bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clostridium aromaproducens sp. nov., isolated from pit mud used for producing Wuliangye baijiu
Authors: Luo Qingchun , Zheng Jia , Zhao Dong , Liu Duotao
Published: November 2022

A strictly anaerobic, gram-positive bacterium, designated as WLY-B-L2T, was isolated from pit mud of a fermentation pit located at Wuliangye 501# baijiu workshop in Yibin (Sichuan province, PR China). The strain has straight or somewhat rod-shaped cells, which are 0.5–0.7 µm wide and 1.7–3.1 µm long, arranged singly or in pairs. The strain can produce butyric acid and utilize D-galacturonic acid, methyl pyruvate, L-lactamine, L-alanyl-L-glutamine, L-alanyl-L-histidine, glycerol, pyruvate, L-alanyl-L-threonine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-valine + L- aspartic acid, L-serine, L-valine, and thymidine as carbon sources. Major cellular fatty acids are C16: 0 (24.6%), anteiso-C15: 0 (16.5%), and iso-C15: 0 (14.1%). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, WLY-B-L2T is most closely related to Clostridium luticellarii FW431T; they exhibit 97.42% 16S rRNA similarity. Additionally, the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between them is 28.10%. WLY-B-L2T has a G + C content of 34.16 mol%. Based on the evidence presented here, WLY-B-L2T (CICC 25133T = JCM 35127T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species, designated as Clostridium aromatiproducens sp. nov.
Improvement of water quality with probiotics inclusion during simulated transport of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) larvae
Authors: Gamoori Reza , Rashidian Ghasem , Ahangarzadeh Mina , Najafabadi Mojtaba , Dashtebozorg Mehdi , Mohammadi Yaghoob , Morshedi Vahid
Published: November 2022

The effects of using a commercial probiotic mixture (PM) (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sabtilis, Pedicoccus acidilactici and Lactobacillus acidophilus with a total count of 107 CFU/g) on water quality, bacterial population and the survival of Acanthopagrus latus larvae were evaluated during a 24-hour simulated transportation experiment. The one-day-old larvae were transported using purified seawater (as control) and purified seawater supplemented with 3 g of PM (as PM48 treatment). For the PM48, 3 g of PM was added to 1 L of purified seawater and after 30 min, mixed with 200L of purified seawater 48h prior to the main experiment. The obtained results showed that the use of probiotics led to an increase in larval survival up to 93.3%. Statistically, difference was found between control and PM48 at the initial sampling in terms of NO2. The pH of the control treatment showed a significant decrease at the end of the experiment. The investigation of a total number of bacteria and the total number of Vibrio spp. in water and fish larvae showed that within 48 hours, the probiotics became the dominated population in PM48 treatment. After 24 hours, water samples and larvae of control treatment showed a significant increase in bacterial load. In general, the obtained results showed that the use of probiotics played a significant role in maintaining water quality chemically and bacterially and caused more survival of larvae during transportation.
Assessment of Nitrogen fertigation and plant spacing in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) cv. Ratlam selection.
Authors: Vimal Vimal Bhobhria , Bala Madhu Bala Madhu , singh Parminder Singh Parminder , Sharda Rakesh Sharda Rakesh
Published: November 2022

The investigations entitled “Studies on plant spacing and fertigation schedule for loose flower production of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifoliumRamat.)” was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping and Soil and Water Engineering, PAU, Ludhiana during the year 2021-22 with the aim to standardize fertigation level and plant spacing for quality loose flower production. Four different fertigation levels of N@ (60kg/ha, 80kg/ha, 100kg/ha and 120kg/ha) were applied chrysanthemum varietiy namely ‘Ratlam Selection’ through drip irrigation along with three different spacings i.e., 40×30 cm, 40×40 cm and 40×60 cm. The statistical used was Split Plot Design (SPD) and trial was replicated thrice.The data on growth, flowering and yield parameters were recorded and statistically analysed. The data on growth, floral attributes, plant spread (46.70), number of branches (7.80) least days to first flower bud initiation (82.92 days), flower weight (3.22 gm) and highest chlorophyll content (58.57 spad value) was recorded with the application of N@ 120 kg/ha− 1with planting distance of 40×60 cm and the maximum flower diameter (7.71 cm) and flowers/plant (138.67) was recorded higher with the application of N@ 100 kg/ha− 1with planting distance of 40×60 cm.. Yield attributes such as flowers weight per unit area (m2), number of flowers per unit area (m2), were recorded best with treatment N@ 100kg/ha with plant spacing 40×60 cm. Based on the study it can be concluded that fertigation level N@ 100kg/ha was found to be the most suitable for quality production of loose flowers of chrysanthemum with spacing 40×30 cm.
Metabolites, gene expression and gut microbiota profiles suggest the putative mechanisms via which dietary creatine increases the serum taurine and g- ABA contents in Megalobrama amblycephala
Authors: Hua Yizhuo , Huang Wangwang , Wang Fan , Jing Zhao , Li Juntao , Zhao Yuhua
Published: November 2022

