bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCMMI: A class center-based multiple mixed imputation method
Authors: Miao Shi-di , Hu Xiao-hui , Cheng Jia
Published: May 2022

Missing data is ubiquitous in the real society. Multiple imputation (MI) reflects the uncertainty of missing data and makes full use of existing data. It is an effective method to deal with missing data. However, when MI considers the imputation model, the optimal single model is usually selected from candidate ones to impute multiple times, thus ignoring the uncertainty of model selection. Therefore, this paper introduces a class center-based multiple mixed imputation method (CCMMI), which takes both data and model selection uncertainties into account to obtain better imputation results than MI method of other single models. It mainly determines an imputation threshold by measuring the Euclidean distance between the class center and each class of data samples, and then uses multiple single models to generate multiple different imputation datasets. Finally, it uses the imputation threshold to determine the optimal interpolation in the imputation datasets. The experimental results on numerical, categorical and mixed datasets with different missing rates show that the performance of CCMMI method is better than that of other single models with missing rates ranging from 10–50%.
Association of GWAS and candidate gene loci of dopaminergic system with major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the Pakistani population
Authors: Hashmi Aisha Nasir , Dharejo Raees Ahmed , Taj Rizwan , Ajmal Muhammad , khan Netasha , Agha Zehra , Qamar Raheel , Azam Maleeha
Published: May 2022

The dopaminergic pathways control neural signals that modulate mood and behaviour along and have a vital role in the aetiology of major depression (MDD), schizophrenia (SHZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported several dopaminergic pathway’s and other genetic loci’s association with these disorders, therefore, the present study was conducted to analyse the GWAS and candidate gene loci of the dopaminergic and cognitive system genes in MDD, SHZ, and BD, in the Pakistani population. A total of 1237 subjects [MDD n = 479; BD n = 222; SHZ n = 146; and controls n = 390], were screened for eleven genetic variants through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Univariant followed by multivariant logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the genetic association. Significant risk associations were observed for rs4532 and rs1799732 with MDD; and rs1006737 and rs2238056 with BD. However, after applying multiple test corrections rs4532 and rs1799732 association did not remain significant for MDD. Moreover, a protective association was found for three variants DRD4-120bp, rs10033951 and rs2388334 in the current cohort. Thus, in conclusion, the current study revealed the risk association of rs1006737 and rs2238056 with BD and the protective effect of DRD4-120bp in MDD and BD, of rs2388334 in BD and of rs10033951 in MDD, BD, and SHZ in the current Pakistani cohort.
Techniques for Predicting Dark Web Events Focused on the Delivery of Illicit Products and Ordered Crime
Authors: Rawat Romil , AJAGBE Sunday Adeola , OKI Olukayode A
Published: May 2022

The techniques for forecasting crime in detail before it occurs, or creating an "Automated Machine" to assist police officers, relieves the strain on cops while also aiding in crime prevention. We recommend incorporating machine learning (ML) with computer vision (CV) methodologies to accomplish and discuss the outcomes of a few situations in which such techniques were employed. The goal of this research is to present the dark web crime statistics and forecasting model for generating alerts of illicit activities like drug supply, human trafficking, terrorist radicalization and recruitment, and weapon delivery, online killing orders, and fraudulent activities that are associated with gangs or organizations showing online presence using ML and CV to assist law enforcement organizations to analyze, identify, and generate strategic techniques for solving cyber crime cases more accurately and quickly.
Effectiveness of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor Loaded Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Uğurlu Nagihan , Erdal Ebru , Malekghasemi Soheil , Demirbilek Murat
Published: May 2022

DRP is a disease consisting of all the structural and functional changes that develop in the retinal layer of the eye due to diabetes. DRP is the most important cause of blindness between the ages of 20-74 in the world, and the most successful standard treatment option in the treatment of DRP is intravitreal injections. To synthesize acetazolamide loaded nanoparticles to be applied intravitreal treatment of DRP and to examine the in vitro efficacy of the nanoparticles. ACZ loaded PHBV nanoparticles (PHBV-ACZ NPs) formulations were prepared. Nanoparticles with a particle size of 253.20±0.55nm. A DRP model was established and characterized in HRMEC cells. The effect of the nanoparticles on permeability has been investigated and carrier proteins in BRB due to the development of DRP has been investigated. To establish the in vitro DRP model, HRMEC was stimulated with Recombinant human 165 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), thereby temporarily reducing the expression levels of endothelial junction proteins, increasing the number of intercellular spaces in the monolayers of HRMECs. It was determined that after the cells were exposed to Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAI) loaded nanoparticles, permeability decreased and protein expression increased.
Correlation Between Default Mode Network and Symptomatic Domains: A Spectral Approach to Schizophrenia
Authors: Sánchez Ana Maria Granados , Zapata Juan Felipe Orejuela , Dávila Cesar Augusto Arango , Arango Isabella Moreno
Published: May 2022

