bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer Learning with Recurrent Neural Networks for Long-Term Production Forecasting in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Mohd Razak Syamil , Cornelio Jodel , Cho Young , Liu Hui-Hai , Vaidya Ravimadhav , Jafarpour Behnam
Published: March 2022

Robust production forecasting allows for optimal resource recovery through efficient field management strategies. In hydraulically fractured unconventional reservoirs, the physics of fluid flow and transport processes is not well understood and the presence of and transitions between multiple flow regimes further complicate forecasting. An important goal for field operators is to obtain a fast and reliable forecast with minimal historical production data. The abundance of wells drilled in fractured tight formations and continuous data acquisition effort motivate the use of data-driven forecast methods. However, traditional data-driven forecast methods require sufficient training data from an extended period of production for any target well, which may have limited practical use when the effective production life of wells is relatively short.

In this paper, a deep recurrent neural network (RNN) model is developed for long-term production forecasting in unconventional reservoirs. As input data, the model takes completion parameters, formation and fluid properties, operating controls, and early (i.e., 3–6 months) production response data. The model is trained on a collection of historical production data across multiple flow regimes, control settings, and the corresponding well properties from multiple shale plays. The proposed RNN model can predict oil, water, and gas production as multivariate time series under varying operating controls. Once the forecast model is trained, it can be used to obtain a one-step forecast by feeding the model with input well properties, operating controls, and a short initial production. The long-term forecast is obtained by either recursively feeding the model with forecast results from the preceding timesteps or by training the model for multistep ahead predictions. Unlike other applications of RNN that require a long history of production data for training, our model employs transfer learning by combining early production data from the target well with the long-term dynamics captured from historical production data in other wells. We illustrate our approach using synthetic data sets and a case study from Bakken Play in North Dakota.
CLEFT RR- New App to Calculate Recurrence Risk in Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Lacerda Rosa Helena Wanderley , Mendonça Alice Castro Guedes , Laurentina Rebeca Andrade , Furtado Paulo Germano Cavalcanti , Filgueiras Vitor Marques , Vieira Alexandre Rezende
Published: March 2022

Background: The impact of the birth of a child with cleft lip and palate generates a concern in the family related to care and the child's future. The opportunity to clarify the recurrence risk arouses high interest in families and adult individuals born with orofacial clefts and it contributes to decisions regarding family planning. Results: The purpose is to present the Cleft Recurrence Risk (Cleft RR), which aims to facilitate health professionals to quickly calculate the recurrence risk considering the ancestry, cleft type, sex, and family history. After defining parameters the application development follows the steps: development, prototyping , and documentation. The validation of the calculated data was performed by comparing the results of 100 cases undergoing genetic counseling at the cleft lip and palate treatment center obtained by the manual method. The results were obtained by the mobile app method; the data were submitted to the Bland-Altman statistics and a high concordance was found. Conclusions: The mobile app for use by healthcare professionals proved to be simple to use, easy to apply, and provided accurate results. Cleft RR is an App for smartphones developed for genetic counseling in cleft lip and palate, supplementary use by health professionals, and should not replace professional performance.
Atmospheric emissions of volatile organic compounds from a mine soil treated with sewage sludge and tomato plants (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)
Authors: Fernández-Espinosa Antonio José , Peña-Heras Aranzazu , Rossini-Oliva Sabina
Published: March 2022

Aims. The study investigated the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a mining soil amended with sewage sludge and irrigated with wastewater with or without tomato plants. The aim is to find out whether amendment and irrigation change VOC emissions from the soil and whether tomato changes emissions compared to uncultivated soil.Methods. Soil and plant experiments were done in assembled pots. All pots were placed inside a closed glass chamber inside an isolated and windowless room. Experiments with soil without plants were done independently from experiments with soil and plants. An aspirating pump coupled with Tenax adsorbent tubes was used for sampling of VOCs emitted from pots. Volatile organic compounds trapped in the tubes were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection.Results. The study detected a total of nine VOCs emitted from the polluted soil: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, benzene-1,2,4-trimethyl and tetrachloroethylene, among which the most abundant were toluene, m-xylene and styrene. Differences between pots with or without amendments (C and A pots) showed a general tendency to a decline of VOCs emissions in the mining soil amended with sewage sludge. Plants contributed to increase significantly the emissions of all VOCs in both A and C- pots.Conclusion. The soil amended with sewage sludge reduced the emission of VOCs: styrene in pots without plants and benzene and xylenes in pots with plants. Tomato plants contributed to increase significantly the emissions of all VOCs except styrene in both amended and non-amended soils.
Increased proficiency in operational methods of care using a transfer support device in nursing homes
Authors: Yoshimi Tatsuya , Kato Kenji , Tsuchimoto Shohei , Mizuguchi Nobuaki , Aimoto Keita , Itoh Naoki , Kondo Izumi
Published: March 2022