High carbohydrate diets can affect the growth and metabolism of fish; e.g. decrease the concentration of liver betaine and cause disturbances in the creatine pathway, and damage the liver. Previous studies have shown that dietary betaine can effectively alleviate these negative effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of creatine on growth performance, liver health status, metabolites and gut microbiota in M. amblycephala. The results showed that supplementing creatine and betaine together reduced the feed conversion ratio significantly (P < 0.05, compared to CD and HCD) and improved liver health (compared to HCD). Compared with the BET group, dietary creatine significantly increased the abundances of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, ZOR0006 and Bacteroides, and decreased the abundances of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Vibrio, Crenobacter, and Shewanella in the CRE1 group. Dietary creatine increased the content of taurine, arginine, ornithine, γ-aminobutyric acid (g-ABA) and creatine (CRE1 vs. BET group), and the expression of creatine kinase (ck), sulfinoalanine decarboxylase (csad), guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (gamt), glycine amidinotransferas (gatm), agmatinase (agmat), diamine oxidase1 (aoc1), and glutamate decarboxylase (gad) in the CRE1 group. Overall, these results suggested that dietary supplementation of creatine (0.5% − 2%) did not affect the growth performance, but it altered the gut microbial composition at the phylum and genus levels; it also increased the serum content of taurine by enhancing the activities of creatine metabolism and the CSA pathway, and increased the serum content of g-ABA by enhancing the activities of arginine metabolism, putrescine synthesis, and synthesis of g-ABA.
Solving a One-Dimensional Moving Boundary Problem Based on Wave Digital Principles
Authors: Beattie Bakr Al , Ochs Karlheinz
Published: November 2022

We report on a novel method for solving one-dimensional moving boundary problems based on wave digital principles. Here, we exploit multidimensional wave digital algorithms to derive an efficient and robust algorithm for the solution of the considered problem. Our method lets the wave digital model, on which the algorithm is based, expand according to the size of the solution domain. The expanding model introduces new dynamical elements, which must be properly initialized to obtain a calculable algorithm. To deal with this problem, we make use of linear multistep methods to extrapolate the missing values. Our results show the proposed method to indeed be capable of correctly solving a partial differential equation describing a growing biological axon.
A microwave scattering spectral method to detect the nanomechanical vibrations embedded in a superconducting qubit
Authors: Gao Haiyan , Wei Lianfu
Published: November 2022

Nanomechanical resonators (NMRs), as the quantum mechanical sensing probers, have played the important roles for various high-precision quantum measurements. Differing from the previous emission spectral probes (i.e., the NMR modified the atomic emission), in this paper we propose an alternative approach, i.e., by probing the scattering spectra of the quantum mechanical prober coupled to the driving microwaves, to characterize the physical features of the NMR embedded in a rf-SQUID based superconducting qubit. It is shown that, from the observed specifical frequency points in the spectra, i.e., either the dips or the peaks, the vibrational features (i.e., they are classical vibration or quantum mechanical one) and the physical parameters (typically such as the vibrational frequency and displacements) of the NMR can be determined effectively. The proposal is feasible with the current technique and should be useful to design the desired NMRs for various quantum metrological applications.
Harnessing indigenous planning for resource conservation in Ghana
Authors: Adjei-Cudjoe Benolia , Buxton David Nii Baah
Published: November 2022

Using a qualitative approach, the purpose of this research was to critically analyse the role of indigenous planning on resource conservation in Ghana which was conceptualized as degrowth. Using three traditional areas located in the coastal, forest and savannah zones in Ghana, the study interviewed 15 traditional leaders. The findings showed that taboos that protects the ecosystem from overexploitation for economic pursuit were influenced by the belief that plants, animals and water bodies have some spiritual and cultural significance. Through the lens of indigenous planning, this works adds to the understanding of degrowth within socio-spatial planning.
Experimental study on the screening of high-efficiency flushing agents and the optimum injection modes adaptable for landfill leachate-contaminated soil
Authors: Yu Haitao , Liu Zhibin , Zhang Jinpeng , Zhan Liangtong , Fan Zhanhuang , Yuan Miaoxin , Liu Zhu
Published: November 2022

In order to study the flushing efficiency of different leaching agents on the mixed contaminated soil in landfill, five surfactants (SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), SDBS (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate), Tween 80, RL (rhamnolipid), and saponin) and three chelants (EDDS ([S,S]-ethylene-diamine-disuccinic acid), EDTA (ethylene- diaminetetraacetic acid), and CA (citric acid)) were selected to carry out batch tests and one-dimensional column tests. In addition, the influence of injection conditions on the flushing efficiency of saponin was also evaluated. The results show that the saponin with low COD and degradability performed the best removal efficiency of the selected eluents. The extraction rates of total Cr, Cr (VI), ammonia nitrogen, and COD increase with increasing saponin concentration. In the batch test, the extraction rates of total nitrogen were less than 40%, and it was not sensitive to the concentration. Saponin can simultaneously extract heavy metals (total Cr and Cr (VI)), total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and organics from the contaminated soil. The leaching effect of saponin is obviously different under different injection modes. For contaminated soil dominated by total Cr or Cr (VI), continuous injection is recommended. If total nitrogen or ammonia nitrogen is the priority target, the step-gradient injection can demonstrate better removal efficiency. Muti-pulse injection is preferred when organics are the main factor in mixed contaminated soil.
Democratizing Corruption A Role Structure Analysis of Indonesia’s “Big Bang” Decentralization
Authors: Silitonga Mala Sondang , Wittek Rafael , Heyse Liesbet , Snijders Tom A. B.
Published: November 2022

