bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weyl semimetal integrated three-unit polarimeters
Authors: Tian Fugu , Jia Yufei , Luo Haokun , Arachchige Hasitha Suriya , Mandrus David , Lu Jia Grace , Christodoulides Demetrios N. , Khajavikhan Mercedeh
Published: August 2022

The unique topology of Weyl
semimetals’ band structure has been recently shown to lead to a host
of novel optoelectronic properties. Among them is the prospect of
polarization-dependent photocurrents, most notably the circular
photogalvanic effect arising from the spin texture of the Weyl cones
in the presence of symmetry breaking. Here we show that these
helicity-dependent photocurrent processes can be employed to realize
fully integrated polarimetric detection systems. In this respect, a
TaAs-based polarimeter is demonstrated involving three pixels that can
uniquely map the polarization state of light on the Poincaré sphere.
Our work could enable a class of optoelectronic devices that directly
respond to the polarization of incident light, while paving the way
toward a better understating of light–matter interactions in Weyl
semimetals.
Metasurface empowered lithium niobate optical phased array with an enlarged field of view
Authors: Wang Zhizhang , Song Wange , Chen Yuxin , Fang Bin , Ji Jitao , Xin Haoran , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: August 2022

Integrated optical phased arrays (OPAs) have attracted significant interest to steer laser beams for applications including free-space communications, holography, and light detection and ranging. Although many methods have been proposed to suppress grating lobes, OPAs have also been limited by the trade-off between field of view (FOV) and beamforming efficiency. Here, we propose a metasurface empowered port-selected OPA (POPA), an OPA steered by port selection, which is implemented by an aperiodic waveguide array with an average pitch less than the wavelength and phase controlled by coupling among waveguides. A metasurface layer above the POPA was designed to increase wide FOV steering, aliasing-free by polarization division. As a result, we experimentally demonstrate beam scanning over a

±
41.04
°
×
7.06
°

FOV. The aliasing-free POPA with expanded FOV shows successful incorporation of the waveguide-based OPA technique with an emerging metasurface design, indicating much exploration in concepts for integrated photonic devices.
Gain-enabled optical delay readout unit using CMOS-compatible avalanche photodetectors
Authors: Das Ranjan , Xie Yanran , Frankis Henry , Chen Keru , Rufenacht Hermann , Lamontagne Guillaume , Bradley Jonathan D. B. , Knights Andrew P.
Published: August 2022

A compact time delay unit is fundamental to integrated photonic circuits with applications in, for example, optical beam-forming networks, photonic equalization, and finite and infinite impulse response optical filtering. In this paper, we report a novel gain-enabled delay readout system using a tunable optical carrier, low-frequency RF signal and CMOS-compatible photodetectors, suitable for silicon photonic integration. The characterization method relies on direct phase measurement of an input RF signal and thereafter extraction of the delay profile. Both integrated silicon and germanium photodetectors coupled with low-bandwidth electronics are used to characterize a microring resonator-based, true-time delay unit under distinct ring–bus coupling formats. The detectors, used in both linear and avalanche mode, are shown to be successful as optical-to-electrical converters and RF amplifiers without introducing significant phase distortion. For a Si–Ge separate-absorption-charge-multiplication avalanche detector, an RF amplification of 10 dB is observed relative to a Ge PIN linear detector. An all-silicon defect-mediated avalanche photodetector is shown to have a 3 dB RF amplification compared to the same PIN detector. All ring delay measurement results are validated by full-wave simulation. Additionally, the impact of photodetector biasing and system linearity is analyzed.
Iterative photonic processor for fast complex-valued matrix inversion
Authors: Chen Minjia , Cheng Qixiang , Ayata Masafumi , Holm Mark , Penty Richard
Published: August 2022

AnN×Niterative photonic processor is proposed for the first time, we believe, for fast computation of complex-valued matrix inversion, a fundamental but computationally expensive linear algebra operation. Compared to traditional digital electronic processing, optical signal processing has a few unparalleled features that could enable higher representational efficiency and faster computing speed. The proposed processor is based on photonic integration platforms–the inclusion of III-V gain blocks offers net neutral loss in the phase-sensitive loops. This is essential for the Richardson iteration method that is adopted in this paper for complex linear systems. Wavelength multiplexing can be used to significantly improve the processing efficiency, allowing the computation of multiple columns of the inverse matrix using a single processor core. Performances of the key building blocks are modeled and simulated, followed by a system-level analysis, which serves as a guideline for designing anN×NRichardson iteration processor. An inversion accuracy of>98%can be predicted for a64×64photonic processor with a>80times faster inversion rate than electronic processors. Including the power consumed by both active components and electronic circuits, the power efficiency of the proposed processor is estimated to be over an order of magnitude more energy-efficient than electronic processors. The proposed iterative photonic integrated processor provides a promising solution for future optical signal processing systems.
Mapping of promoter usage QTL using RNA-seq data reveals their contributions to complex traits
Authors: Kubota Naoto , Suyama Mikita
Published: August 2022

