bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic Term weighting representation for Kannada Document Classification
Authors: Rangan R Kasturi , Harish B S
Published: January 2023

In natural language processing, sequence order of terms plays a vital role. This positional sequence information helps in the semantic analysis of the natural language. The absence of semantic information in term weighting methods motivated us to propose the semantic term weighting representation. On the other hand, to address the demand for Indian regional language resources, especially for the Kannada language we have created an 11,045 Kannada documents dataset. This dataset is multilabel and unbalanced. The proposed semantic term weighting representation methods (Term Frequency-Positional encoding (TF-PE) and Term Frequency-Inverse document frequency-Positional encoding (TF-IDF-PE)) are applied to the proposed dataset. Further, the K-Fold and normal train-test split experimentations are carried out on the proposed dataset. Among the proposed representation methods Unicode encoded Term Frequency-Inverse document frequency-Positional encoding (TF-IDF-PE) representation performed better than Term frequency-Positional encoding (TF-PE) representation. The Unicode encoded TF-IDF-PE representation with the SVM classifier yields better average accuracy of 68.62% in K-10 Fold experimentations.
Sedimentation Analysis of Kabul River by Using Hec-ras
Authors: Raji Baz Mohammad , Turabi Hamidullah , Nasimi Mohammad Nasim
Published: January 2023

Rivers are the main and easily available source of water for various uses, and one of the main aims of river engineering is to control sedimentation and erosion. Due to strategic and environmental circumstances, the Kabul River is a well-known river in Afghanistan that attracts much interest for its water project design, existing reservoirs, and water supply to towns and industrial units. The Kabul river carries and delivers the highest sediment loads among the rivers of Afghanistan, and river sedimentation is a serious problem in Kabul city. The HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Centre River Analysis System) model is used to evaluate the hydrological parameters and sedimentation processes for variations in transverse and longitudinal profile, velocity and shear stress fluctuation, mass change, bed level change, total sediment, erosion, and deposition problems in a 40-KM section of the Kabul River in Kabul Province, from Pul-i-Surkh station of Maidan Province to Tangi-Gharo station of Kabul City. Some branch rivers and streams have joined from two sides along this river, which increases the sediment. More sedimentation is caused by population growth, nonstandard construction around the river, and the desire for a sanitation system in Kabul City. And also, having a low and variable slope in the middle length of this river causes more sediment problems. The study period for this research was from January 2016 to June 2020. A useful pattern of the conditions in Kabul City and the impacts of sediment transport, erosion, and sedimentation processes can be the output of this study.
Do Green Investments Improve Air Quality? Evidence for Developed and Developing European Countries
Authors: İlbasmış Metin , Çitil Mücahit , Demirtas Furkan , Ali Muhammad , Barut Abdulkadir , Mohsin Mohammad
Published: January 2023

A large part of the energy supply required for production in the world consists of non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Due to the serious increases in these energy sources in the world, countries facing the threat of climate change and increasing global warming have had to direct their energy policies to reduce carbon emissions. In this respect, promoting and increasing renewable energy, known as clean, green energy, and environmentally friendly, is an important factor in reducing carbon emissions in nature. In this context, in this study, the effect of green investment on air quality for two country groups was examined. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the results differed both for the country groups and for the short and long term.
Membrane protease prostasin promotes insulin secretion by regulating the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway
Authors: Ishii Toshihisa , Miyasato Yoshikazu , Ichijo Masashi , Uchimura Kohei , Furuya Fumihiko
Published: January 2023

Prostasin (PRSS8) is a serine protease that metabolizes and moderates the effect of specific substrates. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which modulates insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell proliferation, is regulated via proteolytic shedding by PRSS8. We first detected PRSS8 expression in β-cells of pancreatic islets of mice. To better understand the molecular processes involved in PRSS8-associated insulin secretion, pancreatic β-cell-specific PRSS8 knockout (βKO) and PRSS8-overexpressing (βTG) male mice were generated. We found that glucose intolerance and reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion developed in βKO mice compared with the control subjects. A higher response to glucose was noted in islets retrieved from βTG mice. Erlotinib, a specific blocker of EGFR, block both EGF- and glucose-stimulated secretion of insulin among MIN6 cells, and glucose improves EGF release from β-cells. After silencing PRSS8 in MIN6 cells, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion decreased, and EGFR signaling was impaired. Conversely, overexpression of PRSS8 in MIN6 cells induced higher concentration of both basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and increased phospho-EGFR concentrations. Furthermore, short term exposure to glucose improved the concentration of endogenous PRSS8 in MIN6 cells through inhibition of intracellular degradation. These findings suggest that PRSS8 is involved in glucose-dependent physiological regulation of insulin secretion via the EGF–EGFR signaling pathway in pancreatic β-cells.
Blockchain Technology for Sustainable Supply Chains: A Network Cluster Analysis for Future Research Propositions
Authors: Yadav Nidhi , Luthra Sunil , Garg Dixit
Published: January 2023