Introduction
When evaluating psychiatric pathologies using imaging studies, the categorical approach supposes a significant challenge. Redefining these pathologies with the use of behavioral dimensions that are related to brain biology has been attempted. This paper aims to describe the findings on functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with schizophrenia and correlate it with their symptomatic domains.
Materials and methods
This study is a descriptive, observational, transversal study. Fourteen patients with schizophrenia and Fourteen controls were explored using functional magnetic resonance during a resting period and developing easy, medium, and complex tasks. The default mode network was evaluated, registering the voxel activation on a cluster and its maximum activation over interest areas. Subjects were interrogated using the Derogatis Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and correlation coefficients were applied for data analysis.
Results
Diminished activation of the default mode network was evidenced in association with the complexity of the task in the control group. Patients presented a steady activation when comparing their resting state with the activation during the different tasks. A negative correlation was observed implicating the volume of the functional cluster in the posterior cingulate cortex during the high complexity task and the interpersonal sensitivity domain. A moderate positive correlation was found with symptomatic domains of interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, phobia, and depression, while a moderate negative association was found with psychosis.
Conclusions
Imaging evaluation of the psychiatric pathologies could be useful if the pathology is approached through the spectrum of symptomatic domains. This perspective would enhance the assertiveness of the therapeutics.
White matter hyperintensities in cholinergic pathways may predict poorer responsiveness to acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment for Alzheimer disease
Authors: Lee Li-Hua , Wu Shu-Ching , Ho Cheng-Feng , Liang Wan-Lin , Liu Yi-Chien , Chou Chia-Ju
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAcetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) drug regimens are the mainstay treatment options for patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Herein, we predicted clinical responses to AChEI treatment from baseline neuroimaging parameters. MethodsBetween 2020 and 2021, we recruited 101 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of probable AD. Each participant underwent complete neuropsychological testing and 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Responsiveness to donepezil, as assessed after 12 months, was designated as less than two points of regression in Mini-Mental State Examination scores. We also evaluated MRI images by examining scores on the Cholinergic Pathways Hyperintensities Scale (CHIPS), Fazekas scale, and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scale. ResultsIn our cohort, 52 patients (51.4%) were classified as responders. We observed significantly higher CHIPS scores in the nonresponder group (21.1 ± 12.9 vs. 14.9 ± 9.2, P = 0.007). Age at baseline, education level, sex, Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes scores, and three neuroimaging parameters were tested in regression models. Only CHIPS scores predicted clinical response to AChEI treatment. ConclusionWMHs in the cholinergic pathways, not diffuse white matter lesions or hippocampal atrophy, correlated with poorer responsiveness to AChEI treatment. Therefore, further investigation into the role of the cholinergic pathway in AD is warranted.
Stress and depression of university students in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Soliman Asmaa Mohamed Ahmed , Mabrouk Shimaa Elsayed Mohammed , Hagag Radwa Samir , Ghandour Ahmed A , Mekhamier Hanem Awad , Elsherbeny Enas Elsayed
Published: May 2022

Background: Mental health issues have been increasing globally, especially among university students. The pandemic of COVID-19 has aggravated this pre-existing and serious problem. This study aimed to assess the stress and depression levels and mental health status of Egyptian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on medical and non-medical Egyptian university students. A total of 1470 participants completed the electronic anonymous online survey containing Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Perceived Stress Scale(PSS). Results: Of the 1470 participants, 10.9% have moderately severe depression and 6.1% have severe depression. Moreover, 77.6% reported moderate stress, 16.3% reported low stress, and 6.2% reported high stress. There was strong positive correlation between depression and stress among participants (r = 0.815) (p < 0.001). The significant predictors for depression were age between 18 and 20 years, female sex, presence of chronic diseases, and presence of friends or relatives diagnosed with COVID-19. The significant predictors for stress were age between 18 and 20 years, female sex, presence of friends or relatives diagnosed with COVID-19, and medical faculties.Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of university students of Egypt showed moderate to high level of stress, and about one-third of them had moderate to severe depression. Younger age, female sex and having a relative or friend diagnosed with COVID-19 were significant predictors for high stress level and depression. Psychological interventions for university students during the COVID-19 pandemic are strongly recommended to promote their mental health and improve academic achievement.
RAB10 involving in glucose uptake by regulating GLUT1 predicts poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cai Lijie , Han Jinrui , Wu Junqing , Ge Xinyu , Liu Peng , Duan Heng , Liu Tongtai , Yao Jie
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a lethal cancer, and metabolic reprogramming in PAAD is a clinical concern. The RAS oncogene family member RAB10 is highly expressed in many tumor tissues, but its role in PAAD remains unclear. Here, we explore correlations between RAB10 expression and PAAD prognosis. This study investigated whether RAB10 regulates glucose uptake in PAAD cells through modulating the expression and location of the glucose transporter1 (GLUT1).Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of RAB10 in pancreaticoduodenectomy specimens. The function of PAAD cells expressing different levels of RAB10 was assessed by CCK-8 proliferation, wound healing, and transwell migration assays. Glucose uptake assays and lactate production assays were used to explore the effects of RAB10 on PAAD cell metabolism. In addition, we used qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence to analyze interactions between RAB10 and GLUT members.Results: RAB10 was highly expressed in PAAD tissues and cell lines, and was significantly correlated with T classification and pathological differentiation. High RAB10 expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor of poor disease outcomes in PAAD. RAB10 knockdown inhibited proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of PAAD cells, and downregulated glucose uptake and lactate production. Down-regulation of RAB10 inhibited GLUT1 translocating to the cell membrane and downregulated GLUT1 expression, which in turn decreased glucose uptake in tumor cells.Conclusion: These results demonstrate that overexpression of RAB10 is associated with worse PAAD survival outcomes. Downregulation of RAB10 may decrease glucose uptake in tumor cells by inhibiting GLUT1 membrane localization and downregulating GLUT1 expression.
Prolonged Use of Subfascial Epidural Drain and Antibiotics for Management of Thoracic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage
Authors: Zhai Jiliang , Guo Shigong , He Da , Zhao Yu
Published: May 2022

