bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Nurses in Bahrain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: nasaif husain , alaradi Maryam , Hammam Ridha
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite the plethora of studies on obesity in nurses worldwide, there is a paucity of studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) including Bahrain. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses in BahrainMethods: We used secondary data from a study that examined musculoskeletal self-reported symptoms among nurses in Bahrain. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined by calculating the percentages of BMI using the World Health Organization classification.Results: A total of 550 nurses participated in the study. Most were females (n=488, 89.1%), ages 31 to 40 (n=239, 43.8%). The mean BMI was 26.9 (±4.4). A total of 64.6% of nurses in Bahrain were overweight and obese. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 43.2% and 21.4%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is associated with nationality and shift work. Conclusion: We used BMI to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity, which is widely used in the literature. However, BMI does not consider muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences. Therefore, in future studies, body fat proportion and muscle mass need to be measured to estimate the prevalence and predict risks for disease development, morbidity, and mortality. Leaders in health care institutions and professional nursing organizations in Bahrain should consider ways to promote nurses’ health by improving working conditions and providing access to facilities that promote health and wellbeing.
Vibration response of the interfaces in multi-layer combined coal and rock mass under impact load
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Guanghao , Xiang Guangyou , Tang Jia , Ren Baorui , Chen Zhibang
Published: August 2022

The stress wave generated by impact or dynamic load would have significant reflection and transmission at the rock-coal or rock-rock interfaces in the process of propagation, resulting in dynamic effects such as dynamic tensile, stress superposition and mutation. These dynamic effects would lead to obvious vibration at the interfaces which is a key factor leading to dynamic damage and failure of coal and rock mass. In the process of underground engineering excavation, the dynamic damage of a series of layered rock masses is the important factor causing geological disasters. Based on the two-dimensional similar material simulation experiment, the coal and rock mass combined by five layers of fine sandstone, medium sandstone, coal, coarse sandstone and mudstone is taken as the research object, single and multi-point excitation (synchronous / step-by-step) were used to test the time-history vibration curves of rock-coal and rock-rock interfaces under impact load. It was concluded that the change of extreme value of vibration amplitude presented two stages: first increase and then attenuation. Most of them needed 2.25 cycles to reach the peak value, and the dynamic attenuation of amplitude conformed to the law of exponential. Based on Fast Fourier transform (FFT), the spectrum structures of amplitude-frequency of interfaces vibration were studied, and the two predominant frequencies were 48.9Hz~53.7Hz and 92.4Hz respectively. Based on Hilbert-Huang transform and energy equation, 5~7 vibration modes (IMF) were obtained respectively by decomposing the time-history curves. The three modes IMF1、IMF2、IMF3 contained high energy and were effective vibration modes. IMF2 accounted for the highest proportion and was the main vibration mode whose predominant frequencies were concentrated in 45.6Hz~50.2Hz. Therefore, IMF2 played a decisive role in the whole vibration process and had an important impact on the dynamic response, damage and failure of coal and rock mass. In real condition, the actual predominant frequencies could be converted according to the size and mechanical properties of coal and rock mass, and the vibration response characteristics of the interfaces between coal and rock mass under impact load were preliminarily revealed.
A Vulnerability Detection Approach for Automated Smart Contract Using Enhanced Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Sosu Rexford Nii Ayitey , Chen Jinfu , Brown-Acquaye William , Owusu Ebenezer , Boahen Edward
Published: August 2022

