bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polimorfismos genéticos no receptor da vitamina D e a suscetibilidade a doenças no Brasil.
Authors: Simões Gabriela Loureiro De Bonis Almeida , Camera Patrícia , Pacheco Adalberto , Do Nascimento Roziclea Estevão
Published: May 2021

A vitamina D é um hormônio fundamental, não apenas para o metabolismo ósseo, mas também para o bom funcionamento da resposta imunológica e para a regulação da proliferação celular. A ação da vitamina D só é possível se houver a ligação desta ao seu receptor VDR, que é expresso em diferentes tecidos humanos. VDR é polimórfico e estudos mostram que a presença de suas variantes (BsmI, ApaI, TaqI e FokI) pode modificar a concentração sérica da vitamina D e pode influenciar no desenvolvimento e na severidade de diferentes patologias. No Brasil, a consequência da presença dos polimorfismos foi avaliada na osteoropose, na degeneração do disco intervertebral, em doenças infecciosas, em doenças autoimunes e na síndrome do ovário policístico. Os resultados são, por vezes, controversos, o que pode estar associado à profunda miscigenação e diversidade étnica da população brasileira. Entretanto, alguns estudos já apontam, de maneira mais clara, a importância destas variantes. Portanto, é de extrema importância que mais estudos sejam realizados, com grupos maiores de pacientes para que o papel das variantes de VDR seja desvendado, o que pode auxiliar, futuramente, no prognóstico e no tratamento dos pacientes.
PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA DENGUE EM PALMAS DE 2015 A 2017
Authors: PEREIRA RODRIGUES ALLAN EDUARDO , Barbosa Campos Jhon Cleyton , Dias de Oliveira Isadora , Batista Karen Cristina , Cirqueira Vieira Okabaiashi Débora , Martins Gonçalves Ribeiro Sávia , Martins Reis Júnior Paulo , Leite Bitencourt Evandro
Published: May 2021

INTRODUÇÃO: A dengue caracteriza-se como uma doença infecciosa viral aguda transmitida pela picada do mosquito Aedes aegypti, sendo um importante problema de saúde pública.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de dengue no município de Palmas – Tocantins entre os anos de 2015 a 2017.

MÉTODO: Este e um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, quantitativo, com informações baseadas em dados secundários no Sistema de Informação de Agravo de Notificação (SINAN) sobre dengue no período de 2015 a 2017, com levantamento de dados bibliográfico em bases eletrônicas. 

RESULTADOS: Durante o período analisado foram notificados 7.897 casos de dengue, a maioria no ano de 2015. A prevalência foi no sexo feminino com 4.052 (51,31%) e na faixa etária de 20-29 anos 3.635 (46,03%), com o período sazonal de novembro a maio, época de índices pluviométricos mais altos, facilitando a procriação e circulação do vetor. Na quase totalidade dos casos notificados apresentou cura (93,82%) como evolução dos casos.

CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que apesar de ter uma diminuição no número de notificações, a dengue ainda continua sendo um problema de saúde para a população mundial, sendo necessária medidas de controle, prevenção e combate ao mosquito Aedes aegypti.
ILIOPSOAS ABSCESS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Carvalho Angelica Gomes de , Lima Heloyse Nascimento , Silva Clara Leticia Rocha , Portugal Junior Pedro Miranda , Coelho Julia Artiaga de Carvalho , Rythowem Isabella Vilane Braga Saboia
Published: May 2021

Iliopsoas Abscess (IA) is a rare condition that predominantly affects young adults. It is a purulent collection that forms inside the iliopsoas muscle for several reasons. The primary form is due to hematogenous or lymphatic dissemination and the secondary form is the direct expansion of an infectious focus near the iliopsoas muscle. It is an insidious disease with a dragged clinical course, presenting with fever, thigh pain associated with abdominal and/or lower back pain, and there may be limitation of movements in the hip joint. The aim of this study is to demonstrate a case of IA in a 32-year-old female patient, admitted to the Palmas General Public Hospital (HGPP). After treatment, the patient evolved with symptomatic improvement and good clinical outcome.
Perfil epidemiológico dos casos de Doença Inflamatória Intestinal em pacientes pediátricos na região Norte do Brasil entre 2010 e 2019
Authors: Rangel de Souza Aline , Souza Negreiros Débora , Fernandes de Souza Ingrid , Joe Jurado Martinez Euber , Bitencourt Evandro Leite
Published: May 2021

Introdução: A doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) compreende a doença de Crohn (DC) e a Colite ulcerativa (CU) e pode ser diagnosticada na infância e na adolescência em 25% dos casos. Objetivo: Estudar a distribuição dos casos de DII em crianças e adolescentes na faixa de menor de 1 a 14 anos de idade entre os anos de 2010 e 2019 na região Norte do Brasil. Métodos: Um estudo epidemiológico descritivo realizado com dados obtidos por meio do DATASUS. Foram pesquisados dados da Região Norte no período de 2010 a 2019 e analisados os valores relativos às internações, estratificados conforme faixa etária, sexo, cor/etnia por DII nos estados supracitados. Resultados: O Estado do Pará, com 66,86% (440) dos casos registrados, apresentou um valor expressivamente maior que os demais.  Houve um aumento gradativo da incidência de DII até 2012, havendo a partir de 2013 uma queda progressiva no número de casos. No geral, 54,25% dos pacientes foram do sexo masculino e 45,74% do sexo feminino. Conclusão: Apesar da diminuição dos casos com base nos dados coletados, essa doença possui um impacto na qualidade de vida e morbimortalidade desses pacientes. Sendo assim, é necessário ações de atenção básica para a prevenção dessa enfermidade.
APPENDIX MUCINOUS TUMOR CURSING WITH PERITONEAL PSEUDOMIXOMA: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Reis Lucas , Cabral Fraga Carvalho Caiã , Hanauer Bruna , Da Costa Andrade Nayara , Pimentel Rodrigues Gleidson , Manuel Gonzalez Cuellar Pedro
Published: May 2021