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a common and frustrating complication surrounding spine surgery. However, the incidence and treatment of CSF leakage after thoracic spinal surgery has seldom been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prolonged subfascial epidural drain and antibiotics to treat CSF leakage after posterior thoracic decompression surgery.Methods: A total of 121 patients, who underwent thoracic decompression between September 2012 to September 2021, were retrospectively reviewed, consisting of 56 patients with CSF leakage (Group A) and 65 without CSF leakage (Group B). Demographic data, surgical procedures, perioperative management of CSF leakage, and complications were identified from patients’ medical records. Results: In Group A, the average patient age at surgery was 52.3±11.2 years (24 to 76 years) and the average subfascial drainage time was 7.6±2.7 days (2 to 16 days). Two patients from group A underwent direct dura repair, with one of which still presenting with CSF leakage postoperatively. Four patients (7.1%) presented with deep wound infection and were successfully managed with wound debridement or intravenous antibiotics. In group B, the average patient age was 54.9±11.9 years (25 to 80 years) and the average subfascial drainage time was 3.8±1.4 days (2 to 7 days). One patient (1.5%) had a superficial wound infection and was treated with antibiotics. No patients presented with wound dehiscence, wound exudation or CSF fistulation. No significant difference in infection rate was observed between the two groups.Conclusion: No significant difference in infection rates was observed between the patients with and without thoracic CSF leakage, who were treated with different protocol. Prolonged use of subfascial epidural drain and antibiotics can effectively manage thoracic CSF leakage due to dural tear in patients after thoracic decompression surgery.
Correlation study between sagittalization of lumbar facet joints and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Huang Leitao , Shi Zongpo , Yang Kaixiang , Chen Ji , Zhang Chen , Bi Lei , Qi Lei , Zhang Bin , Wang Boyao
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between sagittalization of lumbar facet joints and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Methods: Seventy-five patients with low back pain and forty healthy volunteers (control) underwent standard MRI protocols. The basic information of all patients, including age, gender, body mass index, was collected, and the lumbar facet joint angle (LFJA) was measured on lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the lumbar IVDD was assessed by Pfirrmann grading. All data were analyzed statistically. Results: Compared with the control group, the LFJA of L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1 in the patient group were significantly decreased, and there was a statistical difference (P < 0.05). The lower the segment, the more significant the sagittalization of the facet joints (P < 0.05). In the patient group, there was a statistically significant difference in the LFJA between the Pfirrmann grades of lumbar IVDD, and there was a strong negative correlation (ρ=-0.736, P < 0.05). Conclusion: With the increase of the sagittal degree of LFJA, the IVDD also increases significantly, and this relationship has a strong negative correlation. It is indicated that the sagittalization of facet joints can be an important pathological change of lumbar IVDD. The LFJA is a very good predictor for evaluating lumbar IVDD.
LPS Induced Coagulation and Neuronal Damage in a Mice Model is Attenuated by Enoxaparin
Authors: Berkowitz Shani , Gofrit Shany Guly , Aharoni Shay Anat , Golderman Valery , Qassim Lamis , Goldberg Zehavit , Dori Amir , Maggio Nicola , Chapman Joab , Shavit-Stein Efrat
Published: May 2022

Neuroinflammation and coagulation interact, therefore, the neural effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP), n = 20) and enoxaparin treatment (1 mg/kg, IP, 15 minutes, and 12 hours following LPS, n = 20) were studied in C57BL/6J mice. One week after LPS injection, sensory, motor, and cognitive functions were assessed by a hot plate, rotarod, Open-Field test (OFT), and Y-maze. We measured thrombin activity with a fluorometric assay, hippocampal mRNA expression of coagulation and inflammation factors by real-time- PCR and serum neurofilament-light-chain (NfL), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by a single-molecule array (Simoa) assay. Reduced crossing center frequency was observed in both LPS groups in the OFT (p = 0.02) along with a minor motor deficit between controls and LPS indicated by the rotarod (p = 0.057). Increased hippocampal thrombin activity (p = 0.038), and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) mRNA (p = 0.01) were measured in LPS compared to controls but not in enoxaparin LPS treated mice (p = 0.4, p = 0.9, respectively). Serum NfL and TNF-α levels were elevated in LPS mice (p < 0.05) and normalized by enoxaparin treatment. These results indicate that inflammation, coagulation, neuronal structure, and function are linked and may regulate each other, suggesting another pharmacological mechanism for intervention in neuroinflammation.
Association of TPA 25 gene with UrinaryTract Infection (UTI)in the tribal population of DimapurDistrict, Nagaland, India
Authors: Thisa Vecülü , Ao Semsadangla , Singson Moanaro , Kiewhuo Magdalene , Ganesan Ramesh , Rangasamy Nandakumar
Published: May 2022

