bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of chitosan films with the synergistic reinforcing effect of carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide for potential optoelectronic applications
Authors: González-Martínez Jesús Roldán , Magallanes-Vallejo Aurora Guadalupe , López-Oyama Ana Bertha , Madera-Santana Tomás Jesús , Anaya-Garza Karely , Rodríguez-González Eugenio , Barfusson-Domínguez Felipe , Gámez-Corrales Rogelio
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and a mixture of the (CNT-rGO) on the structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of low (CSL), medium (MCS) and high-molecular (HCS) weight chitosan. The formed films' structure and physical properties were analyzed using swelling, X-ray diffraction, mechanical testing, and SEM micrographs. The 4-Probe technique showed that chitosan electrical conductivity was improved by six orders of magnitude strongly influenced by the CNT addition. The photoluminescence (PL) studies showed that rGO addition induces a non-radiative process in composites and decreases the PL intensity by nearly 43%. The CNTs in CSL and the mixture in CSL present the best electrical, optical, and swelling degree properties. The composites properties and ease of preparation of the films reported in this work make them suitable for optoelectronic applications due to their electrical conductivity and PL values.
Monitoring and early warning of artificial intelligence system in public health safety law
Authors: Yin Weida
Published: April 2023

With the development of communication technology, the birth of 5G technology has epoch-making significance for data transmission and storage. Because of its very large network bandwidth and small network delay, it is very reliable in data transmission. 5G and other engineering, such as artificial intelligence and other technologies are often linked together, from the technical means and data transmission efficiency and other aspects of the technical level, promote and make artificial intelligence technology can be further expanded and extended. Based on this, the application and development of 5G technology and artificial intelligence under the background of new era information technology are expanded and studied in this paper. In addition, based on the prediction process of deep neural network construction, this paper studies its operability on FPGA platform from this process, and carries out a series of related studies on the implementation means of neural network on FPGA platform. In this paper, an accelerated system is designed, and the model can be established based on the key factors extracted from the accelerated system. Applying models set under different acceleration systems in different scenarios can be suitable for different network architectures. In the final research phase, we analyzed the materials and performed experimental verification. In the context of the market economy, we elaborated on the responsibility of the government in a certain region to maintain public security. For a region, it needs to be based on local actual conditions, specific analysis of specific issues, learning from the experience of some areas where public health incidents are handled well, and establishing a system with local characteristics. From the process of elaboration, we found that public health safety is not only closely related to each of our lives, but also further related to social stability and security.
Economic simulation of sports industry based on deep learning algorithm and data mining
Authors: Yuhao Zou , Tian Zhou
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the research on the domestic and international sports industry has made considerable achievements, but there are still some loopholes in the content, that is, there is still a vacancy in the comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the economic development of the sports industry, especially in the statistics of the output value of the sports industry, which lacks a comprehensive understanding of the economic development of the industry. In the state of dual demand research and application, it is still necessary to reveal the publicity and education of industrial scale, industrial structure, industrial function and industrial safety between people and industries, which is also a necessary way to develop the talent guarantee industry. In this work, we should establish an economic model related to the sports industry. It mainly applies the deep learning algorithm and data information mining technology. After allowing the extraction of information from the sports industry database, it is converted into an economic model of the sports industry. It uses scientific and efficient processing methods to analyze a large number of diverse data, in order to find the hidden laws and knowledge behind it. Therefore, this paper uses data mining technology to process and analyze the economic development data of sports industry in detail, and conducts corresponding quantitative analysis according to the requirements of data development. Finally, this paper points out that the neural network in the deep learning algorithm has further training and learning on the economic data of the sports industry, which is convenient for the subsequent prediction of the economic development of the sports industry to make a greater breakthrough.
Application of VR recognition based on image object detection algorithm in urban street landscape art design
Authors: Meng Xiangyun
Published: April 2023

Image target detection plays an important role in the field of VR recognition and art design. It is applied in many fields such as urban planning and weather monitoring in China. In recent years, depth neural network has become an important part of target detection algorithm. Target detection has shown excellent functions in segmentation, tracking and recognition. With the rapid development of image detection technology, targeted image detection has improved the quantity and quality of data. In the application of VR technology to the artistic design of urban street landscape, it not only helps designers better observe the world characteristics, but also constantly stimulates designers' thinking inspiration in the interactive environment, thus generating new ideas, new creativity, new means and rich creative content. Therefore, design can play a role from the conceptual stage to the final effect display stage. At this stage, VR recognition technology is not mature enough in the design of urban street landscape, which is still in the exploration stage. Select a suitable VR system, and further explore and study the functions of the selected engine system on this basis. Explore the virtual work route suitable for building street landscape, and select the virtual environment of street landscape to lay a solid foundation for VR identification technology. Based on the main technical content of VR identification, the actual change and interaction of operating materials can be reflected, and the results of urban street landscape design can be presented in the most intuitive way.
Analysing spatial and geometrical patterns of urbanization using spatial metrics – A case study of Tiruchirappalli urban, India
Authors: K Prakash , R Jegankumar , RS Libina ,   Dhanabalan1 SP
Published: April 2023

