bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collisional-radiative model of NLTE plasma with an arbitrary radiation field
Authors: Vichev Ilia Yurievich
Published: April 2022

The collisional-radiative model for calculating the radiative and thermodynamic properties of a plasma with an arbitrary radiation field is considered. The basic equations of the model, formulas for calculating the rates of elementary processes, the absorption coefficient and emissivity, as well as the equation of state of matter are given. Methods for describing ionization potential depression in dense plasma are presented. A method is proposed for taking into account hot electrons with a temperature much higher than the plasma temperature.
ASEAN PLUS THREE EMERGENCY RICE RESERVE (APTERR): An Analysis on Its Role to The ASEAN Food Security in The Global Pandemic
Authors: Napitupulu Sanggam Maruli
Published: April 2022

ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve or APTERR is a rice bank cooperation between ASEAN member states as well as China, South Korea, and Japan (as +3 or Plus Three). This collective commitment is made in order to ensure food security, particularly in the form of rice, in their member countries. Initiated due to the crisis that occurred from 2007 to 2011, APTERR is now facing the global COVID-19 pandemic that has been going on for more than one year. This, of course,  presents a threat to the availability of rice due to limited mobility in the production or distribution sector, while the needs of rice in the community remains the same. In this paper, we will discuss further efforts and actions that have been taken by APTERR in assisting ASEAN members who are in an emergency status in their availability of rice. The research method which this paper used is a literacy review method, which will provide facts related to the background of APTERR, problems that threaten the threat of rice in the ASEAN region, and the latest presentation data to answer whether or not the APTERR plan will succeed in overcoming this pandemic crisis.
STUDY OF NOISE REDUCTION METHODS IN THE SOUND SEQUENCE WHEN SOLVING THE SPEECH-TO-TEXT PROBLEM
Authors: Barkovska Olesia , Kholiev Vladyslav , Lytvynenko Vladyslav
Published: April 2022

The subject of this research is noise reduction methods in the sound sequence as a part of the proposed speech-to-text (STT) module for converting a verbal lecture or a lesson into a written text form on digital educational platforms. The goal is to investigate the influence of noise reduction methods on the operation of the acoustic signal recognition system. 3 methods of noise reduction were considered for integration in the proposed acoustic artifact recognition system and for the researching: spectral subtraction method; fast Fourier transform; Wiener filter with software modeling of every method. The obtained results: after testing the system with integrated noise reduction modules in it, based on the fast Fourier transform, Wiener filter and spectral subtraction method, it was concluded that the module using the Wiener filter improves the identification results by 25%, which is the highest result. However, performance testing has shown that fast Fourier transform is the fastest method. The practical significance of the work is – the identifying acoustic events system was developed, different noise reduction methods were integrated and researched into the module for converting a verbal lecture or a lesson into a written text form in a proposed system with the aim of increasing of speed and accuracy.
ANALYSIS OF THE SOUND EVENT DETECTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS
Authors: Kovalenko Andriy , Poroshenko Anton
Published: April 2022

Detection and recognition of loud sounds and characteristic noises can significantly increase the level of safety and ensure timely response to various emergency situations. Audio event detection is the first step in recognizing audio signals in a continuous audio input stream. This article presents a number of problems that are associated with the development of sound event detection systems, such as the deviation for each environment and each sound category, overlapping audio events, unreliable training data, etc. Both methods for detecting monophonic impulsive audio event and polyphonic sound event detection methods which are used in the state-of-the-art sound event detection systems are presented. Such systems are presented in Detection and Classification of Acoustic Scenes and Events (DCASE) challenges and workshops, which take place every year. Beside a majority of works focusing on the improving overall performance in terms of accuracy many other aspects have also been studied. Several systems presented at DCASE 2021 task 4 were considered, and based on their analysis, there was a conclusion about possible future for sound event detection systems. Also the actual directions in the development of modern audio analytics systems are presented, including the study and use of various architectures of neural networks, the use of several data augmentation techniques, such as universal sound separation, etc.
Aproximación al estudio de las tendencias de consumo de cine en los jóvenes universitarios
Authors: Matei Antonio
Published: April 2022

El presente artículo es una aproximación teórica y práctica a los cambios que se están operando en los hábitos de consumo de cine entre los universitarios españoles, tomando como punto de partida de nuestra investigación los estudiantes de la Facultad de Geografía e Historia de la Universidad de Salamanca.En las últimas dos décadas, la llegada al mercado de las plataformas online de video bajo demanda ha supuesto un importante cambio en las relaciones que mantienen los productores y exhibidores de contenidos audiovisuales con los consumidores; además, existe una gran diferencia entre generaciones, siendo el cine en salas uno de los medios que se ha visto más afectado por los cambios.La llamada convergencia digital está posibilitando la diversificación del consumo audiovisual en otras pantallas y dispositivos, lo que ha provocado notables cambios en los hábitos de visionado de cine entre los españoles y particularmente en el segmento de la población más joven -entre 18 y 25 años-.
Impacto psicológico del confinamiento por la COVID-19 en niños españoles: un estudio transversal
Authors: Erades Nieves , Morales Alexandra
Published: April 2022

