bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience and prospects of digital twins application in public healthcare
Authors:   FGAOU VO Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, RUDN University, Zuenkova Yu.A.
Published: January 2023

Digitalization of healthcare opens up opportunities for applying new approaches to the organization of medical care, improving its quality, optimizing the use of healthcare resources. Digital twin is one of the new approaches, a virtual model of a physical object with dynamic bidirectional connections between a physical object and its corresponding twin in a digital environment. Digital twins allow to study, create and test new hypotheses, conduct experiments and research in silico. T h e a i m o f t h e s t u d y is to describe the existing Russian and foreign experience in the practical application of digital twins in the field of healthcare. M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The literature review was conducted in Pubmed and Elibrary databases. Publications describing ethical and regulatory aspects, industrial, engineering or logistics applications were excluded. The articles have passed two rounds of peer review. R e s u l t s . Digital twins are used in clinical medicine to test new methods of treatment and the body’s response to them, to simulate the work of organs and tissues. The application of the technology for the development of precision therapy in cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, orthodontic treatment, rehabilitation, intensive care is described. The digital twin can be used by health authorities to model patient behavior, predict the spread of the infectious process, the work of a medical institution and its structural units in order to optimize resources. C o n c l u s i o n s . The article provides an overview of technology and the main areas of application of digital twins for personalized medicine, public health and smart healthy cities. The prospects for using digital twins lie in the field of creating smart “healthy” cities and regions.
Dynamics of patient loyalty before and during the COVID-19 epidemic on the example of Children’s Polyclinic
Authors:   Moscow Metropolitan Governance Yury Luzhkov University, Tsaranov K.N.
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on the entire Russian health care system, including a significant impact on both the provision of medical services and the relationship between the doctor, the patient, and patient’s legal representatives. On this basis, the research is interested in issues related to the adaptation of medical organizations to the new working conditions with patients and their legal representatives. Aim of the study: to test long-term monitoring of the NPS Loyalty Index by a simplified methodology in patient’s legal representatives of pediatric polyclinic patients before and during the COVID-19 epidemic. Materials and Methods. The empirical material based on patient legal representative scores (n=22098) collected using the simplified NPS (Net Promoter Score) methodology during the two periods: 14.05.2019 -13.06.2020 and 18.06.2021 – 23.08.2021, as well as comments and predictions from lead outpatient clinic staff (n=19) collected by brainstorming to obtain additional interpretations of dynamics of patient legal representative loyalty index during the periods. The Results. According to the results of the study, the NPS patient legal representatives in pediatric polyclinics has increased significantly since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic and after a year was fixed at a level almost one and a half times higher than the values from the first measurement. According to the initiative group, this growth was due not only to measures taken by the management of polyclinics, but also to cultural and psychological characteristics of the population; when the epidemic is over, the loyalty index of legal representatives of pediatric polyclinic patients is likely to return to its initial values. Conclusions. The use of a simplified method to measure the loyalty level (NPS) of patients and their legal representatives is a rather effective tool. An important condition in this case is to provide feedback to dissatisfied patients and their legal representatives. The professionalism and dedication of the medical staff play and will play a role in ensuring a high level of loyalty regardless of the epidemiological situation.
Issues related to changing the procedure for providing state guarantees to employees of medical organizations working with COVID-19
Authors:   Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Kadyrov F.N. ,   North-Western State Medical University I.I. Mechnikov, Chililov A.M. ,   National Medical Research Center of Surgery named after Vishnevsky
Published: January 2023

Emergency and rather extraordinary measures aimed at increasing the degree of social protection of medical workers in connection with the spread of COVID‑19 have been repeatedly changed. At the current stage, characterized by a decrease in the spread of coronavirus infection, these measures have undergone quite drastic changes, the essence of which is discussed in this article.
Issues of changing labor relations in conditions of partial mobilization
Authors:   National Medical Research Center of Surgery named after Vishnevsky, Chililov A.M. , Kadyrov F.N. ,   Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation,   North-Western State Medical University I.I. Mechnikov
Published: January 2023

The Presidential decree on partial mobilization addresses a wide range of issues requiring regulatory regulation. This publication examines a relatively narrow, but extremely important aspect concerning labor relations with the mobilized.
Post-Maturity Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Curves of 40° to 50°
Authors: Yu Sze-Hon , Ng Cheuk-Man , Cheung Jason Pui-Yin , Shea Graham Ka-Hon
Published: January 2023

Background:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves of 50° to 75° are inclined to progress and are thus indicated for surgery. Nevertheless, the natural history of curves of 40° to 50° following skeletal maturity remains uncertain and presents a clinical dilemma. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, rate, and prognostic indicators of curve progression within this patient group.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 73 skeletally mature patients with AIS. Following yearly or more frequent follow-up, patients were stratified as having no progression (<5° increase) or progression (≥5° increase). Those with progression were further differentiated as having standard progression (<2° increase/year) or fast progression (≥2° increase/year). Radiographic parameters (coronal balance, sagittal balance, truncal shift, apical translation, T1 tilt, apical vertebral wedging) and height were determined on skeletal maturity. Parameters that were significantly associated with progression were subject to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results:

The average period of post-maturity follow-up was 11.8 years. The prevalence of progression was 61.6%. Among those with progression, the curve increased by a mean of 1.47° ± 1.22° per year, and among those with fast progression, by 3.0° ± 1.2° per year. Thoracic apical vertebral wedging (concave/convex vertebral height × 100) was more apparent in those with progression than in those without progression (84.1 ± 7.5 versus 88.6 ± 3.1; p = 0.003). Increased coronal imbalance (C7 plumb line to central sacral vertebral line) differentiated those with fast progression from others (16.0 ± 11.0 versus 8.7 ± 7.7 mm; p = 0.007). An ROC curve of height-corrected coronal balance demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.722, sensitivity of 75.0%, and specificity of 72.5% in identifying fast progression. An ROC curve of height-corrected coronal balance together with apical vertebral wedging to identify those with progression demonstrated an AUC of 0.746, with specificity of 93.7% and sensitivity of 64.5%.

Conclusions:

While the majority of curves progressed, the average rate of progression was slow, and thus, yearly observation was a reasonable management approach. Upon validation in larger cohorts, apical wedging and coronal imbalance may identity patients suited for closer monitoring and early spinal fusion.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Strength Properties Of Adhesive Joints Used In The Creation Of Plastic Model Kits Evaluation
Authors: Kalinichenko M. I. , Nemenenok B. M.
Published: January 2023

The article presents information on model plastics presented on the market of the Republic of Belarus. The analysis of methods for creating accurate model sets using both 3D printing from thread and granules, and obtaining model sets from an array of model plastic using 3D milling is carried out. The properties were evaluated and the behavior of glued and solid plastics under compressive loads in the longitudinal and transverse directions was shown. Economic efficiency assessment of various methods of obtaining model sets is given, based on a comparison of the cost of materials and the production process itself.
Localization of plastic deformation during deformation of low‑carbon steel
Authors: Fetisov V. P.
Published: January 2023

When controlling the length of the yield site, the influence of the ferrite grain size, the amount of perlite, temperature, speed and deformation scheme on the localization of low‑carbon steel plastic deformation, which reduces the ability of the metal to deformation hardening, is considered.
Processes of salt slag recycling in aluminum production to obtain powder material with a high content of aluminum oxide phases
Authors: Nemenenok B. M. , Rafalski I. V. , Lushchik P. E. , Dolgi L. P. , Rulenkov A. D.
Published: January 2023

The processing of salt slags in aluminum production in order to obtain a powder material with a high content of aluminum oxide phases and the results of thermodynamic assessment of the hydrolysis reactions of aluminum carbide and nitride during the hydraulic treatment of slags are discussed. It is reported that water‑soluble fluorine compounds, such as Na3AlF6, CaF2, MgF2, K2ZrF6 , in the composition of refining fluxes complicates the processing of aluminum slags, which involve leaching of salts by water. A rational solution seems to be the replacement of sparingly soluble salts in refining fluxes with sodium or potassium fluorides with a higher solubility in water. It is shown that the powder mixture obtained after hydraulic treatment of aluminum slag includes various forms of structural components in the form of films, shells, submicroand nanostructures of various morphologies with the participation of various types of nano‑components, in which the phases of non‑metallic compounds predominate, mainly ceramic substances and salts (corundum Al2O3, aluminum oxynitride Al2.85O3.45N0.55, aluminum nitride AlN, sodium chloride NaCl) and metallic aluminum. It is indicated that the possibility of forming eutectic mixtures of ceramic compounds of aluminum oxide and aluminum oxynitride, which are more fusible than pure oxides and nitrides, must be taken into account when developing salt slag recycling technologies in order to obtain ceramic powder materials with a high content of alumina phases.
Benthic Foraminiferal Assemblages from the Laurentian Channel in the Lower Estuary and Gulf of ST. Lawrence, Eastern Canada: Tracers of Bottom-Water Hypoxia
Authors: Audet Tiffany , de Vernal Anne , Mucci Alfonso , Seidenkrantz Marit-Solveig , Hillaire-Marcel Claude , Carnero-Bravo Vladislav , Gélinas Yves
Published: January 2023

