bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security and Communication Distance Improvement in Decoy States Based Quantum Key Distribution Using Pseudo-Random Bases Choice for Photon Polarization Measurement
Authors: TCHOFFO Martin , TENE Alain Giresse
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a new quantum key distribution(QKD) protocol, namely the pseudo-random bases entangled photon based QKD (PRB-EPQKD) protocol. The latest mainly focuses on three properties, including the security of the protocol, the secure key size and the maximum communication distance between legitimate communication users (Alice and Bob). To achieve this, we first consider a spontaneous-parametric-down (SPDC) photon source located in a low-earth-orbit (LEO) type satellite capable of producing and distributing entangled photons pairs to Alice and Bob. Secondly, we assume that Alice's and Bob's photons state measurement bases are identically generated via a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG), namely the quantum logistic map (QLM). Finally, we also assume that in addition to their photons states, Alice and Bob intentionally share a set of decoy states at each pulse with randomly selected intensity, and with the goal to detect the presence of the eavesdropper (Eve). Under these considerations, the secure key rate upper bound is evaluated applying the Gottesman-Lo-Lutkenhaus-Preskill's (GLLP) formula, for two different implementations, namely the non-decoy states and the infinite active decoy states based QKD. It is observed a significant improvement in the secure key size and the communication distance as well, compared to existing protocols, since we realize that under daylight, downlinks satellite conditions, a kindly selected light source, and good crystal's properties, the maximum communication distance can reach up to 70000 km. In addition, using the combined type-I and type-II SPDC photons source as our entangled photons pairs generator, significantly improved the photon mean number and render our protocol more robust against photon number division attack and against attenuation-induced atmospheric propagation. Furthermore, the protocol is more secure as compared to existing ones, given that any eavesdropper must crack simultaneously the chaotic system used as PRNG and the QKD system, before getting any useful information as regards to the measurement bases used by Alice and Bob, and thus the secure key.
Surface Roughness Prediction Method of Titanium Alloy Milling based on CDH Platform
Authors: Xianli Liu , Yanming Sun , Caixu Yue , Xudong Wei , Qingzhen Sun , Y.Liang Steven , Lihui Wang , Yiyuan Qin
Published: June 2021

Generally, off-line methods are used for surface roughness prediction of titanium alloy milling. However, studies show that these methods have poor prediction accuracy. In order to resolve this shortcoming, a prediction method based on Cloudera's Distribution Including Apache Hadoop (CDH) platform is proposed in the present study. In this regard, data analysis and process platform is designed based on the CDH, which can upload, calculate and store data in real-time. Then this platform is combined with the Harris hawk optimization (HHO) algorithm and pattern search strategy, and an improved hybrid optimization (IHHO) method is proposed accordingly. Then this method is applied to optimize the SVM algorithm and predict the surface roughness in the CDH platform. The obtained results show that the prediction accuracy of IHHO method reaches 95%, which is higher than the conventional methods of SVM, BAT-SVM, GWO-SVM and WOA-SVM.
Foliar Arginine Application Improves Tomato Plant Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Liu Qingqing , Wang Nanqi , Dai Jing , Lu Qiaofang , Jia Xi , Lin Lin , Yu Futong , Zuo Yuanmei
Published: June 2021

Tomatoes are important for human health, and there is an urgent need to increase tomato yield and quality worldwide. Arginine is proven to be beneficial for crop storage quality and stress resistance in plants; however, its effects on tomato production and quality have not been fully investigated. This study demonstrated the effects of spray application of arginine on tomato growth, yield, and quality. Arginine treatment significantly increased the nitrogen concentration in the aboveground tomato plant parts and fruit, net photosynthetic rate, stem diameter, dry mass weight, and root activity. It is suggested that increased nitrogen accumulation following arginine application is mainly due to arginine uptake as organic nitrogen, higher expression of the LeNRT1.1 gene, and increased root activity. The increased nitrogen levels improved photosynthesis and promoted tomato plant growth. Moreover, foliar arginine application enhanced fruit size, weight, and yield. Arginine treatment had a positive effect on tomato quality as indicated by the concentrations of lycopene, vitamin C, soluble solid, soluble sugar, and titratable acids, and the sugar-acid ratio. Arginine application has potential to improve tomato production by regulating plant development and enhancing fruit yield and quality.
Monitoring Protein Denaturation of Egg White Using Passive Microwave Radiometry (MWR)
Authors: Goryanin Igor , Ovchinnikov Lev , Kobayashi Binsei T. , Vesnin Sergey G. , Ivanov Yuri D. , Panarin Igor , Kulbachevsky Anton , Kharybina Tatyana
Published: June 2021

