bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving power efficiency in 6G wireless communication networks through reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for different phase information
Authors: Rad Amin Mahmoudi , Pourrostam Jafar , Tinati Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2022

With increasing needs for high-bitrate, ultra-reliability, spectral efficiency, power efficiency, and reducing latency in the wireless network, global studies on the sixth generation of this network began in 2020. In this paper, we will look at intelligent reconfigurable surface structure and its application in new promising physical layer technologies, such as terahertz communications and UM-MIMO systems, to support very high bitrate and superior network capacity in the 6G wireless communications. Although, terahertz communications and UM-MIMO systems are the primary research points and confront many challenges for practical implementation. They require many RF chains and create problems in terms of cost and hardware complexity which RIS can simplify hardware and reduce cost. Therefore, we will present different modeling of wireless communication systems based on RIS for different phase information. Simulation results obtained by examining SNR performance and the error probability that shows the improvement of the received signal quality. According to results, RIS-based wireless communications can become an optimized model for future wireless communication systems.
Joint modeling method of question intention recognition and slot filling for domain-oriented question answering system
Authors: Wang Huiyong , Yang Ding , Guo Liang , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: June 2022

Question answering systems are developing continuously. To make the machine comprehend the user input discourse better, question processing has become an active research topic of natural language processing. Intention recognition is a semantic classification task and a crucial step in question answering system construction. The effect of intention recognition influences the response of the whole question answering system. Therefore, an efficient intention recognition model plays an important role in the construction of a question answering system. The intention recognition task is correlated with the slot filling task. We propose an improved joint modeling method for intention recognition and slot filling, in which the two tasks are executed simultaneously. The experiment is carried out on two public datasetsATIS and Snips, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model has an optimization effect. Based on the computer literature Knowledge Graph (SCIKG), the domain-specific dataset named CSLQ is constructed. In addition, experiments on the previous joint task model verify the effectiveness of the constructed dataset CSLQ. The experimental results on the three kinds of datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model compared with the other methods.
The utilization of health care services by people with type 2 diabetes living in slums in Tabriz, Iran, and sociodemographic factors that influence it: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghammari Fawzieh , Jalilian Habib , Khodayari-zarnaq Rahim , Gholizadeh Masumeh
Published: June 2022

Background
As one of the disadvantaged groups, slum-dwellers face health disparities. These disparities can also be attributed to inequalities in health care utilization. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate health care utilization among patients with type 2 diabetes living in Tabriz's slums in 2022.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Our study included participants who were over 18 years old, did not suffer from physical and psychological disabilities and had lived in slums for at least 5 years. 13155 patients with type 2 diabetes live in slums in Tabriz, according to the official statistics of the Vice Chancellor for Health at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Thus, we selected 400 patients using stratified systematic random sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data, and SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the results.
Results
Of the 400 patients, 215 were female (53.8%), 323 were illiterate or could read and write (58%) and 303 had low income (75.2%). Only 15% had supplementary health insurance, while 82.3% had basic coverage. Although 49.8% of patients felt they needed outpatient services, only 38.3% were able to receive them. A blood sugar test is the most frequently received service (50%), while psychological counseling is the least frequently received consultation (3.30%). Outpatient services were used more frequently by patients with higher socioeconomic status and those with diabetes complications (P 0.05). The utilization of inpatient services was higher among older and less educated people (P 0.05).
Conclusion
Among slum-dwellers with type 2 diabetes, health care utilization is low. The government and health system should focus on providing adequate education about diabetes and its importance, empowering slum-dwellers to improve self-care and disease management, expanding public insurance coverage, and sufficient coverage of costs by insurance organizations.
Genetic Pleiotropy Underpinning Adiposity and Inflammation in Self-Identified Hispanic/Latino Populations
Authors: Anwar Mohammad Yaser , Baldassari Antoine R. , Polikowsky Hannah G. , Sitlani Colleen M. , Highland Heather M. , Chami Nathalie , Chen Hung-Hsin , Graff Mariaelisa , Howard Annie Green , Jung Su Yon , Petty Lauren E. , Wang Zhe , Zhu Wanying , Buyske Steven , Cheng Iona , Kaplan Robert , Kooperberg Charles , Loos Ruth J.F. , Peters Ulrike , McCormick Joseph B. , Fisher-Hoch Susan P. , Avery Christy L , Taylor Kira C , Below Jennifer E. , North Kari E.
Published: June 2022

