bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Laboratory Features of Moderate and Severe Patients with COVID-19 among a Cohort of Egyptian Population
Authors: El Kazafy Salma , Fouad Yasser M. , Said Azza F. , Assal Hebatallah H , Ali Tarek M. , Ahmed Amr E. , El Askary Ahmad , Ahmed Osama M.
Published: September 2022

Abstract Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical laboratory features of moderate and severe COVID-19 patients among a cohort of the Egyptian population. The study also aimed to assess the accuracy—sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of various detected parameters in predicting the severity of COVID-19 infection. Patients and methods: One hundred diagnosed COVID-19 patients and fifty healthy participants in total were involved in current study. COVID-19 patients were categorized based on how severe their symptoms into two groups. Estimates were made for serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as white blood cells (WBCs) count, lymphocytes count, and hemoglobin content (Hb) content. Results: COVID-19 patients displayed increased serum levels of liver enzymes and CRP as well as WBCs count when compared to healthy individuals. On the other hand, Hb content, lymphocytes count, and albumin level fell in all COVID-19 patients. The severe group showed a statistically significant rise in liver enzymes, WBCs, and CRP levels, compared with moderate group. WBCs and lymphocytes counts were closely correlated with age, ALT, LDH, and CRP in all cases. WBCs and lymphocytes counts also had a negative correlation with albumin Level. Additionally, WBCs count, lymphocytes count, LDH activity and CRP level have higher AUC in severe than in moderate cases. WBCs count, LDH activity and CRP level have AUC above 0.80 in the severe group. Conclusion: The current investigation found a significant correlation between WBCs count, lymphocytes count, CRP level and liver injury in COVID-19 patients. WBCs count, lymphocytes count, LDH activity and CRP level were effective indicators for determining the severity of COVID-19.
‘I doubt myself and am losing everything I have since COVID came’- The Case Study of Mental Health and Coping Strategies among Undocumented Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand
Authors: Khai Tual Sawn , Asaduzzaman Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Migrant population have always been vulnerable for high burden of social exclusion, mental disorders, physical illness and economic crisis. The current COVID-19 pandemic has further created the frantic plight among them, particularly for the undocumented migrant workers in global south. We have conducted a mixed method study among the undocumented Myanmar migrant workers (UMMWs) in Thailand to explore how the COVID-19 disruption has impacted on their mental health and what are the coping strategies adopted by them. Following the onset of COVID-19 and the recent coup d'etat in Myanmar, our current study is the first attempt to understand the mental health status and predicament of this neglected migrant group. A total of 398 UMMWs were included in the online survey among whom 23 participated in qualitative interviews. The major mental health issues reported by the study participants were depression, generalised anxiety disorder, frustration, stress and panic disorder while loss of employment, worries about the pandemic, social stigma, refused access to healthcare, lockdown and fear of detention were the predominant contributing factors. In response, we identified two key coping mechanisms- coping at personal layer (listening to music, playing online game, praying, self-motivation) and social layer (chatting with family and friends, visiting religious institutions). These findings point to the importance of policy and intervention programs aimed to uphold mental health at such humanitarian conditions. Sustainable institutional mental health care support and social integration for the migrant workers irrespective of their legal status should be ensured.
Funding for Sustainability: Three Challenges of Trust Fund Implementation in Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Glorya Mercyta Jorsvinna , Mumbunan Sonny , Primadevi Sita , Ardafillah Mokhammad , Kalmirah Julia , Heatubun Charlie
Published: September 2022

At the global level, trust funds (TF) have emerged from a portfolio of options as an alternative financing mechanism to help countries finance their sustainability agendas. Indonesia recently enacted wide-ranging legal arrangements on TF, including a law that encourages all sub-national governments to implement their own TF endowment model and a government regulation pertaining to special autonomy for sub-national jurisdictions in Papua for the implementation of TF – both of which enable TF to finance intended sustainability outcomes. Sustainability is of high-priority concern as the provinces of Papua and West Papua are responsible for stewardship of one of the world’s largest remaining rainforests, which is especially rich in biodiversity. These provinces operate under special autonomy, with special funds allocated from the central government and a decentralized arrangement that differs substantially to the unitary state arrangement applied nationwide; this poses challenges to implementing TF for sustainability in Indonesian Papua. In this paper, we examine TF challenges related to legality, finance, and capacity; moreover, in the context of these challenges, we assess three focus areas related to sources of funding, management, and distribution of earnings. We also discuss the implications these challenges have for operationalizing TF in Papua. This paper contributes to discussions on TF for sustainability by interlinking legal, financial, and capacity-related issues, demonstrated by a context-specific and globally relevant case study in Papua.
Evaluasi Kemampuan dan Kesesuaian Lahan untuk Budidaya Kopi Arabika di Desa Jayagiri, Lembang, Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat
Authors: Marianto Hafizh , Mujiyo Mujiyo , Sutarno Sutarno , Wijaya Lidya Zaela , Syamsuddin Khoerunnisa Amaliah , Nugroho Balina Dita Eisya Prashanti
Published: September 2022