The understanding of spatial and geometrical patterns in urbanization is crucial in tackling its associated problems. As urbanization progresses through various stages of development, it reflects different forms, patterns, and interactions based on physical and functional aspects. Spatial metrics, a well-regarded technique for quantifying urban characteristics, is one of several methods developed to achieve this. The current study was conducted in Tiruchirappalli and six other urban centres located within a 40-kilometre radius; which helps to comprehend the comparative growth and spatial patterns in relation to Tiruchirappalli urban centre. The urban centres were divided into eight zones based on direction for more precise quantification. The study employed Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images to classify land use/cover for the periods 1996, 2008, and 2020, which were then used to assess urban spatial growth and quantify spatial and geometrical patterns. Fragstat, a comprehensive application with several metrics, was used to analyse spatial metrics, including patch, class, and landscape levels, which focus on spatial configurations such as area and edge, aggregation, diversity, and shape. The study generated significant data about spatial and geometric properties, patterns, and obstructions of growth. The area and edge metrics and aggregation metrics indicated that Manachanallur, Manapparai, Musiri, Thiruverumbur, and Thuraiyur had the most unpredictable, random growth with highly protrusive urban growth in few zones across the study period. Diversity metrics demonstrated that Tiruchirappalli had the most abundant urban patches, with few patches from other classes. Shape metrics revealed significant improvements from 2008–2020 across all urban centres, whereas from 1996–2008, urban patches were more irregular in shape. The current study is a significant contribution to the urban research in understanding the relative spatial and geometric patterns of urbanization. The knowledge generated could aid in sustainable urban development planning and focus.
Bio-green synthesis of calcium acetate from oyster shell waste at low cost and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
Authors: Seesanong Somkiat , Seangarun Chaowared , Boonchom Banjong , Laohavisuti Nongnuch , Montri Nattaya , Thompho Somphob , Boonmee Wimonmat , Mongkol Sorakit , Rungrojchaipon Pesak
Published: April 2023

Bio-green synthesis was designed and employed for calcium acetate monohydrate (Ca(CH3COO)2·H2O) preparation. Biological wastes obtained from food, oyster shells, were recycled to calcium carbonate and then were used as bio-green raw material to replace limestone/carbonate stone for calcium acetate production. The conditions (ambient temperature occurred in an exothermic reaction, drying time, percentage yield, and percentage solubility) of the reaction between the bio-green CaCO3 and three different acetic (CH3COOH) concentrations (8, 10, and 12 mol·L−1) were investigated. The maximum percentage yield (93.42%) with a shorter drying time (18 h) affected the low cost of the product found in the reaction between the bio-green CaCO3 with 12 mol·L−1 acetic acid. The percentage solubility and chemical compositions without any toxic metal impurity revealed by the XRF technique would be useful to suggest use in the specific application. The XRD, FTIR, and TGA data of Ca(CH3COO)2·H2O prepared by the bio-green CaCO3 obtained from oyster shell wastes in this work and those in previous works used other calcium sources were consistent. The morphologies with different sizes of the obtained Ca(CH3COO)2•H2O depend on the CH3COOH concentrations reported in this work and were different from those reported in previous works because of different calcium sources. According to the observation, it can be concluded that the low-cost and bio-green technique without the environmental effects was successfully applied to produce cheap Ca(CH3COO)2•H2O and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which can be used in the specific industry.
Application of Computer Aided CAD in Urban Planning Heritage Protection
Authors: Wang Song
Published: April 2023

Computer aided CAD system plays an important role in urban planning and heritage conservation. When developing new products, the computer aided system can effectively identify the existing CAD model, facilitate reuse for design, thus shortening the development cycle, reducing the development cost, and improving the development efficiency. Therefore, this paper proposes a concept of computer learning algorithm and a model of naive Bayesian algorithm, that is, urban cultural heritage is an important carrier of human history and culture. After long-term development and accumulation, the current form and spiritual significance have evolved. Since the reform and opening up, China's urban heritage protection has also achieved fruitful results and valuable experience, thus forming a three-level protection system of famous cities, famous streets and cultural protection buildings. With the continuous maturity of computer aided CAD system theory in the field of urban heritage, CAD system has deepened the understanding of "culture" in heritage, and the practice of heritage protection has gradually shifted from traditional urban architecture protection to anthropology, cultural geography and other humanities and social sciences. At this stage, computer aided CAD urban planning introduced the integrity, diversity and development oriented sustainable development of heritage protection, and paid unprecedented attention to the local nature of heritage or the special background of heritage generation. The focus on urban heritage protection has shifted from simply proposing protection practices to the power and interest mechanism behind heritage protection. Only in this way can heritage management truly maintain sustainable development.
Pressure Drop Characteristics of Concentric Spiral Corrugation Cryostats for a HTS Power Cable Considering Core Surface Roughness
Authors: Choi Youngjun , Kim Seokho
Published: April 2023

