bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of COVID-19 electrocardiograms by using hexaxial feature mapping and deep learning
Authors: Ozdemir Mehmet Akif , Ozdemir Gizem Dilara , Guren Onan
Published: May 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic since its first appearance in late 2019. Deaths caused by COVID-19 are still increasing day by day and early diagnosis has become crucial. Since current diagnostic methods have many disadvantages, new investigations are needed to improve the performance of diagnosis.Methods: A novel method is proposed to automatically diagnose COVID-19 by using Electrocardiogram (ECG) data with deep learning for the first time. Moreover, a new and effective method called hexaxial feature mapping is proposed to represent 12-lead ECG to 2D colorful images. Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) method is used to extract features and generate hexaxial mapping images. These generated images are then fed into a new Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture to diagnose COVID-19.Results: Two different classification scenarios are conducted on a publicly available paper-based ECG image dataset to reveal the diagnostic capability and performance of the proposed approach. In the first scenario, ECG data labeled as COVID-19 and No-Findings (normal) are classified to evaluate COVID-19 classification ability. According to results, the proposed approach provides encouraging COVID-19 detection performance with an accuracy of 96.20% and F1-Score of 96.30%. In the second scenario, ECG data labeled as Negative (normal, abnormal, and myocardial infarction) and Positive (COVID-19) are classified to evaluate COVID-19 diagnostic ability. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed approach provides satisfactory COVID-19 prediction performance with an accuracy of 93.00% and F1-Score of 93.20%. Furthermore, different experimental studies are conducted to evaluate the robustness of the proposed approach.Conclusion: Automatic detection of cardiovascular changes caused by COVID-19 can be possible with a deep learning framework through ECG data. This not only proves the presence of cardiovascular changes caused by COVID-19 but also reveals that ECG can potentially be used in the diagnosis of COVID-19. We believe the proposed study may provide a crucial decision-making system for healthcare professionals.Source Code: All source codes are made publicly available at: https://github.com/mkfzdmr/COVID-19-ECG-
Thermal Behavior, Reaction Pathways and Kinetic Implications of using a Ni/SiO2 Catalyst for Waste Tire Pyrolysis
Authors: Osorio-Vargas Paula , Lick Ileana D. , Sobrevía Felipe , Correa-Muriel Daniela , Menares Tamara , Manrique Raydel , Casella Monica L. , Arteaga-Pérez Luis E.
Published: May 2021

Catalytic pyrolysis has been used to upgrading the quality of pyrolytic liquids. Herein, we report a comprehensive study on the catalytic pyrolysis of waste tires using Ni/SiO2 as catalysts. The analyses were carried out by combining thermogravimetry (TGA), TGA interfaced to a Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (TGA–FTIR), and pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometer (Py–GC/MS) techniques. During waste tire decomposition, the main functional groups detected in the FTIR were alkenes, aromatics, and heteroatoms-containing groups such as nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Meanwhile, by Py-GC/MS were identified mainly D,L-limonene, isoprene, benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX), and p-cymene. The Py–GC/MS experiments at three different temperatures (350, 400, and 450 °C) suggested an effect of the catalyst on product distribution. The Ni catalyst promoted cyclization reactions and subsequently aromatization, leading to an improved vapors composition. The use of iso-conversional kinetic models along with master plots allows proposing a multiple-step reaction mechanism, which was well described by the Avrami-Erofeev, Random Scission, and truncated Sestak–Berggren models. The values of activation energies show differences for the catalyzed and uncatalyzed pyrolysis (111.0 kJ mol-1 and 168.4 kJ mol-1), validating the effectivity of Ni/SiO2. Finally, the thermal Biot (>1) and PyI and PyII numbers (10-3<PyI <10-1 and 10-2< PyII<10-3) confirms that the process is being occurred between the kinetic and the convection-limited regimes.
The effect of m6A RNA methylation regulators on tumor microenvironment in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shuaishuai , Qing Xiaodong , Lin Qiuzi , Wu Qiaoling , Wang Xue , Weng Guobin , Ren Yu
Published: May 2021

Background: m6A RNA methylation and tumor microenvironment (TME) have been reported to play important roles in the progression and prognosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, whether m6A RNA methylation regulators affect TME in ccRCC remains unknown. Thus, the current study is designed to comprehensively evaluate the effect of m6A RNA methylation regulators on TME in ccRCC.Methods: Transcriptome data of ccRCC was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Consensus clustering analysis was conducted based on the expressions of m6A RNA methylation regulators. Survival differences were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis between the clusters. DESeq2 package was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the clusters. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were analyzed by ClusterProfiler R package. Immune, stromal and ESTIMATE scores were assessed by ESTIMATE algorithm. CIBERSORT algorithm was applied to evaluate immune infiltration. The expressions of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), immune checkpoint molecules, and Th1/IFNγ gene signature associated with TME were also compared between the clusters. TIDE algorithm and subclass mapping were used to analyze the clinical response of different clusters to PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade. Results: The expressions of fifteen m6A regulators were significantly different between ccRCC and normal kidney tissues. Based on the expressions of those fifteen m6A regulators, two clusters were identified by consensus clustering, in which cluster 1 had better overall survival (OS). A total of 4,429 DEGs were found between the two clusters, and were enriched into immune-related biological processes. Further analysis of the two clusters’ TME showed that cluster 1 had lower immune and ESTIMATE scores, higher expressions of HLA and lower expressions of immune checkpoint molecules. Besides, immune infiltration and the expressions of Th1/IFNγ gene signature also have significant differences between two clusters. Conclusions: Our study revealed that m6A regulators were important participants in the development of ccRCC, with a close relationship with TME.
Phylogenetic Analysis and Biological Characteristics Identification of a Canine Distemper Virus Strain Isolated from a vaccinated Domestic Dog in the Northeast China
Authors: Zhigang Cao , Li Yi , Cheng Yuening , Shi Pengfei , Wang Jianke , Feng Erkai , Cheng Shipeng
Published: May 2021

