bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sobre o problema da identidade cultural dos artefatos na análise contextual da arte etrusca
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo, Marotta Marcelo Hilsdorf
Published: September 2021

No estudo da arte antiga, uma das questões metodológicas mais importantes se refere à importância da análise contextual para que se possa compreender adequadamente o significado, a função e o valor próprio do documento do passado. Tal questão se torna especialmente relevante quando da necessidade de analisar documentos que, como no caso do mundo antigo, são forjados dentro de contextos dificilmente discerníveis em termos de unidades completamente autônomas entre si, pois o que se tem notado com cada vez mais freqüência nos estudos mais recentes é a existência de tantas e diversificadas “redes de significados” (C. Geertz) que permeiam ou não outras tantas redes de contatos na Antigüidade, que fica muitas vezes praticamente impossível, do ponto de vista metodológico dos significados dos artefatos, de se individuar de forma “clara e distinta” o que seja exatamente um produto de uma cultura em contraposição ao de uma outra cultura, sem que com isso se incorra mais uma vez no preconceito, historicamente formulado, da existência de uma cultura superior e, portanto, central, junto de outras mais periféricas. Pois como distinguir, do ponto de vista do significado, um artefato como sendo superior a outro? Assim, partindo do caso específico da recepção da arte grega pelos Etruscos ao longo do primeiro milênio antes de Cristo, gostaríamos de apresentar, na presente comunicação, algumas considerações gerais de ordem teórico-metodológica sobre a importância da análise contextual e de como podem ser evitados alguns equívocos de cunho eminentemente etnocêntrico na consideração da arte antiga.
Repellent Effectiveness of Permot Leaf Ethanol Extract (Passiflora Foetida Linn.) against Aedes Aegypti Adult Mosquitoes
Authors: Qadafi David Mohamad , Hastutiek Poedji , Maslachah Lilik , Suprihati Endang , Hambal Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Indonesia is one of the largest tropical countries in the world and various diseases can arise in the tropics which are caused by animals as vectors. An example of a vector that can carry diseases is a mosquito. Mosquitoes are insects that live side by side with humans buy act as vectors of disease. Mosquito Aedes aegypti is a type of mosquito that can carry the virus that causes Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Permot leaf ethanol extract (Passiflora foetida L.) as an alternative repellent against adult mosquitoes Aedes aegypti. This research was conducted from October to December 2020 and used Permot leaf ethanol extract consisting of 3 cream concentrations, namely 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, negative control using cream without permot leaf ethanol extract and positive control using mosquito cream. The data of this study were tested using one way ANOVA to find the effectiveness rate and comparations of the each Permot leaf repellent extract. This study proven that the permot leaf ethanol extract is effective as a repellent for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Is all for a Smile or Creating a Dependency? Analysis of Turkey’s Development Assistance Policy
Authors: KALAYCI Rıdvan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate whether foreign assistance is provided towards the development of the aid-receiving country or it is in line with their national interests by addressing the relationship between Turkey's foreign aid and foreign policy.

Design/Methodology: In the study, Turkey's foreign aid between 2002-2018 was obtained through data published by TIKA and AFAD; foreign trade figures with these countries were obtained through statistics published by TUIK and It was analyzed based on the foreign policy implemented by the AK Party in the light of dependency approach. Hereby an answer was sought to the question of whether a dependency relationship has been established with the aid receiving country.

Findings: As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that the aids granted between the years 2002-2018 included both aspects (creating dependency and national interest), but such aid, contrary to what often pointed out in the literature, could not make Turkey a strong actor in this area and Turkey still has a limited capacity.

Originality/Value: Although there are some qualitative and quantitative studies in the literature about this issue, handling of foreign aids that Turkey made in the context of national interest-foreign policy and its analysis through a dependency approach, constitute the original value of this research.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Survivorship and Risk Factors for Revision
Authors: Ekhtiari Seper , Bozzo Anthony , Madden Kim , Winemaker Mitchell J. , Adili Anthony , Wood Thomas J.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Operative management for end-stage knee osteoarthritis (OA) primarily consists of arthroplasty. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the so-called gold standard for multicompartmental OA. In selected patients, specifically those with unicompartmental OA and no definite contraindications, realignment osteotomies and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are viable options. UKA offers several advantages over TKA, including preservation of both cruciate ligaments, faster recovery, and less osseous resection. The purpose of this study was to determine the survivorship of UKAs and risk factors for all-cause revision surgery in patients with a minimum follow-up of 10 years in a large population-based database.

Methods:

We performed a population-based cohort study using linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. We identified all UKAs performed from January 2002 through December 2006. All patients had a minimum 10-year follow-up. Demographic data and outcomes were summarized using descriptive statistics. We used a Cox proportional hazards model with the Fine and Gray method accounting for competing risks such as death to analyze the effect of surgical and patient factors on the risk of revision of UKA.

