bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of flow behavior as influenced by reservoir with flow regularization
Authors: Generoso Tarcila N. Neves , Silva Demetrius David da , Rodrigues Lineu Neiva , Amorim Ricardo Santos Silva , de Almeida Laura Thebit
Published: April 2022

Understanding the behavior of reservoirs with flow regularization formed by hydroelectric power plants is essential for assessing water availability and, consequently, for planning the use of water resources, especially in downstream positions. The operationalization of reservoirs can be influenced both by climatic characteristics and by the consequences resulting from human actions in the basin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the existing relationships between the inflows and outflows of a reservoir, as well as with the conventional streamflow gauge stations downstream of the dam. In addition, the aim was also to evaluate trends in the behavior of minimum, average and maximum flows, in the post-operation period, considering the characteristics of rainfall and irrigation in the region. The results indicated that reservoir operationalization is strongly related to the behavior of inflows, especially when considering analyses in quarterly periods, also affecting the flow in the streamflow gauge stations downstream. Moreover, a reduction was also verified in all variables analyzed related to inflows and outflows, as well as in the stations downstream of the dam, except for the maximum flow in the station farthest from the reservoir, which showed a stationary behavior. The reductions observed in the flows may be related to the increase of almost three times in the area irrigated by center pivot in the basin; however, the same cannot be said in relation to the annual rainfall regime of the region, since it showed a stationary behavior for most stations evaluated.
The AppNL-G-F mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease is refractory to regulatory T cell treatment
Authors: YSHII Lidia , Mascali Loriana , Kouser Lubna , Lemaitre Pierre , Marino Marika , Dooley James , Burton Oliver , Haughton Jeason , Callaerts-Vegh Zsuzsanna , de Strooper Bart , Holt Matthew G , Pasciuto Emanuela , Liston Adrian
Published: April 2022

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease with a neuroinflammatory component. Due to the multifunctional capacity of regulatory T cells to prevent and reverse inflammation, regulatory T cells have been proposed as a potential therapeutic in Alzheimer’s Disease, either as a direct cell therapy or through the use of IL2 as a biologic to expand the endogenous population. Methods: Here we characterize the longitudinal immunological changes occurring in T cells in the AppNL-G-F mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Results: Age-dependent immunological changes, in both the brain and periphery, occurred in parallel in both AppNL-G-F mice and control AppNL mice. As the endogenous IL2 axis was disturbed with age, we sought to determine the effect of IL2 supplementation on disease progression. Using a genetic model of IL2 provision in the periphery or in the brain, we found that expanding regulatory T cells in either location was unable to alter the progression of key pathological events or behavioral changes. Conclusions: These results suggest that either the AppNL-G-F mouse model does not recapitulate key regulatory T cell-dependent process of Alzheimer’s disease, or that regulatory T cell therapy is not a promising candidate for APP-mutation-driven Alzheimer’s disease.
Deep Learning Solution for Frequency Domain Diffuse Optic Tomography (FDDOT)
Authors: Kazanci Huseyin Ozgur , ORAL Okan
Published: April 2022

In this work, deep learning neural network architecture was applied to the well-known diffuse optic tomography problem. Frequency Domain Diffuse Optic Tomography (FDDOT) modality was selected as reference simulation system. Sources and detectors were placed on tissue imaging geometry. Back-reflection geometry has 8 sources and 8 detectors on tissue imaging geometry. Background phantom tissue absorption coefficient ma=0.3 cm-1, scattering coefficient ms=100 cm-1. One inclusion which its absorption coefficient ma=0.7 cm-1 was embedded in two different location in 20×20×20 grid sized tomographic cube. These two different scenarios were tested to reconstruct the inclusion image by using Matlab™ deep learning functions. Two different inclusion images were successfully reconstructed with the similar shape of original inclusion in the same 3d location. In deep learning structure, Matlab’s convolution layer, cross channel normalization layer, fully connected layer, regression layer was used. In training network options, stochastic gradient descent with momentum method with validation data was selected. In this work, instead of using classical inverse problem solution algorithms deep learning method was used.
Effects of mRNA expression of five Notch ligands on prognosis of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Li Yunlong , Xie Fengni , Zhang Huimin , Wu Xiao , Ji Gang , Li Jipeng , Hong Liu
Published: April 2022

