bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-Dependent Unitary Transformation Method in the Strong-Field-Ionization Regime With the Kramers-Henneberger Picture
Authors: Mun Je Hoi , Sakai Hirofumi , Kim Dong Eon
Published: June 2021

Time evolution operators of a strongly ionizing medium are calculated by a time-dependent unitary transformation (TDUT) method. The TDUT method has been employed in quantum mechanical system composed of discrete states. This method is especially helpful for solving molecular rotational dynamics in quasi-adiabatic regimes because the strict unitary nature of the propagation operator allows us to set the temporal step size large; a tight limitation on the temporal step size ($\delta t <<1$) can be circumvented by the strict unitary nature. On the other hand, in a strongly ionizing system where the Hamiltonian is not Hermitian, the same approach cannot be directly applied because it is demanding to define a set of field-dressed eigenstates. In this study, the TDUT method was applied to the ionizing regime using the Kramers-Henneberger frame, in which the strong-field-dressed discrete eigenstates are given by the field-free discrete eigenstates in a moving frame. Although the present work verifies the method for a one-dimensional atom as a prototype, the method can be applied to three-dimensional atoms, and molecules exposed to strong laser fields.
Efficient Simulations of Propagating Flames and Fire Suppression Optimization Using Adaptive Mesh Refinement
Authors: Lapointe Caelan , Wimer Nicholas T. , Simons-Wellin Sam , Glusman Jeffrey F. , Rieker Gregory B. , Hamlington Peter E.
Published: June 2021

Fires are complex multi-physics problems that span wide spatial scale ranges. Capturing this complexity in computationally affordable numerical simulations for process studies and “outer-loop” techniques (e.g., optimization and uncertainty quantification) is a fundamental challenge in reacting flow research. Further complications arise for propagating fires where a priori knowledge of the fire spread rate and direction is typically not available. In such cases, static mesh refinement at all possible fire locations is a computationally inefficient approach to bridging the wide range of spatial scales relevant to fire behavior. In the present study, we address this challenge by incorporating adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) in fireFoam, an OpenFOAM solver for simulations of complex fire phenomena involving pyrolyzing solid surfaces. The AMR functionality in the extended solver, called fireDyMFoam, is load balanced, models gas, solid, and liquid phases, and allows us to dynamically track regions of interest, thus avoiding inefficient over-resolution of areas far from a propagating flame. We demonstrate the AMR capability and computational efficiency for fire spread on vertical panels, showing that the AMR solver reproduces results obtained using much larger statically refined meshes, but at a substantially reduced computational cost. We then leverage the computational efficiency of the AMR solver to demonstrate an optimization framework for fire suppression based on the open-source Dakota toolkit.
An Alternative To Likert Scale: Emoji
Authors: KILIÇ Abdullah Faruk , UYSAL İbrahim , KALKAN Bilal
Published: June 2021

In the twenty-first century, the wide use of emojis in communication platforms has emerged. As a result, emojis have started to be used in scales. However, there are a limited number of studies in the literature that focuses on the effect of using emojis instead of Likert-type response categories in scales. Therefore, the focus of this study is to examine the differences that may arise from using emoji and Likert-type response categories in scales. For this purpose, the 3, 5, and 7-point Likert-type and 3, 5, and 7 emoji response categories Psychological Well-Being Scale was applied to 341 students studying at two state universities located in different regions of Turkey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability analyses were carried out on the data of the participants who answered the six forms with different response categories. As a result, it was determined that there were no significant differences in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and reliability analyses. However, when correlational analyses were examined, it was observed that as the number of reaction categories increased, the correlation scores of emoji and Likert-type scales decreased.
The Comparison of the Equated Tests Scores by Using Various Covariates using Bayesian Nonparametric Model
Authors: YURTÇU Meltem , KELECİOĞLU Hülya , BOONE Edward
Published: June 2021

This research is based on obtaining equated scores by using covariates in the Bayesian nonparametric model. As covariates in the study, gender, mathematics self-efficacy scores, and common item scores were used. The distributions were obtained for all score groups. Hellinger Distance was calculated to obtain the distances between the distributions of equated scores by using covariates and the distribution of the target test scores. These distances were compared with the distributions of equated scores obtained from methods based on Item Response Theory. The study was conducted on Canadian and Italian samples of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012. PARSCALE and IRTEQ were used for classical methods, and R was used for Bayesian nonparametric model. When gender, mathematics self-efficacy scores, and common item scores were used as covariates in the model, distance values of obtained equated scores to target test scores were close to each other, but their distributions were different. The closest distribution to target test scores was achieved when gender and mathematics self-efficacy scores were used together as covariates in the model, and the farthest distributions were obtained from item response theory methods. As a result of the research, it was determined that the model is more informative than the classical methods.
Health Data Disparities in Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths From 1999 to 2018 in the United States
Authors: Milam Adam J. , Furr-Holden Debra , Wang Ling , Simon Kevin M.
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To examine temporal trends in the classification of opioid-involved overdose deaths (OODs) and racial variation in the classification of specific types of opioids used.