Achieving the sustainable goals of the United Nations requires improving supply chain sustainability. BlockChain Technology (BCT) has attracted attention on a global level with the ability to transform supply chain management and sustainability efforts. Recognizing this, this study investigates how BCT plays a role in a Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC). The current study looks into the importance of BCT in order to move supply networks toward sustainability by performing bibliometric analysis, and network cluster analysis. Through the literature review, the current literature was analyzed and future research directions were concluded. We begin our study by selecting 297 papers on the relevant subject by applying various filters to the Web of Science (WoS) database. Influential individuals, journals, and organizations in this field were identified using bibliometric analysis. A network analysis was performed to identify influential co-author, and keywords, and for page rank, and cluster analysis. The network analysis revealed ten distinct study clusters, and ten propositions were suggested from the analysis of these clusters. Additionally, a conceptual framework for the research was proposed can advise managers, practitioners, and, researcher communities on the key trends and topics. Further, to guide research scholars in this field, thirty-three future research directions were suggested.
Safety, Patient Satisfaction and Necessity of Acupoint Autohemotherapy: A Multi-centre Cross- sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Zhiwen , Lin Yingqi , Wang Yajun , Cai Yihang , Chen Xinxiong , Huang Zhiqian , Yu Xiao , Yan Shihua , Yuan Xiaoling , Li Shan , Li Junxiong , Chen Yong , Zhang Dongshu
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective: Over the past few decades, a lot of research on acupoint autohemotherapy (A-AHT) has been published in China. However, lack of knowledge about adverse events (AEs) of A-AHT contributing to clinicians’ reluctance to utilize this novel method. The main aim of this multicenter study used a questionnaire to assess the safety, patient satisfaction and necessity of A-AHT among health care practitioners and recipients.
Methods: From March to May 2022, questionnaires including topics such as background data, evaluation of A-AHT side effects and satisfaction levels were distributed to patients receiving A-AHT treatment and medical personnel (nurses and doctors) in 43 centers across 30 cities and regions of China. Associations between paticipants’ characteristics and their view of efficacy, safety, satisfaction, and necessity of A-AHT were investigated using paired student’s t-test, chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlations.
Results: 76 healthcare professionals (HPs) and 71 patients completed the survey questionnaires. It was showed that the experienced HPs were more firmly of the view that A-AHT treatment was effective, safe and satisfactory than the patients. In comparison to the other patients, the rhinitis patients thought A-AHT was safer, more satisfying, and more necessary.Local pain (63.2%) and ecchymosis (40.8%) are the two AEs of HPs that cause the most concern. Also, local pain was most frequently experienced by the patients (47.9%). However, HPs' experiences using A-AHT tended to be more problematic than those of the patients. A positive correlation (R=0.649. P<0.05) was found between patients’ view of efficacy and satisfaction.
Conclusion: The experienced HPs were more convinced than the patients that A-AHT was efficient, safe, and satisfactory. However, patients had fewer issues than anticipated, according to HPs. To encourage A-AHT treatment, all practitioners must have a thorough understanding of the potential AEs of A-AHT.
The Status of data management practices throughout the Data Life Cycle: a Mixed-Method Study across MIRACUM Data Integration Centers
Authors: Gierend Kerstin , Freiesleben Sherry , Kadioglu Dennis , Siegel Fabian , Ganslandt Thomas , Waltemath Dagmar
Published: January 2023

