bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Nrf2/ARE Signalling in Cadmium induced Alterations inNMDA ReceptorMediatedPostsynaptic Signalling inRat Hippocampus: Attenuation by Quercetin
Authors: Srivast Anugya , Kumari Anima , Jagdale Pankaj , Ayanur Anjaneya , Pant Aditya Bhushan , Khanna Vinay Kumar
Published: July 2022

Exposure tocadmium, a heavy metal distributed in the environment is a cause of concerndue to associated health effects in population world over. Continuing with the leadsdemonstrating alterations in brain cholinergic signalling in cadmium induced cognitive deficits;the study is focussed to understand involvement of N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) and its post-synaptic signalling and Nrf2-ARE pathway in hippocampus. Also, the protective potential of quercetin, a polyphenolicbioflavonoid, was assessed in cadmium induced alterations. Cadmium treatment (5 mg/kg, body weight, p.o., 28 days)decreased mRNA expression and protein levels of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A) in rat hippocampus, compared to controls. These rats also exhibited decrease in levels of NMDA-Rassociated downstream signalling proteins (CaMKIIα, PSD-95, TrkB, BDNF, PI3K, AKT, Erk1/2, GSK3β, and CREB) and increase in levels of SynGap, a negative regulator of Ras-MAPK in hippocampus. Alterations in protein levels of selected targets associated with AREsignalling (Nrf2, HO-1 and Keap1) and degeneration of pyramidal neurons were also evident in hippocampus of cadmium treated rats.Simultaneous treatment with quercetin (25 mg/kg body weight p.o., 28 days) was found to attenuate cadmium induced changes in hippocampus. No significantchange in any targetwas observed in hippocampus of ratstreated with quercetin alone.The results suggest that impairment in ARE signalling on exposure to cadmium may disrupt NMDA-R and its post-synaptic signaling in hippocampus and contribute in cadmium induced cognitive deficits in rats. Further, quercetin has the potential to protect cadmium induced changes in hippocampus possibly by modulating ARE signalling.
Gene Coverage Count and Classification (GC3): a locus sequence coverage assessment tool using short-read whole genome sequencing data, and its application to identify and classify histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 deletions in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Stabler Thomas C. , Dwivedi Ankit , Shrestha Biraj , Joshi Sudhaunshu , Schindler Tobias , Ouattara Amed , García Guillermo A. , Daubenberger Claudia , Silva Joana C.
Published: July 2022

Background
The ability of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to effectively detect active infections is being compromised by the presence of malaria strains with genomic deletions at the hrp2 and hrp3 loci, encoding the antigens most commonly targeted in diagnostics for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) detection. The frequency of such deletions can be determined in publically available Pf whole genome sequencing (WGS) datasets. A computational approach was developed and validated, termed Gene Coverage Count and Classification (GC3), to analyze genome-wide sequence coverage data and provide informative outputs to assess presence and coverage profile of a target locus in WGS data. GC3 was applied to detect deletions at hrp2 and hrp3 (hrp2/3) and flanking genes in different geographic regions and across time points.
Methods
GC3 uses Python and R scripts to extract locus read coverage metrics from mapped WGS data according to user-defined parameters and generates relevant tables and figures. GC3 was tested using WGS data for laboratory reference strains with known hrp2/3 genotype, and its results compared to those of a hrp2/3-specific qPCR assay. Samples with at least 25% of coding region positions with zero coverage were classified as having a deletion. Publicly available sequence data was analyzed and compared with published deletion frequency estimates.
Results
GC3 results matched the expected coverage of known laboratory reference strains. Agreement between GC3 and a hrp2/3-specific qPCR assay reported 19/19 (100%) hrp2 deletions and 18/19 (94.7%) hrp3 deletions. Among Cambodian (n = 127) and Brazilian (n = 20) WGS datasets, which had not been previously analyzed for hrp2/3 deletions, GC3 identified hrp2 deletions in three and four samples, and hrp3 deletions in 10 and 15 samples, respectively. Plots of hrp2/3 coding regions, grouped by year of sample collection, showed a decrease in median standardized coverage among Malawian samples (n = 150) suggesting an increase in frequency of deletions between 2007-08 and 2014-15. Among Malian (n = 90) samples, median standardized coverage was lower in 2002 than 2010, indicating widespread deletions present at the gene locus in 2002.
Conclusions
The GC3 tool accurately classifies hrp2/3 deletions and provided informative tables and figures to analyze targeted gene coverage. GC3 is an appropriate tool when performing preliminary and exploratory assessment of locus coverage data.
High and low inferior mesenteric artery ligation in laparoscopic low anterior rectal resections: A retrospective study
Authors: Yu Jun , Yan Qian , Li Tong , Chen Yi , Sheng Bo , Zhen Zhuo , Zhang Jianbo , Zhu Peng
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The high or low inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation in rectal cancer remains a great debate. This study retrospectively discussed the outcomes of the perioperative period, defecation and urinary function and long-term prognosis in rectal cancer patients with high or low IMA ligation.
Methods
This study enrolled 220 consecutive rectal cancer cases, including 134 with high IMA ligation and 86 with low ligation. A comparison between the two groups was made for anastomotic leakage, low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), international Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and 5-year overall survival (OS).
Results
Low-ligation group had a longer operative time, and larger intraoperative blood loss. No significant difference was noted in anastomotic leakage incidence. In multivariable analysis, the male gender and tumor located at the lower rectum were identified as risk factors for anastomotic leakage. No significant differences were observed between groups in their LARS and IPSS questionnaire responses. The high-ligation versus the low-ligation 5-year OS and DFS were 78.3% versus 82.4% and 72.4% versus 76.6%, respectively, which were not statistically different.
Conclusion
The ligation level of the IMA had no significant effect on the anastomotic leakage incidence, defecation, urinary function, and long-term prognosis.
Unravelling synergetic removal of airborne carbonyls and inhibition of CO2 off-gas over robust amine-functionalised MnO2
Authors: Li Haiwei , Ho Wingkei , Cui Long , Lu Yanfeng , Li Xinwei , Wang Zhenyu , Ge Xinlei , Chen Mindong , Cao Junji , Lee Shuncheng , Huang Yu
Published: July 2022