Since appendiceal neoplasms have a rare incidence within the spectrum of intestinal neoplasms, they have an important differential diagnosis for patients in the fifth and sixth decade, especially those with a clinical picture suggestive of appendicitis. Mass radiological findings in the periapendicular region, metastatic implants, and ascites may suggest the diagnosis, but it is only confirmed after the surgical approach and biopsy. This case report presents a case of low-grade mucinous appendage tumor with peritoneal pseudomyxoma. It is importance due to its low incidence and, therefore, highlight the main aspects found in the surgery that are fundamental for intraoperative macroscopic diagnosis, choice of treatment technique and treatment.

Key-words: Cecal Appendix; Peritoneal Pseudomyxoma; Mucinous Tumor.
PERFIL CLÍNICO-EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DA APENDICITE AGUDA EM UM HOSPITAL DO TOCANTINS, BRASIL
Authors: Franchi Eliane Patricia Lino Pereira , Amaral do Carmo Wallyce
Published: May 2021

OBJETIVO: O estudo teve como objetivo descrever o perfil clínico e epidemiológico de casos de apendicite aguda (AA) submetidos a apendicectomia em um hospital do interior do Tocantins durante 2017 e 2018. METODOLOGIA: Foram analisados prontuários de pacientes submetidos a apendicectomia entre 2017 e 2018. Variáveis como idade, sexo, raça/etnia, estado civil, ocupação, procedência, fase evolutiva da AA, início da sintomatologia até a cirurgia, tempo de cirurgia, tempo de internação, uso de dreno, antibioticoterapia, complicações e evolução foram incluídas. Os dados foram tabulados em planilha Excel e analisados pelo software SPSS versão 25. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 131 casos de pacientes submetidos à apendicectomia, sendo 58 (44,3%) em 2017 e 73 (55,7%) em 2018. Apenas 62 prontuários foram encontrados e incluídos no estudo. O perfil foi homens, pardos, jovens (média de 28,97 anos), solteiros, estudantes, procedente de Porto Nacional. A classificação da fase evolutiva da AA, mostrou 50% não complicada (grau 1 e 2) e 30,7% complicada (3 e 4). Houve maior incidência no mês de agosto. Fora identificada complicações em 4,8% dos casos e todos evoluíram para alta. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do estudo remetem ao perfil de paciente com AA atendido na região e reforça a importância do diagnóstico rápido.
Therapeutic Potential of TRP Channels in the Targeting of Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors:   , Schwam Brittany
Published: May 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the synovium, articular cartilage, and bone within a joint, but it is a unique form of arthritis wherein effects are systemic. The cause of this autoimmune disease remains unknown, but there are many environmental and genetic factors that play into susceptibility. Research is still far from drug-free remission despite great advancements over the past few decades. The majority of therapies developed rely on immunosuppressant or immunomodulator molecules and come with risk of infection, high costs, and toxic, uncontrolled side effects. Those diagnosed maintain a significant unmet need for targeted therapies. There is increasing evidence towards non-immune cell types in the joint as the culprit for the changes in anatomy of the joint at disease onset. A thin lining called the synovium covers the joint cartilage and acts as a barrier which secretes synovial fluid that lubricates the joint. Synovial fibroblasts, also called fibroblast-like synoviocytes, are responsible for this secretion of lubricating components hyaluronic acid and lubricin that allow for ease of movement. Together with macrophages, they make up the synovial lining and sub-lining in roughly equal proportion. Proinflammatory cytokine production in the inflamed joint leads to synovial fibroblast proliferation and transforms these cells into a “tumor-like” phenotype with the capacity to degrade cartilage and bone. Synovial fibroblasts perpetuate the destruction of articular cartilage by producing matrix-degrading enzymes, cytokines, and increasing production of adhesion molecules to attach and build on to cartilage. The synovium thickens and the cartilage and bone in the joint is broken down, and synovial fibroblasts recruit more immune cells to the joint to further exacerbate joint destruction. This positive feedback loop makes synovial fibroblasts a desirable target for anti-rheumatic drugs An abundance of research implicating TRP channels in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts pathogenic phenotype has accumulated over the past decade. Studies of the rheumatoid synovium demonstrate the expression of several of these channels including TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPA1, TRPM7, TRPM8, and more. The channels’ direct implication in synovial fibroblast aggressive phenotype is becoming better understood and shows promise for TRP channels as therapeutic targets. My master’s thesis will focus on TRP channel involvement in mechanisms by which synovial fibroblasts evade apoptosis, proliferate, degrade the joint, and migrate to unaffected joints in order to understand these biological sensors as potential rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic candidates.
Kıskançlık Olgusu ve Akademik Örgütlere Yansıması
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Seyhan
Published: May 2021

