bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Machine Learning Technique for Rainfall-Runoff Modelling of Highly Dynamic Watersheds
Authors: Singh Abhinav Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Ali Rawshan , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Kushwaha Kuldeep Singh , Panda Kanhu Charan , Sagar Atish , Mirzania Ehsan , Elbeltagi Ahmed , Kuriqi Alban , Heddam Salim
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, great attention has been attributed to the study of runoff and its fluctuation over space and time. There is a crucial need for a good soil and water management system to overcome the challenges of water scarcity and other natural adverse events like floods and landslides, among others. Rainfall-runoff modeling is an appropriate approach for runoff prediction, making it possible to take preventive measures to avoid damage caused by natural hazards such as floods. In the present study, several data driven models, namely: Multiple linear regression (MLR), Multiple adaptive regression splines (MARS), Support vector machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF), were used for rainfall-runoff prediction of the Gola watershed, located in the south-eastern part of the Uttarakhand. The performance of the models was evaluated based on the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and percent bias (PBAIS) indices. In addition to the numerical comparison, the models were evaluated and their performances were evaluated base on graphical plotting, i.e., line diagram, scatter plot, Violin plot, relative error plot and Taylor diagram (TD). The comparison results revealed that the four heuristic methods gave higher accuracy than the MLR model. Among the machine learning models, the RF (RMSE (m3/s), R2, NSE, and PBIAS (%) = 6.31, 0.96, 0.94, and -0.20 during the training period, respectively, and 5.53, 0.95, 0.92, and -0.20 during the testing period, respectively) surpassed the MARS, SVM, and the MLR models in forecasting daily runoff for all cases studies. Among all four models, the RF model outperformed in the training and testing periods. It can be summarized that the RF model is best-in-class and delivers a strong potential for runoff prediction of the Gola watershed.
The Exports of Knowledge Intensive Services: A Complex Metric Approach
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Costantiello Alberto , Laureti Lucio
Published: June 2022

In the following article, the value of the "Knowledge Intensive Services Exports in Europe" in 36 European countries is estimated. The data were analyzed through a set of econometric models or: Poled OLS, Dynamic Panel, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, WLS. The results show that “Knowledge Intensive Services Exports” is negatively associated, among others, with "Buyer Sophistication", "Government Procurement of Advanced Technology Products", and positively associated with the following variables i.e. "Innovation Index", "Sales Impacts" and "Total Entrepreneurial Activity". Then a clusterization with k-Means algorithm was made with the Elbow method. The results show the presence of 3 clusters. A network analysis was later built and 4 complex network structures and three structures with simplified networks were detected. To predict the future trend of the variable, a comparison was made with eight different machine learning algorithms. The results show that prediction with Augmented Data-AD is more efficient than prediction with Original Data-AD with a reduction of the mean of statistical errors equal to 55,94%.
Un nuevo testimonio de la circulación de obras orientales de apologética cristiana en al-Andalus
Authors: PENELAS Mayte
Published: June 2022

Además del “texto mozárabe de historia universal” dado a conocer por G. Levi Della Vida, el manuscrito de origen andalusí Raqqāda 2003/2 (olim Gran Mezquita de Qayrawān 120/829) contiene tres textos cristianos de naturaleza polémico-apologética: una versión árabe del diálogo entre el patriarca nestoriano Timoteo I y el califa abasí al-Mahdī, un debate entre dos interlocutores a los que se menciona como al-kaṯūliqī y al-a‘rābī, y una colección de testimonia. En este artículo se examina la influencia que sobre estos tres textos ejercieron las obras teológicas elaboradas por los cristianos orientales, influencia que se observa en los argumentos utilizados, en las citas bíblicas aducidas y en el léxico teológico empleado.
San Juan Damasceno, ‘Diálogo entre un sarraceno y un cristiano’
Authors: SABE ANDREU Pedro
Published: June 2022

El presente trabajo ofrece el texto griego del Dialogo de un Sarraceno y un cristiano con una traducción española. En la introducción tratamos de los autores posibles, los contenidos y los principales asuntos en discusión en el seno del Islam, así como generalidades sobre el género literario y el griego del escrito. Por último se ensaya una posible explicación del desorden temporal (que oscila sin aparente sentido entre el aoristo y el presente), partiendo de la moderna teoría lingüística conocida como teoría de la perfectividad.
Supervening Event on International Contracts in Indonesia
Authors: Allagan Tiurma M. P. , Himmah Dinda R. , Aulia Tazqia
Published: June 2022

