bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomised study within a trial (SWAT) to evaluate personalised versus standard text message prompts for increasing trial participant response to postal questionnaires (PROMPTS)
Authors: Cureton Lucy , Marian Ioana , Barber Vicki , Parker Adwoa , Torgerson David , Hopewell Sally
Published: March 2021

Background: Use of a person’s name in a text message has been shown to be effective in instigating behaviour change. We evaluated the effectiveness of a personalised text message (including the recipient’s name), versus a standardised text message for prompting a response from trial participants to complete and return postal follow-up questionnaires.Methods: Using a randomised study within a trial (SWAT) embedded within the host GRASP (Getting it Right: Addressing Shoulder Pain) trial, participants who provided a mobile telephone number were randomised (1:1) by a central computer system to receive either: 1) a personalised text message which included their name; 2) a standard text message. Text messages were sent by the trial office on the same day as the 6-month GRASP follow-up questionnaire. The primary outcome was questionnaire response rate, defined as the proportion of 6-month GRASP follow-up questionnaires returned by participants. Secondary outcomes included time to response, the proportion of participants sent a reminder follow-up questionnaire and cost.Results: Between March 2017 and May 2019 (recruitment period for GRASP trial), 618 participants were randomised to a personalised (n=309) or standard (n=309) text message and all were included in the analysis. The overall questionnaire response rate was 86.9% (n=537/618); 89.6% (n=277/309) of participants responded in the personalised text message group compared to 84.1% (n=260/309) in the standard text message group (Relative Risk (RR) 1.07; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13). Participants randomised to receive the personalised text message were more likely to return their initial postal questionnaire than those who received the standard text message (n=185/309; 59.9% vs. n=160/309; 51.8%) (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.33); this represents an absolute percentage difference between intervention groups of 8.1%. Post-hoc subgroup analysis showed that males under 65 years were the group most likely to return their initial questionnaire if they received a personalised text message. Conclusion: Overall, participants who received a personalised text message were more likely to return their questionnaire than those who received the standard text message.Trial Registration: GRASP Trial ISRCTN16539266; SWAT Repository ID 35.
Curcumin Induces MCF-7 Cells Pyroptosis Via Autophagy/CTSB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD Signaling Pathway In Vitro And Vivo
Authors: Duan Haonan , Jiang Liping , Sun Xiance , Liu Xiaofang , Yang Guang , Sun Xianzhi , Cheng Tingting , Ji Yuchen , Zhang Fan , Du Yue , Ou Shu , Ma Rufei , Guan Xiuliang , Teng Nan , Li Xiaofeng
Published: March 2021

Background

Curcumin, as a lipid-lowering drug, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of breast cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been completely investigated.
Methods

MTT assay was used to determine the effect of curcumin on survival rate of MCF-7 cells. The effects of curcumin on tumor growth were observed in animal models of breast cancer. The positive reactions of Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by immunohistochemistry. LC3, p62, CTSB, ASC, Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β and IL-18 were determined by Western blot in vitro and vivo. The release of extracellular IL-1β and IL-18 was determined by ELISA. LDH release was measured. The expression level of CTSB in cytoplasm were determined by immunofluorescence assay. Cell proliferation, cell migration and tube formation assays were used to determine the abilities of cells. In this study, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950, cathepsin B inhibitor CA-074 ME and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA were used to act on cells to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome, cathepsin B and autophagy in curcumin-induced pyroptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Results

In mouse model of breast cancer, we observed that curcumin treatment significantly induced cell autophagy and pyroptosis. In human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, we found that curcumin induced pyroptotic cell death was dependent on the activation of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway, which was CTSB-dependent. In addition, curcumin-induced cell autophagy caused lysosomal rupture and CTSB release. Furthermore, NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950) significantly suppressed curcumin-induced pyroptosis, as well as CTSB inhibitor (CA074 Me) and autophagy inhibitor (3-MA). Besides, we also found that curcumin suppressed cell proliferation, cell migration and tube formation, which could be reversed by inhibitors.
Conclusions

