bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Critical Success Factors to Design E-waste Collection Policy in India: A Fuzzy DEMATEL Approach
Authors: Singh Shailender , Dasgupta Mani Sankar , Routroy Srikanta
Published: June 2021

The design of an e-waste collection policy is challenging, especially for a country like India, where the economy is developing state, and there is a large diversity in socio-economic factors. The e-waste collection policy has an impact on the various stakeholders such as the manufacturer, the raw material producers, the assemblers, the retailers, the generator (households and bulk consumers), the scrap dealers, the smelters and the recyclers as well as the regulators. The design of an e-waste collection policy needs to consider the appropriate set of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) which will maximize the e-waste collection providing business sustainability to the stakeholders at the same time satisfying the environmental regulations in the operating locations. Twenty-three CSFs identified along with six implication factors for e-waste collection policy framework based on a literature survey and experts view. The fuzzy DEMATEL approach is employed to analyze the CSFs to design an e-waste collection policy in India from a wide perspective. Cause and effect interrelationship is established among the CSFs, and also their impacts are evaluated to segregate the CSFs into cause group (prominent influencing and independent) and effect group (influenced and dependent). The CSFs such as technology involvement, green practices, environmental program, certification and licensing, public ethics and stakeholder’s awareness for circular economy are prominent influencing CSFs for e-waste collection policy in India. The current study is expected to provide a platform for policymakers to design the e-waste collection policy.
A Model-Based Bayesian Framework for Pipeline Leakage Enumeration and Location Estimation
Authors: Li Juan , Wu Ying , Lu Changgang
Published: June 2021

Leak detection in pipelines is an important issue, because leakages pose financial losses, environmental pollution and even health risks. The paper considers the problem of detecting multiple leaks based on transient wave theory for a reservoir pipeline valve system. The given measured data under consideration may contain one or multiple leaks originating from different locations when estimating the leak locations. This leads to two problems to be solved: first determine the correct number of leaks, and then identify the actual location of each leak. Thus, a probabilistic method of model-based Bayesian analysis is applied to this paper. This work employs a model to describe various scenes, individually defined by a specific number of leaks and their locations. Bayesian inference is used to select which model that is the most appropriate to fit the measured data. Through the process, the number of leaks is first estimated, and then the leak locations are extracted from the model that the measured data prefers. This paper presents different experimental setups and scenarios to demonstrate the availability of the proposed method, demonstrating that this model-based Bayesian analysis is an accurate tool for leakage enumeration and location estimation.
Contribution of Nitrogen Sources to Streams in Mixed-use Watershed Varies Seasonally in a Temperate Region
Authors: Lin Zuhong , Liu Junchi , Xiao Yong , Yu Chaojie , Zhang Jinlan , Zhang Tingting
Published: June 2021

The Beiyun river flows through a hot spot region of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei in China that serves a majority of occupants. However, the region experiences severe nitrate pollution, posing a threat to human health due to inadequate self-purification capacity. In that context, there is an urgent need to assess nitrate levels in this region. Herein, we used δ15N-NO3, δ18O-NO3 isotopes analysis, and stable isotope analysis model to evaluate the nitrate source apportionment in the Beiyun river. A meta-analysis was then used to compare the potential similarity of nitrate sources among the Beiyun riverine watershed and other watersheds. Results of nitrate source apportionment revealed that nitrate originated from the manure & sewage (contribution rate: 89.6%), soil nitrogen (5.9%), and nitrogen fertilizer (3.9%) in the wet season. While in the dry season, nitrate mainly originated from manure & sewage (91.6%). Further, different land-use types exhibited distinct nitrate compositions. Nitrate in urban and suburban areas mostly was traced from manure & sewage (90.5% and 78.8%, respectively). Notably, the different nitrate contribution in the rural-urban fringe and plant-covered areas were manure & sewage (44.3% and 32.8%), soil nitrogen (26.9% and 35.7%), nitrogen fertilizer (23.5% and 29.4%), and atmospheric deposition (5.3% and 2.0%). Through a meta-analysis, we found nitrogen fertilizer, soil nitrogen, and manure & sewage as the main nitrate sources in the Beiyun riverine watershed or the other similar complex watersheds in the temperate. Thus, this study provides a scientific basis for nitrate source apportionment and nitrate preventive management in watersheds with complex land-use types in temperate regions.
An Improved Modelling of User Clustering For Small Cell Deployment In Heterogeneous Cellular Network.
Authors: Bora Joyatri , Hussain Anwar
Published: June 2021

