bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The (big) Role of Family Constellations in Return Migration and Transnationalism
Authors: Kopliku Bresena , Drishti Elvisa
Published: July 2022

Albanian migration has always reflected a family character, be that before 1945 when Albania was not yet completely isolated, as well as after 1990 when borders were reopened. This feature characterized all types of movement, internal or international, permanent or seasonal migration, return migration or transnational movements, and remigration. The role of the family has been very important in making decisions regarding migration and answering questions from why to how to migrate, from when to where, whom to ask for help or how to invest remittances. Based on the case study of a rural area in Northern Albania, The Administrative Unit of Dajç, this article explores in detail the roles of family and kinship on decisions regarding return migration, the re-adjustment process, remigration or transnational life. By exploring the role of the family context in remigration and vice-versa the article reflects that the family biography – including the lifestyle, plans for the future or expectations - has changed due to previous migration experiences or challenges and difficulties when returning to the home country. It demonstrates how individual decisions to migrate or to ‘return home’ are negotiated and supported within families making transnational life a family project. The article adopts a new approach in the Albanian Migration Studies which may be implied on broader areas for further research in the future.
Low Complexity, Low Probability Patterns and Consequences for Algorithmic Probability Applications
Authors: Alaskandarani Mohamed , Dingle Kamaludin
Published: July 2022

Developing new ways to estimate probabilities can be valuable for science, statistics, and engineering. By considering the information content of different output patterns, recent work invoking algorithmic information theory has shown that a priori probability predictions based on pattern complexities can be made in a broad class of input-output maps. These algorithmic probability predictions do not depend on a detailed knowledge of how output patterns were produced, or historical statistical data. Although quantitatively fairly accurate, a main weakness of these predictions is that they are given as an upper bound on the probability of a pattern, but many low complexity, low probability patterns occur, for which the upper bound has little predictive value. Here we study this low complexity, low probability phenomenon by looking at example maps, namely a finite state transducer, natural time series data, RNA molecule structures, and polynomial curves. Some mechanisms causing low complexity, low probability behaviour are identified, and we argue this behaviour should be assumed as a default in the real world algorithmic probability studies. Additionally, we examine some applications of algorithmic probability and discuss some implications of low complexity, low probability patterns for several research areas including simplicity in physics and biology, a priori probability predictions, Solomonoff induction and Occam's razor, machine learning, and password guessing.
ІNCREASE IN WEAR RESISTANCE DUE TO MANGANESE ALLOYING OF ADI CAST IRON
Authors: Gogaev Kazbek , Podrezov Yuriy , Voloshchenko Sergey , Аскеров Mukafat , Minakov Nikolay , Shurigin Boris
Published: July 2022

The effect of manganese content on the wear resistance was studied on ADI materials , that are isothermally quenchеd at different temperatures. ADI samples with Mn content of 0.78% and 0.24% were analyzed. The final structure of the cast iron was created by austenitizing heating at 900 ° C for 30 minutes. and subsequent isothermal quenching in liquid tin at temperatures of 310, 330, 350, 380 ° C for samples with high manganese content and at 350, 370 ° C for samples with low content. It is shown that increasing the manganese content increases the amount of residual austenite under the same quenching conditions. This enhances the positive role of the TRIP effect on the strengthening of the subsurface layer and wear resistance. Wear resistance studies were performed on laboratory equipment that simulated the wear of agricultural machinery during plowing. Wear resistance tests were performed on samples of 10 x 10 mm2 in dry sand at a load of 5 kg at speed of 2.93 m/s which is approximately equal to the speed of machinery during agricultural work. The duration of the cycle corresponded to 5 km distance. After each cycle, the samples were weighed on analytical balances with an accuracy of 0.1 mg. It was found that under all conditions of quenching manganese alloying significantly increases wear resistance due to more intensive deformation-induced martensitic transformation in the near-surface layers. X-ray studies have shown that increasing the of manganese concentration doubles the content of deformation-induced martensite in the surface layers. The microhardness of the surface layer after shear deformation during wear increases by 1.5 times compared to the sample without wear. One third of the hardness impressions show abnormally high microhardness Hμ = 700 - 900. These values ​​correspond to the microhardness of martensite in cast irons of this class. The obtained results of laboratory experiments are a prerequisite for the wide practical use of TRIP - effect as an effective mechanism of deformation strengthening of the surface layers of agricultural machinery operating in the mode of wear.
Pelatihan Barista Kompetensi Manual Brew sebagai Penguatan Minat Wirausaha pada Santri Pondok Pesantren Al Asror Semarang
Authors: Widiyanto  , Yanto Heri , Nurkhin Ahmad , Mukhibad Hasan , Baswara Satsya Yoga
Published: July 2022

