bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENT OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL VISUALIZATION METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PHASE MICROOBJECTS
Authors: Sokol Yevhen , Kolisnyk Kostiantyn , Bernadska Tatiana
Published: June 2021

The use of methods of physical and mathematical three-dimensional modelling of phase microobjects, in particular blood erythrocytes, was proposed in order to determine morphological changes. The method of digital signal processing based on double Fourier transform, with the imposition of a band pass filter, the method of restoring the three-dimensional shape of objects from two-dimensional images and the method of spectral analysis were considered in detail improved performance. On the basis of dimensional and aberration calculations, the optimal elements in terms of optical parameters were selected and an experimental stand was assembled. Interference digital images of normal human erythrocytes and altered under the action of osmotic pressure, images of peripheral blood cells for illumination by three types of coherent radiation were obtained. To implement three-dimensional modelling developed a program in Python using Numpy and Open CV libraries and a program that allows to build and visualize three-dimensional models of two-dimensional images, running Windows, written in C ++. A DirectX library and a graphics accelerator are used to display 3D models. The method of visualization of three-dimensional models on two-dimensional images makes it possible to change the scale of the surface and the type of projection used, to work in real time in interactive mode. The method of spectral analysis with processing of images of erythrocytes for enlightenment obtained in three frequency bands of coherent light, after further correlation of the obtained results will significantly improve the accuracy of determining its morphological parameters. The proposed improved methods allow using them to determine the state of the plasma membranes of erythrocytes in order to assess possible pathologies, which will increase the effectiveness of laboratory diagnostic methods.
Assessment of Anxiety using Hamilton Anxiety Scale in Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display User: A Study Protocol
Authors: Bhamra Manpreet Kaur , Naqvi Waqar M. , Arora Sakshi P.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Anxiety disorders impact a large number of population all over the world, prohibiting them from undertaking everyday tasks such as driving, staying in crowded places, or dealing with strangers. The Hamilton anxiety (HAM-A) scale is the first rating Questionnaire for determining the sign anxiety symptoms. HAM-A is a 14 point scale containing a clinician-based questionnaire that has been utilized as a self-scored survey based on both physical and psychological symptoms. The components of questionnaires for analyzing the depressive or anxious symptoms are developed and tested in medical practice with great success. Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-simulated world that allows the user to feel as they are physically present in it. Oculus rift is a VR ski-masked shaped goggle having a better and deeper understanding of the range and user experiences that will help to guide future efforts.Method: The cross-sectional observational study will be including 70 participants aged 18 to 32 from Ravi Nair College of Physiotherapy, India for the study. With intervention, the duration of analysis of the study will be of 6 months. HAM-A scale is used to evaluate the symptoms of anxiety in people before they show up on the oculus rift.Discussion: The study will evaluate the severity of anxiety before going to VR surrounding. Virtual reality devices are more popular, many studies have been undertaken on the construction and validation of interfaces, but more research is needed on anxiety before entering a virtual reality environment has been limited; specifically, There are only a few techniques that may be used to measure anxiety in a virtual reality surrounding.The Institutional Ethical Clearance reference number for this study is RNPC/IEC/2020-21/0012.
Catchment natural driving factors and prediction of baseflow index for Continental United States based on Random forest technique
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Dong Qianjin , Zhang Xu , Deng Weishan
Published: June 2021

Baseflow plays a critical role in maintaining the aquatic environmental health. However, the driving factors and predictions of baseflow have not been rigorously investigated on a large scale, partly preventing hydrologist from deeply understanding runoff generation. To this end, the Lyne–Hollick (LH) digital filter method and the automatic baseflow identification technique (ABIT) were used to estimate the long-term and seasonal baseflow index (BFI) of 619 catchments across Continental United States (CONUS) from 1981 to 2014. Six natural driving factors are selected from the 31 catchment attributes about topography and location, soil, geology, land cover, and climate characteristics. The Random Forest (RF) technique was used to predict the BFI with the selected six driving factors as predictors. Results show that the long-term average BFI was 0.49, and the BFI value was different in four seasons, with the highest value of 0.55 in winter and the lowest value of 0.46 in autumn. The forest fraction, clay proportion and snow fraction were the most powerful factors affecting the long-term average BFI. The RF technique predicts the BFI across the 619 sites in CONUS with a R2 of 0.59 after Leave-One-Location cross-validation, which was more satisfactory than the multiple linear regression method. This study can provide a deep insight into the generation and variation of baseflow and guide the annual baseflow prediction for water resources management.
Improvement of Thermally Durable Soil Material with Perlite Additive
Authors: Guneri Esra , Aksoy Yeliz Yukselen
Published: June 2021

