bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of abandoned buildings by mammals in tropical forest sites with no forest control
Authors: Lorenzo Consuelo , Lorenzo-Monterrubio Carmen , Bolaños Jorge E. , Tapia-Ramírez Gloria
Published: March 2022

Las especies de mamíferos pueden proliferar en una serie de edificaciones abandonadas construidas en sitios de selva mediana perennifolia.  Se evaluó la fauna silvestre que colonizó las edificaciones del Parqueológico de la Flora y la Fauna Tropicales “Ingeniero José Narciso Rovirosa” (PFFT) en el municipio Emiliano Zapata, Tabasco, México; sitio abandonado desde hace más de 3 décadas.  Colocamos trampas para roedores y redes para murciélagos en 2019 y 2021 dentro de las instalaciones del PFFT.  El sitio está actualmente embebido por el crecimiento de selva mediana perennifolia, pastizales y acahuales (estado sucesional de selva mediana perennifolia).  Adicionalmente, se realizaron observaciones de especies de mamíferos en los caminos de acceso y dentro de las edificaciones abandonadas.  Se registraron 22 especies de mamíferos terrestres, con la mayor tasa de captura de murciélagos, seguida de roedores, en selva mediana perennifolia, pastizales y acahuales.  Se observaron ejemplares de los órdenes Didelphimorphia, Carnivora, Cingulata, Primates y Lagomorpha en selva mediana perennifolia.  Dos especies están enlistadas en algún estado de conservación, en listados nacionales e internacionales.  El PFFT es actualmente un área donde coexisten diversas especies de mamíferos en un ambiente tropical.  Las especies de mamíferos registradas se consideran localmente abundantes y fueron registradas en edificaciones rodeadas de diferentes tipos de cobertura vegetal.  En este trabajo se muestra el reclamo de una comunidad de mamíferos típicos de la selva mediana perennifolia en sitios con edificaciones abandonadas y en proceso de recolonización por flora nativa.
Reconstruction characters of conventional holography using
polarization-sensitive material
Authors: Lin Ayuan , Wang Jinyu , Chen Yuxin , Qi Peiliang , Huang Zhiyun , Tan Xiaodi
Published: March 2022

Polarization holography, recording the amplitude, phase, and polarization of signal
wave, may be regarded as the superposition of conventional holography
and orthogonal holography. The former implies the signal and reference
waves have the identical polarization state in the recording stage,
while the latter means that they have the orthogonal polarization
state. It is a common sense that in conventional holography, the
polarization state of a reconstructed wave is always identical to that
of the reading wave. However, predicted by the tensor polarization
holography theory, which has been confirmed by many experiments, the
polarization state of a reconstructed wave may be different from that
of a reading wave. Hence, a question that may arise is which one is
correct and why. In this work, we derive the electrical field of a
reconstructed wave generated from the hologram that was recorded by
the identical elliptically polarized wave at a large angle. The
theoretical result shows that there are three kinds of reconstruction
characters, and they are confirmed by the designed experiments well.
Through the analysis, we find the key to observing that the recording
material should be polarization-sensitive; recorded by a
nonpolarization sensitive material, the polarization state of the
reconstructed wave is always identical to that of the reading wave.
The work not only verifies the tensor polarization holography theory,
it also enlarges our understanding about conventional holography.
Optical access evolutions towards SDN and disaggregated hardware: an operator perspective [Invited]
Authors: Simon Gaël , Chanclou Philippe , Wang Minqi , Abgrall Daniel , Minodier David
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we review recent advances of the optical access network in the path toward Cloud-computing-related technologies, software defined networking, and network function virtualization. We present the new network management architectures proposed by standardization bodies such as the Broadband Forum and non-profit organizations such as the Open Networking Foundation and propose to use today’s Orange-France Operation Support System as a baseline to discuss different evolution paths. We also provide a review of recent advances in the optical line terminal (OLT) hardware evolution, from white-box OLTs to general purpose hardware, and identify the remaining related challenges, such as energy consumption and interoperability. We also show how Cloud-computing technologies in optical access networks could remove the frontier between network segments (home local area network, optical transport network, and mobile network) by deeply improving the synergy among them.
Ultrafast changes in effective permittivity of hyperbolic metamaterials and related multi-resonance-induced ultrafast process excited by femtosecond pulses
Authors: Xin Jian , Liang Yue , Gao Junhua , Wang Yuxiao , Song Yinglin , Zhang Xueru
Published: March 2022