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is currently circulating in domestic and wild animals. The host range of CDV comprises all families within the order Carnivora, and it has recently expanded to nonhuman primates, moreover the host range still has the potential for further expansion. In this research, a CDV strain named BT was isolated from a vaccinated domestic dog in Changchun, Northeast of China, and identified by Electron microscope (EM) and Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). The whole genome sequence of the virus was obtained by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the Coding sequence (CDS) of hemagglutinin (H) protein and the complete genome sequence of the virus respectively, the results showed that the CDV-BT strain still classified into the Asia-1 lineage. This research shows that CDV-BT strain’s antigenicity of the epitope 444GDKYPIHFNDER455 in nucleocapsid (N) protein and the epitope 178ARGDIFPPY186 in H protein were significantly different from vaccine strain by amino acid substitutions, and suggests that the characterization of genetic diversity among the circulating CDVs is essential for future CDV’s research and disease monitoring.
Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization On Balance And Trunk Function In People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol For A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Marand Laleh Abadi , Dehkordi Shohreh Noorizadeh , Roohi-Azizi Mahtab , Janani Leila , Dadgoo Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and disabling neurological disease among young people. One of the major complaints in patients with multiple sclerosis (PWMS) is falling. There are a number of factors that cause falling, including: balance disorder and spasticity. Core stability (CS) exercises such as trunk muscle strengthening exercise can improve balance and mobility and reduce falling. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercise is a new functional rehabilitation strategy that optimizes motor function based on the principles of developmental kinesiology. This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of DNS in comparison to CS on balance, spasticity, and falling in PWMS.Methods: A total of 66 PWMS, between 30 and 50 years old and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) between 2 to 5, will be recruited from Tehran hospitals to participate in this 2-armed parallel study. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups to receive CS exercise or DNS exercise. All participants will receive exercise treatment for 15 sessions during a period of 5 weeks (3 sessions per week). Primary outcome measures will be trunk function and balance. Falling rate, fear of falling, patient mobility, as well as spasticity, will be measured as secondary outcomes. All outcome measures will be measured at baseline, the day after the completion of the 15th session, and after three months.Discussion: Dynamic neurostabilization exercises utilizes the subconscious stimulation of special zones to reflexively mediate the diaphragm and other core stabilization muscles, which is extremely effective for individuals with reduced somatosensory or movement awareness. Findings from the proposed study are expected to benefit the knowledge base of the physiotherapist, and it can be a good alternative for the rehabilitation program and even reduce medication use in patients with multiple sclerosis. These exercises are easy to understand and applicable for these patients and their partners as well.Trial registration: The trial was registered in Iran registry organization with code IRCT20140222016680N5 and was approved on April 7th, 2020. Address: IRCT administration team, Central Library Building, Iran University Campus, Hemmat Freeway, next to Milad tower, Tehran, Iran. postal code:14496-14535. http://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20140222016680N5
Knowledge And Awareness of Radiation Safety Among Orthopaedic Surgeon: A Survey Analysis
Authors: Harna Bushu , Arya Shivali , Singh Jaikaran , Gupta Palash , Gupta Ajay
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Orthopaedic surgeons are at potential risk to suffer from radiation exposure. The radiation exposure has increased due to minimal invasive and complex orthopaedic procedures. This study evaluates the level of knowledge of orthopaedic surgeons regarding radiation safety and prevention.Methods: A survey consisting of 17 questions was conducted among the 519 orthopaedic surgeons. The orthopaedic surgeons were contacted via mobile or email and the data was analysed.Results: Total of 542 responses were received and 23 were excluded due to incomplete responses. The result depicted, only 5% of the orthopaedic surgeons were aware of the ALARA/ALARP principles. Only 45% of the surgeons were right about the collimated image acquisition. None of the surgeon used dosimeter in the study. Most of the surgeons (40%) were not aware of the influence of C-Arm orientation on the scattered radiation. The protective gears were used by 75% of the orthopaedic surgeons and 5% used it occasionally. A lead apron is used by all the orthopaedic surgeons using the protective gear whereas only 15% used thyroid shield additionally. Only 5% of orthopaedic surgeons had some training in radiation safety and protection.Conclusion: The study demonstrates the level of knowledge regarding radiation safety and consequences among orthopaedic surgeons. The study depicts the need for proper and appropriate training required by the orthopaedic surgeons. Further extensive and elaborate studies are required to ascertain the radiation safety as a part of the training programme of the orthopaedic surgeons.
Similar Trait Structure and Vulnerability in Pelagic Fish Faunas on Two Remote Islands
Authors: Steinberg Madeline , Juhel Jean-Baptiste , Marques Virginie , Péron Clara , Hocdé Régis , Polanco Andrea F , Pellissier Loïc , Villéger Sébastien , Mouillot David , Letessier Tom B
Published: May 2021

