bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable machine-learning predictions for complications after pediatric congenital heart surgery
Authors: Zeng Xian , Hu Yaoqin , Shu Liqi , Li Jianhua , Duan Huilong , Shu Qiang , Li Haomin
Published: February 2021

The quality of treatment and prognosis after pediatric congenital heart surgery remains unsatisfactory. A reliable prediction model for postoperative complications of congenital heart surgery patients is essential to enable prompt initiation of therapy and improve the quality of prognosis. Here, we develop an interpretable machine-learning-based model that integrates patient demographics, surgery-specific features and intraoperative blood pressure data for accurately predicting complications after pediatric congenital heart surgery. We used blood pressure variability and the k-means algorithm combined with a smoothed formulation of dynamic time wrapping to extract features from time series data. In addition, SHAP framework was used to provide explanations of the prediction. Our model achieved the best performance both in binary and multi-label classification compared with other consensus-based risk models. In addition, this explainable model explains why a prediction was made to help improve the clinical understanding of complication risk and generate actionable knowledge in practice. The combination of model performance and interpretability is easy for clinicians to trust and provide insight into how they should respond before the condition worsens after pediatric congenital heart surgery.
Amorphous thin-film oxide power devices operating beyond bulk single-crystal silicon limit
Authors: Tsuruma Yuki , Kawashima Emi , Nagasaki Yoshikazu , Sekiya Takashi , Imamura Gaku , Yoshikawa Genki
Published: February 2021

Power devices (PD) are ubiquitous elements of the modern electronics industry that must satisfy the rigorous and diverse demands for robust power conversion systems that are essential for emerging technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), mobile electronics, and wearable devices. However, conventional PDs based on “bulk” and “single-crystal” semiconductors require high temperature (>1000°C) fabrication processing and a thick (typically a few tens to 100 μm) drift layer1, thereby preventing their applications to compact devices2, where PDs must be fabricated on a heat sensitive and flexible substrate. Here we report next-generation PDs based on “thin-films” of “amorphous” oxide semiconductors with the performance exceeding the silicon limit (a theoretical limit for a PD based on bulk single-crystal silicon3). The breakthrough was achieved by the creation of an ideal Schottky interface without Fermi-level pinning at the interface, resulting in low specific on-resistance Ron,sp (<1×10-4 Ωcm2) and high breakdown voltage VBD (~100 V). To demonstrate the unprecedented capability of the amorphous thin-film oxide power devices (ATOPs), we successfully fabricated a prototype on a flexible polyimide film, which is not compatible with the fabrication process of bulk single-crystal devices. The ATOP will play a central role in the development of next generation advanced technologies where devices require large area fabrication on flexible substrates and three-dimensional integration.
Personal Protective Equipements usage and its disposal by the residents of Dhaka city during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed method enquiry
Authors: Saha Shuvashis , Newaz Md Shah , Hazari Shajib , Uddin Mohammad Kabir , Iqbal Samiul , Salekuzzaman Kh
Published: February 2021

Context: COVID-19 has caused unprecedented hazard not only to the health and economy but also to the environment worldwide. In absence of an effective vaccine to the mass people, practice of preventive measures against coronavirus can only save the health and economy of a poor nation like Bangladesh. In one hand, poor practice of protective behavior against the novel coronavirus has been reported among the general population and on the other hand, sudden rise of Personal Protective Equipements (PPEs) use are causing massive damage to the environment of the cities like Dhaka. Aims: This study aims to understand the perception and practice of use and disposal of PPEs against COVID-19 by the residents of Dhaka city. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study was designed with a mixed method approach with an online survey and key informant interviews of the residents of Dhaka city Results: About 44% respondents were regular mask users and 3% used gloves regularly while staying out of home. Confusion, discomfort, hot weather and unaffordability were commonly reasoned for not regular use. About 40% of the respondents disposed their used masks or gloves to open places in the streets at some point of their life during the pandemic. Lack of proper disposal facilities in the city was evident throughout the study. Conclusions: A proper health education program along with government initiatives enhancing disposal facilities around the city can improve the situation.
Interventions Addressing Loneliness Among University Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ellard Olivia Betty , Dennison Christina , Tuomainen Helena
Published: February 2021