Since the first standard available 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-coated solid sorbents in the determination of carbonyls in the 1990s, studies of the ultrafast chemoselective reactions that form stable Schiff bases (C = N) in catalytic processes that remove airborne carbonyls have been scarce. Here, amine-functionalised MnO2 is engineered with a method involving freezing–thawing cycles, and interfacial structure and configuration of amino groups at the metal oxide surfaces that usually decay in nature are mechanically enhanced. Through molecular level characterisation and measurements, we find strong hydrogen bonds between robust amino groups and metal oxide sites in the well-ordered H5O2+ overlayer and the amino groups are negatively charged under environmental acidity. Compared with a DNPH control, we improve biocompatible amine-functionalised MnO2 to achieve the complete removal of sub-ppm formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone synergically. Carbonyls and intermediate deprotonated hydrazones (–N = C(NH2)) are persistently chemosorbed and decomposed into recyclable bicarbonated amides (NH3+HCO3−), which are reservoirs or sinks of secondary aldehydes and routine CO2 off-gas.
Efficacy and Failure Patterns of Early SBRT to the Primary Tumor in Advanced EGFR Mutation-Positive Lung Cancer with EFGR-TKI treatment: A Prospective, Single Arm, Phase II Study
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Xu Hailing , Raynor William Y. , Ding Jiapei , Lin Ling , Zhou Chao , Wang Wei , Meng Yinnan , Wu Xiaomai , Chen Xiaofeng , Lv Dongqing , Yang Haihua
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
Early stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to the primary tumor combined with EFGR-TKI treatment may increase progression-free survive (PFS) by delaying resistance in patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Methods
In this prospective, single arm phase II study, patients with advanced NSCLC were treated with EGFR TKI (Icotinib125mg tid or gefitinib 250mg qd) for one month followed by SBRT (40-60Gy/5-8F/5-10d) to the primary tumor with concurrent EGFR TKI until disease progression. The primary endpoint was PFS and the patterns of failure. Overall survival (OS) and adverse effects (AEs) were second endpoints.
Results
Overall 41 advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations received treatment with 24.42 months of median follow-up time. On average, SBRT was initiated 1.49 months after EGFR-TKI administration. Tumors were found to have an average shrinkage rate of 42.50%. Median PFS was 15.23 months (95% CI 13.10-17.36), while median OS was 27.57 months (95% CI 23.05–32.09). Thirty-three patients were found to have disease progression, of which new site failure (NF) (22 patients, 66.66%) was the most common pattern, followed by original site failure (OF) (7 patients, 21.21%) and Simultaneous OF/NF (ONF) (4 patients, 12.12%). There was no AEs equal to or greater than grade 3 with the most frequent AE being radiation pneumonitis.
Conclusions
Administering therapy targeted at the primary tumor using early SBRT after EGFR-TKI initiation is a new potential safe and effective approach to treat EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC.
Conditioning of pretreated birch by liquid–liquid organic extractions to improve yeast fermentability and enzymatic digestibility
Authors: Wu Guochao , Alriksson Björn , Jönsson Leif J.
Published: July 2022

