bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KLASIFIKASI KELAYAKAN TELUR AYAM RAS (BROILER) MENGGUNAKAN METODE NAÏVE BAYES CLASSIFIER
Authors: Maulana Andre , Hariyanto Rudi , Aris Widodo Anang
Published: March 2021

Telur tetas merupakan telur fertil atau telur yang telah dibuahi baik secara alami maupun buatan, dihasilkan dari peternakan ayam pembibit bukan peternakan komersial Telur yang ditetaskan haruslah melalui proses seleksi, tidak semua telur tetas dapat digunakan dalam penetasan. Faktor utama yang perlu diperhatikan dalam memilih telur tetas adalah kualitas telur, jika kualitas telur yang akan ditetaskan buruk maka presentase jumlah telur yang menetas rendah. Bobot telur tetas haruslah seragam sehingga besarnya juga seragam, yaitu tidak terlalu besar dan tidak terlalu kecil. Telur yang terlalu besar menyebabkan kantung udara terlalu kecil untuk perkembangan embrio sehingga telur akan terlambat untuk menetas. Ada beberapa kendala yang dihadapi karyawan untuk menyeleksi telur tetas diantaranya kurang teliti, faktor usia yang yang sudah tidak produktif dan juga faktor kelelahan mengakibatkan kurang fokus dalam menyeleksi. Pada permasalahan ini maka penelitian ini adalah bagaimana menentukan kelayakan telur dan dan klasifikasi dari citra telur layak dan tidak. Proses klasifikasi kelayakan telur ini dilakukan menggunakan  Naïve Bayes Classifier. Data yang dikumpulkan berjumlah 100 data citra telur terbagi menjadi 80 data latih dan 20 data uji. Dari hasil pengujian didapatkan hasil akurasi sebesar 75% dengan 20 data uji.
EL MANUSCRITO 287 DE LA BIBLIOTECA MENÉNDEZ PELAYO Y SU COPISTA
Authors: Traver Vera Ángel Jacinto
Published: March 2021

Este artículo estudia el manuscrito 287 de la Biblioteca Menéndez Pelayo (Santander), que contiene una traducción española del De rerum natura de Lucrecio fechada en 1791. Aunque ha sido considerada la primera en verso castellano y obra del Abate Marchena, el artículo aporta nuevos datos que prueban que fue realizada, en realidad, por el sacerdote Matías Sánchez, cuyo manuscrito autógrafo se custodia hoy en la Biblioteca del Palacio Real (Madrid) con la signatura II 646. El manuscrito 287 es posiblemente una copia, ejecutada por el archivero de la Academia Greco-Latina Ramón Mª. Estabiel. Las letras de Matías Sánchez y de Ramón Mª. Estabiel, conocidas por otros documentos, confirman la identificación del primero como autor de la traducción en verso y del segundo como copista.

Palabras clave: De rerum natura, Lucrecio, Matías Sánchez, Ramón Mª. Estabiel, Academia Greco-Latina
MARTIN M. WINKLER (ED.) (2015). RETURN TO TROY: NEW ESSAYS ON THE HOLLYWOOD EPIC. LEIDEN & BOSTON: BRILL.
Authors: Lillo Redonet Fernando
Published: March 2021

Martin M. Winkler (ed.) (2015). Return to Troy: New Essays on the Hollywood Epic. Leiden and Boston: Brill.  Pp. x, 284.  ISBN 9789004292765.
The Effect of Ethanol Extract of Malacca Leaves (Phyllanthus emblica) on The Number of Fibroblast Cells in White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Burns Wound
Authors: Ajirni Ajirni , Asmilia Nuzul , Nazaruddin Nazaruddin , Sutriana Amalia , Masyitha Dian , Isa Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Burns are caused by heat exposure, such as fire, radiation, electricity or chemicals that can damage the skin and affect the body's systems. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of the ethanol extract of Malacca leaves (Phyllanthus emblica) on the number of fibroblast cells in white rats (Rattus norvegicus) that have burned. This study used 24 white rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into 4 groups that smeared with aquadest as a negative control (P1), 5% ethanol extract gel of Malacca leaves (P2), 10% ethanol extract gel of Malacca leaves (P3), and positive control applied with bioplasenton® gel (P4). The IIA degree burn were created by placing a 2x2 cm hot iron plate on the back of the rat for 5 seconds. The euthanasia performed to all animal and the skin samples were collected after 15 days of treatment. Then histopathological preparations were made using HE staining. The number of fibroblast cells were analyzed by ANOVA test. The average number of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) fibroblast cells that suffered burns P1 (negative control) had a number of 7 ± 1.4 cells/visual. Whereas th e P2 group had a number of 4.2 ± 1.58 cells/visual. This value has a significant difference with the negative control. But the P2 and P3 values (3 ± 1.51 cells/visual) there is no significant different with the P4 value (positive control) with an average number of P4 fibroblast cells were 2 ± 0.4 cells/visual. The results of this study concluded that the ethanol extract of malacca leaves 5% and 10% had an effect againts accelerating burns healing in white rats ( Rattus norvegicus).
easyCLIP Analysis of RNA-Protein Interactions Incorporating Absolute Quantification
Authors: Porter Douglas , Khavari Paul
Published: March 2021