Passive microwave radiometry (MWR) is a measurement technique based on the detection of passive radiation in the microwave spectrum from different objects. This radiation in equilibrium is known to be proportional to the thermodynamic temperature of an emitting body. We hypothesize that living systems feature other mechanisms of emission that are based on protein unfolding and water rotational transitions. To understand the nature of these emissions, microwave radiometry has been used in several in vitro experiments. In our study, we performed pilot measurements of microwave emissions from egg whites during denaturation induced by ethanol. Egg whites are 10% proteins such as albumins, mucoproteins, and globulins. We found a novel phenomenon that microwave emissions changed without a corresponding change of the water thermodynamic temperature. increase 100 times faster than thermodynamic temperature. We have also found striking differences between microwave emission and thermodynamic temperature kinetics. Therefore, we hypothesize that these two processes are unrelated, contrary to what was thought before. It is known that some pathologies like stroke or brain trauma feature increased microwave emissions. We hypothesize that this phenomenon originates from protein denaturation and is not related to the thermodynamic temperature. So, our finding could explain first time the reason for microwave emissions increase after trauma and postmortem. It could be used for the development of novel diagnostics methods. The MWR method is inexpensive, and it does not require fluorescent or radioactive labels. It can be used in different areas of basic and applied pharmaceutical research, including kinetics studies in biomedicine.
Overuse of Steroid Drugs Methylprednisolone and Dexamethasone (Oral) Causes a Diabetic Patient to Become Infected with the Black Fungus in the Corona Virus.
Authors: Chouhan Ashwin Singh , Parihar Bharat , Rathod Bharti , Prajapat Ramprasad
Published: June 2021

Background Overuse of both methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drug on a corona patient can result in serious side effects and new infections may appear during their use. Prolonged use of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone may produce posterior subcapsular glaucoma, glaucoma with potential damage to the optic nerves, and may accelerate the establishment of secondary ocular infections caused by fungi or viruses.It has also been observed that more methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drug increases the level of glucose in the body, leading to normal corona patients who do not have any disease and diabetes after recovering from excessive consumption of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drug.Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 50 COVID doctors from the department's outpatient pool of COVID patients, distributing questionnaires to all subjects of different age groups. The questionnaire included information related to the name, age, gender and various factors that affect the doctor's choice of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone.Result and Discussion A total of 50 doctors and some medical stores from across India were included in the survey. Doctors prescribed more methylprednisolone and dexamethasone medicine than steroid medicines to corona patients. In our research, most side effects were observed for corona patients taking methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drug. Conclusion This research had shown that overdose of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drug take diabetes patient he has serious eye effect and cause black fungus.
Identifying factors determining the survival time of under-five year children in rural parts of Ethiopia
Authors: Adulo Lema Abate , Zewudie Samuel Getachew
Published: June 2021

In Ethiopia, the remarkable progress in child survival was made. However, Ethiopia is ranked as fifth burden countries of under-five deaths, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify determinants that causes under-five death in the rural parts of Ethiopia. Only 7301 women from rural residence who had under-five children were involved in this study. Descriptive, None-parametric and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were used to examine the determinants associated with the under-five mortality. This study revealed that 6.5% of children were died before reaching their fifth birthday in the rural parts of Ethiopia. Sex, place of delivery, family size, Mother education, number of under-five children, contraceptive use and source of drinking water had significant effect on the survival time of under-five children. Conclusion: A significant risk factors associated with under-five mortality in rural areas were identified in this study. Children delivered at home, children from uneducated mothers, children from not using contraceptive method mothers, drink water from not piped source had higher risk of death. Giving awareness about benefits of delivering in health facility and uses of contraceptive method, improving mother education and infrastructure like sources of water, decreases mortality of under-five children.
Long-range transport of 2D excitons in dynamic acoustic lattice
Authors: Peng Ruoming , Ripin Adina , Ye Yusen , Zhu Jiayi , Wu Changming , Lee Seokhyeong , Li Huan , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Cao Ting , Xu Xiaodong , Li Mo
Published: June 2021

Excitons are elementary optical excitation in semiconductors. The ability to manipulate and transport these quasiparticles would enable excitonic circuits and devices for quantum photonic technologies. Recently, interlayer excitons in 2D semiconductors have emerged as a promising candidate for engineering excitonic devices due to long lifetime, large exciton binding energy, and gate tunability. However, the charge-neutral nature of the excitons leads to a weak response to the in-plane electric field and thus inhibits transport beyond the diffusion length. Here, we demonstrate the directional transport of interlayer excitons in bilayer WSe2 driven by the dynamic potential lattice induced by surface acoustic waves (SAW). We show that at 100 K, the SAW-driven excitonic transport is activated above a threshold acoustic power and reaches a distance at least ten times longer than the diffusion length, only limited by the device size. Temperature-dependent measurement reveals the transition from the diffusion-limited regime at low temperature to an acoustic field-driven regime at elevated temperature. Our work shows that acoustic waves are an effective, contact-free means to control exciton dynamics and transport, promising for realizing 2D materials-based excitonic devices such as exciton transistors, switches, and transducers.
Cypermethrin and Ivermectin Resistance in Field Populations of Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Sensu Lato (Latrielle, 1806) Collected From Dogs in South India
Authors: Sunkara Prathyusha , Chennuru Sreedevi , Krovvidi Sudhkar , Ch Jyothisree
Published: June 2021