Background
In the context of the Medical Informatics Initiative funded by the German government, medical data integration centers have implemented complex data flows to load routine health care data into research data repositories for secondary use. Data management practices are of importance throughout these processes, and special attention should be given to provenance aspects. Additionally, insufficient knowledge about these processes can lead to validity risks and weaken the quality of the extracted data. The need to collect provenance data during the data life cycle is undisputed, but there is a great lack of clarity on the status. Our study examines the current provenance tracking practices throughout the data lifecycle within the MIRACUM consortium. We outline the current data management maturity status and present recommendations to enable a trustful dissemination and re-use of patient data.
Methods
Our study design is based on a mixed-method study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from ten data integration centers between July and September 2021. We used a self-designed questionnaire that we tailored to the MIRACUM data integration centers, to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Our study method is compliant with the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist.
Results
From a provenance perspective, our study provides insights into the data management practices concerning data extraction, transformation, storage, and provision. We identified several traceability and reproducibility issues that can be partially explained with a lack of contextual information within non-harmonized workflow steps, unclear responsibilities, missing or incomplete data elements and incomplete computational environment information. Based on the identified shortcomings, we suggest a data management maturity framework to reach more clarity and to help define enhanced data management strategies.
Conclusions
In this study, we present insights on provenance practices at the data integration centers. The data management maturity framework supports the production and dissemination of accurate and provenance enriched data for their second use. Furthermore, our work serves as a catalyst for the derivation of an overarching data management strategy, abiding data integrity and provenance characteristics as a key factor for quality and FAIR sustained health and research data.
Estimation of river high flow discharges using friction-slope method and hybrid models
Authors: Shirazi Fatemeh , zahiri Abdolreza , Piri Jamshid , Dehghani Amir Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Severe flood is considered as one of the most important hydro-geomorphic hazards in catchment and urban scales. The correct estimation of flood flow in rivers is an important issue and plays a significant role in the optimal use of water resources, operation of dam reservoirs, and the design and planning of flood control projects. Despite the advances in hydrological models for flood prediction, these models suffer from many drawbacks and still have errors for the prediction. Hydraulic models also face with many uncertainties especially in riverbed Manning roughness coefficient and energy slope of the river. In this study, flood discharge estimation based on a new method of Friction-Slope or parameter α has been discussed for three alluvial rivers located in Golestan province in Iran. The calculation method is based on the Manning formula and takes into account the effects of energy slope of the river, as well as Manning roughness coefficient of the riverbed. For calculation of parameter α based on the simple and frequently available input variables of the river cross section (flow depth, flow area and hydraulic radius), hybrid methods of Particle Swarm Optimization-Support Vector Regression (SVR-PSO), Grey Wolf Optimization- Support Vector Regression (SVR- GWO), and Response Surface Method-Support Vector Regression (SVR-RSM) have been used and finally river flow discharges have been calculated and compared with the measured data. The optimum structures of hybrid models were determined using statistical evaluation criteria such as coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and conformity index (d). The results showed that the SVR-RSM model has the best accuracy with R2=0.97, MAE=0.22, RMSE=1.66 and d=0.99 in the test phase. After determining parameter α using the RSM-SVR model, the river flow rates were calculated and compared with the observed values.
Endocrine disruptors concentrations in drinking water samples from México and their health implications
Authors: Vargas-Berrones Karla Ximena , Izar-Landeta Juan Manuel , Bernal-Jácome Luis Armando , Sánchez-García Jennifer Iridian , Flores-Ramírez Rogelio
Published: January 2023

Nonylphenol ethoxylate, used mainly in detergent production, is transformed under environmental conditions into the endocrine disruptor, Nonylphenol (NP). 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) was identified in drinking water samples from a developing country without regulations (Mexico) to establish exposure and environmental concentrations. The extraction and quantification of 4-NP were performed using solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A derivatization process was carried out to increase sensitivity in the method. Eighty percent of the samples showed concentrations above the detection limit, and 57% of the samples presented concentrations above the Directive on the Quality of Water intended for human consumption (0.3 µg L-1). Our data gives an overview of the exposure levels and the environmental and health risks that these may represent. According to the results, continuous monitoring and regulations of this pollutant are highly recommended to prevent exposure and ecological and health effects.
RNF115 deficiency upregulates autophagy and inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth
Authors: Gu Zhaohui , Feng Jinqiu , Hai Bao , Lou Yaxin , Duan Mengyuan , Guo Pengli , Lv Ping , Zhu Bin , chen yingyu
Published: January 2023

E3 ubiquitin ligase Ring finger protein 115 (RNF115), also known as Breast cancer-associated gene 2 (BCA2) has been linked with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer. Our study demonstrated that RNF115 is a negative regulator of autophagy in hepatoma cells. Inactivation ofRNF115can promote autophagosome formation, the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, and the degradation of autophagic substrate. These effects may be related to the enhanced binding ability of RAB7 and HOPS complex and enhanced activity of ATG14 inRNF115-silenced cells. High levels of RNF115 were exhibited in most hepatic cancer tissues compared to that of the non-tumor liver tissues. Low levels of RNF115 were associated with significantly longer survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore,RNF115silencing inhibited cellular growth and migration, and reduced tumorigenicity in a hepatoma cell xenograft model. In a DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model,Rnf115KO mice developed fewer and smaller liver tumors than the WT littermates, indicating that RNF115-mediated autophagy is negatively correlated with the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings provide an experimental foundation for the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting RNF115.
Effects of acute exposure to Al2O3-NPs (α and γ) and white noise and their combination on Cochlea structure and function in Wistar Rat
Authors: Shahtaheri Seyed Jamaleddin , Goodarzi Zahra , karami esmaeil , Khavanin Ali , Khansari Mahmoud Ghazi , Kiani Mehrafarin , Rashidy-Pour Ali
Published: January 2023