BackgroundLoneliness is detrimental to mental health, with university students at higher risk than other population groups. However, little research has explored interventions to reduce loneliness among students. This systematic review identifies the characteristics and effectiveness of interventions targeting students at university or college. MethodsPsycINFO, PubMed, ASSIA and Web of Knowledge were searched from inception using keywords linked to ‘loneliness’, ‘intervention’ and ‘students’. Relevant peer and non-peer reviewed English-language articles on studies implementing an intervention with loneliness as an outcome and investigating undergraduate or postgraduate students at a higher education institute were included for quality analysis and narrative review. Risk of bias was assessed at both study level and at outcome level using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (ROB2) and the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I).Results22 articles were included, comprising 18 quantitative and four qualitative studies covering 29 interventions. The large majority of studies were conducted in the United States. Interventions were based on psychoeducation, social support groups, increasing social interaction, or reflective exercises. For quantitative studies, 80% of each of the interventions based on either social support, increasing social interaction or reflective exercises, and 30% of psychoeducation interventions reduced loneliness scores significantly. 21 out of 25 interventions measured quantitatively were delivered in a group setting, of which 62% significantly reduced loneliness scores, regardless of intervention.ConclusionsUniversities have a choice of interventions to help reduce loneliness among students either on campus or virtually. Ones promoting social connectedness appear to be more successful. More high-quality studies in a larger number of countries are needed, taking vulnerable student groups into consideration.
Blepharochalasis:Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics, Surgical Strategy and Prognosis-- A Retrospective Cohort Study with 93 Cases
Authors: Zhou Jinqiong , Ding Jingwen , li dongmei
Published: February 2021

Background: Blepharochalasis is a rare eyelid disorder but eventually leading to destructive eyelid deformation. Until now the clinical and epidemiological data is unavailable. This study aimed o report the manifestations, epidemiological characteristics and surgical strategy of a large series of blepharochalasis patients with long-term follow up, the prognosis of different clinical deformities was also investigated. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, included consecutive patients diagnosed with blepharochalasis in a single center. Blepharoplasty and other surgical approaches were scheduled according to the various manifestations, after a 2-year quiescent period with no recurrent attacks and exacerbation of lesions. Prognosis after surgery was recorded.Results: A total of 93 patients, with a mean follow-up of 5.29±2.07 (range: 3-10) years before surgery, and 2(range:1-4) years follow-up after surgery were included. Of all those 93 patients, 72.04% were females (67, P=0.02 ). The mean age of onset of blepharochalasis symptoms was 10.09±3.32 (range: 5-16) years, mostly (83.87%) consisted with the onset of the puberty. With the average of 5 times per year, the mean duration of each acute attack was 28.12±1.01 (rang: 2-192)hours. The mean duration from the onset of acute attack to the quiescent stage lasted for 7.33 ± 2.05 (range: 4-10) years. Most of the cases (88, 94.62%) had more than one manifestation at the end of the last follow-up before surgery. Ptosis (48.39%) was the most common deformity. Followed by lacrimal gland prolapse (44.09%), canthal angle deformity(29.04%), lower eyelid retraction(17.20%). After surgery, the functional and cosmetically acceptable results were achieved in all patients except for overcorrection in 5 (11.90%) patients with ptosis. The lacrimal gland prolapse recurred in two (4.00%) patients at 29 and 36 months after surgery. Conclusions: Blepharochalasis is rare but mostly occurred in adolescent females. The process from the onset to the stable stage usually lasted for about 7 years, might be associated with the onset of puberty. Surgical management of clinical manifestations after at least 2-year follow-up period of quiescence would be appropriate in order to observe a great plastic effect, low overcorrection and recurrence rate.
The reality of the Noncommunicable disease policy landscape in Low Income Countries: the example of Mozambique
Authors: Munguambe Khatia Rebeca , Madede Tavares , Muchanga Vasco , Somerville Claire , Beran David Henri , Damasceno Albertino
Published: February 2021

Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with a disproportionate burden affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Mozambique, is a low income country situated in Southern Africa with an emerging burden of NCDs, but still facing a large challenge with regards to communicable diseases. Using the policy prioritisation framework developed by Shiffman and Smith this study aims to present the different elements that have shaped the current policy landscape for NCDs in Mozambique.Results The policy review identified 18 documents, and seven KIs were interviewed. The policy community could be seen as cohesive in that a few leading experts in Mozambique agreed on both the challenges of NCDs and the possible response, but overall leadership was lacking. Although the Ministry of Health and its NCD Department were seen as the guiding institutions the Department was not resourced to be able to fulfil its mandate. Some external resources were available to assist, but these were insufficient. In addition civil society mobilisation was missing. With regards to ideas three disconnects were present: language used in overarching government documents and their translation into practice; the views of experts; and the perceptions of NCDs in a context like Mozambique in contrast to other health issues. The NCD Department and different strategies and government documents laid out the governing structure, but again a lack of resources hampered progress. This was compounded by a lack of understanding of the problem and solutions, as well as barriers to integrate the NCD response with HIV/AIDS for example. Conclusions This study shows that despite gaining prominence on the global health agenda, NCDs have yet to truly gain a strong foothold on the policy agenda of LMICs such as Mozambique. In order to do this both governments and donors need to be sensitised to this issue as well as clear guidance developed to enable countries to have practical solutions to address both prevention and treatment of NCDs in underfunded and weak health systems, but also be able to build on existing initiatives to improve the health and well-being of populations.
Antegrade Intramedullary Fixation for Adolescent Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fracture and its Impact on Epiphyseal Growth
Authors: Fan Xiao-Lei , Wang Jian , Zhang De-hua , Mao Feng , Liao Yi , Xiao Rui
Published: February 2021