In general, an RNA-binding protein (RBP) may be considered a protein with an abnormally frequent interaction with RNA, and a "target RNA" for a specific protein may be considered an RNA with an abnormally frequent interaction with that protein. Traditional ultraviolet (UV) cross-linking immunoprecipitation (CLIP)-sequencing analysis methods generally define interactions by methods that are indirectly assessing the latter. However, there has been limited direct assessment of these metrics by determining RNA cross-link rates or the RNA-binding profiles of non-RBPs.Here, we describe a method to determine RNA cross-link rates and create sequencing libraries for a protein of interest, either of which may be performed on their own. easyCLIP is a relatively short, reliable, and efficient CLIP method, with the capacity to directly visualize RNA libraries and diagnose methodological problems. By combining the sequencing data and cross-link rates, the absolute frequency of given cross-links may be compared between control and experimental proteins, to nominate potential RBPs and distinctive RNA-protein interactions.
Generation of human blastocyst-like structures by somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Tan Jia Ping , Liu Xiaodong , Polo Jose M.
Published: March 2021

In the human blastocyst, as development progresses, cells of the epiblast (EPI) lineage will develop into the embryo proper and amnion, whereas cells of the trophectoderm (TE) and primitive endoderm (PE) will give rise to the placenta and yolk sac, respectively1. The study of early human development relies on the use of blastocysts donated to research or cell culture systems such as pluripotent and trophoblast stem cells. Altogether, these have been seminal in shedding light on many key differentiation processes. However, simple culture systems lack the necessary complexity to adequately model the spatio-temporal/cellular and molecular dynamics occurring during the early phases of embryonic development. Currently, an in vitro model of the human blastocyst is not available. Here, we describe a protocol for the generation of an in vitro integrated model of the human blastocyst obtained by reprogramming fibroblasts, termed iBlastoids.
A randomized clinical trial of different associations between dexamethasone and non-steroids anti-inflammatories in the lower third molar extractions
Authors: Momesso Gustavo Antonio Correa , Oliveira Gustavo Augusto Grossi , Silva William Phillip Pereira , Akira Renan , Chiba Fernando , Polo Tárik Ocon Braga , Neto Tiburtino José Lima , Rios Bárbara Ribeiro , Bassi Ana Paula Farnezi , Sumida Doris Hissako , Han Michael , Miloro Michael , Faverani Leonardo Perez
Published: March 2021

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the preemptive analgesic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) alone or combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in third molar surgeries.Materials and Methods The subjects were divided into five groups (n = 20 teeth/group); subjects received only 8 mg of dexamethasone 1 hour before the surgical procedure (DEX group), or in combination with etodolac (DEX + ETO), ketorolac (DEX + KET), ibuprofen (DEX + IBU), loxoprofen (DEX + LOX). Paracetamol 750 mg was provided as the number of rescue analgesics (NRA). Salivary PGE2 expression was measured preoperatively and at 48 hours. Edema and Maximum mouth opening (MMO) were measured postoperatively at 48h and 7 days. A visual analog scale (VAS) was performed postoperatively at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days.Results Salivary expression of PGE2 showed a decrease only for the DEX group. Edema and MMO and NRA consumption showed no significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). The VAS showed a significantly lower pain perception at 6 hours after the surgery for the DEX + ETO and DEX + KET groups (P < 0.05).Conclusions The combination of DEX and NSAIDS should be considered for preemptive acute postsurgical pain management in third molar surgery. Clinical Relevance: In some drug associations such as dexamethasone 8 mg + NSAIDS (ETO and KET), and others, the isolated administration of a single dose of dexamethasone in the pre-operative time, only a few rescue analgesics are necessary.
Long-Term Safety of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Oral Mucositis in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patients: A 15-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bezinelli Leticia Mello , Corrêa Luciana , Vogel Cristina , Kutner Jose Mauro , Ribeiro Andreza Feitosa , Hamerschlak Nelson , Eduardo Carlos de Paula , Migliorati Cesar Augusto , EDUARDO FERNANDA P
Published: March 2021