Methods. We analyzed OODs coded as other or unspecified narcotics from 1999 to 2018 in the United States using data from the National Vital Statistics System and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results. The total proportion of OODs from unspecified narcotics decreased from 32.4% in 1999 to 1.9% in 2018. The proportion of OODs from unspecified narcotics among African American persons was approximately 2-fold greater than that of non-Hispanic White persons until 2012. Similarly, the proportion of OODs from unspecified narcotics among Hispanic persons was greater than that of White persons until 2015. After we controlled for death investigation system, African American persons had a higher incidence rate of OODs from unspecified narcotics compared with White persons.

Conclusions. There have been significant improvements in the specification OODs over the past 20 years, and there has been significant racial disparity in the classification of OODs until about 2015. The findings suggest a health data disparity; the excessive misclassification of OODs is likely attributable to the race/ethnicity of the decedent.
Rough River Outlet Works physical model study
Authors: Sharp Jeremy , Williams Locke , Bryant Duncan , Allgeier Jake , Pigg Kevin , Bell Gary , Moses Dana
Published: June 2021

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, requested the support and assistance of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), in the evaluation of the hydraulic performance of the replacement Outlet Works for Rough River Dam. To support the design effort, CHL constructed a 1:25.85 scale physical model. The proposed features of the model in the domain are the curved approach channel, intake structure, transition, curved conduit, stilling basin, concrete apron, and retreat channel. Tests performed to evaluate the hydraulic performance illuminated a few design concerns. To address these issues, several key design changes were made. These included the retreat channel slope, end sill design, and transition design.
Why We Care: An overview of the distribution of unpaid care work in Ma’an, southern Jordan
Authors: Perrin Jean-Patrick
Published: June 2021

The concept of unpaid care work is not widely known in Ma’an or other parts of Jordan. As a result, the benefits of unpaid care to individuals’ lives, as well as its negative impact on women who bear a disproportionate share of it at the household level, are overlooked by both local communities and policy makers. As such, women remain largely excluded from playing an active role in the economy, and receive limited or no recognition for the significant role that they play within the household. In 2020, Oxfam commissioned a study on unpaid care work in Jordan’s southern region of Ma’an. The purpose of the study was to better understand what care work women and men do, how it is distributed, and how people think about it. The study found that women perform the vast majority of care work activities, and that gender norms compound an unequal redistribution of unpaid care. This paper presents the study results and makes recommendations on how the Government of Jordan, donors and NGOs can encourage the redistribution of unpaid care work and improve women’s access to livelihood opportunities.
Deuterium-Depleted Water Stimulates GLUT4 Translocation in the Presence of Insulin, Which Leads to Decreased Blood Glucose Concentration
Authors: Molnár Miklós , Horváth Katalin , Dankó Tamás , Somlyai Ildikó , Kovács Bea Zs , Somlyai Gábor
Published: June 2021

Deuterium (D) is a stable isotope of hydrogen (H) with a mass number of 2. It is present in natural waters in the form of HDO, at a concentration of 16.8 mmol/L, equivalent to 150 ppm. In a phase II clinical study, deuterium depletion reduced fasting glucose concentration and insulin resistance. In this study, we tested the effect of subnormal D-concentration on glucose metabolism in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. Animals were randomly distributed into 9 groups to test the effect of D2O (in a range of 25–150 ppm) on glucose metabolism in diabetic animals with or without insulin treatment. Serum glucose, fructose amine-, HbA1c, –insulin and urine glucose levels were monitored, respectively. After the 8-week treatment, membrane associated GLUT4 fractions from the soleus muscle were estimated by Western blot technique. Our results indicate that, in the presence of insulin, deuterium depletion markedly reduced serum levels of glucose, -fructose amine, and –HbA1c, in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal concentration of deuterium was between 125–140 ppm. After a 4-week period of deuterium depletion, the highest membrane-associated GLUT4 content was detected at 125 ppm. This data suggests that deuterium depletion dose-dependently enhances the effect of insulin on GLUT4 translocation and potentiates glucose uptake in diabetic rats, which explains the lower serum glucose, -fructose amine, and –HbA1c concentrations. Based on our experimental data, deuterium-depleted water could be used to treat patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) by increasing insulin sensitivity. These experiments indicate that naturally occurring deuterium has an impact on metabolic regulations.
Efficiency Comparison Between Dry And Humid Cultures For Clinical Outcome of The In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer
Authors: Xu Weihai , Zhang Lin , Zhang Ling , Li Shishi , Shu Jing
Published: June 2021

