bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic food-borne disease prevention and risk management based upon infection mechanism
Authors: Liu Ran , Zhao Lindu
Published: August 2022

A dynamic system with 3 levels of risk management is developed to prevent the spreading of food-borne disease among populations with consideration of the secondary infection. Compare the effect of factors such as information quality, time-delay and periodic factor. It shows that infection mechanism increases the severity of the epidemic manifested by larger number of dormant and visible population at each stage. The risks of the susceptible and exposed populations are significantly magnified in the course of infection mechanism which promotes the probability of transform of dormant population into visible diseased population. The infection mechanism reduces the risk of the diseased population. The increase of the time-delay and periodic factor increases the risk of food-borne disease, while the increase of information quality reduces the risk. Curbing the infectiousness, reducing information delay time and cycle time, improving information quality, the prevalence of food-borne disease can be controlled or prevented.
Transitioning of Protein Substitutes for Patients with Phenylketonuria: Evaluation of Current Practice
Authors: Yilmaz Ozlem , Pinto Alex , Daly Anne , Ashmore Catherine , Evans Sharon , Ayhan Nurcan Yabanci , MacDonald Anita
Published: August 2022

Background
In children with phenylketonuria (PKU), transitioning protein substitutes at the appropriate developmental age is essential to help with their long-term acceptance and ease of administration. We assessed the parental experiences in transitioning from a second stage to third stage liquid or powdered protein substitute in patients with PKU.
Results
Sixteen interviews (23 open-ended questions) were carried out with parents/caregivers of children with PKU (8 females, 50%) with a median age of 8 years (range 5–11 years), continuously treated with diet, and on a third stage protein substitute. Parents/caregivers identified common facilitators and barriers during the third stage protein substitute transition process. The main facilitators were: child and parent motivation, parent knowledge of the transition process, a role model with PKU, low volume and easy preparation of the third stage protein substitute (liquid/powder), anticipation of increasing child independence, lower parent workload, attractive packaging, better taste and smell, school and teacher support, dietetic plans and guidance, PKU social events, child educational materials and written resources. The main barriers were child aversion to new protein substitutes, poor child behaviour, child aged > 5 years, parental fear of change, required parental time and persistence, loss of parental control, high product volume, different taste, smell, and texture of new protein substitute, and peer bullying.
Conclusion
A stepwise, supportive approach is necessary when transitioning from second stage to third stage protein substitutes. Future studies are needed to develop guidance to assist parents/caregivers, health professionals, and teachers during the transition process.
Modified Preauricular Transparotid Approach for Treating Mandibular Condylar Fractures
Authors: Arcuri Francesco , Ferri Andrea , Bianchi Bernardo , Laganà Francesco
Published: August 2022

AIM OF THE STUDY We introduce a technical variant of the standard preauricular approach to treat intracapsular and condylar neck fractures: the modified preauricular transparotid approach (MPTA). The main modification, when compared with the conventional submandibular approach, is that the incision of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is performed directly above the parotid gland and the buccal branch of the facial nerve is dissected in a retrograde way within the parotid gland. CASE SERIES Between January 2019 and December 2020 at the Maxillofacial Departments of “Ospedale Maggiore” of Parma and “Policlinico San Martino” of Genoa 6 patients affected affected by intracapsular and condylar neck fractures underwent open reduction and internal with MPTA. Surgery was uneventful in all patients; no infections occurred in any of the cases; the mean procedure duration was 85 minutes, ranging from 75 to 115 minutes. At the 1-year follow-up, all patients had stable occlusion with a natural, well-balanced morphology of the face and adequate dynamic excursion of the mandible. CONCLUSION MPTA is particularly suited for intracapsular and condylar neck fractures Morbidity is negligible in terms of damage to the facial nerve, vascular injuries, and aesthetic deformity.
Vanadium oxide-doped laser-induced graphene multi-parameter sensor to decouple soil nitrogen loss and temperature
Authors: Yang Li , Yan Jiayi , Meng Chuizhou , Dutta Ankan , Chen Xue , Xue Ye , Niu Guangyu , Wang Ya , Du Shuaijie , Cheng Huanyu
Published: August 2022