Objectives Notch ligands are expression changes in a great many malignancies including gastric cancer (GC) frequently. The prognostic value of each Notch ligands in GC patients remains lack of large sample data results. In present research, we researched the prognostic value of Notch ligands in GC patients in order to fill the shortage areas. Methods We used an online database (http://kmplot.com/analysis/index.php?p= service & cancer gastric) to identify the relationship between mRNA expression of each Notch ligand and overall survival (OS) in GC. We analyze the relevance of overall survival and clinical data which includes gender, Lauren's classification, differentiation, clinical stage and treatment. Results The study found that high DLL1, DLL3, DLL4 and JAG2 mRNA expression were tied to worse OS in all GC patients followed up for 10 years. There is no significant relevance to the expression of JAG1 mRNA and OS in patients with GC. We also did a survey of each Notch ligands in different clinical and pathological features present different prognosis. Conclusion The information will help to better understand the biology of gastric cancer heterogeneity, provide more accurate prognostic evaluation tools and provide new targets for targeted drug development besides.
Perspectives of older adults, caregivers, healthcare providers on frailty screening in primary care: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Feng Hui , Nan Jiahui , Duan Yunzhu , Wu Shuang , Liao Lulu , Li Xiaoyang , Zhao Yinan , Zhang Hongyu , Zeng Xianmei
Published: April 2022

Background: Screening is often recommended as a first step in the process of frailty management. Many guidelines call to implicate frailty screening into practice in the primary care setting. However, few countries or organizations implement it. Understanding and clarifying the stakeholders' views and issues faced by the implementation is essential to the successful implementation of frailty screening. However, the systematic review on stakeholders' views of frailty screening in primary care is decidedly limited. Our objective was to explore the perspective of older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers on frailty screening and determine the enablers and barriers to implementing frailty screening in primary care. Methods: A systematic search of six databases and other resources was conducted following JBI’s three-step search strategy. The search resulted in 7362 articles, of which 97 were identified for further assessment according to the inclusion criteria. After the full-text screening, quality assessment and data extraction were carried out using the tools from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Moreover, reviewers used the approach of meta-aggregative of JBI to analyze data and synthesis the findings. Results: Six studies were included. A total of 63 findings were aggregated into 12 categories and then further grouped into three synthesized findings:1) stakeholder capacity; 2) opportunity in the implementation of frailty screening; 3) motivation in the implementation of frailty screening. These themes can help identify what influences the implementation of screening from the perspective of stakeholders.Conclusions: This meta-synthesis provides evidence on the barriers and enablers of frailty screening in primary care, from the aspects of psychological, physical, social, material, etc. However, Stakeholder perspectives and perceptions of frailty screening have not been adequately studied. More research and efforts are needed to explore the influencing factors and address the existing barriers.
Machine Learning Compensation of Fiber Nonlinear Noise
Authors: Melek Marina Medhat , Yevick David
Published: April 2022

This paper examines artificial intelligence (AI) methods for compensating the distortion experienced in optical communication systems resulting from fiber nonlinearity. To identify the resulting degree of improvement afforded by machine learning methods, the procedures are applied to a model of a typical single frequency optical communication system with, a 3200km fiber length, double polarization, and a 16-QAM modulation format. The performance of transmitters and receivers that incorporate Neural Networks (NNs) are in particular examined for different values of the nonlinear coefficient \(\left(\gamma \right)\). Both of these are found to improve the system Q-factor for all values of\(\gamma\) although the degree of enhancement is dependent on the signal to noise ratio. The structures studied include Siamese neural networks (SNN) implemented at the receiver end and two-stage architectures that employ NNs at the transmitter together with a classifier at the receiver side. Here classifiers ranging from simple decision tree structures to boosting, forests, extra trees, and Multi-layer perceptron (MLP) were examined and found to provide significant enhancement for \(\gamma >\) \(4{W}^{-1}k{m}^{-1}\). The optimal performance for highly nonlinear systems was achieved with two-stage systems with random forest or extra tree AI methods at the receiver. Empirical equations are also presented for each AI technique that relates the Q-factor enhancement to \(\gamma\) and the computational resource requirements (the number of included triplet terms).
MISPR: An automated infrastructure for high-throughput DFT and MD simulations
Authors: Atwi Rasha , Bliss Matthew , Makeev Maxim , Rajput Nav Nidhi
Published: April 2022

Computational tools provide a unique opportunity to study and design optimal materials by enhancing our ability to comprehend the connections between their atomistic structure and functional properties. However, designing materials with tailored functionalities is complicated due to the necessity to integrate various computational-chemistry software (not necessarily compatible with one another), the heterogeneous nature of the generated data, and the need to explore vast chemical and parameter spaces. The latter is especially important to avoid bias in scattered data points-based models and derive statistical trends only accessible by systematic datasets. Here, we introduce a robust high-throughput multi-scale computational infrastructure coined MISPR (Materials Informatics for Structure-Property Relationships) that seamlessly integrates classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with density functional theory (DFT). By enabling high-performance data analytics and coupling between different methods and scales, MISPR addresses critical challenges arising from the needs of automated workflow management and data provenance recording. The major features of MISPR include automated DFT and MD simulations, error handling, derivation of molecular and ensemble properties, and creation of output databases that organize results from individual calculations to enable reproducibility and transparency. In this work, we describe fully automated DFT workflows implemented in MISPR to compute various properties such as nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift, binding energy, bond dissociation energy, and redox potential with support for multiple methods such as electron transfer and proton-coupled electron transfer reactions. The infrastructure also enables the characterization of large-scale ensemble properties by providing MD workflows that calculate a wide range of structural and dynamical properties in liquid solutions. MISPR employs the methodologies of materials informatics to facilitate understanding and prediction of phenomenological structure-property relationships, which are crucial to designing novel optimal materials for numerous scientific applications and engineering technologies.
“Why don’t I look like her?”: How adolescent girls view social media and its connection to body image
Authors: Papageorgiou Alana , Fisher Colleen , Cross Donna
Published: April 2022