The study investigates to what degree Indonesia’s large-scale decentralization and democratization changed corruption networks. A role structure approach is developed to move current analysis of dyad-level structures to the network level. This approach is empirically tested by comparing the relational content and third-party structures of 96 corruption networks operating in the first phase of decentralization (2001–2004), characterized by indirect democracy and a powerful local council, with 94 corruption networks detected in the second phase (2005–2013), when direct local elections were introduced and the power of the local council declined. Building on Fiske’s relational model theory, it is argued and found that the local executive’s reduced dependence on the local council provided the opportunity to initiate corrupt exchanges with a broader set of players both inside and outside the bureaucracy. Whereas deep dependence power relations (i.e. formal authority) remained important, an increasing proportion of corruption networks involved compound role structures characterized by both shallow (non-embedded profit and work relations) and deep interdependence (kin- and friendship). Furthermore, third party intermediaries became more important. Implications for the study of networks of corruption are discussed.
Effects of Enhanced Bacillus circulans Fermented Tibetan Tea on Intestinal Microbiota and Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity of Mice
Authors: Wang Ning , Mo Shan , Wu Tao , Mehmood Muhammad Aamer , Sun Haiyan , Tang Yongqing , Mei Jie , Mei Yuan , Fang Wen , Xiao Xiongjun , Zhu Hui
Published: November 2022

Tibetan tea is a typical dark tea, whose processing is highly dependent on pile-fermentation. During microbial fermentation, microorganisms, including Bacillus circulans, and their metabolites induce several biochemical reactions, each with unique roles in the resulting tea quality and flavor. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the chemical composition and beneficial health effects of enhanced Tibetan tea, generated via B. circulans fermentation, in a murine model. To this end, changes in the chemical composition of Tibetan tea extracts were analyzed before and after fermentation via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The effects of fortified fermented Tibetan tea on the intestinal microbiota and hepatic antioxidant capacity of mice were then evaluated. The contents of catechins derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids were increased in Tibetan tea following fermentation (the proportion of each chemical component increased by 0.3, 2.38, 2.65, and 3.36%, respectively, relative to its unfermented level). Moreover, 16S ribosomal RNA sequence analyses revealed that fermented Tibetan tea regulates the intestinal microbiota of mice. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. was increased following fermented tea consumption. Based on the histological and quantitative PCR analyses, fermented Tibetan tea can also improve intestinal development and intestinal barrier functions, while increasing the hepatic antioxidant capacity of mice. Hence, enhanced fermented Tibetan tea improves the beneficial effects mediated by murine intestinal microbiota. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further evaluation of the effects of microorganisms on Tibetan tea, as well as its potential application as a functional food.
Performance of N-Doped Graphene Nano Sheets on Electrode of Primary Battery Cells
Authors: Siburian Rikson , Alias Yatimah , Pasaribu Elsa , Supeno Minto , Goei Ronn , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong , Sookhakian Mehran , Nasution Lita , Simatupang Lisnawaty
Published: November 2022

Research on performance of N-Doped Graphene Nano Sheets (N-G) from coconut fruits as well as raw materials was carried out. The aims of this research are to produce gram scale N-G and evaluate its performance act as an electrode of primary battery cells. In this research, Graphene Nano Sheets (GNS) was produced from coconut fruits by using pyrolysis method. Then, N-G was generated with N-doped method where ammonia solution and room temperature were used as N atoms source and temperature doping, respectively. Finally, N-G was characterized with XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, XPS, Raman and conductometer. XRD data shows that C (002) peak of N-G shifts to higher 2θ number comparing to GNS that is N-G (2θ = 24,72o) and GNS (2θ = 23.86o), indicating there is interaction between carbon and nitrogen on N-G. This data is consistent with XPS data namely the type of N-G is N-pyridin (BE = 402.0 eV) and C-N (BE = 286.8 eV). Interestingly, the TEM images show clearly N-G has the flat surface and the graphene layers distance are little bit expanding (0.36 nm) compare to graphene layers (0.34 nm). SEM images and EDX data also may prove the morphology structure like the honey comb lattices and containing N atoms dominant. Raman data succeed to clarify D-band and G-band from N-G. All of data show that N-G is well produced and proved. In addition, the good findings N-G has electrical conductivity and it may be used as an electrode on primary battery cells.
A search for acrolein scavengers among food components
Authors: Uemura Takeshi , Uchida Masashi , Nakamura Mizuho , Shimekake Momo , Sakamoto Akihiko , Terui Yusuke , Higashi Kyohei , Ishii Itsuko , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei
Published: November 2022