Monitoring nitrogen utilization efficiency and soil temperature in agricultural systems for timely intervention is essential to monitor crop health, promote sustainable and precision agriculture, and reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, it is of vital significance to develop a multi-parameter sensor for effectively and accurately decoupled detection of nitrogen loss and soil temperature, which is yet to be reported. Herein, this work presents a high-performance multi-parameter sensor based on vanadium oxide (VOX)-doped laser-induced graphene (LIG) foam to completely decouple nitrogen oxides (NOX) and temperature. By exploiting the laser-assisted synthesis, the highly porous 3D VOX-doped LIG foam composite is readily obtained by laser scribing of vanadium sulfide (V5S8)-doped block copolymer and phenolic resin self-assembled films. Compared with the intrinsic LIG, the heterojunction formed at the LIG/VOX interface provides the sensor with a significantly enhanced response to NOX and an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 3 ppb at room temperature. Meanwhile, the sensor can accurately detect temperature over a wide linear range of 10–110℃ with a small detection limit of 0.2℃. The encapsulation of the sensor with a soft membrane further allows for temperature sensing without being affected by NOX, presenting an effective strategy to decouple nitrogen loss and soil temperature for accurate soil environmental monitoring. The sensor without encapsulation but operated at elevated temperature removes the influences of ambient relative humidity and temperature variations for accurate NOX measurements. The capability to simultaneously detect ultra-low NOX concentrations and small temperature changes paves the way for the development of future multimodal electronic devices with decoupled sensing mechanisms for health monitoring and precision agriculture.
Disability-adjusted life-years and mortality rate for colorectal cancer due to dietary risk in Middle East and North African from 1990–2019
Authors: Darbandi Mitra , Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Hamzeh Behrooz , Ghalandari Mojtaba , Pasdar Yahya
Published: August 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) in low-income and middle-income countries, there is an increasing trend. This study aimed to estimate the burden of CRC attributable to dietary risk in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Method
The GBD 2019 estimation methods were used to age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and over the past three decades. We evaluated the 30-year trend of DALYs and mortality rate of CRC due to dietary risk, from 1990 to 2019 by sex and age groups, in 21 countries of MENA region.
Results
The rate of DALYs/100,000 due to dietary risk for CRC in 2019 was 79.71 (95% CI: 56.79, 98.44) and 65.16(95% CI: 45.86, 80.95) in men and women, respectively. The percent changes of DALYs/100,000 in men and women was 8.15% and 2.50% between 1990 and 2019, respectively. The Percent changes of ASMR in men and women were 8.32% and 3.44%, respectively. The highest DALYs and ASMR were observed in the age group of 75–79 and above for both sexes. The highest percent changes of DALYs/100,000 and ASMR was observed in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen from 1990 to 2019.
Conclusion
The DALYs and ASMR attributed to dietary risk for CRC has increased in 21 countries of the MENA regions from 1990 to 2019. Dietary modification with increasing fiber, dairy products and reducing red meat intake are highly recommended strategies in preventing CRC.
Perceptions on acceptability of the 2016 WHO ANC model among the pregnant women in Phalombe District, Malawi – a qualitative study using Theoretical Framework of Acceptability
Authors: Nyumwa Prince , Bula Agatha Kapatuka , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: August 2022

BackgroundWorld Health Organization introduced a new model of care, ‘The 2016 WHO ANC Model’ to overcome challenges encountered during the implementation of Focused Antenatal Care Approach. For any new intervention to achieve its objective, it has to be widely accepted by both the deliverers and recipients of that intervention. Malawi rolled out the model in 2019 without carrying out acceptability studies. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of the acceptability of 2016 WHO’s ANC model among pregnant women in Phalombe District, Malawi using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. MethodologyWe conducted a descriptive qualitative study between May and August 2021. We used the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability to guide the development of study objectives, data collection tools, and data analysis. We purposively conducted 21 in-depth interviews (IDIs) among pregnant women, postnatal mothers, a safe motherhood coordinator and Antenatal care (ANC) clinic midwives and two focus group discussion (FGDs) among Disease Control and Surveillance Assistants. All IDIs and FGDs were conducted in Chichewa, digitally recorded, and simultaneously transcribed and translated into English. Data were analysed manually using content analysis. ResultsThe model is acceptable among most pregnant women and they reckoned that it would help reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. The major enabling factors for the acceptability of the model were the presence of support from husbands, peers, and health care providers. The major challenge was attendance to the increased number of ANC contacts which resulted in fatigue and increased transportation cost incurred by the women. ConclusionPregnant women have accepted the model despite facing numerous challenges. There is a need to strengthen the enabling factors and address the bottlenecks in the implementation of the model. Furthermore, the model should be widely publicised so that both intervention deliverers and recipients of care implement the model as intended. These will in turn help to achieve the model’s aim of improving maternal and neonatal outcomes and creating a positive experience with health care among pregnant women and adolescent girls.
Proteolysis of Vaginally Administered Bovine Lactoferrin: Clearance, Inter-Subject Variability, and Implications for Clinical Dosing
Authors: Hopp Thomas P. , Matthews Maura-Ann H. , Spiewak Klaudyna , Athanasiou Zafeiria , Blackmore Richard S. , Gelbfish Gary A.
Published: August 2022