The link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has been the topic of considerable research, but it remains unclear how biodiversity decline is compromising ecosystem functionality, particularly in the pelagic realm. Here, we explore how pelagic fish species diversity relates to functional diversity by sampling two locations, which, on the basis of biogeography, environmental conditions, and human pressures, were expected to host pronounced differences in species composition and abundances, and therefore functionality. Strings of five drifting mid-water Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems were used to survey pelagic vertebrate diversity and abundance in two isolated oceanic island systems, the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary – a large, 25-year-old marine protected area – and an unprotected area in Cape Verde. Functional diversity, which offers insight into a community’s resilience against disturbance, was analysed using six key functional traits of marine fishes. Cape Verde showed high overall abundance (Total MaxN 873) and low biomass (3,559 kg), with a predominance of smaller fishes. Malpelo showed high biomass (7,839 kg) but lower abundance (Total MaxN 465), with a predominance of large species. Species and functional diversity were marginally different between locations. Multivariate analysis of species relative abundances showed significant divergence between locations, although community functional traits overlapped strongly, suggesting that both communities share a similar structure and vulnerability. The existence of a common functional ‘backbone’ in diverging species communities across the oceans, under different productivity regimes, and under different protection levels, suggests that although pelagic communities may differ considerably in terms of species composition, this does not translate into a differing functional structure and resilience potential. Whether this vulnerability is a common feature of pelagic communities and how this contrasts with benthic systems warrants further research.
Climate Change Impacts on Reference Evapotranspiration in South Korea Over the Recent 100 Years (1904–2018)
Authors: Jeon Min-Gi , Nam Won-Ho , Mun Young-Sik , Hong Eun-Mi
Published: May 2021

Damage due to climate change is increasing worldwide; in South Korea, the increase in temperature is greater than the average global temperature increase. These changes in temperature have increased the frequency of and damage caused by droughts. To reduce drought damage, the importance of efficient water management policies and evapotranspiration, an index used for water management policies, is increasing. Analyzing the variation in evapotranspiration is relevant to understanding climate change and agricultural water management. Owing to the lack of evapotranspiration data collected using a Lysimeter, evapotranspiration has been estimated using the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith (PM) equation on meteorological datasets as recommended by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Long-term meteorological data with a maximum of 100 years were collected from 12 sites to estimate evapotranspiration. The objectives of this study were the following: (1) estimate evapotranspiration based on the PM equation, (2) analyze the trends in temperature and evapotranspiration, and (3) evaluate the relationship between temperature and evapotranspiration through correlational analysis. The results improve our understanding of climate change and provide a valuable reference for regional water resource management. We estimated evapotranspiration and analyzed the tendency of temperature and evapotranspiration. As a result, analysis of seasonal ET0 at all stations represented generally increasing trends in spring, summer, and autumn with generally decreasing trends in winter. Results of the seasonal Mann–Kendall test between temperature metrics (maximum, average, minimum) and ET0 showed that the maximum temperature exhibited a distinct increase in spring and winter in some areas. In this study, we determined the strength of the relationship between temperature and ET0 using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results of evaluating the relationship between each temperature metric and evapotranspiration showed that the maximum temperature had the strongest relationship compared to the average and minimum temperatures.
Can functional units of protozoan periphytons be used to evaluate ecological quality status under harmful algal blooms in marine ecosystems?
Authors: Uroosa Uroosa , Kazmi Syed Shabi Ul Hassan , Rahman Mohammad Shafiqur , Xu Henglong
Published: May 2021

Based on biological traits the ecological quality status (EQS) under the pressure of two harmful algal bloom (HAB) species was evaluated using functional units (FUs) of protozoan periphytons. Five treatments with different concentrations of Alexandrium tamarense and Gymnodinium catenatum were designed as100, 102, 103, 104 and 105 cell ml− 1. A total of 21 FUs were identified from 25 test protozoan species. Vagile algivores with large sizes showed a decreasing trend towards high concentrations, while the vagile bacterivores and non-selectives with small sizes were dominating in concentrations (104 cell ml− 1) of both algal species. Ellipse test on pair-wise functional distinctness indices revealed a significant departure of test protozoan samples from an expected pattern when algal concentrations were over 104 cell ml− 1. Thus, it is suggested that FUs of protozoan periphyton assemblages may be used as a useful tool for evaluating the effects of HAB on ecological quality status in marine ecosystems.
Considering Urban Social Functions at Fine Spatial Resolution to Understand the Distribution of Invasive Plant Species in Cities
Authors: Deparis Muriel , Legay Nicolas , Isselin-Nondedeu Francis , Bonthoux Sébastien
Published: May 2021

