bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI for Improving Children’s Health: A Community Case Study
Authors: Ganju Aakash , Satyan Srini , Tanna Vatsal , Menezes Sonia Rebecca
Published: January 2021

The Indian health care system lacks the infrastructure to meet the health care demands of the country. Physician and nurse availability is 30 and 50% below WHO recommendations, respectively, and has led to a steep imbalance between the demand for health care and the infrastructure available to support it. Among other concerns, India still struggles with challenges like undernutrition, with 38% of children under the age of five being underweight. Despite these challenges, technological advancements, mobile phone ubiquity and rising patient awareness offers a huge opportunity for artificial intelligence to enable efficient healthcare delivery, by improved targeting of constrained resources. The Saathealth mobile app provides low-middle income parents of young children nflwith interactive children’s health, nutrition and development content in the form of an entertaining video series, a gamified quiz journey and targeted notifications. The app iteratively evolves the user journey based on dynamic data and predictive algorithms, empowering a shift from reactive to proactive care. Saathealth users have registered over 500,000 sessions and over 200 million seconds on-app engagement over a year, comparing favorably with engagement on other digital health interventions in underserved communities. We have used valuable app analytics data and insights from our 45,000 users to build scalable, predictive models that were validated for specific use cases. Using the Random Forest model with heterogeneous data allowed us to predict user churn with a 93% accuracy. Predicting user lifetimes on the mobile app for preliminary insights gave us an RMSE of 25.09 days and an R2 value of 0.91, reflecting closely correlated predictions. These predictive algorithms allow us to incentivize users with optimized offers and omni-channel nudges, to increase engagement with content as well as other targeted online and offline behaviors. The algorithms also optimize the effectiveness of our intervention by augmenting personalized experiences and directing limited health resources toward populations that are most resistant to digital first interventions. These and similar AI powered algorithms will allow us to lengthen and deepen the lifetime relationship with our health consumers, making more of them effective, proactive participants in improving children’s health, nutrition and early cognitive development.
Optimisation of Scores Generated by an Online Feline Health–Related Quality of Life (HRQL) Instrument to Assist the Veterinary User Interpret Its Results
Authors: Davies Vinny , Reid Jacqueline , Scott E. Marian
Published: January 2021

Using methodology previously described for the dog health-related quality of life (HRQL) tool (VetMetrica™), the aim was to optimize the scores profile of a comparable feline online HRQL instrument for monitoring HRQL in cats, to assist in its interpretation. Measuring HRQL helps quantify the impact of disease and its treatment on well-being, aids clinical decision making and provides information in clinical trials. In Study 1, using data collected from previous studies, scores generated for three domains of HRQL (Vitality, Comfort, Emotional Well-being) in healthy cats were normalized using standard statistical techniques of logit transformation and T-scores, such that the average healthy cat has a score of 50 in all three HRQL domains. Using normalized scores from healthy and sick cats, a threshold score of 44.8 was determined, above which 70% of healthy cats should score. Study 2 determined the Minimal Important Difference (MID) in normalized score that constituted a clinically significant improvement in each domain. Three methods were tested in order to determine the MID, with the final choice made based on statistical and clinical considerations. Thresholds of 5, 7.5, and 5 were chosen for the three HRQL domains representing Vitality, Comfort and Emotional Well-being, respectively. This study makes available a means of displaying HRQL scores from an online application in an easily interpretable manner and quantifies a clinically meaningful improvement in score. To illustrate the practical application of these developments, three case examples are presented. Example 1 illustrates the raw and normalized scores for a group of overweight cats enrolled in a Feline Weight Management Programme. Example 2 shows three groups of osteoarthritic cats, each with different severity of disease. The third is an elderly, un-well cat whose HRQL was recorded over time, specifically to facilitate end of life discussion between owner and veterinary clinician.
Dietary Fiber Source and Length of Feeding Partitions Differentially Affected Behavior, Immune Status, and Productivity of Group-Housed Dry Sows
Authors: Lopez Mayra , Pacheco Eridia , Salak-Johnson Janeen
Published: January 2021