This report describes proteolytic fragmentation and clearance of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) upon intravaginal administration in premenopausal women. Solid dose tablet formulations (MTbLF) progressed through 3 phases, Pre-dissolution, Dissolution, and Washout over a 30-hour time course. Tablets dissolved slowly, replenishing intact 80 kDa bLF in vaginal fluid (VF) as proteolysis occurred. bLF was initially cleaved approximately in half between its N- and C-lobes, then degraded into sub-fragments and small peptides. The extent of proteolysis was approximately 10–20% and concentrations of both 80 kDa bLF and smaller fragments decreased in VF with a similar time course suggesting washout and not proteolysis was the main clearance mechanism. Polyacrylamide gels, western blots, and HPLC analysis demonstrated the N-lobe 37 kDa fragment and C-lobe 43 kDa fragment were common to all subjects. These fragments possessed full sets of iron-ligand amino acids, providing iron sequestering activity in addition to that from intact bLF. Experiments with protease inhibitors inex vivoVF digests suggested an acid protease was at least partially responsible for bLF cleavage. However, digestion with commercial pepsin orin vivoin the human stomach, demonstrated distinctly different patterns of fragments compared to vaginal proteolysis. Furthermore, the 3.1 kDa antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin B was not detected in VF. This suggests pepsin-like acid proteases are not responsible for vaginal proteolysis of bLF. Despite this proteolysis, these results support bLF as a nutritional-immunity treatment for bacterial vaginosis or other vaginal conditions by maintaining an iron-depleted environment favoring lactobacilli over pathogenic species.
Iron Acetate Solution Prepared from Steel Wool and Vinegar for Ebonizing Wood
Authors: Thompson Robert Q.
Published: August 2022

Woodworkers darken wood by reacting iron in solution with tannins in the wood to form blue-black phenolate complexes, a process called ebonizing. According to the literature, the darkness and color are controlled by the tannin concentration (higher, darker) and the counterion of iron (acetate, darker). Iron acetate is not readily available, so woodworkers prepare it in the woodshop by reacting steel wool and vinegar. This reaction was studied. Products were ferrous acetate Fe(CH3COO)2.4H2O (and H2) and subsequently basic iron acetate [Fe3O(C2H3O2)​6(H2O)3](CH3COO) by air oxidation, giving a red-colored solution. Both inorganic phosphate and air (O2) were required for maximal reaction rate. A volume of 85 mL of distilled white vinegar per gram of super fine (#0000) aged steel wool provided a final reaction mixture with fully dissolved steel and no precipitated products. Maximal darkening of cherry and red oak wood with minimal application of iron solution was attained by applying a 0.125 M iron acetate solution at a rate of 1 mL per 125 cm2 of wood surface. A protocol for creating and using an iron acetate ebonizing solution is described and was demonstrated to be a much-improved version of the one currently promoted in the woodworking literature.
Survival Prediction in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Khalili Hosseinali , Rismani Maziyar , Nematollahi Mohammad Ali , Masoudi Mohammad Sadegh , Asadollahi Arefeh , Taheri Reza , Pourmontaseri Hossein , Valibeygi Adib , Roshanzamir Mohamad , Alizadehsani Roohallah , Niakan Amin , Andishgar Aref , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: August 2022

Predicting treatment outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients is challenging worldwide. The present study aimed to achieve the most accurate machine learning algorithms to predict the outcomes of TBI treatment by evaluating demographic features, laboratory data, imaging indices, and clinical features. We used data from 3347 patients admitted to a tertiary trauma centre in Iran from 2016 to 2021. After the exclusion of incomplete data, 1653 patients remained. We used machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest (RF) and Decision Tree (DT) with ten-fold cross-validation to develop the best prediction model. Our findings reveal that among different variables included in this study, the motor component of the Glasgow Coma Scale, condition of pupils, and condition of cisterns were the most reliable features for predicting in-hospital mortality, while the patients’ age takes the place of cisterns condition when considering the long-term survival of TBI patients. Also, we found that the RF algorithm is the best model to predict the short-term mortality of TBI patients. However, the generalized linear model (GLM) algorithm had the best performance (with an accuracy rate of 82.03 ± 2.34) in predicting the long-term survival of patients. Our results showed that using appropriate markers, and machine learning algorithms can provide a reliable prediction of TBI patients’ survival in the short- and long-term with reliable and easily accessible features of patients.
Utility of Diffusion Weighted Imaging-Based Radiomics Nomogram to Predict Pelvic Lymph Nodes Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Liu Xiang , Tian Jingyi , Wu Jingyun , Zhang Yaofeng , Wang Xiangpeng , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying
Published: August 2022

Background
Preoperative pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) prediction can help clinicians determine whether to perform pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). The purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-based radiomics for preoperative PLNM prediction in PCa patients at the nodal level.
Methods
The preoperative MR images of 1116 pathologically confirmed lymph nodes (LNs) from 84 PCa patients were enrolled. The subjects were divided into a primary cohort (67 patients with 192 positive and 716 negative LNs) and a held-out cohort (17 patients with 43 positive and 165 negative LNs) at a 4:1 ratio. Two preoperative pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) prediction models were constructed based on automatic LN segmentation with quantitative radiological LN features alone (Model 1) and combining radiological and radiomics features (Model 2) via multiple logistic regression. The visual assessments of junior (Model 3) and senior (Model 4) radiologists were compared.
Results
No significant difference was found between the area under the curve (AUCs) of Models 1 and 2 (0.89 vs. 0.90; P = 0.573) in the held-out cohort. Model 2 showed the highest AUC (0.83, 95%CI: 0.76, 0.89) for PLNM prediction in the LN subgroup with a short diameter ≤ 10 mm compared with Model 1 (0.78, 95%CI: 0.70, 0.84), Model 3 (0.66, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.77), and Model 4 (0.74, 95%CI: 0.66, 0.88). The nomograms of Models 1 and 2 yielded C-index values of 0.804 and 0.910, respectively, in the held-out cohort. The C-index of the nomogram analysis (0.91) and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves confirmed the clinical usefulness and benefit of Model 2.
Conclusions
A DWI-based radiomics nomogram incorporating the LN radiomics signature with quantitative radiological features is promising for PLNM prediction in PCa patients, particularly for normal-sized LNM.
A nomogram to predict the individual outcomes of spindle cell sarcoma originated in limbs
Authors: Sun Menghao , Ji Xiaoxiao , Hong Jianqiao , Li Congsun , Wang Jie , Yan Shigui , Shi Mingmin
Published: August 2022