In summary, our results demonstrated that curcumin induced MCF-7 cell pyroptosis by the activation of autophagy/CTSB/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway. These findings offer novel insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of curcumin in treatment of breast cancer.
Combinatorial analyses reveal cellular composition changes have different impacts on transcriptomic changes of cell type specific genes in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Johnson Travis S. , Xiang Shunian , Dong Tianhan , Huang Zhi , Cheng Michael , Wang Tianfu , Yang Kai , Ni Dong , Huang Kun , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains are characterized by progressive neuron loss and gliosis. Previous studies comparing AD versus control using bulk brain tissue samples have not considered cell composition changes in AD brains that can cause transcriptional changes not due to transcriptional regulation.Using five large transcriptomic datasets, we mined conserved gene co-expression network modules, and applied differential expression and differential co-expression analysis on the modules in AD versus control brains. Combined with cell type deconvolution analysis, we addressed the question of whether the module expression changes are due to altered cellular composition or transcriptional regulation. Our findings were validated using four additional datasets.We discovered that the increased expression of microglia modules can be explained by increased microglia population in AD brains rather than gene upregulation. In contrast, the decreased expression and perturbed co-expression in AD neuron modules are due to both neuron loss and regulation of neuronal pathways and several transcriptional factors are identified for such regulation. Similarly, the strong changes in expression and co-expression in astrocyte modules can also be attributed to a combinatory effect from astrogliosis and astrocyte gene activation in AD brains. The astrocyte modules expressions also strongly correlated with the clinicopathological biomarkers.In summary, we demonstrated that combinatorial analysis is a powerful approach to delineate the origin of transcriptomic changes in bulk tissue data, which leads to a deeper understanding of key genes/pathways in AD.
Low Complexity Rotation Algorithm for Reducing PAPR in Partial Transmits Sequence
Authors: Alameri Thamer , ali Nabeel , Attiah Mothana , Talib Mohammed Saad , Mezaal Jawad
Published: March 2021

High peak to average power ratio (PAPR) is considered as a prime challenge in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. The partial transmits sequence (PTS) technique is one of the most effective methods for restraining the PAPR pattern. This study proposes a novel approach for enhancing PAPR reduction performance in a PTS by partitioning each subblock into two parts then exchanging the first sample with the last selection in each part of the subblock to generate a new partitioning scheme. The proposed algorithm is analysed and applied to typical traditional segmentation schemes, namely, the adjacent, interleaving and pseudo-random schemes. Moreover, simulation is conducted with two scenarios in which the number of subcarriers is set to 128 and 256. In both systems, the improved segmentation schemes demonstrate PAPR reduction performance that is superior to that of the traditional strategies. Furthermore, the computational complexity level of the enhanced adjusted PTS scheme is low compared with that of the conventional schemes.
Clustering the Concentrations of PM10 and O3: Application of Spatio-temporal Model-based Clustering
Authors: saeipourdizaj parisa , musavi saeed , Gholampour Akbar , sarbakhsh parvin
Published: March 2021

Air pollution data are large-scale dataset which can be analyzed in low scales by clustering to recognize the pattern of pollution and have simpler and more comprehensible interpretation. So, this study aims to cluster the days of year 2017 according to the hourly O3 and PM10 amounts collected from four stations of Tabriz by using spatio-temporal mixture model-based clustering (STMC). Besides, mixture model-based clustering with temporal dimension (TMC) and mixture model-based clustering without considering spatio-temporal dimensions (MC) were utilized to compare with STMC. To evaluate the efficiency of these three models and obtain the optimal number of clusters in each model, BIC and ICL criteria were used. According to BIC and ICL, STMC outperforms TMC and MC. Three clusters for O3 and four clusters for PM10 were selected as the optimal number of clusters to fit STMC models. Regarding PM10, the average concentration was the highest in cluster 4. Regarding O3, all summer days were in cluster 3 and the average concentration of this cluster was the highest. Cluster 2 had the lowest concentration with a high difference from clusters 1 and 3 and its average temperature was the lowest. Autumn days make up about 84% of this cluster. The clustering of polluted and clean days into separate groups and observing the effect of meteorological factors on the amount of concentration in each cluster clearly prove the efficiency of the model. Results of STMC showed that efficiency of clustering in air pollution data increases by considering both spatio-temporal dimensions.
Performance Evaluation of Quality of Service (QoS) based Web Service Selection Methods for Healthcare Product Shopping Domain Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
Authors: S Maheswari , R Pitchai , P Supraja , S Babu
Published: March 2021

Guaranteeing Quality of Service (QoS) concerning web administrations is the capacity to respond to the necessities and comprehend the prerequisites according to the tendencies of a client. It is resolved subject to the non-practical properties of the web administrations. Dependent upon the conditions, administrations clients may have an extent of tendencies for the non utilitarian principles. This made a way for different QoS based web administrations assurance segments which along these lines require an evaluation plot for grasping a particular methodology. Investigation of change is a particular kind of verifiable hypothesis testing used for making decisions using data. The goal of the paper is to dismember the plans specifically Analytical Hierarchical preparing (AHP), Logical Scoring Preference (LSP) and Fuzzy Topsis reliant on extent of customer tendency norms and investigate them using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). QWS dataset has been used for exploring recently referenced three plans. Preliminary outcomes show that the Fuzzy Topsis contrive beats the other web organization assurance techniques.
Complexity Behaviors of Volatility Dynamics for Stochastic Potts Financial Model
Authors: Wang Jie
Published: March 2021