ContextCities are high sources of plant invasions. To understand mechanisms of introduction and dispersion of invasive alien species (IAS) in city, we need a thoroughly description of the social and structural components of urban landscapes. ObjectivesWe assessed the effects of neighborhood types and their associated human activities and structural linear elements on the distributions of IAS in a French medium city (Blois). We examined how the relative contributions of these variables varied between scales of analysis. MethodsWe recorded the presence of seven IAS species in the entire city (22 km²), at three spatial resolutions: 100×100m, 200×200m and 400×400m. We characterized neighborhoods through their main covers, human uses, and ages and structural elements through impervious soil, area of and distance to roads and railways.ResultsNeighborhood type was the most important variable in explaining IAS distributions. This variable was especially important at the finest scale which allowed a fine urban classification. B. davidii and B. aquifolium were found in individual residential neighborhoods, whereas R. pseudoacacia and A. altissima were most encountered in industrial areas. The effects of the structural elements differed between species and were lower. ConclusionsCharacterizing the high spatial and functional heterogeneity of urban landscapes at fine scale is critical to understand IAS distribution patterns. We show that considering human uses and planting practices is determinant to understand IAS introduction patterns. Then, linear transport corridors and ruderal conditions explain the dispersion and establishment of IAS across the city and potentially to the surrounding natural spaces.
Use of Shear Wave Velocity for Foundation Design
Authors: Poulos Harry George
Published: May 2021

This paper describes an approach for utilizing in-situ measurements of shear wave velocity Vs to carry out preliminary and check design calculations for shallow and deep foundations. For estimates of foundation movements, Vs can be used directly to estimate the small-strain stiffness of the soil or rock strata, while for ultimate capacity calculations, use is made of empirical correlations between Vs and penetration resistance measures, which in turn are correlated to the foundation resistance characteristics. The approach is applied to a series of published tests on shallow footings, and on a series of pile load tests for a very tall building. For these cases, comparisons of the calculated with the measured load – settlement behaviour indicates that the suggested approach provides a reasonable, albeit somewhat conservative, level of agreement.
Numerical and Experimental Study on Tooth Filling via near Net Shape Extrusion-Forging Process of Multicore Cable Cutter
Authors: Hsu Chih-Chun , Chiu Huan-Yu , Chen Chi-Peng , Liaob Chien-Chou , Fuh Yiin-Kuen
Published: May 2021

The near net shape extrusion-forging and the impact of tooth filling computationally simulated and experimentally corroborated. The study plans to search for the finishing forging process's essential station and recognize the unique gear teeth forming in the closed die near net shape extrusion-forging connected with a multicore cable cutter. Due to make sure to realize the Preform types of gear teeth forming, The evaluation index of the height filling ratio (HFR) and the width filling ratio (WFR) methods are offered and simulated with a singular target on process parameters at the gear teeth making. All the objects are regularly investigated and precisely contrasted to experimental examination. The simulations' conclusions have explained the microscopic events after the experimental research. Via matching with experimental measurements, the accuracy of the numerical models has been confirmed. The offered modified geometries (Preform B and C) from the forming process have been eventually offered to achieve a resembling forming condition while lessening making charges.. The mean deviation of HFR was measured as 0.987% and 0.985% for Preform B and C, respectively. Moreover, the mean deviation of WFR was calculated as -0.693% and − 0.74% for Preform B and C, separately.
Comparison of Survival Outcomes with or Without Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy in Surgical Patients with Stage IB1-IIA2 Cervical Cancer in China from 2004-2016
Authors: Chen Chunlin , Duan Hui , Zhang Wenling , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Li , Kang Shan , Lin Lihong , Zhao Weidong , Ni Yan , Li Donglin , Chen Jiaming , Fan Huijian , Chen Xiaolin , Bin Xiaonong , Lang Jinghe , Liu Ping
Published: May 2021

Background: Current opinions on whether surgical patients with cervical cancer should undergo para-aortic lymphadenectomy at the same time are inconsistent. The present study examined differences in survival outcomes with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy in surgical patients with stage IB1-IIA2 cervical cancer.Methods: We retrospectively compared the survival outcomes of 8802 cervical cancer patients with stage IB1-IIA2 (FIGO 2009) from 37 hospitals in mainland China, who underwent abdominal radical hysterectomy + pelvic lymphadenectomy (n=8445) or abdominal radical hysterectomy + pelvic lymphadenectomy + para-aortic lymphadenectomy (n=357).Results: Among the 8802 patients with stage IB1-IIA2 cervical cancer, 1618 (18.38%) patients had postoperative pelvic lymph node metastasis, and 37 (10.36%) patients had para-aortic lymph node metastasis. When pelvic lymph node metastasized, the para-aortic lymph node simultaneous metastasis rate was 30.00% (36/120). The risk of isolated para-aortic lymph node metastasis was 0.42% (1/237). There were no significant differences in the survival outcomes between the para-aortic lymph node unresected and resected groups. No differences in the survival outcomes were found before or after matching between the two groups regardless of pelvic lymph node negativity/positivity. Conclusion: Para-aortic lymphadenectomy did not improve 5-year survival outcomes in surgical patients with stage IB1-IIA2 cervical cancer. Therefore, when pelvic lymph node metastasis is negative, the risk of isolated para-aortic lymph node metastasis is very low, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is not recommended. When pelvic lymph node metastasis is positive, para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be carefully selected because of the high risk of this procedure.
The Impact of Different Tree Planting Strategies in the Piazzas of a Northern Italian City
Authors: Speak Andrew , Montagnani Leonardo , Solly Hilary , Wellstein Camilla , Zerbe Stefan
Published: May 2021