Background Spindle cell sarcoma is a relatively rare type of sarcoma that mostly originates in soft tissues, but it tends to grow rapidly, and its clinical treatment is a major challenge. From previous reports in the literature, this type of sarcoma has a high proportion of cases affecting the limbs, and research on this topic has potential clinical value. The present study developed a nomogram to effectively predict the survival of patients and analyse the independent prognostic factors of primary limb spindle cell sarcoma.Methods The clinical information of 748 primary limb spindle cell sarcoma patients was obtained from the SEER database. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 542 patients were included in our study, and they were divided into a training group and a validation group at a ratio of 2:1. The X-tile program was used to determine the best cut-off point for age and tumour size. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors, and the training group data were used to construct a nomogram to predict patients’ overall survival and cancer-specific survival. The training cohort data were used for internal verification of the nomogram, and the validation cohort data were used for external verification of the nomogram. The C index was used to calculate the predictive performance of the nomogram. Additionally, we built an online forecasting website.Results The primary limb spindle cell sarcoma has high proportion of all spindle cell sarcoma, and it may have potential associations with pathologic fractures, then marital status, age, historic stage, tumour size and surgical type were identified as five independent prognostic factors, and combined with these factors, a nomogram was constructed for predicting 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates and cancer-specific survival rates. The overall survival rate and tumour-specific survival rate prediction internal validation consistency index (C index) was 0.824 (95% CI 0.794-0.854) and 0.854 (95% CI 0.825-0.883), while the externally validated C index was 0.765 (95% CI 0.706-0.824) and 0.766 (95% CI 0.700-0.832), respectively. Additionally, in order to make the nomogram more convenient and accurate, an online website was created where after entering basic clinical information. The website can help clinicians provide guidance to patients who have these rare sarcomas.Conclusions The nomogram constructed for primary limb spindle cell sarcoma can predict the survival of these patients.
Association between masseter muscle sarcopenia and postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Kamada Teppei , Ohdaira Hironori , Ito Eisaku , Takahashi Junji , Nakashima Keigo , Nakaseko Yuichi , Suzuki Norihiko , Yoshida Masashi , Eto Ken , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: August 2022

Background
Sarcopenia affects the swallowing and chewing muscles, such as the masseter muscle. However, the significance of masseter muscle atrophy in pneumonia remains unclear. We investigated the effects of masseter muscle sarcopenia (MMS) on postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the data of 86 patients who underwent esophagectomy for stage I–III esophageal cancer at our hospital between March 2013 and October 2021. The primary endpoint was postoperative pneumonia within 3 months of surgery. MMS was defined as a (1) masseter muscle index (MMI) that was less than the sex-specific cohort median value and (2) sarcopenia diagnosed using the L3-psoas muscle index (L3-PMI).
Results
Postoperative pneumonia was noted in 27 (31.3%) patients. In multivariate analysis, FEV1.0<1.5 L (odds ratio, OR:10.7; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.49–76.2; p = 0.018), RLNP (OR: 4.99; 95%CI: 1.40–17.7; p = 0.013), and MMS (OR: 7.13; 95%CI: 1.23–41.1; p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia. The overall survival was significantly worse in patients with pneumonia (log-rank: p = 0.01) than in those without pneumonia.
Conclusions
Preoperative MMS may serve as a predictor of postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer.
Choroidal thickness as a possible predictor of non-response to intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema after retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Aljundi Wissam Dr. , Gradinger Florian Mr. , Langenbucher Achim Prof. , Sideroudi Haris Mrs. , Seitz Berthold Prof. , Abdin Alaa Din Dr.
Published: August 2022