To investigate the price fluctuation mechanism of stock markets, this research aims to develop a novel stochastic financial model based on Potts dynamics and compound Poisson process. The new model considers two aspects: information interaction among traders and the uncertain events outside the system. Then, three different volatility statistics (return series $r_t$, absolute return series $|r_t|$ and volatility duration average intensity $V_t$) are introduced to explore the volatility and complexity properties of the proposed model. The descriptive statistical methods, power-law analysis are studied to validate the practicable of the proposed stochastic financial model. The Permutation Lempel-Ziv complexity of moving average series are referred to different volatility sequences to evaluate the complexity of the simulative data from proposed model and the real data from stock market. Moreover, the complexity analysis of Fractional sample entropy and Multiscale fractional sample entropy method are improved to illustrate the complexity of volatility behaviors in different scales. Compared with the real stock data, the empirical results demonstrate that the new model could reproduce the fluctuation and volatility behaviors of real stock markets to some extent.
Process-Based Indicators for Timely Identification of Apricot Frost Disaster on the Warm Temperate Zone, China
Authors: Jianying Yang , Huo Zhiguo , Wang Peijuan , Dingrong Wu , Ma Yuping
Published: March 2021

Frequent occurrences of extreme cold weather processes create severe agricultural/forest frost events, even given the background of global warming. In the warm temperate zone of China, which is the largest planting area for fresh apricot, late spring frost disaster has become one of the major meteorological hazards during flowering. To prevent cold weather-induced apricot frost events and reduce potential losses in related fruit economic value, it is vital to establish a meteorological indicator for timely and accurate identification of cold weather process-based apricot frost events, to provide support for timely apricot frost monitoring and warning in late spring. In this study, daily minimax temperature (Tmin) and apricot frost disaster data during flowering were combined to establish meteorological identification indicators of apricot frost based on cold weather processes. A process-based apricot frost model (f(D,Tcum) was firstly constructed, and characteristics of (Tcum) (accumulated harmful temperature) were explored under different D (duration days) based on the representation of historical apricot frost processes. Thresholds for the (Tcum) for apricot frost in 1, 2, 3, 4 and more than 5 days of apricot frost process were determined as -1.51, -2.92, -4.39, -5.84 and − 7.31°C, respectively. Validation results by reserved independent disaster samples were generally consistent with the historical records of apricot frost disasters, with 89.00% accuracy for indicator-based identification results. Typical process tracking of the proposed identification indicator to an apricot frost event that occurred in North Hebei during April 3–9, 2018 revealed that the indicator-based identification result basically coincides with the historical disaster record and can reflect more detailed information about the apricot frost process.
A new model for settling velocity of non-spherical particles
Authors: Yang Fan , Zeng Yuhong , Huai Wen-Xin
Published: March 2021

The settlement of non-spherical particles, such as propagules of plants and natural sediments, are commonly observed in riverine ecosystems. The settling process is influenced by both particle properties (size, density and shape) and fluid properties (density and viscosity). Therefore, the drag law of non-spherical particles is a function of both particle Reynolds number and particle shape. Herein, a total of 828 settling data are collected from the literatures, which cover a wide range of particle Reynolds number (0.008–10000). To characterize the influence of particle shapes, sphericity is adopted as the general shape factor, which varies from 0.421 to 1.0. By comparing the measured drag with the standard drag curve of spheres, we modify the spherical drag law with three shape-dependent functions to develop a new drag law for non-spherical particles. Combined with an iterative procedure, a new model is thus obtained to predict the settling velocity of non-spherical particles of various shapes and materials. Further applications in hydrochorous propagule dispersal and sediment transport are projected based on deeper understanding of the settling process.
Fairness analysis and compensation strategy in the Triangle of Central China driven by water-carbon-ecological footprints
Authors: Chen Yizhong , Lu Hongwei , Li Jing , Qiao Youfeng , Yan Pengdong , Ren Lixia , Xia Jun
Published: March 2021

This study proposes water–carbon–ecological footprints to form footprint family indicators for identifying the ecological compensation and regional development equilibrium in the Triangle of Central China (TOCC). The occupation of natural capital stock and flow consumption can be illustrated through a three-dimensional ecological footprint model, and Gini coefficient is integrated into the evaluation framework for fairness measurement from various aspects. Quantificational ecological compensation standards can be given with concerns of ecological resource conversion efficiency and willingness to pay indicators. Results reveal that there exit rising trends in ecological and carbon footprints in the TOCC from 2000 to 2015, while its water footprint presents a fluctuating trend. A majority of average Gini coefficients exceed the warning value (i.e., 0.4) under different footprints, implying a relatively poor overall fairness of regional development. In terms of water footprint, the relatively higher compensation expenses exist in Jingmen, Xiangtan, and Yichun, while Yichang, Zhuzhou, and Fuzhou have higher received compensation values as compared with other cities. When it comes to carbon footprint, Wuhan, Loudi, and Xinyu should pay higher compensation expenses due to their overuse of biological resources. The highest amounts of compensation expense appear in Nanchang and Wuhan from the perspective of ecological footprint.
A Low Leakage 9T SRAM Cell With Improve Stability in Sub-Threshold Region for IoT Applications
Authors: Kumar Harekrishna , Tomar V.K
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a single-ended read and differential write half select free 9T static random access memory (SRAM) cell operates in the sub-threshold region. Proposed 9T SRAM cell shows a reasonable reduction in read and write power dissipation by a factor of 1.41× and 2.1× respectively as of conventional 6T (Conv.6T) SRAM cell. The stacking of transistors at core latch network minimizes the leakage power of the cell. The read static noise margin (RSNM) and write margin (WM) are upgraded by 2.16× and 2.06× respectively as of Conv.6T cell. A forward body bias technique is utilized in read path which results to decreases in read access time by a factor of 2.72× as of standard 6T SRAM cell. The mean value of Ion/Ioff ratio of the proposed cell is improved by 2.92× as compared to the Conv.6T SRAM cell. It is attributed to a reduction in bit-line leakage current. To achieve more soundness in characteristics of the proposed 9T SRAM cell, process variation effect on RSNM, power dissipation, and read current is calculated through Monte Carlo (MC) simulation at 5000 points. The obtained results are compared with reference SRAM cells at 0.3V supply voltage.
Climate and Health Concerns of Montana’s Public and Environmental Health Professionals: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Byron Lori Griffin , Akerlof Karen L.
Published: March 2021