Noise and combination-induced hearing loss is a common work-related disease among workers. The present research aimed to investigate the impact of independent and combined acute exposure to white noise plus Al2O3-NPs on changes in hearing and structural functions of the cochlea in rats. A total of 36 rats were randomly classified into six groups: Control, acute exposure to white noise, exposure to Al2O3-NPs (γ), exposure to noise plus Al2O3-NPs (γ ), exposure to Al2O3-NPs (α), and exposure to the combination of noise plus Al2O3-NPs (α). TTS and PTS were examined using DPOAE. Oxidative index (MDA, GSH-Px), gene expression (NOX3, TGF-ß, CYP1A1), protein expression (ß-Tubulin, Myosin VII), and histopathological changes were examined in the cochlea. The morphology of AL2O3-NPs was examined by TEM. The results of the DPOAE test, TTS in all groups, and the PTS in the groups exposed to noise, Al2O3-NPs (γ), and a combination of noise plus Al2O3-NPs increased significantly (p < 0.05). In exposure to white noise plus Al2O3-NPs, the MDA levels increased, the level of GSH-Px decreased, the expression percentage of ß-Tubulin and Myosin VII decreased, and the expression of NOX3, TGF-ß, and CYP1A1, (except for AL2O3-NPs (α) group) significantly increased (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes of the cochlea indicated damage in hair and ganglion cells which was higher in the combined exposures. The combined and independent exposure to white noise plus Al2O3-NPs damaged hair and ganglion cells for high-frequency perception, thereby affecting the function and structure of the cochlea and leading to TTS and PTS.
Is gambling like a virus?: A conceptual framework based on empirical data for the prevention of gambling addiction
Authors: Chóliz Mariano
Published: January 2023

Objective. The objective of this study is to present a conceptual framework for the prevention of gambling disorder and try to corroborate some of its postulates. The assumption of gambling as if it were acting like a virus may have important considerations in terms of preventing gambling disorder in society and, therefore, it could be a relevant public health issue.
Study Design. This research is a quasi-experimental investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of anti-COVID measures on the frequency of gambling and evolution of gambling disorder. The present study analyzed gambling patterns and the problems caused by gambling in 2,903 people, including those who were at-risk gamblers or had a gambling disorder. Results. In general terms, restrictive measures to combat COVID-19 worked to prevent the consolidation of gambling habits and the appearance of gambling disorder, but they did not seem to be sufficient for people who already had this disorder. The most affected games were those that took place in public places (gambling halls, bars, etc.), with online gambling being affected to a much lesser degree.
Conclusions. The findings of this work support the hypothesis that, just as the SAR-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19, which can only be stopped with vaccines and social distancing, in the case of gambling, the absence of an effective vaccine for "gambling virus" can lead to an epidemic of gambling disorders in societies, if the environmental conditions that are favorable for the spread of such virus are not modified.
Nonlinear modal analysis of multi-walled nanotube oscillations using nonlocal anisotropic elastic shell model
Authors: Avramov Konstantin , Grebennik I.
Published: January 2023

System of nonlinear partial differential equations, which describes the multi-walled carbon nanotube nonlinear oscillations, is derived. The Sanders-Koiter nonlinear shell theory and the nonlocal anisotropic Hooke’s law are used in this model. Three kinds of nonlinearities are accounted. First of all, the van der Waals forces are nonlinear functions of the radial displacements. Secondly, the nanotube walls displacements have moderate values, which are described by the geometrically nonlinear shell theory. Thirdly, as the stress resultants are the nonlinear functions of the displacements, the additional nonlinear terms in the equations of motions are obtained. These terms are derived from the natural boundary conditions, which are used in the weighted residual method. The finite degrees of freedom nonlinear dynamical system is derived to describe the oscillations of nanostructure. The Shaw-Pierre nonlinear normal modes in the form of the multi-mode invariant manifolds are used to describe the free nonlinear oscillations, as the dynamical systems contains the internal resonances 1:1. The motions on the invariant manifolds are described by two degrees of freedom nonlinear dynamical systems, which are analyzed by the multiple scales method. The backbone curves of the nonlinear modes are analyzed. As follows from the results of the numerical simulations, the eigenmode of low eigenfrequency has commensurable longitudinal, transversal and circumference displacements. The nonlinear parts of the van der Waals forces harden essentially the backbone curve of the oscillations close to this eigenmode.
Feasibility of in vivo multi-parametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the healthy sciatic nerve with a unified signal readout protocol
Authors: Boonsuth Ratthaporn , Battiston Marco , Grussu Francesco , Samlidou Christina , Calvi Alberto , Samson Rebecca S. , Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia A. M. Gandini , Yiannakas Marios C.
Published: January 2023