Penguatan minat wirausaha santri menjadi hal penting saat ini dalam rangka memberikan bekal bagi santri dalam menghadapi tantangan kehidupan pasca pondok. Upaya yang dapat dilakukan dalam rangkat menguatkan minat wirausaha santri adalah dengan pelatihan barista. Coffee shop saat ini menjadi bidang usaha yang mempunyai prospek. Santri juga mempunyai ketertarikan yang tinggi untuk terjun di usaha perkopian ini. Tim pengabdian FE UNNES mengajukan kegiatan pelatihan barista kompetensi manual brew sebagai upaya untuk menguatkan minat wirausaha santri. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat adalah pelatihan dengan pengenalan peralatan penyajian kopi, jenis kopi, dan praktikum penyeduhan kopi secara manual. Sasaran kegiatan adalah santri putra Pondok Pesantren Putra Putri As Salafy Al Asror Patemon Semarang yang mempunyai minat memiliki kompetensi barista. Kegiatan pengabdian telah dilaksanakan pada Jumat, 1 April 2022 di ruang kelas MTs Al Asror dan diikuti oleh santri putra sebanyak 25 orang. Peserta kegiatan sangat antusias mengikuti paparan dari narasumber dan praktik penyeduhan kopi. Pengasuh pondok, KH Al Mamnuhin Kholid memberikan sambutan pengantar setelah ketua tim pengabdian menyampaikan maksud dan tujuan kegiatan. Instruktur pelatihan adalah Satsya Yoga Baswara, M.Sc. (anggota tim pengabdian) dan Kukuh Hidayat, S.E. (mitra pengabdian dari Atas Kota Coffee shop and space). Keduanya telah tersertifikasi barista nasional. Secara umum, pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian telah berjalan lancar dan dapat memberikan pengaruh signifikan terhadap pengetahuan dan kompetensi santri dalam barista kompetensi manual brew. Harapannya dapat meningkatkan minat wirausaha santri.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих озабоченность (VOC) на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 16.07.2022 г. по 22.07.2022 г.
Authors: Чумачкова Елена , Краснов Ярослав , Дмитриева Людмила , Осина Наталия , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: July 2022

В обзоре представлена информация по актуальным геновариантам вируса SARS-COV-2, циркулирующим в настоящее время, геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 16.07.2022 г. по 22.07.2022 г.
A Transparência como um princípio-chave de Governo Aberto
Authors: Oliveira Daniel José Silva , Ckagnazaroff Ivan Beck
Published: July 2022

Objetivo da pesquisa: Identificar as várias formas de se classificar a transparência pública e discutir quais de suas característicassão consideradas adequadas enquanto princípio de governo aberto.Enquadramento teórico: O estudo discute o conceito de transparência pública, suas múltiplas faces e características como princípio de governo aberto.Metodologia: Ensaio teórico realizado a partir da articulação de conceitos e abordagens que delimitam a transparência como um princípio-chave de governo aberto.Resultados: No contexto do governo aberto, transparência vai além da publicação de informações fiscais, uma vez que o público deve ter acesso fácil e irrestrito às informações sobre as atividades, as decisões e o desempenho do governo, atendendo aos padrões de dados abertos.Originalidade: O estudo tem como finalidade estreitar a lacuna teórica resultante da escassez de pesquisas que aprofundem a discussão sobre as características dos princípios de governo aberto. Na literatura sobre governo aberto, a transparência e outros de seus princípios têm sido tratados apenas superficialmente.Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Este ensaio apresenta uma contribuição teórica sobre o conceito e as formas de se classificar a transparência pública, além de fornecer dimensões e categorias para sua análise sob a ótica de governo aberto.Palavras-chave: Governo aberto, Transparência, Acesso à informação, Dados abertos.
Well Site Diagnosis of Pumping Problems Using Mini-Computers
Authors: Gibbs S. G. , Nolen K. B.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The Sucker Rod Diagnostic Technique was perfected by Shell during the 1960's. Its concept was suggested by the work of British physicians who wanted to make analysis of human electrocardiograms more accurate and definitive. To do this, they subjected cardiograms to Fourier analysis hoping to reveal subtle indications of heart disease that might be overlooked if only visual interpretations were made. Similarly the sucker rod method was designed to derive the maximum amount of information from a pumping well dynamometer card and to make analysis of the card a science rather than an art.

This paper describes a portable computer system for implementing the sucker rod method. Described are the transducers mounted on the well, the digital data acquisition system, the mini-computer and various input/output devices. Practical applications are illustrated with an example to show how the method and equipment can be used to increase production and/or decrease lifting costs. It is concluded that the truck mounted system is useful in I) obtaining more definitive and timely results and 2) providing more efficiency for lowering the cost of applying the technique.
Genetic characterization of rare Bruconha virus (Bunyavirales:Orthobunyavirus) isolated in Vale do Ribeira (Atlantic Forest biome), Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Costa Antonio Charlys , Morais Vanessa dos Santos , Azevedo Roberta Marcatti , Nuevo Karolina Morales Barrio , Cunha Mariana Sequetin
Published: July 2022