Background: Antegrade intramedullary nailing (AIMN) with Kirschner wire (K-wire) is a minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique. This procedure has been widely performed to treat the fifth metacarpal neck fracture (FMNF) in adults. This study was performed to determine whether using AIMN with K-wire to treat FMNF in adolescents would have good clinical and radiographic outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective study, 21 children (aged 11–16 years) with FMNF were treated using AIMN with K-wire from May 2017 to January 2020 in our hospital. Indications for intervention were total displacement, malrotation deformity, and apex dorsal angulation of greater than 40°. Collected data included apex dorsal angulation, range of motion (ROM) in the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score.Results: All patients were followed up for 12–24 months (average, 17 months), and all patients obtained anatomical reduction postoperatively. The healing time was 2.8±1.1 months (range, 2–4 months). Average apex dorsal angulation was reduced significantly from 44.5°±2.6° to 15.7°±2.5° (P<0.001). The average ROM in the MCP joint and apex dorsal angulation of the injured side were not significantly different from those of the uninjured side. The average DASH score was 1.7 (range, 0–4), the mean VAS was 0.18±0.6 (range, 0–2), and the mean grip strength was 91.5%±4.5% (range, 85%–101%). No secondary displacement, dysfunction, nonunion, infection, or osteonecrosis was observed during the follow-up. Although premature epiphyseal closure was found in one patient, no long-term clinical finding of angulation or shortening was identified. Conclusions: Antegrade intramedullary fixation with K-wire was an effective and reliable technique that successfully resulted in good functional and cosmetic outcomes for treating adolescents with FMNF. The impact on the growth plate was low in this population given that most patients were at or approaching skeletal maturity. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Clinical Impact and Imaging Results after A Modified Procedure of ACDF: A Prospective Case-Controlled Study Based on Ninety Cases With Two-Year Follow-Up
Authors: wang shunmin , zhu jian , sun kaiqiang , chen rongzi , cao jie , you ruijin , liu aigang , Zhao Feng , shi jiangang
Published: February 2021

Study design This is a prospective case-controlled studyBackground: To analyze the postoperative axial pain and cage subsidence of patients presenting with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) after a modified procedure of ACDF (mACDF). Methods: 90 patients with CSM were prospectively collected from 2014 to 2018. The patients were divided into spread group and non-spread group (48:42 ratio) according to the cage placement with or without releasing the Caspar cervical retractor after decompression. Spread group received conventional ACDF and non-spread group received mACDF. Patients were followed-up for at least 24 months after surgery. Radiologic data, including height of intervertebral space and Cobb Angle, were collected. Nervous system function was obtained using JOA scores, and level of pain was assessed using VAS scores.Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled and the patients were divided into spread group (n=48) and none-spread group(n=42). Cage subsidence of (spread group vs none-spread group) was (0.82±0.68 vs 0.58±0.81) mm, (0.64±0.77 vs 0.34±0.46) mm, (0.48±0.43 vs 0.25±0.28) mm, and (0.45±0.47 vs 0.17±0.32) mm at 3months, 6months, 12months and 24 months, respectively. The period exhibiting the most decrease of the height of intervertebral space was 3 months postoperatively. However, there was no statistical difference in the height of intervertebral space, JOA or VAS scores at the final follow-up between the two groups. Conclusion: The mACDF can avoid excessive distraction by releasing the Caspar Cervical retractor, restore the "natural height" of cervical vertebra, reduce the occurrence of axial pain in patients with CSM involving single-level, and prevent rapid Cage subsidence and the loss of cervical curvature.
Effective Factors on Sharp Score in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wen Jianting , Liu Jian , Wang Xin , Wang Jie
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aims to describe the association between Sharp Score and clincial indexes, bone metabolism indexes, Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and sociodemographic factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: Data were were collected from the HIS (hospital information system), a national inpatient database in China, with information on the patients hospitalized during the period from 2012 to 2019. The association between Sharp Score and effective factors were identified using multinomial logistic regression and association rule mining (ARM).Results: Three thousand eight hundred and forty patients were included: 82.66% males, 17.34% females, mean (SD) age 56.95 (12.68) years and symptom duration 3.45 (1.09) years. Spearman correlation analysis and Association rules analysis showed that there were significant positive correlations between Sharp Score and effective factors. Logistic regression analysis presented that erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) were risk factors of Sharp Score. In the analysis of individual outcomes, sex, age, symptom duration, DSA28 score, RF, ever drinker, radiographic grading of hands were influencents of Sharp Score.Conclusion: Sharp Score should be taken into consideration in formulating treatment strategies in RA.
In-situ multiomics analysis reveals only minor genetic and epigenetic changes in human liver cancer stem cells
Authors: Liu Dan , Li Hong , Dong Hui , Qu Min-Cheng , Yang Liguang , Chen Li-Na , Li Yixue , Wang Hongyang , He Yufei
Published: February 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play pivotal roles in human cancer but their genetic and epigenetic changes are still largely unknown. Here we show that human CSCs are more similar to paratumor cells in liver cancer. Using single-cell-based in-situ multiomics analysis, we found that although liver CSCs (LCSCs) from patients had some potential key genetic and epigenetic changes in their genome, they had substantially fewer somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number alterations (CNAs) and differentially methylated regions, and less change in the global levels of DNA cytosine modifications, than other tumor parenchymal cells. The cluster analysis of SNVs, CNAs and DNA methylation patterns and spatial transcriptomes all clearly showed that the LCSCs were clustered with the paratumor liver cells. Thus, only minor genetic and epigenetic changes occurred in human LCSCs. Targeting key changes in CSCs, not just changes in bulk tumor cells, should be more effective for human cancer therapy.
Factors Influencing Physicians' Departure from General Practitioners Field in Developing Countries: A Case Study in Iran
Authors: Shokri Azad , Akbari-Sari Ali , Harirchi Iraj , Farzianpour Fereshteh , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Shokri Somaieh , Moghadam Sima Mirzaei , Bayat Mahboubeh
Published: February 2021