The pandemic situation of COVID-19 has been affecting many sectors in our daily life, including law and economics. In regard to this matter, the issue of international commercial contract is significantly affected as well. It is well-known that the pandemic situation could be classified as a supervening event. This could be the basis to a party for not being able to fulfill a contractual obligation, or to postpone the fulfillment of such contractual obligation. However, different approaches of each national law of a State as well as what have been governed by several regulations might lead to multi-interpretation relating to whether COVID-19 shall be classified into force majeure or hardship. As one of UNIDROIT member states, it would be important to examine Indonesia's perspective towards this issue. Notably during the recent situation in which the increasing number of international commercial contracts involving Indonesian parties. This article would examine supervening events on international commercial contracts, especially in the perspective of Indonesian law.
Legal and Institutional Aspects of the Financial Sector in Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Husein Yunus , Zikry Ichsan
Published: June 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted economic conditions, health, and social activities of the community. This study elaborated on two things. First, the legal aspects of handling the Covid-19 Pandemic. Second, it outlines the aspects of institutions involved in handling the Covid-19 Pandemic. The results of this study show that the legal aspects of the Government in dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic are through Law No. 2 of 2020. In this regulation, at least two main things are regulated, namely the legal protection of members of the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) from lawsuits in exercising their authority and exceeding the deficit limit of 3 percent of GDP, furthermore, regarding institutions involved in handling the Covid-19 Pandemic, it is necessary to strengthen institutions. In this case, the institution in question is included in the KSSK members, because of its large authority in handling the Pandemic, especially for national economic recovery, as well as large state budget allocations.  The strengthening efforts that can be done are First, amendments to Law No. 2 of 2020, especially regarding the protection of the KSSK against claims and exemptions from state financial losses.  Second, the issuance of a PERPPU on supervision and reporting of financial responsibility for handling the Covid-19 Pandemic. Through these institutional strengthening efforts, it is hoped that the handling of the Pandemic, especially in the context of national economic recovery, can run optimally.
The Legal Perspective on Strengthening the Practice of Bank Guarantees in Indonesia: Revisiting the Provisions Related to Payment
Authors: Ginting Ramlan
Published: June 2022

This Article provides the legal perspective of the transaction of bank guarantees in the banking practice in Indonesia. It examines the provisions related to payment for bank guarantees by comparing the provisions related to payment for the bank garansi and that of the standby letter of credit or demand guarantee. The work shows that the bank garansi is dependent guaranty, whereas the standby letter of credit or demand guarantee is independent guaranty. The payment for the bank garansi is based on the actual default, whereas the payment for the standby letter of credit or demand guarantee is based on the statement of default. The primary obligation to pay for the bank garansi is that of the issuing bank or guaranteed party, while the primary obligation to pay for the standby letter of credit or demand guarantee is that of the issuing bank. And, as to the international counter guarantee, the conflicting provisions arise when it is asking the bank garansi as the domestic bank guarantee. The banks, companies and government agencies involved in the transaction of bank guarantees are encouraged to understand the implication of these findings and further prepare the appropriate solution.
Protection of Data Privacy in The Era of Artificial Intelligence in The Financial Sector in Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Sinta , Hidayat Mohammad Wildan
Published: June 2022

The concept of privacy has broad ramifications, and it is implemented in a number of disciplines, ranging from philosophy to computer science, political science and legal science. This paper covers the impact of artificial intelligence on privacy protection, especially in the finance sector. Privacy protection is associated with control over information about personal data, also known as private information. This research is a normative legal research of analytical nature, and it is conducted by studying and interpreting theoretical matters relating to the principles, conceptions, doctrines and legal norms pertaining to the problems. The results of this research show that the concept of privacy in the era of artificial intelligence in Indonesia is best achieved by combining comprehensive rules with self-regulation to serve as a balancing agent between laws and technology in order to control and fulfill the protection of personal data in the era of artificial intelligence.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Characteristics Associated with Emergency Peripartum Hysterectomy due to Puerperal Sepsis in Malawi
Authors: Stokes Mary , Olson Amber , Algeo Clare , Rajab Bakari , Mwalwanda Carolyn , Dongarwar Deepa , Pope Rachel
Published: June 2022

Background and Objective: In Malawi, emergency peripartum hysterectomy continues to be routine for the management of puerperal sepsis. While the hysterectomy may be life-saving for the mother, it carries with it life-altering permanent sterility. The surgeon is left with a difficult dilemma: remove the infection source (uterus) to preserve the life of the patient at the cost of her fertility, or preserve the uterus and fertility but risk worsening infection and possible death for the patient. The objective of this study was to (1) identify characteristics associated with mortality post-laparotomy due to puerperal sepsis and (2) identify characteristics associated with emergency peripartum hysterectomy in the management of puerperal sepsis.
Methods: In this retrospective chart review, we obtained medical records of patients who underwent laparotomy secondary to puerperal sepsis at a tertiary hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Data collected included demographic information and clinical findings. These data were compared between women with and without adverse outcomes. Chi-squared tests were used to determine if there were significant relationships between variables and outcomes.
Results: Fifty-eight patient records met inclusion criteria. The following characteristics were significantly associated with mortality: age greater than 30, multiparity, vaginal delivery, and intensive care unit admission. Cesarean delivery and an intraoperative finding of necrosis were significantly associated with hysterectomy.
Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in the setting of puerperal sepsis is a significant source of maternal morbidity and mortality. To prevent emergency peripartum hysterectomy, it is important to have prompt recognition and treatment of puerperal sepsis, to have access to adequate antibiotics, and to have standards to guide the role of hysterectomy as the definitive and necessary treatment for puerperal sepsis.
 