Users in practical cellular geographical areas are found to be non-uniformly distributed. Small cell ( SC ) deployments in heterogeneous user distribution in a cellular geographical area help to meet high data rate user demands for multimedia data communications in hot spots. SCs help to offload traffic burden from the macro cell ( MC ) base station, and also cater the data traffic need for the edge users where signal strength from the MC base station ( BS ) is very weak. For deployments of SCs along with the central MC BS (hence called HetNet ) in such spatial heterogeneous user distribution, effective user grouping or clustering algorithm is required for appropriate and satisfactory service coverage. We call it service grouping or clustering of users to be put under a SC for data transmission and reception. It does not disturb the spatial positions of users in clustered non-uniform distribution. Efficient grouping or clustering of users and then deploying a SC at optimal location enhances the performance of the HetNet . It is found that the K-means algorithm used for such grouping of users to position SCs is not efficient. A novel and improved user grouping algorithm is proposed in this paper which performs much better compared to the k-means algorithm. The proposed algorithm of modelling of user clustering results in increase in the number of users under SCs , increase in more offloading of data traffic from MC BS thereby increasing data throughput of MC users. The algorithm also increases in the energy efficiencies of the SCs which is considered as one important performance metric. A doubly stochastic poison process ( DSPP ) also called Cox process is assumed here for simulation of non-uniform user distributions. We consider Rayleigh distributed small scale fading model, large scale fading factor representing shadow fading, and users’ geographical distances from BSs to evaluate users’ data rates.
Bandwidth Enhancement of Cross-Shaped Fractal Antenna Using Lanthanum Doped Ba-Sr Hexagonal Ferrite As Substrate Material For X-Band Applications
Authors: Gujral Shally , Bhatia Kamaljit Singh , Singh Harjitpal , Kaur Harsimrat , Gupta Nancy
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzes and compares the performance of a proposed cross-shaped fractal antenna design with two different substrate materials FR4 epoxy and lanthanum doped Ba-Sr hexagonal ferrite in X-band, where the lanthanum doped Ba-Sr hexagonal ferrite substrate is synthesized based on solid-state reaction method. The proposed antenna design is simulated using HFSS (High frequency structure simulator) version 15. The antenna is intended to work at 10 GHz frequency and involves four iterations. The antenna design is optimized for significant performance parameters viz. return loss, bandwidth, and gain. It provides better results with ferrite substrate as compared to FR4 epoxy substrate and provides − 10 dB broad bandwidth in three frequency regions 6.2969-6.4 GHz, 7.8702-9.44 GHz, and 9.68-9.7746 GHz. The prototype of proposed antenna with FR4 epoxy substrate is fabricated and tested to attain experimental results. The measured results are in good liaison with simulated results. This antenna structure can be considered suitable for RADAR, satellite, microwave communication, and weather forecasting applications in X-Band.
Comparison of the Effect of Electronic Learning and Blended Learning on the Empowerment of the Caregivers of Cancer Patients Under Chemotherapy
Authors: Karimi Nahid , ZarifSanaiey Nahid , Vizeshfar Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

Objective: Cancer is a chronic disease that affects the person and family. E-learning is a common method of educating for patients and caregivers. The present study aimed to compare the impact of electronic learning and blended learning on the empowerment of the caregivers of cancer patients under chemotherapy. Methods: This clinical trial was performed in the main chemotherapy center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during October 2018-December 2020. A total of 123 caregivers of cancer patients who were under chemotherapy were selected through simple random sampling based on drawing in two intervention groups and one control group. The empowerment of caregivers was evaluated using the caregivers’ empowerment questionnaire in all three groups at the beginning of the study, immediately after the intervention, and one month after intervention. The data were analyzed by descriptive and statistical tests utilizing the SPSS software version 22. Results: The comparison of knowledge scores between the two intervention groups shows not significant difference between the two groups (P=0.3). Comparison of attitude scores demonstrated the group intervention one had a better attitude than the two others groups after intervention (P0.003). The mean performance score increased in both intervention groups with a significant difference (P=000). No significant differences were observed between demographic data and knowledge, attitude and performance of three groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated that electronic and blended learning types affected the attitude and performance of patients’ caregivers. Therefore, blended learning could be applied as a source of enhancing the empowerment of caregivers.
Improved OD and OC Fragmentation using Deep Learning for the Progression Recognition of Glaucoma
Authors: P Shanmugam , J Raja , R Pitchai
Published: June 2021

Glaucoma is one of the most hazardous diseases, proceeding to impact and burden an extensive bit of our general population. Appropriately, the initial stage of identification of glaucoma is significant to prevent the permanent vision misfortune. The CDR is the important factor for glaucoma recognition. The precise fragmentation of optic disc and cup is yet an evolving issue. Most of the segmentation based glaucoma recognition methods depends on the handcrafted features. It affects the overall performance of the glaucoma recognition. To resolve this issue, an efficient deep learning based optic cup and disc segmentation using technique multi-label segmentation Au-net has been developed in this paper. The proposed method focusing on the optic cup-to-disc ratio for the recognition of glaucoma, which may be the best system for building a capable, energetic, and accurate structure for glaucoma analysis. This system has been simulated on DRISHTI datasets. The exploratory outcomes indicates the proposed strategy performs well to the best with state-of-the-art methodologies accomplishing a 99% of Accuracy, 88% of Sensitivity and 95.5% of Specificity on the DRISHTI GS1 dataset individually.
Monitoring of The Impact of Road Salting On Spruce Forest Ecosystem In The Vicinity of The Highway D1 In The Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Czech Republic
Authors: Hegrová Jitka , Prokeš Lubomír , Anděl Petr , Bucková Martina , Jandová Vilma , Effenberger Karel , Ličbinský Roman
Published: June 2021