Arabica Coffee Cultivation in Jayagiri Village as a Result of Land Suitability Evaluation Assessment. Jayagiri Village, Lembang District, West Bandung Regency, West Java has the agricultural sector as its economic main sector. This village is located at an altitude of 1,312-2,084 m above sea level and has a plantation area of 23 ha. Plant commodities other than vegetables need to be developed at that location, therefore information on land suitability is needed. One commodity that has a high potential to be developed is Arabica coffee, while information relating to the characteristics and suitability of land for this commodity needs to be known. This activity aims to determine the land suitability class for Arabica coffee and how to improve the limiting factors at the research site. Evaluation of land suitability is carried out based on procedures from BPPS for Agricultural Land, Ministry of Agriculture. The research stages include pre-survey activities, making SPT, taking soil samples, making representative pedons, and analyzing samples. Data analysis was carried out using the matching method to determine the land suitability class and its limiting factors. The results of the activity show that the land suitability class in Jayagiri Village is included in the marginal suitability class (S3). The limiting factor of land suitability in the area is the high slope and low availability of nutrients. Efforts that can be made to improve the land suitability class, as well as the limiting factor, are by conserving terraces and fertilizing both organically and inorganically.
Coarse TRVO: A Robust Visual Odometry with Detector-Free Local Feature
Authors: Gao Yuhang ,   School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University Beijing 100191, China, Zhao Long
Published: September 2022

The visual SLAM system requires precise localization. To obtain consistent feature matching results, visual features acquired by neural networks are being increasingly used to replace traditional manual features in situations with weak texture, motion blur, or repeated patterns. However, to improve the level of accuracy, most deep learning enhanced SLAM systems, which have a decreased efficiency. In this paper, we propose Coarse TRVO, a visual odometry system that uses deep learning for feature matching. The deep learning network uses a CNN and transformer structures to provide dense high-quality end-to-end matches for a pair of images, even under indistinctive settings with low-texture regions or repeating patterns occupying the majority of the field of view. Meanwhile, we made the proposed model compatible with NVIDIA TensorRT runtime to boost the performance of the algorithm. After obtaining the matching point pairs, the camera pose is solved in an optimized way by minimizing the re-projection error of the feature points. Experiments based on multiple data sets and real environments show that Coarse TRVO achieves a higher robustness and relative positioning accuracy in comparison with the current mainstream visual SLAM system.
A Review on Fall Detection in Smart Home for Elderly and Disabled People
Authors: Kolobe Tsepo Constantinus ,   Department of Computer Systems Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology  2 Aubrey Matlakala Street, Soshanguve, Pretoria 0001, South Africa, Tu Chungling , Owolawi Pius Adewale
Published: September 2022

Falling is a major challenge faced by elderly and disabled people who live alone. They therefore need reliable surveillance so they can be assisted in the event of a fall. An effective fall detection system is needed to provide good care to such people as it will allow for communication with caregivers. Such a system will not only reduce the medical costs related to falls but also lower the death rate among elderly and disabled people due to falls. This review paper presents a survey of different fall detection techniques and algorithms used for fall detection. Various fall detection approaches including wearable, vision, ambience, and multimodal systems are analyzed and compared and recommendations are presented.
Transfer Learning Method for Object Detection Model Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ito Ryuji , Nobuhara Hajime , Kato Shigeru ,   Department of Intelligent Interaction Technologies, University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan,   National Institute of Technology, Niihama College 7-1 Yagumo-cho, Niihama, Ehime 792-8580, Japan
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a transfer learning method for an object detection model using a genetic algorithm to solve the difficulty of the conventional transfer learning of deep learning-based object detection models. The genetic algorithm of the proposed method can select the re-learning layers automatically in the transfer learning process instead of a trial-and-error selection of the conventional method. Transfer learning was performed using the EfficientDet-d0 model pre-trained on the COCO dataset and the Global Wheat Head Detection (GWHD) dataset, and experiments were conducted to compare fine-tuning and the proposed method. Using the training data and the validation data of the GWHD, we compare the mean average precision (mAP) of the models trained by the conventional and the proposed methods, respectively, on the test data of the GWHD. It is confirmed that the model trained by the proposed method has higher performance than the model trained by the conventional method. The average of mAP of the proposed method, which automatically selects the re-learning layer (≈0.603), is higher than the average of mAP of the conventional method (≈0.594). Furthermore, the standard deviation of results obtained by the proposed method is smaller than that of the conventional method, and it shows the stable learning process of the proposed method.
Multi-Gene Genetic Programming of IoT Water Quality Index Monitoring from Fuzzified Model forOreochromis niloticusRecirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Palconit Maria Gemel B. , Bautista Mary Grace Ann C. , II Ronnie S. Concepcion , Alejandrino Jonnel D. , Evangelista Ivan Roy S. , Alajas Oliver John Y. , Vicerra Ryan Rhay P. , Bandala Argel A. , Dadios Elmer P. ,   Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, De La Salle University (DLSU) 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines,   Department of Electronics Engineering, Cebu Technological University M. J. Cuenco Avenue, Cor R. Palma Street, 6000 Cebu, Philippines,   Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management, De La Salle University (DLSU) 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines
Published: September 2022