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) exhibit rich optical nonlinear responses for the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) and anisotropy. In this study, we extract the time-dependent change in the effective permittivity of an Ag nanorod array under femtosecond pulses pumping around its ENZ wavelength. The transmittance and transient absorption spectra measured by s- and p-polarizations are used in the extraction process. We experimentally confirm the existence of an ultrafast recovery process with a relaxation time of 0.24 ps in the transient absorption spectra. The calculation based on the extracted nonlinear effective permittivity indicates that the ultrafast signal originates from the superposition of two slower recovery processes, with relaxation times of 0.74 ps and 1.19 ps, respectively. The results indicate that when the responses of two nonlinear processes have different signs and recovery speeds, their superposition may cause faster signal recovery in the combined process than in the two individual processes.
Complete design of a fully integrated graphene-based compact plasmon coupler for the mid-infrared
Authors: Natarajan Aswani , Demésy Guillaume , Renversez Gilles
Published: March 2022

A fully integrated waveguide-based, efficient surface plasmon coupler composed of a realistic non-tapered dielectric waveguide with graphene patches and sheet is designed and optimized for the infrared. The coupling efficiency can reach nearly 80% for a coupler as short as 700 nm for an operating wavelength of 12

μ

m. This work is carried out using rigorous numerical models based on the finite element method taking into account 2D materials as surface conductivities. The key numerical results are supported by physical arguments based on modal approach or resonance condition.
Counterfactual analysis of differential comorbidity risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Authors: Kim Yejin , Zhang Kai , Savitz Sean I. , Chen Luyao , Schulz Paul E. , Jiang Xiaoqian
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is a multifactorial disease that involves several different etiologic mechanisms with various comorbidities. There is also significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of ADRD across diverse demographics groups. Association studies on such heterogeneous comorbidity risk factors are limited in their ability to determine causation. We aim to compare counterfactual treatment effects of various comorbidity in ADRD in different racial groups (African Americans and Caucasians). We used 138,026 ADRD and 1:1 matched older adults without ADRD from nationwide electronic health records, which extensively cover a large population’s long medical history in breadth. We matched African Americans and Caucasians based on age, sex, and high-risk comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, vascular disease, heart disease, and head injury) to build two comparable cohorts. We derived a Bayesian network of 100 comorbidities and selected comorbidities with potential causal effect to ADRD. We estimated the average treatment effect (ATE) of the selected comorbidities on ADRD using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Late effects of cerebrovascular disease significantly predisposed older African Americans (ATE = 0.2715) to ADRD, but not in the Caucasian counterparts; depression significantly predisposed older Caucasian counterparts (ATE = 0.1560) to ADRD, but not in the African Americans. Our extensive counterfactual analysis using a nationwide EHR discovered different comorbidities that predispose older African Americans to ADRD compared to Caucasian counterparts. Despite the noisy and incomplete nature of the real-world data, the counterfactual analysis on the comorbidity risk factors can be a valuable tool to support the risk factor exposure studies.
Determinants of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among adolescent girls aged 15-19 years in Indonesia: Analysis of the 2018 National Basic Health Survey Data
Authors: Asrullah Muhammad , L’Hoir Monique , Paulo Maria-João , Feskens Edith J. M. , Melse-Boonstra Alida
Published: March 2022

Common Mental Disorders (CMD) are distress conditions which manifest themselves with anxiety, somatic, and depressive symptoms. CMD are highly prevalent in Indonesia especially among adolescents. Adolescent girls have a higher risk to develop CMD than boys. This may be related to anaemia, potentially aggravated by early onset of menstruation. This study aimed to determine the association between haemoglobin concentration and other determinants of CMD among adolescent girls in Indonesia. Data of 1,052 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years old from the Indonesian Basic Health Survey 2018 were analysed. CMD was measured using the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Principal Component Analysis of main determinants was applied and resulting principal components were investigated as risk factors for CMD. The prevalence of CMD among the study population was 16.5%. Anaemia and Age at Menarche (AAM) were not associated with CMD. Three principal components were significantly associated with higher CMD score: 1) higher parental education, better employment of the father, and living in an urban area (β: 0.16, 95%-CI: 0.02; 0.30); 2) higher consumption of salty foods, high-fat foods, and soft drinks (β: 0.23, 95%-CI: 0.05; 0.40); and 3) having asthma, smoking, and a higher haemoglobin concentration (β: 1.74, 95%-CI: 1.59; 1.89). The strongest clustered associates of CMD among adolescent girls in Indonesia were asthma, smoking status, and higher haemoglobin concentration, whereas anaemia and AAM were not associated. Causality of smoking and diet to CMD could not be disentangled in this cross-sectional study. Our findings imply that adolescent girls who have asthma and smoke, as well as those having parents with higher education and secured occupation, are more likely to have mental disorders.
The association of sleep duration and quality with depressive symptoms in older Chinese women
Authors: Ding Liang , Zhang Luyao , Cui Yufei , Gong Qiang , Ma Jiameng , Wang Yongxiang , Sang Haiyun
Published: March 2022

