bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Collective Intelligent Decisions in Public Policymaking are Made: Case Study of Participatory Budgeting in Kraków
Authors: Olszowski Rafał
Published: April 2021

In open, sustainable policymaking, we are expecting to develop the valuable results that will bring us closer to a fairer and more balanced society. One way to involve the public in these processes is to engage them in online e-participation projects. Despite the hopes, empirical analyses show that many e-participation initiatives have failed to deliver expected benefits. Revealing what actually works in examined projects and what requires improvement would allow for better policy planning in the future. In this article, I made an attempt to identify and assess the cognitive processes enabling emergence of collective intelligence (CI) in a singular e-participation project. For this reason, I worked out and tested an evaluation technique, combining the MILCS framework for group cognition and the results of empirical research on CI. A case study method based on semi-structured interviews was selected to evaluate a sample participatory budgeting initiative, Civic Budget of the City of Kraków. Results reveal that most cognitive processes are working satisfactorily, but the real problem is using collective memory, which works only to a very limited extent. A guideline for future policymakers should be to develop a shared memory system, to which all community members should have access.
Multiscale Thermodynamics: Energy, Entropy, and Symmetry from Atoms to Bulk Behavior
Authors: Chamberlin Ralph , Clark Michael , Mujica Vladimiro , Wolf George
Published: April 2021

Here we investigate how the local properties of particles in a thermal bath may influence the thermodynamics of the bath, and consequently alter the statistical mechanics of subsystems that comprise the bath. We are guided by the theory of small-system thermodynamics, which is based on two primary postulates: that small systems can be treated self-consistently by coupling them to an ensemble of similarly small systems, and that a large ensemble of small systems forms its own thermodynamic bath. We adapt this “nanothermodynamics” to investigate how a large system may subdivide into an ensemble of smaller subsystems, causing internal heterogeneity across multiple size scales. For the semi-classical ideal gas, maximum entropy favors subdividing a large system of “atoms” into an ensemble of “regions” of variable size. The mechanism of region formation could come from quantum exchange symmetry that makes atoms in each region indistinguishable, while decoherence between regions allows atoms in separate regions to be distinguishable by their distinct locations. Combining regions reduces the total entropy, as expected when distinguishable particles become indistinguishable, and as required by a theorem in quantum mechanics for sub-additive entropy. Combining large volumes of small regions gives the usual entropy of mixing for a semi-classical ideal gas, resolving Gibbs paradox without invoking quantum symmetry for atoms that may be meters apart. Other models presented here are based on Ising-like spins, which are solved analytically in one dimension. Focusing on the bonds between the Ising-like spins we find similarity in the equilibrium properties of a two-state model in the nanocanonical ensemble and a three-state model in the canonical ensemble. Thus, emergent phenomena may alter the thermal behavior of microscopic models, and the correct ensemble is necessary for fully-accurate predictions. Another result using Ising-like spins involves simulations that include a nonlinear correction to Boltzmann’s factor, which mimics the statistics of indistinguishable states by imitating the dynamics of spin exchange on intermediate lengths. These simulations exhibit 1/f-like noise at low frequencies (f), and white noise at higher f, similar to equilibrium thermal fluctuations found in many materials.
Epidemiological Situation on Plague in 2020. Forecast of Episootic Activity of Natural Plague Foci in the Russian Federation and Other CIS Countries for 2021
Authors: Popov N. V. , Eroshenko G. A. , Karnaukhov I. G. , Kuznetsov A. A. , Matrosov A. N. , Ivanova A. V. , Oglodin E. G. , Nikiforov K. A. , Korzun V. M. , Verzhutsky D. B. , Chipanin E. V. , Ayazbaev T. Z. , Dzhaparova A. K. , Berdiev S. K. , Lopatin A. A. , Dubyansky V. M. , Shcherbakova S. A. , Balakhonov S. V. , Kulichenko A. N. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: April 2021

The aim of the work was to substantiate the forecast of the epidemiological and epizootiological situation in natural foci of plague in the Russian Federation, countries of the near and far abroad for the year of 2021. Characteristics of the distribution of Yersinia pestis strains of the main subspecies (subspecies pestis) of medieval and antique biovars, Caucasian (ssp. caucasica) and central Asian (ssp. central asiatica) subspecies by 45 natural foci of the CIS countries are presented in the paper. The persistence of a multidirectional trend in the dynamics of epizootic activity of natural foci of the CIS countries with the circulation of Y. pestis pestis strains of the medieval biovar of the 2.MED1 phylogenetic branch and the antique biovar of the 0.ANT5, 4.ANT phylogenetic branches in the current decade has been outlined. For the Russian Federation, the development of epizootics is predicted in the Gorno-Altai highland and Tuva mountain natural foci caused by the circulation of Y. pestis pestis strains of the antique biovar 4.ANT and Y. pestis of the Altai biovar of the Central Asian subspecies 0.PE4a in 2021. For the Republic of Kazakhstan, there is a high probability of preserving epizootic activity in the North Aral, Aral-Karakum, Balkhash, Mojynkum, Taukum desert and Ili intermountain natural foci with the circulation of Y. pestis pestis strains of the medieval biovar of the phylogenetic branch 2.MED1. For the Kyrgyz Republic, the forecast for the development of plague epizootics caused by Y. pestis pestis strains of the antique biovar 0.ANT5 phylogenetic branch in the Sarydzhaz and Upper Naryn high-mountain natural foci has been substantiated. A high epidemic risk of epizootic manifestations caused by highly virulent strains of Y. pestis pestis of antique biovars 0.ANT5, 4.ANT and medieval biovar 2.MED1 for the entire territory of the CIS countries is noted. The relevance of implementing forecasts of the epidemiological situation into practice, taking into account the molecular-genetic and epidemiological characteristics of Y. pestis strains circulating in areas of expected epizootic manifestations of plague, is highlighted.
Review of the Epizootiological and Epidemiological Situation on Anthrax around the World in 2020 and the Forecast for 2021 in the Russian Federation
Authors: Ryazanova A. G. , Skudareva O. N. , Gerasimenko D. K. , Chmerenko D. K. , Semenova O. V. , Aksenova L. Yu. , Eremenko E. I. , Buravtseva N. P. , Golovinskaya T. M. , Pechkovsky G. A. , Kulichenko A. N.
Published: April 2021

