bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE TYPE OF STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION IN ONLINE ENGLISH LEARNING
Authors: Purnama I Gusti Agung Vony , Purnama I Gusti Agung Vony
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, during the pandemic of covid-19, the learning process in higher education is conducted through online learning particularly for English subject and this is a new thing both for the lecturer and students as well. This situation can affect the students’ motivation in learning particularly English as a foreign language. Based on this phenomenon, the objectives of this study was to find out the students’ motivation type in learning English in Institute of Business STIKOM Bali. The subject of this study was the students who learn English in the first semester academic year 2020/2021. The result of this study revealed that the students’ type motivation in learning English was a type of an integrative motivation rather than instrumental motivation. However, based on the mean score of both motivations, it was also on the high level of motivation. It is hoped that this finding can be used as a reference to conduct an advance research in the same area.
COVID-19 SALGINININ EKONOMİK FAALİYETLERİN SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİRLİĞİ VE UYGULANAN EKONOMİ POLİTİKALARININ YETERLİLİĞİNE YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: BEKCİ İsmail , APALI Ali , ÖZER Elif
Published: May 2022

Bu araştırma COVID-19 salgınının işletmelerin ekonomik faaliyetlerin sürdürülebilirliği, salgın sürecinde uygulanan ekonomi politikaları ve ekonomik beklentilerin, işletmelerin aylık ortalama gelir seviyelerine göre farklılaşmasının araştırılmasını amaçlamıştır. Salgının, işletmelerin büyük çoğunluğunu etkisi altına aldığı söylenilebilmektedir. Burdur ili Bucak ilçesinde faaliyet gösteren 384 işletmeye yüz yüze anket yöntemi kullanılarak amaç doğrultusunda veriler elde edilmiştir. Veriler güvenilirlik, yüzde ve frekans dağılımları sonrasında parametrik testlerden One Way ANOVA analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda 9 adet hipotezden 2’si kabul edilmiş ve 7’si reddedilmiştir. Genel anlamda işletmelerin gelir seviyeleri ekonomik faaliyetlerin sürdürülebilirliği, uygulanan ekonomi politikalarının yeterliliği ve geleceğe yönelik ekonomi politikası beklentilerinin farklılaşmasına neden olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
COVID-19 SÜRECİNDE HABER ETKİSİNİN BIST30 ENDEKSİ ÜZERİNDE AŞIRI REAKSİYON HİPOTEZİYLE TEST EDİLMESİ
Authors: ARMAĞAN İlknur Ülkü , DULUPÇU Murat Ali
Published: May 2022

Tüm dünyayı olumsuz şekilde etkileyen ve etkisi halen devam eden COVID-19 pandemi süreci ile ilgili yetkililer tarafından birçok olumlu ya da olumsuz haber açıklanmaktadır. Bu haberler de finansal yatırımcılar üzerindeki etki derecesi ve süresine göre özelikle ülke ekonomilerinin başlıca göstergelerinden olan menkul kıymet borsalarında farklı reaksiyonlara, fiyat anomalilerine sebep olmaktadır. Çalışmada Aralık 2019 ve Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’de ve dünyada özellikle COVID-19 pandemisi ve gelişimiyle ilgili yetkililer tarafından açıklanan, seçilen beş haberin etkisi Olay Analizi Yaklaşımıyla Aşırı Reaksiyon Hipotezi ile Borsa Istanbul (BIST30) Endeksi pay senetleri üzerinde test edilmektedir. Yapılan analiz sonucunda, BIST30 Endeksi (XU030) pay senedi yatırımcılarının yaşanan süreçteki olumsuz haberlere olumlu haberlerden daha fazla reaksiyon verdiği, ayrıca yurtiçi haberlerin global haberlere göre daha çok aşırı reaksiyon anomalisine neden olduğu tespit edilmektedir.
YETİŞKİNLERDE SOSYAL MEDYA BAĞIMLILIĞININ YORDAYICISI OLARAK PSİKOLOJİK ESNEKLİK VE PROBLEM ÇÖZME BECERİLERİ
Authors: SAĞAR Mehmet Enes
Published: May 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, psikolojik esneklik ve problem çözme becerileri değişkenlerinin yetişkinlerin sosyal medya bağımlılığı düzeylerini ne kadar yordadığının incelenmesidir. Çalışmanın araştırma grubunu 2022 yılında Akdeniz Bölgesinde yaşayan 177 (%48,4) erkek, 189 (%51,6) kadın olmak üzere toplam 366 yetişkin oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma grubuna ilişkin yaş ortalaması 44,08’dir. Veri toplama araçları olarak “Sosyal Medya Bağımlılığı Ölçeği - Yetişkin Formu”, “Psikolojik Esneklik Ölçeği”, “Yetişkinler İçin Problem Çözme Becerileri Ölçeği” ve “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada veriler çoklu doğrusal regresyon analiz (adımsal) yöntemi ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, yetişkinlerde sosyal medya bağımlılığını birinci sırada “psikolojik esneklik” ve ikinci sırada “problem çözme becerileri” değişkenlerinin anlamlı düzeyde yordadığı belirlenmiştir.
THOMAS MÜNTZER: A HISTORICAL CATALYST IN GERMAN PEASANTS WAR
Authors: TAŞKIRAN Emre
Published: May 2022

