and practical implementation considerations is crucial in reducing the rising burden of NCDs in LMICs. The importance of conducting original researches and systematic reviews on the subject was also emphasized.
Comparison of clinical characteristics, efficacy and survival of newly diagnosed extramedullary multiple myeloma patients between single and multiple sites invasion
Authors: Zhao Yongfeng , Zhou Fuling
Published: November 2021

PurposeWe aimed to compare the clinical characteristics, efficacy and survival of newly diagnosed extramedullary multiple myeloma patients (EMM) between single and multiple sites invasion.MethodsA total of 90 EMM patients were included. The characteristics including gender, age, Durie-Salmon stage, ISS stage, hemoglobin, blood calcium, creatinine, M-protein types, β2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase and so on were analyzed. We compared the overall remission rates (ORR) in patients with single site invasion and multiple sites invasion. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were also compared.ResultsPatients with multiple sites invasion had higher lactate dehydrogenase than single site invasion (179.0U/L vs. 154.7U/L, P=0.016). The ORR in patients with single site invasion (72.1%) was not significantly higher than multiple sites invasion (68.2%) (P=0.690). In patients with multiple sites invasion, PI-based regimen (78.9% vs. 33.3%, P=0.035) or PI combined with IMiD regimen (84.6% vs. 33.3%, P=0.026) could achieve superior efficacy than routine chemotherapy. Among patients with single site invasion, the COX model analysis showed that proteasome inhibitors combined with immunomodulators could significantly improve the PFS (HR=0.080, 95%CI: 0.007-0.855, P=0.037). Among patients with multiple sites invasion, the associations of RISS 3 with poor PFS (HR=4.081, 95%CI: 1.533-10.865, P=0.005) and OS (HR=13.295, 95%CI: 3.219-54.907, P=0.000) were showed.ConclusionRISS stage 3 was possibly associated with poor survival of extramedullary multiple myeloma patients with multiple sites invasion. We propose a prospective and large-sample study to explore the effects of new drugs and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on survival of patients at RISS stage 3.
Clinical efficacy and target signaling pathways of natural products in psoriasis treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Nguyen Ly Thi Huong
Published: November 2021

Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which has adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Natural products exhibit significant therapeutic capacities with small side effects and might be preferable alternative treatments for patients with psoriasis. Aim of the review: This study summarizes the clinical efficacy of natural products and signaling pathways with the potential targets for psoriasis treatment. Methods: The literature for this article was acquired from PubMed and Web of Science, from Jan 2010 to Dec 2020. The keywords for searching included “psoriasis” and “natural product”, “herbal medicine”, “herbal therapy”, “medicinal plant”, “medicinal herb”, or “pharmaceutical plant”. Results: The anti-psoriatic effect of natural products in clinical studies was summarized. Herbal extracts, natural compounds, and herbal prescriptions could regulate the signaling pathways to alleviate psoriasis symptoms, such as Th17 differentiation, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and other signaling pathways, which are involved in the inflammatory response and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Conclusion: Natural products exerted the anti-psoriatic effect by targeting multiple signaling pathways, providing evidence for the investigation of novel drugs. Further experimental research should be performed to screen and characterize the therapeutic targets of natural products for application in psoriasis treatment.
BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine in a Nationwide Mass Vaccination Setting: A Note
Authors: Arbel Yuval , Arbel Yifat , Kerner Eldar , Kerner Amichai
Published: November 2021

In their important and innovative study, Dagan et al. (2021) were the first to provide evidence on the effectiveness of BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine on a large scale population. The authors used a matched pair Israeli sample of 596,618 individuals belonging to the vaccinated group and 596,618 individuals with similar characteristics belonging to the unvaccinated group. Based on the information obtained in Figure 2 of Dagan et al. (2021) on cumulative events 14, 21 and 28 days after the first dose, the authors of this Note found inconsistencies between the calculated effectiveness of the dose from Figure 2, and the reported effectiveness rates in Table 2. Compared to the effectiveness rate reported by Dagan et al. (2021), and referring to the criteria of: documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic Covid-19 and severe Covid-19, 14-20 days after the first dose, according to the CDC formula, our calculations suggest an elevated effectiveness of the vaccine ranging between 1.75%-4.67%. Referring to the criteria of Covid-19 hospitalization and death, 14-20 days after the first dose, our calculations suggest a reduced effectiveness of the vaccine ranging between minus 2.77% and minus 2%. Given the widespread public vaccination resistance, transparency and accuracy in vaccination effectiveness might prove to be especially important. As of October 31, 2021, the official accumulated Covid-19 cases are 247,376,970 and deaths worldwide are approx. 5 million persons. Consequently, the implication of a 2% gap after 21 days is 4.947 million cases and 100,000 deaths.
Evaluation Genetic Variation and Diversity of Grain Yield and Quality Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes for Low Input NPK Fertilizers
Authors: Sorour Sobhy GH. R. , Metwally Tamer F. , Badawy Shimaa A. , Saleh Maysoun M. , Salem Khaled F M , El-Abd Mohamed A. B.
Published: November 2021