Brain stroke is a major cause of being bedridden for elderly people, and preventing stroke is important for maintaining quality of life (QOL). Acrolein is a highly reactive aldehyde and causes tissue damage during stroke. Decreasing acrolein toxicity ameliorates tissue injury during brain stroke. In this study, we tried to identify food components which decrease acrolein toxicity. We found that 2-furanmethanethiol, cysteine methyl and ethyl esters, alliin, lysine and taurine decreased acrolein toxicity. These compounds neutralized acrolein by direct interaction. However, the interaction between acrolein and taurine was not so strong. Approximately 30 mM taurine was necessary to interact with 10 µM acrolein, and 2 g/kg taurine was necessary to decrease the size of mouse brain infarction. Taurine also slightly increased polyamine contents, which are involved in decrease in the acrolein toxicity. Mitochondrial potential damage by acrolein was also protected by taurine. Our results indicate that daily intake of foods containing 2-furanmethanethiol, cysteine methyl and ethylesters, alliin, lysine and taurine may prevent severe injury in brain stroke and improve the quality of life for elderly people.
On the computation of the gradient in implicit neural networks
Authors: Szekeres Béla J. , Izsák Ferenc
Published: November 2022

Implicit neural networks and the related deep equilibrium models are investigated. To train these networks, the gradient of the corresponding loss function should be computed. Bypassing the implicit function theorem, we develop an explicit representation of this quantity, which leads to an easily accessible computational algorithm.
Assessing directional vulnerability to wildfire
Authors: Beverly Jennifer , Forbes Air M.
Published: November 2022

Wildfires spread along trajectories set by a coincident wind direction. Despite the highly directional nature of wildfire threats to public safety, landscape fire risk assessments are typically omnidirectional. We used a simple, readily-available metric of landscape fire exposure to develop a systematic, standardized, descriptive assessment of directional vulnerability to wildfire at a point location. First, we defined a viable wildfire trajectory by analyzing 573 sample trajectories delineated within the burned areas of historical fires in the province of Alberta, Canada. On average, sample trajectories intersected locations assessed as having high wildfire exposure for 79% of their length. We therefore defined a viable fire trajectory as one with less than 1/5th of its length traversing low exposure. Using this criterion, we assessed the viability of directional trajectories around 913 small- to moderately-sized communities in the province. At each assessment point (i.e., community centroid), we delineated 360 possible wildfire trajectories into the community at 1° directional intervals. Each 15 km directional trajectory was divided into three equal-length segments for analysis, spanning: 0 (centroid) to 5 km; 5 km to 10 km; and 10 km to 15 km. The length of each directional trajectory segment that intersected high exposure was computed for all 1080 directional segments in each community study area. In total, we evaluated 986,040 directional segments. Communities exhibited highly unique and varied patterns of directional vulnerabilities to wildfire encroachment. Of the 913 communities analyzed, 136 had at least one continuous viable trajectory spanning the full 0-15 km distance from the community centroid and 211 communities had at least one continuous viable trajectory spanning 5 – 15 km from the community centroid. We developed a novel radial graph for displaying spatially referenced directional vulnerabilities to wildfire for a given community and combined results for all 913 analyzed communities to assess regional vulnerabilities within administrative management areas (i.e., Forest Areas). Potential applications of our directional wildfire assessment method are discussed, including prioritization of limited fire suppression resources, planning fuel reduction treatments, proactively identifying candidate locations for operational activities, and assessing evacuation vulnerabilities.
Sentiment analysis of financial news for stock price prediction: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: L Manogna R
Published: November 2022

The stock prices are majorly affected by news related to macroeconomic conditions of the country as well as the global economy. The stocks are also affected by news specifically related to them. In this study we tried to understand how news affects the change in stock indices of emerging markets. We have used NIFTY50 and headlines of the Economic Times newspaper for this study. The model gives information on whether the NIFTY50 index will rise or fall given the news headlines. We have made three models based on Random Forest Classifier, Decision Trees Classifier and Multinomial NB Classifier. The Random Forest Classifier based achieved the best precision of 0.73. This model can give the investors greater decision support.
Preferential Flow Velocity Mapping of Alluvial Soil Using Temporal Electrical Resistivity Imaging
Authors: Halihan Todd , Acharya Bharat Sharma , Hager John P , Guertault Lucie , Fox Garey
Published: November 2022

