bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Drag Force Characteristics around a Fan Suction
Authors:   The Korean Academy of Scientific Criminal Investigation, Jeon Hong-Pil , Park Chan-Seong , Choi Kwang-Soo , Chae Seung-Ho
Published: June 2022

Wind-drag characteristics around a large size fan that caused an operator fatality as a result of entering the fan suction during a performance test were studied to investigate the drag force acting on the operator and the safe distance needed to prevent an accident. Because of experimental difficulty, a numerical analysis using the CFX program was performed through the Fluid-Structure Interaction method. The numerical analysis showed that th drag force increased as the flow rate increased and a human dummy model approached the fan suction. The maximum drag force was analyzed as 911N and was decreased by 86.3N as the distance between the fan suction and the human dummy model became greater than 40cm.
A Proposal on the Internet of Things Utilization for Quality Improvement of Investigation Results in Unnatural Death Cases
Authors:   The Korean Academy of Scientific Criminal Investigation, Choi Ha-young , Shin Kang-il
Published: June 2022

In investigating the case of “Unnatural Death (UD)“, confirmation of the time of death is very important because the identity of the perpetrator may change depending on the time or the murder may be concealed as a suicide. However, it is not possible with current forensic techniques to know exactly when a person died, except when he died in a medical institution. The time of death can be schematically estimated from the unnatural dead body's temperature drop, corpse ankylosis, digestion accuracy of stomach contents, etc., because these techniques cause too large deviations due to peripheral factors and personal characteristics. As a solution to this, the recent Fourth Industrial Revolution has made human life inseparable from digital devices, and not only digital device logon and off recording, but also various “Internet of Things (IoT)” information. If you use it, it will be one step closer to confirming the time of death. Therefore, in this study, let's proposal a method that can confirm the death time by utilizing digital data information.
Manuel Moreno Alonso. Ramón Carande. La historia y yo
Authors: Hornero Méndez César
Published: June 2022

Este artículo reseña: Manuel Moreno Alonso. Ramón Carande. La historia y yo. Pamplona: Urgoiti editores, 2020, 638 pp.
Pengujian Dua Belas Jenis Trichoderma Untuk Mengendalikan Penyakit Antraknosa (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) pada Bawang Merah (Allium ascalonicum L.)
Authors: Diastari Seftia , . Salamiah , Soedijo Samharinto
Published: June 2022

Telah dilakukan penelitian uji dua belas jenis Trichoderma untuk mengendalikan penyakit antraknosaColletotrichum gloeosporioides pada pertanaman bawang merah. di Kalimantan Selatan tujuandaripada penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kemampuan 12 jenis Trichoderma spp., dalam menghambatpertumbuhan C. gloeosporioides. Pengujian ini terdiri dari uji antagonis menggunakan mode kulturganda dan uji Trichoderma spp. terhadap pertumbuhan C. gloeosporioides. Penghambatan yang palingtinggi sebesar 23,93 % isolat dari Trichoderma spp. asal Sinar Baru, Rantau Badauh, KalimantanSelatan. dan penghambatannya yang terendah 7,31 % isolat Trichoderma spp. asal Margasari,Kabupaten Tapin, Kalimantan Selatan.
Uji Ketahanan Beberapa Varietas Tanaman Cabai Rawit Terhadap Penyakit Antraknosa
Authors: . Hamnah , Aidawati Noor , Fitriyanti Dewi
Published: June 2022

Telah dilakukan penelitian pada beberapa varietas tanaman cabai rawit yang duji ketahanan dan masainkubasinya dari cendawan Colletotrichum spp penyebab penyakit antraknosa. Rancangan RAL(6 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan dengan setiap ulangan ada 2 tanaman sehingga berjumlah 48 tanaman).Adapun varietas yang digunakan yaitu varietas Sigantung, Sakti, Mahameru, Maruti, Bara dan Setasuper. Inokulasi cendawan Colletotrichum spp. dilakukan pada saat berbunga dan berbuah denganvariabel pengamatan masa inkubasi, intensitas serangan penyakit dan persentase gugur bunga. Hasilpenelitian menunjukkan bahwa masa inkubasi penyakit antraknosa pada setiap varietas yang diujikanberbeda-beda begitu pula pada tingkat ketahanannya. Varietas Bara, Sakti, Seta super, Mahameru danSigantung termasuk varietas yang tahan sedangkan varietas Maruti agak rentan. Inokulasi pada saatberbunga dan berbuah berpengaruh terhadap tingginya persentase bunga gugur dan akhirnyaberpengaruh terhadap jumlah buah yang akan terbentuk. Persentase bunga yang gugur tertinggi terjadipada varietas Sigantung.
Efektivitas Bangkai Katak untuk Menarik Kedatangan Walang Sangit Pada Tanaman Padi
Authors: Saputra Windy , Rosa Helda Orbani , Mariana Mariana
Published: June 2022