Thermal changes affect the engineering behavior of surrounding soils at energy geostructures. For that reason, there is a need for durable soils which are not affected from high temperatures or thermal cycles. Such kind of soil mixtures can be developed by adding temperature resistant materials such as perlite to the sand-bentonite mixtures. In this study, 10% and 20% perlite additives were added to 10% and 20% sand-bentonite mixtures, in order to develop the durable soil mixture under high temperatures. Direct shear and hydraulic conductivity tests were performed under room temperature and high temperature. The results of the experiments showed that the perlite additive reduced the unit weight of the sand-bentonite mixtures and had a positive effect on the shear strength of 20B-80S mixtures both under room and high temperature. The perlite addition increased the angle of internal friction of sand-bentonite mixtures under room and high temperature especially for 20B-80S mixtures. The hydraulic conductivity (k) values of both mixtures increased with increasing temperature. As a results of thermal cycles, it was seen that the samples cannot turn back to their initial k values.
Geothermal potential, chemical characteristic and utilization of groundwater in Serbia
Authors: Pantić Tanja Petrović , Samolov Katarina Atanasković , Štrbački Jana , Tomić Milan
Published: June 2021

In order to collect and unify data about all geothermal resources in Serbia, a database is formed. The database allows us to perceive the geothermal resources of Serbia and their potential for utilization. Based on the data available in the geothermal database, the estimated temperatures of reservoirs, heat power, and geothermal energy utilization were calculated. The database contains 293 objects (springs, boreholes) registered at 160 locations with groundwater temperature in the range between 20°C and 111°C. The maximum expected temperature of the reservoir is 146°C (according to the SiO2 geothermometer). Some thermal water is cooled while mixed with cold, shallow water. Geothermal resources are mostly used for balneology and recreation, and less for heating, water supply, bottling, fish and animal farms, agriculture, and technical water. 26% of all geothermal resources is used by the local population or has not been used at all. The annual utilization of geothermal energy for direct heat is 1507 TJ/yr, and the estimated capacity of geothermal energy in Serbia is 111 MWt. The results of analytical work were presented in the form of maps with a geological and hydrogeological background. Thermal waters are mostly registrated in the area of Tertiary magmatism. The three geothermal potential areas are identified: Pannonian basin-Vojvodina Province, Mačva-Srem and area from Jošanička Banja to Vranjska Banja (southern Serbia). Based on chemical analyses, four hydrochemical facies are distinguished. Thermal water mainly belongs to NaHCO3 or CaMgHCO3 hydrochemical facies, usually depending on the primary aquifer: karst, karst-fissured, intergranular or fissured.
Decontamination Assessment of Nanofiber-based N95 Masks
Authors: Faridi-Majidi Raheleh , Norouz Faezeh , Boroumand Safieh , Tabatabaei Seyed Nasrollah , Faridi-Majidi Reza
Published: June 2021

As the world battles with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, it also prepares for future global pandemics that threaten our health, economy, and survivor. During the outbreak, it became evident that use of personal protective equipment (PPE), specially face masks, can significantly slow the otherwise uncontrolled spread of the virus. Nevertheless, the outbreak has caused shortage of PPE in many regions of the world. Therefore, this study advances the theme of decontaminating used masks. More specifically, the effect of various decontamination techniques on the integrity and functionality of nanofiber-based N95 masks (i.e. capable of at least filtering 95% of 0.3 µm aerosols) were examined. These techniques include 70% ethanol, bleaching, boiling, steaming, ironing as well as placement in autoclave, oven, and exposure to microwave (MW) and ultraviolet (UV) light. Herein, filtration efficiency (by Particle Filtration Efficiency equipment), general morphology, and microstructure of nanofibers (by Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy) prior and after every decontamination technique were observed. The results suggest that decontamination of masks with 70% ethanol can lead to significant unfavorable changes in the microstructure and filtration efficiency (down to 57.33%) of the masks. In other techniques such as bleaching, boiling, steaming, ironing and placement in the oven, filtration efficiency dropped to only about 80% and in addition, some morphological changes in the nanofiber microstructure were seen. Expectedly, there was no significant reduction in filtration efficiency nor microstructural changes in the case of placement in autoclave and exposure to the UV light. It was concluded that, the latter methods are preferable to decontaminate nanofiber-based N95 masks.
Hydrogeological modelling to support urban planning in harbour areas: A case study from Horsens, Denmark
Authors: Cen Xinyu , Medhus Anna Bondo , Andersen Theis Raaschou , Poulsen Søren Erbs , Xu Mo , Mou Zishen , Du Feng
Published: June 2021

Historically, industries were in harbour areas of cities for easy access to transportation of resources. Today, transforming former industrial areas into living spaces has become attractive business. However, this transformation has often been challenged by high levels of soil contamination caused by the industrial use. Remediation measures are mandatory to ensure the public safety in the redeveloped areas. Detailed information about the contaminant type, distribution and transport mechanisms is required to address the contamination issues. This paper presents a workflow for investigations assisting decision making for construction work in redeveloped industrial areas. The workflow is applied to Horsens harbour (Denmark). In this area, renovation of the harbour walls introduces the risk of spreading of phenol contamination to planned construction areas. The study demonstrates how detailed information about the geology and hydrology at the site allows for scenario modelling of contaminant transport, guiding remediation efforts and aiding decision makers in developing the harbour area.
Robust Perceptual Wavelet Packet Features for
Recognition of Continuous Kannada Speech
Authors: Swamy Mahadeva , Ravi D J
Published: June 2021