Background: Migration, intersectoral flows, early retirement, illness and premature death of General Practitioners (GPs), maintaining adequate and effective workforce has become a major challenge in many countries. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the departure of physicians from the GPs field in developing countries.Methods: We used qualitative research and performed as a conventional content analysis through in-depth interview. Sampling method was purposeful sampling which was performed with variation in individuals include policy makers and different situation in GPs (including immigration, unemployment, specialty student, employment in other non-medical jobs, etc.). Lincoln and Guba evaluation method were used to determine the validity and reliability of the study. The conceptual model was used to illustrate the situation and deeper understanding of the problemResults: The results of the interviews showed, eight themes, 22 sub-themes were identified as factors influencing tendency GPs to other states. Major themes included income, referral system, specialization, human resource policy-making, education related issues, working environment conditions, quality of life and community attitude. The causal relationships were shown inside and outside each theme in the conceptual model.Conclusion: According to the results, there are various factors that lead people out of the field of GP and their tendency to different states, while lack of awareness of policy makers and officials can make decisions for years to come. A wide range of interventions is recommended to reduce these stimuli include pre-selection reforms such as "information about physicians' working conditions", during academic training such as "changing hospital education to clinic education and rural community experience" and after entering areas of the medical profession such as "defining the career path for physicians 'distribution and physicians' career development" and long-term reforms include fundamental reforms to promote family medicine referral and change community attitudes.
Percepções dos praticantes de Crossfit: um estudo exploratório
Authors: Silva Fernanda Celeste da , Alves Bruno Eduardo , Moraes Lucas Mendes , Nemezio Rafael Luiz Del Buono , Voltan Daniel Zonzini
Published: February 2021

O Crossfit tem se firmado ao redor do mundo com forte apelo mercadológico e tem atraído milhões de pessoas para seu box. Com mais de 10 mil academias licenciadas, é inegável este fenômeno da prática corporal mundial. Quanto ao campo da ciência, os estudos caminham na direção da eficácia do treinamento e lesões. Porém pouco se sabe sobre o que os participantes pensam sobre o método em caráter científico. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o grau de conhecimento e percepções dos praticantes do método Crossfit. Realizou-se a aplicação de questionário em 270 praticantes do método em quatro cidades diferentes onde foi possível observar que a maioria: acredita que conhece a modalidade mesmo tendo algumas respostas conflitantes; relaciona Crossfit com saúde e busca o mesmo com este objetivo; praticam somente a modalidade e não tiveram lesões advindas da prática; acham o ambiente motivador e não possuem interesse em competir; que o conhecimento técnico é a característica mais importante em um coach e que seu próprio coach conhece muito sobre a modalidade. Assim, novos estudos devem ser considerados sobre a modalidade tanto do ponto de vista do treinamento quanto da percepção dos seus praticantes, pois muitos indivíduos não têm o conhecimento mínimo sobre este treinamento e acabam tendo uma visão distorcida ou muito vaga sobre o assunto.
Symmetry restoration and the gluon mass in the Landau gauge
Authors: Reinosa Urko , Serreau Julien , Carmo Terin Rodrigo , Tissier Matthieu
Published: February 2021

We investigate the generation of a gluon screening mass in Yang-Mills theory in the Landau gauge. We propose a gauge-fixing procedure where the Gribov ambiguity is overcome by summing over all Gribov copies with some weight function. This can be formulated in terms of a local field theory involving constrained, nonlinear sigma model fields. We show that a phenomenon of radiative symmetry restoration occurs in this theory, similar to what happens in the standard nonlinear sigma model in two dimensions. This results in a nonzero gluon screening mass, as seen in lattice simulations.
Conductance asymmetries in mesoscopic superconducting devices due to finite bias
Authors: Melo André , Liu Chun-Xiao , Rożek Piotr , Rosdahl Tómas Örn , Wimmer Michael
Published: February 2021