Aggression is one of the major welfare concerns among group-housed sows, especially during feeding and regrouping. There are no simple solutions, but any attempt to reduce aggression should be considered. Therefore, the aim was to reduce aggression among group-housed gestating sows by feeding sows different dietary fiber using individual feeding places made from either short- or long-length partitions. Five blocks (n = 36 sows/block) of primiparous and multiparous sows were fed a dietary treatment of either 30% wheat middlings and 15% soybean hulls (MIDD-SY) or 30% distillers dried grains and 30% corn germ meal (DDGS-GM) and housed in pens (9 sows/pen) with individual feeding partitions that were either shoulder (short) or full-body (long) in length. Sow behavior, skin lesions, immune status, and performance were measured. Sow behavior, including aggression and lesion severity scores, were mainly affected by partition length. Aggressive encounters were greater and remained elevated among sows in pens with short partitions until 9 weeks post-grouping but were reduced among sows in pens with long partitions by 3 weeks. During feeding, sows in pens with short ones were more likely to be displaced than were those in pens with long ones. Percentages of time spent lying, standing, eating, and oral–nasal–facial behaviors were also differentially influenced by partition length. Dietary fiber differentially influenced immune status and productivity. For example, sows fed MIDD-SY had higher lymphocyte proliferation and increased neutrophils, while those fed DDGS-GM had deeper backfat and weaned heavier piglets. Overall, the length of the feeding partitions influenced the aggressive encounters, other behaviors, and lesion scores; in turn, the fibrous source differentially influenced several immune measures and sow productivity.
Increasing Fat Deposition Via Upregulates the Transcription of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma in Native Crossbred Chickens
Authors: Tunim Supanon , Phasuk Yupin , Aggrey Samuel E. , Duangjinda Monchai
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to study the role of PPARs on fat deposition in native crossbred chicken. We studied the growth, abdominal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular fat, and mRNA expression of PPARA and PPARG in adipose and muscle tissues of four chicken breeds (CH breed (100% Thai native chicken), KM1 (50% CH background), KM2 (25% CH background), and broiler (BR)). The result shows that the BR chickens had higher abdominal fat than other breeds (p < 0.05) and the KM2 had an abdominal fat percentage higher than KM1 and CH respectively (p < 0.05). The intramuscular fat of BR was greater than KM1 and CH (p < 0.05). In adipose tissue, PPARA expression was different among the chicken breeds. However, there were breed differences in PPARG expression. Study of abdominal fat PPARG expression showed the BR breed, KM1, and KM2 breed significantly greater (p < 0.05) than CH. In 8 to 12 weeks of age, the PPARG expression of the CH breed is less than (p < 0.05) KM2. Crossbreeding improved the growth of the Thai native breed, there was also a corresponding increase in carcass fatness. However, there appears to be a relationship between PPARG expression and fat deposition traits. therefore, PPARG activity hypothesized to plays a key role in lipid accumulation by up-regulation.
Yucca schidigera Usage for Healthy Aquatic Animals: Potential Roles for Sustainability
Authors: Paray Bilal Ahamad , El-Basuini Mohamed F. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Albeshr Mohammed Fahad , Farah Mohammad Abul , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: January 2021

In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms to develop the yield and maximize water resources utilization. However, the accumulation of ammonia in fishponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in reduced growth rates and poor health conditions. The inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution for adsorbing the waterborne ammonia. Yucca has abundant amounts of polyphenolics, steroidal saponins, and resveratrol and can be used as a solution or as a powder. In this context, this review aimed to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on aquatic animals’ performances. Concurrently, the feed utilization, growth performance, and physiological status of aquatic species can be improved. Additionally, the yucca application resulted in enhancing the antioxidative, immunological, and anti-inflammatory responses in several aquatic animals. Exclusively, the present review proposed a protective solution through the application of yucca extract in the aquafeed and rearing water of aquatic animals suffering from ammonia accumulation. Furthermore, it shows how yucca could enhance the growth, survival rates, blood biochemical quality, immunological indices, and the antioxidative capacity of aquatic animals in light of the relevant published data.
Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Duodenal Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbiota of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diets Supplemented with Cinnamon Bark Powder at Prestarter and Starter Phases
Authors: Qaid Mohammed M. , Al-Mufarrej Saud I. , Azzam Mahmoud M. , Al-Garadi Maged A. , Albaadani Hani H. , Alhidary Ibrahim A. , Aljumaah Riyadh S.
Published: January 2021

Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 240) aged 1 day were assigned to five groups for eight replicates (six chicks for each) (3♂ and 3♀). Basal dietary groups were supplemented by 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/kg cinnamon (CN) for 21 days. Basal diet alone was used as a negative control, and basal antibiotic diet (Colimox) was used as a positive control. At 10, 14, and 21 days of age, chicks that received 2000 mg CN and Colimox had a higher body weight, resulting in an increase in body weight gain. CN also resulted in the maximum improvement in the feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency over 1–21 days at the level of 2000 mg/kg. At days 10, the maximum relative breast weight was 2000 mg/kg of CN. Mean serum albumin concentrations, duodenal villus height, and goblet cell density increased (p < 0.05) by 2000 mg/kg of CN, and mean serum globulin and total protein concentrations and crypt depth increased (p < 0.05) by 6000 mg/kg of CN compared with control. Increased cecal Escherichia coli number was CN dose-dependent. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2000 mg/kg CN can be applied as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics for broiler starter diet.
Helminths of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from Units of Conservation Management and Sustainable Use of Wildlife Installed in the Eastern Economic Region of Mexico
Authors: de-la-Rosa-Arana Jorge-Luis , Ponce-Noguez Jesús-Benjamín , Reyes-Rodríguez Nydia-Edith , Vega-Sánchez Vicente , Zepeda-Velázquez Andrea-Paloma , Martínez-Juárez Víctor-Manuel , Gómez-De-Anda Fabián-Ricardo
Published: January 2021

