bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Different Fixed System in Osteoporotic Lumbar Vertebrae in Fusion：A 3D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ye Han , Jincheng Wu , Xiaodong Wang , Wenshan Gao , Shaosong Sun , zepei Zhang , Kepeng Li , Jun Miao
Published: November 2021

Background：Posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) is the most common surgical method for lumbar fusion surgery, and pedicle screws（PS）can provide effective fixation strength in normal bone. However, pedicle screws are prone to loosening in osteoporotic patients. cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation and cement augmentation pedicle screw（CAPS） fixation are often used to reduce the risk of loosening. Although several studies are reported that the pullout strength of CBT screws or CAPS screws are higher than PS，There are no relevant studies on different internal fixation stress analysis. The purpose of this study was to compare the stresses of different fixation methods and analyze the stresses of different internal fixation systems through finite element analysis.Methods: Five finite element models were established and tested by simulating PLIF surgery at L4/5. They included: (1) normal model (2) osteoporosis model (3) pedicle screw model; (4) cement augmentation pedicle screw（CAPS）model; (5) cortical bone trajectory (CBT) model. The range of motion (ROM), stress of fusion cage and screw-rod system of different models were analyzed by simulating flexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left rotation and right rotation movements through software.Results: The ROM of the osteoporosis model was increased compared with the normal bone, and the osteoporosis was increased by 5.3%, 17.6%, 11.5%, 11.3%, 7.5%, and 8.3% compared with the normal model during flexion, extension, left bending, right bending, left rotation, and right rotation. After fixation, the ROM decreased, but the difference was not significant between the different fixation models. The stress of the screw-rods is the minimum one in the CAPS group. the PS group is the middle one, and stress of the CBT group is max. The cage stress is the minimum in the CAPS group which is slightly smaller than the cage stress in the PS group. the cage stress was the max in the CBT group.Conclusion: PLIF can decrease the ROM of lumbar vertebra and fusion segment in osteoporosis, but different fixation methods have little effect on ROM. However, there was a great difference in the stress of implant, with the least stress in the CAPS group, the second in the PS group, and the greatest stress in the CBT. The same is true for Cage stress. At the same time, the maximum stress zone to occur at the screw-rod junction, while the maximum stress of cage occurs at the position in contact with the endplate. The study has guiding significance for clinical practice.
Determination of Equivalent Mohr-Coulomb Criterion from Generalised Hoek-Brown Criterion
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Cai Fei
Published: November 2021

A new analytical solution is presented for determining equivalent Mohr-Coulomb (MC) shear strength parameters over an arbitrary interval of minor principal stress σ3 from the generalised Hoek-Brown (HB) criterion using least squares method. Comparison with several published examples demonstrates that the proposed solution had a capacity to accurately determine equivalent MC parameters over a given interval of σ3, as well as instantaneous MC parameters by using a very small interval of σ3. EMC parameters depended heavily on the interval of σ3, which highlighted the importance of intervals of σ3. A calculation case shows that the equivalent internal friction angle and cohesion over the interval of σ3 from tension cut-off σcut−off to maximum minor principal stress σ3max were approximately 12% smaller and 10.3% larger than those over an interval from tensile strength to σ3max, respectively. The proposed solution offers great flexibility for the application of the HB criterion with existing methods based on the MC criterion for rock engineering practice.
Long-term persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein-specific and neutralizing antibodies in recovered COVID-19 patients
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Chirathaworn Chintana , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Sripram Manit , Chalongviriyalert Piti , Jirajariyavej Supunee , Kiatpanabhikul Phatharaporn , Saiyarin Jatuporn , Soudon Chulikorn , Thienfaidee Orawan , Ayuthaya Thitisan Palakawong Na , Brukesawan Chantapat , Intharasongkroh Duangnapa , Chaiwanichsiri Dootchai , Issarasongkhram Mila , Kitphati Rungrueng , Mungaomklang Anek , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Nagavajara Pijaya , Poovorawan Yong
Published: November 2021

Understanding antibody responses after natural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can guide the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine schedule. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, including anti-spike protein 1 (S1) immunoglobulin (Ig)G, anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) total Ig, anti-S1 IgA, and neutralizing antibody against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of patients who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Between March and May 2020, 531 individuals with virologically confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in our immunological study. The neutralizing titers against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 95.2%, 86.7%, 85.0%, and 85.4% of recovered COVID-19 patients at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after symptom onset, respectively. The seropositivity rate of anti-S1 IgG, anti-RBD total Ig, anti-S1 IgA, and neutralizing titers remained at 68.6%, 89.6%, 77.1%, and 85.4%, respectively, at 12 months after symptom onset. The half-life of neutralizing titers was estimated at 100.7 days (95% confidence interval = 44.5 – 327.4 days, R2 = 0.106). These results support that the decline in serum antibody levels over time depends on the symptom severity, and the individuals with high IgG antibody titers experienced a significantly longer persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses than those with lower titers.
Bacteria-engineered porous sponge for hemostasis and vascularization
Authors: Bian Jie , Bao Luhan , Gao Xiaokang , Wen Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Huang Jinhua , Xiong Zhenghui , Hong Feng F. , Ge Zili , Cui Wenguo
Published: November 2021