A typical contract would necessitate the use of an intermediary, make a payment to them, then wait for the record to return. Through a smart contract, though, it is as easy as putting the bitcoin into the vending machine, and the products would be published instantly. Smart contracts are Blockchain-based autonomous software. On Ethereum, a vast number of smart contracts have been deployed. Meanwhile, transaction security vulnerabilities have resulted in significant financial damages and have harmed the contract layer’s ecological integrity on Blockchain. As a result, detecting contract bugs reliably and efficiently is a new yet critical problem. Currently, available identification approaches, such as Oyente and Securify, depend primarily on symbolic execution or analysis. Since symbolic execution necessitates the discovery of all executable routes or the study of dependence diagrams in a contract, these approaches are time-consuming. In this paper, we suggest SmartPol, a machine learning-based method for detecting vulnerabilities in smart contracts. First, we use a data pre-processor to clean up the data before extracting features and classifying them. Second, we present a PSOGSA-based method for data optimisation and function extraction and a TSVM-based approach for semi-supervised learning classification models to identify smart contract vulnerabilities automatically. On EtherScan, SmartPol was used to test 49512 real-world smart contracts. The experimental findings show SmartPol’s reliability and efficacy. When we use PSOGSA for function extraction and TSVM classification sets, SmartPol’s predictive precision and accuracy are over 96%, and the average prediction time is 4 seconds on each smart contract.
Factors and outcomes of stress ulcer related gastrointestinal bleeding in various intensive care units: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qiang Huang , Jin-mei Sun , Yan-fei Han , Yong-bo Zhang
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences of risk factors and outcomes between stress ulcer (SU) patients from neurocritical care unit (NCU) and those from general intensive care unit (GICU).MethodsThe study included consecutive SU patients admitted in our hospital from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2020. Clinically important stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding (CIB) and death at discharge were chosen as primary endpoints. Pearson Chi-Square test, or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences of corresponding variables between groups, and multiple logistic regression modals were performed to detect risk factors of primary endpoint events.ResultsA total of 261 eligible SU patients (149 from NCU group and 112 from GICU group) were enrolled, with 88 (33.7%) women and a median age of 65(53–76) years. 136 (52.1%) SU patients experienced CIB, with 68 cases in each group. Compared with the SU patients from GICU, the patients from NCU were older and had a higher proportion of hypertension and previous stroke (all P < 0.05), but a lower rate of coronary heart disease, previous peptic ulcer disease, administration of glucocorticoids or the equivalent, hepatic failure, renal failure, and coagulopathy (all P < 0.05). Similarly, the CIB patients from NCU group had a higher rate of previous stroke, but a lower rate of coronary heart disease, administration of glucocorticoids or the equivalent, renal failure, and coagulopathy, compared with those CIB patients from GICU group (all P < 0.05). A significantly lower mortality was observed in SU patients from NCU group than those from GICU group (16.2% versus 29.7%, P = 0.009), while there was no significant difference for death of CIB patients between NCU group and GICU group (30.9% versus 41.8%, P = 0.188). Four independent risk factors of death, including administration of glucocorticoids or the equivalent, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.439 and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 1.131 to 5.259, blood transfusion (OR = 3.329, 95%CI, 1.558–7.112), respiratory failure (OR = 3.405, 95%CI,1.610–7.198), and CIB (OR = 3.793, 95%CI, 1.529–9.414) were identified in the multiple logistic regression modal. The use of nasogastric tube (OR = 5.209, 95%CI, 2.820–9.620), respiratory failure (OR = 3.672, 95%CI, 1.620–8.325) and international standardized ratio＞1.5 (OR = 2.119, 95CI, 1.023–4.389) were associated with a greater risk of CIB, while SU prophylaxis with proton pump inhibitors (OR = 0.277;95%CI, 0.100-0.768) served as the only protective factor for CIB.ConclusionCIB was a serious complication that increased the risk of death similarly for critically ill patients both from NCU and GICU, and SU prophylaxis could help to decrease CIBs. The use of nasogastric tube, respiratory failure and INR＞1.5 were associated with a higher risk of CIB.
Combined Metabolic Activators Improves Cognitive Functions in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: YULUG BURAK , ALTAY OZLEM , LI XIANGYU , HANOGLU LUTFU , CANKAYA SEYDA , LAM SIMON , VELIOGLU HALIL AZIZ , YANG HONG , COSKUN EBRU , IDIL EZGI , NOGAYLAR RAHIM , OZSIMSEK AHMET , BAYRAM CEMIL , BOLAT ISMAIL , ONER SENA , TOZLU OZLEM OZDEMIR , ARSLAN MEHMET ENES , HACIMUFTUOGLU AHMET , YILDIRIM SERKAN , ARIF MUHAMMAD , SHOAIE SAEED , ZHANG CHENG , NIELSEN JENS , TURKEZ HASAN , BOREN JAN , UHLEN MATHIAS , Mardinoglu Adil
Published: August 2022

Background:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with metabolic abnormalities linked to critical elements of neurodegeneration. We recently administrated Combined Metabolic Activators (CMA) to the AD rat model and observed that administration of CMA activated the mitochondrial functions and eventually improved the AD-associated histological parameters in the animals. CMA consists of NAD+ and glutathione precursors and includes L-serine, nicotinamide riboside, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and L-carnitine tartrate.Methods:Here, we designed a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial and studied the effect of CMA administration on the global metabolism of AD patients. The primary endpoint was on the difference in cognitive and daily living activity scores between the placebo and the treatment arms. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of CMA. We also performed a comprehensive human plasma metabolome and proteome analysis.Results:Based on our analysis, weshowed a significant decrease of ADAS-Cog scores on Day 84 vs Day 0 (p=0.00001, 29% improvement) in the CMA group. Moreover, there was a significant enhancement (p=0.0073) in ADAS-Cog scores between CMA and placebo groups in patients with higher ADAS-Cog scores. Improved cognitive functions were endorsed with relevant hippocampal volumes and cortical thickness alterations. Moreover, the plasma levels of proteins and metabolites associated with NAD+ and glutathione metabolism are significantly improved after treatment.Conclusion:In conclusion, our results show that treating AD patients with CMA leads to enhanced cognitive functions associated with the improved metabolome, proteome and structural neuroimaging parameters, suggesting a role for such a therapeutic regimen in treating patients, especially with severe AD.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04044131 Registered 17 July 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04044131
Wake-riding effect-inspired opto-hydrodynamic diatombot for non-invasive trapping and removal of nano-biothreats
Authors: Xin Hongbao , Xiong Jianyun , Shi Yang , Pan Ting , Lu Dengyun , He Ziyi , Wang Danning , Li Xing , Zhu Guoshuai , Li Baojun
Published: August 2022