An ASR system is built for the Continuous Kannada Speech Recognition. The acoustic and language models are created with the help of the Kaldi toolkit. The speech database is created with the native male and female Kannada speakers. The 75% of collected speech data is used for training the acoustic models and 25% of speech database is used for the system testing. The Performance of the system is presented interms of Word Error Rate (WER). Wavelet Packet Decomposition along with Mel filter bank is used to achieve feature extraction. The proposed feature extraction performs slightly better than the conventional features such as MFCC, PLP interms of WRA and WER under uncontrolled conditions. For the speech corpus collected in Kannada Language, the proposed features shows an improvement in WRA of 1.79% over baseline features.
Use of remotely sensed derived metrics to assess wetland vegetation responses to climate variability induced drought at the Soetendalsvlei wetland system in the Western Cape province of South Africa
Authors: Ndlala Noluthando Conelia , Dube Timothy
Published: June 2021

Wetland areas are the most vital ecosystems and they provide important functions towards stabilizing the environment. Hydrological processes in these wetland systems directly affects the productivity of plants. Therefore, assessing vegetation response to climate variability induced drought is vital in wetlands. In this paper, the subtle changes in vegetation distribution were used as a proxy to examine and quantify the extent of drought impacts on wetland ecosystems within the Heuningnes catchment, South Africa. First, vegetation health information was extracted by calculating the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) during the wet and dry seasons for the period between 2014 and 2018. The derived NDVI results were further statistical linked to the corresponding rainfall and evapotranspiration (ET) observed during the study period. An analysis of NDVI results revealed that gradual vegetation health change occurred across the study area. The highest derived NDVI (0.5) for wetland vegetation was observed during the year 2014 but progressively declined over the years. Change in vegetation health indicated a significant (α = 0.05) and positive correlation to the amount of rainfall received over the same period. The results of this study showed that healthy vegetation deteriorated between the study periods due to the 2015–2017 Western Cape drought.
Presentation of Psychosis Subsequent to Penile Injection of MDMA in a 60-year-old Patient-A Case Report
Authors: Reyes Ana Lilian , Michael Brittany , Korah Tessy
Published: June 2021

The street drug Molly, the crystal or powder form of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine) is commonly ingested via oral or pulmonary routes. Intravenous administration of MDMA is rare and here we report a case of penile dorsal vein injection of Molly, development of penile abscess, and subsequent psychotic symptoms in a patient with a history of polysubstance use. A 60-year-old Caucasian male was presented to the psychiatric hospital with a chief complaint of hallucinations and homicidal and suicidal ideation following reported use of MDMA. Three days into his hospitalization, he began to experience sever penile pain and upon interviewing disclosed penile injection of MDMA prior to admission. Examination revealed a 1.5 X 0.7 cm abscess with minimal drainage and surrounding erythema on the body of the penis. The treatment course consisted of three days of intramuscular ceftriaxone and six days of oral Minocycline. In this case report, we discuss the challenges and importance of obtaining a thorough history for patients presenting with IV drug use as well as considering uncommon routes of administration.
Progressive Volume Atrophy in Hippocampal Subfields and the Correlation with Cognition in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kang Guixia , Luo Peiqi , Xu Xin , Han Ying , Li Xuemei , Ling Zhipei
Published: June 2021

Objective: To assess the progression of volume changes in hippocampus and its subfields of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to explore the association of the hippocampus and its subfields volumes with cognitive function.Methods: Five groups of participants including 35 normal controls (NC) persons, 30 MCI patients, 30 Mild AD patients, 30 Moderate AD patients and 8 Severe AD patients received structural MRI brain scans. Freesurfer6.0 was used for automatically segmentation of MRI, and the left and right hippocampus were respectively divided into 12 subfields. By statistical analysis, the volumes of hippocampus and its subfields were compared between the five groups, and the correlation of the volumes with Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) score was analyzed.Result & Conclusion: In the disease, each hippocampal subfield shows an uneven atrophy trajectory; The volumes of the subiculum and presubiculum are significantly different between Mild AD and MCI, which can contribute to the early diagnosis of AD; Parasubiculum is the least sensitive subfield for volume atrophy of AD, while subiculum, presubiculum, CA1, molecular_layer_HP and fimbria show much more significant volume changes. Meanwhile the volumes of these five subfields are positively correlated with MMSE, which may help in stage division of AD; Compared with the right hippocampus, the volume atrophy on the left side is more significantly, and the volumes are more significantly correlated with MMSE, So the left hippocampus and its subfields may provide a higher reference value for the clinical evaluation of AD than the right side.
Experiment Regarding Magnetic Fields with Gravity
Authors: Lee Jong-hoon
Published: June 2021