Genomic variations are associated with gene expression levels, which are called expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). Most eQTL may affect the total gene expression levels by regulating transcriptional activities of a specific promoter. However, the direct exploration of genomic loci associated with promoter activities using RNA-seq data has been challenging because eQTL analyses treat the total expression levels estimated by summing those of all isoforms transcribed from distinct promoters. Here we propose a new method for identifying genomic loci associated with promoter activities, called promoter usage quantitative trait loci (puQTL), using conventional RNA-seq data. By leveraging public RNA-seq datasets from the lymphoblastoid cell lines of 438 individuals from the GEUVADIS project, we obtained promoter activity estimates and mapped 2,592 puQTL at the 10% FDR level. The results of puQTL mapping enabled us to interpret the manner in which genomic variations regulate gene expression. We found that 310 puQTL genes (16.1%) were not detected by eQTL analysis, suggesting that our pipeline can identify novel variant–gene associations. Furthermore, we identified genomic loci associated with the activity of “hidden” promoters, which the standard eQTL studies have ignored. We found that most puQTL signals were concordant with at least one genome-wide association study (GWAS) signal, enabling novel interpretations of the molecular mechanisms of complex traits. Our results emphasize the importance of the re-analysis of public RNA-seq datasets to obtain novel insights into gene regulation by genomic variations and their contributions to complex traits.
A novel logical model of COVID-19 intracellular infection to support therapies development
Authors: Piretto Elena , Selvaggio Gianluca , Bragantini Damiano , Domenici Enrico , Marchetti Luca
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a logical-based mathematical model of the cellular pathways involved in the COVID-19 infection has been developed to study various drug treatments (single or in combination), in different illness scenarios, providing insights into their mechanisms of action. Drug simulations suggest that the effects of single drugs are limited, or depending on the scenario counterproductive, whereas better results appear combining different treatments. Specifically, the combination of the anti-inflammatory Baricitinib and the anti-viral Remdesivir showed significant benefits while a stronger efficacy emerged from the triple combination of Baricitinib, Remdesivir, and the corticosteroid Dexamethasone. Together with a sensitivity analysis, we performed an analysis of the mechanisms of the drugs to reveal their impact on molecular pathways.
Neurocysticercosis in Latin America: Current epidemiological situation based on official statistics from four countries
Authors: Rodríguez-Rivas Roberto , Flisser Ana , Norcia Luiz Fernando , Hamamoto Filho Pedro Tadao , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Carpio Arturo , Romo Matthew L. , Fleury Agnès
Published: August 2022

Background

Neurocysticercosis (NC) is one of the major parasitic diseases affecting the central nervous system and is endemic in much of Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Its epidemiology is difficult to assess, although official registries are available in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Methodology/Principal findings

Using official statistics, we assessed trends in NC hospitalization rates during 1998–2019 in Brazil and Ecuador, during 2004–2019 in Mexico, and during 2009–2019 in Colombia. We also assessed the trend in NC mortality in Brazil (1998–2019), the trend in hospitalizations for NC in a Mexican tertiary-level hospital (Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía [INNN]; 1995–2019), and in Mexican primary care ambulatory clinics (1995–2019). Associations between NC hospitalization rates and the human development index (HDI) were also examined.

In Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico, statistically significant decreases in NC hospitalization rates were observed. In Mexico, a significant increase in the age of patients at INNN was observed, suggesting a decreasing incidence of recent infection. Conversely, a significant increase in NC hospitalization rate was observed in Colombia. HDI was not significantly associated with NC hospitalization rates when adjusting for time.

Conclusions

The downward trends in NC cases in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico are encouraging, especially in the context of the PAHO/WHO plan of action to eliminate neglected tropical diseases from the region. On the other hand, in Colombia, the increased NC hospitalization rate is concerning and needs further evaluation so that the authorities can take specific measures. These results should encourage health authorities in other endemic countries to establish a system of official registries to identify where the need for a control program is most urgent. However, it is also important to remember that NC persists, although less frequently in some Latin American countries, and efforts to achieve its control must continue.
Investigating the quality of HIV rapid testing practices in public antenatal health care facilities, South Africa
Authors: Nsibande Duduzile F. , Woldesenbet Selamawit A. , Puren Adrian , Barron Peter , Maduna Vincent I. , Lombard Carl , Cheyip Mireille , Mogashoa Mary , Pillay Yogan , Magasana Vuyolwethu , Ramraj Trisha , Kufa Tendesayi , Kindra Gurpreet , Goga Ameena , Chirinda Witness
Published: August 2022

