bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans as Markers in Human Neural Progenitor Cell Line Short-Term Lineage Differentiation
Authors: Yu Chieh , Peall Ian W , Pham Son H , Nguyen Duy LB , Griffiths Lyn R , Okolicsanyi Rachel K , Haupt Larisa M
Published: December 2022

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are major constituents of the neuronal niche and have been demonstrated to be expressed in the developing brain and to contribute to multiple aspects of neurogenesis, including neural progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and synaptogenesis. However, their roles in human stem cell neural differentiation are still under exploration. This study utilised three human cell lines, first expanded under basal culture conditions then differentiated towards neuronal (SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells), astrocyte (ReNcell CX human neural progenitor cells) and mixed neural cultures (ReNcell VM human neural progenitor cells). The cells were characterised in basal and differentiated states for calcium signalling activity and via Q-PCR, Western Blotting, and immunocytochemistry (ICC) analyses. The results showed that the HSPG core protein and heparan sulfate (HS) biosynthesis enzyme profiles differed between the different neural lineage cultures, as well as demonstrated distinct correlations with neural specific lineage markers. Surface-bound glypican-1 (GPC1), GPC2, and GPC4 were found to be associated with neuronal lineage differentiation while GPC6 and syndecan-3 (SDC3) were observed to be upregulated in astrocyte differentiation. Modulation of ReNcell VM mixed neural cultures with HS-binding neuroregulatory growth factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) produced cultures suppressed glial lineage differentiation potential while modifying HS chain sulfation. Overall, the findings from this study provide evidence of HSPGs and HS GAGs as key regulators of human neural lineage differentiation and specification and targeting these HSPGs may allow for the better isolation of human neural lineage specific cell populations.
Fusion of Multi-level Granular Data using Evidence Theory
Authors: Reformat Marek Z. , Yager Ronald R.
Published: December 2022

Complex systems are often composed of multiple subsystems arranged in a multi-level hierarchical structure. Therefore, dedicated methods suitable for determining the local states of such arranged components and the global state of the system are important. Subsystems’ dependence on each other and unreliable inputs make forming definitions of the subsystems’ states challenging. As a result, the state descriptions could contain imprecise terms expressed as data granules. Moreover, the granules ’conceal’ partial information and unclar-ity on what values of inputs and states of other subsystems are required to determine the local and global states of the system. In this paper, we introduce and describe a novel approach to determining states – local and global – of complex multi-component systems of hierarchical architecture. We use elements of Evidence Theory and adopt a newly developed method that satisfies uncertain targets to assess the system’s states. In our case, the uncertain targets are definitions of subsystems’ states. This process is performed in stages following the system’s architecture. The inputs are used at the lowest levels of the hierarchy, and the processing at higher levels uses the results of lower-level computations. Due to the imprecision of inputs and definitions of subsystems’ states, the proposed approach deals with multiple sources of uncertainty in determining the states. The origins of imprecision are categorized into: 1) uncertainty and ambiguity associated with measured quantities as inputs to subsystems, 2) degrees of imprecision in determining states of subsystems calculated based on the states of other subsystems, and 3) imprecision and incomplete knowledge included in the statements defining subsystems’ states.
A novel clinical tool and risk stratification system for predicting the event-free survival of neuroblastoma patients: A TARGET-based study
Authors: Li Mingzhen , Duan Xiaoying , Li Chunyan , Liu Linlin
Published: December 2022

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB), considered the most common non-intracranial solid tumor in children, accounts for nearly 8% of pediatric malignancies. This study aimed to develop a simple and practical nomogram to predict event-free survival (EFS) in NB patients and establish a new risk stratification system.
Method: In this study, 763 patients primarily diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the TARGET database were included and randomly assigned to a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%) in a 7:3 ratio. First, the independent prognostic factors of EFS for NB patients were identified through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Second, a nomogram was created based on these factors and was validated for calibration capability, discriminative and clinical significance by C-curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, we developed a new risk stratification system for NB patients based on the nomogram.
Result: The univariate Cox analysis demonstrated that NB patients with age at diagnosis > 318 days, INSS stage 4, DNA diploidy, MYCN amplification status, and COG high-risk group had a relatively poor prognosis. However, according to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, only age, INSS stage, and DNA ploidy were independent predictive factors in NB patients regarding EFS, and a nomogram was created based on these factors. The AUC values of the ROC curves for the 3-, 5-, and 10-year EFS of this nomogram were 0.681, 0.706, and 0.720, respectively. Additionally, the AUC values of individual independent prognostic factors of EFS were lower than those of the nomogram, suggesting that our nomogram had higher predictive reliability for prognosis. In addition, a new risk stratification system was developed to better stratify NB patients and provide clinical practitioners with a better reference for clinical decision-making.
Conclusion: NB patients’ EFS could be predicted more accurately and easily through the constructed nomogram and event-occurrence risk stratification system, helping clinicians to better differentiate NB patients and develop individualized treatment plans to maximize patient benefits.
Interrupted time series study for the impact of introduction of day surgery on hospital length of stay and expenses of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Chen Dong-Yao , Wang Jing-Cheng , Bai Dou-Sheng , Xu Gui-Rong , Cai Bin , Wu Wen-Jing , Ke-Hong Yuan
Published: December 2022