Results:

A total of 4,385 patients were identified as having undergone primary UKA from 2002 through 2006 in Ontario. Of these patients, 779 underwent revision surgery, for a cumulative risk for all-cause revision of 16.5% at 10 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.4% to 17.7%). Mechanical loosening was the reason for 83.4% of all revisions. Male sex, diabetes, an age younger than 50 years, and cementless implants were significant risk factors for revision surgery. Residence in a rural or urban setting, income quintile, discharge destination, and type of OA were not associated with the risk of revision. Survivorship at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 97.2%, 90.5%, 83.5%, and 81.9%, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated a >80% long-term survivorship for UKA based on a large administrative database sample and identified important risk factors for failure including male sex, younger age, diabetes, and cementless fixation. This study found rates of survivorship similar to those previously reported in the literature, while identifying key risk factors for failure. Patient selection has always been identified as a key factor in ensuring successful UKA, and the risk factors identified in this study may help guide decision-making for surgeons and patients dealing with unicompartmental knee OA.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Relationship Between Profitability, Investment Decisions On Firm Value: A Study Of Listed Banks In Indonesia
Authors: Sa’diyah Chalimatuz
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of profitability, capital structure, and investment decisions on firm value in the property, real estate and building construction sectors listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2015-2019 period. The population in this study were 83 companies. The sampling technique in this study was purposive sampling and produced a sample of 30 companies. The data analysis technique in this study uses multiple linear regression, while the analysis tool used is SPSS 25. This research hypothesis states that profitability has a positive and significant effect on firm value, capital structure has a positive and significant effect on firm value, investment decisions have a positive and significant effect. to company value.
Impact Of Service Marketing On Student Decisions
Authors: Onsardi  , Wulandari Kiki , Finthariasari Meilaty , Yulinda Ade Tiara
Published: September 2021

This research aims to determine the impact of service marketing on student decision-making to decide on the choice of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Muhammadiyah University of Bangkulu. This study uses quantitative methods. In this study, the population was all students of the School of Economics and Business of Muhammadiyah Bengkulu University, a total of 1,606 people, and 161 respondents were selected as a sample. The sampling technique uses proportional random sampling. Use questionnaires to collect data. Multiple linear regression is used as a way to analyze data. The conclusion of the research results proves that service marketing has had an impact on students' decision to choose the Faculty of Economics and Business of Muhammadiyah University. Product factors have a positive and significant effect on student decisions. This price factor in the form of SPP has a negative effect. Promotion factors have a positive and significant effect. Location factors are positive and significant. HR factors have a positive and significant effect. Meanwhile, process factors have no effect on student decision. The physical evidence factor has a positive and significant effect on student decisions to choose the Faculty of Economics and Business, Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu.
Identifying degradation products responsible for increased toxicity of UV-degraded insensitive munitions
Authors: Moores Lee , Kennedy Alan , May Lauren , Jordan Shinita , Bednar Anthony , Jones Stacy , Henderson David , Gurtowski Luke , Gust Kurt
Published: September 2021

Degradation of insensitive munitions (IMs) by ultraviolet (UV) light has become a concern following observations that some UV-degradation products have increased toxicity relative to parent compounds in aquatic organisms. This investigation focused on the Army's IM formulation, IMX-101, composed of three IM constituents: 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), and nitroguanidine (NQ). The IM constituents and IMX-101 were irradiated in a UV photo-reactor and then administered to Daphnia pulex in acute (48 h) exposures comparing toxicities relative to the parent materials. UV-degradation of DNAN had little effect on mortality whereas mortality for UV-degraded NTO and NQ increased by factors of 40.3 and 1240, making UV-degraded NQ the principle driver of toxicity when IMX-101 is UV-degraded. Toxicity investigations for specific products formed during UV-degradation of NQ, confirmed greater toxicity than the parent NQ for degradation products. Summation of the individual toxic units for the complete set of individually measured UV-degradation products identified for NQ only accounted for 25% of the overall toxicity measured in the exposures to the UV-degraded NQ product mixture. Given the underestimation of toxicity using the sum toxic units for the individually measured UV-degradation products of NQ, we conclude that: (1) other unidentified NQ degradation products contributed principally to toxicity and/or (2) synergistic toxicological interactions occurred among the NQ degradation product mixture that exacerbated toxicity.
Effects Of Nutrition Education And Counseling Intervention On Maternal Weight And Obstetric Outcomes Among Pregnant Women Of Gedeo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia, 2019, Cluster Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Sisay Gizaw , Tesfaye Adane
Published: September 2021

