bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LiDAR and UAV SfM-MVS of Merapi Volcanic Dome And Crater Rim Change from 2012 to 2014
Authors: Gomez Christopher , Lavigne Franck , Listyaningrum Noviyanti , Wibowo Sandy Budi , Hadmoko Danang Sri , Suryanto Wiwit , Darmawan Herlan , Bradak Balazs , Daikai Rikuto , Sunardi Sunardi , Prasetyo Yudo , Astari Annisa Joviani , Lukman Lukman , Nurani Idea Wening , Dede Moh. , Suhendro Indranova
Published: August 2022

Spatial approach based on the deformation measurement of volcanic dome and crater rim is key to evaluate the activity of a volcano, such as Merapi volcano where associated disaster risk is regularly taking lives. Within this framework, this study aime to detect localized deformation and change in the summit area that has occurred concomitantly with the dome growth and explosion reported. The methodology was focused on two sets of data, one LiDAR-based dataset of 2012 and one UAV-dataset of 2014. The results show that during the period 2012-2014, the crater walls are 100 m to 120 m high above the crater floor at its maximum (North to East-South-East sector), while the West and North sector presents a topographic range of 40 to 80 m. During the period 2012 – 2014, the evolution of the crater rim around the dome is generally stable (no large collapse). The opening of a new vent on the surface of the dome has displaced an equivalent volume of 2.04 E+04 m3 corresponding to a maximum -9 m (+/- 0.9 m) vertically. This concludes that during the period 2012 – 2014 when the dome of Merapi experienced phreatic or phreatomagmatic explosions, the topography around the dome rose. This rise does not seem to be related to large wall collapses, and it is likely that modification in the subsurface have triggered those changes.
The Relationship between Motivation to Learn Biology and Discipline with Students’ Cognitive Learning Outcomes during Online Learning
Authors: Heryanti Erna , Azrai Eka Putri , Melvinasari Mega Widia
Published: August 2022

Biology learning and teaching process become more challenging during the Covid-19 pandemic since it is done online. The learning outcomes of the biology lesson during online learning are important for students’ academic achievement. Motivation to learn biology and discipline of students are factors that can influence students’ learning outcomes during online learning. This study aims to determine the correlation between motivation to learn biology and discipline with students’ cognitive learning outcomes during online learning. The research was conducted in February to June 2021 using a descriptive quantitative method with correlational study technique. The sample used was 179 students of grade X MIPA who were selected through simple random sampling technique. The data was collected by survey technique using motivation to learn biology questionnaire, discipline in learning biology during online learning questionnaire, and multiple-choice tests of cognitive learning outcomes. The research results showed that there is a positive correlation between motivation to learn biology with students’ cognitive learning outcomes, a positive correlation between discipline in learning biology during online learning with students’ cognitive learning outcomes, and a positive correlation between motivation to learn biology and discipline in learning biology during online learning with students’ cognitive learning outcomes.
Financing natural infrastructure : South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, California
Authors: Kurth Margaret , Greenfeld Bari , Smith Matthew , Fielding Samuel , Abellera Marriah , King Jeffrey
Published: August 2022

This technical note is part of a series collaboratively produced by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)–Institute for Water Resources (IWR) and the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). It describes the funding and financing process for the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project in San Francisco Bay, California and, like the other technical notes in this series, documents successful examples of funding natural infrastructure projects. The research effort is a collaboration between the Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) and Systems Approach to Geomorphic Engineering (SAGE) programs of USACE. A key need for greater application of natural infrastructure approaches is information about obtaining funds to scope, design, construct, monitor, and adaptively manage these projects. As natural infrastructure techniques vary widely by location, purpose, and scale, there is no standard process for securing funds. The goal of this series is to share lessons learned about a variety of funding and financing methods to increase the implementation of natural infrastructure projects.
Remote sensing capabilities to support EWN® projects : an R&D approach to improve project efficiencies and quantify performance
Authors: Suir Glenn , Reif Molly , Saltus Christina
Published: August 2022

Engineering With Nature (EWN®) is a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Initiative and Program that promotes more sustainable practices for delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaborative processes. As the number and variety of EWN® projects continue to grow and evolve, there is an increasing opportunity to improve how to quantify their benefits and communicate them to the public. Recent advancements in remote sensing technologies are significant for EWN® because they can provide project-relevant detail across a large areal extent, in which traditional survey methods may be complex due to site access limitations. These technologies encompass a suite of spatial and temporal data collection and processing techniques used to characterize Earth's surface properties and conditions that would otherwise be difficult to assess. This document aims to describe the general underpinnings and utility of remote sensing technologies and applications for use: (1) in specific phases of the EWN® project life cycle; (2) with specific EWN® project types; and (3) in the quantification and assessment of project implementation, performance, and benefits.
Effects of Carbonic Acid-Rock Interactions on CO2/Brine Multiphase Flow Properties in the Upper Minnelusa Sandstones
Authors: Kou Zuhao , Wang Heng , Alvarado Vladimir , Nye Charles , Bagdonas Davin A. , McLaughlin J. Fred , Quillinan Scott Austin
Published: August 2022