The abuse of acaricides for control of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks led to a strong selection pressure for acaricide resistance. Data on acaricide resistance in R. sanguineus s.l. populations from India is meager though veterinarians frequently report treatment failures. The present study was aimed to characterize the level of resistance in R. sanguineus s.l. against most commonly used drugs, cypermethrin and ivermectin in Andhra Pradesh, south India. Fourteen adult female tick populations were collected from naturally infested dogs at veterinary clinics, residence and stray dog in nine state municipal corporations/municipalities. Information on the history of dog treatment with acaricides was obtained by interviewing dog owners. The larval packet test (LPT) and larval immersion test (LIT) were used on the larvae of ticks to test for resistance to cypermethrin and ivermectin, respectively. Mortality data of each tick population was analyzed by probit analysis. Corresponding to the most susceptible population, thirteen (92.6%) and six (42.9%) tick populations were regarded as resistant to cypermethrin and ivermectin, respectively. The phenotypic level of cypermethrin (resistance ratios at LC50% varied from 1.55 to 13.29) and ivermectin (resistance ratios at LC50% ranged from 1.16 to 4.79) resistance varied distinctly between the populations. Additionally, all the populations were tested using PCR to demonstrate the frequency of the point mutation in sodium channel gene that corresponds with resistance of R. sanguineus s.l. to cypermethrin. A nucleotide substitution (T2134C) on domain III segment VI of the sodium channel gene was noticed in phenotypically resistant tick populations on DNA sequencing. Ivermectin resistance in the brown dog ticks is reported for the first time from India.
Exploring the Legacy of Central European Historical Winter Wheat Landraces
Authors: Cseh András , Poczai Péter , Kiss Tibor , Balla Krisztina , Berki Zita , Horváth Ádám , Kuti Csaba , Karsai Ildikó
Published: June 2021

Historical wheat landraces are rich sources of genetic diversity offering untapped reservoirs for broadening the genetic base of modern varieties. Using a 20K SNP array, we investigated the accessible genetic diversity in a Central European bread wheat landrace collection with great drought, heat stress tolerance and higher tillering capacity. We discovered distinct differences in the number of average polymorphisms between Central and Western European collections, and identified a set of novel rare alleles present at low frequencies in the historical collection. The detected polymorphisms were unevenly distributed along the wheat genome, and polymorphic markers co-localized with genes of great agronomic importance. The efficiency of the highly diverse population for Genome-Wide Association study was confirmed and two significant marker trait associations with seed hardness were identified on the 5DS chromosome arm. The geographical distribution of the inferred Bayesian clustering revealed six genetically homogenous ancestral groups among the collection, where the Central European core bared an admixed background originating from four ancestral groups. We evaluated the effective population sizes (Ne) of the Central European collection and assessed changes in diversity over time, which revealed a dramatic ~97% genetic erosion between 1955 and 2015.
Gastrocnemius Medialis Contractile Behavior During Running Differs Between Simulated Lunar and Martian Gravities
Authors: Richter Charlotte , Braunstein Bjoern , Staeudle Benjamin , Attias Julia , Suess Alexander , Weber Tobias , Mileva Katya N , Rittweger Joern , Green David A , Albracht Kirsten
Published: June 2021