Over the past century, an increase in temperatures and a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentrations have been observed in the bottom waters of the Laurentian Channel (LC), throughout the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary (LSLE) and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), eastern Canada. To document the impact of these changes, we analyzed the benthic foraminiferal assemblages and geochemical signatures of four sediment cores taken in the LC. Radiometric measurements (210Pb, 226Ra, 137Cs) indicate that the studied cores encompass the last 50 years of sedimentation in the LSLE and the last ∼160 years in the GSL. The sedimentary record shows a 60 to 65% decrease in benthic foraminiferal taxonomic diversity in the LC since the 1960s. An accelerated change in the foraminiferal assemblages is observed at approximately the same time at all studied sites, around the late 1990s and the early 2000s, towards populations dominated by the hypoxia-tolerant indicator taxa Brizalina subaenariensis, Eubuliminella exilis, and Globobulimina auriculata. This evolution of assemblages reflects incursions of the hypoxic zone into the western GSL over the last decades. The results of our multivariate analyses highlight the potential of benthic foraminiferal assemblages as a proxy of bottom-water hypoxia.
Influence of Cultural Factors on Choice of Childbirth Place Among Women in Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: OBIKA-NDIRI NGOZI AFULENU , NDIKOM CHIZOMA MILLICENT , OBIKA OGOCHUKWU IMMACULATE , ASEMINASO OMINEOKUMA TUBONEMI
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND: Some cultural practices which encourages both maternal mortality and infant death, are still a major challenge especially in developing countries like Nigeria, cultural norms and practices during childbirth are common but little is documented about how these cultural and religious beliefs influence women and their childbirth place choices. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalent cultural factors that influence the choice of childbirth places among the women of child bearing age, in Oyigbo Local Government area of Rivers State in Nigeria.
METHODOLOGY: A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument to collect data for the study through simple random sampling, and these data was analyzed using Frequency and percentage for descriptive statistics while chi-square was used for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance.
RESULT: The result showed that most of the women had secondary education and were mostly influenced by patriarchal system, and also there was a high level of hospital adherence among the women in Oyigbo. The influence of cultural factors; family traditions (x² = 12.56, P = 0.006), religious beliefs (x² = 70.66, P = 0.000), Lack of confidence in health facilities (x² = 367.83, P = 0.000), and Presence of male skilled birth attendants (x² = 50.85, P = 0.000), were statistical significant to the choice of childbirth place while patriarchal system (x² = 2.99, P = 0.393) was not statistically significant to the choices of childbirth places of women in Oyigbo. Influence of religion (x² = 125.46, P = 0.000) on choices childbirth place was statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study has shown that there is significant religious and cultural influence on the choices of childbirth places of women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Liver microbiome in healthy rats: the hidden inhabitants of hepatocytes
Authors: Sun Xiao Wei , Zhang Hua , Zhang Xiao , Xin Peng Fei , Gao Xue , Li Hong Rui , Zhou Cai Yun , Gao Wen Min , Kou Xuan Xuan , Zhang Jian Gang
Published: January 2023

The tumor and tissue microbiota of human beings have recently been investigated. Gut permeability is known as a possible resource for the positive detection of tissue bacteria. Herein, we report that microbiotawere detected in high abundance in the hepatocytes of healthy rats, and that they were shared with the gut microbiota to an extent. We assessed male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats for the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. After ratswere sacrificed by blood drainage from the portal vein, we extracted total deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from their ileal and colonic contents and liver tissues. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Sequences were assigned taxonomically by the SILVA database. We also detected bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in situ using immunofluorescence (IF) and western blotting and the 16S rRNA gene using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). In the livers of six rats, we detected 54,867.50 ± 6450.03 effective tags of the 16S rRNA gene and clustered them into 1003 kinds of operational taxonomic units (OTUs; 805.67 ± 70.14, 729–893). Individuals showed conservation of bacterial richness, abundance, and evenness. LPS and the 16S rRNA gene were detected in the nuclei of hepatocytes. The main function composition of the genomes of annotated bacteria was correlated with metabolism (79.92 ± 0.24%). Gram negativity was about 1.6 times higher than gram positivity. The liver microbiome was shared with both the small and large intestines, but showed significantly higher richness and evenness than the gut microbiome, and the β-diversity results showed that the liver microbiomeexhibited significantly higher similarity than the small and large intestines (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the bacteria in the liver microbiome are hidden intracellular inhabitants in healthy rat livers.
Audience Effects in Sooty Mangabey Agonistic Behaviour
Authors: Quintero Fredy , Touitou Sonia , Magris Martina , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: January 2023

Aggression is a major behavioural mechanism for animals engaged in competitive interactions, such as when trying to repel predators, access resources or pursue other self-serving interests. However, aggression also has a secondary function as a partner control mechanism to coerce others into cooperation and tolerance. Both functions are available to higher-ranking individuals interacting with lower-ranking opponents, which raises the question of how lower-ranking individuals achieve their goals. Here, we investigated how free-ranging sooty mangabeys, a socially tolerant forest dwelling primate, used aggression during competitive interactions inside and outside food patches, in front of uninvolved bystanders. As predicted, subjects used aggression to displace lower-ranking competitors from food, but we also found two audience effects. First, individuals generally refrained from severe aggression in front of friends and small audiences and, second, mild aggression was significantly augmented in front of high-ranking audiences, often accompanied by vocalisations. We discuss these patterns of audience-dependent aggressive behaviour and conclude that, while mangabeys do seem to pursue immediate foraging goals, they are also capable of adjusting levels of aggression for social benefits when observed by socially relevant audiences, possibly to enhance the likelihood of future tolerance.
Risk of leakage with a new detachable multi-hard-port containment system for power morcellation during gynecologic laparoscopy: An in vitro study
Authors: zhao fang , Wang Wenhui , Ling Bin , Liang Jing
Published: January 2023