Contamination of nano-biothreats, such as viruses, mycoplasmas, and pathogenic bacteria, is widespread in cell cultures and greatly threats many cell-based biomanufacturing and therapeutics. However, non-invasive trapping and removal of such biothreats during cell culturing is of great challenge. Here, inspired by wake-riding effect, we report a biocompatible opto-hydrodynamic diatombot (OHD) based on optical trapping navigated rotational diatom (Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin) for non-invasive trapping and removal of nano-biothreats. Combining the wake-riding effect and optical trapping, this rotational OHD enables trapping of bio-targets down to sub-100 nm. Different nano-biothreats, such as adenoviruses, pathogenic bacteria, and mycoplasmas, were first demonstrated to be effectively trapped and removed by the OHD, without affecting culturing cells. The removal efficiency was greatly enhanced via reconfigurable OHD array construction. Importantly, these OHDs show remarkable antibacterial capability, and further facilitate targeted gene delivery. This OHD provides a new method for effective trapping of nano-objects in bio-microenvironment, and serves as a smart micro-robotic platform for non-invasive and active removal of nano-biothreats in cell cultures, with great promises for benefiting cell-based biomanufacturing and single-cell therapy.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among taxi drivers in Yaoundé, Cameroon: Preventive effect of physical activity
Authors: Tchounga Chrystelle Cassandre Ngatcha , Kenfack Marcel Azabji , Guessogo Wiliam Richard , Ndongo Jerson Mekoulou , Lele Claude Elysée Bika , Ayina Clarisse Noël Ayina , Temfemo Abdou , Bongue Bienvenu , Mandengue Samuel Honoré , Ngoa Laurent Serge Etoundi , Ndemba Peguy Brice Assomo
Published: August 2022

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are very common conditions in the workplace. Among professional drivers, there would be an increased risk of developing these affections. Identifying the associated factors would help to better devise effective prevention strategies. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers in the city of Yaoundé and to study the associated factors, mainly the physical activity level. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 151 adult male taxi drivers. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and work-related data were collected. MSDs over the past 12 months were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire and physical activity level was determined by the WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of MSDs was 86.8%; the most affected areas were mainly the lower back (72.8%), the nape of the neck and the neck (42.4%), and the knees (29.1%). Job tenure greater than 12 years was associated with MSDs (OR = 2.5, P = 0.059). Age over 39 (OR = 2) and obesity (OR = 2.04) increased the risk of MSDs in our study population, but these associations were not significant. Most taxi drivers (62.9%) had a low physical activity level and no association was found between the physical activity level and MSDs. Furthermore, we did not find any other significantly associated factors among the variables studied. Conclusions: MSDs are common ailments among taxi drivers in Cameroon. It is therefore necessary to better identify its associated factors in order to devise good prevention strategies.
Demonstration of Graphene-Assisted Tunable Surface Plasmonic Resonance Sensor Using Machine Learning Model
Authors: Rastogi Kushagra , Sharma Anuj K , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar
Published: August 2022

This work illustrates the viability of optics ideas using a machine learning (ML) technique to choose the optimal SPR sensor for a particular set of structural parameters. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is utilized in conjunction with an ML model to design a tunable surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) sensor. A trained ML model is applied to the PSO algorithm to develop the SPR sensor with the desired sensing performance. Using a learned ML model to forecast sensor performance rather than sophisticated electromagnetic calculation techniques allows the PSO algorithm to optimize solutions four orders of magnitude faster. This composite algorithm's implementation enabled us to rapidly and precisely create an SPR sensor with a sensitivity of 68.754 ᵒ/RIU and having an impressive figure of merit of 100. We anticipate that this effective and precise method will pave the way for the future development of plasmonic devices.
Maternal temperature stress modulates acclimation and thermal biology in Octopus maya (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) juvenile progeny
Authors: Vargas-Abúndez Jorge Arturo , Plata-Díaz Alejandra , Mascaró Maite , Caamal-Monsreal Claudia , Rodríguez-Fuentes Gabriela , Jiménez-Be Alejandro , Rosas Carlos
Published: August 2022

High temperatures alter the physiological condition of Octopus maya embryos, juveniles, and adults, and the time of exposure could have a key role in their thermal tolerance. The present study evaluates the effects of temperature and exposure time on octopus juveniles obtained from thermal-stressed and non-stressed females when exposed to optimal (25°C) and high temperatures (30°C) for 20 and 30 days, respectively. The results showed a transgenerational temperature effect that was expressed with low survival, depressed routine resting and high metabolic rates. Moreover, a collapse of antioxidant defense enzymes and high radical oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected in juveniles from thermally stressed females. Stress was lethal for animals acclimated at 30°C, while the performance of juveniles acclimated at optimal temperature (25°C) was conditioned by high ROS and low high metabolic rate (HMR) levels even after 30 days of experiment. In contrast, juveniles from non-thermally stressed females had an optimal performance when acclimated at 25°C but at 30°C, they had a comparatively higher HMR during the first eight days. These results suggest energy surplus in those animals to escape from warming scenarios before experiencing ROS accumulation. Further studies should confirm if epigenetic alterations could be involved.
Profiles of circulating fatty acids are population-specific and linked to prostate cancer
Authors: Minas Tsion , Jenkins Brittany , Zhang Amy , Candia Julián , Dorsey Tiffany , Baker Francine , Tang Wei , Bailey-Whyte Maeve , Smith Cheryl , Obadi Obadi , Ajao Anuoluwapo , Jordan Symone , Tettey Yao , Biritwum Richard , Adjei Andrew , Mensah James , Hoover Robert , Hsing Ann , Liu Jia , Loffredo Christopher , Yates Clayton , Cook Michael , Ambs Stefan
Published: August 2022