Background: In this study, we compared the in vitro embryo development, embryo transfer outcome and the offspring outcome in the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) between dry culture (DC) and humid culture (HC). Methods: Our study was divided into two parts. Firstly, we determined the fertilization rate, cleavage rate and high-quality embryo rate from 21 cycles in the DC group (N=262 oocytes) and HC group (N=263 oocytes). Secondly, we determined the embryo transfer outcome and the offspring outcome in DC group (N=184 cycles) and HC group (N=136 cycles). Results: Compared with the HC group, significant increase was observed in the high-quality embryo rate (66.1.2% vs. 55.3%, p=0.037) and implantation rate (49.8% vs. 40.6%, p=0.027) in the DC group. No statistical differences were observed in the pregnant outcome and birth defect of the offspring (p>0.05). Compared with HC, DC was associated with a higher high-quality embryo rate and a higher implantation rate after embryo transfer. Conclusions: No statistical differences were noticed in the offspring conditions between the two culture modes. Taken together, DC may serve as a promising method for IVF-ET.
Destabilization of the Alzheimer’s Amyloid-β Peptide by a Proline-Rich β-Sheet Breaker Peptide: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Kanchi Pavan Krishna , Dasmahapatra Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2021

The amyloid-β peptide exists in the form of fibrils in the plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. One of the therapeutic strategies is the design of molecules which can destabilize these fibrils. We present a designed peptide KLVFFP5 with two segments: the self-recognition sequence KLVFF and a β-sheet breaker proline pentamer. Molecular dynamics simulations and docking results showed that this peptide could bind to the protofibrils and destabilize them by establishing hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonds with a higher affinity than the KLVFF peptide. In the presence of the KLVFFP5 peptide the β-sheet content of the protofibrils was reduced significantly, the hydrogen bonding network and the salt bridges were disrupted to a greater extent than the KLVFF peptide. Our results indicate that the KLVFFP5 peptide is an effective β-sheet disruptor which can be considered in the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease.
Optimization of Spreading Code using Modified Differential Evolution for Wireless Communication
Authors: Kashyap Katyayani , Pathak Sunil , Yadav Narender
Published: June 2021

Spread spectrum linked to optimization techniques play a very important role in today’s world. Optimization gives the best one among all the solutions and the spread spectrum is used to minimize distortion, hence optimized spreading code is very important in wireless communication. This study shows a comparison of two recent modified techniques of DE with the help of engineering design problems and application of that modified DE (considering the better one) in wireless communication to optimize logistic map based spreading code. A comparative study of properties of both optimized and non-optimized spreading code is also discussed in this paper. The performance of the optimized spreading code is also evaluated with the help of bit error rate (BER) by applying it in static and dynamic direct sequence spread spectrum system (DSSS). The performance of the proposed technique (optimized dynamic logistic map code based DSSS) displays better results than non-optimized spreading code and orthogonal spreading code considering BER. Therefore, the proposed method can be efficiently applied in the wireless communication system.
Clinical Spectrum and Comorbidity Pattern of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Hospitalised Children Age between 6 Months to 59 Months
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh Kumar , Das Ghanshyam , Shukla Durgesh
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND The prevalence of underweight children in India is the highest in the world, and is nearly double that of Sub-Saharan Africa. Poor nutrition in the first 1000 days of a child’s life leads to stunted growth, impaired cognitive ability, reduced school and work performance. The mortality rate and duration of stay in hospital with oedematous SAM has remained unacceptably high. Such high mortality in inpatients has been attributed to co-morbidities.METHOD Descriptive hospital based study was done in the Department of Paediatrics, Kamla Raja Hospital, Gwalior from October 2018 to October 2020. Children 6-59 months of age with severe acute malnutrition admitted in severe acute malnutrition treatment unit were enrolled. WHO criteria were used to define severe acute malnutrition. The quantitative variables were described as mean ± standard deviation and categorical variables were in terms of proportion.RESULT Out of 29036 children, 1020 have severe acute malnutrition, constitute prevalence of 3.51%. A total of 400 cases met eligibility criteria and exploited. Sex ratio male and female 52.5%:47.5%. The peak prevalence was found in age group between 6-12 months (55%). Anaemia (68.25%) was found to be the commonest co morbidity, and then pneumonia (17.75%) dehydration (16.5%) followed by sepsis (13.5%). Most common chief complaint was fever (69%), followed by cough (38%) and watery loose motion (38%).CONCLUSION Severe acute malnutrition remains severe public health problem and mainly affects children under 24 months. Commonest causes are poor feeding practices, improper care of sick child at home, low maternal BMI. Maternal nutrition, education, media awareness, domestic decision, adequate nutrition of the girl child, early identification of anaemia, diarrhoea, pneumonia, sepsis and comprehensive treatment can reduces the morbidity and mortality.
Investigating the Response of the Botswana High to El Niño Southern Oscillation using a Variable-Resolution Global Climate Model
Authors: Maoyi Molulaqhooa Linda , Abiodun Babatunde Joseph
Published: June 2021