Real-time water quality index (WQI) monitoring – a simplified single variable indication of water quality (WQ) – is vital in attaining a sustainable future in precision aquaculture. Although several monitoring systems for water quality parameters (WQP) use IoT, there is no existing WQI IoT monitoring forOreochromis niloticusbecause the current WQI models are too complex to be deployed for low-level computing platforms such as the IoT modules and dashboards. Thus, the development of the IoT-based WQI fuzzy inference system (FIS) was simplified by the multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) to search for non-linear equations given the simulated WQP fuzzy sets. Results have shown that the implemented novel system can accurately predict the WQI IoT monitoring with an average of R2and RMSE of 0.9112 and 0.6441, respectively. Implementing WQI in the IoT monitoring dashboard using the MGGP has significantly addressed the present challenges in deploying other complex AI-based models for WQI, such as the FIS and neural networks in low-computing capable platforms.
A Review of Smart Battery Management Systems for LiFePO4: Key Issues and Estimation Techniques for Microgrids
Authors: Magsumbol Jo-Ann V. , Rosales Marife A. , Palconit Maria Gemel B. , II Ronnie S. Concepcion , Bandala Argel A. , Vicerra Ryan Rhay P. , Sybingco Edwin , Culaba Alvin , Dadios Elmer P. ,   Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, De La Salle University (DLSU) 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines,   Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management, De La Salle University (DLSU) 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines,   Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University (DLSU) 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, De La Salle University (DLSU) 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila 1004, Philippines
Published: September 2022

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) has become the top choice battery chemical in photovoltaic (PV) system nowadays due to numerous advantages as compared to lead acid batteries. However, LiFePO4 needs a battery management system to optimize energy utilization. State of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), cell balancing, remaining useful life are some of its crucial parameters. This review paper discusses overview of battery management system (BMS) functions, LiFePO4 characteristics, key issues, estimation techniques, main features, and drawbacks of using this battery type.
Pemanfaatan Sampah Plastik Menjadi Produk Upcycle Untuk Meningkatkan Kreativitas Siswa SD Negeri 4 Senganan Tabanan
Authors: Arya Yumi , Parasari Nyoman Sri Manik , Mahottama I Gusti Ayu Made  Katarina , Dewangga I Gede Dimas , Putra Kadek Andika Darma
Published: September 2022

Sampah plastik menjadi masalah utama dalam menjaga kebersihan lingkungan setempat. Plastik dapat dijadikan suatu benda yang bermanfaat kedepannya dan dapat digunakan kembali dalam aktivitas masyarakat. Bahaya yang ditimbulkan dari sampah plastik yang tidak diolah dapat menyebabkan salah satunya kerusakan lingkungan. Melalui kegiatan yang dilaksanakan di SD Negeri 4 Senganan, Penebel, Tabanan berkaitan dengan pemanfaatan sampah plastik. Plastik dapat diolah kembali menjadi kerajinan, selain itu juga dapat meningkatkan kreativitas para siswa dalam pemanfaatan dan pengolahan sampah plastik. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan yang digunakan adalah sosialisasi dan praktikum kepada siswa sekolah dasar dalam mengelola sampah plastik menjadi kerajinan serta kelebihan yang didapat adalah menambahkan nilai kreativitas. Hasil yang diperoleh berupa produk dari pemanfaatan botol plastik bekas menjadi vas bunga yang dapat digunakan sebagai tempat untuk menaruh barang alat tulis seperti pensil, pulpen, dan penghapus. Dilakukan sosialisai mengenai bahaya sampah plastik agar siswa mendapatkan pengetahuan dan pemahaman dalam pemanfaatan sampah plastik.
Approach for Electronic Medical Record Data Analysis
Authors: Han Changho , Park Chan Min , Kim Yujeong , Kang Sora , Park Tae Jun , Yoon Dukyong
Published: September 2022

As the healthcare environment is being digitalized and changed rapidly, research using medical big data is increasing. One of the most applicable data is electronic medical records which can provide a large amount of clinically practical meaning. Electronic medical data include patient’s demographic information, laboratory test results, imaging and biosignal data. In this article, we provide support for a wide variety of researchers in their efforts to use electronic medical record data accurately and usefully in their work. From the basic concept of the research using electronic medical records to challenging aspects like data integration between multiple institutions are described. Also, examples of each type of data are covered; structured such as numeric data and unstructured such as images, biosignals and narrative text. Using these kinds of electronic medical records, analyses are processed by data cleansing, transforming, and reducing in order. Many kinds of variables such as the exposure and outcome of interest, covariate and the research design can be chosen during the preprocessing. As many machine-learning-based studies as well as epidemiologic-based studies have been conducted using electronic medical records, various research frameworks have been proposed. However, data quality management and data standardization for multicenter data analysis are still remaining as challenging tasks.
Improving Nutrition in the First 1000 Days in the United States: A Federal Perspective
Authors: Hamner Heather C. , Nelson Jennifer M. , Sharma Andrea J. , Jefferds Maria Elena D. , Dooyema Carrie , Flores-Ayala Rafael , Bremer Andrew A. , Vargas Ashley J. , Casavale Kellie O. , de Jesus Janet M. , Stoody Eve E. , Scanlon Kelley S. , Perrine Cria G.
Published: September 2022

The first 1000 days begins with pregnancy and ends at the child’s second birthday. Nutrition throughout the life course, and especially during the first 1000 days, supports maternal health and optimal growth and development for children.

