bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sinc Based Inverse Laplace Transforms,
Mittag-Leffler Functions and their Approximation
for Fractional Calculus
Authors: Baumann Gerd
Published: April 2021

We shall discuss three methods of inverse Laplace transforms. A Sinc-Thiele approxi-

mation, a pure Sinc, and a Sinc-Gaussian based method. The two last Sinc related methods

are exact methods of inverse Laplace transforms which allow us a numerical approximation

using Sinc methods. The inverse Laplace transform converges exponentially and does not use

Bromwich contours for computations. We apply the three methods to Mittag-Leffler functions

incorporating one, two, and three parameters. The three parameter Mittag-Leffler function

represents Prabhakar’s function. The exact Sinc methods are used to solve fractional differential

equations of constant and variable differentiation order.
Yenilenebilir Enerji Kaynakları Çevresel Bozulmayı Azaltıyor Mu? Türkiye Örneği
Authors: ÖZPOLAT Aslı , NAKIPOĞLU ÖZSOY Ferda
Published: April 2021

Amaç: Çalışmanın temel amacı yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarının çevresel bozulma üzerindeki etkilerini araştırmaktır.

Tasarım/Yöntem: Türkiye'de yenilenebilir enerji tüketimi, yenilenemeyen enerji tüketimi, dışa açıklık oranı ve kişi başına GSYİH'nın 1990-2015 yılları arasında karbon emisyonu üzerindeki etkisi ARDL sınır testi yaklaşımı ile analiz edilmiştir. Ayrıca, ekonomik büyümenin çevre kirliliği üzerindeki doğrusal ve parabolik etkileri incelenmiş ve Çevresel Kuznets Eğrisi’nin geçerliliği test edilmiştir.

Bulgular: ARDL sınır testi sonucuna göre, kısa ve uzun dönemde CO2 emisyonu ile kişi başına GSYİH arasında ters U-şeklinde bir ilişki elde edilmiş, dolayısıyla Türkiye’de Çevresel Kuznets Eğrisi’nin geçerli olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Yenilenebilir enerji tüketimi ile CO2 emisyonu arasında negatif bir ilişki tespit edilirken, yenilenemeyen enerji ile karbondioksit emisyonu arasında pozitif bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Ayrıca, dışa açıklık oranı kısa dönemde çevre kalitesini olumlu etkilerken, uzun dönemde istatistiki olarak anlamsız olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Son olarak, sanayileşmenin çevre kirliliği üzerindeki etkisi kısa dönemde istatistiki olarak anlamsız bulunurken, uzun dönemde çevre kalitesi üzerinde negatif bir etkiye sahip olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu nedenle, çevresel bozulma ve iklim değişikliği gibi sorunların üstesinden gelmek için yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarına yapılan yatırımların artırılması gerektiği düşünülmektedir.

Sınırlılıklar: Mevcut veritabanlarında CO2 emisyonu ile ilgili son veri 2015 yılına aittir. Dolayısıyla daha güncel veri kullanılamamıştır.

Özgünlük/Değer: CO2 emisyonu, kişi başına GSYİH, toplam enerji kullanımı, dışa açıklık oranı, yenilenebilir enerji tüketimi ve sanayi sektörü katma değeri değişkenlerinin kullanılmasıyla Türkiye’de yenilenebilir enerji sektörünün çevresel kalite üzerindeki etkilerinin sınır testi yaklaşımıyla test edilmesi araştırmanın özgün değerini oluşturmaktadır.
Channel assessment tools for rapid watershed assessment
Authors: Haring Christopher , Biedenharn David
Published: April 2021

Existing Delta Headwaters Project (DHP) watershed stabilization studies are focused on restoration and stabilization of degraded stream systems. The original watershed studies formerly under the Demonstration Erosion Control (DEC) Project started in the mid 1980s. The watershed stabilization activities are continuing, and because of the vast number of degraded watersheds and limited amount of yearly funding, there is a need for developing a rapid watershed assessment approach to determine which watersheds to prioritize for further work. The goal of this project is to test the FluvialGeomorph (FG) toolkit to determine if the Rapid Geomorphic Assessment approach can identify channel stability trends in Campbell Creek and its main tributary. The FG toolkit (Haring et al. 2019; Haring et al. 2020) is a new rapid watershed assessment approach using high-resolution terrain data (Light Detection and Ranging [LiDAR]) to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) watershed planning. One of the principal goals of the USACE SMART (Specific Measureable Attainable Risk-Informed Timely) Planning is to leverage existing data and resources to complete studies. The FG approach uses existing LiDAR to rapidly assess either reach-specific analysis for smaller more focused studies or larger watersheds or ecosystems. The rapid assessment capability can reduce the time and cost of planning by using existing information to complete a preliminary watershed assessment and provide rapid results regarding where to focus more detailed study efforts.
ASYMMETRIC TRANSMISSION OF MONETARY POLICY TO INTEREST RATES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA
Authors: Handayani Fitri Ami , Kacaribu Febrio Nathan
Published: April 2021