Achieving urban sustainability goals, and improving the quality of life in cities, are aided by the careful selection of tree species for public green spaces. Numerous trade-offs and synergies are necessary to consider when selecting tree species for successful public green spaces. In this transdisciplinary research we consider the impacts of nine different tree planting scenarios, as modelled with i-Trees, in three piazzas of Bolzano, North Italy. The scenarios consider the opinions of the general public gathered from focused workshops and data collected via a purposefully created smartphone application. Shade provision and aesthetics were the primary factors that influenced citizen tree preferences. Scenarios which included larger tree species generally performed the best due to the greater provision of ecosystem services that arises with larger tree dimensions. Ecosystem disservices also increase with larger trees but can be minimised by careful species selection. Public participation in the planning of urban green spaces can be a beneficial activity which ensures new planning outputs will be well-received whilst providing opportunities for education of citizens about the multiple ecosystem services and disservices in urban contexts.
Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy Mesh Removal for Persistent Lumbosacral and Right-sided Gluteal Pain Possibly Caused by Nerve “entrapment”
Authors: Yan Li , Liu Lu Bin , Zhao Cheng Zhi
Published: May 2021

Background: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC), which is an important procedure for vault prolapse, has the advantages of high cure rate, low recurrence rate and little impact on sexual life. Few nerve entrapment complications have been reported in the literature.Case presentation: A 48-year-old woman developed persistent lumbosacral and right-sided gluteal pain after the LSC. During diagnostic laparoscopy, we found that the fixation site deviated by approximately 1.5 cm from the middle of the sacral promontory, the anterior surface of the first sacral vertebra. Hence we removed most of the mesh carefully. S1 nerve “entrapment” caused by this deviation, accompanied by the tissue fibrosis and scar tissue formation, may have been the main cause of pain. The patient’s symptoms resolved after surgical intervention. Conclusions: Our case emphasizes that sacral nerve entrapment is a potential complication of retroperitonealized synthetic mesh placement during sacrocolpopexy. We hope that this report can serve as a reference for dealing with similar situations. For skilled laparoscopists, laparoscopic mesh removal is safe and feasible, but attention should be paid to avoid damage to vessels, ureters and other important organs.
Preparation of 3D Print Scaffolds Fe3O4@ Food Oils/Chitosan/Polylactic Acid/Polyurethane Modified Natural Protein Pegylated for Cardiovascular Blood
Authors: Naderi sholila , Esmaeili Akbar
Published: May 2021

Food oils used in 3D polysaccharides modified with natural protein polymer modified polymer scaffolds can help to reduce blood pressure. This study aimed to use food oils as blood pressure-reducing medicine, bind them to magnetic iron nanoparticles, then bind them to polymeric 3D scaffolds (chitosan, polylactic acid and polyurethane), modified with natural protein and finally separate them. This method made it possible to investigate different variables for nanoparticles. In this project, synthesis polymer, food medicinal oils, modified gelatin, PEGylation, food loading and release process in nanocarrier with different concentrations were examined and cell proliferation was optimized. The results show that 75% of the medicine loaded on iron magnetic NPs containing PEGylated polymer scaffolds was released. Cell proliferation was performed for the sample. In this process, modification of scaffolding with polysaccharides modified with natural protein and food oil increased the efficiency of nanoparticles among the studied Allium sativum oil and Zingiber officinale oils. These behaved very similarly to each other and A. sativum had the biggest effect in lowering blood pressure. The application of food medicine oils in 3D mode scaffolding has not been studied before and this is the first analysis to do so, using nanoparticles.
Induction of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Injured Brain: Potential Relevance to Brain Regeneration in Zebrafish.
Authors: Anand Surendra Kumar , Sahu Manas Ranjan , Mondal Amal Chandra
Published: May 2021

