bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Niche Modeling of Invasive Macrophyte (Urochloa subquadripara) and Co-occurrence with Natives
Authors: Duque Tayna Sousa , Souza Iasmin Marcella , Mendes Débora Sampaio , Da Silva Ricardo Siqueira , Mucida Danielle Piuzana , Da Silva Francisca Daniele , Silva Daniel Valadão , Dos Santos José Barbosa
Published: July 2023

Invasive macrophytes are considered problematic in natural environments and hydroelectric reservoirs. Climate changes, the occurrence of watercourses, and biotic interactions influence the biological invasion of macrophytes. Native species can correlate with invasives positively or negatively. Urochloa subquadripara is an invasive in natural or disturbed habitats co-occurring with the natives Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia minima. Aquatic plant communities can be altered by climate change, so species distribution models (SDMs) are important tools for predicting in-vaded areas. This work aimed to make an SDM for U. subquadripara correlating with the poten-tial distribution of native species E. crassipes and S. minima. Occurrence data for U. subquadripara, E. crassipes, and S. minima were collected from databases and in consultation with the published literature. Parameters encompassing biological information of the species were entered into the CLIMEX software and used to generate the Ecoclimatic Index (EI). The species co-occurrence was performed based on multicriteria decision-making (MCDM), and weights were assigned using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). It was observed that U. subquadripara, E. crassipes, and S. minima have a higher occurrence in tropical and subtropical regions; however, it is predicted that, from climatic changes, these species may move to high latitudes. According to climate change, the risk of invasion by U. subquadripara in the northern hemisphere is mainly in lakes, while in the southern hemisphere, the areas conducive to invasions are rivers and reservoirs. In general, emerging and floating macrophyte species such as U. subquadripara, E. crassipes, and S. minima will be favored, causing suppression of submerged species. Therefore, identifying the potential distribution of these species allows the creation of pre-invasion intervention strategies.
Targeted Mass Spectrometry Reveals Interferon-Dependent Eicosanoid and Fatty Acid Alterations in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Scott Hannah C. , Yu Zhanru , Daganov Simeon D. , Kessler Benedikt M. , Pinto-Fernández Adán
Published: July 2023

Bioactive lipids are involved in cellular signalling events with links to human disease. Many of these are involved in inflammation under normal and pathological conditions. Despite being attractive molecules from a pharmacological point of view, detection and quantification of lipids has been a major challenge. Here, we have optimised a liquid chromatography dynamic multiple reaction monitoring targeted mass spectrometry (LC-dMRM-MS) approach to profile eicosanoids and fatty acids in biological samples. In particular, by applying this analytic workflow to study a cellular model of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), we found that intra- and extra-cellular 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), intracellular Arachidonic Acid (AA), and extracellular Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), Palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and Stearic acid (SA, C18:0) were altered in response to immunomodulation by type I Interferon (IFN-I). Our observations indicate changes in eicosanoid and fatty acid metabolism with potential relevance in the context of cancer inflammation.
Challenges and Strategies for Enhancing eHealth Capacity Building Programs in African Nations
Authors: Asah Flora Nah , Kaasbøll Jens
Published: July 2023

eHealth applications are an essential component in achieving Universal Health Coverage. (1) Background: The lack of skilled healthcare personnel has hindered successful integration and use, especially in developing and low and middle-income countries. (2) Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using an online survey to collect quantitative data from 37 organizations to address this issue. (3) Results: The findings showed that there are limited training opportunities available for policymakers and eHealth specialists. Additionally, obstacles such as insufficient funds, inadequate infrastructure, poor leadership, and governance were identified and found to be context specific. To mitigate these challenges, the study proposed continuous in-service training, the implementation of computer-based systems, and the integration of academic modules. The importance of strong eHealth policies and committed leaders was also emphasized. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study support previous research and emphasize the importance of implementing practical and uncomplicated solutions to overcome eHealth barriers to capacity building in low- and middle-income countries. It is essential to recognize that the data collected for this study only pertains to BETTEReHEALTH.
Preparation and Characterization of Biomass Tannin-Based Flexible Foam Insoles for Athletes
Authors: Zuo Zhikai , Liu Bowen , Essawy Hisham , Huang Zhigang , Tang Jun , Miao Zhe , Chen Fei , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2023