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis (OM) in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, based on the cell stimulation properties, its long-term safety has been questioned, mainly in relation to risk for secondary malignancies in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate if different PBMT protocols for OM control have association with immediate and late adverse effects in HCT patients. Data on autologous and allogeneic transplantation, conditioning regimen, PBMT protocols, and OM severity were retrospectively collected from medical and dental records. Presence of secondary malignancies in the oral cavity was surveyed during a 15-year follow-up. Impact of OM on overall survival was also analyzed. Different PBMT protocols for prevention and treatment of OM were recorded over the years. Severe OM (grades 3 and 4) was infrequently observed. When present we observed a significant decrease of the overall survival. No immediate adverse effect and secondary malignancy was associated to PBMT. In conclusion, the PBMT protocols used in the study were considered safe. The low frequency of severe OM observed encourages the implementation of this technique, with a special emphasis on the dosimetry adjustments focused on the HCT context.
Where are we and where to go for supportive cancer care in China? A national survey of patients and healthcare providers
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Zhou Yiming , Deng Ting , Yuan Xianglin , Xiong Jianping , Lin Yuan , Wang Nanya , Yao Qinghua , Zhu Liming , Li Qiu , Liu Jing , Wang Chang , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Hongyan , Li Yan , Hui Yongfeng , Ren Haipeng , Chen Gongyan , Sun Lingyu , Liu Bo , Lu Zhenqi , Wu Beiwen , Zhang Jun , Ba Yi
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to make a comprehensive, nationwide survey of supportive care for cancer patients in China. Two sets of questionnaires, one for medical professionals and one for patients, were distributed. Responses were received from 12,686 medical care personnel and 11,172 patients or their family representatives from 34 provinces. It was found that only about one-fourth of caregivers felt they had much knowledge about oncology supportive care, and nearly 10% admitted to having little or no knowledge. Multidisciplinary teams for supportive care were more often available in tertiary hospitals (19.9%) than in non-tertiary hospitals (15.4%) (p < 0.05). Pain was the most common patient concern; however, pain treatment was only the fifth most common therapy administered by health care providers. Patient concerns were more often subjective (pain, economic burden, appearance, and sexual dysfunction), whereas caregiver treatments were more often directed at objective concerns (nutrition and adverse reactions to treatment regimens). Patients reported that they received no guidance or guidance only when they proposed it for psychological (25%), physical exercise (15%), nutrition (40%), or spiritual (40%-65%) needs. We conclude that the concept of supportive care is widely accepted and implemented throughout China. However, gaps exist in caregiver knowledge about supportive oncology care, the use of multidisciplinary teams, especially in non-tertiary hospitals, and the interventions between what caregivers give and what patients subjectively need. Improvements in caregiver education in supportive oncology care and the delivery of care are needed.
Implementing supportive exercise interventions in the colorectal cancer care pathway: a process evaluation of the PREPARE-ABC randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Murdoch Jamie , Varley Anna , McCulloch Jane , Jones Megan , Thomas Laura B. , Clark Allan , Stirling Susan , Turner David , Swart Ann Marie , Dresser Kerry , Howard Gregory , Hernon James , Saxton John
Published: March 2021

Background: A colorectal resection is standard treatment for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the procedure results in significant post-operative mortality and reduced quality of life. Maximising pre-operative cardiopulmonary fitness could improve post-surgical outcomes. PREPARE-ABC is a multi-centre, three-armed, randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of exercise interventions, with motivational support on short and longer-term recovery outcomes in CRC patients undergoing major lower-gastrointestinal surgery. The trial included an internal pilot phase with parallel process evaluation. The aim of the process evaluation was to optimise intervention implementation for the main trial.Methods: Mixed methods process evaluation conducted in 14 UK hospitals between November 2016 and March 2018. Data included a site profile questionnaire and telephone scoping interview with hospital staff, 34 qualitative observations of standard care and 14 observations of intervention delivery, 13 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 28 semi-structured interviews with patients. Data analysis focused on describing intervention delivery within each arm, assessing fidelity, acceptability and how variation in delivery was linked to contextual characteristics.Results: Standard care exercise advice was typically limited to maintaining current activity levels, and with lead-in time to surgery affecting whether any exercise advice was provided. Variation in HCP capacity affected the ability of colorectal units to deploy staff to deliver the intervention. Patients’ exercise history and motivation prior to surgery influenced HCP perceptions and delivery of the motivational components. Observations indicated a high level of fidelity to delivery of the exercise interventions. All but one of the 28 interviewed patients reported increasing exercise levels as a result of receiving the intervention, with most finding them motivational and greatly valuing the enhanced level of social support (versus standard care) provided by staff.Conclusion: Hospital-supervised and home-based exercise interventions were highly acceptable for most patients undergoing surgery for CRC. Delivery of pre- and post-operative exercise within the CRC care pathway is feasible but systematic planning of capacity and resources is required to optimise implementation.
Accuracy and precision of hatchling sea-finding orientation relative to dune proximity in three species of sea turtles
Authors: Hirama Shigetomo , Witherington Blair , Hirsch Sarah , Leone Erin , Carthy Raymond
Published: March 2021