The international partnership of space agencies has agreed to proceed forward to the Moon sustainably. Activities on the Lunar surface (0.16g) will allow crewmembers to advance the exploration skills needed when expanding human presence to Mars (0.38g). Whilst data from actual hypogravity activities are limited to the Apollo missions, simulation studies have indicated that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, muscle activation and joint angles decrease with declining gravity level. However, these alterations in locomotion biomechanics do not necessarily scale to gravity level, the reduction in gastrocnemius medialis activation even appears to level off around 0.2g, whilst muscle activation pattern remains similar. Thus, it is difficult to predict whether gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running on Moon will basically be the same as on Mars. Therefore, this study investigated lower limb joint kinematics and gastrocnemius medialis behavior during running at 1g, simulated 0.38g and 0.16g on the vertical treadmill facility. The results reveal that hypogravity-induced alterations in joint kinematics and contractile behavior still persist between simulated running on Moon and Mars. This contrasts the idea of a ceiling effect and should be carefully considered when evaluating exercise prescriptions and the transferability of locomotion practiced in Lunar gravity to Martian gravity.
Conditional versus Non-Conditional Incentives to Maximise Return of Participant Completed Questionnaires in Clinical Trials: A Cluster Randomised Study Within a Trial
Authors: Cook Johanna , Cook Jonathan A. , Bongard Emily , Heneghan Carl , Butler Chris C.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHigh participant retention enhances the validity of clinical trials. A monetary incentive can increase retention, but it is not known if when it is provided matters. We aimed to determine whether there was a difference in the number follow-up trial questionnaires returned when a monetary incentive was given to participants at recruitment (non-conditional), compared to informing participants at recruitment that the incentive would be given only once a questionnaire had been returned (conditional).MethodA sub-study within the Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness, An rCt of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE (ALIC4E) Trial. Matched sites were randomised using computer generated random numbers, to either a non-conditional or conditional incentive. Analyses were conducted according to randomised group irrespective of compliance with two-sided 5% level statistical significance level. The main analysis was regression accounting for site pair, with additional weighted, paired and non-parametric sensitivity analyses. The total number of vouchers distributed, the cost of administration and postage was calculated. ResultsOf the 42 randomised sites (21 to each intervention) only 28 recruited at least one participant with only 10 practice pairs recruiting participants at both constituent sites. Raw diaries return proportions were 0.58 and 0.73 for non-conditional and conditional incentive groups. Regression analysis adjusted for cluster pair showed no significant difference in returns, -0.09, (95% CI, -0.29, 0.10, p=0.336); when weighted there still no clear difference: 0.15 (-0.02, 0.31, p=0.068). There was no clear statistical evidence of a difference in time taken to return questionnaires, nor proportion of pages completed, by intervention group in the main analyses (all p>0.05). The conditional incentive was approximately £23 cheaper per diary returned based upon observed data. Conclusion There was no clear evidence of a difference in participant completed questionnaire returns according to the time at which an incentive is given, nor to completeness of the returned questionnaires, or the time to questionnaire return. There was substantial statistical uncertainty in findings, and some of the sensitivity analysis suggested that a meaningful benefit of a conditional incentive were plausible. The conditional approach cost less in cash terms.
Bacteria Patterns on Tonsillar Surface and Tonsillar Core Tissue among Patients Scheduled for Tonsillectomy at Bugando Medical Centre
Authors: Buname Gustave , Kiwale Gapto , Silago Vitus , Mushi Martha F , Mshana Stephen E
Published: June 2021

Background: Tonsillitis is an inflammation of tonsils due to either viruses or bacteria. Here we report the bacteria patterns on tonsillar surface and tonsillar core tissue among patients scheduled for tonsillectomy at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), Mwanza Tanzania.Methods: The study included 120 patients planned for tonsillectomy between April and July 2019. Swab samples from tonsilar surface pre-tonsillectomy and core post-tonsillectomy were collected. Culture was performed following the microbiology laboratory standard operating procedures. Data analysis was done using STATA version 13 as per study objectives.Results: The slightly majority of participants were males 73 (60.83%) with median age of 6 [IQR 4-11] years. The proportion of culture positive growth was high on surface than in core swab samples 65(54.2%) vs 42(35.0%), p=0.003. The commonest bacterial pathogen detected from the surface and core were S. aureus 29(40.3%) and 22(51.2%), followed by S. pyogenes, 17(23.6%) and 11(25.6%), respectively. Features suggestive of tonsillitis on histology were reported in 83 (73.5%) of samples. Conclusion: More than two-third of patients undergoing tonsillectomy had positive culture of possible bacterial pathogens. Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant bacteria detected. More studies to investigate the treatment outcome of these patients are highly recommended.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered domestic ruminants in Northwest Ethiopia: seropositivity, bioassay and virulence assessment
Authors: Maru Moges , Damtie Debasu , Kenubih Ambaye , Maru Abiy , Adugna Biyansa , Dagnachew Shimelis , Tarekegn Zewdu Seyoum
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the seropositivity, isolation and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered domestic ruminants in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Three hundred thirty-five blood samples (135 sheep, 50 goats and 150 cattle) were collected from slaughterhouses. Antibodies against T. gondii were assayed using a commercial Toxo-Latex agglutination test. Tissue digestion was also conducted on 39 heart muscles of seropositive animals using the pepsin enzyme. The isolation of viable T. gondii from seropositive ruminants was also performed in white albino mice. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was found to be 55.8%. The species-wise prevalence of T. gondii seropositivity in cattle, goats and sheep was 59.3%, 58%, and 51.1%, respectively. From observed risk factors, sex (p < 0.033) and age of the sheep (p < 0.006) showed a significant association with T. gondii seropositivity. Similarly, in cattle, age (p < 0.005) and breed (p < 0.012) showed a statistically significant association with seropositivity of anti-T. gondii antibodies. In bioassayed mice, the overall viable T. gondii isolates were 38.5% and most of these isolates (87.18%) were avirulent. In conclusion, the high prevalence of T. gondii antibody and a high proportion of viable T. gondii observed in this study indicated the prevalent nature of the parasite and its zoonotic importance in the study areas where slaughtered domestic ruminants serve as an important human protein source. Education of the public about routes of T. gondii transmission and control methods is imperative to prevent T. gondii transmission.
Understanding the Weakening Relationship of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Indian Ocean Basin Mode During Boreal Winter
Authors: Hong Jin-Sil , Yeh Sang-Wook , Yang Young-Min , Lim Young-Kwon , Kim Kyu-Myong
Published: June 2021