Background: The introduction of nursing care-support devices using robotic technology is expected to reduce the task burden in long-term care facilities. But the implementations are not proceeding as expected. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the sustained use of the "Hug," a "hugging" type transfer support device, could increase the proficiency level of care operation using Hug in nursing homes.Methods: The effect of proficiency on using the device was examined in terms of time spent for transfer assistance, ratio of transfers using the device, and range of target care recipients. The results were compared between care facilities that had been using the device for >24 months (skilled facility) and those introducing it for the first time (unskilled facility). The data were obtained before and at 2 and 5 weeks after its introduction in the unskilled facility.Results: As a result, transfer time at the unskilled facility, which was 4.6 min in the 2nd week, was reduced to 3.0 min in the 5th week. Conversely, it was 1.5 min on average at the skilled facility. The usage ratio at the unskilled facility was 13% in the 2nd week and 30% in the 5th week, while it was 97% in the skilled facility. Furthermore, we identified an increase in the range of target care recipients in the skilled facility.Conclusion: It takes time to master the use of Hug; however, its use was associated with many positive aspects, especially from the perspective of care recipients, e.g., better care, use of their own legs during transfers, and reduced time for transfers, which was accomplished through mature care operation by mastering the use of Hug. These findings suggest that the widespread use of Hug would improve the quality of care at care facilities.Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry Nos. UMIN000039203 and UMIN000039204; Date of registration: January 21, 2020 (Retrospectively registered); interventional study; parallel, non-randomized, single blinded. URL of trial registry records: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000044708https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000044709
The German version of the Mini Suffering State Examination (MSSE) for people with advanced dementia living in nursing homes
Authors: Zumstein Naomi , Yamada Keiko , Eicher Stefanie , Theill Nathan , Geschwindner Heike , Wolf Henrike , Riese Florian
Published: March 2022

Background The Mini Suffering State Examination (MSSE) has been explicitly recommended to assess suffering in dementia patients. This study aimed to develop a German version of the MSSE and assess its psychometric properties involving people with advanced dementia (PAD) in a nursing home setting.Methods The MSSE was translated into German, and 95 primary nurses administered it cross-sectionally to 124 PAD in Zurich, Switzerland. The psychometric properties of the German MSSE version were calculated for this population.Results The mean age of the PAD was 83.3 years (SD = 9.1, range = 55–102 years), and 98 of them (79.0%) were women. The Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 coefficient for the entire scale (0.58), the eight items relating to objective health conditions (0.39), and the professional and family estimation of the patient’s suffering (0.64) indicated low internal consistency. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated an unsatisfactory fit to a one-factor structure, with a comparative fit index and root mean square error of approximation of 0.71 and 0.08, respectively, and a Tucker–Lewis index of 0.64. The MSSE total score was significantly but moderately correlated with the total scores of the Symptom Management–End-of-Life with Dementia (SM-EOLD) scale (Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r)= -0.44; p < 0.05), the physical suffering scores (r = 0.41; p < 0.05), and the psychological suffering scores (r = 0.55; p < 0.05).Conclusions The German version of the MSSE questionnaire did not perform well in the nursing home setting involving PAD. The instrument had low internal consistency, doubtful validity, and could not discriminate between suffering and other distressing symptoms. We do not recommend its use in this population.
Long-term Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Patients With Uveitis
Authors: Jevnikar Kristina , Počkar Saša , Umek Lan , Valentincic Nataša Vidovic
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term visual outcomes of patients with various etiologies of uveitis, undergoing cataract surgery and to identify possible factors influencing the visual outcome and the rate of postoperative complications. Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery between January 2015 and February 2020 were included. Results: A total of 102 eyes of 78 patients were included in this study. There was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative BCVA between the groups based on anatomical localization as well as etiology. Standard procedure with phacoemulsification and lens implantation was associated with statistically significant better final BCVA than surgery with an additional iris procedure. Conclusions: Visual outcome varies between the subtypes of uveitis. Post-operative BCVA correlates strongly with preoperative values; prolonged delay of surgery may not be indicated. Meticulous control of pre-operative inflammation, peri-operative treatment adjustment, and close postoperative follow-up is essential for a favorable outcome.
Human Pointing Motion during Interaction with an Autonomous Blimp
Authors: Hou Mengxue , Tao Qiuyang , Zhang Fumin
Published: March 2022