Copyright © 2022 Stokes et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.
Performance evaluation of Fenton based processes in reducing COD of the petroleum effluents using the waste of steel slag
Authors: Etemadiasl Fatemeh , Tishehzan Parvaneh , Kashefipour Seyed Mahmood , Haaghighifard Nematolah Jaafarzadeh
Published: June 2022

Petroleum effluents pollution is an important challenge for many countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Fenton, Photo-Fenton (PF), Electro-Fenton (EF) and Photo-Electro-Fenton (PEF) processes in reducing chemical oxygen demand (COD) of desalination unit effluent using steel slag as catalyst, cathode and anode. For achieving this goal the experimental design by Taguchi method using Mintab18 software was used. The desired variables include pH (3, 5 and 7), hydrogen peroxide (5, 10 and 15 mmol/l), contact time (30, 60 and 90 min), catalyst (5, 7.5 and 10 g/L), radiant intensity (16, 24 and 32 W) and voltage (5, 15 and 30 V). In order to perform the experiments, the pilot was made using UV-C lamps (wavelengths of 200–280 nm) each with a power of 8 W and an AC power supply of 0–30 V in the range of 0–2 A. According to the results, PEF process under pH = 7, 10 mmol/l hydrogen peroxide, catalyst content of 5 g/L, radiant intensity of 24 W and voltage of 5 V for 90 min, provides the highest COD removal rate (98.7%). The present study showed that following the combined process of PEF, EF, PF and Fenton processes have a high potential in reducing COD using steel slag.
De novo full length transcriptome analysis and gene expression profiling reveal the regulation of phenylethanol glycosides biosynthesis in Cistanche tubulosa
Authors: Hou Lei , Li Guanghui , Chen Qingliang , Zhao JinJin , Pan Jiaowen , Lin Ruxia , Zhu Xiujin , Wang Pengfei , Wang Xingjun
Published: June 2022

Background
Cistanche as a famous tonic Chinese traditional medicine, is known as "desert ginseng". Its dried fleshy stem is a crucial tonic in Chinese traditional medicine, and the main active pharmacodynamic components are phenylethanol glycosides. Cistanche tubulosa is more suitable for cultivation and extracting active ingredients because it produces higher level of phenylethanol glycosides than C. deserticola. The molecular regulation of the phenylethanol glycosides is not clear, partially due to the lack of genomic and transcriptomic resources in C. tubulosa.
Results
In this study, we performed the full-length transcriptome sequencing and gene expression profiling of C. tubulosa using PacBio combined with BGISEQ-500 RNA-seq technology. Totally, 237,772 unique transcripts were obtained, the transcript lengths ranging from 199 bp to 31,857 bp, and the N50 length was 1,797 bp. Among the unique transcripts, 188,135 (79.12%) transcripts were annotated. Interestingly, 1080 transcripts were annotated as 22 enzymes related to PhGs biosynthesis. We measured the content of echinacoside, acteoside and total PhGs at two development stages, and found that the content of PhGs was 46.74% of dry matter in young fleshy stem (YS1) and then decreased to 31.22% at the harvest stage (HS2). To compare with YS1, 13,631 genes were up-regulated, and 15,521 genes were down regulated in HS2. Many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified to be involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, phenylalanine metabolism pathway and tyrosine metabolism pathway between YS1 and HS2.
Conclusions
Based on these results, we proposed a potential model for phenylethanol biosynthesis regulation. This is the first report of transcriptome study of C. tubulosa which provided the foundation for understanding of PhGs biosynthesis regulation.
Improvement in Learning Efficiency of SARSA for Wireless Communication Network
Authors: Yadav Anil Kumar , Sharma Purushottam
Published: June 2022

State action reward state action (SARSA) is one of the important learning methods of reinforcement learning. It updates policy using optimal action taken over the environment and uses temporal difference (ʎ). Where the ʎ used for eligibility trace, it used to contain a temporary record of every node in state action pairs (s, a) under each episode. In this paper, we proposed a novel algorithm and developed the update target value applying the average of all possible successive action values along with eligibility trace to store every state action value within look up table. That improves reinforcement learning model convergence characteristics and learning efficiency. In the result section, represent that our proposed algorithm has better learning efficiency than Q learning. It can be used for solving complex wireless communication networks and other solutions for the development of other intelligent artificial communication networks.
A multi-centered trial investigating Gestational treatment with Ursodeoxycholic Acid compared to Metformin to Reduce effects of Diabetes mellitus (GUARD): a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Lovell Holly , Mitchell Alice , Ovadia Caroline , Pitrelli Noelia , Briley Annette , Singh Claire , Marschall Hanns-Ulrich , Cruickshank Kennedy , Murphy Helen , Seed Paul , Williamson Catherine
Published: June 2022