El confinamiento por la COVID-19 y el estrés asociado pueden afectar al bienestar infantil. Debido a lo reciente de esta situación, son limitados los estudios relacionados. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo principal describir en qué medida la situación de confinamiento afectó a los niños en su conducta, problemas de sueño y bienestar emocional. Un segundo objetivo fue identificar variables protectoras que puedan servir para paliar posibles efectos negativos por la situación en los niños. Un tercer objetivo fue estudiar la posible relación entre la percepción de gravedad y controlabilidad de los padres y las reacciones negativas en sus hijos. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 113 participantes españoles (70.5% mujeres) con hijos entre 3 y 12 años (51.8% niños). Los padres respondieron a un cuestionario online sobre las rutinas de los hijos durante la cuarentena, su bienestar emocional, problemas de sueño y su conducta. El 69.6% de los padres informaron que, durante el confinamiento, sus hijos presentaron reacciones emocionales negativas, el 31.3% problemas en el sueño y el 24.1% problemas de conducta. Los niños que invertían menos tiempo en el ejercicio físico y hacían mayor uso de pantallas presentaron un mayor número de reacciones negativas. Los niños con padres que hacían mayor uso de medidas de seguridad presentaron menos reacciones negativas. La percepción de riesgo y la gravedad de la situación por la COVID-19 no se relacionaron con las reacciones de los niños. Los datos sugieren que realizar ejercicio físico regular y limitar el uso diario de pantallas puede beneficiar a la salud mental infantil en situaciones de aislamiento
Escala de Adicción a Internet de Lima: Propiedades psicométricas con adolescentes mexicanos
Authors: Jocelyne Lugo-Salazar Kenia , Pineda-García Gisela
Published: April 2022

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Adicción al Internet de Lima (EAIL) con escolares mexicanos de educación media superior. La muestra estuvo formada por 1596 estudiantes (57% mujeres) con edades entre 14 y 20 años (M = 15.94; DE = 1.07). Se administró la EAIL en nueve centros escolares distribuidos en todas las delegaciones de Tijuana. Los resultados muestran que el instrumento posee buena consistencia interna con α = .82 y ω = .83. Aunque la escala original tiene estructura bifactorial, en esta investigación presentó una estructura de tres factores que explican el 58.6% de la varianza total. El análisis factorial confirmatorio arrojó unos índices GFI = .95; CFI = .93, RMSEA = .07, NFI = .91, AGFI = .92, RMR = .03. Se concluyó que la Escala de Adicción al Internet de Lima posee buenas propiedades psicométricas y es útil para la evaluación precoz de la adicción a internet en estudiantes mexicanos..
Gas Slippage in Microscale Fractures of Partially Saturated Shale of Different Matric Potentials
Authors: Cheng Pengju , Yu Qingchun
Published: April 2022

The gas slippage phenomenon in microscale fractures is extremely important to better understand subsurface gas flow in many engineering activities in shales, but the effects of water on gas slippage and the gas ﬂow process have rarely been investigated. In this study, two shale samples, each with a single fracture, were obtained to investigate gas slippage in partially water-saturated microscale fractures. A new experimental approach for monitoring gas slippage in partially saturated fractures of different matric potentials is presented. The fractures were moistened to different matric potentials in an environment under a certain confining pressure and in the presence of both water and gas, and the gas permeability at different gas pressures was measured with the steady-state flow method under five different matric potentials. The experimental results suggest that water in microscale fractures greatly reduces the gas permeability by one to three orders of magnitude and that capillary condensation is the primary mechanism underlying the observed dramatic decrease. The gas permeability decreases with increasing matric potential, and this relationship is quantitatively described. The pressure dependence of the gas permeability indicates that gas flow in the partially saturated fracture manifests strong slippage. Without considering the effect of gas slippage, the gas permeability obtained by continuum hydrodynamics prediction is overestimated by up to 15–20 times. Gas slippage is enhanced with increasing matric potential, and the corresponding relationship can be expressed with an exponential function.
What is the appropriate use of CT in combination with tumor marker and medical examination findings in the follow-up of postoperative patients with ovarian cancer?
Authors: Matsutani Hiroki , Nakai Go , Fujiwara Satoe , Takahashi Satoru , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Ohmichi Masahide , Osuga Keigo
Published: April 2022