We investigate the interaction between a human and a miniature autonomous blimp using a wand as pointing device. The wand movement generated by the human is followed by the blimp through a tracking controller.The Vector Integration to Endpoint (VITE) model, previously applied to human-computer interface (HCI), has been applied to model the human generated wand movement when interacting with the blimp. We show that the closed-loop human-blimp dynamics are exponentially stable. Similar to HCI using computer mouse, overshoot motion of the blimp has been observed. The VITE model can be viewed as a special reset controller used by the human to generate wand movements that effectively reduce the overshoot of blimp motion. Moreover, we have observed undershoot motion of the blimp due to its inertia, which does not appear in HCI using computer mouse. The asymptotic stability of the human-blimp dynamics is beneficial towards tolerating the undershoot motion of the blimp.
Scattering of guided waves propagating through pipe bends based on normal mode expansion
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Dong Hao , Zhang Shangyu
Published: March 2022

The scattering of guided waves propagating through pipe bends is studied by means of normal mode expansion. First, the bi-orthogonality relationship for normal modes in pipe bends is derived, based on which the displacement and stress fields at the interfaces between the straight and curved parts are expanded with the normal modes in both parts. Then, based on the displacement and stress field continuity principle, the scattering problem is regarded as an eigenproblem of a transfer matrix, the solution of which gives the mode conversions at the interfaces. A case study is presented of the low-frequency longitudinal mode incident on a pipe bend, and it is found that the dominant mode conversions are L(0,1) reflection and mode conversion from L(0,1) to F(1,1). The theoretical predictions agree well with results from numerical simulations and experiments.
Interactions and stability of tryptophan, proline and arginine rich peptides with EGFR kinase and its anticancer activities – insilico approaches
Authors: Marimuthu Sathish Kumar , Nagarajan Krishnanand , Palanisamy Selvamani , Subbiah Latha
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer is a major public health concern due to its high prevalence and mortality, and it is also the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for more than 80% of lung cancers. In recent years, the use of bioactive peptides in cancer therapy has widened the treatment regimen. They have been confirmed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Furthermore, antimicrobial peptides can cause cytotoxic activity in human cancer cells by binding to negatively charged phosphatidylserine moieties on the outer surface of cancer cell plasma membranes. In the present study, we predicted the interactions of tryptophan, proline, and arginine-rich peptides with EGFR kinase and evaluated the protein-peptide complex stability through molecular dynamics simulations. From the computational study, we selected the potential peptides based on the docking score, the number of hydrogen bonds formed between the protein-peptide complexes and the stability. These results suggest that antimicrobial peptides show potential for application in lung cancer therapies.
A Cohort Study of the Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Point of Care Rapid RT-PCR at the Emergency Department on Targeted Admission
Authors: Mortazavi Susanne E , Inghammar Malin , Christansen Claus , Pesola Anne-Katrine , Stenkilsson Mikael , Paulsson Magnus
Published: March 2022

Background: To prevent nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2, infection control measures are implemented for patients with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 until reliable test results are available. This delay targeted admission to the most appropriate ward based on the medical condition. SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests and point of care (POC) rapid RT-PCR were introduced at emergency departments (EDs) in late 2020, but the consequence on targeted admission is unknown.Methods: Patients presenting at the emergency department of a referral hospital (N = 2,940) between 13-Nov-2020 and 12-Jan-2021 were included. The study period was delimited by introduction of rapid antigen tests and VitaPCR. Participant data was collected retrospectively, and outcome variables were Length-of-Stay (LoS), intrahospital transfers and targeted admission to COVID-19 ward. Results: Rapid antigen tests reduced ED Length-of-Stay for participants with positive tests or that were not tested. Negative VitaPCR results reduced mean hospital Length-of-Stay by 1.5 (95%CI: 0.3–2.7) days and admissions to COVID-19 wards from 34.5 (95%CI: 28.9-40.5) to 14.7 (95%CI: 11.1-19.1) per 100 admissions. Introduction of VitaPCR reduced transfers between hospital wards in the first 5 days from 50.0 (95%CI: 45.0-55.0) to 34.0 (95%CI: 30.3-37.9) per 100 admissions.Conclusion: Rapid antigen tests enabled prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection which had pronounced effects on Length-of-Stay at the emergency department. VitaPCR added the possibility of exclusion of the infection which increased targeted admissions, reduced intrahospital transfers and lead to shorter stay at the hospital.
Anxiety, Depression and the Burden of Caring for Patients with Palliative Needs - Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pop Rodica Sorina , Tint Diana , Pop Cristina Paula , Lupu Lidia Valentina , Mosoiu Daniela
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPrimary caregivers of patients with palliative needs experience different psycho-emotional symptoms as insomnia, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, sadness, grief, uncertainty and hopelessness. The care burden depends on the demands of the patient and has a significant impact of the psycho-emotional status of the patient’s caregiver. This study aims to measure the primary caregiver’s (PrC) anxiety, depression and burden of care and to identify the correlation between the outcomes.MethodsThis prospective observational longitudinal study assessed the burden of care for patients with palliative needs comparatively between two groups: caregivers of patients with cancer and caregivers of patients with non-malignant diseases. At the same time, the score of anxiety and depression of these caregivers was measured. The researcher used the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC) to measure the burden of care and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) to measure the anxiety and depression of primary caregivers. These questionnaires were applied at the initial moment (T0) and periodically for three months. If the patient died in this period, the caregivers were evaluated two months after the event. Statistical analysis used the Mann Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon test to compare the two groups and Pearson test to assess the correlation between burden and anxiety/ depression.ResultsThe burden assessment of caregivers for cancer patients showed a statistically significant increase over 3 months (p=0.001). At the initial moment (T0), a statistically significant difference is observed between the burden of the oncological group and the non-oncological one. The correlation between the caregiver's burden and anxiety/ depression was statistically significant (p = 0.001).Conclusions:The load had a direct and statistically significant impact on the PrC's psycho-emotional state, and there is a strong link between it and the caregiver's anxiety and sadness when caring for a palliative patient. From a practical point of view, it is important to early identify the burden of care and to know how the PrC is relating to it, as well as to assess his/her psycho-emotional state in order to act through appropriate and individualized interventions.
The Role of Contact Tracing in the Management of SARS-cov 2 Infection in Childhood: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gregori Giuseppe , Sacchetti Roberto , Ridella Michela , Boselli Elena , Righi Ornella , Boiardi Goffreda , Marenghi Claudio , Lenzini Sonia , Cervi Monica , Libè Maria Pia , Armani Patrizia , Corna Monica , Zanolli Laura , Allegri Valentina , Balduzzi Paola , Franzini Chiara , Folli Federica , Mura Caterina , Demuru Giovanni
Published: March 2022