This study investigates monetary policy transmission to the interest rates in Indonesia, focusing on changes in pricing behavior that may have occurred after the shift of benchmark policy rates in August 19, 2016. We analyzed monthly data on money market, deposit, and lending rates from November 2011 to December 2019. Two specifications of the error correction model capture asymmetric adjustments. We find that the new policy rate regime has improved the response of money market rates. However, the rigidity of bank retail rates has increased. Specifically, lending rates have become more rigid upwards, as lenders have become more responsive to monetary easing than to monetary tightening.
Konsep dan Praktik Literasi Informasi Untuk Mahasiswa: Kasus Mahasiswa Pekerja Paruh Waktu di UPT Perpustakaan UIN Walisongo
Authors: Ulumi Bahrul
Published: April 2021

This article reveals  the pratice of information literacy done by students writing final project and working as part time workers at main library. It employs qualitattive approach which is considered the appropriate method to explore how these students implement their information skills to takle their final duties. The research shows that they partially comprehend the concept of information since they actively took part only in library orientation, as a result, they just a bit know about the concept of information ethics, although they are able to correctly finish their final works.
Practical Machine-Learning Applications in Well-Drilling Operations
Authors: Olukoga T. A. , Feng Y.
Published: April 2021

There is a great deal of interest in the oil and gas industry (OGI) in seeking ways to implement machine learning (ML) to provide valuable insights for increased profitability. With buzzwords such as data analytics, ML, artificial intelligence (AI), and so forth, the curiosity of typical drilling practitioners and researchers is piqued. While a few review papers summarize the application of ML in the OGI, such as Noshi and Schubert (2018), they only provide simple summaries of ML applications without detailed and practical steps that benefit OGI practitioners interested in incorporating ML into their workflow. This paper addresses this gap by systematically reviewing a variety of recent publications to identify the problems posed by oil and gas practitioners and researchers in drilling operations. Analyses are also performed to determine which algorithms are most widely used and in which area of oilwell-drilling operations these algorithms are being used. Deep dives are performed into representative case studies that use ML techniques to address the challenges of oilwell drilling. This study summarizes what ML techniques are used to resolve the challenges faced, and what input parameters are needed for these ML algorithms. The optimal size of the data set necessary is included, and in some cases where to obtain the data set for efficient implementation is also included. Thus, we break down the ML workflow into the three phases commonly used in the input/process/output model. Simplifying the ML applications into this model is expected to help define the appropriate tools to be used for different problems. In this work, data on the required input, appropriate ML method, and the desired output are extracted from representative case studies in the literature of the last decade. The results show that artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector machines (SVMs), and regression are the most used ML algorithms in drilling, accounting for 18, 17, and 13%, respectively, of all the cases analyzed in this paper. Of the representative case studies, 60% implemented these and other ML techniques to predict the rate of penetration (ROP), differential pipe sticking (DPS), drillstring vibration, or other drilling events. Prediction of rheological properties of drilling fluids and estimation of the formation properties was performed in 22% of the publications reviewed. Some other aspects of drilling in which ML was applied were well planning (5%), pressure management (3%), and well placement (3%). From the results, the top ML algorithms used in the drilling industry are versatile algorithms that are easily applicable in almost any situation. The presentation of the ML workflow in different aspects of drilling is expected to help both drilling practitioners and researchers. Several step-by-step guidelines available in the publications reviewed here will guide the implementation of these algorithms in the resolution of drilling challenges.
Group 14 Metallafluorenes as Sensitive Luminescent Probes of Surfactants in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Spikes Helena J. , Jarrett-Noland Shelby J. , Germann Stephan M. , Braddock-Wilking Janet , Dupureur Cynthia M.
Published: April 2021

Sila- and germafluorenes containing alkynyl(aryl) substituents at the 2,7- position are strongly emissive with high quantum yields in organic solvents. Provided they are sufficiently soluble in water, their hydrophobic structures have the potential for many biological and industrial applications in the detection and characterization of lipophilic structures. To that end, the emission behaviors of previously synthesized 2,7- bis[alkynyl(biphenyl)]-9,9-diphenylsilafluorene (1), 2,7- bis[alkynyl(methoxynaphthyl)]-9,9-diphenylgermafluorene (2), 2,7- bis[alkynyl(p-tolyl)]-9,9-diphenylsilafluorene (3), and 2,7- bis[alkynyl(m-fluorophenyl)]-9,9-diphenylsilafluorene (4) were characterized in aqueous solution and in the presence of various surfactants. Despite a high degree of hydrophobicity, all of these metallafluorenes (MFs) are soluble in aqueous solution at low micromolar concentrations and luminesce in a common aqueous buffer. Further, the 2,7 substituent makes the emission behavior tunable (up to 20 nm). Fold emission enhancements in the presence of various surfactants are highest toward Triton X-100 and CTAB (ranging from 5–25 fold) and are lowest for the anionic surfactants SDS and SDBS. These enhancements are competitive with existing probes of surfactants. Quantum yields in buffer range from 0.11 to 0.34, competitive with many common fluorophores in biological use. Strikingly, MF quantum yields in the presence of TX-100 and CTAB approach 100% quantum efficiency. MF anisotropies are dramatically increased only in the presence of TX-100, CTAB, and CHAPS. Coupled with the above data, this suggests that MFs associate with neutral and charged surfactant aggregates. Interactions with the anionic surfactants are weaker and/or leave MFs solvent exposed. These properties make metallafluorenes competitive probes for surfactants and their properties and behaviors, and thus could also have important biological applications.
WITHDRAWN: A Novel Axis HIF1A/miR-1271-5p/lncRNA PTTG3P/YAP1 Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Progression and Relates to an Immune-suppressing Microenvironment
Authors: zheng yang , zhang ke , liu yiyang , xie longfei , ge jinnian , wang yue , zhao guohua
Published: April 2021