Brazil is a great source of arbovirus diversity, mainly in the Amazon Region. However, other biomes, especially Atlantic Forest, may be also a hotspot for emergent viruses, including Bunyaviruses (Negarnaviricota: Bunyavirales). For instance, Vale do Ribeira, located in the Southeastern region, has been widely studied for virus surveillance, where Flavivirus, Alphavirus and Bunyaviruses were isolated during the last decades, including Bruconha virus (BRCV), a member of Orthobunyavirus genus Group C, in 1976. Recently, a new isolated of BRCV, named Span321532, was obtained from an adult sentinel mice placed in Iguape county, in 2011, and a full-length genome was generated, with nucleotide differences that varied from 1.5%, 5.3% and 5% (L, M and S segments respectively) from the prototype isolated 35 years earlier. Although no evidence of reassortants were detected, this findings reiterates the need for new surveillance and genomic studies in the area considering the high mutation rates of arbovirus and also to identify the hosts capable of supporting the continuous circulation of Orthobunyavirus.
Pandemic clone USA300 in a Brazilian hospital: detection of an emergent lineage among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from bloodstream infections
Authors: Augusto Mariana Fernandes , Fernandes Débora Cristina da Silva , de Oliveira Tamara Lopes Rocha , Cavalcante Fernanda Sampaio , Chamon Raiane Cardoso , Ferreira Adriana Lúcia Pires , Nouér Simone Aranha , Santos Kátia Regina Netto dos
Published: July 2022

Background
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections (BSI) worldwide. In Brazil, the hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus USA100/SCCmecII lineage replaced previously well-established clones. However, the isolation of community-associated (CA) MRSA lineages from hospitalized patients is an increasing issue.
Methods
Consecutive S. aureus isolates recovered from BSI episodes of patients admitted between January 2016 and December 2018 in a Brazilian teaching hospital were tested for antimicrobial resistance, characterized as their genotypic features and the clinical characteristics of the patients were evaluated.
Results
A total of 123 S. aureus isolates were recovered from 113 patients. All isolates were susceptible to linezolid, teicoplanin and vancomycin and 13.8% were non-susceptible for daptomycin. Vancomycin MIC50 and MIC90 = 2 mg/L was found for both MRSA and MSSA isolates. MRSA isolation rate was 30.1% (37/123), and 51.4% of them carried the SCCmecII, followed by SCCmecIV (40.5%). Among the 37 MRSA isolates, the main lineages found were USA100/SCCmecII/ST5 and ST105 (53.7%) and USA800/ST5/SCCmecIV (18.9%). Surprisingly, were detected six (16%) CA MRSA isolates belonged to USA300/ST8/SCCmecIVa and carrying pvl genes and ACME cassette type I. These patients with USA300 BSI had severe comorbidities, including cancer, most had a Charlson score ≥ 5 and attended wards where health professionals were shared. MRSA isolates were associated with hospital acquired infections (p = 0.02) in older patients (p = 0.03) and those diagnosed with hematologic cancer (p = 0.04). A total of 52 (46%) patients died, and 60% of them presented a MRSA BSI.
Conclusions
Pandemic MRSA USA300 was detected for the first time in our hospital, and we hypothesized its cross-transmission between patients with BSI. This lineage can be already circulating among Brazilian hospitals, highlighting the importance of surveillance programs to fight multidrug resistant and hypervirulent isolates.
Synthesis of ZnO/MoS2 Heterojunction With the Green AG Nanoparticles for the Efficient Sunlight Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Khalid Iqra , Tahir Muhammad Bilal
Published: July 2022

Pristine MoS2 nanosheet/silver nanoparticles (MoS2/Ag NPs) and composites are fabricated via hydrothermal, green synthesis, and chemical methods. Pristine MoS2, Ag, Z/M, and Z/M/Ag nanoparticles and composites are characterized through SEM, FTIR, as well as UV–VIS spectroscopy. The bandgap of materials is reduced effectively which is useful for photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic decomposition of pharmaceutical drugs in effluent has been researched using metal-oxide or metal-sulfide-based semiconductor nanoparticles as nano-catalysts. The originality of these nano-catalyst substances lies in their relative simplicity of manufacturing, capacity to absorb energy in the UV–visible spectrum, large bandgap, innoxious, and inexpensive. The visible-light photocatalytic activity of Z/M also Z/M/Ag composites were investigated using a test of OTC. Almost degradation of OTC in about 120 min. at different concentrations of composites, Z/M/Ag photocatalyst was attained. This substantial enhancement in the photocatalytic proficiency of Z/M/Ag photo-catalyst below visible light ir-radiation may be ascribed to existence of MoS2 and Ag micro-particles on ZnO micro-particles which significantly improves absorption in an observable scale of the visible range.
Weeding Intensity and Plant Population Affect Yield and Yield Components of Food Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)
Authors: Negasa Desalegn Soresa , Malata Guluma Shoma
Published: July 2022