Sea turtle hatchlings emerge from nests at night on sand beaches and immediately orient using visual cues. These cues involve horizon brightness, and on beaches without artificial lighting, hatchling orientation is seaward. Although many studies have examined which visual cues influence hatchling orientation, we found no work focused on a comparison of orientation among species. The purpose of the present study was to understand how dune proximity (distance from nest to dune silhouette) comparatively affected hatchling orientation in three sea turtle species sharing the same nesting beach. We measured accuracy and precision of hatchling orientation in hatchling loggerheads (Caretta caretta), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), using tracks left in beach sand. Generalized linear models were used to test for effects from nest-dune distance in each species. We found that green turtle hatchlings had better orientation than loggerhead hatchlings. The results also showed that there was a significant decrease in hatchling orientation accuracy and precision in all species as the distance between nests and dune increased. We conclude that dune features are likely to provide important cues for hatchling orientation on sea turtle nesting beaches. Considering the importance of beach dunes to sea-finding success of hatchlings, we recommend management strategies to maintain natural beach profiles on sea turtle nesting beaches.
Detection Spectrum Optimization of Stealth Aircraft Targets From a Space-based Infrared Platform
Authors: Ni Xinyue , Yu Shutian , Su Xiaofeng , Chen Fansheng
Published: March 2021

Advances in infrared detection techniques require novel spectrum dynamic-modification strategies capable of sensing unprecedentedly low target radiant intensities. A conventional fixed-spectrum detection system cannot satisfy the effective detection of stealth aircraft targets due to complex Earth background clutter and atmospheric attenuation. Therefore, a detection method that can highlight aircraft targets is urgently needed to enhance stealth aircraft detectability. In this research, a spectrum set consisting of different bandwidths associated with a central wavelength is established. Furthermore, a signal-to-noise ratio of the stealth aircraft is computed using the established spectrum set. Finally, the optimal spectrum is selected according to the maximal signal-to-noise ratio from the spectrum set. Our numerical experiments and simulations further demonstrate that the proposed methodology can substantially strengthen the detection performance of stealth aircraft compared with traditional fixed-spectrum detection systems. This work on detection spectrum optimization paves the way to stealth aircraft detection and opens new vistas in the field of target detection technology.
Mendelian randomization analysis of Circulating adiponectin levels on prostate cancer
Authors: Ren Liangliang , Yu Chenhao , Zhou Zhenwei , Li Gonghui
Published: March 2021

Background: Previous observational studies showed a conflict with the correlation between circulating adiponectin levels and prostate cancer. Methods: In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the causal effects between them. 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms were screened from the largest-scale genome-wide association study meta-analysis of adiponectin in a multi-ethnic population. The SNP outcome effects were obtained from Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome and Japanese Encyclopedia of Genetic Associations by Riken. Inverse variance weighted model with random-effects was the main effect estimation in our study, alongside weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mode models.Results: The results showed no significant causal estimate but a potential protective effect of adiponectin on prostate cancer. In addition, two other research of adiponectin repeated the analysis to avoid the bias of human species showing the similar results. Conclusion: Our study did not provide significant evidence to support the causal effects of circulating adiponectin levels on prostate cancer, but most of our results showed a potential protective effect requiring larger-scale MR analysis to confirm.
Fusion Energy: On the track of a different philosophy and solution
Authors: Ferro Joao
Published: March 2021

When two (or more) nuclei fuse, to form a heavier element, a known quantity of energy is released. The process seems easy to describe, at least to some degree. Today, technological development on the subject has introduced applications in many areas. Even so, there are some challenges before we can be able to provide energy by an appropriated fusion process: high needs of power, plasma confinement issues, heavy equipment, etc.The present idea intends to show a different view. The author calls, in a broad sense, a conceptual thesis, and it has the natural language as the principal tool. The author either explicitly or implicitly discusses the space-time fabric, double-slit experiment, and other concepts like non-duality. One nanoapparatus draft with the purpose of being in the scope of near future research closes the picture.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the EUROFORGEN NAME and Precision ID Ancestry panel markers for ancestry investigations
Authors: Truelsen Ditte , Tvedebrink Torben , Mogensen Helle Smidt , Farzad Maryam Sharafi , Shan Muhammad Adnan , Morling Niels , Pereira Vania , Børsting Claus
Published: March 2021

The EUROFORGEN NAME panel is a second-tier ancestry panel designed to differentiate individuals from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The first version of the panel was developed for the MassARRAY® system and included 111 SNPs. Here, a custom AmpliSeq™ EUROFORGEN NAME panel with 102 of the original 111 loci was used to sequence 1,098 individuals from 14 populations from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, North-East Africa, and South-Central Asia. These samples were also sequenced with the first-tier Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The GenoGeographer software was used to assign the AIM profiles to reference populations and calculate the weight of the evidence as likelihood ratios. The combination of the EUROFORGEN NAME and Precision ID Ancestry panels led to fewer ambiguous assignments, especially for individuals from the Middle East and South-Central Asia. The likelihood ratios showed that North African individuals could be separated from European and Middle Eastern individuals using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The separation improved with the addition of the EUROFORGEN NAME panel. The analyses also showed that the separation of Middle Eastern populations from European and South-Central Asian populations was challenging even when both panels were applied.
Formation of Cd x Pb1− x S/Cd1- δ S Thin-Film Two-Phase Compositions by Chemical Bath Deposition: Composition, Structure, and Optical Properties
Authors: Maskaeva L. N. , Vaganova I. V. , Markov V. F. , Voronin V. I. , Lipina O. A. , Mostovshchikova Elena , Belov V. S. , Miroshnikova I. N.
Published: March 2021