Background Pseudogene has emerged as key regulators of important biological processes involved in human cancers. However, the PTTG3P biological function in colorectal cancer (CRC) needs further to be clarified. Methods qRT-PCR was adopted to measure the PTTG3P expression in different cell line and CRC tissues. Cellular localization of PTTG3P was detected by subcellular fractionation assay. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to explore the bioeffect of PTTG3P in CRC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), luciferase assay and RIP were explored to certify the direct binding of PTTG3P and microRNA. Results PTTG3P was upregulated in CRC and closely related to poor prognosis. Through gain and loss of function approaches, PTTG3P facilitated proliferation and glycolysis through YAP1, and glycolysis inhibitor (2-DG,3-BG) and LDHA knockdown could rescue cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Mechanically, miR-1271-5p modulates PTTG3P expression and miR-1271-5p mimics could recover the PTTG3P function. Also HIF1A increased PTTG3P expression in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions by ameliorating miR-1271-5p expression. In addition, silencing PTTG3P decreases the level of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and low PTTG3P expression relates with CD8+ T, NK and TFH cells infiltration. Conclusions Our findings verified the oncogenic function of PTTG3P in assisting the cell proliferation and glycolysis, demonstrating the pivotal roles of HIF1A/miR-1271-5p/lncRNA PTTG3P/YAP1 in CRC progression, which proposes a novel approach for clinical treatment.
Emotion Categorization from Faces of People with Sunglasses and Facemasks
Authors: Shehu Harisu Abdullahi , Browne Will , Eisenbarth Hedwig
Published: April 2021

Emotional information is considered to convey much meaning in communication. Hence, artificial emotion categorization methods are being developed to meet the increasing demand to introduce intelligent systems, such as robots, into shared workspaces. Deep learning algorithms have demonstrated limited competency in categorizing images from posed datasets with the main features of the face being visible. However, the use of sunglasses and facemasks is common in our daily lives, especially with the outbreak of communicable diseases such as the recent coronavirus. Anecdotally, partial coverings of the face reduces the effectiveness of human communication, so would this have hampering effects on computer vision, and if so, would the different emotion categories be affected equally? Here, we use a modern deep learning algorithm (i.e. VGG19) to categorize emotion from faces of people obscured with simulated sunglasses and facemasks. We found that face coverings obscure emotion categorization by up to 74%, whereby emotion categories are affected differently by different coverings, e.g. clear mouth coverings have little effect in categorizing happiness, but sadness is affected badly. While an overall accuracy of up to 97% has been achieved with nothing added to the face, the achieved accuracy decreases in all other cases when the face is obscured. Notably, clear visors have only a small effect across all emotions, where the classifier achieved an accuracy of up to 89.0% compared to other types of facemasks in which the achieved accuracy is less than 36%.
Assessing the Influence of Sea Surface Temperature and Arctic Sea Ice Cover on the Uncertainty in the Northern Winter Future Climate Projections
Authors: Cheung Ho Nam , Keenlyside Noel , Koenigk Torben , Yang Shuting , Tian Tian , Xu Zhiqing , Gao Yongqi , Ogawa Fumiaki , Omrani Nour-Eddine , Qiao Shaobo , Zhou Wen
Published: April 2021

We investigate the uncertainty (i.e., inter-model spread) in future projections of the northern winter climate, based on the forced response in the CMIP5 RCP8.5 scenario. The uncertainty in the forced response of sea level pressure (SLP) is large in the North Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic. A major part of these uncertainties (31%) is marked by a pattern with a center in the northeastern Pacific and a dipole over the northeastern Atlantic that we label as the Pacific–Atlantic SLP uncertainty pattern (PAΔSLP). To better understand the nature of PAΔSLP, the associated sea surface temperature (SST) and Arctic sea ice cover (SIC) perturbation patterns are prescribed in experiments with two atmospheric models (AGCMs): CAM4 and IFS.The AGCM experiments indicate more robust SLP response over the North Pacific driven by the SST perturbation, which is associated with the tropical-midlatitude interaction and the Rossby wavetrain. The North Atlantic SLP response is better explained by the joint effect of SST and SIC perturbations, which is partly related to the Rossby wavetrain from the Pacific and the air–sea interactions over the North Atlantic. However, these responses shift westward relative to PAΔSLP, where in CAM4 it is related to the low-frequency transient eddy forcing. The magnitude of these responses in the two AGCMs is largely different. Thus, constraining only the SST and SIC projections might not alone help constrain future climate projections. We should investigate the role of other factors in these uncertainties, such as the atmosphere–SST–SIC coupled dynamics.
Chalcogenide As Inorganic Transport Layer in Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: kumar Atul
Published: April 2021