Monitoring of pollution in the vicinity of roads connected to winter road maintenance is one of the important tools for optimising winter maintenance technology and reducing its environmental impact. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between winter road maintenance and the increased concentration of sodium ion to characterize the harm caused by the de-icing agents on selected types of individual components grown in the Norway Spruce ecosystem. The model area is located in the immediate vicinity of the D1 motorway connecting Prague and Brno (Czech Republic), at 103rd kilometer. The area is thus exposed to long-term contamination from automobile transport and the monitoring was carried out for three consecutive years. A clear effect of the de-icing agents on conifers near the road has been demonstrated by the symptoms of salt damage visually observed in close proximity to the road (at a sampling distance of 5 m). The needles of these spruce trees also showed increased sodium concentrations, regardless of the age of the needles. The study also confirms that sodium accumulates in all selected components of the analysed ecosystem (moos, humus, soil). The sodium concentration has been found to decrease with increasing distance from the road for all of the components.
Effect of Family Cohesion On Symptom Distress During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yang Yesol , Pan Wei , Farag Sherif S , Von Ah Diane
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Family may play an important role in Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recovery; however, little is known about the effect of family functioning on an individual’s health. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of family cohesion (family functioning) on the trajectory of HSCT recipients’ symptom distress (symptom frequency and symptom bother) before, during, and after HSCT. Methods: Secondary analysis was conducted using data collected from178 individuals who underwent HSCT. Longitudinal parallel-process (LPP) modeling was used to examine how family cohesion and HSCT associated symptoms (symptom frequency and symptom bother) change over time; and how these longitudinal changes relate to each other. Results: The trajectory of family cohesion predicted the trajectories of HSCT associated symptom frequency and bother. HSCT recipients who experienced higher family cohesion at baseline (T1) showed lower symptom frequency (p<.01) as well as symptom bother (p<.01) at T1. This trajectory analysis also showed that HSCT recipients who had improved family cohesion over time reported decrease in symptom frequency (p<.01) as well as bother (p<.01) over time. Conclusion: Findings indicate that higher family cohesion predicts decrease in symptom distress over the HSCT trajectory. Interventions aimed at enhancing family cohesion have the potential to lower HSCT recipients’ symptom distress. Further research is needed to understand the critical role of family cohesion and family functioning and their relationship with HSCT symptom distress prevention, early detection, and risk stratification.
Multi-Watershed Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Through Coupling Bayesian-Based Simulation And Mechanism-Based Effluent Trading Optimization
Authors: Xu Xiaomei , Zeng Xueting , Li Yongping , Wang Chunrong , Yu Lei , Huang Guohe , Zhang Junlong , Feng Juan , Han Xinyu
Published: June 2021

Multiple rivers flowing into the same bay can be correlated in water quality management and together determine the environmental status of the bay. Nonpoint source pollution management for multi-watershed aiming to alleviate environmental contamination can be under additional challenges and yield considerable economic and environmental benefits. In this study, a Bayesian simulation-based multi-watershed effluent trading designing model (BS-METM) is established for multi-watershed nonpoint source pollution management through incorporating techniques of water quality simulation, uncertainty analysis with Bayesian inference, optimal design for effluent trading, as well as mechanism analysis. BS-METM is capable of reflecting parameter uncertainties in nutrient simulation, disclosing the detailed optimal trading schemes under the impact of uncertainties and vital factors, and identifying optimal effluent trading mechanisms through revealing interaction among trading processes of multiple watersheds. BS-METM is applied to a real case of adjacent coastal watersheds (i.e. Daguhe and Moshuihe watersheds), which are identified as major sources of total phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen loadings to Jiaozhou Bay, China. Effluent trading optimization under multiple mechanisms, including intra-watershed trading, cross-watershed trading and non-trading, are conducted. The optimized industry scales and trading processes are obtained. The effects of vital factors on the trading process (i.e. environmental allowance-violation risk level and water availability level) are investigated. The interactions between water availability level and trading mechanism are also analyzed. It is proved that non-trading mechanism would be recommended under low water availability level and cross-watershed trading mechanism would be recommended under medium and high water availability level. The results provide a solid scientific basis for nonpoint source pollution management as well as effective sustainable development for multi-watershed region.
Clinical Features and Surgical Treatment of Synchronous Multiple Primary Lung Adenocarcinomas With Different EGFR Mutations
Authors: Qu Rirong , Ye Fan , Hu Shaojie , Ping Wei , Cai Yixin , Fu Xiangning
Published: June 2021