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection into a deep saline aquifer can dissolve into formation brine and generate carbonic acid. The resulting acid can drive fluid-rock geochemical reactions. The impact of these fluid-rock geochemical reactions on porosity, permeability, and multiphase flow responses is relevant to the determination of CO2 storage capacity of deep saline aquifers. In this research, carbonic acid flooding experiments were performed on core samples consisting of poorly sorted, quartz-rich sand with laminated bedding from a possible CO2 storage target in northwest Wyoming. Complementary pre- and post-injection porosity and permeability, thin-section, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP), and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) measurements were conducted. Overall, both core porosity and permeability increased after a 7-day carbonic acid injection, from 6.2 to 8.4% and 1.6 to 3.7 md, respectively. We attributed these changes to carbonate mineral dissolution, which was evidenced by the effluent brine geochemistry, pore-throat size distribution (PTSD), and BET surface area. To be more specific, within the more-permeable section of core samples containing larger pore size, the permeability increment is apparent due to dolomite mineral grains and cements dissolution. However, for the lower-permeability section corresponding to the smaller pore size, mineral precipitation possibly lessened dissolution effects, leading to insignificant petrophysical properties changes. Consequently, the observed heterogeneous carbonic acid-rock interactions resulted in alterations of CO2/brine relative permeability (i.e., the initial CO2 saturation decreased and the CO2 flow capacity was enhanced). This research provides a fundamental understanding regarding effects of fluid-rock reactions on changes in static and multiphase flow properties of eolian sandstones, which lays the foundation for more accurate prediction/simulation of CO2 injection into deep saline aquifers.
Immunoinformatics design of Bivalent Vaccine targeting S1-NTD and HA2 to simultaneously protect against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza infections
Authors: Rezaei Marzieh , Sabzali Somaieh , Satari Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Two of the most challenging viruses for vaccine development are SARS-COV-2 causing the current COVID-19 pandemic and influenza virus (H1N1) which spread annually causing seasonal epidemics or increase the pandemic risk. In this study, we analyzed the immonodominant epitope regions in Fusion peptides consisting of the Spike_S1_ N-terminal domain from SARS-COV-2 in-frame to hemagglutinin H2 (HA2) gene from Influenza A virus (H1N1) and also Human IFNɣ gene by two (G4S)3 linker. Method: The comprehensive analysis based on Immunoinformatic has been conducted on prediction servers to predict T and B cell epitopes. In silico cloning and expression in pET-28(+) expression vector and vaccine optimization were assessed. The overall model quality were accessed and the docking or binding affinity of designed vaccine to the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) were analyzed. The efficiency of the constructed vaccine confirmed by appropriate expression of designed vaccine candidate tested by in silico cloning in pET–28(+) vector and codon optimization might increase the production of vaccine candidate into Escherichia coli strain k12. Result and discussion: In conclusion, we suggest that this fusion peptide would be an attractive design strategy toward developing bivalent vaccine against both COVID-19 and Influenza as promising vaccine candidate without need to reformulation or vaccination each year. Our study is not a clinical study and there is no need to have a Trial Registration Number (TRN)
In vitro and Pharmacoinformatics-based phytochemical screening for anticancer impacts of pistachio hull essential oil on AGS, PLC/PRF/5, and CACO2 cell lines
Authors: Askari Nahid , Parvizpour Sepideh , Marashi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Baghery Fatemeh , Falahati-pour Soudeh Khanamani
Published: August 2022

Background: The essential oil of pistacia vera (cv. Ohadi) hull (PHEO) was checked using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. It was studied the genes of the wnt pathway with a certain concentration of PHEO on Human gastric cancer (AGS), human hepatocellular carcinoma (PLC/PRF/5), and human colon cancer (CACO2) cell lines. Methods and Results: After evaluating the survival rate of cancer cells by MTT test and determining IC50, pistachio hull essential oil (PHEO) was used for 24-hours to treat the cells. After RNA extraction, the expression of wnt pathway genes was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. Considering the crucial role of beta-catenin accumulation and its effect on the progression of gastrointestinal cancers, Western blot analysis was also used to determine the effect of PHEO in protein expression of β-catenin inhibition. Also, an in silico analysis was carried out to investigate the effect of PHEO extracted compounds on protein expression of β-catenin and FZD7 inhibition. According to the results, wnt pathway genes were changed in samples treated using PHEO. The results showed the up-regulation of GSK-3β and down-regulation of Wnt-1, LEF-1, TCF1, and CTNNB1 genes compared to the control. Conclusion: We showed inhibition of β-catenin protein in cancer cell lines. Four compounds of PHEO were suggested to have an inhibition effect on β-catenin and FZD7. These compounds can be useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Altogether, the inhibitory role of β-catenin protein can be very effective and can be considered one of the therapeutic goals in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
Adaptative Pressure Estimation and Control Architecture for Integrated Electro-Hydraulic Brake System
Authors: Gao Zhenhai , Yang Yi , Chen Guoying , Yuan Liang , Zhou Jianguang , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2022