Walang sangit (Leptocorisa acuta T., coridae: Hemiptera) adalah hama yang menyerang tanaman padisetelah berbunga dengan cara mengisap cairan bulir padi menyebabkan bulir padi menjadi hampa ataupengisianya tidak sempurna sehingga dapat menimbulkan kerusakan.salah satu upaya yang digunakandalam pengendalian hama walang sangit ini adalah dengan memamfaatkan bahan-bahan alami yangdigunakan dari binatang atau tumbuhan yang membusuk. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk bisamengetahui pengaruh lama pembusukan bangkai katak dalam menarik kedatangan walang sangit.Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok (RAK) faktor tunggal dengan 4 taraf perlakuanperlakuan yaitu : K0= pembusukan 0 hari (segar) K1= pembusukan 1 hari K2= pembusukan 2 hariK3= pembusukan 3 hari. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan umpan katak terhadap jumlah walang sangityang terperangkap memperlihatkan adanya penurunan dari hari ke hari hingga 15 hari pengamatan.
Inventarisasi dan Identifikasi Serangga Pada Tanaman Rockmelon (Cucumis melo Var Reticulatus)
Authors: Rahmi Rias , Orbani Rosa Herlda , Marsuni Yusriadi
Published: June 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis-jenis serangga pada pertanaman rockmelon (Cucumis melo var reticulatus). Penelitian ini dikerjakan dari bulan Maret - Agustus 2020, pada fase vegetatif dan generative, Penelitian dilaksanakan di lahan pertanaman rockmelon di Daerah Jalan Aneka Tambang Kelurahan Loktabat Selatan Kota Banjarbaru. dan di Laboratorium Entomologi Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, Banjarbaru. Dengan menggunakan metode survey eksploratif. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan perangkap lalat buah, perangkap likat kuning, pengambilan secara langsung menggunakan  tangan dan jaring serangga. Serangga yang diperoleh diletakan didalam botol koleksi yang telah berisi alkohol 70%. Hasil akhir menunjukkan serangga tertangkap di fase vegetatif  ada  216 ekor, terdiri atas 10 ordo, 10 famili. sedangkan pada fase generatif serangga yang tertangkap terdiri dari 10 ordo dan 23 famili dengan jumlah populasi serangga lebih besar yaitu 666 ekor. Status serangga yang paling dominan pada pertanaman rockmelon adalah sebagai hama, dengan persentase 56%, terdiri 7 ordo, 19 spesies serta 14 famili, serangga predator sebanyak 26%, 4 ordo, 9 spesies dan 6 famili. Polinator sebanyak 18 %, 3 ordo, 6 spesies dan 4 famili.
Pengendalian Penyakit Moler (Fusarium oxysporum) Pada Bawang Merah dengan Serbuk Kulit Jengkol (Pithecellobium jiringa) di Lahan Gambut
Authors: Emeliawati Emeliawati , Salamiah Salamiah , Fitriyanti Dewi
Published: June 2022

Bawang merah (Allium ascalonicum L.) merupakan tanaman sayuran yang memiliki banyak manfaat. Menurut BPS, produksi bawang merah Kalimantan Selatan sebanyak 1.143 ton. Dalam proses produksi tidak luput dari berbagai gangguan. Salah satunya adalah adanya serangan organisme pengganggu tanaman. Salah satu penyakit utama yang cukup membahayakan penyakit moler yang disebabkan oleh cendawan Fusarium oxysporum. Tanaman yang terserang F. oxysporum menyebabkan 10-15% bibit tidak tumbuh sempurna, tunas klorosis dan tanaman rebah kemudian membusuk, hal ini menyebabkan kerugian. Para petani biasanya menggunakan pestisida kimia untuk mengendalikan penyakit moler. Banyaknya penggunaan pestisida kimia memberikan efek buruk lingkungan. Penelitian ini menggunakan serbuk kulit jengkol sebagai pestisida nabati untuk menjaga lingkungan dan memanfaatkan bahan yang ada dialam. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui efektivitas serbuk kulit jengkol terhadap penyakit moler pada bawang merah. Penelitian dilakukan dalam dua tahap yaitu in vitro dan in vivo. Metode yang dilakukan pada in vivo adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan 5 perlakuan yaitu Kontrol (inokulasi F.oxysporum), F.oxysporum + fungisida kimia Antracol, F.oxysporum + serbuk kulit jengkol 125g/petak, 250g/petak dan 375g/petak dan 4 kali ulangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan secara in vitro serbuk kulit jengkol efektif menekan pertumbuhan cendawan F.oxysporum sedangkan secara in vivo pada perlakuan F.oxysporum + sebuk kulit jengkol 375g/petak dan perlakuan F.oxysporum + fungisida kimia Antracol mampu menurunkan persentase intensitas serangan.
The use of active teaching-learning methodologies as an appealing tool for admission to the medical school in Lagarto campus
Authors: Silva Carleane Soares da , Correia Elder Silva
Published: June 2022