Purpose: We aimed to explore clinical features and surgical outcomes of synchronous multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas (SMPLA) with different EGFR mutations to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of SMPLA.Methods: Medical records of patients with different EGFR mutations who have been diagnosed as SMPLA and underwent surgical resection from March 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated.Results: A total of 70 patients ( 68.6% female and 77.1% non-somkers) were included. Total of 161 lesions in all patients, 84.4% were ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions. EGFR mutations were detected in 108 lesions, most of which were L858R (35.4%) and 19Del (20.5%). The mutation rate of mixed GGO is significantly higher than that of pure GGO and solid nodules (SN); the mutation rate of invasive adenocarcinoma is significantly higher than that of other histology subtypes; the mutation rate of lesions >20 mm was significantly higher than that of ≤20 mm. However, there is no significant difference in the mutation rate of specific driver gene between different radiological features, pathological characteristics and sizes. After a median follow-up time of 29 months, the 3-year OS and RFS were 94.4% and 86.0%, respectively.Conclusions: A high discordance of EGFR mutations were identified between tumors in patients with SMPLA. Synchronous multiple lung adenocarcinomas with predominantly multiple GGO should be considered as SMPLA, and surgery may be aggressively performed for these patients due to a good prognosis.
Physiological Homeostasis Alteration and Cellular Structure Damage of Chlorella Vulgaris Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles with Various Microstructure Morphologies
Authors: Deng Ningcan , Li Haibo , Li Yinghua , Mo Fan , Wang Mingshuai , Li Zhe , Chen Xi , Xu Jianing , Chai Rui , Wang Hongxuan
Published: June 2021

The toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with single morphology exposed to aquatic organisms had been well revealed in the past decade, but few studies have been carried out to evaluate the toxicity differences between AgNPs with various microstructure morphologies, especially to algae. In this work, Chlorella vulgaris was used as the tested organism to illustrate the differences of toxic effects between silver nanospheres (AgNSs), silver nanocubes (AgNCs) and silver nanoplates (AgPLs) with concentration of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 mg⸳L-1, based on the algae’s growth (72h), chlorophyll-a content, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation and cell apoptosis (48h). The results showed that the toxicity level exposed to Chlorella vulgaris was in the order of AgPLs> AgNCs> AgNSs. The difference shown indicated that the potential toxicity of AgNPs is primarily depended on their microstructure morphologies. This current study initially revealed the structure-effects of AgNPs on Chlorella vulgaris, provided a scientific basis for aquatic environmental risk assessment.
Are Hips Too Relaxed to Develop Healthy ?
Authors: Ayanoglu Semih , Çabuk Haluk , Çabuk Fatmagül Kuşku , Beng Kubilay , Yıldırım Timur , Bozkurt Süheyla Uyar
Published: June 2021

Background: Developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) etiology is still a controversial issue. While many factors involved in the etiology, one of which is the hormone relaxin. Relaxin concentrations in patients with DDH may lead to pathodynamic changes during hip development by altering the physiological nature of the ligament, as well as by long-term exposure to relaxin during pregnancy. Our objective in this study was to determine the quantity of relaxin receptors in the ligamentum teres and their part in causing DDH.Methods: We identified infants between birth and 3 years of age who had undergone open reduction for DDH between 2010 and 2012. 12 hips of 12 miss abortus fetus between 20 to 35 weeks of gestation were used as control group. Specimens obtained from two groups were stained with Relaxin-2 antibody and the amount of staining for relaxin receptors was determined using an ordinal H score. Results: The mean H scores of infants with DDH were significantly higher than those of controls (p=0.00). Conclusion: As a result, increased number of relaxin receptors in the ligamentum teres could be a risk factor for DDH and the number of relaxin receptors is an important clue in explaining the female:male ratio and clinical prognosis of early dysplastic hips.Level of Evidence: Level 2, Prospective comparative study
A long-life lithium-oxygen battery via a molecular quenching/mediating mechanism
Authors: Zhang Jinqiang , Zhao Yufei , Sun Bing , Xie Yuan , Tkacheva Anastasia , Qiu Feilong , He Ping , Zhou Haoshen , Yan Kang , Guo Xin , Wang Shijian , McDonagh Andrew , Peng Zhangquan , Lu Jun , Wang Guoxiu
Published: June 2021

Lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries have drawn intensive attention owing to their exceptionally high theoretical specific energy. However, their further advancement has been significantly hindered by challenges including low discharge capacity, poor energy efficiency, severe parasitic reactions, etc. Here, we report a highly Li-O2 battery operated via a new quenching/mediating mechanism that relies on the direct chemical reactions between a versatile molecule and superoxide radical/Li2O2 nanoparticles. The battery exhibits a 46-fold increase of discharge capacity, a low charge over-potential of 0.7 V, and an ultralong cycle life > 1400 cycles. The tailor-designed organic molecule features two redox mediator-active 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) moieties bridged by a quenching-active perylene diimide (PDI) backbone. The PDI-TEMPO molecule not only acts as a soluble redox mediator to catalyze both discharge and charge reactions, but also serves as a reusable superoxide radical quencher to chemically react with superoxide species generated during the operation of Li-O2 batteries, leading to the formation of Li2O2 nanoparticles which are much easier to decompose than the conventional toroidal-shaped Li2O2. The all-in-one molecule as a multifunctional additive can tackle various issues of parasitic reactions associated with superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen, high over-potentials, and lithium corrosion, beyond the mere combination of PDI and TEMPO moieties’ functionalities. The molecular design of multifunctional additives combining the capabilities of redox mediators, superoxide radical quencher and beyond opens a new avenue for developing high-performance Li-O2 batteries.
Bi-Layered Disulfiram-Loaded Fiber Membranes With Antibacterial Properties for Wound Dressing
Authors: Xie Chenchen , Yan Jin , Cao Siyuan , Liu Ri , Sun Baishun , Xie Ying , Qu Kaige , Zhang Wenxiao , Weng Zhankun , Wang Zuobin
Published: June 2021