Recently, interest in renewable energy systems such as solar, hydrogen and wind power has increased as an alternative to fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources such as large wind and solar farms require long-distance power transmission because they are located inland or offshore, far from the city where power is required. High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) power cables have more than 5 times the transmission capacity and less than one-tenth the transmission loss compared to the existing cables of the same size, enabling large-capacity transmission at low voltage. In addition, it has perfect magnetic shielding performance, so it can fundamentally solve the electromagnetic wave environmental problem, and does not use any environmental pollutants in the existing high-voltage power cables. For commercialization of HTS power cables, unmanned operation and long-distance cooling technology of several kilometers is essential, and pressure drop characteristic is important. The cryostat's spiral corrugation tube is easier to bend, but unlike the round tube, the pressure drop cannot be calculated using the Moody chart. In addition, it is more difficult to predict the pressure drop characteristics due to the irregular surface roughness of the binder wound around the cable core. In this paper, a suitable CFD model of a spiral corrugation tube with a core was designed by referring to the water experiments from previous studies. In the four cases geometry, when the surface roughness of the core was 10mm, most errors were 15% and the maximum errors were 23%. These results will be used as a reference for the design of long-distance HTS power cables.
Application of an improved wide-narrow-band hybrid ANC algorithm in large commercial vehicle cab
Authors: Su Jintao , nie jinquan , Chen Shuming
Published: April 2023

In recent years, active noise reduction technology has become a research hotspot. However, most active noise reduction technologies are developed based on passenger vehicles and are not implemented in large commercial vehicles. The large commercial vehicle sound field space is large, the traditional active noise reduction method is difficult to implement. In order to explore this problem, this paper proposes an improved active noise control method for commercial vehicles :(1) based on the traditional notch filter, a notch FxLMS algorithm based on speed smoothing is proposed; (2) On the basis of the traditional wire-narrowband hybrid ANC algorithm, the reference signal weighting technology is introduced into the wide-band subsystem, and the notch FxLMS algorithm based on speed smoothing is used as the narrowband subsystem, so as to propose an improved wire-narrowband hybrid ANC algorithm. With the help of MATLAB, the simulation model of the designed algorithm is established, and the collected commercial vehicle test noise data is used as the reference signal to simulate and verify the proposed algorithm. The results show that the proposed method has certain practicability.
Checkpoint Nano-degrader to Transiently Promote Efferocytosis
in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gao Jinfeng , Huang Zheyong , Wang Qiaozi , Li Qiyu , Tan Haipeng , Chen Jing , Yakufu Wusiman , Sun Dili , Wang Zhengmin , Yang Hongbo , Zhang Jinyan , Weng Xueyi , Wang Qibing , Qian Juying , Pang Zhiqing , Song Yanan , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2023

The efferocytosis of apoptotic cardiomyocytes (CMs) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is required for inflammation resolution and cardiac repair. However, this process would be impaired by the interaction of elevated CD47 on apoptotic CMs with receptor signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages. Herein, based on receptor-mediated internalization, we developed senescent RBC-mimetic liposome (RLP) as a nano-degrader to promote SIRPα degradation and inhibit CD47-SIRPα axis transiently. After injection, we demonstrated that RLP modified with Ly6G antibody hitchhiked neutrophiles and was released to macrophages in the border area of the infarct heart, which was subsequently internalized by macrophages through SIRPα and degraded in lysosome. CD47-SIRPα axis blockade consequently facilitated the efferocytosis of apoptotic CMs and lead to decreased infarct area and anti-inflammatory microenvironment for improved cardiac remodeling. This nano-degrader presents a practical membrane protein degradation strategy to transiently inhibit CD47-SIRPα axis and boost apoptotic CMs efferocytosis.
The association of modifiable risk factors and diabetic retinopathy: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li He-Yan , Dong Li , Wu Hao-Tian , Li Yi-Fan , Zhang Rui-Heng , Zhou Wen-Da , Yang Qiong , Liu Yue-Ming , Wei Wenbin
Published: April 2023