Poor sleep quality or short and long sleep duration are associated with many negative health outcomes, such as diabetes, hypertension, and fatigue, which may directly or indirectly correlate with poor mental health. Although, the association between sleep duration and quality, and depressive symptoms has been examined, the results of these studies were inconsistent and evidence specifically on older women is lacking. Therefore, we designed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between sleep duration and quality, and depressive symptoms in a relatively large sample of older Chinese women. The data were collected from 1,429 older women aged ≥60 years during bone-health examinations in Shanghai. Information on sleep duration and quality were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS), and depressive symptoms were considered present for SDS scores ≥ 45. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between sleep and depressive symptoms. After adjusting for all potential confounding factors, a J-shaped association was found between sleep duration and depressive symptoms. When a sleep duration of 6–8 hours was set as a reference, the odds ratios and 95% confidential intervals of short and long sleep duration were 1.31 (0.99, 1.73) and 2.10 (1.40, 3.16), respectively. Moreover, sleep quality was inversely associated with the prevalence of depressive symptoms (p for trend = 0.040). When the SDS cut-off score defining depressive symptoms was changed to 40 and 50, these associations were somewhat weakened, but the trend did not change. This study replicated and extended prior research findings that sleep duration and quality may influence mental health in older women.
Identification of miRNA signature for predicting the prognostic biomarker of squamous cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Liu Huanqing , Li Tingting , Dong Chunsheng , Lyu Jun
Published: March 2022

As explorations deepen, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), from its emergence to metastasis and prognosis, has elicited extensive concern. LUSC-related miRNA and mRNA samples were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The data were initially screened and pretreated, and the R platform and series analytical tools were used to identify the specific and sensitive biomarkers. Seven miRNAs and 15 hub genes were found to be closely related to the overall survival of patients with LUSC. Determination of the expression of these miRNAs can help improve the overall survival of LUSC patients. The 15 hub genes correlated with overall survival (OS). The new miRNA markers were identified to predict the prognosis of LUSC. The findings of this study offer novel views on the evolution of precise cancer treatment approaches with high reliability.
In a team forgiveness climate, the influence of paradoxical thinking of leaders on the team voice behavior: Mediated by team cooperation
Authors: Chen Yijun , He Xu , Lu Lei , Gao Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2022

In order to clarify the influence of the paradoxical thinking of leaders on team voice behavior, a moderating mediation model was constructed to explore the mediating role of team cooperation and the moderating effect of team forgiveness climate based on the social exchange theory. Based on the "leader-employee" matching data of 477 employees from 101 teams, SPSS (Statistic Package for Social Science) and AMOS (a macro-micro model of Scotland) were used to analyze the three-stage data linear regression. The research conclusions indicate that: (1) The paradoxical thinking of leaders positively affects team voice behavior; (2) Team cooperation plays a completely mediating role in the relationship between the paradoxical thinking of leaders and team voice behavior; (3) The team forgiveness climate positively moderates the relationship between the paradoxical thinking of leaders and team cooperation, which means that their positive relationship is stronger in a higher forgiveness climate; (4) The team forgiveness climate moderates the mediating role of team cooperation between the paradoxical thinking of leaders and team voice behavior. Compared with a lower forgiveness climate, this moderating mediating effect is significant at a higher forgiveness level. This study clarifies the connection of the paradoxical thinking of leaders to the team voice behavior through team cooperation and has practical insights into how a team forgiveness climate promotes the team voice behavior.
Daily actual evapotranspiration estimation of different land use types based on SEBAL model in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northwest China
Authors: Yang Liangyan , Li Jianfeng , Sun Zenghui , Liu Jinbao , Yang Yuanyuan , Li Tong
Published: March 2022

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a crucial role in hydrological and energy cycles, as well as in the assessments of water resources and irrigation demands. On a regional scale, particularly in the agro-pastoral ecotone, clarification of the distribution of surface ET and its influencing factors is critical for the rational use of water resources, restoration of the ecological environment, and protection of ecological water sources. The SEBAL model was used to invert the regional ET based on Landsat8 images in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northwest China. The results were indirectly verified by monitoring data from meteorological stations. The correlation between ET and surface parameters was analyzed. Thus, the main factors that affect the surface ET were identified. The results show that the SEBAL model determines an accurate inversion, with a correlation coefficient of 0.81 and an average root mean square error of 0.9 mm/d, which is highly suitable for research on water resources. The correlation coefficients of normalized vegetation index, surface temperature, land surface albedo, net radiation flux with daily ET were 0.5830, 0.8425, 0.3428 and 0.9111, respectively. The normalized vegetation index and the net radiation flux positively correlated with the daily ET, while the surface temperature and land surface albedo negatively correlated with the daily ET. The correlation from strong to weak is the net radiation flux > surface temperature > normalized vegetation index > surface albedo. In terms of spatial distribution, the daily ET of water was the highest, followed by woodland, wetland, cropland, built-up land, shrub land, grassland and bare land. However, the SEBAL model overestimates the inversion of daily ET of built-up land.
The association between striae gravidarum and perineal lacerations during labor
Authors: Matyashov Tamar , Pardo Ella , Rotem Reut , Lichtman Yael , Elnir Katz Maayan , Weintraub Adi Y. , Horev Amir
Published: March 2022