We give a high-level summary of the state of nutrition in the first 1000 days in the United States. We provide examples where continued efforts are needed.

We then discuss select opportunities to strengthen federal research and surveillance, programs, and communication and dissemination efforts aimed at improving nutrition and positively, and equitably, influencing the health and well-being of mothers and children. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S8):S817–S825. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307028 )
A “Local First” Approach to Glacigenic Sediment Provenance Demonstrated Using U-Pb Detrital Zircon Geochronology of the Permo-Carboniferous Wynyard Formation, Tasmanian Basin
Authors: Ives Libby R. W. , Isbell John L. , Licht Kathy J.
Published: September 2022

We propose that a “local first” approach should be applied to the interpretation of provenance indicators in glacigenic sediments of all depositional ages, especially where the glacier flow path is poorly constrained and the records of potential source lithologies are incomplete. Provenance proxies, specifically U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology, of glacigenic sediments are commonly used to infer the size and distribution of past ice centers, which are in turn used to inform ancient climate reconstructions. Interpretations of these proxies often assume that similar provenance signals between glacigenic units of the same depositional age are evidence that they were deposited by the same glacier, even when those units are, not infrequently, separated by thousands of kilometers. Though glaciers are capable of transporting sediment great distances, this assumption is problematic as it does not acknowledge observations from the geologic records of Pleistocene ice sheets that show provenance proxies in glacial sediments are most likely to reflect proximal (within 100 km) sediment sources located along a specific flow path. In a “local first” approach, provenance indicators are first compared to local source lithologies. If the indicator cannot be attributed to proximal sources, only then should progressively more distal sources be investigated. Applying a local first approach to sediment provenance in ancient glacial systems may result in significant revisions to paleo ice sheet reconstructions. The effectiveness of the local first approach is demonstrated here by comparing new U-Pb detrital zircon dates from the Permo-Carboniferous glacigenic Wynyard Fm with progressively distal source lithologies along the glacier’s inferred flow path. The Wynyard Fm and source lithologies were compared using an inverse Monte-Carlo unmixing model (DZMix). All measured Wynyard Fm detrital zircon dates can be attributed to zircon sources within 33 km of the sample location along the glacier’s flow path. This interpretation of a proximal detrital zircon provenance does not conflict with the popular interpretation made from sedimentological observations that the Wynyard Fm was deposited by a large, temperate outlet glacier or ice stream that flowed south-to-north across western Tasmania. Overall, a local first approach to glacial sediment provenance, though more challenging than direct comparisons between glacigenic sedimentary deposits, has the potential to elucidate the complex histories and flow paths of glacial sedimentary systems of all depositional ages.
Laser-responsive shape memory device to program the stepwise control of intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Authors: Sung Hak-Joon , Lee Kyubae , Choi Wungrak , Kim Si Young , Oh Won Take , Park Jeongeun , Lee Chan Hee , Lee Jihei Sara , Bae Hyoung Won , Jang Dong-Su , Kim Chan Yun
Published: September 2022

Clinical laser systems enable user-specified control of the energy level, focus, and frequency by minimizing untargeted influences, which has never been applied to implantable shape memory polymers (SMPs). The glaucoma clinic possesses multi-decade issues to control progressive fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) with tissue fibrosis upon implantation of silicone drainage devices. As a translatable device, we applied a laser-responsive SMP to develop i) a tube with intimal gel coating to release anti-fibrotic drugs and ii) safety lock ring. When the SMP tube was inserted into a silicone tube with wrapping externally by the ring, intimal gel degradation and argon laser-triggered diameter increase enabled three-step IOP control. Sustained drug release of the intimal gel suppressed tissue fibrosis, and the ring prevented late hypotonic IOP by externally squeezing the silicone tube. The unprecedented design and functions were validated using computational, in vitro, and rabbit glaucoma models by determining clinic-friendly argon laser parameters.
Trade Liberalization and Poverty in Nigeria (1981-2018): an Empirical Study.
Authors: Ogundipe Michael
Published: September 2022

This study looked at the effects of trade liberation on reducing poverty in Nigeria. To investigate the data properties, a number of tests were run, including co-integration, the unit-root test, and descriptive statistics. The Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method was used in this study to examine the variables' short-run and long-run effects. The outcome demonstrated that trade is statistically important in determining Nigeria's poverty rate over the long and short runs. However, a country's economic system's potential to gain from economic globalization also depended on its domestic macroeconomic policy, market structure, early economic state, institutional quality, and degree of political stability. According to the predicted outcome, trade will benefit the poor in the long run. On the basis of the study's findings, suggestions are given to promote trade and lower the rate of poverty in Nigeria. To save the domestic market, Nigeria may implement a restrictive trade liberalization strategy. In contrast, the government should encourage the import of technology to advance domestic industry and adopt a soft trade liberalization policy that is based on the elimination or reduction of barriers to international commerce in technology.
JEL code: F13, F14
Clinical Benefit and Safety of Microneedle Patches Composed of Magnesium: A Pilot Study in Acne Patients
Authors: Bae Jai Hee , Noh Hyungrye , Jang Donghwi , Kim Heeyeon , Shim Joonho , Oh Se Jin , Park Jihye , Lee Jong Hee
Published: September 2022