Monitoring HIV prevalence using antenatal HIV sentinel surveillance is important for efficient epidemic tracking, programme planning and resource allocation. HIV sentinel surveillance usually employs unlinked anonymous HIV testing which raises ethical, epidemiological and public health challenges in the current era of universal test and treat. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries should consider using routine prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) data for surveillance. We audited antenatal care clinics to assess the quality of HIV rapid testing practices as the first step to assess whether South Africa is ready to utilize PMTCT programme data for antenatal HIV surveillance. In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in 360 randomly sampled antenatal care clinics using the adapted WHO Stepwise-Process-for-Improving-the-Quality-of-HIV-Rapid-Testing (SPI-RT) checklist. We calculated median percentage scores within a domain (domain-specific median score), and across all domains (overall median percentage scores). The latter was used to classify sites according to five implementation levels; (from 0:<40% to 4: 90% or higher). Of 346 (96.1%) facilities assessed, an overall median percentage score of 62.1% (inter-quartile range (IQR): 50.8–71.9%) was obtained. The lowest domain-specific median percentage scores were obtained under training/certification (35% IQR: 10.0–50.0%) and external quality assurance (12.5% IQR: 0.0–50.0%), respectively. The majority (89%) of sites had an overall median score at level 2 or below; of these, 37% required improvement in specific areas and 6.4% in all areas. Facilities in districts implementing the HIV Rapid Test Quality Improvement Initiative and supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) had significantly higher median overall scores (65.6% IQR: 53.9–74.2%) (P-value from rank sum test: <0.001) compared with non–PEPFAR–supported facilities (56.6% IQR:47.7–66.0%). We found sub-optimal implementation of HIV rapid testing practices. We recommend the expansion of the PEPFAR-funded Rapid Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) support to all antenatal care testing sites.
Plasmodium falciparum serology: A comparison of two protein production methods for analysis of antibody responses by protein microarray
Authors: Oulton Tate , Obiero Joshua , Rodriguez Isabel , Ssewanyana Isaac , Dabbs Rebecca A. , Bachman Christine M. , Greenhouse Bryan , Drakeley Chris , Felgner Phil L. , Stone Will , Tetteh Kevin K. A.
Published: August 2022

The evaluation of protein antigens as putative serologic biomarkers of infection has increasingly shifted to high-throughput, multiplex approaches such as the protein microarray. In vitro transcription/translation (IVTT) systems–a similarly high-throughput protein expression method–are already widely utilised in the production of protein microarrays, though purified recombinant proteins derived from more traditional whole cell based expression systems also play an important role in biomarker characterisation. Here we have performed a side-by-side comparison of antigen-matched protein targets from an IVTT and purified recombinant system, on the same protein microarray. The magnitude and range of antibody responses to purified recombinants was found to be greater than that of IVTT proteins, and responses between targets from different expression systems did not clearly correlate. However, responses between amino acid sequence-matched targets from each expression system were more closely correlated. Despite the lack of a clear correlation between antigen-matched targets produced in each expression system, our data indicate that protein microarrays produced using either method can be used confidently, in a context dependent manner, though care should be taken when comparing data derived from contrasting approaches.
Computations of the shear stresses distribution experienced by passive particles as they circulate in turbulent flow: A case study for vWF protein molecules
Authors: Pham Oanh L. , Feher Samuel E. , Nguyen Quoc T. , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V.
Published: August 2022

The stress distribution along the trajectories of passive particles released in turbulent flow were computed with the use of Lagrangian methods and direct numerical simulations. The flow fields selected were transitional Poiseuille-Couette flow situations found in ventricular assist devices and turbulent flows at conditions found in blood pumps. The passive particle properties were selected to represent molecules of the von Willebrand factor (vWF) protein. Damage to the vWF molecule can cause disease, most often related to hemostasis. The hydrodynamic shear stresses along the trajectories of the particles were calculated and the changes in the distribution of stresses were determined for proteins released in different locations in the flow field and as a function of exposure time. The stress distributions indicated that even when the average applied stress was within a safe operating regime, the proteins spent part of their trajectories in flow areas of damaging stress. Further examination showed that the history of the distribution of stresses applied on the vWF molecules, rather than the average, should be used to evaluate hydrodynamically-induced damage.
Number transcoding in bilinguals—A transversal developmental study
Authors: Lachelin Rémy , van Rinsveld Amandine , Poncin Alexandre , Schiltz Christine
Published: August 2022

Number transcoding is the cognitive task of converting between different numerical codes (i.e. visual “42”, verbal “forty-two”). Visual symbolic to verbal transcoding and vice versa strongly relies on language proficiency. We evaluated transcoding of German-French bilinguals from Luxembourg in 5th, 8th, 11th graders and adults. In the Luxembourgish educational system, children acquire mathematics in German (LM1) until the 7th grade, and then the language of learning mathematic switches to French (LM2). French `70s `80s `90s are less transparent than `30s `40s `50s numbers, since they have a base-20 structure, which is not the case in German. Transcoding was evaluated with a reading aloud and a verbal-visual number matching task. Results of both tasks show a cognitive cost for transcoding numbers having a base-20 structure (i.e. `70s, `80s and `90s), such that response times were slower in all age groups. Furthermore, considering only base-10 numbers (i.e. `30s `40s `50s), it appeared that transcoding in LM2 (French) also entailed a cost. While participants across age groups tended to read numbers slower in LM2, this effect was limited to the youngest age group in the matching task. In addition, participants made more errors when reading LM2 numbers. In conclusion, we observed an age-independent language effect with numbers having a base-20 structure in French, reflecting their reduced transparency with respect to the decimal system. Moreover, we find an effect of language of math acquisition such that transcoding is less well mastered in LM2. This effect tended to persist until adulthood in the reading aloud task, while in the matching task performance both languages become similar in older adolescents and young adults. This study supports the link between numbers and language, especially highlighting the impact of language on reading numbers aloud from childhood to adulthood.
Social interactions and quality of life of residents in aged care facilities: A multi-methods study
Authors: Siette Joyce , Dodds Laura , Surian Didi , Prgomet Mirela , Dunn Adam , Westbrook Johanna
Published: August 2022

Background

The relationship between social contact and quality of life is well-established within the general population. However, limited data exist about the extent of social interactions in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) providing long-term accommodation and care. We aimed to record the frequency and duration of interpersonal interactions among residents in RACFs and identify the association between residents’ interpersonal interactions and quality of life (QoL).