Although laparoscopic surgery has been a milestone for minimally invasive surgeries, there still exists concern of the spread of morcellated tissue fragments in malignancy. Different tissue containment systems have been used in laparoscopic power morcellation. However, a risk of leakage still exists in clinical practice.In this study, we aimed to evaluate leakage and tissue dissemination associated with a new detachable multi-hard-port containment system for tissue removal during laparoscopic myomectomy morcellation. Beef tongue specimens were stained with indigo carmine dye and morcellated under laparoscopic guidance in a plastic trainer box. The morcellation test in in vitro conditions comprised two different containment systems to simulate laparoscopic power morcellation, specifically a polyurethane bag with two pipes (control group) and a detachable multi-hard-port containment system (experimental group). Insufflation pressure was set at 14 mmHg. Visual evidence of spilled tissue or dye and procedure times were recorded. Thirty trials were performed using a multi-port approach and the two tissue containment systems. The leakage rate was 0.03% (n = 30) for the experimental group and 26.6% (n = 30) for the control group (p < 0.005). Morcellation time was significantly shorter in the experimental group than that in the control group (p < 0.001). Median bag introduction time was shorter in the experimental group than that in the control group; however, removal time differences were not significant. This study quantified leakage during morcellation and the convenience provided by a new tissue containment system.
Alpha-synuclein-specific regulatory T cells ameliorate Parkinson’s disease progression in mice
Authors: Bae Hyunsu , Park Seon-Young , Yang HyeJin , Go Hyemin , Kim Hongsung
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term neurodegenerative disease characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss and the aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain. Cell therapy using regulatory T cells (Tregs) has therapeutic potential on PD progression in a mouse model; however, several challenges were associated with its applications. Here, we propose a strategy for α-syn specific Treg expansion. We presented α-syn to T cells via dendritic cells. This method increased the mobility of Tregs towards the site of abundant α-synin vitro and in vivo. Consequently, α-syn Tregs showed noteworthy neuroprotective effects against motor function deficits, dopaminergic neuronal loss, and α-syn accumulation in MPTP-induced PD mice. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of α-syn Tregs exerted immunosuppressive effects on activated microglia, especially pro-inflammatory microglia, in PD mice.
Our findings suggest that α-syn presentation may provide a significant improvement in neuroprotective activities of Tregs and suggest the effective clinical application of Treg therapy in PD.
Achieving Sustainable Environment through Infrastructure and Energy Structure Developments; An empirical evidence from BRICS
Authors: Khurshid Muzammil , Zahid Rana Muhammad Ammar , Hussain Muzammil , Usman Ahmad
Published: January 2023

The development of an environment that is sustainable requires infrastructure. Energy structure is necessary, along with infrastructure. Energy structure must be achieved for the desired infrastructure to exist. Therefore, it is interesting to look into the nexus of energy structure, infrastructure, and carbon emissions in, “Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS)” countries under the growth and environment hypothesis. To empirically estimate the said nexus, robust econometric techniques are adopted. Findings suggest the supportive role of infrastructure and energy structure in abating carbon emissions. The BRICS economies need to enhance the investment in infrastructure and energy structure. Findings are also robust to the short- and long-run policy implications. This study is a step forward toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fecal levels of SCFA and BCFA during capecitabine in patients with metastatic or unresectable colorectal cancer
Authors: Ziemons Janine , Aarnoutse Romy , Heuft Anne , Hillege Lars , Waelen Janneke , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Iersel Liselot Valkenburg-van , Hellemond Irene E.G. van , Creemers Geert-Jan M. , Baars Arnold , Vestjens J.H.M.J. , Penders John , Venema Koen , Smidt Marjolein L.
Published: January 2023