The ground-based device simulates the potential energy (voltages) between gravity and magnetic seas. The magnetic sea generator (MG) generated currents and voltages on the mesoscopic scale in the vacuum. Gravity interacts to generate electricity in the Earth's direction or the opposite direction by the repulsive magnetic force. A trapped gravity was set to behave as free relativistic quantum particles or fluids, making it possible to measure the voltage and current as a function of time according to the particle or fluid interaction and position in the magnetic sea. Our result is grounded on rigorous proof based on numerical and analytic computations, which took it accessible to study the magnetic sea for different initial superposition of positive- negative-gravity spinor state in the space Hieut (H). As evidence, we present the measurement data of gravitational waves (GW20200618), which were impossible to measure during the pandemic at LIGO. If the MG generates negative current and positive voltage in vacuum states, this signifies the gravitomagnetic potentials induced by gravitational fluids or particles in the magnetic sea. The theory of quantum mechanics can be merged with the theory of general relativity or gravitational force at microscopic length scales. Now, we can convert the study of light trapped in a black hole into a study of gravity trapped in space H.
Psychosocial status and attitudes of healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kurt Ercan , Ovalı İbrahim Ethem , Gulacti Umut , Canpolat Semih , Koparal Mehtap , Kafadar Hüseyin , Kaya Hakan , Yucetas Şeyho Cem
Published: June 2021

Background/Aim: COVID-19 disease occurs in close contact due to its highly contagious nature. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are in the frontline of struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, and psychosocial statuses of healthcare professionals working in this problematic condition have not yet been fully investigated in Turkey. We aimed to evaluate the mental health and psychosocial status, thoughts about the measures taken by the government, attitudes, and behaviors of healthcare workers facing the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether there is a difference between physician and non-physician HCWs. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, a 56-question multiple-choice test created based on similar surveys and scales was performed by a one-to-one interview with the HCWs in three registered hospitals fighting the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 May to 10 June 2020. Mental health variables were assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) and the Turkish Beck Depression Scale to specify psychological manifestations. A scoring system was applied using a four-point Likert scale, from no points (“strongly disagree”) to three points (“strongly agree”) to determine the levels of anxiety and depression. Participants were divided into two groups as physician and non-physician HCWs for subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 300 HCWs (45 physicians, 255 non-physician health care workers) enrolled in the survey. Only 0.8% of HCWs received psychological support from a therapist or psychiatrist. The most common concern during the COVID-19 pandemic was about “the elderly and other risky population being infected” (37.9%). Compared with non-physician HCWs, physicians felt more concerned about the spread of COVID-19 (80% vs 47.1%, P=0.006 χ2=12.591) and they agreed at a higher rate that the number of tests performed was sufficient (53.3% vs. 41.2%, P=0.030, OR: 0.29-0.35, χ2=7.047). For all HCWs, the "feeling of being infected with COVID-19” item had the highest mean total score (2.60 (0.97). The mean score of the “feeling nervous/anxious/on edge” item was 2.53 (0.52) for physicians and 2.26 (0.86) for non-physician HCWs. Non- physicians HCWs had a higher mean score for “Feeling of increased body pain and agony” item than physicians 0.27(0.80) vs 0.76 (1.23), mean dif=-0.50, 95% confidence interval=-1.002 to 0.006, P<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that healthcare professionals were most anxious about “being infected with COVID-19”. Both physician and non-physician HCWs were feeling nervous/anxious/on edge according to anxiety scores.
Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Left Lower Limb Complicated with the Abscess of Retroperitoneal Space: Case Report Presentation and a Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Fan , Hu Zhensheng
Published: June 2021