Since 2009 the Federal University of Sergipe, Campus Professor Antônio Garcia Filho, located in the city of Lagarto, uses the so-called active methodologies on Health Courses. This article aims to question a group of beginners in the Medical School (class 2021.1) about how the use of active methodologies was decisive in the choice of the course and Campus. To data collection, we interviewed students and conducted a document analysis, interpreted by discourse analysis approach. As a result, we identified in the participants' speeches that those methodologies were decisive in their choices and they believed that active methodologies will better prepare them for a new moment in Medicine, highlighting that the appealing based on the belief that they are capable of promoting the formation of a “distinguished” physician. Finally, we point out the need for a critical look on active methodologies in the sense that they can provide opportunities for educational participation, paradoxically, they can support the neoliberal logic.
Knee Deep in Pain
Authors: Wong Annie Y.
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of adults in the United States and is a significant healthcare burden for medical costs and loss of productivity. Although osteoarthritis may inhibit different joints in the body, the knee joint is most commonly affected, leading to knee pain, swelling, and stiffness. This issue is encountered by healthcare providers in orthopaedics, emergency medicine, and primary care daily, and the biomedical model taught in medical education often emphasizes a one-size-fits-all treatment approach. This literature review examines whether the biopsychosocial model could be used to manage chronic knee osteoarthritis instead. This report introduces the biopsychosocial model as a holistic approach that considers a patient's psychological and social factors in addition to the biology of disease. This report concludes that although the effectiveness of the biopsychosocial model and management of cancer-related pain have been studied, additional research is needed to examine the utilization of the biopsychosocial model with chronic knee osteoarthritis.
THE EMERGENCE OF TECHNOPARKS AS A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL FORM: A STUDY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF COEVOLUTION
Authors: BÖYÜKASLAN Handan Deniz , ÖZKARA Belkıs
Published: June 2022

This study aims to reveal the emergence of technoparks as a new organizational form, the conditions, and actors effective in this process from the perspective of coevolution. Following the exploratory nature of the research, we preferred a qualitative method and collected the data through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the technopark form emerged in a coevolutionary process. Moreover, the transition to a free-market economy on January 24 in 1980 is the event that initiated the coevolution process. Then, conditions such as ensuring university-industry collaboration triggered the interaction between the actors in the emergence process of technoparks. Also, we revealed that Technology Development Center was the catalyst that accelerated the process, and METU Technopark, which was established before the law, was a proto form. Furthermore, the government shaped the functioning of the form with the law it enacted. Our study contributes to the literature explaining that in an institutional environment how environmental changes and conditions trigger interactions between actors and how the outcomes of the actors' interaction reveal technoparks as a new organizational form.
Study protocol of a multiphase optimization strategy trial for delivery of smoking cessation treatment in lung cancer screening settings
Authors: Ostroff Jamie , Shelley Donna , Chichester Lou-Anne , King Jennifer C. , Li Yuelin , Schofield Elizabeth , Ciupek Andrew , Criswell Angela , Acharya Rashmi , Banerjee Smita C. , Elkin Elena , Lynch Kathleen , Weiner Bryan J. , Orlow Irene , Martin Chloé M. , Chan Sharon , Frederico Victoria , Camille Phillip , Holland Susan , Kenney Jessica
Published: June 2022

Background
There is widespread agreement that integration of cessation services in lung cancer screening (LCS) is essential for achieving the full benefits of LCS with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). There is a formidable knowledge gap about how to best design feasible, effective and scalable cessation services in LCS facilities. A collective of NCI-funded clinical trials addressing this gap is the SCALE (Smoking Cessation at Lung Examination) Collaboration.
Methods
The Cessation and Screening to Save Lives (CASTL) trial seeks to advance knowledge about the reach, effectiveness, and implementation of tobacco treatment in lung cancer screening. We describe the rationale, design, evaluation plan and interventions tested in this multiphase optimization strategy trial (MOST). A total of 1,152 screening-eligible current smokers are being recruited from 18 LCS sites (n = 64/site) in both academic and community settings. Participants receive enhanced standard care (cessation advice and referral to the national Quitline) and are randomized to receive additional tobacco treatment components (motivational counseling, nicotine replacement patches/lozenges, message framing). The primary outcome is biochemically-validated, abstinence at 6 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes are self-reported smoking abstinence, quit attempts, and smoking reduction at 3- and 6-months. Guided by the Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF), our evaluation includes measurement of implementation processes (reach, fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, sustainability and cost).
Discussion
We will identify effective treatment components for delivery by LCS sites. The findings will guide assembly of an optimized smoking cessation package that achieves superior cessation outcomes. Future trials can examine strategies for wider implementation of tobacco treatment in LDCT-LCS sites.
Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03315910. October 20, 2017
A study protocol for a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of carrageenan nasal and throat spray for COVID-19 prophylaxis – ICE COVID
Authors: Jessop Zita , Gibson John , Lim Jia , Jovic Thomas H , Combellack Emman , Dobbs Thomas , Carter Kym , Hiles Stephen , Islam Saiful , Healy Brendan , Humpreys Ioan , Eccles Ron , Hutchings Hayley , Whitaker Iain
Published: June 2022