To evaluate outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab treating macular edema (ME) after retinal vein occlusion (RVO) following PRN (pro re nata) regimen and investigate potential predictors of non-response. Retrospective analysis of 126 treatment-naive eyes with ME after RVO. Eyes were treated initially with bevacizumab intravitreal injections (IVIs) of 1.25 mg/ml. Therapy was switched in case of non-response. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT), which were recorded over 4 years of treatment. BCVA improved significantly during first 2 years. CMT decreased significantly during the 4-year follow-up period. Switching was required in 42 eyes (33%). 34 eyes (26.9%) were switched to intravitreal steroids, while 8 eyes (6.3%) were switched to other anti-VEFG due to diagnosed glaucoma. Switching occurred after 12.4±8.3 months after an average of 8±4.1 bevacizumab IVIs. Compared with the treatment-responsive group, the treatment-unresponsive group had significantly worse BCVA, higher CMT and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) at baseline. Treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab following PRN regimen showed significant functional and anatomic improvement in patients with ME after RVO. A therapy switching was required in more than one third of eyes. Higher SFCT at baseline could be considered as predictor for non-response to such therapy.
Riemann-Hilbert problems and soliton solutions for the reverse space-time nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equation
Authors: Zhang Wen-Xin , Liu Yaqing , Chen Xin , Zeng Shijie
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the reverse space-time nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equation is introduced from the coupled SasaSatsuma system via the specific solution constraint. Soliton and multisolitons solutions of the reverse spacetime nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equation are derived through the following steps: 1) The inverse scattering transform method of the coupled Sasa-Satsuma system is carried out, and then the solutions for the system are obtained through solving the established Riemann-Hilbert problems; 2) The symmetry relations of discrete eigenvalues and eigenvectors for the reverse space-time nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equation are analyzed under the specific solution constraint; 3) Based on the symmetry constraints, the one-soliton and two-soliton solutions are derived, and their dynamics is investigated. Finally, asymptotic analysis of two-soliton solutions for the reverse space-time nonlocal Sasa-Satsuma equation is used to study. The results shown some interesting physical feature and mathematical properties, which might be useful to comprehend nonlocal nonlinear system.2010 MSC: 35Q51, 37K40
A new surgical technique for reduction of chronic recurrent luxation of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Hunger Stefan , Krennmair Stefan , Postl Lukas , Schwaiger Michael , Stehrer Raphael , Malek Michael , Krennmair Gerald , Feigl Georg C
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The variety of approaches to the mandibular joint and the multiplicity of different surgical techniques proposed for reducing a chronic recurrent luxation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) over the past decades show the complexity of the surgical approach and reveal that an adequate technique is still lacking. Therefore, this paper describes a different surgical approach for a new augmentation technique of the articular eminence by inserting titanium implants into the zygomatic arch root.Materials and Method: Eight cadavers of the Department of Anatomy of the Medical University Graz embalmed with Thiel’s method were chosen due to their hypermobility of the TMJ and were investigated bilaterally. Each cadaver underwent a preoperative computed tomography (CT) for excluding any morphological derangements (tumor masses; fractures) of the TMJ and for determining implant length and implant diameter. The zygomatic arch root was visualized via preauricular access and the planned implants were inserted according to the drilling protocol of Dentsply Sirona. A postoperative Ct-scan was taken to recognize injuries of the mandibular joint. Results: In all cases a significant (p<0.001) reduction of translational movement with an adequate mouth opening (postoperative/mean value 43.1mm/SD 3.5mm) was achieved. The postoperative CT-scan showed that none of the zygomatic arch roots fractured after treatment and none of the mandibular condyles were injured by an implant.Conclusion: The proposed surgical technique shows promising results regarding surgical approach and clinical outcome.
“We have to be manly and just hold it in”: A Qualitative Assessment of Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking Behaviors among Male College Students
Authors: DeBate Rita , Gatto Amy , Rafal Gregor , Bleck Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Although the number of students receiving care from college counseling centers has increased, males are more likely to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms in place of seeking care. This qualitative study explored mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among male undergraduate college students. Semi-structured interviews (n = 27) based on three vignettes (anxiety, depression, stress) were employed to assess mental health literacy. Analysis revealed three general themes and associated sub-themes: a) knowledge of signs and symptoms (physiological, behavioral, and emotional); b) recommended help-seeking behaviors (do nothing, self-care, seek help); and c) barriers to help-seeking (social stigma, self-stigma, masculinity). Findings present a triadic interplay between the person, help-seeking behavior, and environment. Future research should explore this dynamic relationship to inform interventions aimed at improving college male mental health help-seeking behavior.
Modeling actual irrigation water use regimes at district scale: application to the FAO-56 dual crop coefficient method
Authors: Olivera-Guerra Luis , Laluet Pierre , Altés Víctor , Ollivier Chloé , Pageot Yann , Paolini Giovanni , Chavanon Eric , Rivalland Vincent , Boulet Gilles , Villar Josep-Maria , Merlin Olivier
Published: August 2022

