bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Sink in Fuzzy Logic and Meta-heuristic Firefly Algorithm based Routing Scheme to Extend Network Lifetime of WSN (MSFLMFLA)
Authors: Navghare Pranali Rajendea , Pandey Sudhakar , Agrawal Deepika
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, wireless sensor network (WSN) improves people's lives by assisting them with a variety of applications. The major challenge in WSN is consumption of power as well as lifetime of the network. Clustering is the important method for saving energy in WSN because the separation of the sender and the receiver is related to transmission energy. In this paper we used fuzzy rules for clustering. Wireless sensor networks are susceptible to energy holes, in which sensors nearer to a static sink rapidly lose energy. To solve this problem and extend network life we used a mobile sink (MS). In this paper, a customized mobile sink node called the mobile data sender (MDS) has been tried to introduce for collecting data from the sensors by going to visit every node and then going to send this to the base station. This paper proposes nature inspired heuristic discrete firefly algorithm to optimal way accumulate information from sensor nodes in order to decrease the path travelled by the MDS while doing the tour. So, in this paper, we consider Mobile Sink in Fuzzy Logic and Meta-heuristic Firefly Algorithm based routing scheme to extend network lifetime of WSN (MSFLMFLA). Here we compare throughput and network lifetime with the static sink in FLMFLA and EHR-DC and LEACH protocol. The results of simulation shows that the MSFLMFLA increases the throughput, residual energy and also increases the data received by the sink.
Serum Pro-Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance in Term Versus Preterm Neonates
Authors: Boskabadi Hassan , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Saeidinia Amin
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The oxidant/antioxidant status balance is a process that begins before birth and premature infants are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. According to the mechanisms of oxidative stress and lack of study in this field, in this prospective study we aimed to compare the levels of serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) in preterm versus term babies. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study that was performed in Ghaem hospital, a university tertiary hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The study population was included of all term and preterm neonates who were admitted to the hospital within birth time. Results: In our study, 324 neonates were included. One hundred ninety eight neonates were preterm (61.1%) and others were term (38.9%). The mean birth weight of participants was 3267.19± 446.35gr in term and 1658.78± 644.97 gr in preterm neonates. There was significant difference between PAB level in term and preterm neonates. Serum PAB level was significantly lower in preterm neonates rather than term neonates (21.86± 21.01 versus 50.33± 31.69; P=0.001). There was also significant negative correlation between PAB levels and gestational age. Conclusion: According to previous investigations, we showed for the first time in our study that PAB is lower in preterm newborns rather than term ones. This is in line with the hypothesis that oxidative stress is higher in preterm neonates.
Impact of Academic Interaction Networks on Grades & Jobs: Evidence from Four-year University Trajectories
Authors: Phan Tuan , Ding Dan , Bhattacharya Prasanta , Airoldi Edoardo
Published: July 2021

Student interactions play a critical role in education. Interactions and collaborative partnerships formed within universities can have a profound impact on academic and job-related performance. However, little is known about the mechanisms using which these networks develop inside the classroom, generate network effects, and impact academic and employment outcomes. We analyze 1.5 million de-identified in-class interactions, grades, and job outcomes for 6,355 undergraduates through a four-year education program to show that students with larger networks exhibit better academic and employment outcomes, and that high-performing students benefit from stronger network effects, as compared to their mid- and low-performing students. Our results also suggest the existence of a network premium - mid-performers with larger networks can achieve higher average salaries than high-performers with smaller networks. We adapted a stochastic actor-oriented model (SAOM) to model the underlying mechanisms of course selection, network formation, and peer influence among students. Our research sheds light on the importance of interaction networks as drivers of academic and employment performance, as well as the different mechanisms through which high- and low-performing students benefit from them. As education shifts to online, educators and policymakers should invest in the design of digital interactions and communities (e.g.forums) which can generate and sustain healthy networks among students.
Imperceptible Adversarial Attacks against Traffic Scene Recognition
Authors: Zhu Yinghui , Jiang Yuzhen
Published: July 2021

Adversarial examples have begun to receive widespread attention owning to their potential destructions to the most popular DNNs. They are crafted from original images by embedding well calculated perturbations. In some cases the perturbations are so slight that neither human eyes nor monitoring systems can notice easily and such imperceptibility makes them have greater concealment and damage. For the sake of investigating the invisible dangers in the applications of traffic DNNs, we focus on imperceptible adversarial attacks on different traffic vision tasks, including traffic sign classification, lane detection and street scene recognition. We propose an universal logits map-based attack architecture against image semantic segmentation, and design two targeted attack approaches on it. All the attack algorithms generate the micro-noise adversarial examples by the iterative method of gradient descent optimization. All of them can achieve 100% attack rate but with very low distortion, among which, the mean MAE (Mean Absolute Error) of perturbation noise based on traffic sign classifier attack is as low as 0.562, and the other two algorithms based on semantic segmentation are only 1.574 and 1.503. We believe that our research on imperceptible adversarial attacks can be of substantial reference to the security of DNNs applications.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on African Animal Trypanosomosis and its vectors Among Small-Holder Farmers Neighbouring Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: SEREM ERICK KIBICHIY , Ngari Moses Mukaba , Bargul Joel Ltilitan , Abdullahi Osman Abdikarim , Mburu David
Published: July 2021