Background: Rural health professionals stand at the forefront of community response to climate change, but few studies have assessed their perceptions of the threat. Further, no previous study has compared the opinions of environmental to public health professionals or extensively analyzed the factors related to these experts’ climate beliefs, risk perceptions, and injunctive norms. Methods: In conjunction with the Montana Climate Assessment’s 2021 Special Report on Climate Change and Human Health, the 479 members of the Montana Public Health Association and Montana Environmental Health Association were surveyed during September-October 2019, with 39% completing the survey. We summarized descriptive data about their perceptions of local climate-related changes, and their levels of belief that global warming is happening, is mostly human-caused, is a risk to human health, and that their offices and others should take action. We also evaluated which sociodemographic and risk perception factors related to these climate beliefs, risk perceptions, and injunctive norms. Results: Health professionals in Montana, a politically conservative state, demonstrated high levels of awareness that global warming is happening, human-caused, and a threat to human health, well above reported rates of public concern. Eighty-eight percent said that global warming is occurring and 69% that it is mostly anthropogenic. Sixty-nine percent said that their own health was already affected by climate, and 86% said they were already seeing at least one climate change-related event in their communities. Seventy-two percent said that their departments should be preparing to deal with climate change’s health effects, but just 30% said that it is currently happening. We found no statistically significant differences between Montana environmental health and public health professionals in regression models predicting climate beliefs, risk perception, and injunctive norms. As in studies of the public, political ideology and the observation of local climate-related changes were the strongest factors.Conclusions: Montana environmental and public health officials said that departmental action was needed on climate change, indicating the readiness of rural health professionals to take action. Further studies of health professionals in rural regions are warranted.
A Sentimental Classification Approach to Predict the User Behavior Using an Optimized Centered Convolutional Restricted Boltzmann Machine
Authors: Karthik E. , Sethukarasi T
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Hydrochemical characteristics and influencing factors of mine water in Tangjiahui mining area
Authors: Shidong Wang , Hongwei Tang , Zhibin Yang , Ji Liu , Hongjun Zhu , Feng Xu , Kaipeng Zhu , Juan Fan , Gang Fang
Published: March 2021

In water-deficient areas, the reuse of water discharged from coal mining is highly desirable. In order to study the water quality in the Tangjiahui mining area in Jungar Coalfield (Inner Mongolia, China), 34 groups of mine water samples collected at various stages during coal mining process were analyzed for their hydrochemical characteristics using conventional and statistical methods. A Piper trilinear diagram was used to analyze the main ion composition characteristics and the hydrochemical type of the mine water. Gibbs map and ion correlation methods were used to investigate the sources and influencing factors of the main ions in mine water. The results showed that the TH of the mine water in the study area was in the range of 219.52–390.6 mg/L with an average of 315.04 mg/L, which can be classified as slightly hard/ hard water. The TDS was in the range of 926.61–1889.56 mg/L with an average of 1514.31 mg/L, which mostly belongs to brackish water. The cation content in the mine water was ranked from the highest to the lowest as Na + > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ , while the anion content was ranked as Cl − > HCO 3 − > SO 4 2− . The Na + mass concentration was in the range of 179.00–523.06 mg/L with an average of 399.77 mg/L, while the Cl − mass concentration was in the range of 207.10–812.63 mg/L with an average of 550.88 mg/L. The hydrochemical type of the mine water was Cl-Na. According to the correlation matrix of the various chemical indicators in the mine water, the TDS was significantly positively correlated with Na + , Ca 2+ , Cl − , and SO 4 2− . Of these, the main sources of TDS were Na + and Cl − , as these had correlation coefficients > 0.9. The hydrochemical characteristics of the mine water were mainly controlled by the condensation-crystallization and anti-cation exchange, which indicated the main ions were largely derived from the dissolution of halite . Due to its high TDS, EC,SAR, and Na% values, the mine water in the study area was not suitable for human consumption and agricultural irrigation. These results can provide a reference towards water resource management and the sustainable use of mine water by local governments.
Cr(VI) and Cr(III) Release From Different Layers of Cast Iron Corrosion Scales in Drinking Water Distribution Systems: The Impact of pH, Temperature, Sulfate, and Chloride
Authors: Tian Yimei , Yu Tiantian , Shen Jingyi , Zheng Guolei , Li Han , zhao weigao
Published: March 2021