Objective

Striae gravidarum (SG) and perineal lacerations are common occurrences during late pregnancy and labor. It has been hypothesized that both conditions may share a common pathophysiological pathway through changes in the connective tissue. We aimed to investigate a possible association between these two conditions and whether the presence of SG may predict perineal lacerations.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study that included women who gave birth at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), Beer-Sheva, Israel. Those who provided informed consent were examined for the presence of SG using the Davey scoring system to determine the severity of abdominal SG. Clinical and obstetrical characteristics and the presence and degree of perineal tears were retrieved from the computerized patients’ records. Univariate analysis was carried using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

A total of 187 women were recruited. Of those, 81 (43.3%) did not have SG, 24 (12.8%) 43 (23%) and 39 (20.9%) had mild, moderate and severe SG, respectively. Women with SG were significantly older and had a higher body mass index (p<0.01 for both). Delivery characteristics, mode of delivery, and gestational age were comparable between the groups; however, women with SG gave birth to significantly larger neonates (p<0.01). Seventy-one (31%) women had suffered from 1st or 2nd-degree perineal tears, and none had 3rd or 4th-degree perineal tears. No significant differences were found in rates of perineal tears between women with and without SG (p = 0.91), regardless of SG severity (p = 0.38).

Conclusions

In our study, SG was not associated with perineal tears. This information may be used as reassurance when giving antepartum consultation to women with SG, even in severe cases.
Beyond the mother-child dyad: Is co-residence with a grandmother associated with adolescent girls’ family planning knowledge?
Authors: Zevallos-Roberts Emilia , Cunningham Kenda , Adhikari Ramesh Prasad , Thapa Basant , Sear Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Background

In South Asian countries, adolescent girls are generally embedded in multigenerational households. Nevertheless, public health research continues to focus on the nuclear family and overlook the role of grandmothers in adolescent socialization and the transfer of health information. This study compares family planning knowledge of adolescent girls in households with and without a resident grandmother. Two main types of family planning knowledge were assessed: (1) modern contraceptive knowledge and (2) healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy knowledge.

Methods

This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2017 Suaahara II cross-sectional survey in 16 of Nepal’s 77 districts. Family planning knowledge among 769 adolescent girls was assessed and compared between those living with a grandmother (n = 330) and those not living with a grandmother (n = 439). An analysis of the relationship between co-residence and family planning knowledge was carried out using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders and clustering. Additionally, we used the same method to analyze the association between grandmothers’ family planning knowledge and that of co-resident adolescents.

Results

The odds of correct adolescent modern family planning knowledge were 1.81 (95% CI = 1.27,2.58) times higher in households with a grandmother. The study also identified higher odds of adolescent knowledge of modern contraceptives in households where grandmothers also had correct knowledge (OR 2.00, 95%, CI = 0.97,4.11), although this association was not statistically significant at the 0.05 alpha level. There was insufficient evidence to support the association between grandmother’s co-residency and correct adolescent knowledge of the healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study provides support for expanding adolescent reproductive health to include the role of senior women in promoting and transmitting health care knowledge to younger women in the household.
Cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and perceptual responses during exercise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Multi-site Clinical Assessment of ME/CFS (MCAM) sub-study
Authors: Cook Dane B. , VanRiper Stephanie , Dougherty Ryan J. , Lindheimer Jacob B. , Falvo Michael J. , Chen Yang , Lin Jin-Mann S. , Unger Elizabeth R. ,   The MCAM Study Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing has demonstrated clinical utility in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, to what extent exercise responses are independent of, or confounded by, aerobic fitness remains unclear.

Purpose

To characterize and compare exercise responses in ME/CFS and controls with and without matching for aerobic fitness.

Methods

As part of the Multi-site Clinical Assessment of ME/CFS (MCAM) study, 403 participants (n = 214 ME/CFS; n = 189 controls), across six ME/CFS clinics, completed ramped cycle ergometry to volitional exhaustion. Metabolic, heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Ventilatory equivalent (V˙E/V˙O2, V˙E/V˙CO2), metrics of ventilatory efficiency, and chronotropic incompetence (CI) were calculated. Exercise variables were compared using Hedges’ g effect size with 95% confidence intervals. Differences in cardiopulmonary and perceptual features during exercise were analyzed using linear mixed effects models with repeated measures for relative exercise intensity (20–100% peak V˙O2). Subgroup analyses were conducted for 198 participants (99 ME/CFS; 99 controls) matched for age (±5 years) and peak V˙O2 (~1 ml/kg/min-1).