Urinary tract infections(UTI) are the most common problem caused by infections in the urinary system, which includes kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Urinary infections are found to be one of the common diseases worldwide. The study mainly focuses on analyzing the association of TPA 25 gene with Urinary tract infected individual in tribal population of Dimapur District. This study considers the population of Urinary tract infection(UTI)patients. The samples of the study consist of 32 Urinary tract infected patient which was collected from Eden hospital, Dimapur and 32 control samples through random sampling technique. The genotyping is done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with allele specific marker (TPA 25). The study concluded that the association of TPA gene is significantly high in both ID and DD genotype (0.00*) of the male population and females shows statistical significant in ID and II phenotype (0.002*).
Photobiomodulation: a promising innovative approach for preventing oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Stocker Nicolas , Baltes Virginie , Bellaiche Solal , Brouillard Flora , Belmoufid Nadia , Rousseau Céline , Bonnin Agnès , de Wyngaert Zoé Van , Ricard Laure , Banet Anne , Malard Florent , Dulery Remy , Mohty Mohamad , Brissot Eolia
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the efficacy/acceptance of photobiomodulation by a quick and easy-to-use device for both preventing oral mucositis (OM) and reducing its severity in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT).Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent autologous HCT for hematological malignancies between November 2020 and October 2021. Prophylactic photobiomodulation (PBM) was used daily from day 1 of conditioning until the day of neutrophil recovery at a dose of 3 J/cm2. Curative PBM was started at a dose of 6 J/cm2 when at least one grade 1 OM had occurred. For each OM case, time of onset, National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) v5.0 grade for OM, analgesic dose, and time to resolution were reported.Results: The median age of the 25 patients was 58 years (range, 39-74) and 14 (56%) were male. Twenty-one patients (84%) received a high dose melphalan conditioning regimen for multiple myeloma, and 4 (16%) patients received BEAM conditioning for aggressive lymphoma. A total of 178 CareMin650 sessions were performed, with a median of 7 days of application (range, 4-12), with no device-related adverse events (AEs). According to the NCI-CTCAE v5.0 scale, 76% (19 of 25) of patients presented grade 0 or 1 mucositis (no ulcers), five patients (20%) developed small ulcers (grade 2), and only one patient developed grade 4 mucositis. Satisfaction rates were high among patients and users.Conclusion: Photobiomodulation provides excellent safety and tolerance, as well as promising efficacy, both as a preventive and curative strategy, in patients undergoing autologous HCT.
Support for mask use as a COVID-19 public health prevention measure among a large sample of Canadian secondary school students
Authors: Patte Karen A. , Wade Terrance J , MacNeil Adam J , Bélanger Richard E. , Duncan Markus J , Riazi Negin , Leatherdale Scott T.
Published: May 2022

Objectives: We examined the level of student support of mask use in public spaces and school mask requirements intended to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, as well as factors associated with students’ perspectives.
Methods: We used cross-sectional survey data from 42,767 adolescents attending 133 Canadian secondary schools that participated in the COMPASS study during the 2020/2021 school year. Multinomial regression models assessed support for i) wearing a mask in indoor public spaces and ii) schools requiring students to wear masks, in association with COVID-19 knowledge, concerns, and perceived risk.
Results : Wearing masks in indoor public spaces was supported by 81.9% of students; 8.7% were unsupportive and 9.4% were neutral/undecided. School mask requirements were supported by 67.8%, with 23.1% neutral and 9.1% unsupportive. More females supported mask wearing in public spaces (83.9% vs. 79.1%) and school mask requirements (70.8% vs. 63.5%) than males. Students had increased odds of supporting mask use in public spaces and school mask requirements if they reported concerns about their own or their family’s health, had discussions regarding ways to prevent infection, perceived COVID-19 to be a risk to young people, and knew that signs are not always present in COVID-19 cases and that masks prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission if someone coughs.
Conclusions : During the year following the beginning of the pandemic, most students supported wearing masks in indoor public spaces and the required use of masks in schools. Improving knowledge around the effectiveness of masks appears likely to have the largest impact on mask support among adolescent populations.
Evapotranspiration, crop coefficient and water consumption of pulse-irrigated bell peppers at different growing seasons
Authors: Silva Thaís Rayane Gomes , Santos Samuel Barbosa Tavares dos , Santos Márcio Aurélio Lins dos , Santos Cícero Gomes dos , Silva Gerônimo Ferreira da , Santos Marcos Alex dos , Bubans Valéria Escaio
Published: May 2022