Background
The aim of this study was to establish the appropriate use of CT in combination with tumor marker and medical examination findings in the follow-up of postoperative patients with ovarian cancer based on the recurrence pattern in CT imaging and clinical findings.
Methods
The subjects were 194 consecutive patients with primary ovarian cancer treated at our hospital between 2014 and 2019. Recurrence patterns on chest and abdominopelvic CT images obtained for routine postoperative follow-up were evaluated retrospectively to optimize scan range. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether clinical signs and symptoms (patient-reported symptoms and transvaginal ultrasound findings) and tumor markers levels can be sufficiently reliable indicators of recurrence.
Results
A total of 890 CT examinations were performed for the 194 patients. Data from the 146 patients with no residual disease at the first CT after standard treatment were analyzed. Recurrence was detected by CT in 15 patients: abdominopelvic recurrence alone in 12 patients, and concurrent chest and abdominopelvic recurrence in 3 patients (2.1%). Abdominopelvic recurrence preceded chest recurrence in all cases. At the time of CT-based recurrence, 13 patients (87%) had medical examination findings and/or elevated tumor markers, while the remaining 2 patients had neither.
Conclusions
Regular medical examination and tumor markers were useful for detecting recurrence, but overlooked 13% of patients with recurrence. This indicates that routine abdominopelvic CT is essential for follow-up. However, routine chest CT may not be beneficial unless abdominopelvic recurrence is seen.
Indications for the potential of Cry1Ab1 for inhibiting aphid development and virus transmission
Authors: Jin Liang , Zhang Binwu , Zhao Xiaodi , Aguila Luis Carlos Ramos , Lin Yi
Published: April 2022

Cry1A-type toxins are insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis that are widely used to control Lepidoptera pests, and they are believed to be useless for the control of Hemiptera pests. In this paper, the purified Cry1Ab1 toxic core rarely killed peach aphids (Myzus persicae), as its Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) was up to 1308.6 μg/ml, as measured using the membrane-encapsulation method. We then identified the proteins that bind to the Cry1Ab1 toxic core in M. persicae using pull-down assays and liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and then analyzed the associated functions of these proteins using the STRING database. GPN-loop GTPase 2, beta-actin, ATP synthase subunit alpha and an unknown and annotated protein, which are mainly involved in cell phagocytosis, RNA polymerase, cellular oxidative phosphorylation and other related functions, were the proteins that bound to the Cry1Ab1 toxic core. Indications from docking showed that Cry1Ab1 toxic core, ATP synthase subunit alpha and beta-actin or Cry1Ab1 toxic core, ATP synthase subunit alpha and GPN-loop GTPase 2 being a complex to exert effects. Based on the identification of Cry1Ab1-binding proteins from M.persicae, we presented here the molecular clues that Cry1A exert a negative effect on aphid growth and development, and we also proposed that Cry protein had the ability to disturb virus transmission by aphid. The two indications will result in new insights for aphid-effective Cry evaluation and improvement.
Clinical analysis of osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture treated with bone cement combined with balloon
Authors: Qian zhong-lai , Deng Lei , Hu Xia-Yu , Hua Xi , Pan Ze-Jun , Zhou Quan , Li Bao-Xin , Lv Nan-Ning
Published: April 2022

Objective： To explore the clinical effect of bone cement combined with balloon expansion in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture.Methods： This study retrospectively reviewed the patients who were diagnosed with osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture between January 2017 and July 2019. According to the method of surgery, 41 patients received bone cement treatment alone (group A) and 44 patients received bone cement combined with balloon expansion (group B). The visual analogue scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), scoliosis angle (SA), height of long side (HL), height of short side (HS) and lateral height difference (LHD) before operation and 3 days and 1 year after operation were compared between the two groups. The operation time, fluoroscopic time, hospital stay, cement volume and complications were also compared between the two groups.Results：The VAS and ODI differed significantly between the groups 1 year after operation(P＜0.05). Compared with the preoperative results, there were significant differences in SA, HL, HS and LHD 3 days and 1 year after surgery(P＜0.05). There were significant differences in SA, HS and LHD 3 days and 1 year after surgery between the two groups(P＜0.05). A total of 21 patients in group A and 6 patients in group B experienced scoliosis after operation, there were also significant differences between groups(P＜0.05).Conclusions：Bone cement combined with balloon expansion and bone cement alone are all effective in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral oblique compression fracture, but bone cement combined with balloon expansion had better long-term clinical efficacy.
Environmental sustainability evaluation of dairy manure bedding regeneration system based on emergy analysis and life cycle assessment method
Authors: Sun Xinran , Liu Yu , Li Yangyang , Chai Shengyang , Zhang Hao , Liu Yongdi , Zhao Guishen , Li Ji , Xu Ting , Wei Yuquan
Published: April 2022