BackgroundAdolescent girls appear more vulnerable to experiencing mental health difficulties from social media use than boys. The presence of sexualized images online is thought to contribute, through increasing body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls. Sexual objectification through images may reinforce to adolescent girls that their value is based on their appearance. This study explored how sexualized images typically found on social media might influence adolescent girls’ mental health, in positive and/or negative ways.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with girls aged 14-17 years (n=24) in Perth, Western Australia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants identified body image as a major concern, reporting negative appearance comparisons when viewing images on social media. Appearance comparisons were perceived to exacerbate adolescent girls’ appearance-based concerns. Comparisons also influenced adolescent girls’ efforts to change their appearance and seek validation on social media. The importance of awareness and education from a younger age about social media and its influence on body image was emphasized, as was the need for strategies to promote positive body image and counteract negative body image. ConclusionThe findings of this study have important implications for professionals working with adolescent girls and for the development of health promotion programs addressing social media use and body image concerns.
A Novel Method for Predicting Ideal Postoperative Upper Instrumented Vertebra Tilt to Prevent Lateral Shoulder Imbalance after Scoliosis Correction Surgery
Authors: Zhang Wen , Jiang Zhensong , Zhang Weimin , Li Tao , Sun Jianmin , Cui Xingang
Published: April 2022

Background: Lateral shoulder imbalance (LSI) is reflected radiologically by the clavicle angle (CA). How to achieve postoperative lateral shoulder balance (LSB) after scoliosis correction surgery remains unclear.Methods: In the current study, by using the preoperative upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) tilt, CA, the flexibility between T1 and the UIV, the ideal postoperative UIV tilt was predicted based on the following formula: ideal postoperative UIV tilt = preoperative UIV tilt – the flexibility between T1 and UIV – preoperative CA. The reliability of the formula was verified through a retrospective analysis, and 76 scoliosis patients were enrolled and divided into three groups based on the postoperative shoulder balance: 1) the whole group (n = 76); 2) the LSI group (n = 26); and 3) the LSB group (n = 50). The pre- and postoperative CA, UIV tilt, T1 tilt, flexibility between T1 and the UIV, and ideal UIV tilt were measured or calculated using the formula mentioned above. The feasibility of this method in achieving LSB by establishing the predicted ideal UIV tilt intraoperatively using the improved crossbar technique was verified through a prospective analysis, and 13 scoliosis patients were enrolled. Results: In the retrospective study, there was a significant correlation between the difference in the actual and ideal postoperative UIV tilt values and the postoperative CA, with correlation coefficients in the whole, LSI and LSB groups of 0.981, 0.982 and 0.953, respectively (p < 0.001). In the prospective study, all patients achieved satisfactory LSB, with a correlation coefficient between the difference in the actual and ideal postoperative UIV tilt values and the postoperative CA of 0.939 (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Using the formula preoperatively to predict an ideal postoperative UIV tilt and controlling the intraoperative UIV tilt with the improved crossbar technique may be an effective digital method for achieving postoperative LSB and has important clinical significance.
Pattern and rate in the Plio-Pleistocene evolution of modern human brain size
Authors: Gingerich Philip D.
Published: April 2022