Pulse irrigation is among the techniques used to improve the efficiency of water management, consisting of the fractional application of the actual irrigation needed. Seeking to maximize the use of water in agricultural production, the objective was to determine the water consumption of bell peppers through the crop coefficient, crop evapotranspiration and pulse-irrigated reference evapotranspiration, at different growing seasons. The experiments were carried out from January to March, May to July and August to October, with the installation of 25 drainage lysimeters, distributed along five planting rows. The crop coefficient obtained for each irrigation pulse was determined through the ratio between the crop evapotranspiration and the reference evapotranspiration. Crop evapotranspiration was obtained daily for each irrigation pulse, determined by the difference between an applied and a drained depth. The reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the Penman-Monteith, Hargreaves-Samani, Solar Radiation, Blaney-Criddle and Priestley-Taylor methods. The Penman-Monteith method showed higher reference evapotranspiration when compared to the other estimation methods. Crop evapotranspiration was lower in the continuous pulse, due to the availability of water for the plant to be applied in the total irrigation time. Thus, the lowest water consumption obtained in pulse 1 and the higher obtained in pulse 5, in all seasons. Evidencing that the addition of irrigation pulses provided the best use of water by the crop. This study demonstrates the importance of optimizind the use of water in irrigated agriculture, helping technicians and producers in decision making.
Task-shifting and family planning continuation: contraceptive trajectories of women who received their method at a community-based event in Kinshasa, DRC
Authors: Hernandez Julie H. , LaNasa Katherine H. , Koba Tesky
Published: May 2022

While community-based interventions are a proven high-impact strategy to increase contraceptive uptake in low-income countries, their capacity to support sustained use of family planning remains insufficiently discussed. This cohort study follows 883 women 3 and 6 months after they received a modern method during community campaigns organized in Kinshasa (D.R. Congo), to analyze their contraceptive trajectories (continuation, switching, abandonment) and the factors associated with ever discontinuing contraceptive use in the first six months following a campaign. Contrary to most pilot studies, campaign clients were not provided with additional support, besides baseline counseling, to continue using the method they received, and could only rely on resources of the existing local health system. Almost a third (28.9%) of all women discontinued using modern contraception during the study period, with much higher discontinuation rates for short-acting methods (29.8% for pills and up to 64.0% for DMPA-SC). Variables previously associated with high discontinuation (marital status, fertility intentions and side-effects) led to higher OR for “ever discontinuing”. However, these variables became non-significant when controlling for resupply issues. Women’s self-reported reasons for discontinuation confirmed the multivariate regression results. Detailed sub-analysis of resupply issues for short-acting methods highlighted the role of cost, unreliable campaign schedules and weak integration of community-based strategies into the formal health system, which hinders their capacity to act as a gateway into long-term contraceptive use.
Continuous Liquid Metal Printed 2D TCO Superlattices
Authors: Ye Youxiong , Hamlin Andrew B. , Huddy Julia E. , Rahman Md Saifur , Scheideler William J.
Published: May 2022

2D conducting metal oxides offer unprecedented control of thin film electrostatics at the nanoscale. We present a scalable, rapid, and low-cost approach to printing transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) via spontaneous low-temperature Cabrera-Mott oxidation of compliant liquid metals. We exploit repeating heterostructures of these 2D oxides for achieving defect modulation doping – to produce exceptional, 100X increase in conductivity while simultaneously raising the optical transmittance. This innovative approach employs nanoscale remote electron donation at the type I heterojunction between InOx / GaOx, exceeding the achievable performance with ITO, which is otherwise limited by poor dopant activation at low temperatures. The exceptional performance of these multilayer 2D TCO superlattices exceeds that of competing TCOs printed from sol-gels and nanoparticles, establishing a 100X faster process to fabricate flexible inorganic electronics.
ChAdOx1-S and BBV152 vaccines – Effectiveness on post-vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes.
Authors: Agrawal Ruchi , Agrawal Yogesh , Mathur Shikha , Singh Yogesh , Tak Amit
Published: May 2022

Background
ChAdOx1-S (vaccine A) and BBV152 (vaccine B) vaccines are currently at the forefront of India’s fight against the pandemic. The present study tests the hypothesis that both vaccines are equally efficacious.
Material and Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at MGM Hospital, Jaipur (Rajasthan, India). The study compared vaccine A and B recipients on post-vaccination events and COVID-19 related outcomes. Researchers collected data using questionnaires circulated through Google Forms. The association between attributes was tested using the chi-squared test. The significance level was considered at 5%.
Results
The vaccines A and B recipients were age and gender-matched [p > 0.05]. The vaccines did not differ significantly in vaccine events and adverse events after immunization (p > 0.05). A comparison of COVID-19 related outcomes between the two vaccines revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, the severity of symptoms was higher in vaccine B recipients than in vaccine A recipients [p = 0.027].
Conclusion
The present study concludes that vaccines A and B were similar in efficacy. The most crucial factor revealed by the survey is that the reporting of adverse events was significantly less, and awareness is needed.
Integrative metatranscriptomic analysis reveals disease-specific microbiome-host interactions in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jain Vinay , Baraniya Divyashari , Chen Tsute , Slifker Michael , Alakwaa Fadhl , Cai Kathy , Chitrala Kumaraswamy , Fundakowski Christopher , Al-hebshi Nezar
Published: May 2022