A review of the epizootiological and epidemiological situation on anthrax in the world in 2020 was carried out. In the Russian Federation, five cases of human infection with cutaneous anthrax were registered in the entity of the North Caucasian Federal District – the Republic of Dagestan. A challenging situation was noted in the territory of border states – Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. Epizootics of anthrax among livestock and wild animals were identified mainly in African countries. At the same time, the largest number of confirmed human cases was detected in Africa (Zimbabwe, Kenya) and Asia (Indonesia). The infection of individuals with the causative agent of anthrax was primarily associated with the ingestion of meat from sick and dead anthrax animals, contact with animals during forced slaughter, skinning and processing of contaminated meat. The incidence of anthrax in the Russian Federation in 2021 will be determined by the realization of the planned volumes of preventive measures and, provided they are properly implemented, will be limited to identifying sporadic cases of infection that are potentially possible within the limits of certain regions of Russia.
Active Tectonics and Paleoseismicity of the Eastern Issyk-Kul Basin (Kyrgyzstan, Tien Shan)
Authors: Korzhenkov A.M. , Deev E.V. , Turova I.V. , Abdieva S.V. , Ivanov S.S. , Liu J. , Mažeika I.V. , Rogozhin E.A. , Strelnikov A.A. , Fortuna A.B. , Usmanova M.T.
Published: April 2021

—The Malyi Orgochor, Orgochor, Birbash, Sukhoi Ridge, Ichketosma, and Tosma uplifts in the eastern Issyk-Kul basin are fault-related anticlinal folds composed of Neogene and Quaternary sediments involved in tectonic movements. The folds have asymmetric transversal profiles, with low-angle southern limbs and steep northern limbs cut by segments of the South Issyk-Kul and Karkara reverse faults reactivated in the late Quaternary. The location and geometry of the two faults, which both show reverse and left-lateral strike slip components, correspond to neotectonic propagation of deformation from the Terskey-Ala-Too Range over almost the whole eastern Issyk-Kul basin. Judging by primary and secondary coseismic surface deformation in the area, the South Issyk-Kul and Karkara faults repeatedly generated large earthquakes (M ≥ 7, I ≥ 9) in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. According to trenching results, the historical earthquakes that occurred in the first and 10–11th centuries accommodated motions on the South Issyk-Kul fault. The new seismotectonic and paleoseismicity data from the eastern Issyk-Kul basin provide updates to its seismic potential.
Coseismic Surface Ruptures of the 2003 Chuya Earthquake (Gorny Altai): Slip Geometry and Spatial Patterns
Authors: Vysotsky E.M. , Novikov I.S. , Lunina O.V. , Agatova A.R. , Nepop R.K.
Published: April 2021

A 48 km long zone of surface deformation produced by the Ms = 7.3 intracontinental earthquake of 2003 in Gorny Altai is studied in its five segments between the Aktru and Irbistu rivers, where ruptures show the greatest offsets and distinct structural patterns. A total of 554 coseismic ruptures of five slip geometry types are analyzed in terms of length, orientation, and relative percentage. The rupture patterns are discussed with reference to previously published evidence and compared with other strike-slip zones worldwide.
API Equation Design Limits Plot for Ellipse and Circle of Plasticity
Authors: Romero J. M. , Aasen J. A.
Published: April 2021

In this paper we present a methodology to superimpose the American Petroleum Institute (API) uniaxial and triaxial limits on tubular design limits plots (API TR 5C3 2018). Complications caused by a recent change of axis are resolved, producing a practical design limits plot that avoids the horizontal shift of the API vertical limits, which is currently the industry standard. The commonly used slanted ellipse is compared against an adaptation of the circle of plasticity in the form of a horizontal ellipse, showing the convenience of this last one with examples.