While it is known that the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) leads the Indian Ocean Basin Mode (IOBM) with the same phase via the atmospheric bridge, we found that the relationship of PDO-IOBM during boreal winter is not stationary. Here, we investigated the PDO-IOBM relationship changes on low-frequency timescales by analyzing the observations, a long-term simulation of climate model with its large ensembles as well as the pacemaker experiments. A long-term simulation of climate model with its large ensemble simulations indicated that the non-stationary relationship of PDO-IOBM is intrinsic in a climate system and it could be at least partly due to internal climate variability. In details, we compared the PDO structures during the entire period with those during the period when the PDO-IOBM relationship was weak (i.e., 1976-2006). We found that the structures of sea surface temperature (SST) as well as its associated tropical Pacific convective forcing during the negative phase of PDO for 1976-2006 are far away from the typical structures of the negative PDO phase during the entire period, which were responsible for the weakening relationship of the PDO-IOBM in the observation. The results of the two pacemaker experiments support that a non-stationary relationship of PDO-IOBM is primarily due to the SST forcing in the Pacific.
Estimating Future Rainfall Distributions in a Changing Climate for Water Resource Planning: Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rauniyar Surendra P , Power Scott B
Published: June 2021

Here we use observations and simulations from 40 global climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), under preindustrial, historical, and a high emission scenario (RCP8.5) to provide estimates of Victorian cool season (April-October) rainfall for the coming century. This includes a new method which exploits recent research that estimated the relative contribution of external forcing and natural variability to the observed multidecadal decline in cool season rainfall in Victoria from 1997s. The new method is aimed at removing the influence of external forcing on Victoria's cool-season rainfall, effectively rendering a stationary time-series. The resulting historical record is then modified by scaling derived from the mean projected change evident in climate models out to 2100. The results suggest that the median value of the All-Victoria rainfall PDF will decrease monotonically over the remainder of the 21st century under RCP8.5. The likelihood that All-Victoria rainfall in any given year from 2025 onward will be below the observed 5th percentile of the observations (291 mm) increases monotonically, becoming three times larger by the end of the century. The new method is assessed using cross-validation and its ability to hindcast observed multidecadal rainfall change. The latter indicates that CMIP5 models poorly replicate recent interdecadal rainfall change. So, while we have more confidence in the new method because it accounts for the non-stationarity in the observed climate, limitations in the CMIP5 models results in us having low confidence in the reliability of the estimated future rainfall distributions.
Soil Microbiome Disruption Used as a Method to Investigate Specific and General Plant-Bacterial Relationships in Three Agroecosystem Soils
Authors: DiLegge Michael J , Manter Daniel K. , Vivanco Jorge
Published: June 2021

Soil microbiome disruption methods are regularly used to reduce populations of microbial pathogens, which often results in increase crop growth. However, little is known about the effect of soil microbiome disruption on non-pathogenic members within the soil microbiome. Here, we applied soil microbiome disruption, in the form of moist-heat sterilization (autoclaving) to reduce populations of naturally occurring soil microbiota. The disruption was applied to analyze bacterial community rearrangement mediated by four crops (corn, beet, lettuce, and tomato) grown in three historically distinct agroecosystem soils (conventional, organic, and diseased). Applying the soil disruption enhanced plant influence on bacterial colonization, and significantly different bacterial communities were detected between the tested crops. Furthermore, bacterial genera showed significant abundance increases both unique-to and shared-by each tested crop. As an example, corn uniquely promoted abundances of Pseudomonas and Sporocytophaga, regardless of the disrupted soil in which it was grown. Whereas the promotion of Bosea, Dyadobacter and Luteoliobacter was shared by all crops grown in all disrupted soils. In summary, soil disruption followed by crop introduction amplified plant-mediated selection of plant benefiting bacterial genera.
Exploring Health Workers’ Experiences of Mental Health Challenges During Care of Patients with COVID-19 in Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Muzyamba Choolwe , Makova Ogylive , Mushibi Geofrey
Published: June 2021

Objectives The aim of this study is to qualitatively investigate the lived experiences of mental health among frontline health workers providing COVID-19-realted care in Uganda. This study will provide insights into the contextual realities of the mental health of health workers facing greater challenges given the weak healthcare systemResults All in all, our findings suggest that healthcare workers are under enormous stress during this pandemic, however, in order to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, it is important to understand their challenges and sources of these challenges. The government thus has the reasonability to address most of the sources that were highlighted (long working hours, lack of proper equipment, lack of sleep, exhaustion, and experiencing high death rate under their care). Further, the Ugandan social fabric presents an opportunity for coping through its strong communal links and networks. Scaling these forms of local responses is cheap but contextually useful for a country with limited resources like Uganda.
Documenting Elimination of Co-Circulating Covid-19 Clusters Using Genomics in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Arnott Alicia , Draper Jenny , Rockett Rebecca J , Lam Connie , Sadsad Rosemarie , Gall Mailie , Martinez Elena , Byun Roy , Musto Jennie , Marais Ben , Chen Sharon C-A , Kok Jen , Dwyer Dominic E , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: June 2021