Fill factor (FF) deficit and stability is a primary concern with the perovskite solar cell. Resistance values and band alignment at junction interface in perovskite are causing low fill factor. Moisture sensitivity of methylammonium lead halide perovskite is causing a stability issue. We tried to solve these issues by using inorganic hole transport layer (HTL). FF is sensitive to the band offset values. We study the band alignment/band offset effect at the Perovskite /HTL junction. Inorganic material replacing Spiro-MeOTAD can enhance the stability of the device by providing an insulation from ambient. Our simulation study shows that the earth abundant p-type chalcogenide materials of SnS as HTL in perovskite is comparable to Spiro-MeOTAD efficiency.
The Combined Use of SEM-EDX, Raman, ATR-FTIR and Visible Reflectance Techniques for the Characterisation of Roman Wall Painting Fragments From Monte D’Oro Area (Rome): An Insight onto Red, Yellow and Pink Shades.
Authors: Guglielmi Vittoria , Andreoli Martina , Comite Valeria , Baroni Anna , Fermo Paola
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work has been the identification of the painter’s materials employed in the wall’s decoration of some destroyed building dating approximately between the first century B.C. and the first century A.D. This research originates from a previously started joined archaeological and analytical investigation concerning a really varied group of findings that resulted from an excavation performed by Soprintendenza Archeologica in the area of Monte d'Oro in Rome. The focus of this study progression has been directed to a numerous selection of monochrome red, pink, and yellow pigmented fragments. The analyses were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) combined to Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies; visible reflectance measurements have also been carried out in order to evaluate its appliance in such a kind of archaeological studies. Most attention has been given to the assessment of the performances of non-destructive techniques, precisely the ones achieved by portable Raman and visible reflectance instrumentation, above all to test their diagnostic capabilities. In addition to the expected and well-known pigments such as cinnabar, red ochre, hematite for the reds and yellow ochre for the yellows, the study highlighted a diffuse use of mixed colours and/or overlapped painted layers and confirmed in some cases the presence of gildings. Among the mixtures of pigments, the most singular outcome concerns the pink fragment revealing the possible application of bone white, which, based on of the known literature, seems to be rather uncommon as pigment in Roman wall decorations.
WITHDRAWN: Gene Based ­­­­Markers in Marker-Assisted Selection to Screen Tomato Genotypes Resistant to Fusarium Wilt, Late Blight, Verticillium Wilt, Leaf Mold, Bacterial Spot and Bacterial Speck
Authors: Mahfouze Heba , Mahfouze Sherin
Published: April 2021

The tomato crop is exposed to serious losses due to infection with several diseases and pests, which threaten tomato production in Egypt and worldwide. Therefore, selecting the tomato germplasm resistant or tolerant to a specific pathogen by molecular markers closely linked to resistance loci is a desirable goal of this study. In this work, seven co-dominant markers targeting six resistance genes (I-1, Ve, Ph3, Cf-9/Cf-4, Rx4, and Pto) for six main diseases [ fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici), verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae and V. alboatrum), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), leaf mold (Cladosporium fulvum), bacterial spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria) and bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato)], respectively were determined. Theses molecular markers differentiated among 19 tomato genotypes resistant (homozygote/heterozygote) and susceptible (homozygote) to the pathogens. Therefore, this study supplied us with novel tomato lines with resistance to multiple diseases, and their pyramiding inside domesticated tomato cultivars are suggested to apply in the tomato breeding programs of resistance against fungal and bacterial diseases.
Monopulse Estimation of Unknown Polarization for Conformal Phased Array with Arbitrarily Oriented Dipoles
Authors: Deng Yuhao , Xie Julan , He Zishu , Li Jun
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a novel monopulse estimator is proposed to surmount obstacles caused by unknown polarized pattern and the difference among each dipole orientation. Polarized pattern often alters the phased array response and we could hardly recover it if we known nothing about polarized parameters. The sum and difference beamforming of conformal phased array is affected due to the difference among each dipole orientation. Therefore the conventional monopulse estimator is dumped in this circumstance. The method proposed in this paper is a remarkable estimator based on maximum likelihood methodology. In this method, polarized parameters are considered as a part of desired signal and the least-squares solution of desired signal is obtained. With the desired signal solution, the likelihood function with respect to direction is derived at first. Then from the above, Jacobian and Hessian matrix of likelihood function is deduced. The boresight is considered as the initial direction value and the estimator of desired signal direction is obtained by Newton's formula. Finally, the polarized parameters are estimated by least-squares method using the direction estimator. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) of angle estimation is acceptable when prior polarized information is completely unknown. Polarized parameters are estimated by similar technique after we find out azimuth and elevation. Our research fills a gap of monopulse estimation with arbitrary polarization and diverse dipole arrangement.
Difficulty Intubating a Double-Lumen Tube due to a Tracheal Bronchus: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Wenzhu , Li Ji , Liu Jian , Song Chengwei , Zhang ya-nan
Published: April 2021