Dairy farm bedding can be produced by composting technology using dairy manure, which offers advantages in terms of cost, availability and economic value. However, few information is available on the environmental sustainability and impacts for manure recycling systems for based on different composting methods. The resource-environmental impact and eco-economic sustainability of two manure bedding regeneration systems: forced-ventilation static-stack aerobic fermentation (FVSSAF) system (Scenario A) and bedding recovery unit (BRU) system (Scenario B) were evaluated in this study. The life cycle assessment yielded a combined environmental impact potential of 0.0170 for scenario B, much lower than the 0.1970 for scenario A. The emergy analysis showed that scenario B has a higher emergy input of about 1.34E + 18 sej/a than scenario A with 6.34E + 17 sej/a. This was due to the fact that scenario B can handle more dairy manure. Form the emergy indices of the two systems, scenario B had lighter environmental pressure and higher sustainability. In contrast, the BRU system had economic advantages and ecological sustainability, which was more suitable for large dairy farms. The trade-offs between environmental consequences, resource efficiency and economic benefits were analyzed from several perspectives in this study, and would help stakeholders to have a new understanding when choosing a bedding recycling treatment option.
RCT of an Online MBSR Intervention with Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Hydeman Jennifer , Ernhout Carrie , Attwood Kristopher , Hong Chi-Chen
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe diagnosis and treatment of cancer can result in an array of psychological and physical sequelae for patients. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a well-validated intervention aimed at reducing emotional distress and improving long-term treatment effects in cancer patients. Further studies employing more powerful control group designs are needed to validate MBSR in patients with advanced disease and in novel clinical settings that facilitate enrollment. Patients diagnosed with metastatic disease are highly impacted by their disease and treatment and are an under-examined high-risk population. Methods This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a 6-week modified online MBSR intervention in improving psychological and physical symptoms associated with quality-of-life, as well as biomarkers associated with their disease trajectory, in patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Results The 6-week online intervention was found to significantly improve measures of mindfulness and several psychological/quality of life indices. There were no intervention effects on biomarkers of stress or inflammation, although improved levels of mindfulness due to the intervention were negatively correlated with several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα. Patients indicated high satisfaction with the content and delivery method of the intervention. Conclusions Addressing the multidimensional needs of metastatic patients requires service delivery models that integrate powerful interventions into care settings while minimizing participant burden. This study developed a novel online MBSR treatment for distressed metastatic breast cancer patients that was found to be effective in improving mindfulness and several areas pertinent to patient quality of life.
Association of urinary phthalate metabolites with estrogen receptor related cancers in American adults: A Nationwide Study, NHANES 2003-2006
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhou Xianghong , Yang Qiuxiang , Jiang Zhongyuan , Hu Dan , Wang Mingda , Wang Sheng , Jin Kun , Wei Qiang , Qiu Shi , Yang Lu
Published: April 2022

Background: Phthalates are chemical substances widely used in human consumer goods. Studies have shown that phthalates exposure can affect the physiological function of estrogen receptor (ER). However, there is no comprehensive discussion on the association between phthalates exposure and ER-related cancer risk.Objective: We conducted a cross-sectional study of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and self-reported ER-related cancers among 3,015 participants from two cycles of the national health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2006.Methods: Seven compounds of phthalate metabolites were examined as expoure biomarkers. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounding factors. The concentration of phthalate metabolites is non-normal distribution, so quantile and log-transformation are used for analysis. Account for urine dilution, the creatinine corrected phthalate concentration was applied in our analysis. In addition, we also conducted sensitivity analysis by gender stratification and trend test to explore whether there is a concentration increase effect, so as to explore the relationship between these seven phthalate metabolites and the risk of ER-related cancers.Results: We observed a higher prevalence of ER-related cancers in the maximal quantile of MCNP (OR=2.37; 95%Cl=1.01-5.55) in adjusted model. Meanwhile, trend test also confirmed that MCNP had a positive trend with the risk of ER-related cancer (P=0.036). In subgroup analysis, the higher concentration of MCNP, the higher the risk of breast cancer. At the same time, the trend test verified our results: the results are positive (OR=3.68;95%Cl=1.15-11.74) (P=0.014).Conclusion: We provide the main evidence that urinary phthalate metabolites concentrations are positively correlated with ER-related cancers. The positive relationship between MCNP exposure and breast cancer risk is more obvious in women. Further causal studies are needed to confirm the findings in our analysis and clarify the underlying mechanisms.
Free-living Bacterial Community, Abundance and Edaphic Factors Response to Soil Depth Gradient under Contrasting Fertilization in Sugarcane Continuous Cropping Field
Authors: Zhang Hua , Fallah Nyumah , Tayyab Muhammad , Yang Ziqi , Pang Ziqin , Zhang Caifang , Lin Zhaoli , Stewart Lahand James , Ntambo Mbuya Sylvain , Abubakar Ahmad Yusuf , Lin Wenxiong
Published: April 2022