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis(NF) is a severe progressive infectious disease where a synergistic action of multiple bacteria results in suppurative necrosis of the skin and soft tissue. Despite being a relatively uncommon infection, its mortality is significantly high. In this case report ,we describe the clinical presentation, management and outcome of a patient with NF of the left lower limb complicated with the abscess of retroperitoneal space and ensuing septic shock and dysfunction of heart and liver. Finally, we analyzed six cases we have treated before including this one and a retrospective study was performed.Case presentation: A 69-year-old male patient, complaining about the pain of left lower limb and high fever due to uncertain reasons, featuring the tenderness of affected limb and left lower abdomen , was diagnosed with the NF complicated with the abscess of retroperitoneal space. The patient then develop septic shock and dysfunction of heart and liver. After repeated debridement of necrosis tissue, in combination with multiple antibiotics, laboratory test methods and the vacuum-assisted closure(VAC) therapy, the patient survived ,gradually improved and finally got a full recovery.Methods: A retrospective study was performed on six patients with NF of unilateral lower limb from March 2018 to October 2019. All patients were given systemic antibiotics and nutrition support. During the first stage, repeated surgical debridement with negative-pressure wound therapy(NPWT) was performed. Direct suture of the wound was performed in the second stage. Results: The incision healed well in all patients, and no infection or necrosis occurred in the wound. During the follow-up of 6.5 months (range, 5-9 months), no recurrence of infection or incision rupture occurred.Discussion: Although prompt diagnosis and adequate antibiotic therapy are basic for the treatment of patients with NF, early and repeated surgical intervention is vital for a favorable outcome. Thus, adjuvant treatment for NF such as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using the VAC are very useful to accelerate wound healing.Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis, adequate antibiotic therapy and more crucially, early and repeated surgical debridement of the necrotic tissue combined with VAC therapy play a collaborative role in the successful treatment of NF.
Combined Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation and Endurance Exercise Training on Insulin Resistance in Newly Diagnosed type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency : Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xiang Mi , Sun Xiaomin , Wei Junxiang , Cao Zhen-Bo
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAlthough approximately 50% of Chinese T2DM patients have vitamin D deficiency, studies regarding vitamin D supplementation on IR have mainly focused on non-Asians. Endurance exercise training (ET) enhances insulin-mediated glucose metabolism, which plays a critical role in T2DM prevention and control. However, the combined effects of vitamin D supplementation and ET on IR in T2DM patients are unclear.Methods and analysisWe propose a randomized controlled trial among 60 T2DM patients with vitamin D deficiency to evaluate the combined effects of vitamin D supplementation and endurance training on IR. The participants will be randomly allocated to the vitamin D group, vitamin D combined with exercise training group, exercise training group, and control group (CG) using a computer-generated random number sequence. At baseline, participants will undergo a medical review, anthropometric measurements, dual X-ray absorptiometry, a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, ankle-brachial index measurements, and physical fitness measurements and will complete related lifestyle questionnaires. In a 3-month intervention period, vitamin D intervention group will receive a dose of 1000IU daily; exercise group will perform a 1-hour endurance exercise 3 times per week (maximal heart rate, 60%–80%), and the control group will receive apparently identical tablets. Additionally, all participants will be advised to maintain their normal diet and physical activities during the intervention. All measurements will be repeated at 3-month follow-up after the intervention with the primary outcome measure expressed as a change from baseline in insulin sensitivity and secretion. Secondary outcome measures will compare the changes in anthropometry, ankle-brachial index, and physical fitness factors. Data will be managed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.DiscussionThis is the first study to conduct a randomized trial to clearly determine the independent and combined effects of vitamin D supplementation and endurance exercise trial on IR in Chinese T2DM patients as measured by OGTT. The findings from the proposed study will not only provide new evidences that vitamin D supplementation plays an important role in reducing IR but also develop a simple and efficient method to improve IR and associated metabolic diseases for T2DM patients.Trial registration﻿Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800015383, Registered 28 March 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn
Favorable Outcome in a Case of Von Balo’s Sclerosis Mimicking a Juvenile Stroke at the Onset A New Possible Role of Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (Dsc) Perfusion-Weighted Imaging (PWI).
Authors: TRINCHILLO ASSUNTA , D'Amico Alessandra , Salvatore Elena
Published: June 2021

We describe a juvenile stroke-like onset of Von Balò’s sclerosis, with a favorable outcome after 4 years of follow up, even if treatment’s protocols could not have been completed, because her low compliance. Following the patient with annual MRI imaging we surprisingly discovered associations between which was reported at a Perfusion-weighted Imaging (PWI) Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-MRI executed after 9 days from the exordium and patient’s clinical residues. By describing the case we focus on a new way to use PWI-DSC in order not only to determine areas of Blood-Brain-Barrier active lesion but also to have information on patients’ prognosis and to guide neurologist in his therapeutical choices. PWI can’t substitute other MRI sequences, which describe, in that moment of execution, how many cerebral areas are involved in the process of demyelization, but PWI, surely, is an excellent sequence to integrate diagnosis and improve patients’ clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic follow up.
The Inhibition Mechanism of Emodin to the Core Protein of Aeromonas Hydrophila at the Molecular Level
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Liu Bo , Ge Xianping
Published: June 2021

Aeromonas hydrophila is a main pathogen and is of great harm in aquaculture, but the effective methods to inhibit it is not clear. This study reveals that emodin inhibits the activity of A. hydrophila through experimental methods. Further proteomics analysis showed that atpE was the core protein of the inhibition. To disclose how emodin affects the inhibition mechanism, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for A. hydrophila core protein binding with emodin. Comparing with these simulations of free atpE, this study uncovered that the inhibition of emodin involves emodin directly binding to core protein atpE with this simulations. The emodin engages with residues TYR10, ALA13, ALA14, MET17, LEU70 and TYR73 of atpE, which eventually leads to the inhibition of the activity of A. hydrophila. Additionally, this phenomenon was confirmed by the experimental results. The finding provides a novel insight for the study of the underlying mechanisms of emodin on antimicrobial activity of A. hydrophila at the molecular level.
A Zero-Trust Security Framework for Granular Insight on Blind Spot and Comprehensive Device Protection in the Enterprise of Internet of Things (E-IOT)
Authors: G Anil
Published: June 2021