Determination of genetic variance in a large number of rice genotypes is an effective strategy for increasing yield. The goal of this research was to determine the genetic variability, phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficients of variation, broad-sense heritability, expected genetic advance and multivariate analysis for eight rice grain quality and yield traits, in twenty Egyptian and exotic genotypes under low NPK fertilizer input levels at RRTC, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt and evaluated across two successive seasons. Results revealed highly significant mean squares for all traits. High estimates of both PCV and GCV were detected for grain elongation followed by gelatinization temperature and head rice. High estimates of heritability were noted for grain length, grain shape, hulling, milling, head rice, amylose content, grain elongation and grain yield. Results revealed that highly significant differences among different genotypes were observed for studied characteristics under different NPK levels. Cluster results revealed that genotypes from the same origin or taxonomy type were clustered together. Diversity analysis showed four clusters. Cluster I and III had maximum genotypes (70%) and Cluster IV showed the highest mean values for studied traits. The results revealed that PC1 and PC2 accounted for 65.6% of the diversity between genotypes investigated. These findings show that some genotypes have a lot of diversity, indicating an opportunity to breed for low-input genotypes without sacrificing grain production and quality. GZ10590-1-3-3-2 and IET1444, both of which have high grain yield, can be employed as hybrid parents and could help with further genetic research for reduced NPK input.
Competition for FDI with vintage investment and agglomeration advantages: A revisit
Authors: Kishore Kaushal
Published: November 2021

We analyze the taxation regimes that may emerge in a two-period dynamic tax competition game where a country that attracts investments during the initial period has agglomeration advantages during the later period. When competing countries choose taxation regimes simultaneously, mixed taxation may arise in an equilibrium where one country adopts a non-preferential and the other adopts a preferential taxation regime. Equilibrium tax revenues of competing countries decrease with the increase in agglomeration effects. Whether a country with a non-preferential or a preferential taxation regime obtains a higher tax revenue depends critically on the extent of agglomeration effects. Moreover, whether a country with a non-preferential or a preferential regime attracts investments during the initial period and in turn will have agglomeration advantages during the later period also depends on the extent of agglomeration effects. When competing countries choose taxation regimes sequentially, a mixed taxation regime arises, and the first mover chooses a non-preferential taxation regime when the agglomeration effect is not very large. On the other hand, when the agglomeration effect is very large, a mixed taxation regime arises where the first mover chooses a preferential and the second mover chooses a non-preferential regime. We provide the complete characterization and proof of the uniqueness of the equilibrium in mixed strategies.JEL classification: F21, H21, H25, H87
Spread-F characteristics over Tucumán near the southern anomaly crest in South America during the descending phase of solar cycle 24
Authors: González Gilda de Lourdes
Published: November 2021

Ionospheric F-region irregularities can acutely affect navigation and communication systems. To develop predictive capabilities on their occurrence, it is key to understand their variabilities in a wide range of time scales. Previous studies at low latitudes in South America have been performed mostly in the eastern region. However, there are still few reports on the spread-F over Argentina owing to a lack of ionosonde data. This work presents the analysis of the spread-F (range spread-F and frequency spread-F) and plasma bubble occurrence characteristics near the southern crest of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly in Argentina (Tucumán, 26.8°S, 65.2°W; magnetic latitude 15.5°S). We used ionosonde and Global Positioning System (GPS) data from November 2014 to December 2019 for different solar and geomagnetic conditions. The data show that spread-F and plasma bubble occurrence rates peak in local summer and are minimum in equinox and winter, respectively. There is a negative correlation between each type of spread-F and solar activity, whereas the opposite happens for plasma bubbles. Geomagnetic activity suppresses the generation of spread-F in equinox and summer and enhances it in winter. Plasma bubble occurrence is higher during disturbed days than during quiet days, but under medium solar activity, summer months register more plasma bubbles in quiet conditions. Range spread-F observed in winter under low solar activity is not associated with plasma bubbles originated at the magnetic equator. These results contribute to the knowledge necessary to improve the prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution of the night-time ionospheric irregularities.
A search for a stochastic archetype of quantum probability
Authors: Jenkins Tim C
Published: November 2021