Background: Animal African trypanosomosis (AAT) is a disease caused by several protozoan parasites transmitted by tsetse fly (genus Glossina). AAT causes massive losses to farmers due to the high cost of control measures and treatment of sick animals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the local community on tsetse flies and trypanosomosis and evaluate demographic factors associated with adequate knowledge of tsetse flies along Kenya coast. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between November and December 2017 among 404 cattle farmers living near the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve in Kilifi County. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from randomly selected cattle rearing households. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the local community's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding tsetse flies and trypanosomosis, and demographic factors associated with knowledge of tsetse flies were investigated using a logistic regression model.Results: Of 404 study participants, 214 (53%) were female, and 123 (30%) were elderly (>55 years old). Majority (N=312, 77%) were married, and 326 (81%) had only primary education or none at all. Although majority of farmers (N=353, 89%) knew the local name for tsetse fly and that they are about the size of a housefly (N=307, 77%), only 65 (16%) knew they transmit diseases to livestock, with 55/65 (85%) identifying they transmit Nagana disease. Overall, only 16% of the study participants had adequate knowledge on tsetse flies and trypanosomosis. Being 15 to 24 years old (aOR 2.86 (95% CI 1.10–7.45)) compared to those aged >55 years, secondary education (aOR 2.45 (95% CI 1.42–4.21)) and tertiary education level (aOR 3.78 (95% CI 1.53–9.31)) compared to no education were significantly associated with higher odds of tsetse fly adequate knowledge. Unemployment (aOR 0.15 (95% CI 0.10–0.23)) was significantly associated with lower odds of tsetse fly adequate knowledge when compared to self-employment.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that farmers have poor understanding of trypanosomosis and its biological transmission by tsetse flies. Thus, training of livestock farmers will contribute to improved livestock health through better understanding of key livestock diseases, their vectors in transmission, and control.
The dominant role of East Asia warming in increasing tropical western North Pacific tropical cyclone intensity
Authors: Zhao Ping , Xu Jing , Chan Johnny , Shi Ming , Yang Chi , Xing Rui , Zhao Si
Published: July 2021

The increase in intense tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the western North Pacific (WNP) has often been linked to a warming ocean1-8. Here we show, however, that the TC intensity increasing trend in the tropical WNP during the past three decades are mainly related to the warming of the East Asian continent, especially a warming Tibetan Plateau (TP). The regional weak increasing trend of local sea surface temperature unlikely supplies the necessary energy for this increase in TC intensity. Instead, a weakened vertical wind shear (VWS) appears to be the main contributing factor. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate that the warming TP strengthens the South Asian high-pressure system, which triggers a wave train toward the tropical WNP, subsequently modifying the upper- and lower-tropospheric zonal winds to reduce the VWS. Applying the high correlation between TC intensity and the local VWS to climate model projection results supports that TCs will likely become stronger, with a significantly increasing rate of 1.0 m s-1/10 years during 2021–2050, due to a further warming of the East Asian continent. Thus, the rims of East Asia and Southeast Asia could face an increasing risk of intense typhoons.
Big Data Query Optimization -Literature Survey
Authors: S. Anuja , C. Malathy
Published: July 2021

In today's world, most of the private and public sector organizations deal with massive amounts of raw data, which includes information and knowledge in their secret layer. In addition, the format, scale, variety, and velocity of generated data make it more difficult to use the algorithms in an efficient manner. This complexity necessitates the use of sophisticated methods, strategies, and algorithms to solve the challenges of managing raw data. Big data query optimization (BDQO) requires businesses to define, diagnose, forecast, prescribe, and cognize hidden growth opportunities and guiding them toward achieving market value. BDQO uses advanced analytical methods to extract information from an increasingly growing volume of data, resulting in a reduction in the difficulty of the decision-making process. Hadoop, Apache Hive, No SQL, Map Reduce, and HPCC are the technologies used in big data applications to manage large data. It is less costly to consume data for query processing because big data provides scalability. However, small businesses will never be able to query large databases. Joining tables with millions of tuples could take hours. Parallelism, which solves the problem by using more processors, may be a potential solution. Unfortunately, small businesses cannot afford to operate on a shoestring budget. There are many techniques to tackle the problem. The technologies used in the big data query optimization process are discussed in depth in this paper.
Mechanistic insights into the distinct functions of ATG16L1 in canonical autophagy and selective autophagy
Authors: Pan Lifeng , Gong Xingyu , Wang Yingli , Tang Yubin , Liu Jianping , Li Ying , Wang Yaru , Xu Xiaolong , Zhang Mingfang , Li Miao , Zhang Yuchao , Shen Liqiang
Published: July 2021