Background Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are produced by the gut microbiota and are considered to fulfill crucial physiological roles. Previous pre-clinical studies also indicated bi-directional interactions between gut bacteria and the chemotherapeutic capecitabine or its metabolite 5-FU. However, evidence from clinical studies in this field of research is scarce. This study investigated the effect of three cycles of capecitabine on fecal SCFA and BCFA levels and their associations with tumor response, nutritional status, physical performance, chemotherapy-induced toxicity, systemic inflammation, and bacterial abundances in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Forty-four patients with metastatic or unresectable CRC, scheduled for treatment with capecitabine (± bevacizumab), were prospectively enrolled in a multicentre cohort study. Patients collected a fecal sample and completed a questionnaire before (T1), during (T2), and after (T3) three cycles of capecitabine. Tumor response (based on CT/MRI scans), nutritional status (MUST score), physical performance (Karnofsky Performance Score), and chemotherapy-induced toxicity (CTCAE) were recorded. Additional data on clinical characteristics, treatment regimen, medical history, and blood inflammatory parameters were collected. Fecal SCFA and BCFA concentrations were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results Fecal levels of the SCFA valerate and caproate decreased significantly during three cycles of capecitabine in our patient population. Furthermore, baseline levels of the BCFA iso-butyrate were associated with tumor response. Nutritional status, physical performance, and chemotherapy-induced toxicity were not statistically significantly associated with SCFA or BCFA. Baseline SCFA correlated positively with blood neutrophil counts. At the three sampling timepoints, we identified associations between SCFA and BCFA and the relative abundance of bacterial taxa on family level. Conclusions The present study provided the first indications for a role of SCFA and BCFA during treatment with capecitabine as well as implications and recommendations for further research. More knowledge in this field will contribute to the evidence-based design of interventions targeting the gut microbiota and/or SCFA/BCFA production to optimize chemotherapy efficacy. Trial registration The current study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6957) on 17/01/2018 and can be consulted via the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP).
Artificial intelligence for improved fitting of trajectories of elementary particles in dense materials immersed in a magnetic field
Authors: Monsalve Saúl Alonso , Sgalaberna Davide , Zhao Xingyu , McGrew Clark , Rubbia André
Published: January 2023

In this article, we use artificial intelligence algorithms to show how to enhance the resolution of the elementary particle track fitting in dense detectors, such as plastic scintillators. We use deep learning to replace more traditional Bayesian filtering methods, drastically improving the reconstruction of the interacting particle kinematics. We show that a specific form of neural network, inherited from the field of natural language processing, is very close to the concept of a Bayesian filter that adopts a hyper-informative prior. Such a paradigm change can influence the design of future particle physics experiments and their data exploitation.
Bianchi Type-II Fractional Cosmological Model with Variable Lambda
Authors: Gupta Rajni , Mittal Ekta , Menon Mudita
Published: January 2023

In this paper we have reviewed and presented the results of the fractional order differential field equation for a Bianchi type-II (LRS) space-time with a perfect fluid assuming a variable cosmological constant Λ (adopted from R. K. Tiwari et. al.[7]). In order to substitute Einstein’s field equations for a certain configuration with equivalent fractional field equations, we used the Last Step Modification (LSM) method. Further applied Riemann-Liouville fractional order derivative assuming lower terminal at 0 to obtain all physical properties of the developed model along with their graphical representation.
Evolution law of wind-sand flow field of multi-row reed sand barriers and optimal spacing
Authors: Yuanfeng An , Jianjun Cheng , Ding Lusheng , Chen Boyu , Gao Li , Lei Jia , Ma Benteng , Zheng Zhipeng
Published: January 2023

The multi-row sand barriers have been widely concerned about their high efficiency wind and sand prevention effect in the sand blown prevention and control for road engineering. The spacing between sand barriers is the primary issue to be resolved in the arrangement of multi-row sand barriers. This study considered the reed sand barrier protection project of Xinjiang segment of Golmud-Korla railway as the research object, revealed the evolution characteristics of flow field and distribution laws of sand accumulation under the control of three-row sand barriers spacing by field observation, wind tunnel test and numerical simulation, and the optimal spacing of three-row reed sand barriers was explored by Design Exploration optimization analysis method. The results indicated the flow field presented a typically superimposed morphology of deceleration zones, acceleration zones, and recovery zones when airflow passed through the reed sand barrier. There was no deceleration zone ahead the second and third-row sand barriers before optimization; the flow field distribution was complete and each-row sand barrier can have a synergistic role in wind and sand prevention after optimization. The optimal spacing between three-row sand barriers decreases as wind velocity increases. The optimal spacing between sand barriers corresponding to 10 m s− 1, 15 m s− 1 and 20 m s− 1 wind velocity is 25.5m, 24m and 20.0m respectively. The sand-blocking rates of corresponding reed sand barriers were 84.53%, 64.42% and 47.51%, which were 8.54%, 20.77% and 0.78% higher than before optimization, respectively. Therefore, it was suggested that the spacing of three rows reed sand barriers is 20 ~ 25 m in the survey region, so that each-row sand barriers can play a role.
Controlling the Propagation Asymmetry of Hyperbolic Shear Polaritons in Beta-Gallium Oxide
Authors: Matson Joseph , Wasserroth Sören , Ni Xiang , Obst Maximilian , Diaz-Granados Katja , Carini Giulia , Renzi Enrico , Galiffi Emanuele , Folland Thomas G. , Eng Lukas , Klopf J. , Mastel Stefan , Armster Sean , Gambin Vincent , Wolf Martin , Kehr Susanne C. , Alu Andrea , Paarmann Alexander , Caldwell Joshua
Published: January 2023