Kıskançlık, insan olmanın temelinde olan, hoşa gitmeyen, istenmeyen ve aynı zamanda da olumsuz sonuçları olan bir duygudur. Kıskançlık kısaca insanların elindekileri kaybetme korkusudur. Kıskançlık ve haset duyguları birbirinin yerine kullanıldığı için sıklıkla karıştırılabilmektedir. Haset ve kıskançlık arasındaki farkı şöyle özetleyebiliriz; elde etme söz konusu olursa haset, muhafaza etme söz konusuysa kıskançlıktır. O yüzden bu çalışmada her iki duygu ayrı ayrı ele alınmıştır. Duygular işyerlerinin ayrılmaz bir parçası olduğundan dolayı kıskançlık örgütsel bağlamda ele alınmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, kıskançlık olgusunu ve kıskançlığın akademik örgütlere yansımasını ele almaktadır. Kıskançlığın akademik örgütlerde araştırılmasının değerli olduğu düşünülmektedir. Özellikle rekabetin, yükselmenin ve hiyerarşik düzenin sıkı sıkıya uygulandığı bir kurumsal yapıda çalışan akademisyenler arasında olumsuz duyguların var olması kaçınılmaz durmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, akademik örgütlerde kıskançlık olgusunun kavramsal ve kuramsal çerçevesinin çizilebilmesi için bir değerlendirme yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Yapılan çalışma sonucunda kıskançlık konusunun genel anlamda ele alındığı, fakat örgütlerde kıskançlık bağlamında ele alınmadığı görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak, akademik örgütlerde kıskançlığın teorik alt yapısı ve örgütlerde kıskançlıkla ilgili alana bir bakış açısı sunulmaya çalışılmıştır.
Pengaruh limbah baglog dan sungkup plastik terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil cabai merah keriting
Authors: Ali Fahri , Kartina Raida , Sari Reny Mita , Taisa Rianida
Published: May 2021

Produktivitas cabai besar di Provinsi Lampung menurun pada tahun 2018 sebesar 24,7%, dari 88,23 kuintal/ha pada tahun 2017 menurun menjadi 66,41 kuintal/ha pada tahun 2018. Hal tersebut salah satunya disebabkan karena kandungan C-organik tanah yang rendah dan tingginya kerontokan bunga cabai. Limbah baglog jamur merupakan bahan yang potensial digunakan sebagai bahan pembenah tanah karena memiliki sifat porous, sehingga mudah menyerap dan menyimpan air, serta mengalirkan air dalam jumlah yang banyak dan mengandung nutrisi untuk tanaman. Untuk mengurangi serangan kerontokan bunga cabai dapat digunakan sungkup plastik berbentuk melengkung yang dapat menahan jatuhnya air hujan secara langsung pada tanaman dan mengoptimalkan penggunaan pestisida dan pupuk daun.  Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan tujuan mengkaji pengaruh pemberian limbah baglog dan sungkup plastik terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil cabai, dan mengkaji pengaruh interaksi antara pemberian limbah baglog dan sungkup plastik terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil cabai. Penelitian ini telah dilaksanakan di lahan praktik hortikultura Politeknik Negeri Lampung, Bandar Lampung. Waktu penelitian dimulai bulan Juli sampai Oktober 2020. Penelitian ini merupakan percobaan faktorial 3 x 2 dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) dengan tiga ulangan. Faktor pertama yang dicoba yaitu dosis limbah baglog yang terdiri dari 0 (kontrol), 20 ton/ha dan 40 ton/ha. Faktor kedua adalah penggunaan sungkup plastik yang terdiri dari tanpa sungkup (kontrol) dan pemberian sungkup plastik. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji F, jika nyata dilanjutkan dengan Uji BNJ pada taraf 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pemberian limbah baglog jamur meningkatkan tinggi tanaman, jumlah cabang dan bobot buah cabai per petak. Dosis limbah baglog 40 ton/ha memberikan hasil terbaik pada jumlah cabang dan bobot buah cabai per petak. Penggunaan sungkup plastik tidak berpengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil cabai, dan tidak terjadi interaksi antara pemberian limbah baglog jamur dengan penggunaan sungkup plastik terhadap semua variabel pengamatan.
Sedimentary Evolution Characteristics of Fine-Grained Lithofacies under the High-Resolution Isochronous Shelf System: Insights from the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shales in the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wang Guanping , Jin Zhijun , Hu Zongquan , Liu Guangxiang , Zhu Tong , Du Wei , Wang Hongliang , Wu Jing
Published: May 2021

The deposition and evolution of fine-grained sediments is a hot topic in fine-grained sedimentary rock studies and is important for accurately evaluating shale gas sweet spots. In this paper, the fine-grained deposition and evolution characteristics of the Wufeng-Longmaxi shales, major targets for Chinese shale gas exploration, were studied by using core observations, thin section analyses, scanning electron microscopy, geochemical analysis, and fossil identification. This work accurately identified six typical lithofacies; among them, the organic matter-rich siliceous shale facies (OMRSSF), the high-organic matter siliceous argillaceous shale facies (HOMSASF), and the medium-high organic matter low calcareous siliceous shale facies (M-HOMLCSASF) are favorable facies for shale gas exploration. The high-resolution isochronous unit in the shelf fine-grained sedimentary system was established, and the differential evolution of lithofacies in the system tract was discussed. The lithofacies deposition and differentiation in the transgressive system tract were controlled by the transgressive scale and tectonics under increasingly shallow water conditions. The lithofacies deposition and differentiation in the regressive system tract were controlled by tectonics and the preexisting lithofacies. The lithofacies in the regressive system tract had more frequent facies transitions and greater differentiation than those in the transgressive system tract, and they exhibited significant spatiotemporal inheritance. Sequential differential sedimentary sequences and symmetric differential sedimentary sequences were distinguished in the continental shelf sedimentary system. The lithofacies depocenters and subsidence centers were consistent in the transgressive system tract, while the tectonically active paleocontinent was important in the regression system tract. This study is of great significance for further high-resolution exploration of marine shale and improvement of the theory of shelf fine-grained sedimentary systems.
The Concept of Non-Abiding Nirvāṇa in Indian Mahāyāna Philosophy
Authors:   Institute of Oriental Manuscripts, Russian Academy of Sciences, Burmistrov Sergey L.
Published: May 2021

