bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four decades increase in gross photosynthesis of boreal forests balanced out by increase in ecosystem respiration
Authors: Pulliainen Jouni , Aurela Mika , Vesala Timo , Sonnentag Oliver , Lindroth Anders , Aalto Tuula , Markkanen Tiina , Lemmetyinen Juha , Thum Tea , Derksen Christopher , Launiainen Samuli , Takala Matias , Cohen Juval , Salminen Miia , Lindqvist Hannakaisa , Böttcher Kristin , Rautiainen Kimmo , Luojus Kari , Pumpanen Jukka , Heimann Martin , Helbig Manuel , Peichl Matthias , Noe Steffen , Krasnova Alisa , Mammarella Ivan , Lohila Annalea , Kontu Anna , Nevala Elma , Kolari Pasi
Published: December 2022

Changes in the net carbon sink of boreal forests constitute a major source of uncertainty in the future global carbon budget and hence climate change projections1. The annual net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) controlling the terrestrial carbon stock is the result of the small difference between respiratory CO2 release and the photosynthetic CO2 uptake by vegetation2. The boreal forest, and the boreal biome in general, is regarded as a persistent and even an increasing net carbon sink3,4. However, decreases in photosynthetic CO2 uptake and/or concurrent increases in respiratory CO2 release under a changing climate may turn boreal forests from a net sink to a net source of CO21. Here, we assessed the dynamics of boreal forest net CO2 sink-source strength and its components from 1981 to 2018. Our remote sensing approach - trained by net CO2 flux observations at eddy covariance sites across the circumpolar boreal forests - employs satellite-derived retrievals of snow melt timing, landscape freeze-thaw status, and yearly maximum estimates of the normalized difference vegetation index as a proxy for peak vegetation productivity. Our results for the period 1981-2018 suggest that the mean annual evergreen boreal forest CO2 sink was 0.4 Pg C y-1 (0.3 Pg C y-1 for Eurasia and 0.2 Pg C y-1 for North America). In contrast to earlier investigations3,4 our results do not indicate an increasing trend in the circumpolar evergreen boreal forest CO2 sink, as the increase in CO2 uptake is compensated by increasing respiratory releases with both components of CO2 sink-source strength showing considerable interannual variabilities.
Effect of Dialytic Phosphate Removal on Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Shuixiu , Diao Zongli , Liu Wenhu , Guo Wang
Published: December 2022

Background: The difference in serum phosphate concentration pre- and post-dialysis values (ΔP) reflects phosphate removal during a hemodialysis session, which may be related to clinical outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, few studies have evaluated the associations between phosphate removal and mortality in MHD patients. In this study, we investigated the association between phosphate removal and clinical outcomes in MHD patients.
Methods: This was a retrospective, matched case–control study. Data were collected from the Beijing Hemodialysis Quality Control and Improvement Center. Patients were divided into four groups according to ΔP quartile. Age, sex, and diabetes were matched between the groups. The primary outcome was all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was cardiocerebrovascular death.
Results: The study cohort comprised 4063 patients who were divided into four groups according to the ΔP quartile: group ΔP1 (ΔP < 0.77 mmol/L), group ΔP2 (ΔP 0.77 – 0.95 mmol/L), group ΔP3 (ΔP 0.95 – 1.15 mmol/L), and group ΔP4 (ΔP ≥ 1.15 mmol/L). We enrolled 2512 patients (628 in each study group) by case–control matching. The all-cause death rates were as follows: group ΔP1: 21.2% (133/628), group ΔP2: 19.4% (122/628), group ΔP3: 19.6% (123/628), and ΔP4: (15.3% (96/628). No significant differences in all-cause and cardiocerebrovascular death rates according to the Kaplan–Meier survival curves were found between the groups (log-rank test, P > 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed no significant differences in all-cause and cardiocerebrovascular death rates between the four groups (P = 0.242; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.13 – 1.69 versus P = 0.670, adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–3.87, respectively).
Conclusions: Dialytic serum phosphate removal was not significantly associated with all-cause death and cardiocerebrovascular death in MHD patients.
Thermal effects on the quality parameters of extra virgin olive oil using Fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Ansar Areeba , Ahmad Naveed , Albqmi Mha , Saleem Muhammad , Ali Hina
Published: December 2022