Structural anisotropy in a crystal is one of the key tools for controlling light propagation. The correlation between crystalline structure and the interaction with light is strongest in the infrared spectral regime, where optical frequencies overlap with anisotropic lattice resonances of materials, thereby enabling light-matter coupling through quasiparticles called phonon polaritons (PhPs). In recent years, the exploration of PhPs in anisotropic materials has yielded new levels of confinement and manipulation of light. The strongly anisotropic bonds in materials such as hBN and MoO3 lead to hyperbolic phonon polaritons that exhibit even stronger light confinement and propagation directionality than conventional polaritons. Recently, we showed that the enhanced anisotropy and non-orthogonal structure of the monoclinic crystal β-Ga2O3 (bGO) induces a remarkable rotation of the optical axis with frequency ("axial dispersion") associated to nano- to microscopic shear phenomena, resulting in hyperbolic PhPs that exhibit dramatic propagation asymmetry along the hyperbolic polaritonic branches. Here, we employ a Free-Electron Laser (FEL) coupled to a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM) to enable direct imaging of the symmetry-broken propagation patterns of hyperbolic shear polaritons in bGO within the far-infrared. Further, we demonstrate how we can control and enhance the shear-induced propagation asymmetry of nano-antenna-launched shear polaritons, by varying the incidence direction with respect to the crystal orientation, as well as by momentum selection using different sizes of nano-antennas. Finally, we also observe significant rotation of the hyperbola axis as we change the incident light frequency. Our work thereby paves a foundation for widespread utilization and device implementation of polaritons in low-symmetry crystals.
Intraretinal microvascular alterations in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Kang Min Chae , HAN Jiyeon , Lee Ga-In
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE To quantitatively evaluate macular and peripapillary microvascular alterations in patients with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) compared to normal controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A [Topcon DRI OCT; Triton]) and determine their associations with other ocular parameters. METHODS We enrolled 33 eyes of 33 patients with TON and 34 eyes of 34 healthy controls. OCT-A was used to generate microvascular structure images of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment in the macula and peripapillary area. Age, gender, and spherical equivalent refractive errors were statistically adjusted for the analysis. RESULTS OCT-A revealed a significant reduction of the average vessel density in the RPC segment in TON patients compared to controls (48.5% ± 6.28 vs. 57.88% ± 3.06%,P < 0.0001, correctedP < 0.0001). The vessel density of the RPC segment in TON patients was also significantly lower than that in healthy controls in all four quadrants when compared by sectors. The inferior sector vessel density of the RPC segment was significantly associated with visual field defects (P = 0.0253) and visual acuity (P = 0.0369). The temporal sector vessel density of DRCP was also associated with visual field defects (P = 0.0377). The RPC segment in the temporal, superior, and inferior sector vessel density had a significant association with the average pRNFL thickness (P = 0.0092, 0.0171, and < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients with indirect TON show significant microvascular alterations compared to controls. This study confirms that TON can induce intraretinal microvascular changes and suggests that OCTA can be a useful biomarker for visual functional and structural changes.
Synergistic effect and mechanism of enhanced degradation on aromatic compounds by bacterial flora
Authors: liu xingshe , Liu Yong Jun , li shuang , liu zhe , zhang aining , li zhihua
Published: January 2023

In this study, the synergistic effects and mechanisms of biodegradation on aromatic compounds including phenol (PHN), naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), and pyrene (PYR), respectively as the only carbon source by bacterial flora were investigated. The results indicated that the bacterial flora showed good synergistic effects for the degradation of aromatic compounds. The removal rate of TOC, compared with the single strain, was improved by 9.85%, 11.57% and 12.41%, respectively, for the degradation of NAP, PHE, and PYR, and their toxicity reduction was also significantly improved. Synergistic mechanisms of bacterial flora on aromatics biodegradation indicated that the diversity of bacterial flora increased with the increase of molecular weight of aromatic compounds, and the coordinated metabolic activities of bacterial flora significantly enhanced its activity. Highly active microorganisms promoted the secretion of EPS, and the contents of EPS were positively related to the molecular weight of aromatic compounds, which would enhance the resistance of microorganisms to toxic environment and the bioavailability of polycyclic substances. In addition, the expression time of C23O activity was advanced by 6 h and the activity was also increased by 1.23–1.70 times under the synergistic effect of the bacterial flora, and the activity showed different responses due to different structures of aromatic compounds.
Comparing 15N2 uptake and acetylene reduction methods for measuring stream N2-fixation: release of N2 fixed
Authors: Kunza Lisa , Hall Robert O.
Published: January 2023