The concept of non-abiding nirvāṇa was introduced in Mahāyāna Buddhist phi­losophy to denote the state achieved by bodhisattvas in the moment of enlighten­ment. It is considered as higher and more religiously valuable than the state of arhattva aimed at in Hīnayāna practices. The non-abiding nirvāṇa is above all the differences including the difference between nirvāṇa and saṃsāra, and its achievement is identical to the knowledge of the true reality, essentially non-dual. It does not depend on consciousness aiming at it, nor on the efforts exerted by a sentient being to get it, nor on the differences between sentient beings, for these differences are illusory. This is an undetermined state unlike the Hīnayāna nirvāṇa and therefore the bodhisattvas’ compassion is not conditioned by any­thing and manifests itself freely. This state is treated as real nirvāṇa also because it overcomes not only individual suffering but suffering per se, for Hīnayāna in­terpretation of nirvāṇa as elimination only individual suffering is based on the no­tion of difference between sentient beings, and the notion is, according to Mahāyāna, essentially false and does not lead to real enlightenment.
The Paradoxes of Religious Consciousness: Leo Tolstoy in the Philosophical Criticism of Nicholai Berdyaev
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Zhukova Olga A.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of N.A. Berdyaev’s perception of L.N. Tol­stoy’s work. Berdyaev’s philosophical criticism of the writer requires close at­tention and research because it allows us to formulate the most important ques­tion about philosophical vocabulary of Russian religious thinker. The essay examines not only Berdyaev’s critical interpretation of Tolstoy in its movement, but also the personal perception by the philosopher of Tolstoy as a great Russian writer. This paper explores the evolution of Berdyaev’s views on the problem of religious consciousness of Leo Tolstoy. I reveal the structural elements of Berdyaev’s personalistic metaphysics and analyze the main ideas of his eschato­logical ethics from the perspective of philosophical criticism of Tolstoy. I con­sider the modus of Berdyaev’s assessment of Tolstoy’s nihilism and discuss the ambiguity and complexity of Berdyaev’s attitude to the writer and religious thinker. This problem manifested itself, on the one hand, in Berdyaev’s identify­ing himself as a Russian thinker and a heir to the tradition of Solovyov, Dosto­evsky and Tolstoy, on the other hand, in sharp criticism of Tolstoy for his role in the crisis of Russian religious consciousness, which had irreversible conse­quences for the Russian state and society. This analysis proposes a new opinion on philosophical criticism of Berdyaev, as distinct from the traditional version, and introduces the thesaurus research strategy on Berdyaev’s religious philosophy.
Urban Forest Inventory for Carbon Reduction in a University City Campus
Authors: Yusoff Safiah Yusmah Muhammad , D Melasutra Md , Hassan Norhaslina
Published: May 2021

Performing forest inventory in the campus is one of the breakthroughs towards achieving sustainable campus. Forest inventory aided the universities in creating a holistic baseline or framework in managing, planning and monitoring the forest in the campus in pursuance of a functional urban ecosystem through sustainable practice. The inventory aims to determine the number of trees and the stocking of carbon and biomass. Accurate estimation of the forest’s number of trees and biomass carbon sinks can improve the understanding of carbon cycles and help in developing sustainable forest management. The study area is identified as secondary type forest with 50.1% of the strata is 60–80% canopy cover dominated by small stands. There is a total of 14 sampling plots inventoried and measured using 40 x 40m square plot sampling. 41% of the three species found comprised of rubber trees (Hevea Brasiliensis). The total number of trees estimated is 97,325 trees with the average density of 21 m2/ha and 24,146.54 Mg CO2e aboveground biomass and carbon stocking.
Urban development criteria with a focus on resilience to pandemics: a case study of Corona Virus (Covid-19)
Authors: Targhi Elham Zabetian , Fardnava Niusha , Saghafi Saba
Published: May 2021

Urban resilience to Corona Virus and its globalization has become a major concern for cities these days. The spread of the Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic began in early 2020 and gradually spread throughout the world. This pandemic affected all aspects of the individual and social life of the inhabitants of the planet. Our country also has not been safe from the destructive effects of this virus in social, welfare, economic, physical, governance, and management dimensions; and according to official statistics, hundreds of thousands of people in Iran have been infected with this virus and tens of thousands have died so far. Therefore, to measure urban resilience to this pandemic, some criteria and sub-criteria were developed based on the authors’ documentary and field studies, and their significance or weights were determined using analytical-comparative research method using a questionnaire of paired or L-hour comparisons from the viewpoint of experts in urban sciences and urban development using AHP hierarchical analysis in EXPERT CHOICE software. Then, designing a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale, the satisfaction of Tehran residents with the extracted criteria and sub-criteria was measured and the correlation between the important criteria in each dimension was assessed using correlation tests in SPSS16 software. According to the obtained results of AHP analysis and the scores of each sub-criterion, the weight of all criteria was normal. In the next stage, according to the pairwise correlation tests between the important criteria in each dimension from the viewpoint of urban science experts and Tehran residents, it was concluded that the reliability of the correlation between the criteria is 99%. In all the cases, the P-value or the same significance level was less than 0.05, which indicated the significance of the pairwise relations between the variables.
A Low Cost of Burning Raw Material For PO43−-P And F− Solidification/Stabilization In Phosphogypsum
Authors: Bing Li , Jiancheng Shu , Mengjun Chen , Xiangfei Zeng , Renlong Liu
Published: May 2021