To meet the higher requirements intelligent and electric trend of automobile puts forward for brake-by-wire system, the master cylinder pressure estimation and control is the core technology that need to be researched and improved. Most of the existing research about master cylinder pressure control is based on pressure sensor equipped in it. In this scheme, the failure of pressure sensor will seriously affect the reliability and it is difficult to ensure pressure tracking speed and accuracy at the same time. This article proposes an adaptative pressure estimation and control architecture which is based on estimated pressure instead of pressure sensor for integrated electro-hydraulic brake system. About the master cylinder pressure estimation, we propose an adaptative fusion method which calculates the weights of estimator based on vehicle mode and electro-hydraulic mode according to master cylinder pressure, longitudinal speed and ABS status, the estimated pressure from fusion method finally is used to update the hydraulic mode of integrated electro-hydraulic brake system. According to the updated hydraulic mode, we can derive the final estimated pressure and update the coefficient of the friction mode. In addition, this article proposes an adaptative LQR controller for master cylinder pressure control which uses fuzzy-logic controller to adjust the weights of LQR controller based on target pressure and difference compared with actual pressure. At last, through Mode-in-Loop and Hardware-in-Loop tests, we compare the estimated pressure and actual pressure, pressure tracking results of Piecewise PID controller and that of adaptative LQR controller in ramp, step and sinusoidal response. Based on the analysis of experiment results, we can conclude that the proposed adaptative pressure estimation and control architecture can estimate MC pressure effectively in any scene and ensure the pressure tracking speed and accuracy at the same time.
The Impact of Hydrogen Energy Storage Aqua Electrolyzer Fuels Cell on Automatic Generation Control of Power System using optimal fuzzy PI controller
Authors: Rai Ankur , DAS DUSHMANTA KUMAR KUMAR
Published: August 2022

The influence of energy storage hydrogen aqua electrolyzer (HAE)-fuel cell (FC) units on automated generation control (AGC) of linked power systems is investigated in this study. In today's fast-paced world, AGC plays a critical role in ensuring that the power supply meets high-quality requirements. This study proposes a novel fuzzy gain scheduling (FGS) PI controller as an intelligent control approach for enhancing AGC power system performance with or without HAE-FC units. The FGS-PI controller's input scaling factors (SFs) and output SFs are tuned using a class topper optimization. The suggested FGS-PI controller's sensitivity analysis is shown to evaluate its performance. Due to changes in system parameters and multi-step load disturbances, the suggested controller performs well.
Comparative characteristics of the structure and physicochemical properties of silica synthesized by pyrogenic and fluoride methods
Authors: Kurbanov Mirtemir , Tulaganov Sardor , Nuraliev Ulugbek , Andriyko Lyudmila , Goncharuk Olena , Guzenko Natalia , Nychyporuk Yurii , Marynin Andrii
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the comparative analysis of the properties of highly dispersed silicas synthesized by pyrogenic and fluoride methods. Raw materials and synthesis conditions differ significantly for the considered methods. The structure and surface properties of synthesized silica samples was characterized by a number of methods such as IR, nitrogen adsorption, SEM, microcalorimetry, temperature programmed desorption time-of-flight with mass-spectrometry (TPDM), thermogravimetric analysis. IR spectra showed presence of characteristic absorption bending bands at 468 сm− 1 (Si-O-Si) and at 800 сm− 1 (O-Si-O) and stretching vibrations bands in the range of 1000–1200 сm− 1 (Si-O-Si) for all the studied samples regardless of their synthesis method. The absorption band at 3750 cm− 1 attributed to free silanol groups ≡ Si-OH confirms the presence of this main sorption centers evenly distributed on the surface for all silica samples. The intensity of this band is quite low for samples obtained by the fluoride synthesis method due to the high water content. This fact is also confirmed by the TGA and TPDM methods. The distribution functions of the activation energy of water desorption demonstrates several maxima: (i) at 60–80 kJ/mol and 100 kJ/mol refers to desorption of molecularly adsorbed water; (ii) at 160–180 kJ/mol is due to the associatively desorbed water. All studied silica samples are hydrophilic according to values of the heat of immersion in water and n-decane, and their Rebinder’s hydrophilicity index Kh > 1. The BET surface area and pore volume of samples significantly depend both on the method of synthesis and on the raw materials.
Specific clinical characteristics are correlated with long-term SARS CoV-2 IgG titers
Authors: Schnapp Aviad , Gutbir Yuval , Ohana-Sarna Lea , Ben-Nachum Noa , Benenson Talya , Gilad Rivka , Lazaroff Heiley , Zamir Chen Stein , Shimon Reif , Wolf Dana , Kerem Eitan
Published: August 2022