In the recent years, zebrafish, owing to its tremendous adult neurogenic capacity, has emerged as a useful vertebrate model to study brain regeneration. Recent findings suggest a significant role of the BDNF/TrkB signaling as a mediator of brain regeneration following a stab injury in the adult zebrafish brain. Since BDNF has been implicated in a plethora of physiological processes, we hypothesized that these processes are affected in the injured zebrafish brain. In this small study, we examined the indicators of oxidative stress and of apoptosis using biochemical assays, RT-PCR and IHC to reflect upon the impact of stab injury on oxidative stress levels and apoptosis in the injured adult zebafish brain. Our results indicate induction of oxidative stress in the injured adult zebrafish brain. Also, apoptosis was induced in the injured brain as indicated by increased protein levels of cleaved caspase3 as well as enhanced mRNA levels of both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes. This knowledge contributes to the overall understanding of adult neurogenesis in the zebrafish model and raises new questions pertaining to the compensatory physiological mechanisms in response to traumatic brain injury in the adult zebrafish brain.
The Socioeconomic impacts of Eucalypt Plantations on Rural Livelihood in Western Gurage Watersheds, Central-south Ethiopia
Authors: Seware Belay Zerga , Dullo Bikila Warkineh , Fanta Demel Teketay , Abshare Muluneh Woldetsadik
Published: May 2021

Background

Rural landscapes, particularly those close to human settlements and main roads throughout the highlands of Ethiopia, appear greener than the outfields because of eucalypt plantations. The most common factors for eucalypt plantations are two: fuel and construction demands and to generate income.
Objective

This study tried to investigate the socioeconomic impacts of eucalypt plantations in Western Gurage Watersheds located in Central-south Ethiopia. The specific objectives are: to evaluate the socioeconomic importance of eucalypt plantations on the livelihood of farm households, and to assess perceptions on impacts of eucalypt plantation and copping strategies.
Methods

Systematic and purposive sampling method was employed by selecting households with eucalypt woodlots from the list of each Woreda’s Kebeles. Close- and open- ended questionnaires were distributed to every fifth households that possessed eucalypt plantations. Three hundred eighty three questionnaires were distributed and collected from households found in three Woredas (districts) namely Cheha, Enemorna Ener, and Eza located in the Watersheds. To supplement the information critical observations, discussions with focus groups and interviews with key informant were employed. The survey data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To describe data acquired from critical observations, focus group discussions and key informant interviews; critical and logical qualitative data analysis technique were used. Descriptive and dispersive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, variance, standard deviation, p- value and correlation were employed using SPSS Version 20.
Results

The result showed that eucalypt plantation dominated fuel wood and construction consumption and substituted further encroachment to natural forests. From multiple responses given, households prefer planting eucalypts to indigenous trees because it is fast growing (100%), profitable (100%), needs lesser labor (100%), needs lower capital (100%), can be used for multipurpose (100%), and coppice itself fatly (93%). They rated income gained from eucalypt as 2nd next to enset.
Conclusions

Households may continue planting the species particularly for fuel wood and construction need since substituting it by other alternative seems not feasible and challenging. To sustain the livelihood and environment; appropriate management like site selection and substitutions by horticultural and cash crops using micro irrigation schemes for market needs are recommended. Conducting in-depth participatory research and specific policy ratification and promulgation on eucalypt plantations will sustain its utilization and curb the drawbacks.
A Synergistic Mindsets Intervention Protects Adolescents from Social Stress
Authors: Yeager David , Bryan Christopher , Gross James , Krettek Danielle , Santos Pedro , Murray Jared , Graveling Hannah , Johnson Meghann , Jamieson Jeremy
Published: May 2021

Social stress poses a major threat to adolescent health via its effects on internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Available interventions to help adolescents improve their stress responses, however, have not been effective in rigorous evaluation studies, or they have been difficult to administer widely. Here we show that replicable improvements in adolescent stress responses can be achieved with a short (~30-minute), scalable synergistic mindsets intervention. This intervention, which is a self-administered online training module, targets both growth mindsets (the idea that people’s intelligence can be developed in response to challenge) and stress-can-be-enhancing mindsets (the idea that people’s stress responses can be fuel for optimal performance). Its goal is to promote positive engagement with stressful events (e.g., learning from failure on a quiz or a conflict with a peer) and to encourage adolescents to use their responses to stressful events and even their bodily symptoms (e.g. racing heart, sweaty palms, butterflies in their stomach) to their advantage. In five double-blind, randomized, controlled trials (total N = 4,091 adolescents), the new synergistic mindsets intervention improved stress-related cognitions (Studies 1-2), cardiovascular reactivity (Study 3), daily internalizing symptoms and cortisol levels (Study 4), and generalized anxiety symptoms during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns (Study 5). Effects on downstream outcomes (in Studies 3-5) were stronger among individuals who, at baseline, held the two negative mindsets targeted by the intervention, providing evidence for the proposed mechanisms. Confidence in this conclusion comes from a conservative, Bayesian machine-learning method for detecting heterogeneity.
Counteracting Knee Flexors Strength Could Effectively Prevent the Increase in Post-operative Posterior Tibial Slope in Patients Undergoing Open‑wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Ma Wenru , Han Zengshuai , Sun Shengnan , Chen Jinli , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2021