Background: Biochemical conversion of lignocellulose typically includes hydrothermal pretreatment, enzymatic saccharification of cellulose, fermentation of sugars, and valorization of the lignin-rich residue. However, by-products from the hydrothermal pretreatment of the lignocellulosic biomass inhibit enzymatic saccharification and microbial fermentation. Conditioning of slurries or hydrolysates is used to alleviate inhibition problems and make subsequent bioprocessing steps more efficient. Results: Three long-chain organic extractants (Alamine 336, Aliquat 336, and Cyanex 921) were compared to two conventional organic solvents (ethyl acetate and xylene) with regard to conditioning of birch wood pretreatment liquid (BWPL) for improved saccharification and fermentation. Removal of by-products typically increased in the order Alamine 336 < Cyanex 921 < Aliquat 336, which was in accordance with increase of their topological polar surface area (TPSA) values. Enzymatic digestibility, assayed as improved glucose formation from microcrystalline cellulose compared to an untreated BWPL control, increased with 19-33% after extraction with the long-chain organic extractants. Xylene treatment also improved saccharification, whereas ethyl acetate treatment worsened saccharification. Aliquat 336 was most efficient in improving enzymatic digestibility, but it was toxic to yeast cells, and residual Aliquat 336 after the extraction caused fermentation problems. Fermentations using Cyanex-921-extracted BWPL resulted in the best ethanol yield, 0.34±0.02 g/g on initial fermentable sugars. Extraction with xylene also resulted in relatively high ethanol yield, 0.29±0.02 g/g, while cultures with media consisting of untreated BWPL or BWPL treated with the other extractants exhibited no ethanol formation. Conclusions: We investigated for the first time the effects of conditioning with long-chain organic extractants on both enzymatic saccharification and microbial fermentation with yeast. The extractants efficiently promoted enzymatic saccharification in the presence of pretreatment liquid, with potential to recover inhibitory substances, such as aliphatic acids. The effects on the fermentability could be positive or negative, depending on if the extractant itself is toxic to the fermenting microorganism.
Numerical simulation and analysis of surface texture on the performance of die steel laser cladding layer
Authors: zhao changlong , Ma Zhenrong , Zhang Haifeng , Ma Chen , Yang Junbao , Li Ming
Published: July 2022

In order to reduce the stresses and cracks generated during the progress of laser cladding and improve the fatigue resistance and service life of the die steel, a simulation study of residual stresses and surface texture is attempted by changing the parameters of the cladding process. Different melting process parameters (power, scanning speed, spot radius) are selected as laser melting simulation factors and the residual stress is used as the main experimental index in this paper. Three-factor, three-level orthogonal simulation experiments are conducted to determine the optimal melting parameters by performing signal-to-noise ratio and extreme difference analysis on the experimental results. The cladding temperature and residual stress distribution are compared between prefabricated texture and non-texture cladding simulation under the optimal cladding parameters. The results of the optimal melting parameters are as follows: laser power of 800 W, scanning speed of 20 mm/s, spot radius of 1 mm, and the minimum residual stress of 360 MPa. In the melting simulation, the average residual stress of the prefabricated clad layer is 149 MPa, which is about 58.56% lower than that of the nonwoven simulation. In addition, the experimental results are in accordance with the simulated results and validate that the residual stresses may be reduced by the prefabricated texture under the premise of ensuring the melting temperature, which in turn can achieve the purpose of reducing the crack generation.
Irisin/PPARá Mediates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Ascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Activation of the HO-1
Authors: Liu Danan , Wang Yao , Zhou Bo , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the function and mechanism that Irisin/ PPARαsignaling pathway mediates the balance between proliferation and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods: VSMCs were transfected with FNDC5 overexpression and silencing lentiviral vectors to increase or inhibit Irisin production; the cells were randomly divided into 7 groups:the control group (control), overexpressing empty lentiviral vector group (MOCK1), FNDC5 overexpressing group (FNDC5), overexpressing empty vector with PPARα inhibitor group (MOCK1 + GW6471), FNDC5 overexpressing with PPARα inhibitor group (FNDC5 + GW6471), silencing empty lentiviral vector group (MOCK2) and FNDC5 silencing group (sh- FNDC5).The expression levels of FNDC5, PPARα, HO-1, Bax, and Bcl-2 in each group were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The Proliferation and Apoptosis of VSMCs were conducted by using flow cytometry. The gell proliferation rate was detected through CCK8 assay. Results: Compared with the control group or MOCK1 group, the expressions of FNDC5, PPARα, HO-1 and Bax，and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio，increased significantly in FNDC5 and FNDC5+GW6471 group(P < 0.05) , while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased significantly in MOCK+GW6471 group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The HO-1 induced by Irisin/PPARα,inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs through repressing DNA synthesis ,and regulated expressions of the important functional molecules in the cell apoptosis pathway to promote the cell death，therefore, we drew a conclusion that Irisin/PPARα mediates the the balance between proliferation and apoptosis of ascular smooth muscle cells through activing the HO-1.
Inclusion, Occlusion and adsorption of rare earth elements from chloride media onto Barite.Gypsum Co-precipitate
Authors: Abdo Sh. M. , Hagag M. S. , Ali A. H. , Salem F. H. , Dakroury G. A.
Published: July 2022

The high demand for rare earth elements (REEs) was prompted scientists to look for a low-cost technique of REEs extracting from their ores. In this study, a synthetic (BaSO4.CaSO4) composite is prepared by co-precipitation of an equal concentration of barium and calcium chlorides for the recovery of REEs from acidic chloride leach liquor of monazite mineral. The prepared BaSO4.CaSO4 is characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DTA, SEM, particle size analysis, and pore size distribution. Adsorption experiments were carried out at pH = 4 and the sorption equilibrium were reached after 20 minutes. The sorption reaction followed a pseudo 2nd order mechanism. The sorption reaction was regulated with Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The monolayer adsorption capacity is 168.63 mg g-1 at 303 K. Thermodynamic studies showed that the sorption reaction is endothermic and spontaneous. The desorption of RE3 + is accomplished with 90.14% efficiency using 1 mol L-1 HNO3. BaSO4.CaSO4 could be reused after 5 adsorption-desorption cycles with 73% efficiency. The obtained results discuss the efficient use of 1:1 Barite. Gypsum composite as a natural mixture for REEs extraction. The adsorption capacity of Barite. Gypsum composite was 136 mg g-1.
Vasculature-Function Relationship in Open-Angle Glaucomatous Eyes with a Choroidal Microvasculature Insufficiency
Authors: Lee Anna , Shin Joong Won , Lee Jin Yeoung , Baek Min Su , Kook Michael S.
Published: July 2022