The Botswana High is an important component of the regional atmospheric circulation during austral spring, summer and autumn. While the high tends to be stronger during El Niño and weaker during La Niña, its direct response to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) remains unknown. To that end, a variable resolution global climate model (Model Prediction Across Scales version 7, hereafter MPAS) is applied with relatively high resolution (48 km grid spacing) over southern Africa and a coarser resolution (240 km grid spacing) over the rest of the globe for the study period 1980–2010. The first model experiment uses observed SSTs everywhere during the study period, while the second experiment uses observed SSTs everywhere except over the Pacific Ocean, where monthly climatological SSTs are imposed. The model results were validated against satellite data (Global Precipitation Climatology Project, GPCP), reanalysis datasets (Climate Forecast System Reanalysis, CFSR; European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts version 5, ERA5). The results of the study show that the MPAS model gives a credible simulation of the temporal variability of the Botswana High, the seasonal rainfall and 500 hPa geopotential heights over southern Africa. In the absence of ENSO forcing, the amplitude of the Botswana High variability reduces but the signal of the variability remains. Hence, this study shows that ENSO enhances the strength of the Botswana High but does not aid in the formation of the Botswana High.
Severe Neuroinflammatory Relapse after Extrauterine Pregnancy and Abortion: A Case Report on a Patient with Heterogenic MS Phenotype Carrying Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Autoantibodies
Authors: Selin Katja , Vaitiniemi Roosa , Blad Helene , Karrenbauer Virginija Danylaite
Published: June 2021

Background. Pregnancy has disease-modifying effects in MS. First trimester abortion might be followed by increased MS activity. MS with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) autoantibodies is a rare and agressive disease variant.Objectives. This case illustrates severe inflammatory reactivation after surgical abortion in MS patient who carries MOG antibodies.Methods. Case-report. Patient provided written informed consent for information and images to be published. Results. MRI and CSF biomarkers indicated high inflammatory activity post-abortion. Conclusions. Pregnancy termination in combination with MOG antibody carriership and termination of dimethyl fumarate treatment just prior abortion have had contributed to extensive reactivation of MS.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characterizes Metabolic Differences in Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Subsp. Proximus Embryogenic and Organogenic Calli and their Regenerated Shoots
Authors: Abdelsalam Asmaa , Chowdhury Kamal , Boroujerdi Arezue , El-Bakry Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. proximus is a threatened wild grass well known for its folk medicine uses and possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. In this study, the metabolite differences between embryogenic and organogenic calli have been characterized. Changes in the metabolome of somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis have been studied by comparing the metabolites of morphogenic calli with their respective regenerated shoots. Based on 1H and HSQC NMR data of the polar extracts, a total of 51 metabolites have been identified. Statistical analyses were performed to visualize the pattern of metabolites distribution among the studied groups. Glycolate present in organogenic calli, but not in organogenic calli. Some metabolites like glucose-6-phosphate, 4-aminobutyrate and arginine showed elevated concentrations in embryogenic calli than organogenic calli. While sucrose and myo-inositol up regulated in organogenic calli than embryogenic calli. Metabolites that marked embryogenic shoots from embryogenic calli have been described. Quantitatively, embryogenic shoots showed higher concentrations of sucrose, some amino acids, and trigonelline compared with embryogenic calli. In contrast, glucose, fructose, and arginine accumulated in embryogenic calli more than in embryogenic shoots. Likewise, metabolites characterized organogenic shoots from organogenic calli have been identified. Sucrose, several amino acids and trigonelline were detected in higher concentrations in organogenic shoots than in organogenic calli while monosaccharides and arginine accumulated in organogenic calli than in organogenic shoots. This study represents a first step towards understanding the metabolic activity of calli and shoots regenerated through different morphogenetic pathways.
Electrochemical Biosensor for Sensitive Detection of Hepatitis B in Human Plasma
Authors: Brito-Madurro Ana Graci , Castro Ana Cristina Honorato , Kochi Leandro Toshio , Flauzino José Manuel Rodrigueiro , Soares Marcia Maria Costa Nunes , Alves Valéria Almeida , Silva Luiz Antônio , Madurro João Marcos
Published: June 2021

In this work we report the construction of an electrochemical device for molecular diagnosis of hepatitis B virus in the blood plasma of infected patients, using graphite electrodes functionalized with poly(4-aminophenol) and sensitized with specific DNA probe. The recognition of genomic DNA was evaluated by electrochemical techniques (DPV and EIS) and scanning electron microscopy. The genosensor was efficient in detecting genomic DNA with a linear range from 1.176 μg.ml-1 to 4.825 μg.ml-1 and detection limit of 35.69 ng.ml-1 (4.63 UI.ml-1 or 25.93 copies.ml-1), which is better than 10.00 UI.ml-1 limit of reference method, real- time PCR, used in point of care. EIS analysis shows that the genosensor resistence increased exponentially with the concentration of the genomic DNA target. The developed platform has inherent advantages to its applicability in real samples, such as good sensitivity, selectivity, and low sample volume, being interesting for application in diagnosis of hepatitis B virus in blood plasma.
Demographic Characteristics of Population With Affinity for Wetland Settlements in Ghana.
Authors: Quagraine Victor Kwesi , Ofori-Konadu Joy , Asibey Michael Osei
Published: June 2021