After the current official collapse formulation was made part of the main body of standard API TR 5C3 (2018), the horizontal axis on the standard industry well tubular design limits plot changed. The present study evaluates this redefinition of the horizontal axis. One consequence of this modification is a difficulty plotting the API tension and compression limits. The API horizontal limits (uniaxial burst and collapse) are found to be independent of load situation, whereas the API vertical design limits (uniaxial tension and compression) are dependent on inside and outside tubular pressures. The approaches used by commercial software and industry publications to solve this challenge are reviewed. A new design methodology is developed to link API uniaxial limits to the triaxial theory.

One main objective of the study is to establish a mathematical relationship between API tubular design limits and the von Mises triaxial theory (API TR 5C3 2018). A methodology that allows plotting the API uniaxial force limits on the design limits plot is developed. The study also shows that the results obtained from the industry standard slanted ellipse are identical to those obtained from the horizontal ellipse and circle. One important difference is that the slanted ellipse is based on the zero axial stress datum, whereas the horizontal ellipse/circle uses the neutral axial stress datum. The horizontal ellipse/circle is well suited for calculations involving buckling, compatible with the information used in field operations, and its formulations are less complicated than the tilted ellipse. Therefore, attention is called to the use of the horizontal ellipse/circle in well tubular design.
Development of Machine Learning Model for Diagnostic Disease Prediction Based on Laboratory Tests
Authors: Park Dong Jin , Park Min Woo , Lee Homin , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Yeongsic , Park Young Hoon
Published: April 2021

Artificial intelligence is a concept that includes machine learning and deep learning. The deep learning model used in this study corresponds to DNN (deep neural network) by utilizing two or more hidden layers. In this study, MLP (multi-layer perceptron) and machine learning models (XGBoost, LGBM) were used. An MLP consists of at least three layers: an input layer, a hidden layer, and an output layer. In general, tree models or linear models using machine learning are widely used for classification. We analyzed our data by applying deep learning (MLP) to improve the performance, which showed good results. The deep learning and ML models showed differences in predictive power and disease classification patterns. We used a confusion matrix and analyzed feature importance using the SHAP value method. Here, we present a protocol to confirm that the use of deep learning can show good performance in disease classification using hospital numerical structured data (laboratory test).
The Effect of Myo-inositol Supplementation on the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes in Overweight Pregnant Women: a Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Sedighe , Ghadimi Reza , Mashayekhamiri Sepideh , Delavar Mouloud Agajani , Basirat Zahra
Published: April 2021

Purpose: This study is striving to test the hypothesis that a low dosage of myo-inositol supplementation may decrease the likelihood of gestational diabetes in overweight, pregnant women. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was performed on 60 eligible overweight, pregnant women at 12-14 weeks of gestation at two Iranian obstetric clinics. The participants were divided into two groups based on blocked randomization. The myo-inositol group, receiving 2000 mg plus 200 μg folic acid daily and the control group, receiving 400 μg of folic acid daily from 14 - 24 gestational weeks. The occurrence of gestational diabetes was determined based on 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 gestational weeks, which was the primary outcome of the study. The secondary outcomes were: the evaluation of insulin therapy, insulin resistance, and lipid profile, gestational weight gain, as well as fetal and maternal outcomes. Results: The incidence of gestational diabetes in myo-inositol group was noticeably minimized compared with that of the control group (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.94, p= 0.037). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, insulin therapy, and triglyceride. There was no report of severe adverse drug reactions, either.Conclusions: The absolute risk reduction and the ‘‘Number-Needed-to-Treat’’ for gestational diabetes were 26.8% (95% CI, 5.6–48) and 3.7 (95% CI, 2.1–18.0), respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that approximately one out of every four overweight pregnant women receiving myo-inositol benefitted from its daily intake.
Generative Adversarial Networks : A Survey
Authors: kakkar Tanuj , Singh Upasna
Published: April 2021

Generative Modelling has been a very extensive area of research since it finds immense use cases across multiple domains. Various models have been proposed in the recent past including Fully Visible Belief Nets, NADE, MADE, Pixel RNN Variational Auto Encoders, Markov Chain, and Generative Adversarial Networks. Amongst all the models, Generative Adversarial Networks have been consistently showing huge potential and developments in the area of Art, Music, SemiSupervised learning, Handling Missing data, Drug Discovery, and unsupervised learning. This emerging technology has reshaped the research landscape in the field of generative modeling. The research in the area of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) was introduced by Ian J. Goodfellow et al in 2014 [1]. However, since its inception, various models have been proposed over the years and are considered state-of-the-art models in generative modeling. In this survey, we provide a comprehensive review of the original GAN model and its modified versions, covering broad topics on model architecture, Objective and Loss Functions, and applications. First, we summarize different architectures proposed along with Objective Functions and loss functions used. Second, we cover the evolution of GAN followed by summarizing comparative analysis for various GANs. Then, we review various applications proposed by various authors which are built over these architectures in different domains. Finally, the technical challenges and several promising directions are highlighted.
Effect of oral administration of Pleuroteus tuber-regium extract on growth, serum metabolites and histomorphological changes in growing rabbits
Authors: Salami Suliat Adebola , Rowaiye Adekunle Babajide , Ogoina Samuel Keniokpo , Amos Anyuabuuga Ayuba , Oni Solomon Oluwasunmibare , Asala Titilayo Mercy , Jayeoba Bidemi Benson , bur doofan
Published: April 2021