Identifying biomarkers associated with functional impairment is important in monitoring glaucoma patients. This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the vasculature-function relationship in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with choroidal microvasculature insufficiency versus in OAG eyes without. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography-derived circumpapillary (cpVD) and macular vessel densities (mVD) were measured in 159 early-stage OAG eyes (mean deviation>-6 decibels) in accordance with the presence or not of a choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD). OCT-derived circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFLT) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thicknesses (mGCIPLT) were also measured as reference standards. The vasculature (cpVD and mVD)-function [24 − 2 visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) and central 10° VFMS (cVFMS)] and structure (cpRNFLT and mGCIPLT)-function (24 − 2 VFMS and cVFMS) relationships were compared using global and sectoral maps between OAG eyes with (CMvD+) and without CMvD (CMvD-). The CMvD + eyes showed significantly steeper cpVD-24-2 VFMS and mVD-cVFMS correlations (P < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the cpRNFLT-24-2 VFMS and mGCIPLT-cVFMS relationships between the two groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, OAG eyes with a choroidal microvasculature insufficiency have significantly stronger vasculature-function relationships than eyes without. Vessel density parameters may be useful biomarkers of disease progression in early-stage OAG patients with a choroidal microvasculature insufficiency.
Optical solitons of Zoomeron equation by newly ϕ6-model expansion approach
Authors: Isah Muhammad Abubakar , Yokuş Asif
Published: July 2022

One of the equations describing incognito evolution, the nonlinear Zoomeron equation, is studied in this work. In a variety of physical circumstances, including laser physics, fluid dynamics and nonlinear optics, solitons with particular properties arise and the Zoomeron equation is a single example of one such situation. The Q^6-model expansion method allows for the explicit retrieval of a wide range of solution types, including kink-type solitons, these solitons are also called topological solitons in the context of water waves, their velocity does not depend on the wave amplitude, others are bright, singular, periodic and combined singular soliton solutions. The outcomes of this research may improve the Zoomeron equation's nonlinear dynamical features. The method proposes a practical and effective approach for solving a large class of nonlinear partial differential equations. Interesting graphs are employed to explain and highlight the dynamical aspects of the results, all of the obtained results are put into the Zoomeron equation to show the accuracy of the results.
A distributed model predictive control with machine learning for automated shot peening machine in remanufacturing processes
Authors: NGUYEN VAN BO , Teo Augustine , Ba Te , Ahluwalia Kunal , Kang Chang Wei
Published: July 2022

In practical peening operation, the values of inlet air pressure and media flow rate are manually preset to acquire desired intensity requirements. The operator often needs to perform intensive experimental trials to determine a set of operational inputs for actual production. Obtaining these operational parameters is often time-consuming and labor-intensive. Thus, in this study, we propose an optimal distributed model predictive control for the multiple inputs / multiple outputs system to address the issues. In the newly developed system, control actions of inlet air pressure and voltage are optimally obtained with the anticipation of the predictive future states of the plant models, while reference values of air pressure at the nozzle and media flowrate are determined using a proxy model. The dynamical plant models include an air pressure model and a media flowrate model, which are developed based on measurement data and physics-based knowledge using the sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics algorithm. The proxy model is developed from the measurement data of the intensity, pressure, and media flowrate using a deep machine-learning algorithm. The control performance is demonstrated using on-site controls at the physical machine for different operational scenarios. The obtained measurement results exhibit a favorable control performance in stability, robustness, and accuracy. The measurement intensity is consistent with the target setting value; the difference is smaller than the industrial threshold of ± 0.01mmA for all random tests. In another word, all target setting intensity can be achieved without the need of performing trials to determine the operational parameters. It also suggests that the developed control system can be deployed to the physical machine for actual production.
Studies on the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of endemic and native plants from Cabo Verde
Authors: Essoh Anyse Pereira , Cassiano Gustavo Capatti , Mandim Filipa , Gomes Isildo , Moura Mónica , Medeiros Márcia Melo , Cravo Pedro , Romeiras Maria Manuel
Published: July 2022