Purpose:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been linked to a range of systemic risk factors, but the evidence supporting these associations is inconsistent. This study aimed to use Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to establish genetic causal links between different risk factors and DR.
Methods:
The study analyzed the genetic associations between obesity, overall health status, lifestyle factors, and serum parameters with DR (n=14,584), PDR (n=8,681), and NPDR (n=2,026). Multiple MR models, multivariable MR (MVMR), and meta-analysis were used to identify significant mediators for the relationship between the risk factors and DR.
Results:
Genetic analysis of the 14,584 cases and 202,082 controls identified two novel genes, rs111953004 and rs9280092 on chromosome 6, with the nearest gene being HLA-DQB1 (p value of 2.146×10-160). Multiple MR models consistently showed genetic associations between obesity and DR. Overall health status, including overall rating (OR: 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-2.00), ischemic stroke (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09-1.24), and hypertension (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.11) were found to increase the risk of DR. Meanwhile, moderate physical activity frequency (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68-0.92) and having a college degree (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48-0.67) were found to protect against DR according to meta-analysis. Serum parameters such as lower LDL cholesterol (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.98) and higher HDL cholesterol (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88-0.94) were found to reduce the risk of DR. MVMR revealed that hypertension, coffee intake, and overall health rating were risk factors for DR. Combined meta-analysis results also suggested that alcohol consumption, coffee intake, and daytime napping might increase the risk of DR (all p <0.05).
Conclusions:
This study established strong genetic causal links between selected risk factors and DR, which were largely mediated by obesity. Higher education level, physical activity, and better cholesterol control were associated with a decreased risk of DR.
Synthesis of CeO 2 Nanosheet with Predominantly Exposed (111) and (220) Planes via Sacrificial-Template Accelerated Hydrolysis for CO Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Barkaoui Sami , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Chakhari Samir , Dhaouadi Hassouna , Touati Fathi , Ghernaout Djamel Ghernaout , Shawabkeh Ali
Published: April 2023

This work reported the synthesis of stainless-steel wire-mesh (SSWM) supported CeO2 with predominantly exposed (111) and (220) planes of high technological interest with a crystal size of about 7 nm and a high specific area ~ 120 m2g− 1 using the sacrificial template-accelerated hydrolysis (STAH) technique. To accomplish this outstanding process, the key ingeniousness here was employing a template (SSWM-supported ZnO oxide). As a manner to experiment SSWM supported CeO2 it was successfully tested for CO oxidation. The trials depicted that T50, the temperature at which 50% of CO conversion was achieved, was found to be 220°C, and T100, the temperature at which 100% of CO conversion was reached, was observed to be300°C. Also, the CeO2 catalyst showed good durability at 300°C during 12 h implying that CeO2 prepared using the STAH technique is robust and promising for prolonged periods of treatment. This method provided a new way to fabricate flexible nanosized functional CeO2 oxide such as structured catalysts, sensor arrays, batteries, bioactive materials, etc.
Modeling for Ultrasonic Vibration-assisted Helical Grinding of SiC particle-reinforced Al-MMCs
Authors: Li Qilin , Yuan Songmei , Gao Xiaoxing , Chen Bochuan , Li Zhen , Amin Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) particle-reinforced aluminum matrix (SiCp/Al) composites have continuously increased applications in abundant industries due to their superior mechanical properties. However, such composites have issues achieving desired machinability and quality standard due to the presence of SiC particles which is the main hindrance to their applications. In this paper, the methodology of ultrasonic vibration-assisted helical grinding (UVHG) of SiCp/Al composites has been applied to achieve to desired quality and efficiency for such composites. Then a mechanical cutting force model was developed to predict grinding forces. The grinding force was separated into friction force, plastic deformation force, and fracture force on account of the material removal mechanism. The undeformed chip thickness and cross-sectional area were calculated for the grinding force of a single diamond abrasive grit and then extended to the whole tool. By considering the acoustic softening effect of reduction of deformation stress caused by ultrasonic vibration, the acoustic softening coefficient was first proposed in the model to correct the impact of the ultrasonic vibration for properties of SiCp/Al composites. The experimental machining (UVHG) was carried out considering the different groups of experiments. The experimental results found agreed with the predicted values of cutting forces. The prediction deviation of the model was 7.06%, which could provide further guidance for the grinding process optimization of SiCp/Al composites. The novel cutting force predicted model and proposed machining methodology could be applied to machining SiCp/Al composites at the industry level and further research work.
Sex pheromones of Preputial gland: Their chemical identification and role in social & reproductive behaviour of house rat, Rattus rattus
Authors: Bala Bindu , Babbar B. K.
Published: April 2023