Background Individuation and management of the contacts of confirmed COVID-19 infection cases allows to quickly identify and isolate any secondary cases and interrupt the chain of transmission of the infection. Contact tracing is unquestionably very useful in stemming the spread of the pandemic from SARS-Cov 2 however there are no pediatric data that have measured the effectiveness of this method.MethodsFrom 30 October 2020 to 30 April 2021 ,during the second wave of the Covid pandemic, 19 primary care pediatricians reported suspected cases of SAR Cov 2 to the Public Health Service of the Piacenza district via a digital platform relating to a total pediatric population of about 17,500 children. All reported cases underwent a molecular PCR test as soon as possible and in any case within 48 hours. At the same time Public Hygiene Service implemented contact tracing in the same pediatric population in all children who were in close contact with positive cases .Results On the basis of clinical suspicion 1306 subjects underwent a molecular PCR nose pharyngeal swab for Covid -19, 107 of them tested positive (8,2% of reports-0.6% of the monitored population). In the same period, the Public Hygiene Service, through contact-tracing, identified another 1244 positive subjects in the same population of 17,500 children (7,1% of the monitored population).ConclusionsOur experience confirm that contact tracing is strongly raccomended for the managment of the SAR Cov 2 pandemic .It was about eleven times more sensitive than the clinical criteria for identifying positive subjects in pediatric age, often asymptomatic, during the second wave of the Covid pandemic.
H2A.Z deposition by SWR1C involves multiple ATP-dependent steps
Authors: Peterson Craig , Fan Jiayi , Moreno Andrew , Baier Alexander , Loparo Joseph
Published: March 2022

The histone variant H2A.Z is a conserved feature of nucleosomes flanking protein-coding genes. Deposition of H2A.Z requires ATP-dependent replacement of nucleosomal H2A by a chromatin remodeler related to the multi-subunit enzyme, yeast SWR1C. How these enzymes use ATP to promote this nucleosome editing reaction remains unclear. Here we use single-molecule and ensemble methodologies to identify three ATP-dependent phases in the H2A.Z deposition reaction. Real-time analysis of single nucleosome remodeling events reveals an initial, priming step that occurs after ATP addition that likely involves transient DNA unwrapping from the nucleosome. Priming is followed by rapid loss of histone H2A, which is subsequently released from the H2A.Z nucleosomal product. Surprisingly, the rates of both priming and the release of the H2A/H2B dimer are sensitive to ATP concentration. This complex reaction pathway provides multiple opportunities to regulate the timely and accurate deposition of H2A.Z at key genomic locations.
Motivational telephone intervention to risk gamblers by a state-owned gambling operator in Sweden
Authors: Håkansson Anders , Franklin Katja , Dahlmström Maria , Lyckberg Axel
Published: March 2022