BackgroundEach year in the UK, approximately 35,000 women develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The condition increases the risk of obstetric and neonatal complications for mother and child, including pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and large for gestational age babies. Biochemical consequences include maternal hyperglycemia, neonatal hypoglycemia and dyslipidemia. Metformin is the most commonly used first line pharmacological treatment. However, there are concerns about its widespread use during pregnancy, due to its limited efficacy and potential safety concerns. Therefore, there is a need for additional therapies that improve both maternal-fetal glucose and lipid metabolism.Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is not currently used for treatment for GDM. However, it can improve glucose control in type 2 diabetes, and it improves fetal lipid profiles in gestational cholestasis. Consequentially, it is hypothesized that treatment with UDCA for women with GDM may improve both maternal metabolism and neonatal outcomes. The primary outcome of this trial is to assess the efficacy of UDCA compared with metformin to improve glucose levels in women with GDM.Methods:The trial is a two-armed, open label, multi-center, randomized controlled trial. Women are eligible if they have been diagnosed with GDM by an oral glucose tolerance test between 24+0 to 30+6 weeks’ gestation, and if they require pharmacological intervention. 158 pregnant women will be recruited across seven NHS Trusts in England and Wales. Women who consent will be recruited and randomized to either metformin or UDCA, which will be taken daily until the birth of their baby. Maternal and neonatal blood samples will be taken to evaluate the impact of the treatments on maternal glucose control, and maternal and neonatal lipid metabolism. Maternal and fetal outcomes will be evaluated, and acceptability of UDCA compared with metformin will be assessed.Discussion:This trial has the potential to identify a potential new treatment for women with GDM. If successful, a future large multi-center trial will be designed to investigate where decisions can be personalized to identify which women will respond more effectively to UDCA than alternatives to improve maternal and baby outcomes. Trial registration:Clinicaltrials.gov – Registration number: NCT04407650
Probable human origin of the SARS-CoV-2 polybasic furin cleavage site
Authors: Romeu Antonio R.
Published: June 2022

The origin of the SARS-CoV-2 is still unclear. Simply said, its emergence was due to theacquisition of the polybasic furin cleavage site at the S protein in one of its closest relatives. Thediscovery in Laos of bat Rhinolophus coronaviruses that contain receptor binding domains almostidentical to that of SARS-CoV-2, and despite not having that polybasic furin cleavage site, they cantherefore infect human cells (1), is the cornerstone to identify the SARS-CoV-2 progenitor.However, it is not yet known where the furin site inserted at the S1/S2 junction in the S protein ofthe pandemic virus come from, nor the how and when of such acquisition. The CGG-CGG encodedarginine dimer is rare in coronaviruses (2), however, an arginine dimer with this code is present atthe SARS-CoV-2 acquired furin site: the PRRA four amino acid residue motif. Then, my questionwas if the SARS-CoV-2 S gene insert encoding the furin site would match to human transcripts.Here, I address this issue by using NCBI and GISAID databases, the NCBI Human GenomeResources, sequence analysis tools and in-house developed bioinformatic tools. I found that thepossible 12-nucleotide fragments which properly inserted in the S gene encode the SARS-CoV-2furin site 100% match to several NCBI RefSeq human transcripts. Taking this into account and theexpression patterns of these genes, together with further evidences found here, such as the codonoptimization of that SARS-CoV-2 furin site arginine dimer and other PRRA-like insertions in the Sprotein, results strongly suggest that recombination between the SARS-CoV-2 precursor genomeand human host cell mRNA produced the recombinant pandemic virus, along with the origin of theSARS-CoV-2 furin site, during undetected human-to-human virus transmission.
Treatment Outcomes of Applying External Fixator on Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Compare between Two Directions of Force Exertion in Parallel to Radius Shaft and Perpendicular to the Distal Radius Articular Surface
Authors: Jafari Davood , Birjandinejad Ali , B.O. Mahla Daliri , Emami Kimia , Moradi Ali
Published: June 2022

Background: External fixation has been one of the conventional managements of unstable distal radius fracture. The main aim of this paper is to compare two methods of applying distractive force along the radius shaft versus perpendicular to the distal radius articular surface.Design: Sixty patients with unstable distal radius fracture were included in present clinical trial and randomized in two groups, using block randomization method. In group A (first arm), distraction force was exerted parallel to the radius shaft. In group B (second arm), the external fixator was adjusted based on radial and palmar tilt of the mean population healthy wrist so that distraction was exerted perpendicular to the wrist articular surface.Methods: Radiological and clinical parameters were evaluated in both groups of patients pre-operatively, immediately after surgery, and 6 weeks post-operatively. We also followed up patients clinically at 12 weeks after surgery. PRWE, Mayo, and DASH questionnaires were used in order to assess patients’ clinical and functional states.Results: The method used in group B resulted in better improvement of palmar tilt both immediately (P = 0.007) and at 6 weeks follow up (P = 0.013) post-operatively in comparison with patients in group A. Radius height and radial inclination were also better restored when using the proposed modified method (P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Clinical outcomes were not different between two groups. Conclusion: Applying distractive force perpendicular to the distal radius articular surface seems to improve some radiological outcomes, probably due to better reduction maintenance, when compared with the technique of applying distraction force along distal radius shaft axis.Level of Evidence: Level I (clinical trial study)
Study Protocol of Sirolimus-coated bAlloon Versus pAclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty for the treatment of dysfunctional ArterioVenous Fistula (SAVE AVF)
Authors: Tan Chee Wooi , Tan Ru Yu , Pang Suh Chien , Tng Alvin Ren Kwang , Ng Nick Zhi Peng , Tan Alfred Bingchao , Patel Ankur , Gogna Apoorva , Chong Tze Tec , Tan Chieh Suai , Tang Tjun Yip
Published: June 2022