Purpose
To investigate the correlation between various clinical characteristics and long-term SARS CoV-2 IgG following a COVID-19 outbreak in a school.
Methods
532 sera of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-tested children, adolescents and adults were collected seven months following a large eruption of COVID-19 in a high school in Jerusalem. Anti-S IgG antibody titers were obtained, quantified and analyzed in relation to clinical symptoms resulting from SARS CoV-2 infection.
Results
Only 80% of PCR-positive individuals at the time of the outbreak were seropositive seven months following exposure. IgG positivity was well-correlated with PCR-positivity, as was the IgG titer (ß=0.56, p < 0.01). Other correlations established included young age (ß=-0.12, p < 0.01) and symptoms including fever (ß=0.11, p = 0.02) and weakness (ß=0.14, p = 0.01). Households of individuals with negative serologies had fewer symptomatic members than households of IgG-positive individuals (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Clinical symptoms of fever and weakness may serve as predictive factors for long-term SARS-CoV-2 IgG following exposure to the virus.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0006421 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by acting as a ceRNA targeting miR-134-5p/CELF2 pathway
Authors: Zhou Lv , Chen Xiaohao , Pu Junxia , Shi Junhao , Deng Yibin
Published: August 2022

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks the sixth most common cancer in the number of malignancies worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in the progression of several malignancies. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanism and role of hsa_circ_0006421 in HCC are yet unclear. The present study aimed to verify the molecular mechanism and effects of hsa_circ_0006421 in HCC. Methods A total of 34 paired HCC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues surgically resected from patients were collected, and the expression of hsa_circ_0006421 in HCC tissues and the correlation with clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Then, CCK-8, colony formation, cell migration assay, transwell invasion assay, and Annexin-V/PI staining were used to assess the effects of hsa_circ_0006421 on the growth, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of HCC cells. Next, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-134-5p, CELF2, and hsa_circ_0006421. Finally, the targeting interactions of miR-134-5p and hsa_circ_0006421, CELF2 and miR-134-5p were explored using the dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results Hsa_circ_0006421 was diminished in HCC tissues, and its downregulation was related to cirrhosis history. Hsa_circ_0006421 knockdown promoted HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion and inhibited apoptosis, whereas overexpression had opposite effects. Moreover, hsa_circ_0006421 served as the competing endogenous RNA of miR-134-5p. Subsequently, a reciprocal correlation between CELF2 and miR-134-5p was established. Hsa_circ_0006421 positively regulated the protein level of CELF2 in HCC. Conclusion Hsa_circ_0006421 inhibits liver cancer by regulating miR-134-5p/CELF2 axis.
Exploring medical students' perceptions of Family Medicine in Kyrgyzstan: A mixed method study
Authors: Ismailova Zhyldyz , Mambetalieva Damira , Brimkulov Nurlan , Beran David , Nendaz Mathieu , Vu Nu Viet , Loutan Louis , Baroffio Anne , Heller Olivia
Published: August 2022

Background Despite knowing that health systems with a strong primary care basis improve overall health outcomes within a population, many countries are facing a global trend of declining interest and shortage of family doctors. This is the case of the Kyrgyz Republic, in which rural areas are struggling to attract and retain family medicine (FM) doctors. This study aims to explore how Kyrgyz medical students perceive FM and the factors that influence their specialty choice.Methods This study used a cross-sectional explanatory sequential design, including quantitative survey and focus group discussions that were carried out at the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) in Bishkek in 2017. Overall, 66% (953 out of 1449) of medical undergraduate students registered in year 1, 4 and 6 completed the survey, and 42 participated in the focus groups. The results were organized around 7 factors influencing perceptions and attitudes towards FM identified through a qualitative systematic review by Olid et al. Results The interest of Kyrgyz students for FM was the lowest of all specialties. Access to high medical technologies, career opportunities, salary, patient interaction and possibility to work abroad were the five most important factors influencing specialty choice. FM was perceived as a difficult profession, yet with poor prestige, insufficient remuneration, limited career possibilities and poor working conditions, especially in rural areas. The academic discourse, which disregards FM specialty had a negative influence on student’s perceptions and prevented students' ability to identify with the practice of family medicine. However, students’ awareness of their social accountability arose as a positive leverage to increase the choice of FM, provided other problems were solved. Conclusion This study highlighted key factors responsible of the low number of students choosing to become FM in Kyrgyzstan. The first major factor, presumably specific to many LMICs was the poor working conditions in remote areas. The second factor, common to many countries, was the distorted image of FM and its specialty transmitted through the medical schools’ institutional culture which does not value FM through positive role models. This study served as a basis to establish a strategy to promote FM within the KSMA and potentially at National level.
How can we push social robot use cases in healthcare - An interoperable programming interface
Authors: Glauser Robin Paul , Holm Jürgen , Bender Matthias , Bürkle Thomas
Published: August 2022