Since the government of China began to emphasize the innovation of medical service mode in recent years and advocate the implementation of day surgery at the national policy level, the given hospital located in Jiangsu province implemented day surgery mode in 2019. This study investigates the impact of introduction of day Surgery on hospital length of stay (LOS) and expenses for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was conducted based on a sample of 5487 patients from January 2017 to May 2022. The factors surveyed included LOS, per capita total hospitalization expenses, expenses for medical service, diagnosis, treatment and medical consumable materials. ITS analysis showed that LOS decreased significantly (P < 0.001), per capita total expenses showed a gradually decreasing trend (P < 0.001), especially the expenses for medical service (P < 0.001) and treatment (P = 0.001) after the implementation. However, the implementation generated little or no impact on decreasing the diagnosis (P = 0.546) and medical consumable material expenses (P = 0.123). The benefits of implementation of day surgery include hospitals and patients, which contributes to the availability of hospital beds, the efficiency of medical services and had a significant effect on the alleviation of patients’ direct and indirect disease burden.
Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the surface water of Caohai wetland, Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Peng Jie , Huang Hetian , xu chan , Li Jun , Lin Shaoxia , Zhao Hua , Yang Hongbo , Guo Feng
Published: December 2022

The Caohai Wetland is located in a region of karst within the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and serves as an important nature reserve for migratory birds. It is therefore of considerable ecological value in China. The presence and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the wetland were unknown prior to this investigation. This study documents the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of 16 PFASs in the Caohai Wetland. The analysis showed that 11 PFASs were widely present in the Caohai Wetland; total concentrations (defined as the concentration of the total of all studied PFASs, ΣPFASs) ranged from 1.78 ng/L to 112.21 ng/L (mean 19.43 ng/L). Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate (PFBS) were the dominant forms in surface water, contributing 48.12%, 14.61%, and 11.59% to the total PFASs burden, respectively. Chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (F-53B) was also detected frequently and occurred at relatively high concentrations (0.14–1.48 ng/L, mean 0.48 ng/L). In the absence of point sources, high PFASs concentrations occurred inside a nearby town, resulting from anthropogenic activities. Risk assessment revealed that both individual and combined PFASs pose a relatively low risk to aquatic organisms at the present time. However, long-term monitoring of PFASs in the Caohai Wetland is needed given the potential of PFASs to be biomagnified and the extremely important ecological value of the Caohai Wetland.
A Punctuated Equilibrium Analysis of the Climate Evolution of Cenozoic: Hierarchy of Abrupt Transitions
Authors: Rousseau Denis-Didier , Bagniewski Witold , Lucarini Valerio
Published: December 2022

The Earth’s climate has experienced numerous critical transitions during its history, which have often been accompanied by massive and rapid changes in the biosphere. Such transitions are evidenced in various proxy records covering different timescales. The goal is then to identify, date, and rank past critical transitions in terms of importance, thus possibly yielding a more thorough perspective on climatic history. To illustrate such an angle, which inspired the punctuated equilibrium angle on the theory of evolution, we have analyzed 2 key high-resolution datasets: the CENOGRID marine compilation (past 66 Myr), and North Atlantic U1308 record (past 3.3 Myr). By combining recurrence analysis of the individual time series with a multivariate representation of the system based on the theory of the quasi-potential, we identify the key abrupt transitions associated with major regime changes that differentiate various clusters of climate variability. This allows interpreting the time-evolution of the system as a trajectory taking place in a dynamical landscape, whose multiscale features are associated with a hierarchy of tipping points.
Retinal sensitivity and fundus autofluorescence in adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy
Authors: FUJINO RYOSUKE , Inoue Tatsuya , Yanagi Yasuo , Maruyama-Inoue Maiko , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Obata Ryo , Asaoka Ryo
Published: December 2022

The present study aimed to compare retinal sensitivity (RS) at each stage and to evaluate the relationship between RS and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) pattern in adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD). We retrospectively reviewed 17 eyes of 13 patients with AOFVD. In addition to best-corrected visual acuity (VA), RS within the affected lesion and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements were carried out in each participant. All the examined eyes were classified into 4 stages and 3 FAF patterns. RS was superimposed on OCT fundus image and RS within the affected lesion was calculated in each eye. The relationships between visual functions (VA and RS within the affected lesion) and stages and also FAF patterns were analyzed using the linear mixed model. As a result, RS within the affected lesion was significantly associated with FAF pattern, but not with stage. In contrast, VA was correlated with neither stages nor FAF patterns. Our current result suggested that RS within the affected lesion was related to FAF patterns but this was not the case with VA in eyes with AOFVD, demonstrating the usefulness of measuring RS, not only VA, to comprehend the disease status in AOFVD.
Multiparameter mobile blood analyzer for complete blood count utilizing contrast-enhanced defocusing imaging
Authors: Hu Qinglei , Chen Duan , Li Ning , Zeng Shaoqun , Lv Xiaohua , Chen Li , Liu Xiuli
Published: December 2022