The possibility of forming thin-film two-phase compositions CdxPb1-xS/Cd1-dS by using the chemical bath deposition from aqueous media with adding various cadmium salts has been demonstrated. The crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, and the band gap were studied by the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, Auger and Raman spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance measurements. The formation of a CdxPb1-xS/Cd1-dS substitutional solid solution phase in well-faceted crystallites on the substrate of an X-ray amorphous CdS phase has been experimentally proved. The found differences in their composition are the result of the effect of the nucleophilicity of the anionic component of the cadmium salt on the kinetics of thiourea decomposition. The results demonstrate the possibility of forming thin-film two-phase compositions or heterostructures on the base of cadmium and lead sulfides in one technological stage by using chemical bath deposition, which can be important for the creation of solar cells.
Obesity and Skin Problems in Persons With a Lower Limb Amputation: An Observational Study
Authors: Mollee Terezka S. , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Dekker Rienk , Geertzen Jan H.B.
Published: March 2021

Background: A lower limb amputation can lead to weight gain and obesity. However, data regarding the prevalence of obesity in the Dutch population with a lower limb amputation are lacking. Furthermore, the impact of obesity on skin problems of the residual limb and the need of prosthetic repairs is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Dutch persons with a lower limb amputation and to investigate the relationship between body weight, body mass index and skin problems of the residual limb and the frequency of prosthetic repairs. Methods: A survey was performed among adults with a unilateral lower limb amputation due to any cause, and who are user of a prosthesis. The survey consisted of measurement of the subjects’ body height and weight, a questionnaire which assessed self-reported skin problems in the previous month and factors potentially associated with these skin problems, and assessment of the frequency of visits to the orthopedic workshop. Results: In total, 413 persons were enrolled. Of them, 39% (95% confidence interval 35%−44%) was overweight and 28% (95% confidence interval 24%−33%) was obese. A total of 77% (95% confidence interval 73%−81%) reported one or more skin problems in the past month. Body weight and body mass index were neither associated with the presence of skin problems in general nor with the number of prosthetic repairs. Persons with severe skin problems had a slightly lower body mass index (26.6 kg/m2 vs. 28.0 kg/m2, p = 0.012). Persons with skin problems were younger than those without (difference in means 6.0 years (95% confidence interval 3.0−8.9)). Conclusion: Our findings show that obesity is common in the ambulant population with a lower limb amputation, with a prevalence being higher than in the general Dutch adult population. However, its negative impact on the presence of skin problems and the frequency of prosthetic repairs may be limited.
The Predictive Role of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio on Intensive Care Unit Admission and Mortality of COVID-19 Patients in Iran
Authors: Foroughi Peiman , Varshochi Mojtaba , Hassanpour Mehdi , Amini Meisam , Amini Behnam , Nikniaz Zeinab , Amini Hassan
Published: March 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 several studies conducted to identify predictive factors which are associated with prognosis of COVID-19. In this study we aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could help the clinicians to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality of COVID-19 patients. This retrospective cohort study involved examining the medical records of 311 Iranian COVID-19 patients from 22 July 2020 to 22 August 2020. All characteristic data and laboratory results were recorded. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the predictive value of studied parameters for ICU admission and death. Comparison of data revealed that some factors were jointly higher in non-survivors and ICU admitted patients than survivors and non-ICU admitted patients, such as: age, hemoglobin (HB), NLR, derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), PLR, systemic inflammatory index (SII), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Respiratory diseases, ischemic heart disease (IHD). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only hypertension (OR 3.18, P=0.02) is an independent risk factor of death in COVID-19 patients, and also PLR (OR 1.02, P=0.05), hypertension (OR 4.00, P=0.002) and IHD (OR 5.15, P=0.008) were independent risk factor of ICU admission in COVID-19 patients. This study revealed that the NLR, PLR, platelet-to-white blood Cell ratio (PWR), dNLR and SII are valuable factors for predicting ICU admission and mortality of COVID-19 patients.
Pricing of indirect emissions accelerates low-carbon transition of US light vehicle sector
Authors: Wolfram Paul , Weber Stephanie , Gillingham Kenneth , Hertwich Edgar
Published: March 2021

Large-scale electric vehicle adoption can greatly reduce emissions from vehicle tailpipes. However, analysts have cautioned that it can come with increased indirect emissions from electricity and battery production that are not commonly regulated by transport policies. We combine integrated energy modeling and life cycle assessment to compare optimal policy scenarios that price emissions at the tailpipe only, versus both tailpipe and indirect emissions. Surprisingly, scenarios that also price indirect emissions exhibit higher, rather than reduced, sales of electric vehicles, while yielding lower cumulative tailpipe and indirect emissions. Expected technological change ensures that emissions from electricity and battery production are more than offset by reduced emissions of gasoline production. Given continued decarbonization of electricity supply, results show that a large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is able to reduce CO2 emissions through more channels than previously expected. Further, carbon pricing of stationary sources will also favor electric vehicles.
Unusual d-electron heavy-fermion behaviour in f-electron ferromagnetic antiperovskite Gd3SnC
Authors: Bang Joonho , Park Jongho , Lee Kimoon , Kim Minsoo , Kyung Wonshik , Denlinger Jonathan , Kim Yeong Kwan , Lee Young Hee , Kim Changyoung , Kim Sung Wng
Published: March 2021