Present study was carried out to determine the chemistry of the Preputial gland (PG) of mature male house rats and its role in sexual and social communication. 50% PG extracts from male rats of different age groups were prepared and tested against house rats of different age groups and sexes. Results revealed that mature females were highly attracted towards and mature males were highly repelled from preputial gland extract of mature male rats for 5 and 2 days respectively. Comparison of gas chromatography linked mass spectrometry analysis of fresh and 8 days old PG extract revealed that 13 pheromonal compounds ((.+/-.)-.alpha.-Tocopherol acetate; Acetophenone; Undecane; Dodecane; Tridecane; Tetradecane; Heneicosane; Docosane; Squalene; Cholesterol; Octadecanal; Palmitic acid; Stigmastan-3,5-diene) were exclusively present in fresh extract but absent in 8 days old preputial gland extract and these compounds are already reported to have role in sexual and social communication in other mammals, insects and reptiles. These compounds might be used by mature male rats for sexual and social communication. In the future, these identified compounds can be used in fixed proportions individually and in various combinations after testing their efficacy to develop a stable lure to increase the trappability and acceptability of antifertility agents and rodenticide-based baits for the management of house rats.
Application potential of push-pull cropping of maize and beans to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) management in China
Authors: Bi Sijia , Wang Yinhao , Xu Tingting , Hu Benjin , Wang Zhenying , Hu Fei , Xu Lina
Published: April 2023

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a notorious pest on maize. The push-pull strategy based on intercropping and interplanting system has been reported to effectively reduce the damage of FAW. However, the suitable mode for FAW management has not been reported thoroughly. We therefore investigated the adaptability, feeding preference and oviposition of FAW on maize (Zea mays L.), mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), red bean (Vigna angularis Willd.) and yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata L.), which commonly used in maize-legume intercropping system. We also evaluated the occurrence of FAW in push-pull cropping test. Results showed that FAW could complete life history reared on the six hosts, and it was more suitable for maize, red bean and yardlong bean but less suitable for the others. The feeding preference and oviposition tests revealed that FAW had strong preference for maize and yardlong bean, while the opposite was true for mung bean. In addition, the push-pull cropping test showed that the injured rate on maize intercropping mung bean surrounded by yardlong bean was significantly less than that on maize monocropping and maize surrounded by yardlong bean. The study indicated that mung bean and yardlong bean are promising introduced into push-pull control, and could provide a new perspective for FAW management in maize-legume intercropping system.
RETRACTED: Impact of Digital Inequality in the Transition to the Online Environment
Authors: Babo Rosalina , Singh Upasana
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Clinical Information Retrieval: A literature review
Authors: Sivarajkumar Sonish , Mohammad Haneef Ahamed , Oniani David , Roberts Kirk , Hersh William , Liu Hongfang , He Daqing , Visweswaran Shyam , Wang Yanshan
Published: April 2023

Background: Clinical information retrieval (IR) plays a vital role in modern healthcare by facilitating efficient access and analysis of medical literature for clinicians and researchers. This scoping review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of clinical IR research and identify gaps and potential opportunities for future studies in this field.
Objectives: The main objective of this review is to identify and analyze published research on clinical IR, including the methods, techniques, and tools used to retrieve and analyze clinical information from various sources. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of clinical IR research and guide future research efforts in this field.
Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted a thorough search of multiple databases, including Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, from January 1st, 2012, to January 4th, 2023. The screening process involved multiple reviewers, and we included 184 papers for the final review.
Results: We conducted a detailed analysis and discussion of various aspects of clinical IR research, including publication year, data sources, methods, techniques, evaluation metrics, shared tasks, and applications. Our analysis revealed key research areas in clinical IR, such as indexing, ranking, and query expansion, and identified opportunities for future research in these areas.
Programming structural and magnetic anisotropy for tailored interaction and control of soft microrobots
Authors: Yan Yimo , Song Chao , Shen Zaiyi , Zhu Yuechen , Ni Xingyu , Wang Bin , Christiansen Michael , Stavrakis Stavros , Lintuvuori Juho , Chen Baoquan , deMello Andrew , Schuerle Simone
Published: April 2023

Swarms of soft microrobots controlled by minimally invasive magnetic fields show promise as potential biomedical agents. The collective behaviour of such swarms, governed by magnetic and hydrodynamic interactions, emerges from the properties of their individual constituents. The introduction of anisotropy into microrobots, including both magnetic and structural anisotropy, expands the possibilities space for tailoring and predetermining the interactions and collective behaviours that result. However, the methods best suited for large-scale production of soft microrobots, such as emulsion-based synthesis, typically result in isotropic characteristics. In this work, by combining simulation-guided design and droplet-based microfluidics, we develop a versatile, high-throughput technique for fabricating soft microrobots with programmable structural and magnetic anisotropy. Our microrobots consist of iron oxide nanoparticles organized into supradomain structures and entrapped in a hydrogel matrix that can be elongated independently of its magnetic properties. By applying rotating magnetic fields to resulting swarms, distinct collective behaviours are produced, including gas-like, variable crystal, stable crystal, and heterogeneous motions.
A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study on Awareness Regarding Rheumatic Heart Disease among mothers attending Bashair Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan 2021.
Authors: Awad Ibrahim , Sabir Mustafa
Published: April 2023