Superposed wavefunctions in quantum mechanics lead to a squared amplitude that introduces interference into a probability density, which has long been a puzzle because interference between probability densities exists nowhere else in probability theory. In recent years, Man’ko and coauthors have successfully reconciled quantum and classic probability using a symplectic tomographic model. Nevertheless, there remains an unexplained coincidence in quantum mechanics, namely, that mathematically, the interference term in the squared amplitude of superposed wavefunctions gives the squared amplitude the form of a variance of a sum of correlated random variables, and we examine whether there could be an archetypical variable behind quantum probability that provides a mathematical foundation that observes both quantum and classic probability directly. The properties that would need to be satisfied for this to be the case are identified, and a generic hidden variable that satisfies them is found that would be present everywhere, transforming into a process-specific variable wherever a quantum process is active. Uncovering this variable confirms the possibility that it is the stochastic archetype of quantum probability.
Insights into the Viscoelastic Peculiarities of Cyanobacterial Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS)
Authors: Can Hatice Kaplan , Kavlak Serap , Gurbuz Fatma , Odabaşı Mehmet
Published: November 2021

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) can be defined as renewable, high molecular weight polymeric materials produced by bacteria and microorganisms. EPSs are composed of primarily polysaccharides and proteins, with minor amounts of nucleic acids, lipids, and humic substances. Cyanobacterial extracellular polymeric subtances have a significant physiological effect on bloom formation and stress tolerance in adverse conditions. Therefore, cyanobacterial EPS has an important factor for aquatic life, environment and human life. For these reasons, determining the structure and structure-property relationships of cyanobacterial EPS is important for understanding its behavior and performance. In this study, the identification of the structure-property relationships, thermal and viscoelastic properties of cyanobacterial extracellular polymeric substance, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) have been performed. Viscoelastic properties of the polymeric materias have been interpreted by certain DMA parameters at a fixed frequency depending on the temperature to understand the performance of cyanobacterial EPS.
Green Chemical Synthesis of N-Cholyl-L-Cysteine Encapsulated Gold Nanoclusters For Fluorometric Detection of Mercury Ions
Authors: Jayapalan Kasthuri , Arumugam Sivasamy , Nagappan Rajendiran
Published: November 2021

Here we report a simple, single-step, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and biocompatible approach using sodium salt of N-cholyl-L-cysteine (NaCysC) capped gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with green emission properties at above the CMC in aqueous medium under UV-light irradiation. The primary and secondary CMC of NaCysC was found to be 4.6 and 10.7 mM respectively using pyrene as fluorescent probe. The synthesized AuNCs exhibit strong emission maxima at 520 nm upon excitation of 375 nm with a large Stokes shift of 145 nm. The surface functionality and morphology of NCs are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dymanic light scattering studies and transmission electron microscopy. The formation of AuNCs was completed within 5 h and exhibit high stability for more than 6 months. The NaCysC templated AuNCs selectively quenches the Hg2+ ions with higher sensitivity in aqueous solution over the other metal ions. The fluorescence analysis of Hg2+ showed a wide linear range from 15 to 120 µM and a detection limit was found to be 15 nM.
Urine phthalate levels and liver function in US adolescents: Analyses of NHANES 2007-2016
Authors: Xiang Shiting , Dong Jie , Li Xun , Li Liping , Li Chao
Published: November 2021

Phthalates are non-persistent chemicals with endocrine-disrupting abilities widely used in a variety of consumer products. Evidence for the effects of phthalate exposure on liver function in adolescents is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between urine phthalate levels and changes in liver function indicators. Methods: Data were analyzed from the combined 2007-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted linear regressions were used to explore the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and indicators of liver function. Bayesian kernel machine regressions (BKMR) were used to evaluate the joint effects of phthalate metabolite mixtures on indicators of liver function. Results: Weighted Linear regression models showed that MCOP and MiBP were negatively associated with TBIL (all P FDR < 0.05), MCPP was positively correlated with TBIL (P FDR < 0.05), ΣDEHP, MCOP, and MEP (all P FDR < 0.05) were negatively correlated with ALB, while MCPP was positively correlated with ALB (P FDR < 0.05), and MCOP was negatively correlated with TP (P FDR < 0.05). BKMR analysis showed phthalate metabolite mixtures had significant positive dose response relationships with ALT, AST, GGT, ALP and TBIL, and significant negative dose response relationships with ALB and TP. Conclusions: Phathalate metabolites were associated with changes in liver function indicators among U.S. adolescents.
Severity and Outcome Detection for the Cancer Patients with COVID-19 Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Davoodi Akbar , Javanmard Shaghayegh Haghjooy , Vaseghi Golnaz , Manteghinejad Amirreza
Published: November 2021