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the superlative due to its health benefits. In this work, the Fluorescence spectra of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from different olive growing regions of Pakistan and Al-Jouf region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were obtained. The emission bands depict relative intensity variations in all non-heated and heated EVOO samples. Prominent emission bands at 385, 400, 435 and 470 nm represent oxidized products of fatty acids, bands at 520 and 673 nm are assigned to beta carotene and chlorophyll isomers respectively.
All EVOO samples collected from Al-Jouf region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and from Pakistan (Loralai Baluchistan, Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal and Morgha Biodiversity Park Rawalpindi) regions showed thermal stability. Other EVOO samples from Chaman Baluchistan and a wild EVOO (Baluchistan) which were bought directly from farmers showed denatured spectra even without heating. Chemical characteristics of all EVOO samples changed significantly at 200 ℃. Relatively, EVOO samples from Al-Jouf showed more thermal stability which might be due to environmental effect, genetic background and processing or storage conditions. These results demonstrated Fluorescence spectroscopy as a quick, cost-effective and reliable approach to assess the quality and thermal stability of EVOO. These characteristics of Fluorescence spectroscopy may lead to the development of handheld device for onsite monitoring of EVOO.
Direct photoconversion of CO2 to carbon nanotubes for oxygen recycling in extraterrestrial exploration
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Jiajia , Feng Jianyong , Hu Yingfei , Huang Huiting , Zhang Ningsi , Zhao Minyue , Liu Changhao , Zhu Zhi , Yan Shicheng , Yu Tao , Zhang Ce , Yao Wei , Li Zhaosheng , Zou Zhigang
Published: December 2022

The Sabatier reaction coupled with water electrolysis constitutes the state-of-the-art oxygen recovery technology in International Space Station missions, but the oxygen recovery efficiency of this system is only 49% (theoretical maximum 50%). Technologies that could realize oxygen recovery of >75% are urgently needed for long duration manned missions. Herein, we found a mild photochemical process that can convert CO2 into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) over a Co-based catalyst, thus permitting 100% theoretical oxygen recovery. This photochemical technology has enabled a high turnover number (the molar ratio of C to Co) of 160 for CNT formation, the tip-growth mode of which principally allows sustained and long-term oxygen recovery from CO2. The established photochemical strategy for CO2 hydrogenation into CNTs closes the oxygen recycling loop, which would promote mankind to travel to the Sea of Stars.
Investigation of TSH levels during the 3- 5th days of birth in term and pre-term infants
Authors: Kalantar Mohammad Hossein , Jahromi Kooroush , Zahedkolaei Aazam Taghavi Zahedkolaei Taghavi , Zolfaghari Pouneh , Sohrabi Mohammad Bagher
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common causes of hormonal disorders and can be detected through timely screening in new-borns. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating TSH levels 3- 5th days after birth in term and pre-term infants.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all live new born babies in Shahroud City 3- 5th days after birth in 2021. From these infants, four - five drops of blood were collected from the heel of the foot and dripped on a special filter paper and TSH levels were measured.
Results: In this study, 2498 infants were examined and their TSH levels were recorded four times during CH screening. 1291 (51.7%) people were boys and the rest were girls. Of these, 2353 (94.2%) were full-term babies and the rest were pre-term babies. In the first screening, the TSH level was >20 mu/lit in 142 (5.7%) babies and between 10 and 20 mu/lit in 74 (3%) babies. In the second round of screening, TSH levels were measured in 548 babies, and only 6 babies (1.1%) had TSH levels greater than 10 mu/lit. In the third screening, TSH levels were measured in 94 babies, and in 18 babies (19.1%), TSH levels between 4 and 10 mu/lit were reported. Finally, in the fourth screening, TSH levels were measured in 69 babies, but only in 18 babies (26.1%); it was between 4 and 10 mu/lit.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of CH in 3 to 5 day old infants in Shahroud City was approximately 16%, and no significant difference was seen between term and pre-term babies. However, it is necessary that in babies whose values have abnormal TSH, screening must be performed in the next appointments.
Overeating in the Ts65Dn trisomic mouse model is associated with dopaminergic neurotransmission deficit in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Fructuoso Marta , Fernandez-Blanco Alvaro , Gallego Ana , de Lagrán Maria Martínez , De Toma Ilario , Langohr Klaus , Martin-Garcia Elena , Maldonado Rafael , Dairou Julien , Janel Nathalie , Dierssen Mara
Published: December 2022

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population. This has traditionally been attributed to endocrine issues and deficient exercise. However, the development of obesity is coupled with deficits in neural reward responses, and previous works showed dopaminergic disturbances in DS. We here tested the hypothesis that “hedonic” overeating may play a central role in the development of obesity as a consequence of sub-functional dopaminergic neurotransmission in a mouse model that bears in triplicate many most of the genes in trisomy 21, Ts65Dn. Meal pattern analysis in this trisomic mouse model (Ts65Dn), revealed an increased preference for energy-dense food. Trisomic mice also scored significantly higher in compulsivity and inflexibility tests as measured by limited access to energy-dense food and food adulteration with quinine hydrochloride. We detected reduced dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of Ts65Dn mice, and insensitivity to the dopamine D2receptor agonist (quinpirole) anorectic effect for palatable foods that may facilitate overeating in an attempt to restore optimal dopamine levels. Interestingly, impulsive and compulsive behaviors were significantly reduced when prelimbic-to-nucleus accumbens projections were activated in Ts65Dn mice using a chemogenetic approach. Our work unravels a new mechanism underlying vulnerability to the development of overeating in DS, which could pave the way towards novel and efficient interventions for obesity.
Hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya (Hylocereus guatemalensis) supplied in the diet for blue Betta splendens and its effects on fish pigmentation
Authors: Gauer Patricia do Carmo , Godoy Antonio Cesar , Oxford Jarred Hugh , Siqueira Mayara S. , Gimênes-Junior Heriberto , Abe Higo A. , Santos Silvia Prestes do , Scardua Marcos Paiva , Neu Dacley H. , Honorato Claucia A.
Published: December 2022