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has been used successfully over the years to investigate the peripheral nervous system (PNS) because it allows early detection and precise localisation of neural tissue damage. However, studies demonstrating the feasibility of combining MRN with multi-parametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) methods, which provide more specific information related to nerve tissue composition and microstructural organisation, are lacking. The translation of emerging qMRI methods previously validated in the central nervous system to the PNS offers real potential to characterise in patients in vivo the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved in a plethora of conditions of the PNS. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of combining MRN with qMRI to measure diffusion, magnetisation transfer and relaxation properties of the healthy sciatic nerve in vivo. The reproducibility of the multi-parametric qMRI protocol as well as normative qMRI measures in the healthy sciatic nerve are reported. The findings presented herein pave the way to the practical implementation of joint MRN-qMRI in future studies of pathological conditions affecting the PNS.
Safe radiofrequency ablation for low platelet count patients with a novel platelet count raising drug (lusutrombopag): Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Yoshida Hideo , Ohki Takamasa , Kanezaki Mineo , Teratani Takuma , Sato Shinpei , Obi Shuntaro , Sato Takahisa , Akamatsu Masatoshi , Uchino Koji , Taniguchi Hiroyoshi
Published: January 2023

Background
Platelet (PLT) transfusion was the most practical way to increase patients’ PLT counts before invasive hepatic procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver cancer. A novel drug that raises the PLT count by acting on the thrombopoietin receptor has recently become available.
Methods
Lusutrombopag 3mg was administered daily for 7 days to patients who underwent RFA for liver tumors with low PLT counts (< 50,000 PLT µL− 1). We collected demographic data concerning the patients’ liver function and PLT counts.
Results
Lusutrombopag was administered to 91 patients, with a median age of 71 years (range 51–86). Forty-two patients had hepatitis C, 12 had hepatitis B, 21 had alcoholic liver disease, 11 had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and five had other diseases. The median Child-Pugh score was 7 (range 5–11). Thirty-seven patients had stage I tumors, 41 had Stage II, 12 had stage III, and one had stage IV. PLT count was elevated from 4.4x104 ± 1.4x104 to 8.6x104 ± 2.5x104 PLT µL− 1. Lusutrombopag administration prevented PLT transfusions in 84/91 patients (92%). No patient had bleeding complications after RFA. One had portal thrombosis after lusutrombopag administration. Patients who achieved PLT counts of > 50,000 PLT µL− 1 had higher PLT counts before lusutrombopag administration. The degree of splenomegaly did not affect the rate of PLT count elevation. There was no specific adverse effect by administrating lusutrombopag for patients with PLT counts of around 50,000 µL− 1 but > 50,000 µL− 1.
Conclusions
Lusutrombopag administration before RFA was safe and effective for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with low PLT counts.
Traffic data security sharing scheme based on blockchain and traceable ring signature for VANETs
Authors: zhang xiaohong , Lai Jiaming , Moshayedi Ata Jahangir
Published: January 2023

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is the hotspot research field of wireless mobile ad hoc network, it provides a new opportunity to create a safe and efficient transportation environment. However, as an open network where information has to interact frequently, it is difficult to ensure the security of data transmitted in VANETs and protect the privacy of drivers. Many existing information sharing schemes use complex encryption algorithms to enable secure traffic data sharing. Nevertheless, these schemes are not suitable for VANETs because of their high computational overhead and lack of corresponding tracking mechanisms for malicious vehicles. Therefore, a traffic data security sharing scheme is designed that combines blockchain technology and traceable ring signature algorithms to secure the transmitted messages. The traceable ring signature algorithm is formulated in combination with bilinear pairing, enabling conditional privacy protection instead of traditional ring signature. To improve the efficiency of VANETs, this scheme introduces edge computing technology to reduce the computational burden of Road Side Units (RSUs) by offloading most of the computational tasks to the servers via edge nodes. In addition, we use smart contract to track malicious vehicles.
Security analysis and performance comparison show that our scheme is more efficient and secure for drivers than other existing related schemes.
Albumin-binding photosensitizer capable of targeting glioma via the SPARC pathway
Authors: Li Xingshu , Oh Jae Sang , Lee Yoonji , Lee Eun Chae , Yang Mengyao , Kwon Nahyun , Ha Tae Won , Hong Dong-Yong , Song Yena , Kim Hyun Kyu , Song Byung Hoo , Choi Sun , Yoon Juyoung , Lee Man Ryul
Published: January 2023

Background
Malignant glioma is among the most lethal and frequently occurring brain tumors, and the average survival period is 15 months. Existing chemotherapy has low tolerance and low blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability; therefore, the required drug dose cannot be accurately delivered to the tumor site, resulting in an insufficient drug effect.
Methods
Herein, we demonstrate a precision photodynamic tumor therapy using a photosensitizer (ZnPcS) capable of binding to albumin in situ, which can increase the permeability of the BBB and accurately target glioma. Albumin-binding ZnPcS was designed to pass through the BBB and bind to secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), which is abundant in the glioma plasma membrane.
Results
When the upper part of a mouse brain was irradiated using a laser (0.2 W cm− 2) after transplantation of glioma and injection of ZnPcS, tumor growth was inhibited by approximately 83.6%, and the 50% survival rate of the treatment group increased by 14 days compared to the control group. In glioma with knockout SPARC, the amount of ZnPcS entering the glioma was reduced by 63.1%, indicating that it can target glioma through the SPARC pathway.
Conclusions
This study showed that using albumin-binding photosensitizers is promising for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
Supporting US Healthcare Providers for Successful Vaccine Communication
Authors: Pierz Amanda J , Rauh Lauren , Masoud Dima , Cruz Alanna Kate , Palmedo P. Chris , Ratzan Scott C , Parker Ruth
Published: January 2023