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic challenges the healthcare system to provide enough resources to battle the pandemic without jeopardizing routine treatments. As a result, this is important that we can predict the outcomes of patients at the time of admission. This study aims to apply different machine learning (ML) models for predicting Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and mortality of Cancer Patients infected with COVID-19.Methods:This study's data were collected from a referral cancer center in Iran. The study included all patients with cancer and a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.Different ML prediction algorithms like Logistic Regression (LR), Naïve Bayes (NB), k-Nearest Neighbours (kNN), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were used. Also, we applied the SelectKBest method to find the most important features for predicting ICU admission and mortality.Results:Three hundred thirty-nine patients enrolled in the study. One hundred fifteen were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 118 patients died during the hospital admission. The Area Under Curve (AUC) for predicting mortality is 0.61 for LR, 0.74 for NB, 0.61 for kNN, 0.6 for SVM, and 0.79 for RF. The AUC for predicting ICU admission is 0.61 for LR, 0.74 for NB, 0.56 for kNN, 0.55 for SVM, and 0.7 for RF.C-reactive protein (CRP), Aspartate transaminase (AST), and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) also are the most common features in predicting ICU admission and mortality.Conclusion:Our findings show the promise of different AI methods for predicting the risk of death or ICU in cancer patients infected with COVID-19, highlighting the importance of first laboratory results and patients' symptoms.
Knockdown of MALAT1 attenuates pyroptosis in diabetic cerebral ischemia via STAT1
Authors: Zhao Nan , Hua Wei , Liu Qi , Wang Yueying , Liu Zhiyi , Jin Sinan , Wang Benshuai , Pang Yuxin , Qi Jiping , Song Yuejia
Published: November 2021

Background
Dysregulated long non-coding RNAs participate in the development of diabetic cerebral ischemia. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA MALAT1 in diabetic cerebral ischemia.
Methods
Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to establish diabetic cerebral I/R in vivo. TTC and neurological deficits assessment were performed to assess cerebral ischemic injury. LDH was conducted to detect cytotoxicity. RT-qPCR and western blotting assays were applied to determine mRNA and protein expression. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the pyroptosis of BV2 cells. Immunofluorescence and FISH were conducted for subcellular localization of MALAT1 and STAT1. ELISA was performed to determine cytokine release. Dual luciferase reporter, RIP, and ChIP assays were used to validate the interaction between STAT1 and MALAT1/NLRP3.
Results
Diabetes aggravated cerebral injury in vivo and in vitro. Diabetic cerebral ischemia induced inflammatory response and inflammation-induced cell pyroptosis. MALAT1 was overexpressed in diabetic cerebral ischemia models in vivo and in vitro. However, knockdown of MALAT1 suppressed inflammatory response and the pyroptosis of BV2 cells. Moreover, MALAT1 interacted with STAT1 to transcriptionally activate NLRP3. Knockdown of STAT1 significantly reversed the effects of MALAT1. Furthermore, STAT1 upregulated MALAT1 expression.
Conclusion
MALAT1 interacts with STAT1 to promote the pyroptosis of neural cells induced by diabetic cerebral ischemia through regulating NLRP3. Therefore, knockdown of MALAT1 may be a promising therapy for diabetic cerebral ischemia.
Parametric polarization radio-location method of improvement of radio-location observation of navigational objects against the background of natural hindrances
Authors: D Korban
Published: November 2021

It should be taken into account the presence of atmospheric formations on the vessel's route during radar observation of navigational objects which, with sufficient intensity of signals reflected from them, can mask the echo-signals of navigational objects on the indicators of the ship's radar. Taking into account the polarization transformations, radiated electromagnetic waves while their interaction with the navigation and atmospheric objects allows to allocate the echo-signals of the navigation object from the total echo signal. To solve this problem, the principle of separation of the observed ship's radar objects will be used, in terms of the ratio of their basic dimensions to the emitted wave and the features of scattering of electromagnetic waves emitted by the ship's radar antenna. Also will be used method which based on the use of the polarization structure of the radar signals reflected from the navigation object and atmospheric formation when they are irradiated by electromagnetic waves of four polarizations. Electromagnetic waves radiated by the ship's radar antenna and reflected from the navigation and atmospheric objects are represented by means of four Stoke’s parameters. The reflecting properties of the navigation object and atmospheric formation are represented as a matrix of 16 coefficients, each of them is the effective reflecting surface of the navigation object and atmospheric formation. The analysis and description of the polarization method for dividing the echoes of the navigation object from the echoes of atmospheric formation is given.
Maritime VHF-DSC monitoring with low cost SDR receiver
Authors: Ovidiu Cristea
Published: November 2021