The most important crop in Jimma Geneti District, as well as Ethiopia, is food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). However, because of poor agronomic techniques such as incorrect seed rates, weed problems, and other factors, its production is extremely low. Farmers in the Jimma Geneti district of Western Ethiopia have been using the earliest seed rate recommendation for their local area and have been producing with no regard for weeding, which has limited the productivity of food barley; the purpose of this study was to identify the optimum plant population required to increase production and productivity of food barley around the study area, as well as to identify an appropriate frequency of weeding in the study area in 2020 cropping season. The first factor was seed rate at four levels (115,125,135 and 145) kg ha− 1, and the second factor was weeding frequency at three levels (FP = Farmer's Practice, 1W = one weeding thirty days after the emergency; 2W = second weeding, twenty-five days after the first weeding) were utilized. The study found that the main effect and interaction effect of weeding frequency and seed rate had a significant (P < 0.01) impact on effective tiller number, plant height, spike length, biomass weight, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, and 1000 kernel weight. Days to 90% physiological maturity and number of kernels per spike were both significantly (P < 0.01) affected by the main effects of weeding frequency and seed rate, whereas the interaction effect of weeding frequency and seed rate affected both considerably (P < 0.05). The primary effects of weeding frequency and seed rate were significantly (P < 0.01) affected days to 50% heading and weed relative density; however, their interaction effect of weeding frequency and seed rate was not significant. The highest grain yield 4750 Kg per hectare was with 145 kg seed rates and a 2nd cycle weeding following the 1st weeding. Guizotia scabra, the most prominent weed species coexisting with food barley, had the highest relative density of 20.89%. According to the present output and gross net benefit budget analysis, the highest net benefit 51015 ETB was obtained from 145 kg ha− 1 seed rate with two times weeding following the first weeding, with grain yield increments of 61.41% over farmers practice. As a result, because this experiment was conducted at a single location for a single season, it must be repeated at other locations throughout the season to achieve a definitive conclusion.
Parametric study of waste tires through CO2–aided gasification: An investigation of enhanced H2-production using artificial neural network model
Authors: Jamro Imtiaz Ali , Ma Wenchao , ALI MUJAHID , Shah Syyed Adnan Raheel , Korai Muhammad Saffar , Baloch Humair Ahmed , Chen Guanyi
Published: July 2022

This study presents the waste tire gasification in CO2 atmosphere aiming to produce higher H2 production. At first stage, the waste tire was gasified in horizontal tube reactor in CO2 assistance under different ranges of reaction temperature, heating rate, and residence time. The maximum H2 and gas yields of 46.28 mol % and 72.43 wt. % were obtained at higher temperature of 900 ℃, lower heating rate of 10 ℃/min), and lower residence time of 20 min. While; the tar and char products were decreased considerably from 15.34 to 4.24 wt. % and 35.23 to 23.25 wt. %, respectively. LHV and H2/CO molar ratio of syngas ranged from 9.80-11.07 MJ/Nm3 and 1.41 to 2.18, respectively. Artificial neural network (ANN) model provided a strong relationship among the three variables and the four responses .i.e. estimated regression coefficient (R2) values were obtained as; 0.90, 0.94, 0.93, and 0.96 for H2, CO, CO2, and CH4 respectively. Later, the waste tire was heated from room temperature to 900°C under the heating rates of 10, 20, and 30 ℃/min in thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). TGA thermograms showed three different degradation stages correspondence to moisture loss, devolatilization and char gasification. The kinetic parameters (activation energy (Ea)), R2 were estimated using Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) model. The Ea and R2 were found to be 38.99 kJ/mol and 1.0 for stage 1, 63.01 kJ/mol and 0.94 for stage 2, and 84.73 kJ/mol and 0.91 for stage 3.
Safety and effectiveness of delivering mass drug administration for helminths through the seasonal malaria chemoprevention platform among Senegalese children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Afolabi Muhammed Olanrewaju , Sow Doudou , Ndiaye Jean Louis A , Greenwood Brian
Published: July 2022