The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Pleuroteus tuber-regium sclerotium (PTRSE) in drinking water on growth, serum analytes and histomorphology parameters were examined using 72 cross bred growing rabbits. Eighteen rabbits each were allotted to 4 treatments with; 0, 500, 750 and 1250 mg PTRSE per liter (mg/l) in drinking water per day. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed an improvement in the live weight (P < 0.01), weight gain (Linear (L), Quadratic (Q): P < 0.01), feed conversion ratio (L, Q:P < 0.01), water intake (L, Q:P < 0.01) and extract intake (L, Q:P < 0.01) following increasing levels of PTRSE in drinking water. Oral application of 750 mg/l PTRSE in drinking water resulted in reduced (P < 0.01) serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase and increased cecal villi height (L, Q:P < 0.05) and apical width (Q:P < 0.05). Pathological indicators suggested damages to hepatic tissues in rabbits on 1250 mg/l PTRSE. In conclusion, the oral application of 750 mg/l PTRSE in drinking water can improve the growth, cholesterol profile and absorptive capacity in growing rabbits without imposing any detrimental effect.
A New Modification in Endoscopic Endonasal Dacryocystorhi̇nostomy Scopy-Guided Approach
Authors: İrfan Akalın , Kalkışım Ahmet , Gündoğdu Hasan
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
DRD2 and BDNF Polymorphisms Are Associated With Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in Patients With Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Nonino Carla Barbosa , Barato Mariana , Ferreira Flávia Campos , Delfino Heitor Bernardes Pereira , Noronha Natalia Yumi , Nicoletti Carolina Ferreira , Junior Wilson Salgado , Welendorf Caroline Rossi , Souza Doroteia Rossi Silva , Ferreira-Julio Maysa Araújo , Pinhel Marcela Augusta de Souza
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Verify the frequency of polymorphisms related to obesity and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in DRD2 and BDNF genes in patients undergoing bariatric surgery with weight regain above 10% of the weight lost. Methods: Evaluation of 177 individuals undergoing bariatric surgery with weight regain, divided into two groups: Group 1: individuals with BED; Group 2: individuals without BED. The individuals were submitted to anthropometric evaluation, analysis of the presence of BED using a validated questionnaire, and blood collection for genotyping of the polymorphisms, rs6265 (BDNF) and rs1800497 (DRD2). The Kolmogorovi-Smirnov, t-test, chi-square, Mann Whitney, Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: CC genotypes for rs1800497 polymorphism, and GG for rs6265 polymorphism were more frequent in patients without the disorder. The presence of at least one T allele (DRD2) and at least one A allele (BDNF) was more frequent in patients with BED. The combination of AA + GA + TT + TC genotypes prevailed in patients with the disorder. Conclusions: The CC (DRD2) and GG (BDNF) genotypes suggest protection for patients against BED, while genotypes that have at least one T allele (DRD2) and one A allele (BDNF) suggest greater risk and appear to act in synergism.Level of evidence: III (evidence obtained from case-control analytic study).
Bacterial Foraging Optimization Building Block Distribution Algorithm Based Dynamic Allocation in Multiple Robotic System
Authors: P Anandraj , S Ramabalan
Published: April 2021

Robots are effectively utilized in various applications by using ambient assisted living techniquesfor improving people lifestyle. Especially, in healthcare centers, robots are played a vital role instead of using supporting staff. The healthcare application needs to process multiple tasksat one time, for that reason, multiple robots’ systems are designed to handle the tasks. The task must be dynamically allocated for each robot dynamically allocated for each robot for improving the performance of the robots. For achieving this goal, this paper introduces the bacterial Foraging Optimization building block distribution algorithm is used to allocate the work to robots heterogeneously. This algorithm allocates the resources and tasks to the robot for performing their process with a specific time and minimum computation complexity. Then the efficiency of the system is evaluated using experimental analysis and results are compared with existing methods.
Bayesian Maximal Information Coefficient (BMIC) to Reason Novel Trends in Large Datasets
Authors: Wang Shuliang , Surapunt Tisinee
Published: April 2021

Bayesian network (BN) is a probability inference model to describe the explicit relationship of cause and effect, which may examine the complex system of rice price with data uncertainty. However, discovering the optimized structure from a super-exponential number of graphs in the search space is an NP-hard problem. In this paper, Bayesian maximal information coefficient (BMIC) is proposed to uncover the causal correlations from a large dataset in a random system by integrating probabilistic graphical model (PGM) and maximal information coefficient (MIC) with Bayesian linear regression (BLR). First, MIC is to capture the strong dependence between predictor variables and a target variable to reduce the number of variables for the BN structural learning of PGM. Second BLR is to assign orientation in a graph resulting by a posterior probability distribution. It conforms to what BN needs to acquire a conditional probability distribution when given the parents for each node by the Bayes' Theorem. Third, Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is treated as an indicator to determine the well-explained model with its data to ensure correctness. The score shows that the proposed method obtains the highest score compared to the two traditional learning algorithms. Finally, the BMIC is applied to discover the causal correlations from the large dataset on Thai rice price by identifying causality change in the paddy price of Jasmine rice. The experimented results show the proposed BMIC returns the directional relationships with clue to identify the cause(s) and effect(s) on paddy price with better heuristic search.
A Cloud Privacy-Preserving Model Using Gaussian Mutation-Based Bacterial Foraging Optimization and Genetic Crossover Operation
Authors: Anand K , Vijayaraj A. , Anand M. Vijay
Published: April 2021