Magnesium (Mg) is a newly investigated biomaterial that corrodes physiologically in water, resulting in evolved hydrogen with beneficial effects of anti-inflammation and acceleration of the wound healing process. In addition, Mg itself has anti-microbial activity against Cutibacterium acnes which play a pathogenic role in developing inflammatory acne. Based on these characteristics, the present pilot study was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety of a newly developed magnesium microneedle patch (Mg MN), with a needle length of 0.25 mm, on acne and widened pores. A total of 19 patients with mild to moderate acne and receiving no topical or oral treatment was enrolled in the study. Mg MNs were applied to inflammatory acne lesions and widened pores on both cheeks and nose. The number of acne lesions and scores improved significantly within seven days. The porphyrin level tended to decrease over 12 weeks, although pore size and sebum secretion showed unsatisfactory results. No adverse reactions were noted during the study period. In conclusion, Mg MNs can be useful in treating inflammatory acne lesions, and they are safe to use. For the improvement of widened pores, modification of needle length or a combination of topical agents may be required.
The FBXO32/ATR/ATM axis acts as a molecular switch to control the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to irradiation through its regulation of EXO1 expression
Authors: Lu Yao , Huang Panpan , Li Yanli , Liu Wenyu , Li Jing , Zhao Rui , Shi Ce , Cao Gaolu
Published: September 2022

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer in children and adolescents. In clinical treatments, the insensitivity of OS to conventional radiotherapy regimens significantly contributes to poor patient prognosis and survival. EXO1 is responsible for DNA repair pathways and telomere maintenance. Meanwhile, ATM and ATR are considered switches as they can regulate the expression of EXO1. However, their expression and interaction in OS cells under irradiation (IR) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of FBXO32, ATM, ATR and EXO1 in OS radiotherapy insensitivity and poor patient prognosis and explore potential pathogenic mechanisms. Methods: Bioinformaticsmethods were employed to analyze differential gene expression and the correlations with prognosis in OS. Cell counting kit 8 assays, clone formation assays, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell survivaland apopotosisunder IR. Co-IP assays detected protein-protein interactions. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that EXO1 is closely related to the survival, apoptosis and poorer prognosis in OS. The silencingof EXO1 suppressed cell proliferation and increased the sensitivity of OS cells. Molecular biological experiments showed that the ATMand ATR acted as the switch to regulate EXO1 expression under IR. Conclusion: Higher expression of EXO1, which was closely correlated with IR insensitivity and poorer prognosis, might be used as a prognostic indicator for OS. Phosphorylated-ATM enhanced the expression of EXO1, and phosphorylated-ATR induced the degradation of EXO1. More importantly, FBXO32 degraded ATR via ubiquitination in time dependent. Our data may provide a reference for future research on mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of OS.
Expression of SLC25A18 is positively correlated with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Song Jiayi , Jia Yong , Han Hao , Yang Xue-Han , Zhang Jing , Zhang Mei-Shuang , Liu Jing-Yue , Zhang Qiang , Wang Su-Shan , Wang Chun-Yan , Chen Li , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2022

Background: According to research, the neurotoxicity caused by the accumulation of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is closely related to Alzheimer's disease. However, even after 50 years of research, little is known about the relationship between glutamate-related carriers and Alzheimer's disease, and it is unclear whether glutamate metabolism target genes are involved in the occurrence and development of AD.As a result, the goal of our investigations was to identify glutamate metabolism target genes involved in the onset and progression of AD, as well as to validate and mine the relationship between them.
Results: In this paper, we analysed the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data further and discovered that the expression of glutamate carrier SLC25A18 is correlated with Alzheimer's disease by screening the differential genes in different regions of the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients. To verify the expression of SLC25A18 during Alzheimer's disease development, we created animal models (5×FAD transgenic AD animal model, chemically induced AD animal model, natural ageing animal model), and the results showed that the expression of SLC25A18 increased when Alzheimer's disease occurred in various animal models. After that, we checked the expression of SLC25A18 in Aβ1-42-induced Neuro 2A cells, and the results revealed that neurons had higher SLC25A18 expression after Aβ1-42 induction.
Conclusions: The results indicate that SLC25A18 is related to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease and that it could be a target for treatment.
Effects of Hesperidin on Oestrus Synchronisation and Fertility Parameters in Thermally Stressed Yankasa Ewes
Authors: Saayinzat Francis Elisha , Ogwu D.
Published: September 2022