Background A difficult-solved problem is that the posterior tibial slope (PTS) increases after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).Purpose To evaluate effects from knee flexors on changes in the posterior tibial slope after OWHTO and to determine whether counteracting the strength of knee flexors could prevent increase in post-operative PTS.Methods The study retrospectively analyzed 112 subjects (122 knees) [34 males, 78 females; mean age 59.1±6.6 (range 48–76) years; mean body mass index (BMI) 28.06±3.61 kg/m²] who underwent OWHTO. During fixing steel plates, 78 knees keeping suspended and extended to counteract the strength of knee flexors by gravity are comprised the no-flexor group and 44 knees in natural posture without counteracting knee flexors are comprised the flexor group. Patients were clinically assessed according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and a visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Radiological assessment was made according to the changes in the posterior tibial slope between preoperative, 1-day post-operative and final follow-up periods. Ultimately, difference in post-operative PTS changes between the two groups was statistically analyzed. The median follow-up period was 2.2 years (range 1.6–3.7 years).Results In the final follow-up period, significant improvements were observed in the clinical scores of the VAS and WOMAC in both groups (P < 0.001), and no difference was found between the two groups. Radiological assessment showed that the final follow-up PTS was significantly greater than preoperative PTS in the flexor group (t=-6.406, P < 0.001), but no significant increase was seen in the no-flexor group (P =0.482). Increase of PTS in the flexor group was significantly greater than that in the no-flexor group at 1-day postoperative (t=2.243, P=0.030) and final follow-up periods (t=6.501, P<0.001).Conclusion For OWHTO, knee flexors would aggravate the increase in post-operative PTS. Using gravity to counteract the strength of knee flexors when fixing steel plates could effectively prevent the increase in post-operative PTS.
How to Identify Suitable Candidates With Pectus Excavatum for Vacuum Bell Therapy?
Authors: Yi Eunjue , Lee Kwanghyoung , Jung Younggi , Chung Jae Ho , Kim Han Sung , Lee Sungho , Ahn Hyonggin
Published: May 2021

Vacuum bell therapy has been acceptable substitute for pectus excavatum patients who want to improve their appearance but avoid surgical correction. The aim of this study was to assess the pre-treatment characteristics of patients with pectus excavatum and to establish characteristics that can potentially help identify ideal candidates for vacuum bell therapy. Expected improvements in thoracic indices were evaluated using pre-treatment chest computed tomography, which was performed before and after applying a vacuum bell device. Treatment results after 1-year of application were evaluated using changes in the Haller index before and after treatment. The patients were categorized into two groups: those with Haller index less than 0.5 (Group 1) and those with Haller index greater than or equal to 0.5 (Group 2). Pre-treatment Haller index was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (3.1±0.46 vs. 4.2±1.14, respectively, p<0.001). The expected improvement in Haller index in Group 2 was significantly higher than that in Group 1 (3.3±0.60 vs. 2.8±0.54, respectively, p=0.001). The cut-off value of the expected improvement in Haller index was 0.46 with a sensitivity of 75.8% and a specificity of 83.3%. Patients who demonstrated pliability with a vacuum bell were identified as suitable candidates.
Assessment of Total and Regional Bone Mineral Density Using Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Elderly Population
Authors: Lu Hsueh-Kuan , Lai Chung-Liang , Lee Li-Wen , Chu Lee-Ping , Hsieh Kuen-Chang
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and height-adjusted resistance (R/H), reactance (Xc/H) and phase angle (PhA). A total of 61 male and 64 female subjects aged over 60 years were recruited from middle Taiwan. The R and Xc were measured using Bodystat Quadscan 4000 at a frequency of 50 kHz. BMD at the whole body, L2-L4 spine, and dual femur neck (DFN), denoted as BMDTotal, BMDL2-L4, and BMDDFN, were calculated using a Hologic DXA scanner. The R-Xc graph was used to assess vector shift among different levels of BMD. BMD was positively correlated with Xc/H and negatively correlated with R/H (p<0.001). The General Linear Model (GLM) regression results were as follows: BMDTotal = 1.473 – 0.002 R/H + 0.007 Xc/H, r = 0.684; BMDL2-L4 = 1.526 – 0.002 R/H + 0.012 Xc/H, r = 0.655; BMDDFN = 1.304 – 0.002 R/H + Xc/H, r = 0.680; p<0.0001. Distribution of vector in the R-Xc graph was significantly different for different levels of BMDTotal, BMDL2-L4 and BMDDFN. R/H and Xc/H were correlated with BMD in the elderly. The linear combination of R/H and Xc/H can effectively predict the BMD of the whole body, spine and proximal femur, indicating that BIVA may be used in clinical and home-use monitoring tool for screening BMD in the elderly in the future.
Diverse Functions Associate With Non-Coding Trans-species Polymorphisms in Humans
Authors: Velazquez-Arcelay Keila , Benton Mary Lauren , Capra John A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Long-term balancing selection (LTBS) can maintain allelic variation at a locus over millions of years and through speciation events. Variants shared between species, hereafter “trans-species polymorphisms” (TSPs), often result from LTBS due to host-pathogen interactions. For instance, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus contains TSPs present across primates. Several hundred candidate TSPs have been identified in humans and chimpanzees; however, because many are in non-coding regions of the genome, the functions and adaptive roles for most TSPs remain unknown. Results: We integrated diverse genomic annotations, with a focus on non-coding regions, to explore the functions of 125 previously identified regions containing multiple TSPs in humans and chimpanzees. We analyzed genome-wide functional assays, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS). We identify functional annotations for 119 TSP regions, including 71 with evidence of gene regulatory function from GTEx or genome-wide functional genomics data and 21 with evidence of trait association from GWAS and PheWAS. TSPs in humans associate with many immune system phenotypes, including response to pathogens, but we also find associations with a range of other phenotypes, including body mass, alcohol intake, urate levels, chronotype, and risk-taking behavior. Conclusions: The diversity of traits associated with non-coding human TSPs further support previous hypotheses that functions beyond the immune system are subject to LTBS. Furthermore, several of these trait associations provide support and candidate genetic loci for previous hypothesis about behavioral diversity in great ape populations, such as the importance of variation in sleep cycles and risk sensitivity.
A Random Forest approach to identify metrics that best predict match outcome and player ranking in the esport Rocket League
Authors: Smithies Tim D. , Campbell Mark J. , Ramsbottom Niall , Toth Adam J.
Published: May 2021