The necessity of security in the cloud system increases day by day in which the data controllers harvest the rising personal and sensitive data volume.The cloud has some unprotected private data as well as data that has been outsourced for public access, which is crucial for cloud security statements. An advanced legal data protection constraint is required due to the resultant of repeated data violations. While dealing with sensitive data, most of the existing techniques failed to handle optimal privacy and different studies were performed to take on cloud privacy preservation. Hence, the novel model of privacy preservation in the cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques were used to tackle these challenges. These AI methods are insight-driven, strategic, and more efficient organizations in cloud computing. However, the cost savings, agility, higher flexibility businesses are offered with cloud computing by data hosting. Data cleansing and restoration are the two major steps involved in the proposed privacy replica. In this study, we proposed Chaotic chemotaxis and Gaussian mutation-based Bacterial Foraging Optimization with genetic crossover operation (CGBFO- GC) algorithm for optimal key generation. Deriving the multi-objective function parameters namely data preservation ratio, hiding ratio, and modification degree that accomplishes optimal key generation using CGBFO- GC algorithm. Ultimately, the proposed CGBFO- GC algorithm provides more efficient performance results in terms of cloud security than an existing method such as SAS-DPSO, CDNNCS, J-SSO, and GC.
Valuation of α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC Nano-cellulose Surface Coating on Ascorbic Acid Content of Solanum Lycopersicum Under Storage Conditions
Authors: Guleria Geetika , Sharma Dhananjay K. , Thakur Shweta , Kumari Poonam , Shandilya Mamta , Thakur Sapna
Published: April 2021

Competence of synthesized α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC nano-cellulose antimicrobial coating material and its real-time application to extend storage life of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) variety Solan Lalima (India) was studied. Fe2O3 NPs (nanoparticles) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC nanocomposite was developed and characterized using XRay Diffractions (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC nanocomposite, and CE (cellulose) were analysed for their antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. NC exhibit 11mm, 13mm zone of inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. Tomato fruit samples coated with (5%) UC1A, UC2A, and (3%) UC1B, UC2B two different concentrations of α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC nanocomposite and uncoated sample UC1, UC2 stored at room temperature (25±2 ºC) and refrigerator temperature (4 oC) respectively for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) analysis on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Our study revealed that a 3% concentration of α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC nanocomposite material quite potent in maintaining quality aspects of the tomato fruit by no decline of vitamin C under refrigerator conditions up to 16th day. FTIR analysis of all samples was done to determine the functional groups present in tomato samples after storage. AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometer) was used to analyse the content of Fe, and Zn elements in tomato samples. This work revealed that the 3% α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC nano-cellulose antimicrobial nano-coating had maintained the quality of the coated tomato fruits and retards microbial growth during storage time and helpful in increasing the shelf life of tomato under cold storage as well as at room temperature. Coating material had not any significant effect on micronutrients element concentrations in both temperature studies. Synthesised α-Fe2O3@C20H38O11 NC antimicrobial nano-coating material can be used effectively for long storage of tomato fruits and safe for dietary intake of human.
Spatial Scale-Depended Characteristic Of Moss and Soil C, N, P and K Stoichiometry and Their Relationships In A Temperate Desert of Central Asia
Authors: Li Yonggang , Zhou Xiao-Bing , Lu Yongxing , Zhang Yuanming
Published: April 2021

Background and aims: Previous studies showed that moss stoichiometric characteristics were influenced by moss patch size and shrubs in desert. Study of moss stoichiometry in different spatial scales is crucial for understanding of growth and adaptation strategy of the mosses in temperate desert. Methods: In this study, the dominant moss (Syntrichia caninervis Mitt.) of biological soil crusts, and soil under the moss patches in the Gurbantunggut Desert were selected to determine their stoichiometry in different dunes and sites. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of the moss and soil, and soil available nutrients were measured. Results: Moss stoichiometry and soil available nutrients were significantly influenced by changes in spatial distance scales except for moss C. The scaling exponents of moss N, P and K elements between above-ground and below-ground parts were 0.251, 0.389, 0.442, which were less than 1. The N vs. P scaling exponents were 0.71, 0.84 in above-ground and below-ground parts of moss. Moss C, P and K elements content in above-ground parts higher than that in below-ground parts. Moreover, moss N, P and K elements were influenced by MAP, longitude and soil nutrients. Conclusion: This study provided the C, N, P and K stoichiometric characteristics of desert moss and explored their relationships with environmental variables, which can help understand nutrient stoichiometry patterns and utilization strategy of N, P and K and their potential responses to global climate changes in the desert ecosystem of central Asia.
How To Handle Disaster? – Evaluation of a Course for Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Assistance for Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Hermann Sabine , Gerstner Jessica , Weiss Florian , Aichele Simon , Stricker Eric , Rosenberger Peter , Wunderlich Robert
Published: April 2021