Tunneling conductance spectroscopy in normal metal-superconductor junctions is an important tool for probing Andreev bound states in mesoscopic superconducting devices, such as Majorana nanowires.
In an ideal superconducting device, the subgap conductance obeys specific symmetry relations, due to particle-hole symmetry and unitarity of the scattering matrix.
However, experimental data often exhibits deviations from these symmetries or even their explicit breakdown.
In this work, we identify a mechanism that leads to conductance asymmetries without quasiparticle poisoning.
In particular, we investigate the effects of finite bias and include the voltage dependence in the tunnel barrier transparency, finding significant conductance asymmetries for realistic device parameters.
It is important to identify the physical origin of conductance asymmetries: in contrast to other possible mechanisms such as quasiparticle poisoning, finite-bias effects are not detrimental to the performance of a topological qubit.
To that end we identify features that can be used to experimentally determine whether finite-bias effects are the source of conductance asymmetries.
Carteiras de Black Litterman com Análises Baseadas em Redes Neurais
Authors: Bernardes Diego Guerreiro , Costa Oswaldo Luiz do Valle
Published: February 2021

This paper presents an autonomous portfolio management system. Autonomous investment systems consist of a series of buy and sell rules on financial markets, which can be executed by machines, oriented to maximizing investor gains. The system uses a Neural Network approach for monitoring the market and the Black-Litterman model for portfolio composition. The ten most traded assets from the Bovespa Index are analyzed, with dedicated neural networks, which suggests future return estimates using technical indicators as input. Those estimates are inserted in the Black-Litterman model which proposes daily portfolio composition using long and short positions. The results are compared to a second autonomous trading system without the Black-Litterman approach, referred to as Benchmark. The numerical results show a great performance compared to the Benchmark, especially the risk-return ratio, captured by the Sharpe Index. Such results suggest that the use of Bayesian inference models combined with neural networks may be a good alternative in portfolio management.
Comparative Analysis of Convolutional Neural Networks Applied in the Detection of Pneumonia Through X-Ray Images of Children
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará - UNIFESSPA, Silva Luan Oliveira , Araújo Leandro dos Santos ,   Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará - UNIFESSPA, Souza Victor Ferreira ,   Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará - UNIFESSPA, Barros Neto Raimundo Matos ,   Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará - UNIFESSPA, Santos Adam ,   Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará - UNIFESSPA
Published: February 2021

Pneumonia is one of the most common medical problems in clinical practice and is the leading fatal infectious disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia kills about 2 million children under the age of 5 and is constantly estimated to be the leading cause of infant mortality, killing more children than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined. A key element in the diagnosis is radiographic data, as chest x-rays are routinely obtained as a standard of care and can aid to differentiate the types of pneumonia. However, a rapid radiological interpretation of images is not always available, particularly in places with few resources, where childhood pneumonia has the highest incidence and mortality rates. As an alternative, the application of deep learning techniques for the classification of medical images has grown considerably in recent years. This study presents five implementations of convolutional neural networks (CNNs): ResNet50, VGG-16, InceptionV3, InceptionResNetV2, and ResNeXt50. To support the diagnosis of the disease, these CNNs were applied to solve the classification problem of medical radiographs from people with pneumonia. InceptionResNetV2 obtained the best recall and precision results for the Normal and Pneumonia classes, 93.95% and 97.52% respectively. ResNeXt50 achieved the best precision and f1-score results for the Normal class (94.62% and 94.25% respectively) and the recall and f1-score results for the Pneumonia class (97.80% and 97.65%, respectively).
Using the Kullback-Leibler Divergence and Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to Select Input Sizes to the Fault Diagnosis Problem Based on a CNN Model
Authors:   Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE, Monteiro Rodrigo Paula , Bastos-Filho Carmelo Jose Albanez ,   University of Pernambuco - UPE, Cerrada Mariela ,   Universidad Politecnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Cabrera Diego ,   Universidad Politecnica Salesiana (Ecuador), Sanchez Rene Vinicio ,   Universidad Politecnica Salesiana (Ecuador)
Published: February 2021

Choosing a suitable size for signal representations, e.g., frequency spectra, in a given machine learning problem is not a trivial task. It may strongly affect the performance of the trained models. Many solutions have been proposed to solve this problem. Most of them rely on designing an optimized input or selecting the most suitable input according to an exhaustive search. In this work, we used the Kullback-Leibler Divergence and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to measure the dissimilarity among signal representations belonging to equal and different classes, i.e., we measured the intraclass and interclass dissimilarities. Moreover, we analyzed how this information relates to the classifier performance. The results suggested that both the interclass and intraclass dissimilarities were related to the model accuracy since they indicate how easy a model can learn discriminative information from the input data. The highest ratios between the average interclass and intraclass dissimilarities were related to the most accurate classifiers. We can use this information to select a suitable input size to train the classification model. The approach was tested on two data sets related to the fault diagnosis of reciprocating compressors.
Choreographing increased understanding and positive attitudes towards coding by integrating dance
Authors: Flesch Breeann , Gabaldón Camila , Nabity Matthew , Thomas Darryl
Published: February 2021