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) were introduced in Mexico for sport hunting and meat trading for human consumption, but the available data regarding their role in pathogen transmission are limited. This research and field work aimed to identify the helminths of the wild boar produced in three units of conservation management and sustainable use of wildlife placed in the eastern economic region of Mexico. Samples of feces and serum were collected from 90 animals that came from three different ranches. Stool examination and antibody determination to Fasciola hepatica, Taenia crassciceps, Ascaris suum, Toxocara canis (ELISA), and Trichinella spiralis (Western blot) were performed. In addition, 30 diaphragm samples from one ranch were obtained for artificial digestion. Eggs of Strongyloides sp. (72.2%), Metastrongylus sp. (57.7%), Oesophagostomum sp. (53.3%), and Trichuris sp. (37.7%) were found in addition to oocysts of Eimeria sp. (75.6%). Antibodies to Fasciola (8.9%), Taenia (4.4%), Ascaris (32.2%), Toxocara (20%), and Trichinella (5.5%) were found. The eggs of Strongyloides and Oesophagostomum were associated to female hosts. One nematode larva was found by artificial digestion. This is the first report to identify helminths from wild boars in Mexico. In addition, this study identifies the potential risk of the wild boar as a transmission channel of parasites that can have an impact on public health.
Performance Analysis of Interferometer Algorithm under Phase Measurement Error
Authors: Ko Chan-Bin , Lee Joon-Ho
Published: January 2021

Direction finding has been extensively studied over the past decades and a number of algorithms have been developed. In direction finding, theoretic performance prediction is a fundamental problem. This paper addresses the performance analysis issue of interferometer-based 2D angle of arrival estimation using uniform circular array (UCA). We propose an analytic method for performance analysis of interferometer in the presence of Gaussian or uniform error in phase measurement of incident signal on each sensor. The analytic mean square error (MSE), which is approximately equal to the MSE of actual interferometer-based DOA estimation, is derived via Taylor expansion and approximation. The derived analytic MSE is useful for predicting how the MSE of the interferometer-based DOA estimation algorithm is dependent on the phase measurement error.
Mechanical and Thermo-Physical Performances of Gypsum-Based PCM Composite Materials Reinforced with Carbon Fiber
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yang Haibin , Xu Tao , Tang Waiching , Cui Hongzhi
Published: January 2021

Phase change materials (PCMs) have received extensive attention due to their high latent heat storage density and isothermal behavior during heat charging and discharging processes. The application of PCMs in buildings would match energy supply and demand by using solar energy effectively, thereby reducing building energy consumption. In this study, a diatomite/paraffin (DP) composite was prepared through a vacuum-impregnated process. The thermo-physical performance, thermal stability, chemical structure and thermal reliability of the DP composite were evaluated. To develop a structural–functional integrated energy storage building material, carbon fibers (CF) were chosen as the reinforcing material. The mechanical and thermal properties of CF-reinforced DP/gypsum were examined. It is evident that the flexural strength and thermal conductivity of DP/gypsum containing 1 wt. % CF increased by 176.0% and 20.3%, respectively. In addition, the results of room model testing demonstrated that the presence of CF could enhance the overall thermal conductivity and improve the thermo-regulated performance of DP/gypsum. Moreover, the payback period of applying CF-reinforced DP/gypsum in residential buildings is approximately 23.31 years, which is much less than the average life span of buildings. Overall, the CF reinforced DP/gypsum composite is promising for thermal energy storage applications.
The Geology, Geochemistry, and Origin of the Porphyry Cu-Au-(Mo) System at Vathi, Serbo-Macedonian Massif, Greece
Authors: Stergiou Christos L. , Melfos Vasilios , Voudouris Panagiotis , Spry Paul G. , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Chatzipetros Alexandros , Giouri Katerina , Mavrogonatos Constantinos , Filippidis Anestis
Published: January 2021

The Vathi porphyry Cu-Au ± Mo mineralization is located in the Serbo-Macedonian metallogenic province of the Western Tethyan Metallogenic Belt. It is mainly hosted by a latite and is genetically associated with a quartz monzonite intrusion, which intruded the basement rocks of the Vertiskos Unit and the latite, 18 to 17 Ma ago. A phreatic breccia crosscuts the latite. The quartz monzonite was affected by potassic alteration, whereas the latite was subjected to local propylitic alteration. Both styles of alteration were subsequently overprinted by intense sericitic alteration. M-type and A-type veins are spatially associated with potassic alteration, whereas D-type veins are related to the sericitic alteration. Three ore assemblages are associated with the porphyry stage: (1) pyrite + chalcopyrite + bornite + molybdenite + magnetite associated with potassic alteration; (2) pyrite + chalcopyrite related to propylitic alteration; and (3) pyrite + chalcopyrite + native gold ± tetradymite associated with sericitic alteration. A fourth assemblage consisting of sphalerite + galena + arsenopyrite + pyrrhotite + pyrite ± stibnite ± tennantite is related to an epithermal overprint. Fluid inclusion data indicate that the A-type veins and related porphyry-style mineralization formed at 390–540 °C and pressures of up to 646 bars (<2.6 km depth) from boiling hydrothermal fluids. A later condensation of vapor-rich inclusions resulted in a moderately saline fluid (8.4–11.2 wt % NaCl equiv) at temperatures between 311 and 392 °C, which were related to sericitic alteration, D-type veins, and associated metallic mineralization. Subsequent dilution of the moderately saline fluid at lower temperatures (205–259 °C) produced a less saline (1.4–2.9 wt % NaCl equiv.) fluid, which is likely associated with the late epithermal overprint.
Using Generative Adversarial Networks and Parameter Optimization of Convolutional Neural Networks for Lung Tumor Classification
Authors: Lin Chun-Hui , Lin Cheng-Jian , Li Yu-Chi , Wang Shyh-Hau
Published: January 2021