The exploitation of bio-based foams implies an increase in the use of renewable biological resources to reduce the rapid consumption of petroleum-derived resources. Both tannins and furfuryl alcohol are derived from forestry resources and are therefore considered as attractive precursors for the preparation of tannin-furanic foams. In addition, toughening modification of tannin-furanic foams using polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) resulted in a more flexible network-like structure, which imparts excellent flexibility to the foams with acquirement of relative properties that are even close to those of polyurethane foams, which are the most used polymers for fabrication of insoles for athletes. In addition, the addition of PVOH did not affect the thermal insulation of the foams, resilience and elongation at break, while reducing the brittleness of the samples and improving the mechanical properties. Also the observation of the morphology of the foam indicated that the compatibility between PVOH and tannin-furanic resin is good, and the cured foam does not show fragmentation or collapse, while the bubble pore structure is uniform. The developed flexible foam derived from biomass resources endowed the foam good thermal insulation properties and high mechanical properties, and the samples exhibited suitable physical parameters to be used as flexible insoles for athletes.
The Rise and Fall of Omicron BA.1 Variant as Seen in Wastewater Supports Epidemiological Model Predictions
Authors: Liddor Naim Michal , Fu Yu , Shagan Marilou , Bar-Or Itay , Marks Robert , Sun Qun , Granek Rony , Kushmaro Ariel
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has inflicted significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Continuous virus mutations have led to the emergence of new variants. The Omicron BA.1 sub-lineage prevailed as the dominant variant globally at the beginning of 2022 but was subsequently replaced by BA.2 in numerous countries. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) offers an efficient tool for capturing viral shedding from infected individuals, enabling early detection of potential pandemic outbreaks without relying solely on community cooperation and clinical testing resources. This study integrated RT-qPCR assays for detecting general SARS-CoV-2 and its variants levels in wastewater into a modified triple susceptible-infected-recovered-susceptible (SIRS) model. The emergence of the Omicron-BA.1 variant was observed, replacing the presence of its predecessor, the Delta variant. Comparative analysis between the wastewater data and the modified SIRS model effectively described the BA.1 and subsequent BA.2 waves, with the decline of the Delta variant aligning with its diminished presence below the detection threshold in wastewater. This study demonstrates the potential of WBE as a valuable tool for future pandemics. Furthermore, by analyzing the sensitivity of different variants to model parameters, we are able to deduce real-life values of cross-variant immunity probabilities, emphasizing the asymmetry in their strength.
Theoretical Analysis for Improving the Efficiency Of HT-PEMFC through Unreacted Hydrogen Circulation
Authors: Park Sanghyoun , Lee Sangyong
Published: July 2023

To increase the efficiency of fuel processor and HT-PEMFC (High Temperature-Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) combined system, it is essential to improve the efficiency of a fuel processor. In this research, the fuel processor was simulated by Aspen Hysys® simulator, and effect of the various operating conditions on the total efficiency was investigated. Thermal efficiency of the fuel processor increased as the temperature and S/C (Steam to carbon) ratio increased, and the efficiency was higher at the S/C ratio of 3 than at the S/C of 4 at the reformer temperature of 700 ℃ and higher. Under the selected operating conditions of the fuel processor, recycling of unreacted hydrogen from the anode off gas (AOG) of the HT-PEMFC improve the overall efficiency of the combined fuel processer and HT-PEMFC by a factor of 1.28. Operating conditions where the AOG supplied excessive heat than required for fuel processor operation were excluded. The high-efficiency operating conditions of the fuel cell system were proposed with the target of 5 kW of output as the capacity of the household HT-PEMFC.
Continuous Mapping of Covering Approximate Space and Topology Induced by Arbitrary Covering Relation
Authors: Shang Xiao , Wang Pei , Wu Huo Rong , E Yu Han
Published: July 2023

In the study of rough sets, there are many covering approximation spaces, how to classify covering approximation spaces has become a hot issue. In this paper, we propose concepts covering approximation $T_{1}$-space, $F-$symmtry, covering rough continuous mapping, covering rough homeomorphism mapping to solve this question. We also propose a new method for constructing topology in Theorem 5.1, and get the following properties:

(1) For each $x\in U$, $\{X_{i}:i\in I\}\subseteq \mathcal{P}(U)$ is all the subsets of $U$ which contains $x$ and $*$ is a reflexive relation on $U$. If $V\in \tau$ is a subset of $U$ and $x\in V$, then $\underline{*}(\bigcap \limits_{i\in I}X_{i})$ is the smallest subset of $U$ and $x \in \underline{*}(\bigcap \limits_{i\in I}X_{i})\subseteq V$. Denoted by $C(x)=\bigcap \{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\in \underline{*}(X_{i}),i\in I\}$.

(2)If $V\in \tau$ is a subset of $U$, then $V =$ $\bigcup \limits_{x\in V} C(x)$.

(3) Let $\{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\notin \underline{*}(X_{i}), i\in I\}$, then $\overline{\{x\}}$ $=$ $U \setminus \bigcup \limits_{x\notin \underline{*}(X_{i}), i\in I}\underline{*}(X_{i})$;

(4) Let $*$ be a reflexive relation on $U$. For every $X\subseteq U$, we have $int(\underline{*}(X))=\underline{*}(X)$. Where $int(\underline{*}(X))$ represents the interior of $\underline{*}(X)$.