Objective: To adapt ‘fishplots’ to describe SARS-CoV-2 genomic cluster evolution. Results: This novel analysis adapted the fishplot to depict the size and duration of circulating genomic clusters over time in New South Wales, Australia. It illuminated the effectiveness of interventions on the emergence, spread and eventual elimination of clusters and distilled genomic data into clear information to inform public health action.
An Empirical Analysis of the Effects of Population Growth on Economic Growth in Ethiopia using an Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) Model Approach
Authors: Befikadu Alemayehu Temesgen , Tafa Berhanu Alemu
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe study examines An Empirical Analysis of the Effects of Population Growth on Economic Growth in Ethiopia using an Auto Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) Model Approach from the period of 1980 through 2019 with specific focus on total population, Growth Domestic Product, population growth rate, and foreign direct investment, inflow. This study investigated to understand the effects of total population on economic growth, and to analyze the short run and long run relationship of economic growth with respect to population growth.ResultsFrom the results of the study, personal remittance is stationary at level, while total population, FDI net inflows, population growth rate, rate of inflation, and gross capital formation are stationary at first difference. From the finding of long run equilibrium relationships between RGDP, population number, FDI, personal remittance, population growth rate, rate of inflation and GCF is existed since the value of F-statics is greater than the upper boundary line. Finally, to increase the economic growth of Ethiopia; the government should adopt policies that can attract the foreign investors. The government also should put a standard to guarantee that the economy grows at a larger rate than the population growth.
Pressure Induced Changes in Grain Boundary Conditions of Lithium Conducting Ceramics Characterized by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Ostrander John W. , Torres Carolyn , Vullum-Breuer Fride , Teeters Dale
Published: June 2021

Solid state batteries, particularly for lithium ion based architecture have been the focus of development for over 20 years and are receiving even more attention today. Utilizing impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurements we investigate the response of conductivity versus incremental pressure increase by a piston-cylinder-type high pressure cell up to 1 GPa for some lithium conducting ceramics: LATP (Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3), LLTO (Li5La3Ta2O12), LLT (Li0.33La0.55TiO3), LAGP (Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5P3O12) and LLZO (Li7La3Zr2O12) for non-annealed and annealed samples.Isothermal, incremental pressure increase of powders allows for an in situ observation of the transition state conditions of poorly consolidated ceramic powders and the effects on grain boundary conditions prior to sintering. Specific conductance (σb) increased by several orders of magnitude in some samples, approaching 10-3 S∙cm-1, yet decreased in other samples. The affect of grain boundaries and affects of bulk capacitance as the sample dimensions are altered due to pressure, are attributed to some of this behavior and will be discussed. The understanding of some of these fundamental processes may be valuable in facilitating these and similar ceramics for use in commercial solid state battery systems.
Response of US Psychiatric Programs to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Impact on Trainees
Authors: Durns Tyler , Gethin-Jones Thomas , Monson Eric , O’Donohoe Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Background: Medical training program and hospital response to the COVID-19 pandemic has varied greatly and has impacted trainee well-being. Which factors have specifically affected trainee wellness, however, has not yet been examined in depth. The aim of the study was to understand trainee perspectives on the individual psychiatry trainee programs’ hospitals’ objective COVID-19 preparedness management, and to gauge how program changes, and general pandemic-related concerns, have impacted trainee satisfaction and burnout.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study of psychiatric trainees was distributed electronically throughout the country via various psychiatry residency program listservs in April 2020. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing simple linear regression.Results: From 352 respondents, the most frequent program changes were “decreased number of rotations requiring in-person patient care” and “increased call hours or duties.” Of pandemic-related concerns surveyed, the two greatest were “spreading COVID-19 to family/friends” and “co-residents’ burnout and anxiety.” A relationship was found between trainee satisfaction with perceived COVID-19 departmental response and comfort level of residents/fellows in expressing concerns with attending clinicians and department leadership.Conclusions: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, trainees have experienced a variety of changes to trainee program policies and guidelines. Overall, poor communication and trainee dissatisfaction with departmental response correlated with concern of infection and anxiety/burnout. Insights garnered from this study could provide scaffolding for the best practices to reduce trainee physician anxiety/burnout for the current and future pandemics of this variety and magnitude. Trial registration: Not applicable
Diversity and structure of the rhizosphere microbial communities of wild and cultivated ginseng
Authors: Fang Xiaoxue , Wang Huaying , Zhao Ling , Wang Manqi , Sun Mingzhou
Published: June 2021