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Lung cancer, especially, caused the most death in 2018 according to the World Health Organization. Early diagnosis and treatment can considerably reduce mortality. To provide an efficient diagnosis, deep learning is overtaking conventional machine learning techniques and is increasingly being used in computer-aided design systems. However, a sparse medical data set and network parameter tuning process cause network training difficulty and cost longer experimental time. In the present study, the generative adversarial network was proposed to generate computed tomography images of lung tumors for alleviating the problem of sparse data. Furthermore, a parameter optimization method was proposed not only to improve the accuracy of lung tumor classification, but also reduce the experimental time. The experimental results revealed that the average accuracy can reach 99.86% after image augmentation and parameter optimization.
Effect of Temperature Changes on the Vibration Transmissibility of XPE and PE Packaging Cushioning Material
Authors: Csavajda Péter , Böröcz Péter
Published: January 2021

Polyethylene (PE) and its variations are among the most traditional materials used for cushioning in packaging systems. The role of these materials is to prevent damages during handling and distribution processes from physical events such as vibration stress. This study presents new results on the characterization of properties of PE and XPE (cross-linked polyethylene) packaging materials, which have significant relevance as a protective mechanism due to their vibration transmissibility and frequency curve properties. The main goal of this study is the evaluation of vibration transmissibility of PE and XPE cushion material at varied real temperature and static load conditions through a series of experiments using a vibration tester and climate chamber to determine the peak frequencies, vibration transmissibility, and damping ratios. The results can be used by engineers in the package-design process, and can be useful in different distribution conditions. Three different kinds of static loads and a 0.5 oct/min sine sweep of vibration test were used to find the peak frequencies and vibration transmissibility at −20 °C, 0 °C, 20 °C and 40 °C to estimate the damping ratios. The results provided a better understanding of the materials and can assist in the design of suitable protective packaging systems.
Adaptive MPC Based Real-Time Energy Management Strategy of the Electric Sanitation Vehicles
Authors: Wang Hao , He Hongwen , Li Jianwei , Bai Yunfei , Chang Yuhua , Yan Beizhan
Published: January 2021

Electric sanitation vehicles have increasingly been applied to cleaning work due to the requirement of air pollution control. The power distribution and energy management strategy (EMS) influence the vehicle’s performance a lot both in the aspects of cleaning effect and electricity consumption. Aiming to improve energy economy and ensure clean tasks, first, the electricity consumption percentages of the vehicle onboard devices are analyzed and the main contributors are clarified, and the power requirement model of the working motor is built based on experimental data. Second, a universal modeling method of garbage distribution on the road surface is proposed, which implements a nonlinear autoregressive neural network as the predictor. Third, an adaptive model predictive control (AMPC)-based EMS is proposed and verified. The results show the AMPC method can accurately predict the garbage density and the proposed EMS can approximate the energy consumption of the DP-based EMS with little deviation. Compared to conventional rule-based EMS, the AMPC-based EMS achieved a 15.5% decrease in energy consumption as well as a 14.6% decrease in working time.
The Development of a Hybrid Wavelet-ARIMA-LSTM Model for Precipitation Amounts and Drought Analysis
Authors: Wu Xianghua , Zhou Jieqin , Yu Huaying , Liu Duanyang , Xie Kang , Chen Yiqi , Hu Jingbiao , Sun Haiyan , Xing Fengjuan
Published: January 2021

Investigation of quantitative predictions of precipitation amounts and forecasts of drought events are conducive to facilitating early drought warnings. However, there has been limited research into or modern statistical analyses of precipitation and drought over Northeast China, one of the most important grain production regions. Therefore, a case study at three meteorological sites which represent three different climate types was explored, and we used time series analysis of monthly precipitation and the grey theory methods for annual precipitation during 1967–2017. Wavelet transformation (WT), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and long short-term memory (LSTM) methods were utilized to depict the time series, and a new hybrid model wavelet-ARIMA-LSTM (W-AL) of monthly precipitation time series was developed. In addition, GM (1, 1) and DGM (1, 1) of the China Z-Index (CZI) based on annual precipitation were introduced to forecast drought events, because grey system theory specializes in a small sample and results in poor information. The results revealed that (1) W-AL exhibited higher prediction accuracy in monthly precipitation forecasting than ARIMA and LSTM; (2) CZI values calculated through annual precipitation suggested that more slight drought events occurred in Changchun while moderate drought occurred more frequently in Linjiang and Qian Gorlos; (3) GM (1, 1) performed better than DGM (1, 1) in drought event forecasting.
Data Types and the Phylogeny of Neoaves
Authors: Braun Edward L. , Kimball Rebecca T.
Published: January 2021