The adoption of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) is swiftly rising in almost every aspect of human life, and its operational hardware is generating massive data. Also, cloud computing is an inherent operational technology of IoT for handling massive data because it has sufficient capabilities to store, process, and access control to the data. This brings several benefits, such as organizations increasingly depend on IoT to develop a smart approach to improve operational efficiency, automate complex tasks and provide quality-aware experience to their customer and end-user. As the number of interlinked devices increases, cybercriminals continue to look for blind spots and vulnerable devices in the network. Therefore, this paper attempts to introduce a zero-trust security framework to bring granular insight into the network and design effective intrusion identification methods to provide comprehensive and sustainable protection against dynamic attacks. The proposed framework comprises two implementation design aspects. Firstly, network modeling is carried out for complete visibility based on the number of connected devices and their behavior with other network devices. In this phase, the entire network is segmented into regions based on the IoT device's location to minimize the attack surface. Also, a lightweight cryptography-based secure data transmission mechanism is carried out for reliable communication. Secondly, an efficient machine learning-based intrusion identification system is developed to perform real-time monitoring and attack detection. The simulation outcome indicates the effectiveness of the proposed system for secure communication, data transmission, and attack detection. The comparative analysis demonstrated that the proposed zero-trust security system achieves an average of 35% resource efficiency and a 99 % accuracy rate in attack detection.
The Treatment Effect of the Shanxi Comprehensive Reform Area Policy on PM2.5 Concentrations: A Study Based on a Quasi-Experiment
Authors: Zhang Rongxia , Xiang Baichuan , Li Wei
Published: June 2021

Based on panel data on 248 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2018, this study first estimates the treatment effect of the Shanxi Comprehensive Reform Area policy on PM 2.5 concentrations using a PSM-DID method. The empirical results show that, on average, the Shanxi Comprehensive Reform Area policy significantly increased the PM 2.5 concentrations of prefecture-level cities in Shanxi Province by 0.211% annually, and the place-based placebo test shows that the treatment effect obtained above is robust. Second, the dynamic effects show a continuous decrease in incremental effects during 2011–2018, gradually decreasing from a significant positive increment during 2011–2015 to a zero or even a negative increment during 2016–2018, indicating that the Shanxi Comprehensive Reform Area policy gradually increased in environmental friendliness. Third, the influencing mechanisms show that the Shanxi Comprehensive Reform Area policy influenced PM 2.5 concentrations by increasing the intensity of resource exploitation and decreasing the intensity of environmental regulations, but the capacity of scientific and technological innovations had no mediating effect on the relationship between the policy and PM 2.5 concentrations. Therefore, the government should further reduce the intensity of resource exploitation, strengthen the intensity of environmental regulations, and promote environmentally focused scientific and technological innovations to reduce PM 2.5 concentrations in Shanxi Province.
Predictors of birth satisfaction among Iranian postpartum women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mortazavi Forough , Mehrabadi Maryam
Published: June 2021

Background: Childbirth dissatisfaction may reduce maternal tendency for subsequent pregnancies and increase maternal request for elective cesarean. This study aimed to investigate predictors of birth satisfaction in a sample of Iranian postpartum women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 767 women in early postpartum using a convenience sampling method in 2019. Women’s demographic/obstetrical information were collected. Women completed three questionnaires including the World Health Organization-5 well-being Index (WHO-5 well-being Index), the Birth Satisfaction scale-R (BSS-R), and the Wijma Delivery-Expectancy/experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) version B. We used univariate general linear model to investigate the relationships between independent variables and birth satisfaction scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine predictors of birth dissatisfaction. Results: The percentage of women who gave birth by elective cesarean, emergency cesarean, and vaginal birth were 13.2%, 19.06%, and 67.8%, respectively. Predictors of low birth satisfaction were primiparity, low level of well-being, low and moderate satisfaction with pregnancy, moderate satisfaction with spouse’s emotional/financial support, emergency cesarean, severe fear of childbirth, and long duration from admission to delivery. Women who had vaginal birth and were accompanied by a doula reported a higher level of birth satisfaction than those without a doula (p = 0.012). Women who had emergency cesarean accompanied by a doula reported a lower level of birth satisfaction than those without a doula (p = 0.045).Conclusions: Our results indicate that in order to promote birth satisfaction, specific interventions should be designed that enhance maternal well-being, reduce fear of childbirth, and promote spouse’s support. Also, revising and improving admission protocols in maternity hospitals and other measures that help women have a smooth and hassle-free pregnancy can promote birth satisfaction. Further studies should also be conducted in Iran to examine other significant social predictors of birth satisfaction such as interaction between midwives/physicians and patients and respectful attitude of staff members.
Fermi-level pinning-free WSe2 transistors via 2D van der Waals metal contacts and their complementary logic gate circuits
Authors: Jang Jisu , Ra Hyun-Soo , Ahn Jongtae , Kim Tae Wook , Song Seung Ho , Park Soohyung , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Lee Kimoon , Hwang Do Kyung
Published: June 2021