(5) Let $\{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\in \underline{*}(X_{i}),i\in I\}$ be a family subsets of $U$, then $\{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\in \underline{*}(X_{i}),i\in I\}$ is a base for $(U,\tau)$ at the point $x$. \\
Identification of a Solid Stem Suppressor Gene Su-TdDof in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat Syn-SAU-117
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Xin , Zhang Junqing , Chen Longyu , Zhang Minghu , Miao Yongping , Ma Pan , Hao Ming , Jiang Bo , Ning Shunzong , Huang Lin , Yuan Zhongwei , Chen Xuejiao , Chen Xue , Liu Dengcai , Wan Hongshen , Zhang Lianquan
Published: July 2023

Lodging is one of the important factors affecting the high and stable yield of wheat worldwide. Solid-stemmed wheat has higher stem strength and lodging resistance than hollow-stemmed wheat. There are many solid stemmed varieties, landraces and old varieties of durum wheat. However, the transfer of solid stem genes from durum wheat is suppressed by the suppressor gene located on chromosome 3D in common wheat, and only hollow-stemmed lines have been created. However, synthetic hexaploid wheat can serve as a bridge to transfer solid stem genes from tetraploid wheat to common wheat. In this study, the F1, F2, and F2:3 generations of the cross between solid-stemmed Syn-SAU-119 and semisolid-stemmed Syn-SAU-117 were developed. A single dominant gene, tentatively designated Su-TdDof, was identified in synthetic hexaploid wheat Syn-SAU-117 by genetic analysis, which suppresses stem solidity. Using bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR-seq) analysis, Su-TdDof was mapped to chromosome 7DS and flanked by markers KASP-669 and KASP-1055 within a 4.53 cM genetic interval corresponding to 3.86 Mb and 2.29Mb physical region in the Chinese Spring (IWGSC RefSeq v1.1) and Ae. tauschii (AL8/78 v4.0) genome, respectively, in which three genes related to solid stem development were annotated. Su-TdDof differed from a previously reported solid stem suppressor gene based on its origin and position. Su-TdDof would provide a valuable example for research on the suppression phenomenon. The flanking markers developed in this study would be useful for screening Ae. tauschii accessions with no suppressor gene (Su-TdDof) to develop more synthetic hexaploid wheat lines for wheat lodging resistance breeding and further cloning the suppressor gene Su-TdDof.
Design and Testing of Key Components of Waste Ground Film Impurity Removal Equipment
Authors: Kang Jianming , Xie Chenshuo , Peng Qiangji , Wang Nannan , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Yaoli
Published: July 2023

A tumbler screen type residual film–impurity mixture wind separator as a key equipment for secondary utilization of farmland residual film. During the working process, the proportion of impurities in the separated waste mulch film intermittently increases, resulting in poor working stability of the device, which may hamper long-term operation. In this study, the material inside the separation unit was continuously monitored, and the main factor affecting separator per-formance was determined to be the challenges in the effective depolymerization of some residual film–impurity mixtures. The principles of agglomeration and depolymerization of the residual film–impurity mixtures were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) flow-solid coupling simulation methods. The key factor affecting the disaggregation of the mixture was the collision force between the residual film–impurity mixture and the trommel screen. The collision force was maximum when the residual film–impurity mixture first collided with the trommel screen when it was fed into the separation device. As determined by force analyses, the key factors affecting the collision force of the process were the material feeding amount and the structure of the inlet. Furthermore, simulations were carried out for different inlet structure forms; the evaluation index was the maximum collision force of the residual film–impurity mixture agglomerate on the trommel screen. The best disaggregation effect was obtained with a square feed inlet and at a feeding rate of 202 kg/h. A prototype was built using these specifications for verification. The average value of the ratio of impurities in the re-sidual film was 6.966%, the coefficient of variation was 7.38%, and the dispersion of statistical results was small. The ratio of impurities in the residual film was kept constant during the con-tinuous operation of the wind separator. Thus, this study analyzed the agglomerate disaggregation process and provided theoretical insights for deter-mining the optimal structures of the inlets of various cleaning devices and the feeding volumes.
PROBLEMATIKA DALAM PELAKSANAAN HAK TANGGUNGAN ELEKTRONIK BERDASARKAN UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 4 TAHUN 1996 TENTANG HAK TANGGUNGAN ATAS TANAH BESERTA BENDA-BENDA YANG BERKAITAN DENGAN TANAH
Authors: Bisyir Dzaky Alwan
Published: July 2023

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis permasalahan dalam pelaksanaan hak tanggungan elektronik. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian hukum empiris yang bersifat deskriptif. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah dengan peneltian lapangan dan studi kepustakaan. Selanjutnya teknik yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan menggunakan teknik analisis data kualitatif dengan metode analisis interaktif. Problematika dalam pelaksanaan hak tanggungan elektronik yaitu adanya ketidaksesuaian norma hukum terkait dengan hak tanggungan elektronik antara Undang-Undang Nomor 4 Tahun 1996 tentang Hak Tanggungan dengan Peraturan Menteri Nomor 9 Tahun 2019 tentang Pelayanan Hak Tanggungan Terintegrasi Secara Elektronik. Selanjutnya yaitu lemahnya sistem pembuktian yang mengatur mengenai dokumen elektronik yang terdapat pada sistem hak tanggungan elektronik jika terjadi permasalahan hukum. Permasalahan terakhir yaitu rendahnya kesiapan sumber daya manusia serta sarana prasarana oleh pihak pengguna sistem hak tanggungan elektronik.
Health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and stigma around Tuberculosis: A mixed-method study with specific vulnerable population groups in India
Authors: Sinha Atreyee , R Renu , Kar Arin , Karkhanis Prachi , Singarajipura Anil , Adepu Rajesham , Mishra Bal Krishna , Basu Abhijit , Potty Rajaram Subramaniam , Kumaraswamy Karthikeyan , Munjattu Joseph Francis , Ranjan Rajiv , Dias Mary , Goswami Amrita , Swamickan Reuben , Begum Rehana
Published: July 2023