In this study, the bi-layered disulfiram-loaded fiber membranes with antibacterial activity and different surface wettabilities are prepared using electrospinning technology. In the application of wound dressing, the hydrophilic surface of fiber membranes is beneficial for the cell adhesion and drug release to heal the wound, meanwhile the hydrophobic outside surface is able to block water penetration to reduce the probability of wound infection. The obtained bi-layered drug-loaded fiber membranes are composed of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) bottom surface and disulfiram (DSF)/polylactic acid (PLA) top surface. To modify the top surface wettability, the oxygen plasma modification of bi-layered membranes was carried out. We analyzed the morphology, wettability and chemical compositions of bi-layered drug-loaded fiber membranes by various techniques. And the bi-layered disulfiram-loaded membranes showed potent antibacterial activity in vitro against both Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). Thus, the obtained bi-layered disulfiram-loaded fiber membranes are very suitable for wound dressings application.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2α Promotes EMT in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Notch Pathway
Authors: Ji Zhiqi , Liu Xiangyan , Bao Shihao , Li Liang , Shi Mo , Song Liang , Wang Dong , Yu Yang
Published: June 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common devasting tumor around the world, characterized by persistent hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (hif-2α) has been regarded as an oncogene in many kinds of cancers, exerting its function to promote tumor growth and metastasis. But the role of hif-2α in ESCC remains largely unknown. In this study, we discovered hif-2α was overexpressed in ESCC and could promote proliferation and metastasis in ESCC cells. Functionally, hif-2α facilitated EMT through Notch pathway in ESCC. Moreover, we identified hif-2α as an independent factor that predict poor prognosis in ESCC patients. These findings suggested that hif-2α is a key regulator of EMT and played a critical role in promoting ESCC progression.
Spatial distribution and associated factors of antenatal care utilization in Ethiopia in 2019: Spatial and multilevel analysis
Authors: Hailegebreal Samuel , Gilano Girma , Seboka Binyam Tariku , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Simegn Atsedu Endale
Published: June 2021

Background: Antenatal care utilization key to reduces pregnant women death and preparing women for birth. In Ethiopian antenatal care utilization was still not meet health sector transformation plan. There was also regional variation of antenatal care services in the country. Therefore, current study was aimed to explore spatial distribution and associated factors of antenatal care utilization in Ethiopia based on the nationally representative EMDHS data.Methods: Secondary data analysis was done on 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey (EMDHS) data. ArcGIS 10.7 statistical software were used for spatial analysis. Bernoulli model was fitted by applying Kulldorff methods using the StatsCan 9.6.1 software to analyze the purely spatial clusters of ANC utilization. For associated factor mixed effect multilevel logistic regression was fitted. Inter class correlation (ICC), Median odds ratio (MOR), proportional change variance (PVC) and Deviance used for model comparison and fitness. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to declare significant factors of antenatal care utilization.Results: The prevalence of antenatal care utilization in Ethiopia was 75% [95 CI: 73%, 76%] in this study. The spatial distribution of antenatal car utilization was non-random across the country with Global Moran’s Index value of 0.032, and significant P-value(p<0.05). For associated factor secondary and higher education were 4.2 and 6 time greater than that of no formal education women with AOR of 4.2(1.99-8.66) and 6 (1.62-22) respectively. The odds of richest households were 4.2 times AOR (1.08-2.3) and the odds of married, windowed, and divorced women were 6, 8 and 4.4 time more that of single women respectively in utilizing ANC. The odd of women utilizing ANC was 4.2 times AOR (6.25-10.62). Conclusion: The spatial distribution of ANC utilization in Ethiopia is non-random. Maternal education, marital status, wealth index, place of delivery, pregnancy status region and community women education were significant predicter of antenatal care utilization in Ethiopia. Government and non-governmental organization should scale up maternal health services to low-rate area(hotspot) and poorest women.
Proposal for a Mechanical Model of Mobile Shales
Authors: Soto Juan , Heidari Mahdi , Hudec Michael
Published: June 2021

Structural systems involving mobile shale represent one of the most difficult challenges for geoscientists dedicated to exploring the subsurface structure of continental margins. Mobile-shale structures range from surficial mud volcanoes to deeply buried shale diapirs and shale-cored folds. Where mobile shales occur, seismic imaging is typically poor, drilling is hazardous, and established principles to guide interpretation are few. The central problem leading to these issues is the poor understanding of the mechanical behaviour of mobile shales. Here we propose that mobile shales are at critical state, and discuss how this proposition can explain key observations associated with mobile shales. The critical-state model can explain the occurrence of both fluidized shales (e.g., in mud volcanoes) and more viscous shales flowing with grain-to-grain contact (e.g., in mud diapirs), mobilization of cemented or compacted materials, and the role of overpressure in shale mobility. Our model offers new avenues for understanding complex and fascinating mobile-shale structures.
Epidemiology of Measles in West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: 2011-2015
Authors: Solomon Tesfaye , Nigatu Mamo , Areda Birhanu
Published: June 2021