Studies on the microbiome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been largely limited to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Here, we used laser microdissection coupled with metatranscriptome sequencing at unprecedented depth (~ 400 million sequences/sample) to simultaneously characterize the multi-kingdom microbiome and host transcriptomes and predict their interaction in OSCC. Analysis was performed on 20 HPV16/18-negative OSCC tumor/adjacent normal tissue pairs (TT and ANT) along with deep tongue scrapings from 20 matched healthy controls (HC). A range of bioinformatic tools coupled with in-house algorithms were used to map, analyze, and integrate microbial and host data. Analysis of the host transcriptome identified enrichment of known cancer-related gene sets (proliferation, apoptosis inflammation, angiogenesis and invasion/metastasis pathways), not only in the TT group vs. the ANT and HC groups, but also in the ANT vs. HC contrast, consistent with field cancerization. Microbial analysis identified a low abundance yet transcriptionally active, unique multi-kingdom microbiome in OSCC tissues predominated by bacteria and bacteriophages. HC showed a different taxonomic profile yet shared major microbial enzyme classes and pathways with TT/ANT, consistent with functional redundancy. Key taxa enriched in TT/ANT compared to HC were Cutibacterium acnes, Malassezia restricta, Roseolovirus (Human Herpes Virus 6B), Nupapillomavirus, and bacteriophage Yuavirus (predominantly alpha proteobacterium JL001). Functionally, hyaluronate lyase, a hyaluronic acid degrading enzyme produced by C. acnes, was overexpressed in TT/ANT. Integration of microbial and host data revealed that OSCC-associated taxa were associated with upregulation of proliferation-related pathways E2F targets, MYC targets and G2M check point. The study provides a new insight into potential mechanisms by which the microbiome can contribute to oral carcinogenesis, which can be validated in future experimental studies.
An Improved Rational Approximation of Bark Scale using Low Complexity and Low Delay Filter Banks
Authors: V HAREESH , S Bindiya T.
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes an algorithm to obtain the sampling factors to model any frequency partitioning so that it is realized using low complexity rational decimated non-uniform filter banks (RDNUFBs). The proposed algorithm is employed to approximate the Bark scale to find a rational frequency partitioning that can be realized using RDNUFBs with less approximation error. The proposed Bark frequency partitioning is found to reduce the average deviation in center frequency and bandwidth by 65.04% and 48.50% respectively, and root mean square bandwidth deviation by 54.46 % when compared to those of the existing perceptual wavelet approximation of Bark scale.
In the first filter bank design approach discussed in the paper, a near perfect reconstruction partially cosine modulated filter bank is employed to obtain the improved Bark frequency partitioning. In the second design approach, the hardware complexity of the PCM based RDNUFB is reduced by deriving the channels with different sampling factors from the same prototype filter by the method of channel merging. There is a considerable reduction of 40.83 % in the number of multipliers when merging of partially cosine modulated channels is employed. It is also found that both the proposed approaches can reduce the delay by 95.17 % when compared to the existing rational tree approximation methods and hence, are suitable for real time applications.
Evaluation of bean desiccation plants with diquat and glufosinate-ammonium using terrestrial hyperspectral sensor
Authors: Donato Diandra Ganascini- , Mendes Isaque de Souza- , Caon Ivã L. , Cattani Carlos E. Vizzoto- , Mercante Erivelto , Coelho Silvia R.Machado , Viana Octavio H. , Prudente Victor H. Rohden
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the spectral response of common beans desiccated with diquat and glufosinate-ammonium (GLA) using a hyperspectral terrestrial sensor and report how the desiccants influence dry bean visual appearance. Bean plants were desiccated with two different types of diquat and GLA desiccants. After the measurements of the spectral curves were carried out, from these values the indices of vegetation and derivatives were calculated, the chlorophyll content of the leaves on the days of the campaign was also measured. After harvesting the grains, some qualitative variables of the grains, such as cooking time and color, were evaluated Vegetation indices (VIs) in the near-infrared and mid-infrared regions of the spectrum (wavelength locations of 705, 750, 860, and 1240 nm) were significantly different between desiccant treatments (p≤0.05) two days after application (DAA). Desiccant application caused chlorophyll degradation as detected at the wavelength of 650 and 800 nm at DAA 1. The red edge and first derivatives showed that crop injury was higher in the diquat treatment because peak magnitude for this treatment became smaller over time. The desiccant application negatively affected seed quality, resulting in smaller Hue values and longer cooking time (CT). Hue angle correlated negatively with plant water content variation and CT Our results suggest that hyperespectral terrestrial sensing can differentiate the effects caused by the desiccants, showing that ammonium glufosinate causes less damage to seed quality and the water loss is like the control group
Estimating water infiltration rate in oxisols under pasture and agriculture management in the Brazilian Savanna with support of a Drone-RGB onboard sensor
Authors: Jesuz Cleberson Ribeiro de , Ferreira Manuel Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Methods for evaluating physical water data are being increasingly supported by modern and practical tools that have become indispensable for field surveys. Among these tools, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) equipped with optical, multispectral, and thermal sensors allow carrying out interventions, monitoring, and strategic data collection with significant cost and time reductions. In this research we used a fixed wing UAV (Swinglet CAM, Sensefly) with RGB camera for creating a precise Digital Terrain Model (DTM) aiming to support an assessment of soil water infiltration in areas under pasture and agricultural management, using the Kostiakov model with concentric rings. Thus, we produced a centimetric-resolution DTM for identifying geomorphological features intrinsically linked to the soil water dynamics and and the accurate insertion of the concentric rings in the slopes. Water velocity and infiltration rates were estimated from descriptive statistics of the data obtained with the Kostiakov model. In this way, the application of the potential equation (Kostiakov) made it possible to mathematically construct the determinants of accumulated infiltration and instantaneous velocity, which can then be replicated and updated at various times, changing only the input data that were logarithmized. The results showed a higher infiltration (54%) in the pasture area, while the unmanned aerial vehicle was considered as an essential tool for obtaining a detailed synoptic representation of the natural and anthropic landscape.
Yacon development and production under different potassium fertilisation doses
Authors: Vargas Amanda Dutra de , Oliveira Fábio Luiz de , Amaral José Francisco Teixeira do , Tomaz Marcelo Antonio , Cabral Mateus Oliveira , Mendes Tiago Pacheco
Published: May 2022