Background
Hemostasis and repair are two essential processes in wound healing, yet early hemostasis and following vascularization are challenging to address in an integrated manner.
Results
In this study, we constructed a hemostatic sponge OBNC-DFO by fermentation of Acetobacter xylogluconate combined with TEMPO oxidation to obtain oxidized bacterial nanocellulose (OBNC). Then angiogenetic drug desferrioxamine (DFO) was grafted through an amide bond, and it promoted clot formation and activated coagulation reaction by rapid blood absorption. The further release of DFO stimulated the secretion of HIF-1α and the reconstruction of blood flow, thus achieving rapid hemostasis and vascularization in damaged tissue. This new hemostatic sponge can absorb approximately 38 times its weight in 28 seconds, rapidly enhancing clot formation in the early stage of hemostasis. In vitro and in vivo coagulation experiments (in rat tail amputation model and liver trauma model) demonstrated superior pro-coagulation effects of OBNC and OBNC-DFO to clinically used collagen hemostatic sponges (COL). They promoted aggregation and activation of red blood cells and platelets with shorter whole blood clotting time, more robust activation of endogenous coagulation pathways and less blood loss. In vitro cellular assays showed that OBNC-DFO prevailed over OBNC by promoting the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, the release of DFO enhanced the secretion of HIF-1α, further strengthening vascularization in damaged skin. In the rat skin injury model, 28 days after being treated with OBNC-DFO, skin appendages (e.g., hair follicles) became more intact, indicating the achievement of structural and functional regeneration of the skin.
Conclusion
This hemostatic and vascularization-promoting oxidized bacterial nanocellulose hemostatic sponge, which rapidly activates coagulation pathways and enables skin regeneration, is a highly promising hemostatic and pro-regenerative repair biomaterial.
Evolution and Dynamics of Quantum Fluids
Authors: Sengupta Sohan
Published: November 2021

Quantum Fluids follow Quantum Dynamical Equation(s), which were not known till date. There exist a set of two equations, that is semiclassical approach to Quantum Fluids called Madelung’s Equations. But a new fully quantum variant of Madelung’s Equations when embedded in the Schrodinger Equation is gives full description of evolution of Quantum fluid with respect to time and position. The equation presented in this article has two unknown variables, one is density and other is velocity field as a function of spatial and time coordinates. The equation presented in this article, is derived from Schrodinger Equation, obeying Continuity equation, and Navier Strokes Equation. Bohm’s potential were externally added in Madeline’s equation. But the new equation which is fully quantum mechanical in nature; Bohm’s potential appears out of the equation, which is interesting to observe. Astrophysical cold stellar dynamics and condensed fluids have the main application of this equation. Quantum fluids show strange behaviour when compared to normal fluids. It is also shown that quantum fluid also have spins which has no classical analog.
Impact of Temperature and Material Variation on Mechanical Properties of Parts Fabricated with Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Sehhat M. Hossein , Mahdianikhotbesara Ali , Yadegari Farzad
Published: November 2021

Additive Manufacturing (AM) can be deployed for space exploration purposes, such as fabricating different components of robots’ bodies. The produced AM parts should have desirable thermal and mechanical properties to withstand the extreme environmental conditions, including the severe temperature variations on moon or other planets which cause changes in parts’ strengths and may fail their operation. Therefore, the correlation between operational temperature and mechanical properties of AM fabricated parts should be evaluated. In this study, three different types of polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), were used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process to fabricate several parts. The mechanical properties of produced parts were then investigated at various temperatures to generate knowledge on the correlation between temperature and type of material. When varying the operational temperature during tensile tests, the material’s glass transition temperature was found influential in determining the type of material failure. Among the materials used, ABS showed the best mechanical properties at all temperatures due to its highest glass transmission temperatures. The results of statistical analysis indicated the temperature as the significant factor on tensile strength while the change in material did not show a significant effect.
Binary Tree Based Data Gathering Routing Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Bathla Gaurav , Pawar Lokesh , Bajaj Rohit
Published: November 2021

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is an emerging area in networking since the era of 21 st century. The major benefits of WSN using sensor nodes make it affordable, scalable, economic and reliable. The limitations of sensor nodes are in terms of fixed and limited power supply, durability, storage and computational facilities which make energy as a vast challenge in deploying sensor nodes in order to prevent them from draining. This paper proposes a novel deployment scheme for connecting the sensor nodes in the form of a 4-sided virtual full binary tree structure. In the proposed scheme, data is expected to reach resource opulence Base Station (BS) via hops as equal to the height of the tree. Also, the stability of the network will increase by an average value of around 82.78% in the range of 49- 98% with existing scheme of the network lifetime with respect to different scenarios. The proposed scheme gives excellent results with a variable number of nodes and changing the size of deployment area of WSN.
Explainable Neural Network Ensembles
Authors: Chakraborty Manomita , Biswas Saroj Kumar , Purkayastha Biswajit
Published: November 2021