Results

Ninety percent of tests (n = 194 ME/CFS, n = 169 controls) met standard criteria for peak effort. ME/CFS responses during exercise (20–100% peak V˙O2) were significantly lower for ventilation, breathing frequency, HR, measures of efficiency, and CI and significantly higher for V˙E/V˙O2, V˙E/V˙CO2 and RPE (p<0.05adjusted). For the fitness-matched subgroup, differences remained for breathing frequency, V˙E/V˙O2, V˙E/V˙CO2, and RPE (p<0.05adjusted), and higher tidal volumes were identified for ME/CFS (p<0.05adjusted). Exercise responses at the gas exchange threshold, peak, and for measures of ventilatory efficiency (e.g., V˙E/V˙CO2nadir) were generally reflective of those seen throughout exercise (i.e., 20–100%).

Conclusion

Compared to fitness-matched controls, cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in ME/CFS are characterized by inefficient exercise ventilation and augmented perception of effort. These data highlight the importance of distinguishing confounding fitness effects to identify responses that may be more specifically associated with ME/CFS.
Association between low levels of HIV-1 DNA and HLA class I molecules in chronic HIV-1 infection
Authors: Muccini Camilla , Guffanti Monica , Spagnuolo Vincenzo , Cernuschi Massimo , Galli Laura , Bigoloni Alba , Galli Andrea , Poli Andrea , Racca Sara , Castagna Antonella
Published: March 2022

Background

HLA-B27 and -B57 were found in people with low levels of HIV-1 DNA, suggesting that HLA class I molecules may influence the size of HIV-1 reservoir. Aim of the study was to explore the association between HLA class I molecules and HIV-1 DNA in people with chronic HIV-1 infection.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of the APACHE trial, on adults with chronic HIV-1 infection, prolonged suppressive antiretroviral therapy and good immunological profile. HIV-1 DNA was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); HLA-A, -B and -C were tested on genomic DNA. Crude odds ratios (OR) with their respective 95% Wald confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by univariable logistic regression for HLAs with a p-value <0.10.

Results

We found 78 and 18 patients with HIV-1 DNA ≥100 copies/106PBMCs and with HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/106PBMCs, respectively. HLA-A24 was present in 21 (29.6%) participants among subjects with HIV-1 DNA ≥100 copies/106PBMCs and 1 (5.9%) among those with HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/106PBMCs (OR = 5.67, 95%CI = 0.79–46.03; p = 0.105); HLA-B39 was present in 1 (1.4%) with HIV-1 DNA ≥100 copies/106PBMCs and in 3 (17.6%) with HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/106PBMCs (OR = 13.71, 95%CI = 1.33–141.77; p = 0.028) and HLA-B55 in 3 (4.2%) and 3 (17.6%), respectively (OR = 4.43, 95%CI = 0.81–24.29; p = 0.087). All the three patients with HLA-B39 and HIV-1 DNA <100 copies/106PBMCs did not have HLA-A24.

Conclusions

In patients with HIV-1 infection who maintained a good virological and immunological profile, HLA-B39 and -B55 may be associated with lower levels of HIV-1 DNA.
Information Channel Preference in Seeking Cultural Heritage Information A Study
Authors: Shimray Somipam Ronra , Ramaiah Chennupati K.
Published: March 2022

Information is accessed through a variety of routes, one of which is an information channel. The formal channel follows a structured path, whereas the informal channel takes a more unstructured path. This study primarily looks into the channel(s) used for seeking cultural heritage information among the Tangkhul tribe from Manipur state, India and also checked the significant change between studied variables and demographic variables. This study employed a stratified random sampling method to draw the sample. The study used a survey method and a structured questionnaire tool for data collection. The questionnaire comprises respondents’ demographic profiles and 13 items on channels preferred for seeking cultural heritage information. Analysis present that the most prevalent strategy for accessing cultural heritage knowledge was determined to be “elderly people in the community” with a mean score of 3.85. Furthermore, factor analysis identifies two types of channels: informal and formal. And current residency (p-value=0.044) and family annual income (p-value=0.043) influence channel choice for accessing information, with those living in Manipur state preferring official channels and those earning INR 9,00,001 annually or more preferring informal channels.
Potential Roles of Phytochemicals in Combating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Pant Harsh , Kumar Vishesh , Giri Bhoopander , Wu Qiang-Sheng , Lobo Vijaya , Singh Ishwar , Sharma Anuradha
Published: March 2022

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the current ongoing global pandemic COVID-19 is yet far away from the clutches of contemporary western medicines. With the lack of conventional drugs for this deadly disease the scope for the development of herbal formulations and Ayurvedic medication is finding a sound basis in the current scenario. The past two years has witnessed detailed and focused investigations on the biologically active constituents derived from a range of medicinal plants and their potential antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. The promising results of these investigations have intrigued the medical and plant experts in pharmacognosy enough to consider herbal medicines and plant-based products as they are more effective in combating the COVID-19 crisis. However, a large-scale application of the same would require more focused and thorough research on this matter. This review is an attempt to describe the current and future prospects of using medicinal plants and herbal compounds as natural and sustainable alternative for treating COVID-19. The current article evaluates the various strong evidences from biochemical and molecular studies that have been investigated so far in the development of herbal formulations to combat COVID-19 with detailed focus on the most potential phytochemicals of medicinal plants studied in this regard namely Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Cinchona officinalis L., Curcuma longa L., Ocimum sanctum L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers.
Multicultural education in Estonia: why is it powerless in responding to islamophobia?
Authors: Süld Elo
Published: March 2022