Increased interest in yacon root consumption has led to the need of developing research on such a culture. Mineral nutrition is one of the important points to be investigated since information about this subject remains scarce for this species. Thus, understanding the role played by potassium in expanding yacon culture is of paramount importance, since this mineral plays key role in plants’ growth and development processes, mainly in plants accumulating reserves in underground organs due to their most varied functions in metabolite transport processes. Thus, the aim of the current study is to assess the development and yield of yacon roots subjected to different potassium fertilisation doses. The experiment has followed a completely randomized block design, with 4 repetitions and 5 treatments: 178.7 kg.ha-1, 357.4 kg.ha-1, 536.1 kg.ha-1 and 714.8 kg.ha-1 of potassium chloride (KCl), which corresponded to 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% of reference value; and one control (non-fertilized soil). Morphological, physiological, and productive features were assessed based on the applied doses. Results have shown that the application of 357.4 kg.ha-1 of KCl (100% dose) was the one presenting the best agronomic efficiency for yacon root culture. It was also the dose providing the greatest economic efficiency because it produced larger number of roots in the most valued classes available in the market
Toxicity and bioactivity of essential oil of Cilantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) against red flour beetle [Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)]
Authors: Wanna Ruchuon , Wongsawas Mongkol
Published: May 2022

Grains and milling products are a major part of the daily diet of humans and animals but grain storage is heavily impacted by insect pests. Toxicity and bioactivity of essential oil (EO) from Cilantro, Eryngium foetidum L. were evaluated against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), known as one of the most common stored-product insect pests worldwide. EO was extracted from fresh leaves of E. foetidum using a Clevenger type apparatus, and its toxicity and bioactivity against T. castaneum were investigated using the topical application test, the vapor phase test, and the impregnated paper test. Toxicity of E. foetidum EO on T. castaneum adults was investigated by direct contact and fumigation bioassays. E. foetidum EO was efficient with low estimated LD50 and LC50 as 31.34 μL/mg adult and 13.03 µL/L air, respectively. Insecticidal efficiency of E. foetidum EO on T. castaneum adults showed that a dosage of 25 μL/mg adult and a concentration of 32 µL/L air killed 62.5% after 120 h of exposure and 72.50% after 72 h of exposure. E. foetidum EO was strongly repellent to T. castaneum adults at 2.5 µL/L air, with highest repellent activity (100%) after 7 h of exposure. Results indicated that E. foetidum EO showed potential as a bio-insecticide for the control of T. castaneum
Application of biopolymers to preserve Pseudomonas fluorescens cells and their efficiency in the biological control of Macrophomina sp.
Authors: Souza Manuela Costa , Junior Aloisio Freitas Chagas , Chagas Lillian França Borges , Gomes Flávia Luane , Martins Albert Lennon Lima , Oliveira Rodrigo Silva , Scheidt Gessiel Newton , Giongo Marcos
Published: May 2022