Background
Different plant species, even different plant varieties, will promote different combinations of microbial communities related to them. Here, the objective was to explore the differences in the rhizosphere microbial communities in the wild ginseng, farmland cultivated ginseng and understory wild ginseng. The rhizosphere soil was obtained from three type of ginsengs, namely wild ginseng (WDG), farmland cultivated ginseng (CDG) and understory wild ginseng (LXG) (all ginsengs grown in the field). The 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were analyzed to investigate the diversity and structure of the microbial community.
Result
We found the fungal communities were more influenced bacterial communities. There were differences in the microbial community composition under three types of ginsengs. Moreover, higher bacterial diversity and lower fungal diversity in CDG compared with WDG. Changes in rhizosphere microbial community composition and diversity of WDG and CDG may be caused by domestication. Furthermore, the relative abundance of potential phytopathogens, Chloroflexi, Fusarium and Alternaria were higher in CDG compared to WDG and LXG. This may be related to the fact that cultivated ginseng has a short life cycle and is susceptible to disease.
Conclusion
We found differences in the rhizosphere microbial community of the three types of ginsengs, and the abundance of pathogenic microorganisms is significantly different. This result provided insights into the underlying mechanisms of ginseng planting and disease resistance.
Adipokine Human Resistin Promotes Obesity-associated Inflammatory Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Cascade Activation
Authors: Shin Jae Hee , Park SeongHyun , Cho Hansang , Kim Joo Han , Choi Hyuk
Published: June 2021

Adipokine human Resistin (hResistin), is known to be associated with insulin resistance and secrete low-grade pro-inflammatory cytokines in obesity. Although studies on low-grade inflammation of adipokine hResistin are known, studies on the effects and mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) are still lacking. Thus, we investigated the adipokine hResistin with or without pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in intervertebral disc (IVD) cells such as human annulus fibrosus (hAF) and nucleus pulposus (hNP). The mean optical density changes in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13, induced by the combined-hResistin and IL-1β stimulation on hAF cells, was significantly greater than that of the same induced by mono-IL-1β stimulation. Similarly, in the case of the mean optical density change of inflammatory mediators induced by the combined-hResistin and IL-1β stimulation on hNP cells was also significantly greater than that of the same induced by mono-IL-1β stimulation. These results improve understanding of hResistin on inflammatory IVDD but also with other obesity-related inflammatory diseases.
Is Dynamic Total-body PET Imaging Feasible in the Clinical Daily Practice?
Authors: Chen Yumei , Li Lianghua , Yu Xiaofeng , Wang Jingyi , Wang Ying , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun
Published: June 2021

PurposeDynamic PET (dPET) imaging of multi-temporal frames can quantitate tracer kinetics and has been mostly used in the research rather than clinical daily practice due to the long acquisition time. The total-body PET/CT scanner can generate fine time-activity curves (TACs) in dPET imaging and provide tempo-spatially synchronized pharmacokinetics in the entire human body. To investigate the feasibility in daily practice, the study aimed to explore the shortest acquisition time of dPET imaging. MethodsTen patients who underwent an 18F-FDG total-body dPET examination were retrospectively enrolled. Both the Patlak graphic analysis (Ki) and irreversible two tissues compartment model (i2TCM) analysis (K1, k2, k3) were used to calculate the kinetic parameters with different shortened acquisition durations. These kinetic parameters at various organs/tissues and lesions were compared with those obtained from the reference 60min acquisition. In addition, a hybrid approach combining the initial 20-min dPET data and the static PET scan at 55-60 min post-injection was proposed, and the kinetic parameters were calculated and compared with the references. ResultsPatlak Ki derived from the first 50-min dPET acquisition showed no significant difference in healthy organs/tissues compared with the reference (all p > 0.05), while the lesions can be visually distinguished even in the initial 20-min Ki images. In the i2TCM analysis, the kinetic parameters — K1, k2, k3 of 30-min dPET acquisition showed no significant difference for healthy organs/tissues and lesions compared to 60-min dPET acquisition (all p > 0.05). The kinetic parameters obtained from the proposed hybrid approach can provide reliable kinetic parameters as well as those obtained in the static PET imaging. Conclusions﻿The dPET total-body imaging can be shortened to 30 min to generate reliable kinetic parameters with i2TCM. Additionally, the hybrid approach provides both robust tracer metabolic information and the conventional standard uptake values (SUVs), demonstrating its feasibility in clinical practice.
Geographical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Case Series With COVID-19 Outbreaks Caused by Asymptomatic Carriers From June 2020 to January 2021 in China: A Narrative Research
Authors: Liu Cheng , Xiang Hongbing , Manyande Anne , Xu Weiguo , Fan Li , Xiang Boqi
Published: June 2021