Background
Concurrent variation in adiposity and inflammation suggests potential shared functional pathways and pleiotropic disease underpinning. Yet, exploration of pleiotropy in the context of adiposity-inflammation has been scarce, and none has included self-identified Hispanic/Latino populations. Given the high level of ancestral diversity in Hispanic American population, genetic studies may reveal variants that are infrequent/monomorphic in more homogeneous populations.
Methods
Using multi-trait Adaptive Sum of Powered Score (aSPU) method, we examined individual and shared genetic effects underlying inflammatory (CRP) and adiposity-related traits (Body Mass Index [BMI]), and central adiposity (Waist to Hip Ratio [WHR]) in HLA participating in the Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) cohort (N = 35,871) with replication of effects in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC) which consists of Mexican American individuals.
Results
Of the > 16 million SNPs tested, variants representing 7 independent loci were found to illustrate significant association with multiple traits. Two out of 7 variants were replicated at statistically significant level in multi-trait analyses in CCHC. The lead variant on APOE (rs439401) and rs11208712 were found to harbor multi-trait associations with adiposity and inflammation.
Conclusions
Results from this study demonstrate the importance of considering pleiotropy for improving our understanding of the etiology of the various metabolic pathways that regulate cardiovascular disease development.
Molecular detection and antibiogram profile of Riemerella anatipestifer in duck farming areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Alamgir , Bose Palash , Aktar Mst Tachlima , Haque Zobayda Farzana , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Hossain Muhammad Tofazzal , Siddique Mahbubul Pratik
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Collisional Dynamics of Dromion Triplet for (2+1) Dimensional Coupled Integrable Maccari’s System
Authors: B Sivatharani , Subramanian K , T Alagesan , S Mani Rajan M
Published: June 2022

Using the Truncated Painlevѐ Approach, this work investigates the (2+1) dimensional coupled integrable Maccari’s system. As a result, the solutions are constructed in terms of arbitrary functions. Utilizing the arbitrary functions present in the solution, a variety of localized solutions such as dromion triplet pairs, dromions and rogue waves are generated. The dromion pairs in the two dimensional plane were constructed and their collisional behaviors were explored by selecting the arbitrary functions with adequate initial parameters. In addition to the dromion triplet pairs, dromions and rogue wave solutions were also generated. It is observed that the dromions and rogue waves are unstable and stationary. Keywords: Dromion triplet pairs, Rogue wave, Truncated Painlevѐ Approach
Concept and Dependencies Enhanced Graph Convolutional Networks for Short Text Classification
Authors: Zhang Hu , Bai Ping , Li Ru
Published: June 2022

Short text classification task is a special kind of text classification task in that the text to be classified is generally short, typically generating a sparse text representation that lacks rich semantic information. Given this shortcoming, scholars worldwide have explored improved short text classification methods based on deep learning. However, existing methods cannot effectively use concept knowledge and long-distance word dependencies. Therefore, based on graph neural networks from the perspective of text composition, we propose concept and dependencies enhanced graph convolutional networks for short text classification. First, the co-occurrence relationship between words, the inclusion relationship between documents and words, long-distance word dependencies, and the association relationship between external concepts and words are defined. Then, a text graph is constructed for an entire text corpus based on the four relationships. Finally, the text graph is input into graph convolutional neural networks, and the category of each document node is predicted after two layers of convolution. Experimental results show that our proposed method overall best on multiple classical English text classification datasets.
A Digital Twin of Synchronized Circular Laser Array for Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Attariani Hamed , Petitjean Shayna Renay , Dousti Majid
Published: June 2022

The formation of undesirable microstructures and defects hinders the widespread use of additive manufacturing, e.g., the formation of columnar grains in Ti-6Al-4V leads to undesirable anisotropic mechanical properties. Here, the microstructure produced by a novel synchronized circular laser array for application in the powder bed fusion technique is investigated. The temporal temperature distribution for different process parameters (laser power, scanning speed, and internal distance between lasers in the array) were obtained by an anisotropic heat transfer model, and the Hunt criterion was employed to construct the solidification map. The results revealed that a degree of overlap between lasers is recommended to form a coherent melt pool, avoid degeneracy in surface quality, and maintain adequate resolution for all processing windows. However, laser overlap is not required for low scanning speed and high power scenarios. Finally, microstructure prediction shows that 45% of printed track includes equiaxed grains at a high power regime (500 W). However, the volume fraction of the equiaxed microstructure is reduced by decreasing laser power.
What is the impact of endometrioma on IVF/ICSI outcomes in patients with endometriosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Chang Jui-Chun , Yi Yu-Chiao , Chen Ya-Fang , Guu Hwa-Fen , Kung Hsiao-Fan , Chen Li-Yu , Chuan Shih-Ting , Chen Ming-Jer
Published: June 2022