Background: Measles is a leading vaccine-preventable childhood disease, which has been designated for elimination. Despite the success of measles control, measles is still responsible for 145,700 deaths worldwide each year, with many of the outbreaks in developing countries including Ethiopia. We analyzed to characterize the epidemiology of measles and recommend better prevention and control strategies in West Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: Data from 2011–2015 from the Public Health Emergency Management Unit of the West Arsi Zonal Health Department database were obtained using a semi-standard checklist. We analyzed and described the data by person, place, and time.Results: We identified 1735 cases of measles between 2011- 2015. The annual average measles incidence rate during 2011-2014 was 3.4/100,000 while the incidence rate in 2015 was 14/100,000. During 2011-2015, most of the cases occurred in children age less than 15 years old (87%), and 33 % were under five. Measles cases were reported every month, and March had the highest number of cases (24%). The districts with the highest incidence rates of measles had high routine measles vaccination coverage. The proportion of districts with an annual detection rate for non-measles febrile rash was 67% both in 2014 and 2015 which was below the national target (>80%).Conclusions: Measles outbreaks in children in 2015 in an area with high routine vaccination coverage were identified. We recommended improving vaccine management and supplementary vaccination for children less than 15 years. It needs further study to identify contributing factors for measles outbreaks and evaluating the effectiveness of measles control and prevention strategies.
Active Restoration Initiates High Quality Forest Succession In A Deforested Landscape In Amazonia
Authors: Vieira Daniel Luis Mascia , Rodrigues Silvia , Jakovac Catarina Conte , Rocha Gustavo Paiva Evangelista da , Reis Fagno , Borges Augusto
Published: June 2021

Background: Amazonia is well known for its high natural regeneration capacity; for this reason, passive restoration is normally recommended for the recovery of its degraded forests. However, highly deforested landscapes in southern Amazonia require active restoration. Since restoration methods can shape the quality and speed of early forest recovery, this study aimed to verify how active restoration pushes non-resilient sites towards forest recovery. Methods: We evaluated early forest succession at active restoration sites, i.e. soil plowing, direct seeding of pioneer species and seedling stock planting at low density. We analyzed forest structure, diversity and species composition in two age classes, 0.5 – 3.5 and 4.5 – 7.5 years old. As reference, we evaluated natural regeneration as performed on more resilient sites in the same region. We sampled 36 active restoration and 31 natural regeneration sites along the Madeira river, southern Amazonia. Results: Active restoration triggered succession to similar or higher levels of forest structure than sites where natural regeneration was taking place. The most dominant species did not overlap between active restoration and natural regeneration sites. The overall composition of species was different between the two restoration methods. Dominant species and size class distribution indicate that active restoration is performing successfully. Conclusions: Soil preparation combined with a high availability of seeds of pioneer trees resulted in a high stem density and basal area of facilitative pioneer trees. Planted seedlings added species diversity and increased density of large trees. Interventions to increase the odds of natural regeneration can be effective for non-resilient sites located in resilient landscapes.
Cryo-EM structures of the human sodium-potassium pump revealing the gating mechanism on the cytoplasmic side
Authors: Guo Yingying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yan Renhong , Huang Bangdong , Ye Fangfei , Wu Liushu , Chi Ximin , Zhou Qiang
Published: June 2021

Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) is a membrane-bound ion pump that generates electrochemical gradient of sodium ion and potassium ion across the plasma membrane via hydrolyzing ATP. During each so-called Post-Albers cycle, NKA exchanges three cytoplasmic sodium ions for two extracellular potassium ions through alternating E1 and E2 states. Hitherto, there are several steps remained unknown during the complete working cycle of NKA. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of recombinant over-expressed human NKA in three distinct states at 3.1–3.4 Å resolution, representing the E1·3Na state, in which the cytosolic gate is open, and the E1·3Na·ATP state preceding ATP hydrolysis and a basic E2·[2K] state. These structures reveal the ATP-dependent Na+-binding site remodeling for the close of the cytoplasmic gate, filling a gap in the structural elucidation of the Post-Albers cycle of NKA and providing structural basis for understanding the cytoplasmic Na+ entrance pathway.
Imaging of An Uplifted Serpentinite Complex In The Kamuikotan Zone, Northern Japan, From Magnetotelluric Soundings
Authors: Ichihara Hiroshi , Mogi Toru , Uchida Toshihiro , Satoh Hideyuki , Yamaya Yusuke , Fuji Masakazu , Yamazaki Shusaku , Okazaki Kenji , Tada Noriko
Published: June 2021