Materials and methods

A multi-methods study, including time and motion observations and a QoL survey, was conducted between September 2019 to January 2020. Thirty-nine residents from six Australian RACFs were observed between 09:30–17:30 on weekdays. Observations included residents’ actions, location of the action, and who the resident was with during the action. At the end of the observation period, residents completed a QoL survey. The proportion of time residents spent on different actions, in which location, and with whom were calculated, and correlations between these factors and QoL were analysed.

Results

A total of 312 hours of observations were conducted. Residents spent the greatest proportion of time in their own room (45.2%, 95%CI 40.7–49.8), alone (47.9%, 95%CI 43.0–52.7) and being inactive (25.6%, 95%CI 22.5–28.7). Residents were also largely engaged in interpersonal communication (20.2%, 95%CI 17.9–22.5) and self-initiated or scheduled events (20.5%, 95%CI 18.0–23.0). Residents’ interpersonal communication was most likely to occur in the common area (29.3%, 95%CI 22.9–35.7), residents’ own room (26.7%, 95%CI 21.0–32.4) or the dining room (24.6%, 95%CI 18.9–30.2), and was most likely with another resident (54.8%, 95%CI 45.7–64.2). Quality of life scores were low (median = 0.68, IQR = 0.54–0.76). Amount of time spent with other residents was positively correlated with QoL (r = 0.39, p = 0.02), whilst amount of time spent with facility staff was negatively correlated with QoL (r = -0.45, p = 0.008).

Discussion and conclusions

Our findings confirm an established association between social interactions and improved QoL. Opportunities and activities which encourage residents to engage throughout the day in common facility areas can support resident wellbeing.
Gene expression and phytohormone levels in the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of infection in potato tubers inoculated with Dickeya solani
Authors: Hadizadeh Iman , Peivastegan Bahram , Wang Jinhui , Sipari Nina , Nielsen Kåre Lehmann , Pirhonen Minna
Published: August 2022

Dickeya solani is a soft rot bacterium with high virulence. In potato, D. solani, like the other potato-infecting soft rot bacteria, causes rotting and wilting of the stems and rotting of tubers in the field and in storage. Latent, asymptomatic infections of potato tubers are common in harvested tubers, and if the storage conditions are not optimal, the latent infection turns into active rotting. We characterized potato gene expression in artificially inoculated tubers in nonsymptomatic, early infections 1 and 24 hours post-inoculation (hpi) and compared the results to the response in symptomatic tuber tissue 1 week (168 hpi) later with RNA-Seq. In the beginning of the infection, potato tubers expressed genes involved in the detection of the bacterium through pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which induced genes involved in PAMPs-triggered immunity, resistance, production of pathogenesis-related proteins, ROS, secondary metabolites and salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling genes. In the symptomatic tuber tissue one week later, the PAMPs-triggered gene expression was downregulated, whereas primary metabolism was affected, most likely leading to free sugars fueling plant defense but possibly also aiding the growth of the pathogen. In the symptomatic tubers, pectic enzymes and cell wall-based defenses were activated. Measurement of hormone production revealed increased SA concentration and almost no JA in the asymptomatic tubers at the beginning of the infection and high level of JA and reduced SA in the symptomatic tubers one week later. These findings suggest that potato tubers rely on different defense strategies in the different phases of D. solani infection even when the infection takes place in fully susceptible plants incubated in conditions leading to rotting. These results support the idea that D. solani is a biotroph rather than a true necrotroph.
Method to assess the potential magnitude of terrestrial European avian population reductions from ingestion of lead ammunition
Authors: Meyer Carolyn B. , Walker Timothy A. , Francisco Alex B. , Morrison Emily B. , Meyer Joseph S.
Published: August 2022

Current estimates of terrestrial bird losses across Europe from ingestion of lead ammunition are based on uncertain or generic assumptions. A method is needed to develop defensible European-specific estimates compatible with available data that does not require long-term field studies. We propose a 2-step method using carcass data and population models. The method estimates percentage of deaths diagnosed as directly caused by lead poisoning as a lower bound and, as an upper bound, the percentage of possible deaths from sublethal lead poisoning that weakens birds, making them susceptible to death by other causes. We use these estimates to modify known population-level annual mortality. Our method also allows for potential reductions in reproduction from lead shot ingestion because reductions in survival and reproduction are entered into population models of species with life histories representative of the most groups of susceptible species. The models estimate the sustainability and potential population decreases from lead poisoning in Europe. Using the best available data, we demonstrate the method on two taxonomic groups of birds: gallinaceous birds and diurnal raptors. The direction of the population trends affects the estimate, and we incorporated such trends into the method. Our midpoint estimates of the reduction in population size of the European gallinaceous bird (< 2%) group and raptor group (2.9–7.7%) depend on the species life history, maximum growth rate, population trend, and if reproduction is assumed to be reduced. Our estimates can be refined as more information becomes available in countries with data gaps. We advocate use of this method to improve upon or supplement approaches currently being used. As we demonstrate, the method also can be applied to individual species of concern if enough data across countries are available.
Does digital inclusive finance promote industrial transformation? New evidence from 115 resource-based cities in China
Authors: Li Fei , Wu Yufei , Liu Jinli , Zhong Shen
Published: August 2022