Blood analysis, though complete blood count (CBC), is the most basic medical test for disease diagnosis and health monitoring. However, the need for bulky and expensive laboratory facilities and skilled technicians limits the universal medical practices based on blood analysis outside of well-equipped laboratory environments. Here, we proposed a multiparameter mobile blood analyzer utilizing label-free contrast-enhanced defocusing imaging (CEDI) with the assistance of machine vision for instant and on-site blood analysis. The analyzer using CEDI obtains both the blood cell morphological characteristics and hemoglobin spectrophotometric information for simultaneous five-part white blood cell differential count, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin quantification without the need for sample staining. In addition, we have designed a miniature microscope with a sub-micron spatial resolution of (~0.98 μm), which is quite small, lightweight, and cost-effective for blood imaging. We have shown that our assay can analyze a sample within 10 minutes, using just a drop of fingertip blood (~7 μl) and measurements (30 samples) from the analyzer have strong correlations with clinical reference values (significant level: P < 0.0001). The proposed mobile blood analyzer can help provide universal access to blood analysis and has great potential for integrated surveillance of various epidemic diseases, including coronavirus infection, invermination, and anemia, especially in low-and middle-income countries.
Development of the corpus callosum during normal growth
Authors: Baykal Duygu , Cevirme Yaprak , Ocakoglu Gokhan , Taskapilioglu M Ozgur
Published: December 2022

Objective
Corpus callosum is the main structure that provides communication between the two brain hemispheres. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the shape of corpus callosum and cranium during growth and to assess their potential clinical implications.
Methods
Cranium and corpus callosum shape data were collected from two-dimensional digital images. Generalized Procrustes analysis was used to obtain mean shapes between consecutive age-groups. Shape deformation of the corpus callosum between consecutive age-groups was evaluated using the thin-plate spline method.
Results
There were significant age-based differences in the shape of carpos callosum and cranium. The most prominent deformation was seen in the posterior midbody (a region of the corpus callosum), while the greatest deformation in the cranium was observed in the biparietal area. There were significant differences in corpus callosum shape between 1- and 2-year age-groups. The diameter of the cranium increased up to the age of 4 years; however, this increase was not uniform, especially in the biparietal areas.
Conclusions
The growth of skull and the development of the corpus callosum are not similar. The development of corpus callosum may be a better indicator of neural development than skull enlargement.
TNFα/TNFR2 axis mediates natural killer cell proliferation by enhancing their glycolytic plasticity
Authors: Lee Seung-Hwan , Khan Abrar Ul Haq , Ali Alaa Kassim , Jo Donghyeon , Fong-McMaster Claire , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , Wang Lisheng , Sad Subash , Harper Mary-Ellen
Published: December 2022