Background
While many healthcare providers (HCPs) have navigated patients’ vaccine concerns and questions prior to the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, sentiments surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines have presented new and distinct challenges.
Objective
To understand the provider experience of counseling patients about COVID19 vaccinations, aspects of the pandemic environment that impacted vaccine trust and communication strategies providers found supportive of patient vaccine education.
Methods
7 focus groups of healthcare providers were conducted and recorded during December 2021 and January 2022, at the height of the Omicron wave in the United States. Recordings were transcribed, and iterative coding and analysis was applied.
Results
44 focus group participants representing 24 US states with the majority (80%) fully vaccinated at the time of data collection. Most participants were doctors (34%) or physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners (34%). The impact of COVID-19 misinformation on patient-provider communication at both intrapersonal and interpersonal levels as well as barriers and facilitators to patient vaccine uptake are reported; messengers and messages that promote or combat misinformation are described. Providers expressed frustration in addressing vaccine hesitancy among patients who remained unvaccinated. Many valued resources providing up-to-date and evidence-based information as COVID-19 guidelines continued to change. Additionally, providers indicated that patient-facing materials were the most helpful in navigating a changing information environment and underscored that these were not frequently available.
Conclusions
To strengthen provider vaccine communication and promote vaccine uptake, a supportive communication infrastructure must be sustained around the patient-provider dyad. The findings provide recommendations to sustain an environment that supports provider-patient communication at the community, organizational and policy levels. There is a need for a unified multisectoral response to reinforce the recommendations in patient settings.
Bell’s theorem and Einstein’s worry about quantum mechanics
Authors: Geurdes Han
Published: January 2023

With the use of local dependency of probability density of local hid7 den variables on the instrument settings, it is demonstrated that Bell’s correlation 8 formulation is incomplete. This result concurs with a previous computational vi9 olation close to quantum correlation with a computer model based on Einstein 10 locality principles.
Co-development of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Framework and Methodology for Nepal
Authors: Regmi Bimal Raj , Sapkota Regan , Paudya Apar , Gautam Dilip Kumar , Thapa Rajan , Joshi Rojy , Shah Smriti , Mishra Bhogendra , GC Gita
Published: January 2023

Conducting a Vulnerability and Risk Assessment is a critical step in adaptation planning and implementation. This research paper has assessed how the co-developed approach helped the Government of Nepal and stakeholders in Nepal to agree on and operationalize the Vulnerability and Risk Assessment framework and what works best for the country's context. The output of the vulnerability and risk assessment in Nepal presents a compilation of impacts, vulnerabilities, and risks and a description of their context, root causes, trends, and assumptions made. However, there were some challenges faced in analysing the vulnerability and risks based on the indicators. There was a lack of a multi-year, complete, and unform database, the analysis thus depended on the data available. Also, there were difficulties in developing scenarios of hazards due to unclarity on climate change attribution. The lessons from this paper will be important for designing a more practical and country-driven VRA framework and methodology for Nepal and other developing countries.
PARP2 promotes inflammation in psoriasis by modulating estradiol biosynthesis in keratinocytes
Authors: Antal Dóra , Pór Ágnes , Kovács Ilona , Dull Katalin , Póliska Szilárd , Ujlaki Gyula , Demény Máté Ágoston , Szöllősi Attila Gábor , Kiss Borbála , Szegedi Andrea , Bai Péter , Szántó Magdolna
Published: January 2023

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP2) alongside PARP1 are responsible for the bulk of cellular PARP activity and they were first described as DNA repair factors. However, research in past decades implicated PARPs in biological functions as diverse as the regulation of cellular energetics, lipid homeostasis, cell death and inflammation. PARP activation was described in Th2-mediated inflammatory processes, but studies focused on the role of PARP1, while we have little information on PARP2 in inflammatory regulation. In this study we assessed the role of PARP2 in a Th17-mediated inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis. We found that PARP2 mRNA expression is increased in human psoriatic lesions. Therefore, we studied the functional consequence of decreased PARP2 expression in murine and cellular human models of psoriasis. We observed that the deletion of PARP2 attenuated the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice. Silencing of PARP2 in human keratinocytes prevented their hyperproliferation, maintained their terminal differentiation and reduced their production of inflammatory mediators after treatment with psoriasis-mimicking cytokines IL17A and TNFα. Underlying these observations we found that aromatase was induced in the epidermis of PARP2 knock-out mice and in PARP2-deficient human keratinocytes, and the resulting higher estradiol production suppressed NF-κB activation, and hence, inflammation in keratinocytes. Steroidogenic alterations have previously been described in psoriasis, and we extend these observations by showing that aromatase expression is reduced in psoriatic lesions. Collectively, our data identify PARP2 as a modulator of estrogen biosynthesis by epidermal keratinocytes and hence inflammation in the skin, as well as highlight a potential targetable pathway in psoriasis.
Effect of matrix particle size on densification behavior, microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al/FMG/SiC hybrid composite
Authors: Rezaei M. R. , Albooyeh A. R. , Golafshani F. Ghafari
Published: January 2023