Background
Early diagnosis and treatment of throat infections caused by group A streptococci represent the basis of the primary prevention of rheumatic heart disease. A preventable condition that is associated with high mortality rates among children, thus mandating a thorough understanding by their primary caretakers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness about rheumatic heart disease in mothers coming to the outpatient department of Bashair teaching Hospital south region of the capital Khartoum.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study carried in the outpatient department of both pediatris and obstetric units at Bashair teaching Hospital. The study population was mothers from different age groups. Data was collected through interviewer-administered questionnaire addressed to assess awareness on rheumatic heart disease.
Results
150 mothers were interviewed most of them were in the 26–35 age group (42.67%). Nearly half of the mothers (43.3%) had primary school level of education, only 5.3% of the mothers reported having heard about rheumatic heart disease and only 2% knew the relationship between throat infection and heart disease. Factors associated with an adequate knowledge of RHD were: Monthly income (p = 0.01), post-secondary level of education (p = 0.004), and having heard of RHD (p = 0.001).
Conclusions
levels of knowledge and awareness on rheumatic heart disease among mothers is low. This study provides an important insight into the perception and practices related to sore throat that can be used to guide future awareness activity campaigns aiming to reduce the risk of RHD in Sudan.
Recommendations:
to execute a large scale campaign aiming to improve the awareness of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, and to educate mothers about the importance of adequate care of sore throat in children and the hazardous outcomes of its negligence.
Structural Energy Storage System Using Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Dasom , Jung Jaemin , Lee Gyu Hee , Li Meixian , Lee Woo Il , Um Moon-Kwang , Choi Sung-Woong
Published: April 2023

In the present study, carbon nanofibers containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated using electrospinning and used as an electrode for structural supercapacitors. Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were converted to carbon nanofibers with stabilization and carbonization processes assisted by thermal treatment. The surface area of the electrospun carbon nanofiber electrodes was further increased several thousand times using an activation process. Multifunctional supercapacitors were fabricated using electrospun carbon nanofibers and a vacuum resin infusion technique. The specific capacitance was dramatically improved due to the decreased equivalent series resistance and increased surface area of the nanofiber electrodes. Moreover, the carbon nanofiber electrodes helped increase interlaminar fracture toughness of structural supercapacitors because it acted like ‘Velcro’ between the fabric interfaces. This work is a ‘proof-of-concept’ for a simple and effective method to produce an electrode for structural supercapacitors based on the electrospinning technique.
An Insight into the Structural Analysis of α-crystallin of Habitat- specific fish – A Computational Approach
Authors: Chakraborty Aparajita , Ganguli Sayak , De Priyanka , Saha Sudipa
Published: April 2023

α- crystallin is a major eye lens protein, comprising up to 40% of total lens protein. It is composed of two subunits, αA and αB and share a common central domain of about 90 residues with variable N- and C-terminal extensions. For the establishment of an evolutionary inter-relationship, an elucidation of the structure and alignment of protein sequences is crucial. In the present study, a bioinformatics approach was adopted to explore the possible structure, sequence and phylogenetic diversity of α-crystallin (both subunits αA and αB) from ten habitat-specific fish species, (freshwater and saltwater) and compared with a standard sequence of Bos taurus species. The sequence of Bos taurus was predicted to be a close homologue of the fish species. Homology modelling has been performed in order to generate a possible ‘3D’ structure of the crystallin proteins using SWISS-MODEL. Our analysis shows that the secondary structures of bovine α-crystallin revealed no considerable differences as compared to that of the crystallins of the habitat-specific fish and that the presence of β- sheets was predominant in all structures. Though no significant differences in the αA subunits were revealed yet some structural variations were observed for αB subunits which had been confirmed by MSA analysis. The 3D structure of the protein hasn’t been elucidated yet so a computational analysis estimated no major differences in structures of crystallin for either bovine or the fish species except that saltwater fish proteins possess more favourable states and higher reliabilities. In agreement with previous literature, α- crystallin has a molecular weight of 20kDa approx. and a theoretical pI of 5.75; 55.1% of its sequence is composed of hydrophilic amino acids and it is a cytosolic protein. Considerable improvement of the currently available tools is being done for a detailed understanding of the structure/function relationships of α- crystallin proteins.
DFT-based Analysis of Siderophore-Metal Ion Interaction for Efficient Heavy Metal Remediation
Authors: Xu Yi-Cheng , Li Nan , Yan Xiufeng , Zou Hui-Xi
Published: April 2023