Although the effects of fertilization on soil N-fixing bacterial community and abundance have been investigated extensively in the surface soil (0–20 cm), the response of free-living bacterial community and abundance under contrasting fertilizations in a consecutive sugarcane monoculture field and their relationship with edaphic factors in the dipper (20–60 cm) soil layer remain elusive. In the current study, nifH gene amplicon sequencing was used to investigate N2-fixers bacterial community and abundance by leveraging high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Moreover, edaphic factors in three soil depths (0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm) under control (CK), organic matter (OM), biochar (BC) and filter mud (FM) amended soils were investigated. Our analysis revealed that β-glucosidase and phosphatase activities, and ammonium (NH4+-N), nitrate (NO3−-N), total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN) and available potassium (AK) were considerably higher in 0–20 cm in all treatments. Proteobacteria and Geobacter were dominant in all the samples, while 0–20 cm was overwhelmingly occupied by Anabaena, Enterobacter and Desulfovibrio in BC and FM amended soils, followed by Methylomonas in 20–40 cm under BC treatment. We also noticed that soil depth was the main environmental gradient that influenced soil diazotrophs and edaphic factors rather than fertilization. Together, these results suggest that soil depth had a profound impact on N-fixing bacteria, edaphic factors than fertilization regimes. Moreover, these findings were more pronounced in 0–20 cm soil depth under organic amendments compared with CK.
Correlation between dimensions of brain metastases and therapeutic results after stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Neto Eliseu Becco , Bastos Dhiego Chaves de Almeida , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Filho Francisco de Assis de Souza , de Souza Rodrigo Becco , Prabhu Suit S
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVE: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective therapeutic method to treat brain metastases (BM). A current debate considers BM dimension as an important issue regarding SRS therapeutic result. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dimensional progression of BM after SRS and identify factors related to patients and BM leading to local recurrence.METHODS: Patients eligible for this study were those with BM from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had been consecutively treated with SRS in 2010-2015. The dimensions of BM were measured by volume and greater diameter by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in T1-weighted contrast weighting using the Elements software (Brainlab). Dimensional data of BM were collected before the performance of SRS and after performing them during the follow-up of outpatients. After identifying the dimensions of BM in time progression, lesions that presented therapeutic success (reduction of BM dimensions) and local recurrence (growth of BM after SRS) were identified. Next, statistical evaluations were performed by statistical analysis at 12 months, considering epidemiological features presented by patients as well as topographic characteristics and radiological aspects of BM. RESULTS: There was no correlation, after 12 months of the performance of SRS, between initial volume of BM and local recurrence. The results obtained identify a non-cystic BM, and brain left sided BM as elements related to higher progression free survival after 12 months of SRS. CONCLUSION: Considering therapeutics in patients presenting BM, the correlation between initial volume and failure within 12 months after SRS had no statistical significance, BM located on the right side of the brain showed therapeutic fail within 12 months after SRS. Longer time of observation may be useful to confirm such results.
Patients’ Perceptions and Experiences of the COVIDCare@Home Program: Insights from a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Jeffs Lianne , Zeng Rui Lin , Agnew Theresa , Schonewille Noah , Austin Tujuanna , Oliveira Marie , Loganathan Mayura
Published: April 2022

Background
Virtual models of health service delivery are being offered to patients diagnosed and recovering from COVID-19 as a key strategy to minimize the spread of the variants. Although evidence is growing in this area, more is needed to understand the experiences and perceptions of patients and their care partners associated with virtual and telehealth care to inform future care delivery efforts beyond our current pandemic. In this context, a study was undertaken to explore a virtual primary home care program led by a nurse practitioner developed for acute and post-acute COVID-19 patients and their care partners.
Methods
The study employed a mixed methods design that included a cross-sectional patient survey and semi-structured interviews with a sample of COVID-19 patients.
Results
The CC@H program was reported by study participants to have several positive benefits including needs being met and better able to manage their care at home. Qualitative results further elucidated three key themes easing anxiety by providing emotional support and checking in; 2) providing holistic compassionate care to enable self-management; and 3) viewing virtual care as efficient and convenient.
Conclusions
Our study provides interesting insights into the experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 patients receiving care through a primary health care nurse practitioner-lead virtual care program that may be useful to other organizational efforts.
The enhanced extraction of rare earth elements from coal gangue and coal fly ash
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Chunming , Cao Yan
Published: April 2022