Introduction:At present, vaccines form the only mode of prophylaxis against COVID-19. The time needed to achieve mass global vaccination and the emergence of new variants warrants continued research into other COVID-19 prevention strategies. The severity of COVID-19 infection is thought to be associated with the initial viral load and for infection to occur, viruses including SARS-CoV-2 must first penetrate the respiratory mucus and attach to the host cell surface receptors. Carrageenan, a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from red edible seaweed, has shown efficacy against a wide range of viruses in clinical trials through prevention of viral entry into respiratory host cells. Carrageenan has also demonstrated in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2. This clinical trial was designed to investigate the efficacy of carrageenan nasal and throat sprays in reducing the rate and severity of COVID-19 infection. If proven effective, the self-administered prophylactic spray would have wider utility for key workers and the general population.Methods and analysis:A single centre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase III trial was designed. Participants randomised in a 1:1 allocation to either the treatment arm, verum Coldamaris plus (1.2 mg iota-carrageenan (Carragelose®), 0.4 mg kappa-carrageenan, 0.5% sodium chloride and purified water) or placebo arm, Coldamaris sine (0.5% sodium chloride) spray applied daily to their nose and throat for 8 weeks, while completing a daily symptom tracker questionnaire for a total of 10 weeks.Primary outcome: Acquisition of COVID-19 infection as confirmed by positive PCR swab taken at symptom onset or seroconversion during the study. Secondary outcomes include symptom type, severity and duration, subsequent familial/household COVID-19 infection and infection with non-COVID-19 upper respiratory tract infections. A within-trial economic evaluation will be undertaken, with effects expressed as quality-adjusted life years.Hypothesis: That carrageenan spray will reduce SARS-CoV-2 attachment to the naso- and oropharyngeal mucosal epithelial cells thus reducing the effective viral infective dose preventing COVID19 infection and reducing disease severity where infection is not prevented.Ethics and dissemination:Ethics approval was obtained from Research Ethics Committee 6 South Wales (REC Reference 20/WA/0298; IRAS 283187) on the 18th November 2020. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration number: NCT04590365; registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04590365) on the 19th October 2020.
Existence of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Additive Definite Integral by an Optimized Subtraction Operation
Authors: Khan Mohd Shoaib , Panday Aditya Narayan
Published: June 2022

The induced aggregation operator from the intuitionistic additive definite integral is an important tool to aggregate information. But, before utilizing any measure, it is essential to examine their existence over the given dataset . In this paper, we intend to examine the existence of intuitionistic fuzzy additive definite integral and hence their induced aggregation operator with respect to the new subtraction operation $\ominus^{'}$ . To do so, we first discussed the new subtraction operation $\ominus^{'}$ against the old subtraction operation $\ominus$ over some counter-examples. It is observed that there are some cases in which the old operation $\ominus$ is not defined. Therefore, to ensure the existence of the additive definite integral in a more general setting, we proved some lemma and theorems by using the new subtraction operation and function of bounded variation.
The Incidence Rate and Economic Burden of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infection (CRBSI): a Single center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Yibo , Wang Yichen , Shi Dake , Wang Qun , Xu Shirui , Cao Zhujun , Ai Yaping , Chen Erzhen , Ni Yuxing , XU Yumin
Published: June 2022

BackgroundIndwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) have the potential to lead to catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI). We report the findings of a single center, retrospective matched case-control study that assessed the incidence rate of CRBSI in ICUs and attributable length of stay (LOS), costs among patients with CRBSI in ICU in Shanghai, China.MethodsThe study was carried out in several ICUs, with a total of 2300 beds of 3 tertiary-level hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The Department of Infection Control performs routinely surveillance for CRBSI on ten different ICUs.ResultsThe CRBSI incidence rate of hematology ICU, which was the highest, was 4.43 per 1000 CVC-days. 51 patients were successfully matched with control patients. The average cost in the CRBSI group was $ 67,923 which was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that in the control group. The total average cost attributable to CRBSI was $33, 227.ConclusionsThe cost of antibiotics was closely related to the incidence of CRBSI.
Enriched H3K27Me3 on BMP4 Suppresses the Osteoblastic Differentiation Potential of BMSCs in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tang Yu , Hu Yun , Ding Xiaoqian , Luo Dan , Li Caiyu , Daraqel Baraa , Zheng Leilei
Published: June 2022

Background Diabetes mellitus has been widely acknowledged to have a negative effect on the osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms associated with this process remain to be elucidated. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus on the osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs and assess the role of histone methylation in the observed phenomena.Methods The effect of diabetes mellitus was simulated by isolating BMSCs from diabetic rats and culturing them with glucose and AGEs.Results The osteoblastic differentiation ability of BMSCs was shown to be decreased in diabetes mellitus, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase activity and the mRNA levels of osteoblast-related genes. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus caused an increased expression of the histone methylase EZH2 and the levels of H3K27Me3 and decreased the expression of the histone demethylase KDM6B, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining suggested that both EZH2 and H3K27Me3 were primarily localized in the nucleus. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated an increased presence of H3K27Me3 on the promoter region of the BMP4 gene. Conclusion We demonstrated that the osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs is dramatically reduced in diabetes mellitus. In addition, upregulation of EZH2 expression and downregulation of KDM6B expression may not be enough to eliminate transcriptional repression mediated by H3K27Me3 on the promoter region of the BMP4 gene during the osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs in diabetes mellitus.
Physical therapy interventions in schizophrenia compared to normal sedentary adults: different effects of aerobic and functional programs over posture and flexibility- controlled trial
Authors: Cristiano VIVIANE Batista , Szortyka Michele Fonseca , Belmonte-de-Abreu Paulo
Published: June 2022