Background
Does endometrioma per se, different from endometriosis, have specific impacts on IVF/ICSI outcomes? Dose cystectomy of the endometrioma improve IVF/ICSI outcomes?
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 2153 IVF/ICSI cases treated during Jan/01/2014 to Dec/31/2020 in VGHTC. Two-hundred-and-eight women receiving IVF/ICSI treatment due to endometriosis. The control group consisted of 624 infertile women without endometriosis. First, we divided 208 patients into those with endometrioma (89) and those only with endometriosis (119). Second, we divided patients into primary endometrioma, recurrent endometrioma and those having received cystectomy for endometrioma before IVF/ICSI. Reproductive outcomes were compared.
Results
We found in the endometrioma subgroup (B), the usage gonadotropin dose was significantly higher, and the blastocyst formation rate was significantly lower compared with endometriosis (A) and control group (C). The CLBR (60.5% versus 49.4% versus 56.9%, p = 0.194 in A versus B, p = 0.406 in A versus C, p = 0.878 in B versus C) were comparable. From the second analysis, the blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher in the s/p cystectomy group. The CLBR were comparable (47.1%, 60% and 57.9% p = 0.194 in D versus E, p = 0.406 in D versus F, p = 0.878 in E versus F, in primary endometrioma (D), s/p cystectomy (E) and recurrent endometrioma group (F)).
Conclusions
Although the blastocyst formation rate was lower, and the usage gonadotropin dose was higher in the endometrioma group, CLBR was not worse than those with endometriosis or control. Cystectomy for endometrioma did not alter IVF/ICSI outcomes if ovarian reserve is comparable. Recurrent endometrioma did not worsen ART outcome than primary endometrioma.
Appropriate management of Kawasaki disease patients with coronary artery aneurysms: an interim report on a multicentric prospective registry study three years after commencement
Authors: Koyama Yutaro , Miura Masaru , Kobayashi Tohru , Hokosaki Tatsunori , Suganuma Eisuke , Numano Fujito , Furuno Kenji , Shiono Junko , Ebata Ryota , Fuse Shigeto , Fukazawa Ryuji , Mitani Yoshihide
Published: June 2022

The remote prognosis of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) complicated by coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) is still unclear. The present, multicentric registry study aimed to study the factors associated with coronary events (CE) and determine an appropriate management method for patients with KD complicated with medium-sized or large CAA from 2015 to the present. The primary endpoint was the time-dependent incidence of CE. Associated factors were also examined. In total, 179 patients from 53 centers were enrolled and followed up for a median of 501 days. The median age at KD onset was 2.2 years, 137 patients were male (77%), 47 had incomplete KD (26%), and 36 had large CAA (20%). CE occurred in 13 patients (7%; 95% confidence interval: 4-12%); eight (62%) experienced CE within one year, and all the patients experienced a CE within two years. All but one patient received antiplatelet drugs and warfarin. Patients with a large CAA had significantly more CAA (2.8 vs. 1.7, p < 0.001), more cases of warfarin use (86% vs. 43%, p < 0.001), and were more likely to have CE (28% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) than those with a medium-sized CAA. On Cox proportional hazards analysis, the factors significantly associated with CE were large CAA (hazard ratio (HR): 17.0), three or more CAA (HR: 23.3), and beaded CAA (HR: 15.9).Conclusion: Patients with a large CAA were more likely to have a CE within two years, suggesting that antithrombotic therapy with warfarin may have limited efficacy. Patients with multiple or beaded CAA should be managed carefully.
Clinical sequencing identifies potential actionable alterations in a high rate of urachal and primary bladder adenocarcinomas
Authors: Varadi Melinda , Nagy Nikolett , Reis Henning , Hadaschik Boris , Niedworok Christian , Modos Orsolya , Szendroi Attila , Ablat Jason , Black Peter , Keresztes David , Csizmarik Anita , Olah Csilla , Gaisa Nadine , Kiss András , Tímár József , Toth Erika , Csernák Erzsébet , Gerstner Arpad , Mittal Vinay , Karkampouna Sofia , de Julio Marianna Kruithof , Gyorffy Balazs , Bedics Gabor , Rink Michael , Fisch Margit , Nyirády Peter , Szarvas Tibor
Published: June 2022

Administration of targeted therapies provides a promising treatment strategy for rare cancers such as urachal adenocarcinoma (UrC) or primary bladder adenocarcinoma (PBAC), however, the selection of appropriate drugs remains difficult. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to establish a routine compatible methodological pipeline for the identification of the most important therapeutic targets and potentially effective drugs for UrC and PBAC. Next-generation sequencing using a 161 cancer driver gene panel was performed on 41 UrC and 13 PBAC samples. Clinically relevant alterations were filtered by four publicly available databases. Therapeutic interpretation has been performed by in silico evaluation of drug-gene interactions using an evidence-based decision support tool. After data processing, 45/54 samples (33 UrC and 12 PBAC) passed the quality control. The sequencing analyses revealed a total of 191 pathogenic SNVs in 68 genes. The most frequent gain-of-function mutations in UrC were found in KRAS (33%), MYC (15%), EGFR (9%) and ERBB2 (9%), while in PBAC KRAS (25%), MYC (25%), FLT3 (17%) and TERT (17%) were recurrently affected. The most frequently affected pathways in both tumour types were related to cell cycle regulation, DNA damage control and the MAPK/RAS pathway. Actionable mutations with at least one available, regulatory agency-approved drug could be identified for 31/33 (94%) of UrC and 8/12 (67%) of PBAC patients. In this study, we used a commercially available assay and developed a data processing pipeline for the detection and therapeutic interpretation of genetic alterations in two rare cancers. Our analyses revealed actionable mutations in a high rate of cases, including EGFR, BRCA, CCND1/2/3, ERBB2, METex14 suggesting a potentially feasible strategy for both UrC and PBAC treatment.
Effect of Annealing on Thermal and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Zennaki Assia , Zair Latifa , Arabeche Khadidja , Benkraled Lina , Maschke Ulrich , Berrayah Abdelkader
Published: June 2022