In this article, Thomas Müntzer, the leading historical figure in the German Peasants War, is scrutinized in a different context within the perspective of the social history of political thought. By choosing the mainstream literature, this study has used some of the important pamphlets, letters, and secondary qualitative texts on Müntzer’s manuscripts about both the German Peasants War and his theological assertations toward the Reformation process which began with Martin Luther’s contributions to Catholic Church in 16th century. Examining social, political, and theological dynamics in the 16th century German Reformation process, this article has tried to find the potential answers to the basic question, which is how contradicted theological conflict between prominent Protestant doctrines led to revolutionary tendencies among exploited groups in German Reformation Process. In this respect, Müntzer is described as a historical catalyst who combines the revolutionary dynamics with the theological assumptions under the identity of a reformist cleric.
A Historical Review of the Use of Pesticides in Colombian Agriculture
Authors: Varela-Martínez Diana Angélica , Fuentes-Molina Natalia , Riaño-Herrera Diego Alejandro
Published: May 2022

The role that Colombia will play in terms of food supply in the coming years has generated a discussion on the agricultural practices implemented, specifically in the use of pesticides. Therefore, this article aims to provide a comprehensive and complete review of the status of pesticide use in the agricultural sector, highlighting the agri-food industry in Colombia. Currently, the use of pesticides has intensified throughout the world, generating a call for attention by governmental entities in terms of regulation. Colombia for the year 2019 presented a rate of use of 7.8 kg/ha of pesticides, placing it among the twenty countries with the highest rate. On the other hand, the quantities and economic benefits of exports and imports are growing steadily. Several organizations have focused their efforts on determining the health consequences that people exposed to chronic and/or acute intoxication may suffer. This has led to cases of cytogenetic, neurocognitive and physical effects, prompting governmental organizations to regulate the use of pesticides. Finally, the need to design pesticide management and handling systems that respond to the needs of producers and the sector, integrating international food safety guidelines, is identified.
Teledermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Melanocytic and Non-melanocytic Skin Lesions: Nurugotm Derma Smartphone Microscope as a Possible New Tool in Daily Clinical Practice
Authors: Veronese Federica , Tarantino Vanessa , Zavattaro Elisa , Biacchi Francesca , Airoldi Chiara , Salvi Massimo , Seoni Silvia , Branciforti Francesco , Meiburger Kristen M. , Savoia Paola
Published: May 2022

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teledermoscopy has been increasingly used in the remote diagnosis of skin cancers. In a study conducted in 2020, we demonstrated a potential role of an inexpensive device (NurugoTM Derma) as a first triage to select the skin lesions that require a face-to-face consultation with dermatologists. Herein, we report the results of a novel study that aims to better investigate the performance of NurugoTM. Objectives i) verify whether the NurugoTM can be a communication tool between the General Practitioner (GP) and dermatologist in the first assessment of skin lesions; ii) analyze the degree of diagnostic-therapeutic agreement between dermatologists; iii) estimate the number of potentially serious diagnostic errors. Methods One hundred forty-four images of skin lesions were collected at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic in Novara using a conventional dermatoscope (instrument F), the NurugoTM (instrument N), and the latter with the interposition of a laboratory slide (instrument V). The images were evaluated in-blind by four dermatologists, and each was asked to make a diagnosis and to specify a possible treatment. Results: Our data show that F gave higher agreement values for all dermatologists, concerning the real clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, a medium/moderate agreement value was obtained also for N and V instruments and that can be considered encouraging and indicate that all examined tools can potentially be used for the first screening of skin lesions. The total amount of misclassified lesions was limited (especially with the V tool), with up to nine malignant lesions wrongly classified as benign. Conclusions NurugoTM, with adequate training, can be used to build a specific support network between GP and dermatologist or between dermatologists. Furthermore, its use could be extended to the diagnosis and follow-up of other skin diseases, especially for frail patients in emergencies such as the current pandemic context.
Differentiating False Positive Lesions from Clinically Significant Cancer and Normal Prostate Tissue using VERDICT MRI and Other Diffusion Models
Authors: Sen Snigdha , Valindria Vanya , Slator Paddy J. , Pye Hayley , Grey Alistair , Freeman Alex , Moore Caroline , Whitaker Hayley , Punwani Shonit , Singh Saurabh , Panagiotaki Eleftheria
Published: May 2022