Inverted structures of common crystal lattices, referred to as antistructures, are rare in nature due to their thermodynamic constraints imposed by the switched cation and anion positions in reference to the original structure. However, a stable antistructure formed with mixed bonding characters of constituent elements in unusual valence states can provide unexpected material properties. Here, we report a heavy-fermion behaviour of ferromagnetic gadolinium lattice in Gd3SnC antiperovskite, contradicting the common belief that ferromagnetic gadolinium cannot be a heavy-fermion system. The specific heat shows an unusually large Sommerfeld coefficient of ~ 1114 mJ⋅mol− 1⋅K− 2 with a logarithmic behaviour of non-Fermi-liquid state. We demonstrate that the heavy-fermion behaviour in the non-Fermi-liquid state appears to arise from the hybridized electronic states of gadolinium 5d-electrons participating in metallic Gd–Gd and covalent Gd–C bonds. These results accentuate unusual chemical bonds in CGd6 octahedra with the dual characters of gadolinium 5d-electrons for the emergence of heavy-fermions.
Integrated Input-Output and Systems Analysis Modelling: The Case of Tunisia.Part 1 - Energy technology Input-Output multipliers
Authors: Howells Mark , Necibi Thameur , Laitner John Skip , Gardumi Francesco , Bock Franziska
Published: March 2021

This paper examines four simple stereotypical electricity-sector investments and estimates selected direct and indirect job impacts. To do so, the analysis focuses on the development of a simple Input-Output model and generic financial descriptions of energy efficiency and renewable energy interventions. These are applied to the Tunisian electricity sector. Sensitivities are developed around the assumptions required to calibrate the resulting financial flows. All aspects of this analysis are open source and drawing from ubiquitously available social accounting matrices, with the aim of increasing their scalability and lowering the threshold of energy-economy modelling. This analysis is used to develop intermediate data for a dynamic systems model as well as to produce selected policy insights. They relate to: the payback period associated with energy efficiency investments; local content; capital intensity; and implications on gas (for power generation) imports. Associated with this are policy recommendations that relate to the choice of new power generation, the scheduling of energy efficiency programs and defining future data needs to better calibrate the analysis of those interventions.
Dropout of Infertility Treatments Among Iranian Infertile Couples: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ghorbani Maryam , Hoseini Fatemeh Sadat , Yunesian Masud , Keramat Afsaneh
Published: March 2021

Background: Many infertile couples seek Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to achieve pregnancy. However, a high proportion of them dropout treatment due to different reasons. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the dropout/continuity rate of infertility treatments and related factors among Iranian couples.Methods: The present retrospective cohort study was conducted on 380 eligible infertile women in four groups (95 people in each group) based on causes of infertility (male, female, unexplained, both) from April 2018 to March 2019 in infertility centers of Qom. The individuals had at least one unsuccessful IVF/ICSI (In Vitro Fertilization/ Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) cycle. Participants were considered as treatment discontinuer if they did not refer to the infertility clinics at least six months after the failure of treatment. The research data were collected using medical records and telephone interviews.Results: Incidence dropout rate of infertility treatments was 42.9%. Related factors in dropout were number of unsuccessful treatments (P<0.001), age of women (p= 0.01), age of men (p= 0.02), and type of infertility (primary or secondary) (p= 0.004). Treatment dropout was higher in couples, who had one experience of unsuccessful treatment (60.1%), than those who had twice or more experiences (21.7%).Conclusions: Dropout rate of infertility treatments was relatively high; and some demographic factors were associated with treatment continuation. It seems that couples, who have primary infertility and one unsuccessful infertility treatment, were at a greater risk of dropout and its consequences. This phenomenon can be due to the lack of awareness and adequate information.
Are visual working memory and episodic memory distinct processes? Insight from stroke patients by lesion-symptom mapping.
Authors: Lugtmeijer Selma , Geerligs Linda , Leeuw Frank Erik De , Haan Edward H. F. De , Kessels Roy P. C.
Published: March 2021