Natural Killer (NK) cells are predominant innate lymphocytes that provide the early response during infection. NK cells undergo metabolic switch to fuel augmented proliferation and activation following infection. TNFα is a well-known inflammatory cytokine that enhances NK cell function, however, a mechanism for stimulation is not well established. Here, we demonstrated that upon infection/inflammation, NK cells upregulate the expression of TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), which is associated with increased proliferation, metabolic activity and effector function. Notably, IL-18 can induce TNFR2 on NK cells, augmenting their sensitivity towards TNFα. Mechanistically, TNFα-TNFR2 signaling induces CD25 (IL-2Rα) expression on NK cells predominantly by autocrine mode, leading to a metabolic switch towards aerobic glycolysis. Accordingly, genetic ablation of TNFR2 curtails the CD25 upregulation and TNFα-induced glycolysis, leading to impaired NK cell proliferation during MCMV infection in vivo. Collectively, our results delineate the crucial role of the TNFα-TNFR2 axis in NK cells for proliferation, glycolysis, and effector function via CD25 induction.
ADC histogram parameters differentiating atypical from transitional meningiomas: correlation with Ki-67 proliferation index
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Xianwang , Jing Mengyuan , Zhang Yuting , Zhang Bin , Deng Liangna , Zhou Junlin
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis in differentiating atypical meningioma (AtM) from transitional meningioma (TrM) and its correlation with the Ki-67 proliferation index.
Methods: Clinical, imaging, and pathological data of 78 patients with AtM and 80 patients with TrM were retrospectively collected. Regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated on axial ADC images using MaZda software and histogram parameters (mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, 1st percentile (ADCp1), 10th percentile (ADCp10), 50th percentile (ADCp50), 90th percentile (ADCp90), and 99th percentile (ADCp99)) were generated. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in histogram parameters between the two groups; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess diagnostic efficacy in differentiating AtM from TrM preoperatively. The correlation between histogram parameters and Ki-67 proliferation index was analyzed.
Results: All histogram parameters of AtM were lower than those of TrM, and the variance, skewness, kurtosis, ADCp90, and ADCp99 were significantly different (P < 0.05). The optimal cutoff value of 147.00 × 10 – 3 mm2/s, ADCp99 achieved the best diagnostic performance for distinguishing AtM from TrM: area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.764, 58.75%, 82.05%, 70.25%, 77.05%, and 65.98%, respectively. All histogram parameters were negatively correlated with Ki-67 expression (r = -0.012 to -0.293).
Conclusion: ADC histogram analysis is a potential tool for noninvasive differentiation of AtM from TrM preoperatively, and ADC histogram parameters were negatively correlated with the Ki-67 proliferation index.
Genome-wide association mapping in elite winter wheat breeding for yield improvement
Authors: Tyrka Miroslaw , Paweł Krajewski , Tomasz Bednarek Piotr , Kinga Rączka , Tadeusz Drzazga , Przemyslaw Matysik , Róża Martofel , Urszula Woźna-Pawlak , Dorota Jasińska , Małgorzata Niewińska , Bogusława Ługowska , Dominika Ratajczak , Teresa Sikora , Edward Witkowski , Ada Dorczyk , Dorota Tyrka
Published: December 2022

Increased grain yield (GY) is the primary breeding purpose of wheat. In order to identify the main determinants of grain yield we used Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on 168 elite lines of winter wheat from an ongoing breeding program. Sequencing of Diversity Array Technology fragments (DArTseq) resulted in 19,350 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) and Presence Absence Variation (PAV) markers. We identified 15 main regions involving ten wheat chromosomes (1B, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3D, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7B) that explain from 7.9 to 20.3% of the variation in grain yield and 13.3% of the yield stability. Loci identified in the reduced genepool are important for wheat improvement using marker assisted selection. We first found marker-trait associations of three genes involved in starch biosynthesis with grain yield. Two starch synthase genes, TraesCS2B03G1238800, TraesCS2D03G1048800, and sucrose synthase (TraesCS3D03G0024300) were located in regions of QGY3, QGY6, and QGY9, respectively. The loci and significantly associated SNP markers found in this study can be used for pyramiding favourable alleles in high-yielding varieties or to improve the accuracy of prediction in genomic selection.
Human Digital Twin: A Survey
Authors: Lin Yujia , Chen Liming , Ali Aftab , Nugent Christopher , Ian Cleland , Li Rongyang , Gao Dazhi , Wang Hang , Wang Yajie , Ning Huansheng
Published: December 2022

Digital twin has recently attracted growing attention, leading to intensive research and applications. Along with this, a new research area, dubbed as "human digital twin" (HDT), has emerged. Similar to the conception of digital twin, HDT is referred to as the replica of a physical-world human in the digital world. Nevertheless, HDT is much more complicated and delicate compared to digital twins of any physical systems and processes, due to humans' dynamic and evolutionary nature, including physical, behavioral, social, physiological, psychological, cognitive, and biological dimensions. Studies on HDT are limited, and the research is still in its infancy. In this paper, we first examine the inception, development, and application of the digital twin concept, providing a context within which we formally define and characterize HDT based on the similarities and differences between digital twin and HDT. Then we conduct an extensive literature review on HDT research, analyzing underpinning technologies and establishing typical frameworks in which the core HDT functions or components are organized. Built upon the findings from the above work, we propose a generic architecture for the HDT system and describe the core function blocks and corresponding technologies. Following this, we present the state of the art of HDT technologies and applications in the healthcare, industry, and daily life domain. Finally, we discuss various issues related to the development of HDT and point out the trends and challenges of future HDT research and development.
Management outcome of incomplete abortion in Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Getie Simegnew Asmer , Tadele Getahun , Balcha Wondu Feyisa , Gemeda Natnael Dechasa
Published: December 2022