Background: Intubation difficulties, hypoxemia, inability to perform a one-lung ventilation, and high airway pressure often occur during double-lumen tube intubation. Tracheal bronchus is a very rare and difficult to find reason. We present a case of tracheal bronchus accidentally discovered during double-lumen tube intubation in a patient undergoing thoracic surgery. We are the first one to summarize the one-lung ventilation strategy for patients with tracheal bronchus. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man underwent a scheduled thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy. After two unsuccessful attempts to pass the right-sided double-lumen tube through the right mainstem bronchus, fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed an aberrant tracheal bronchus with an incidence of 0.1%–3%. Finally we used a left-sided DLT to ventilate the right lung. The patient had no airway complications and was discharged 7 days after the operation.Conclusions: This case serves to remind us that preoperative visits must be thorough and careful. Although a computed tomography chest examination was performed before surgery, we just looked at the inspection report and did not look at the images. We also reviewed relevant literature and summarized the one-lung ventilation strategies for patients with tracheal bronchus. For left-lung ventilation, either a left-sided double-lumen tube or a combination of a bronchial blocker and Fogarty artery embolization catheter can be used. For right-lung ventilation, a bronchial blocker or a left-sided double-lumen tube is a good choice.
DMWAS: Deep & Machine learning omics Wide Association Study & Feature set Optimization by Clustering & Univariate Association for Biomarkers Discovery as Tested on GTEx Pilot Dataset for Death due to Heart-Attack
Authors: Singh Abhishek N
Published: April 2021

Univariate and multivariate methods for association of the genomic variations with the end-or-endo phenotype have been widely used for genome wide association studies. In addition to encoding the SNPs, we advocate usage of clustering as a novel method to encode the structural variations, SVs, in genomes, such as the deletions and insertions polymorphism (DIPs), Copy Number Variations (CNVs), translocation, inversion, etc., that can be used as an independent feature variable value for downstream computation by artificial intelligence methods to predict the endo-or-end phenotype. We introduce a clustering based encoding scheme for structural variations and omics based analysis. We conducted a complete all genomic variants association with the phenotype using deep learning and other machine learning techniques, though other methods such as genetic algorithm can also be applied. Applying this encoding of SVs and one-hot encoding of SNPs on GTEx V7 pilot DNA variation dataset, we were able to get high accuracy using various methods of DMWAS, and particularly found logistic regression to work the best for death due to heart-attack (MHHRTATT) phenotype. The genomic variants acting as feature sets were then arranged in descending order of power of impact on the disease or trait phenotype, which we call optimization and that also uses top univariate association into account. Variant Id P1_M_061510_3_402_P at chromosome 3 & position 192063195 was found to be most highly associated to MHHRTATT. We present here the top ten optimized genomic variant feature set for the MHHRTATT phenotypic cause of death.
Numerical modeling of reinforcement forces in geosynthetic reinforced soil slopes
Authors: Djeffal Houcine , Belkacemi Smain , Boumezrane Djamalddine
Published: April 2021

Reinforced soil slopes are widely used in civil engineering for slope protection for their vast advantages. The paper reports the details of numerical models used to predict the factors affecting force distribution in the reinforcement layers of reinforced slope-instrumented structures. However, the failure mechanism of reinforced slopes has not been fully studied. The stability analysis of reinforced slopes is conducted in this paper based on the limit equilibrium method. Furthermore, the effects of the target factor of safety and the soil friction angle of the reinforcement layers on the reinforcement force distribution are investigated. The research results indicate that the above parameters have great effects on the maximum reinforcement force and the reinforcement force distribution of the reinforced slope. Based on the analysis of computation results, the reinforcement mechanism is analyzed and the optimum design scheme of the reinforced slope is recommended. The results can be used as a guideline for the determination of the required reinforcement forces.
Effect of Air Pollution on Metabolism-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Wang Ming-wei , Wen Wen , Zhou Meng-yun , Wang Nan , Wang Chun-yi , Ni Jie , Jiang Jing-jie , Zhang Xing-wei , Feng Zhan-Hui , Cheng Yong-Ran
Published: April 2021

