bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water security comprehensive evaluation model based on comprehensive weight and improved matter-element
Authors: Yang Yingjuan , Hu Haiqing , Xue Hui Feng
Published: June 2022

As a multi-objective decision-making system, water security evaluation is suitable for the evaluation with a matter-element model. However, in the traditional matter-element model, the eigenvalue of matter-element cannot be calculated when it is beyond the range of nodes, and the calculation process is complex and error-prone. In this paper, improved analytic hierarchy process with entropy weight were combined to calculate the water security comprehensive evaluation index weight, avoiding the over-subjective or over-objective weight value. The normalization of matter-element improves the rationality of the matter-element correlation function and expands the application scope of the model, while the standardization of comprehensive proximity improves the accuracy of model results. Guangdong Province was taken as an example to verify the practicability of the model in the evaluation of the water security comprehensive index. The results show that from 2004 to 2019, the overall water security of Guangdong Province showed a trend rising from deteriorated grade to safe grade and the model results were in line with the facts. As a result, the water security comprehensive evaluation model based on comprehensive weight and improved matter-element is simple, practical, and suitable for the multi-level and multi-factor regional water security comprehensive evaluation.
Teacher Professionalism, Teacher Monitoring in Learning from Home, Parental Participation, and Android-Assisted Learning as Predictors of Students Achievement in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Santosa Donald Samuel Slamet , Retnowati Retnowati , Slameto Slameto
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government implements open and distance learning (ODL) for K-12 until December 2020. Home learning is demanded to have similar quality to learning at school. One indicator of the quality of learning is students achievement. Based on a systems approach, this study sought to find predictors of students’ achievement through ODL in which teacher professionalism (input), android-assisted learning, learning monitoring by the teacher, and parental participation (process) were the predictors of students’ learning outcomes (output). The data sources of this study were obtained from 102 teachers of 487 members of Slameto facebook accounts; data netted with a questionnaire of 24 items that were valid and reliable. To analyze the data, the researchers used the Step Wise Model Regression technique assisted by SPSS for Windows version 25. The results showed that teacher professionalism was the main determinant of students’ achievement with a contribution of 31.30% (model 1); when it was accompanied by monitoring of learning by the teacher, it increased to 37.90% (model 2), and when it was accompanied by parental participation, it gained 43.60% contribution (model 3). This study emphasizes the need for a management model based on parental participation in improving the quality of learning from home (ODL).
Improving the Effectiveness of Individual ABA Therapy of Autistic Children Through Addition Foldable Table Top
Authors: Purnamasari Dwi Candra , Sari Sinta M , Purwaningrum Lu’lu’
Published: June 2022

Children with autism tend to have difficulty to sit still during therapy. This causes hindranceinthe therapy process. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is one of the best proven ways to treat children with autism. ABA method usually uses a special table called ABA table. However, the ABA table still has some problems in its use. When autistic children throw a tantrum, they often push the therapy table. This makes the therapists have to hold the table with their feet and hurts the therapists feet makes therapy ineffective. This study aims to investigate the effect of oval curvature,base mat addition and alternative designs of a foldable table top addition on the ABA table. The results of this evaluation are expected to improve the effectiveness of ABA table as a therapeutic tool. Research method used observations were carried out using three types of tables. Namely Table A, which is commonly used in ABA therapy, with oval curvatureon its edge and without a permanent base mat, and Table B, which is a table without oval curvature on its edge but with a permanent base mat and table C is equipped with a foldable table top and permanent base mat. Observationswere carried out on therapy sessions of 15 children with autism (12 boys, 3 girls) The results of the second stage testing show that table Cis the best recommendation for use in ABA therapy because it can help increase attention, overcome aggressive behavior and help trainself-developmentin children with autism.
Mourtos’s Problem Solving Skills: A View Based on Gender
Authors: Setyawati Yuyun , Afandi Afandi , Titin Titin
Published: June 2022

Problem-solving skill is the ability to solve a problem using the right strategy or procedure. The research aims to analyze student’s mastery of problem-solving evaluated according to gender. Based on Mourtos, Okamoto, & Rhee (2004), there is five problem solving skill indicators: defining the problem, explore the issues, planning the solution, implementing the plan, and evaluating. To obtain the problem-solving skills data using a test consisting of problem description. This research was denveloped through quantitative descriptive analysis to get data by employing a classroom test in grade X MIA II of Muhammadiyah 1 Pontianak, with 29 students of 13 men and 16 women participants. The research finding average results the examinationt of male students at 40 with and SD: 12,5. Whereas, on average, the female student problem-solving skill test result were 45 and SD: 8,8. The obtained percentage of the indicator was that of plan the solution 51,72%, implement the plan 49,14%, explore the problem 41,38%, evaluate 39,66%, and define the problem 32,76%.  Based on finding, it can be conclused that problem solving skills in SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Pontianak is still low.
Burnout and Stress among Healthcare Workers at Primary Healthcare Centers: The Role of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hassan Mai El-Ghareap , Elsehrawy Mohamed Gamal , Eltayeb Mudathir Mohamedahmd , Ebrahim Elturabi Elsayed , Abd-Elsalam Nahed Abd-Elazeem
Published: June 2022