Neural networks are known for providing impressive classification performance, and the ensemble learning technique is further acting as a catalyst to enhance this performance by integrating multiple networks. But like neural networks, neural network ensembles are also considered as a black-box because they cannot explain their decision making process. So, despite having high classification performance, neural networks and their ensembles are not suited for some applications which require explainable decisions. However, the rule extraction technique can overcome this drawback by representing the knowledge learned by a neural network in the guise of interpretable decision rules. A rule extraction algorithm provides neural networks with the power to justify their classification responses through explainable classification rules. Several rule extraction algorithms exist to extract classification rules from neural networks, but only a few of them generates rules using neural network ensembles. So this paper proposes an algorithm named Rule Extraction using Ensemble of Neural Network Ensembles (RE-E-NNES) to demonstrate the high performance of neural network ensembles through rule extraction. RE-E-NNES extracts classification rules by ensembling several neural network ensembles. Results show the efficacy of the proposed RE-E-NNES algorithm compared to different existing rule extraction algorithms.
LDES: Detector Design for Version Number Attack Detection using Linear Temporal Logic based on Discrete Event System
Authors: Seth Abhay Deep , Biswas Santosh , Dhar Amit Kumar
Published: November 2021

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has defined routing protocols for Low Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) for constrained devices. RPL constructs DODAGs (Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graphs), to optimize routing. RPL ensures acyclic topology with the DODAG version number. However, the control message's DODAG version number is not authenticated. So, RPL is vulnerable to topological inconsistency attack known as DODAG Version Number (DVN) attack. DVN attack creates a packet delay, packet loss, cyclic topology, etc., in the network. This paper proposes a method for detecting DODAG version number attacks. Several existing schemes to defend against the DVN, such as cryptographic techniques, trust-based, threshold-based and mitigation are computationally intensive or require protocol modification. DVN does not change the packet format or sequence of packets, but can still perform attacks and hence fall under the category of stealthy attacks, which are difficult to detect using traditional Intrusion Detection System$'$s (IDS). Discrete-Event System (DES) based IDS have been applied in the literature for stealthy attacks that achieve low overhead, low false alarm rate, etc. However, the construction of DES-based IDS for network protocol may lead to errors, as modelling is manual. The resulting IDS, therefore, is unable to guarantee its correctness. This paper proposes Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) based DES paradigm to detect DVN. LTL-based paradigm facilitates formal verification of the DES-based IDS, and hence the correctness of the scheme is ascertained. The proposed technique is simulated using the Contiki cooja simulator. When the percentage of spiteful nodes in the network increases, the true positive rate, and packet delivery rate drops, while the false positive rate and control message overhead increase. The memory requirement for sending the packets and verifying the nodes is minimal. The LTL-based IDS has been formally verified using NuSMV to ensure the correctness of the framework.
Breaking the Limits - Multichromosomal Structure of an Early Eudicot Pulsatilla Patens Mitogenome Reveals Extensive RNA-editing, Longest Repeats and Chloroplast Derived Regions Among Sequenced Land Plant Mitogenomes
Authors: Szandar Kamil , Krawczyk Katarzyna , Myszczyński Kamil , Ślipiko Monika , Sawicki Jakub , Szczecińska Monika
Published: November 2021

Background: The mitogenomes of vascular plants are one of the most structurally diverse molecules. In the present study we characterize mitogenome of a rare and endangered species Pulsatilla patens. We investigated the gene content and its RNA editing potential, repeats distribution and plastid derived sequences.Results: The mitogenome structure of early divergent eudicot, endangered Pulsatilla patens does not support the master chromosome hypothesis, revealing the presence of three linear chromosomes of total length 986 613 bp. The molecules are shaped by the presence of extremely long, exceeding 87 kbp, repeats and multiple chloroplast derived regions including nearly complete inverted repeat. Since the plastid IR content of Ranunculales is very characteristic, the incorporation into mitogenome could be explained rather by intracellular transfer than mitochondrial HGT. The mitogenome contains an almost complete set of genes known from other vascular plants with exception of rps10 and sdh3, the latter being present but pseudogenised. Analysis of long ORFs enabled the identification of genes which are rarely present in plant mitogenomes, including RNA and DNA polymerases, albeit their presence even at species level is variable. Mitochondrial transcripts of P. patens were edited with a high frequency, exceeding the level known in other analyzed angiosperms, despite strict qualification criteria of editing event’s count and analysis of generally less frequently edited leaf transcriptome. The total number of edited sites was 902 and nad4 was identified as the most edited gene with 65 C to U changes. Non-canonical, reverse U to C editing was not detected. Comparative analyses of mitochondrial genes of three Pulsatilla species revealed a level of variation comparable to chloroplast CDS dataset and much higher infrageneric differentiation than in other known angiosperm genera. The variation found in CDS of mitochondrial genes is comparable to values found among Pulsatilla plastomes. Despite a complicated mitogenome structure, 14 single copy regions not splitted by repeats or MTPT of 329 kbp revealed potential for phylogenetic, phylogeographic and population genetics studies by revealing intra- and interspecific collinearity.Conclusions: This studies provides valuable new information about mitochondrial genome of early divergent eudicots, Pulsatilla patens, revealed multi-chromosomal structure and shed new light on mitogenomics of early eudicots.
FAM201A, a Long Noncoding RNA Potentially Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Identified by ceRNA Network Analyses and WGCNA
Authors: Chen Xi , He Xiang-Yu , Dan Qing , Li Yang
Published: November 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia that contributes to various complications. However, little is known about lncRNAs associated with AF susceptibility. In the present study, we aim to identify lncRNAs involved in pathogenesis of AF based on competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analyses and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).Methods: Two lncRNA and mRNA microarray datasets GSE41177 and GSE79768 were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), mRNAs (DEmRNAs) between AF patients and patients with sinus rhythm (SR) were identified from dataset GSE41177. Then, those DElncRNAs associated target miRNAs were predicted. The ceRNA network was constructed based on DElncRNAs, predicted miRNAs and DEmRNAs. To validate the role of AF-related lncRNAs, all lncRNAs form dataset GSE79768 were selected to perform WGCNA. LncRNA modules relevant to AF were identified. Crucial lncRNAs in the module that was most relevant to AF were screened according to the criteria of | Gene significance (GS)| > 0.6 and |Module membership (MM)| > 0.5. Results: A total of 18 DElncRNAs and 350 DEmRNAs were identified between AF patients and SR patients. The final ceRNA network contained 5 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 21 mRNAs. According to the ceRNA theory, combined with the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) database, the ceRNA axis FAM201A-miR-33a-3p-RAC3 was considered associated with AF susceptibility. By WGCNA, the blue module was detected most highly relevant with AF. The lncRNA FAM201A was proved in the blue module and highly related to AF. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that FAM201A might have great potential for susceptibility of AF based on ceRNA network analyses and WGCNA. FAM201A may function, at least partly, as ceRNA to regulate RAC3 in AF susceptibility.
Hierarchical generative modelling for autonomous robots
Authors: Yuan Kai , Sajid Noor , Friston Karl , Li Zhibin
Published: November 2021