The phylogeny of Neoaves, the largest clade of extant birds, has remained unclear despite intense study. The difficulty associated with resolving the early branches in Neoaves is likely driven by the rapid radiation of this group. However, conflicts among studies may be exacerbated by the data type analyzed. For example, analyses of coding exons typically yield trees that place Strisores (nightjars and allies) sister to the remaining Neoaves, while analyses of non-coding data typically yield trees where Mirandornites (flamingos and grebes) is the sister of the remaining Neoaves. Our understanding of data type effects is hampered by the fact that previous analyses have used different taxa, loci, and types of non-coding data. Herein, we provide strong corroboration of the data type effects hypothesis for Neoaves by comparing trees based on coding and non-coding data derived from the same taxa and gene regions. A simple analytical method known to minimize biases due to base composition (coding nucleotides as purines and pyrimidines) resulted in coding exon data with increased congruence to the non-coding topology using concatenated analyses. These results improve our understanding of the resolution of neoavian phylogeny and point to a challenge—data type effects—that is likely to be an important factor in phylogenetic analyses of birds (and many other taxonomic groups). Using our results, we provide a summary phylogeny that identifies well-corroborated relationships and highlights specific nodes where future efforts should focus.
Loneliness and Problematic Internet Use during COVID-19 Lock-Down
Authors: Alheneidi Hasah , AlSumait Loulwah , AlSumait Dalal , Smith Andrew P.
Published: January 2021

(1) Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, strict lock-down and quarantine were widely imposed by most governments to minimize the spread of the virus. Previous studies have investigated the consequences of the quarantine and social isolation on mental health and the present study examines loneliness and problematic internet use. (2) Methods: The current research used a cross-sectional survey during a lock-down phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 593 participants from the Middle East region (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia) were tested using the short form of the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Internet Addiction Test. (3) Results: Results from regression analyses showed an association between loneliness and Problematic Internet Use (PIU), and an association between loneliness and the number of hours spent online. Younger participants reported greater loneliness. The quality of the relationship with the person(s) with whom they were spending their lock-down was also correlated with loneliness. Those who reported greater loneliness also obtained frequent news about the pandemic from social media. Problematic internet use was associated with loneliness and the predictors of loneliness. ANOVA analyses showed a dose-response between the predictors and PIU. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the influence of the social characteristics of the local culture during the COVID-19 lock-down on feelings of loneliness and on PIU.
Special Issue “Selected Papers from the 5nd Edition of Global Conference on Catalysis, Chemical Engineering and Technology (CAT 2019)”
Authors: Dzwigaj Stanislaw , Nozik Arthur
Published: January 2021

The present Special Issue concerns the papers which have been presented at the fifth edition of the Global Conference on Catalysis, Chemical Engineering & Technology (CAT 2019) that promote linkage of the catalytic science, engineering and technology [...]
Catalytic Applications of Clay Minerals and Hydrotalcites
Authors: Cecilia Juan Antonio , Jiménez-Gómez Carmen Pilar
Published: January 2021

Clay minerals are the most abundant minerals on the surface of Earth [...]
Extracellular DNA Correlates with Intestinal Inflammation in Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Maronek Martin , Gromova Barbora , Liptak Robert , Konecna Barbora , Pastorek Michal , Cechova Barbora , Harsanyova Maria , Budis Jaroslav , Smolak David , Radvanszky Jan , Szemes Tomas , Harsanyiova Jana , Kralova Trancikova Alzbeta , Gardlik Roman
Published: January 2021

Circulating extracellular DNA (ecDNA) is known to worsen the outcome of many diseases. ecDNA released from neutrophils during infection or inflammation is present in the form of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). It has been shown that higher ecDNA concentration occurs in a number of inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Enzymes such as peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs) are crucial for NET formation. We sought to describe the dynamics of ecDNA concentrations and fragmentation, along with NETosis during a mouse model of chemically induced colitis. Plasma ecDNA concentration was highest on day seven of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) intake and the increase was time-dependent. This increase correlated with the percentage of cells undergoing NETosis and other markers of disease activity. Relative proportion of nuclear ecDNA increased towards more severe colitis; however, absolute amount decreased. In colon explant medium, the highest concentration of ecDNA was on day three of DSS consumption. Early administration of PAD4 inhibitors did not alleviate disease activity, but lowered the ecDNA concentration. These results uncover the biological characteristics of ecDNA in IBD and support the role of ecDNA in intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic intervention aimed at NETs and/or nuclear ecDNA has yet to be fully investigated.
Looking for the LOAEL or NOAEL Concentration of Nickel-Oxide Nanoparticles in a Long-Term Inhalation Exposure of Rats
Authors: Katsnelson Boris A. , Chernyshov Ivan N. , Solovyeva Svetlana N. , Minigalieva Ilzira A. , Gurvich Vladimir B. , Valamina Irene E. , Makeyev Oleg H. , Sahautdinova Renata R. , Privalova Larisa I. , Tsaregorodtseva Anastasia E. , Korotkov Artem V. , Shuman Eugene A. , Panov Vladimir G. , Sutunkova Marina P.
Published: January 2021

Rats were exposed to nickel oxide nano-aerosol at a concentration of 2.4 ± 0.4 µg/m3 in a “nose only” inhalation setup for 4 h at a time, 5 times a week, during an overall period of 2 weeks to 6 months. Based on the majority of the effects assessed, this kind of exposure may be considered as close to LOAEL (lowest observed adverse effect level), or even to NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level). At the same time, the experiment revealed genotoxic and allergic effects as early as in the first weeks of exposure, suggesting that these effects may have no threshold at all.
Droplet Spreading on Unidirectional Fiber Beds
Authors: Martinez Patricio , Jin Bo Cheng , Nutt Steven
Published: January 2021