Effects of annealing temperature (Ta: 80-140°C) and time (ta: 3-30 h) on the crystalline phase transition in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). In the DSC curves, the sample annealed at Ta=80°C with time interval (ta: 10-30 h) demonstrates a peculiarly small exothermal peak (Texo) around 130°C, just prior to the melting point, corresponding to the disorder-to-order (a’-to- a) phase transition, while the sample annealed at temperature (Ta: 90-110°C) shows a double melting behavior considered as the a'- a phase transition. At Ta>110°C, the a′ -form of PLA was found to transform into the a one during the annealing process. The a’- a phase transition around 100°C (Ta: 90-110°C), determined from the two melting peaks (Tm1 and Tm2) as function of Ta at different times ta, shows a good correlation with the substantial increase in the crystallinity rate (Xc) with a maximum of 32% at Ta=120°C. Towards low temperatures, the glass modulus Eg reported by DMA thermograms, shows an important increase (~30 000 MPa) at Ta=80°C for ta=3 h, due to the nucleation density extremely high in low PLA materials crystallization. After a sharp drop to 3 600 MPa at Ta=110°C, a marked improvement of Eg (15 900 MPa) is observed around Ta=120°C for all samples, regardless of time ta, temperature region where PLA is usually molded in the industrial melt processing. This interesting effect (improvement of Eg in range Ta=100-120°C) can be correlated with the grow of crystallinity in the same domain of Ta, and the a’- a phase transition Ta (Ta: 90-110 °C) determinate by the double Tm melting DSC peak, which is confirmed by the increase of Tg for Ta=90-110°C.
Predictors of Traditional Herbal Medicine Use Among Cancer Patients in Morocco
Authors: karima selmaoui , ouzennou nadia , mohamed aboufaras
Published: June 2022

Background
Although some Moroccan studies have shown a high frequency of use of traditional and complementary medicines (T&CM). No survey has investigated the predictive factors of the use of traditional herbal medicine.
Methods
At the regional oncology center of Beni Mellal, we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with 530 adult cancer patients chosen by quota sampling. A 54-item questionnaire was used to perform the face-to-face survey. The theory of planned behavior (TPB )and a CAM healthcare model were used to create this instrument. Using SPSS software, we performed bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis as well as logistic regression.
Results
The prevalence of traditional herbal medicine use was 36.6%. Several variables of the conceptual model were associated with the use of herbal medicine (gender, attitude and belief towards T&CM, financial resources, clinical characteristics of patients)(p < 0.05). Predictors of traditional herbal medicine use were female gender (OR = 4.687; p < 0.000), social impact of cancer(OR = 2.314; p < 0.05), emotional impact of cancer (OR = 2.314; p < 0. 05), Expected benefits of TM/CAM use(OR = 3.453; p < 0.000), perceived scientific barriers (OR = 0.580; p < 0.000), perceived socioeconomic barriers(OR = 0.657; p < 0.005), use and social norms of relatives(OR = 3.238; p < 0).
Conclusion
Because of the high prevalence of herbal medicine, health care providers should focus on specialized and multidisciplinary therapeutic education that focuses on the psychosocial factors and representations that underpin this use.
Analysis of rheumatic heart disease mortality in the Chinese population: A JoinPoint and age-period-cohort study
Authors: Cui Jiameng , Guo Xinru , Yuan Xin , Wu Hao , Yu Ge , Li Biao , Kou Changgui
Published: June 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze rheumatic heart disease (RHD) mortality trends in China’s urban and rural areas and to determine the roles of age, period, and cohort effects. Methods: Based on mortality data extracted from the Chinese Health Statistics Yearbook, we calculated the crude mortality rate of RHD in China. Age-adjusted rates were computed by the direct method using the 2020 census as the standard population. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were determined by the JoinPoint regression model. The age-period-cohort model and the intrinsic estimator (IE) algorithm were used to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort. Results: From 2006 to 2020, the general trend in RHD standardized mortality declined. The RHD mortality rate was higher in rural than in urban areas and among females than males. JoinPoint regression showed that the elderly (over 60 years old) were at high risk for RHD deaths in China. The age effect increased with age, and the cohort effect showed an overall declining trend as chronology grew, but the period effect was not significant. Conclusions: China has achieved great success in RHD, but RHD mortality may increase with age. We should focus on publicity and education about RHD among the elderly. Compared with the period effect, age and cohort effects dominated the risk of RHD deaths.
A large effect QTL introgressed from ricebean imparts resistance to Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)
Authors: Dhaliwal Sandeep Kaur , Gill Ranjit Kaur , Sharma Abhishek , Kaur Amandeep , Bhatia Dharminder , Kaur Satinder
Published: June 2022