Humans can produce complex movements when interacting with their surroundings. This relies on the planning of various movements and subsequent execution. In this paper, we investigated this fundamental aspect of motor control in the setting of autonomous robotic operations. We consider hierarchical generative modelling—for autonomous task completion—that mimics the deep temporal architecture of human motor control. Here, temporal depth refers to the nested time scales at which successive levels of a forward or generative model unfold: for example, the apprehension and delivery of an object requires both a global plan that contextualises the fast coordination of multiple local limb movements. This separation of temporal scales can also be motivated from a robotics and control perspective. Specifically, to ensure versatile sensorimotor control, it is necessary to hierarchically structure high-level planning and low-level motor control of individual limbs. We use numerical experiments to establish the efficacy of this formulation and demonstrate how a humanoid robot can autonomously solve a complex task requiring locomotion, manipulation, and grasping, using a hierarchical generative model. In particular, the humanoid robot can retrieve and deliver a box, open and walk through a door to reach the final destination. Our approach, and experiments, illustrate the effectiveness of using human-inspired motor control algorithms, which provide a scalable hierarchical architecture for autonomous performance of complex goal-directed tasks.
An intra-cytoplasmic route for SARS-CoV-2 transmission unveiled by Helium-ion microscopy
Authors: Merolli Antonio , Kasaei Leila , Ramsamy Santhamani , Kolloli Afsal , Kumar Ranjeet , Subbian Selvakumar , Feldman Leonard
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 virions enter the host cells by docking their spike glycoproteins to the membrane-bound Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2. After intracellular assembly, the newly formed virions are released from the infected cells to propagate the infection, using the extra-cytoplasmic ACE2 docking mechanism. However, the molecular events underpinning SARS-CoV-2 transmission between host cells are not fully understood. Here, we report the findings of a scanning Helium-ion microscopy study performed on Vero E6 cells infected with mNeonGreen-expressing SARS-CoV-2. Our data reveal, with unprecedented resolution, the presence of: 1)-long tunneling nanotubes that connect two or more host cells over submillimeter distances; 2)-large scale multiple cell fusion events (syncytia); and 3)-abundant extracellular vesicles of various sizes. Taken together, these ultrastructural features describe a novel intra-cytoplasmic connection among SARS-CoV-2 infected cells that may act as an alternative route of viral transmission, disengaged from the well-known extra-cytoplasmic ACE2 docking mechanism. Our findings may explain the elusiveness of SARS-CoV-2 to survive from the immune surveillance of the infected host.
Vaccination Coverage in Cancer Outpatients: An Interventional Multicenter Before-and-After Study
Authors: Riviere Pierre , Penel Nicolas , Faure Karine , Marie Guillaume , Najem Abeer , Rivière Marie-Karelle , Panaget Sophie
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Despite widely disseminated guidelines, pneumococcal and influenza vaccination coverage (VC) remains insufficient in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. We aimed to perform an interventional study to evaluate and improve VC in cancer patients treated in the medical oncology departments of three North-of-France hospitals. Methods: A standardized questionnaire assessed VC in adult cancer patients receiving anticancer treatment in three day hospitals from December 2–7, 2019. Subsequently (January 2020), we organized educational training sessions for medical staff in each hospital to discuss the current vaccination guidelines. To assess the impact of training on pneumococcal and influenza VC, we re-administered the same questionnaire in March 2020. Because there were no specific guidelines on Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccination and no improvement was expected, DTP VC acted as an internal control. Results: In total, 272 patients were enrolled in the “before study” in all three hospitals; 156 patients were enrolled in the “after study” in only two hospitals, as data collection in the third was impossible because of COVID-19 pandemic national containment. The predictors were age for DTP VC, treatment center for pneumococcal VC, and age, sex, and tumor histology (adenocarcinoma vs. others) for influenza VC. Influenza VC was significantly improved post-intervention (42.6% vs. 55.1%, p=0.0169), especially in fragile patients, whereas pneumococcal VC was not (11.8% vs. 15.4%, p=0.3575).Conclusion:As expected, VC was very low in cancer patients, consistent with the literature. The intervention’s impact was limited for pneumococcal VC. The increased influenza VC may reflect the result of the national influenza vaccination campaign.
Stress Analysis of the Lower Lumbar Spine Three-joint Complex According to Different Pelvic Incidences
Authors: Lai Qi , Yin Jun , Zhang Zi Zhen , Yang Jie , Wan Zongmiao
Published: November 2021