Background: Currently, it is hard for non-robotics-experts to create healthcare use cases for robots. To improve this situation, we want to implement our own middleware. This middleware should hide the technical details from our students. With this it will be possible to create social robotic use cases without robotics domain knowledge. The new middleware should cover the existing requirements of being usable by non-experts. Existing robot middleware were researched, and we found that most are too complicated or outdated. This is the reason a new middleware was developed. We developed our new middleware based on Android. The middleware can be put over existing robot SDKs and middleware. It runs on the android tablet of the Cruzr robot. Some tooling for the middleware was developed as well, e.g. a web component to control the robot via a webinterface.Results: We created the new robot middleware and deployed it on a Cruzr robot. The middleware relies on the WebSocket API and includes a Python implementation. The middleware supports various robot functions e.g. text-to-speech, speech-to-text, navigation, displaying content and scanning bar codes. We can show that the middleware can run on a Pepper robot. Although we did not implement all functions.Conclusions: In a one week course the middleware held its ground. It was used by the students to implement healthcare use cases. The feedback about the middleware from the students was good as well. There were minor issues that we were able to correct or adjust for during the course. With the provided architecture, it is possible to port this interface to other robots. This allows us to then use all the tools and documentation created for this interface. As we made the interface easy to get started with, it is a good foundation for teaching non-technical staff. We showed that it is possible to run the middleware on the Pepper robot. For future student courses this means students can exchange code even if they didn't work with the same robot. We also share our look on cloud based and local speech services. We discuss what the middleware needs, to run without having to change any code on other robots. Also we give an outlook at how the programming interface can be made even simpler by using natural text to code generators. For other researchers using the mentioned platforms (Cruzr, Pepper) this new middleware can be used for testing human robot interaction. It could help implementing their own real life usecases and be used in a teaching setting as well. It is also possible to adapt the middleware to other robots using the same interface and philosophy of using simple methods.
Clinical utility of the neutrophil elastase inhibitor Sivelestat for the treatment of sepsis asscociated with both acute respiratory distress syndrome and Septic cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Lv Hui , Shi Qingyuan , Huang Langjing , Xiao Shuna , Zhang Changdong , Shang Xiaoke
Published: August 2022

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) and Septic cardiomyopathy(SCM) are most serious complications of sepsis. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the neutrophil elastase inhibitor sivelestat for the treatment of sepsis induced ARDS and SCM. Methods: Seventy patients who were diagnosed with ARDS and SCM between January 2019 and December 2021 at our hospital were randomly divided into sivelestat-treated group and the control group. Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and HMGB1 were compared at five time points(baseline, 12h, 24h, 48h and 72h after ICU admission). Cardiac function evaluation by color Doppler ultrasound and Heart rate variability evaluation by 24h Holter recording was assessed at the time of ICU admission and 72h after sivelestat treatment. Results:The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-αwere significantly lower in the sivelestat-treated group at different time points(12h, 24h, 48h and 72h). HMGB1 levels were significantly lower 72 h after ICU admission in the sivelestat-treated group(19.46±2.63pg/mL vs. 21.20±2.03pg/mL, P = 0.003). The SV, TAPSE, E/A, e’, and a’value were significantly low in the control group compared with the sivelestat-treated group. Tei index was high in the control group compared with the sivelestat-treated group (0.60±0.08 vs. 0.56±0.07, P = 0.029). The result of Heart rate variability showed there were significant differences in SDNN, LF and LF/HF between two groups. Conclusions: Sivelestat can significantly reduce the level of plasma inflammatory factors, improve cardiac function and reduce heart rate variability in patients with sepsis induced ARDS and SCM. The trial registration number: ChiCTR-OPC-17013149
Thi̇rdhand Smoke: Are Parents Aware of İt?
Authors: AKCA Gulfer , AKCA Unal
Published: August 2022

PURPOSEThis study aims to understand the beliefs about thirdhand smoke among parents or grandparents of children in Northern Turkey and to provide an evidence base to incorporate thirdhand smoke preventative action into tobacco control interventions.METHODSThis cross-sectional study were collected through face-to-face interviews in a tertiary training hospital. Total of 1016 parents make assessments on the 'beliefs about thirdhand smoke' (BATHS) scale. Sociodemographic details including age, gender, education level, smoking status, personal income, exposure in the home, car or outside, type of home ownership and awareness of the term third-hand smoke were investigated. Scale assessment, univariate and multivariate analyses to explore the factors influencing the BATHS scale and awareness of the term third-hand smoke, were performed using SPSS version 22.0.RESULTSParticipants who were grandparents,non smokers, higher incomes, those who have heard the term third-hand smoke and higher education levels were more likely to get higher scores on the BATHS scale (p<0.001). The level of awareness is 8.7%. Awareness of the term third-hand smoke was associated with education (OR=18.835;95% CI:5.205- 68.186, p<0.001), living own home (OR=2,667;95% CI:1.377-5.181, p=0.004). Smoking status, exposure in the home,car and ouside get higher BATHS score (p<0.001) but not significant with awereness (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONSThirdhand smoke harm belief was associated with education, enforced smoke-free home and car and attempts to quit smoking. Sensitizing parents to thirdhand smoke risk could guide targeted actions for smoke-free home interventions
Deciphering of seed Health of common food grains(wheat,rice) of North Eastern UP and Gurgaon Haryana, India
Authors: NK Narendra Kumar , Khurana SM Paul Khurana , VN Vashist. N. Pandey
Published: August 2022