Rare earth elements (REEs) are unrenewable, uneven distributed and less productive worldwide, but technological-critical and strategic important. Searching for alternative REEs resource has motivated many interests and technological advancement. The recent example was studies launched by U.S. on the recovery of REEs from coal and coal byproducts, since substantial REEs have been found in coal recourses despite in their lower occurrence. The extraction of REEs from coal and coal products face many technological challenges because REEs mainly exist in the inorganic lattice structure of coal and its byproducts, such as silicon-aluminum oxides. In this study, coal gangue and fly ash were selected as two representative coal by-products to extract REEs. The extraction of their REEs was alternative to the direct conventional acid leaching procedure. In this study, the realization of the CFA activation was initialized before moving-on to the conventional acid leaching. The activation of selected coal byproducts was subject to the calcination at the elevated temperatures using sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ). Studies regarding effects of the temperature and the Na 2 CO 3 dosage during the calcination as well as pH adjustment during leaching on the following-up maximize the extraction efficiency of REEs were intensively investigated. The results showed that the best practices achieved by 93.2% and 95.8% for coal fly ash and coal gangue in the extraction efficiency of REEs, upon the mixing molar ratio of silicon-aluminum oxides in coal byproducts and sodium carbonate at 1:1, the calcination temperature at 850°C and the acid leaching pH at 2.
Impact of water-quality modelling simplifications on the optimal positioning of sensors in looped water distribution networks
Authors: Piazza Stefania , Sambito Mariacrocetta , Freni Gabriele
Published: April 2022

To develop an efficient monitoring system for looped piped water systems, an adequate model for evaluating water quality is necessary. Several literature studies have used advective-reactive models to analyse water quality, neglecting diffusive transport, which is claimed to be irrelevant in turbulent flows. Although this may be true in simple systems such as linear transport pipes, the presence of laminar flows in looped systems may be significant, especially at night and in the peripheral parts of the network. The present paper compares the current EPANET advective model, an updated version of EPANET in which diffusion-dispersion equations were implemented and a newly developed diffusive-dispersive model under dynamic conditions that uses the random walk method. The results demonstrated the inadequacy of the advective model in reproducing data from the experimental campaign. Additionally, a significant difference in sensor positioning was found based on the numerical model used.
Mass-based hybrid nanofluid algorithm for entropy generation analysis of flow adjacent to a warmed and down-pointing rotating vertical cone
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Berrehal Hamza , Khan Ilyas , Andualem Mulugeta
Published: April 2022

In the present study, the flow, heat transfer, and entropy generation of aqueous copper oxide-silver hybrid nanofluid over a down-pointing rotating vertical cone in the presence of a cross magnetic field has been investigated numerically. The modeling is done by using of the mass-based algorithm and the entropy generation analysis will be implemented in combination with the mentioned model. Five shapes of nanoparticle including the sphere, brick, cylinder, platelet, and disk as well as two types of boundary conditions containing the linear surface temperature (LST) and linear surface heat flux (LSHF) have been considered to present a collection of critical results. The governing PDEs are converted to the dimensionless ODEs using the similarity transformation method and the simplified ODEs are solved numerically by Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach coupled with a shooting procedure for some values of the emerged parameters. After achieving the excellent agreement of the computational results with previous reports, the results are presented for the behavior analysis of the hydrodynamics/thermal boundary layers, the skin friction and Nusselt number as well as entropy generation and Bejan number. The highest Nusselt number has been computed for a state of hybrid nanofluid, which shows a remarkable heat transfer augmentation relative to the states of mono-nanofluid and regular fluid; however, the skin friction values always should be considered and controlled. The entropy generation number enhances with the mass of the second nanoparticle (silver), while the reverse trend is demonstrated for the Bejan number. Further, the lowest value of entropy generation number belongs to the cylindrical shape of nanoparticles in the LST case. Consequently, reliable treatment of the mass-based algorithm for the entropy analysis is a substantial achievement of the present research.
Immune Hemolytic Anemia in Patients with Lymphoid Malignancy in Tanzania
Authors: Uwizeyimana Gilbert , Ally Mwashungi , Yonazi Mbonea , Chamba Clara , Nasser Ahlam , Luzzatto Lucio
Published: April 2022

Background
Hematological malignancies of the lymphoid lineage such as multiple myeloma, lymphomas and lymphoid leukemia are a burden to the world especially in Tanzania; anaemia is one of the presenting symptoms of these conditions and is found in almost 100% of the patients at diagnosis. Of particular importance Immune Hemolytic Anemia (IHA) which has a poor response to treatment and subsequently poor prognosis when it is associated with lymphoid malignancies. The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of immune hemolytic anemia in lymphoid malignancies in Tanzania
Methods
This was a cross sectional study that recruited 86 patients with lymphoid malignancies attending both Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) and Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). The clinical features were captured using a well-structured questionnaire. Laboratory results for Full Blood Count (FBC), reticulocytes count, total, indirect and direct bilirubin and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were retrieved from the laboratory reporting system. Additionally, a blood sample for the Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) was taken from all participants. This test was performed at the Central Pathology Laboratory (CPL) of MNH. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20.0) and Microsoft excel 2010. Data analysis was performed using South Texas Art Therapy Association (STATA 15.0).
Results
IHA, indicated by a positive DAT, was found in 10% of patients with lymphoid malignancies. Analysis of DAT among patients never exposed to chemotherapy showed a prevalence of 22%. Among 9 IHA cases, 2 were CLL (Chronic Lymphoid Leukaemia), 2 were MM (Multiple Myeloma), 3 was NHL (Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma), 1 was HL (Hodgkin Lymphoma) and 1 SLL (Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma). All 9 cases had decompensated hemolytic anemia.
Conclusion
IHA is a real complication of chronic lymphoid malignancies and DAT should be included in tests done during the course of management.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in dehydrated horses: A prospective case-control study
Authors: Lo Hsiao-Chien , Winter Judith C. , Merle Roswitha , Gehlen Heidrun
Published: April 2022