False positives on multiparametric (mp)-MRI result in a large number of unnecessary biopsies in men with clinically insignificant diseases. This study investigates whether quantitative diffusion MRI can improve differentiation between false positives, true positives and normal tis-sue. Twenty-three patients underwent mp-MRI and Vascular, Extracellular and Restricted Diffu-sion for Cytometry in Tumours (VERDICT)-MRI, followed by transperineal biopsy. The patients were categorised into two groups following biopsy: (1) significant cancer - true positive (2) atro-phy/inflammation/high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) - false positive. The clinical apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the lesions were obtained, and the intravoxel inco-herent motion (IVIM), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and VERDICT models were fitted using a deep learning approach. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between true positive and false positive lesions were found in ADC, IVIM perfusion fraction (f) and diffusivity (D), DKI diffusivity (DK) and kurtosis (K) and VERDICT intracellular volume fraction (fIC), extracellular-extravascular vol-ume fraction (fEES) and diffusivity (dEES) values. Significant differences between false positives and normal tissue were only found for the VERDICT fIC. These results demonstrate that model-based diffusion MRI could reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies due to false positive prostate lesions and shows promising sensitivity to benign diseases that mimic cancer.
Carbamazepine Removal by Clay-Based Materials Using Adsorption and Photodegradation
Authors: Levakov Ilil , Shahar Yuval , Rytwo Giora
Published: May 2022

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most common emerging contaminants released to the aquatic environment through domestic and pharmaceutical wastewater. Due to its high persistence through conventional degradation treatments, is considered a typical indicator for anthropogenic activities. This study tested the removal of CBZ through two different clay-based purification techniques: adsorption of relatively large concentrations (20-500 μmol L-1) and photocatalysis of lower concentrations (<20 μmol L-1). The sorption mechanism was examined by FTIR measurements, exchangeable cations released, and colloidal charge of the adsorbing clay materials. Photocatalysis was performed in batch experiments under various conditions. Despite the neutral charge of carbamazepine, the highest adsorption was observed on negatively charged montmorillonite-based clays. Desorption tests indicate that adsorbed CBZ is not released by washing. The adsorption/desorption processes were confirmed by ATR-FTIR analysis of the clay-CBZ particles. A combination of synthetic montmorillonite or hectorite with low H2O2 concentrations under UVC irradiation exhibits efficient homo-heterogeneous photodegradation at μM CBZ levels. The two techniques presented in this study suggest solutions for both industrial and municipal wastewater, possibly enabling water reuse.
Acute Severe Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology in Children: A Mini-Review
Authors: Frediansyah Andri , Sallam Malik , Yufika Amanda , Sharun Khan , Iqhrammullah Muhammad , Chandran Deepak , Mamada Sukamto S. , Sallam Dina E. , Khader Yousef , Lemu Yohannes K. , Yusuf Fauzi , Kretchy James-Paul , Abdeen Ziad , Torres-Roman J. S. , Acharya Yogesh , Bondarenko Anastasia , Ikram Aamer , Jamil Kurnia F. , Kotfis Katarzyna , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Megawati Dewi , Rademaker Marius , Memish Ziad A. , Vento Sandro , Nainu Firzan , Harapan Harapan
Published: May 2022

The emergence of acute, severe non hepA–E hepatitis of unknown etiology (ASHUE) has attracted global concern owing to the very young age of the patients and its unknown etiology. Although this condition has been linked to several possible causes, including viral infection, drugs, and/or toxin exposure, the exact cause remains unknown; this makes treatment recommendations very difficult. In this review, we summarize recent updates on the clinical manifestations, complemented with laboratory results, case numbers with the global distribution and other epidemiological characteristics, and the possible etiologies. We also provide the proposed actions that could be undertaken to control and prevent further spread of this hepatitis. Since many etiological and pathological aspects of the acute non hepA–E hepatitis remain unclear, further research is needed to minimize the severe impact of this disease.
The influence of water field capacity and fertilizer combinations on tomato under intelligent drip in greenhouse
Authors: Mamun Hossain Shaikh Abdullah Al , Wang Lixue , Haisheng Liu , Chen Wei
Published: May 2022

Tomato production is significant as the demand is increasing in time to meet food security and human nutrition as well. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of water and fertilizer application in greenhouse tomato growth index, yield and quality using an intelligent drip system to achieve improved yield by minimizing the fertigation. A randomized block design was used in ten treatments including control (CK-W4N4,K4) consisting four level (W1-65%, W2-75%, W3-85%, W4-100%) each of water field capacity and four-level Urea-Potash (N1,K1-245,490, N2,K2-350,700, N3,K3-455,910, N4,K4-80,100 kg ha-1) combinations. Data obtained were analyzed by a general linear model and developed a regression model for yield. The results showed, the highest tomato yield was 103.16 t ha-1 in T8-W3N2K1 significantly influenced by the treatment, which is found 2% greater compared to the CK (100.92 t ha-1). The highest leaf area index (5.21) was obtained with T7-W3N1K3 produced improved yield. The highest fruit weight (288.77 g fruit-1) and fruit diameter (85.33 mm) obtained with T2-W1N2K2 had no significant influence on tomato yield. The model delivered a paramount prediction (r2 = 0.82) of tomato yield. In conclusion, results showed the intelligent drip system could be used to minimize inputs to improve tomato production.
Huaraz a 52 años del terremoto de 1970: lecciones no aprendidas
Authors: Salazar Mejía José Antonio
Published: May 2022