Background: Schizophrenia has disabling effects over mental and physical integrity involving changes in posture and flexibility, which reduce mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. Physical activity has been tested with uncertain effects in schizophrenia, mostly due to trial design, methodology, comparison groups, intervention length, and attrition. Inconsistency led to poor dissemination of active interventions in this population, which may benefit these individuals’ health. Objective: To evaluate the response of two different protocols: Aerobic and Functional exercises, in two groups of sedentary adults—patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia and healthy controls.Methods: A clinical trial of two standardized physical interventions in adults diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Posture was assessed by digital photogrammetry with the aid of a software and the flexibility by the Wells Fargo’s Test. Results: A total of 38 individuals completed the intervention, with 24 in Aerobic group and 14 in Functional group. The groups were homogeneous for gender, weight, and body mass index, with small differences in age and height. Posture and Flexibility changed according to group and intervention. In this study, guided physical activity improved posture and flexibility in both groups, with higher effect of the Functional protocol than the Aerobic protocol in cases and controls. Conclusions: Despite a preliminary and relatively small sample size, the study evidences the feasibility and clinical utility of physical intervention in schizophrenia. Additional data about specific adaptations in schizophrenia are needed to improve outcomes, such as individualized assistance, support, instructions and intensity. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) under No. RBR-2h2hjy; date: 09/29/2020, retrospectively registered (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2h2hjy).
Non symmetry of the function ζ(s)/s
Authors: OUKIL Walid
Published: June 2022

We prove that ζ(s) s ̸= ζ(1−s) 1−s for every ℜ(s) ∈ (0, 1 2 ) and ℑ(s) > 0, where ζ is the Riemann Zeta function. In the end of the paper, we give a discussion about the Riemann hypothesis.
A simplified Algorithm and Spiral Fractal in Transform Domain
Authors: selim ahmed , Taha Taha E. , El-Fishawy Adel , Zahran O. , Hadhoud M. M. , Dessouky M. I. , El-Samie F. E. Abd , El-Hag Noha A.
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a simplified fractal image compression algorithm which is implemented on a block by block basis. This algorithm achieves a compression ratio of up to 1:10 with a peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) as high as 35dB. The idea of the proposed algorithm is based on the segmentation of the image, first, into blocks to setup reference blocks. The image is then decomposed again into block ranges and a search process is carried out to find the reference blocks with best match. The transmitted or stored values, after compression, are the reference block values and the indices of the reference block that achieves the best match. If there is no match, the average value of the block range is transmitted or stored instead. It proposes also the effect of using the spiral architecture instead of square block decomposition and searching in fractal compression. Comparisons with other systems; conventional square, the proposed simplified fractal compression and the standard JPEG are introduced. We applied these types of fractal compression systems on a video sequence. Also the effect of using the fractal image compression algorithms in transform domain is proposed. The image is transferred firstly to the transform domain. The Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Wavelet Transform (DWT) are used. After transformation takes place the fractal algorithms is applied. Comparisons between three fractal algorithms; conventional square, spiral, and a simplified fractal compression are proposed. The comparisons are repeated in the two cases of transformation. The discrete wavelet is used also in this paper to increase the compression ratio in case of using the conventional method. We used the two dimension discrete wavelet to increase the compression ratio of the block domain pool transmission. We decompose the block domain by wavelet decomposition to two levels which gives a compression ratio of block domain transmission as high as 1:16. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are the simplicity of computation. We found that the using of spiral architecture in fractal compression, the produced or decoded image and so the video sequence visual quality are better than that produced with conventional square method and the proposed simplified system at the same compression ratio but with longer time consumed. We found also that all types of fractal compression system give better quality than the standard JPEG. We found also that the decoded images in case of using the wavelet transform are the best. And the in case of using DCT the decoded images has bad qualities.
Hypoxic preconditioned hUC-MSCs enhance its therapeutic efficacy in Lipopolysaccharide induced ALI via the TLR4/MyD88 and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt mediated by TREM-1
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Gao Rong , Yan Bingdi , Li Han , Yang Junling
Published: June 2022