Working memory and episodic memory are two different processes, although the nature of their interrelationship is debated. As these processes are predominantly studied in isolation, it is unclear whether they crucially rely on different neural substrates. To obtain more insight in this, eighty-one adults with sub-acute ischemic stroke and twenty-nine elderly controls were assessed on a visual working memory task, followed by a surprise subsequent memory test for the same stimuli. Multivariate, atlas- and track-based lesion-symptom mapping (LSM) analyses were performed to identify anatomical correlates of visual memory. Behavioral results gave moderate evidence for independence between discriminability in working memory and subsequent memory, and strong evidence for a correlation in response bias on the two tasks in stroke patients. LSM analyses suggested there might be independent regions associated with working memory and episodic memory. Lesions in the right arcuate fasciculus were more strongly associated with discriminability in working memory than in subsequent memory, while lesions in the frontal operculum in the right hemisphere were more strongly associated with criterion setting in subsequent memory. These findings support the view that some processes involved in working memory and episodic memory rely on separate mechanisms, while acknowledging that there might also be shared processes.
Progress and Challenges of Integrated Drug Efficacy Surveillance for Uncomplicated Malaria in Thailand
Authors: Sudathip Prayuth , Saejeng Aungkana , Khantikul Nardlada , Thongrad Thannikar , Kitchakarn Suravadee , Sugaram Rungniran , Lertpiriyasuwat Cheewanan , Areechokchai Darin , Gopinath Deyer , Sintasath David , Ringwald Pascal , Naowarat Sathapana , Pinyajeerapat Niparueradee , Bustos Maria Dorina , Shah Jui A.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundIntegrated drug efficacy surveillance (iDES) was formally introduced nationally across Thailand in fiscal year 2018 (FY2018), building on a history of drug efficacy monitoring and interventions. According to the National Malaria Elimination Strategy for Thailand 2017–2026, diagnosis is microscopically confirmed, treatment is prescribed, and patients are followed up four times to ensure cure.MethodsRoutine patient data were extracted from the malaria information system for FY2018–FY2020. Treatment failure of first-line therapy was defined as confirmed parasite reappearance within 42 days for Plasmodium falciparum and 28 days for Plasmodium vivax. The primary outcome was the crude drug efficacy rate, estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods, at day 42 for P. falciparum treated with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine plus primaquine, and day 28 for P. vivax treated with chloroquine plus primaquine; day 60 and day 90 efficacy were secondary outcomes for P. vivax.ResultsThe proportion of patients with outcomes recorded at day 42 for P. falciparum malaria and at day 28 for P. vivax malaria has been increasing, with FY2020 follow-up rates of 61.5% and 57.2%, respectively. For P. falciparum malaria, day 42 efficacy in FY2018 was 92.4% (n = 249), in FY2019 93.3% (n = 379), and in FY2020 98.0% (n = 167). P. falciparum recurrences occurred disproportionally in Sisaket Province, with day 42 efficacy rates of 75.9% in FY2018 (n = 59) and 49.4% in FY2019 (n = 49), leading to an update in first-line therapy to pyronaridine-artesunate at the provincial level, rolled out in FY2020. For P. vivax malaria, day 28 efficacy was 98.5% in FY2018 (n = 2,048), 99.1% in FY2019 (n = 2,206), and 99.9% in FY2020 (n = 2,448), and day 90 efficacy was 94.8%, 96.3%, and 97.1%, respectively.ConclusionsIn Thailand, iDES provided operationally relevant data on drug efficacy, enabling the rapid amendment of treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes and reduce the potential for the spread of drug-resistant parasites. A strong case-based surveillance system, integration with other health system processes, supporting biomarker collection and molecular analyses, and cross-border collaboration may maximize the potential of iDES in countries moving towards elimination.
In Vitro and in Vivo Comparative Study of a Novel 68 Ga-Labeled PSMA-Targeted Inhibitor and 68 Ga -PSMA-11
Authors: Chen Huanyu , Cai Ping , Feng Yue , Sun Zhanliang , Wang Yinwen , Chen Yue , Liu Nan , Zhou Zhijun , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2021

68Ga-radiolabeled small molecules that specifically target prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been extensively investigated, and some of those tracers have been used in diagnosis of prostate cancer with 68Ga-positron emission tomography (68Ga-PET). Nevertheless, current 68Ga-labeled radiotracers show fair detection rates to metastasized prostate cancer lesions, especially to those with lower level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), which often occur in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. The goal of this study was to design and synthesize a new PSMA-targeted radiotracer 68Ga-SC691 with high affinity to prostate cancer cells and excellent pharmacokinetics. To this end, structural optimum was made on the bifunctional group, target motif, and linker while high affinity targeting scaffold was remained. In order to explore its potential in clinical, a comparative study was further performed in vitro and in vivo between 68Ga-SC691 and 68Ga-PSMA-11, the clinically approved tracer for PSMA-positive prostate cancer. SC691 was radiolabeled to provide 68Ga-SC691 in 99% radiolabeling yield under mild conditions. High uptake and internalization ratio into LNCaP cells were observed in in vitro studies. In vivo studies showed that 68Ga-SC691 had a favorable biodistribution property and can specifically accumulate on PSMA-positive LNCaP xenografts visualized by micro-PET/CT. This radiotracer showed excellent PET imaging quality and comparable uptake at LNCaP xenografts if not higher than 68Ga-PSMA-11.
WITHDRAWN: What Impact Have SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Uttar Pradesh in India over the 3 months after nationwide Lockdown announcement in March 2020 -A brief analysis
Authors: Kumar Piyush
Published: March 2021