El sismo del 31 de mayo de 1970 fue el más devastador ocurrido en los últimos 300 años en el Perú y la ciudad de Huaraz fue la más afectada. Con base en la investigación bibliográfica, el análisis documentario y entrevistas a sobrevivientes, el artículo analiza la tradición de los pueblos andinos sobre sismos y la fractura desde la Colonia. Luego, revisa lo actuado en los 52 años transcurridos desde el sismo y analiza las medidas adoptadas por los gobiernos nacional y local que han dado origen a una nueva problemática social, que se suma al aumento de la población y se expresa en las actuales características urbanas de un Huaraz diverso y cosmopolita.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of a fast-setting bioceramic endodontic material
Authors: JI Mengzhen , CHI Yaqi , WANG Ye , XIONG Kaixin , CHEN Xuan , ZOU Ling
Published: May 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the fast-setting bioceramic iRoot Fast Set Root Repair Material (iRoot FS) and two other calcium silicate cements.
Methods
The antimicrobial activity of iRoot FS, ProRoot MTA and Biodentine against E. faecalis and P. gingivalis were evaluated in this study. The materials were freshly mixed or set for 1 and 7 days to conduct the agar diffusion test, direct contact test and carry-over effect test, and the pH values were also measured. The data were analyzed by an analysis of variance and two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).
Results
In the direct contact test, all three materials showed good antibacterial activity after setting for 20 minutes. The antibacterial properties of the three materials decreased with the increase of setting time. The suspension of all the three materials showed high pH values (11–12). With the extension of setting time, the pH of iRoot FS and Biodentine slightly decreased.
Conclusion
Fresh iRoot FS, Biodentine, and MTA killed E. faecalis and P. gingivalis effectively, and the antimicrobial effect of all the three materials decreased over 1 and 7 days after mixing. All three materials showed a tendency of alkalinity which last for at least 7 days after setting.
COVID-19 and the Law in Uganda: Development and Application of the Public Health Act to Control the Pandemic, 2020-2021
Authors: Achan Martha Isabella , Nabukenya Immaculate , Mitanda Sarah , Nakacwa Joanita , Luswata Brian , Bakiika Herbert , Nabatanzi Maureen , Bukirwa Justine , Nakanwagi Aisha , Nakiire Lydia , Aperce Cedric , Schwid Aaron , Okware Solome , Lamorde Mohammed , Makumbi Issa , Muruta Allan , Mwebesa Henry. G. , Aceng Jane Ruth
Published: May 2022

Despite the discovery of vaccines, control and prevention efforts for the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). This article describes the development and application of the public health law in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. Methods: A process evaluation of Uganda’s experience with enacting COVID-19 Rules. Briefly, the Public Health Act Chap. 281 (1935) was reviewed each time there was a revision of the NPIs during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study assessed how and what rules were developed, their influence on the outbreak progress, and cases of litigation. The data sources were applicable laws and policies, Presidential speeches, cabinet resolutions, statutory instruments, the COVID-19 situation reports, and the registry of court cases that contributed to a triangulated analysis. Results: Uganda applied four of the COVID-19 broad Rules for the period March to October 2021. These Rules were amended twenty–one (21) times realigned along the pandemic curve, had an expiry period, and were preceded by Presidential pronouncements and directives. The Minister of Health enacted the Rules which were followed by response teams, enforcement agencies, and the general population. The enactment of COVID-19 Rules was necessary but not sufficient to control the pandemic, hence other laws came into play, specifically the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces Act No. 7 of 2005, the Public Finance Management Act No. 3 of 2015, and the National Policy for Disaster Preparedness and Management. Enacting COVID-19 Rules attracted specific litigation arising from perceived infringement on certain human rights provisions. Conclusions: Countries can enact supportive legislation within the course of an outbreak. The balance of enforcing public health interventions and human rights infringements would be an important consideration in future. We recommend public sensitization about legislative provisions and reforms to guide public health responses in future epidemics or pandemics.
CEA Dynamics for Prediction of Response after Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kang Sora , Kim Sun Young , Hong Yong Sang , Kim Tae Won , Choi Ki Eun , Kim Min Jung , Kim Jeong Eun
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most widely used tumor marker in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but its potential as a predictive marker of progression in mCRC during systemic chemotherapy, particularly in patients receiving monoclonal antibodies as a combination therapy, has remained a question of interest. We here investigated whether CEA changes could predict disease progression and clinical outcomes in mCRC patients who had been co-administered systemic chemotherapy and biologic agents.
Methods
A total of 1261 mCRC patients undergoing a first-line systemic treatment were included in this retrospective study. We analyzed the optimal cut-off for CEA changes to predict progression at the first re-evaluation by the treatment arm (chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies [mAb], and chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR mAb). These cut-off values were then used to predict overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results
When stratified by their treatment arm, 891 (70.6%), 266 (21.0%), and 104 (8.2%) of the study patients were included in the chemotherapy alone-, anti-VEGF mAb-, and anti-EGFR mAb groups, respectively. The optimal CEA cut-off values were 16.5% and 38.9% increase in the whole cohort and anti-EGFR mAb group, respectively, and showed high sensitivity and specificity for predicting disease progression. The patients in the entire population and anti-EGFR mAb group with CEA changes below these cut-off values had significantly better OS and PFS outcomes. Among the mCRC cases treated with the anti-VEGF mAb, no associations were found between the OS and PFS outcomes, and CEA changes.
Conclusion
CEA is potentially a good surrogate marker for predicting disease progression and survival outcomes in mCRC patients receiving first-line systemic chemotherapy, especially when combined with anti-EGFR mAb.
Review on the Synthesis Method of Nanocomposites and Approach to Making Semiconductors Visible Light Active
Authors: Ali Abdu Hussen
Published: May 2022