This study reports a method to analyze parametric effects on the spread flow kinetics of fluid droplets on unidirectional fiber beds. The investigation was undertaken in order to guide the design of droplet arrays for production of an out-of-autoclave (OoA) prepreg featuring discontinuous resin distribution, referred to here as semi-preg. Volume-controlled droplets of a resin facsimile fluid were deposited on carbon fiber beds and the flow behavior was recorded. The time to full sorption (after deposition) and the maximum droplet spread distance were measured. Experiments revealed that fluid viscosity dominated time to full sorption—doubling the viscosity resulted in an 8- to 20-fold increase in sorption time, whereas doubling fabric areal weight increased the time only by a factor of three. Droplet spread distance was nearly invariant with fiber bed architecture and fluid viscosity. A series of droplet arrays were designed, demonstrating how the results can be leveraged to achieve different resin distributions to produce semi-preg optimized for OoA cure.
Evaluation of the Effect of Silica Fume on Amorphous Fly Ash Geopolymers Exposed to Elevated Temperature
Authors: Li Ong Huey , Yun-Ming Liew , Cheng-Yong Heah , Bayuaji Ridho , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Loong Foo Kai , Jin Tan Soo , Teng Ng Hui , Nabiałek Marcin , Jeż Bartlomiej , Sing Ng Yong
Published: January 2021

The properties of amorphous geopolymer with silica fume addition after heat treatment was rarely reported in the geopolymer field. Geopolymer was prepared by mixing fly ash and alkali activator. The silica fume was added in 2% and 4% by weight. The geopolymer samples were cured at room temperature for 28 days before exposed to an elevated temperature up to 1000 °C. The incorporation of 2% silica fume did not cause significant improvement in the compressive strength of unexposed geopolymer. Higher silica fume content of 4% reduced the compressive strength of the unexposed geopolymer. When subjected to elevated temperature, geopolymer with 2% silica fume retained higher compressive strength at 1000 °C. The addition of silica fume in fly ash geopolymer caused a lower degree of shrinkage and expansion, as compared to geopolymer without the addition of silica fume. Crystalline phases of albite and magnetite were formed in the geopolymer at 1000 °C.
Analysis of Point Shear Wave Elastography and Biochemical Markers for the Detection of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Cebula Maciej , Gruszczyńska Katarzyna , Hartleb Marek , Baron Jan
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: This work focuses on the possibility of using the point shear wave elastography (pSWE) method for detecting biochemical markers in diffuse liver diseases. Additionally, this study addresses the issue of the influence of ultrasound factors on the pSWE quality indicators of the obtained measurements. Materials and Methods: A pSWE examination was performed on 139 patients (69 female and 70 male) diagnosed with diffuse liver disease. The average age for all patients was 50.7 ± 15.0 years (female: 52.7 ± 15.2 years; male: 48.8 ± 14.6 years). Of these 139 patients, 65 met the inclusion criteria regarding biochemical parameters. The pSWE quality indicators were related to abnormalities found in B-mode ultrasound. Results: A strong positive correlation was found between the results of the pSWE and all biochemical indexes analysed, with the exception of age/platelet count (PLT), for which an average correlation was obtained. The greatest correlation was observed between the elastography and King’s Score index. There was no correlation observed between elastography and any of the analysed parameters or biochemical indexes considered. The pSWE measurements were impaired by factors such as thick soft tissue, uneven hepatic surface, hepatomegaly and female gender. No statistically significant difference in pSWE quality indicators parameters was found between disease entities. Conclusions: pSWE seems to be a complementary method for detecting biochemical indexes, but its results can be influenced by numerous factors.
Circadian Pattern of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Atrial Fibrillation in a Mediterranean Country: A study in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Daios Stylianos , Savopoulos Christos , Kanellos Ilias , Goudis Christos Argyrios , Nakou Ifigeneia , Petalloti Stergiani , Hadjidimitriou Nicolas , Pilalas Dimitrios , Ziakas Antonios , Kaiafa Georgia
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives: The circadian pattern seems to play a crucial role in cardiovascular events and arrhythmias. Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder associated with autonomic nervous system alterations and increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular disease. We sought to determine whether acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) follow a circadian pattern in diabetic patients in a Mediterranean country. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 178 diabetic patients (mean age: 67.7) with AMI or AF who were admitted to the coronary care unit. The circadian pattern of AMI and AF was identified in the 24-h period (divided in 3-h and 1-h intervals). Patients were also divided in 3 groups according to age; 40–65 years, 66–79 years and patients older than 80 years. A chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: AMI seems to occur more often in the midnight hours (21:00–23:59) (p < 0.001). Regarding age distribution, patients between 40 and 65 years were more likely to experience an AMI compared to other age groups (p < 0.001). Autonomic alterations, working habits, and social reasons might contribute to this phenomenon. AF in diabetic patients occurs more frequently at noon (12:00–14:59) (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with AMI and AF seem to follow a specific circadian pattern in a Mediterranean country, with AMI occurring most often at midnight hours and AF mostly at noon. Autonomic dysfunction, glycemic fluctuations, intense anti-diabetic treatment before lunch, and patterns of insulin secretion and resistance may explain this pattern. More studies are needed to elucidate the circadian pattern of AMI and AF in diabetic patients to contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches in this setting.
Amino Acid and Acylcarnitine Levels in Chronic Patients with Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Mednova Irina A. , Chernonosov Alexander A. , Kasakin Marat F. , Kornetova Elena G. , Semke Arkadiy V. , Bokhan Nikolay A. , Koval Vladimir V. , Ivanova Svetlana A.
Published: January 2021