Background
Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is caused by a variety of direct or indirect factors, such as infection including Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID19), trauma, inhalation of harmful gases, and shock. Progression of COVID19 severity can lead to ALI/ARDS. Owing to its unclear pathogenesis, there is currently no effective treatment established for this disease. As per a past report, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) can decrease the extent of the injury of ALI in the mice. Hypoxic preconditioning umbilical cord MSCs (HP-hUC-MSCs) demonstrated significantly enhanced proliferation and differentiation capabilities. Furthermore, the expression of several growth factors was significantly upregulated, which remarkably increased the repair of damaged lung tissues.
Methods
The hUC-MSCs were cultured by cell adhesion. The properties of hUC-MSCs were identified by morphology, flow cytometry, osteogenesis, and adipogenic differentiation. We employed a transwell chamber to establish a co-culture system of hUC-MSCs and BEAS-2B. Accordingly, we evaluated the hUC-MSCs ability to treat ALI/ARDS in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model. The measurements of lung histopathological changes and neutrophil infiltration, wet/dry(W/D), pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were performed.
Results
The cultured hUC-MSCs demonstrated excellent osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities. When compared with normal hUC-MSCs, HP-hUC- MSCs can further reduce the inflammatory response of BEAS-2B and ALI model mice induced by LPS and enhance their anti-apoptotic ability. The level of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) in patients with severe pneumonia increased, indicating a positive correlation with the disease severity.
Conclusions
Our positive preclinical results suggest that HP-hUC-MSCs can exert a stronger therapeutic effect on ALI by reducing the expression of TREM-1 and that the mechanism behind this phenomenon may be related to the TLR4/MyD88 and the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt.
A high-resolution melt curve toolkit to identify lineage-defining SARS-CoV-2 mutations
Authors: Fraser Alice , Greenland-Bews Caitlin , Kelly Daniel , Williams Christopher , Body Rick , Adams Emily , Cubas-Atienzar Ana , Edwards Thomas , Allen David , Group LSTM Diagnostics , Group CONDOR Steering
Published: June 2022

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs), with mutations linked to increased transmissibility, vaccine escape and virulence, has necessitated the widespread genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. This has placed a strain on global sequencing capacity, especially in areas lacking the resources for large scale sequencing activities. Here we have developed three separate multiplex high resolution melting (HRM) assays to enable the identification of Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron VOCs, assay based on HRM analysis, an endpoint RT-qPCR detection method. The assays were evaluated against whole genome sequencing on upper-respiratory swab samples collected at varying points of the UK pandemic. The sensitivities of the eight individual primer sets were all 100%, and specificity ranged from 94.6 to 100%. The multiplex HRM assays have potential as a tool for high throughput surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, particularly in areas with limited genomics facilities.
Dexamethasone degradation in aqueous solution via photocatalytic UV/H2O2 /MgO process: kinetic studies
Authors: Asgari Ghorban , Salari Mehdi , MollaMahmoudi Mohammad , jamshidi Reza , Dehdar Ali , Faraji Hossein , Zabihollahi Solmaz , Alizadeh Saber
Published: June 2022

Wastewaters discharged from different industries and hospitals may contain pharmaceuticals, especially dexamethasone (DEX). Thus, we applied the UV/H2O2 photocatalytic method in the presence of the MgO nanoparticles to remove dexamethasone from synthetic wastewater. Moreover, the effects of parameters such as pH = 3–11, hydrogen peroxide concentration = 1–8 mM, initial DEX concentration (5–30 mg/L), catalyst dosage = 0.01–0.2 g/l were investigated at the contact times of 0–30 min. Furthermore, the efficiency of UV/H2O2 in the presence and absence of catalyst was investigated. Additionally, this catalyst was characterized by means of XRD and FT-IR analyses and SEM imaging. It was found that the removal rate was enhanced with decreasing pH and initial dexamethasone concentration. The removal rate was enhanced somewhat with concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and MgO. In the case of UV/H2O2/MgO, 87% removal efficiency achieved, under the optimal conditions: pH 3, contact time of 30 min, dexamethasone content of 20 mg/L, H2O2 of 0.5 mM, and UV radiation of 55 watts. The kinetic data indicated that the reaction followed the second-order kinetic model. The results showed that the UV/H2O2 photochemical process can efficiently remove dexamethasone from aqueous in the presence of MgO catalyst, and the mineralization efficiency was reached at about 98%.
Statistical Analysis Plan for the Motor Neuron Disease Systematic Multi-Arm Adaptive Randomised Trial (MND-SMART)
Authors: Parker Richard A. , Weir Christopher J , Pham Tra My , White Ian R , Stallard Nigel , Parmar Mahesh K.B. , Swingler Robert J. , Dakin Rachel S , Pal Suvankar , Chandran Siddharthan
Published: June 2022

Background
MND-SMART is a platform, multi-arm, multi-stage, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial recruiting people with motor neuron disease. Initially, the treatments memantine and trazodone will each be compared against placebo, but other investigational treatments will be introduced into the trial later. The co-primary outcomes are the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALS-FRS-R) functional outcome, which is assessed longitudinally, and overall survival.
Methods
Initially in MND-SMART, participants are randomised 1:1:1 via a minimisation algorithm to receive placebo or one of the two investigational treatments with up to 531 to be randomised in total. The comparisons between each research arm and placebo will be conducted in four stages, with the opportunity to cease further randomisations to poorly performing research arms at the end of stages 1 or 2. The final ALS-FRS-R analysis will be at the end of stage 3 and final survival analysis at the end of stage 4. The estimands for the co-primary outcomes are described in detail. The primary analysis of ALS-FRS-R at the end of stages 1 to 3 will involve fitting a normal linear mixed model to the data to calculate a mean difference in rate of ALS-FRS-R change between each research treatment and placebo. The pairwise type 1 error rate will be controlled, because each treatment comparison will generate its own distinct and separate interpretation. This publication is based on a formal statistical analysis plan document that was finalised and signed on 18th May 2022.
Discussion
In developing the statistical analysis plan, we had to carefully consider several issues such as multiple testing, estimand specification, interim analyses, and statistical analysis of the repeated measurements of ALS-FRS-R. This analysis plan attempts to balance multiple factors, including minimisation of bias, maximising power and precision, and deriving clinically interpretable summaries of treatment effects.
Trial registration
EudraCT Number: 2019-000099-41. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04302870.
Catalytic pyrolysis of single-use waste polyethylene for the production of liquid hydrocarbon using modified bentonite catalyst
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Mahmudur , Shuva Zunayed Mahmud , Rahman Md. Arifur , Ahmed Nafees , Sharmin Ayesha , Laboni Aysha Akter , Khan Mala , Islam Md Waliul , Al-Mamun Md , Roy Subrata Chandra
Published: June 2022