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) faced numerous job-related hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, such as job-related stress and burnout, which are considered to be the paramount burdens. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent of burnout and stress among HCWs during COVID-19 in primary healthcare centers. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study was conducted at five primary healthcare centers in Port Said governorate (Egypt). The study sample consisted of 250 HCWs (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, paramedical personnel, and administrative staff). Measurement tools included Maslach Burnout Inventory (MDI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Regarding degree of burnout, the current study results concluded that, two-thirds of HCWs had high occupational exhaustion, around three-quarters had high depersonalization, and the majority of them had low PA assessment. Regarding stress levels, almost half of HCWs had high stress, and more than one-third had moderate stress. There was a statistically significant, positive correlation between degrees of occupational exhaustion, depersonalization, and stress level. Conclusion: This research can inform healthcare leaders and enable them to improve HCWs’ experience by addressing levels of stress and burnout; managers must support staff who provide care and service to decrease the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Antibacterial Control of an Extremely Low Frequency Electric Field on Escherichia coli
Authors: Abd-Elghany Amr A , Mohamad Ebtesam A , Ali Fadel M , Yousef Ahmed M , Samy Marwa , Ayman Nawal , AbdelFatah Seham , Atef Eslam , El-Sakhawy Mohamed A
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the electric field frequency and the time of exposure that causes maximum inhibition of Escherichia coli (E. coli) growth. Methods and Results: Bacterial suspensions were subjected to an extremely low frequency electric field (ELFEF) with a 0.1 Hz interval between 0.2 Hz and 0.4 Hz. The bacterial growth was observed through optical density (OD) readings. OD values were taken every hour for four hours to monitor bacterial growth in both exposed and unexposed samples. The antibiotic susceptibility test was done to determine the difference between the susceptibility of both exposed and unexposed bacterial samples. Structural changes in the exposed bacterial samples were monitored by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The bacterial growth curve revealed a highly significant growth inhibition after being exposed to 0.2 Hz at 2 hours’ exposure time. E. coli suspension exposed to ELFEF at inhibition frequency 0.2 Hz showed a significant increase in susceptibility to antibiotics Keflex, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam. The current data suggest that treating E. coli with 0.2 Hz for 2 hours is an effective, prospective, and novel technique for reducing cellular growth and dramatic alteration in the cell membrane. TEM clarified the great destruction of the bacteria cell wall.
Reproductive Attitudes and Sexual Behavior of Women and Men Living with HIV
Authors: Leshchenko Olga , Bazyaeva Margarita , Labygina Albina
Published: June 2022

An anonymous survey was conducted, covering the issues of reproductive attitudes and contraceptive behavior in 50 women (mean age of 30.9±4.5 years) and 35 men (mean age of 31.1±3.2 years) with HIV infection of stages 4B and 4C. The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire that included questions about age, marital status, methods of contraception, reproductive plans, and reproductive and medical history. An anonymous interview with 85 HIV-infected respondents revealed that most of the women (82.0%) had contracted HIV through heterosexual contact, while in the men, the parenteral route of HIV infection predominated (57.1%) (P=0.0126). Statistically significant differences were found between the rate of single women and men: 21(42%) women versus 2(5.7%) men (P<0.001). An analysis of contraceptive behavior revealed statistically significant differences: 26% of the women and 8.6% of men (P<0.05) did not use any methods of contraception with regular or irregular sexual life. The majority of respondents used a barrier method of contraception and coitus interruptus. The vast majority of women (80%) had a desire to have children in an indefinite future, as opposed to 37.1% of the men (P<0.001). About 11.4% of men and 10% of women (P>0.05) definitely did not plan pregnancy in the future, mainly because of their unsatisfactory financial situation and the presence of a current HIV infection. Forty-two percent of the women did not undergo periodic medical examinations by a gynecologist or other specialists, and 44% of them indicated the reason for the lack of visits to the doctor as an unsatisfactory attitude of medical personnel towards them. The results obtained are important for the development of optimal medical care that alleviates the burden of HIV infection. In addition to medical care, health care providers must consider social and psychological needs to help HIV patients improve their health, including their sexual and reproductive health.
Soft Computing for Modeling of a Ring and Wings-Open-Ended Pipe Pile by using Midas GTS NX Software
Authors: Al-Soudani Wissam H. , Albusoda Bushra
Published: June 2022