Macroautophagy plays crucial roles in the regulation of cellular physiology, and requires de novo synthesis of double-membrane autophagosomes. The formation of autophagosomes entails the lipidation of ATG8 family proteins catalyzed by the ATG12 ~ ATG5-ATG16L1 complex, which is recruited to the pre-autophagosomal membrane through a direct interaction between ATG16L1 and WIPI2b. In addition, ATG16L1 can function as an adaptor to specifically recognize invading pathogens to mediate antibacterial selective autophagy, and the T300A polymorphism of ATG16L1 has been associated with the Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease mainly caused by the defect in antibacterial autophagy. However, the molecular mechanism governing the interaction of ATG16L1 with WIPI2b and the precise role of ATG16L1 in selective autophagy remain elusive. Here, we reported the atomic structure of the WIPI2b/ATG16L1 complex, and elucidated the mechanistic basis underpinning the recruitment of ATG16L1 by WIPI2b. Moreover, we discovered that the FIR motif of ATG16L1 not only can directly interact with RB1CC1 Claw domain, but also can selectively recognize mammalian ATG8 family proteins. We determined the high-resolution crystal structures of ATG16L1 FIR in complex with RB1CC1 Claw and GABARAPL1 respectively, and uncovered the molecular mechanism underlying the interactions of ATG16L1 with RB1CC1 and ATG8 family proteins. On this basis, we proposed the concept that ATG16L1 can be categorized as a potential autophagy receptor. In all, our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the interactions of ATG16L1 with WIPI2b, RB1CC1 and ATG8 family proteins, and are valuable for further understanding the distinct functions of ATG16L1 in autophagy.
Deep Learning Based Analog Beamforming Design for Millimetre Wave Massive MIMO System
Authors: Sohal Rajdeep Singh , Grewal Vinit , Kaur Jaipreet , Singh Maninder Lal
Published: July 2021

Analog beamforming (ABF) architectures for both large-scale antennas at base station (BS) and small-scale antennas at user side in millimetre wave (mmWave) channel are constructed and investigated in this paper with the aid of deep learning (DL) techniques. Transmit and receive beamformers are selected through offline training of ABF network that accepts input as channel. The joint optimization of both beamformers based on DL for maximization of spectral efficiency (SE) for massive multiple input multiple output (M-MIMO) system has been employed. This design procedure is carried out under imperfect channel state information (CSI) conditions and the proposed design of precoders and combiners shows robustness to imperfect CSI. The simulation results verify the superiority in terms of SE of deep neutral network (DNN) enabled beamforming (BF) design of mmWave massive MIMO system compared with the conventional BF algorithms while lessening the computational complexity.
Risk Factors of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Peng Guoxuan , Gan Lebin , Sun Jianhui , Wen Dalin , Huang Siyuan , Deng Jin , Zeng Ling
Published: July 2021

Background: Early-onset neonatal sepsis is a great managerial challenge worldwide. Studying the risk factors of early-onset neonatal sepsis is one of the most significant ways of reducing the incidence of sepsis and the associated health burden.Methods: A literature search strategy was constructed, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. All publications until April 30, 2021 were retrieved; the key words were “neonatal sepsis” and “risk factors.” Moreover, the references of the retrieved articles were screened to identify related eligible studies. Data abstraction was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality scale scores were used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and the fixed-effects model was used to combine the results. Risk factors related to the occurrence of early-onset neonatal sepsis, the pooled OR, and the 95% CI upper and lower limits were obtained to represent the correlation strength between risk factors and early-onset neonatal sepsis occurrence; the pooled I2 value was used to determine the heterogeneity of the combined results.Results: We included 21 articles with 44 non-repetitive risk factors, 91985 neonates, and 6627 cases of neonatal sepsis. We identified seven independent risk factors of early-onset neonatal sepsis, including at least three per vaginal examinations during labor and delivery, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes > 18 h, male fetus, gestational age < 37 weeks, neonatal resuscitation, and central venous catheterization, with the following ORs and 95% CIs: 7.18 (3.51-14.69), 6.56 (3.19-13.49), 2.74 (1.44-5.21), 3.03 (1.94-4.73), 4.08 (2.76-6.03), 2.6 (2.03-3.34), and 3.06 (1.64-5.73), respectively.Conclusions: Our results suggest that frequent per vaginal examination during labor and delivery, chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes (> 18 h), male fetus, gestational age (< 37 weeks), neonatal resuscitation, and central vascular catheterization are independent risk factors of early-onset neonatal sepsis. These findings support the use of empirical antibiotic therapy in neonates with these risk factors.
Neutrophil-Derived Exosomes Induce M1 Macrophage Polarization and Prime Macrophage Pyroptosis via miR-30d-5p in Sepsis
Authors: Jiao Yang , Zhang Ti , Zhang Chengmi , Ji Haiying , Tong Xingyu , Xia Ran , Wang Wei , Ma Zhengliang , Shi XueYin
Published: July 2021