Background: Few studies have tested the effect of a motivational telephone intervention from a gambling operator to clients with high-risk gambling practices. This study aimed to study subsequent gambling abstinence, limit setting and self-exclusions post-intervention, compared to controls.Methods: The study assessed a motivational, personalized telephone intervention by the state-owned Swedish gambling operator AB Svenska Spel. Clients successfully reached with the telephone intervention (n=1,420) were compared to clients who could not be reached (n=1,504). Gambling practices during eight weeks pre-intervention were assessed, and outcome measures were gambling abstinence, limit setting and self-exclusion four weeks post-intervention.Results: The telephone intervention was associated with increased gambling abstinence weeks 2-4 post-intervention (24 vs 20 percent, p=0.02), limit settings (10 vs 5 percent, p<0.001) and self-exclusions (11 vs 8 percent, p<0.01), but not significantly associated with full week 1-4 abstinence (18 vs 15 percent, p=0.07). In unadjusted analyses of sub-groups, significant associations of the intervention with full gambling abstinence were seen in online casino/bingo gamblers (19 vs 14 percent, p<0.01). In logistic regression, controlling for different gambling types, effects of the intervention were seen in the highest sub-segment with respect to gambling losses.Conclusions: A personalized motivational telephone intervention to high-risk gamblers, delivered by a gambling operator, is promising. Effects are likely more pronounced in players of online chance-based games, and in gamblers with high pre-intervention losses.
Changes in the Upper Airway Microbiota in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Xu Huajun , Li Xinyi , Fu Zhihui , Wang Fan , Huang Weijun , Zhang Xiaoman , Wu Kejia , Li Chenyang , Liu Yupu , Zou Jianyin , Zhu Huaming , Yi Hongliang , Kaiming Su , Guan Jian , Gu Meizhen , Yin Shankai
Published: March 2022

Background: A few clinical studies have demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with dysbiosis of the oral and nasal microbiota. However, how upper airway microbial diversity, composition, and structure are altered in pediatric OSA has not been systemically explored.Methods: In total, 30 polysomnography (PSG)-confirmed OSA patients with adenoid hypertrophy, and 30 controls who did not snore or adenoid hypertrophy, were enrolled. Swabs from four surface oral tissue sites (tongue base, soft palate, both palatine tonsils, and the adenoids) and one nasal swab from both anterior nares were collected. The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) V3–V4 region was sequenced to identify the microbial communities. Results: Alpha and beta diversity were not significantly different between the pediatric OSA patients and controls at the five upper airway sites. However, the microbial profiles were significantly different among the five upper airway sites. The abundances of Haemophilus, Fusobacterium, and Porphyromonas were higher in the adenoids and tonsils of pediatric patients with OSA. Functional analysis revealed that the differential pathway between the pediatric OSA patients and controls involved amino acid metabolism and signal transduction.Conclusions: In this study, the upper airway microbiome of pediatric OSA patients only exhibited minor differences in composition compared with the controls. However, the microbiota data could be useful as a reference for studies on the upper airway microbiome or other relevant clinical phenomena.
Comparison of four diagnostic criteria for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis – a diagnostic accuracy study in critically ill patients
Authors: Schroeder Maria , Giese Melanie , Wijaya Charles , Winterland Sarah , Nuechtern Annika , Grensemann Joern , Matthews Hanna , Wichmann Dominic , Stamm Johannes , Rohde Holger , Christner Martin , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Steurer Stefan , Heinemann Axel , Simon Marcel , Fischer Marlene , Kluge Stefan
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: In the absence of lung biopsy there are various algorithms for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients that rely on clinical signs, underlying conditions, radiological features, and mycology. The aim of the present study was to compare four diagnostic algorithms in their ability to differentiate between probable IPA (i.e. requiring treatment) and colonization in critically ill patients. In addition, we determined their diagnostic accuracy to detect proven IPA.METHODS: For this diagnostic accuracy study, we included a mixed ICU population with a positive Aspergillus culture from respiratory secretions that were treated in a German quarternary care hospital between 2005 and 2020. Four different diagnostic algorithms were applied to all patients. We compared agreement among the four algorithms to discriminate probable IPA from colonization. In a subgroup of patients with lung tissue histopathology available we determined the sensitivity and specificity of the single algorithms to detect proven IPA. RESULTS: A total number of 684 critically ill patients were included. The mean age of the study population was 63 years (IQR 52-73). Sixty-nine percent (n=472) were medical and 31% (n=212) were surgical ICU patients. Overall, 79% (n=543) of patients fulfilled the criteria for probable IPA according to at least one diagnostic algorithm. Only 4% of patients (n=29) fulfilled the criteria for probable IPA according to all four algorithms. Agreement among the four diagnostic criteria was low (Cohen’s kappa 0.07-0.29). From 85 patients with histopathological examination of lung tissue 40% (n=34) had confirmed IPA. The new EORTC/MSGERC ICU working group criteria had high specificity (0.59 [0.41-0.75]) and sensitivity (0.73 [0.59-0.85]).CONCLUSIONS:In a cohort of mixed ICU patients, the agreement among four algorithms for the diagnosis of IPA was low. The 2021 EORTC/MSGERC ICU working group criteria achieved the highest specificity and sensitivity to detect proven IPA. Although improved by the latest diagnostic criteria, the discrimination of invasive fungal infection from Aspergillus colonization in critically ill patients remains challenging and may require further optimization.
Soil Amelioration In Mediterranean High-Mountains Of Central Spain
Authors: Ugarte Rosina Magaña , Gavilán Rosario , Rubio Agustín
Published: March 2022