Background
Hypovolemia caused by dehydration could eventually lead to acute renal injury. An early marker for detection of renal injury is still needed in equine medicine. Besides biomarkers which reflect glomerular filtration rate, markers indicating damages in renal tubules might be beneficial. The aim of the study is 1) to estimate both serum and urinary Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL and uNGAL) concentrations in horses with different severity of dehydration, 2) to analyze the correlations between sNGAL, uNGAL and the traditional renal markers, and 3) to determine if inflammation has an impact on sNGAL, uNGAL concentrations.
Methods
Serum NGAL, urinary NGAL, creatinine and urea concentrations were measured in 38 horses with dehydration and 4 healthy control horses four times totally until 48 hours after admission. Horses were divided into different groups according to the severity of dehydration and with or without systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyze the differences of sNGAL and uNGAL concentrations among the three dehydration groups and the control group. Linear mixed regression models with repeated measurement were applied to assess the association between NGAL at four time points and four groups independently.
Results
Significant differences of sNGAL (P = 0.02) and uNGAL (P = 0.01) at T0 were found between the control and all three dehydration groups. sNGAL and uNGAL both had correlations with serum creatinine and urea concentrations. A significant difference of sNGAL at T0 has been found between dehydrated horses with and without SIRS (P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference of uNGAL between these groups (P = 0.08).
Conclusions
Moderate correlations were observed between sNGAL, uNGAL and serum creatinine and urea concentrations. Significant differences of sNGAL and uNGAL between dehydration groups and healthy controls were observed. Neither were associated with the short-term prognosis. Inflammation might affect the interpretation of sNGAL in horses.
Multi-omics characterization of human kidneys identifies cPLA2-arachidonic acid metabolism as a potential driver of inflammation
Authors: Asowata Evans , Romoli Simone , Tan Jennifer , Hoffmann Scott , Huang Margaret , Krause Fynn , Jenkins Benjamin , Jachimowicz Daniel , Agren Rasmus , Musial Barbara , Mahbubani Krishna , Murphy Michael , Griffin Julian , Koulman Albert , Hansen Pernille , Ling Stephanie , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Woollard Kevin
Published: April 2022

The limited availability of human kidney biopsies to study acute kidney injury (AKI) has restricted the development of effective therapies for this condition. Here, we validate the use of deceased transplant organ donor kidneys to study human AKI and characterized the multi-omics and immune landscape of human AKI kidneys. We demonstrate that changes in kidney injury and inflammatory markers following AKI in deceased transplant donors are similar to that of mouse kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of human kidneys shows upregulated renal arachidonic acid metabolism following AKI, a pathway speculated to be linked to the ceramide accumulation detected in these kidneys. Markers of T and B lymphocytes, and macrophages were upregulated in AKI kidneys. Interestingly, we show upregulated renal cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) levels in AKI kidneys, and the inhibition of this enzyme reduced injury and inflammation in vitro, findings that have potentially important therapeutic implications.
Video game proficiency predicted by EEG oscillatory indexes of visual working memory
Authors: Jakubowska Natalia , Binkowska Alicja Anna , Arslan Ibrahim Vefa , Chałatkiewicz Izabela , Dąbkowska Małgorzata , Podolecka Wiktoria Maria , Brzezicka Aneta
Published: April 2022

While the video gaming training may enhance visual working memory (VWM), at the same time VWM is a key cognitive function in effective video gaming. In our study we examined the relationship between EEG data obtained during the visual working memory task and a real-time strategy (RTS) video game performance. The training lasted 30 hour, during which participants played StarCraft II, in either a fixed (FEG) or variable environment (VEG) training model, which were made to explore the role of a training complexity as an important factor. An EEG measurement took place before and after the training while performing a visual working memory task. Initial (pre-training) posterior alpha and frontal midline theta power have been specified as predictors of players' in-game advancement. Using a logistic regression model we determined telemetric variables predictive of game output. It turned out that both oscillatory bands were predictive of values of the four of the previously determined telemetric variables, but only in the FEG. Moreover we have seen differences between FEG and VEG in telemetry as well as in the neurophysiological data. Our results show how important is the complexity of the training regimen for observing the predictive power of VWM’s EEG oscillatory indicators.
Inverse flood routing using simplified flow equations
Authors: Gąsiorowski Dariusz , Szymkiewicz Romuald
Published: April 2022