This study aims to model a new type of open-ended pipe pile embedded in sand soil by a 3D finite element modeling using Midas GTS NX software. The new pipe model comprises the addition of an external ring and reverses wings. The soft computing simulation includes comparing the bearing capacity of the ring and wings-pipe piles with the conventional hollow piles, all piles have 40 mm diameter (D) and length (L) 800 mm and have been tested in loose dry sand. These piles have been tested experimentally using a physical model specially designed and manufactured for this purpose. The soft computing for modeling the new pipe pile has been validated using the obtained experimental results. The experimental results show that the proposed new model of the pipe pile has a higher-bearing capacity of (274%) than the open-ended pipe pile, and (148%) than the closed-end pipe pile. Also, this study has explained the adopted procedures of the finite element modeling of the ring-wing- open-ended pipe pile and includes the finite element modeling of the constrained soil inside the pipe pile and the external ring and inside the external reverse wings. The simulation results show that the soft computing using Midas GTS NX gives a good conceptualizing regarding the formation of the two types of the soil arching phenomena (passive and active) arching of the constrained soil inside pipe pile which could not be studied experimentally. Moreover, it gives good convergence of the load settlement behavior when verified with the experimental results.
Fine Unwrapping Phase for Deformation Control
Authors: omar Hadj Sahraoui
Published: June 2022

Earth observation and environmental control are becoming more important where the realization of DEM by the technique of interferometry of RSO images facilitates the control of terrestrial deformations, which is the subject of this paper. The unwrapping phase is a very important step in the interferometry process, especially to treat it carefully in steep degraded and mountainous ground. We have focused on the reduction and sometimes the elimination of the residues in flat terrains and otherwise to keep the maximum of the residues in the very steep sites. For this purpose, the methods developed and proposed are based on a transformation by the ISODATA which is based on KMEANS and the double passage of the median filter, and this in order to limit the creation of the brunch-Cut for the progress of the filtered interferogram (elimination of large black spot on The Brunch-Cut image).The tests of this method were carried out on several sites, and showed good results.
Psoas abscess mimicking sacroiliitis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: a case report
Authors: SARI Kemal , Ozkan Feyza Unlu , Aktas Ilknur
Published: June 2022

Objective In patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who develops sudden and severe low back pain, serious causes such as infections, spinal instability, and vertebral fractures should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis.Methods A 34-year-old male patient with AS, who was previously followed in remission, presented with severe low back pain and limping. He had bilateral sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken at another center recently on his admission. Visual analog scale score was 10 and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score was 9,6. In laboratory evaluation, C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 13 mg/dl and leukocyte count was 17,000/uL. After blood and urine cultures, tuberculosis and brucella tests were taken, prophylactic antibiotic treatment was given. In MRI, a multiloculated abscess formation which starts from the left S1 level and extends along the posterior of the iliopsoas muscle and presses on the bladder and prostate was observed. Percutaneous abscess drainage was performed under the guidance of computed tomography (CT). Results There was a rapid improvement in pain scores and acute phase reactants following abscess drainage. After 2 weeks, a significant regression of abscess formation was seen in the control CT evaluation.Conclusion Red flags should be checked in patients with AS who have severe low back pain unresponsive to routine treatment and other causes of low back pain should not be ignored.
Oxidative degradation of Metolcarb by electro Fenton process
Authors: Bakhti Hayet , Hamida Najib Ben , Hauchard Didier
Published: June 2022

This study presents the degradation and the mineralization of Metolcarb or 3-methylphenyl methylcarbamate by electro Fenton process with volume cathode. This pesticide was treated using this cathode which is filled with graphite carbon granules. The solutions of Metolcarb were electrolyzed in an reactor of 1.4 liter which shows the performance and the efficiency of the process. Indeed, the effects of different parameters such as the initial concentration of Metolcarb and the intensity of applied current on the degradation kinetics of Metolcarb have been discussed as a function of time. The found results proved that the insecticide removal followed a pseudo first order. The competitive kinetics analysis of Metolcarb during its electrochemical treatment was carried out by using benzoic acid as a reference compound. The absolute rate constant for the oxidation of Metolcarb by hydroxyl radicals consequently is equal to 3.59 × 109 L mol− 1 s− 1. The mineralization of Metolcarb in terms of total organic carbon was monitored during its electrolysis by the electro Fenton process. The organic carbon is then equivalent to the total carbon determined in reaction analysis. Carbon chains can therefore be formed. The various intermediates which are produced into the electrochemical processing of Metolcarb were determined by the mass spectrometry LC/MS. The biodegradation of Metolcarb has also been investigated in active clay.
Comparative Study on the Microstructure Evaluation of Al-Mg (Er5356) Aluminum Alloy for Aircraft Wing Stiffener Fabricated By Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: N Manikandan , G SWAMINATHAN , R Anirudh , S.I Ranjith , A Saiteja , S SRI
Published: June 2022

Wire arc additive manufacturing is a type of additive manufacturing process in which layer upon layer is added to form a closely welded component. In this study, gas metal arc welding - pulse and gas metal arc welding - double pulse methods were used to manufacture the components with 5356 aluminum alloy. the microstructures of the pulse and double pulse were observed and compared, the results show that the bead formation, structure, formability and continuity appeared to be better on the double pulse welding when compared to pulse. The pore formations were found in larger numbers in pulse than double pulse, due to the presence of a larger number of pores in pulse, it is weaker than double pulse.
A novel synchronization between two different chaotic systems (Convert Lorenz chaotic system to Chua chaotic system)
Authors: Kafi Dina Ahmed , Mousa Salam K. , Jamal Raied K.
Published: June 2022