Riparian soils are susceptible to the formation of macropores, which provide opportunities for preferential flow in comparison to the surrounding soil matrix. Temporal Electrical Resistivity Imaging (TERI) can locate spatial heterogeneities in soil wetting patterns caused by preferential flow through macropores. Quantifying macropore flow properties is important to optimize the design of riparian buffers. In a field evaluation of a riparian area with naturally occurring macropores, the TERI technique is able to detect the wetted zone around a macropore similar to a high hydraulic conductivity zone in a heterogeneous soil matrix. An experiment was established in a coarse soil in North Carolina to evaluate if TERI datasets could quantify the hydraulic properties of both the soil matrix and the preferential macropore pathways. Results show TERI is a viable method for calculating the vertical fluid velocity along orthogonal profiles in this coarse-grained field site. The datasets allowed the distribution and hydraulic properties of the preferential flow pathways to be quantified over a two-dimensional plane that is comparable with traditional soil datasets.
Quadratic-Phase Scaled Wigner Distribution: Convolution and Correlation
Authors: Bhat M. Younus , Dar Aamir H.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose the novel integral transform coined as the Quadratic-phase Scaled Wigner Distribution (QSWD) by extending the Wigner distri- bution associated with quadratic-phase Fourier trans- form(QWD) to the novel one inspired by the definition of fractional bispectrum. A natural magnification ef- fect characterized by the extra degrees of freedom of the quadratic-phase Fourier transform (QPFT) and by a factor k on the frequency axis enables the QSWD to have flexibility to be used in cross-term reduction. By using the machinery of QSWD and operator theory, we first establish the general properties of the proposed transform, including the conjugate-symmetry, non-linearity, shifting, scaling and marginal. Then, we study the main properties of the proposed transform, including the in- verse, Moyal’s, convolution and correlation. Finally, the applications of the newly defined QSWD for the de- tection of single-component and bi-component linear- frequency-modulated (LFM) signal are also performed to show the advantage of the theory.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 42C40 · 81S30 · 11R52 · 44A35.
Public health determinants of child malaria mortality – a surveillance study within Siaya County, Western Kenya
Authors: Hollowell Thomas , Sewe Maquins , Rocklöv Joacim , Obor David , Odhiambo Frank , Ahlm Clas
Published: November 2022

Background
Malaria deaths among children have been declining worldwide during the last two decades. Despite preventive, epidemiologic and therapy-development work, mortality rate decline has stagnated in western Kenya resulting in persistently high child malaria morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify proximal factors influencing the high burden of malaria deaths among children in this region.
Methods
A total of 221,929 children, 111,488 females and 110,441 males, under the age of 5 were enrolled in the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Center for Disease Control Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KEMRI/CDC HDSS) study area in Siaya County during the period 2003-2013. Cause of death was determined by use of a verbal autopsy methodology.
Age-specific mortality rates were computed, and cox proportional hazard regression was used to model time to malaria death controlling for the socio-demographic factors. A variety of demographic, social and epidemiologic factors were examined.
Results
In total 8,696 (3.9%) children died during the study period. Malaria was the most prevalent cause of death and constituted 33.2% of all causes of death, followed by acute respiratory infections (26.7 %) and HIV/AIDS related deaths (18.6%).
There was a marked decrease in overall mortality rate from 2003 to 2013, except for a spike in the rates in 2008. The hazard of death differed between age groups with the youngest having the highest hazard of death HR 6.07 (95% CI 5.10-7.22). Overall, the risk attenuated with age and mortality risks were limited beyond 4 years of age. Longer distance to healthcare HR of 1.44 (95% CI 1.29-1.60), Low maternal education HR 3.91 (95% CI 1.86-8.22), and low socioeconomic status HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.26-1.64) were all significantly associated with increased hazard of malaria death among children.
Conclusions
While child mortality due to malaria in the study area in Western Kenya, has been decreasing, a final step toward significant risk reduction is yet to be accomplished. This study highlights residual proximal determinants of risk which can further inform preventive actions.
Sero-surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) among garment workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Mosa Abu Syed Md. , Mosaddek Nafisa , Farhana Fatima , Islam Md. Saiful , Islam Md. Siddiqul , Alam Md. Bodrudoza , Hossain K.M.Nazmul , Hasan Md. Mehedi
Published: November 2022

Background
Since the detection of first corona virus infection in Bangladesh on 8th March, 2020, it has been spread to the whole country quickly. Though there is lack of proper treatment facility, diagnostic facility, lack of awareness, unwillingness of people to follow the social distance guideline and lack of other containment strategies, the prevalence of COVID-19 infection especially severe and symptomatic infection among people of Bangladesh specially among working people like garment workers, people living in slum areas and rural areas are low.
Objectives
The purpose of this research was to determine the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody (IgG) among Bangladeshi garment workers.
Methods
A cross-sectional and observational research was conducted on 402 garment workers. (69.4% female; mean age = 28.9 ± 6.9 years) in Dhaka city. A semi-structured questionnaire including informed consent as well as, socio-demographics and COVID-19 infection related information, was used to conduct the survey. Blood samples of all participants were also collected to measure the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG). Serum level of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was assessed by Chemiluminescent immunoassay technique as per instruction of manufacturer.
Results
The prevalence of sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was 80.8% which was slightly higher among females compared to male but not significant (82.1% vs. 78.0%, p > 0.05). It was notable that no significant differences were obtained in other socio-demographic information (e.g., age, education, marital status, residence, and economic status).
Conclusions
The findings reflect that the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody (IgG) was prevalent among garment workers in Bangladesh. It may be due to the virus itself, genetic factor of virus, people and presence of preexisting immunity specially SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody due to previous cross infections with other corona viruses in Bangladesh.
WITHDRAWN: Hsa_circ_0079557 promotes CRC proliferation through miR-502-5p/CCND1 axis
Authors: Yu Chao , Huang Xue , Huang Renli , Wang Peiqi , Cai Zongda , Guo Zeyi , Lan Qingnan , Cao Haodi , Yu Jinlong
Published: November 2022