Background : Malaria remains a major health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 90% of the disease and where nearly all deaths occur in children. Adding to this high burden is the co-existence of intestinal and genito-urinary helminth infections. Existing control programmes for these helminths are operating sub-optimally. Conversely, a malaria prevention programme, called Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), introduced in 2012 has achieved more than 75% treatment coverage and prevented 75-85% cases of uncomplicated and severe malaria in children. This encouraging development supports the need to explore strategies involving integration of helminth control with successful platforms such as SMC. This would align worm and malaria control within the Sustainable Development Goals of ending the diseases of poverty and promoting health and well-being for those at risk.
Methods : This study will have quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative component will be a three-arm, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, interventional study of co-administration of SMC and anthelminthic drugs to pre-school and school age children in Saraya district, southeast Senegal. Six hundred children aged 1-14 years will be randomly assigned to receive either SMC drugs only, SMC drugs and praziquantel or SMC drugs and albendazole and praziquantel at a ratio of 1:1:1. The primary outcome will be solicited and unsolicited adverse reactions to the study medications. The secondary outcomes will be prevalence and intensity of Plasmodium -helminth co-infection and prevalence of anaemia and mean haemoglobin concentration.
The qualitative component of the study will include conduct of structured interviews to assess the acceptability, feasibility, enablers and barriers to combined use of anthelminthic and SMC drugs among randomly selected parents/care-givers of children enrolled in the study and health care workers responsible for the delivery of the combined services.
Discussion : This study will provide evidence to boost the public health recommendations for combined malaria and helminth control. If successful, this project will reinforce the evidence that health care systems in developing countries can be comprehensive health management rather than focussed on vertical management of a single disease.
Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05354258 registered on 28 April 2022; PACTR202204794105273 registered on 25 April 2022.
Exogenous hydrogen sulphide alleviates nodule senescence in Glycine max-Sinorhizobium fredii symbiotic system
Authors: Chen Juan , Liu Wu-Yu , Pan Qing , Wen Shi-Ming , Yao Bai-Hui , Zhang Jian-Hua , Wei Ge-Hong
Published: July 2022

Aim Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), as a signaling molecule, modulate the process of plant growth and development. H2S is involved in the establishment of legume and rhizobia symbiosis relationship, but little is known about the role of H2S during nodule senescence. Method We study the function of H2S during nodule senescence in Glycine max-Sinorhizobium fredii symbiotic system. Physiological and biochemical method were conducted to modulate the nitrogen fixation, nodule structure, symbiotic and senescence related protein and gene expression. Results Our results indicated that exogenous H2S decreased the senesced nodules number, increased nitrogenease (Nase) activity, and promoted the accumulation of NO3--N, NH4+-N, and total N, which caused the accumulation of biomass in the late steps of symbiosis. H2S alleviated nodule senescence by maintaining nodule normal nitrogen fixation structure. Meanwhile, the expression abundances of NifH and NodGS proteins were enhanced by H2S during nodule senescence. Moreover, H2S simulated the expression of symbiosis and nitrogen metabolism related genes in nodules. Finally, senescence related genes expression abundances were regulated by H2S during nodule senescence. ConclusionThese findings suggested that H2S prolonged the lifespan of N2 fixation by delaying nodule senescence and, which will be important to the increase of soybean yield and agricultural sustainability development.
Identification of Aging-related genes and prognostic model construction in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Jiajun , Xie Wei , Zhang Kunchi , Geng Haigang
Published: July 2022

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common tumors and has a poor prognosis. Many studies have shown that aging is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. This paper aims to construct an aging gene-related prognostic risk model for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of gastric cancer.Methods Transcriptome data and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO), and aging-related genes (ARGs) were obtained from Human 3 Aging Genomic Resources. The prognostic model was constructed using the GEO database as the training set, and the TCGA database was used as the validation set to validate the prognostic model. To analyze the predictive value and potential clinical application of ARGs in gastric cancer.Results we analyzed ARGs expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO). After LASSO and Cox regression analysis, 5 ARG-based features (A2M, AGRT1, CTF1, SNCG, and SERPINE1) were constructed using the GEO dataset to significantly classify cases into high- and low-risk groups according to overall survival (OS). Cox regression analysis showed that ARG features were independent prognostic factors for GC. A nomogram based on ARG characteristics and clinicopathological factors was developed in the GSE62254 (ACRG) cohort and validated in the TCGA dataset. Calibration plots show good agreement between the nomogram's predictions and actual observations. Receiver decision curve analysis showed that ARG nomogram had better OS prediction and clinical net benefit than staging system.Conclusions We developed and validated five aging-related genes prognostic models for gastric cancer, including A2M, AGRT1, CTF1, SNCG, and SERPINE1. This model can be used as a new molecular marker for prognosis prediction of gastric cancer,
Combined Pollution of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the soil in Shenfu Region, China - A Case of Three Different Cities
Authors: Lu Yin-tao , Zhang Yue , Xiang Xin-xin , Zhang Shi-chao , Yao Hong
Published: July 2022