Background
Diverse strategies, including addressing various social barriers, especially among key vulnerable populations, are needed to accelerate efforts to achieve India’s goal of ending TB by 2025. In this direction, a baseline study was conducted covering migrant, tribal, tea garden, urban and mining/industrial populations in four Indian states: Assam, Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka. This study aimed to generate evidence about tuberculosis-related knowledge, levels of stigma, and health-seeking behaviour in these population groups.
Methods
The mixed methods study involved 189 cross-sectional polling-booth surveys with 8–10 adult male and female participants in each, 32 focus group discussions and 195 in-depth interviews among persons with TB, family members/caregivers, community members/structures from vulnerable groups, and National TB Elimination Programme staff during June-November 2021. The polling booth survey covered 2,507 respondents, and the data were analysed using bivariate, multivariate and qualitative techniques.
Results
Comprehensive knowledge of tuberculosis was highest among migrants (57%) and lowest among the mining/industrial population (16%). While over half of the participants, who themselves or a family member have had TB, experienced stigma from communities and health facilities, urban and mining/industrial populations expressed the highest self-perceived stigma. Immediate health-seeking for persistent cough of > 2 weeks was highest among tea-garden workers, tribal and migrants and lowest among urban and mining/industrial groups. FGDs/IDIs highlighted that superstitious beliefs and preferences for traditional healers delayed timely treatment-seeking. Discontinuation of treatment was predominantly due to high pill burden, adverse drug reactions, and initial signs of recovery. In the multivariate analysis, education, use of social media, comprehensive knowledge and low stigma were shown to promote improved health-seeking behaviour among migrants, mining/industrial and tea garden populations.
Conclusions
Vulnerable groups have different levels of knowledge about TB, ‘experienced stigma’, and preferences for the health sector. Programs focusing on customized communication strategies and behaviour change solutions to improve knowledge and dissipate stigma can help to improve early access to health care and create an enabling environment for persons with TB.
Post-COVID-19 long term impact on lung function and quality of life: who should be concerned?
Authors: Toh Ming Ren , Teo Rachel , Poh Ruby , Tang Yiting , Soh Rui Ya , Sharma Kiran , Poh Kai Chin , Kalyanasundaram Ganesh
Published: July 2023

Post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequalae are well-recognized early in the pandemic. Survivorship clinics are crucial for managing at-risk patients. However, it is unclear who requires pulmonary function test (PFT) and when PFTs should be performed. We aim to investigate for whom and how these interval PFTs should be performed. We performed a single-centre, prospective cohort study on COVID-19 survivors between 1st May 2020 to 31st April 2022. These patients were followed up at 6, 9 and 12 months with interval PFT and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Those with PFT defects were offered a computed tomography scan of the thorax. Of the 46 patients recruited, 17 (37%) had severe/critical illness. Compared to those with mild/moderate disease, these patients were more likely to experience DLCO defects (59% versus 17%, p = 0.005) and had lower SF-36 scores (mean physical component summary score of 45 ± 12 versus 52 ± 8, p = 0.046). These differences were most notable at 6 months, compared to the 9- and 12-months intervals. DLCO defects were also associated with older age, raised inflammatory markers and extensive CXR infiltrates. Besides interstitial-like abnormalities, obesity and undiagnosed lung conditions accounted for 39% of the PFT abnormalities. Interval PFTs can be performed earliest 6 months post-COVID-19. Patients with normal tests were unlikely to develop new abnormalities and would not require repeat PFTs. Abnormal PFTs can be followed-up with repeat PFTs 6 monthly until resolution. Non-COVID-19 differentials should be considered for persistent PFT abnormalities.
Changing Characteristics of Monsoon Rainfall for an Urban Smart City Catchment in South Indian Peninsula
Authors: Akhil J. , Suresh Amrutha , Pekkat Sreeja
Published: July 2023