Background Many studies have shown that the fine particulate matter in air is related to the incidence rate of chronic diseases. However, research on air pollution and metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the incidence rate of MAFLD and air pollutants.Methods using a quasi-Poisson regression generalized additive model. Stratified analyses by season and age were also performed. Results A 10 µg/m3 increase of PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 concentrations corresponded to 0.82 (95%Cl: 0.49, 1.15), 0.57(95%Cl: 0.18,0.98), and 0.86(95%Cl: 0.59,1.13) elevation in MAFLD. In terms of season, the impact estimates of NO2 and PM2.5 were 3.55 (95% CI, 1.23-5.87) and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.78-1.46) in the hot season and transition season, respectively. Compared with warm season, the impact estimates of PM10 were more significant in the cool season: 2.88 (95% CI, 0.66-5.10). NO2 has the highest effect in the transition season, while PM10 has the highest effect in the cool and hot seasons. In the two age groups with 45 years as the dividing line, PM2.5 has the highest impact estimate: 2.69 (95% CI, 0.77-5.61) and 2.88 (95% CI, 0.37-6.40). The impact values of PM2.5 in male and Female were 3.60 (95% CI, 0.63-6.57) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.05-2.25), respectively. The most important link is in different lag models, there is a significant correlation.Conclusion: This study shows that the air pollutants are related to the incidence rate of MAFLD. The effects of different air pollutants on MAFLD incidence rate were different in different seasons, ages, and gender. It is found that air pollution has a lag effect on MAFLD.
Validation of the Nutrient-Rich Foods Index Estimated by 24-hour Dietary Recall Method in Chinese Mid-Eastern Adults
Authors: Zhai Junya , Ma Baihui , LYU Quanjun , Guo Lijun , Khatun Pipasha , Cong Minghua , Kong Yongxia , Liang Rui
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesThe Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) Index is an important nutrient profiling model. Nutrition quality indices need to be tested and validated against the quality of the total diet and against health outcomes. A family of NRF indices was validated against the mean adequacy ratio (MAR), an overall measure of the nutrient adequacy. Besides, we examined the associations between the NRF index and obesity indicators. MethodsA total of 656 persons aged 18-75 years from Henan province of China since 2020 were studied. All foods consumed by participants were scored using NRFn.2 (where n= 6–11) indices based on unweighted sums, means, and ratios of percent Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for beneficial nutrients (n) and nutrients to limit (2). NRF index scores in this study were calculated on 100 g, 100 kcal basis. The measure of index performance was the percentage of adjusted variation in MAR (R2). Multi-factor logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the NRF index scores and obesity indicators.ResultsThe NRF9.2 index, based on 9 beneficial nutrients and 2 nutrients to limit, using the algorithm based on sums and 100 kcal, was the best predicted model, with an adjusted R2 of 0.23 by multiple adjustments. The odds ratio (OR) for overweight (defined by BMI) in the 4th quartile (Q4) versus the 1st quartile (Q1) of the NRF9.2 index was 0.61 (95% CI=0.37, 0.98) after multiple adjustments. However, the NRF9.2 index score was not related to central obesity.Conclusion﻿NRF9.2 index, using the algorithm based on sums and 100 kcal, was the best predicted model. NRF9.2 index scores were associated with BMI. These results revealed that the NRF9.2 index can be used as a validated tool to assess the overall diet quality among mid-eastern Chinese adults.
ECG with Prior Myocardial Infarction Pattern or acute ST-T Pathology is Associated with Death in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Rosen Jacob , Noreland Maria , Stattin Karl , Lipcsey Miklós , Frithiof Robert , Malinovschi Andrei , Hultström Michael
Published: April 2021

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) pathology in critically ill Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not previously been characterized. We investigated the prevalence of ECG abnormalities and their association with mortality, organ dysfunction and cardiac biomarkers in a cohort of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: This cohort study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Sweden. ECG, clinical data and laboratory findings during ICU stay were extracted from medical records and ECGs obtained near ICU admission were reviewed by two independent physicians. Results: Eighty patients had an acceptable ECG near ICU-admission. In the entire cohort 30-day mortality was 28%. Compared to patients with normal ECG, among whom 30-day mortality was 16%, patients with ECG fulfilling criteria for prior myocardial infarction had higher mortality, 63%, odds ratio (OR) 9.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.02-55.6) adjusted for Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 and patients with ST-T abnormalities had 50% mortality and OR 6.05 (95% CI 1.82-21.3) in univariate analysis. Both prior myocardial infarction pattern and ST-T pathology were associated with need for vasoactive treatment and higher peak plasma levels of troponin-I, NT-pro-BNP (N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide), and lactate during ICU stay compared to patients with normal ECG. Conclusion: ECG with prior myocardial infarction pattern or acute ST-T pathology at ICU admission is associated with death, need for vasoactive treatment and higher levels of biomarkers of cardiac damage and strain in severely ill COVID-19 patients, and should alert clinicians to a poor prognosis.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials ID: NCT04316884. Registered 20 March 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04316884.
A Comparative Study of Multiple Neural Network for Detection of Covid 19 on Chest X-Ray
Authors: Shazia Anis , Xuan Tan Zi , Chuah Joon Huang , Usman Juliana , Qian Pengjiang , Lai Khin Wee
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease of 2019 or Covid-19 is a rapidly spreading viral infection that has affected millions all over the world. With its rapid spread and increasing numbers it is becoming over-whelming for the healthcare workers ta rapidly diagnose the condition and contain it from spreading. Hence it has become a necessity to automate the diagnostic procedure. This will improve the work efficiency as well as keep the healthcare workers safe from getting exposed to the virus. Medical image analysis is one of the rising research areas that can tackle this issue with higher accuracy. This paper conducts a comparative study of the use of the recent deep learning models (VGG16, VGG19, DenseNet121, Inception-ResNet-V2, InceptionV3, Resnet50, and Xception) to deal with detection and classification of coronavirus pneumonia from other pneumonia cases. This study uses 7,165 chest X-ray images of Covid-19 (1536) and Pneumonia (5629) patients. Confusion metrics and performance metrics were used to analyze each model. Results show DenseNet121 (99.48% of accuracy) showed better performance when compared with the other models in this study.
CCR2 and PTPRC are regulators of Tumor Microenvironment and potential prognostic biomarkers of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Chengbang , Wei Jie , Fang DaLang
Published: April 2021

Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) development and metastasis. With the development of TME research, it has been proved that differences in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and gene expression profile are related to the prognosis of cancer. Our study aimed to identify key genes affecting immune state in TME of LUAD. We downloaded the RNA-seq data of LUAD cases from the TCGA database. ImmuneScore, StromalScore and ESTIMATEScore of each LUAD sample were calculated using ESTIMATE algorithm. Based on the median of different scores, LUAD samples were divided into high and low score groups. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups were obtained, and univariate Cox regression analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to screen shared DEGs generating in the intersection analysis. CIBORSORT algorithm was performed to calculate the relative contents of TICs for each LUAD sample, and correlation analysis between TICs and key genes was used to determine the influence of key genes to the TME. Finally, CCR2 and PTPRC, affecting the immune status of TME and the prognosis of LUAD, were acquired. Analysis based on the CIBERSORT algorithm suggested that CCR2 and PTPRC were correlated with a variety of TICs, and closely related to the clinical characteristics of the LUAD patients. Our research showed that CCR2 and PTPRC may be potential prognostic markers in LUAD, which may affect function of γδT cells and other immune cells by participating in the regulation of TME immune state.
EGFR TKI Combined with PD1 Inhibitor for EGFR Mutated Lung Cancer with Breast Metastasis
Authors: Gu Xuyu , Gao Chanchan , Wang Longfei , Zheng Shiya
Published: April 2021

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma with breast metastasis is rare. In the present study, a case of an advanced patient with breast metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR 21 exon p.L858R mutation who underwent EGFR TKI combined with PD1 inhibitor is reported.Case presentation: A 62-year-old female patient diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma who had undergone six times disease progress and breast metastasis in fifth-time disease progress.The patient underwent left breast puncture and axillary lymph node in ultrasound-guided and the postoperative pathological diagnosis of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma was confirmed. And then gene detection showed EGFR 21 exon p.L858R mutation. Breast metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma was diagnosed and the patient is being treated with Almonertinib combined with PD1 inhibitor.Conclusion: Breast metastasis is rare and lung adenocarcinoma might be the primary disease. Gene indection is important. And for lung cancer patients with recurrent pleural effusion, visit of the breast should be included in the follow-up process. In addition, the treatment model of interspersed immunotherapy after EGFR resistance has brought new ideas for the treatment of lung cancer with breast metastasis.
Analysis of Microbial Diversity and Variation Law During Xiaoqu Baijiu Fermentation using High-throughput Sequencing Technology
Authors: Wang Qing , Xiang Xiaoqing , Wu PengFei , Han Guoqiang
Published: April 2021

In this study, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) was used to compare and analyze the microbial diversity and variation law during the brewing process of xiaoqu Baijiu. The results showed that 34 phyla, 378 genera of bacteria and 4 phyla, 32 genera of fungi were detected. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Ascomycota and Bacteroidetes were the dominant groups. During the brewing process of xiaoqu Baijiu, the dominant bacteria were Weissella and unidentified Rickettsiales 2 days before brewing and Lactobacillus 3 days after brewing until the end of brewing. The dominant fungi were Rhizopus, Saccharomyces and Issatchenkia. The relative abundance of Rhizopus decreased with the extension of brewing time, while the relative abundance of Saccharomyces increased and became the dominant bacteria after the second day of brewing. This study revealed the diversity and variation of microbial community in the brewing process of xiaoqu Baijiu, and provide theoretical support and lay the foundation for future study on the contribution of microbial metabolism during brewing of xiaoqu Baijiu, thereby promote the development of xiaoqu baijiu industry.
Mechanism of Leaf Vein Coloration and Inheritance of Leaf Vein Color, Flower Form, and Floral Symmetry in Gloxinia
Authors: Kan Pei-Wen , Cheng Yu-Ching , Yeh Der-Ming
Published: April 2021

Double-flowered gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) cultivars with foliar variegation might have a greater market appeal as flowering foliage plants. Crosses were made among 16 gloxinia cultivars and their progenies were analyzed to determine the inheritance of leaf vein color, flower form, and floral symmetry. All plants from self-pollinating white-veined cultivars or crosses between white-veined and green-veined cultivars produced white veins. Progeny derived from self-pollinating plants of white-veined cultivars × green-veined cultivars segregated into a ratio of 3 white-veined:1 green-veined. All plants from self-pollinating or cross-pollinating single-flowered cultivars produced single flowers. Progeny of self-pollination or crosses between double-flowered cultivars segregated into a ratio of 3 double flowers:1 single flower. Contingency chi-square tests revealed that leaf vein color and flower form were inherited independently. New gloxinia progenies with homozygous white veins and double flowers were successfully developed from the F2 segregating population. Plants from self-pollinating or cross-pollinating cultivars with actinomorphic flowers produced actinomorphic flowers. A single dominant gene expressed in the homozygous or heterozygous state resulted in the zygomorphic flowers. Independent inheritance was observed between vein color and floral symmetry. Air spaces between the epidermis and the mesophyll cells were observed in the white, but not in the green, leaf vein portions. Net photosynthesis did not differ significantly between the white vein and adjacent green portion of the same leaf.
Donath-Landsteiner test
Authors: Kilty M. , Ipe T.S.
Published: April 2021