Background: Disaster medicine is a component of the German medical education since 2003. However, studies have shown some inconsistencies within the implementation of the national curriculum, and limits with the number of students trained over the years. Facing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and other disasters, it became much more important to train medical students in disaster medicine on a coordinated basis.Methods: The University Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine in Tübingen, Germany, expanded the existing curriculum of undergraduate disaster medicine training with fundamentals of humanitarian medicine, integrating the experience with distance learning, interactive teaching and simulation sessions. Survey tools were used to assess participants’ previous experiences and interest in the field of disaster medicine, to compare the self-reported degree of knowledge before and after training, and the programme’s quality evaluation. A mandatory pre- and post-test of knowledge was also administered to evaluate learner outcomes. The prospective and cross-sectional study evaluates the pilot course Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Assistance carried out for third-, fourth- and fifth- year medical students over five semesters during the period between 2018 and 2020.Results: Data was collected from 107 students over five training sessions. Out of a sample of 82 students, the subjective perception of knowledge increased after the course (t [81] = 24.426, p < .001), alongside with the interest in engaging in the field of disaster medicine (t[81 ] = 7.031, p < .001). 102 students entered the mandatory knowledge assessment, with the rate of correct answers passing from 73.27% in the pre-test to 95.23% in the post-test (t [101] = 18.939, p < .001). The 93.46% of the medical students (N = 100) graded the training received with an excellent overall score (1.01 out of 6).Discussion: The study indicates a significant increase in students’ understanding of disaster medicine through the use of both subjective and objective measures, as well as an increase interest in the field of disaster and humanitarian medicine. The educational programme appears to address the deficiencies documented in previous studies, and possible adaptation with virtual reality approaches could expand access to a larger audience.Conclusion: The programme offers an effective and comprehensive tool to address the urgent need of quality education for medical students, suggesting integrated strategies to implement disaster medicine training.
Algicidal Activity of Novel Indigenous Bacterial Strain, Paracoccus Sp., Against Harmful Algal Bloom Species, Karenia Mikimotoi
Authors: Ding Ning , Du Wenjun , Feng Yanlou , Song Yuhao , Wang Chao , Li Chen , Zheng Ningning , Gao Peike , Wang Renjun
Published: April 2021

Harmful algal blooms have deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. The application of algicidal bacteria is a promising and environmentally friendly method of preventing and eradicating harmful algal blooms. In this study, a screen for algicidal agents against harmful algal blooms was used to identify an algicidal bacterial strain isolated from a Karenia mikimotoi culture. Strain O-1 exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on harmful K. mikimotoi and was identified as a Paracoccus species via 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. This strain killed K. mikimotoi by secreting active algicidal compounds, which were stable at temperatures of -80–121 °C, but these substances were sensitive to strongly acidic conditions. The algicidal properties of strain O-1 against K. mikimotoi were cell density- and time-dependent. No significant changes or negative effects were noted for two other Chlorophyta species, which highlighted the specificity of the studied algicidal substance. Finally, single-factor experiments revealed the optimum growth conditions of strain O-1 under different pH and temperature conditions. Strain O-1 therefore has potential as a bio-agent for reducing the biomass of harmful K. mikimotoi blooms.
Application of Computer-aided Image Reconstruction and Image Guild in Parasagittal Meningioma Resection
Authors: ZHANG RUI , Muhammad Sajjad
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn recent years, due to increased cranial imaging more and more small sized (diameter <2.5cm) meningiomas are diagnosed. If symptomatic then most of them need surgical removal. Exact location of the lesion is extremely important to tailor the craniotomy especially if the neuro-navigation system is not available. Many under developed countries cannot afford high costs of neuro-navigation. Hence, is relevant to discover low cost associated and effective methods to exactly locate the lesions for the surgery.MethodsBy using localization markers, we can acquire preoperative CT images of the patients, reconstruct these images into Three Dimensional (3D) virtual graphs using a computer, measure the spatial distance of the tumor from the markers, and in turn calculate the projection location of the tumor on the scalp by the Triangle Pythagorean theorem. Thereby achieving preoperative precise localization of intracranial microlesions.ResultsThe location of the tumor was consistent with that of the preoperative virtual image, and the craniotomy was exact. The patient was discharged 3 days later without any neurological deficits.ConclusionThis method is simple and reliable, inexpensive, and accurate in location of small sized lesion, which can partially compensate lack of neuro-navigationand is suitable for widespread application in hospitals in third world countries.
Establishment and clinical application of a highly sensitive TAT-2 time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay detection
Authors: Chen Xindong , Hong Jianfeng , Zhao Han , Xiang Zhongyi , Qin Yuan , Zhou Xiumei , Wang Yigang , Zheng Liping , Xia Pengguo , Fang Hongming , Zhu Yingwei , Huang Biao
Published: April 2021