The analysis of changing characteristics of monsoon rainfall in an urban catchment is crucial for planning urban flood mitigation measures and optimal water resource management. This study analysed the changing trends and patterns in monsoon rainfall in an urban district located in the south Indian peninsula. The study area being qualified as a smart city demands a detailed understanding on the occurrence of historical high intensity rainfall for future water resources management. The long-term rainfall time series (120 years from 1901 to 2020) was analyzed considering decadal, 5 years and yearly sub series using a more recent innovative trend pivot analysis method (ITPAM) as well as conventional methods such as the Mann-Kendall and Modified Mann-Kendall tests. The statistical analysis of annual and seasonal rainfall data (120 years) revealed that the mean annual rainfall varied between 3469 mm and 3009 mm with predominant monsoon rainfall concentrated in 3 months or less. The spatial variability of annual rainfall depicted the eastern part of the study area receiving maximum rainfall (highly localized). The study demonstrates the advantage of risk graph in ITPAM for identifying drastic variations in trend and extreme events. The study also suggests investigating short period rainfall data (yearly) at a local scale for capturing high intensity rainfall as compared to decadal coarse resolution rainfall data (state scale or country scale). This is important if the result of rainfall analysis is used for planning flood mitigation in highly urbanized smart cities.
From asexuality to sexual reproduction: a cyclical switch of gametogenic pathways in hybrids depends on ploidy level
Authors: Dedukh Dmitrij , Marta Anatolie , Myung Ra-Yeon , Ko Myeong-Hun , Choi Da-Song , Won Yong-Jin , Janko Karel
Published: July 2023

The cellular and molecular mechanisms governing sexual reproduction are highly conserved across eukaryotes. Nevertheless, hybridization can disrupt such machinery leading to asexual reproduction. To investigate how hybridization and polyploidization affect gametogenesis and reproductive outcomes of asexual hybrids, we conducted a comprehensive study on diploid and triploid hybrids along with their sexual parental species from the freshwater fish family Cobitidae. In diploid and triploid hybrids, most gonocytes maintain their original ploidy level. During meiosis, such gonocytes experience abnormal chromosome pairing preventing progression beyond pachytene. Diploid hybrid females regain fertility through premeiotic genome endoreplication, resulting in the rare emergence of tetraploid gonocytes. Tetraploid gonocytes bypass meiosis and lead to clonal diploid gametes. In contrast, triploid hybrids lack genome endoreplication but utilize premeiotic genome elimination of a single-copy parental genome forming diploid gonocytes that undergo meiosis and produce haploid gametes. Therefore, the interplay of parental genomes leads to diverse gametogenic outcomes in hybrids dependent on their ploidy and genome dosage. These alterations in gametogenic pathways can persist across generations, potentially enabling the cyclic maintenance of asexual/polyploid hybrids in natural populations.
Emotional Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence, Depression and Anxiety, and Satisfaction with Life Among Emerging Adults in Israel and India
Authors: Walter Ofra , Kasler Jonathan , Routray Surekha
Published: July 2023

Much research has focused on how emotional and spiritual intelligences promote well-being and help combat mental health issues. This comparative study, which was conducted in Israel and India with emerging adults enrolled in higher education, explored the relationship of emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, anxiety and depression, and satisfaction with life. The results in Israel showed a positive correlation of emotional intelligence with satisfaction with life, but in India, only spiritual intelligence correlated positively with satisfaction with life. In both groups, female participants scored higher on all variables than male participants. We offer initial explanations for these results.
A Behavioral Test and Classification of Solution Concepts in Games
Authors: Fotso Alphonse Fodouop , Pongou Roland , Tchantcho Betrand
Published: July 2023

We formalize three leading rationality approaches in a general game environment: \textit{rational optimism}, \textit{conservatism}, and \textit{prudence} (or \textit{maximin} rationality). This formalization leads to the formulation of a behavioral test of rationality in static and dynamic games. We then test twelve important concepts of myopic and farsighted rationality for such games, comprising the von Neumann Morgenstern stable sets, the Nash equilibrium, the core, the Harsanyi's stable sets and their most prominent descendants. While most of these solution concepts are either rationally optimistic or conservative, all fail the prudence test. We find that the prudence criterion addresses a lack of maximality and anticipation in both the rationally optimistic and the conservative approaches, and is therefore more demanding.
JEL classification numbers: C7, D8
Advantages of Microalgae for Domestic Wastewater Treatment - a Comparative Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Moura Rafael de Freitas , Hoffmann Bettina Susanne , Cruz Yordanka Reyes , Mundim Bernardo Costa
Published: July 2023

According to the National Plan for Basic Sanitation, adequate sewage care involves a system with the collection and treatment of sewage and, in some cases, as an alternative solution the use of a septic tank. In Brazil, about 55% of the population is attended by sewage collection, and only 50.8% of wastewater is treated. The technologies applied in low- and middle-income countries generally focus on the removal of organic carbon without specific attention to the retention of phosphorus and nitrogen. This study aims to study the environmental impacts of conventional domestic effluent treatment and treatment with microalgae from a life cycle perspective and discuss the main advantages and disadvantages. That is a preliminary study whose modelling is based on primary data and data extracted from the Ecoinvent database. The impact categories considered include Climate Change and Eutrophication, using characterization factors proposed in the Recipe 2016 Midpoint (H) and CML 2002 methods. The microalgae technology showed better results when compared with the technologies of Activated Sludge and UASB Reactor + Activated Sludge in the impact category Eutrophication. For the impact category Global Warming the technology shows only the fourth best performance among the five technologies evaluated.
Machine-learning Approach to Reveal a Novel Hepatic Stellate Cell-based Classification for Prognostic Prediction in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qian Zhipeng , Luo Kunpeng , Gao Yang , Yin Jiaqi , Xu Jincheng , Wen Zhengchao , Shen Xiuyun , Jiang Yanan , Shang Desi , Wu Jinrong
Published: July 2023