The stored samples of food grains of wheat and rice(60 samples) were purchased from places of Eastern UP and Gurgaon district Haryana. Its moisture contents were estimated.The Mycological investigations of wheat revealed presence of a total number of 16 fungal species viz., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus candidus ,Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. ochraceous ,A. phoenicis, A. tamari,A. terreus, A. sydowi ,Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum F. solani ,P. glabrum ,Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma viride and Trichothecium roseum. While Mycological analysis of rice seeds showed presence of 15 fungal species viz., Alternaria padwickii, A. oryzae, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, Aspergillus clavatus, A. flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium sp., Nigrospora oryzae, Alternaria tenuissima, Chaetomium globosum, F. solani, Microascus cirrosus, Helminthosporium oryzae, Pyricularia grisea.It also projected variation in presence of fungal species in blotter and agar plate method of analysis. The insect analysis revealed that wheat samples were infected with Tribolium castaneum.While rice sample showed presence of insect Sitophilus oryzae. The investigations revealed that Aspergillus flavus, A.niger, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum caused reduction in seed weight loss, seed germination,carbohydrate and protein contents of common food grains(wheat,rice).It also revealed that randomly selected A. flavus isolate 1 of wheat showed higher potential of aflatoxin B1 production (1392.940 µg/l) while rice isolate 2 showed 1231.117 µg/l production.
Phenotypic, Molecular Detection And Antibiogram Analysis of Aeromonas Hydrophila from Oreochromis Niloticus (Nile Tilapia) And Ready-To- Eat Fish Products in selected Rift Valley Lakes of Ethiopia
Authors: Kerigano Nebiyu Kassa , Chibsa Tesfaye Rufael , Molla Yitbarek Getachew , Mohamed Abde Aliy , Tamiru Mekdes , Bulto Abebe Olani , Wodaj Tafesse Koran , Gebreweld Dereje Shegu , Abdi Alemu Kebede
Published: August 2022

Background: Aeromonas hydrophila is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen that frequently causes disease and mass mortalities among cultured and feral fishes worldwide. In Ethiopia, A. hydrophila outbreak was reported in Sebeta fish ponds and in Lake Tana fishery. However, there is no to little information on the molecular, and phenotypical characteristics of A. hydrophila in Ethiopian fisheries. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to May 2021 in selected Ethiopian Rift valley lakes.Results: A total of 140 samples were collected aseptically from fish (Muscle, Gill, Intestine, Spleen and Kidney) from fish landing sites, market and restaurants with purposive sampling methods. Aeromonas selective media (AMB), morphological and biochemical tests were used to isolate and identify A. hydrophila. Accordingly, the pathogen was isolated from 81 (60.45%) of samples. Among the isolates 92.59% expressed virulence trait through β hemolysis on blood agar media with 5% sheep blood. Moreover, 54 strains (66.67%) were further confirmed with Real-Time PCR (qPCR) using ahaI gene specific primers and optimized protocol. The highest (68.51%) were detected from live fish, (24.07%) were from market fish and the lowest (7.4%%) were from ready-to-eat products. Antibiogram analysis was conducted on ten representative isolates. Accordingly, A. hydrophila isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (100%), chloramphenicol (100%) and ceftriaxone (100%). However, all ten isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Penicillin.Conclusions: The study indicates A. hydrophila strains carrying virulence ahaI gene that were ß-hemolytic and resistant to antibiotics commonly used in human and veterinary medicine are circulating in the fishery. The detection of the pathogen in 140 of the sampled fish population is alarming for potential outbreaks and zoonosis. Therefore, further molecular epidemiology of the disease should be studied to establish potential inter host transmission and antibiotic resistance traits. Therefore, raising the public awareness on risk associated with consuming undercooked or raw fish meat is pertinent.
What computations can be done with traveling waves in visual cortex?
Authors: Benigno Gabriel , Budzinski Roberto , Davis Zachary , Reynolds John , Muller Lyle
Published: August 2022

Recent analyses have found waves of neural activity traveling across entire visual cortical areas in awake animals. These traveling waves modulate excitability of local networks and perceptual sensitivity. The general computational role for these spatiotemporal patterns in the visual system, however, remains unclear. Here, we hypothesize that traveling waves endow the brain with the capacity to predict complex and naturalistic visual inputs. We present a new network model whose connections can be rapidly and efficiently trained to predict natural movies. After training, a few input frames from a movie trigger complex wave patterns that drive accurate predictions many frames into the future, solely from the network’s connections. When the recurrent connections that drive waves are randomly shuffled, both traveling waves and the ability to predict are eliminated. These results show traveling waves could play an essential computational role in the visual system by embedding continuous spatiotemporal structures over spatial maps.
A novel rectenna design: To make Wireless Sensor Network
Technology Affordable for Low-Income Countries
Authors: Sharma Priya , Singh Ashutosh , Naresh B , Singh Vinod
Published: August 2022