We conducted magnetotelluric measurements to investigate a large serpentinite complex in the northern Kamuikotan zone that intruded a Cretaceous–Paleocene forearc sedimentary sequence. The resistivity model we derived by three-dimensional inversion clearly shows a low-resistivity zone beneath the outcrop of the serpentinite complex. We interpret the low-resistivity zone to represent aqueous pore fluid within a serpentinite mélange derived from the subducting Pacific plate or mantle wedge. Previous geological studies in the area have shown that the serpentinite mélange had uplifted during the early Pleistocene. They indicate that the ultramafic rocks and aqueous fluids have continued to rise in the area. The uplifting serpentinite body might have formed a zone enriched in pore fluid that promoted the occurrence of a previously identified intra-plate slow slip event. These results demonstrate the important role of fluid transport during tectonic processes related to uplift in subduction zones.
Assessment of Student's Knowledge in high Institute of Medical Technology / Abuslim about Tuberculosis diseases
Authors: Amer Hamida , Ouhida Amal
Published: June 2021

Objective: A purposive study aims to identify the student knowledge about tuberculosis disease.
Methods: The sample of 140 students was selected from the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth class from the medical departments in high Institute of Medical Technology/abusleem for the period from March 2019 to June 2019. The questionnaire was designed to achieve the aims of study, it was consisting of many parts, the first content the demographic information, the second part include knowledge of students about categories that infected with tuberculosis. The third part include the student knowledge of the signs of disease, the fourth content methods of transmission of disease, and the last part include the student information about the methods of protection of tuberculosis disease. Data were analyzed by using frequency distribution, percentage
Results: This study found insufficient TB knowledge in a sample of students, poor knowledge about TB. They must improve knowledge about TB, because these students could be exposed to the Mycobacterium strains during their training activities or when they are employed in private and public health care settings. Key words: student – TB – knowledge – bacteria.
The Genetic Variants of NOTCH3 (6746T>C) and PSMA6 (-8C>G) As Possible Risk Factors of Psoriasis Development
Authors: Bartosińska Joanna , Zmorzyński Szymon , Sarecka-Hujar Beata , Raczkiewicz Dorota , Wojcierowska-Litwin Magdalena , Korszeń-Pilecka Iwona , Michalak-Stoma Anna , Kowal Małgorzata , Bartosiński Jarosław , Filip Agata Anna , Krasowska Dorota , Chodorowska Grażyna
Published: June 2021

Advances in genotypic technologies enable identification of possible associations between genetic variants of certain genes and increased risk of developing plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The aim of the study was to analyze the NOTCH3 (6746T>C) (rs1044009) and PSMA6 (8C>G) (rs1048990) polymorphisms and their role in genetic susceptibility to psoriasis. The study included 158 psoriatic patients and 100 healthy controls. The frequencies of the NOTCH3 genotypes differed between the psoriatic patients and controls (p=0.050). No differences were found in the distribution of PSMA6 genotypes and alleles between the psoriatic patients and controls. The studied psoriatic patients presented a higher frequency of the CC genotype of PSMA6 compared to the healthy controls (8.8% vs 2%, respectively). Psoriatic arthritis was more frequent among patients with the CC genotype of PSMA6 (p=0.059). Simultaneous CC homozygosity of NOTCH3 and PSMA6 was significantly more commonly observed in the studied psoriatic patients than in the controls (p=0.032). The obtained data suggest that genetic variants of NOTCH3 (6746T>C) and PSMA6 (-8C>G) genes may play significant roles in psoriatic patients. Further studies are necessary to unequivocally determine their role as genetic risk factors of psoriasis development.
An Evaluation of Pulse Oximeter Modules In Capturing Photoplethysmography Signals In Order To Fabricate A Monitor To Predict Onset of Exertional Heatstroke
Authors: Sharma Anushka , Law Christopher , Lo Choi Wan , Ovia Jesse , Hia Ming , Phongsopa Papavee , Horder Rory , Tang Ruijin
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDuring strenuous exercise, individuals face a significant risk of developing heat-related illnesses, such as exertional heatstroke (EHS). Parameters that have demonstrated an important role in monitoring and prevention of EHS development include heart rate (HR), hydration status (determined by serum electrolyte concentrations), and core body temperature. In this study, the performance of two integrated HR monitor and pulse oximeter modules (AFE4403 from Texas Instruments and MAXIM30101 from Maxim Integrated) in capturing raw photoplethysmography (PPG) signals was evaluated during resting, exercise, and motion. ResultsPPG signals collected from a wrist-worn device using green light-emitting diodes (LED) provided good HR estimates. However, the device was not resistant to motion artefacts. ConclusionFurther work was conducted to fabricate sensors that could measure sodium concentrations in sweat, and core body temperature from the skin. Once each sensor prototype is finalised, sensor integration could result in a device that measures three bodily parameters to a sufficient degree of accuracy in order th predict the onset of EHS. The fabrication of the other two sensors has not been described in this report.
Physical Inactivity, and Its Association with Hypertension Among Employees in the District of Colombo
Authors: Gamage Anuji Upekshika , Seneviratne Rohini de Alwis
Published: June 2021