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major concerns regarding public health globally. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a vital role in HCC progression. The identification of CAF-associated HCC subtypes and the development of CAF-related HCC precise treatment strategies are unmet needs.Methods:A total of 288 CAF signatures were obtained from previous studies. Consensus clustering analysis was employed to identify the CAF-related subtypes in HCC. Enrichment analysis, CIBERSORT, and ESTIMATE were applied to comprehensively evaluate heterogeneity across the HCC subtypes. Four machine-learning methods, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selector Operation regression, Elastic Net, survival Support Vector Machine, and Neural Network, were used to construct the prognostic model (HC score). The immunotherapy cohort was enrolled to explore the potential of the HC score in predicting immunotherapy responsiveness.Results:Based on the CAF signatures, we identified two HCC subtypes: HCf-inactive and HCf-active subtypes. The two HCC subtypes had significantly different immune features, fibrosis features, and prognoses. Furthermore, we constructed a CAF-related gene prognostic model HC score based on the integration of four machine-learning methods. The HC score predicted the outcomes in patients with HCC compared with traditional clinicopathological features. Moreover, the HC score could also effectively predict the microenvironment characteristics of HCC. The immunotherapy cohort analysis indicated that the HC score had great potential to help identify the immunotherapy candidates.Conclusions:We identified two CAF-related HCC subtypes: HCf-inactive and HCf-active subtypes. A gene prognostic model was developed that could well predict HCC prognosis, microenvironment status, and immunotherapy responsiveness.
The role of S-curvature effect on the class of Generalized Douglas-Weyl metrics
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Nasrin
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the impact of S-curvature on important classes of Finsler metrics and extends existing results related to S-curvature. The S-curvature is a crucial non-Riemannian quantity in Finsler geometry, and this research explores its impact on R-quadratic Finsler metrics, Douglas metrics, PR-quadratic Finsler metrics, and Generalised Douglas Weyl (GDW)-metrics. Theorems are presented to address the S-curvature of each class of Finsler metrics, including extensions to existing results. The main objective of this research is to deepen our understanding of S-curvature and its impact on various significant classes of Finsler metrics.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 53B40; 53C60.
Comparative efficacy and safety of belimumab and hydroxychloroquine in the maintenance phase in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kimura Koichi , Ayano Masahiro , Ota Shun-Ichiro , Kushimoto Kazuo , Kimoto Yasutaka , Mitoma Hiroki , Ono Nobuyuki , Arinobu Yojiro , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Niiro Hiroaki
Published: July 2023

Background
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a cornerstone drug, is recommended for long-term use in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, in cases where HCQ is unavailable, it is unclear which drugs should be prioritised for continuation. We aimed to clarify whether belimumab (BLM), which has recently been reported to have long-term safety and efficacy, could be a viable alternative to HCQ.
Methods
We retrospectively compared the efficacy, drug continuation rate and safety of HCQ and BLM in the maintenance phase in patients with SLE. The efficacy endpoints were the cumulative incidence of flares over 2 years, the increase in the damage index and the changes in the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI) score and prednisolone dose. The safety endpoint was the adverse event rates.
Results
Among 96 patients analysed, 15 out of 84 patients (17.9%) in the HCQ group and 1 out of 12 patients (8.3%) in the BLM group experienced a flare with no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of flares between the two groups (p = 0.47). No differences were observed in the cumulative incidence of the increase in the damage index, changes in the SLEDAI score and prednisolone dose, drug continuation rates and adverse events.
Conclusions
The efficacy and safety of BLM were similar to those of HCQ. BLM could be a valuable treatment option for patients with SLE, either as a cornerstone SLE therapy or as an alternative for those who cannot tolerate HCQ.
Integrating Sentiment Analysis in Book Recommender System by using Rating Prediction and DBSCAN Algorithm with Hybrid Filtering Technique
Authors: Addanki Mounika , S Saraswathi , SLAVAKKAM DILLI BABU , Challagundla Ramesh Babu , Pamula Rajendra
Published: July 2023

The recommender system (RS) shows a personalized recommendation by separating the data based on what clients like. Nowadays, people want to buy the most popular products and services to spend the least time shopping. The products are suggested based on what the customer has bought before, what they like, what they say, their profile, the best feature on a website, etc. In this article, we show a hybrid filtering method for book recommendations. That uses the DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) clustering technique to meet each person's needs. In addition, reviews of the books are taken into account to figure out the rating. These are grouped into two groups: reviews with ratings and ratings and reviews without reviews and ratings (missing data). In a complete review, the sentiment score is calculated by adding the text from the study that shows how people feel about it. The feeling could be either good or bad. In an incomplete review, the rating is based on the user's demographic information (age, gender, locality & profession). This article also looks at the different types of similarity measures, such as Adjusted Cosine, Pearson Correlation, Euclidean, Manhattan, and Jaccard Similarity. The proposed method is tested on the Amazon book dataset. The RS error is calculated using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Square Error (MSE). The results show that the suggested method has a lower error rate with RMSE (2.63), MSE, and MSE (3.15). This method solves the problems of a cold start and a lack of data while giving them valuable books and amenities. The accuracy of recommendations is measured by precision, recall, and the F-measure.
Predictive genetic biomarkers for the development of peritoneal metastases in colorectal cancer
Authors: Heuvelings Danique J.I. , Wintjens Anne G.W.E , Moonen Laura , Engelen Sanne M.E. , Iersel Liselot B. Valkenburg - van , Dulk Marcel Den , Beckervordersandforth Jan , Thijssen Sharon G.M. , Leunissen Daphne J.G. , Stassen Laurents P.S. , Keszthelyi Daniel , de Hingh Ignace H.J.T. , Mujagic Zlatan , Speel Ernst-Jan M. , Bouvy Nicole D.
Published: July 2023