In this work, a new synchronization was achieved between two different chaotic systems in behavior (Chua-Lorenz) by coupling them together with a coupling factor (k) and it was noted that Lorenz's behavior completely transformed Chua's behavior by changing the value of this factor. It is observed that when the values of the coupling factor are zero, the two systems are asynchronous, and when its value is 100, there is partial synchronization, while its value is 100000, so we get perfect synchronization. Where it is possible to use this synchronization in the field of secure communications.
Probiotic ameliorating effects of altered GABA/glutamate signaling in a rodent model of autism
Authors: Bin-Khattaf Rawan M. , Alonazi Mona A. , Al-Dbass Abeer M. , Almnaizel Ahmad T. , Aloudah Hisham S. , Soliman Dina A. , El-Ansary Afaf
Published: June 2022

Background:
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of pathological conditions, mainly of genetic origin, characterized by stereotyped behavior, marked impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, social skills, and cognition. Excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalances have been recorded as an etiological mechanism of ASD. Furthermore, GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in adult life is known to be much lower in both patients and rodent models of ASD.
Methods:
In the present study, forty young male western Albino rats, 3–4 weeks in age, weighing about 60–70 g were used. The animals were randomly assigned into six experimental groups; each of them included eight rats. Group (I) serves as control orally given phosphate-buffered saline. Groups (II, III) serve as a rodent model of ASD, orally administered a neurotoxic dose of PPA. The rats in the three therapeutic groups (IV, V, and IV) received the same doses of PPA followed by 0.2 g/kg body weight of pure Bifidobacterium infantis, the probiotic mixture of (ProtexinR), and pure Lactobacillus bulgaricus respectively for three weeks. Selected variables related to oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, and gut bacteria were measured in the six studied groups.
Results:
Both pure or mixed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were effective in ameliorating glutamate excitotoxicity as an autistic feature developed in the PPA-induced rodent model. Their therapeutic effects were mostly through, the correction of oxidative stress, restoring the depleted GABA neurotransmitter, and up-regulating the gene expression of GABA receptors. Pure Bifidobacterium was the most effective followed by the mixture of probiotics, and finally lactobacillus.
Conclusion:
Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli could be used either independently or in combination as psycho-biotics to ameliorate oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity as two confirmed etiological mechanisms through the gut-brain axis.
Usefulness of angiogenic factors in prenatal counseling of late-onset fetal growth-restricted and small-for-gestational-age gestations: a prospective observational study
Authors: Hurtado Ivan , Bonacina Erika , Garcia-Manau Pablo , Serrano Berta , Armengol-Alsina Mireia , Mendoza Manel , Maiz Nerea , Carreras Elena
Published: June 2022

Objective
To create a predictive model including biomarkers and evaluate its ability to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in late-onset small fetuses, ultimately helping to provide individualized counseling at the time of diagnosis.
Methods
This was a prospective observational study, including singleton pregnancies with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile, at a gestational age between 32 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation (WG). Variables recorded at diagnosis to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes were: soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 to placental growth factor ratio (sFlt-1/PlGF), fetal Doppler, uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI), EFW percentile, gestational age, and the presence of maternal risk factors for placental insufficiency. Logistic regression models were developed for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) or the need for elective delivery before 35 or 37 WG.
Results
Sixty (52.2%) fetal growth restricted (FGR) and fifty-five (47.8%) small for gestational age (SGA) were enrolled. Thirteen (11.3%) women needed elective delivery before 35 WG and 27 (23.5%) women before 37 WG. At least one adverse perinatal outcome (APO) occurred in 43 (37.4%) pregnancies. The best marker in univariable analyses was the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio [AUC = 0.932 (95% CI, 0.864–0.999)]. The multivariable model including sFlt-1/PlGF showed a better predictive performance for APO than the multivariable model without sFlt-1/PlGF (P < 0.024).
Conclusion
sFlt-1/PlGF is a good predictor of APO at the time of late-onset FGR/SGA diagnosis. Our predictive models may be useful to provide early individualized prenatal counseling in this group of women. Further studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings in a larger cohort.
Effects of resistance combined with aerobic training on physical function and glucolipid metabolism in obese women after bariatric surgery
Authors: sun yaowei , song yafeng , yun hezhang , su yuhui
Published: June 2022