High fatty acid intake is thought to increase cancer risk. This relationship remains poorly explored in African-descent populations. We examined 24 circulating fatty acids in 2,934 men, including 1,431 prostate cancer cases and 1,503 population controls from Ghana and African Americans and European Americans from the United States, using CLIA-certified mass spectrometry-based assays. We investigated associations with prostate cancer, lifestyle factors, and the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genetic locus. Levels of circulating fatty acid varied robustly between the three population groups, particularly trans, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Yet, trans fatty acids, namely elaidic, palmitelaidic, and linoelaidic acids, whose levels were higher in populations from the United States compared to Ghanaian men, were associated with increased odds of prostate cancer among all men. FADS1/2 germline genetic variants and lifestyle explained some of the variation in fatty acid levels, with the FADS1/2 locus showing population-specific associations, suggesting differences in genetic control.
Behavioural and Neural Correlates of Social Pressure during Decision-Making of Precision Reaches
Authors: Cos Ignasi , Deco Gustavo , Gilson Matthieu
Published: August 2022

Although reward exerts a crucial influence on human behaviour, internal processes are equally as important to purposely analyse and integrate sensory information into behavioural drives. Extensive research has identified pre-frontal cortical areas as the central brain subsystem processing reward, and pre-motor and motor cortices the mergers of that influence onto action planning and control. However, few studies have analyzed the brain distribution of contextual variables, such as social pressure, and their influence on internal processes and on behavior. To this end, here we designed a decision-making task between precision reachings, in which we varied a context of social pressure, and assessed its influence on our participants’ kinematics, pupil diameter and electro-encephalography. Our results show that social pressure exerts a non-trivial bias on the participants’ behaviour, influencing reaching precision, movement parameters and decision-making policies. Furthermore, these modulations co-varied consistently with pupil diameter and the activation of specific cortical sources, portraying a distributed brain network for social pressure that includes prefrontal, motor and occipital cortical areas. Overall, this is consistent with a broad physiological process, transforming an implicit variable, such as social pressure, onto an internal bias that energises and influences decision-making in a principled fashion, complementary to explicit reward.
Do income shocks play a determining role in children's schooling in the presence of credit market imperfection in Cameroon?
Authors: MBEBI Olivier EWONDO , Nzepang Fabrice , EBOUE Roméal
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the determinants of children's schooling under imperfect credit market conditions in Cameroon, with a particular focus on the role of monetary and non-monetary shocks. Households that are more vulnerable to shocks have a greater incentive to build up a buffer stock to protect themselves against unforeseen negative shocks, and keeping children out of school may be part of such a strategy. The study uses microeconomic data from the fourth Cameroonian Household Survey (ECAM IV) conducted in 2014 by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and an instrumental variable Probit model to demonstrate its point. The results show that uncertainty about household income as measured by transitory income and declining household income decrease the probability of children attending school in Cameroon. The same is true for increasing household size. Nevertheless, access to the credit market is a factor of household resilience to shocks.Classification JEL: E24, I21, I31, O15.
DeepBindPPI: Epitope-Paratope Prediction Using Attention Based Graph Convolutional Network
Authors: Sunny Sharon , Prakash Pebbeti Bhanu , G Gopakumar , B Jayaraj P
Published: August 2022

Due to the importance of antigen-antibody interactions in defence mechanism of living body, reasoned attempts were made to investigate its attributes, including, but not limited to, binding affinity, and binding region. Contemporary strategies for binding site prediction largely resort to deep learning techniques but turned out to be low precision models. As laboratory experiments for drug discovery tasks utilize this informaiton, increased false positives devalue the computational methods. This emphasize the need to develop enhanced strategies. DeepBindPPI employs deep learning technique to predict the binding regions of proteins, particularly antigen-antibody interaction sites. The results obtained are applied in a docking environment to confirm their correctness. An integration of graph convolutional network with attention mechanism predicts interacting amino acids with improved precision. The model learns the determining factors in interaction from a general pool of proteins and is then fine-tuned using antigen-antibody data. Comparison of the proposed method with existing techniques shows that the developed model has comparable performance. DeepBindPPI improved the precision for epitope prediction from 0.216 to 0.315 and paratope prediction from 0.48 to 0.60. An attempt to utilize the interface information for docking using the HDOCK server gives promising results, with high-quality structures appearing in the top10 ranks. The application of self-supervision may contribute to the improvement of the deep learning model's performance.
A multimodal deep learning model to infer cell-type-specific functional gene networks
Authors: Afshar Shiva , Braun Patricia R. , Han Shizhong , Lin Ying
Published: August 2022