Hesperidin is an exogenous antioxidant obtained from citrus fruits. Recent studies have demonstrated its therapeutic and biological properties in ameliorating oxidative stress through scavenging for free radical species. The study was aimed at evaluating the effect of hesperidin on oestrus synchronisation and fertility parameters in thermally stressed Yankasa ewes. The study was carried out during the dry and hot seasons of the year in Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. Forty-six (46) maiden Yankasa ewes with average body condition score of 2.5 and aged between 5–8 months, weighed between 15–20 kg were randomly allocated into two groups of twenty-seven ewes each. Group A served as the treatment group, which were given oral hesperidin supplement (200 mg/kg body weight) on a weekly basis throughout the experiment. Group B severed as the control animals, which received 10 mL of mix dimethyl sulphate and normal saline throughout the study. Three rams aged 18 months to 2 years, weighing between 35–40kg were used as teaser and breeding rams. The time of onset of oestrus, oestrus duration, oestrus response rate, control internal drug release retention rate, pregnancy and lambing rates, fecundity, gestational length, lambing weight and postpartum oestrus interval were evaluated. The results obtained showed that hesperidin had significant (P < 0.05) effects on the CIDR retention (95 7.10% and 75.0 ± 7.1%), oestrus response rate (ORR) (80.00 ± 14.1% and 65.0 ± 7.1%), onset of oestrus (2.8 ± 1.0 and 6.0 ± 1.4 days), duration of oestrus (30.5 ± 2.1 and 25.6 ± 2.4 hours), pregnancy rate (85% and 75%), lambing rate (95% and 80%), lambing weight (2.52 ± 0.69 kg and 2.24 ± 0.73), postpartum oestrus interval (37.88 ± 1.13 and 39.33 ± 0.67 days), and gestation length (149.38 ± 1.39 and 151.4 ± 1.14 days) for the treatment and control groups respectively. The present study demonstrated that hesperidin administration increased significantly (P < 0.05) the TOO, ORR, OD, CIDR retention, lambing weight, pregnancy and lambing rates in thermally stressed Yankasa ewes.
Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 on fecal short chain fatty acids in patients with chronic constipation: a multicenter, observational study
Authors: Ogata Tomoki , Kessoku Takaomi , Jono Tsumugi , Kasai Yuki , Ozaki Anna , Tanaka Kosuke , Takahashi Kota , Yamamoto Atsushi , Iwaki Michihiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Yoshihara Tsutomu , Misawa Noboru , Kato Shingo , Higurashi Takuma , Hosono Kunihiro , Yoneda Masato , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Iwasaki Tomoyuki , Kurihashi Takeo , Nakatogawa Machiko , Oyamada Shunsuke , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: September 2022

Background and aim:
Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) is a probiotic and is considered to be useful for constipation. However, the effect of BBG9-1 on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in constipated patients has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between BBG9-1 and SCFA.
Methods
This is a prospective four-center observational study. Patients with constipation were treated with BBG9-1 at 72 mg/day for 8 weeks after a 2-week baseline period. Patients with constipation were defined as those diagnosed with Rome IV criteria. The primary endpoint was the concentration of SCFA in feces. Secondary endpoints included change in the Japanese version of the Japanese Patient Assessment of Constipation Composite Index (JPAC-QOL), frequency of bowel movements, stool form, sense of incomplete evacuation, and straining.
Results
In the 87 patients analyzed, n-butyric acid, iso-butyric, and acetic acid increased with respect to fecal SCFA concentrations. The Japanese version of the Japanese Patient Assessment of Constipation Composite Index score, frequency of bowel movements, stool form, sense of incomplete evacuation, straining also improved.
Conclusion
The study showed that 8 weeks of oral administration of BBG9-1 increased SCFA concentrations in the feces, especially acetic and butyric acids.
Manganese catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative borylation of styrenes
Authors: Das Kuhali , Kundu Abhishek , Adhikari Debashis , Maji Biplab
Published: September 2022

Alkenyl boronate esters are important synthons for various pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, natural products, and material science. Direct alkene sp2 C-H bond borylation is highly valued for its synthesis. However, the drawbacks associated with chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity, using late transition metal catalysts, and the need for sacrificial hydrogen scavengers impeded its practicability and sustainability. Herein, we utilized a 3d metal complex as a catalyst for synthesizing alkenyl boronate esters via the dehydrogenative coupling of styrenes and pinacolborane. Hydrogen gas is produced as the sole byproduct without needing an acceptor, making the process green and atom-economical. The methodology depicted excellent selectivity towards dehydrogenative borylation over direct hydroboration. Borylation of aromatic alkenes over aliphatic ones was also noticed. Derivatives of natural products and bioactive molecules underwent successful diversification. The product alkenyl boronate esters could be employed for synthesizing several drugs and potential anticancer agents. Thorough experimental and high-level computational studies were performed to delineate the reaction pathway. The hemilability and metal-ligand bifunctionality of the ligand backbone was found to be crucial for successful catalytic turnover.
The effect of various flavorings on PAHs level in the shell and kernel of roasted sunflower seeds
Authors: gilani Parisa Shavali , Yazdanfar Najmeh , Khaniki Gholamreza Jahed , aghaee Ebrahim Molaee , sadighara parisa
Published: September 2022