Background: bariatric surgery is one of the most popular weight-loss methods at present, which can significantly reduce the weight of obese patients and improve the complications. Through 4-week exercise intervention and routine postoperative management control, the changes of subjects' indexes were observed to provide reference for making scientific exercise plan.Methods: 17 subjects were randomly divided into two groups, EG (n=8) and CG (n=9). The exercise group received online exercise intervention for 4 weeks, 3 times a week, while the CG did not participate in exercise. The related indexes of EG and control group before and after exercise intervention were detected and analyzed.Results: The HC of the control group was better than that of the EG (P < 0.05). The improvement of WHR in EG is better than that in CG (P < 0.01). The decrease of TF in EG is better than that in CG (P < 0.05). The decrease of BMR was better than that of the CG (P < 0.05). The effect of lowering FBG in the CG is better than that in the EG (P < 0.01). EG improved HDL-C better than CG (P < 0.01).Conclusion: (1) the CG has a greater effect on reducing WC, and exercise has a more significant effect on reducing WHR and TF and BMR. (2) the CG has a greater effect on reducing FBG, but exercise can adjust the relative stability of FBG level. Exercise can improve HDL-C obviously.
Exploring the challenges faced by Kurdish migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: khazaee-pool Maryam , Taymoori Parvaneh , Bahmani Afshin , ponnet koen , pashaei Tahereh
Published: June 2022

Background
With the outbreak of Covid-19, migrant workers have faced new and intensified problems. The present qualitative study aims to explore the challenges faced by Kurdish migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods
Applying a qualitative approach, we conducted 29 semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews with Kurdish migrant workers who had temporarily migrated to Iraqi Kurdistan to find work. Inductive qualitative content analysis was employed to converge and compare themes in participant data.
Results
The following five main themes emerged from the analysis: sociocultural challenges, economic challenges, psychological challenges, job challenges, and individual challenges. The findings revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the physical, financial, psychological, and social well-being of migrant workers.
Conclusions
This study emphasizes the importance of support measures for migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, including insurance coverage and the provision of health services, such as access to vaccinations and border health screening, as well as the development of socio-economic support, the legislation of labor laws, and the obligation of employers to create a safe workplace during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A machine learning-based SNP-set analysis approach for identifying disease-associated susceptibility loci
Authors: Silva Princess P. , Gaudillo Joverlyn , Vilela Julianne A. , Roxas-Villanueva Ranzivelle Marianne L. , Tiangco Beatrice J. , Domingo Mario , Albia Jason
Published: June 2022

Background
Identifying disease-associated susceptibility loci is one of the most pressing and crucial challenges in modeling complex diseases. Existing approaches to biomarker discovery are subject to several limitations including underpowered detection, neglect for variant interactions, and restrictive dependence on prior biological knowledge. Addressing these challenges necessitates more ingenious ways of approaching the “missing heritability” problem.
Objectives
This study aims to discover disease-associated susceptibility loci by augmenting previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the integration of random forest and cluster analysis.
Methods
The proposed integrated framework is applied to a hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance GWAS data. Multiple cluster analyses were performed on (1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) considered significant by GWAS and (2) SNPs with the highest feature importance scores obtained using random forest. The resulting SNP-sets from the cluster analyses were subsequently tested for trait-association.
Results
Three susceptibility loci possibly associated with HBsAg seroclearance were identified: (1) SNP rs2399971, (2) gene LINC00578, and (3) locus 11p15. SNP rs2399971 is a biomarker reported in the literature to be significantly associated with HBsAg seroclearance in patients who had received antiviral treatment. The latter two loci are linked with diseases influenced by the presence of hepatitis B virus infection.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate the potential of the proposed integrated framework in identifying disease-associated susceptibility loci. With further validation, results herein could aid in better understanding complex disease etiologies and provide inputs for a more advanced disease risk assessment for patients.
Changes in rainfall rates and increased number of extreme rainfall events in Rio de Janeiro city
Authors: Regueira Amanda de Oliveira , Wanderley Henderson Silva
Published: June 2022

Increased temperature rates have the potential to change the rainfall regime in a given region, as well as to intensify its extreme events, which may lead to significant and negative socioeconomic and environmental impacts on urban populations. However, knowledge about the extent of changes in rainfall rates in Rio de Janeiro City (RJC) remains incipient; thus, it is necessary applying indices climate change to help better understanding this phenomenon. The aim of the current study is to investigate changes in rainfall distribution and increases in the number of extreme rainfall events in RJC. Daily rainfall data deriving from fifteen weather stations distributed in RJC were analyzed in the Rclimdex software and Mann-Kendall test. The analysis has shown increased rainfall rates from the beginning of the series to approximately the first ten years of study. Total rainfall rate has decreased after this period. Rainfall intensity (SDII) in almost all seasons has decreased after 2005; this outcome has indicated reduced annual rainfall rate (PRCPTOT) and number of wet days (CWD). However, there was prevalence of positive trends in daily rainfall rates (Rx1day) and in total rainfall of five consecutive days (Rx5day). The increased number of extreme rainfall events in RJC can cause sudden inundations, floods, runoffs and river overflows with potential to cause landslides and human death due to irregular occupation of hills and slopes.
Identification and Analysis of the SAURs in Prunus sibirica
Authors: Bao Wenquan , Ru Yi , Rula Sa , Zhang Shuning , Bai Yu-e , Chen Junxing , Lin Yue , Wuyun Tana , Hou Jincheng , Ao Dun
Published: June 2022