The Donath-Landsteiner (DL) test is a serologic test used to detect the presence of a biphasic hemolysin. This autoantibody is seen in patients with paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. The test relies on the characteristic cold binding of an IgG autoantibody with specificity to the P blood group antigen. This autoantibody causes complement-mediated red blood cell (RBC) lysis when warmed to body temperature. In this review, we describe the various methods for performing the DL test—namely a direct test, an indirect test, an indirect test with modifications such as the use of enzyme-treated RBCs and two stages, and an indirect antiglobulin DL test—and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. Our focus is on the indirect testing method as it is most commonly used in blood bank laboratories.
An update on the CD59 blood group system
Authors: Weinstock C. , Anliker M. , von Zabern I.
Published: April 2021

This update of the CD59 blood group system (Weinstock C, Anliker M, von Zabern I. CD59: a long-known complement inhibitor has advanced to a blood group system. Immunohematology 2015;31:145–51) increases the number of reported patients with CD59 deficiency from 10 to 14. All of these 14 patients suffered from severe illness. Recently, a new variant allele was found in heterozygosity. Flow cytometry data suggest that this variant was expressed on the red blood cells of the propositus. Although additional alleles have been found, the CD59 system (International Society of Blood Transfusion system 35) continues to have one antigen.
Reorganización territorial de la vida cotidiana y procesos de reparación moral tras el daño: un estudio de tres casos en el Oriente Antioqueño (Colombia)
Authors: Molina González Liliana Cecilia
Published: April 2021

Al investigar las dificultades inherentes a los procesos de reorganización territorial tras el impacto del daño asociado al conflicto armado, se identifican cuestiones importantes para entender cómo las personas intentan recuperar la vida cotidiana cuando no cuentan plenamente con ayuda del Estado. Me refiero a la restauración de los lazos morales necesarios para la organización colectiva y la defensa de los territorios. Este artículo analiza cómo inciden las emociones en la capacidad de las comunidades para organizarse colectivamente; y las dificultades de los mecanismos estatales de reparación en tres localidades del oriente antioqueño.
Círculos de Reflexión y lógica P2P: Una alternativa didáctica a la Colonización del MOOC
Authors: Almeida João Gabriel
Published: April 2021

En la era digital, es importante transitar hacia una Educación Popular Transmedia. El concepto es una articulación entre la tradición histórica latinoamericana iniciada por Paulo Freire y el reconocimiento de la categoría Transmedia de Scolari (2018) como la más adecuada para definir el conjunto de saberes implicados en la vivencia activa en comunidades híbridas virtuales/análogas. En este orden, la estrategia implementada desde el modo de enseñanza online y la constitución de comunidad del Instituto de Pensamiento y Cultura en América Latina (Ipecal) se constituye en una apuesta esencial y de sentido.
Investigating the factors that influence use of ICTs for citizen engagement in Malawi
Authors:   , Sibande Rachel
Published: April 2021

Literature has suggested that Malawians are keen to participate. Malawian’s willingness to participate is evident as the country has recorded high voter turnouts during the elections in recent decades. However, literature also suggests that there is minimal citizen engagement in between elections. Elsewhere, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been used to enhance citizen engagement, but ICT led citizen engagement is still an emerging field and yet to be explored as an area of research particularly in Malawi. We thus sought to explore if the use of ICTs could improve citizen engagement with councils, councilors, and utility companies that provide water and electricity in Malawi. We developed and deployed an ICT platform called Mzinda which means My location in Malawi’s populous Chichewa language. The platform provided various channels for citizens and duty bearers to engage via SMS, USSD, web and a mobile application. We sought to understand the factors that influence citizen’s behavior intention to use an ICT platform to engage. We applied the modified UTAUT model by including Attitude and Self Efficacy social constructs that have among others been cited as limitations of the UTAUT model. We conducted factor loadings of six social constructs of the modified UTAUT model to validate content and reexamine the model in the context of citizen engagement using ICTs in Malawi. We found that, Attitude and Self Efficacy were not significant determinants of the Behaviour Intention for citizens to use the ICT platform. However, 75% of the Behaviour Intention was influenced by Perfomance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy as moderated by age and gender. Empirical evidence showed that responsiveness and actionability of councils and councillors had improved. We also learned that citizens believed that service delivery had improved and that they had more influence over councils, councillors, and the utility companies because of using the ICT platform. We conclude by noting that improvements in service delivery; enhanced responsiveness and actionability of councils, councillors and the utility companies were not necessarily as a result of the ICT platform alone; but a combination of ICTs and non-technology mechanisms of engaging the stakeholders through community campaigns, radio programs, print media engagement, community meetings and debates among others. It is evident that ICTs are not the panacea of all citizen engagement problems. This research can be useful to researchers and practitioners in the technology and citizen engagement domains.