Fourteen studies of brain size evolution in Plio-Pleistocene hominins published over the past fifty years show substantial long-term increase in endocranial volume (ECV) for the broad lineage leading to modern humans. The median generation-to-generation step rate for a consensus time series of ECV values, h0 = 0.15 standard deviations per generation, is almost identical to the median step rate observed in modern biological field studies. When specimens are aggregated in a series of 100 k.y. time bins to reflect the precision of their geological ages, temporal scaling identifies four successive phases of stasis and change that are significantly different from random. Phase I from about 3.2 to 2.0 million years before present is an initial phase of relative stasis. Phase II from 2.0 to 1.5 m.y. is a phase of directional brain size increase. Phase III from 1.5 to 0.7 m.y. is a second phase of stasis. Finally, Phase IV from about 0.7 m.y. to 10 k.y. is a second phase of directional increase. The tempo (rate) and the mode (stasis, random, or directional change) of an evolutionary time series are related to each other, and both are related to the time scale chosen for analysis.
Applying Intelligent Reflective Surface to Channel Phase Probing in Wireless Secret Key Generation
Authors: Lu Xinjin , Lei Jing , Shi Yuxin , Li Wei
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the problem of secret key generation in the static wireless communication environment, this paper proposes a scheme applying intelligent reflective surface to channel phase probing (IRS-CPP) in wireless secret key generation. Firstly, both legitimate parties utilize OFDM signals for channel probing to obtain the corresponding channel phase response. Secondly, the passive elements in the IRS are used to reflect the probing signal, which can effectively change the signal phases. Finally, the secret key can be obtained after reconciliation and privacy amplification. This scheme makes full use of the reciprocity of the phase response in wireless channels, and applys the IRS elements to change the static environment indirectly. Compared with the existing key generation scheme, the proposed scheme effectively improves the performance of secret key generation in static environments.
Development of EST-SSR markers and population genetic structure and genetic diversity of the Malus transitoria (Batalin) C. K. Schneider in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Xudong , Zhang Defang , Bai Linna
Published: April 2022

Malus transitoria (Batalin) C. K. Schneider is a shrub or small trees species native to in and around the Qinghai Tibet Plateau (QTP). We analyzed 142 samples from 8 natural populations of M. transitoria collected from the QTP using 18 pairs of EST-SSR markers. Genetic diversity was high at the species level showed the mean expected heterozygosity (HE) and Shannon’s information index (I) per population were 0.573 and 0.921, and the genetic diversity of the WD population (HE=0.595, I=0.974) was the highest, whereas that of the BS population (HE=0.541, I=0.870) was the lowest. The mean Gene Flow (Nm) was 6.076, and the genetic diversity of the MKH population (Nm = 5.034) was the lowest. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed moderate genetic differentiation among populations, that Within Populations variation (95%) was significantly higher than Among Populations variation (5%), which was consistent with the genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst = 0.057). STRUCTURE analysis showed 2 clusters grouped similar to the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic (UPGMA) clustering and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). We speculate that due to long-term orogeny, gene exchange between populations is blocked, resulting in small gene flow and loss of genetic resources. This research investigated the genetic diversity and structure of natural populations of M. transitoria to provide a scientific basis for the conservation, breeding, and rational utilization of this tree species germplasm resources in QTP.
Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety in patients with functional anorectal pain
Authors: Dong Liping , Sun Ting , Tong Ping , Zhang Jinglang , Guo Jia
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Patients with functional anorectal pain (FAP) often have psychological distress, impaired quality of life, increased health care utilization, and even suicidal tendencies. However, there are limited data on the psychological correlates in Chinese patients with FAP. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression and anxiety and the related psychosocial factors among Chinese patients with FAP.Methods: We used a cross-sectional research design to recruit 100 patients with FAP in SuBei Hospital’s multidisciplinary clinic for pelvic floor disorders between January and December 2021. Information on demographic and disease characteristics was collected. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7). Multiple logistic regression analysis examined factors associated with depression and anxiety.Results: The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among patients with FAP were 55 % and 46 %, respectively. Being a woman, specific marital status(single, divorced, separated,etc), longer duration of FAP, and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Additionally, specific marital status(single, divorced, separated, etc), sleep disturbance, high Visual Analogue Scale score are associated with anxiety symptoms.Conclusions: Depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent in patients with FAP. Several sociodemographic and clinical predictors are identified. There is a need for psychologists to be involved in the treatment of patients with FAP. Multidisciplinary treatment may be the best strategy.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to shape the ‘Baby Buddy Champions’ intervention for re-framing antenatal education in Cyprus
Authors: Middleton Nicos , Hadjigeorgiou Eleni , Kolokotroni Ourania , Christodoulides Veronika , Koliandri Ioanna , Nicolaou Christiana , Papadopoulou Maria , Kouta Christiana , Karanikola Maria , Baum Alison , Team Baby Buddy Forward Core
Published: April 2022