Many studies have been concentrated on the degradation of toxic organic compounds in waste water via photocatalysis of various semiconductors. It has attracted great attention in modern science because of its potential in solving many current environmental problems such as air and water pollution. The common photocatalysts are primarily nanocomposite metal oxides, are known to be good photocatalysts for the degradation of several environmental contaminants due to their high photosensitivity, stability and non-toxic nature. There are different approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials: Top down and bottom up approaches. Top- down approach is best approach and refers to successive cutting of a bulk material to get nano sized particles. These applications have their interest in controlling particle size, particle shape, size distribution, particle composition and degree of particle agglomeration. Some nanoparticles have large band-gap which leads to high recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs limits their utilization for photocatalytic applications. More recently, significant efforts have also been made to develop new or modified semiconductor photocatalysts that are capable of using visible-light (λ = 400–700 nm) including semiconductor coupling, metal ion doping, nonmetallic element doping, and sensitization with organic dyes. Coupling of two semiconductor nanoparticles with different band gap widths has been demonstrated in many studies as one of the most effective ways to reduce the recombination of electron–hole pairs and consequently, achieving a higher photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the ternary nanocomposites have high visible light photocatalytic activity and organic dyes can be decomposed efficiently, implying the higher photocatalytic activity of the ternary nanocomposites.
Data analysis and research reveal the reasons why China still adheres to its “dynamic zero-COVID policy”
Authors: Dai Yeyu , Dai Bingxi
Published: May 2022

A complete and accurate statistical analysis of cases of contraction with SARS-CoV-2 are given under the conditions of strict mandatory quarantine and isolation and of a high rate of full vaccination[i]. Sars-Cov-2 is still new, and little is known about either its direction of variation or its propagation laws. China has been attacked by its largest outbreaks of COVID-19 since March. Pervasive arguments arose among people in China and around the world. Here we reveal the essential reasons why China has been and will be adhering to its “dynamic zero-COVID policy” which stands in contrast to a global trend towards easing restrictions and attempting to co-exist with the circulating virus[ii], including the choice uniqueness, morbidity differences in different cities, unpredictability, worries of sudden impact to medical system, successful reducing to zero the number of each active chain of transmission and outstanding economy achievements, etc. This study provides first-hand valuable information for further research on similar epidemics in the future. It may bring new thoughts for correction of present epidemiological theory and mathematical models, as well as new theoretical supports for the prevention policy making. It may also give other countries time to be better prepared for the coming 6th wave driven by Omicron BA.2.
The establishment of human embryonic stem cell lines demonstrated that chimeric embryos can self-correct
Authors: Li Chuyu , Xie Jiazi , Dong Juan , Gao Chao , Xia Meng , Lin Yuting , Cui Yugui , Qin Lianju , Wu Wei
Published: May 2022

Background
Low-level mosaicism is a common trait of early human development. Although mosaic embryos may lead to healthy live births, the direct effects of mosaicism are unknown. While embryo self-correction was demonstrated in mouse models, humans can only study the effects of chromosomal aberrations and blastocyst mosaicism on the early peri-implantation period by extended in vitro embryo culture up to 12 days post-fertilization.
Methods
The established culture protocols were followed to generate embryonic stem cells. The 24 high-quality mosaicism / aneuploid mosaicism blastocysts were detected by PGT-A. The isolated ICMs were seeded onto feeder-free dishes, and after 10–12 days of culture, there were six blastocyst ICM-generated stem cell clones. Cells shed during stem cell growth were harvested, and next-generation sequencing was performed on stem cells and the shed. To test pluripotency, a small number of stem cells were isolated and subcultured.
Results
The PGD status was confirmed from the results of next-generation sequencing of stem cell exfoliated cells and stem cells, the chimeras in five blastocysts were fully repaired while the chimera in one blastocyst was partially repaired. Simultaneously the cells were verified to have pluripotency and the ability to differentiate into three germ layers by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and in vitro differentiation analyses.
Conclusions
Human mosaicism/aneuploid mosaicism blastocysts can self-correction by eliminating chimeric cells.
WITHDRAWN: An empirical survey on the effects of broaching pre-cracking process on fracture behavior of materials
Authors: Oskui Abuzar Es'haghi , Haddadi Elyas , Ebrahimi Mahmud
Published: May 2022