Background: Pelvic incidence is closely related to degeneration of the facet joint and intervertebral disc and is related to the orientation of the facet joints. Currently, very few studies have been conducted on the force analysis of the three-joint complex in patients with different pelvic incidence measurements under different sports postures. We designed this study to better assess the influence of pelvic incidence on the stress of the lumbar three-joint complex. Finite element analysis can provide a biomechanical basis for the relationship between different pelvic incidences and degenerative diseases of the lower lumbar spine.Methods: We developed three nonlinear finite element models of the lumbar spine (L1-S1) with different pelvic incidences (27.44°, 47.05°, and 62.28°) and validated them to study the biomechanical response of facet joints and intervertebral discs with a follower preload of 400 N, under different torques (5 Nm, 10 Nm, and 15 Nm), and compared the stress of the three-joint complex of the lower lumbar spine (L3-S1) in different positions (flexion-extension, left-right bending, and left-right torsion).Results: In the flexion position, the stress of the disc in the low pelvic incidence model was the largest among the three models; the stress of the facet joint in the high pelvic incidence model was the largest among the three groups during the extension position. During torsion, the intradiscal pressure of the high pelvic incidence model was higher than that of the other two models in the L3/4 segment, and the maximum von Mises stress of the annulus fibrosus in the L5/S1 segment with a large pelvic incidence was greater than that of the other two models.Conclusions: Pelvic incidence is related to the occurrence and development of degenerative lumbar diseases. The stress of the lower lumbar facet joints and fibrous annulus of individuals with a high pelvic incidence is greater than that of individuals with a low pelvic incidence or a normal pelvic incidence. Although this condition only occurs in individual segments, to a certain extent, it can also reflect the influence of pelvic incidence on the force of the three-joint complex of the lower lumbar spine.
Anemia Requiring Transfusion in Breast Cancer Patients on Dose-dense Chemotherapy: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Cost and Effect on Disease Outcome.
Authors: Sharma Parth , Georgy Josh Thomas , Andrews Anand George , John Ajoy Oommen , Joel Anjana , Chacko Raju Titus , Singh Ashish
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Dose dense chemotherapy improves survival but also increases toxicity and treatment related cost. Here we report the prevalence of anemia, understand the risk factors of chemotherapy related anemia and determine the cost and time-delay associated with transfusion requirement in Indian non-metastatic breast cancer patients on dose dense preoperative chemotherapy.Methods: In this study, 116 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients were treated preoperatively with Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide alternating with Epirubicin and Cisplatin every 2-weekly. Patients were evaluated for anemia pre- and post-chemotherapy. We examined trends in the cell counts, transfusion requirement, time to transfusion as well as risk factors associated with transfusion during treatment, along with delay in treatment due to anemia and the additional cost incurred.Results: One hundred and sixteen women with high-risk non-metastatic TNBC were treated. Median age was 44.5 years. 56.1% had stage III disease. Delivery of 6/8 planned doses was achieved in 98.3% of patients, and all 8 doses in 86% patients. Anemia was detected at baseline in 54(46.5%) patients with mild(10-12g/dl) anemia in 42(36.2%) patients and moderate(8-10g/dl) in 12(10.3%) patients. Forty-four patients (37.9%) required transfusion during chemotherapy with 55(47.4%) patients having grade 1-2 anemia and 40(34.5%) patients having grade 3 anemia. The factors associated with transfusion were low grade of tumor (OR 2.48 (95% CI 1.08 - 5.68), p = 0.025), hemoglobin post 2 cycles of chemotherapy (OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.21- 2.51), p = 0.003), thrombocytopenia grade 3 or 4 (OR 4.35 (95% CI 1.062-17.827), p = 0.034) and drop in hemoglobin after 2 cycles (OR 1.65 (95% CI 1.09-2.48), p = 0.017). Nearly one fourth of the study population had a delay between two cycles of chemotherapy due to anemia. A median additional cost of Rs 7000 (IQR-Rs 7000 – Rs 14000) was incurred on transfusion.Conclusion: Anemia is a common toxicity associated with dose dense chemotherapy during curative breast cancer treatment leading to delay in treatment and increased cost. Low grade tumor, grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and Grade 2 or higher anemia after 2 cycles of chemotherapy are risk factors for blood transfusions during treatment.
Use of Cellular Automata-Based Artificial Neural Networks For Detection and Prediction of Land Use Changes in North Eastern Dhaka City
Authors: Rahman Foyezur , Rahman Md. Tauhid Ur
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the pattern of change in Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) in Mirpur and its surrounding area (north-eastern part of Dhaka) over the last 30 years using Landsat Satellite images and remote sensing indices, and to develop relationships between LULC types and LST, as well as to analyze their impact on local warming. Using this analyzed data, a further projection of LULC and LST change over the next two decades was made. From 1989 to 2019, five-year intervals of Landsat 4-5 TM and Landsat 8 OLI pictures were utilized to track the relationship between LULC changes and LST. Cellular Automata-based Artificial Neural Network (CA-ANN) algorithm was used to model the LULC and LST maps for the year 2039. Two environmental indices were analyzed to determine their link with LST: the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). The link between LST and LULC types indicates that built-up area raises LST by substituting non-evaporating surfaces for natural vegetation. The average surface temperature has been increasing steadily for the previous 30 years. For the year 2019, it was determined that roughly 86 percent of total land area has been converted to built-up area and that 89 percent of land area has an LST greater than 28°C. According to the study, if the current trend continues, 72 percent of the Mirpur area is predicted to see temperatures near 32°C in 2039. Additionally, LST had a significant positive association with NDBI and a negative correlation with NDVI. The overall accuracy of LULC was greater than 90%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.83. The study may assist urban planners and environmental engineers in comprehending and recommending effective policy measures and plans to mitigate the consequences of LULC.
Stress Detection using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning over social Interactions
Authors: Nijhawan Tanya , Attigeri Girija , T Ananthakrishna
Published: November 2021