Phosphogypsum (PG) contains a lot of soluble phosphate (PO4 3−-P) and fluorine ion (F−), which seriously has hindered the sustainable development of phosphorous chemical industry. In this study, a new burning raw material (BRM) was used for the stabilize of PO43−-P and F− in PG. The characteristics of PG and BRM, stabilize mechanism of PO43−-P and F−, leaching test and economic evaluation were investigated. The effect of PG and BRM weight ratio, solid to liquid ratio, reaction time and reaction temperature on the concentrations of PO43−-P and F− were studied. The results showed that the concentration of F− in PG leaching solution was 8.65 mg/L and the removal efficiency of PO43−-P was 99.78 %, as well as the pH of PG leaching solution was 8.12, when the weight ratio of PG and BRM was 100:2, and the solid to liquid ratio was 4:1, reacting for 24 h at the temperature of 30 ℃. PO43−-P and F− were mostly solidified as Ca5(PO4)3F, CaPO3(OH), Ca5(PO4)3(OH), Ca2P2O7·2H2O, CaSO4PO3(OH)·4H2O, CaF2, and CaFPO3·2H2O. Leaching test results indicated that the concentrations of PO4 3−-P, F− and heavy metals were less than the integrated wastewater discharge standard (GB8978-1996). Economic evaluation revealed that the cost of PG treatment was $ 0.88/ton. This study provides a new low cost and harmless treatment method for PG.
Investigation of quantum transport and local density of states in a graphene strip connected to a square lattice
Authors: Rostampour Elnaz
Published: May 2021

We theoretically express quantum transport at Dirac points via graphene quantum billiard as a non-magnetic material to connect metallic leads. Our results indicate that the quantum billiard of graphene is similar to a resonant tunnelling device. The centerpiece size and the Fermi energy of the graphene quantum billiard play an important role in the resonant tunnelling. In graphene, change of carrier density can affect plasmon polaritons. At the Dirac point, the conductivity of graphene depends on the geometry, so that the conduction of the evanescent modes is close to the theoretical value of 4e2/πh (where Planck's constant and the electron charge are denoted by h and e, respectively.). This transport property can be used to justify chaotic quantum systems and ballistic transistors. Our theoretical results demonstrate that the local density of state of the graphene sheet for EL = ER = 0 is larger than EL = ER = t (where EL (ER) is onsite energy of the left (right) metallic lead) unlike the current obtained from the calculations.
Designing a One-Dimensional Photonic Crystal via Thue-Morse Sequence Containing Two Types of Double Negative Metamaterial
Authors: Baseri Ali , Keshavarz Alireza
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the propagating of electromagnetic waves through a one-dimensional quasi-photonic crystal with the transfer matrix method. Our proposed structure consists of two types of double negative metamaterials, organized according to the Thue-Morse sequence law. The results show that changing the structure via quasi-periodic arrangements makes the outcome more varied than applying the absolute periodic arrangement. Given that, our desirable results of interest are more conveniently achieved. The structure completely stops-both s and p polarization at the lower frequencies, for all incidence angles. It also partially stops s and p polarization, at higher frequencies. Moreover, the achieved transmittance spectrum contains several omnidirectional band-gaps, which remain invariant with changes in the incidence angle. The oscillation of the transmittance values also becomes more intense at higher orders of the period number. This study could pave the way for optimizing of photonic crystal circuits, splitters, switches, etc.
D-Dimer As An Indicator of Vertebral Artery Dissection: A Case Control Study
Authors: Watanabe Atsuyuki , Ito Hiroshi , Maruo Kazushi , Nakao Junzo , Kaino Takako , Suzuki Takaaki , Hoshino Tetsuya , Matsumoto Yukei , Koyama Yasuaki , Enomoto Yuki , Marushima Aiki , Shimojo Nobutake , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: May 2021

Background

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD), which can possibly lead to stroke, presents various symptoms such as headache, neck pain, transient ischemic attacks, and vertigo. We evaluated the effect of D-dimer to distinguish VAD from benign diseases by retrospective single-center observational study.
Methods

All VAD cases received in the emergency department between January 2013 and June 2020 were reviewed. Comparing those cases to vertigo with benign etiologies, the correlation between VAD and D-dimer was analyzed. Using stepwise multivariate logistic regression, possible symptoms to suspect VAD were also determined from physical findings and some laboratory data, including D-dimer.
Results

Eleven patients were included in the VAD group, and 59 patients were enrolled in the control (benign vertigo [BV]) group. The most common symptom in VAD patients was hemiplegia (N = 7, 63.6%) and cranial neuropathy (N = 7, 63.6%), followed by classic occipital or posterior neck pain (N = 4, 36.4%), gait ataxia (N = 3, 27.3%), and confusion (N = 1, 9.1%). Two patients (18.2%) were free from any symptoms except vertigo. D-dimer was not significantly different between the two groups at the positive cutoff value of 500 ng/mL (p = 1). By stepwise selection, age (odds ratio (OR): 0.92, [0.87–0.98], p < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (sBP; OR: 1.06 [1.02–1.10], p < 0.01) were selected in the diagnostic model. In combination, age under 60 and sBP over 160 mmHg yielded 63.6% sensitivity, 98.3% specificity, and 37.5 positive likelihood ratio.
Conclusions