In present study, we identified the members of small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) gene family in Prunus sibirica (P. sibirica) and analyzed their localization, phylogeny, duplication, cis-elements in the promoter, and expression patterns. In total, 57 PsSAURs were identified, randomly distributed along eight chromosomes. Among them, eight and ten pairs of segmentally duplicated genes and tandem duplication genes were found in 13 and 21 PsSAURs, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the PsSAURs were divided into five groups (Group A-E). Light-responsive cis-elements, methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and gibberellin, as well as low-temperature responsiveness, and defense and stress responsiveness were identified by analyzing PsSAURs promoter sequences. Expression pattern analysis showed that PsSAURs had different tissue and stage expression patterns. This study provided a foundation for further investigations for the functional analyses of SAURs in P. sibirica.
Does Nail Size or Difference between Canal and Nail Diameter Influence Likelihood of Union or Time to Union of Femoral Shaft Fractures Treated With Intramedullary Nailing? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shih Chiu-Yu , Lo Yu-Cheng , Hsu Chiu-Ting
Published: June 2022

Background
This study aims to determine whether nail size or the difference between canal and nail diameter (CN difference) affects the union rate and time of femoral shaft fracture treated with an interlocking intramedullary nail (IMN).
Methods
This was a retrospective review of 257 patients with femoral shaft fractures treated with IMN at a tertiary trauma medical center. All the IMN inserted were the same (Stryker T2 Femoral Nail). The patients were divided into groups based on nail size (10-, 11-, 12-, or 13-mm) and CN difference (< 1, 1–2, or > 2 mm), and union rate and time to union were compared.
Results
The 10-, 11-, 12-, and 13-mm groups based on nail size had 113, 74, 54, and 16 patients, respectively. The overall union rate was 97% (256/264). No significant differences in union rate or time to union were observed among these 4 groups. The groups based on CN differences of < 1-, 1 to 2, and > 2 mm comprised 143, 79, and 35 patients, respectively. Again, no significant differences were noted in union rate or mean time to union among the groups.
Conclusions
Similar union rate and time to union were observed, regardless of nail size or CN difference. This finding indicates that most simple femoral shaft fractures can be treated with a standard, reamed 10-mm IMN. A larger nail insertion is unnecessary and presents more risks; comparatively, the use of a small nail with less reaming is simpler, requires shorter operative times, results in less blood loss, and is less expensive.
ν-improved Nonparallel Support Vector Machine
Authors: Sun Fengmin , Lian Shujun
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a ν-improved nonparallel support vector machine (ν-IMNPSVM) is proposed to solve binary classification problems. In this model, we use the related ideas of ν-support vector machine(ν-SVM). The parameter ν is introduced to control the limits of the support vectors percentage. In the objective function, the parameter ε is introduced to ensure that ε-band is kept as small as possible. It has played a great role in the classification of unbalanced data sets. On the basis of maximizing the interval between two classes, ν-IMNPSVM can fully fit the distribution of data points in the class by minimizing the ε-band, which enhances the generalization ability of the model. The results on the benchmark datasets testify that the proposed model has a good effect on the classification accuracy.AMS Subject Classification: 90C30
Matching Component Analysis for Microtexture Region Segmentation
Authors: Homa Laura , Lorenzo Nick , Cherry Matthew , Wertz John
Published: June 2022

Microtexture regions (MTR) are collections of grains with similar crystallographic orientation; their presence in aerospace components can significantly impact compoent life. Thus, a method to detect and characterize MTR is needed. A potential solution is to fuse information from multiple nondestructive evaluation techniques that are sensitive to local crystallographic changes in titianum. In this work, we introduce a technique that combines a variant of the matching component analysis algorithm with level-set inversion in order to determine MTR boundaries using multiple sets of nondestructive evaluation data. Although this method is agnostic to the type of nondestructive evaluation data, here it is used to combine information from multiple rotations of an asymmetric eddy current coil. The method is successfully demonstrated on simulated eddy current data of a real titainum specimen.
The effects of native oxides on the selective photo-reduction property of Cu nanoparticles induced by the localized surface plasmon
Authors: Fang Yingcui , Li Lei , Li Huanhuan , Zhao Shiqi , Cheng Zhitao , Chu Xiangqian , Sun Mengtao
Published: June 2022