Chromium accumulated from source water and pipeline lining materials in corrosion scales could potentially be released into bulk water in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). Chromium behaviors between corrosion scale phase and the surrounding water phase vary spatially in different layers and temporally in different DWDS running periods. In this study, corrosion scales sampled from actual DWDS were first characterized by SEM, XRD, XRF, and the modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure. Then scales were divided into the outer and inner layers for subsequent analysis. Static accumulation and release experiments were performed with Cr(VI) and Cr(III) on two distinct scale layers to systematically assess the influence of pH, temperature, sulfate, and chloride. The release behaviors of Cr(VI) under the co-effect of multiple factors were investigated in orthogonal experiments. Results showed that in the outer and inner layers of corrosion scales, chromium exhibited differences in accumulation and release behaviors, with the outer layer accumulating less and releasing more. The mechanisms of chromium retention based on different iron (oxyhydr)oxides were discussed.
An Effective Model of Endogenous Clocks and External Stimuli Determining Ciradian Rhythms
Authors: Breitenbach Tim , Helfrich-Förster Charlotte , Dandekar Thomas
Published: March 2021

Circadian endogenous clocks of eukaryotic organisms are an established and rapidly developing research field. To investigate and simulate in an effective model the effect of external stimuli on such clocks and their components we developed a software framework for download and simulation. The application is useful to understand the different involved effects in a mathematical simple and effective model. This concerns the effects of Zeitgebers, feedback loops and further modifying components. We start from a known mathematical oscillator model, which is based on experimental molecular findings. This is extended with an effective framework that includes the impact of external stimuli on the circadian oscillations including high dose pharmacological treatment. The external stimuli framework defines a systematic procedure by input-output-interfaces to couple different oscillators. With a similar idea the issue of singularity points of circadian clocks is modeled and related to different model approaches. Tables explain modifications for specific organisms and by different modules. The mathematical framework and formalism is generic and allows to study in general the effect of external stimuli on oscillators and other biological processes. For an easy replication of each numerical experiment presented in this work and an easy implementation of the framework the corresponding Mathematica files are fully made available. They can be downloaded at the following link: https://www.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de/bioinfo/computing/circadian/.
Support Received by Family Members Before, at and After an Ill Person’s Death
Authors: O´Sullivan Anna , Alvariza Anette , Öhlén Joakim , Larsdotter Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Background: It is widely recognised, that family members are central to care of people with advanced illness, and that support should be provided to all family members in need thereof. The aim of this study was to investigate family members’ experiences of support received during the last three months of life, at the time of death and after the death of a person with advanced illness. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey design was employed, using the VOICES(SF) questionnaire and multiple methods for data analyses. The sample consisted of 485 bereaved family members (aged: 20-90 years old, 70% women) of people who died in hospital between August 2016-April 2017.Results: Of the family members, 58,8% reported they had received enough help and support during the illness, whereas 30,2% had not. Family members’ comments about support during the illness were mainly related to care the ill person had or had not received, rather than about support they themselves received. Of all family members, 52,8% reported having had enough support at the time of the ill person’s death. Related to support at death, 14,6% reported that the imminence of death was not clear, which was described as having affected their opportunity to be with the dying person at the time of death. Of all, 25,2% had a follow-up conversation after the death, 48% did not and did not want to, and 21% had no follow-up conversation, but would have liked one. A follow-up conversation was described as helpful for the bereavement process, and disappointment was expressed when not receiving support after the death. Conclusions: Family members’ experiences of support were partly related to whether the ill person’s care needs were fulfilled. Healthcare staff expressing empathy and respect in the care of dying people and their family members were important for family members’ experiences of support. Family members’ difficulty recognising that death was imminent and the importance of healthcare staff providing them with clear information were expressed in connection with support at death. Follow-up conversations were valued by family members, especially if with a healthcare professional who was present at the time of death.
Novel Hybrid Architecture of Infotainment for Streaming Signals in Vehicular Network
Authors: S Reshma , Prakash Chetana , Rafi Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Infotainment system is meant for offering integrated services of information and entertainment to the driver to offer a better driving experience. However, the infotainment system's present state is more towards entertainment and less towards accessing real-time information propagation for avoiding the occurrences of road fatalities. In this regard, the streaming of multimedia signals would increase communication to enhance driving experiences. The infotainment system is one integral part of vehicular communication for road safety; however, it has received less attention. Existing approaches towards data transmission among vehicles are studied concerning three standard architectures. A hybrid approach is far better than the infrastructure-based and ad-hoc-based approaches. Still, there are open-end loopholes towards hybrid architectures where reliability in the data dissemination process in the presence of dynamic topology of vehicular nodes is not considered. Therefore, the proposed study introduces a novel analytical model where the vehicles' streaming services can be offered by improvising the existing hybrid architecture. With a unique inclusion of link-quality-based attributes towards making a precise decision of the vehicles' mobility, the proposed system formulates error-free links among the communicating vehicles. The simulated study outcome shows that the proposed system offers better streaming performance than existing hybrid schemes.
Pulp and Papermaking Characteristics of South Sudanese Cordia Africana (Gambil) Wood
Authors: Elzaki Osman Taha , Tuphach Selim Otuk , Khider Tarig
Published: March 2021