Until recently, precise location of genes and marker assisted selection was long thought in legumes such as blackgram due to lack of dense molecular maps. However, advances in next generation sequencing based high throughput genotyping technologies such as QTL-seq have revolutionized trait mapping in marker-orphan crops. Using QTL-seq approach, we have identified a large effect QTL for resistance to Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) in blackgram variety Mash114. MYMIV is devastating disease responsible for huge yield losses in blackgram, greengram and other legumes. Mash114, a blackgram variety developed by Punjab Agricultural University, India showed consistent and high level of resistance to MYMIV since last nine years. Whole genome re-sequencing of MYMIV resistant and susceptible bulks derived from RILs of cross KUG253 X Mash114 identified a large effect QTL (qMYMIV6.1.1) spanning 3.4 Mbp on chromosome 6 explaining 70 per cent of total phenotypic variation. This region was further identified as an inter-specific introgression from ricebean. The annotation of the introgressed segment suggested presence of clusters of disease resistance domains of which nine candidate genes were found to have role in virus resistance. Linkage mapping using KASP markers developed from these nine candidate genes identified the 500 kb genomic region equaling 1.9 cM on genetic map linked with MYMIV. The three KASP markers closely associated with MYMIV originated from serine threonine kinase, UBE2D2 and BAK1/ BRI1-ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE genes. These KASPs can be used for marker assisted transfer of introgressed segment into suitable backgrounds of Vigna species.
Development and Analysis of Human Hair Fiber and Chicken Feather Reinforced Composite
Authors: Worku Tesfaye , Nachippian Sukumar , no no
Published: June 2022

In the current year, composites have been concerned with considerable importance as a potential operational material. Many works have been carried out to enhance the mechanical properties of composites. Chicken feather, human hair and hairs of other birds and animals are commonly described as a waste product. Currently, available disposal methods such as burying and burning of these waste by-products are contributing to environmental pollution. In this research work composite was developed using human hair & chicken feather fiber and analysis the mechanical and physical property of the developed composite sample. Four different composition ratio composite samples were fabricated and then physical and mechanical properties were tested according to standards. Both flexural and compressional strength increase for the first two composite samples, then after it shows a gradual decrease when we have increased the fiber content and decreased resin and sample show that the amount of water absorption in percentage increases when the fiber content increases, and the matrix material (polyester resin) decrease. This research study indicates that using human hair and chicken feather fibers as reinforcement in a polymer matrix could successfully develop a composite material in terms of high strength and rigidity for lightweight house ceiling board material.
Combination of Pioglitazone, a PPARγ Agonist, and Synthetic Surfactant B-YL Prevents Hyperoxia-induced Lung Injury in Adult Mice
Authors: Kurihara Chie , Sakurai Reiko , Chuang Tsai-Der , Waring Alan J. , Walther Frans J. , Rehan Virender K.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome are characterized by acute alveolar injury, disrupted epithelial-mesenchymal signaling, oxidative stress, and surfactant dysfunction, yet currently, there is no effective treatment. We previously reported that a combination of aerosolized pioglitazone (PGZ) and synthetic lung surfactant B-YL peptide as surfactant protein B mimic prevents hyperoxia-induced neonatal rat lung injury, but this has not been tested in adult lung injury. Method: We characterize effects of hyperoxia on 1) perturbations in Wingless/Int (Wnt) and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β signaling pathways, which are critical mediators of hyperoxia-induced lung injury, 2) aberrations of lung homeostasis and injury repair following 24 or 72-hour exposure of adult mice lung explants to hyperoxia, and 3) whether these hyperoxia-induced aberrations can be blocked by concomitant treatment with PGZ and B-YL combination. Results: Our study reveals that hyperoxia exposure of adult mouse lung explants causes activation of Wnt (upregulation of key Wnt signaling intermediates β-catenin and LEF-1) and TGF-β (upregulation of key TGF-β signaling intermediates TGF-β type I receptor (ALK5) and SMAD 3) signaling pathways accompanied by an upregulation of myogenic proteins (calponin and fibronectin) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, MCP-1, IL-1β, and TNFα), and alterations in key endothelial (VEGF-A and its receptor FLT-1 and PECAM-1) markers. All of these changes were largely prevented by PGZ+B-YL combination. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the PGZ+B-YL combination in blocking hyperoxia-induced adult mice lung injury ex-vivo sets the stage to test this promising therapeutic approach for adult lung injury in vivo.
Effect of silica fume on the behavior of lightweight RC beams made from crushed bricks
Authors: Ali Yahia M. S. , abdelaleem Tarek
Published: June 2022

Crushed Over-Burnt Clay Bricks (COBB) is a promising alternative to the natural gravel aggregate in Lightweight Concrete production because of its high strength-to-weight ratio. In addition, COBCB is considered a green aggregate by solving the problem of disposing of this solid waste. in this paper, a total of fifteen Reinforced Concrete beams were constructed and tested up to failure. The experimental program was classified to five groups, the first group was casted with Normalweight Concrete (NWC) as control, the remaining four groups were casted with LWC. The test parameters were concrete type, reinforcement ratio and silica fume (SF) content. The behavior of beams was evaluated in terms of crack patterns, failure mode, ultimate deflection, and ductility. Based on the experimental results, the resulting concrete showed that it satisfies the requirements of LWC in terms of unit weight and strength. In addition, increasing the reinforcement ratio and silica fume content increased overall beam performance. The results revealed that measurable enhancements to the majority of the performance characteristics of LWC beams by adding SF. Thus, using COBCB as a coarse aggregate has successfully been used to produce good quality lightweight concrete. Both ACI 318-14 and CSA-A23.3-14 give acceptable for predicting cracking moment, ultimate capacity and and mid-span deflection.
Habitat preferences, dispersal and demography of two saproxylic longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae: Rosalia alpina, Morimus asper funereus): A case study from the Julian Alps, Slovenia
Authors: JUGOVIC Jure , POGORELEC Nika , LUŽNIK Martina
Published: June 2022