BackgroundTraditional medicinal plants and other remedies are one of the many potential sources of new antimalarial drugs, there being an increasing interest in studying their potential for the treatment of malaria and other illnesses. The Cabo Verde archipelago harbors a rich native plant diversity, most of which are used with medicinal purposes. MethodsThe present study investigated the in vitro antiplasmodial activities of four native plants from Cabo Verde. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of these plants were tested in vitro against both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) P. falciparum strains using a SYBR Green detection method, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in Caco and PLP2 cells by using a sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay. ResultsAn ethanolic extract of Artemisia gorgonum and an aqueous extract of Tamarix senegalensis exhibited high antiplasmodial activity (EC50 < 5 μg/mL) without cytotoxicity. Extracts of Lavandula rotundifolia and Sideroxylon marginatum exhibited moderate activity, with EC50 values ranging from 10-30 μg/mL. The A. gorgonum ethanolic extract showed activity toward early ring stages, and parasites treated with the T. senegalensis aqueous extract progressed to early trophozoite stage but did not develop further to the late trophozoite or schizont stages.ConclusionsAntimalarial activities as well as the lack of toxicity of the extracts found in the present study support the claim by traditional practitioners for the use of the plants against malaria and suggests their ethnopharmacological usefulness as future antimalarials.
The role of insomnia in the vulnerability to depressive and anxiety symptoms in atopic dermatitis adult patients
Authors: Salfi Federico , Amicucci Giulia , Ferrara Michele , Tempesta Daniela , De Berardinis Andrea , Chiricozzi Andrea , Peris Ketty , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Esposito Maria
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory chronic skin disease typically associated with atopic comorbidities and other non-atopic conditions such as sleep disturbances, mood and anxiety disorders. A growing literature proposed a crucial role of sleep disturbances in the development of mental health problems in AD. We tested this assumption by mediation model analyses in adult AD patients.Methods: A total of 57 patients (mean age ± dev. std., 34.28 ± 13.07 years; 27 males; range, 18–67 years) diagnosed with AD participated in a cross-sectional study. We evaluated self-perceived severity of AD, insomnia, depression, and anxiety symptoms using validated questionnaires: the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Beck Depression Inventory-second edition, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, respectively. Two mediation models were performed, testing the mediation effect of insomnia symptoms on the relationship between AD severity and depression (model 1) and anxiety (model 2).Results: AD symptoms, as expressed by POEM, were positively associated with insomnia, depression, and anxiety severity. Insomnia fully mediated the effect of AD severity on depression and anxiety. Specifically, insomnia accounted for 81.64% of the relationship between atopic eczema severity and depression, and for 81.84% of the effect of AD severity on anxiety symptoms.Conclusions: The present study showed a critical role of insomnia in predisposing adult AD patients to experience depression and anxiety. Early interventions focused on treating sleep disturbances could indirectly be beneficial on mental health of patients with AD, counteracting the onset and exacerbation of anxiety and depression disorders.
Unspecialized Belief Learning for Zero-Shot Coordination
Authors: Yu Hongfei , Ni Kunyu , Yu Wenjun , Huang Yu
Published: July 2022

An important and challenging problem setting in decentralized partially observable Markov decision processes is zero-shot coordination (ZSC), where an AI agent must coordinate with novel partners without prior coordination. However, agents trained by standard multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithms in self-play setting study policies by playing the game themselves and thus cannot coordinate on the policies when paired with humans or other novel agents. Despite that some recent works have attributed the failure to highly specialized conventions, the lack of the explanation of how the conventions are adopted makes the viewpoint unconvincing. To explain this, we first construct a model to describe the formation of specialized conventions. Then, we present unspecialized belief learning (UBL), which enhances controlling the specialization of belief. UBL can reduce specialized conventions and shows significant performance in a simple toy-setting and the benchmark problem Hanabi. Finally, we discuss the future work of ZSC, including human-AI teaming and interpretability of AI.
Environmental factors controlling contamination and vulnerability of water alternative supply points in Lefock semi-urban watershed, West Cameroon
Authors: TONTSA Lauric , TEMGOUA Emile , BERTRAND Guillaume , KENGNI Lucas , MVOUBOU Mike Castane MAKAYA , KOPA Adoua NJUEYA , MBA Franck Fabrice
Published: July 2022