Wireless Sensor Networks have numerous applications in several fields like Military, HealthCare, Surveillance applications, Agriculture monitoring etc. It is worth mentioning here that developing countries and low income countries are still deprived of availing the benefits of wireless sensor networks (wsn) due to their high cost and poor life time. Since, most of the wireless sensor networks work in an unattended environment; therefore it is not possible to charge the motes. Motes become dead after getting discharged and huge expenditure in creating wireless sensor network becomes meaningless. We have no other option except to install some energy harvesting device in the motes to make the wsn technology economical and suitable for developing and low income countries. A novel and compact monopole conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) fed rectenna design is proposed for radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting in wireless sensor networks (WSN). The rectenna's maximum measured power conversion efficiency (PCE), tested at 2.5 GHz, 2KΩ of load resistance, and 1.89 V of output voltage, is determined to be 33.5%.
Efficacy of olive stones and corncobs crystalline silica nanoparticles (Sio2, NPs) treatments on potato tuber moths (Phthorimaea operculella)
Authors: Idris I. , Naddaf M. , Harmalani H. , Alshater R. , Alsafadi R.
Published: August 2022

Morphological and microstructural properties of silica (SiO2) are essential factors that need to be considered during the experimental applications. In this report, SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared at different concentrations from SiO2 powder derived from olive stones and corncobs by an alkali leaching extraction method. Thermal treatment has been used to modify the morphological and microstructural properties of the extracted SiO2. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the extracted amorphous SiO2 has been transformed into a crystalline phase after the thermal treatment. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements revealed significant reduction in both the specific surface area (SABET) and the total pores volume (Vtotal) of the derived SiO2 samples after the thermal treatment. The acquired thermal treatment properties of SiO2 found to have high impacts on the influence of the SiO2 NPs on the survival and development of larvae and pupae of P. opercullela. SiO2 NPs prepared from the crystalline silica samples exhibited less efficiency on suppressing potato tuber moth comparing to SiO2 NPs of the amorphous silica powders. Varied effects on biological parameters including larvae mortality, pupae weight, larval and pupal development time, fecundity and fertility are also linked to the SiO2 NPs source type and showed concentration depending manner effects. SiO2 NPs are conditionally effective as an alternative pesticide against P. opercullela, based on their sources, mesoporous structures and concentrations.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the WRKY gene family in five legumes
Authors: Ling Lei , Zhao He , Chen Naiyu , Yin Yajie , Yue Hua , Qin Shumian , Zhao Xiaoju , Ren Guoling
Published: August 2022

Background: WRKY is a transcription factor with 60 highly conserved amino acid region, regulating physiological processes and development in many plants and respond to a variety of abiotic stresses. However, the WRKY gene family has not been systematically studied in multiple legumes.Results: In this study, genome-wide analysis of five legumes (Phaseolus vulgaris, Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus, Glycine max, Cicer arietinum) identified 90, 108, 83, 185 and 61 WRKY genes, respectively. Besides, the chromosomal localization, phylogenesis, conserved motifs, gene structure and gene replication analysis were proceed for WRKY genes. The results showed that the legumes WRKY gene branches from the same evolutionary system have similar protein structures. In addition, by analyzing the transcriptome data we figured out that the expression level of WRKY differed in each tissue. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was carried out to investigate the expression patterns of WRKY under abiotic stress. The results show that WRKY protein play crucial regulatory roles under salt and drought stress. Conclusions: In summary, these results comprehensively describes the WRKY gene of five legumes, which provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the biological functions of members of the WRKY gene family in legumes.
Reshaping mental health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic: service response and telepsychiatry in a catchment area of 10 million people
Authors: D'Agostino Armando , Giordano Barbara , Cerveri Giancarlo , Tomassi Simona , Cibra Chiara , Poli Vanna , Sacchi Paola , Cipriani Andrea , Dell'Osso Bernardo , Brambilla Paolo , Gambini Orsola
Published: August 2022

BackgroundDetailed information on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on large public health systems is lacking. Here we describe the overall functioning of a regional network comprising 58 community mental health centres (CMHCs), which covers a catchment area of approximately 10 million people.MethodsWe employed a registry–based approach to summarize descriptive information on demographic and clinical data retrieved from all CMHCs over a two–year period, grouped according to the provinces of Lombardy in Italy. We then described the progression of all subtypes of remote vs. in-person consultations across provinces after the onset of the pandemic, and calculated remote/face–to–face service delivery ratios according to gender, age and main diagnosis.ResultsCompared to the previous year, the largest drop of outpatient contacts was recorded in provinces that were most affected by the early impact of the viral outbreak, peaking in March and May 2020 (-21.89% and -16.86% respectively). A progressive increase of telepsychiatry interventions was observed diffusely, reaching a peak of almost one every four consultations. Remote/face–to–face ratios were significantly higher in females across all age and diagnostic subgroups, in patients from lower age groups and with diagnoses of Eating and Obsessive–Compulsive disorders.ConclusionsOur study is the first to describe the impact of the pandemic on a large public mental health system. Future research on service uptake and cost–effectiveness of blended remote delivery should be tailored to service users of different age groups and clinical diagnoses to optimize organization of services.
“If this makes you happy”: a quanti-qualitative analysis of how adolescents have cared for their well-being during the COVID-19 syndemic
Authors: Pepe Alessandro , Farina Eleonora
Published: August 2022