Background: Physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and is a major public health problem. Insufficient activity is responsible for a large proportion of non-communicable diseases such as hypertensionObjectives: The purpose of this study was to assess socio-economic variations in physical activity and to measure the association between physical-inactivity and hypertension among government officials in Sri Lanka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 275 senior-officers(SOs) and 760 managerial-assistants(MAs) aged 30-60 years and attached to Public Administration institutions in Colombo District in Sri Lanka. Physical-activity(PA) was gathered using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) adopted and validated to the Sri Lankan context. Blood pressure(measured and classified using JNC-7 guidelines), and anthropometric indices were recorded. Energy utilization of all vigorous and moderated PA and walking was expressed as metabolic-equivalent-of-task(MET) min per week. A total MET score was calculated and categorized based on IPAQ guidelines. Results: Socio-economic variations in PA levels were observed as 58.1%(n=158) SOs and 30.6%(n=226) MAs were involved in inadequate PA. Of the diagnosed hypertensives, 44.7%(n=106), and 49.4%(n=117) reported a low and moderate PA and considering non-hypertensives, 35.9%(n=278), 57.5%(n=445) reported a low and moderate activity levels respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors being physically inactive was associated with a higher risk of hypertension[Odds rate ratio(OR) 1.33[95% CI 1.07, 1,65], indicating that physical-inactivity increased the risk of hypertension by 30%. The main modality of commuting to work for SOs(59%) was private transport, and MAs(64%) public transport Commuting distance was positively correlated(p<0.05) with total transport MET among SOs and MAs. After adjusting, commuting distance of >20 km was associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs(OR=0.713; 95% CI 0.4 to1.3; and OR=0.63; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.87).Conclusion: Despite the current knowledge that being physically active promotes health, the practice was different. Physical inactivity was associated with hypertension and prevalent among both SOs and MAs. Higher commuting distance is positively correlated with total transport MET and associated with lower odds of hypertension among SOs and MAs. Longitudinal studies are required to provide a causative association between physical inactivity and hypertension among these employees.
High Incidence, Re-Infections, and Active Syphilis in Populations Attending A Specialized HIV Clinic in Mexico, A Dynamic Cohort Study.
Authors: Tumalan-Gil Omar David , Ruiz-González Veronica , García-Cisneros Santa , González-Rodríguez Andrea , Herrera-Ortiz Antonia , Olamendi-Portugal Maria , Sanchez-Aleman Miguel
Published: June 2021

Background. Syphilis has reemerged in many vulnerable groups around the world. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of syphilis among people who attended a specialized HIV clinic in Mexico from 2011-2015.Methods. Databases from the laboratory were analyzed and four groups were formed: people seeking HIV-1 voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), people in prison (PPr), people living with HIV (PLWH) and patients from primary care clinics (others). Syphilis diagnosis was made using the reverse algorithm; antibody titers were examined to determine the stage of infection. Baseline data was analyzed, and with follow-up information, a retrospective dynamic cohort was formed. Factors associated with seroprevalence of syphilis and active syphilis were evaluated by the chi-square test. Moreover, risk factors for the incidence of syphilis were described. Results. A total of 81,863 baseline individuals were analyzed. Syphilis seroprevalence was 9.9% in VCT, 8.2% in PPr, 37.0% in PLWH, and 8.7% in others; the prevalence of active syphilis was 1.7-13.1%. A total of 11,124 people were followed-up; the incidence (cases per 100 years people) was 3.5 among VCT and 16.0 among PLWH; moreover, the frequency of re-infections was 11.1-24.4%. Men, transgender, persons between 20-39 years old, and individuals with a history of HIV or hepatitis B had a higher risk of syphilis. Conclusions. Several vulnerable groups have exhibited a reemergence of syphilis, with high prevalence of active syphilis, high incidence, and re-infections. Persons living with HIV had the highest risk.
iTRAQ-based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Thoracic Aortic from Adult Rats Born to Pre-eclamptic Dams
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhu Hong-Dan , Shi Xiao-Liang , Chen Pan-Pan , Sun Xiang-Mei , Xia Gui-Yu , Fang Min , Zhong Yong-Xing , Tang Xiao-Li , Zhang Tao , Pan Hai-Tao
Published: June 2021

Background: Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can cause impaired vascular function in offspring. In our previous work, we described the profiles of protein expression in umbilical artery tissues of patients with preeclampsia. Methods: In order to gain insights into the mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in adult rats born by preeclampsia dams, we present analysis of thoracic aortic tissues by using iTRAQ isobaric tags and 2D nano LC-MS/MS. Results: By using iTRAQ method, we analyzed 1825 proteins in which 106 proteins have shown significantly differential expression in thoracic aortic. Results from ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) showed majority of proteins with differential expression (DEP)were associated with cardiovascular function. Further analysis indicated that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which is inhibited by miR-423-5p and activated by TP53, was most affect the cardiovascular function. The expression level of G6PD was up-regulated in thoracic aortic tissues as confirmed by western blot results. Two other vascular function proteins Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) and Tubulin alpha-4A (TUBA4A) were upregulated as demonstrated by mass spectrometry (MS). Conclusions: Although the results need further functional validation, these data provide novel findings relating to impaired vascular function in adult offsprings of preeclamptic mothers.