Aim: Link the well-documented information on plant community assembly to the changes in soil properties, a relationship rarely studied in the less studied mountains of Central Spain.Methods: We assessed the shifts in soil nutrients, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil properties related to texture along an elevation gradient and two transects (Val-CH, Pan-Nav) in Sierra de Guadarrama, central Spain, between bare soil and vegetation-covered patches. Additionally, we calculated the Relative Interaction Index (RII) to evaluate the strength and direction of the dominant life-form effect of each soil variable. Results: Our results confirmed improved soil properties under vegetation-covered patches compared to bare soils, always irrespective of elevation. Soil properties and RIIs showed no relationship with the dominant life-form. Significant differences in soil chemical properties were found between transects, with more acidic soils, higher nutrients, and SOM in the herb-dominated (Val-CH) than in the cushion-dominated one. The soil amelioration effect was more pronounced at mid-elevations, resembling the humped patterns observed in the Andes, which may be related to the two severity gradients acting in Mediterranean high-mountains.Conclusions: Maintaining a high C/N ratio among elevations could indicate an excess nutrient input in these systems to benefit vegetation growth. However, we assume slow SOM decomposition rates based on the non-significant differences in the C/N ratio between microhabitats and previously reported decreased microbial activity. These results could directly associate with low mineralization rates and, thus, reduced nutrient availability for plants.
Finite-time Tracking Control for Nonholonomic Wheeled Mobile Robot Using Adaptive Fast Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Xie Hao , Zheng Jinchuan , Sun Zhe , Chai Rifai , Wang Hai
Published: March 2022

System uncertainties and external disturbances are the major causes of the trajectory tracking performance degradation in nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots (NWMRs). In this article, an adaptive fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode dynamic control (AFNTSMDC) method is proposed to provide enhanced robust and finite-time tracking performance for the NWMR. The proposed AFNTSMDC is a systematic design method based upon both the kinematic and dynamic model of the NWMR. The AFNTSMDC controller has a simple form without singularity issue in the control input, which makes it practically implementable. The finite-time stability of the proposed tracking-error function is also proved using the Lyapunov function. Finally, circular trajectory tracking experiments are conducted to validate the robustness and convergence rate of the proposed AFNTSMDC scheme in comparison with the existing methods including classic kinematic control (CKC), robust sliding mode kinematic control (RSMKC), and conventional sliding mode dynamic control (CSMDC) in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbances.
A Temporal Assessment of Risk of Non-indigenous Species Introduction by Ballast Water to Canadian Coastal Waters Based on Environmental Similarity
Authors: Song Ruixin , Tavakoli Yashar , Bailey Sarah , Soares Amilcar
Published: March 2022

The environmental similarity scores between two locations are essential
in ballast water risk assessment (BWRA) models used to estimate the
potential for non-indigenous species introduction and guide management
strategies aiming to minimize biodiversity loss and economic impacts.
Previous BWRA models incorporate annual-scale environmental data,
which may overlook seasonal variability. In this study, the differences in
monthly sea surface temperature and salinity data were calculated at
global ports and incorporated in a BWRA model. The environmental
similarity scores were then calculated between the ballast water source
and destination locations for ships arriving at Canadian coastal ports
using monthly and annual-scale models for statistical comparison. As
salinity and temperature vary seasonally in specific regions, there were
significant differences in calculated environmental similarity risk values
using annual and monthly-scale models. The results suggest that BWRA
based on annual-scale data might underestimate environmental similarity scores. In contrast, methods incorporating monthly data can provide a more sensitive assessment to inform ballast water management practices.
Applying DNA Metabarcoding for The Diet Investigation of The Invasive Ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidyi in A Transitional Environment
Authors: SCHROEDER ANNA , Camatti Elisa , Pansera Marco , Pallavicini Alberto
Published: March 2022