The article discusses the extent to which the three multicultural learning strategies implemented to promote multiculturalism differ and how the initiatives takes into account religious differences and Islam. Methodologically, the article focuses on thematic content analysis of the three multicultural education projects. The thematic content analysis makes it possible to study what is being discussed in the multicultural context and how it is being interpreted through these ideas and concepts. The aim of these school projects is to create a common language environment and a new (well-integrated) national identity. Based on the Estonian super-secular society (less than 19% Estonians considered themselves to be a part of some congregation or religious), the peculiarities of religion orientation are not so much taken into account in these multicultural learning strategies and Islam occurs in connection with radicalism.
Insights into green roof modeling using SWMM LID controls for detention-based designs
Authors:   Anthropocene Engineering, Jeffers Scott , Garner Brad ,   Green Roof Diagnostics, Hidalgo Derek ,   Green Roof Diagnostics, Daoularis Dionisi ,   Green Roof Diagnostics, Warmerdam Oscar ,   Green Roof Diagnostics
Published: March 2022

Rainfall–runoff responses were observed in a laboratory environment using a rainfall simulator and a 7.43 m2 green roof cassette equipped with weighing lysimeters. SWMM LID controls were developed for various green roof profile configurations based on the physical properties of the composite materials. Unknown parameters affecting the drainage layer were adjusted in calibration. The cassette was modeled both as a typical Green Roof LID control using Manning’s equation at the drainage layer and a Bioretention LID control using an orifice equation in the drainage layer. Key parameters from a sensitivity analysis that were not directly measured were Manning’s roughness of the drainage layer, the drainage coefficient at the orifice, and the conductivity slope (HCO). The hydraulics of roof drains were considered by varying the width of the drain outlet from 0.25 m–1.22 m. During calibration and validation of multiple events, SWMM modeling resulted in a good fit compared to observed results (Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient values of 0.70–0.89). Key limitations of SWMM green roof modeling are discussed with suggested improvements for future consideration.
Process model correlating Athabasca bitumen thermally cracked at edge of coking induction zone
Authors: Remesat Darius
Published: March 2022

Athabasca bitumen is an abundant resource that has successfully been upgraded using delayed coking that typically operates at 499 °C (∼930 °F), 207 kPa (∼37 psig), 1–2 min residence time on this type of crude. With society’s desire to reduce industry environmental impact while still providing energy to earth’s growing population, lower energy intensive (and thus lower greenhouse gas emissions) bitumen conversion approaches have been researched and are moving towards commercialization. The paper reviews a correlative model developed on a novel thermal cracking process, operated at lower temperatures (395–405 °C (743–761 °F)), lower pressures (<69 kPa (∼<10 psig) and up to 1 h residence time versus delayed coking, that takes various lab and pilot data, both batch and continuous, as inputs into developing the model. The purpose of the model is for use in industrial operations to provide guidance to operations for representative thermal cracker performance. The model is based on the Arrhenius equation using first order reaction kinetics for easy comprehension and use in an operational environment. Data for developing the model has been taken from various literature sources in the area of study, notably by researchers, Dr. W. Svrcek, Dr. Wiehe, Dr. Mehrotra, and Dr. Yarranton. The public data is used to create a viable range of performance that includes proprietary developments with the novel thermal cracking process. The model is configured on a mass basis so that mass balance closure can be readily calculated. A range of kinetic coefficients are provided that can be used to fit commercial plant performance based on the expected range of product outputs noted in the paper.
Pelvic abscess associated with Actinomyces species ‒ a rare post-cesarean complication
Authors: Wang Yuping , Ferrero Simone , Li Shasha , Liu Shisan , Yang Wah
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Pelvic actinomycotic abscess is uncommon and its presentation as a post-cesarean complication may be confused with hemorrhagic mass. It is still a disease that poses a significant diagnostic challenge. Management and prognosis are not well known for this type of infection.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital six days after the cesarean section with abdominal pain and dysuria. The second operation was diagnosed as pelvic abscess, debridement and drainage about 250 mL abscess. Bacterial culture of abscess confirmed as Actinomyces odontolyticus infection. Intravenous penicillin was given immediately, amoxicillin was taken orally for three months after discharge, and no recurrence was found after follow-up for ten months.