Background
Dysfunction of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) remains a significant morbidity for patients who are suffering from end-stage-kidney-disease (ESKD). The primary cause of dysfunction in AVF is due to stenosis from neointimal hyperplasia. Plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) has been the standard of care for the treatment of AVF stenosis however the average patency rates remain poor. Drug-coated balloon (DCB) represents an emerging alternative to POBA in prolonging the patency of AV access. Paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) is currently the most widely studied DCB as compared to second generation DCB, sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB).
Methods
This is a single center, prospective and retrospective double arm registry study that is investigator driven to compare the efficacy and safety of the two DCBs in the real-world setting in Singapore. A total of 200 eligible participants will be recruited and followed-up for 12-months. The primary endpoint is the patency rates at 6-month while the secondary endpoints are the patency rates and the number of repeat interventions needed to maintain patency at 6-and 12-months.
Discussion
Drug-coated balloon is an emerging device in endovascular intervention of AV access. PCB was the most used DCB, until its safety concern was raised recently due to the findings of increasing risk of death following application of PCB in femoro-popliteal artery of the leg. Compared to paclitaxel, sirolimus is cytostatic in its action with a high safety margin and has anti-inflammatory effects. It has a high transfer rate to the vessel wall and effectively inhibits neointimal hyperplasia. There have not been head-to-head comparison of PCB and SCB in the treatment of dysfunctional AV access; hence through this study, we will be able to study the safety and efficacy of the two DCBs in the real-world setting.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05333640 on 19 April 2022
Primary stability of different implant macrodesigns in a sinus floor elevation simulated model: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Imai Mikio , Ogino Yoichiro , DDS Hideaki Tanaka , Koyano Kiyoshi , Ayukawa Yasunori , DDS Takeshi Toyoshima
Published: June 2022

Background
A novel type of implant (Straumann® BLX implant) has been developed for certain stability from the mechanical and biological aspects and is expected for the implant placement in atrophic maxilla with sinus floor elevation (SFE).
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary stability in the implants with different macrodesigns in a SFE simulated model. Primary stability defined as maximum insertion torque (MIT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were compared between this novel type of implant and other types.
Materials and Methods
Five types of Straumann® 10mm length implants (Standard Plus; SP, Tapered Effect; TE, Bone Level; BL, Bone Level Tapered; BLT and BLX) and two types of Straumann® 6mm length implants (SP short, BLX short) were used in this study. Each Implants were inserted through 5 mm–thick porcine iliac crest blocks (a SFE simulated model). Primary stability was evaluated by using MIT and ISQ.
Results
The mean values of MIT for BLX group showed significantly higher values than SP, BL (p < 0.01), and TE (p < 0.05) groups. The mean value of ISQ for BLX group was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.01). The mean value of MIT and ISQ for BLX and BLX short group were significantly higher than that for SP and SP short group (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
In a SFE simulated ex vivo model, BLX group showed the highest values. These results suggest that implant selection can play a crucial role in the achievement of primary stability during SFE and simultaneous implant placement.
Biochemical and Morphological screening of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) hybrids for Jassid resistance (Amrasca devastans (Dist.))
Authors: S Subhashini , S Rajeswari , T Kalaimagal , M Muthuswami , P Jeyakumar
Published: June 2022