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (Hylocereus guatemalensis) and its effects on the diet of male blue Betta splendens concerning the content of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and activity antioxidant. The fish were supplemented with hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (HEPB) at the concentrations of 0.24, 0.45, and 0.90 mg kg −1 of feed for 21 days. The inclusion of 0.24 and 0.45 mg kg −1 HEPB promoted the best results of zootechnical performance. The digestive activity showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity only when 0.45 mg kg −1 HEPB. The inclusion of 0.45 and 0.90 mg kg −1 HEPB promoted a decrease in hepatic ALT activity. An increase in CAT activity was observed in the skin of fish fed diets with added HEPB. Conclusion addition of HEPB is benefic for performance and have hepatoprotective.
Supervised exercise barriers and readmission in patients with heart failure in a low-resource setting Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Carvalho Ana Carla , Groehs Raphaela Vilar , Pereira Carolina , Soares Vivian L , Mota Tarsila Perez , Grace Sherry L , de Matos Luciana Diniz Nagem Janot
Published: December 2022

Background: This study assessed cardiac rehabilitation (CR) barriers in heart failure (HF) patients for the first time, use of formal exercise supervision, and readmissions.
Methods: This was a prospective study of HF in-patients at a private hospital. The CR Barriers Scale (CRBS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered. Participants were called 30 and 90-days to ascertain formal exercise supervision and readmissions.
Results: Of 95 participants, 85 (89.5%) were retained at the 30-day call, and 86 (90.5%) at 90; 2 died. The mean total CRBS score was 2.3±.6.5, with highest item scores for lack of energy, already exercising, lack of awareness, distance and exercise pain/fatigue. Only 1 participant enrolled in CR, but close to half had engaged an exercise professional (n=48, 56.5% and n=45, 52.3%) at both follow-ups. 25.8% of patients were readmitted at 30 days and 25.5% at 90 days. Participants who had professional exercise supervision within 30 days had significantly fewer readmissions (n​​=7, 14.6%) compared with patients who did not (n=13, 35.1%; p=0.03).
Conclusions: CR barriers are high in HF patients. Despite some accessing professional exercise training, most were insufficiently active. Systematic CR referral and coverage advocacy could mitigate this poor self-management, and ultimately the high readmissions.
An Exploration of Second-year Stuqdent Nurse's Perceptions of Stress Towards Substandard Academic Performance at University, Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia
Authors: Sheelongo Fransina , Kadhila Joseph Galukeni
Published: December 2022

Background: Stress has always been a contributor to student nurses' substandard academic performance due to difficulty dealing with academic tasks. Stress influenced the psychological well-being of undergraduate nursing students.
Methods: This study used the qualitative research method; Qualitative research is research that provides in-depth insights and understanding of real-world problems. The steps proposed by George was used for data analysis. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants from a population of 94 second-year degree nursing students. A total number of 15 second-year degree student nurses registered for the academic year 2022 at the Unam main campus were interviewed. An interview guide, an audio recorder, and field notes were used as the data collection intrument during face-to-face interviews.
Results: The study found that second-year degree nursing students at UNAM main campus perceived stress with negative feelings due to its detrimental effects and they further expressed how it affected their academic performance negatively due to demotivation to study when they are stressed. The study also found that students experienced stress from various stressors such as challenges with log books completion and submission, struggle with financial matters, overwhelmed with theory workload, and conflict with the registered nurses at the clinical settings.
Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no specific policy or guidelines to cope with the stress-related factors at the campus under study. The finding of this study shall therefore assist the University of Namibia under study and all stakeholders to work on the identified contributing factors.
Approximating local solution of the IVPs of nonlinear first order ordinary integrodifferential equations
Authors: Dhage Janhavi B. , Dhage Bapurao C.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we prove a couple of approximation results for local existence and uniqueness of the solution of a IVP of nonlinear first order ordinary hybrid integrodifferential equations by using the Dhage monotone iteration method based on a hybrid fixed point theorem of Dhage (2022) and Dhage et al. (2022). An approximation result for the Ulam-Hyers stability of the local solution of the considered hybrid differential equation is also established. Our main abstract results are also illustrated with a couple of numerical examples. 2010 MSC: 47H10, 34A12, 34A34.
Sociocultural practices and beliefs during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum among indigenous pastoralist women of reproductive age in Manyara, Tanzania: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Felisian Seraphia , Mushy Stella Emmanuel , Tarimo Edith A.M. , Kibusi Stephen Mathew
Published: December 2022