Objective Incomplete abortion is the partial loss of the products of conception before viability and is the comments type of spontaneous abortion. This can be managed medically or surgically at a health facility by trained health care providers. However, women develop unfavorable management outcomes of incomplete abortion following the initial management. This study aimed to assess the management outcome of incomplete abortion in Injibara General Hospital, Northwest, Ethiopia. Results A health facility-based cross-sectional design was conducted from May 1/2018 to April 30/2020. A medical record review of 260 women who received abortion service was done and 236 cases managed for incomplete abortion were included in the study with a response rate of 90.8%. In this study, 12.3%) with [95% CI = 8.11–16.49] of the women developed unfavorable management outcomes of incomplete abortion. In the multivariable analysis women who are found in the age group of 15–25 years [AOR = 3.92, 95% CI-1.07-14.38], gestational age greater ≥ 13 weeks [AOR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.12–7.83], seeking care after 24 hours of the onset of symptoms [AOR = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.04–15.21], and medical management of the incomplete abortion [AOR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.07–11.27] were associated with unfavorable management outcome of incomplete abortion.
The Effects of Cetuximab and Cisplatin Anti-Cancer Drugs on the Mechanical Properties of the Lung Cancerous Cells Using Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Rezaei Iraj , Sadeghi Ali
Published: December 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Legacy Ash Based Organic Washing Powder for Utensils Cleaning: A Novel Approach Towards 100 % Pond Ash Utilization in Indian Thermal Power Plants
Authors: Khankari G. , Rajan D. V.
Published: December 2022

At present, coal based thermal power plants share about 57% of total electricity demand in India and day to day, coal consumption increases for fulfilling the increasing trend of electricity demand in India. Indian power plants are facing the problem of ash disposal as the coal having high ash concentration. To safe guard the environment and following the stringent environmental norms issued by Govt. of India, 100% ash utilization in power sector is to be made in timely. Considering the matter, the present work proposes a development of legacy ash based organic washing powder for utensil cleaning at low cost. Study shows that the accumulated unused legacy ash present in ash pond can used as organic based utensils cleaning washing powder where clay, dry reetha fruits and orange peel off powder are used as additional compositions. The used water from the cleaning may also be used for gardening / plantation purpose only. Due to the low foaming characteristic of the developed washing powder, water consumption of the hotel, house hold will be reduced and cut down the water bill and energy bill as well. Water pollution and skin etching issue on human health will be avoided by using the developed washing powder. High efficacy of cleaning is found in the composition ratio of 80%, 14%, 4% and 2% of legacy ash, clay powder, reetha powder and orange fruit peel off powder, respectively at the cost of Rs. 6.28 /kg which comparatively lower than the present market value. For promoting the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the washing powder composition ratio of 80%, 16%, 2% and 2% of legacy ash, clay powder, reetha powder and orange fruit peel off powder, respectively may be considered for its less cost (Rs. 3.82 /kg) and good cleaning. About 25% of 8.46 LMT legacy ash can be used for production of herbal washing powder of about 2.44 LMT and annual profit of the power station can be tune of about 170 crores. Hence, the proposed work can be useful for utilization of legacy ash and a way out for enhancing profit of the power station.
Application of TOPSIS and AHP models in subsurface layers’ competence evaluation - case study of Ilaramokin, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adedotun Adeyemo Igbagbo , Oluwatimilehin Akande Victor , Akinlalu Ayokunle Adewale , Sanusi Sheriff Olumide
Published: December 2022

Incessant collapse of buildings associated with geotechnical incompetence in different part of Nigeria and the rapid growth of Ilaramokin town near Akure Southwestern Nigeria provided the motivation for this work. Two multi-criteria decision analysis approaches were used in integrating geoelectric parameters (topsoil resistivity, weathered layer resistivity and bedrock resistivity), static water level measurements and geology in evaluating the subsurface geotechnical competence of Ilaramokin. Thirty (30) vertical electrical sounding, eighty-six (86) static water level measurement and geological map were used. The VES results were presented as topsoil, weathered layer and bedrock resistivity maps. The vertical electrical sounding (VES) results delineated three to five geoelectrical layers which are the A, H, K, KH, QH and HKH. The resistivity of the topsoil, weathered layer and bedrock varies from 48–701, 31–1065, 14–139, 132–6582 Ωm respectively while their thickness very from 0.4–4.1, 1.3–11.6 and 4.0–20.1 m in the three upper layers respectively. The VES results, static water level measurement and the geology were integrated using both TOPSIS and AHP models to produced geotechnical competence maps. Consistency test and grainsize analysis were carried out on 10 soil samples obtained across the area to validate the geotechnical competence model maps produced using both TOPSIS and AHP models. The validation showed that geotechnical model map produced from TOPSIS model have higher percentage (90%) of correlation with consistency tests and grain size analysis compared to that of AHP model (70%).
Umbilical cord subtotipotent-like stem cells reverse the ageing of thymic epithelial cells by inducing reprogramming of the whole-genome methylation and transcription profile
Authors: Yang Zailing , He Zhixu , Zhu Xiangqing , Pan Hang , Wu XiJun , Pan Xinghua
Published: December 2022