Bentonite has been modified using H2SO4 at various concentrations to alter Si/Al ratio that is responsible for catalytic pyrolysis of single-use waste polyethylene (SUWP). The XRF analysis confirmed a gradual decrease of Al2O3 content with an increasing concentration of H2SO4. The highest liquid hydrocarbon yield (87.48%) was obtained at Si/Al ratio of 34.24. To further activate acid-modified bentonite, bimetals (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni, and Co/Ni) impregnation was conducted. The catalytic performance was compared with monometals (Ru, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe) impregnated bentonite counterparts. The Co, Ni, or Cu impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 86, 83, and 86% yield) outperformed Fe and Ru impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 68% and 79% yield). However, bimetallic (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni and Co/Ni) catalysts enhanced severe cracking leading to the formation of more gaseous hydrocarbons and thus less amount of liquid (70–80%) is obtained. Incorporation of iron into bentonite or Ni/bentonite increased the amount of 2-Octene, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)- compared to acid-treated bentonite and Ni/ bentonite catalysts. Moreover, Fe/Ni/bentonite has also increased the amount of 2-Octene, 2,6-dimethyl- compounds. The BET analysis shows that both surface area and pore diameter increased due to acid treatment resulting in an increase in the percent yield of liquid compared to raw bentonite. The FTIR and GC-MS analysis confirmed that the liquid hydrocarbon consists of linear and branched alkanes and alkenes with some cyclic hydrocarbons. The NMR analysis showed the liquid hydrocarbon is free from the aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).
Factors Associated with Worsening Sexual Function During Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in a Prospective Clinic-Based Cohort of Women with Early Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Verma Neha , Blackford Amanda L. , Thorner Elissa , Lehman Jennifer , Snyder Claire , Stearns Vered , Smith Karen Lisa
Published: June 2022

Purpose:Sexual function problems are common but under-reported among women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer. Worsening scores on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may identify those at risk for sexual function problems during treatment. We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected PROs in women receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy to identify factors associated with worsening sexual function. Methods:Women with stage 0-III breast cancer initiating adjuvant endocrine therapy participating in a prospective cohort completed PROs at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Sexual function was evaluated by the MOS-SP measure. Other measures included PROMIS pain interference, fatigue, depression, anxiety, physical function, and sleep disturbance and the Endocrine Symptom Subscale of the FACT-ES. We evaluated associations between score worsening of at least the minimal important difference (MID) in PROMIS T-scores (4 points) and FACT-ES scores (5 points) with score worsening of at least the MID in MOS-SP scores (8 points) using logistic regression. Results:Among 300 participants, 45.7% experienced ≥8 point worsening of MOS-SP score at any time point compared to baseline. Worsening endocrine symptoms (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.22-1.49, p<0.001), worsening physical function (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00-1.18, p=0.06), and prior mastectomy (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.94-2.23, p=0.09) were associated with MOS-SP score worsening by at least the MID. Conclusion:Worsening endocrine symptoms and physical function identified on PROs are associated with worsening sexual function during adjuvant endocrine therapy. Routine assessment of these domains with PROs may identify women at risk for sexual function problems. Trial Registration Number: NCT01937052; Date of Registration: 09/09/2013
Physicochemical and Dielectric study on Nigerian Thevetia Peruviana as a potential green alternative fluid for transformer cooling/insulation
Authors: OPARANTI SAMSON OKIKIOLA , Salaudeen Ismail Kola , Adekunle Andrew Adewunmi , Oteikwu Victoria Ene , Galadima Abdulsalam Ismaila , Abdelmalik Abdelghaffar Amoka
Published: June 2022