Due to the poorly managed water network of the Dschang municipality (West Cameroun), the peri-urban population of the Lefock watershed, frequently, consumes doubtful quality water from alternative supply points (WASPs): spring, well, river, borehole. In this context, the present study aimed to explore the influence of close environment on the possible contamination of these resources. For this purpose, 22 WASPs were characterized (within a 10 m radius of the point) both from physiographic (nature of bedrock, water supply utility, soil type, land use) and anthropogenic (presence of pit latrines, domestic wastewater, domestic breeding, agricultural activities, wild garbage dump, washing clothes on-site). Then, chemical (NO3−, NH4+, PO43−) and bacteriological (faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, total coliforms, and E. coli) contamination parameters were analyzed and compared with the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was done, using water quality variables as input combined with environmental data as supplementary data. It revealed that waters from WASPs were generally of very poor bacterial quality, due to proximity with pit latrines, domestic wastewaters, and/or agricultural plots. NO3− is exceptionally high where WASPs are close to agricultural plots and/or domestic wastewaters. The MFA showed that the chemical degradation of WASP mostly results from wider scale processes and is representative of diffuse (and likely long-term) impacts on the resource. In contrast, bacteriological contaminations were better governed by immediate contexts and appears to result from the combination of anthropogenic and physiographic constraints. Regarding vulnerability, the type of soil and the nature of the WASPs are the main influencing factors. The hydromorphic context accentuates the vulnerability, while the order of increasing vulnerability related to the type of WASPs is: spring - well and borehole - river. These results indicate that poor water management, combined with a limited consideration of local environmental specificities threatens the security and sustainability of this resource in semi-urbanized zones over heterogeneous aquifers, and argue for a twofold education effort for managers and end-users of the resource.
Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and dopamine transporter (DAT) gene promoter methylation and hyperphagia-related behavior in Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Wieting Jelte , Jahn Kirsten , Eberlein Christian K. , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge , Deest Maximilian
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUNDPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the loss of paternally derived but maternally imprinted genes in chromosomal region 15q11-13, is typically associated with marked hyperphagia leading to massive obesity if food intake is not controlled. The hyperphagia-related behavior is currently attributed mainly to dysregulation of hypothalamic signaling pathways, but recently there has been increasing evidence for involvement of the dopaminergic reward system in appetite regulation in PWS. Epigenetic alterations in appetite-regulatory genes outside the PWS locus have been demonstrated, but without establishing a link to hyperphagia-related behavior in PWS. In the present study, gene promoter methylation of the dopaminergic genes dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) was examined by DNA bisulfite sequencing in 32 individuals with PWS compared with a control group (n = 14) matched for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Methylation analysis results were further examined for their correlation with hyperphagia-related behaviors in PWS assessed by Hyperphagia-Questionnaire for Clinical Trials (HQ-CT), a caregiver-report test instrument developed and validated for PWS. RESULTSStatistical analysis revealed significant hypomethylation of both the DAT and DRD2 gene promoter in PWS compared with controls. DRD2 methylation inversely correlated with hyperphagia-related behavior based on HQ-CT scores in the PWS group, whereas the statistical mixed linear model showed a significant effect of the factor HQ-CT score on both DRD2 and DAT gene promoter methylation. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between DRD2 and DAT gene promoter methylation in PWS, with DRD2 methylation also depending on the age of the subjects. CONCLUSIONSPWS appears to be accompanied by epigenetic alterations in relevant dopaminergic genes, which in case of DRD2 may influence PWS-typical hyperphagia-related behavior, providing further evidence for the dopamine system as a behavior-modulating factor in PWS. In this regard, hypomethylation of the DRD2 gene promoter may represent a counterregulatory mechanism in response to a hypodopaminergic state generally associated with hyperphagia and obesity. Knowledge of dopaminergic dysregulation in PWS may open doors for future treatment options that possibly apply to other eating disorders and obesity-related diseases.
Risk characterization to glyphosate in honeybee and consumer´s exposed to honeybee-collected pollen in southeastern Mexico
Authors: Ruiz-Toledo Jovani , Sánchez Daniel
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to estimate the risk that glyphosate residues in pollen pose to honey bees and humans. From June 2015 to May 2016, we quantified glyphosate from freshly collected pollen from ten colonies from two sites in Chiapas, Mexico. Residues were extracted by the QUECHERS method and analyzed using a standardized enzymatic immunoassay. Glyphosate was detected in all samples (3.71–7.29 µgkg− 1). Risk analysis (pollen hazard quotient) indicates that such quantities do not pose an acute threat to honey bees and humans, according to ADI/ARfD – AOEL values. In conclusion, we found that the risks that glyphosate in pollen represent to human and honey bees are apparently low in our study site.
A Survey on Substance Abuse in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Salubuyi Susan B. , Makun Hussaini A. , Muhammad Hadiza L. , Ossamulu Famous I. , Muhammad Hadiza K.L. , Kure Jireh T.
Published: July 2022

The northern region of Nigeria has been repeatedly reported to have a high intake of drugs and hence the need to explicitly determine the pattern of abuse. Questionnaires were administered to 350 drug users across the northern Nigeria with 85% estimated response rate. The questionnaire targeted the types of drugs abused (traditional drugs, prescription drugs and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)), age of first intake, frequency of intake, duration of exposure, place of purchase, mode of administration. About a 100 drugs/substances were reported to be consumed by respondents- 5.71% were traditional drugs, 35.71% were prescription drugs and 58.57% were NPS. The leading drugs in the three drug classes include cannabis (83.7%), cough syrups (30.1%), solution (45.2%). Ages 20–24, 25–29 and 30–34 cohorts were the major consumers of drugs of abuse, all in the middle class. Traditional drugs and NPS were majorly purchased on the streets (78.9% and 74.6% respectively) while for prescription drugs, purchase was done from the pharmacy (51%). For all drug classes, majority of the respondents admitted to oral administration of the substances. This research has clearly indicated the pattern of substance abuse to be prescription drugs and NPS.
Abnormal Peripheral Blood Cell Counts in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Yasuda Ken-ichi , Asahina Akihiko
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), also known as von Recklinghausen disease, is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by neurofibromas with infiltration of mast cells. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and basophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (BLR) are examined as markers for various diseases. However, these parameters have not yet been assessed for NF1. This study therefore examined these parameters in NF1 patients.
Methods
We recruited 153 NF patients (78 males, 75 females) and 51 control patients (31 males, 20 females). Complete blood counts were performed, then NLR, LMR, PLR and BLR were calculated.
Results
Neutrophil count was significantly higher in male NF1 patients than in male controls. Lymphocyte count was significantly lower in NF1 patients than in controls for both sexes. Monocyte count was significantly higher in male NF1 patients than in male controls. Basophil count was significantly higher in male NF1 patients than in male controls. NLR, PLR and BLR were significantly higher in NF1 patients than in controls for both sexes. LMR was significantly lower in NF1 patients than in controls for both sexes.
Conclusion
NF1 shows high NLR, PLR and BLR and low lymphocyte count and LMR.
Demand and supply disruptions during the Covid-19 crisis on firm productivity
Authors: Hasan Fakhrul , Bellenstedt Mary Fiona Ross
Published: July 2022