Background: A decrease in the number and activity of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is an important factor in thymic degeneration, which can lead to dysfunction of T-cell differentiation, development and selection and a decrease in human immune function. Umbilical cord pluripotent-like stem cells (UCSSCs) can promote the structural and functional regeneration of the ageing thymus in vivo, but the mechanism of their action on TECs and molecules is not clear. Based on the discovery that UCSSCs promote thymus regeneration, we further analysed the changes in genome methylation modification profiles and their association with transcription profiles in ageing TECs cocultured with UCSSCs.
Results: UCSSCs could promote thymus regeneration in ageing macaque monkeys, and an ageing model of TECs was established. Coculture of ageing TECs with UCSSCs for 48 hours significantly reduced the expression levels of ageing markers such as P16, P21 and p53 and increased the activity of ageing TECs. Genome-wide methylation and transcriptional sequencing analysis of TECs showed that methylation levels of 501 genes increased and 591 genes decreased in the promoter region. Twenty-three genes with increased methylation were enriched in the processes of negative regulation of cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis, and 37 genes with decreased methylation were enriched in the processes of promoting cell growth and proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. Association analysis between promoter and transcription level revealed that there was a significant negative correlation between promoter methylation level and gene transcription in 66 genes, among which PDE5A, DUOX2, LAMP1 and SVIL, which inhibit growth and development, showed increased methylation and decreased transcription. Decreased methylation of POLR3G, PGF, CHTF18, KRT17, FOXJ1, NGF, DYRK3, LRP8, CDT1, PRELID1, F2R, KNTC1 and TRIM3, which promote cell growth, leads to an increase in transcription levels. Decreased promoter methylation of the transcription factor NGF gene, which leads to an increase in KRT17 and FOXJ1 transcription, plays a key role in reversing TEC senescence.
Conclusion: UCSSC coculture ameliorates the age-associated hallmarks of ageing TECs. The methylation profile of senescent TEC genes was significantly changed after treatment with umbilical cord pluripotent stem cells. It was found that decreasing the methylation level of the transcription factor NGF and increasing the expression level of KRT17 and FOXJ1 play a key role in promoting the proliferation of TECs.
Modeling and real-time prediction of irrigation water quality index using Graphical User Interface (App), a case study of Oued-Hammam North-East Algeria
Authors: Bomani Oswald Peter
Published: December 2022

The quality of water for irrigation purposes hasnot been taken into serious consideration in many places around the Globe. The present case study at Oued-Hammam watershed aims to investigate the use of an artificial neural network in the prediction of irrigation water quality indicators of Sodium absorption ratio and Electrical Conductivity and deployment of the models using graphical user interface (App).Fourteen water quality parameters were collected at Zit Emba reservoir from 2010 to 2014.Pearson correlation matrix was used to select input parameters with respect with the output parameter. The back-propagation neural networks learning algorithm was used in modeling of irrigation water quality index (IWQI) for both SAR and EC. The performances of models were evaluated using statistical criteria of correlation coefficient (R) and root mean square error (RMSE). Back propagation neural network learning algorithm maximum correlation coefficient for SAR and EC were 0.98077 and 0.97762 respectively, also with minimum RMSE of 0.037 for SAR and 101.8 for EC. Thus current study suggests that artificial neural network (ANN) models are most effective tools for prediction of water quality prediction and their outcome can be used as effective method in management and real-time control of water pollution around the watershed.
Multidrug Efflux System-mediated resistance in Staphylococcus aureus under a One Health approach
Authors: Barros Mariana , Lopes¹ Ilderlane da Silva , Moreira¹ Ana Júlia Silva , Almeida Raquel dos Santos Oliveira , Costa² Mateus Matiuzzi , Mota³ Rinaldo Aparecido , Nero¹ Luis Augusto , Moreira¹ Maria Aparecida Scatamburlo
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to track the spread of antimicrobial resistance among the different sectors of One Health through the detection of Multidrug-Efflux-System in multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) S. aureus isolates were selected: 25 of human, one of animal and eight of food origin. The efflux system genes norA, norB, norC, LmrS, tet38 and msrA were screened by PCR. The activity of the efflux systems was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin in the presence and absence of CCCP and in the quantification of ethidium bromide efflux. Furthermore, biofilm formation was determined in the presence and absence of the CCCP. The molecular epidemiology of the isolates was traced with the aid of PFGE. The gene norC was the most prevalent, detected in all isolates and msrA was the least prevalent, detected in only two isolates from humans. There was no difference in the MICs of tetracycline and ciprofloxacin in the presence of CCCP, but 55.9% of isolates showed ethidium bromide efflux. The presence of CCCP decreased the biofilm formation. Regarding the molecular epidemiology, in three clusters was a mixture of the isolates from different origins. Therefore, S. aureus MDR with active multidrug efflux systems are circulating between One Health domains and it is necessary to consider strategies to decrease this circulation in order to prevent the dissemination of resistance mediated by MES.
Optimization of a simplified model of the human femur with inner structure and real material properties
Authors: Bazyar Pourya , Baumgart Andreas , Altenbatch Holm , Usbeck Anna
Published: December 2022