In our study, D-dimer was not found to be an effective indicator of VAD. By contrast, disproportionate hypertension (high blood pressure in young patients) can be a key factor to suspect VAD. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Development of a Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Method Based on Matrix-Matched Calibration for Evaluating VOC Content, Characterization, Source, and Risk in RO Membrane
Authors: Hou Mingtao , Ren Hui-xue , Cheng Wenqing , Li Lingjie , Zhang Shuai , Chen Yanxue , Yu Chunfeng , Li Fangjun , Chi Naichao , Wang Wenxiu , Deng Zhe
Published: May 2021

Analytical method have been developed to determine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in reverse osmosis (RO) membrane using headspace with gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS). The operating parameters, including incubation temperature, incubation time and the choice of matrix modifier, were investigated. The existence of matrix effect was checked and the VOC-free RO membrane was selected as the best material for developing matrix-matched calibration curve. At optimum operating conditions, the established method performed good linearity (R > 0.996), repeatability (< 9.5%), VOC recoveries (84.7%—123%) and detection limits (3.44—748 µg/kg). The method was applied to determining thirty-seven common VOCs for RO membrane and toluene and N,N-dimethylformamide were the most abundant VOCs in measured samples, with average contents of 90 087 µg/kg and 249 957 µg/kg respectively. Besides, compounds including acetone, dichloromethane, hexane, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, benzene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, xylene, styrene were also found with content between N.D.—112 419 µg/kg in detection rate between 40%—100%. The analysis of VOC distribution showed the solvents used during the production of the RO membrane were the main source of VOCs in commercial RO membrane. Of these VOCs, dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, and toluene were hardly removed by pre-washing. The relationship between the content of VOCs in RO membrane and their corresponding concentration in filtrated water showed highly positive correlation and the safety limit values for the four compounds were evaluated as 2.6×102–3.8×105 µg/kg, but more accurate and completed guideline values should be formulated to guarantee the RO membrane quality.
Label-free enrichment of rare unconventional circulating neoplastic cells using a microfluidic dielectrophoretic sorting device
Authors: Mira Jose Montoya , Sapre Ajay , Walker Brett , Alvarez Jesus Bueno , Gustafson Kyle , Tu Eugene , Fischer Jared , Wong Melissa , Esener Sadik , Chiu Yu-Jui
Published: May 2021

Technologies that facilitate analyses of circulating biomarkers from blood for cancer detection are powerful tools for improving patient outcomes. Circulating biomarkers derived directly from the primary tumor have been identified including circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating hybrid cells (CHCs), described to harbor phenotypes of both tumor cells and leukocytes. CHCs are present in higher numbers than CTCs which support their translational potential. Methods for isolation of CHCs do not exist and are restricted to low-throughput, time consuming, and biased methodologies. Here, we report development of a label-free dielectrophoretic (DEP) microfluidic platform facilitating enrichment of CHCs in a high-throughput and rapid fashion. Unlike other methods, depletion of healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) drives enrichment of CHCs. We analyzed DEP differential response of PBMCs and cancer cells and demonstrated up to 96.5% depletion of PBMCs resulting in 18.6-fold enrichment of cancer cells. In PBMCs from pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, the platform enriched for neoplastic cells identified by their KRAS mutant status using droplet digital PCR from only 2 mL of whole blood with one hour of processing. Enrichment was achieved in 75% of the clinical samples analyzed, establishing this approach as a promising way to non-invasively analyze tumor cells from patients.
A novel Picture fuzzy linguistic Muirhead Mean aggregation operators and their application to Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Xian Sidong , Cheng Yue , Liu Zhou
Published: May 2021

The Picture fuzzy linguistic set (PFLS) is an extension of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and linguistic variables (LVs), which has been applied successfully in the process of decision making. Considering the lack of closeness of extant PFLS operations and the interrelationship among input attributes do not considered. In this paper, for the sake of addressing those limitations, we firstly redefine some novel operational laws for PFLS by introducing linguistic scale functions and the related properties are studied. Then, new score function and accuracy function are also defined to compare PFLSs. Subsequently, in consideration of the superiority of Muirhead Mean (MM) operator in capturing the interaction relationship between the input parameters, we extend the MM operator to the picture fuzzy linguistic context, and then propose picture fuzzy linguistic weighted MM operator and its dual form in a new light. After that, we have adopted these operators to build two novel models to solve multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems. Finally, a practical example for the selection of the innovative ``Mobike'' sharing bike design is provided to illustrate the practicality and effectiveness of our developed approaches.
Determinants of arbovirus vector density as a measure of transmission risk in regions of recent Zika virus introduction in the Americas
Authors: Talbot Benoit , Sander Beate , Cevallos Varsovia , González Camila , Benítez Denisse , Carissimo Claudio , Ferro María C. Carrasquilla , Gauto Neris , Litwiñiuk Sergio , López Karen , Ortiz Mario I. , Ponce Patricio , Villota Stephany D. , Zelaya Fabian , Espinel Mauricio , Wu Jianhong , Miretti Marcos , Kulkarni Manisha A.
Published: May 2021