Background
Τhe Baby Buddy Cyprus webapp was co-created with parents and health professionals within a Participatory Action Research framework. Baby Buddy can support the educational role of mother-child healthcare providers (HP); however, antenatal education (AE) may be currently perceived as a formal activity within the physical space of the antenatal class. We aimed to gain an understanding of influences on midwives engaging in an educational role during routine appointments and propose, on the basis of the ‘behaviour diagnosis’, a potential intervention using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework.
Methods
This is a formative research study guided by the COM-B model and related Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Complimentary methods were used to collect information from in-training and registered midwives: focus group (N = 11), questionnaire survey (N = 24) and Nominal Group Technique during workshops (N = 40). Deductive content analysis of qualitative data and quantitative survey analysis, tapping on 6 COM-B and 14 TDF domains, guided the design of a multicomponent intervention.
Results
AE is viewed as a core function of the professional role, yet neither supported nor prioritized by current practices. Problematic areas relate to organizational context, such as weak interprofessional collaboration and lack of policy, protocols and resources. In addition, medicalization of birth and related socio-cultural norms, pertaining to users and providers, are sustaining alienation of the midwife and conditions of power dynamics. AE was perceived as a means to enhance the autonomy of the profession but there are might be issues with procedural knowledge and the need for skill development was identified. Several intervention functions were identified as promising, however cognitive re-framing through strategic communication and modelling may also be needed both in terms of providing “credible models” for the role itself as well as re-framing AE through the concept of “making every contact count”.
Conclusions
AE is currently perceived to be a ‘bad fit’ with routine practice. The study proposed an intervention to enhance midwives’ educational role and professional identity, while embedding Baby Buddy in clinical practice to facilitate the process. In addition to designing a theory-driven research-informed potential intervention, the process functioned as a participatory learning experience through collective reflection.
Evaluating the reliability of emergency control equipment based on the Weibull distribution
Authors: ZHANG Jiayong , GUO Liwen , SU Peiyang , JIA Jia
Published: April 2022

The safety and emergency control equipment in mines often lack effective monitoring. Based on the three-parameter Weibull distribution function, combined with the principle of accelerated life tests, this study analyzes the equipment service life characteristics of the power cylinder and pneumatic solenoid valve found in mine safety systems. Experimental test data are obtained and the service life characteristics are determined with respect to time, temperature, humidity, and dust concentration through a modified three-parameter Weibull distribution function. A display interface for monitoring the equipment data and reliability results is established using Matlab, and the reliability of emergency control equipment is evaluated. The results show that the proposed reliability evaluation system overcomes the shortcomings of traditional reliability calculation factors such as temperature and humidity, and reduces the calculation error by 14.9%. The proposed approach improves the fitting degree between the reliability function and the actual reliability change curve, and enables real-time reliability evaluations of emergency control equipment.
A proposed integrated manufacturing system of a workshop producing brass accessories in the context of industry 4.0
Authors: Chakroun Ayoub , HANI Yasmina , ELMHAMEDI Abderahmane , MASMOUDI Faouzi
Published: April 2022

Industry 4.0 is the basis for the transformation of manufacturing companies into digital enterprises. It promises more flexibility in manufacturing, as well as mass customization, better quality and enhanced productivity. As a result, it empowers companies to meet the challenges of smart manufacturing of increasingly individualized products with shorter time-to-market and improved quality. Smart manufacturing has an important part in Industry 4.0. In fulfillment of a need for empirical exploitation, this contribution aims to characterize and analyze a smart manufacturing process of a company specialized in the production of brass accessories, namely the spherical bushels. Basically, we set up a simulation tool to develop a numerical production platform for Industry 4.0 which efficiently operates and manages the production, procurement: through the Material Requirement Planning (MRP, Master Production Program) method, the logistics warehouse and the Cyber-Physical Production System (CPPS). The findings have been optimized by a new redesigned approach of MRP 2: it is the load-capacity adjustment for the manufacturing planning of a smart workshop and Industry 4.0. Indeed, it is a process of setting up an integrated manufacturing system, which has allowed us to reduce the assembly time of the spherical bushels and to control the production and the assembling process. It allows us to increase the equipment utilization rate by comparing it with the company's equipment before the switch to smart manufacturing. In addition, the optimized results show that the proposed model can significantly increase the production efficiency and practical application in Industry 4.0. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first work addressing the implementation of a simulation platform controlled by a dedicated Cyber-Physical Production System (CPPS) and a Master Production Program. A case study for a company manufacturing brass accessories is presented in this paper. The developed simulation platform present a basis for a future digital twin of the company.
Microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics, and fluorometric selective sensing activity of g-C3N4 supported CuO composites
Authors: Venkatesh D. , Deepthi G. , Mangatayaru K. Girija , Noorjahan M.
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, the removal of pollutants and sensing of trivial quantity of heavy metal ions for the prevention of environmental pollution by graphene based materials is attractive research in the field of nanotechnology. Herein, we have designed for the fabrication of a series of g-C3N4/CuO composite by using one-step microwave-assisted synthesis convoyed by the calcinations for the degradation of antibiotic drugs and detection of nano-molar range of toxic heavy metal ions for the development of heterostructured composites. The synthesized g-C3N4/CuO composites were analyzed and characterized by TEM images, powder XRD, FTIR, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, UV-vis DRS, and photoluminescence techniques to know the structure, phase, surface area, absorption region, bandgap, and size of the composites. From the observation of TEM and XRD measurements, g-C3N4/CuO composites have hexagonal shape with average diameter of the particles is 25 ± 5 nm. The observed band gap values from UV-vis DRS for g-C3N4nanosheets and CuO NPs are 2.64eV and 1.72 eV. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm of the synthesized g-C3N4/CuO composite has prodigious specific surface area (32.47 m2/g), which is the evident for superior heterogeneous catalytic applications. Therefore, the synthesized g-C3N4/CuO composites were tested for the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics such as tetracycline (TC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) under UV light illumination, it shows as almost complete degradation was observed within 1 hour due to the matching optical band gap and internal charge transfer of excitons with in the heterojunction surface among g-C3N4 and CuO in the composite. Moreover, the enhanced catalytic performance of g-C3N4/CuO composite over the containing the individual components (g-C3N4 and CuO) due to the high surface area and tiny particles of CuO were randomly deposited on the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets. The catalytic reduction reaction kinetics for the degradation of antibiotics trails as pseudo-first order kinetic equation and reused the catalyst for 5 consecutive cycles without noteworthy loss of catalytic activity. Moreover, the synthesizedg-C3N4/CuO composites were used as a prominent fluorescence sensing probe for the selective detection of toxic heavy metal ions in nano-molar range of concentration and selective sensing of Pb2+ among various metal ions by the fluorometric analysis was observed.
Self-rated health and quality of life among Syrian Refugees in Ireland – data from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Collins Claire , Pericin Ivana , Larkin James , Diaz Esperanza
Published: April 2022