Objective The wood of an important indigenous Sudanese hardwood species, Cordia africana lam, was examined to determine its suitability for pulp and papermaking. Basic density, bark-to-wood ratio, fiber dimensions and chemical composition were studied. Results Pulps were evaluated and papermaking characteristics were tested. C. africana wood showed medium basic density (410 kg m-1). The average bark-to wood ratio by mass (6.82%) and volume (11.67%) were in the normal average for pulpwood and could be used for production of high grade pulp. The fibers of C. africana were long with an average fiber length of 1.13 mm, average fiber diameter was 30 µm with an average lumen diameter 20 µm and cell wall thickness of 5 µm. the wood showed high ash content (2.7%), high pentosans (25%), relatively medium lignin content (23.9%).C. africana pulped with 12-15% alkali charge as Na2O for two hours at 170 0C gave good Kappa numbers with normal and relatively high yield with very low rejects. The addition of 0.13% anthraquinone (AQ) in cooking liquor reduced the active alkali consumption by 2-2.3%, increased the pulp yield and reduced bleachable Kappa numbers. The pulp produced suitable for wrapping paper and paperboard.
Plants Used in Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland) To Treat Urinary Diseases
Authors: Olas Beata , Różański Waldemar , Urbańska Karina , Bryś Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Background

This manuscript contains the results of Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland) ethnomedical studies on the treatment of urinary tract diseases using wild and cultivated plants. The study concerns plants mainly used for the supportive treatment of urinary tract infections, urolithiasis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this present study, we aim to collect and assess the ethnomedicinal potential of plants used in Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Poland) to treat urological diseases.
Methods

This article is based on interviews with fourteen recognized traditional healers (urban areas) and nine informants (rural areas) living in the south-eastern region of Poland - Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The survey took place between November 2019 and January 2021. For each plant mentioned in herbal remedies, polish name, part used, mode of preparation, and their properties, according to the healers and informants, were recorded.
Results

For the analysis, 123 species that belong to 43 families were selected. The most common families used to treat urinary diseases in Podkarpackie herbal medicine are the Compositae (18 species), Rosaceae and Apiaceae (11 species in each), Leguminosae (9 species), and Ericaceae (6 species). Of the species listed, Apium graveolens L., Arctium lappa L., Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Elymus repens (L.) Gould, Juniperus communis L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Solidago virgaurea L., Urtica dioica L., and Viola tricolor L. were the most frequently mentioned. Most plants are used in multicomponent blends, which are given in the form of infusions or decoction. The described plants have mainly antiseptic, diuretic, spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusions

The results of the research described in this paper indicate that herbal treatment of urinary tract diseases is still used in Poland in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. It is mainly used by people who do not want to use allopathic medicine, especially antibiotics. They are both inhabitants of large cities and villages. The latter often because of the multi-generational tradition, prefer self-healing.
Pseudonocardia Pini Sp. Nov., An Endophytic Actinobacterium Isolated From Roots of the Pine Tree Callitris Preissii
Authors: Kaewkla Onuma , Franco Christopher Milton Mathew
Published: March 2021