Increasing the inclusion of underrepresented individuals in coding is an intractable problem, with a variety of initiatives trying to improve the situation. Many of these initiatives involve STEAM education, which combines the arts with traditional STEM disciplines. Evidence is emerging that this approach is making headway on this complex problem. We present one such initiative, iLumiDance Coding, which attempts to pique the interest and increase confidence of students in coding, by combining it with a fun and physical activity: dance. The connections between dance and coding, while not immediately obvious, are authentic, and we hypothesize that this approach will increase student comfort level with coding. We used student surveys of attitudes toward coding and a variety of statistical approaches to analyze our initiative. Each analysis showed a positive effect on student comfort level with coding. These results are useful for both educators and researchers since they contribute to a deeper understanding of how to increase interest in coding, which we hope will lead to an increase in representation.
Risk Genes in Schizophrenia and Their Importance in Choosing the Appropriate Antipsychotic Treatment
Authors: Werner Felix-Martin , Coveñas Rafael
Published: February 2021

Background:

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that in 80% of cases has a genetic etiology.
In the last years, 260 risk genes with a predisposition to schizophrenia have been discovered and correlations
between risk genes and the therapeutic efficacy of an antipsychotic treatment/pharmacotherapy resistance have
been reported.

Objective:

The objective of this review is to update the main risk genes involved in schizophrenia and to establish
an association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these genes and pharmacotherapy
resistance/efficacy of a determined antipsychotic treatment. Besides, neural networks in the brain centers involved
in schizophrenia will be updated to point out the altered functions of classical neurotransmitters and
neuropeptides due to risk genes.

Methods:

In schizophrenia, important risk genes, such as catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), monoamine
oxidase (MAO A/B), glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD 67), dysbindin-1 and neuregulin-1 will be mentioned.
To describe the function of these risk genes, neural networks in the ventral tegmental area, hippocampus
and prefrontal cortex will also be developed.

Results :

An association between the SNPs of some risk genes and the efficacy of an antipsychotic treatment is
reported: SNPs such as rs165599 (COMT gene), rs1801028 (D2 receptor gene) and rsSer9Gly (D3 receptor
gene) are associated with a better antipsychotic treatment efficacy (e.g., treatment of negative schizophrenic
symptoms with risperidone). The rs4680 SNP (COMT and D2 receptor genes) is associated with antipsychoticinduced
dopamine hypersensitivity and pharmacotherapy resistance. The function of risk genes is described:
COMT and MAO A/B genes, with reduced activity in the corresponding enzymes, are associated with a decrease
in dopamine degradation and hence dopamine hyperactivity occurred via D2 receptors. The GAD 67 risk gene is
linked with GABAergic dysfunction and consequently GABAergic neurons weakly presynaptically inhibit D2
dopaminergic neurons. The D-amino acid oxidase activator (DAOA) risk gene is connected with glutamatergic
dysfunction via NMDA receptors. Glutamatergic neurons might exert a weak presynaptic inhibition upon 5-
HT2A serotonergic neurons located in the ventral tegmental area and hippocampus. Neural networks in the latter
two regions and in the prefrontal cortex are updated.

Conclusion:

It is important to examine the SNPs of the risk genes involved in schizophrenia to establish a correlation
between these SNPs and the efficacy of a determined antipsychotic drug. In the future, after examining
these SNPs, it might be possible to choose the most appropriate antipsychotic drug. Thus, schizophrenic patients
with a good response to a determined antipsychotic treatment and patients with resistance to this treatment
could be well differentiated.
Predictive Model for the Quality of Life of Infertile Men
Authors: Park Jummi , Shin Nayeon
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

This study explores factors influencing the quality of life of infertile men, and attempts to construct a structural model to predict their quality of life.

Methods:

Data was collected via questionnaires from 242 infertile male outpatients from 3 infertile clinics at general hospital urologist departments, with the subjects’ confidentiality was ensured. The self-reported questionnaires were collected for 7 months from February to August 2016 in the outpatient centers. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS/WIN 21.0 Program and Mplus 6.0 Program.

Results:

Hypothesis test of the quality of life as the endogenous variable identified infertility-related stress (β=-0.79, t=-9.41), depression (β=-0.20, t=-2.58), and spirituality (β=0.21, t=2.90) as statistically significant variables. Marital adjustment (β=-0.06, t=-0.69) and social support (β=-0.12, t=-1.79) were not statistically significant. The variables accounted for 84.1% of the variation.

Conclusion:

The results of the study show that infertility-related stress and depression have negative correlation, and spirituality has a positive correlation with infertile men’s quality of life. As such, there needs to be a development of practical and multi-faceted nursing intervention programs to control infertility-related stress and depression levels so as to sustain infertile men’s quality of life.
An Examination of Geographic Differences in Social Determinants of Health Among Women with Diagnosed HIV in the United States and Puerto Rico, 2017
Authors: Nwangwu-Ike Ndidi , Jin Chan , Gant Zanetta , Johnson Shacara , Balaji Alexandra B.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To examine differences, at the census tract level, in the distribution of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses and social determinants of health (SDH) among women with diagnosed HIV in 2017 in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Background:

In the United States, HIV continues to disproportionately affect women, especially minority women and women in the South.