Industrial transformation (IT) is the inevitable course for the sustainable development of resource-based cities, while digital inclusive finance (DIF) provides essential capital elements for industrial transformation. Based on the panel data of 115 resource-based cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this paper discusses the influence mechanism of digital inclusive finance on industrial transformation from the perspectives of the optimization of industrial structure (OIS) and the rationalization of industrial structure (RIS). The empirical results show that digital inclusive finance has a positive effect on both the optimization of industrial structure and the rationalization of industrial structure. Digital inclusive finance influences industrial transformation through residents’ income and technological innovation. In addition, in the analysis of income gap and innovation gap, low-income regions have a better effect on the industrial transformation of industrial structure optimization, while high-income regions have a better effect in manufacturing upgrading, thus resulting in a more significant effect of industrial transformation on the rationalization of industrial structure. Obviously, the development of high-innovation regions has relative advantages with more channels for industrial transformation, which have significant effect of industrial transformation. Therefore, it is necessary to provide differentiated reform on the basis of unified development reform.
The prevalence of the ABCB1-1Δ variant in a clinical veterinary setting: The risk of not genotyping
Authors: Beckers Evy , Casselman Iris , Soudant Emma , Daminet Sylvie , Paepe Dominique , Peelman Luc , Broeckx Bart J. G.
Published: August 2022

Multidrug sensitivity is an autosomal recessive disorder in dogs caused by a 4-bp deletion in theABCB1gene, often referred to as theABCB1-1Δvariant. This disease has a high prevalence in some breeds and causes adverse reactions to certain drugs when given in normal doses. Though most dogs known to be at risk are of the collie lineage or were traced back to it, the variant has also been described in several seemingly unrelated breeds. It is generally advised to genotype dogs at risk before treating them. However, there seems to be a discrepancy between the advice and current veterinary practices, as a recent study in Belgium and the Netherlands showed that most veterinarians never order a DNA test. To assess the possible risk of not testing for multidrug sensitivity in a clinical setting, theABCB1-1Δvariant allele frequency was established in a sample of 286 dogs from a veterinary clinic. This frequency was compared to the allelic frequency in 599 samples specifically sent for genetic testing. While the allelic frequency in the sample for genetic testing was high (21.6%) and in line with the general reports, the allelic frequency in the clinical setting was low (0.2%), demonstrating an enormous difference between laboratory and clinical frequencies. Because of the low frequency of the disease-causing variant in the general clinical population, the risk of encountering a dog displaying multidrug sensitivity despite not genotyping seems to be low. As the variant was only found in an at-risk breed, the current recommendation of routinely genotyping at-risk breeds before treatment seems justified.
Operations research and analytics to combat human trafficking: A systematic review of academic literature
Authors: Dimas Geri L. , Konrad Renata A. , Lee Maass Kayse , Trapp Andrew C.
Published: August 2022

Human trafficking is a widespread and compound social, economic, and human rights issue occurring in every region of the world. While there have been an increasing number of anti-human trafficking studies from the Operations Research and Analytics domains in recent years, no systematic review of this literature currently exists. We fill this gap by providing a systematic literature review that identifies and classifies the body of Operations Research and Analytics research related to the anti-human trafficking domain, thereby illustrating the collective impact of the field to date. We classify 142 studies to identify current trends in methodologies, theoretical approaches, data sources, trafficking contexts, target regions, victim-survivor demographics, and focus within the well-established 4Ps principles. Using these findings, we discuss the extent to which the current literature aligns with the global demographics of human trafficking and identify existing research gaps to propose an agenda for Operations Research and Analytics researchers.
Multitype drug interaction prediction based on the deep fusion of drug features and topological relationships
Authors: Kang Li-Ping , Lin Kai-Biao , Lu Ping , Yang Fan , Chen Jin-Po
Published: August 2022

Drug–drug interaction (DDI) prediction has received considerable attention from industry and academia. Most existing methods predict DDIs from drug attributes or relationships with neighbors, which does not guarantee that informative drug embeddings for prediction will be obtained. To address this limitation, we propose a multitype drug interaction prediction method based on the deep fusion of drug features and topological relationships, abbreviated DM-DDI. The proposed method adopts a deep fusion strategy to combine drug features and topologies to learn representative drug embeddings for DDI prediction. Specifically, a deep neural network model is first used on the drug feature matrix to extract feature information, while a graph convolutional network model is employed to capture structural information from the adjacency matrix. Then, we adopt delivery operations that allow the two models to exchange information between layers, as well as an attention mechanism for a weighted fusion of the two learned embeddings before the output layer. Finally, the unified drug embeddings for the downstream task are obtained. We conducted extensive experiments on real-world datasets, the experimental results demonstrated that DM-DDI achieved more accurate prediction results than state-of-the-art baselines. Furthermore, in two tasks that are more similar to real-world scenarios, DM-DDI outperformed other prediction methods for unknown drugs.
Development and validation of the predictive score for pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia: A nationwide, multicenter study
Authors: Satdhabudha Araya , Chaiyakulsil Chanapai , Uppala Rattapon , Niyomkarn Watit , Tovichien Prakarn , Norasettekul Vasinee , Ruangnapa Kanokpan , Smathakanee Chutima , Choursamran Bararee , Kulbun Aunya , Jaroenying Rasintra , Kamalaporn Harutai , Sriboonyong Tidarat , Roekworachai Koonkoaw , Sunkonkit Kanokkarn , Tangsathapornpong Auchara , Bunjoungmanee Pornumpa , Pao-in Wanida , Thaweekul Patcharapa , Tantiyavarong Pichaya , Ratanavongkosol Thanyarat , Thongnual Chutima , Sritipsukho Paskorn , Deerojanawong Jitladda
Published: August 2022