Saproxylic beetles are a diverse and predominant functional group that depend on dead or dying wood. We studied a population of two saproxylic longhorn beetles Rosalia alpina and Morimus asper funereus in a system of 12 potentially suitable habitat patches in a forest reserve in Triglav National Park, Slovenia. For each species we determined demographic parameters, dispersal, and microhabitat preference. We marked 68 individuals of M. a. funereus, 27 individuals of R. alpina. The best-fitting MARK model for M. a. funereus suggested the presence of two groups with different capture probabilities, probably a larger group of non-territorial males and females with lower capture probability, and a smaller group (1–13% of the population) of territorial males with higher capture probability. The total population size was estimated to be about 208 individuals (95% confidence interval 118–462) of M. a. funereus. For R. alpina, estimation of population size was not possible due to scarce recaptures. We detected several short-distance movements (maximum 34 m) for M. a. funereus and rare but longer movements for R. alpina (maximum 457 m). A preference for dead (preferred by R. alpina) or decaying (preferred by M. a. funereus) beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) with large diameters was observed for both species. Implications for insect conservation: Forest reserves with negligible human impact and an abundance of old, intact trees are important for the successful life cycle of both species studied, even more so when both competing species occur together.
Identification of COL7A1 as a prognostic biomarker in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Weihao , Li Ling , Zhang Jinyu , Wang Shuang , Leng Zhe , Lu Ran , Li Chenglin , Ma Xiaoran , Wang Tiantian , Jia Xihui
Published: June 2022

The Collagen Type VII Alpha 1 Chain (COL7A1) is associated with a variety of cancers, however, COL7A1 gene expression in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and its prognostic value have not been well studied. In this study, we used bioinformatics database to analyze the relationship between COL7A1 expression and survival in LUSC patients such as Oncomine, GEPIA, UALCAN, and STRING. And we used Kaplan–Meier plotter to analyze the prognosis of high or low expression of COL7A1 in different patients. We found that COL7A1 was significantly overexpressed in patients with LUSC. Additionally, in the survival analysis, COL7A1 expression was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS), first progression (FP), Post-progression survival (PPS) in LUSC patients. Moreover, COL7A1 is closely associated with known biomarkers and key factors of LUSC. We used functional annotation enrichment analysis to show that genes co-expressed with COL7A1 were enriched in biological process (BP), cellular component (CC), molecular function (MF) and KEGG pathways. Furthermore, Laminin 332 and its association with COL7A1 may lead to the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, ultimately leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This has also been mentioned in other people's research. Therefore, our work was designed to demonstrate the potential of COL7A1 as a prognostic biomarker in LUSC.
Outcome of Membranous Pulmonary Valve Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum Treated by Cardiac Catheterization in a Developing Country
Authors: AL-Ammouri Iyad , Nimer Abdullah , Naser Suzan , Yousef Reda , Hani Mohamed Abu , Fadaleh Mohammad Abu , Karasneh Sahar
Published: June 2022

Background: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is a cyanotic heart disease with variable morphological features depending on the degree of right ventricular and tricuspid valve hypoplasia. Currently, the standard management for plate-like, membranous pulmonary atresia includes pulmonary valve perforation using radiofrequency wire and pulmonary valve dilation, with or without ductus arteriosus stenting. Radiofrequency wires are expensive and not available in many developing countries. We report our experience with perforation of the pulmonary valve using coronary wires followed by balloon dilation, with or without ductus arteriosus stenting.Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum who underwent initial percutaneous treatment at our institution between 2012 and 2020. Patients were followed till March 2022. We describe the baseline anatomy, procedure success and complications, and outcome.Results: Fifteen patients were treated during the study period. Pulmonary valve perforation using soft end of a hydrophilic-tip coronary wire was successful in 14 patients (93%). Ductus arteriosus stenting was performed in 10 patients. There was one post-procedure mortality due to neonatal sepsis. By the last follow up at median age of 34 months (21-100), twelve patients had 2-ventricular circulation, One with 1.5-ventricle circulation, and one with univentricular circulation. Conclusions: Perforation of atretic pulmonary valve using soft end of hydrophilic-tip coronary wire for patients with membranous pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum is highly successful. Most patients will end up with 2-ventricular circulation.
Theoretical study on the quantum well junction CrI3/CrGeTe3
Authors: Moaied Mohammed , Soliman S.
Published: June 2022