Background
Despite interventions improving maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, progress has been sluggish, especially in hard-to-reach indigenous communities. Sociocultural beliefs in these communities more often influence the adoption of particular behaviors throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Therefore, this study identified sociocultural beliefs and practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum among indigenous pastoralist women of reproductive age in the Manyara region, Tanzania.
Methods
The study was a descriptive qualitative design. We used purposive sampling to select twelve participants among community members who were indigenous women of Manyara who had ever experienced pregnancy. In-depth interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and organized manually. We used manual coding and inductive-deductive thematic analysis.
Results
The study’s findings showed that sociocultural beliefs and practices are widespread, covering antenatal through childbirth to the postnatal period. Both harmful and harmless practices were identified. For example, the use of herbal preparations to augment labor was reported. Previously, most women preferred home delivery; however, the practice is changing because of increased knowledge of home delivery complications and the accessibility of the facilities. Nevertheless, women still practice hazardous behaviors like applying strange things in the birth canal after delivery, increasing the risk of puerperal infection.
Conclusions
Sociocultural practices are predominant and widely applied throughout the peripartum period. These beliefs encourage adopting specific behaviors, most harmful to both mother and fetus. These sociocultural practices tend to affect the utilization of some essential maternal and child health practices. Eliminating unsafe peripartum practices will increase the use of medical services and ultimately improve outcomes for both mothers and their newborns. Public health interventions must recognize the cultural context informing these cultural practices in marginalized indigenous communities.
Dt-0111: a Novel P2x3 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Pelleg Amir , Sirtori Elena , Rolland Jean-Francois , Mahadevan Anu
Published: December 2022

Extracellular adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) acts as an autocrine and paracrine agent, the actions of which on affected cells are mediated by P2 receptors (P2R). In the lungs and airways, ATP activates P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors (R) localized on vagal sensory nerve terminals resulting in bronchoconstriction, and cough, and probably also localized release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides via the axon reflex. Currently, several P2X3R and P2X2/3R antagonists are being developed as drug-candidates for the treatment of chronic cough. This report presents the receptor affinity data of a novel water-soluble small molecule, DT-0111, that acts as a selective P2X3R antagonist.
Towards improved seasonal rainfall prediction in the tropical Pacific Islands
Authors: Tigona Robson , Ongoma Victor , Weir Tony
Published: December 2022

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major influence on interannual variability of rainfall in stations in the tropical southwest Pacific. Predictions of seasonal rainfall, especially a season or two ahead, are of great value to these countries. This paper therefore examines the correlations over ~ 60 years between seasonal rainfall and 8 ENSO indicators at 16 island stations, allowing for lead times. The results show the influence on rainfall of the position and movement of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) during ENSO events, and that the southern oscillation index (SOI), the sea surface temperature anomaly in the central Pacific, (Niño3.4), and the warm water volume in the eastern Pacific (WWV1) have longer lead times compared to most other ENSO indicators. These indicators can therefore be used with confidence in SCOPIC, a widely used statistical tool for prediction of seasonal rainfall. (As global climate models generally have systematic errors in their depiction of the SPCZ, they cannot yet be used directly to reliably predict seasonal rainfall in this region.)
Correlation analysis of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Growth Hormone (GH) Gene and Growth Traits
Authors: Gökçek Emel Özcan , Işık Raziye , Karahan Bilge , Gamsız Kutsal
Published: December 2022

The growth hormone (GH) gene has important regulatory roles in postnatal somatic growth, metabolism and development of vertebrates and fish. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic variations in a partial region of the GH gene and its associations of these variants with growth traits using DNA sequencing in 200 European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) individuals. Five haplotypes (HAP1-5) and ten novel SNPs were identified as g.1557 A>T, g.1611 T>C, g.1663 C>G, g.1799 T>C, g.1824 T>C, g.1912 T>A, g.2052 G>C in the 1st partial intron, 2nd exon, 2nd intron and 3rd partial exon of GH gene in European sea bass. The genotypes of GH g.1611 T>C locus were found associated with total weight, fillet weight and head length (p < 0.05). Association between the genotypes of GH g.1557A>T and pre-anal length, abdominal length were found statistically significant (p < 0.05). Similarly, the genotypes of g.1857 C>T loci which caused the synonymous mutation in phenylalanine amino acid were found associated with standard length (P<0.05). The HAP4 has greater weight and length traits than the other haplotypes (p < 0.05). Taken together, the HAP4 with positive effects on body weight and length traits should be used as a potential marker to improve the accuracy of selection in European sea bass in Mediterannean conditions.
Equivalences of Geometric Ergodicity of Markov Chains
Authors: Gallegos-Herrada Marco A. , Ledvinka David , Rosenthal Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2022