With the COVID-19 epidemic quickly under control in China within the early months of 2020, importing the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the country now poses great challenges in epidemic control and prevention. Asymptomatic carriers play a critical role in the transmission of the virus and transmission on a large-scale poses enormous concern. We obtained data from new cluster outbreak regions with COVID-19 caused by asymptomatic carriers from June 2020 to January 2021, and reported the epidemiological characteristics, clinical data and the possible routes of viral transmission and infection. These results indicate the importance of regularly screening high-risk populations critical for epidemic control and provide the basis for suppressing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Prevalence of Migraine Headaches and their Impact on the Academic performance of Medical Campus Students at University of Khartoum using ID-Migraine test as a screening tool: A cross-sectional study from Sudan
Authors: Mohamedosman Moaid Mohamedosman Ali , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: June 2021

Background Migraine — an episodic headache —is one of the most common types of primary Headache. Migraine is considered a serious health problem that affects the quality of life. During university life, students often report increased levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and irregular sleep, all of which are associated with migraines.Our aim was to determine the prevalence of migraine headaches among medical campus students at university of Khartoum, Sudan. Based on available data, migraine is on the rise in both general populations as well as university students.Methods In this cross-sectional and descriptive study, study population was composed of students registered to faculty of medicine, Dentistry and pharmacy at Khartoum University in the academic years of 2020–2021. Out of these 318 of them accepted to participate. Participants who had two or more headaches in the last 3 months formed the headache group. Afterwards, two preliminary questions were applied to the headache group and participants with at least one affirmative response were asked to perform the validated ID-Migraine™ test.Results The mean age of 318 students participated in the study was 19.23 ± 1.84 (17–39 years), with adolescents: adult ratio being 2.5:1. 1613 students (43.7%) did have at least two headaches in the last three months. Migraine-type headache was detected in 266 subjects (7.2%) based on the ID-Migraine™ test. Of the migraine group, 72 were male (27.1%) and 194 were female (72.9%). There was no significant difference in migraine prevalence between adolescent and adult age groups.Conclusions With prevalence similar to adults, primary care physicians should be aware of the probability of migraine headaches in university students in order to maintain a successful school performance.
Intradermal Thumbtack Needle Alleviates Depressive Symptoms and Resets Executive Control System Function in Young Patients With Subthreshold Depression: A Study Protocol of a Randomized, Controlled, and Single-Blind Trial {1}
Authors: Huang Shenyi , Ning Baile , Yan Luda , Lin Jiating , Fu Wen , Wang Yibo , Zhou Jing , Wang Zengjian , Fu Wenbin
Published: June 2021

Background: Subthreshold depression is the prodromal stage of a depressive episode, which is characterized by depressive symptoms but fails to meet the diagnostic criteria for depression. At present, there is no recognized therapy for subthreshold depression worldwide. Studies have also shown that acupoint stimulation can significantly decrease depressive symptoms by modulating different executive control systems, such as reward circuits and motivational circuits. In this proposed study, our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of intradermal thumbtack needle therapy, a continuous and effective acupoint stimulation therapy, on subthreshold depression and generate hypotheses on the mechanism by which this therapy resets executive control system function in young patients with subthreshold depression.Method: In this randomized controlled trial, all eligible participants are diagnosed with subthreshold depression. Participants are randomly assigned to two groups at a ratio of 1:1 and receive either intradermal thumbtack needle or sham intradermal thumbtack needle therapy. The primary outcome is self-reported depression severity on the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) from baseline to 6 weeks. The secondary outcomes include the Short Form Survey (SF-12) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) complementarity. Two psychological paradigms, the Attention Network Test (ANT) and the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to evaluate the mechanism. These two psychological paradigms will explain the mechanism from the perspective of executive control in psychology, and fMRI will reflect the change in functional reset of the executive control system from an imaging point of view. The results are obtained at the start of treatment andthe end of treatment. The entire duration of the study will be approximately 12 months. Discussion: This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of intradermal thumbtack needle on StD patients. Additionally, mechanisms by which this therapy resets executive control system function will be studied Trial registration: NCT04319562. [ClinicalTrials.gov] [registered before start of inclusion; 24 March 2020] {2a and 2b}
Preservation of Javanese Language on Ganjar Pranowo's Conversation in Pandemic of COVID-19
Authors: Farichah Umi , Rakhmawati Ani , Wardani Nugraheni Eko
Published: June 2021

The research aimed to see a relevance of the preservation of the Javanese language in Javanese conversations that Ganjar Pranowo carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting data was about the level in the language that included word level, phrase level, and sentence level. Also, several manners, unggah ungguh, and ethics were produced that could become examples or role models for the people of Central Java. The research applied a qualitative method. The data source was the utterances contained in the uploads of Ganjar Pranowo in the form of video recordings that included primary data in the form of utterances or parts of spoken speech from various speeches and communications from the people of Central Java with Ganjar Pranowo. The results show that preservation of the Javanese language through conversations between leaders and the community has positive implications. This means that the preservation of the Javanese language is carried out optimally in the social sphere. This activity is well recorded and uploaded on social media, Ganjar Pranowo, a figure who has high credibility. The social sphere is an important component used to preserve Javanese language, culture, and traditions.