Introduction: As a response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria, the Irish government agreed to accept up to 4,000 refugees for resettlement in Ireland in 2016. Prior to their arrival in Ireland, health screening was carried out by the International Organisation for Migration. However, no population-level measurement of the health status or needs takes place in Ireland to inform policy or health services requirements. Methods: Cross-sectional data from a self-completed questionnaire among 194 Syrian Refugees aged 16 years and older resident in reception centres in Ireland in 2017/2018 is reported upon. The questionnaire measured self-reported health including quality of life and all study material were available in English and Arabic. The data was examined applying descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results: Syrian Refugees in Ireland consist of a relatively young cohort; in this study the majority of participants were younger than 35 years (69.5%). Two-thirds of the respondents reported their overall health status to be good or very good. The most common health condition was found to be headache and the most common medications used were painkillers. Chronic pain was experienced by one quarter of respondents; 27.5% were considered as suffering from anxiety and 10.0% had symptoms compatible with PTSD. A significant relationship was observed between chronic pain and self-rated health, as well as between chronic pain and anxiety. Conclusions: Chronic pain is relatively widespread among these young and otherwise healthy refugees. Psychological distress and trauma are important factors in respondents’ quality of life scores. Chronic pain is associated with one’s mental health – its diagnosis and treatment and providing care in a culturally sensitive manner should be a priority.
Advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) predicts prognosis of male patients with gastric cancer after surgical resection
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Danfang , Sun Tuanhe , Li Wenxing , Dang Chengxue
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) has been implicated in the prognosis of many types of tumors. But few studies elucidate its role in gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods: We consecutively recruited 615 GC patients who underwent radical gastrectomy. Patients were grouped according to ALI status. Risk factors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in overall and sex-stratified cohorts were determined using multivariate cox regression analysis. We also compared survival differences between the two groups after one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM).Results: Patients with low ALI showed larger tumor size, more advanced TNM staging, shorter OS (median: 37 vs 42 months) and DFS (median: 37 vs 42 months) (all P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that elevated ALI was independently associated with longer OS and DFS. However, after stratification by sex, low ALI was an independent risk factor for OS (HR: 0.676, 95% CI:0.496-0.922, P=0.013) and DFS (HR: 0.664, 95% CI: 0.494-0.892, P=0.007) in male patients but not in female patients. Our further PSM analysis validated all these findings.Conclusion: Preoperative ALI is an independent prognostic factor for male GC patients undergoing curative gastrectomy.
The Experiences of Teachers and Community Based Health workers in addressing Adolescents Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights problems: A Case of the Community Componenet of the Rise Project
Authors: Chilambe Kunda , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Mulubwa Chama , Chavuma Malizgani Paul
Published: April 2022