Background
Recent studies have shown that circular RNAs play an important regulatory role in cancer initiation and progression. However, the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs are not well defined, and exploring the roles and mechanistic progress of circRNAs in tumorigenesis may help identify novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Here, we aimed to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of hsa_ circ_ 0079557 in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods
The raw gene expression profile datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and combined to form a new dataset, from which hsa_circ_0079557 was found to be relatively high expression in tumors. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, colony formation, CCK-8, transwell, scratch wound healing assays, nude mice experiments and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to assess its role in vitro and vivo. fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Dual luciferase reporter assay were performed to confirm the relationship between hsa_circ_0079557 and the identified target miRNA. The “TargetScan” web-based tool was used to predict the downstream target proteins, and their expressions were determined using western blot.
Results
hsa_circ_0079557 was found to be relatively upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Suppression of hsa_circ_0079557 expression inhibited the proliferation in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0079557 was found to act as a “molecular sponge” for miR-502-5p and upregulated the expression of CCND1.
Conclusion
We identified a new circRNA which is highly expressed in CRC and proposed a potential novel pathway of hsa_circ_0079557/miR-502-5p/CCND1 in CRC.
Determinants of Financial Inclusion of Female Entrepreneurs in Somalia.
Authors: Mohamed Abdinur Ali
Published: November 2022

Financial inclusion is a vital driver of business development that enables the business to build capital over time and seize investment opportunities. The purpose of this study is to examine the determinant of the financial inclusion of female entrepreneurs in Somalia. We measure financial inclusion to the ownership of the formal account, Saving to the account, and access to borrowing from the bank. The determinants considered in this study; are age, education, business age, the form of the business, and the type of the business. This study used a cross-sectional research design to observe the population at one designated point in time and collect the data from a sample of 385 women entrepreneurs using a structured questionnaire. This study employs Probit regression models and presents the marginal effect of each observation. We found that 86% of the female entrepreneurs have a bank account, 59% saved money in a bank account in the last 12 months, and only 19% received loans from the bank. This study shows that female entrepreneurs over 30 years are 4% more like to have an account, 2% less likely to save for the account, and 12% less likely to get a loan from the bank. We also find that the level of education determines female financial inclusion. The female entrepreneur with a university degree is 1% more likely to have the account, 6% more likely to save to the account, and 12% more likely to borrow from the bank than the one that has only completed secondary school or has not attended the formal education. This study confirms that a high education level is associated with the high usage of financial services. We suggest to the government and development institutions work on the improvement of the financial literacy of women entrepreneurs to enable them to access financial services.
Near-infrared-based determination of mass-based material flow compositions in mechanical recycling of post-consumer plastics: Technical feasibility enables novel applications
Authors: Kroell Nils , Chen Xiaozheng , Küppers Bastian , Lorenzo Julius , Maghmoumi Abtin , Schlaak Matthias , Thor Eric , Nordmann Christian , Greiff Kathrin
Published: November 2022

Mass-based material flow compositions (MFCOs) are crucial to assess and optimize mechanical plastic recycling processes. While MFCOs are determined by manual sorting analysis today, in the future MFCOs could be determined inline through near-infrared-based material flow characterization. This study aims to quantify the accuracy of near-infrared-based MFCO determinations to assess its technical feasibility. Therefore, binary mixtures of plastic flakes and post-consumer packaging were pixel-based classified at different material flow presentations (MFPs), and mass-based MFCOs were predicted from the resulting false-color data using different data processing techniques. The results show high correlations between near-infrared-based false-color data and mass-based MFCOs. Through regression models and data aggregation it was possible to predict mass-based MFCOs with mean absolute errors of 0.5% and 1.0% and R2´-scores of 99.9% and 99.4% for plastic flakes and packaging, respectively, across all MFPs. The demonstrated technical feasibility thus paves the way for new sensor technology applications in plastic recycling.
Correspondence on NanoVar’s performance outlined by Jiang T. et al. in “Long-read sequencing settings for efficient structural variation detection based on comprehensive evaluation”.
Authors: Than Cheng Yong , Benoukraf Touati
Published: November 2022