Conclusions

Pelvic A. odontolyticus abscess may be confirmed through correct bacterial culture and cured by a short-term course of Amoxicillin. With prompt recognition and treatment, favorable outcomes of pelvic Actinomycotic abscess in the perinatal period could be achieved.
Fujirebio Lumipulse SARS-CoV-2 antigen immunoassay: pooled analysis of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Henry Brandon M. , Adeli Khosrow , Plebani Mario
Published: March 2022

We provide here a pooled analysis of accuracy of Fujirebio Lumipulse SARS-CoV-2 Antigen chemiluminescent immunoassay for diagnosing acute SARS-CoV-2 infections. An electronic search was conducted in Scopus and Medline with the keywords “Lumipulse” AND “antigen” AND “SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19”, up to January 21, 2022, for identifying clinical investigations (minimum sample size ≥100) where diagnostic accuracy of Lumipulse G SARS-CoV-2 Ag was tested against reference molecular techniques. All studies which allowed to construct a 2 × 2 table were included in a pooled analysis. A final number of 21 studies, totalling 17,648 nasopharyngeal and 8538 saliva specimens, were finally included. The pooled diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in nasopharyngeal swabs were 0.80 (95%CI, 0.78–0.81) and 0.98 (95%CI, 0.97–0.98), respectively, whilst the area under the curve and agreement were 0.980 (95%CI, 0.973–0.986) and 94.9%, respectively. In the twelve studies which used the fixed 1.34 pg/mL currently recommended manufacturer’s threshold, the diagnostic accuracy remained unvaried. In saliva samples, the pooled diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 0.75 (95%CI, 0.71–0.75) and 1.00 (95%CI, 0.99–1.00), respectively, whilst the area under the curve and were 0.976 (95%CI, 0.969–0.984) and 98.4%, respectively. In the five studies which used the fixed 0.67 pg/mL currently recommended manufacturer’s threshold, the diagnostic accuracy remained unvaried. In conclusion, Lumipulse G SARS-CoV-2 Ag assay demonstrates good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, thus representing a valuable complementary and integrative option to molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the current pandemic.
An FCM clustering algorithm based on the identification of accounting statement whitewashing behavior in universities
Authors: Yang Qihao
Published: March 2022

The traditional recognition method of whitewash behavior of accounting statements needs to analyze a large number of special data samples. The learning rate of the algorithm is low, resulting in low recognition accuracy. To solve the aforementioned problems, this article proposes a method to identify the whitewash behavior of university accounting statements based on the FCM clustering algorithm. This article analyzes the motivation of university accounting statement whitewashing behavior, studies the common means of statement whitewashing, and establishes a fuzzy set for the identification of university accounting statement whitewashing behavior. By calculating the fuzzy partition coefficient, the membership matrix of whitewash behavior recognition is established, and the whitewash behavior is classified through the iteration of the FCM algorithm. The comparative experimental results show that the recognition method has good recognition performance, low recognition error rate, and recognition accuracy of 82%.
Independent qualification of the CIAU tool based on the uncertainty estimate in the prediction of the LOBI test A1-93
Authors: Borges R. C. , Auria F.D’ , Alvim A. C. M.
Published: March 2022

The Code with – the capability of – Internal Assessment of Uncertainty (CIAU) is a tool proposed by the Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Nucleare e della Produzione (DIMNP) of the University of Pisa. Other Institutions including the nuclear regulatory body from Brazil, “Comissäo Nacional de Energia Nuclear”, contributed to the development of the tool. The CIAU aims at providing the currently available Relap5/Mod3.2 system code with the integrated capability of performing not only relevant transient calculations but also the related estimates of uncertainty bands. The Uncertainty Methodology based on Accuracy Extrapolation (UMAE) is used to characterize the uncertainty in the prediction of system code calculations for light water reactors and is ‘internally’ coupled with the above system code. Following an overview of the CIAU development, the present paper deals with the independent qualification of the tool. The qualification test is performed by estimating the uncertainty bands that should envelope the prediction of the LOBI test Al-93 (small break loss of coolant accident). The current limitation of the ‘error’ database, implemented into the CIAU prevented a final demonstration of the qualification. However, all the steps for the qualification process are demonstrated.
Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis with respect to the hydrogen production determined by MELCOR 1.8.4 code during a severe accident
Authors: Kronenberg J.
Published: March 2022

For the selection and design of measures to scope with the hydrogen which will be produced in the course of a severe accident in LWRs a simple postulate – e. g. 75 % zircaloy oxidation of all fuel rod claddings – is not appropriate. In our opinion, realistic (best estimate) analyses with indication of the uncertainties are substantially more suitable. However, the problem thereby lies in the determination of these uncertainties. The current work presents a method, which determines the uncertainty band for the in-vessel hydrogen production calculated with the MELCOR program using a mathematical-statistic method (SUSA). For the exercise a “Total loss of the alternating current supply” for the planned European Pressurised Water Reactor (EPR) has been chosen as a representative scenario. Besides the actual uncertainties of the computational program concerned with such an analysis also the sensitive parameters can be identified.
The calibration laboratories for the measurement of radon and short-lived radon decay products at the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS)
Authors: Hamel P. , Schmidt V.
Published: March 2022