Nitrogen fixation can be a substantial flux of new biologically available nitrogen (N) into some aquatic ecosystems. The most commonly used method for measuring N2fixation is the acetylene reduction method, which measures nitrogenase activity. For this method, it is necessary to assume a theoretical ratio of ethylene produced to N2-fixed unless the estimates are calibrated using 15N2 as a tracer. We measured N2-fixation using both the acetylene reduction method and 15N2 uptake methods to examine the ratio of ethylene produced to N2-fixed (C2H4:N2), estimate controls on variation in this ratio, and to quantify the immediate release of N2-fixed as dissolved N. We estimated N2-fixation for benthic biofilms and separated Nostoc in 4 streams in Wyoming, Little Laramie River, Ditch Creek, Spread Creek, and Polecat Creek. Estimates of the C2H4:N2 ratio for any one stream and date ranged from 1.6-7.1 with a group-level mean of 3.8. Immediate release of N2-fixed as dissolved organic and inorganic N was < 1% of N2-fixation. Ethylene production increased 1.8 times faster than N2-fixation as temperature increased showing strong control of temperature in the C2H4:N2 ratio. Temperature contributed substantially to the variability in ratios of ethylene produced to N2-fixed.
Optimal Strategy of the Simultaneous Dice Game Pig for Multiplayers: When Reinforcement Learning Meets Game Theory
Authors: Zhu Tian , Ma Merry , Chen Lu , Liu Zhenhua
Published: January 2023

A milestone was set in modern machine learning history when AlphaGo Zero, based on reinforcement learning and with no training data from human players, became the undefeated Go champion against all machines and humans. Currently, Deepmind is building its next generation of protein folding prediction AI expected to surpass the famed AlphaFold that has already surpassed all human scientists, using the same mechanism of Zero, namely, reinforcement learning. In this work, we focus on using reinforcement learning and game theory to solve for the optimal strategies for the dice game Pig, in a novel simultaneous playing setting. First, we derived analytically the optimal strategy for the 2-player simultaneous game using dynamic programming, mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium. At the same time, we proposed a new Stackelberg value iteration framework to approximate the near-optimal pure strategy. Next, we developed the corresponding optimal strategy for the multiplayer independent strategy game numerically. Finally, we presented the Nash equilibrium for simultaneous Pig game with infinite number of players. To help promote the learning of and interest in reinforcement learning, game theory and statistics, we have further implemented a website where users can play both the sequential and simultaneous Pig game against the optimal strategies derived in this work.
Dual Trajectories of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence and Polypharmacy in Women with HIV in the United States
Authors: Elbur Abubaker Ibrahim , Ghebremichael Musie , Konkle-Parker Deborah , Jones Deborah L , Collins Shelby , Adimora Adaora A. , Schneider Michael F. , Cohen Mardge H. , Tamraz Bani , Plankey Michael , Wilson Tracey , Adedimeji Adebola , Haberer Jessica E. , Jacobson Denise L.
Published: January 2023

Background
Polypharmacy, using five or more medications, may increase the risk of nonadherence to prescribed treatment. We aimed to identify the interrelationship between trajectories of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and polypharmacy.
Methods
We included women with HIV (aged ≥ 18) enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study in the United States from 2014 to 2019. We used group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to identify trajectories of adherence to ART and polypharmacy and the dual GBTM to identify the interrelationship between adherence and polypharmacy.
Results
Overall, 1,538 were eligible (median age of 49 years). GBTM analysis revealed five latent trajectories of adherence with 42% of women grouped in the consistently moderate trajectory. GBTM identified four polypharmacy trajectories with 45% categorized in the consistently low group.
Conclusions
The joint model did not reveal any interrelationship between ART adherence and polypharmacy trajectories. Future research should consider examining the interrelationship between both variables using objective measures of adherence.
Free drug provision for tuberculosis increases patient follow-ups and successful treatment outcomes in the Indian private sector: A quasi experimental study using propensity score matching
Authors: Sodhi Ridhima , Penkunas Michael J. , Pal Arnab
Published: January 2023

Background:The private sector is an important yet underregulated component of the TB treatment infrastructure in India. The Joint Effort for Elimination of Tuberculosis (Project JEET) aims to link private sector TB care with the constellation of social support mechanisms available through the Indian National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), including the provision of free fixed-dose combination (FDCs) drugs to patients. This quasi-experimental study analysed routinely collected data to determine the impact of free drugs on patient follow-ups and treatment outcomes.Methods:We used data for private sector patients enrolled with Project JEET who were diagnosed with pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB between 1 January 2019 and 31March 2020, and completed treatment by 31 December 2021. Propensity score matching was used to create a dataset to compare the number of follow-ups and proportion of successful treatment outcomes for patients on free drugs to a control group who paid out-of-pocket. 11,621 matched pairs were included in the analysis. Logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression models were used to estimate the impact of free drugs on number of follow-ups and treatment success, where latter is defined as treatment completion or cure.Results:After controlling for potential confounders, patients on free drugs received on average 2.522 (95% C.I.: 2.325 to 2.719) additional follow-ups compared topatientswho paid out of pocket. This equates to a 25% mean and 32% median increase in follow-ups for patients availing free drugs. For treatment success, patients receiving free drugs had a 45% higher likelihood of a successful treatment (Odds Ratio: 1.452, 95% C.I.: 1.288 to 1.637).Conclusions:Patients receiving free drugs were found to follow up with their treatment coordinator more frequently, in part likely to enable drug refilling, compared to patients who were paying out of pocket. These additional contacts would have offered opportunities to address concerns regarding side effects, provide additional treatment information, and connect with social support services, all of which subsequently contributed to patients’ continual engagement with their treatment. This potentially represents the unmeasured effect of free drugs on continual social support, which translates into a higher likelihood of treatment success for patients.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram to predict overall survival in patients with 2018 FIGO IB cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Xu Lixian , An Yunting , Xiong Shuhua , Wu Haigeng , LI Longyu , Zeng Siyuan , Xiao Zhongqing , Hu Xiaoqing , Pan Mei , Shu Kuanyong
Published: January 2023