Cyberspace is a vast soapbox for people to post anything that they witness in their day-to-day lives. Subsequently, it can be used as a very effective tool in detecting the stress levels of an individual based on the posts and comments shared by him/her on social networking platforms. We leverage large-scale datasets with tweets to successfully accomplish sentiment analysis with the aid of machine learning algorithms. We take the help of a capable deep learning pre-trained model called BERT to solve the problems which come with sentiment classification. The BERT model outperforms a lot of other well-known models for this job without any sophisticated architecture. We also adopted Latent Dirichlet Allocation which is an unsupervised machine learning method that’s skilled in scanning a group of documents, recognizing the word and phrase patterns within them, and gathering word groups and alike expressions that most precisely illustrate a set of documents. This helps us predict which topic is linked to the textual data. With the aid of the models suggested, we will be able to detect the emotion of users online. We are primarily working with Twitter data because Twitter is a website where people express their thoughts often. In conclusion, this proposal is for the well- being of one’s mental health. The results are evaluated using various metric at macro and micro level and indicate that the trained model detects the status of emotions bases on social interactions.
KÜLLERİNDEN DOĞAN TARTIŞMA: REKABET YASAĞI SÖZLEŞMESİNDEN (TBK m. 444 vd.) KAYNAKLI UYUŞMAZLIKLARDA GÖREVLİ MAHKEMENİN TESPİTİNDE NE DEĞİŞTİ NE DEĞİŞMEDİ?
Authors: SARIKAYA Sinan
Published: November 2021

İş sözleşmesinin sona ermesinden sonraki döneme ilişkin rekabet yasağından kaynaklı uyuşmazlıkların çözümünde hangi mahkemenin görevli olduğu hususundaki tartışma İş Mahkemeleri Kanunu’nun 25.10.2017’de yürürlüğe girmesi ile yeniden alevlenmiştir. İşMahK m.5/I-a’da Türk Borçlar Kanunu’nun hizmet sözleşmelerine ilişkin Bölümü’ne yapılan atıf ile artık 2012 ve 2013’te verilen HGK kararlarının hükümden düştüğü yönünde görüşler ileri sürülmekte ve bu görüşler yargı kararlarına yansımaktadır. İstanbul BAM 13. ve 43. HD. iş mahkemesinin görevli olduğunu içtihat etmektedir. Bunları takip eden pek çok asliye ticaret mahkemesi de görevsizlik kararı vermektedir. İstanbul BAM 12. HD. ise asliye ticaret mahkemesinin görevli olduğu yönünde kesin olarak hüküm tesis etmektedir. Yargıtay 9. HD. de önceki görüşüne geri dönmüş ve iş mahkemelerinin görevli olduğu yönünde karar vermiştir. Bu makalede, işçinin rekabet yasağı sözleşmesinden kaynaklı olarak açılan davalarda görevli mahkemenin tespiti noktasında İşMahK m.5/I-a, tartışmada varılan sonuç değil ve fakat tartışmanın yeniden alevlenmesi noktasında milat kabul edilerek, doktrin ve yeni yargı kararları ışığında görüşümüz ortaya konulmaya çalışılacaktır. Ancak gelinen noktada, on yıllardır tartışılmakta olan ve 2012-2013 yıllarında verilen Hukuk Genel Kurulu kararları ile nihayete erdiği düşünülen konu üzerinde gerek doktrin gerek yargı kararlarında halen fikir birliği sağlanamadığı açıktır. Yapılan bu tartışma ve aynı uyuşmazlık için fark mahkemelerin farklı yönde verdikleri kararlar yaşanan görev sorununun artık “kangren” haline geldiğini göstermektedir.
Pengembangan Alat Praktikum Tumbukan Menggunakan Mikrokontroler, Sensor Ultrasonik, dan Lintasan Air Track
Authors: Umam Khaerul , Hartono Hartono , Sulhadi Sulhadi
Published: November 2021