Background
Functional gene networks (FGNs) capture functional relationships among genes that vary across tissues and cell types. Construction of cell-type-specific FGNs enables the understanding of cell-type-specific functional gene relationships and insights into genetic mechanisms of human diseases in disease-relevant cell types. However, most existing FGNs were developed without consideration of specific cell types within tissues.
Results
In this study, we created a multimodal deep learning model (MDLCN) to predict cell-type-specific FGNs in the human brain by integrating single-nuclei gene expression data with global protein interaction networks. We systematically evaluated the prediction performance of the MDLCN and showed its superior performance compared to two baseline models (boosting tree and convolutional neural network). Based on the predicted cell-type-specific FGNs, we observed that cell-type marker genes had a higher level of hubness than non-marker genes in their corresponding cell type. Furthermore, we showed that risk genes underlying autism and Alzheimer’s disease were more strongly connected in disease-relevant cell types, supporting the cellular context of predicted cell-type-specific FGNs.
Conclusions
Our study shows a powerful deep learning approach that can be used to predict FGNs underlying a diverse set of cell types.
Impact of Daily Low-Dose Tadalafil in Patients With Acute Peyronie's Disease: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Napolitano Luigi , Spirito Lorenzo , Manfredi Celeste , Rocca Roberto La , Girolamo Antonio Di , Capece Marco , trama francesco , Sciorio Carmine , Sokolakis Ioannis , Creta Massimiliano , Arcaniolo Davide
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients in acute phase of Peyronie’s disease (PD) treated with daily low-dose of Tadalafil. An observational retrospective study involving patients in acute phase of PD with erectile dysfunction (ED) was designed. All subjects were offered Tadalafil 5 mg one tablet a day. Men who accepted treatment were compared to patients who refused Tadalafil. Penile curvature progression was chosen as the primary outcome. PD Questionnaire (PDQ) and IIEF-5 scores were selected as secondary outcomes. A total of 191 patients were included in the study (108 intervention vs. 83 control). Penile curvature progression rate was significantly lower in subjects taking Tadalafil at 12 weeks (25.9% vs 39.7%, p = 0.042). Mean IIEF-5 score improved in the intervention group, becoming significantly higher compared to the observation group at 12 weeks (19.3 vs. 11.2 points, p < 0.001). Mean PDQ-Overall and PDQ-Penile Pain scores improved in the intervention group and the statistically significant differences at baseline between groups became not statistically significant at 12 weeks (p = 0.232 and p = 0.078, respectively). Daily low-dose Tadalafil in patients with acute phase of PD seems to significantly reduce the penile curvature progression rate compared to observation, especially when it is administrated early. It also appears to improve erectile function and PD-related symptoms.
Promoting The Maneuverability and Fault-tolerance Capabilities of Dual-system VTOL UAVs
Authors: Salem Wessam , Mohamady Osama , Draz Mohannad , El-bayoumi Gamal
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a new architecture for the flight control system of dual-system vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Having two separate systems for vertical and horizontal thrust in addition to the conventional control surfaces makes it the simplest VTOL UAV configuration, however, less employment of its controls redundancy is a drawback and a waste of its inherent capabilities. The main contribution of the designed control system is to employ the control's redundancy to enhance the airplane's maneuverability and to achieve fault-tolerance via the control allocation technique, thus benefiting from the vertical rotors during all the flight phases rather than having them as dead weights during the majority of the flight. The designed control system performs full flight missions including VTOL, transitions, cruise, and loiter in fault and fault-free cases with allowable commands for all the healthy controls according to their effectiveness, following the desired trajectory while minimizing the energy consumption and aerodynamic drag as well. A severe fault scenario is presented that includes sudden jamming of all the control surfaces where the control system successfully completed the intended mission as in the fault-free case. The proposed control system proved to enhance the maneuverability by achieving a 38% reduction in the coordinated steady-level turn radius at a given flight speed compared to the minimum turn radius achieved using the control surfaces only. The results reveal the dual-system configuration's safety and reliability features, recommending it as a first choice in VTOL UAVs applications.
A comparative study of corneal thickness measurements with the RTVue, Casia-2, and Pentacam devices in patients with mild to moderate keratoconus
Authors: Sun Bingqing , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Ling , Huang Yangyi , Tian Mi , Shen Yang , Ding Lan , Zhou Xingtao
Published: August 2022