This paper gathers together different conditions which are all equivalent to geometric ergodicity of time-homogeneous Markov chains on general state spaces. A total of 34 different conditions are presented (27 for general chains plus 7 for reversible chains), some old and some new, in terms of such notions as convergence bounds, drift conditions, spectral properties, etc., with different assumptions about the distance metric used, finiteness of function moments, initial distribution, uniformity of bounds, and more. Proofs of the connections between the different conditions are provided, somewhat self-contained but using some results from the literature where appropriate.
Geochemical Insight into CO2 Migration in a Faulted Caprock
Authors: Weber Ulrich Wolfgang , Rinaldi Antonio Pio , Roques Clement , Wenning Quinn , Bernasconi Stefano , Brennwald Matthias , Jaggi Madalina , Nussbaum Christophe , Schefer Senecio , Mazzotti Marco , Wiemer Stefan , Giardini Domenico , Zappone Alba , Kipfer Rolf
Published: December 2022

The sealing characteristics of the geological formation located above a CO2 storage reservoir, the so-called caprock, are essential to ensure efficient geological carbon storage. In case CO2 were to leak through the caprock, temporal changes in fluid geochemistry can reveal fundamental information on migration mechanisms and induced fuid-rock interactions.
Here, we present the results from a unique in-situ injection experiment, where CO2-enriched fluid was continuously injected in a faulted caprock analogue. Results show that the CO2 migration follows complex path- ways within the fault structure. The joint analysis of noble gases, ion concentrations and carbon isotopes allow us to quantify mixing between injected CO2-enriched fluid and resident formation water and to describe the temporal evolution of water-rock interaction processes. The results presented here are a crucial complement to the geophysical monitoring at the fracture scale highlighting a unique migration of CO2 in fault zones.
Adaptive Partitioning-based Discrete Unified Gas-Kinetic Scheme for Flows in All Flow Regimes
Authors: Yang L.M. , Han L.C. , Ding H. , Li Z.H. , Shu C. , Liu Y.Y.
Published: December 2022

The discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) is a multiscale approach, which can be used to obtain reasonable results in all flow regimes. The key of this method is the reconstruction of numerical fluxes at the cell interface by coupling the motion of particles from their collisions, namely the use of the discrete characteristic solution to the Boltzmann-BGK equation at the cell interface to calculate numerical fluxes. But like all the discrete velocity methods (DVMs), the computational cost of DUGKS is determined by the discretization in both the physical space and the velocity space. For the continuous flow region in the computational domain, the discretization in the velocity space is unnecessary since the distribution function can be reconstructed from the Chapman-Enskog expansion directly. To improve the efficiency of DUGKS in capturing cross-scale flow physics, an adaptive partitioning-based discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (ADUGKS) is developed in this work. The ADUGKS is designed from the discrete characteristic solution to the Boltzmann-BGK equation, which contains the initial distribution function and the local equilibrium state. The initial distribution function contributes to the calculation of free streaming fluxes and the local equilibrium state contributes to the calculation of equilibrium fluxes. If the contribution of the initial distribution function is negative., the local flow field can be regarded as the continuous flow and the Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations can be used to obtain the solution directly. Otherwise, the discrete distribution functions should be updated by the Boltzmann equation to capture the rarefied effect. Given this, the computational domain is divided into the DUGKS cell and the N-S cell based on the contribution of the initial distribution function to the calculation of free streaming fluxes. In the N-S cell, the local flow field is evolved by solving the Navier-Stokes equations, while in the DUGKS cell, both the discrete velocity Boltzmann equation and the corresponding macroscopic governing equations are solved by a modified DUGKS. Since more and more cells turn into the N-S cell with the decrease of the Knudsen number, a significant acceleration can be achieved for the ADUGKS in the continuum flow regime as compared with the DUGKS.
A Novel Deepfake Detection Framework using Audio-Video-Textual Features
Authors: S Asha , Vinod P , Amerini Irene , Menon Varun G
Published: December 2022