Due to its potentially severe impacts on the functioning of the marine systems, the interest in understanding the ecology of invasive zooplanktivorous comb jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi has increased in the last decades, especially after its bloom in the Black and Caspian Sea in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In the last decade, M. leidyi has colonized most of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic Sea, and in 2016 it was firstly recorded in the Venice Lagoon (Malej et al., 2017). The impact Mnemiopsis could have especially in the Venice Lagoon as a semi-enclosed ecosystem is of concern, as it is an important nursery and foraging area for several fish species as well as an area of mussel, clam, and crab fishery and aquaculture. While in the past, to study Mnemiopsis feeding preferences, the gut content was mainly analyzed by morphological identification, this is the first study investigating the in-situ gut contents of this species utilizing DNA metabarcoding, as it overcomes the limit in identifying partially digested prey. In this study, Mnemiopsis gut contents, collected in the Venice Lagoon, were evaluated by metabarcoding and compared to the in-situ mesozooplankton community. The results indicate that the blooming period in the late summer and that Mnemiopsis feeds on a variety of prey, mostly coinciding with the zooplankton assemblage. Notably, some groups, like decapod larvae and the slow-swimming larvae of gastropods and bivalves, appear to be favored. Conversely, the relative abundance of copepods was higher in-situ than in the gut contents.
The uneven water stress implications of global
refugee migrations
Authors: Bertassello Leonardo , Müller Marc , Wiechman Adam , Penny Gopal , Tuninetti Marta , Muller-Itten Michèle
Published: March 2022

Millions displaced by conflicts have found refuge in water-stressed countries, where their perceived effect on water availability has shaped local water security discourses. We leverage new annual global data on the water footprint of food production to elucidate the effects of refugee displacement on host countries' water stress. The blue water demand transferred by refugees has nearly doubled between 2005 and 2016. It tends to be transferred towards countries with less water-intensive food provision systems, but more water-intensive dietary habits and comparably scarce water resources. Although minimal in most countries, implications on water stress can be dramatic in vulnerable countries that are already at risk of severe water crises. The 3.3 million refugees in Jordan may have contributed to water stress by up to 60%-points. We find that small changes to current UNHCR refugee resettlement goals can substantially ease the effect of refugee displacement on water stress in vulnerable countries.
Proposal of Risk Tolerance Factor for Optimizing Risk Management, based on the system context - Nanosatellite Case Studies
Authors: Monteiro Benjamim , Garbi Giuliani , Vidal Francisco , de Carvalho Manoel , Rodrigues Alessandra
Published: March 2022

The paper present and implement a generic methodology for optimizing the risk management of low-cost systems with a lean schedule and brief operating time. Therefore, a proposed approach uses a correction factor (RTF – Risk Tolerance Factor) in the qualitative risk management stage. To analyze the application of the RTF approach, two case studies, ARMADILLO and CONASSAT, are presented. It was observed that the use of the RTF approach provided the mitigation of a minor number of risks in the planning stage of risk management in CubeSats projects. The advantage of the RTF approach is that the project team will carry out more straightforward mitigation plans for qualified risks. It is concluded that the approach met the objective of providing the team members with information about which risk scenario the mission is allocated in at the beginning of the mission design process. However, it does not exclude the possibility of later application of the tool.
Evaluation of Internet Users' Interests for Paediatric Dental Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aksoy Emre , Tunc Emine Sen
Published: March 2022

Background
The outbreak of pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) had a significant impact on dental care providers; patients had trouble accessing routine dental care due to concerns about the safety of dentists and patients. Therefore, people spend more time at home due to lockdown and working from home, which increases their likelihood of looking for dental care information on the Internet. The present study aims to compare the trends of Internet searches for paediatric dentistry queries before and after COVID-19.
Design:
The weekly variation of relative search volume (RSV) and the lists of paediatric dentistry-related queries were determined from December 2018 through December 2020 using Google Trends. Two separate data sets were obtained before and after the pandemic. It compared COVID-19's first year to the year before COVID-19. The data sets were analyzed using paired t-test.
Results
There was a statistically significant increase in queries about dental emergencies, especially toothache and dental trauma (p < 0.05). Other queries about recommended dental procedures during COVID-19, such as Hall Techniques and stainless steel crowns, showed an increasing trend. However, these were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
People search for many more emergency queries on the Internet due to their limited access to dental care providers. Also, non-aerosol generating procedures such as Hall Techniques are becoming much more popular.
Predictors for patient satisfaction of a single intra-articular injection of crosslinked hyaluronic acid combined with mannitol (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. Results of a prospective open-label pilot study (HAPPYMINI- ARTEMIS trial)
Authors: BARON Dominique , BARON Hugo , BAERER Catherine , BODERE Céline , CONROZIER Thierry
Published: March 2022