Background: In 1994, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) affirmed that Sexual and Reproductive Health and rights (SRH&R) are human rights (UN Zambia/ UNFPA, 2017). The Zambia demographic Health Survey reported that 24.5% of Adolescents especially female under age 15 have had sexual experience at an early age (ZDHS, 2013). Issues to do with coerced sex, early marriage, and sexual abuse remains high among adolescents in Zambia (CSO, 2013/2014). Alongside the mentioned commitment towards addressing SRHR problems, several other public and private organisations have also responded to provide SRHR services as strategy aforementioned SRHR challenges. Hence, the Rise intervention that was aimed at addressing SRHR problems adolescents faced in different areas of the country. However, despite the intervention some adolescents participating in community component arm of RISE still have experienced SRHR problems, thus the need to explore the roles of teachers and CBHWs in addressing these ASRHR problemsMethodology: Using a narrative inquiry study design, a total of 21 interviews were conducted with the teachers (n=12) and CHBWs (n=9) involved in the implementation and coordination of the RISE interventions from 2016 to 2018. Thematic analysis was used to explore adolescents SRHR challenges that teachers and CBHWs grappled with and how these challenges were addressed.Results: The results reviewed that challenges that were faced by teachers as they carried out their roles included late reporting of sexual abuse cases, community myths about contraceptives, stigmatization associated with traumatic circumstances, shyness among girls to participate and strong customary norms that govern their communities. The vital roles teachers and CBHWs performed were counseling and brokering of relationships for both guardians and the adolescents, creating referrals and follow-ups to affected adolescents and creating adolescents’ safe spaces. Suggested strategies stated that there is significance of engaging adolescents in solution finding and creating safe spaces to discuss adolescents SRHR problems. Conclusion: This study provides significant insight on the important roles the teachers and CBHWs played addressing adolescents SRHR related problems despite the challenges they encountered from the adolescents, parents/guardians and community. Overall, the findings highlight the fact that adolescent engagement in addressing adolescents SRHR problems is key.
Factors Affecting Tax Revenue in Ethiopia: Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach
Authors: DESTA TAHIR , Reta Mekdelawit , Girma Bizuneh
Published: April 2022

Tax revenue is the key source of revenue for governments in both advanced and emerging countries regarding funding public spending. The main goal of this research is to look at the factors affecting tax revenue in Ethiopia from 1996 to 2020 using time series data. The impact of agricultural GDP, service-to-GDP, inflation, corruption, political stability, and tax reformation on the ratio of tax revenue to GDP was investigated in this study. The short-run and long-run associations between the variables were determined using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL). The outcomes of the study reveal that inflation has a positive relationship with tax; however, agriculture GDP had a negative impact on tax revenue in the short run over the study period. Political stability, service-to-GDP, and inflation, on the other hand, have a positive long-run impact on tax collection, whereas corruption has a negative impact. We advise policymakers and governments to combat corruption, promote political stability, broaden tax bases to include more service-oriented businesses, and reduce reliance on agricultural sectors.
Self-assembling SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticle vaccines targeting the S protein induces protective immunity in mice
Authors: Liu Xingjian , Song Haozhi , Jiang Jianmin , Gao Xintao , Yi Yongzhu , Shang Yuting , Li Jialei , Li Dan , Zeng Zhen , Li Yinü , Zhang Zhifang
Published: April 2022

The spike (S), a homotrimer glycoprotein, is the most important antigen target in the research and development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. There is no doubt that fully simulating the advanced structure of this homotrimer in the subunit vaccine development strategy is the most likely way to improve the immune protective effect of the vaccine. In this study, the preparation strategies of S protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) trimer, S1 region trimer, and ectodomain (ECD) trimer nanoparticles were designed based on ferritin nanoparticle self-assembly technology. The Bombyx mori baculovirus expression system was used to prepare these three nanoparticle vaccines with high expression levels in the silkworm. The immune results of mice show that the nanoparticle vaccine prepared by this strategy can not only induce an immune response by subcutaneous administration but also effective by oral administration. Given the stability of these ferritin-based nanoparticles vaccine, easy-to-use and low-cost oral immunization strategy can make up for the vaccination blind areas caused by the shortage of ultralow-temperature equipment and medical resources in underdeveloped areas. And the oral vaccine is also a very potential candidate to cut off the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic and farmed animals, especially in stray and wild animals.
A case of ancient schwannoma of arm with profuse vascularity.
Authors: UNNITHAN AJAYA KUMAR AYYAPPAN , MOHAN ANJU , K. GEETHA GOPAL
Published: April 2022

Case report:A 70-year old female had right arm swelling of 10 years duration, of 5 cm size, and with prominent vessels. She had sphenoid tumor earlier, underwent transnasal decompression and it was diagnosed as ossifying fibroma. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic swelling with thick peripheral enhancement, abutting the brachial artery. The differential diagnoses were soft tissue sarcoma , hemangioma, and schwannoma. Excision was done en toto, after cauterising the arterioles around. Histopathology report came as ancient schwannoma. S100 was positive.Discussion:Ancient schwannomas are long standing tumors with degenerative changes such as cystic necrosis, hemorrhage, xanthomatous change, fibrosis, perivascular hyalinization, calcification and nuclear pleomorphism. The currently understood reason for degeneration in ancient schwannoma is the insufficiency of vascular supply during the growth of the tumor. This is a report of an ancient schwannoma of arm with profuse vascularity. The histopathological findings showed congested blood vessels in addition to the features of ancient schwannoma. The patient had ossifying fibroma of sphenoid also, which may be an association.
Changing Box-Cox transformation parameter as an early warning signal for abrupt climate change
Authors: Xie Xiaoqiang , Mei Ying , Gu Bin , He wenping
Published: April 2022