Recent advances in deep learning and computer vision have spawned a new class of forgeries known as deepfakes. Deepfakes raise many legal and ethical concerns, which makes the need to distinguish them demanding. Emerging trends in deepfakes are (i) creation of realistic facial deepfakes, (ii) usage of synthesized human voices and fabricated subtitles in addition to facial threats, and (iii) crafting bogus videos that contain illegal content in between original sequences. To efficiently handle these deepfakes, we propose an ensemble deepfake detection framework named the D-Fence layer. It comprises two unimodal classifiers to identify facial and vocal tainted inputs. Additionally, it incorporates two cross-modal classifiers between related domains, Video-Audio and Audio-Text to recognize deepfakes. Since existing datasets lack fake content across multiple modalities, we construct a multi-modal faux dataset using original videotapes from several existing datasets. To ensure the effectiveness in spotting fake videos generated using modern approaches, we present a novel facial threat ’Bogus-in-the-middle’ attack, which inserts fake video frames between the real ones and ’Downsampling attack’ to craft fraudulent audio. A comparative study of our D-Fence layer against various state-of-the-art multi-modal deepfake detection systems is also conducted. The proposed ensemble architecture outperforms existing unimodal classifiers and efficiently detects deepfakes under several adversarial conditions with a detection accuracy of 89.5%.
Studying folding kinetics of omicron to understand its hijack mechanism in human host cells
Authors: S Saranya , C Sangavai , B Roja , P Chellapandi
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rapidly expanded into a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Genetic drift in global SARS-CoV-2 isolates and protein evolution have an impact on their ability to escape from current antiviral therapeutics. Hence, our study aimed to reveal how mutations in the folding kinetics of assembly and maturation proteins drive the hijack ability to emerge SARS-CoV-2 variants in humans. In this study, we predicted the folding rate of these proteins using multiple regression analysis and validated the prediction accuracy using machine learning algorithms. Hybrid machine learning using linear regression, random forest, and decision tree was used to evaluate the predicted folding rates compared with other machine learning models. In SARS-CoV-2 variants, the sequence-structure-function-folding rate link stabilizes or retains the mutated residues, making stable near-native protein structures. The folding rates of these protein mutants were increased in their structural classes, particularly β-sheets, which accommodated the hijacking ability of new variants in human host cells. E484A and L432R were identified as potent mutations that resulted in drastic changes in the folding pattern of the spike protein. We conclude that receptor-binding specificity, infectivity, multiplication rate, and hijacking ability are directly associated with an increase in the folding rate of their protein mutants.
Survey of Code Completion using DeepLearning
Authors: Tiwari Aditya Tiwari Aditya , Singh Mimansha Singh Mimansha , Yadav Vrinda Yadav Vrinda
Published: December 2022

Code completion systems are able to generate code automatically whendevelopers write code for system development. Developers use variousIDEs to write a program where IDEs refer to integrated develop-ment environments. Some of the available IDEs are Visual studio,IntelliJ idea, PyCharm, NetBeans, Eclipse, RubyMine, Aptana Studio3, PhpStorm, and WebStorm. Sometimes developers are stuck withprogramming for complex problems, code generation systems supportthem by suggesting the next word that may appear after the writ-ten word. Therefore, it is treated as an essential service feature inIDEs and a popular tool for coding assistance. A good code genera-tor should produce correct and efficient code. This paper investigatesthe current state of research in the code generation field using DeepLearning models. Classification based on various parameters is discussedin the paper. A comparison study is presented with respect to theirdataset, model implementations, and results obtained. A few researchquestions are also discussed which need to be addressed in future.
The effect of biochemical markers in first-trimester screening test in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dal Yusuf , Karagün Şebnem , Akkuş Fatih , Aytam Hakan , Coşkun Ayhan
Published: December 2022

Objective
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize the complications of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether first-trimester screening test biochemical markers could be an early predictive model for GDM.
Material and Method:
This retrospective study was performed by accessing the electronic media data of 116 pregnant women who underwent first-trimester screening tests at the 11th-14th weeks of gestation and were diagnosed with GDM at the 24th-28th weeks and 65 pregnant women who did not receive this diagnosis. Demographic characteristics of GDM and control groups, first-trimester screening test biochemical markers, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and hemoglobin A1c values were recorded, and intergroup comparison was made.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding first-trimester biochemical markers (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was determined between PAPP-A and free hCG multiple of median (MoM) values and OGTT fasting value (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
In this study, we concluded that first-trimester biochemical markers could not predict the development of GDM.
Deep venous thrombosis following placement of temporary hemodialysis catheters in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Viswanathan Stalin , Palakkool Stalin , Adithan Subathra
Published: December 2022

Background
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is high in India, with 50% of patients presenting with stage 5 CKD and undergoing hemodialysis primarily via central venous catheters (CVCs). Catheter occlusion may occur due to mechanical twisting, thrombosis, or drug use. The CKD spectrum is a risk for catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is less often studied in CKD with CVCs. We aimed to determine the incidence rates of DVT (limb extremity and deep thoracic veins) and their contributing factors.
Materials and methods
The study was prospective and observational for three years in a tertiary care government teaching hospital. Patients with ESRD and temporary hemodialysis catheters (HDCs) placed for maintenance hemodialysis (on an emergency basis or until the maturation of arteriovenous fistula [AVF]) were followed up for three months. Those already undergoing hemodialysis elsewhere, either through HDC or AVF, were excluded. Incidence rates of DVT per 1000 catheter-days were calculated.
Results
The mean age was 46.6±13.47 years;190/278 were males. A total of 140 patients had CKD for < 6 months. A total of 103 patients had at least one risk factor for DVT. 24/278 (8.6%) developed DVT giving an incidence rate of 0.95/1000 catheter days. A median of 7 sessions of hemodialysis and a mean of 19.8±6.4 days before the development of DVT was seen. The odds ratio for developing DVT for right IJV, left IJV, right femoral, and left femoral were 0.2, 5.0, 1.1, and 4.3, respectively. Thirty-one developed catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI); six had both coexisting DVT and CRBSI.
Conclusion
The incidence of DVT was low. Patients with CKD need diagnosis and planning for hemodialysis earlier. Screening patients with HDCs may enable quicker diagnosis of DVT since many are asymptomatic.
Self-powered non-reciprocal phononic logic gates
Authors: Zhang Liang , Tan Ting , Wang Zhemin , Li Tianrun , chen yinghua , WANG Benlong , Yan Zhimiao
Published: December 2022