Background: Amount of PAHs can be reduced by various methods, such as food additives. The effects of different flavors were investigated on the formation of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the shell and kernel of roasted sunflower seeds.
Methods: Samples were prepared in the shell and kernel of 10 types of sunflowers with flavors of lemon, golpar (hogweed), salt, ketchup and raw samples was performed with conventional solvent extraction by Soxhlet. Measuring and determining the amount of PAHs was analyzed by GC/MS.
Results: The PAHs of sunflower seeds were in the range of 0.4_3.2 ppm. The lowest amount was related to hogweed kernel and the highest amount was related to lemon shell.
Conclusion: Roasting process could result in contamination of sunflower seeds, especially the shell of seeds. Also, various flavors such as hogweed due to their antioxidant properties can affect the amount of PAHs. In addition, the excessive reduction of pH due to the oxidation of fats does not have a decreasing effect on the amount of PAHs. As a result, this amount was observed in lemon juice more than other flavors in shell.
Etlingera hemisphaerica Blume attenuates male reproductive toxicity due to mercury chloride in Mus musculus
Authors: Ruyani Aceng , Muthmainnah Dinisari , Simatupang Melly Boru , Ramadhanti Annisa P. , Putri Sylvia R. , Parlindungan Deni
Published: September 2022

This study evaluated the effects of leaf ethanolic extract Etlingera hemisphaerica Blume (LE3H) on male reproductive toxicity due to mercury chloride (HgCl2) in Mus musculus (mice). Those were three test materials; 5 mg/kg body weight (bw) HgCl2, 0.2 mg/gbw Immunos®, and 0.13, 0.26, 0.39 mg/gbw LE3H. On day 1 (d-1), four groups of 5 mice were given HgCl2 by gavage, and then on d-3, d-5, and d-7 days, three groups were administered 0.13, 0.26, and 0.39 mg/gbw of LE3H, another group as control. On d-16, the animals were killed using the cervical dislocation method for observing their testicular morphometrics. Three groups of 9 mice were given HgCl2 by injected on d-1, and then on d-4 one group was administered Immunos® and one group was administered a determined LE3H, another group as control, and then were killed on d-7 for measuring glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA). Two groups of 15 mice were injected with HgCl2 on d-1, and then on d-3, one group was administrated by the determined LE3H, another group as control, and then were killed on d-6 for investigating sperms quality. Results revealed that HgCl2 increased the weight, length, and diameter of the testes compared to the control, while HgCl2 + LE3H three times tended to restore testes similar to the control. A dose of LE3H (0.39 mg/gbw) was effective in testicular recovery conditions. HgCl2 increased blood glucose dan MDA levels compared to the control. The blood glucose dan MDA level on HgCl2 + Immunos® and HgCl2 + LE3H did not differ from the control. HgCl2 decreased sperm concentration compared to the control. HgCl2 + LE3H was lower than HgCl2 and approach the control. Sperm moves fast and straight in the control, HgCl2, and HgCl2 + LE3H were 30.63; 16.12; and 27.62% respectively. Thus, LE3H attenuates male reproductive toxicity duo to HgCl2 in mice.
A nonlinear dynamic reduction solver for complex jointed structures having hysteresis contact behaviour
Authors: Wang Dong
Published: September 2022

A novel nonlinear dynamic reduction method was developed to determine the steady-state vibration responses of complex jointed structures having hysteresis contact behaviour. By using harmonic balance method to reformulate the nonlinear dynamic equilibrium equations into a set of nonlinear algebraic ones, a dynamic reduction strategy of local nonlinearity transformation was theoretically developed to iterate nonlinear solutions in the coordinate associated with the degree of freedoms of the nonlinear joints. Only odd-order harmonic components were truncated to approximate the hysteresis nonlinear contact forces of the joint interfaces, as this approach was conducive to the further dimension reduction of nonlinear algebraic equations and iteration matrix. Then, a nonlinear dynamic reduction solver was developed to bridge the steady-state nonlinear vibration responses of the overall structure with the dynamic characteristics of the underlying linear substructures, nonlinear joint models and external excitations. Combined with the finite element analysis, the steady-state nonlinear vibration responses of a complex assembled structure with four reduced-order nonlinear joint models were numerically simulated to validate the proposed nonlinear dynamic reduction method. The comparative results shown a good agreement with the literature work, and indicated a great higher computational efficiency. The experimental investigations of a rubber isolator system were also performed to validate the proposed method, and presented a good performance.
How to reduce empathic distress and increase emotional skills in medical training? Experience of a Mindfulness-Based stress reduction class vs. control group in France
Authors: Brami Cloe , Zenasni Franck , Hettal Liza , Pasquier Florence , Sultan Serge
Published: September 2022