Objective: To develop a nomogram for Overall Survival (OS) prediction in 2018 FIGO staging IB cervical cancer patients.
Methods and Materials: A total of 1185 2018 FIGO staging IB cervical cancer patients were analyzed. They were randomly divided into the training set (n=889,75%) and the validation set (n=296,25%). Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, and follow-up information. Missing data were estimated by multiple imputations. LASSO and Cox analysis was used to evaluate risk factors of OS rate. Nomograms were developed and internally validated. Three risk groups were identified based on the nomo-score of the patient.
Results: The 5-year OS of IB1 patients was 96.0%, for IB2 patients was 93.1%, and for IB3 patients was 90.3%. We established a multivariate Cox regression model, including 2018 FIGO staging, age, Lvsi and deep stromal invasion. The c-index and AUC for 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS revealed that the nomogram model significantly outperformed the 2018 FIGO staging. Furthermore, nomograms performed well in clinical applicability calibration and decision curve analysis. The OS of patients differed significantly (P<0.001) across the three risk groups stratified by the nomo-score.
Conclusions: This study developed a novel nomogram to predict overall survival in 2018 FIGO IB cervical cancer patients. The nomogram had significant discrimination ability and prediction accuracy, making it an excellent supplement to FIGO staging.
Introducing a novel C50N10 azafullerene with chained nitrogen atoms on a buckyball pole; structure, stability, vibration and electronic properties
Authors: Nekoei A-Reza , Haghgoo Sanaz , Hamzekhani Zahra Hamzavi
Published: January 2023

For C50N10 molecule, four structural isomers including 3 structures with chain nitrogen atoms on a fullerene buckyball pole (NP-isomers) and one isomer with separated nitrogen atoms (SN-isomer) have been studied using the density functional theory method. All isomers have been studied with and without symmetric constraints, and the symmetry influence on the structure and stability of each isomer has been investigated. Although the studied NP structures have lower stability than the SN-isomer, but some reasons (such as their more all-carbon hexagonal rings, breaking some of their N − N bonds for relative opening of the cage and creating bigger rings in order to getting rid from the unfavorable strain, as well as decreasing the N − N lone-pair repulsions) lead to the reasonable stability of these structures with the bonded nitrogen atoms. The results of atomization energy and vibrational frequency calculations indicate that isomers with the bonded nitrogen atoms have acceptable thermodynamic stabilities and do not decompose into their constituent components. Investigation on the structural parameters demonstrates important roles of the number of all-carbon hexagonal rings, the number of N-N junction, and the molecule symmetry in the stability of the structures with the bonded nitrogen atoms. Study on the electronic and optical properties indicate that the target structures exhibit interesting properties to be proper candidates for donor-acceptor pairs, fabrication of optical instruments, and application in molecular electronics.
A Novel Technique for Solving Intuitionistic Fuzzy DEA Model: An Application in Indian Agriculture Sector
Authors: Mohanta Kshitish Kumar , Sharanappa Deena Sunil
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Could parental awareness of DBR influence youth off-campus sports? Test of a conditional process model
Authors: Lou Hu , Tan Shuying , Liu Ping
Published: January 2023

DBR provides a new opportunity to increase youth sports.
Methods: Through a nationwide sampling survey, this study demonstrated the relationship between parents' awareness of DBR, parents' educational anxiety, parents' attitudes towards youth off-campus sports, and constructed a conditional process model.
Result: parent’s awareness of DBR significant positively impact youth sports (β = 0.103, P <0.01), but significant negatively impact parent’s education anxiety (β = - 0.305, P < 0.01) which played a significant intermediary role between parent’s awareness of DBR and youth off-campus sports (β = 0.031, 95%CI: 0.020 ~ 0.044). The dimensions of parent’s education anxiety only academic performance anxiety (β = 0.034, 95%CI: 0.021~0.047), parent-child interaction anxiety (β = 0.027, 95% CI: 0.014 ~ 0.038) and learning attitude anxiety (β = 0.024, 95%CI: 0.015 ~ 0.033) presenting significant mediating effects. The interaction between parent’s education anxiety and parent’s attitudes toward youth sports had a significant positive impact on youth off-campus sports (β = 0.008, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: parent’s awareness of DBR positively impact youth off-campus sports. Three dimensions of parent’s educational anxiety mediate in the process model. Parent’s attitudes toward youth sports can magnify the relationship between parent’s education anxiety and youth off-campus sports.