Electronic structure calculations were conducted for the CrI3/CrGeTe3 junction with different separations (z) between the two slabs CrI3 and CrGeTe3, which provide a means to resolve the magneto-volume spin coupling. The calculations demonstrate that high electron mobility, high frequency and strongly electronic structure modification are obtained at specific value for slab separation (z). z=0.36238, which is equivalent to the insulating separation of 13.85 ˚A, is preferable for free to move carriers, while the spin wave maximum is at z=18 ˚A. The moment observed in the DOS of the CrI3 layer supports an increase in the surface field, which in turn explains the effectiveness of the CrI3 layer in tunneling applications. The CrI3 Fermi surface contains small electronic pockets derived from the Cr-3d doubly degenerate state at M. The doubly degenerate effective mass m∗ is approximately constant near the bottom of the nearly free elec-tron band, but the triply m∗ increases somewhat at the inflection point by the Cr-3d magnetic field. Depending on the number of d-electrons, the junctions CoMnI3/CrGeTe3, MoI3/CrGeTe3 and WI3/CrGeTe3 are examined. The comparison between CoMnI3, MoI3 and WI3 and CrI3 ensures that the performance of the CrI3 layer is due to the activity of Cr-3d, which provides a unique opportunity to control the junction prop- erties. The DOS shape of the MoI3 layer demonstrates fairly interesting magnetic properties that are nearly similar to those of the CrI3 layer.
RETRACTED: Capnography: an Infallible Giant??
Authors: MAHAJAN SHALVI , KUMAR SANJAY , SARNA RASHI , CHAUHAN RAJEEV
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Xerostomia in Dialysis Patients – Oral Care to Reduce Hyposalivation, Dental Biofilms and Gingivitis in Patients with Terminal Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Gaengler Peter
Published: June 2022

Objectives Dialysis patients suffer from xerostomia based on hyposalivation even in stimulated saliva testing. It was, therefore, the aim (i) to evaluate an optimized oral hygiene system with an oral care gel on oral dryness, dental plaque control and number of gingivitis teeth, (ii) to document the efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with dental indices and (iii) to record the individual oral health-related quality of life.MethodsAfter ethical approval (EC-UWH 103/2019), 44 dialysis patients signed informed consent forms and were divided into two groups followed up for four weeks. Subjects in verum group A were taking the daily oral care gel OROFAN® based on biopolymers with mild antibacterial and saliva stimulating action. They were compared to control group B executing routine oral hygiene with conventional dentifrice and toothbrushes. The Oral Health Impact Profile was documented at baseline and at the end of the study.ResultsTwenty-two subjects were allocated to group A and group B. At baseline, there were no significant differences concerning renal insufficiency (years on dialysis, complications), systemic diseases, or dental background (caries experience, periodontal diseases, plaque index, number of gingivitis teeth). All subjects exhibited hyposalivation (< 0.7-1.0 ml/min).Control group B showed no significant differences from baseline to the end of the study in dry mouth parameters, in all dental plaque and inflammation indices, or in the Oral Health Impact Profile. In contrast, verum group A exhibited a highly significant (p<0.001) decrease in xerostomia frequency, number of gingivitis teeth and plaque index. The Oral Health Impact Profile improved considerably (p<0.01).Significance of ResultsTerminally ill patients may gain better oral health and, consequently, improved quality of life by rather simple oral care, including long-lasting, eatable anti-inflammatory oral hygiene gel and dentist’s devotion.
Unmarried Sri Lankan Youth: Sexual Behaviour and Contraceptive Use
Authors: Kumarasinghe Malith , De Silva W Indralal , de Silva Ranjith , Suranga M Suchira
Published: June 2022

Background Youth are at high risk for casual and unprotected sexual activities even before the marriage. The objective of the study is to describe the sexual behavior, contraceptive use among unmarried youth of Sri Lanka and to assess the factors associated with sexual behaviour. Methods Observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected districts in Sri Lanka from 1st of March 2019 to 31st of January 2020 among 1057 never-married youth using a self-administered questionnaire. Both stratified cluster sampling and snow-ball sampling was used to select the eligible never-married youth. Factors associated with the sexual intercourse was assessed using logistic regression. Results Compared to boys (26%), more girls (35%) were engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse. Among sexually active unmarried youth aged less than 20 years, 10% had sexual intercourse with an unknown person. Unmarried Tamil and estate sector youth displayed significantly lower chances of sexual intercourse compared to Sinhala and urban counterparts (OR=0.390, CI=0.213-0.715, p=0.002 and OR=0.807, CI=0.709-0.978, p=0.020 respectively). Youth in rural (69.5%) and urban sector (87.3%) tend to use contraceptives during the intercourse compared to the youth in the Estate sector (51.1%). Conclusions A significant portion of youth expose to sexual risk behavior including unprotected sexual intercourse even before the marriage which can contribute to many social and health consequences. Focus interventions are needed to address the issue.
PROCEDURE FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF GAJETA HULL FORM USING PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MEASUREMENT METHOD
Authors: Ljubenkov Boris , Blagojević Branko , Bašić Josip , Bašić Martina
Published: June 2022