The cotton hybrids of seven lines (BSH 18, MCU 5, CO 14, TCH 1828, CO 17, TCH 11199 and Suraj) and five testers (KC2, KC3, GISV 323, GTHV 15–34 and RHC 1409) were raised in RBD for obtaining 35 hybrids. The hybrids along with their parents were studied for the traits viz., mean number of jassids per plant, injury grade, total phenol content, total reducing sugars, total soluble proteins, trichome length, trichome density and chlorophyll index along with the seed cotton yield per plant. Higher phenolic content, lower reducing sugar, lower soluble proteins, greater chlorophyll index and higher trichome density would result in fewer jassids per plant. MCU 5 X KC3 hybrid had the lowest injury grade (0.13), highest total phenol content (3.84 mg/g), lowest total reducing sugars (1.14 mg/g), highest chlorophyll index (58.33), lowest trichome length (0.43), highest trichome density (271.42 numbers per centimetre square) and highest yield of 150.74 g/plant. Hence this F1 hybrid confers resistance against jassids. Hence, higher phenolic content along with higher trichome density offers resistance to jassids in cotton plants. This cross could be further forwarded to F2 to identify the jassid segregants for further screening. Thus, knowledge into these biochemical analyses and trichome density of the cultivar might be used to breed for jassid resistance, which would assist minimise the usage of pesticides and pest loads from the fields, thereby increasing the population's productivity.
A taxonomic study on pollen morphology characteristics, chromosome karyotype characteristics, floral and fruit pigment compositions of 13 species and hybrids of Lonicera L.
Authors: Li Dalong , Zhai Xiaoou , Li Fang , Sun Liwei , Ji Xing , Zhang Sijia , Zhang Yujiao , Liu Huimin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, the pollen morphology characteristics, chromosome karyotype characteristics, floral and fruity pigment compositions of 13 species and hybrids of Lonicera L. were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy, root tip squash method, HPLC-MS and GC-MS, and then they were classified separately to discuss their genetic relationship and taxonomic relationship. According to the morphological taxonomy, Lonicera L. distributed in northern are divided into two categories by whether the branchlets are hollow or not. In this experiment, Lonicera chrysanthaTurcz. ex Ledeb., Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim., Lonicera ruprechtiana Regel., Lonicera tatarica Linn. and Lonicera korolkowi ‘Zabelii’. belongsto the category of hollow branchlets; and Lonicera edulisTurcz. and Lonicera tatarinowiiMaxim. belongs to the category of branchlets with solid white pith. Through the analysis of pollen morphology characteristics, chromosome karyotype characteristics, floral and fruit pigment compositions, and using the above four indexes for clustering, Lonicera ruprechtiana Regel. and Lonicera tatarica Linn. can always be clustered together. Five hybrids such as Lonicera korolkow‘Zabelii’.×Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim., Lonicera korolkow‘Zabelii’.×Lonicera tatarica Linn.No.8 etal. can basically clustered with their parents, which is conform to the morphological taxonomy. These results indicate that the analysis of pollen morphology characteristics, chromosome karyotype characteristics, floral and fruit pigment compositions, has certain value and significance for the study of system classification and genetic relationship of Lonicera L., and the conclusions of this study partially support morphological taxonomy. Among the four clusters, the clustering result of pollen morphology characteristics was in the highest agreement with morphological taxonomy.
Evaluation of Dynamic F Wave Parameters before and after Physical Activity in Normal Population
Authors: Khosrawi Saied , Haghighat Shila , Hamedfar Hadi
Published: June 2022

Objectives: F wave is one of the nerve conduction studies, mainly used to study the proximal pathway of peripheral nerves. One of its applications is dynamic assessment, i.e., before and after physical activity, when symptoms develop in some patients. Best to our knowledge, few studies evaluate normal dynamic F wave values in healthy individuals. This study aims to determine and compare normal values of several parameters of Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) and F waves of tibial nerves dynamically before and after physical activity in the lower extremities of 34 normal subjects. These parameters were recorded before and after 15 minutes of continuous walking at intervals of one, five, and ten minutes after the end of physical activity.Results: Normal values of CMAP onset latency and amplitude, minimum, maximum, and mean latency of 10 F waves, F chronodispersion, and F persistence were dynamically collected before and during 10 minutes after physical activity in three phases. Some of the parameters showed significant changes (P<0.05). Although physical activity showed statistically significant effects on some CMAP and F wave parameters (especially F chronodispersion) in normal subjects, none of them exceeded the normal clinical values introduced in the literature.
A novel humanized PD-1/PD-L1 mouse model permits direct comparison of anti-tumor immunity generated by FDA-approved PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors
Authors: Barham Whitney , Hsu Michelle , Liu Xin , Harrington Susan M. , Hirdler Jacob B. , Gicobi Joanina K. , Zhu XingXing , Zeng Hu , Pavelko Kevin D. , Yan Yiyi , Mansfield Aaron S. , Dong Haidong
Published: June 2022

Seven different anti-PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies are now widely used in the US to treat a variety of cancer types, but there have been no clinical trials comparing them directly. Furthermore, because many of these antibodies do not cross react between mouse and human proteins, no preclinical models exist in which to consider these types of questions. Thus, we produced humanized PD-1 and PD-L1 mice in which the extracellular domains of both mouse PD-1 and PD-L1 were replaced with the corresponding human sequences. Using this new model, we sought to compare the strength of the immune response generated by FDA-approved antibodies. To do this, we performed an in vivo T cell priming assay in which anti-PD-1/L1 therapies were given at the time of T cell priming against surrogate tumor antigen (OVA), followed by subsequent B16-OVA tumor challenge. We found that anti-PD-1/L1-treated mice exhibited significantly better tumor rejection than controls, although both the control and antibody-treated mice generated comparable numbers of OVA-specific T cells at the time of priming. To determine what could mediate this strong antitumor immune response, we identified the increased production of CX3CR1+PD-1+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in the anti-PD-1/L1-treated mice, the same subset of effector T cells known to increase in clinical responders to PD-1/L1 therapy. Thus, our model permits the direct comparison of FDA-approved anti-PD-1/L1 monoclonal antibodies and further correlates successful tumor rejection with the level of CX3CR1+PD-1+CD8 + T cells, making this model a critical tool for future studies to optimize and better utilize anti-PD-1/L1 therapeutics.
Resource utilization and recycling of petroleum-contaminated soil by pyrolysis as persulfate activator
Authors: Liao Yaping , Gao Hang , Wang Mingxin , Xue Jinjuan , Yao Meng
Published: June 2022