Background: A rapid and highly sensitive assay for tumor-associated trypsinogen-2 (TAT-2) based on the time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) detection technique was developed for the determination of serum TAT-2 levels in cancers. Results: The measurement range of TAT-2-TRFIA was 1.53-300 ng/mL. The within-run and between-run coefficients of variation of TAT-2-TRFIA were 4.38% and 7.82%, respectively. The recovery rate of TAT-2-TRFIA was 103.0%. The cross-reaction rates of trypsin and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 were 0.02% and 0.82%, respectively. The TAT-2-positive rates in lung cancer, liver cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, brain cancer, and pancreatic cancer were 45.9%, 50.0%, 45.0%, 64.3%, 50.0%, and 41.7%, respectively, with the areas under ROC curves of 0.788, 0.734, 0.862, 0.720, 0.887, and 0.585, respectively. In patients with lung cancer, the positive rate of the single indicator CEA was 28.4%, which increased to 60.6% after combined use with TAT-2. In patients with cholangiocarcinoma, the positive rate of CA-199 was 35.7%, which increased to 71.4% after combined use with TAT-2. Conclusions: TAT-2 is expected to be used as an auxiliary diagnostic indicator for the combined use of tumor markers to improve the positive rate and accuracy of detection.
Anti-Psoriasis Inflammation And Anti-Oxidation of The Extract From The Flower of Datura Metel L.
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Zhang Hui , Wang Zhibin , Meng Yonghai , Yang Binyou , Li Tingli , Kuang Haixue
Published: April 2021

Background： At present, Flos Datura L. has been reported to have obvious anti-psoriasis effect, but its active ingredient is still unknown. Objectives: The chemical characteristics and anti-psoriasis inflammatory and antioxidant activities of partially purified flavonoids components of Flos Daturae (FC-FD) were investigated.Methods: FC-FD were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-electrospray ionization (ESI)-quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF)-mass spectrometry (MSE) combined, while antioxidant potency was monitored using a drosophila model. And the immune inflammatory response was measured in guinea pig animal model.Results: After comparison, 14 products were identified. In vitro antioxidant activity assays showed that FC-FD could effectively scavenge hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the longest survival time of the male and female Drosophila melanogaster was extended by 100.50% and 96.82%, respectively. In addition, in the psoriasiform guinea pigs model, FC-FD could decrease the histopathological score and the expression of PCNA protein, and block the production of TNF-α. Notably, the partial purified ﬂavonoids extracted from Flos Datura was and identiﬁed for the ﬁrst time. Conclusions: The results indicated that FC-FD are potential natural antioxidants in extending lifespan and anti-psoriatic inflammatory drugs.
Computational proteomics analysis reveals pathogen secreted carbohydrate active enzymes in tomato xylem sap
Authors: Roy Abhijeet , Kalita Barsha , Jayaprakash Aiswarya , Arunachalam Annamalai , PTV Lakshmi
Published: April 2021

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), a causal organism of Fusarium wilt in the tomato plant, secretes cell wall degrading enzymes, also known as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). These are crucial during colonization and pathogenesis, as evidenced by several proteomic studies, revealing the importance of these CAZymes in virulence and pathogenicity. However, few of them have been done in-planta, exhibiting differences in the expression of these cell wall degrading enzymes compared to in-vitro studies. Therefore, to explore the CAZymes involved in pathogenesis while residing in the host plant, an in-planta (xylem sap) proteomics of a susceptible tomato variety affected with Fol was done. Most of these CAZymes belonged to the hydrolase and oxidoreductase families having no significant homology with tomato proteins. Nearly 90% of them were predicted to be soluble and extracellular. The core CAZymes families with interactional evidence identified were AA3, GH3, GH18, GH20, GH28, GH43, GH47, GH55 and CE8. Thus, apart from annotating some of the hypothetical proteins to be CAZymes, the study sheds light on CAZymes families that may have a role in the pathogenesis and survival of this fungus in the susceptible tomato plant.
Comparative Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Infections in Blood Donors Born Before and After the Implementation of Universal HBV Vaccination in Southern China
Authors: Ye Xianlin , Li Tong , Li Yi , Zeng Jinfeng , Li Ran , Xu Xiaoxuan , Guan Xiaoyu , Li Ling
Published: April 2021