The modeling of irrigation in land surface models are generally based on two soil moisture parameters SMthreshold and SMtarget at which irrigation automatically starts and stops respectively. Typically, both parameters are usually set to optimal values allowing to fill the soil water reservoir with just the estimated right amount and to avoid crop water excess at all times. The point is that agricultural practices greatly vary according to many factors (climatological, crop, soil, technical, human, etc.). To fill the gap, we propose a new calibration method of SMthreshold and SMtarget to represent the irrigation water use in any (optimal, deficit or even over) irrigation regime. The approach is tested using the dual-crop coefficient FAO-56 model implemented at the field scale over an 8,100 ha irrigation district in northeastern Spain where the irrigation water use is precisely monitored at the district scale. Both irrigation parameters are first retrieved at monthly scale from the irrigation observations of year 2019. The irrigation simulated by the FAO-56 model is then evaluated against observations at district and weekly scale over 5 years (2017-2021) separately. The performance of the newly calibrated irrigation module is also assessed by comparing it against three other modules with varying configurations including default estimates for SMthreshold and SMtarget. The proposed irrigation module obtains systematically the best performance for each of the 5 years with an overall correlation coefficient of 0.95±0.02 and root-mean square error of 0.27±0.07 hm3/week (0.64±0.17 mm/day). Unlike the three irrigation modules used as benchmark, the new irrigation module is able to reproduce the farmers’ practices throughout the year, and especially, to simulate the actual water use in the deficit and excess irrigation regimes occurring in the study area in spring and summer respectively.
Retrospective review of antimicrobial use for gastroschisis patients in Kigali, Rwanda: can improved stewardship reduce late inpatient deaths?
Authors: Diehl Thomas M. , Davis James R. , Nsengiyumva Alice , Igiraneza Deborah , Hong Philip , Umutoni Rosine , Neal Dan , Ndibanje Alain Jules , Bunogerane Gisèle Juru , Petroze Robin T. , Ntaganda Edmond
Published: August 2022

PurposeGastroschisis mortality is 75-100% in low-resource settings. In Rwanda, late deaths are often due to sepsis. We aimed to understand the effect of antimicrobial use on survival.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of gastroschisis patients at a tertiary hospital in Kigali, Rwanda between January 2016—June 2019. Demographics, antimicrobial use, culture data, and outcome were abstracted. Descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with improved survival.ResultsAmong 92 gastroschisis patients, mortality was 77%(n=71); 23%(n=21) died within 48 hours. 98%(n=90) of patients received antibiotics on arrival. Positive blood cultures were obtained in 41%(n=38). Patients spent 86%(SD=20%) of hospital stay on antibiotics and 38%(n=35) received second-line agents. There was no difference in age at arrival, birth weight, gestational age, silo complications, or antimicrobial selection between survivors and non-survivors. Late death patients spent more total hospital days and post-abdominal closure days on antibiotics (p<0.001) compared to survivors. There was no difference in the proportion of hospital stay on second-line antibiotics (p=0.1).ConclusionFrequent late deaths due to sepsis, prolonged antibiotic courses, and regular use of second-line antibiotic agents were identified in this retrospective cohort of gastroschisis patients. Future studies are needed to evaluate antimicrobial resistance in Rwanda.
Karst hydrogeological characteristics of Jindong large coal basin, northern China
Authors: Li Xiangquan , Hou Xinwei , Wang Zhenxing , Zhang Chunchao , Ma Jianfei , Gao Ming , Fu Changchang , Bai Zhanxue , Gui Chunlei , Zuo Xuefeng
Published: August 2022

Jindong coal basin is one of the 14 large coal basins planned and constructed by the state, and groundwater resources play an important role in supporting the sustainable development of the coal basin. To improve the understanding of deep karst hydrogeological characteristics of the coal basin, the combination of techniques (i.e., 1:50,000 and 1:100,000 surveys, geophysical prospecting, drilling, dynamic monitoring, hydrochemistry and isotopes etc.) were used to characterize the hydrogeological structures of deep-buried aquifers and analyze the evolution characteristics of groundwater systems under the conditions of long-term and large-scale coal mining. Deep Cambrian Zhangxia formation oolitic limestone water-rich aquifer was newly discovered in this survey, which characterized by the development of karstic fissures and strong water-richness in the effective structural zone. The dissolubility of the Cambrian Zhangxia formation oolitic limestone is weaker than that of the Ordovician Majiagou formation and Carboniferous Taiyuan formation limestone, but stronger than that of the Ordovician and Cambrian dolomite. Controlled by Jinhuo fault zone, there are many large karst groundwater-bearing basins distributed on both sides, such as Jincheng basin, Yangcheng basin, Changzhi basin, etc, and water yield in the center of the basins can reach more than 10,000 m3/d. Main types of karst groundwater storage structures in study area are syncline basin type, fault fracture zone type and permeable-impermeable contact zone type. Affected by coal mining, the dynamic conditions of karst groundwater have changed significantly, mainly manifested in the movement of the boundary of the karst groundwater system, the decline of the groundwater level, the attenuation of karst springs flow, and the complex conversion of multi-source water. The variation characteristics of the spring flow can be subdivided into three stages, namely relatively stable stage, rapid decline stage and slow decline stage. The main controlling factors of these three stages are atmospheric precipitation, coal mining and karst water exploitation, and coal mining, respectively. The regional groundwater circulation pattern under coal mining can be divided into shallow groundwater flow system, deep groundwater flow system and local groundwater flow system. The local groundwater flow system was mainly affected by coal mining, which was manifested as the concentrated discharge of groundwater to goaf. The results of this study will provide scientific basis for groundwater exploration and exploitation and sustainable development of coal basins.
Easily-Extendable Line Decoder with Low Transistor Count and High Power-Delay Performance
Authors: Xin Xin , Li Yinbo , Jin Wei , Tong Xingyuan
Published: August 2022