Methods:

Data reported in the National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to determine census tract-level HIV diagnosis rates and percentages among adult women (aged ≥18 years) in 2017. Data from the American Community Survey were combined with NHSS data to examine regional differences in federal poverty status, education level, income level, employment status, and health insurance coverage among adult women with diagnosed HIV infection in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Results:

In the United States and Puerto Rico, among 6,054 women who received an HIV diagnosis in 2017, the highest rates of HIV diagnoses generally were among those who lived in census tracts where the median household income was less than $40,000; at least 19% lived below the federal poverty level, at least 18% had less than a high school diploma, and at least 16% were without health insurance.

Conclusion:

This study is the first of its kind and gives insight into how subpopulations of women are affected differently by the likelihood of an HIV diagnosis. The findings show that rates of HIV diagnosis were highest among women who lived in census tracts having the lowest income and least health coverage.
Biodiesel Production by Transesterification of Soybean Oil with Ethanol using SBA-15 and Al-SBA-15 Catalysts
Authors: Marinho Janaina C. , Lima Erivaldo G. , Barbosa Tellys Lins A. , Rodrigues Meiry G. F.
Published: February 2021

Background:

Increasing environmental pollution generated by fossil fuel consumption
has intensified the consumption and development of renewable fuels.

Objective:

Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the use of heterogeneous catalysts (SBA-
15 and Al-SBA-15) for the transesterification of soybean oil to produce biodiesel.

Methods:

The pore size and surface acidity of SBA-15 were modified by the addition of heterogeneous
Al atoms. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Nitrogen adsorption, Scanning
electron microscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetry.

Results:

Results of the characterization study evidenced that a large amount of mesopore and surface
acidity can significantly improve the transesterification reaction with the incorporation of
aluminum into the SBA-15 framework. The best results were obtained with a 24 h reaction time
and Al-SBA-15. The transesterification reaction of soybean oil with ethanol during 24 h showed in
this work presented an efficient conversion of 85.5% with SBA-15 catalyst and 96.5% with the Al-
SBA-15 catalyst.
Magnesium Based Hybrid Nanocomposites: An Insight into Nanoparticle Effects on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Seetharaman Sankaranarayanan , Subramanian Jayalakshmi , Singh Ramachandra A. , Gupta Manoj
Published: February 2021

Aims:

The primary aim of this research is to understand the effects of type of nanoparticles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites. For this reason, new Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites containing 2.2 vol.% Ti and 1.1 vol.% nano-Al2O3 or nano B4C particles were synthesized and their properties were studied in comparison with Mg-Ti and pure Mg.

Background:

Magnesium with excellent weight-saving potential is ideal for automotive and aerospace
applications. But its use in pure Mg is restricted due to inherent limitations such as poor absolute
strength, elastic modulus, deformability, and corrosion susceptibility. While most of these limitations
can be circumvented by the judicious addition of micron-sized ceramic reinforcements, ductility
is often compromised. One of the promising ways for ductility enhancement involves the use
of nano-length scale reinforcements. Similar ductility improvements were also reported when hybrid
reinforcements were introduced into the Mg matrix. While the role of hybrid reinforcement
preparation, the particle size distribution, and volume fraction of hybrid reinforcements were
studied extensively in the past, no detailed investigation on the effects of type of nanoparticles has
been conducted so far.

Objective:

The objectives of this research include the successful synthesis and property characterization of Mg-based hybrid nanocomposites containing hybrid (Ti+Al2O3 or Ti+B4C) reinforcements.

Result:

While both hybrid nanocomposites displayed fine grains when compared to pure Mg and
Mg-Ti, there was no noticeable difference between the grain size distribution profiles of Mg-
(Ti+Al2O3) and Mg-(Ti+B4C) hybrid composites. The results of property measurements indicated
an improvement in dimensional stability, indentation, tension, and compression properties of Mg
due to the addition of either individual Ti or hybrid (Ti+Al2O3) or Mg-(Ti+B4C) particles. Among
the hybrid composites, Mg-(Ti+B4C) containing hybrid (Ti+B4C) reinforcement exhibited a better
combination of strengths and ductility. While the inherent strengthening contribution from B4C
and Al2O3 reinforcements resulted in slightly different strength properties, the ductilization benefits
of boron compounds enhanced the tensile fracture strain of Mg-(Ti+B4C).

Conclusion:

Since the particle size distribution and volume fraction of (Ti+Al2O3) and (Ti+B4C) are similar, the difference in strength values between Mg-(Ti+Al2O3) and Mg-(Ti+B4C) can be attributed to the matrix strengthening contribution from reinforcement type.
Effect of Nano Silica on Strength and Water Absorption of Cement Mortar Exposed Low Pressure Environment
Authors: Zhang Ai , Ge Yong
Published: February 2021

Background:

Buildings in high altitude region often face low pressure and low humidity service environment, which has a great impact on the mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials.