PurposeTo explore the characteristics of the RTVue, Casia-2, and Pentacam instruments for measuring the corneal thickness in patients with mild to moderate keratoconus.MethodsWe recruited patients diagnosed with mild to moderate keratoconus at our hospital from January to March 2022; 46 eyes (46 patients) were enrolled (35 men [76.09%], 30 right eyes [65.22%], mean age 24.3 ± 6.2 years). Central corneal thickness (CCT) and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) were measured using two optical coherence tomography (OCT) instruments (RTVue and Casia-2) and the more conventional Pentacam. Then, differences and correlations between the CCTs and TCTs based on the device and factors influencing those differences were explored.ResultsThe CCTs were 488.9 ± 41.44 µm, 488.7 ± 42.52 µm, and 489.3 ± 44.17 µm for the RTVue, Casia-2, and Pentacam, respectively. The TCT results were 465.5 ± 39.78 µm, 466.5 ± 39.39 µm, and 480.5 ± 41.27 µm for the RTVue, Casia-2, and Pentacam, respectively. The CCTs were highly consistent among the groups and correlated with one another. The TCTs measured by the RTVue and Casia-2 were thinner than the Pentacam, but all three devices were highly correlated. The RTVue and Casia-2 thinnest point location measurements significantly differed from the Pentacam (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated a significant agreement between the three instruments (p < 0.001); the 95% limits of agreement were − 16.19 µm to + 17.32 µm for Pentacam and RTVue and − 15.78 µm to + 15.47 µm forPentacam and Casia-2. Multivariate analysis identified that the TCT measurement difference between the RTVue and Pentacam were related to the difference between the CCT and TCT (b = 0.532, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04 to 1.024, p < 0.001), whereas the difference between the Casia-2 and Pentacam were related to the anterior radius for curvature (A) grade (b = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.753 to 6.074, p = 0.001), corneal pachymetry at the thinnest (C) grade (b = − 7.875, 95% CI: − 11.404 to − 4.346, p < 0.001), and the difference between the CCT and TCT (b = 0.425, 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.751, t = 0.012).ConclusionsThe CCTs in patients with mild to moderate keratoconus were similar among all three devices, but the TCTs and thinnest point locations were not. Furthermore, the TCT measurement differences between the OCT instruments and the Pentacam were more pronounced in keratoconus cases with a steeper anterior surface, thicker TCTs, and a larger difference between the CCT and TCT.Trial registrationRegistration number: 2021118-1. Retrospectively registered: 01 September 2021.
Microstructure-based high-Q terahertz metamaterial bio-detection sensor
Authors: Qu Zeng , Kang Jinfeng , Li Wei , Yao Boyi , Deng Hao , Wei Yiqing , Li Xiaohong , Duan Junping , Zhang Binzhen
Published: August 2022

At present, the sensitivity, accuracy, and stability of terahertz band bio-detection sensors still need to be improved. To meet that demand, a terahertz metamaterial bio-detection sensor was designed and fabricated by introducing a quadruple rotational symmetric microstructure, which can generate strong electromagnetic resonance. The sensor interacts with the incident terahertz wave to generate a magnetic dipole resonance, forming a resonant peak with 98.9% absorption at the resonant frequency of 0.4696 THz. When the refractive index of the analyte increased from 1.0 to 2.0, the resonance peak of the sensor obvious red-shifted, and the absorption of the resonance peak almost exceed 99%. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of the sensor can reach 78.6 GHz/RIU (Refractive index unit, RIU), Q (Quality factor, Q) is up to 55.3, and FOM (Figure of merit, FOM) is up to 9.81. In addition, the quadruple rotation structure unit makes the sensor insensitive to wide incidence angles and polarization. The designed sensor has excellent resonance characteristics and can realize the detection and identification of biomolecules with different refractive indices. It also provides new ideas for the design of terahertz band bio-detection sensors and has important applications in medical diagnosis and real-time monitoring.
Oral Health Perceptions and Practices of Caregivers at Children’s Madrasas and Foster Care Centers: A Qualitative Exploratory Study in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Javeria , Ishaq Muhammad , Butt Muhammad Salman , Zakar Rubeena , Malik Ushna , Iqbal Maida , Fischer Florian
Published: August 2022

Background:Oral diseases are one of the major public health problems worldwide which are affecting the population of all age groups. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and practices of caregivers at the care centers managing children’s oral health.Methods:A qualitative ethnomethodological approach was used to collect data from the caregivers at the child healthcare centers. A convenience sampling technique was used to conduct focus group discussions comprised of 4-7 caregivers from five foster care centers located in Lahore, Pakistan. An inductive-deductive approach was used to generate data by using a semi-structured interview guide. A three steps thematic analysis was applied to develop codes that were merged to generate categories and to conclude into themes from the transcribed data.Results:Five focus group discussions were conducted at two foster care homes (FG1 & FG2) and three madrasas (FG3, FG4 & FG5). Foster care homes had children of both genders within the same premises, however, madrasas had segregated settings. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis providing a thick description of foster caregivers to maintain the oral health of the children. Children induction policy outlines the foster care environment and caregivers' perceived oral health severity defines their hygienic practices A socially conducive oral health knowledge, and integrative medicinal approach to treat oral health issues were evaluated.Conclusions:This qualitative study provided a multidimensional assessment of foster caregivers to maintain children’s oral health. With stringent induction policies, the foster care centers had better control over the children to maintain healthy oral health practices. Fostercare givers perceived severity about oral health issues and type of fostercare center defines the hygienic and medicinal practices.
Historical and contemporary patterns of emotional expression in written texts
Authors: Wodarz Paulina F. , Harris Ian G.
Published: August 2022