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in air are easily oxidized into CuNPs@Cu2O core-shell structure. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of CuNPs can be damped seriously by the Cu2O shell. The effect of this native Cu2O layer on the LSPR-induced selective photocatalysis properties of CuNPs is often ignored. In this paper, this effect was explored by comparison of the evolution of the photo-reduction efficiency (PRE) with the nanoparticle size (d) of the as-deposited CuNPs to that of AgNPs via monitoring the transformation from 4-Nitrothiophenol (PNTP) to 4,4 trdimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) using surface enhanced Raman scattering. It was found that the PRE of the as-deposited CuNPs increases first and then decreases with increasing d, much different from that of AgNPs: increases with increasing d. Based on the transmission electron microscope images, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and by monitoring the PRE stability in air of the as-deposited CuNPs, the mechanisms of the PRE evolution with d and the laser illumination time (t) were suggested. Cu2O plays a dominated role when the nanoparticles’ sizes were small. Both Cu2O and CuNPs play roles when the nanoparticles’ sizes were large, which brought in the low PRE of the as-deposited CuNPs.
Discovery of novel HCV inhibitors: Design, Synthesis and biological activity of phthalamide derivatives
Authors: Mahjoub Mahdi , Mahboubi-Rabbani Smohammad , Vahabpour Rouhollah , Zarghi Afshin , Rezaee Elham , Tabatabai Sayyed Abbas
Published: June 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of end-stage liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma, posing a serious worldwide threat when left untreated. Nowadays, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) constitute core components of anti-HCV treatment. Nonetheless, some DAAs are associated with a growing level of drug resistance as well as adverse reactions. That is why introducing new anti-HCV drugs with higher potency and lower toxicity is so essential. NS5B polymerase is an HCV non-structural protein that acts as a critical target for the development of anti-HCV therapeutics. Based on the necessary pharmacophores for inhibition of HCV NS5B polymerase, a novel series of phthalamide analogs that harbor the potential of NS5B polymerase inhibition to stop HCV proliferation in a cell-based assay were designed, synthesized, and in-vitro evaluated. Interestingly, all compounds displayed low cellular cytotoxicity in Huh 7.5 cells (CC 50 > 100). Compound 28 with EC 50 of 6.0 µM, and an appropriate affinity to NS5B polymerase active site could be considered as a new hit compound, providing useful information for the design of novel HCV inhibitors.
Are anti-PD-1-associated immune related adverse events a harbinger of favorable clinical prognosis in patients with gastric cancer?
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Xu Shuo , Wang Jiaqi , Lv Yalei , Wang Na , Lai Ruixue , Sha Ziyue , Zhao Qun , Guo Zhanjun
Published: June 2022

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown remarkable benefit in the treatment of a range of cancer types, although it may initiate immune related adverse events (irAEs) in patients. Some studies have shown that there is a close relationship between the occurrence of irAEs and prognosis. In present study, we have attempted to establish whether the occurrence of irAEs after the use of anti PD-1 antibodies is associated with treatment efficacy in people with advanced gastric cancer (AGC).
Methods
This study included patients treated with the anti-PD-1 antibodies for AGC patients at The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. IrAEs were identified clinically and graded as per the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ver. 4.03. Efficacy was evaluated with objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The analysis was performed to determine the association between irAEs and clinical outcomes.
Result
Of the 74 AGC patients in our study, 24 developed irAEs. The DCR of the irAE displayed a trend better than that of non-irAE group but without statistical difference (41.70% VS 6.0%, p = 0.118). Median PFS in the irAE group was superior to that in the non-irAE group (176 days VS 94 days, p = 0.001). Median OS also showed this trend of difference at borderline statistical level (292 days VS 239 days, p = 0.057). Multivariate analysis also demonstrated irAE (HR = 0.269, 95%CI: 0.088 to 0.822, p = 0.021) were associated independently with the better prognosis for AGC patients.
Conclusion
In advanced gastric cancer treated with anti PD-1 antibodies, the occourence of irAEs might contribute to the improved prognosis.
Experimental investigation of kinetic parameters of bamboo and bamboo biochar using thermogravimetric analysis under non-isothermal conditions
Authors: Jagnade Priti , Panwar N. L. , Agarwal Chitranjan
Published: June 2022

The subject of this research is the thermogravimetric analysis of bamboo and bamboo biochar in an inert environment at 10, 20, and 30°C/min. The physicochemical characterizations of bamboo and bamboo biochar were carried out as per the standard methods. Vacuum pyrolysis was used for the bamboo biochar. The FWO (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa) and KAS (Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose), methods determined thermodynamic and kinetic parameters within the active pyrolysis zone. Thermal degradation bamboo biomass undergoes several steps of loss of mass, including moisture loss, passive and active pyrolysis. Between 180°C and 395°C, the active pyrolysis zone accounted for 50 to 55 percent of the mass loss. For FWO and KAS models, bamboo biochar had lower activation energy values (99.23 and 96.07 kJ/mol) than bamboo biomass (262.5303 and 266.62 kJ/mol). The findings of the study for bamboo and its biochar revealed a significant opportunity in the agro industry for designing and building pyrolysis reactors for long-term biofuel generation.
Natural inhibitors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 main protease from Moringa oleifera, Aloe vera, and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: Molecular docking and ab initio fragment molecular orbital calculations
Authors: Shaji Divya , Suzuki Ryo , Yamamoto Shohei , Orihashi Daisuke , Kurita Noriyuki
Published: June 2022