The paper considers the problem of inverse flood routing in reservoir operation strategy. The aim of the work is to investigate the possibility of determining the hydrograph at the upstream end based on the hydrograph required at the downstream end using simplified open channel flow models. To accomplish this, the linear kinematic wave equation, the diffusive wave equation and the linear Muskingum equation are considered. To achieve the hydrograph at the upstream end, an inverse solution of the aforementioned equations with backward integration in the x direction is carried out. For the numerical solution of the kinematic wave equation, the finite difference box scheme is used, whereas for the Muskingum equation, the q-scheme is applied. It is shown that both these equations are able to provide satisfying results because of their exceptional properties related to numerical diffusion. In the paper, an alternative approach to solving inverse routing using the diffusive wave model and the Muskingum model is also presented. To this end, both models are described by a convolution which involves the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) corresponding to the linear diffusive wave equation. Consequently, instead of a solution of partial or ordinary differential equations, the integral equation with Laguerre polynomials, used for the expansion of the upstream hydrograph, is solved.
Respiratory health among adolescents living in the Highveld Air Pollution Priority Area in South Africa
Authors: Millar Danielle A , Kapwata Thandi , Kunene Zamantimande , Mogotsi Mirriam , Wernecke Bianca , Garland Rebecca M , Mathee Angela , Theron Linda , Levine Diane T , Ungar Michael , Batini Chiara , John Catherine , Wright Caradee Y
Published: April 2022

Background: Air pollution is a global, public health emergency. The effect of living in areas with very poor air quality on adolescents’ physical health is largely unknown. Methods: Ambient air quality data from 2005 to 2019 for the two areas, Secunda and eMbalenhle, in the Highveld Air Pollution Priority Area in Mpumalanga province, South Africa were gathered and compared against national ambient air pollution standards and the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines. In 2019, adolescents attending schools in the areas completed a self-administered questionnaire investigating individual demographics, socio-economic status, health, medical history, and fuel type used in homes. Respiratory health illnesses assessed were doctor-diagnosed hay fever, allergies, frequent cough, wheezing, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. The relationship between presence (at least one) or absence (none) of self-reported respiratory illness and risk factors, e.g., fuel use at home, was explored. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) of risk factors associated with respiratory illness adjusted for body mass index (measured by field assistants), gender, education level of both parents / guardians and socio-economic status. Results: Particulate matter and ozone were the two pollutants most frequently exceeding annual air quality limits. All 233 adolescent participants were between 13 - 17 years of age. Prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms among the participants ranged from 2% for ‘ever’ doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and pneumonia to 42% ever experiencing allergies; wheezing chest was the second most reported symptom (39%). There was a statistically significant difference between the presence or absence of self-reported respiratory illness based on the number of years lived in Secunda or eMbalenhle (p = 0.02). For a one-unit change in the number of years lived in an area, the odds of reporting a respiratory illness increased by a factor of 1.08 (p = 0.025, 95% CI = 1.01 – 1.16). This association was still statistically significant when the model was adjusted for confounders (p = 0.037).Conclusions: Adolescents living in air polluted areas experience adverse health impacts Future research should interrogate long-term exposure and health outcomes among adolescents living in the air polluted environment.
Left atrial mechanics and functional capacity in HFpEF pts with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kodeboina Monika , Katbeh Asim , Penicka Martin , Verstreken Sofie , Vanderheyden Marc
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Patients(pts) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are at risk for developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF) and often have an impaired exercise capacity. Since left atrial (LA) pressure plays a major role in the exercise intolerance, we aimed to characterize the contribution of resting LA mechanical properties, assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography upon exercise capacity. Purpose: To evaluate relationship between LA mechanics, measured by LA strain (LAS) and parameters of exercise capacity in pts with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Methods: The study included 54 pts(64 ± 10years, 76 % males) with dyspnea (NYHA³II), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and preserved LV ejection fraction (≥50%). The likelihood of HFpEF was estimated using H2FPEF score. During sinus rhythm, all patients underwent speckle tracking echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Peak oxygen uptake(VO2peak) served as measure of functional capacity and ventilation/carbon dioxide output slope(VE/VCO2) as surrogate of ventilation/perfusion mismatch. Results: LA contractile strain(S) and strain rate(SR) showed significant correlation with VO2peak(both p < 0.05). LA reservoir, conduit and contractile LAS, all had significant relationship with VE/VCO2 slope (all p<0.050). Pts with LASR above the median had significantly higher VE/VCO2 (p=0.025) and lower VO2peak(p=0.010). In contrast, no correlations were observed between exercise parameters and LA volumes or any other echocardiographic indices. Conclusions: In HFpEF VO2peak and VE/VCO2 are closely related to LA contractile strain, suggesting that abnormalities in LA mechanics may contribute to the blunted exercise capacity. Therefore, we speculate that these markers can be used as an echocardiographic surrogate of functional capacity in HFpEF pts. Further studies are warranted.