Amino acids and acylcarnitines play an important role as substrates and intermediate products in most of pathways involved in schizophrenia development such as mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, lipid oxidation, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. It seems relevant to use an integrated approach with ‘omics’ technology to study their contribution. The aim of our study was to investigate serum amino acid and acylcarnitine levels in antipsychotics-treated patients with chronic schizophrenia compared with healthy donors. We measured serum levels of 15 amino acids and 30 acylcarnitines in 37 patients with schizophrenia and 36 healthy donors by means of tandem mass spectrometry. In summary, patients with chronic schizophrenia had an altered concentration of a few amino acids and acylcarnitines in comparison to the healthy probands. Further research is needed to assess and understand the identified changes.
Comparative Studies on Flotation Performance of Saturated Fatty Acids and Unsaturated Fatty Acids Separated from Hogwash Oil
Authors: Guo Wenda , Cai Yujie , Zhu Yimin , Li Yanjun , Sun Yongsheng
Published: January 2021

Low flotation recovery, high pulp temperature, and large dosage of reagents are the typical disadvantages when using mixed fatty acids (MFA) prepared from hogwash oil for flotation directly. To determine the type of fatty acid that yields poor flotation performance, flotation performance and adsorption characteristics of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) separated from the MFA were studied in our work. GC-MS, FT-IR, iodine value detection and melting point measurement showed that UFA contained –(CH=CH–CH2)n- groups and had much lower melting point. Quartz flotation tests were used to compare the flotation performance of UFA and SFA, which showed that UFA had excellent low-temperature floatability, and the flotation recovery of UFA was 35 percentage points higher than that of SFA at 20 °C and pH = 11.5. Zeta potential, FT-IR and XPS analysis indicated that UFA and SFA could adsorb onto the surface of activated quartz through chemisorption and hydrogen bonding. However, the adsorption of UFA was much stronger and more favorable; thus, the reason MFA have poor flotation performance was the presence of SFA.
In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Chitosan-Coated Lignin Nanoparticles in Embryonic Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Stine Jared S. , Harper Bryan J. , Conner Cathryn G. , Velev Orlin D. , Harper Stacey L.
Published: January 2021

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth after cellulose. Since lignin breaks down in the environment naturally, lignin nanoparticles may serve as biodegradable carriers of biocidal actives with minimal environmental footprint compared to conventional antimicrobial formulations. Here, a lignin nanoparticle (LNP) coated with chitosan was engineered. Previous studies show both lignin and chitosan to exhibit antimicrobial properties. Another study showed that adding a chitosan coating can improve the adsorption of LNPs to biological samples by electrostatic adherence to oppositely charged surfaces. Our objective was to determine if these engineered particles would elicit toxicological responses, utilizing embryonic zebrafish toxicity assays. Zebrafish were exposed to nanoparticles with an intact chorionic membrane and with the chorion enzymatically removed to allow for direct contact of particles with the developing embryo. Both mortality and sublethal endpoints were analyzed. Mortality rates were significantly greater for chitosan-coated LNPs (Ch-LNPs) compared to plain LNPs and control groups. Significant sublethal endpoints were observed in groups exposed to Ch-LNPs with chorionic membranes intact. Our study indicated that engineered Ch-LNP formulations at high concentrations were more toxic than plain LNPs. Further study is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of Ch-LNP toxicity.
Light Scattering from Rough Silver Surfaces: Modeling of Absorption Loss Measurements
Authors: Dehghani Matin , David Christin
Published: January 2021

We consider two series of experimental setups of multilayered Ag/ZnO thin films with varying surface morphologies given by atomic force microscopy images. The absorption loss under diffuse scattering is studied theoretically by applying a combination of the scattering matrix approach with diffraction theory for randomly nanotextured interfaces. Our modeling is in excellent agreement with the respective measurements. The theoretical approach is applicable to a wide range of wavelengths, surface morphologies, and materials for both measured and computed rough surface morphologies.
Limits and Opportunities of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Tests: An Experienced-Based Perspective
Authors: Schildgen Verena , Demuth Sabrina , Lüsebrink Jessica , Schildgen Oliver
Published: January 2021

Background: Due to the steadily rising case numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections worldwide, there is an increasing need for reliable rapid diagnostic devices in addition to existing gold standard PCR methods. Actually, public attention is focused on antigen assays including lateral flow tests (LFTs) as a diagnostic alternative. Therefore, different LFTs were analyzed regarding their performance in a clinical setting. Material and Methods: A pilot sample panel of 13 bronchoalveolar fluids (BALFs) and 60 throat washing (TW) samples with confirmed PCR results, as well as eight throat washes invalid by PCR, were tested with the BIOCREDIT test (RapiGEN), the PanbioTM assay (Abbott), and the SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test (Roche). Conclusion: The analyzed antigen test showed an interassay correlation of 27.4%, with overall specificities ranging from 19.4% to 87.1%, while sensitivities of the respective tests ranged between 33.3% and 88.1%. Because these assays did not entirely meet all high expectations, their benefit has to be carefully evaluated for the respective test strategy and setting.
Reframing the Medication Experience in Pharmacy Using Seminal Concepts of Patient-Centered Care—Implications for Practice
Authors: Isetts Brian , Olson Anthony , Schommer Jon
Published: January 2021