Oxygen-limited pyrolysis was used to simultaneously remediate and convert petroleum-contaminated soil (PCS) to carbonized soil (CS), which is subsequently reused as a persulfate (PS) activator. The effects of pyrolysis temperature and retention time on the harmlessness of PCS and the PS activation efficiency of CS for aniline (AN) degradation were investigated. When the pyrolysis temperature is 500°C and the retention time is 60 min, the total petroleum hydrocarbon removal rate of PCS and the TOC concentration of CS extracts were 98.96% and 10.2 ppm, respectively. The acute toxicity of CS extracts was classified as non-toxic. The degradation efficiency of AN was up to 96.09% within 6 h. After CS was reused five times, the removal rates of AN and TOC were 53.73% and 51.54%, respectively. The residual organic carbon in CS mainly exists as graphitized carbon, which has good stability and no acute toxicity. The main active species was holes, followed by singlet oxygen. S2O82- is adsorbed on the surface of the positively charged CS and then reduced by electron donor groups to generate holes, which may accelerate electron transfer and facilitate the oxidative degradation of AN. This research provides an innovative alternative disposal strategy for PCS-derivatives treated by pyrolysis, which can simultaneously achieve efficient remediation and high-value reuse of PCS.
Machine-Learning-Based Intelligent Framework for Discovering Refractory High-Entropy Alloys with Improved High-Temperature Yield Strength
Authors: Sengupta Debasis , Giles Stephen , Broderick Scott , Rajan Krishna
Published: June 2022

Refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) are a promising class of alloys that show elevated-temperature yield strengths and have potential to use as high-performance materials in gas turbine engines. However, exploring the vast RHEA compositional space experimentally is challenging, and only a small fraction of this space has been explored to date. This work demonstrates the development of a state-of-the-art machine learning (ML) predictive framework coupled with optimization methods to intelligently explore the vast compositional space and drive the search in a direction that improves high-temperature yield strengths. Our forward yield strength model is shown to have a significantly improved predictive accuracy relative to the state-of-the-art approach, and also provides inherent uncertainty quantification through the use of repeated k-fold cross-validation. Upon developing and validating a robust yield strength prediction model, the coupled framework is used to discover new RHEAs with superior high temperature yield strength. We have shown that RHEA compositions can be customized to have maximum yield strength at a specific temperature.
Role of phosphorus on cadmium leaching risk under simulated leaching and drying-wetting condition
Authors: Jia Hui , Zhang Mengqi , Wu Yifan , Wang He , Peng Weihua
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Investigating the relationship between high-risk behaviors and mental health in adolescents in Rabor city, Iran.
Authors: Jalali Batol , Fadakar Mohammad mehdi , Iranpour Abedin , Farvahari Arash , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between high-risk behaviors (HRB) and mental health in adolescents in Rabor.Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study that was performed on 334 girle and boy students aged 12-18 years in Rabor city in 2021. In this study, adolescents answered high risk behaviors and mental health questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Results: In this study, the mean age was 15/25 ± 1/78. The findings indicate that smoking and hookah use were higher in boys than girls. Among the demographic variables, age and level of education had a positive and significant relationship with HRB and mental health (p<0/05), The mean score of total mental health for all subjects was 12/83±10/82. The variables of age, sex, marital status of parents, number of children in the family, educational level, smoking, hookah and alcohol have been determined as influential and facilitating factors in HBR of adolescents. Fathers literacy was considered as a facilitator and age variables, alcohol consumption and parents' marital status were considered as deterrents to mental health. Conclusion: The present study showed that male gender is one of the risk factors for alcohol, smoking and other substances, tendency to high-risk sexual behaviors, depression and suicide in adolescents. Among the determinants of tendency to HRB in adolescents, psychological variables are of particular importance at the individual, social and family levels. Good mental health can improve quality of life, while poor mental health can make it worse.
Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Stunting, Wasting and Underweight in Children Under Five in Ethiopia
Authors: Kuse Kenenisa Abdisa , Debeko Dereje Danbe
Published: June 2022

Background
The burdens of malnutrition among under-five remain a significant obstacle to the achievement of better child health and wellbeing in Ethiopia where the prevalence of malnutrition is very high. The main aim of this study was to explore the spatial distribution of Stunting, wasting, and underweight in children under five in Ethiopia.
Methods
Secondary data from EDHS, 2016, was employed where a total of 10641 children under five were included in the survey. Based on some exclusion criteria, only 7960 of them were used in the final analysis. Spatial analysis was performed to explore the spatial distribution of malnutrition among under-five children in regions and zones of Ethiopia. Spatial Lag and Spatial Error models were used to examine the spatial dependence of stunting, wasting, and underweight. Geographically weighted regression analysis was performed to estimate the types and strength of relationships between malnutrition and determinant factors across the regions and within the Clusters or Zones of each region. Results: Among the under-five children included in the study, 36.6% were stunted, 12.2% were wasted and 25.2% were underweight. The Global Moran Index’s value indicates (Stunting, I = 0.3135, p-value < 0.00001, Wasting, I = 0.1948, p-value < 0.0001 and Underweight, I = 0.5291, p-value < 0.0001) there was the significant spatial variation of malnutrition across the regions and Zones of Ethiopia. Age of child, mother’s educational status, source of drinking water, toilet facility, number of children under-five in the household, wealth index of mother, breastfeeding duration, size of child at birth, and Body Mass Index of Mothers (BMI), region, and place of residence were a potential source of spatial variation for malnutrition in children under-five in the country.
Conclusions
There were the spatial dependencies and spatial patterns of malnutrition in children under five were clustered within and between the regions. Most of the hotspot areas of stunting, wasting and underweight were detected in the regions that had poor health facilities and less socioeconomic status.
Management of Human Resources for Health: Implications for health systems efficiency in Kenya
Authors: Nyawira Lizah , Tsofa Benjamin , Musiega Anita , Munywoki Joshua , Njuguna Rebecca G , Hanson Kara , Mulwa Andrew , Molyneux Sassy , Maina Isabel , Normand Charles , Jemutai Julie , Barasa Edwine
Published: June 2022