Background: The delivery of reproductive and child health services is of utmost importance and prime concern in India particularly populous states like Uttar Pradesh with limited resources, poor infrastructure and huge demand on healthcare system. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had presented a challenge even for developed healthcare systems around the world.
Ad-hoc e-learning measures during COVID-19 lockdown in Republic of Srpska HE institutions: student insights
Authors: Tanjga Mitja
Published: March 2021

The present study investigated the influence of ad-hoc transfer from classic classes to fully on-line during COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020, on a student’s satisfaction with e-learning. It is significant for all stakeholders, especially policy makers in Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn about importance of thorough planning and development of e-learning. Also e-learning ad-hoc classes have risen awareness about necessity for continued research on e-learning and its implications on higher education classes. COVID-19 lockdown drew attention of the whole world to the importance of e-learning as a powerful tool for academia. One-hundred and ninety-six students participated in online survey with 21 questions divided into 4 divisions. Results show that while majority of students (almost 93%) didn’t have feelings of studying for real and preferred face-to-face teaching as well as contact with their colleagues, participants (almost 85%) were partially or fully satisfied with e-learning classes during lockdown. Most of the participants had active high-speed Internet connection and used PC or laptop for e-learning classes. Significant number (38.8%) of students used mobile phone for e-learning classes which is fact important to be emphasized for future development purposes. If results are put in right perspective of transferring from face-to-face lectures to fully on line classes in a matter of days in lockdown they represent solid base for future e-learning development. E-learning will never replace classic education system especially in practical classes such as laboratory exercises or internships in the real sector, however, results indicate that this methods has a future place in HE education, if possible not as fully online classes but more as a blended system.
WITHDRAWN: What Impact Have SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of India over the 3 months after nationwide Lock down announcement in March 2020 -A brief analysis.
Authors: KUMAR PIYUSH
Published: March 2021

Background: The delivery of reproductive and child health services is of utmost importance and prime concern in India particularly because of huge population with limited resources, poor infrastructure and huge demand on healthcare system. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had presented a challenge even for developed healthcare systems around the world. Objectives: The main aim of this research is to find out Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme in India over the 3 months after Lockdown imposition countrywide in March 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Settings & Design: Different indicators group of RCH programme 2020 (immunisation, maternal & child health, family planning) for India were collected from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India and compared from previous year 2019 data for the period of three months(April/May/June) and presented in tables and graphs to understand the situation. Materials & Methodology: Secondary data from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India for 3 month of April, May, June 2019 & 2020 were taken for analysing and understanding the impact of pandemic on RCH programme over 3 months after nationwide lock down announced in march 2020 viz. April/May/June 2020. The data obtained is analysed by using Microsoft Office software. Result: The analysis of secondary data obtained from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website (Provisional figure & mentioned free for distribution) for RCH programme of India shows that the lock down period & initial early phase of SARS-CoV-2 during above mentioned 3 months pandemic have a negative impact over the delivery of Reproductive & Child Health services reflected through important indicators of which are also affected negatively. Besides the pandemic the Nation is also having lack of resources, manpower poor infrastructure as well as lack of positive deviance at community level. These are the barriers in fact beside the epidemic. It seems that there is lack of proper plan to deal with such pandemic situation. Conclusion: India has taken various strategies to ensure delivery of RCH services but it seems to be insufficient to give the desired results. The barriers of healthcare system and delivery of services constraints should be rectified added with a proper dynamic plan to carry on usual RCH services even in pandemics and natural disasters. India needs to develop an exclusive plan to tackle such situations such as establishment of separate cadre of health worker for RCH services to ensure the healthcare of women and children’s in any natural disasters and calamities.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Butlerius butleri Goodey, 1929 (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) from South Africa: First report
Authors: Girgan Chantelle , Du Preez Gerhard , Fourie Hendrika , Rashidifard Milad
Published: March 2021

Two populations of a Butlerius species were recovered from compost in two gardens in Potchefstroom, North-West Province, South Africa. Although the genus has previously been reported from South Africa, no species of the genus has ever been identified in the country. Based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular studies, the specimens were identified as Butlerius butleri and are herein reported for the first time from South Africa. The South African specimens are 1,082 to 1,423 µm long, a = 40.8 to 47.6; b = 4.7 to 5.8; c = 4.0 to 6.0; c′ = 117 to 16.3; V = 44 to 47%. Cuticle with evenly spaced punctations. Reproductive system didelphic, amphidelphic, both branches equal in length. Four large glands opening into proximal part of uterus. Males with prominent sphincter present in mid-region of vas deferens. Spicules 36 to 43 μm long, gubernaculum 23 to 31 µm long, nine pairs of genital papillae, three pre-cloacal and six post-cloacal, formula: v1, v2, v3d/v4, ad, ph, v5, 6, 7, pd. The v5, 6, 7 clusters greatly separated, left subventral group at level of phasmid, right subventral group at level of posterior dorsal papilla. Although there were some differences, the South African populations of the species compare well to all know descriptions of the species. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences showed that both South African populations of B. butleri are in a maximally supported sister relation with an Iranian population of this species. Based on large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences, the two populations of B. butleri clustered together in a well-supported clade.