Traditional shipbuilding is an important part of Croatian cultural and national heritage that needs to be preserved. This refers to the importance of documenting and transmitting knowledge and skills and preserving the authenticity of the shapes, dimensions, materials and technology of building traditional boats. One of the problems that arises in the revitalization and reconstruction of traditional boats is the lack of documentation, so it is necessary to make line drawings and show the details of traditional construction solutions. The paper presents a procedure for reconstruction of the hull form of a traditional boat using the photogrammetric method. In the preparation phase of the procedure the activities of recording and analysis of photographs are necessary. The SfM approach was used in this phase. The result of the processed data with this method is a cloud of measured points. These points were used in the next step of the procedure for the creation of the preliminary mesh to describe the hull form. In the final phase of the procedure the exact 3D hull model was created using combination of mesh refinement in specialized software and measurement updates from the boatbuilders. The advantages in use of photogrammetric measurement method, in combination with the SfM method for photo analysis, for the reconstruction of the hull form of a traditional boat are highlighted in the conclusion.
Creative Self-Efficacy Scale for Children and Adolescents (CASES): A Development and Validation Study
Authors: Valquaresma Andreia , Coimbra Joaquim Luís , Costa Patrício
Published: June 2022

Creative self-efficacy has emerged as one of the most striking constructs in education. Yet, instruments to assess it in children and adolescentsare scant. This article introduces the CASES, a new creative self-efficacy scale designed to address this concern. The process of development and initial validation of the scale are presented herein. Following the items’ conception, exploratory, and confirmatory factorial analysis was performed. The final structure comprises nine items, evenly distributed by three factors: fluency, elaboration, and personality. Preliminary reliability and validity analysis display good psychometric properties, highlighting CASES as a potentially relevant addition to the creative self-efficacy assessment instruments array. Designed for children and adolescents (ages 3 to 16), it can uphold a developmental approach of creative self-efficacy, with potential implications within educational settings. Thus, it might be of interest for parents, educators, educational psychologists, researchers, and policymakers involved in designing curricula and interventions to nurture and enhance creative potential.
Aplicación móvil para determinar el índice ultravioleta
Authors: Taipe Huaman Ciro William
Published: June 2022

La presente investigación, se enfoca en desarrollar una aplicación móvil para determinar el índice ultravioleta (IUV) en la región de Puno, el cual se desarrolló en la plataforma ANDROID y se aplica la metodología de desarrollo de aplicaciones móviles. La aplicación ha sido puesta en evaluación, para garantizar que los datos calculados sean lo más próximos a lo real y de esta manera informar a los usuarios. Para el desarrollo de la aplicación móvil se ha utilizado herramientas de programación de alto nivel, de última generación, tipo Android Studio, el cual nos provee de simuladores de móviles. Y para el desarrollo del algoritmo que nos permita calcular el índice ultravioleta se utilizó las ecuaciones de Iqbal, Spencer y Hernández, los cuales se implementar en código. Para la validación de los datos calculados se utilizó el coeficiente correlación entre los datos calculados por el móvil y el modelo TUV para la ciudad de Puno, obteniéndose valores de correlación mayores a r=0.98.
Propuesta de aplicativo para medir el costo de pérdida de buena voluntad para mejorar la previsión colaborativa respecto al consumo.
Authors: Sánchez Pineda Daniel Enrique , Sánchez Caimán Pedro José , Beltrán Zapata Ana Maria
Published: June 2022

El presente trabajo propone un aplicativo que permita medir el costo de pérdida de buena voluntad, como un componente que se encuentra involucrado con la pérdida de ventas, de este modo se podrá incrementar la capacidad de diagnóstico en la ejecución de previsiones colaborativas para abordar soluciones respecto al consumo.

Para lograr satisfacer los requerimientos de los clientes, la mayoría de las decisiones relacionadas con el inventario, deben estar basadas en previsiones respecto al consumo. Para esto las empresas consideran los procesos colaborativos como un método de gestión, que permite ampliar el panorama de oportunidades. La dificultad se presenta cuando existen aspectos que en la práctica resultan ser complejos de estimar, esto puede convertirse en un problema derivado por la ausencia de datos, que como consecuencia pueden generar una gestión deficiente de la demanda, con pronósticos errados y costos elevados.

La propuesta que planteada en este artículo se presenta la posibilidad de estimar dicho costo, mediante el empleo del IdC junto con técnicas de pronóstico. Presentando así, información sobre el comportamiento de los consumidores y el impacto que tiene el costo de perdida de buena voluntad dentro de la rentabilidad de un punto de venta.
Aceites vegetales comestibles como agentes complementarios para la protección y desinfección del 2019-nCOVID
Authors: Aristizábal Carlos Esteban , Gonzalez Manosalva Jose Luis
Published: June 2022

Las enfermedades respiratorias virales, como el nuevo coronavirus (2019-nCoV), el cual se ha extendido a muchos otros países alrededor del mundo, causan muertes, problemas económicos y sociales. En el presente artículo se estudian y abordan compuestos no convencionales que actúan como agentes de protección y desinfección eficaces en contra del 2019-nCoV. Los compuestos seleccionados se basan en la capacidad de destruir las proteínas estructurales de este virus e inhibir sus mecanismos de propagación e invasión de las células sanas. Por lo tanto, varios aceites vegetales y comestibles fueron propuestos, de acuerdo con su capacidad de disolución de las proteínas (GP120), su tensión superficial y su composición de ácidos grasos.