Background: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) have been demonstrated to play a role in proinflammatory M1 activation and macrophage (Mϕ) pyroptosis in sepsis. Accumulating evidence suggests PMN-derived exosomes as a new subcellular entity acting as a fundamental link between PMN-driven inflammation and tissue damage. However, the role of PMN-derived exosomes in sepsis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether PMN-derived exosomes play a role in proinflammatory M1 activation and Mϕ pyroptosis in sepsis and explore the potential mechanisms involved. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of PMNs activated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cocultured with Raw264.7 macrophages or BMDMs, and then assayed for macrophage polarization and pyroptosis. To examine the role of exosomes in vivo, PMN-derived exosomes were administered to mice, and then examined for lung inflammation. Results: After activated by TNF-α, PMNs released exosomes (TNF-Exo) to promote M1 macrophage activation both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, TNF-Exo primed macrophages for pyroptosis by upregulating NLRP3 inflammasome expression through NF-κB signaling pathway. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-30d-5p mediated the function of TNF-Exo by targeting SOCS-1 and SIRT1 in macrophages. Furthermore, treatment of miR-30d-5p inhibitors in vivo significantly decreased cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or TNF-Exo-induced M1 macrophage activation and macrophage death in the lung. Lung injury was also alleviated by miR-30d-5p inhibitors.Conclusions: In this study, we identified a novel mechanism of PMN-Mϕ interaction in sepsis, demonstrating that exosomal miR-30d-5p from PMNs induced M1 macrophage polarization and primed Mϕ for pyroptosis by activating NF-κB signaling. These findings suggest a previously unidentified role of neutrophil-derived exosomes in sepsis and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Unresolved grief in parents of children with CF: A pilot randomised controlled trial on the use and delivery sequence of disease-related education and psychotherapeutic support
Authors: Schultz André , Barrett Andrea , Billingham Wesley , Branch-Smith Cindy , Balding Elizabeth , Grover Zubin , Yikilmaz Gisele , Bourke Crystal , Depiazzi Julie , Sander Nicole , Foster Juliet , Cooper Matthew , Zepf Florian
Published: July 2021

Diagnosis of chronic disease in a child can result in unresolved grief (UG) in parents. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of psychological insight-oriented therapy (IOT) as a treatment for UG compared to disease related education in parents of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Sequence of delivery, first IOT then disease related education (or vice versa ) was also examined, to let all participants experience both interventions.
Parents were screened for UG. Parents with UG were randomised to either five one-hour sessions of IOT or five one-hour sessions of education. Measures were assessed pre-intervention, after the first intervention period (primary efficacy assessment), and after the second intervention period (swapping intervention).
Forty-seven parents were screened of which 46.8% (22/47) had UG. Median duration of UG was 5 years (range: 6 months to 14 years). Anxiety (50% vs. 20%, p =0.03) and stress (59% vs. 28%, p =0.03) were significantly more prevalent in parents with UG. There was no difference between arms in the odds of UG resolving either following the first intervention period (OR 0.88; 95%CI 0.5, 1.5) or the second intervention period (OR 0.91; 95%CI 0.5, 1.6). While not statistically significant, adjusted mean values of all nine mental health measures were lower in the IOT (first) arm compared to the ED (first) arm, following the first intervention period.
Conclusions: UG is a significant burden for families affected by CF. Provision of disease related education and psychological support, regardless of sequence, can result in resolution of grief.
Treating Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms with Photobiomodulation Therapy: Improvement in Cognition and Other Symptoms Both Subjectively and Objectively by ImPACT® Test.
Authors: Santiago Ronaldo , Ozsarfati Jak , Shulman Holly , Zitney Michael
Published: July 2021