Biomechanics is the examination of the structure and function of biological systems by means of the methods of mechanics. Finite element analysis is a computer-based numerical analysis method that can be used to calculate the response of a model to a set of well-defined boundary conditions. Although typical analysis methods, FE analysis can be used to analyze structures of complicated geometry and inhomogeneous material properties. The finite element method is an ideal method for analyzing live tissues such as femur bone this is since it has complex geometric shapes and inhomogeneous material properties. The objective of an FE analysis is to find the distribution of an unknown within a body. In this research, a simplified model of the femur with some of the inner structures (trabeculae, Haversian canals, marrow) was designed. After designing, a simplified model, FE analysis, and optimization were done. Obtained results showed that the max stress is 5.2717e8 Pa. It reached 4.5687e8 Pa after optimization of the model.
One Class Support Subsequence Machine: Abnormal time
series subsequences detection using One-Class SVM
Authors: Amine Melakhsou Abdallah , Batton-Hubert Mireille , Casoetto Nicolas
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an approach is proposed for the detection of abnormal time series subsequences using the One-Class SVM with an application to defect detection of two automatic welding processes. The One Class-SVM has been used in many works for the same purpose but only after transforming the subsequences into a set of feature vectors. However, finding the relevant features that allow anomaly detection may be challenging. Methods dealing with the raw subsequences, on the other hand, can be easily generalized to other problems and are known to be efficient. Nevertheless, they often suffer from high computational cost since they involve computing the distances to all the reference subsequences, which may restrict their application, especially with the need of real time predictions in most of the applications. We show in this work that, contrary to what is indicated in the literature, the One-Class SVM can be used directly with the raw subsequences. This is achieved by employing distance substitution kernels, which are a class of kernels that allow to use dissimilarity measures in the One-class SVM formulation. The results show that the approach has a similar efficiency of those suggested in the literature that operate with raw subsequences in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, because it just requires the distances to the support vectors, the approach has a low time complexity in the prediction phase, making it more suitable for real-time monitoring. We further show that the One-Class SVM with non-metric dissimilarity remains efficient for aberrant subsequence identification.
Naming Human Anatomy and Diseases in Maanyan Language
Authors: Septiana Dwiani , Yulianti Andi Indah
Published: December 2022

The purposes of this research are to describe and document the lexicons related to human anatomy and diseases in the Maanyan language as well as explain their structures and meaning. This research used the theory of ethnolinguistics which focuses on the documentation, description, and classification of indigenous languages by viewing the language as a lexicon and grammar. It deployed an ethnographic research method. It was conducted in the Maanyan community in East Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan. The data were lexicons related to the names of diseases, human anatomy and human body conditions in the Maanyan language. They were analysed by classifying lexicons, explaining their meaning, and describing them based on the word structure. The results indicate that in the Maanyan language there are 179 lexicons associated with the human anatomy and the names of diseases. They are 92 lexicons related to human anatomy, 46 lexicons about the human body’s conditions, and 41 lexicons of disease names. According to the word structure, these lexicons consist of single, derived, and compound forms.
Low Cost Modified Biochars from Peanut Shells for the Removal of Textile Dyes
Authors: Nunes Nelson , Santos Maria Teresa , Martins Angela
Published: December 2022

Biochars from peanut shell wastes were produced and further modified with KOH and HNO3 to efficiently remove two industrial dyes, Mordant Orange 1 and Green Malachite oxalate, in aqueous systems. The materials were characterized through elemental analysis, N2 adsorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the determination of the point of zero charge, pHPZC. The basic and, particularly, the acid treatments increased the specific surface area by 15 and 43%, respectively, and the pHPZC shifted from 6.2 to 9.1 or 3.3 upon treatments with KOH or HNO3. These modifications impacted the adsorption behavior of the dyes; in the case of Mordant Orange 1, the adsorption capacity increased 2 and 4 times, respectively, when compared with the parent biochar. These results show that the performance of biochars can improve substantially through simple modifications using acid or basic treatments that not only increase the specific surface area but also modify adsorbent/adsorbate interactions.
Mean sea level modelling using the neural network along the Chennai coast
Authors: Adwait  , Roshni Thendiyath
Published: December 2022

This study focuses on the trend analysis of sea level data along the Chennai coast and thereby checks the structural change in the dataset using the Chow method. This study also proposed a methodology for predicting the mean sea level with the feed-forward neural network (FFNN) and wavelet transform neural network (WTNN) models. The data analysis shows that a breakpoint is observed in the year 1994 and found an overall increasing trend during the selected time period at the Chennai coast. For model development, a better understanding of the influencing parameters of the sea level is essential. Hence, correlation analyses have been performed and found that wind speed, sea surface salinity, and surface pressure are influencing variables for modelling sea level data. Apparently, these influencing variables have been considered as potential inputs for model development. To compare the performance of all the developed models, the Root Mean Square Error, Correlation Coefficient, and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) were utilized. The results of performance indices and the graphical indicators also show that WTNN Model 4 outperformed all the other developed models. It was noticed that the percentage increase in the efficiency of NSE was 29.52% for WTNN Model 4 as compared to other developed models.
Performance evaluation of soft computing techniques for forecasting daily reference evapotranspiration
Authors: Rajput Jitendra , Singh Man , Lal K. , Khanna M. , Sarangi A. , Mukherjee J. , Singh Shrawan
Published: December 2022