Background: In China, the vaccinated blood donors have rapidly increased by recent years, which may impact blood safety. The true prevalence of HBV between vaccinated blood donors and non-vaccinated blood donors should be explored.Study design and methods: The samples of blood donors were collected and detected for serologic markers of HBV in the Shenzhen blood center(SZBC) between Feb 2016 and Jun 2016. The discrepant results were tested with commercial electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ELCI), alternative MPX ID NAT, nested PCR, and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. HBsAg and anti-HBs were quantified. The serological and molecular characteristics of HBV infected blood donors were analyzed, and the effects on blood safety for donors born before and after the implementation of universal HBV vaccination were compared.Results: Total of 242 reactive by NAT and/or HBsAg ELISA samples from 26318 candidate donors, 192 (0.73%, [95%CI, 0.63-0.84]) HBV+, 131 (0.49%, [95%CI, 0.43-0.59]) HBsAg+, 58 (0.22%, [95%CI,0.17-0.28]) occult hepatitis B infections (OBI) were confirmed respectively. The HBV+ rate in vaccinated donors is lower than in non-vaccinated donors (P<0.05). The HBsAg titers of vaccinated infected blood donors are much higher than non vaccinated infected blood donors. The OBI yield rates in the vaccinated blood donors were 0.11% (7/6422), and significantly lower than the non-vaccinated blood donors (0.26% , 51/19898, P<0.05). There 102/124 (82.3%) samples were genotype B, 22/124 (17.7%) were genotype C respectively. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotype between non-vaccinated blood donors (B/C,86/17) and vaccinated blood donors (B/C,23/6) (P>0.05). High frequency of vaccine escape mutations M133L (32.4%) and E164G in S region of genotype B strains and substitution L175S (40.9%) related to vaccine escape in S region of genotype C strains were identified.Conclusion: The universal HBV vaccination program markedly reduces the risk of HBV infection in blood donors, and provides a significant guarantee for the safety of blood transfusion. Several important mutations detected related vaccine escape and notable mutations needed further investigated.
Molybdenum-assisted reduction of VO2+ for low cost electrolytes of vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Hwang Deokhyun , Ha Jong-Wook , Park Young Soo
Published: April 2021

Efficient and affordable energy storage systems are indispensable to accomplish a successful energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources. Although all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) possess many distinctive advantages, much improvement in the process for electrolyte preparation is needed to overcome low productivity and complexity of the current electrolysis process. Herein, we demonstrate a simple one-pot process for the preparation of V3.5+ electrolytes from V2O5 by utilizing hydrazine monohydrate as a residue-free reducing agent and molybdenum as a homogeneous catalyst accelerating the reduction of VO2+. It is confirmed that the performance of the electrolytes prepared by the newly developed process is identical to that by electrolysis in terms of charge-discharge efficiency and capacity up to current density of 200 mA cm-2. This study can contribute to the wide spread of VRFB by providing a scalable process suitable for the mass production of V3.5+ electrolyte.
Sexual Behaviors and Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections in Transgender Women
Authors: Nematollahi Azar , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Damghanian Maryam , Gholamzadeh Saeid , Farnam Farnaz
Published: April 2021

Background: It is essential to pay special attention to sexual health of transgender women. The aim of this study was to assess sexual behaviors and vulnerability of transgender women to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including AIDS.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenient sampling from August 2019 to march 2020 in Iran. 127 transgender women participated in this study .A researcher-made questionnaire was applied for evaluating sexual behaviors, STIs and HIV. Results: The mean age of participants and their age of sexual debut were 27.6 and 16.9, respectively. 92.1% of participants were single with experience of sex and 59.3% had one sex partner in the last 2 years. 96.9% of the participants were heterosexual with 67.2% reporting experiencing orgasm in at least 50% of their sexual intercourse. However, 42.5% reported dyspareunia and the same percentage reported low or very low sexual satisfaction. The majority of participants had little knowledge of the symptoms (33.9%) and complications (44.1%) of STIs. Although 87.4% and 72.4% of participants had never been tested for a STI and HIV, 1.6% were infected with HIV and 18.1% with STIs. Conclusion: Sexual interests of Iranian transgender women were aligned with those of cisgender women. In terms of sexual function, despite the higher rate of orgasm in transgender women, sexual satisfaction was lower in them compared to that of cisgender women due to dyspareunia and body dissatisfaction, which highlights the need to investigate for more effective surgeries and specific sexual counseling interventions in this group.
Nomogram based on SIS predicting the survival of non-surgical thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated by IMRT
Authors: Du Xingyu , Zhu Shuchai , Dong Jing , Yan Ke , Wang Xiaobin , Shen Wenbin
Published: April 2021

Background: Several inflammatory markers have been reported to be associated with clinical outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study was to evaluate several pre-radiotherapy serum inflammatory indicators, including the neutrophil / lymphocytes ratio (NLR), platelet / lymphocyte (PLR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammation score(SIS), and compare which one has the highest predicted survival value. Finally, combining inflammatory markers with traditional prognostic factors, a new Nomogram model was developed to predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for ESCC patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the data of 245 patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) underwent RT or CRT in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2013 to December 2015. The survival differences of these indexes were compared by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the univariate and the multivariate analyses were performed to determine these prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to create nomogram for OS and PFS.Results: 239 patients met the eligibility criteria. The estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and PFS rates were 74.6%, 36.8%, 26.5% and 58.4%, 31.3%, 20.5%, respectively, for the whole group. The difference in survival between OS and PFS was significant when univariate analysis were applied based on these inflammation-based measures. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor length, T stage, TNM stage, chemotherapy, SIS were predictive variables for OS and PFS in the multivariate model. The nomogram model established based on multivariate models of training data set had good predictive ability, the unadjusted C-index was 0.701 (95% CI, 0.662– 0.740) and 0.695 (95% CI, 0.656 - 0.734) for OS and PFS. Conclusions: This study show that SIS, as a comprehensive indicator of inflammation and nutrition, had the strongest predictive power for evaluating prognosis. Moreover, our nomogram can accurately predict OS and PFS after treatment and may provide guidance regarding adjuvant therapy and surveillance.