The ability to generate a suitable pre-crack in the material is a prerequisite for an accurate evaluation of the fracture behavior of materials, since the resistance of the material to crack growth should not be altered by the method used to generate pre-cracks. To this end, pre-cracks were generated in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) specimens, which are very sensitive to the radius of the crack tip, and the method used to create pre-cracks on the fracture behavior of the material was investigated. A new broaching tool was developed, and fracture studies were performed on pre-cracked specimens processed by slotting and broaching. The total energy required for crack growth in pre-cracked specimens by the broaching method is on average 25% less than the corresponding value in pre-cracked specimens by the slotting method. In addition, the radius of the plastic region in the slotting process is about three times larger than in the broaching method under the same conditions. These observations indicate a sharper tip and the resulting larger stress concentration at the crack tip in the broached specimens. The finite element analyses performed to confirm the results, and the greater similarity of the cracks produced by the broaching method to the ideal cracks in the finite element software is understandable. Moreover, microscopic examination of the fracture surfaces indicated similar results using SEM, which is consistent with the calculations performed by essential fracture work method. It can be concluded that broached specimens lead to more accurate results in fracture tests.
Occurrences, season, and source characteristics of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in residences in Taiwan: Implications for young children's exposure and risk assessment using the probabilistic approach
Authors: Lu Quang-Oai , Jung Chien-Cheng , Liu Yu-Hsuan , Chang Wei-Hsiang
Published: May 2022

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), widely applied in various industries, were gradually increased due to replacing the use of brominated flame retardants in recent years. Eleven OPFRs (Σ 11 OPFRs) were collected in indoor air and house dust the two-main activity spaces (mainly bedroom and living room) of children’s households. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the potential sources and health risk of OPFRs exposure in young children. The level of indoor air Σ 11 OPFRs (465.9 ng/m 3 ) in primary activity space was greater than those measured in secondary activity space (379.6 ng/m 3 ), however, it contrasted with those detected in dust. In addition, the air OPFRs in warm season were higher than those measured in the cold season, but this inverted with those detected in house dust. In both activity spaces, the composition profiles resulted that tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate in indoor air (39%) and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate in house dust (67%) were the dominant congeners, respectively. The average daily exposure dose (ADD) of OPFRs via air inhalation and dust ingestion did not differ between preschool and school-age children, as well as sex; however, the Monte Carlo-simulated 95 th percentile ADD of OPFRs in dust ingestion for preschool children was 1.4 times higher. Moreover, the 95 th percentile scenario of HIs of liver toxicity and maternal and developmental toxicity in all age and sex groups was below 1. In short, the findings, even in the worst-case scenario, pointed an acceptable health risk of OPFRs to young children in Tainan households.
Identification of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients on chest CT images using Transformer-or CNN-based deep learning models
Authors: Yin Minyue , Liang Xiaolong , Wang Zilan , Zhou Yijia , He Yu , Xue Yuhan , Gao Jingwen , Lin Jiaxi , Yu Chenyan , Liu Lu , Liu Xiaolin , Xu Chao , Zhu Jinzhou
Published: May 2022

Backgroud
To evaluate the feasibility of deep learning (DL) models in identifying asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, based on chest CT images.
Methods
In this retrospective study, six DL models (Xception, NASNet, ResNet, EfficientNet, ViT, and Swin), based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs)-or Transformer-architectures, were trained to identify asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 on chest CT images. Data from Yangzhou was randomly split into the training set (n = 2,140) and the internal-validation set (n = 360). Data from Suzhou was the external-test set (n = 200). Models’ performance was assessed by accuracy, recall and specificity and was compared with that of two radiologists.
Results
A total of 2,700 chest CT images were collected in this study. In the validation dataset, the Swin model achieved the highest accuracy of 0.994, followed by EfficientNet model (0.954). The recall and precision of the Swin model were 0.989 and 1.000. In the test dataset, the Swin model still was the best that achieved the highest accuracy (0.980). All the DL models performed remarkable than two experts. Lastly, the time on the test set diagnosis spent by two experts 42min17s (Junior) and 29min43s (Senior), was significantly higher than that of those DL models (all below 2min).
Conclusions
This study evaluated the feasibility of multiple DL models in distinguishing asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 from healthy subjects on chest CT images. It found a Transformer model, the Swin model, performed best.
Overexpression of Lias Gene Alleviates Pulmonary Injury Induced by fine particulate matter in Mice
Authors: Xu Guangcui , Zhao Yingzheng , Tao Yingjun , Xiong Cheng , Gao Qiyu , LV Mengdi , Zhang Fengquan , An Zhen , Wu Weidong
Published: May 2022

Oxidative stress, inflammation is generally regarded as important toxicity mechanisms induced by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The antioxidant baselines of human body affect the intensity of oxidative stress in vivo. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of endogenous antioxidant capacity in PM2.5-induced pulmonary injury using a novel mouse model (LiasH/H) which approximately increased 150% endogenous antioxidant capacity relative to its wild-type counterpart. LiasH/H and C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group and PM2.5 exposure group (n = 10) respectively. The PM2.5-exposed group and the control group mice were intratracheally instilled with PM2.5 and saline respectively once daily for 7 consecutive days. The main pulmonary pathological changes, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers levels were examined. The results showed that oxidative stress was significantly increased in all mice after PM2.5 exposure. Overexpression of Lias gene significantly increased the capacity against oxidative stress and decreased inflammatory responses caused by PM2.5 in model mice compared with the control mice. Antioxidant capacity in the LiasH/H mice was elevated through increased NRF2, the activation of ROS-p38MAPK- NRF2 signaling pathway. The novel mouse model is useful for clarifying the mechanisms of pulmonary injury induced by PM2.5.
Multi-Step-Ahead Prediction of Chatter State in Cold Rolling Process based on FDA-GAM
Authors: Wang Xiaoyong , Gao Zhiying , Xin Yanli
Published: May 2022