A recent paper by Jianget al. inBMC Bioinformaticspresented guidelines on long-read sequencing settings for structural variation (SV) calling, and benchmarked the performance of various SV calling tools, including NanoVar. In their simulation-based benchmarking, NanoVar was shown to perform poorly as compared to other tools, mostly due to having low SV recall rates. To investigate the causes for NanoVar's poor performance, we regenerated the simulation datasets (3X to 20X) as specified by Jianget al. and performed benchmarking for NanoVar and Sniffles. Our results did not reflect the findings described by Jianget al. In our analysis, NanoVar displayed more than three times the F1 scores and recall rates as reported in Jiangetal. across all sequencing coverages, indicating a previous underestimation of its performance. We also observed that NanoVar outperformed Sniffles in calling SVs with genotype concordance by more than 0.13 in F1 scores, which is contrary to the trend reported by Jiangetal. Besides, we identified multiple detrimental errors encountered during the analysis which were not addressed by Jianget al. We hope that this commentary clarifies NanoVar's validity as a long-read SV caller and provides assurance to its users and the scientific community.
Importance of Stability Analysis in Control and Sustainability of Fisheries
Authors: Demir Mahir
Published: November 2022

In this study, predator-prey relations of a food web are investigated when two species face harvesting in the food web. A food chain model built on ordinary differential equations is used to investigate such a food web. After ensuring the existence of a solution for the food chain model, all the possible equilibrium points are found and investigated. Then, the stability analysis of important equilibrium points is numerically made. After capturing important values of harvest rates for a sustainable fishery, the predator-prey system is investigated under different levels of harvesting. This investigation shows us how important stability analysis is to controlling fish stocks and capturing sustainable fisheries.
A unified, more intuitive explanation of some quantum phenomena
Authors: Zeng Tian-Hai , Li Kai , Wang Feng , Shao Bin , Liang Shidong
Published: November 2022

There has been wide interest in splitter, quantum tunneling, and double-slit experiments for a long time. The states of single material particles are typically explained as being independent of other objects (and/or electromagnetic fields) and interactions. This independence causes counterintuitive explanations. By analyzing the research conducted separately by Wineland’s group and Haroche’s group, we naturally deduced that the states are dependent on other objects. Based on this dependence, our unified explanation is more intuitive. We design a double-slit thought experiment that can solve the center problem, i.e., which-path information. The dependence can also work for qubits in quantum information. To emphasize and use the dependence in the future, we propose a fundamental postulate that no material particle is free as the zeroth postulate of quantum mechanics.
Analysis of the effect of wheat straw flour on the pore structure of microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) cemented desert aeolian sandy soil based on low field NMR
Authors: Zhou Manxu , Qiang Jin , Li Zihua , Zhu Fuhao
Published: November 2022

In the process of microbial curing of desert aeolian sandy soil, we thought of the water-holding properties of straw flour in view of the high proportion of fine particles and poor water retention of desert aeolian sandy soil, and therefore designed an experiment to add straw flour to enhance the effect of microbial curing of desert aeolian sandy soil. The sand columns prepared under different curing stages were analysed by low-field NMR techniques. The test results show that: (1) the curing product calcium carbonate can effectively fill the pores of the sand and reduce the total porosity, and the addition of straw powder increases the total porosity of the sand column, especially the number of large pores (5–60µm) increases significantly; (2) The addition of straw powder increased the original sand column pore volume and pore size, significantly increasing the water holding capacity of the cured sand column, and the free water content of the sand column was significantly greater than that of the original sand column;(3) The pore filling rate of the sand column decreased after mixing with straw powder, which improved the uniformity of calcium carbonate precipitation within the sand column, but the shear strength was lower than that of the original sand column. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis and data support for optimising the curing effect of desert aeolian sandy soil and its water-holding capacity.
Detail design (DD) of non-tactical deployable 20 GWh (17.20841 kilo ton TNT) plane wave lens configuration fusion device
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Musaddique Ali
Published: November 2022

A simple plane wave lens, using an inert central plastic wave shaper, has been designed. An experiment was done with a 4 in diam, zeroth order design. An iterative technique that uses measured time deviations to connect the next wave shape was developed. Two identical versions of the first iterated shape were fired. Arrival time deviations in these first iterates fell within 50 ns bonds. With greater care and further iterations, lenses bound by 10 ns deviations seem possible.
Psychometrics of a Tool on Intimate Partner Violence Among Female Teachers in a Nigerian State
Authors: MAKINDE GABRIEL IFEOLUWA , Adebayo Ayodeji Matthew , Imoyera Winifred I , Lounsbury David Williams
Published: November 2022