The main part of the alerting system of the GMDSS is done by automating alerting using Digital Selective Calling on VHF or MF/HF bands. Most of the small craft used to transport migrants use VHF-DSC to alert European's agencies of distress situations, which, in the all-most situations are fake. Because the maximum range of VHF propagation is around 50NM and it's related to the antennas' heights, it is necessary to increase the coverage area by installing many DSC receivers. The paper contains an example of a VHF-DSC receiver using a 20 Euros dongle and free GNU radio software. Instead to buy a maritime radio coast station the authorities can implement this system using low-cost dongle and small computers like Raspberry Pi, which also permit internet connection and IoT.
Use of acoustic warning devices to combat maritime piracy
Authors: Alecu Toma
Published: November 2021

The use of acoustic systems to combat piracy can be an important branch of the ship's security yet fully underdeveloped in true capacity. Although after the incident when the USS Cole destroyer was involved, resulting in shipwreck and the death of sailors, early research and innovation procedures were launched on early warning on small vessels and craft that hide their true identity. Their real intent is not established at the most opportune times for their classification as possible risk factors or foe. The Long Range Acoustic Hailing Device (LRAD) is a breakthrough in delivering highly intelligent communications and concentrated acoustic output warning tones. Usage distances up to 2.5 nautical miles offer a net benefit in the fight against piracy, and not only. LRAD also provides a high level of protection against threats in various fields, being increasingly used by the military navy of various states, the Coast Guard, public order, port and port facilities or permanent ship bases, in more than 70 countries worldwide. Thus, the use of LRAD on board commercial vessels has begun with small steps, although the prospect of global implementation can only depend on the lack of information and knowledge of the possibilities and benefits of these systems. Multiple seafarers reports of the results of the use of the Long Range Acoustic Hailing Device in the fight against piracy are the basis for its adoption as a first step in eradicating maritime piracy.
The Black Sea ports - the eastern maritime gates of Europe
Authors: R. Bosneagu
Published: November 2021

The port is a place situated on the shore of a sea, river or another waterway, protected by waves and currents, equipped with all the facilities necessary for the mooring, loading, unloading, and repairing of ships. Today, however, the modern seaport exceeds this classical definition, it is a specialized shipping infrastructure, being a complex economic unit with a wider commercial and industrial function than the production process of the major international commercial companies. Black Sea ports are the eastern maritime frontier of Europe, essential gates for entry and exit of imported and exported goods, the eastern maritime facade of Europe.
Maritime Economy versus Maritime Geoeconomics
Authors: R. Bosneagu
Published: November 2021

Throughout its history, the world has seen more social-political, industrial and economic revolutions, the most recent being the revolution of the "Internet" and the social networks, transformed, among other things in economic promotion vectors. The next global revolution, which has already begun, is the "maritime" revolution. The ocean is the new objective of human development because here all the sectors of the world economy converge and can thus provide: food, energy, resources, transport, health and leisure. The maritime economic sector already contributes over $ 1.5 trillion to the world economy, an estimated contribution to increase at least twice over the next two decades.
A STUDY TO TEST STOCK RETURN BASED ON PE STRATEGY AND THE COMBINATION BETWEEN PE AND 200 DMA STRATEGY IN COMPARISON TO THE RETURN GENERATED BY BUY AND HOLD STRATEGY
Authors: Alvin Anthony , Triasurya Dian
Published: November 2021

The main purpose of this study is to test a market perception that a low Price to Earnings ratio (PE) relatives to 5-year historical average and the combination with 200 Daily Moving Average (DMA), are a good indicator to generate buy & sell signal that can beat buy & hold strategy. The research uses 28 samples taken from 45 companies in the Kompas 100 index. The first study will use low PE, when company’s PE is below its 5-years average PE, the buy signal will be generated. The second study will use combination of low PE and 200 DMA, if PE of company below its 5-years average and its stock price is above 200 DMA, the buy signal will be generated. The T-test analysis will be conducted whether the different return between PE and PEDMA with buy and hold strategy is significant or not. The results shows that the low PE strategy and the combination of PE and DMA can give positive returns to the investor although it cannot beat the return by using buy & hold strategy. The investor cannot only use low PE as a single indicator in buying or selling stock, there should be another parameters.
EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE UNDERPRICING PHENOMENON ON IPOs IN PRIVATIZATION OF SOEs: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA
Authors: Setiobudi Monika , Warganegara Dezie L. , Warganegara Doni S.
Published: November 2021