Momentum is one of the physics topics that students can better understand with practical activities. The problem found in using the ticker timer as a speed gauge in the collision practicum is that the measurement process interferes with the system being measured. This research develops a collision practicum tool using a microcontroller and ultrasonic sensor as a distance recorder. The glide track used is an air track. Based on the research conducted, it can be concluded that the collision practicum tool with a microcontroller and a glide track in the form of an air track can work well. The distance recorder or DRD is capable of recording distances every 0.2 seconds. The ultrasonic sensor as a gauge has an accuracy of 99.6% and a relative error of 0.56% for sensor 1. Meanwhile, sensor 2 has an accuracy of 99% and a relative error of 0.85%. Through the distance data obtained, it is possible to obtain an increase in momentum before and before the collision.
Evaluation of ECMWF's forecasting system for probabilistic urban flood prediction: a case study in Mexico City
Authors: López López Marco R. , Pedrozo-Acuña Adrián , Severiano Covarrubias Marcela L.
Published: November 2021

As the world continues urbanizing, including efforts to forge a new framework of urban development is necessary. Recent studies related to flood prediction and mitigation have shown that Ensemble Prediction Systems (EPSs) constitute a valuable and essential tool for an Early Warning System. However, the use of EPS for flood forecasting in urban zones has yet to be understood. This work has the objective to investigate the potential use of the Operational EPS, issued by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), for probabilistic urban flood prediction. In this research, a precipitation forecast verification was carried out in two study zones: (1) Mexico Valley Basin and (2) Mexico City, where for the latter, forecasts were compared against real-time observed data. The results showed good forecast reliability for a rain threshold of up to 20 mm in 24-hourly accumulations, with the first 36 h of the forecast horizon being the most reliable. The EPS has sufficient resolution and precision for flood prediction in Mexico City, which represents a further step toward developing a flood warning system at the local level based on ensemble forecasts.
Research and application of parameter estimation method in hydrological model based on dual ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Lu Mengtian , Lu Sicheng , Liao Weihong , Lei Xiaohui , Yin Zhaokai , Wang Hao
Published: November 2021

Although field measurements and using long hydrological datasets provide a reliable method for parameters' calibration, changes in the underlying basin surface and lack of hydrometeorological data may affect parameter accuracy in streamflow simulation. The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) can be used as a real-time parameter correction method to solve this problem. In this study, five representative Xin'anjiang model parameters are selected to study the effects of the initial parameter ensemble distribution and the specific function form of the parameter on the EnKF parameter estimation process for both single and multiple parameters. Results indicate: (1) the method of parameter calibration to determine the initial distribution mean can improve the assimilation efficiency; (2) there is mutual interference among the parameters during multiple parameters' estimation which invalidates some conclusions of single-parameter estimation. We applied and evaluated the EnKF method in Jinjiang River Basin, China. Compared to traditional approaches, our method showed a better performance in both basins with long hydrometeorological dataset (an increase of Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) from 0.810 to 0.887 and a decrease of bias from −1.08% to −0.74%); and in basins with a lack of hydrometeorological data (an increase of KGE from 0.536 to 0.849 and a decrease of bias from −15.55% to −11.42%).
Urban water conundrums in Zimbabwe – the role of water policy and its implementation gaps
Authors: Taonameso Solomon , Mudau Lutendo Sylvia , Traoré Afsatou Ndama , Potgieter Natasha
Published: November 2021

Zimbabwe's urban areas are experiencing a dearth of water services, which is epitomized by acute water shortages and high morbidity due to waterborne diseases. The possible contribution of failures of water policy implementation to this state of affairs is explored. This review identifies and assesses 122 studies in Zimbabwe and in other countries that have analyzed water policies, in order to understand the factors which create gaps in policy implementation. It was found that these implementation gaps are mainly a result of capacity limitations in institutions, finances, and social and technical/human resources. There is currently very limited literature available that analyses water policy in Zimbabwe. In order to overcome the water conundrums in Zimbabwe's urban areas it is recommended that a literature review combined with an empirical study of both qualitative and quantitative gaps between the Zimbabwe National Water Policy and its implementation be undertaken. In particular, the review and study should focus on capacity limitations in institutions, finances, and social and technical/human resources in Zimbabwe.
Allergen-specific Immunotherapy for Inhalant Allergens in Children
Authors: Caffarelli Carlo , Cangemi Jessica , Mastrorilli Carla , Giannetti Arianna , Ricci Giampaolo
Published: November 2021

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) for aeroallergens consists of the administration
of standardized allergen extracts to patients with respiratory IgE-mediated diseases to the same allergen
in order to achieve immune tolerance to the allergen and prevent the onset of symptoms.
AIT is usually delivered by sublingual (SLIT), subcutaneous (SCIT) route. AIT with one or multiple
allergens currently represents the only causal treatment able to change the natural history of allergic
airway diseases. Significant progresses have been made in terms of AIT efficacy and safety.