Mill chatter seriously restricts the improvement of production efficiency and the development of new products. Thus, a method of cold rolling chatter monitoring and early warning based on the combination of Functional Data Analysis (FDA) and General Autoregression Model (GAM) is proposed. Firstly, the multi-source heterogeneous cold rolling data were preprocessed by FDA. Then, the sample space with 15 process parameters as input feature and vibration energy as output feature was constructed based on chatter mechanism. Finally, the multi-step-ahead predictions of cold rolling chatter were realized through five classical machine learning algorithms in GAM under different working conditions and the optimal selection of algorithms was completed based on the maximum prediction step. The results showed that the method of FDA-GAM provided an effective solution to delays, false alarm and distortion in chatter prediction and improved the rapid response ability when chatter occurs.
“What about our ways of living?”: Traditional Health practitioners describe the tenets of African Traditional Medicine.
Authors: Moeta Mabitja , Anokwuru Rafiat A. , Mulaudzi Fhumulani Mavis
Published: May 2022

Background: African Traditional Medicine continues to strive and contribute to health care for many indigenous people in Africa. Within this system, Traditional Health Practitioners are the custodians of traditional health, knowledge and practices and play various roles such as counselling and teaching. There are unique ways to name, diagnose, treat, and manage ill-health in African Traditional Medicine, which makes this system unique. However, most concepts are loosely used or translated literally by researchers and scholar without their proper application and contextualization. This study was undertaken to explore and describe how Traditional Health Practitioners define African Traditional Medicine, in their own accord and understanding.Methods: Qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was adopted. Data was collected from eighteen (18) Traditional Health Practitioners who were sampled using snowball technique. Individual semi-structured interviews were done and audio recorded with consent of participants. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through principles of credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability.Findings: The findings revealed two themes: 1) The features of African Traditional Medicine and 2) Elements of practice in African Traditional Medicine. The findings revealed that African Traditional Medicine is intertwined with the everyday life for Africans and cannot be detached. It emerged that there are different and unique ways of naming and understanding concepts with African Traditional Medicine. Spirituality, ancestral calling and the language used plays an important role in qualifying as a Traditional Health Practitioner. However, participants raised concerns regarding the quality of training for Traditional Health Practitioners.Conclusion: Being a Traditional Health Practitioner is directly linked to ancestral calling. However, spirituality plays and important role in African Traditional Medicine where practitioners undergo rigorous training to learn the craft of traditional healing such as the use of language, connecting with ancestral spirits and harvesting of plants. Dialogue must be facilitated among Traditional Health Practitioners in different specialization, to reach common understanding on the names, concepts and processes in African Traditional Medicine. This will contribute immensely in the efforts to standardize the practice of African Traditional Medicine in line with global standards.
Spatio-temporal Validation of Multi-Source Satellite Rainfall Products in the Upper Tekeze-Atbara Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Kidie Masresha Ashenafi , Teklay Achenafi
Published: May 2022

Obtaining accurate and reliable rainfall information is crucial for regional water resource management. However, in developing countries like Ethiopia, rainfall measurements are characterized by sparse, temporally inconsistent, and unavailability of updated data. Due to these reasons, the spatio-temporal characteristic of rainfall in the study area of Ethiopia is poorly understood. To overcome these limitations, the recently developed satellite derived rainfall products have become an alternative sources of rainfall data. Therefore, this study was conducted to validate the spatio-temporal performance of satellite rainfall products (PERSIANN_CDR, CHIRPS, and TMPA3B42) over Upper Tekeze-Atbara River Basin. The prediction performance of the satellite rainfall products was evaluated using different statistical measures and spatial comparisons for the period from 2007 to 2017. The result showed that PERSIANN_CDR had very low PBIAS than other products. The PERSIANN_CDR had a slightly overestimation tendency while the CHIRPS and TMPA3B42 considerably overestimated observation rainfall. The PERSIANN_CDR performed well for kiremt, belg, and bega season rainfall, with the lowest RMSE value of 2.9, 1.4, and 0.8 mm/day, respectively. On the contrary, TMPA3B42 poorly performed for kiremt, belg, and bega seasons with the largest RMSE value of 3.1, 1.9, and 1.1 mm/day, respectively. The PERSIANN_CDR and TMPA 3B42 had good skill to detect observed rainfall, while the CHIRPS had the lowest detecting skill during all seasons. Overall, the finding of this validation study showed the potentials of the PERSIANN_CDR product to be used for various operational applications such as rainfall pattern and variability study in the Upper Tekeze-Atbara River Basin in Ethiopia.
Triple pelvic osteotomy in the treatment of pincer type femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
Authors: Magersky Štěpán
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a dynamic cause of hip arthritis, and it is commonly diagnosed in young adults without any other causes of hip joint pain. Pincer type FAI, which is discussed in this study, is typically present in active middle-aged females. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a series of patients that were operated for pincer FAI or combined type FAI, their clinical and radiological results, and the complications of operative treatment.Methods: Eighteen patients diagnosed with pincer/combined type FAI received triple pelvic reverse osteotomy between 2011 and 2020. The average age of the patients was 37.3 years (28.0-45.0), and middle age follow-up was performed. MRI scans were measured to see exact retroversion of the acetabulum before and after operation. Evaluations were subjectively made with Harris Hip Scores (HHSs), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, with Wilcoxon tests for paired samples (the level of significance was set at 95%, p<5%). Comparison of pre- and post-operative data was performed to evaluate clinical outcomes in a series of patients who underwent surgical treatment. Results: Statistically significant increases were observed in scores and MRIs after triple pelvic osteotomy surgery for the treatment of pincer FAI/combined type FAI. HHS increased from 55.1 to 91.4, pre-operative MRI retroversion was at a median of 5.35 degrees, and post-operative MRI retroversion was at 26.35 degrees. WOMAC scores were pre-operatively at a median of 69.9 and post-operatively at 94.15, p<7.629 x 10-6 – statistically proved significance. Medium-term follow-up indicated that the surgeries were successful. In our series of patients treated with triple pelvic osteotomy, 22% (4 in 18 patients) appeared to have clinically rear pelvic FAI when tested after the operation. This result was not taken as significant due to small sample size. Conclusion: This technique is a safe procedure to restore hip mobility. This is an extraarticular operation, and therefore safely may be used to address intraarticular arthritis.
No advantage of single day 6 good-quality blastocyst transfer versus single day 5 poor-quality blastocyst transfer in frozen-thawed cycles stratified by age: A retrospective study
Authors: He Yuxia , Tang Yan , Liu Haiying , Liu Jianqiao , Mao Yuling
Published: May 2022