The Objective this empirical research is conducted with the main purpose to assess whether the short-run underpricing level of IPOs on privatization is lower or not compared to the privately owned enterprises in Indonesia. The aim is intended to identify whether the presence of excessive underpricing is occurred among the Privatization IPOs in Indonesia. Method are used to fullfil the objective, the samples are derived from both SOEs and Non-SOEs that conducted the Initial Public Offerings (IPO) during period 2000-2009. The total final samples used are 147 samples. Moreover, this research focuses on the initial return of the first trading day to determine the underpricing level. The data is also analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov Smirnov test, parametric tests, Non-parametric tests and Multiple Regression Analysis. Result of the research shows the evidence that the extent of underpricing is significantly lower in IPOs conducted by the SOEs compared to the privately owned in Indonesia. Furthermore, the result also clarifies that there is no occurrence of excessive underpricing within the Privatization IPOs in Indonesia.Conclusion is the degree of underpricing within the SOEs is proven to be lower than the Non-SOEs. This fact is supported by the reasons of tight standardize legislation, underwriter’s reputation, budget deficit in Indonesia, and well-established industry within the SOEs.
DETERMINATION of MOTIVATION Muzakki PAYING ZAK at ZAKAT MANAGEMENT Institution (Case study on MSME owners)
Authors: Nurkholis Nurkholis , Jayanto Prabowo Yudo
Published: November 2021

This study aims to test and analyze factors that influence the motivation of Muzakki to pay zakat through religiosity, understanding of zakat, level of income, environmental, accountability of zakat management agency and socialization of zakat management agency. The population in this research is all Muslim SMEs in Semarang, while 100 Muslim SME owners in Semarang that are randomly sampled. Data is collected using the questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and  Partial Least Square (PLS) with  Smart analysis tool PLS 3.0. The study shows that religiosity, understanding of zakat, income level, environment, and accountability of the zakat management agency has a positive and significant influence on the motivation of Muzakki to pay Zakaah. While socialization of zakat management zakat has no significant effect.
FACTORS AFFECTING AUDIT DELAY IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
Authors: Armand Wishnu Kameshwara , Handoko Bambang Leo , Felicia Felicia
Published: November 2021

Financial reporting in a timely manner is one of the important factors to maintain the relevance of the information contained in the financial statements of a company. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of profitability, solvability, the complexity of operations, audit firm’s reputation and company’s age on audit delay, partially and simultaneously. This research uses secondary data obtained from goods and consumption industry sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2015-2018. This study used a purposive sampling method that produced 28 companies and 112 samples. Sample data were processed using descriptive statistical analysis, classic assumption test and multiple linear regression. The result of the partial significance test shows that the profitability and complexity of operations influence audit delay, while the simultaneous significance test shows that all variables simultaneously influence audit delay.
Evaluation and optimization of ASM1 parameters using large-scale WWTP monitoring data from a subtropical climate region in Brazil
Authors: Martins A. C. O. , Silva M. C. A. , Benetti A. D.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed at providing a set of optimal kinetic and stoichiometric parameters of ASM1 representative of wastewater from a subtropical climate region in Brazil. ASM1 was applied on the STOAT program, and the model parameters were evaluated and optimized with sensitivity analysis and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to reach minimum prediction errors of effluent TSS, COD, and NH3. Six sensitive parameters were identified: YH, YA, μA, KNH, bA, and kOA. Predictions of RSM regression models were strongly correlated to the STOAT predictions. YH mainly affected TSS and COD, and the other parameters affected NH3. ASM1 calibration with estimated optimal values of sensitive parameters resulted in approximately null prediction errors for modeling state variables. NH3 presented similar results in the ASM1 validation; meanwhile, TSS and COD presented high errors related to the increase in YH due to the RSM optimization. The optimal parameters, mainly YA, μA, KNH, bA, and kOA, constitute references for other studies on ASM1 modeling using wastewater data from a subtropical climate region. YH optimal value should be evaluated as well as the effect of sludge wastage methods and the simulation periods.