Mechanical computing provides an information processing method adapting and interacting with the environment via living materials. As in electronic computing, power supply in mechanical computing is still the challenge. Designing self-powered logic gates can expand application scenarios of mechanical computing for environmental interaction. Here we formulate a framework of self-powered phononic logic gates as the basis for mechanical computing of the integrated acoustic circuit. Via tuning non-reciprocal bands, resonant band and obstacle band of a topologically imbalanced graded phononic crystal that breaks the spatial inversion symmetry, complete seven Boolean logic gates are realized on one metamaterial. The input of the logic gate, Lamb wave, is converted to the electric signal as the self-powered output by combination of the superior evanescent effect of the defect mode and the positive piezoelectric effect. An exemplify real-time heart rate monitoring powered by the graded phononic crystal is demonstrated for high-density energy conversion. The self-powered non-reciprocal phononic logic gates can be implemented on any length scale and broad external conditions.
Experimental and numerical column buckling analysis of hardwood Cross Laminate Timber (CLT) panels
Authors: Sciomenta Martina , Bedon Chiara , Fragiacomo Massimo
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the column buckling behaviour of three-layer Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels under compression, from both the experimental and numerical point of view. The main aim of present study is hence to define the expected load-bearing capacity for these composite CLT solutions, and to assess the typical fracture mechanism for two different series of specimens of possible technical interest for construction applications. To this aim, a total of 14 column buckling experiments is carried out. First, a set of 7 homogeneous speciemens (“HO” series), which are entirely made of beech, are investigated. Their load-bearing capacity is compared with the column buckling performance of 7 hybrid specimens (“HB” series), whose inner layers are made of Corsican pine. Overall, the experimental analysis gives evidence of a rather stable column buckling capacity for CLT panels, with evidence of major failure mode due to out-of-plane bending phenomenam, but also rolling shear and delamination. Finally, further assessment of experimental evidences is provided by extended analytical calculations (based on existing formulations, including the Eurocode 5 approach) and even Finite Element (FE) numerical analyses for the examined three-layer CLT compositions. Comparative results are discussed in terms of structural performance, capacity, weakness of analytical models for CLT solutions.
Integrating -omics approaches into population-based studies of endocrine disrupting chemicals: a scoping review
Authors: Maitre Léa , Jedynak Paulina , Gallego Marta , Ciaran Laura , Audouze Karine , Casas Maribel , Vrijheid Martine
Published: December 2022

Health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are challenging to detect in the general population. Omics technologies become increasingly common to identify early biological changes before the apparition of clinical symptoms, to explore toxic mechanisms and to increase biological plausibility of epidemiological associations. This scoping review systematically summarises the application of omics in epidemiological studies assessing EDCs-associated biological effects to identify potential gaps and priorities for future research. Ninety-eight human studies (2004–2021) were identified through database searches (PubMed, Scopus) and citation chaining and focused on phthalates (34 studies), phenols (19) and PFASs (17), while PAHs (12) and recently-used pesticides (3) were less studied. The sample sizes ranged from 10 to 12,476 (median = 159), involving non-pregnant adults (38), pregnant women (11), children/adolescents (15) or both populations studied together (23). Several studies included occupational workers (10) and/or highly exposed groups (11) focusing on PAHs, PFASs and pesticides, while studies on phenols and phthalates were performed in the general population only. Analysed omics layers included metabolic profiles (30, including 14 targeted analyses), miRNA (13), gene expression (11), DNA methylation (8), microbiome (5) and proteins (3). Twenty-one studies implemented targeted multi-assays focusing on clinical routine blood lipid traits, oxidative stress or hormones. Overall, DNA methylation and gene expression associations with EDCs did not overlap across studies, while some EDC-associated metabolite groups, such as carnitines, nucleotides and amino acids in untargeted metabolomic studies, and oxidative stress markers through targeted studies were consistent across studies. Studies had common limitations such as small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs and single sampling for exposure biomonitoring. In conclusion, there is a growing body of evidence evaluating the early biological responses to exposure to EDCs. This review points to a need for larger longitudinal studies, wider coverage of exposures and biomarkers, replication studies and standardisation of research methods and reporting.
Pemodelan Desain Modular Hunian Sementara Berbasis Lokalitas Material di Desa Hargotirto, Kecamatan Kokap, Kabupaten Kulon Progo
Authors: Christian Ivan , Feriadi Henry
Published: December 2022