An easily-extendable 12-transistor 2-4 line decoder core is presented for the random-access memory interface such as translation lookaside buffer and the first level data cache in this brief. The core idea is to design the line decoder based on the truth table straightforwardly without assistant of the basic gate circuits. The 3-8 line decoder and 4-16 line decoder can be constructed with three and seven of the proposed 2-4 decoder core, respectively, resulting in a low transistor count and high power-delay performance. Simulation results shows that the proposed decoder topologies have the minimum area overhand compared with the state of the art in 65nm CMOS process. Meanwhile, the delay of the 2-4 line decoder is reduced to 120.7 ps, 57.5 ps, and 37 ps at 0.8 V, 1 V and 1.2 V, respectively, resulting in a better PNPD performance. Besides, the PNPD of the proposed 2-4 and 4-16 topology is optimized by 1.7%, and 10.94% compared with that of the HP topologies, while the PNPD of the 3-8 line decoder is optimized by 32.59% compared with that of the predecoder structure at a 1V supply voltage.
WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of Terra Rossa Clay Soils Using Major and Trace Element Geochemistry, GIS and Multivariate Statistical Analysis methods: a case study in Kas, Sutlegen Village, Antalya, Turkey
Authors: Atakoglu Ozge Ozer , Yalcin Mustafa Gurhan
Published: August 2022

Terra rossa is a soil formed by weathering by the effect of parent rock and various fluids in subtropical and tropical climatic regions. Major and trace element geochemistry of terra rossa is important for understanding its environmental conditions and interpreting its genesis. Methods: A total of 51 Terra rossa samples collected from the Sutlegen village in the Kas district of Antalya were subjected to geochemical analysis. The mean percentages of the major element contents of the terra rossa were found as follows: 45.2% Al2O3, 30.8% SiO2, 17.42% Fe2O3, 3.5% TiO2, 0.61% CaO, 0.54% MgO, 0.39% K2O, 0.26% P2O5, and 0.09% SO3. The Al2O3–SiO2–Fe2O3 triangular diagram revealed that the samples underwent moderate laterization. The paleoclimatic indicators of the terra rossa soil samples were obtained according to the results of the chemical analysis, and it was interpreted that these soil samples were of autochthonous origin and formed in environments with carbonate and non-carbonate rocks, affected by ultrabasic fluids depending on the magmatic and meta-magmatic rocks.
Influence Of Tire-Shreds' Aspect Ratio On Performance Of Mechanically Stabilized Retaining Walls
Authors: Kazemzadeh Michael , Moghadam Matin Jalali , Zad Amirali
Published: August 2022

Reusing scrap tires to save storage space or lower traditional disposal risks is among today's environmental challenges. Current, recycled tires are considered low-cost, lightweight materials to improve soils and retaining walls, backfills, and roadbeds. The present study investigated the effect of tire shred’s aspect ratio and weight percentage on the bearing capacity and displacement of the stabilized mechanical retaining wall with multi-plate anchors under static loading. To this end, sandy soils containing tire shreds with widths of 1 and 2 cm, aspect ratios of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and weight percentages of 5, 10, 15, and 20% were examined. Also, direct shear tests were conducted for determining the shear strength parameters of the mixtures. The results demonstrated that adding more tire shreds increased bearing capacity. Also, it was found that by increasing the weight percentage of tire shreds in the mixture at a constant aspect ratio, the bearing capacity of the mixture increased. At a constant aspect ratio, the horizontal wall displacement incremented by increasing the weight percentage of the tire shreds. Furthermore, the wall's bearing capacity was enhanced at a constant weight percentage by increasing the aspect ratio of tire shreds. The results of Piv analysis show that by increasing tire shreds aspect ratio, the particle strains on the slip surface will be increased.
Detection of Breast Cancer Images Based on Transfer and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Zaman Khalid , Iqbal Arshad , Hussain Altaf , Hussain Tariq
Published: August 2022

Using a technology known as deep learning, which involves classifying photos based on the data they contain, it is possible to detect images, such as tumors and other signs. Because of the scarcity of pathologists and the growing number of patients with breast cancer, the manual numeration of biopsy echantillons must be mechanized (CS). To rectify the histopathological images of malignant tissue, preliminary study is required, which can be done utilizing BreaKHis' free database of data. An approach based on isolated image fragments is proposed, with the final categorization determined by an interconnected network of neurons (CNN) and a final combination of these pieces. Because of its unique architecture, capacity to recognize speech, identify objects, and analyze signals, as well as the popularity of neural language processing, the CNN is attracting increasing interest from industry and researchers. The employment of transfer learning methods is a problem with tiny collections of medical data. To improve the classification of defamatory and obscene photos, this article recommends integrating the impacts of many resolutions. In order to better depict the entering image's texture, many essential phases in CNN development are also used. Maintain a safe distance from the model's customization. Traditional CNN development may become more complex and expensive as a result. The simulation results achieved by running CNN in MATLAB outperform other artificial intelligence (AI) models recently published that used hand-crafted texture descriptors. With this in mind, we looked at all of CNN's possible combinations and discovered a technique to boost the execution rate by a little amount.
A culturally appropriate redesign of the roles of protected areas and community conservation: understanding the features of the Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP), Bhutan
Authors: Narayan Trupthi , Sherub Sherub , Root-Bernstein Meredith
Published: August 2022