Background
Blastocyst developmental speed, morphological grading and patient age are associated with pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed cycles. This study aimed to compare the clinical and neonatal outcomes between poor-quality D5 blastocysts and good-quality D6 blastocysts, and to investigate the transfer strategy for D6 blastocysts based on morphological grading and patient age.
Methods
A total of 3,486 cycles were divided into four groups: group A (n = 723) received one D5 poor-quality blastocyst; group B (n = 900) received one D6 good-quality blastocyst; group C (n = 619) received one good- and one poor-quality D6 blastocysts; and group D (n = 1244) received two good-quality D6 blastocysts. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared among the four groups stratified by 35 years of age.
Results
Live birth rate of D5 poor-quality blastocysts was higher than that of D6 high-quality blastocysts for patients aged < 35 years (35.48% vs. 31.13%, p > 0.05), but there was no statistical difference. The same trend was showed for patients aged ≥ 35 years (29.09% vs. 21.28%, p > 0.05). When patients were in the same age group, the live birth rate and multiple pregnancy rate in group B were significantly lower than those in groups C and D. The multiple pregnancy rate of double D6 blastocyst transfer is over 20%. Additionally, the birth weight of groups C and D was significantly lower than that of group B, and the trend disappeared if the patients were sub-grouped by singleton or twin birth. In total, for patients transferred with double D6 blastocysts, approximately 70% of preterm births and approximately 86% of low birth weight babies resulted from multiple pregnancies.
Conclusions
The preferential selection of poor-quality D5 blastocysts for transfer compared to high-quality D6 blastocysts is recommended, especially for advanced age patients. Single good-quality D6 blastocyst transfer can be considered for patients aged < 35 years. Additionally, adding a poor-quality D6 blastocyst, that is, double D6 blastocyst transfer, was suggested for patients ≥ 35 years of age to improve the live birth rate, but patients should be informed that this comes at the cost of increased risk of multiple pregnancies. However, double good-quality D6 blastocyst transfer is not recommended, regardless of age.
Surveying lncRNA-lncRNA cooperations reveals dominantly affection on tumor immunity cross cancers
Authors: Shao Tingting , Xie Yunjin , Shi Jingyi , Yang Changbo , Zou Haozhe , Li Yongsheng , Xu Juan , Li Xia
Published: May 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could crosstalk with each other by post-transcriptionally co-regulating genes involved in the same or similar functions; however, the regulatory principles and biological insights in tumor immune are still unclear. Here, we used a multiple-step model to identify lncRNA-lncRNA immune cooperation based on co-regulating functional modules by integrating multi-omics data cross 20 cancer types. Moreover, lncRNA immune cooperative networks (LICNs) were constructed, which are likely to modulate tumour immune microenvironment by regulating immune-related functions. We highlighted conserved and rewired network hubs which could regulate interactions between immune cells and tumor cells by target ligands and activating or inhibitory receptors such as PDCD1, CTLA4 and CD86. Immune cooperative lncRNAs (IC-lncRNAs) playing central roles in many cancers also tend to target known anticancer drug targets. In addition, these IC-lncRNAs tend to be highly expressed in immune cell populations and are significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration. The similar immune mechanisms cross cancers were revealed by the LICNs. Finally, we identified two subtypes of skin cutaneous melanoma with different immune context and prognosis based on IC-lncRNAs. In summary, this study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the cooperative behaviours of lncRNAs and accelerating discovery of lncRNA-based biomarkers in cancer.