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly worldwide, and new drug treatments for COVID-19 are urgently required. To find the potential inhibitors against main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, we investigated the inhibitory potential of naturally occurring compounds from the plants Moringa oleifera, Aloe vera, and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, using molecular docking, classical molecular mechanics optimizations, and ab initio fragment molecular orbital calculations. Of the 35 compounds that we simulated, feralolide from Aloe vera exhibited the highest binding affinity against Mpro. Therefore, we proposed novel compounds based on the feralolide and investigated their binding properties to the Mpro. The results indicated that the introduction of a hydroxyl group into feralolide significantly enhances its binding affinity against Mpro. These results provide useful information for developing potent Mpro inhibitors.
New Generalized ANN Based Hybrid Broadband Response Spectra Generator using Physics Based Simulations
Authors: Sharma Varun , Dhanya J. , Gade Maheshreddy , Jayalakshmi S.
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the seismic risk associated with infrastructures, site-specific seismic hazard studies are needed to be performed. Further, for non-linear time history analysis, one requires broadband ground motion. In modern times using physics-based simulations (PBS) for deriving the ground motion for future earthquakes has got due consideration. The PBS helps in decreasing the uncertainties related to the hazard estimation compared to GMPEs. There is a certain threshold to the PBS methods with the limited computational facilities. Hence, certain hybrid methods are required to attain a Broadband spectra for the simulated ground motion. This study uses a new ANN-based model to generate broadband ground motion spectra using the low-frequency spectral acceleration from PBS, source, path, and site parameters as input variables. A detailed parametric study and performance evaluation was made to identify the optimal input parameters in conjunction with the best-suited ANN architecture. The performance of the ANN model is demonstrated for Iwate (\(M_w\) 6.9,2008) earthquake. We found that the predicted values from the developed ANN model are in good agreement with the recorded data. Furthermore, time histories are generated using the spectral ordinate matching technique from the estimated broadband spectra.
Study on Multi-clearance Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristics of Herringbone Gear Transmission System under Optimal 3d Modification
Authors: li zhibin , Wang Sanmin , Li Linlin , Li Fei , Liu Linlin , Zou Haoran
Published: June 2022

Herringbone gear transmission system is widely used in the fields of ships and aviation,etc. Loaded deformation of teeth, manufacturing and installation errors will cause GS vibration, while modification technology can reduce vibration and noise very effectively.Backlash and bearing clearance have a very important effect on GS nonlinearity. So this paper proposes a tooth surface 3d modification method based on form grinding, deduces terminal section profile equation of tooth profile modification and designs the profile of grinding wheel, finally determines its radial motion law along workpiece on axial modification,which are combined to complete 3d modification equation; Based on TCA and LTCA, obtaining LTE of herringbone gear pair and taking its minimum amplitude as optimization objective to establish 3d modification optimization model, which to obtain the optimal modification parameters by using ALO. On this basis, meshing stiffness of the optimum modified herringbone gear pair is calculated, the bending-torsion-axis coupling multi-clearance nonlinear dynamic model is established, and the nonlinear response under three internal excitations is solved by numerical method. The global vibration characteristics in the parameter domain of gear pair are studied based on bifurcation diagram and MLE, and the local vibration characteristics under specific parameters of gear pair are studied based on diagrams of time domain, phase, frequency spectrum and Poincare section. The results show:Optimized 3d modification can eliminate tooth end and tooth top edge contact and improve tooth contact performance;With the increase of input power, input speed, backlash and STE, the system has the jump, while with the increase of bearing clearance and damping ratio, there is no jump, and system vibration amplitude is significantly lower than the non-modification after being optimized modification; Compared with other parameters, the variation of input speed and STE makes system have complex and changeable bifurcation characteristics; Modification can eliminate jump, but increase chaotic interval; Modification can increase periodic window of system, make system in the alternating change of multiple periodic motion and chaotic motion, which makes system motion more regular. The study provides a basis for parameter selection and optimization of gear system with complex excitations(stiffness,impact and error).
Transcriptome exploration and validation of brexpiprazole regulates cholesterol metabolism in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Ting , Long Xiaoyi , Tang Nenghuan , Liu Xiaojie , Qing Yirou , Chen Wei
Published: June 2022

In the present study, we investigate the effect of brexpiprazole on cholesterol metabolism in colorectal cancer and its possible mechanism by transcriptome analysis andvalidation. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the effect of brexpiprazole on the viability of colorectal cancer cells. Then, differential genes were identified by RNA-seq assay after treating colon cancer cells (HCT-116) with or without 20.0 μmol/L brexpiprazole for 24 h. After that, PPI network were constructed by the STRING database and Cytoscape to identify the top 120 hub genes, and then GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were measured. Differentially expressed protein and gene were measured by western blot and q-PCR, respectively. Finally, the mechanism of brexpiprazole regulating cholesterol metabolism in colorectal cancer was revealed through a series of in vitro and vivo experiments. The results of WB and q-PCR revealed that brexpiprazole significantly reduced the expression of HMGCR and HMGCS1. Besides, remarkable reduction of cellular Total Cholestenone (TC) levels in HCT-116 and SW620 cells after brexpiprazole treatment. Moreover, brexpiprazole also resulted in the restrained expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and SREBP2 in vivo and vitro.