Background
Human resources for health consume a substantial share of healthcare resources and determine the efficiency and overall performance of health systems. Under Kenya’s devolved governance, human resources for health are managed by county governments. The aim of this study was to examine how the management of human resources for health influences the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya.
Methods
We conducted a case study using a mixed methods approach in two purposively selected counties in Kenya. We collected data through in-depth interviews (n = 46) with national and county level HRH stakeholders, and document and secondary data reviews. We analyzed qualitative data using a thematic approach, and quantitative data using descriptive analysis.
Results
Human resources for health in the selected counties was inadequately financed and there were an insufficient number of health workers, which compromised the input mix of the health system. The scarcity of medical specialists led to inappropriate task shifting where nonspecialized staff took on the roles of specialists with potential undesired impacts on quality of care and health outcomes. The maldistribution of staff in favor of higher-level facilities led to unnecessary referrals to higher level (referral) hospitals and compromised quality of primary healthcare. Delayed salaries, non-harmonized contractual terms and incentives reduced the motivation of health workers. All of these effects are likely to have negative effects on health system efficiency.
Conclusions
Human resources for health management in counties in Kenya could be reformed with likely positive implications for county health system efficiency by increasing the level of funding, resolving funding flow challenges to address the delay of salaries, addressing skill mix challenges, prioritizing the allocation of health workers to lower-level facilities, harmonizing the contractual terms and incentives of health workers, and strengthening monitoring and supervision.
Luteolin and micronized luteolin show antiseizure effects in developing zebrafish
Authors: Schneider Sabrina Ester , Pedroso Jefferson , Lima-Rezende Cássia Alves , Santos Aline E. dos , Aguiar Gean Pablo S. , Lanza Marcelo , Müller Liz Girardi , Oliveira J. Vladimir , Piato Angelo , Siebel Anna
Published: June 2022

Seizure is one of the most frequent neurological emergencies among neonates. Seizures during neurodevelopment could promote epileptogenesis by triggering inflammatory cascades and potentiating mTOR signaling. Epileptogenesis contemplates disrupted neurogenesis and neurodegeneration; and culminates in epilepsy. Epileptic patients suffer from unpredictable and recurrent seizures, which lead to social, psychological, and cognitive impairment. In this context, developing efficient treatments to manage neonatal seizures is compulsory. Here, we aimed to investigate the antiseizure and neuroprotective potential of luteolin and micronized luteolin in zebrafish larvae at 5 days post-fertilization. Both luteolin and micronized luteolin reduced the occurrence of each seizure stage and slowed the seizure development. Furthermore, there were no residual effects on larvae motor function 24 hours after the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Finally, the expression level of genes related to the inflammatory response (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and TNF-α), mTOR signaling (p70S6Ka and p70S6Kb), neurogenesis (BDNF), and apoptosis (caspase-3) were not altered 24 hours after the seizure occurrence. In conclusion, our study demonstrates for the first time that luteolin and micronized luteolin present antiseizure effects in developing zebrafish. The data encourage further investigations looking to new approaches to neonatal seizure management.
Comparison of antibacterial effect of Plantaricin 149 suspension and traditional root canal irrigation solutions in root canal infections in vitro
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Keda , Lin Xiaolong
Published: June 2022

Dental pulp and periapical diseases are common conditions in stomatology, caused by various pathogenic microorganisms. Antimicrobial peptides, as new antibiotics, offer promising applications in the irrigation and disinfection medicaments for root canals.One patient with chronic periapical periodontitis was selected to extract the clinical pathogenic bacteria. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) (ATCC 33277), Streptococcus mutans (Sm) ( ATCC 25175), and Prevotella intermedius (Pi) (ATCC 25611) were used as test strains. The effects of plantaricin (Pln) 149 on the biofilm formation and growth in infected root canals were evaluated by RT-PCR, laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM), and bacterial diversity analysis. In addition, the cytotoxicity of Pln 149 (100 µg/mL) to human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) was assessed using an MTT assay. Pln 149 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on Pg Sm and Pi (P<0.05), with significant differences in the biofilm images of the laser confocal scanning microscope (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in hDPSCs viability or proliferation between the Pln 149 and control groups. Considering the absence of antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity, we suggest that Pln 149 might be a promising option for root canal irrigation solutions.