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is used to determine crop water requirements under different climatic conditions. In this study, soft computing tools viz. artificial neural network (ANN) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) models were evaluated for forecasting daily ET0 by comparing their performance with the Penman-Monteith model (PM) using climatic data from 1990 to 2020 of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) farm observatory, New Delhi, India. The performance of these models was assessed using statistical performance indices viz., mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and index of agreement (d). Results revealed that the ANN model with sigmoid activation function and L-BFGS (Limited memory-Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno) learning algorithm was selected as the best performing model amongst 36 ANN models. Amongst 4 KNN models developed and tested, the K4 KNN model was observed to be the best in forecasting daily ET0. Overall, the best ANN model (M11) outperformed the K4 KNN model with MAE, MSE, r, MAPE, and d values of 0.075, 0.018, 0.997, 2.76 %, and 0.974, respectively and 0.091, 0.053, 0.984, 3.16 %, and 0.969, respectively during training and testing periods. Thus, we conclude that the ANN technique performed better than the KNN technique in forecasting daily ET0. Sensitivity analysis of the best ANN model revealed that wind speed was the most influential input variable compared to other weather parameters. Thus, the ANN model to forecast daily ET0 accurately for efficient irrigation scheduling of different crops in the study region may be recommended.
Performance evaluation of hydraulic ram pumping systems for small-scale farmers: a case study of West Pokot county, Kenya
Authors: Osome Joseph Kisia , Kosgei Job Rotich , Kipkorir Emmanuel Chessum , Nyandwaro Gilbert Nyageikaro , Sempewo Jotham Ivan
Published: December 2022

Hydraulic ram (hydram) pump has been in existence for more than two centuries. However, these pumps have been on the verge of extinction since the invention of motorized pumps, which are more powerful and efficient. Unfortunately, motorized pumps are expensive to acquire, operate, and maintain. Their contribution to climate change and environmental degradation has steered the need for an alternative pumping technology. Therefore, as the world's technology shifts to green energy, hydram pumps need to be re-invented. In the late twentieth century, studies on hydram pumps have been revived with the aim of making them more efficient and economically competitive. Small-scale farmers in West Pokot County, Kenya, have embraced the hydram technology, but due to low technical capacity; installed low-performing hydram that operated under low efficiencies of less than 30%, with the majority having operational failure due to inadequate designs. Hence, this study investigated the design and operation of these pumps. Thereafter, designed and assembled a hydram pump, using locally available materials, to supply water for domestic and small-scale agricultural use. The optimum efficiency achieved by the pump was 54%, with an optimum delivery flow rate of about 13 L/min.
reflexos pandêmicos no ensino ofertado pela rede pública de Maceió/AL
Authors: Menezes Anderson de Alencar , Silva Antonio Tancredo Pinheiro da , Cardoso Martha Vanessa Lima do Nascimento
Published: December 2022

A escola  revela-se como instituição  de emancipação, descentralizada e mais democrática, apta a efetivar os direitos fundamentais violados, em especial, o de acesso à educação, direito fundamental.A suspensão das aulas da rede pública de educação foi uma das inúmeras consequencias da Pandemia do Covid 19 para crianças e jovens em idade escolar. Após dois anos de isolamento social, ainda é possível constatar que algumas unidades de ensino do município de Maceió/Alagoas sequer iniciaram o ano letivo, noutras, observa-se que o retorno às aulas embora tenha iniciado, ainda ocorre de maneira lenta.Nesse sentido, para Habermas a esfera pública deve servir como um fórum importante para onde discussões e debates de questões sociais relevantes devem ser trazidas à luz por indivíduos e coletividades, inclusive por aqueles que eventualmente sintam-se excluídos. O presente artigo tem por finalidade a abordagem da educação formal num contexto pós-pandemia e contribui para as reflexões acerca dos desafios enfrentados pelos educadores ao lidar com as atuais exigências que versam sobre a recomposição e a aceleração do ensino-aprendizagem, tendo que nivelar o ensino para todos os alunos, sem muitas vezes, a devida orientação para lidar com as necessidades tão diversas e individuais que esse público atravessa e no qual não se tem um diagnóstico para uma condiação especial, como por exemplo, o autismo ou se o atraso apresentado pelo estudante no decorrer do seu processo de escolarização caracteriza-se de fato pelo cenário pandemico vivenciado.