Background: Improving student wellness through curricular activities is a topic of interest in medical school. Both distress and well-being are related to medical student empathy. Numerous data suggest that learning mindfulness skills help to reduce anxiety, stress and overall psychological distress. Moreover, there are still poor data on the impact of MBSR on medical students' empathy and emotional skills.
Methods: We designed a controlled study including an intervention group (MBSR) and a wait-list control group. We aimed to explore the impact of an MBSR training in medical students on (1) empathy (2) emotional skills (identification, understanding, acceptance) and (3) self-care. Online assessments occurred at baseline and post intervention. We analyzed pre-post changes and explored intervention effects using a generalized mixed model.
Results: Fifty-one medical students were included. 80% of students attended all MBSR classes. When compared with the control group, Personal Distress (PD) of the empathy subscale decreased significantly in the MBSR group (β=-3.55 [95%CI -5.09, -1.40], p<0.005). No other significant change was observed as for the empathy subscales. Students in the MBSR group increased their emotional skills as the ability to identify (p<.005, Cohen’s d=0,52) and understand (p=.02, Cohen’s d=0.62) one’s own emotion. The total Self-Compassion score (SCS) increased significantly in the MBSR group (β=-25.5 [95%CI 18.16, 32.86], p<0.001) assesses the ability to self-care.
Conclusion: Results suggest that MBSR develops medical students' interpersonal resources and reduces empathy distress. Indeed, PD assesses the tendency to feel distress and discomfort in response to the distress of others and corresponds to a challenge in medical training. MBSR could be beneficially combined with other educational modalities to enhance each component of empathy.
Phishing URL Detection Using CNN-LSTM and Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Nepal Sopnil , Gurung Hemant , Nepal Roshan
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the classification of phishing URL's apart from legitimate URL's with the use of machine learning and deep learning techniques. Phishing is defined as an act to steal the private information by pretending to be a legitimate entity which they are not. Machine learning model, Random Forest classifier is trained on the extracted features based on Address Bar, Domain and HTML and JavaScript of the URL. On the other hand, CNN-LSTM hybrid model was trained to learn the character sequence features of the given URL and make the classification. The dataset used was public data from Kaggle which was downloaded from their website. The dataset contained 11,430 URLs: 5,715 legitimate URLs and 5,715 phishing URL. Hereafter, we classified the URL of the current address bar as legitimate or phishing with the use of previously trained model. Thus, proposed paper focuses on the study and development of models for detection of phishing sites so that properties of various URLs can be learnt by feature extraction and can be classified as accurately as possible.
Optimum Location of Shear Wall in G+6 Building at the Outer Periphery Using Pushover Analysis
Authors: M Saravanakumar R , S Samson
Published: September 2022

Many studies have been conducted in recent years to determine how well buildings handle lateral forces. However, the location of the shear wall when a building is subjected to lateral force was not thoroughly studied. It is well known that performance-based design is the best method for determining the ideal location. Pushover analysis is used to find the best location for this study. When conducting a pushover analysis, the relationship between base shear and roof displacement is typically depicted in the capacity curve. Various shear walls are placed throughout the building as part of this analysis to determine the exact location. The PushSW6 model had the highest shear carrying capacity out of 13 models tested, making it the best option for placement. When compared to the model without a shear wall, the shear carrying capacity of the PushSW6 model is 76.66% higher. From here, it is clear that PushSW6's shear walls will be the best location out of the 13 models.
Design of a new voice cryptosystem based on the global Mittag-Leffler synchronization of mismatched chaotic systems with unknown parameters, fractional orders, time delays and external disturbances
Authors: Razmara Susan , Yahyazadeh Meisam , Marj Hassan Fatehi
Published: September 2022

In this research, first two chaotic systems with unknown parameters, mismatched structures, different fractional derivative orders, non-identical time delays, and external disturbances are synchronized based on the Mittag-Leffler stability analysis. Then, using the synchronized systems, a new voice cryptosystem is designed to securely send voice messages via public communication channels. Finally, numerical simulations confirm that the designed voice cryptosystem possesses an easier practical implementation, more secure and accurate results, and a higher security level than previous voice cryptosystems.
The Impact of Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment on Postoperative Complications in Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Maggi Nadia , Nussbaumer Rahel Lea , Castrezana Liliana , Zehnpfennig Lea , Schwab Fabienne D , Krol Janna , Oberhauser Ida , Weber Walter Paul , Kurzeder Christian , Haug Martin D , Kappos Elisabeth A
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) on postoperative complications and the beginning of adjuvant treatment.
Methods: This study includes data from a prospectively maintained database including patients with breast cancer (BC) stage I-IV with or without NST undergoing breast cancer surgery between January 2010 and September 2021.
Results: Out of 517 enrolled patients, 77 received NST, 440 had primary breast surgery. After NST patients underwent surgery after a meantime of 34 days (26.5 – 40 days). No statistical significance could be found comparing the complication grading according to the Clavien Dindo classification. The complications were most frequently rated as grade 3b. There were no complications with grade 4 or higher. When differentiating into short and long-term, the overall rate of short-term complications was 20.3% with no significant difference between the two groups (20.8% vs. 20.2%). Regarding long-term complications, there was more impairment of shoulder mobility (26.0% vs. 9.5%, p = < 0.001) and chronic pain (42.9% vs. 28.6%, p = < 0.016) for patients with NST. The beginning of the administration of the adjuvant treatment was comparable in both groups (46.3 days vs. 50.5 days).
Conclusion: In our cohort, complications between both groups were comparable according to Clavien Dindo. This study shows that NST has no negative impact on postoperative short-term complications and most importantly did not lead to a delay of the beginning of adjuvant treatment. Therefore, NST can be safely admitted, even when followed by extensive breast reconstruction surgery.