It is a challenging issue to investigate the combined pollution of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of these two pollutants in soils in Shenyang, Fushun, and Fushun New District, to analyze their distribution, and to assess their interaction and co-contamination levels. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while the concentrations of 21 kinds of PAH were analyzed by GC-MS. Based on the analysis of pollution concentrations and distribution patterns, the intrinsic links between heavy metals and PAHs in three different cities were assessed using a variety of multivariate analysis methods. Compared to Shenfu New Distract, the concentration of pollutants in Shenyang and Fushun shows a higher level. Moreover, the results of RDA analysis of samples may quantify the possibility of combined pollution of different heavy metal elements and PAHs. This study also affirms the important role of multivariate analysis in being used to reveal the complex interactions and spatial distribution of different pollutants.
Parental Factors related to Development of Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis in their Children
Authors: Webb Timothy , O’Brien Patrick , Orndahl Christine M. , Rhodes Jennifer , Navarrete Rene Olivares , Ritter Ann M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: There are case reports on potential parental risk factors regarding children with non-syndromic craniosynostosis implicating multiple possible pathologic contributions. A case control study was undertaken to elucidate any underlying trends of parental risk factors which yield craniosynostosis in their offspring. Methods: An IRB approved case-control study was performed by administering a survey to parents of children with and without craniosynostosis at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond from March 2018 to December 2019. To determine important risk factors for craniosynostosis, a classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm was employed. Results: Survey responses for 128 children were obtained, 78 (60.93%) of which had craniosynostosis. The remaining 50 children served as the control group. The classification tree produced splits based on the following five predictors: prematurity of the child, gender of the child, educational status of the mother, mother’s history of smoking and maternal diabetes. The most important factor was preterm birth of the infant. The second factor was the gender of the child followed by educational level and history of smoking, and finally presence of diabetes in the mother. The resulting classification tree was 78.9% accurate with high sensitivity (81.1%) and specificity (78.0%).Conclusion: Potential important predictors for craniosynostosis were identified through the classification tree including prematurity, sex of the child, maternal education level, maternal smoking status, and maternal diabetes status. These findings may help guide future research efforts into the pathophysiology of non-syndromic craniosynostosis.
Co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway by patients, carers and health professionals: The CanEAT pathway
Authors: Loeliger Jenelle , Dewar Sarah , Kiss Nicole , Dumbrell Jodi , Elliott Andrea , Kaegi Kate , Kelaart Amber , McIntosh Rebecca , Swan Wendy , Stewart Jane
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Limited practical resources exist to guide optimal nutrition care for patients, carers and health professionals (HPs). This study aimed to co-design a cancer nutrition care pathway to guide and improve the provision of consistent, evidence-based care with consumers and HPs. Methods: This study utilised an experienced-based co-design (EBCD) approach over five stages. Stage one involved stakeholder engagement and a literature review. Stage two included a survey and focus groups with patients/carers. Co-design workshops were conducted within stage three, key stakeholder consultation within stage four and the finalisation and dissemination of the cancer nutrition care pathway formed stage five. Results of stages three to five are the focus of this paper.Results: Two co-design workshops were held with patients, carers and HPs (n=32 workshop one; n=32 workshop two), who collectively agreed on areas of focus and key priorities. Following this, a consultation period was completed with patients, carers and HPs (n=45) to refine the pathway. The collective outcome of all study stages was the co-design of a cancer nutrition care pathway (The CanEAT pathway) defining optimal cancer nutrition care that combines evidence-based practice tips into a centralised suite of resources, tools and clinical guidance.Conclusion: The CanEAT pathway was co-designed by patients, carers and HPs. The EBCD approach is a meaningful way to develop targeted improvements in cancer care. The CanEAT pathway is freely available to guide and support patients, carers and HPs to aid the implementation of optimal nutrition care into clinical practice.
Smartwatch digital phenotypes predict positive and negative symptom variation in a longitudinal monitoring study of patients with psychotic disorders
Authors: Smyrnis Nikolaos , Kalipserakis Emmanouil , karantinos Thomas , Lazaridi Marina , Garyfali Vasiliki , Filntisis Panagiotis , Zlatintsi Athanasia , Efthymiou Niki , Mantas Asimakis , Mantonakis Leonidas , Mougiakos Theodoros , Maglogiannis Ilias , Tsanakas Panayiotis , Maragos Petros
Published: July 2022

Monitoring biometric data using smartwatches (digital phenotypes) provides a novel approach for quantifying behavior in patients with psychiatric disorders. We tested whether such digital phenotypes predict changes in psychopathology of patients with psychotic disorders. We continuously monitored digital phenotypes from 35 patients (20 with schizophrenia and 15 with bipolar spectrum disorders) using a commercial smartwatch for a period of up to 14 months. These included 5-minute measures of fine motor activity from an accelerometer (FMA), average Heart Rate (HRA) and heart rate variability (HRV) from a plethysmography-based sensor, gross motor activity (GMA) measured as number of total steps per day and sleep/wake ratio (SWR). A self-reporting questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed weekly physical activity. After pooling phenotype data, their monthly mean and variance was correlated within each patient with psychopathology scores (PANSS) assessed monthly. Our results indicate that increased HRA during wakefulness and sleep correlated with increases in positive psychopathology. Besides, decreased HRV and increase in its monthly variance correlated with increases in negative psychopathology. Self-reported physical activity did not correlate with changes in psychopathology. These effects were independent from a series of demographic and clinical (including diagnosis) variables as well as changes in antipsychotic medication dose. Our findings suggest that distinct digital phenotypes derived passively from a smartwatch can predict variations in positive and negative dimensions of psychopathology of patients with psychotic disorders, over time, providing ground evidence for their potential clinical use.
The protective effect of Lasia spinosa (Linn.) dissipates chemical-induced cardiotoxicity in an animal model
Authors: Aktar Rasheda , Rahman Md. Atiar , Rafi Md. Khalid Juhani , Siddique Tanvir Ahmed , Bithy Farhana Yesmin , Akter Sumaiya , Nisa Fatema Yasmin , Khan Md. Asif Nadim , Sultana Farjana
Published: July 2022