Background

Due to the possibility of asymptomatic pneumonia in children with COVID-19 leading to overexposure to radiation and problems in limited-resource settings, we conducted a nationwide, multi-center study to determine the risk factors of pneumonia in children with COVID-19 in order to create a pediatric pneumonia predictive score, with score validation.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study done by chart review of all children aged 0–15 years admitted to 13 medical centers across Thailand during the study period. Univariate and multivariate analyses as well as backward and forward stepwise logistic regression were used to generate a final prediction model of the pneumonia score. Data during the pre-Delta era was used to create a prediction model whilst data from the Delta one was used as a validation cohort.

Results

The score development cohort consisted of 1,076 patients in the pre-Delta era, and the validation cohort included 2,856 patients in the Delta one. Four predictors remained after backward and forward stepwise logistic regression: age < 5 years, number of comorbidities, fever, and dyspnea symptoms. The predictive ability of the novel pneumonia score was acceptable with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.677 and a well-calibrated goodness-of-fit test (p = 0.098). The positive likelihood ratio for pneumonia was 0.544 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.491–0.602) in the low-risk category, 1.563 (95% CI: 1.454–1.679) in the moderate, and 4.339 (95% CI: 2.527–7.449) in the high-risk.

Conclusion

This study created an acceptable clinical prediction model which can aid clinicians in performing an appropriate triage for children with COVID-19.
FRUGIVORIA POR AVES EM Myrsine coriacea ((SW.) R.BR. EX ROEM. & SCHULT.) (PRIMULACEAE) E SEU USO POTENCIAL EM PROJETOS DE RESTAURAÇÃO
Authors: Zimmermann Carlos Eduardo
Published: August 2022

Frugivory by birds Myrsine coriacea ((Sw.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult.) (Primulaceae) and their potential use in restoration projects Frugivory and seed dispersal studies are fundamental to comprehend the reproductive biology of plants. The aim of this work was to identify the species of birds that interact with M. coriacea, identifying its potentials dispersal vectors and assessing the use of this plant on ecological restoration programs. The observations were conducted on forest edges at Serra do Itajaí National Park, in two different moments with complementary methodologies. In the first period between June 2001 and 2002 it was adopted the hour-plant (tree-focal) as observation unit, with 15 plants selected for quantitative records, distributed throughout the day and totalizing 21 hours of observation. In the second period, from January 2013 to August 2015, it was adopted the feeding-bouts method on existing tracks. Considering both methods, 31 bird species were registered. Among them stand out in the focal method the species Turdus rufiventris (Vieillot, 1818), T. amaurochalinus (Cabanis, 1850) e T. abicollis (Vieillot, 1818), which in short visits ingested entire fruits, just as Tangara desmaresti (Vieillot, 1819) and Chiroxiphia caudata(Shaw & Nodder, 1793), forest species that promote the flow of seeds from more advanced stages of succession to areas under restoration. These aspects, associated with an abundant fructification and a fast shadowing, authorize their employment on ecological restoration projects.
OCCURRENCE OF THE NON-NATIVE MUZZLED BLENNY OMOBRANCHUS PUNCTATUS IN A TIDAL POOL OF SANTOS BAY, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: Masetti Leonardo de Oliveira
Published: August 2022

The presence of two specimens of Omobranchus punctatus (Blenniidae), on the center coast of São Paulo state, was reported for the first time inside the Bay of Santos.  It is another important record related to the distribution of this alien species along the Brazilian coastline.
Factores asociados a la publicacin cientfica en estudiantes habaneros de Medicina y Estomatologa
Authors: Piñera-Castro Hector Julio , Saborit-Rodríguez Adrian
Published: August 2022

Introducción: Numerosas investigaciones se derivan del movimiento científico estudiantil cubano, pero son pocas las que se publican. Estudiar los factores que a ello se asocian puede contribuir sustancialmente a su resolución.

Objetivo: Identificar factores asociados a la publicación científica en estudiantes de Medicina y Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana.

Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, mediante la aplicación de una encuesta en una muestra de 341 individuos. El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo. Se empleó la prueba exacta de Fisher para determinar la existencia de asociación entre la tenencia de publicaciones científicas y variables categóricas.

Resultados: Predominaron los estudiantes del sexo femenino (74,8 %), de Medicina (93 %), en el tercer año académico (21,4 %) y procedentes de la Facultad “Victoria de Girón” (50,1 %). El 19,6 % refirió poseer publicaciones científicas. La tenencia de estas se asoció de forma estadísticamente significativa (
p < 0,05) con 10 variables, las cuales se consideraron factores con influencia sobre la publicación científica.