Background:Chronic pain and functional impairment interfere with the quality of life of subjects suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injections have been shown to alleviate pain and improve mandibular mobility in patients with TMJ osteoarthritis (OA).Objectives:The primary aim of the study was to identify the prognostic factors of patient satisfaction for a single IA injection of a mannitol-modified crosslinked HA (HANOX-M-XL) in patients with TMJ-OA. The second goal was to obtain clinical data on effectiveness, safety and mandibular mobility throughout a six-month follow-up period. Patients and methods: This was an observational single-arm prospective trial with a six-month follow-up. Inclusion criteria: patients with TMJ-OA which is not relieved by analgesics and/or non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs and/or orthotics, with radiological evidence of TMJ-OA. All patients received a single IA injection of 1ml HANOX-M-XL in the target TMJ. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction on day 180. The main secondary outcome measures were pain variation on a 11-point numeric scale (0-11) between the date of injection and month six, the variation over time of the Maximum Inter-Incisal Opening Distance (MIIOD) and the patient’s assessment of effectiveness. Predictive factors of success or failure were also studied. All adverse events were recorded.Results: 36 subjects (mean age 55.3 years, mean disease duration 98 months), covering a total of 52 injected TMJs, were included. Between baseline and endpoint, the average pain while chewing decreased dramatically from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 2.9 ± 1.3 (p<0.0001) and the MIIOD increased from 29± 7 to 35 ± 5 mm (p<0.01). On day 180, all patients were satisfied with the treatment, with 34 patients (94%) rating it as highly effective or effective. Tolerability was good in all but one patient. In the multivariate analysis, patient satisfaction on day 180 was highly correlated with the pain while chewing score, pain on palpation score and the decrease of pain over time (all p<0.0001) but not with MIIOD, gender, age, bruxism, articular noise and symptom duration. Previous viscosupplementation was also related to higher satisfaction (p=0.01)Conclusion: Despite a long history of pain, most of the patients with symptomatic TMJ-OA benefited from a single injection of HANOX-M-XL, as shown by the sustained (up to six months) decrease in pain and improvement in mandibular mobility, with no safety concerns.
SARS-CoV2 Induced Biochemical Mechanisms in Liver Damage and Intestinal Lesions.
Authors: Spirina Liudmila , Masunov Vladimir , Dyakov Denis , Akbasheva Olga , Kebekbayeva Amina , Shuvalov Igor , Masunova Nadezhda , Kovaleva Irina , Dagbaeva Yumzhana
Published: March 2022

Introduction. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms are found in SARS-CoV2 systemic inflammation. Oxidative stress, altered proteolysis, hypercoagulation, and metabolic disorders are significant in virus-induced lesions. The study aimed to investigate the biochemical mechanism of virus-induced disorders and determine the biochemical features in SARS-CoV2-associated liver damage and intestine lesions. Methods. A retrospective case series of ninety-two patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The ACE, α1-proteinase inhibitor, trypsin-like proteinase, and elastase activity were measured by FAPGG hydrolysis. Nitrites level was detected in reaction with Griess reagent. The ELISA kit measured Troponin, C-peptide, leptin, adiponectin, PAR4, and neuropilin level. Results. ACE activity and nitrites ions content increase in SARS-CoV2 pneumonia. The hyperglycemia with an increase in adipose tissue-derived hormones is specific for virus-induced disorders and affects the development of unfavorable outcomes. Cardiac failure was detected in patients with ARDS. AH patients with COVID-19 had more pronounced hyperglycemia and increased ACE activity and NO ions level. Activation of proteolysis was revealed in SARS-CoV2 pneumonia. The found molecular event was accompanied by hyperglycemia induction. Liver damage was specific for patients co-infected with COVID-19 with severe ARDS and heart failure. But the intestinal lesions were associated with the proteolysis activation. The obtained data shows the prevalence of the neuropilin-dependent axis in damage of the intestine with more pronounced inflammation. Growth in adipose tissue hormones, nitrites, and neuropilin levels is triggered by prolonged inflammation. Conclusions. The impaired metabolism, SARS-CoV2 associated hyperglycemia influence on SARS-CoV2 multiple mechanisms of virus invasion. Gastrointestinal manifestations in SARS-CoV2 infection are related to various and varied tools. ACE2 receptors axis is prevalent for liver damage, but NRP-1 protein (neuropilin), NO derivatives, and adipose tissue-derived hormones are essential for intestinal lesions.
Environmental Footprints of Economic Development, Foreign Investment, Tourism, and Electricity Production: Empirical Evidence from GCC Region
Authors: Farooq Umar , Tabash Mosab I. , Anagreh Suhaib , Al-Rdaydeh Mahmoud , Habib Samar
Published: March 2022

Each economic factor generates both positive and negative externalities regarding environmental quality. Owing to this, the current study explores the impacts of various economic factors on the environmental quality of GCC region. By sampling the 24-years (1996-2019) financial statistics of six GCC region countries, we investigate the impact of economic development, foreign investment, trade volume, tourism investment and revenue, and electricity production etc., on CO2 emissions. The empirical analysis is based upon FMOLS (fully modified ordinary least square) model due to existence of cointegration. Following the results, economic development, foreign investment, tourism investment, electricity production, and population density have positive while trade volume and banking development have negative impact on volume of CO2 emissions. The results support the pollution haven hypothesis in GCC region and have many policies for environmental economists regarding the protection of natural environment both in short and long-run. The current analysis offers new insights regarding the dynamic role of various economic factors in establishing the CO2 emission volume in GCC region.