Wetlands all over Africa are being unsustainably reclaimed due mostly to high rate of population growth, urbanization and rising poverty. Despite having numerous ecosystem services that are of great benefit to humanity, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems due to destructive anthropogenic activities. However in order to sustainably use and manage wetlands in Africa, more data must be made available for policy formulation and decision-making. Africa lacks sufficient, basic and accurate data on population demographics that have affinity to wetland settlement. Research is needed to provide this scientific basis in Africa. This study investigates the demographic characteristics of the population with affinity to wetland settlements in Ghana to also contribute in filling in the gap identified by the National Environmental Action Plan of Ghana. The questionnaire survey approach was used with a sample size of 318 residents along two rivers in Kumasi. The demographic information that characterizes wetland settlers as revealed by this study include, low incomes, high rate of unemployment and poverty and low patronization of formal education. The high percentage of those with Senior High School certificates holders at the wetlands was also alarming. The settlers were mostly young and active. However, it was also found that data on the gender, ethnicity and religion of wetland settlers must be better determined at individual localities.
Adaptive Sampling Approach Exploiting Spatio-Temporal Correlation and Residual Energy in Periodic WSN
Authors: Fattoum Marwa , Jellali Zakia , Najjar Leila
Published: June 2021

Energy limitation is a major issue in WSN where a high volume of redundant data is collected periodically and transmitted through the network.

Therefore, efficient energy consumption is the key solution to maximize the network lifetime. This paper proposes an adaptive sampling approach based on spatio-temporal correlation of collected data and on nodes residual energy. This approach aims to optimize sampling rates of sensor nodes while ensuring a high quality of the collected data. In addition, a data reconstruction method based on linear regression is adopted in the sink to reconstruct the missing samples due to sampling rate reduction and adaptation compared to the case of a constant maximal sampling rate. We compare our approach with recently proposed adaptive sampling benchmark methods in different scenarios of data temporal correlation. Simulation results show the effectiveness of our proposed method in optimizing energy consumption by reducing sampling rate while maintaining data quality.
Air Pollution and Post-COVID-19 Work Resumption: Evidence from China
Authors: Zheng Yu
Published: June 2021

To cope with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), national or subnational regions have carried out anti-pandemic measures such as locking down, which may improve their air quality. This paper examines the relation between air pollution and work resumption from a novel post-pandemic perspective. Using unique data on detailed industrial electricity consumption in China, this paper doesn't find a positive relation between post-COVID-19 work resumption and air pollution during the early-stage recovery. This result is obtained after controlling for province and date fixed effects, as well as local weather conditions. However, the positive relation is found for a particular subsample of large industrial enterprises and April. This finding indicates that large industrial enterprises may recover first, and the resumption is progressing gradually. Finally, several policy implications are provided, which are essentially helpful for other countries’ post-pandemic recovery.
Meta-Analysis of Synovial Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Hip and Knee Infection
Authors: Li Cheng , Li Hao , Yang Xue , Zhu Fang-Zheng , Xu Chi , Trampuz Andrej
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the diagnostic performance of synovial fluid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in periprosthetic hip and knee infection, and whether synovial fluid PCR has greater diagnostic significance than conventional methods.METHODS: The literature databases PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science were searched for English articles describing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis by synovial fluid PCR. Articles were limited to the period between January 1990 and December 2019. Subsequently, conventional methods that were used on at least two occasions were included for further analysis. Data analysis was performed using the Meta-DiSc and Stata software.RESULTS: Eleven studies with 1360 cases were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of synovial fluid PCR were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66–0.74), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90–0.93), and 37.4 (95% CI: 17.77–78.74), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Synovial fluid PCR can be used as a diagnostic confirmatory method for PJI in cases of negative synovial fluid culture with highly suspected infection during the early stages.
High number and specific comorbidities independently of age are closely related to progression and poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Zheng Yongli , Kang Jun , Wang Dongmei , Bai Lang , Mao Yi , Zha Guifang , Tang Hong , Zhang Rengqing
Published: June 2021