Title: Modeling Temporary Shelter Modular Design Based on Material Locality in Hargotirto Village, Kokap District, Kulon Progo Regency
 
Hargotirto village has an area that is prone to landslides. Several times the landslides caused the affected communities to be forced to flee to temporary shelters with several problems, such as the absence of private space for refugees and the lack of supporting facilities. The modular temporary shelter model developed through this research is expected to create advantages in terms of provision, time, and quality. The modeled temporary housing also considers local elements such as local building architecture, craftsman skills, and local materials obtained from local raw materials. Material locality data were collected through field observation surveys and guided interviews with residents and builders. The research method used is simulation and modeling research through modeling the form of temporary housing that considers the use of local materials such as wood and bamboo, the strength of modular construction, and variations in space requirements. To check the structural strength and construction details of each developed model using SAP2000 software. Several alternative models have been developed, taking into account the availability of local materials, the condition of the land area, and a series of modules in the form of single or row shelters that provide shared space for refugees.
The impact of celebrity politicians perceptions on political party preferences
Authors: A. BouNassif Maya , Abass AlaaEldin , Al Kurdi Amal
Published: December 2022

Political parties usually try to understand the factors that affect a voter’s decision in elections. However, irrespective of voters’ preferences, studies rarely examine how voters’ attitudes toward celebrity politicians affected their party preferences, given the mediating effects of brand affinity and perceived attributes and the moderated mediating role of gender. Therefore, this study considers the effect of parties’ nominations of celebrity politicians on voters’ political party preference. Moreover, it investigates the causal relationship between those perceptions in an uprising nation against political parties. A representative national sample of one thousand two hundred sixty-nine (1269) Lebanese voters was administered via a cross-sectional survey in fifteen Lebanese districts. A stratified proportional random sampling technique was used. Findings showed that attitudes significantly affected political party preferences when nominating celebrity politicians only through brand affinity on a 90% confidence level (probability-value = 0.053 < 0.10) and perceived attributes on a 95% confidence level (0.039 < 0.05), evidencing a lack of a significant direct relationship (0.571 > 0.10). Voters’ gender conditional indirect effect was significant for females’ impact on brand affinity (0.025 < 0.05), whereas gender failed to determine voters’ indirect effect on perceived attributes (0.633 > 0.10). The results have shown that gender disparities in the brand’s emotional component could affect brand preferences.
Eye damage in COVID-19. Part 1: Involvement of the eye in SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission and anterior segment complications
Authors: Kurysheva N. I. , Pererva O. A. , Nikitina A. D.
Published: December 2022

In COVID-19, eye damage may develop at any stage of the disease. Viral ribonucleic acid has been found in ocular tissues, but the role of the eye as a route of infection is yet to be substantiated. Ophthalmic manifestations may be a typical feature of COVID-19 infection or they may develop several weeks after recovery. Ophthalmologists should be aware of possible relationships of an ophthalmic pathology with SARS-CoV-2 in order to obtain targeted case history, detect the specific signs, prescribe the necessary tests and thereby reduce the spread of the infection. These relationships are also important for early diagnosis and treatment of complications that threaten the patients’ life and vision. The first part of the review focuses on the possible involvement of the eye in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the spread of infection. Clinical manifestations of the anterior segment damage are considered.
Clinical features of Behcet’s uveitis in patients with herpesvirus reactivation
Authors: Neroev V. V. , Sorozhkina E. S. , Krichevskaya G. I. , Balatskaya N. V. , Davydova G. A. , Lisitsyna T. A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose. To study the possible impact of human herpes viruses (HHV) reactivation: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1), type 2 (HSV 2), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein — Barr virus (EBV) on the clinical course of uveitis in Behcet's disease (BD). Material and methods. Serum samples of 106 BD patients (ave. age 39) with uveitis were examined for the presence of antibodies — serological markers of chronic HHV infection and reactivation. Results. In 65 patients (25 with active uveitis (UA), 40 with uveitis remission (UR)), HHV reactivation was detected (mainly HSV 1, less often HSV 2, CMV and EBV — in individual cases), 41 patients had chronic HHV (17 with UA, 24 with UR). Certain clinical symptoms of uveitis were found to depend on HHV activity. Clinical signs of active uveitis (cells in the vitreous body), as well as severe irreversible changes (social blindness and low vision) were significantly more frequently detected in cases of HHV reactivation (p < 0.05) than in chronic HHV. The data obtained allow us to suggest, with some caution, that a subclinical HHV reactivation which stays after the onset of clinical uveitis remission, is an important factor of postuveal complications that are mainly manifested during remission. These complications include epiretinal fibrosis, pronounced optic nerve atrophy, and vasculitis (arterial and venous occlusion). Conclusion. The remission period in patients with subclinical herpesvirus activity is less favorable than in patients without serological markers of HHV reactivation. HHV reactivation that persists after uveitis activity is stopped can contribute to sudden exacerbations of uveitis.