Conclusiones: La pertenencia al Movimiento de Alumnos Ayudantes “Frank País”, la incorporación a un Grupo Científico Estudiantil, la vinculación a proyectos de investigación, la participación y obtención de premios en eventos, la motivación por el enriquecimiento del currículo y del prestigio, así como la percepción de un insuficiente conocimiento de metodología de la investigación y de redacción científica, de un deficitario asesoramiento de los tutores, de una escasa disponibilidad de tiempo y de poca estimulación a quienes la practican, son factores asociados a la publicación científica estudiantil.
Contextualizing the Postcolonial Chaos in Gachagua’s ‘Central Park’, Shire’s ‘What We Own’ and Osman’s ‘The Kitchen-Dweller’s Interlude’
Authors: Ede James
Published: August 2022

It is against the background of the significance of theme in literature this essay is conceived. To achieve this aim, we analyze Gachagua’s ‘Central Park’ , Shire’s ‘What We Own’ and Osman’s The analysis of the selected poems is done by examining the words in the context of their usage in the poem. Though outside references can be made, their bearing is dependent on the issues contained in the poems.
Taylor Numbers for the Fast Multipole Method
Authors: Lindqvist Ulf
Published: August 2022

We present a novel linear algebra formulation of the math behind the FastMultipole Method (FMM). For this, we introduce the Taylor numbers. They are polynomials governed by differential algebra but used like integers and floating points. They help simplify the FMM math and potentially any scientific programming project.
Screening of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Bangladeshi Adults in the US: Is it the Tip of the Iceberg?
Authors: Moosa Syed Ahmad , Chowdhury Nobel , Barua Anika , Tasnim Shams Zarin , Ghose Medha , Obaid Asif , Ferdousy Fatema , Miah Tania , Zohora Fatema , Ferdous Zannatul , Hossain Bushra , Razia Sultana , Rahman Salwa , Dey Shraboni , Hossain Nadia , Abuhiya AKM , Family Name Deactivated Given Names Deactivated , Khan Hasina , Naiem Zannat , Jahan Sultana , Dutta Priyata , Tasnim Nishat , Alam Sina Ibn , Saleh Arif Bin , Kamal Zubair , Mumin Md. Kamranul , Sakibuzzaman Md , Anwar Md Shams , Nitol Faria Ahmed , Barua Nabanita , Mamoon Md. Yusufal , Islam Tasbirul , Khan Salma , Khan Rumi Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common, chronic, sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of partial and complete airway obstructions during sleep with repetitive apneas and hypopneas as a result. Common symptoms of OSA include snoring, nocturnal choking or gasping, excessive daytime sleepiness, nonrefreshing sleep, fatigue, nocturia, morning headache, and cognitive impairment. Snoring has the most sensitivity(82.6%) while nocturnal choking or gasping is the most specific (84%) Undiagnosed and untreated OSA attributed to hypertension (30%-70% of OSA patients), heart failure (140% rise in risk), CAD (30% rise in the risk of blockage), and stroke (60% rise in risk). Other long-term health consequences include diabetes, memory loss (including Alzheimer’s), depression, and other psychiatric conditions. Depending on the broad or stringent definition of OSA based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the prevalence of the condition in North America can range from 20-30% or 15% in males, and 10-15% or 5% in females. Asians and Indians have been found to have similar OSA severity, despite lower rates of obesity. However, research conducted among South Asians in the UK shows a higher prevalence of OSA than white Europeans. Limited research is done on OSA among South Asians in the US, particularly in the Bangladeshi community. The proportion of the population showing a high risk for the disease noticeably increases from 46 years onward. Male gender was found to be the major risk factor determining whether the subjects are at high, intermediate, or low risk. This conforms with other studies done previously. Although the study shows 30% of the population posing an increased risk for OSA, the outcome may be the same, lower, or higher after polysomnography. The author recommends a broader study with a follow-up of the intermediate and high-risk groups with an appropriate sleep study. Based on the preliminary findings, questions regarding OSA should be incorporated into routine health evaluations. Suspicion of OSA should trigger a comprehensive sleep evaluation. Steps should be taken to increase awareness at the community level to improve compliance with annual physicals and reduce risk behaviors.
Analysis of Historical Built Baradaris (Pavilions) Architecture in Pakistan
Authors: Khaskheli Rabia , Zhang Weiping
Published: August 2022

Baradaris (Pavilions) made by Ali Mardan Khan, one of the most important Persian nobles of Shah Jahan’s reign, Sikh era Pavilions, Pathan’s Pavilion, Prince Kamran’s Baradari and other nobles in the dynasty of Mughal was a significant contribution to the field of architecture and landscape design. Their lives Histories are documented, but their contributions in the context of Mughal architecture haven’t received adequate attention from scholars.
Influence of Style of Parenting and Socioeconomic Status on Noble Character/ Pengaruh Pola Asuh Orang Tua dan Status Sosial Ekonomi Terhadap Sikap Mulia
Authors: Muzakki M Saidul
Published: August 2022

Establishing a noble character is one of the goals of Indonesia’s national education. The factors that shape a noble character become an important agenda of the study. This study, therefore, aims to determine the disparity of noble attitudes based on socioeconomic statuses and parenting patterns between girls of madrasah tsanawiyah in the Islamic boarding schools and those girls in the Islamic boarding school (pesantren). Data were collected from student questionnaires. This study uses the ex-post facto method with a 2x2 factorial design. The results of the study found that there are differences in noble characters based on the patterns of parenting. There are differences in noble characters based on the patterns of parenting between girl students who live in Islamic boarding schools and those who do not live in Islamic boarding schools. Also, there is no difference between students with low and high socioeconomic statuses. There is no interaction between the influence of parenting and socioeconomic status on noble characters.