Background— Some patients with comorbidities and rapid disease progression have a poor prognosis.Aim—In this study, we aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics of comorbidities and their relationship with disease progression and outcomes of COVID-19 patients.Methods— A total of 718 COVID-19 patients were divided into five clinical type groups and eight age-interval groups. The distribution characteristics of comorbidities were compared between the different clinical type groups and between the different age-interval groups, and their relationships with disease progression and outcomes of COVID-19 patients were assessed.Results—Approximately 88.62% (637/718) of the COVID-19 patients were twenty to fifty-nine years old. Approximately 65.73% (554/718) had one or more comorbidities, and common comorbidities included non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), hyperuricaemia and gout. COVID-19 patients with comorbidities were older, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension, DM, COPD, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD were mainly found in severe COVID-19 patients. According to spearman and partial correlation analysis the number of comorbidities was correlated positively with disease severity, the number of comorbidities and NAFLD were correlated positively with virus negative conversion time, hypertension, CKD and CVD were primarily associated with those who died, and the above-mentioned correlation existed independently of age. Risk factors included the number of comorbidities and hyperlipidaemia for disease severity, age, the number of comorbidities, hyperlipidaemia, NAFLD and COPD for the virus negative conversion time, and the number of comorbidities and CKD for prognosis. Number of comorbidities played a predictive role in disease progression and outcomes.Conclusions—High number and specific comorbidities independently of age are closely related to progression and poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. These findings provide a reference for clinicians to focus on the number and specific comorbidities in COVID-19 patients to predict disease progression and prognosis.Clinical Trial Registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2000034563A statement about the manuscript in research square This manuscript has been presented as preprint in the research sqaure according to the following link: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/ rs-576949/v2.
Fishing for the Bacteriome of Tropical Tuna
Authors: Gadoin Elsa , Desnues Christelle , d'Orbcastel Emmanuelle Roque , Bouvier Thierry , Auguet Jean-Christophe , Dagorn Laurent , Moroh Jean-Luc , Adingra Antoinette , Bettarel Yvan
Published: June 2021

Background : Although tunas represent a significant part of the global fish economy and a major nutritional resource worldwide, their consumption poses a risk of food poisoning through the development of particular bacterial pathogens. However, their microbiome still remains poorly documented. Here, we conducted a multi-compartmental analysis of the taxonomic composition of the bacterial communities inhabiting the gut, skin and liver of two most consumed tropical tuna species (skipjack and yellowfin), from individuals caught in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Results : Our results revealed that the composition of the microbiome was independent of fish sex, regardless of the species and ocean considered. Instead, the main determinants were (i) tuna species for the gut and(ii) sampling site for the skin mucus layer, and (iii) a combination of both parameters for the liver. Interestingly, only 4.5% of all ASVs were shared by the three compartments, raising numerous questions about the circulation of microorganisms within the tuna body. Our results also revealed the presence of a unique and diversified bacterial assemblage within the liver, comprising a substantial proportion of histamine-producing bacteria, well known for their potential pathogenicity and their contribution to fish poisoning cases. Conclusions : These results indicate that the tuna liver is an unexplored microbial niche whose role in the health of both the host and consumers remains to be elucidated.
Nintedanib, Pirfenidone and Pirfenidone Versus Nintedanib: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pitre Tyler , Husnudinov Renata , Khalid Muhammad Faran , Zhang Melanie C. , Cui Sonya , Tran Jennifer , Mah Jasmine , Helmeczi Wryan , Su Johnny , Jones Aaron , Zeraatkar Dena
Published: June 2021

Background: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have a poor overall prognosis. Only nintedanib and pirfenidone have been shown to reduce mortality. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy of nintedanib, pirfenidone, and pirfenidone vs nintedanib on patient important outcomes. Methods: Randomized trials were retrieved from MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes included change in FVC, acute exacerbations and hospitalizations and adverse drug effects leading to discontinuation. We used an inverse variance random effects meta-analysis method to calculate pooled relative risk (RR), standardized mean difference (SMD) and mean difference (MD).Results: A total of 13 studies were included. Both nintedanib [RR 0.63 (0.47,0.85); moderate certainty] and pirfenidone [RR 0.68 (0.47,0.99); moderate certainty] probably reduce all-cause mortality when compared to placebo, but only nintedanib [SMD 0.47 (0.34, 0.60); high certainty] reduces change in FVC. Nintedanib [RR 0.69 (0.48,0.99); moderate certainty],but not pirfenidone probably reduces acute exacerbations or hospitalizations compared to placebo. Compared with placebo, neither nintedanib nor pirfenidone increased risk of drug discontinuation due to adverse effect but there is probably risk of patient drug discontinuation with pirfenidone compared to nintedanib [RR 4.34 (1.72 to 10.98); moderate certainty].Conclusion: Both nintedanib and pirfenidone probably reduce all-cause mortality. Nintedanib is probably more tolerable to pirfenidone in regard to compliance and may be more effective than pirfenidone in reducing mortality rate and in slowing disease progression. Larger head to head randomized trials are needed.
Energy Efficient Cluster-based Routing using Hybrid Approach of Fuzzy and Ida-Star for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: K Mohaideen Pitchai
Published: June 2021