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cause of cancer related mortality, often due to metastases, of which peritoneal metastases (PM) have the worse outcome. Developing new treatments and searching ways to accomplish prevention of PM is therefore an important focus of clinical research. Metastases-specific markers may help predict the spread of tumor cells and select patients for preventive strategies. This exploratory pilot study aimed to gain more insight into specific DNA and RNA alterations in primary CRC tumors, which might be a predictive factor for the development of PM. Methods Forty patients with T3 stage CRC were retrospectively divided in three groups: without metachronous metastases during 5-year follow-up (M0, n = 20), with metachronous liver metastases (LM, n = 10) and with metachronous PM (PM, n = 10). Patients with synchronous metastases were excluded. Primary Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded tumor samples were analyzed by comprehensive genome sequencing (TSO500 analysis) to identify DNA alterations and RNA fusion transcripts in 523 genes and 55 genes, respectively. Results Thirty-eight samples were included for final analysis. Four M0 tumors and one PM tumor were microsatellite instable (MSI).BRAFmutations were uniquely identified in three microsatellite stable (MSS) PM tumors (37.5%,p = 0.010). RNA analysis showed an additional FAM198A - RAF1 fusion in one PM sample. ConclusionBRAFp.V600E mutations were only present in PM patients with MSS tumors. Therefore, we believe greater attention should be paid to BRAF mutated tumors in relation to the development of metachronous PM.
APICAL MICROLEAKAGE EVALUATION OF CONVENTIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY ENDODONTIC SEALERS - AN INVITRO STUDY
Authors:   MDS, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Pacific Dental College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan., Ishaq Aasima , Yaqoob Nowsheen ,   MDS, Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Pacific Dental College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan., Jain Payal ,   Senior Lecturer, Department Of Conservative and Endodontics, R.R Dental College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan., Agarwal Roshini ,   Third Year Pg, Department Of Conservative and Endodontics, Pacific Dental College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Published: July 2023

Root canal sealers are well known for filling the accessory canals, voids, and irregularities in the root canals, lubricate the obturation process, and seal the space between the dentinal wall and the root filling material creating a perfect hermetic seal. Thus the main aim of our study was to compare the ability of three different root canal sealers in providing a better sealing ability by evaluating their penetration depth. Material And Methodology: 30 extracted teeth were obtained and divided into three groups according to the type of sealer used. In group 1 zinc oxide eugenol sealer, in group 2 AH plus sealer and in group 3 ceraseal bioceramic sealer was used. Root canal preparation and obturation was done using a single technique in all the samples. Micro-leakage was evaluated using methylene blue dye penetration method. Each tooth was split and dye penetration evaluations were done under stereomicroscope (20X magnification). Results: the data was collected and analyzed using ANOVA one way test and found that dye penetration was least for group 2 and group 3 when compared to group 3. Suggesting ceraseal and AH plus sealer to be equally efficient when compared to zinc oxide eugenol sealer. Conclusion: within the limitations of the study it can be concluded that the newer sealers like calcium based and epoxy based sealers can proved to be much better than the conventional zinc oxide eugenol sealers. Though, a complete leakage from the apical margins is unavoidable.
PARAMETRIC STUDIES ON VARIOUS FACTORS AFFECTING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE
Authors:   Student,DepartmentofCivilEngineering,SriShakthiInstituteofEngineeringandTechnology,Coimbatore., Sinan M.V Muhammed , Kiran Raj B.U ,   Student,DepartmentofCivilEngineering,SriShakthiInstituteofEngineeringandTechnology,Coimbatore., Mohammed Ikiharam K.A ,   Student,DepartmentofCivilEngineering,SriShakthiInstituteofEngineeringandTechnology,Coimbatore., Vyshak M. ,   Student,DepartmentofCivilEngineering,SriShakthiInstituteofEngineeringandTechnology,Coimbatore., Sri Ruban D. ,   AssistantProfessor,DepartmentOFCivilEngineering,SriShakthiInstituteofEngineeringand Technology,Coimbatore.
Published: July 2023