Notational analysis is a popular tool for understanding what constitutes optimal performance in traditional sports. However, this approach has been seldom used in esports. The popular esport “Rocket League” is an ideal candidate for notational analysis due to the availability of an online repository containing data from millions of matches. The purpose of this study was to use Random Forest models to identify in-match metrics that predicted match outcome (performance indicators or “PIs”) and/or in-game player rank (rank indicators or “RIs”). We evaluated match data from 21,588 Rocket League matches involving players from four different ranks. Upon identifying goal difference (GD) as a suitable outcome measure for Rocket League match performance, Random Forest models were used alongside accompanying variable importance methods to identify metrics that were PIs or RIs. We found shots taken, shots conceded, saves made, and time spent goalside of the ball to be the most important PIs, and time spent at supersonic speed, time spent on the ground, shots conceded and time spent goalside of the ball to be the most important RIs. This work is the first to use Random Forest learning algorithms to highlight the most critical PIs and RIs in a prominent esport.
Analysis of tool wear and surface roughness in high-speed milling process of aluminum alloy Al6061
Authors: Nguyen Nhu-Tung , Tien Dung Hoang , Tung Nguyen Tien , Luan Nguyen Duc
Published: May 2021

In this study, the influence of cutting parameters and machining time on the tool wear and surface roughness was investigated in high-speed milling process of Al6061 using face carbide inserts. Taguchi experimental matrix (L9) was chosen to design and conduct the experimental research with three input parameters (feed rate, cutting speed, and axial depth of cut). Tool wear (VB) and surface roughness (Ra) after different machining strokes (after 10, 30, and 50 machining strokes) were selected as the output parameters. In almost cases of high-speed face milling process, the most significant factor that influenced on the tool wear was cutting speed (84.94 % after 10 machining strokes, 52.13 % after 30 machining strokes, and 68.58 % after 50 machining strokes), and the most significant factors that influenced on the surface roughness were depth of cut and feed rate (70.54 % after 10 machining strokes, 43.28 % after 30 machining strokes, and 30.97 % after 50 machining strokes for depth of cut. And 22.01 % after 10 machining strokes, 44.39 % after 30 machining strokes, and 66.58 % after 50 machining strokes for feed rate). Linear regression was the most suitable regression of VB and Ra with the determination coefficients (R2) from 88.00 % to 91.99 % for VB, and from 90.24 % to 96.84 % for Ra. These regression models were successfully verified by comparison between predicted and measured results of VB and Ra. Besides, the relationship of VB, Ra, and different machining strokes was also investigated and evaluated. Tool wear, surface roughness models, and their relationship that were found in this study can be used to improve the surface quality and reduce the tool wear in the high-speed face milling of aluminum alloy Al6061
TDMA-clustering-based approach to avoid the reader-to-tag collision problem during the stocktaking process
Authors: El Ouadaa Sara , Bah Slimane , Berrado Abdelaziz
Published: May 2021

The reader-to-tag collision problem occurs when multiple readers try to access the same tag simultaneously. The traditional collision avoidance techniques such as RTS (request to send) and CTS (clear to send) are not applicable because a reader may communicate with multiple tags simultaneously. In this paper, we introduce a collaborative communication protocol to avoid reader-to-tag collisions using TDMA and clustering approaches. The protocol targets the RFID-WSN static systems arranged in a square grid topology, which we can find in different RFID applications such as warehouse stocktaking, parking cars, agricultural fields, and libraries. In such simple topologies, the other proposed reader collision solutions for general use of RFID systems are not efficient since they cannot avoid all possible collisions, and worse of that, some of them are not even detectable, which is intolerable for stocktaking applications. Moreover, they are complicated and heavy in resources, while read throughput is limited. Our protocol presents a simple solution for simple RFID systems with better performances. To validate the proposed protocol, we presented a model using the Process Meta Language (Promela), which is executed under the simple Promela interpreter (SPIN) model checker to verify the protocol properties as deadlocks and livelocks. Also as a proof of concept, we have done a first-step performance analysis using the java runtime.