Objective:This research evaluates the use of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) as a viable treatment modality for post-concussion symptoms secondary to a traumatic brain injury and the use of the ImPACT® test to assess improvement in cognition and symptomatology in patients treated with PBMT.Background:Several studies have detailed the efficacy of PBMT as a treatment for concussions. As there are no widely accepted imaging or laboratory modalities that document concussive injuries, monitoring improvement objectively proves difficult. ImPACT® is a computer based neurocognitive assessment meant to measure cognitive performance for concussion injuries. This study uses ImPACT® as a means to document an improvement in symptomatology for patients with post-concussion symptoms.Methods:This retrospective study reviews patient performance in the ImPACT® test in a cohort of 35 patients who are diagnosed with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI) and experiencing post-concussive symptoms. Patient initially took the Post Injury 1 test then underwent PBMT therapy using the BIOFLEX DUO+ system three times a week for 4 weeks using approved parameters for treatment of the cervical spine soft tissue injuries. After the 4 week treatment, patients took the Post Injury 2 test and the results were compared.Results:By using PBM all the patients were improved clinically and their Post injury 2 ImPACT® test results were significantly better compared to their Post injury 1 ImPACT® test results. Conclusion:PBMT is an effective treatment modality for neurological rehabilitation in patients with Post-Concussion symptoms and ImPACT® is an appropriate and objective measure to monitor and assess improvement.
Maternal/Child Social Support and Food Security in Relation to Child Height and BMI in Four Lmics: Mediation Analysis of Young Lives Data
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Song In Han , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPoor nutritional status in childhood is associated with an elevated risk of mortality and morbidity later in life. Previous studies showed a positive association between specific types of social capital and child nutritional status. Our study examined whether improved food security mediates the impact of maternal and child social support on child height and body mass index (BMI) in four low- and middle-income countries.Methods We used data from the Young Lives cohort study comprising roughly 1,000 children at age 8 and 12 in Vietnam, Ethiopia, India, and Peru. Outcome variables were z-score for height (HAZ) and BMI (BAZ). Results Belonging to the top half of maternal financial support and child financial support was positively associated with child HAZ at age 12 in Peru. Belonging to top half of overall maternal support among children aged 8 in Vietnam, and maternal financial support among children aged 12 in India were also positively associated with child BAZ. A positive association of food security was only found with maternal financial support among children aged 12 in Peru. However, food security did not play a significant role in mediating the effect of maternal financial support on child HAZ at age 12. ConclusionsStrengthening social support to improve child nutritional status may not be a sufficient intervention in resource-poor settings because sources of supports may lack sufficient food resources to share. Considering between-country heterogeneity, a “one size fits all” approach for enhancing social capital may not be appropriate.
Compatibility of Climate Adaptation Strategies with Livelihood Vulnerability Patterns: The Case of Fars Province, Iran
Authors: Ghazali Samane , Azadi Hossein , Zibaei Mansoor
Published: July 2021

Pastoralists’ livelihood on natural rangelands are constantly influenced by the destructive impacts of climate change. While the phenomenon of climate change continues on a widespread scale, it is expected to put more pressure on unfavorable rangelands and pastoral households whose livelihood source is only based on pastoralism activity. Thus, it is vital to reduce livelihood vulnerability of pastoralists to climate change impacts through appropriate adaptation strategies. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to specify the compatibility of adaptation strategies adopted by pastoralists with their livelihood vulnerability patterns. The evaluation was based on a spatial survey that was conducted with a random sample of 393 Iranian pastoralists distributed in the counties of Eghlid, Sepidan, and Shiraz in the northern Fars province. The results showed that pastoralists were commonly vulnerable in terms of the high-risk exposure and low adaptive capacity. About 27 livelihood vulnerability patterns were detected using data mining based on the relationships among the sub-components of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation in 3 counties. The scores of the livelihood vulnerability were high in most of the livelihood vulnerability patterns. Only 4 patterns obtained the relatively low vulnerability scores through accurate decisions on adopting the appropriate set of adaptation strategies. According to the low compatibility of adaptation strategies with the corresponding vulnerability patterns, the results of this study can assist pastoralists to adopt appropriate adaptation strategies and thus, decrease livelihood vulnerability to climate change. In this regard, it is suggested that pastoralists in each vulnerability pattern adopt appropriate adaptation strategies according to their vulnerability sub-components.
Dosimetric comparison and TCP-NTCP modelling for lung, heart, left anterior descending and right coronary artery in left sided breast cancer conventional and hypofractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Taheri Hossein , Akhavan Ali , Tavakoli Mohammadbagher , Moghareabed Reza , Kianinia Mahsa
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the dose distribution, and also tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complications probability (NTCP) models of left sided breast cancer females for 3D-CRT, 6 and 9 fields IMRT and hypofractionated tangential plans.MethodsSixty left sided breast cancer females were included in this study. CT simulation images of the patients were imported on the treatment planning software (TiGRT, LinaTech, China), and the tangential treatment plans of the mentioned methods were done for each patient. The dosimetric evaluation, and TCP-NTCP models of stated modalities were done using Poisson Linear-Quadatric (PLQ) and Lyman-Kutcher-Burman (LKB) models on the MATLAB and R softwares.ResultsThe mean (± SD) dose to ipsilateral lung, heart, LAD and RCA with/without internal mammary fields for 6FIMRT was lower compared to other modalities. Furthermore, V20Gy for Ipsilateral lung and V25Gy for heart, LAD and RCA of 6FIMRT was lower than other methods. In addition, the PTV dose coverage was higher for 9FIMRT and hypofractionated RT, while it may be lower for 3D-CRT among the studied methods. Although TCP values of 9 and 6fieds and hypofractionated was not significantly different, the TCPs of them were higher compared to 3D-CRT. However, the NTCP for ipsilateral lung, heart, LAD and RCA of 6FIMRT was lower than others.Conclusion6FIMRT is suitable choice for RT of breast cancer patients compared to other mentioned modalities, as a result of providing adequate PTV dose coverage and TCP, and also lower imposed dose and NTCP for OARs. Hypofractionated RT is a good alternative to reduce treatment time for the breast cancer patients.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the ethical board of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran (IR.MUI.MED.REC.1399.677).
Dentistry Website Analysis: An Overview of the Content of Formulated Questions and Answers
Authors: Bastani Peivand , Niknam Fatemeh , Rezazadeh Mahboobeh , Fedele Giampiero Rossi , Edirippulige Sisira , Samadbeik Mahnaz
Published: July 2021