Team-based, Patient-Centered Care is essential to chronic disease prevention and management but there are differing ideas about the concept’s meaning across healthcare populations, settings and professions. This commentary’s objective is to empirically evaluate the theoretical relationships of the [a] Medication Experience, [b] Patient-Centeredness and other relevant component concepts from pharmaceutical care (i.e., [c] Therapeutic Relationship, [d] Patient-specific preferences for achieving goals of therapy and resolving drug therapy problems) so as to provide practice-based insights. This is achieved using a secondary analysis of 213 excerpts generated from in-depth semi-structured interviews with a national sample of pharmacists and patients about Patient-Centeredness in pharmacist practice. The four component concepts (i.e., a–d) related to the objective were examined and interpreted using a novel 3-archetype heuristic (i.e., Partner, Client and Customer) revealing common practice-based themes related to care preferences and expectations in collaborative goal setting, enduring relationships, value co-creation and evolving patient expectations during challenging medical circumstances. Most practice-based insights were generated within the Partner archetype, likely reflecting high congruence with pharmacist and patient responses related to the Medication Experience and Therapeutic Relationship. The practice-based insights may be especially useful for new practitioners and students accelerating their advancement in providing effective and efficient Patient-Centered Care.
Deep Learning Based Thin Cloud Removal Fusing Vegetation Red Edge and Short Wave Infrared Spectral Information for Sentinel-2A Imagery
Authors: Li Jun , Wu Zhaocong , Hu Zhongwen , Li Zilong , Wang Yisong , Molinier Matthieu
Published: January 2021

Thin clouds seriously affect the availability of optical remote sensing images, especially in visible bands. Short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands are less influenced by thin clouds, but usually have lower spatial resolution than visible (Vis) bands in high spatial resolution remote sensing images (e.g., in Sentinel-2A/B, CBERS04, ZY-1 02D and HJ-1B satellites). Most cloud removal methods do not take advantage of the spectral information available in SWIR bands, which are less affected by clouds, to restore the background information tainted by thin clouds in Vis bands. In this paper, we propose CR-MSS, a novel deep learning-based thin cloud removal method that takes the SWIR and vegetation red edge (VRE) bands as inputs in addition to visible/near infrared (Vis/NIR) bands, in order to improve cloud removal in Sentinel-2 visible bands. Contrary to some traditional and deep learning-based cloud removal methods, which use manually designed rescaling algorithm to handle bands at different resolutions, CR-MSS uses convolutional layers to automatically process bands at different resolution. CR-MSS has two input/output branches that are designed to process Vis/NIR and VRE/SWIR, respectively. Firstly, Vis/NIR cloudy bands are down-sampled by a convolutional layer to low spatial resolution features, which are then concatenated with the corresponding features extracted from VRE/SWIR bands. Secondly, the concatenated features are put into a fusion tunnel to down-sample and fuse the spectral information from Vis/NIR and VRE/SWIR bands. Third, a decomposition tunnel is designed to up-sample and decompose the fused features. Finally, a transpose convolutional layer is used to up-sample the feature maps to the resolution of input Vis/NIR bands. CR-MSS was trained on 28 real Sentinel-2A image pairs over the globe, and tested separately on eight real cloud image pairs and eight simulated cloud image pairs. The average SSIM values (Structural Similarity Index Measurement) for CR-MSS results on Vis/NIR bands over all testing images were 0.69, 0.71, 0.77, and 0.81, respectively, which was on average 1.74% higher than the best baseline method. The visual results on real Sentinel-2 images demonstrate that CR-MSS can produce more realistic cloud and cloud shadow removal results than baseline methods.
Környezet és pénzügyek: A pénzügyi fejlettség emissziót befolyásoló szerepe
Authors: Németh-Durkó Emilia
Published: January 2021

A károsanyag-kibocsátás és a gazdasági növekedés összefüggő folyamatok, kapcsolatuk vizsgálatában a pénzügyi fejlettség gazdaságélénkítő szerepe miatt egyre nagyobb figyelmet kap. A fejlett pénzügyi rendszerű gazdaságokban a hitelezési lehetőségek bővülése és az aktív tőzsdei jelenlét hozzájárul a beruházások, fejlesztések finanszírozási nehézségeinek csökkentéséhez egyéni és vállalati szinten is. A finanszírozásban a tőzsdei portfóliók is szerepet kapnak, melyek között népszerűek a fenntarthatósági célok megvalósulását elősegítő zöldbefektetések. Olyan korszerű beruházások valósulhatnak meg, amelyekkel energiamegtakarítás érhető el, és kevesebb károsanyag-kibocsátással járnak. Kutatásunkból kiderül azonban, hogy a pénzügyi fejlettség hatása nem egyértelműen kedvező, nemcsak a környezetbarát technológiák terjedésének lehet a mozgatórugója, hanem a hatékonyságbeli javulás ellenére összességében az energiafogyasztást és a károsanyag-kibocsátást is fokozhatja.