Written texts reflect the emotional state of humans that create them. It is however not always obvious how to interpret the observed trends and patterns. Here we use statistical analysis to extract information about emotions, and focus on the valence-energy space to ask the questions: (1) Can we detect a temporal change in emotional characteristics of texts? (2) Are there measurable differences of these emotional characteristics among different groups of people? To determine trends in emotion through writing, a searchable online Corpus of Historical American English was used (400 million words from 1810–2000), as well as a collection of 180 contemporary posts grouped by gender, age, and occupation. Sentiment analysis tools were applied to measure levels of positivity/negativity and energy of writing. It was found that through written text, energetic words decreased in frequency and less energetic words increased, indicating a decrease of strong feelings and a rise of apathy in the texts over time. In the present day’s blog texts, three pairwise comparisons were performed: males vs females, older vs younger age-groups, and individuals with background in arts vs those with backgrounds in science. While no statistically significant difference in energy levels were detected, there was a clear separation in the valence of these groups, with females, younger people, and those with a background in the arts displaying the most negativity. Mathematical modeling was used to interpret the findings of the historical analysis. It was shown that a flattening of emotions, or a rise in apathy, may not necessarily be caused by a corresponding population trend, but could be a simple consequence of a bell-shape curve in emotion distribution and imitation dynamics governing the production of written texts.
High-technology agriculture using the internet of things and cloud computing for an efficient Smart Irrigation System
Authors: Morchid Abdennabi , Qjidaa Hassan , Jamil Mohammed Ouazzani , Alami Rachid El
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Spinal curvature in female and male university students with prolonged bouts of sedentary behaviour
Authors: Cepková Alena , Zemková Erika , Šooš Ľubomír , Uvaček Marián , Muyor José M.
Published: August 2022

Background: seated behaviour and a lack of physical activity among university students may cause changes to posture leading to health problems. We were interested whether between-gender differences in spinal curvature exist among university students with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. Methods: a group of 20 female (age 20 ± 0.73 years) and 39 male (age 20 ± 1.08 years) university students with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle participated in the study. The thoracic and lumbar curvature was evaluated while standing and sitting using the Spinal Mouse. Results: showed that 10% of the female students and 30.77% of the male students had thoracic hyperkyphosis, while 10% of the female students and 2.56% of the male students suffered from lumbar hyperlordosis in the standing posture. In the sitting posture, 0% of the females and up to 30.77% of the males had mild thoracic hyperkyphosis, and 25.00% of the females and 23.90% of the males had mild lumbar hyperkyphosis. Conclusions: these findings indicate that differences between the sexes as regards to curvature of the spine exist. Prolonged sitting during university courses could contribute to their poor posture. It is therefore necessary to focus purposefully on compensation exercises that eliminate postural deviations in female and male young adults.
On the lack of women researchers in the Middle East & North Africa
Authors: El-Ouahi Jamal , Larivière Vincent
Published: August 2022

Recent gender policies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have improved legal equality for women with noticeable effects in some countries. The implications of these policies on science, however, is not well-understood. This study examines applies a bibliometric lens to describe the landscape of gender disparities in scientific research in MENA. Specifically, we examine 1.7 million papers indexed in the Web of Science published by 1.1 million authors from MENA between 2008 and 2020. We used bibliometric indicators to analyse potential disparities between men and women in the share of authors, research productivity, and seniority in authorship. The results show that gender parity is far from being achieved in MENA. Overall, men authors obtain higher representation, research productivity, and seniority. But some countries standout: Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey, Algeria and Egypt have higher shares or women researchers compared to the rest of MENA countries. The UAE, Qatar, and Jordan have shown progress in terms of women participation in science, but Saudi Arabia lags behind. We find that women are more likely to stop publishing than men and that men publish on average between 11% and 51% more than women, with this gap increasing over time. Finally, men, on average, achieved senior positions in authorship faster than women. Our longitudinal study contributes to a better understanding of gender disparities in science in MENA which is catching up in terms of policy engagement and women representation. However, the results suggest that the effects of the policy changes have yet to materialize into distinct improvement in women’s participation and performance in science.
Synchronous Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis and Intraepithelial Lesion of the Vulva is Caused by Coinfection with α-HPV and β-HPV Genotypes and Facilitated by Mutations in Cell-Mediated Immunity Genes
Authors: Ribeiro Renan Ribeiro e , Sung C , Quddus M Ruhul
Published: August 2022