Background: Analyzing the online medical questions and answer can be considered as a valuable tool for better comprehending mutual contractions between the patients and the caregivers in an online environment. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the content of questions and answers posted on dentistry websites.Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted in 2020. A total of 1182 related questions and answers were included. The data was analyzed quantitatively according to the classification of the questions, main complaints of the subjects and length of the questions and answers using Excel2013. A qualitative content analysis was carried out also for data robustness and triangulation. Results: Of the 1354 questions, 866 of them were categorized into 38 categories according to the main sub-classes of the International Classification of Diseases to Dentistry and Stomatology. Furthermore, the inquiries were allocated to 3 communication styles to present the users` main complaints that included contextual (52.33%), emotional (6.79%) and focal (40.89%) strategies. Results of the qualitative content analysis have led to 6 main themes: seeking the related recommendations of any actions, treatment seeking, information seeking, seeking for causes and reasons, seeking for oral and dental health recommendations and seeking for the dentists’ diagnosis or comments.Conclusions: The present study can be used for designing specific customized websites of dentistry and help the website managers for better optimization of the websites. All these interventions can pave the way for developing teleconsulting in dentistry for middle-income countries.
Evaluation of Genetic Components and The Effect Of Non-Genetic Factors on Seminal Traits and Semen Rejection Rate in Murrah Buffalo Bulls Reared in Tropical Climatic Condition
Authors: P Ramajayan , Sivaselvam S.N. , Karthickeyan S.M.K. , Venkataramanan R. , Gopinathan A. , Poobitha S.
Published: July 2021

The present study was designed to determine the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on semen production and semen discard patterns in Murrah buffalo bulls. Data on 54,268 ejaculates covering a period of 11 years were collected from 77 Murrah bulls maintained in the semen station. The effect of non-genetic factors on seminal parameters was analyzed using least-squares analysis of variance under general linear model. The repeatability estimates were computed by REML using WOMBAT program. Semen rejection rate among the main factors was evaluated using Chi-square test. The overall least-s quares means for semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, mass activity, initial motility, post-thaw motility, and frozen semen doses per ejaculate were 2.65 ml, 1222.04 million per ml, 3030.10 million, 2.64, 67.45%, 51.73%, and 128.80 doses. Similarly, repeatability estimates were 0.27, 0.25, 0.22, 0.28, 0.34, 0.27 and 0.23, respectively. The non-genetic factors, ejaculate number, period, season, and bull age, had a highly significant (P <0.01) effect on all the seminal traits. The bull-to-bull variation was also found to be significant (P <0.01). The phenotypic correlation coefficient between the traits was highly significant and positive for most traits. The semen rejection rate was high in pre-freezing (2.07%) than post-freezing (17.91%). Better seminal quality was observed in the first ejaculate, period V, south-west monsoon, and summer seasons. Bulls above eight years of age performed better than younger bulls, with best performance in bulls 12 years and above. The repeatability estimates were low to moderate, indicating a scope for selection based on moderate repeatable traits. This would be useful to the semen stations in tropical regions to frame suitable strategies to improve the quality and quantity of semen production.
Assembly Accuracy Prediction And Optimization of Aeroengine Rotor Under The Separation Condition Of Assembly And Measurement
Authors: Li Minghua , Wang Yunlong , Sun Qingchao , Mu Xiaokai
Published: July 2021

The measurement and assembly of aeroengine rotor are separated from each other, the uncertainty of the test position leads to the test data cannot reflect the geometric characteristics of the rotor itself, which makes it difficult to accurately measure and predict the assembly accuracy. Combined with the fact that the geometric characteristics of parts / components are not related to the measurement datum, an assembly accuracy test and prediction method is proposed to reduce the datum deviation and ensure the consistency of test data. Firstly, the small displacement torsor is used to describe the datum deviation, the inverse matrix transformation is applied to reduce the datum deviation, and the datum independent matrix is utilized to express the pose characteristics of the parts / components, which provides the data basis for the accurate prediction of assembly accuracy. Then, the pose transfer model based on the datum independent matrix is established, which is more comprehensive and clearer than the traditional accuracy prediction model. Furthermore, a direct optimization method is also established, which is more efficient than the traditional genetic algorithm. The assembly experiment of aeroengine rotor shows that the model and method proposed in this paper are beneficial to reduce the coaxiality of the front and rear fulcrum and they can better reflect the geometric characteristics of the rotor itself. The related research also has reference significance for other large-scale and high-precision mechanical product assembly.
Survival and Prognostic Factors of 40 Patients with Pulmonary Oligometastases Treated with Tomotherapy Hypofractionated Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Rujun , Zhang Yajun , Li Mengmeng , Chen Xin , Sun Qian , Cai Feng , Xu Hongbo , Wan Qiangkun , Wang Gengming , Jiang Hao
Published: July 2021