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites is a medicinal plant of enormous traditional use with insufficient scientific evidence. This research screened the antioxidative effect of L. spinosa extracts by measuring the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABTS scavenging activity, Iron chelating activity, and Ferric reducing power followed by an evaluation of in-vivo cardioprotective effect in doxorubicin-induced Wistar albino rats. Phytochemical characterization was made by Gas-Chromatography Mass Spectroscopic analysis. L. spinosa showed an excellent antioxidative effect while Methanol leaf extract (LSM) was found to be more potent than Ethyl acetate leaf extract (LSE) in scavenging the free radicals. Intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin caused a significant (P < 0.001) increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK-MB), C-reactive protein(CRP), and Cardiac troponin I. Pretreatment with orally administrated (LSM100 and LSM200 mg/kg b.w) daily for 10 days showed a decrease in the cardiac markers, lipid profiles, especially triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), an increase of High-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to the disease control group. LSM200 was found to significantly (P < 0.05) decrease the levels of CK-MB and LDH. It also restored TC, TG, and LDL levels compared to the doxorubicin-induced cardiac control group. The protective role of LSM was further confirmed by histopathological examination. This study thus demonstrates that L. spinosa methanol extract could be approached as an alternative supplement for cardiotoxicity, especially in the chemical-induced toxicity of cardiac tissues.
The contribution of penguin guano to the Southern Ocean iron pool
Authors: Korolev Oleg , Sparaventi Erica , Navarro Gabriel , Rodríguez-Romero Araceli , Tovar-Sanchez Antonio
Published: July 2022

Iron plays a crucial role in the high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll Southern Ocean regions, promoting phytoplankton growth and enhancing atmospheric carbon sequestration(1–5). In this area, the recycling of biogenic iron is partially driven by the iron-rich Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), and baleen whale species as one of their main predators(6–10). However, although oceanic iron fertilization by Antarctic seabirds has been addressed by previous studies(11–13), penguins have received limited attention, despite their representing the largest seabird biomass in the southern polar region(14). Here, we use breeding site guano volumes estimated from drone images and cross-validated with deep learning-powered penguin census, in combination with guano chemical composition to assess the relative iron export to the Antarctic waters from one the most abundant penguin species, the Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus). Our results show that these seabirds are a relevant but previously ignored contributor to the iron remobilization pool in the Southern Ocean. With an average guano concentration of 3 mg iron g^-1, we estimate that the Chinstrap penguin population is recycling 514 tonnes iron yr^-1. The current iron contribution represents half of the input these penguins were able to recycle four decades ago, as they have declined in more than 50% since then(15). Our results evidence the need for in-depth understanding how these seabirds’ population dynamics impact the surrounding Antarctic marine ecosystems.
A new model to improve decision-making indicators of bank customers' based on neural networks and particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Asghari Ali , Azgomi Hossein , negahi Maryam
Published: July 2022

Due to the large volume of customers' banking information, classical algorithms face challenges in extracting knowledge and the decision-making process, so algorithms based on artificial intelligence and data mining can help this area. In this paper, we have presented a new model based on the artificial neural network and particle swarm optimization algorithm to improve bank customers' decision-making indicators. The proposed method is based on artificial neural networks and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Due to the large volume of available data, the pure neural network can not achieve proper convergence in this area and suffers divergence or overfit. In this paper, the PSO algorithm is used to optimize neural network weights in extracting knowledge from user's banking data to improve the decision indicators. To evaluate the proposed method, two scenarios of optimized neural network using PSO and pure neural networks are used to make decisions between good and bad customers. Then, to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method, the parameters of accuracy, Sensitivity, and Specificity for both scenarios were extracted and compared. The evaluations show that the accuracy of the optimized neural network is about 97%. In contrast, this value in the pure neural network is about 94%, indicating the proposed method's better performance. The proposed method also has better performance in the sensitivity parameter and feature selection and avoids overfitting than primary neural networks.
The Prognosis Risk Model Based on Immune-related Genes Is Closely Related to the Prognosis of Oral Cancer
Authors: Feng ZhiYuan , He Kang , Zhang Lin , Li Ji Hua
Published: July 2022