Conservation projects in developing countries that depend on international donors or international capacity building partnerships often have to bridge a gap between donors’ or experts’ ideas of best practice and locals’ ideas of best practice. We examine how this gap may be successfully bridged by examining the case of the Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) in Bhutan. This protected area presented an unusual situation in 2013: it was largely viewed positively by local communities living in the park, even though, five years after it was gazetted, it had no clear boundaries, and its management was identical to management outside the park. It was not a paper park, as it was attracting considerable outside investment. Why did the WCNP have this form, and why was it viewed favorably by locals? Our interviews and survey reveal that this may be due to practical and favourable integrated conservation and development projects implemented by the park management, more people-friendly rules adopted by the Bhutanese government, and a cultural ethos of sustainable development and environmentalist Buddhist sentiments. Applying the tacit working models of conservation framework, we argue that although the protected area as a form of conservation normally is designed to fit the ‘uniformity model’ of a bounded area with specific rules and management, the WCNP has been culturally re-designed to fit the more culturally suitable ‘normative model’ that is territorially extensive and values-based. We suggest that this adaptation of global conservation concepts to local cultural perspectives may be a factor in Bhutanese conservation success.
Correlations between Cytokine Levels, Liver Function markers, and Neuropilin-1 Expression in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Kazafy Salma A. El , Fouad Yasser M. , Said Azza F. , Assal Hebatallah H. , Ali Tarek M. , Ahmed Amr E. , Elesawy Basem H. , Ahmed Osama M.
Published: August 2022

AimThe study evaluated the correlations between cytokine levels, liver function markers, and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) expression in patients with COVID-19 at Egypt. The study also aimed to evaluate the accuracysensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the tested laboratory parameters in identifying COVID-19 infection and its severity. Patients and MethodsFifty healthy subjects and 100 confirmed patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. COVID-19 patients were separated into two groups into two groups based on the severity of their symptoms. Serum ALT, AST, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, IL-35, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were estimated. We measured the gene expression for nuclear factor-kappa B p50 (NF-κB p50) and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) and NRP-1 in the blood samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). AUC and sensitivity and specificity for cytokine levels and NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 and NRP-1 in identifying COVID-19 infection were also determined in both moderate and severe patient groups using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsAll patients with COVID-19 showed higher serum activities of liver enzymes, levels of CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, IL-35 PGE2, TXA2 and mRNA expression of NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, and NRP-1 than healthy subjects. The severe group exhibited a significant increase in serum ALT, AST and IL-6 and a significant decrease in albumin, IL-1β, TXA2, and NF-κB p65 levels compared to the moderate group. In all patients (moderate and severe), all cytokines were positively correlated with NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65 and NRP-1 expression levels. Serum ALT and AST were positively correlated with CRP, cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, IL-35 and TXA2), and NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 expression levels in both moderate and severe groups. They were also positively correlated with serum IL-1β level in severe COVID-19 patient group and with NRP-1 expression in moderate group. ROC curve analysis revealed that serum TXA2 level could be useful biomarker for early COVID-19 diagnosis AUC = 0.843 with a sensitivity of 88.0% and a specificity of 75.0% while serum IL-6 level may be a good biomarker to severity COVID-19 since AUC = 0.844 with a sensitivity of 100.00% and a specificity of 68.0%.ConclusionsThis study concluded that liver injury in patients with COVID-19 may be strongly attributed to the cytokines storm, especially IL-6, which was positively correlated to NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65 and NRP-1 mRNA expression levels. Moreover, serum TXA2 level could be useful indicator for early COVID-19 diagnosis and serum IL-6 level could be a reliable biomarker for COVID-19 severity.
Machine learning-based solution for thermo-mechanical analysis of MMIC packaging
Authors: Kang Sumin , Lee Jae Hak , Kim Seung Man , Lim Jaeseung , Park Ah-Young , Han Seongheum , Song Jun-Yeob , Kim Seong-Il
Published: August 2022

Thermo-mechanical analysis of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) packaging is essential to guarantee the reliability of radio frequency/microwave applications. However, a method for fast and accurate analysis of MMIC packaging structures has not been developed. Here, we demonstrate a machine learning (ML)-based solution for thermo-mechanical analysis of MMIC packaging. This ML-based solution analyzes temperature and thermal stresses considering 13 design parameters categorized into material properties, geometric characteristics, and thermal boundary conditions. Finite element simulation with the Monte Carlo method is utilized to prepare 40,000 data samples for supervised learning and validation of the ML solution, and a laser-assisted thermal experiment verifies the accuracy of the simulation. After data preparation, regression tree ensemble and artificial neural network (ANN) learning models are investigated. The results indicate that the ANN models accurately predict the temperature and thermal stresses, showing a 1.69 % minimum error. Finally, the developed ML solution is deployed as a web application format for facile approaches. We believe that this study will provide a guideline for developing ML-based solutions in chip packaging design technology.