Appropriate cluster head selection can significantly reduce energy consumption and enhance the lifetime of the WSN. The choice of cluster heads, which is a pivotal step in the cluster-based algorithm, can seriously influence the performance of the clustering algorithm. Under normal circumstances, whether a node can be a cluster head or not depends not only on its energy level but also on the other factors such as energy consumption, channel lost, neighbor density, etc. In this sense, the selection of the cluster head can be regarded as a multiple criteria decision-making issue. This paper presents an Energy efficient Cluster Head selection using Fuzzy Logic (ECHFL) protocol, which combines the approaches of the fuzzy and IDA-star algorithm. This protocol selects the appropriate cluster head by using fuzzy inference rules. It uses three parametric descriptors such as residual energy, expected residual energy, and node centrality for the cluster formation and cluster head selection processes. These parameters contribute mainly for avoiding over-dissipation of energy in the network by selecting the suitable cluster head for the network. This protocol shows how fuzzy logic can be used in the cluster formation process to distribute the tasks and energy consumption over all the nodes. As a summary, the proposed protocol gives good performance results in comparison with the other protocols.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of EDM Parameters and Dielectric Type on the Surface Integrity and Topography
Authors: Rahimi Hasan , Masoudi Soroush , Tolouei-Rad Majid
Published: June 2021

The electrical discharge machining (EDM) process is mostly used in conditions that complex and intricate shapes need to be machined on very hard metals. However, the process leaves behind some undesirable properties such as high surface roughness, rough topography, high residual tensile stresses, micro-cracks, heat-affected zone (HAZ) and recast layer. This paper investigates the effects of different output parameters on the properties listed above. The input parameters studied include current, pulse-on time, and the type of dielectric; and the material being machined is AISI 1045 steel. Results show that the deionized water improved the output variables in EDM. The use of deionized water as the dielectric, not only improved the machined surfaces’ topography but also lowered the micro-cracks and HAZ thickness. The experiments also show how the pulse-on and current time affect the outcome of EDM machining of AISI 1045 steel.
Formation of Dense and High-Aspect-Ratio Iron Oxide Nanowires by Water-Vapor-Assisted Thermal Oxidation and their Cr(VI) Adsorption Properties
Authors: Budiman Faisal , Tan Wai Kian , Kawamura Go , Muto Hiroyuki , Matsuda Atsunori , Razak Khairunisak Abdul , LOCKMAN ZAINOVIA
Published: June 2021

In this work, highly crystalline and high aspect ratio α-Fe2O3 nanowire (NWs) were successfully produced by thermal oxidation of iron in water vapor at 800°C. The process was done for 2 h and the NWs were found to be covering the foil uniformly unlike when the oxidation environment was dry whereby the NWs formed were shorted and rather dispersed. The formation of NWs was proposed to be due to a stress-driven surface diffusion during thermal oxidation process. When oxidation was done at 700 oC, we observed coral-like nanostructures. The α-Fe2O3 NWs were then used as adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from stimulated wastewater. Removal efficiency of 97% in a 225 mg/L Cr(VI) solution was observed indicating very fast removal of Cr(VI) in the presence of the NWs. The kinetic characteristic of the adsorption was fitted to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and isothermal studies indicated that the α-Fe2O3 NWs exhibited an adsorption capacity of 66.26 mg/g.
Optimized SCMA Codebook Design Using Rotation Based Sub-Divided Constellation for Overloaded System
Authors: K Madhura , Rukmini M.S.S. , Raut Rajeshree
Published: June 2021

5G in wireless communication aims at deploying massive connectivity. Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA), proves to be an emerging candidate with multidimensional codebooks proposing, high shaping gain and advanced multiuser detection. A framework for designing a codebook for 200 % overloaded SCMA system with system model is presented in this paper. This article aims at delineating a codebook by subdividing the Mother Constellation (MC) and rotating it to achieve a better Symbol Error Rate (SER) performance over higher values of SNR. Different Codebook designs are taken into consideration for comparing with the sub-constellation based 200% overloaded SCMA. Abstract — 5G in wireless communication aims at deploying massive connectivity. Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA), proves to be an emerging candidate with multidimensional codebooks proposing, high shaping gain and advanced multiuser detection. A framework for designing a codebook for 200 % overloaded SCMA system with system model is presented in this paper. This article aims at delineating a codebook by subdividing the Mother Constellation (MC) and rotating it to achieve a better Symbol Error Rate (SER) performance over higher values of SNR. Different Codebook designs are taken into consideration for comparing with the sub-constellation based 200% overloaded SCMA.
How to Choose the Refueling of New Energy Vehicles under Swapping Vs. Charging Mode: From the Consumers’ Perspective
Authors: Li Jizi , Wu Doudou , Liu Chunling
Published: June 2021