A Gram positive, aerobic, actinobacterial strain with rod-shaped spores, CAP47RT, which was isolated from the surface-sterilized root of a native pine tree (Callitris preissii), South Australia is described. The major cellular fatty acid of this strain was iso-H-C16:1 and major menaquinone was MK-8(H4). The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was identified as meso-diaminopimelic acid. These chemotaxonomic data confirmed the affiliation of strain CAP47RT to the genus Pseudonocardia. Phylogenetic evaluation based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this strain in the familyPseudonocardiaceae, being most closely related to Pseudonocardia xishanensis JCM 17906T (98.8%), Pseudonocardia oroxyli DSM 44984T (98.7%),Pseudonocardia thailandensis CMU-NKS-70T (98.7%), and Pseudonocardia ailaonensis DSM 44979T (97.9%). The results of the polyphasic study which contain genome comparisons of ANIb, ANIm and digital DNA-DNA hybridization revealed the differentiation of strain CAP47RT from the closest species with validated names. This strain represents a novel species and the name proposed for this microorganism is Pseudonocardia pini sp. nov., indicating the source of actinobacteria from a pine tree. The type strain is CAP47RT (= DSM 108967T = NRRL B-65534T). Genome mining revealed that this strain contained a variety of genes encoding enzymes to degrade hazard chemicals.
Targeted Metabolomics Identifies High Performing Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for COVID-19
Authors: López-Hernández Yamilé , Monárrez-Espino Joel , Oostdam Ana-Sofía Herrera-van , Delgado Julio Enrique Castañeda , Zhang Lun , Zheng Jiamin , Valdéz Juan Oropeza , Mandal Rupasri , González Fátima Ochoa , Borrego Juan Carlos , Medinilla Flor María Trejo , López Jesús Adrián , Moreno José Antonio Enciso , Wishart David S.
Published: March 2021

Research exploring the development and outcome of COVID-19 infections has led to the need to find better diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This cross-sectional study used targeted metabolomics to identify potential COVID-19 biomarkers that predicted the course of the illness by assessing 110 endogenous plasma metabolites from individuals admitted to a local hospital for diagnosis/treatment. Patients were classified into four groups (≈ 40 each) according to standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 testing and disease course: PCR-/controls (i.e., non-COVID controls), PCR+/not-hospitalized, PCR+/hospitalized, and PCR+/intubated. Blood samples were collected within 2 days of admission/PCR testing. Metabolite concentration data, demographic data and clinical data were used to propose biomarkers and develop optimal regression models for the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC; 95%CI) was used to assess each models’ predictive value. A panel that included the kynurenine: tryptophan ratio, LysoPC a C26:0, and pyruvic acid discriminated non-COVID controls from PCR+/not-hospitalized (AUC = 0.947; 95%CI 0.931–0.962). A second panel consisting of C10:2, butyric acid, and pyruvic acid distinguished PCR+/not-hospitalized from PCR+/hospitalized and PCR+/intubated (AUC = 0.975; 95%CI 0.968–0.983). Only LysoPC a C28:0 differentiated PCR+/hospitalized from PCR+/intubated patients (AUC = 0.770; 95%CI 0.736–0.803). If additional studies with targeted metabolomics confirm the diagnostic value of these plasma biomarkers, such panels could eventually be of clinical use in medical practice.
Protect Our Kids: A Novel Program Bringing Hemorrhage Control to Schools
Authors: Tobias Joseph , Cunningham Aaron , Krakauer Kelsi , Nacharaju Deepthi , Moss Lori , Galindo Carlos , Roberts Michael , Hamilton Nicholas A. , Olsen Kyle , Emmons Molly , Quackenbush Jim , Schreiber Martin A. , Burns Beech S. , Sheridan David , Hoffman Benjamin , Gallardo Adrienne , Jafri Mubeen A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Hartford Consensus produced the Stop the Bleed program to train bystanders in hemorrhage control. In our region, the police bureau delivers critical incident training to public schools, offering instruction in responding to violent or dangerous situations. Until now, widespread training in hemorrhage control has been lacking. Our group developed, implemented and evaluated a novel program integrating hemorrhage control into critical incident training for school staff in order to blunt the impact of mass casualty events on children.Methods: The staff of 25 elementary and middle schools attended a 90-minute course incorporating Stop the Bleed into the critical incident training curriculum, delivered on-site by police officers, nurses and doctors over a three-day period. The joint program was named Protect Our Kids. At the conclusion of the course, hemorrhage control kits and educational materials were provided and a four-question survey to assess the quality of training using a ten-point Likert scale was completed by participants and trainers. Results: 1018 educators underwent training. A majority were teachers (78.2%), followed by para-educators (5.8%), counselors (4.4%) and principals (2%). Widely covered by local and state media, the Protect Our Kids program was rated as excellent and effective by a majority of trainees and all trainers rated the program as excellent. Conclusions: Through collaboration between trauma centers, police and school systems, a large-scale training program for hemorrhage control and critical incident response can be effectively delivered to schools.
Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungus Talaromyces trachyspermus against root rot pathogens of sunflower
Authors: Farhat Hafiza , Urooj Faizah , Irfan Muhammed , Sohail Nida , Majeed Saima , Shafique Hafiza , Hameedi Sidra , Ehteshamul-Haque Syed
Published: March 2021