Hybrid aluminum matrix composites reinforced with Fe-based metallic glass (FMG) and SiC particles were prepared using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process, and the effect of matrix particle size on density, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. The porosity content of the composites increased with increasing matrix particle size. Both reinforcing particles showed a more homogenous distribution in the matrix when smaller particles were used for the matrix of the composites. The phase properties and the stored dislocation density were not meaningfully affected by changing matrix particle size. The yield compressive strength and ductility of the composites decreased significantly with increasing particle size, so that the yield strength of the hybrid composite with a matrix particle size of 20 μm was about 80% higher than that of a similar composite with a matrix particle size of 63 μm.
Amorphous Silicon particles/Polyaniline composites for hybrid photovoltaic solar cell: An experimental feasibility study
Authors: Charekhah Reza , Farzi Gholamali , Alehdaghi hassan
Published: January 2023

Hybrid heterojunctions of Polyaniline/Amorphous Silicon (PAni / a-Si:H) were synthesized in order to fabricate the active layer of the polymeric solar cells. For this purpose, amorphous silicon nanoparticles were blended with polyaniline which was synthesized through oxidative polymerization. Then the resultant nanocomposite was applied on FTO in the FTO/ZnO/PANI:a-Si/Ag structure using the spin coating method. The effect of amorphous silicon content on light-harvesting efficiency was studied using the UV-VIS spectroscopy data, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the incident photon to current efficiency (IPCE) analysis. PAni / a-Si:H nanocomposites were characterized structurally and morphologically using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Current-Voltage measurements of the photovoltaic cells based on PAni / a-Si:H nanocomposites showed that by increasing the amount of a-Si:H in the active layer by 40 Wt%, the efficiency of the cell increases up to 2k times compared to the cell made with pure PAni. Also, in general, cell efficiencies increased slightly with decreasing the size of amorphous silicon nanoparticles at a constant PAni / a-Si:H weight ratio. The impact of a-Si:H weight percent is more significant in the case of smaller silicon particles.
Estimating marginal abatement cost for methane emission from agriculture: empirical evidence for paddy cultivation in India
Authors: Some Shreya , Roy Joyashree , Ghose Arpita , Sharma Pawan Kumar
Published: January 2023

Implementing mitigation options through adoption of alternative practices entail cost. Methane emission from paddy/rice cultivation accounts for approximately one-fifth of India’s total methane emission. It occurs mainly due to flooded paddy cultivation practices which accounts for 30% of land under paddy cultivation in India. Several practices are available for reducing methane emission from paddy cultivation in India. The literature shows the highest mitigation potential is offered by irrigated multiple aeration method (IR_MA or AWD), 52.8-61.4% compared to baseline practice irrigated continuously flooded. Direct seeded rice (DSR) offers 30-50% reduction compared to the baseline transplanted rice. In this paper, we apply econometric model to estimate the cost of adopting mitigation options using marginal abatement cost (MAC) approach. Findings clearly show initial reductions in emission can be achieved with relatively lower marginal cost. However, consistent with theoretical literature MAC increases at an increasing rate with additional unit of emission reduction. We also find that MAC varies with the scale of operation viz, size of land cultivated under the baseline practice. Higher the scale of operation higher is the MAC. Also, given the scale of operation, MAC varies with the concentration of emission i.e., emission from a given amount of land. Higher the concentration of emission, higher is the MAC. Estimates show if MACs are used to evaluate emission tax level, similar to carbon price, then it will inflict a high additional cost burden of 5-350% of their current cost of production on the farmers unless compensated through policy mechanism.
Reduction by Air Purifier of Particulate Concentration During Orthodontic Procedures: a Pilot Study
Authors: Martín-Quintero Inmaculada , Cervera-Sabater Alberto , Brinkmann Jorge Cortés-Bretón , Aragoneses-Lamas Juan Manuel , Flores-Fraile Javier , Santos-Marino Juan
Published: January 2023