Background: With continued improvement in radiotherapy technology, hypofractionated radiotherapy has helped achieve good results in the local control and toxicity of pulmonary oligometastases. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy and the prognostic factors that affect survival in patients with pulmonary oligometastases who undergo helical tomotherapy (TOMO) hypofractionated radiotherapy.Methods: Ninety pulmonary oligometastases in 40 patients (26 males, 14 females; median age 57 years) were retrospectively investigated and treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy in the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College during 2018-2020. Their Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was ≥70 points. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), local control (LC), and progression-free survival (PFS), and we determine the related influencing factors.Results: The median gross tumor volume (GTV) and planning target volume (PTV) were 9.7 cm³ (range 1.1–287.0 cm³) and 56.9 cm³ (range 16.3–494.2 cm³), respectively, the median biological effective dose, α/β=10 (BED10), was 76.8 Gy (range 56-96 Gy), and four-dimensional computed tomography positioning was applied to 52.5% of the patients. All patients completed the treatment plan during a median follow-up of 16.1 months (range 4.9–33.3 months). The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 90.3% and 55.2%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year LC rates were 80.8% and 64.7%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 47.3% and 28.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that colorectal primary (p=0.004), age >57 years (p=0.037), and number of organ metastases ≥2 (p=0.046) were associated with OS, whereas disease-free interval (DFI) ≤17.4 months (p=0.032), number of lung metastases≥2 (p=0.049), and PTV >56.9 cm³ (p=0.041) were associated with LC; and number of metastatic organs ≥2 (p=0.015) was independently associated with PFS. In multivariate analysis, colorectal cancer (p=0.010) and age >57 years (p=0.009) were significantly associated with OS. No > grade 3 toxic reaction.Conclusions: The median OS, LC, and PFS rates of TOMO hypofractionated radiotherapy for pulmonary oligometastases were 24.9, 25.9, and 11.8 months, respectively, showing that good survival rates and low toxicity could still be achieved using the medium dose.
Rebuilding Hippocampus Neural Circuit with hADSC-derived Neuron Cells for Treating Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Jian , Hao Rui , Guo Xuanxuan , Zhou Fei , Cao Limei , Gao Fengjuan , Wang Guangming , Ning Ke , Chen Xu , Huang Ying , Xu Jun , Gao Shane
Published: July 2021

BackgroundHuman adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) have been proven to be a promising autologous stem cell source for treating various neuronal diseases. Our study indicated that hADSCs could be induced into neuron-like cells in a stepwise manner that are characterized by the positive expression of MAP2, SYNAPSIN 1/2, NF-200, and vGLUT and electrophysiological activity. We first primed hADSCs into neuron-like cells (hADSC-NCs) and then intracerebrally transplanted them into MCAO reperfusion mice to further explore their in vivo survival, migration, integration, fate commitment and involvement in neural circuit rebuilding. ResultsThe hADSC-NCs survived well and transformed into MAP2-positive, Iba1- or GFAP-negative cells in vivo while maintaining some proliferative ability, indicated by positive Ki67 staining after 4 weeks. hADSC-NCs could migrate to almost every brain region, including the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus, and further differentiate into mature neurons, as confirmed by action potential elicitation and postsynaptic currents. With the aid of a cell suicide system, hADSC-NCs were proven to have functionally integrated into the hippocampal memory circuit, where they contributed to spatial learning and memory rescue, as indicated by LTP improvement and subsequent GCV-induced relapse. In addition to infarction size shrinking and movement improvement, MCAO-reperfused mice showed positive immune modulation, including inhibition of the local proinflammatory factors IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, and MIP-1β and enhancement of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-15, IP-10, and MCP-1. ConclusionOverall, hADSC-NCs used as an intermediate autologous cell source for treating stroke can play multiple roles through cell replacement to rebuild neuronal circuits.
Forecasting and Controlling Key Performance Indicators in Call Centers
Authors: Mehrbod Negin , Cabral Izunildo , Requeijo José , Grilo Antonio
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a methodology for modeling and controlling the performance of call centers. Most call centers use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems to record data of all contacts between agents and clients. These data may be autocorrelated. To model autocorrelated processes effectively, the proposed methodology integrates in a logical way ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) modeling and SPC (Statistical Process Control) tools. ARIMA is used to model the process and identify the model that best fits the time series. The fitted model is used to compute residuals, predict future values for the quality variable(s) being monitored and determine the prediction errors. To achieve these goals, the Box-Jenkins methodology is employed. These outputs are then used to apply SPC, in this case the Shewhart control charts for autocorrelated data. First, the computed residuals are used to build the control charts in Phase I of SPC, verify the process stability and estimate the process parameters. Then, these parameters are used to establish the control limits of the charts used in Phase II of SPC to monitor and control the prediction errors. The proposed methodology is tested in a case study of a large call center in Portugal. The results of the case study suggest that ARIMA modeling and SPC, when properly integrated, provide a set of effective tools for monitoring call center performance when autocorrelated data are available. This paper has important implications for both theory and practice.
Attention Deficit in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at Primary School Age Measured With the Attention Network Test (Ant): A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gradys Gabriela Oliwia , Lipowska Małgorzata , Bieleninik Łucja
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAttentional deficits are among the most bothersome symptoms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To date, the neurological basis of attentional deficits has not been fully described according to the diagnostic criteria. ADHD may result from deficits in various attributes of attention. There is no specialist neuropsychological diagnostic method that allows reliable distinction between primary attention disorders in the ethology of ADHD and secondary problems that may arise due to co-morbidities. This protocol aims to systematically review the literature to evaluate patterns of attention common to school-age children either diagnosed with ADHD or at high risk of ADHD, as measured by the neuropsychological attention network test (ANT). MethodsOur searchstrategy will consist of electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) and hand searching. Both prospective cohort studies and prospective studies of intervention effects will be included, provided they used the ANT. The primary output variable will be attention deficits. Screening and eligibility will be done independently by two reviewers based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. Data extraction will be based on a pre-pilot data extraction form, and conducted by two authors independently. Study quality will be assessed by two authors independently. Any discrepancies identified at any stage of the review will be resolved by discussion or/and consultation with another reviewer. We plan a descriptive summary of the findings and a meta-analysis if the data allow.DiscussionThe research will identify patterns of neuropsychological ANT results characteristic to both school-age children diagnosed with ADHD and those at high risk of having ADHD. Our results could be used to check whether the pattern of a child's performance in the ANT corresponds to the characteristic pattern of the results of children with ADHD. At present, the ANT is used only in research ; the results of this review will serve as a useful benchmark.Hopefully, in the future, it will be possible to use the ANT in the wider diagnosis of ADHD.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO: CRD42021249768
Bmis Have Different Effects on the Prevalence of OSA in Copd Patients: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Xiong Mengqing , Zhao Zhiling , Nie Qingrong , Shi Zhihong , Wu Bin , Song Yan , He Xin , Wang Mengmei , Hu Ke
Published: July 2021