In order to guarantee a high level of accuracy in all areas concerned with radon and radon decay products measurement the BfS has established a quality assurance management system. A set of calibration chambers and containers was installed in the laboratories which were subsequently accredited as a German Calibration Service (DKD) Calibration Laboratory for the units of radon and the potential alpha energy concentration of its short-lived decay products. It is traced back to the national standard established at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), which is at the same time the national institute for science and technology, and the highest technical authority for metrology in Germany. The equipment makes possible scientific investigations as well as calibrations for the measuring quantity “concentration of Rn-222 in air” in the range between 50 Bq/m3 and 100 kBq/m3 and also for the measuring quantity “potential alpha-energy concentration” (PAEC) in the range between 2 MeV/cm3 (3.2 E-7 J/m3) and 4000 MeV/cm31 (*6 .4 E-4 J/m3).
Ageing management review for reactor license renewal
Authors: Lee S. , Kuo P. T.
Published: March 2022

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issues licenses for commercial power reactors to operate for up to 40 years and allows these licenses to be renewed for additional periods of 20 years. In 1995 the Commission issued Part 54 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR Part 54) specifying the regulatory requirements for license renewal. The license renewal rule focuses on managing the adverse effects of ageing of plant structures and components. The NRC staff has developed license renewal rule implementation guidance documents. The NRC staff uses a systematic approach in evaluating the adequacies of ageing management programs. The NRC has approved several license renewal applications to date and will likely be asked to approve dozens more over the next 10 to 15 years.
Ageing management in German nuclear power stations from an expert’s point of view
Authors: Reßing W. , Dittmar S.
Published: March 2022

This paper gives a general view of the present state of ageing management in the Federal Republic of Germany, including the requirements set out in the set of rules and its handling within the plants. Moreover, it describes the requirements on ageing management and/or ageing monitoring in the area of materials ageing from the point of view of the expert and sets out in what way ageing processes have already manifested themselves in the area of mechanical and electrical engineering systems. And finally, it gives an outlook on current projects that, among other things, aim at making transparent the application of the methods of ageing management according to uniform requirements and rules and thus with a considerable depth.
Ageing management within British Energy in support of safe, reliable operation and lifetime extension objectives
Authors: Banks P J.
Published: March 2022

British Energy has established a comprehensive suite of ageing/obsolescence asset management programmes. Through these programmes, the company has developed a thorough understanding of all the potentially significant degradation mechanisms which could affect the systems structures and components (SSCs) which are essential to the safe, reliable operation of their NPPs. The results from these ageing management programmes underwrite the existing design basis safety case, provide trending information for Safety System Reviews (SSRs) and Periodic Safety Reviews (PSRs) and provide data in support of extending the operating lifetimes of the NPPs. This paper describes te UK regulatory framework with respect to ageing management, British Energy’s overall approach to ageing management, The various ageing/obsolescence management programmes established by BEG, including examples of potentially significant ageing issues which have been successfully addressed by these programmes and the manner in which the results from the programmes are used in support of continued operation, SSRs, PSRs, lifetime extension and general performance enhancement.
Optimal diagnosis of the skin cancer using a hybrid deep neural network and grasshopper optimization algorithm
Authors: Li Gengluo , Jimenez Giorgos
Published: March 2022

When skin cells divide abnormally, it can cause a tumor or abnormal lymph fluid or blood. The masses appear benign and malignant, with the benign being limited to one area and not spreading, but some can spread throughout the body through the body’s lymphatic system. Skin cancer is easier to diagnose than other cancers because its symptoms can be seen with the naked eye. This makes us to provide an artificial intelligence-based methodology to diagnose this cancer with higher accuracy. This article proposes a new non-destructive testing method based on the AlexNet and Extreme Learning Machine network to provide better results of the diagnosis. The method is then optimized based on a new improved version of the Grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA). Simulation of the proposed method is then compared with some different state-of-the-art methods and the results showed that the proposed method with 98% accuracy and 93% sensitivity has the highest efficiency.
Comparison of LPBF-manufactured and rolled tensile test samples made of 17-4PH
Authors: Roj Robin , Blondrath Aileen , Serleti Francesco , Holm Christopher , Theiß Ralf , Dültgen Peter
Published: March 2022

In recent years additive manufacturing techniques for metals became more and more enhanced and a great variety of processable materials are available. Nevertheless, the quality of 3D-printed components is often not obvious, and, depending on the material, it is not known whether they are as resilient as conventionally manufactured parts. In this paper rolled tensile test samples made of 17-4PH are compared with additively manufactured ones. For this purpose, they were printed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion in three different orientations, 0°, 45°, and 90°, and subsequently tensile tested. The presented results contain mesoscopic images of the fracture surfaces, as well as an analysis of the metallographic microstructure. Further details about the measured hardness, the phase diagrams as well as an optimized heat treatment are described in detail. It is shown that specifically the heat treated specimens with a 45° orientation reaches the highest ultimate tensile stress, but possess a low ductility in comparison to the conventional components.