Background: Battery charging mode is a prevalent method of transshipping power to new energy vehicles. Unfortunately, due to the limited capacity of batteries, typical new energy vehicles can only travel for approximate 350 miles on a single charge and require hours to be recharged. Battery swapping mode, as a novel alternative, can offer ideal solutions by depleted batteries being exchanged for recharged ones at swapping stations in the middle of long trips, thus will inevitably influence potential consumers’ purchase behaviors accordingly.Methods: To examine the impact of swapping mode and charging mode on consumers’ purchase intention, this paper examines a duopolistic market consisting of two new energy vehicle makers (i.e., new energy vehicle maker with swapping mode and one with charging mode), who adopting swapping mode and charging mode to service consumers, respectively. Considering swapping mode characterized with low initial investment and ease of use for consumers, the new energy vehicle makers with charging mode, capitalize on battery extended warranty service in response to rivals’ utilization of swapping mode, thereby non-cooperative game models are formulated, in which government subsidies are taken into account, both the optimal production decision for the new energy vehicle maker with swapping mode maker and one with charging mode are analyzed under three scenarios: without extended warranty service, with extended warranty service, and with extended warranty service and subsidy.Results: The results show that two makers’ market dominance relies on the ratio of the swapping station’s convenience to the extended warranty service and the valuation incremental rate. Additionally, we also find that the government subsidy can dramatically improve the performance of the new energy vehicle maker with swapping mode at the initial stage, but if the subsidy is insufficient size at the sequent stage, this will lead to policy failure and inefficiency in propelling the diffusion of swapping mode.Conclusions: The emerging swapping mode technology is a promising innovative one in boosting new energy vehicle diffusion, which will supplement to charging mode, thus reduce climate change dramatically
Bootstrap Aggregating Approach to Short-Term Load Forecasting Using Meteorological Parameters for Demand Side Management in The North-Eastern Region of India
Authors: Sarkar Dipu , AO Taliakum , Gunturi Sravan Kumar
Published: June 2021

Electricity is an essential commodity that must be generated in response to demand. Hydroelectric power plants, fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and wind energy are just a few examples of energy sources that significantly impact production costs. Accurate load forecasting for a specific region would allow for more efficient management, planning, and scheduling of low-cost generation units and ensuring on-time energy delivery for full monetary benefit. Machine learning methods are becoming more effective on power grids as data availability increases. Ensemble learning models are hybrid algorithms that combine various machine learning methods and intelligently incorporate them into a single predictive model to reduce uncertainty and bias. In this study, several ensemble methods were implemented and tested for short-term electric load forecasting. The suggested method is trained using the influential meteorological variables obtained through correlation analysis and the past load. We used real-time load data from Nagaland's load dispatch centre in India and meteorological parameters of the Nagaland region for data analysis. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique for regression (SMOTE-R) is also employed to avoid data imbalance issues. The experimental results show that the Bagging methods outperform other models with respect to mean squared error and mean absolute percentage error.
Investigating the Performance of UV/PS/Tio2nps and UV/PI/Tio2nps Processes on Paraquat Herbicide Degradation in Aqueous Media: Statistical Optimization, Kinetic Study, and Estimation of Electrical Energy Consumption
Authors: Ghavi Azam , Bagherian Ghadamali , Vahidian Hadi Rezaei
Published: June 2021

Background: In this work, the performance of UV/PS/TiO2NPs and UV/PI/TiO2NPs as hybrid advanced oxidation processes for degradation of the herbicide paraquat in aqueous solution is studied.Results: The effects of several factors such as the UV irradiation, initial oxidant concentration, TiO2 nanoparticles dosage, and pH on the degradation efficiency are investigated. The process optimization is performed by the central composite design and the response surface methodology for 30 mg L-1 of the herbicide at 25 ˚C and 40 min. Based on the results, a degradation efﬁciency of 77 % and 90 % have been obtained for the UV/PS/TiO2NPs and UV/PI/TiO2NPs processes respectively, in the optimum conditions. The mineralization efficiency of the paraquat solution using UV/PS/TiO2NPs and UV/PI/TiO2NPs processes are about 32 % and 55%, respectively, after 40 min. The kinetic studies show that both processes follow a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the kinetic constants are 0.0299 min-1 for the PS process and 0.0604 min-1 for the PI process. The electrical energy consumption has been estimated to be about 481.60 kWh/m3 for the PS process and 238.41 kWh/m3 for the PI process.Conclusions: The degradation and mineralization efficiency of the paraquat solution using UV/PI/TiO2NPs process are more than UV/PS/TiO2NPs process in the optimum conditions after 40 min.
Electrical Characterization And Study of Current Drift Phenomena And Hysteresis Mechanism In Junctionless Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor.
Authors: Parmar Jaydeep Singh , Shafi Nawaz , Sahu Chitrakant
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive study of the drain current drift mechanism and hysteresis phenomena in fabricated p-channel junctionless ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (JL-ISFET) has been investigated for the first time. The drift measurements have been performed through transient analysis of drain current, under different pH and liquid-gate bias (Vlg). Further, time-dependent gate-capacitance (CG) has also been analyzed to see the effect of hydroxyl ions (OH-) in the sensing film (Al2O3). The hysteresis has also been investigated for different pH loop ( 7 → 3 → 7 → 11 → 7 and 7 → 11 → 7 → 3 → 7) and times (960s, 1500s, and 1920s). It has been observed that the drift of JL-ISFET occurs because of chemical modification of the sensing film, due to OH- . The proposed device exhibits a threshold voltage sensitivity of 58.2 mV/pH that is near to the Nernstian limit. Further, the hysteresis width and maximum drain current drift are measured as ~1.3 mV and 2.4 µA (~75%), respectively.