Siderophores have great application potential in metal pollutant remediation because of their effective cost and friendly impact on the environment. However, the practical use of siderophores in the remediation of specific metals is rather limited because of the weak nonspecific interactions between the siderophores and different metals. Thus, screening for a siderophore with optimal interaction with a specific metal would be necessary. Here, the interaction between metal ions and moieties that donate the oxygen ligands for the coordination of four types of siderophore (hydroxamates, catecholates, phenolates and carboxylates) was modeled and analyzed. As revealed by DFT-based analysis, the four types of siderophore generally exhibited selection preference for different metal ions in the order Ga3+ > Al3+ > Fe3+ > Cr3+ > Ni2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Co2+ > Mn2+ > Hg2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+, which was determined mainly by the electronegativity of both siderophore functional groups and metals, and of the ionic radius of the metals, as well as the interaction between the main chain of the siderophore and the metals. Moreover, the effect of linear or nonlinear (cyclic) structure on the affinity of the siderophore for different metal ions was evaluated. In most situations, metal-bound cyclic siderophores are more stable than their linear counterparts. Thus, proper siderophores for the remediation of metal pollution may be rapidly screened using the model.
Determinants of Depressive Symptoms in People Living with HIV in the Case of Low- Resource Communities in Eastern Ethiopia: A Multi-Centered Study
Authors: Zerihun Ebisa , Girma Firaol
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Depression in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has become an urgent issue. The HIV/AIDS pandemic cannot end without addressing the mental health of PLHIV through integrated approaches; besides, depression in PLHIV might be unrecognized and undertreated, whereas some manifestations of HIV and depression are mirrored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess depressive symptoms and associated factors in PLHIV in Eastern Ethiopia to further interventions.
Methods
A total of 420 PLHIV participated in this cross-sectional study and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Medical record reviews and pretested, structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect the data. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the odds ratios for the existence of depressive symptoms, including sociodemographic information, and comorbidities as relevant variables. Statistically significant variables were determined using P values of 0.05.
Results
we found over all prevalence of depressive symptoms in PLHIV was 52.4% (95% CI = 47.6–57.1). Employment status [AOR = 0.22 (95% CI = 0.13–0.36)], recent CD4 count [AOR = 6.99 (95% CI = 2.81–17.38)], duration on ART [AOR = 5.05 (95% CI = 2.38–10.74)], and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [AOR = 7.90 (95% CI = 4.21–14.85)] were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among PLHIV on treatment.
Conclusion
In this study, almost half of adult PLHIV receiving ART drugs had depressive symptoms. Employment was found to be preventive, while low CD4 counts, starting ART drugs recently, and the presence of chronic NCDs increased the risk of developing depression. Mental health screening and NCD intervention packages should be integrated into and offered at HIV care clinics.
Study on the Mechanism of Eerdun Wurile's Effects on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfuntion by the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Qiao Yun , Li Huiru , Li Yan , Su Enboer , Wang Zhe , Che Limuge , Du yiir
Published: April 2023

Aims: The object of our work was to observe whether the Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile (EW) improve POCD by affecting the TLR4/NF-κB.
Methods: Mice (6–8 week-old male C57BL/6J) were selected to establish an animal model of POCD by combining intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide and nephrectomy; EW formulation and EW basic formulation were administered intra-gastrically for 7 consecutive days. The cognitive performance was assessed by Morris water maze test. H&E staining was examined to detect alterations in hippocampal tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate MyD88, NF-κB, TLR4, iNOS, and IBA-1 expressions; Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to evaluate MyD88, NF-κB and TLR4. The expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were evaluated by ELISA.
Results: Intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide combined with nephrectomy induced cognitive dysfunction in mice, stimulated TLR4/NF-κB and microglia, and promoted the secretion of murine TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. EW formulation and EW basic formulation treatment are able to suppress the TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation and microglia, and the serum cytokine secretions related to proinflammation, and restore the cognitive performance.
Conclusion: EW formulation and EW basic formulation can improve POCD in mice, and TLR4/NF-κB pathway seems to be one of the important mechanisms in EW's improvement of POCD.
Small military and industrial under-surface objects detection using data from the UWB GPR, MLP filter, and oscillatory neural network
Authors: Peleshchak Roman , Lytvyn Vasyl , Mediakov Oleksandr , Peleshchak Ivan , Pukach Petro , Šlahor Lubomir
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Label-free isolation of circulating tumor cells using negative lateral dielectrophoresis- assisted inertial microfluidics
Authors: Mohammadi Aliasghar , Safari Morteza , Rahmanian Mehdi
Published: April 2023