Background: Oral cancer (OC) is one of the malignant diseases with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prognosis of OC patients has not improved with the development of technology, and treatment outcomes are still particularly poor. Therefore, we screened immune-related genes (IRGs) to construct a risk model for the prognosis of OC patients.Methods: We downloaded and analyzed the clinical materials and gene coexpression network of a total of 321 OC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) OC dataset. Stromal and immune scores and tumor purity were calculated based on Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumour tissues using Expression data. In addition, CIBERSORT and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) were applied to analyze the immune infiltration in each TCGA-OC cohort. Then we used the R package NbClust to divide the samples into two immune subtypes (S1 and S2). The control group was S2, and the treatment group was S1. Differences in genetic screening conditions were | a fold change | > 2 and FDR < 0.01. We obtained and analyzed 1111 IRGs from the two immune subtypes based on the ImmPort database. Then, 18 IRGs were selected from the 1111 IRGs for further analysis through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and univariate Cox regression analysis. Next, CCL22, CCL21, CD79A, CTLA4, MS4A2 and MS4A1 were screened out through the multivariate Cox regression analysis to develop a precise IRG prognosis risk model (IRGPRM) with area under curves (AUCs) of 0.639, 0.620 and 0.586 after 1, 3and 5 years, respectively. We divided the samples into high-risk and low-risk groups using the IRGPRM. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the survival rate of the two subtypes. The expression data of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma samples were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to test the prognosis capability of the IRGPRM.Results: A six IRGPRM was established. Based on the model, TCGA-OC cohorts and testing sets were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. The Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated poor overall survival (OS) in the high-risk group. Furthermore, the TIMMER analysis demonstrated that the expression of CCL22, CCL21, CD79A, CTLA4, MS4A2 and MS4A1 was positively correlated with the immune infiltration level based on the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. In addition, a nomogram based on risk score and clinical stage showed good calibration and moderate discrimination.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that this model can be a prognostic indicator for OC patients.
Clinical Significance of Prostate Volume and Testosterone Reduction on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Bang Woo Jin , Kim Hwanik , Oh Cheol Young , Jo Jung Ki , Cho Jin Seon , Shim Myungsun
Published: July 2022

Background: To investigate the effect of both prostate volume and serum testosterone changes on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy.Methods: A total of 167 patients who received androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer treatment from January 2010 to August 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in the patient groups stratified by prostate volume and the amount of testosterone reduction were assessed every 4 weeks until 12 weeks after androgen deprivation therapy initiation. Longitudinal mixed models were used to assess the adjusted effects of prostate volume and testosterone reduction on IPSS change.Results: All mean values of IPSS-total score (IPSS-total), voiding subscore (IPSS-vs), and storage subscore (IPSS-ss) significantly decreased from baseline to week 12 in both patients with small (<33 mL) and large (≥33 mL) prostates. The mean values of IPSS-total, IPSS-vs, and IPSS-ss similarly decreased in patients with large prostate with a baseline IPSS-total of ≥13. However, in those with small prostate, IPSS-ss specifically remained unchanged, while IPSS-total and IPSS-vs significantly decreased. In addition, only in patients with small prostate (<33 mL), patients with lesser testosterone reduction (<Δ400 ng/dL) showed greater improvement in IPSS-ss by 6.3% compared with those with greater testosterone reduction (≥ Δ400 ng/dL).Conclusion: Although androgen deprivation therapy generally improves lower urinary tract symptoms, it may worsen specifically storage symptoms in patients with relatively small prostate and greater testosterone reduction. Our finding suggests that testosterone may influence lower urinary tract symptoms in these patients.
4D visualization of the light-induced coherent magnon by an X-ray free electron laser
Authors: Jang Hoyoung , Ueda Hiroki , Kim Hyeong-Do , Kim Minsek , Shin Kwang Woo , Kim Kee Hoon , Park Sang-Youn , Shin Hee Jun , Borisov Pavel , Rosseinsky Matthew , Jang Dogeun , Choi Hyeongi , Eom Intae , Staub Urs , Chun Sae Hwan
Published: July 2022

Ultrafast optical manipulation of magnetic phenomena is an exciting achievement of mankind, expanding one’s horizon of knowledge towards functional non-equilibrium states. The dynamics acting on an extremely short timescale push the limit of detection, and ultimately require four-dimensional (4D) views, i.e., 3D space and 1D time to keep sight of the evolving magnetic structure thoroughly. Here we introduce time-resolved resonant magnetic X-ray diffraction with an X-ray free electron laser to accomplish the 4D visualization of a light-induced coherent magnon. The trajectory of antiferromagnetic precession in a Y-type hexaferrite manifests a photoinduced effective magnetic-field that lasts long after the photoirradiation, being attributed to nonthermal inter-site electron transfer among the magnetic ions. With the unprecedented capability of direct quantifying the field for the photoexcitation above the band gap, we find a remarkable amplification of the photomagnetic effect reaching an order of magnitude higher than that below the gap with the same laser fluence. This result illuminates a highly energy-efficient route to achieve substantial photoinduced field in antiferromagnetic dielectrics desired for optospintronics applications. The X-ray methodology established in this work has no restriction on net-magnetization, offering a great capability to uncover ultrafast magnetic phenomena in every class of magnets.