Objective:

In this paper, the effects of nano-silica (NS) on the strength and water absorption of cement mortar exposed to the low pressure and low humidity environment were studied.

Methods:

Mechanical properties (compressive strength and flexural strength) and durability (water absorption) were measured. And the hydration degree of cement was tested to assist analysis.

Results:

The flexural strength of mortar decreased and the compressive strength increased slowly after 28 days of exposure under low pressure and low humidity environment. Especially, the introduction of 1% NS could reduce the compressive strength loss and flexural strength loss of mortar under low pressure and low humidity environment. It was also found that the water absorption of the mortar in low pressure and low humidity environment was related to the tortuous degree of the pores inside the specimen.

Conclusion:

The introduction of 1% NS contributed the most to the mechanical properties (compressive strength and flexural strength) and durability (water absorption) of cement mortar.
Pathogenicity of Moniliophthora roreri isolates from selected morphology groups in harvested cacao pods and in vitro sensitivity to compost tea.
Authors: Jimenez Feijoo Maria Isabel , Cevallos-Cevallos Juan Manuel
Published: February 2021

Moniliopthora roreri is the frosty pod rot disease (FPD) and one of the most devastating cacao pathogens worldwide. However, M. roreri pathogenicity on harvested cacao pods and sensitivity to compost tea have not been fully described. Monosporic cultures of M. roreri from different morphology groups were obtained. The isolates’ pathogenicity was tested by inoculation onto harvested cacao pods, and symptoms were evaluated at 3-day intervals during 16 days before estimating the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The sensitivity of M. roreri to compost tea was evaluated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 1 to 5 % compost tea. All morphology groups could infect harvested cacao pods during the 16 days with a disease severity index abode 75 %. Compost tea completely inhibited the growth of M. roreri when used at 4.5 % or higher. Results suggest a shortened biotrophic phase during the infection in harvested pods and a medium to high sensitivity of M. roreri to compost tea.
Genomic benchmarking studies reveal variations of the polyubiquitination domain of the PSD95 protein in Homo neanderthalensis and other primates of the Hominidae family: Possible implications in cognitive functions?
Authors: Zuarez-Chamba Michael , Puma Luis , Bermeo Jorge , Andrade Eugenio , Bermúdez-Puga Stalin A. , Naranjo-Briceño Leopoldo
Published: February 2021

Modern humans' unique cognitive abilities regarding Neanderthals and other primate's lineages are frequently attributed to the differences in brain size development and evolution. However, recent studies have established the critical role of genomic and genetic benchmarking in analyzing the cognitive evolution between modern humans and primates, focused mainly on searching for involved genes in neurogenesis. PSD95 protein (named PSD95p) has a key role in modulating synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory skills. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the possible variations of the PSD95 gene between modern humans, Neanderthals, and other hominid primate species using bioinformatics tools. The results showed 14 polymorphisms compared with the contemporary human PSD95 gene, of which 13 were silent mutations, and only one was a non-silent mutation at the nucleotide position 281. Despite polymorphisms found at the nucleotide sequences, the PSD95p of humans and chimpanzees are 100% identical. Likewise, the gorilla and orangutan PSD95p are 100% identical, although a 103-amino acid deletion characterizes them at the N-terminal end (1-103), suggesting that it behaves like a non-functional protein. Interestingly, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found at position 281 in the Neanderthal PSD95 gene leads to a change of the E94 to valine V94 in the polyubiquitination domain (PEST) and variation in the three-dimensional structure of PSD95 protein. We prompt that this structural change in the PEST domain could induce a loss of PSD95p function and, therefore, an alteration in synaptic plasticity forms such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). These findings open a possible hypothesis supporting the idea that humans' cognitive evolution after separating our last common ancestor with Neanderthals lineage could have been accompanied by discrete changes in the PSD95p polyubiquitination domain.
Potential bioactive compounds of medicinal plants against new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): A review
Authors: Manzano - Santana Patricia Isabel , Peñarreta Tivillin Juan Pablo , Chóez-Guaranda Iván Andrés , Barragán Lucas Ana Délida , Orellana - Manzano Andrea Katherine , Rastrelli Luca
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, COVID-19 cases are growing worldwide, and there is no evidence of an effective drug to combat the new SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this sense, medicinal plants as an alternative treatment are being used without control to handle the pandemic situation. Therefore, bioactive compounds against Coronavirus of medicinal plant species that grow in Ecuador are discussed. The plant species described in this review are Azadirachta indica, Cinchona pubescens, Coriandrum sativum, Cúrcuma longa, Eucalyptus spp, Morus alba, and Salvia rosmarinus[A3] ; and compunds are curcumin, coriandrin, deoxynojirimycin, kuwanon G, mulberroside A, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, quinine, eucalyptol, and jensenone.