There are some critical thresholds in many complex dynamic systems. When a system approaches its critical threshold, the probability density distribution of the system might be changed. In view of this, we presented a new early warning indicator of an abrupt climate change based on the Box-Cox transformation, namely, the changing Box-Cox transformation parameter. A significant increasing or decreasing trend in the Box-Cox transformation parameter can always be found before the onset of an abrupt change in different folding models. Based on the Greenland paleotemperature data reconstructed through Greenland Ice Sheet Project II, we found that the Box-Cox transformation parameter showed an increasing trend about 5300 years before the onset of Bølling–Allerød warming. The trends of the Box-Cox transformation parameter are statistically significant at a significant level of of α = 0.05 for both artificial abrupt changes and Greenland paleotemperature. Compared with kurtosis coefficient, the Box-Cox transformation parameter can present an effectively early warning in some cases of abrupt change where kurtosis coefficient showed a poor warning performance. In general, the variation magnitude of the Box-Cox transformation parameter are greater than that of kurtosis coefficient, and shows a better warning performance in most of cases. These results indicated that the changing Box-Cox transformation parameter could be a good new indicator for warning upcoming abrupt changes.
Visual functions and vision-related quality of life in Type 2 diabetes patients treated with different hypoglycemic drugs
Authors: Li Xuemin , Ge Yimeng , Chai Sanbao , Wan Yu , Xia Huaqin , Ren Xiaotong , Yuan Hao , Hou Qingyi , Yang Jiarui
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesTo evaluate the visual functions and vision-related quality of life in T2DM patients undergoing different hypoglycemic therapeutics and determine how these different treatments impact on patients’ visual performances as well as the changing pattern of visual performances as T2DM progressed. MethodsWe performed an online survey among 193 T2DM patients. The survey was consisted of three parts, each documenting patients’ demographic feature, severity and therapeutics of T2DM, and patients’ visual functions. The third part was assessed with National Eye Institute Visual Functioning questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). All data was analyzed by independent t-test, chi-square test and non-linear regression model.ResultsPatients undergoing either oral, injected or combined hypoglycemic therapy demonstrated similar visual performances after demographic features and other related clinical information were matched, except for the oral group had significant higher scores than the other groups in terms of social functioning. When T2DM patients on oral and injected monotherapy were compared, it turned out that oral treatment was associated with higher scores in almost all sub-scales and slower deterioration in visual functions as age grew, diabetic duration lengthened (especially after 15 years) and BCVA worsened. Comparison regarding dual therapy indicated favorable result in those taking two kinds of oral drugs rather than one oral plus one injected in terms of social functioning, color vision and total score, while triple therapy comparisons showed no significant results. When triple and dual oral therapy were compared, we suggested that the former were valid in optimizing visual performances.ConclusionsOral hypoglycemic therapeutics were generally associated with better visual functions, higher vision-related quality of life and slower deterioration of visual performances in T2DM patients while injected therapy-treated T2DM patients were more prone to have gone through more significant visual decline. The disparities in visual performances were more significant in those taking monotherapy and less significant when more hypoglycemic drugs were added, however, the adding on of hypoglycemic drugs were proved to be useful in enhancing visual performances.
P. ae induced necroptosis signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome cross-talking in epithelium facilitates acute lung injury
Authors: Li Haoyang , Guan Jieying , Chen Jiaqian , Sun Weimin , He Andong , Chen Honglv , Wen Yuhuan , Chen Qile , Xie Shiyun , Tao Ailin , Yan Jie
Published: April 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced acute lung injury is such a serious risk to public health throughout the world, but the pathological regulation remains unclear. Here, we reported that P. ae mediated epithelial necroptosis leads to subsequent immune responses and plays an important role in pulmonary pathological process. Pharmacological and genomic ablation of necroptosis signaling ameliorate P. ae mediated acute lung injury and pulmonary inflammation. Our results further proved NLRP3 inflammasome to involve in P. ae induced ALI. Mechanism investigation revealed the cross-talking patterns between inflammasome activation and necroptosis signaling pathway that MLKL-dependent necroptosis signaling promotes the change of mitochondrial membrane potential for the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is the important trigger for functional inflammasome activation. Furthermore, antioxidants such as Mito-TEMPO was confirmed to significantly restrain inflammasome activation in epithelial cells, resulting in a reduction in P. ae induced ALI and pulmonary inflammation. Taken together, our findings revealed that necroptosis-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome in epithelium plays a key role in P. ae mediated injury, which could be a potential therapeutic target for acute lung injury.