In this paper, mechanisms of action, indication and side effects of allergen immunotherapy are reviewed.

SLIT and SCIT have been found to be effective in the treatment of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis
due to inhalant allergens. The route of AIT administration should be selected on availability, cost
(dependent from the local health system), tolerability (better for SLIT), patient’s preference (injections
are less accepted in young children), and adherence (higher for SCIT beyond pediatric age).
However, it should be taken into account that metanalyses on AIT do not consider that effectiveness
and safety depend upon the product chosen for treatment. Each product should be separately
assessed to avoid generalization on administration routes or age group that may affect the decision.
Biologics in Children with Allergic Diseases
Authors: Licari Amelia , Manti Sara , Marseglia Alessia , De Filippo Maria , De Sando Elisabetta , Foiadelli Thomas , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of allergic diseases has been remarkably increased in the last decades.
The global health burden of these conditions is substantial, since patients may experience disability,
anxiety and emotional distress, social restrictions, and reduced quality of life and productivity, in
particular, in the most severe cases. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of allergic
disorders have allowed identifying novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of severe
and uncontrolled allergic diseases. Although most studies have been performed in allergic asthma,
biological drugs targeting other allergic diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria, atopic dermatitis,
and food allergy are showing promising results. In this review, the most recent evidence on
biologic therapies for allergic diseases, focusing on the pediatric age has been presented.
Non-IgE Mediated Food Allergy
Authors: Cianferoni Antonella
Published: November 2021

Food allergies, defined as an immune response to food proteins, affect as many as 8% of young children and 2% of adults in western countries, and their prevalence appears to be rising like all allergic diseases. In addition to well-recognized urticaria and anaphylaxis triggered by IgE antibody– mediated immune responses, there is an increasing recognition of cell-mediated disorders, such as eosinophilic esophagitis and food protein–induced enterocolitis. Non-IgE-Mediated gastrointestinal food allergies are a heterogeneous group of food allergies in which there is an immune reaction against food but the primary pathogenesis is not a production of IgE and activation of mast cells and basophils.

Those diseases tend to affect mainly the gastrointestinal tract and can present as acute (FPIES) or chronic reaction, such as Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), Food Protein-Induced Allergic Proctocolitis (FPIAP). The role of food allergy in Non-EoE gastrointestinal Eosinophilic disorders (Non- EoE EGID) is poorly understood.

In some diseases like EoE, T cell seems to play a major role in initiating the immunological reaction against food, however, in FPIES and FPIAP, the mechanism of sensitization is not clear.

Diagnosis requires food challenges and/or endoscopies in most of the patients, as there are no validated biomarkers that can be used for monitoring or diagnosis of Non-IgE mediated food allergies.

The treatment of Non-IgE food allergy is dependent on diet (FPIES, and EoE) and/or use of drugs (i.e. steroids, PPI) in EoE and Non-EoE EGID.

Non-IgE mediated food allergies are being being investigated.
Relationship Between Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy
Authors: Domínguez Olga , Plaza Ana María , Alvaro Montserrat
Published: November 2021

Consistent evidence has been found on the relationship between food allergy (FA) and
atopic dermatitis (AD) in some children. Food sensitization can be often found in these patients.
Allergy should be confirmed, though, with a food challenge test (FC) before advising a restrictive
diet which could be harmful for the patient. Younger children with AD frequently show sensitization
to egg, milk or peanut, while older ones and adults are more often sensitized to environmental
allergens such as house dust mites, moulds, animal dander or pollens. It is well known that a barrier
disturbance plays a main role in the development of sensitization and allergy. Therefore, due to the
early appearance of AD, preventive newborn skincare with emollients and early introduction of
food appear to be very important to determine food tolerance.
Public policy acceptability
Authors: Zulkhairil AM , Akib Haedar , Suradi Suradi
Published: November 2021

This study aims to analyze the acceptability of the implementation of teacher management transfer policies in South Sulawesi Province. This qualitative descriptive study describes and analyzes the acceptability of teacher management transfer education policies at the Education Office of South Sulawesi Province. The research method with a descriptive approach. Data was collected by interviewing teachers and implementers involved in implementing the transfer of management policy. The data analysis used is descriptive. The results of the study indicate that the acceptability of teachers and managers of SMA/SMK in South Sulawesi Province shows their acceptance of this policy. From the initial reaction, there were good expectations for the implementation of this policy, even though there were still some obstacles at the beginning of the management process, such as late salaries that occurred due to changes in administrative processes and coordination across districts geographically, South Sulawesi Province was quite extensive.