Several reports revealed that endophytic fungi have great influence on host plants, as they promote plant growth and minimize disease severity caused by various pathogens. In this study, endophytic fungi isolated from healthy plants were identified as Aspergillus terreus, Curvularia lanata, C. hawaiiensis, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium solani, Talaromyces assiutensis and T. trachyspermus were evaluated for antimicrobial activity, using dual-culture plate assay and agar disc diffusion method. They have shown significant activity against root rot pathogens, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani and F.oxysporum. Talaromyces assiutensis and T. trachyspermus were selected for further study, since other fungi are well known plant pathogens or environmental contaminants. They were applied in pots and field plot experiments using sunflower as test plant. There efficacy was also compared with endophytic Cephalosporium sp., and Chaetomium sp. Talaromyces spp., significantly suppressed root rotting fungi and improved plant biomass. They ameliorated production of plant defense biochemical markers (polyphenolic content and salicylic acid) and antioxidant potential of treated plants. GC-MS profiling of n- hexane fraction of T. trachyspermus yielded several new compounds from this source. Endophytic fungi associated with healthy plants have great potential to suppress root rotting fungi and stimulate production of plant’s defense biochemical markers.
Expanding Access to Health Facility Delivery in Nigeria: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Awopegba Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Obisesan Matthew Tobiloba , Nwogwugwu Charlotte , Owolabi Eyitayo Omolara
Published: March 2021

Background Nigeria has the highest maternal deaths counts globally, and this reflects poor access to quality maternal health care services. Previous research on access to health facility delivery has not sufficiently probed the within-country inequalities in access to and progress in expanding maternal health care services in Nigeria. Our study fills this gap by examining the progress, challenges, and opportunities in expanding access to health facility delivery in Nigeria. Methods Data of 37,928 and 40,567 live births in the 2013 and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health surveys (NDHS) respectively were analysed in this study. NDHS employs a multistage sampling and is representative of both the country and each of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). We used descriptive statistics to examine the trend in health facility delivery in Nigerian states and presented the results using maps. Also, we used logistic regression analysis to examine progress in expanding access to health facility delivery across Nigerian states. Results The proportion of births delivered in health facilities increased from 35.8% in 2013 to 39.4% in 2018, representing a 3.6% increment. After adjusting for relevant covariates, women were 17% more likely to deliver in health facilities in 2018 than in 2013 surveys. However, progress in expanding access to health facility delivery was uneven across the country. While the odds of delivering in a health facility significantly increased for women living in 13 of the 36 states and FCT, the odds reduced significantly in seven states and no progress was recorded in 17 states. Conclusion There was a slight improvement in access to health facility delivery in Nigeria between 2013 and 2018. However, progress remains uneven across the states with only 13 states recording some progress. Four states stood out, recording over a three-fold relative increase in odds of health facility deliveries. These states implemented maternal health care policies that not only made services free but also improved infrastructure and human resources for health. Thus, providing examples of what works in improving access to services for other states to follow.
Integrated Hydrochemistry and Statistical Methods to Investigate Groundwater Origin and Salinization Process in Arid Regions (Central-eastern Tunisia)
Authors: Souei Ali , Hamzaoui-Azaza Fadoua , Zouaghi Taher , Oueslati Chafik
Published: March 2021

Hydrochemistry is a discipline widely used given the groundwater quantitative and qualitative reliability in the hydrogeological study. The geochemical study of groundwater in the Nadhour-Sisseb-El Alem basin aimed to characterize the water chemistry, determination of the physicochemical parameters and chemical facies well as and the mineralization processes. The Piper and Durov diagrams and scatter plots, conventional classification techniques, are applied to evaluate the geochemical processes. Samples are classified using two multivariate statistical methods, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Waters compositions are affected by cation exchange reactions in the intercalated clay, resulting in a Na+ increase, and peaks of K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. PCA analyses show that the water samples have been classified into 8 groups. The waters quality deterioration is caused essentially by; overexploitation, decreased in freshwater recharge rates, climate condition; height evaporation low precipitation, artificial recharge by dam water, and irrigation return water.
Different patterns of belowground fungal diversity along altitudinal gradients with respect to microhabitat and guild types
Authors: Park Ki Hyeong , Yoo Shinnam , Park Myung Soo , Kim Chang Sun , Lim Young Woon
Published: March 2021

Background Fungi are key components of belowground ecosystems with various ecological roles in forests. Although the changes in the richness and composition of belowground fungi across altitudinal gradients have been widely reported, only a few studies have focused on the microhabitat types along altitudinal gradients. Results Here, we analyzed the effect of altitudinal gradients on the fungal communities of belowground microhabitats (roots and soil) and their different ecological roles. Root and nearby soil samples were collected from 80 Pinus densiflora trees in 16 localities at various altitudes across the country, and their community composition was analyzed using DNA metabarcoding of the ITS2 region on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We found that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi were more abundant in the soil, whereas the relative abundance of endophytic and saprotrophic fungi was higher in the roots. Altitude negatively affected the species richness of root-inhabiting and ECM fungi but did not influence that of non-ECM fungi. However, the composition of ECM fungi was less influenced by altitude than that of non-ECM fungi.Conclusion Our results demonstrate that microhabitat types and altitudinal gradients affect the diversity, composition, and function of fungal communities associated with a single plant host and contribute to a better understanding of plant-associated fungal communities.