There have been exceedingly few reports of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) or EV-like lesions in the vulva. We describe the first case series featuring vulvar lesions displaying synchronous EV-like histologic changes and conventional high-grade intraepithelial lesion (VIN 3), a finding hitherto unreported in medical literature. We hypothesized that this could be caused by coinfection with α-HPV and β-HPV genotypes. Cases were retrospectively selected from our institutional archive. Detailed review of clinical information, histologic examination and whole genome sequencing (WGS) were performed in 5 samples from 4 different patients. Three of four patients had a history of either iatrogenic immune suppression or prior immune deficiency, and all featured classic VIN 3 and EV changes within the same lesion. The fourth patient had no history of immune disorders, presented with EV-like changes and multinucleated atypia of the vulva, and was the sole patient without conventional high-grade intraepithelial lesion. By WGS, several uniquely mappable reads pointed towards infection with multiple HPV genotypes including both α-HPVs and β-HPVs. Mutations in genes implicated in cell-mediated immunity, such as DOCK8, CARMIL2, MST1 and others, were also found. Our findings provide novel insight into EV and HPV pathogenesis, vulvar precancerous lesions and expand the clinicopathological spectrum of genetic alterations linked to unconventional immune deficiencies.
Maternal septic shock secondary to amniocentesis at mid-gestation: A summary of 19 cases, including 2 new Chinese cases, and a literature review
Authors: He Xiaobo , Chen Aner , Zhou Junjun , Hong Xunyu , Li Dongmei
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND: Amniocentesis is commonly performed to obtain a prenatal diagnosis. The most common indications for amniocentesis are abnormal foetal ultrasonography findings, followed by an increased risk of Down syndrome and advanced maternal age. The incidence of intra-amniotic infection is approximately 0.1%, and the risk of subclinical infection development after serial amniocentesis is no more than 0.5%. Septic shock is an unusual complication among cases of foetal loss associated with amniocentesis. Here, we report two cases of septic shock and multiple organ failure (MOF) after amniocentesis at mid-gestation. PRESENTATION OF CASES: Two women underwent genetic amniocentesis due to chromosomal aneuploidy. Prior to amniocentesis, the temperature, routine blood count, CRP and ultrasound findings were all normal. Genetic amniocentesis was performed under sterile conditions and without difficulty at 3P.M. A 22-gauge needle was passed into the right lower quadrant of the uterus, and 30 mL of clear ﬂuid was extracted during the ﬁrst attempt. They all complained of fever and chills and presented to the hospital within 48 hours after the amniocentesis. Foetal demise was found, and the patients rapidly developed septic shock. Despite vaginal delivery, curettage and antibiotic therapy, the patients deteriorated with the onset of MOF (myocardial damage, hypotension, renal insufficiency, low platelets). Blood cultures, discharge cultures and some tissue from the foetus all revealed Escherichia coli. The foul-smelling placenta was evacuated. There was gradual improvement with intensive monitoring. CONCLUSION: Uterine infection after amniocentesis leading to maternal sepsis is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Our patients were able to survive without a hysterectomy due to the rapid administration of antibiotics and surgical intervention while being evaluated. Genetic counsellors and obstetric care providers should be aware of potential serious maternal morbidity and mortality that may occur subsequent to uncomplicated amniocentesis.
Controlled Finite Frames
Authors: Alijani Azadeh , Heidarpour Zohreh , Parizi Maryam Naderi
Published: August 2022

The finite frame theory is a very important part offrame theory due to its significant relevance in various branchesof mathematical applications. Studying controlled inite frames isthe goal of the work. To this end, we introduce controlled framesin a inite-dimensional Hilbert space and study some properties ofthem. The main class of inite frames in frame applied problemsis Parseval frames. By viewpoint to this, a brief discussion aboutParseval frames is presented and also Parseval controlled framesare investigated. Afterward, the paper characterizes all operatorsthat construct controlled inite frames. Furthermore, controlledinite frames are also considered as a proper subset of dual framesby the equivalency relation between frames.
Vaccination with an HIV T-cell immunogen induces alterations in the mouse gut microbiota
Authors: Borgognone Alessandra , Elizalde-Torrent Aleix , Casadellà Maria , Romero Luis , Escribà Tuixent , Parera Mariona , Català-Moll Francesc , Noguera-Julian Marc , Brander Christian , Olvera Alex , Paredes Roger
Published: August 2022

The gut microbiota is emerging as a crucial factor modulating vaccine responses; however, few studies have investigated if vaccines, in turn, can alter the microbiota and to what extent such changes may improve vaccine efficacy. To understand the effect of T-cell vaccination on the gut microbiome, we administered an HIV-1 T-cell immunogen (HTI arm) or PBS (control) to C57Bl/6 mice following a heterologous prime-boost scheme. The longitudinal dynamics of the mice gut microbiota were characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing in fecal samples collected from cages, as well as from three gut sections (caecum, small and large intestine). Serum and spleen cells were obtained at the study endpoint to assess immune correlates using IFNγ ELISPOT and cytokine Luminex® assays. Compared with PBS, HTI vaccination increased several Clostridiales genera associated with anti-inflammatory responses, such as Eubacterium xylanophilum group, Roseburia and Ruminococcus. Such shifts were observed after the first HTI dose and remained throughout the study follow-up (18 weeks). Hoverer, the enriched Clostridiales specific genera were different between feces and gut sections. The abundance of HTI-enriched bacteria positively correlated with the magnitude of vaccine-induced responses and a set of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6. This longitudinal analysis reveals that, in mice, T-cell vaccination promotes the increase of anti-inflammatory gut bacteria in parallel to significant associations with proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting an adaptation of the gut microbial milieu to T-cell-induced systemic inflammation.