In this study, we set out to investigate adolescents’ levels of perceived well-being and to map how they went about caring for their well-being during the COVID-19 syndemic. Participants were 229 Italian adolescent high school students (48.9% males, mean age = 16.64). The research design was based on an exploratory, parallel, mixed-method approach. A multi-method, student-centered, computer-assisted, semi-structured online interview was used as the data gathering tool, including both a standardized quantitative questionnaire on perceived well-being and an open-ended question about how adolescents were taking charge of their well-being during the COVID-19 health emergency. Main findings reveal general low levels of perceived well-being during the syndemic, especially in girls and in older adolescents. Higher levels of well-being are associated with more affiliative strategies (we-ness/togetherness) whereas low levels of well-being are linked with more individualistic strategies (I-ness/separatedness) in facing the health emergency. These findings identify access to social support as a strategy for coping with situational stress and raise reflection on the importance of balancing the need for physical distancing to protect from infection, and the need for social closeness to maintain good mental health.
Unpaid family responsibilities and absenteeism among health workers in primary healthcare centres in Enugu state, Nigeria: Does location of health facility matter?
Authors: Nwokolo Chukwudi , Onwujekwe Obinna , Obodoechi Divine Ndubuisi , McKee Martin , Angell Blake , Agwu Prince , Orjiakor Charles , Odii Aloysius , Hutchinson Eleanor , Balabanova Dina
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The high rate of absenteeism among health workers (especially those in primary healthcare) has become an issue of significant concern in Nigeria. It was estimated that 34% of staff are absent at any time, with substantial consequences for their ability to deliver safe and effective care. The available literature points to a diverse range of factors associated with absenteeism but one that has received less attention than others is the role of unpaid family responsibilities, which might be expected to vary with location of the facility. We examined the influence of unpaid family responsibilities on absenteeism among health workers and its interaction with urban and rural location. Method: The study was undertaken in Enugu state, southeast Nigeria using a cross sectional survey, which included 412 health workers that work in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The study used the revised Steers and Rhodes (1990) model of absenteeism, with binary logistic regression to examine the associations between absenteeism and unpaid family responsibilities capturing the interaction of location and unpaid family role. Results: Unpaid family responsibilities exhibit a positive but insignificant relationship with absenteeism. The same positive and insignificant relationship was found with rural location. However, when adjusted for location, unpaid family responsibilities significantly (p = 0.01) increased the probability of a health worker engaging in absenteeism by (26%). Also, health workers who live in the accommodation provided by facilities are significantly less likely to be absent. More so, health workers who perceive their workload to be manageable are significantly less likely to engage in absenteeism than those who perceive it to be occasionally too much but manageable and not manageable.Conclusion: There are few strategies that have been successful in addressing absenteeism especially in acknowledging causes that lie outside the health system. Unpaid family responsibilities and location of health facility independently increases absenteeism but their effects were not significant, however when the two are interacted, there is a significant positive effect which was traced to the positive association between rural location and absenteeism. These findings point to the potential to reduce absenteeism by finding new ways to support staff, such as offering flexibility to allow them to take care of family responsibilities and by better provision of health worker accommodation in rural areas by host communities.
Nonlinear dynamics of a three species prey-predator system incorporating fear effect and harvesting
Authors: Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Gupta Ravi Pratap , Kumar Arun
Published: August 2022

Fear of predators is a well-recognized phenomenon that results from predation in a natural food-chain or food-web ecosystem. Wang et al. (2016) published the first food-chain model that included the predator's fear effect on prey growth rate. The indirect impact of fear has been studied through its inclusion in several food web and food chain models in various ecological contexts. Some recent studies and field experiments show that predators affect their prey not only by direct capture; they also induce fear in prey species, which reduces their reproduction rate. The dynamics of a three-species prey-predator model are discussed, with the assumption that the logistic growth rate of prey is reduced as a result of both predators' fears, and the reproduction rate of intermediate consumers is affected by the top predator. We carry out the feasibility, existence of steady states, local stability analysis, and bifurcation analysis. Through numerical simulation, we show that the system stays chaotic at a low cost of fear, but an increase in the fear factor results in stability. We conclude that the chaotic dynamics of the system is controlled by fear effects, i.e., the whole prey-predator system is driven by the fear effect of predators.Mathematics Subject Classification (2020): 34D20, 34C23, 65P20