Precise control over the polarity of transistors is a key necessity for the construction of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor circuits. However, the polarity control of two-dimensional (2D) transistors remains a challenge because of Fermi-level pinning resulting from disorders at metal–semiconductor interfaces. Here, we propose a strategy for clean van der Waals contacts, wherein a metallic 2D material, chlorine-doped SnSe2 (Cl–SnSe2), is used as the contact to provide an interface that is free of defects and Fermi-level pinning. Such clean contacts created via van der Waals integration of a 2D metal possess nearly ideal Schottky barrier heights, thus permitting polarity-controllable transistors. With the integration of 2D metallic Cl–SnSe2 as contacts, WSe2 transistors exhibit pronounced p-type characteristics, which are distinctly different from those of the devices with evaporated metal contacts, where n-type transport is observed. Finally, this ability to control the polarity enables the fabrication of functional logic gates and circuits, including inverter, NAND, and NOR.
Apoptotic Investigation of Brain Tissue Cells in Dogs Naturally Infected by Canine Distemper Virus
Authors: Pan Yaoqian , Wang Shuai , Li Peng , Yue Feng , Zhang Yanfang , Pan Bo , Liu Xingyou
Published: June 2021

Background
Canine distemper caused by canine distemper virus that belongs to the Morbillivirus genus of the Paramyxoviridae family, is still a global epidemic significant infectious disease, especially in pet dogs in China and Seriously harm to the development of the dog industry. It has been known that Apoptosis caused by canine distemper virus can show in culture cells, lymphoid tissues and cerebellum. however, its occurrence in brain tissue cells remains unclear. In order to investigate the relationship among canine distemper infecting brain tissues, apoptosis in brain tissue cells and demyelinating pathogenesis this study was performed.
Methods
16 naturally infected dogs that exhibited clinical signs of CD and tested positive for anti-CDV monoclonal antibody, as well as on six healthy dogs that served as controls were used in the research. Brain specimens were divided into cerebrum, brain stem and cerebellum that was embedded in paraffin and made the sections respectively. Approximately 5 µm-thick sections were stained by haematoxylin–eosin, methyl green pyronin, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling technique and immunohistochemistry. CDV nucleocapsid protein was detected by immune streptavidin-biotinylated peroxidase complex.
Results
alterations in the brain tissues of CDV-infected dogs involved both various cells and nervous fibres. CDV had varying degrees of cytotropism to all brain tissue cells; apoptosis also occurred in all kind of cells in the brain, especially in the endothelia of cerebral vessels, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells, the heavier infection, the more obvious apoptosis. Serious infections also involved the pyramidal and Purkinje cells. The nervous fibres exhibited demyelinating lesions (showed small multifocal vacuole) as well as some neuron axonal atrophy and disappeared gradually (formed large vacuole).
Conclusions
Apoptosis in brain tissue cells was mainly related to the propagation path and cytotropism of CDV. The apoptosis of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and some neurons may play a significant role in the demyelinating pathogenesis in dogs with acute canine distemper. A lot of diverse nervous signs shown in clinic may be in relation to different neuron apoptosis.
Sonographic Risk Assessment for An Unplanned Operative Delivery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Perlman Sharon , Schreiber Hanoch , Kivilevitch Zvi , Bardin Ron , Kassif Eran , Achiron Reuven , Gilboa Yinon
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To assess the value of pre-labor maternal and fetal sonographic variables to predict an unplanned operative delivery.Methods: In this prospective study, nulliparous women were recruited at 37.0-42.0 weeks of gestation. Sonographic measurements included estimated fetal weight, maternal pubic arch angle, and the angle of progression. We performed a descriptive and comparative analysis between two outcome groups: spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and unplanned operative delivery (UOD) (vacuum-assisted, forceps-assisted and cesarean deliveries). Multivariate logistic regression with ROC analysis was used to create discriminatory models for UOD. Results: Among 234 patients in the study group, 175 had a spontaneous vaginal delivery and 59 an unplanned operative delivery. Maternal height and pubic arch angle (PAA) significantly correlated with UOD. Analysis of Maximum Likelihood Estimates revealed a multivariate model for the prediction of UOD, including the parameters of maternal age, maternal height, sonographic PAA, angle of progression (AOP), and estimated fetal weight, with an area under the curve of 0.7118. Conclusion: Sonographic parameters representing maternal pelvic configuration (PAA) and maternal-fetal interface (AOP) improve the prediction ability of pre-labor models for a UOD. These data may aid the obstetrician in the counseling process before delivery.
Cowpea Aphid Resistance In Cowpea Line CB77 Functions Primarily Through Antibiosis And Eliminates Phytotoxic Symptoms of Aphid Feeding
Authors: MacWilliams Jacob R. , Chesnais Quentin , Nabity Paul , Mauck Kerry , Kaloshian Isgouhi
Published: June 2021