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Underweight and overweight have paradoxical effect on COPD prognosis, while obesity is a risk factor for OSA. We aimed to examine the association between BMIs and OSA risk in COPD patients. MethodsThis cross-section study included 1637 COPD subjects in the final analysis. BMI was classified into different groups. OSA was defined as varying severity by AHI. The associations between BMIs and risks of diverse severity of OSA were examined. ResultsFor varying severity of OSA, obesity associated with higher risk, while normal weight group associated with lower risk; overweight had no differences and underweight group had lower risk of moderate-to-severe OSA. Compared with normal weight, for OSA, the overweight group showed a trend of high risk whereas the underweight group indicated a higher risk (OR 1.424, 95% CI 1.015-1.988) (multivariable adjusted). BMI exhibited a J-shaped association with OSA; the risk for OSA was relatively flat at BMIs of 20-24 kg/m2 and above or below the risk increased (P for non-linearity 0.0057); for severe OSA, the plot depicted a S-shaped relation, the risk reached the lowest around 24 kg/m2 and then increased thereafter (P for non-linearity 0.0200). ConclusionsIn COPD population, for various severity of OSA, obesity is a firmly risk factor, overweight not influence the risk, while normal weight associate with lower risk; compared with normal weight, underweight increased the risk for OSA; BMI had a J-shaped association with OSA and a S-shaped with severe OSA.
Protocol for Scoping Review of Mediators of Women’s Care-seeking Behaviour During Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Sub-sahara Africa (SSA)
Authors: Ndu Mary Ntochukwu , Nouvet Elysee , Martin Janet , Yolanda Babenko-Mould
Published: July 2021

Globally, there continues to be a surge in infectious disease outbreaks. While old diseases are re-emerging, new ones are also emerging. This speed of emergence and re-emergence is accelerated by human development, changes in demographics, population, and the environment. We continue to see new patterns of disease infections from their natural hosts to humans, with pathogens now travelling beyond traditional vector areas and spreading to previously unaffected environments. Lessons from Ebola tell us that women and children will be disproportionately affected by infectious disease outbreaks. A mother’s health-seeking behaviour has direct implications for the health of her children and the entire family. The way women reach health decisions could be the deciding factor in whether they or their children live. The broad objective of this review of the literature is to explore, identify, and map gaps in the literature on factors resulting from infectious diseases outbreak that could impact women’s health care decision-making. The review will compare health-seeking behaviour in sub-Sahara Africa during outbreak and non-outbreak periods, to generate a comparative analysis of the health behaviour of women of reproductive age and factors impacting on their health-seeking behaviour when there is an outbreak versus no outbreak. It is anticipated to be of interest to sub-Saharan Africa governments, national and international policymakers, and researchers, seeking to expand their attention to mothers and their children’s needs in emergency preparedness.