Agricultural crops have been increasingly attacked by microorganisms that cause low productivity and severe losses to producers. In this context, chemical products are no longer sufficient to control pathogens, leading to the introduction of biological inoculants that can inhibit unwanted microorganisms. However, these products must be formulated properly to have their useful life guaranteed. In this sense, this study aimed to assess the use of carboxymethylcellulose and xanthan gum biopolymers in the conservation of cells of Pseudomonas fluorencens, an effective rhizobacteria in the biological control of the Macrophomina sp. fungus, responsible for black rot in different cultures. The inoculant produced from the bacteria fermentation was stored and assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days after adding the biopolymers. The cell culture was then fermented and added with biopolymers, followed by pH measure and CFU mL-1 count. Antagonist activity against Macrophomina sp. Was assessed through the methods of fungal culture method in the antagonist culture, paired culture, and central risk pairing. Assessments were performed at 24, 48, and 72 hours after incubation in a growth chamber. Percentage of growth inhibition was then calculated and subjected to Tukey test at 5% significance level. According to the results, the biopolymers were able to preserve the Pseudomonas fluorescens cells for 210 days and ensure better antagonist potential against the pathogen, corroborating that the market should provide products with longer shelf life
Rootstocks and potassium fertilization on yield performance and quality of ‘Niagara Rosada’ grapevine under subtropical conditions
Authors: Callili Daniel , Silva Marlon Jocimar Rodrigues da , Sánchez Camilo André Pereira Contreras , Basílio Letícia Silva Pereira , Macedo Bruno Marcos de Paula , Teixeira Luiz Antonio Junqueira , Lima Giuseppina Pace Pereira , Tecchio Marco Antonio
Published: May 2022

The current study aimed to assess the influence of rootstocks (‘IAC 572’ and ‘IAC 766’) and potassium fertilization with different sources (KCl and K2SO4) and concentrations (0, 75, 150 and 300 kg ha-1 K2O) regarding to yield performance and grape quality of ‘Niagara Rosada’, as well as the variation of K availability in soil. Thus, yield components; physical characteristics of bunches and berries; chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of grape berry; leaf K content; and variation of K availability in soil were evaluated in two consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018). Results showed no influence of rootstocks on yield performance of ‘Niagara Rosada’; however, grapevines grafted on to ‘IAC 766’ produced berries with higher concentration of total flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, KCl provided higher concentration of total flavonoids and anthocyanins compared to K2SO4. In general, potassium sources had similar effects on the variation of K availability in soil. Results indicated that there was small effect between K doses with regards to production and qualitative parameters. We therefore estimated a fertilization rate of 150 kg ha-1 K2O to maintain K concentration in soil after each production cycle
Prediction of soybean productivity based on the photothermal quotient
Authors: Martin Thomas Newton , Bruning Lucas Alan , Fipke Glauber Monçon , Conceição Gerusa Massuquini , Grün Eduarda , Burg Giovane Matias , Stecca Jessica Deolinda Leivas , Ferreira Matheus Martins , Bronzatto Eduarda Spagnol
Published: May 2022

Climatic variables affect soybean yield components. Understanding how they are interrelated is essential for planning and boosting crop productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the photothermal quotient can be used to predict the productivity and 1000-grain weight of soybean. Five experiments were carried out at the Federal University of Santa Maria in growing seasons of 2013/14 to 2017/18 using the main cultivars (154) sown in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The experiments were organized in a randomized block design with four replicates, evaluating grain productivity and 1000-grain weight. The results showed that years with the highest grain productivity and 1000-grain weight were associated with regular rainfall and high photothermal quotients (approximately 2.3 MJ m-2). There was a positive and significant correlation between grain productivity and the average number of days without rainfall (r = 0.98). In addition, there was a negative correlation with air temperature (r = -0.8). Air temperature and days without rain are decisive factors for yield and grain weight. The photothermal quotient can be used as a basis for predicting soybean grain productivity.
Crowdsourcing labor regulation
Authors: Poplavska Oksana , Fedorchenko Andriy , Kuzmenko Halyna
Published: May 2022

The relevance of the study is due to the spread of atypical forms of staff involvement in the work and the need to rethink the content of social and labor relations, implemented in cyberspace, the need to develop adequate to modern realities regulations of labor organization. The purpose of the study is to develop best practices in the organization of labor activities of employees engaged in crowdsourcing and to develop recommendations for regulating such work in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. The methodological basis of the study is formed by theories of self-organization of socio-economic systems, modern concepts of management and project management, the concept of decent work, the theory of social responsibility. Analysis of the achievements of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of labor organization, development of social and labor relations showed that despite the positive aspects of crowdsourcing remains many unresolved issues, including high risks of fraud, low liability, lack of social protection and more. The results of the study are aimed at overcoming these barriers by implementing the author’s regulations on the organization of work under crowdsourcing, which, in contrast to the existing ones, distinguishes three main employment clusters on the platforms; Crowdsourcing is analyzed in two planes (the grouping was based on the criterion of transaction costs (contract theory), namely as a specific form of organization and conduct of business and as a form of social contract between the state and community, business and society. immanent to the needs of today and take into account the variability of the ecosystem of the modern labor market, filled with qualitatively new content that meets the criterion of adaptability and takes into account modern best practices in organizing the work of crowdworkers.