This paper explores the impact of supply chain (SC) disruptions on the performance outcomes of a semiconductor company during the Covid-19 pandemic and propose appropriate risk mitigation strategies to overcome this crisis. This research uses a single case study methodology and 24 SC employees in Belgium and Germany took part in a survey. To measure the effect of SC disruptions on the firm’s financial performance, quarterly financial statement data was collected from the years 2018 to 2021. The results of the regression analysis show that there is no significant impact of SC disruptions on the firm’s productivity and non-financial performance. The paired samples t-test suggests that there is no significant change in the firm’s financial performance before and during Covid-19. This may be due to the political and economic stability of Belgium and Germany or the fact that the semiconductor company has developed effective SC risk management strategies to deal with Covid-19.
Lived Experiences Of GBV Survivors, As They Try Seeking For Help In Emergency Communities, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Magezi Alex , Nalukwago Lydia
Published: July 2022

Introduction
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has been recognised as a global phenomenon. In emergencies, the situation is even worse.
Purpose
This study sought to understand the lived experiences of GBV survivors in Kyaka II refugee settlement, South Western Uganda.
Methods
This qualitative study used key informant interviews to collect primary data from 36 respondents; female GBV survivors (n = 18) and local leaders (n = 9).
Findings
Of the interviewed survivors; a) they have experienced multiple forms of GBV (physical. phycological sexual and economic), b) majority of the GBV incidences happened after reaching Uganda, c) majority were perpetrated by non-partners, d) GBV negatively affected them (stress & depression, imposed psychological torture on their children, stigma & discrimination, physical harm, medical problems and suicidal thoughts, e) some GBV incidences have gone unreported, f) survivors require help (Economic support, Counselling, re-allocation & medical support), g) majority of the perpetrators are never prosecuted, h) the survivors wish their perpetrators to; mainly be educated on GBV, imprisoned and sometimes killed.
Recommendation/Value
This study is insightful to funders, policymakers and organisations that are involved in addressing GBV in refugee communities. Therefore, more funding to prevent and respond to GBV in the Kyaka II refugee Settlement is recommended by this study.
KENTSEL DÖNÜŞÜM ALANINDA YAYIMLANMIŞ COĞRAFYA LİTERATÜRÜ ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: ZAMAN Serhat , DUMAN Soner
Published: July 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ulusal ve uluslararası literatürde kentsel dönüşüm alanında ortaya konulmuş coğrafi araştırmaları, konusal ve metodolojik bağlamda değerlendirmektir. Araştırma nitel yöntem ile tasarlanmış ve doküman analizleri çalışmanın şekillenmesinde önemli bir yer tutmaktadır. Literatür taraması yapılırken ulusal ve uluslararası veri tabanlarında anahtar kavramlar kullanılarak taramalar gerçekleştirilmiştir. İncelenen literatürdeki ilk bulgulara göre uluslararası literatürde coğrafyacıların konuya yönelik eğilimleri daha eski bir tarihe kadar temellendirilebilirken ulusal literatürde ise günümüze yakın bir döneme rastladığı anlaşılmıştır. Ulusal literatürde kentsel dönüşüm uygulamaları arazideki sosyomekânsal unsurlara odaklanmışken, uluslararası literatürde ise kentsel dönüşüm sonucunda meydana gelen soylulaştırma olgusu dikkat çekmektedir. Metodolojik açıdan ise incelenen eserlerde nitel araştırma yöntemi ve durum (vaka) çalışması deseni ile hazırlanan çalışmaların ön plana çıktığı tespit edilmiştir.
Assessment of Cyber Resilience of Operational Dispatch Control System of EPS
Authors:   Melentiev Energy Systems Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gurina Liudmila
Published: July 2022