Background
One of the possible strategies for instilling culture of prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV) among rudimentary age-groups is training of teachers on this subject. Aim: To determine teachers’ ability to precisely define their experience of IPV prior to training, this study evaluates the psychometric properties of an adapted WHO/IPV scale assessed on teachers of selected secondary schools in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria.
Methods
Self-applied responses from a WHO scale on experience of IPV of a sample of 365 female teachers recruited by a two-stage sampling technique was subjected to principal component analysis and ANOVA of independent comparative means.
Results
The PCA yielded three components with respective items correlation range and reliability of: Psychological violence (0.3–0.43, 0.61); sexual violence (0.3–0.52, 0.72) and physical violence (0.3–0.69, 0.73). Experience of psychological and physical violence differed significantly with having an alcoholic spouse while weekly alcoholics differed with the former IPV construct. Having less than three children and voluntary termination of pregnancy differed with sexual violence. Psychological violence was significantly different with ever tried delaying or avoiding getting pregnant. p < 0.05.
Conclusion
This study affirms the validation of the WHO/IPV tool’s delineation across theorised psychological, physical and sexual constructs among secondary school teachers. The tool discriminated against pertinent family, lifestyle, sexual and reproductive characteristics of these pivotal change agents in grassroot prevention of IPV.
Image Steganography of convolutional neural network based on neural architecture search
Authors: Meng Yanger , Li Jingtao
Published: November 2022

Recent studies show that the performance of deep convolutional neural network (CNN) applied to Steganography is better than that of traditional methods. We propose NAS-Stego to solve the problem of static network structure of the model in steganography algorithm based on deep learning.
Different from the existing steganography algorithm based on deep learning, NAS-Stego uses a controller which is a LSTM[18] to generate the architecture of the encoder. We use reinforcement learning and Monte Carlo to train that controller. We have conducted experiments on BOSSBase dataset, and the results show that NAS-Stego has achieved better performance. We use steganalysis analyzer StegExpose to test the anti-steganalysis capability of NAS-Stego, the experiments show that NAS-Stego has achieved good performance.
Ketogenic diet as a metabolic therapy for bipolar disorder: Clinical developments
Authors: Yu Brenda , Ozveren Ruya , Sethi Shebani
Published: November 2022

Background: Bipolar disorder is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by severe biphasic changes in mood, energy, or thought. Key underlying metabolic pathologies thought to play a role include dysfunction in energy metabolism. The purpose of this article is to review the findings to date of the effects of a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) on mood symptoms in preclinical and clinical models of bipolar illness. The review highlights the underlying metabolic pathologies of bipolar disorder (BD) and potential therapeutic effects of the KD on these pathologies. The article also explores the potential effects of a KD on metabolic health in BD, including proposed mechanisms of action.Summary: Recent findings support the idea that bipolar disorder, along with other psychiatric disease, may have roots of metabolic dysfunction: cerebral glucose hypometabolism, oxidative stress, as well as mitochondrial and neurotransmitter dysfunction which has downstream effects on synapse connections. A KD provides alternative fuel to the brain aside from glucose and is believed to contain beneficial neuroprotective effects, including stabilization of brain networks, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. Several beneficial metabolic effects on insulin resistance, weight, and lipids have been shown. Based on its effectiveness in treating epilepsy, the KD has garnered recent interest in its application for mood disorders as it may imitate the pharmacological effects of mood stabilizers, commonly prescribed agents in the treatment of both BD and epilepsy. Additionally, it may improve metabolic dysfunction often seen in BD and repair deficits in energy metabolism. Limited case studies on KD treatment in BD have been reported; however, studies addressing the potential therapeutic effects of KD on metabolic abnormalities in mental illness are promising. Literature of plausible mechanisms and reports of improvements in psychosis, cognition and mood symptoms have been increasing.Conclusions: Preliminary findings support further testing of a low carbohydrate KD as a potential therapeutic tool in repairing energy metabolism in bipolar illness. Further research and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of a KD as a supplemental or co-treatment of bipolar illness and the first open-label trial testing the diet in bipolar illness is currently underway at Stanford.
An Optimal Frequency Regulation in Interconnected Power System through Differential Evolution and Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Mishra Dillip K , Mohanty Asit , RAY PRAKASH K
Published: November 2022

Automatic generation control is extensively used to regulate power plants in a modern area of the power system network. In this paper, automatic generation and frequency control in interconnected power system is presented. A multisource such as thermal, hydro, and gas based power plant is considered in this study, which is carried out by incorporating non-linearity like generation rate constants, HVDC link, and the conventional PID controller design. Further, an optimal setting of the PID controller is performed by employing evolutionary and metaheuristic algorithm-based approach such as differential evolution and firefly algorithm, respectively. The robustness of the proposed controllers is assessed based on comparative analyses to regulate the interconnected power network's frequency profile under different loading conditions. The stability analysis is performed using the Eigen and Nyquist plots to assess the proposed controllers' efficacy. Besides, frequency control study is augmented with comparative assessment through various performance indices such as settling time, peak overshoot and undershoots under different operating conditions. Finally, the proposed control scheme, in the interconnected power system, is validated through a real-time digital simulation platform, i.e., OPAL-RT 5142. The comparison of simulation and real-time results demonstrate the effectiveness of the FA-optimized PID controller in comparison to that of De-optimised PID controller.