Concreteisbecomingmoreandmoreindemandasinfrastructurefacilities are being developed. Its good. It is a known fact that themanufacture of OPC uses a big amount of energy and natural resourcesandalsoemitsasignificantamountofcarbondioxideintotheatmosphere.Therefore,itscrucialtocomeupwithalternativestoenvironmentallyfriendlyconcrete.Flyashisusedtocreatetheinorganic alumino-silicate substance known as geopolymer. India has alargesupplyofflyash,oneoftherawmaterialsusedtomakegeopolymerbinders,althoughithasonlyjustbeguntobeused.Therefore, in order to produce concrete that is more environmentallyfriendly, it is imperative to make the effort to use this by-product. Inordertoimproveitsoverallperformance,thisresearchdetailstheexperimentalworkcarriedoutbycasting20differentgeopolymerconcretemixturestoassesstheimpactofdifferentparametersimpactingitscompressivestrength.Therehavebeenstudiesonanumber of parameters, including the ratio of alkaline liquid to fly ash,sodium hydroxide concentration, sodium silicate to sodium hydroxideratio, curing time,curing temperature,dose of superplasticizer, restperiod, and additional water content in the mix. According to the testresults,compressivestrengthimproveswithincreasedcuringtime,temperature, rest time, and sodium hydroxide solution concentrationwhile decreasing with increased water to geopolymer solids by massand admixture dose. The workability of new geopolymer concrete isenhanced by the use of a naphthalene-based superplasticiser. It wasfurtherdiscoveredthatakeyfactorinreachingtheoptimumcompressivestrengthofthegeopolymerconcretemixisthewatercontent.
The Role of Social Media in the Experiences of COVID-19 Among Long-Hauler Women: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Garrett Camryn , Aghaei Atefeh , Aggarwal Abhishek , Qiao Shan
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The extant literature suggests that women are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and at higher risk for developing long COVID. Due to pandemic mitigation recommendations, social media was relied upon for various aspects of daily life, likely with differences of usage between genders.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the role and functions of social media in the lives of long-hauler women.

METHODS

Participants were purposively snowball-sampled from an online health promotion intervention for long-hauler women with COVID-19 from March to June 2021. During this time, one-on-one, semistructured interviews were conducted online until data saturation was agreed to have been achieved (ie, 15 interviews). Interview transcripts and field notes were analyzed using an emergent, inductive approach.

RESULTS

In total, 15 women were enrolled. The main roles of social media included facilitating support group participation, experience sharing, interpersonal connections, and media consumption. Emergent themes demonstrated that participants rely on social media to fulfill needs of emotional support, social engagement, spirituality, health planning, information gathering, professional support, and recreationally for relaxation. As long-hauler women turn to social media to discuss symptom and health management as well as the intention to vaccinate, this study demonstrates both the associated benefits (ie, decreased isolation) and challenges (ie, misinformation, rumination, resentment, jealousy).

CONCLUSIONS

The public health implications of these findings support the development of gender-tailored health promotion interventions that leverage the benefits of social media, while mitigating the negative impacts, for women with long COVID.
Peer Review of “The Loch Ness Monster: If It’s Real, Could It Be an Eel?” (Preprint)
Authors: Evans Derek W
Published: July 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
Internet-Based Supportive Interventions for Family Caregivers of People With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract (Preprint)
Authors: Xie Yan
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

As dementia progresses, patients exhibit various psychological and behavioral symptoms, placing a heavy burden on families and society. However, caregivers lack professional care knowledge and skills, making it difficult for them to effectively cope with the diverse challenges of caregiving. Therefore, it is urgent to provide caregivers with professional knowledge and skills guidance.

OBJECTIVE

Aim:Analyzing the Impact of Internet-based Online Training on the care burden and caregiving abilities of dementia caregivers.

METHODS

Design:According to a consecutive enrollment method, a tertiary grade-A hospital's elderly medical center recruited 72 informal caregivers for dementia patients, divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 36 cases in each group. The intervention group received caregiver skill training based on an online platform, while the control group received face-to-face follow-up guidance and then received online training after 6 months. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention program, researchers used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q), the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI), and the Severe Cognitive Impairment Dementia Scale (SCIDS) for assessment before the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

Results:A total of 66 patients successfully completed the intervention and follow-up. After 6 months of intervention, the NPI-Q score of the intervention group was 3.18 ± 3.81, the ZBI score was 10.97±5.43, and the SCIDS score was 71.88± 4.78. The NPI-Q score of the control group was 8.09 ± 8.52, the ZBI score was 30.30 ± 13.05, and the SCIDS score was 50.12 ± 9.10. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant improvements in NPI-Q, ZBI, and SCIDS total scores in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (P<0.05). Furthermore, covariance analysis results demonstrated that the online training intervention program significantly reduced NPI-Q scores in dementia patients and ZBI scores in caregivers while increasing SCIDS scores, after excluding time effects (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusion: Online training based on the internet could significantly reduce the level of behavioral symptoms in elderly patients with dementia and alleviate the burden on caregivers, enhancing their caregiving abilities. The research results fully confirmed the effectiveness and feasibility of online training, which was of great significance in providing caregiving knowledge training for caregivers of dementia.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Trial Registry(Register number: ChiCTR-2200057858).