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of air quality. This pilot study arose from the need to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in the dental office during orthodontic procedures. To evaluate the efficacy of using an air purifier during orthodontic care in the dental office to reduce the concentration of ambient particulate matter.
Results:Significant reductions in particle numbers were obtained for all particle sizes except the largest particles counted (10um) through use of the air filter. A marked association between higher humidity levels and higher particle counts was also observed.
Conclusions: Using an air purifier during dental care achieves a significant reduction in the concentration of ambient particles in the dental office. There is a correlation between higher relative humidity and higher particle concentration. The probability of obtaining a maximum particulate concentration level of 0.3um and 0.5um is 1000 times lower when using an air purifier.
The Burden of Incidental Sars-cov-2 Infections in Hospitalized Patients Across Pandemic Waves in Canada
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Hau Jeffrey P. , Atzema Clare , McRae Andrew D. , Morrison Laurie J. , Grant Lars , Cheng Ivy , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Hohl Corinne M.
Published: January 2023

Many health authorities differentiate hospitalizations in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 as being “for COVID-19” (due to direct manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection) versus being an “incidental” finding in someone admitted for an unrelated condition.
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all SARS-CoV-2 infected patients hospitalized via 47 Canadian emergency departments, March 2020-July 2022 to determine whether hospitalizations with “incidental” SARS-CoV-2 infection are less of a burden to patients and the healthcare system. Using a priori standardized definitions applied to hospital discharge diagnoses in 14,290 patients, we characterized COVID-19 as (i) the “Direct” cause for the hospitalization (70%), (ii) a potential “Contributing” factor for the hospitalization (4%), or (iii) an “Incidental” finding that did not influence the need for admission (26%). The proportion of incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections rose fro 10% in Wave 1 to 41% during the Omicron wave. Patients with COVID-19 as the direct cause of hospitalization exhibited significantly longer LOS (mean 13.8 versus 12.1 days), were more likely to require critical care (22% versus 11%), receive COVID-19-specific therapies (55% versus 19%), and die (17% versus 9%), compared to patients with Incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, patients hospitalized with incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection still exhibited substantial morbidity/mortality and hospital resource use.
Comparing small locking plate fixation versus small locking plate with screws fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture via sinus tarsi approach
Authors: Zhao Wenhan , Yang Weihua , Gao Xi , Li Zhanglai , Lan Jinfu , Lin Bei , Liang Deng , Huang Zhusong
Published: January 2023

Background
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) treated with small locking plates alone versus small locking plates combined with screws.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 120 patients with intra-articular fractures seen from May 2018 to June 2020, all of whom were surgically repositioned using sinus tarsal approach.60 cases received a small locking plate combined with screws fixation (observation group) and 60 cases received a small locking plate fixation alone (control group).Demographic variables were recorded and compared Gissane angle, Bohler's angle, calcaneal varus, and joint line parallel angle at 3 days and 2 years postoperative follow-up.The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle and Hindfoot Score and VAS were applied to assess postoperative foot function, and complications were also compared.
Results
Compared with the control group, the joint line parallel angle and calcaneal varus in the observation group had lower displacement changes from the postoperative period to the 2-year follow-up,they are 0.07 (0.15) degrees vs 0.47 (0.59) degrees(P < 0.001), 0.19 (0.35) degrees vs 1.18 (0.67) degrees(P < 0.001).There was no significant difference in Gissane angle and Bohler's angle between the observation group and the control group at the preoperative, 3-year and 2-year follow-up (P > 0.05).The final AOFAS score, VAS score and complications were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
When STA is used to treat DIACFs, fixation with a small locking plate combined with screws appears to provide better posterior articular surface stability and better maintenance of calcaneal axial stability than fixation with a small locking plate alone,the two techniques had similar functional outcomes and complications after surgery.
Morphometric Shape Analysis of Corpus Callosum in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Gürsel Başak Erdemli , Ercan İlker , Şahin İbrahim , Öngen Gökhan
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVES
Down Syndrome (DS, Trisomy 21) is the most common genetic disease that is characterized by varying degrees of mental retardation and delay in neurocognitive functions. Herein, we analyzed the morphometric shape of the corpus callosum (CC) in children with DS.
METHODS
Twenty-three (50%) DS cases underwent MRI and were found to have grossly normal CC, and 23 (50%) control group were included in this retrospective study from the pediatric radiology archive (2012 to 2020). Images containing the CC were obtained from T2-weighted midsagittal images, and certain anatomical points were marked on the CC. Statistical geometric shapes and deformations of CC were evaluated for both groups.
RESULTS
The age range of patients with Down Syndrome was 6–42 months (11 females, 12 males), and 6–42 months (10 females, 13 males) for the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in the shape of CC between the groups (p < 0.001). Deformation was most evident in the posterior part of the CC (splenium) in the DS group.
DISCUSSION
The splenial deformation detected in children with Down Syndrome may be one of the first clues that can be determined in early childhood, which can explain the retardation in the neurocognitive functions.