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important crops in semiarid areas of the world, where it thrives in hot, dry conditions. While cowpea is able to withstand abiotic stresses, it suffers serious losses from biotic antagonists, including infestation by the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora). Cowpea aphid infestations are highly destructive, especially on young plants. However, it is unclear whether cowpea aphid damage is the result of aphids having phytotoxic effects on their hosts, or simple density effects. To better understand cowpea aphid damage and the potential for resistance traits to mitigate aphid impacts, we evaluated phenotypic changes in cowpea in response to variable aphid densities and systemic versus local infestations. Low aphid densities induced leaf distortions and pseudogalling, suggesting that cowpea aphids are phytotoxic to cowpea. Resistance to the cowpea aphid has been previously identified in an African cowpea germplasm, and near isogenic lines (NILs) containing resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were generated in the California blackeye cultivar background. Using a series of performance assays, we determined that resistance conferred by the two QTL counteracts aphid phytotoxicity and severely limits aphid growth and fecundity. Using choice assays, a preference by cowpea aphids for the susceptible NIL was observed. Electrical penetration graph analysis revealed that the resistance phenotype includes weak surface level deterrence and strong phloem based resistance that manifests during the sap ingestion phase. Our study provides evidence of phytotoxic traits in A. craccivora while identifying a viable means of counteracting aphid damage and reproductive potential through resistance.
Specific Interactions Between The Alkaline Protease of P. Aeruginosa And Its Natural Peptide Inhibitor: Ab Initio Molecular Simulations
Authors: Saito Ryosuke , Imai Kyohei , Yamamoto Shohei , Ezawa Takuya , Sugiyama Satoshi , Evenseth Linn Samira Mari , Sylte Ingebrigt , Kurita Noriyuki
Published: June 2021

Alkaline protease aeruginolysin (APR) is an important virulence factor in the evasion of the immune system by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The P. aeruginosa genome also encodes the highly potent and specific APR peptide inhibitor (APRin). However, the structural reason for the significant inhibition has not been revealed. Using ab initio molecular simulations, we here investigated the specific interactions between APR and APRin to elucidate which amino acid residues of APRin and APR contribute strongest to the inhibition. Since APR has a Zn ion at the ligand-binding site, and histidine and glutamic acid residues are coordinated with Zn, it is essential to precisely describe these coordination bonds to elucidate the specific interactions between APR and APRin. Therefore, we employed the ab initio fragment molecular orbital method to investigate the specific interactions at an electronic level. The results revealed that Ser1 and Ser2 at the N-terminal of APRin significantly contribute to the binding between APRin and APR. In particular, Ser1 binds strongly to Zn as well as to the sidechains of Hid176, Hid180, and Hid186 in APR. This is the main reason for the strong interaction between APR and APRin. The results also elucidated significant contributions of the positively charged Arg83 and Arg90 residues of APRin to the binding with APR. These findings may provide information useful for the design of novel small agents as potent APR inhibitors.
Evaluation of The Production of Second Generation Ethanol by Co-Culture of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Pachysolen Tannophilus Immobilized in Sodium Alginate.
Authors: Bertuci Marcello Lima , Silva Mariane Daniella da , Cano João Pedro , Cruz Crispin Humberto Garcia
Published: June 2021

The production of an alternative form of fuel that replaces fossil fuels has been increasingly studied due to the environmental impacts generated by its excessive use, as well as the depletion of these fossil energy sources. Ethanol obtained from the crushing of sugar cane has been used as a substitute for these fuels, mainly in the automotive area. However, alternative sources are being studied to produce the so called second generation bioethanol. This would avoid competition for food producing agricultural areas and agroindustrial waste is a great source for obtaining it. In general, these residues are not always completely reused and are disposed of inappropriately in the environment, becoming contaminants. Therefore, the use of agroindustrial waste can become a renewable source of energy, in addition to reducing environmental impacts. The objective of this work is to produce second generation bioethanol as an alternative to the one currently used, using the rice husk hydrolyzate by the consortium formed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pachysolen tannophilus . For this, an acid hydrolysis was performed with 2% sulfuric acid during 10 minutes of heating in an autoclave, after which the hydrolyzate was detoxified with the use of activated carbon. The crude and detoxified hydrolysates were used as a substrate for the fermentation medium with an initial concentration of 50 mg/mL of reducing sugars. The fermentation process with the use of both yeasts in the crude hydrolyzate medium, in the detoxified medium and in a synthetic medium composed of glucose, was carried out for 24 h, 30º C, 0 rpm and pH 6.5.The best results for the ethanol production of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the synthetic medium with 20.6 mg/mL. For the yeast Pachysolen tannophilus , its highest production was in a synthetic medium with 11.67 mg/mL. The intercropping of the two yeasts proved to be efficient with a greater ethanol production reaching 21.5 mg/mL, the hydrolyzed and detoxified media showed great potential for ethanol production both in intercropping and in monoculture