The research objective is to develop an algorithm for assessing the cyber resilience of the operational dispatch control (ODC) system of electric power system (EPS) during cyberattacks on data collecting, processing, and transmitting systems. The research methods include the probabilistic methods, fuzzy set theory methods, and methods of EPS reliability analysis. Result of the research: the impact of cyberattacks on the functionality of the EPS ODC system is analyzed. The factors ensuring the cyber resilience of the EPS ODC system in the case of materialization of cyber threats are identified. A model of cyber resilience of the EPS ODC system is proposed. An algorithm for assessing the cyber resilience of the EPS ODC system is developed factoring in the cybersecurity risks.
Increasing the Security of Information from Leakage Through Side Electromagnetic Emissions
Authors:   Military Space Academy A.F. Mozhaisky, Parshutkin Andrey , Neaskina Marina ,   Military Space Academy A.F. Mozhaisky
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the article: development of software-implemented ways to increase the security of information from leakage through spurious electromagnetic radiation of a DVI video system. Research method: search for brightness gradations of RGB primary colors that form similar levels of spurious electromagnetic radiation by enumeration of experimental data obtained from fragments of the reconstructed image. Results: the first part of the article provides a review and analysis of the literature on the features of the functioning of the video interface of the DVI standard. The main characteristics of the TMDS coding algorithm, which can affect the parameters of spurious electromagnetic radiation of the video interface of modern computer technology, are considered. The second part of the article presents an experimental setup for analyzing the relationship between the visual contrast of an image and changes in the intensity of electromagnetic spurious emissions from a DVI video system. On the basis of an experimental comparison of the intensity values of side electromagnetic radiation for different color shades specified by RGB combinations, the possibility of using such pairs of color tone combinations that, on the one hand, are acceptable for the perception of information by the operator, and, on the other hand, have practically indistinguishable levels of side effects, is shown. electromagnetic radiation. The third part of the article (this is for the existing one) presents a method developed by the authors to increase the security of information from leakage through spurious electromagnetic radiation of a DVI video system. The possibility of implementing the proposed method for reducing the information content of spurious electromagnetic radiation of a video system when displaying two-color images is shown.
Identification of Suspicious Bitcoin Network Nodes by Big Data Analysis Methods
Authors:   PJSC Bank ZENIT, Garin Leonid , Gisin Vladimir ,   Finance University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: July 2022

Purpose: to analyze existing machine learning models that allow identifying suspicious addresses of the Bitcoin network, to develop a modern effective scoring model for identifying suspicious addresses. Methods: collecting and analyzing data on addresses and transactions of the Bitcoin network, identification of patterns of illicit activity of addresses, developing and experimental verification of machine learning models aimed at identifying suspicious addresses of the Bitcoin network using related transactions. Practical relevance: the analysis of common data sets and machine learning models related to the identification of suspicious Bitcoin network addresses was carried out, data on transactions related to a representative set of addresses was collected. Machine learning models have been built to identify suspicious addresses based on the collected information. Experimental approbation of the models was carried out. It is established that the best result is obtained by a model using gradient boosting. This model demonstrates more efficient operation compared to existing analogues.
Impacto da COVID-19 na saúde mental das crianças
Authors: Santos Ana Lívia Ramos de Brittes dos , Souza Alessandra da Silva , Silva Eliara Adelino da , Alves Manoela , Ricci Adiel Queiroz , Silva Jannaina Sther Leite Godinho
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: identificar o impacto que a pandemia da COVID-19 ocasionou na saúde mental das crianças, buscando ressaltar os principais fatores que influenciaram no psicológico delas. Metodologia: trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica de abordagem qualitativa. Os critérios de inclusão foram periódicos de 2020 a 2021, na língua portuguesa, em forma de texto completo e que estavam disponíveis nas bases de dados e o de exclusão todos aqueles que estavam na língua estrangeira e não abordava o tema proposto no estudo. Resultados e discussão: ao analisar os dados nas três categorias elencadas pelo estudo foi possível detectar que nos impactos físicos, a falta de atividade física teve um grande aumento durante a pandemia, o que poderá acarretar em doenças crônicas precoce, já nos impactos emocionais, pôde-se observar que a dificuldade de concentração, ansiedade e dependência excessiva dos pais foi o maior impacto acarretado nas crianças e impacto social teve como principal causador a defasagem de processo de ensino-aprendizado, falta de convívio social e a desigualdade social. Considerações finais: ao finalizar o estudo, foi concluído que as crianças encontram-se mais vulneráveis aos impactos indiretos da pandemia, principalmente, com a interrupção da rotina.
Palavras-Chave: Crianças; Saúde Mental; COVID-19.
Vivências Encontradas pela Enfermagem sobre o Cotidiano de Nutrizes: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Lima Débora Rocha , Silva Jannaína Sther Leite Godinho da , Souza Alessandra da Silva , Silva Eliara Adelino da , Ricci Adiel Queiroz
Published: July 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a vivência dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre o cotidiano das nutrizes e as dificuldades enfrentadas pelas mesmas sobre a promoção da amamentação e manejo correto do aleitamento materno. Tratou-se de um estudo qualitativo, exploratório descritivo realizado através de uma revisão de literatura, com o intuito de correlacionar as vivências e diversas estratégias utilizadas para a promoção do aleitamento materno e as dificuldades encontradas para essa promoção. Observou-se vários obstáculos enfrentados pelas nutrizes/puérperas na promoção do aleitamento e a necessidade de novas estratégias dos enfermeiros (a) para diminuir os índices de desmame precoce. Concluiu-se que a promoção da amamentação é algo que deve ser mais trabalhada visto que não basta seguir os protocolos destinados a essa prática e sim olhar a paciente de maneira holística, focando na necessidade de cada uma e mediante a estruturação de confiança, traçar a melhor estratégia para atingir o objetivo da amamentação.
Palavra-Chave: Enfermagem; Aleitamento Materno; Criança; Dificuldades.