Background The global impact of Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean has drawn renewed attention to circulating mosquito-borne viruses in this region, such as dengue and chikungunya. Our objective was to assess socio-ecological factors associated with Aedes mosquito vector density as a measure of arboviral transmission risk in three cities of potential recent Zika virus introduction: Ibagué, Colombia; Manta, Ecuador; and Posadas, Argentina, in order to inform disease mitigation strategies. Methods We monitored Aedes mosquito populations over 12 months starting in 2018 in a total of 1,086 randomly selected households, using indoor and peridomestic mosquito collection methods. For each sampled household, we collected socio-economic data using structured questionnaires and data on microenvironmental conditions using iButton data loggers. Results A total of 3,230 female Aedes mosquitoes were collected, of which 99.8% were Ae. aegypti and 0.2% were Ae. albopictus. Mean female Aedes spp. mosquito abundance per household was 1.71. We modeled the interaction between neighborhood and household wealth profiles, and found significantly lower Aedes density in highest compared to lowest and middle wealth households, although the effect differed by level of neighborhood wealth. We used mixed-effects Poisson regression analyses to identify predictors of Aedes density, using month, neighborhood, and country as random-effect variables. Across study sites, the number of household occupants (Incidence rate ratio, IRR = 1.08), presence of entry points for mosquitoes into the household (IRR = 1.51), and presence of decorative vegetation (IRR = 1.52) were associated with higher Aedes density; while being in the highest wealth tertile of household wealth (IRR = 0.78), knowledge of how arboviruses are transmitted (IRR = 0.94) and regular emptying of water containers by occupants (IRR = 0.79) were associated with lower Aedes density. Conclusions Our study addresses the complexities of arbovirus vectors of global significance at the interface between society and the environment. Our results point to several determinants of Aedes mosquito vector density in countries with co-circulation of multiple Aedes-borne viruses, and could help us identify targets of practical intervention for disease prevention and control.
Bidirectional Hybrid Optical Communication System Based on Wavelength Division Multiplexing for Outdoor Applications
Authors: Abdulsatar Sinan M. , Saleh Mohammed A. , Abass Abadulla , Ali M. H. , Yaseen Mohammed Ali
Published: May 2021

The simulation and investigation of a 32×10 Gb/s WDM all–optical bidirectional hybrid communication system for outdoor applications is presented in this article via multidisciplinary softwares. In order to track the system condition, a strain sensor based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is integrated in–line with the fiber optic link (FO–link). Then, a free space optical link (FSO–link) with 4–channel is simulated to act backup or rescue to the FO–link in the event of disaster or bombing. The FO–link is working well until the strain reach to 180 µε, after that the FO–link has degraded. Therefore, an optical switch is incorporated in between these systems (FO–link & FSO–link) to turn–on the FSO–link which act as a backup system to FO–link and maintains the continuity of the data transmission. According to the hybrid link results, there is an efficient enhancement in the Q–factor as compared with the FO–link even when there is heavy rain.
Human-centered design process and solutions to promote malaria testing and treatment seeking behavior in Guyana hinterlands
Authors: Yan Shirley D. , Simpson Joann , Mitchum Lyndsey , Orkis Jennifer , Davis TrishAnn , Wilson Sean , Trotman Neil , Imhoff Helen , Cox Horace , Hunter Gabrielle , Olapeju Bolanle , Adams Camille , Storey J. Douglas
Published: May 2021

Background: Malaria is a persistent public health challenge among miners and other hard-to-reach populations in Guyana’s hinterland, specifically in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. Despite an overall decrease in malaria prevalence throughout Guyana, it remains common among mining populations whose work conditions both contribute toward malaria transmission and make it difficult to seek timely, Ministry of Health (MoH) approved malaria testing and treatment services. In an effort to develop innovative approaches to address this public health challenge, an interdisciplinary team of public health professionals, designers, and mining organizations collaborated using a human-centered design (HCD) process facilitated by the USAID-funded Breakthrough ACTION Guyana project in partnership with the MoH. Methods: This paper describes two phases: (1) Define and (2) Design & Test. In the Define phase, following a literature review, we conducted 108 qualitative interviews with miners, camp managers, trained malaria testers, health workers, and other key stakeholders to understand experiences and challenges when seeking malaria testing and treatment services. These interviews were synthesized into 11 insights on issues such as risk perception, malaria knowledge, preventive behaviors, traditional and self-treatment, adherence to the correct treatment, testing, and coordination and communication gaps. From these insights, during the Design & Test phase, we developed 33 “How might we…?” questions which led to 792 ideas, of which eight emergent concepts were prototyped and refined in the field with 145 miners, camp managers, and stakeholders. Results: The five final prototypes included: “Little Mosquito, Big Problem” social behavior change campaign; rapid counseling cards; branded malaria testing and treatment services; innovations in treatment adherence; and a participants, content, and logistics approach. Conclusion: When applying HCD to public health issues, there are both opportunities and challenges to reconcile gaps that may exist between the two disciplines. However, HCD provides additional tools and mindsets to generatively work with migrant and mobile mining communities to encourage malaria testing and treatment services.
Multicomponent synthesis and investigations fluorescence activity of chromenone –pyrazole compounds
Authors: Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi , Mohammadsaeed Shirin , Badiei Alireza , Ghasemi Jahan B.
Published: May 2021