Abstrak

Menciptakan sikap mulia merupakan salah satu tujuan pendidikan nasional Indonesia. Faktor-faktor yang membentuk sikap mulia menjadi agenda kajian yang penting. Karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui disparitas sikap mulia berdasarkan status sosial ekonomi dan pola asuh para siswi madrasah tsanawiyah antara yang berada di pondok pesantren dan yang berada diluar pondok pesantren. Data dikumpulkan dari angket siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode ex-post facto dengan desain faktorial 2x2. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa terdapat perbedaan akhlak mulia berdasarkan pola asuh. Juga, terdapat perbedaan akhlak mulia berdasarkan pola asuh antara santri yang tinggal di pesantren dan santri yang tidak tinggal di pesantren. Selanjutnya, tidak ada perbedaan diantara santri yang berstatus sosial ekonomi rendah dan tinggi, demikian juga tidak ada interaksi antara pengaruh pola asuh dan status sosial ekonomi terhadap akhlak mulia.
KADIN VE ERKEKLERİN YEMEK TERCİHLERİNDEKİ FARKLILIKLARIN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: ALBAYRAK Aslı
Published: August 2022

Kadın ve erkekleri biyolojik olduğu kadar sosyal, kültürel, fizyolojik ve duygusal farklılıklar hayatının tüm alanlarına olduğu kadar restorana gittiklerinde tercih ettikleri yemekler üzerinde de etkili olmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, kadın ve erkeklerin restoranlarda yiyecekleri yemeklere karar verirken hangi faktörlerden etkilendiklerini ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma alan araştırması olarak tasarlanmış ve veri toplama aracı olarak anket tekniği kullanılmıştır. İstanbul sınırları içerisinde, ayda en az bir kez restorana giden, 347 kadın ve 291 erkek kolayda örnekleme yöntemiyle çalışma kapsamına çalınmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda kadınların restoranlarda yemek tercihlerine etki eden faktörlerin sırasıyla Ürün Özellikleri, Kişisel ve Finansal Özellikler ile Sosyal ve Zamansal Özellikler olduğu, erkeklerde ise bu durumun Sosyal ve Zamansal Özellikler, Ürün Özellikleri ile Kişisel ve Finansal Özellikler şeklinde sıralandığı bulunmuştur. Çalışma sonuçlarından restoran yöneticilerine işletmelerinin pazar paylarını ve gelirlerini arttırabilecek önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
SOSYAL MEDYA KULLANIMININ ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN ÇEVRESEL FARKINDALIK KAZANIMI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ
Authors: KOVANCI Ezgi , YILDIZ KARAKOÇ Duygu
Published: August 2022

Küreselleşmenin hızlanmasıyla birlikte bilgiye erişim artmış ve bilgiye ulaşılabilirlik çok daha kolay hale gelmiştir. Bu süreçte sosyal etkileşimler ve sosyal medya kullanımı dünyanın her yerinde olduğu gibi Türkiye’de de oldukça yaygınlaşmıştır. Z kuşağı olarak tanımlanan nesil sosyal medya kullanımına büyük ilgi göstermekte, buradaki hareketlilik ve bilgi akışı onların bireysel tercihleri, kültürel normları, sosyal gelişimleri gibi konularda yöneltici olmaktadır. Bir yandan sosyo-kültürel küreselleşmeyi yoğun biçimde yaşayan Z kuşağı, aynı zamanda küresel ve yerel-bölgesel çevre sorunları ve bu sorunların sonuçlarıyla karşılaşmaktadır. Çevre sorunlarıyla karşılaşan bireylerin çevresel farkındalıkları cinsiyet, yaş, yaşanılan yerin ölçeği, gelir düzeyi, meslek gibi çeşitli parametrelere göre değişkenlik gösterebilmektedir. Bununla birlikte şimdiki genç kuşağın bu sorunların farkında olması ve sorunların çözümüne yönelik tedbirler alması, bilinçlenme konusunda öncül role bürünmeleri, kolektif eyleme geçebilme iradesini ortaya koymaları çevre sorunlarının çözümünde oldukça önemlidir. Gençlerin bunu sağlayabilecekleri mecralardan birisi aktif olarak kullandıkları sosyal medyadır. Sosyal medya uygulamalarında çevresel sürdürülebilirlikle ilgili fotoğraf, video ya da metin gibi bilgilere ve çevresel bilinç kazanmaya yönelik eğitimlere ve etkinliklere kolaylıkla ulaşabilen gençlerin çevresel farkındalıklarının artması beklenmektedir. Bu bağlamda Z kuşağı olarak adlandırılan ve şimdiki üniversite öğrencilerini oluşturan kesimin çevre bilincinin oluşturulması ve çevresel farkındalık kazanmasında ve/veya artırılmasında sosyal medya etkisinin araştırılması çalışmanın amacını oluşturmaktadır.