In this study, a dielectrophoresis (DEP)-assisted inertial microfluidics methodology was introduced for the the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from diluted blood samples. The methodology was based on the negative DEP, provided with the laterally allocated microelectrodes as well as the proper selection of the applied electric field frequency and voltage, to suppress the limited purity arising from the overlapped sizes of CTCs and white blood cells. Initially, the dynamics of 5 and 15 µm polystyrene microparticles within the DEP-assisted inertial microfluidic device were numerically and expimentally investigated. While the dynamics of the larger microparticles was governed by the inertial and DEP forces, those of the smaller microparticles were subject to the Dean drag force. In the absence of the DEP force, the larger microparticles migrate to two stable equilibrium positions corresponding to the upper and lower walls for the microchannel cross-section. In the presence of the DEP force, the equilibrium position corresponding to the lower wall is considerably displaced, while the equilibrium position corresponding to the top wall remains almost intact. Finally, it was found that the methodology outperformed the corresponding solely-inertial methodology in terms of purity for the isolation of CTCs from diluted blood samples. For instance, the purity of isolated MDA-MB-231 spiked in diluted blood samples, at a hematocrit of 1%, by the solely-inertial microfluidic device was 85.3%, while viable CTCs were captured using the DEP-assisted inertial microfluidic device with 94.1% purity at the total flow rate and applied voltage of, respectively, 650 µL min− 1 and 50 V.
Selaginella wakkainii: A new species from Longding District of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Aran Khencha , Roy Himu
Published: April 2023

We describe a new species of the genus Selaginella from Arunachal Pradesh. The proposed taxon is collected from hill slopes of Wakka, a town in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The described species is based on variation in spore morphology and features of median leaves. The variation recorded in spore morphology came into light when freshly collected samples were analysed under an electron microscope. The species is morphologically distinct and is very close to two species i.e., S. reticulata and S. odishana. Taxonomic keys and a table are added to separate and compare the three species respectively. Diagnosis, description and relevant photo plates are provided for easy identification of the species.
Study of the response characteristics of an online electrochemical mass spectrometry system for gas analysis of lithium-ion cells by using chronoamperometry
Authors: Scharf Janik , Matysik Frank Michael
Published: April 2023

Online electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) is a promising analytical technique to monitor the gas evolution reactions, taking place while charging and discharging a lithium-ion cell. However, besides the manifold examples of these custom-made systems and their application, a clear analytical view on the origin of the evolving gases and their manifold interactions within the cell environment is missing and therefore studied in this work. To get a better understanding of the complexity of gas evolution associated with electrochemical reactions in lithium-ion cells, the use of chrono-amperometry as a fundamental analytical method was chosen. This led to a precise variation of the applied voltage and voltage-pulse length and enabled therewith a clear starting point of the electrochemical triggered reactions. It was found that the release of gaseous species strongly depends on the applied voltage and the cell configuration itself. The response time determination showed a response behavior within minutes with differences for the respective gases of interest. The herein presented methodology shows how an electroanalytical approach can help to gain further insight into advanced hyphenated methods, such as OEMS in the context of studies of lithium-ion cells.
Overexpressed CFLAR drives 5-fluorouracil sensitivity and immune response in breast cancer by regulating reactive oxygen species
Authors: Wang Chunjiang , He Jiaqing , Tong Xiaopei , Zhang Li , Song Liying
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer (BRCA), the most frequent malignancy in women, is a highly heterogeneous disease. Chemoresistant is the main factor for the BRCA treatment failure. However, the mechanism underlying chemoresistant is still unclear. In this study, we performed comprehensive bioinformatics to verify differentially expressed cell death genes between BRCA and normal tissues. CFLAR was down-regulated in BRCA patients and high expression level of CFLAR exhibited improved prognosis in BRCA patients. CFLAR played a key role in regulating tumor growth. However, the role of CFLAR in different BRCA subtype and its influence in drug resistance and immune therapy need further clarification. CFLAR was decreased in Ki67 positive patients and increased in ER and PR positive patients. CFLAR was significantly down-regulated in Luminal and TNBC than normal breast tissue. CFALR is higher in drug respond patients than drug non-respond patients. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that aberrantly expressed CFLAR was potentially linked with oxidative phosphorylation, T cell receptor signaling pathway, NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) activity, NADH dehydrogenase (quinone) activity, oxidoreductase activity and oxidoreductase-driven active transmembrane transporter activity. Through cell colony formation experiment, overexpression of CFLAR could inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon 5-FU treatment and promote 5-FU sensitivity in BT-549 and MDA-MB-231cells. In addition, we verified that CFLAR expression was positively correlated with Tcm, T helper cells, Tem, T cells, B cells NK CD56 bright cells and Th2 cells, especially CD8 + T cells. CFALR was higher in CAR-T response patients, anti-PD-L1 response patients and anti-PD1 patients. In summary, CFLAR could regulated ROS homeostasis and ameliorates 5-FU sensitivity of breast cancer cell. CFLAR may be a novel therapeutic target in BRCA.