A synthetic method is described to produce some chromenone-pyrazole derivatives through a one-pot multicomponent reaction using SrFe12O19 as a magnetic catalyst. This method provides quite a few merits, including the use of an effective and easy separable nanocatalyst, high yields of products, short reaction time, and easy work-up. Two of the products showed fluorescence properties, which have detected mercury ions without any interference with other ions. They can detect a tiny amount of mercury ions, which were comparable with other chemosensors. The detection limit is 4×10− 7 and 3×10− 8 M, respectively, for the compound I and II, respectively, which were considered very low amounts. The effect of mercury on health and environmental pollution is essential in medical science.
Reverse Regulation Between sFRP 5 and Dkk 1 Gene in Early Stage Lung Adenocancer
Authors: Zeybek Arife , Oz Necdet , Kalemci Serdar , Tosun Kursad , Edgünlü Tuba Gökdoğan , Kızıltuğ Mehmet Tuğhan , Tekin Leyla , Erdal Mehmet Emin
Published: May 2021

Purpose: We aimed to examine the expression levels of the genes of APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) 1, APC 2, Dkk (Dickkopf related protein) 1, Dkk -3, sFRP (Secreted frizzled-related protein) -2, sFRP-4, and sFRP-5 genes which play a role in the Wnt signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal lung tissues, and to evaluate their relationship with clinical-pathological factors.Materials and methods: Between 2011 and 2018, the expression levels of the relevant genes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor and adjacent intact lung tissue samples of 57 patients who were operated for lung adenocarcinoma were determined by Real-time PCR analysis. Results: The expression levels of the Dkk-1 gene in the tumor tissue, especially in stage I-II, were statistically significantly suppressed compared to normal tissue (p <0.025 ). Although Dkk-1 gene expression was suppressed in the tumor tissue of patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, the level of expression of the sFRP-5 gene was found to be statistically significantly higher (p<0.039). Conclusion: In our study, between the sFRP-5 and Dkk-1 genes, known as the extracellular antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway was found the reverse regulation. sFRP-5 gene was found as having an oncogenic role in adenocarcinoma development. Reverse regulation between these genes in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma may shed light on the mechanisms associated with the development of carcinogenesis. For that reason, clinically, this relationship needs to research in a larger series of pure adenocarcinoma and normal human lung tissues, separated by its stage, for potential therapeutic target or prognostic its significance.
Factors Associated With The Adherence To Unsupervised Daily Dose To Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention In Builsa North District, Upper East Region Of Ghana
Authors: Doumbia Cheick Oumar , Kenu Ernest , Dicko Ilo , Diallo Mountaga , Konate Brahima , Diarra Samba , Diakite Mahamadou , Doumbia Seydou
Published: May 2021

Background: Since 2015, SMC with amodiaquine–sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AQ–SP) has been implemented during the high malaria transmission season in three regions of Ghana. Adherence to the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is one of the critical determinants for successfully protecting children under five. In Ghana, there is limited evidence of sociodemographics and awareness factors associated with adherence to SMC. The purpose of this study was to explore the adherence level to SMC and the factors associated with adherence to SMC among caregivers in Builsa North District. Methods: In four (4) sub-district households in the Builsa North District, a cross-sectional study was conducted. The district was stratified into six, and four subdistricts were selected using simple random sampling. The 438 participants were recruited via balloting using a random sampling procedure. Illustrative summary statistics performed for frequencies. The knowledge of caregivers on Malaria and SMC was assessed by scoring correct answers to questions related to malaria and SMC. The association between SMC adherence and independent variables was tested using Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher Exact Test. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine associations and strength of associations between SMC adherence and the independent variables, with all results interpreted at 95 % confidence level. Results: The SMC adherence rates among the caregivers in the Builsa North District were respectively 95.36%, with an awareness level of 97.94%. The reasons reported for non-adherence were the child's refusal (38.46%), the child's vomiting of the drug (33.33%), the occurrence of an illness within the period of medication (15.38%), the forgetting to give the subsequent doses (12.82%). About half (49.31%) of caregivers had a good knowledge of malaria, while 66.51% had a fair knowledge of SMC. Significant predictors of SMC on multiple logistic regression were the place of residence, caregivers' satisfaction, and the source of knowledge.Conclusion: The adherence rate to SMC in Builsa North District is 95.36%. The key factors associated with SMC Adherence are being aware of SMC through non-health professional source, place of residence, and caregivers' satisfaction with the previous SMC campaign.
A cooperative game model with bankruptcy theory for Water Allocation: A case study in China Tarim River Basin
Authors: Tian Jiahe , Yu Yang , Li Tongshu , Zhou Yi , Li Jingjun , Wang Xingpeng , Han Yu
Published: May 2021

China Tarim River Basin is located in an arid area, whose rapid socioeconomic development intensifies the current water resources shortage. To allocate water resources reasonably, this paper introduces the bankruptcy theory into the cooperative game model to contract a linear function describing the degree of satisfaction of each region's declared water demand. Bankruptcy theory solves the problem of insufficient information about players in the cooperative game. From the perspective of the cooperative game's stability, the bankruptcy allocation stability index (BASI) is used to evaluate and compare water resource allocation results in the Tarim River Basin in 2025 and 2030 under different scenarios. Moreover, this paper uses the improved TOPSIS model to build the harmony index of water-economy-environment (HWEE) to evaluate the harmony of water resources, economy and environment in each region. The results show that the model is more suitable for the actual water allocation game and has a good application value than the classical bankruptcy theory. Moreover, the stability index and HWEE proposed in this paper also have better applicability, and the allocation scheme with the same game weight in each region is more stable.