Vegetable oil has shown a promising behaviour in replacing mineral insulating oil for transformer insulation due to the environmental unfriendliness of mineral oil. However, attention was placed mostly on the edible oil which may eventually lead to food competition. In this work ester from Thevetia Peruviana oil, non-edible vegetable oil was considered as alternative oil for transformer insulation. The functional groups and the fingerprints of the synthesized methyl ester from the Yellow oleander oil were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry and the fatty acid composition was determined with Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The viscosity of the methyl ester and mineral oil were obtained to be 4.8 mPas and 9.8 mPas at 30°C. The pour point of methyl ester was obtained to be 1.4°C which could be enhanced by a pour point depressant when considering it for use in a low temperate region. The adequacy of this synthesized oil as an insulating oil was further explored by measuring the dielectric properties. The result revealed that methyl ester has a higher dielectric constant relative to mineral oil and a dielectric loss of 0.0045 at 30°C. The dielectric strength of the oil was analysed using two-parameter Weibull plots. The characteristic breakdown strength of mineral oil and yellow oleander methyl ester was obtained to be 21.9 kV and 23.3 kV respectively. The result obtained from this work is an indication that methyl ester from the non-edible vegetable oil is a promising alternative insulating oil for oil-filled transformer insulation.
Intelligent metasurface system for automatic tracking of moving targets and wireless communications based on computer vision
Authors: li weihan , Ma Qian , Zhang Yunfeng , Wu Xianning , Wang Wei , Gao Shizhao , Qiu Tianshuo , Liu Tonghao , Xiao Qiang , Wei Jiaxuan , Gu Ting Ting , Zhou Zhize , Li Fashuai , Cheng Qiang , Li Lianlin , Tang Wenxuan , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2022

The fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication has an urgent need for target tracking. Digital programmable metasurface (DPM) may offer an intelligent and efficient solution owing to its powerful and flexible controls of electromagnetic waves and advantages of lower cost, less complexity and smaller size than the traditional antenna array. Here, we report an intelligent metasurface system to perform target tracking and wireless communications, in which computer vision integrated with a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to automatically detect the locations of moving targets, and the dual-polarized DPM integrated with a pre-trained artificial neural network (ANN) serves to realize smart beam tracking and wireless communications. Three groups of experiments are conducted for demonstrating the intelligent system: detection of moving targets, detection of radio-frequency signals, and real-time wireless communications. The proposed method sets the stage for an integrated implementation of target identification, radio environment tracking, and wireless communications. This strategy opens up a new avenue for intelligent wireless networks and self-adaptive systems.
Facile synthesis of nanoporous Zn-decorated Y zeolite: A strategy towards the enhancement of photocatalytic performance and antibacterial activity
Authors: moosavifar maryam , Pezeshki Bahar , Khani Ali , Khanmohammadi Afsaneh , Ahmad Jahangir
Published: June 2022

Isomorphous substitution of Zn-Y zeolite (Zn-DYZ) was successfully conducted with different Zn/Al ratios of 0.5:9.5, 1:9, 1.5:8.5, and 2:8 ratios (hereafter designed as Zn-DZY-1, Zn-DZY-2, Zn-DZY-3, and Zn-DZY-4, respectively) by the hydrothermal synthesis method. Spectroscopic studies indicate that Zn is decorated into the zeolite framework. The insertion of Zn instead of Al in the zeolite framework in the low amounts has no impact on the zeolite framework. However, it is collapsed in the high loading of Zn due to an unbalanced electrical charge of the zeolite. Therefore, Zn-DZY-2 has been determined as the optimum ratio, because in this ratio, not only improves the catalytic activity and antibacterial behavior but also preserves the structure of the zeolite. Therefore, functionalizing Y-type zeolite with zinc can be a promising method for designing and producing high-performance photocatalytically active materials. The photocatalytic activity of Zn-decorated Y zeolite was investigated in the removal of methyl orange. The effects of several parameters, including catalyst loading, solution pH, dye concentration, and zinc loading, were studied in the photodegradation reaction. It is found that the photodegradation kinetics follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. COD experiment was used to measure the salinity of methyl orange. In addition, the activation energy was calculated based on the Arrhenius equation to describe the photodegradation process.
Exploring the Mechanism of Active Components from Ginseng to Improve Diabetes Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Li Ming-han , Jin Ming-hui , Hu Rui-yi , Tang Shan , Li Ke-ke , Gong Xiao-Jie , Sun Yin-shi , Wang Ying-ping , Wang Zi , Li Wei
Published: June 2022

This study systematically explored the underlying mechanism of ginseng's active ingredients in improving diabetes through network pharmacology combing with molecular docking technology. In this work, we retrieved and screened active compounds of ginseng and corresponding diabetes targets across multiple databases. PPI networks of the genes were constructed using STRING, and the core targets were screened out through topological analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by using the R language. Finally, molecular docking was performed after bioinformatics analysis for verification. Our research results showed that 28 ginsenosides in ginseng might be against diabetes by modulating related proteins such as VEGFA, Caspase 3, and TNF. Among the 28 ginsenosides, 20(R)-Protopanaxatriol (PPT), (20R)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), and Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) might play a significant role. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis showed that the improvement of diabetes by ginsenosides may be related to the positive regulation of reactive oxygen metabolic processes, associated with the insulin signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that all ginsenosides could stably bind to the core target, mainly hydrogen bonding. This study suggests the improvement of ginseng on diabetes. We believe that our results can contribute to the systematic study of the mechanism of ginsenosides in improving diabetes. At the same time, it can provide a theoretical basis for subsequent studies on the improvement of ginsenosides in diabetes.