BackgroundA good approach to improve maternal diet during pregnancy is nutrition education and counseling. However, due to the scarcity of intervention trials, especially in Ethiopia, the effect of nutrition education and counseling intervention on pregnancy outcomes is not well studied.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of nutrition education and counseling on maternal weight and the outcomes of pregnancy among pregnant women in public health care institutions of Gedeo Zone, Southern, Ethiopia.MethodsA cluster randomized control trial study design was undertaken. Simple random sampling followed by cluster sampling was used to reach eligible study participants. A total sample of 235 (115 intervention vs.120 control group) pregnant women who followed antenatal care service in public health facilities of Gedeo Zone were included in the study. Independent t-test was used to analyze the group difference for continuous variable and chi-square test for categorical variables. The post intervention values between two groups were compared using ANCOVA by adjusting to the baseline variables.ResultAfter nutrition education and counseling, pregnant women in the control group had less weight gain than in the intervention (65.03kg vs. 56.69kg, p = 0.001). The proportion of LBW neonate was 17.8% in the intervention group and 38.2% in the control group (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of LBW in the control group was 2.43 more likely than in the intervention group (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: (1.2, 4.92).ConclusionNutrition education and counseling delivered to pregnant women on the time of pregnancy could reduce maternal malnutrition and low birth weight. We can recommend that; the intervention is easy to implement in health facilities of Gedeo zone and would be implemented without delay to achieve sustainable development goals.The trial was retrospectively registered in Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) database with unique identification number for the registry is PACTR202101757871954.
Is outdoor-resting behaviour in malaria vectors consistent? Short report from northern Ghana.
Authors: Hamid-Adiamoh Majidah , Nwakanma Davis , Sr Isaac , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Afrane Yaw A.
Published: September 2021

Background
Recent reports of a change in the resting behaviour of malaria vectors, from predominantly indoor resting to outdoor resting following blood feeding, have been attributed to selection pressure from use of vector control tools such as indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. Recent studies have observed vectors resting predominantly outdoors in settings where anti-vector tools are extensively deployed. This present study examined if the outdoor resting behaviour in the vector population, is random or indicative of a consistent preference of one resting site over the other.
Methods
Mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiments were conducted with outdoor-resting Anopheles gambiae and An. funestus mosquitoes collected from pit shelters, animal houses and granaries in two villages in Northern Ghana during rainy and dry seasons. Mosquitoes were marked with fluorescent dyes and released indoors. The experiments were controlled with indoor-resting mosquitoes, which were marked and released outdoors. Species of all recaptured mosquitoes were identified and assessed for consistency in their resting behaviour.
Results
A total of 4,460 outdoor-resting mosquitoes comprising An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (2,630, 59%) and An. funestus complex (1,830, 41%) were marked and released. Overall, 31 (0.7%) mosquitoes were recaptured mostly from outdoor location comprising 25 (81%) An. gambiae s.l. and 6 (19%) An. funestus complex. Only 3 (10%) of the recaptured mosquitoes were found resting indoors where they were released. The majority of the outdoor-recaptured mosquitoes were An. arabiensis (11, 39%), followed by An. coluzzii (7, 25%); whereas all indoor-recaptured mosquitoes were An. coluzzii. For the control experiment, 324 indoor-resting mosquitoes constituting 313 (97%) An. gambiae s.l. and 11 (3%) An. funestus complex were marked and released. However, none of these was recaptured neither indoors nor outdoors. More mosquitoes were significantly captured and recaptured during rainy season ( Z = 6.579, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
The results obtained suggested the tendency for the mosquitoes to retain their outdoor-resting behaviour. Further investigations are required to ascertain if emerging preference for outdoor resting behaviour in malaria vector populations is consistent or a random occurrence.
Device Simulation of The GeSe Homojunction And vdW GeSe/GeTe Heterojunction TFETs For High-Performance Application
Authors: Wang Qida , Xu Peipei , Li Hong , Liu Fengbin , Sun Shuai , Zhou Gang , Qing Tao , Zhang Shaohua , Lu Jing
Published: September 2021

Compared with a 2D homogeneous channel, the introduction of a 2D/2D homojunction or heterojunction is a promising method to promote the performance of a TFET mainly by controlling the tunneling barrier. We simulate the 10-nm-Lg double-gated GeSe homojunction TFETs and vdW GeSe/GeTe heterojunction TFETs using the ab initio quantum transport calculations. Two constructions are considered for both the homojunction and heterojunction TFETs by placing the BL GeSe and vdW GeSe/GeTe heterojunction as the source or drain while the channel and the remaining drain or source use ML GeSe. The on-state current (Ion) of the optimal n-type BL-ML GeSe source homojunction TFET and the optimal p-type vdW GeSe/GeTe drain heterojunction TFET are 2320 and 2387 μA μm-1, respectively, which are 50% and 64% larger than Ion of the ML GeSe homogeneous TFET. Inspiringly, the device performances (Ion, intrinsic delay time τ, and power delay product PDP) of both the optimal n-type GeSe homojunction and p-type vdW GeSe/GeTe heterojunction TFETs meet the requirement of the International Roadmap for Device and Systems high-performance device for the year of 2034 (2020 version).
Placental Growth Factor Level is Correlated with Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Findings
Authors: Tanaka Hiroaki , Tanaka Kayo , Takakura Sho , Enomoto Naosuke , Maki Shintaro , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: September 2021

Objective: Here, we tested the correlation between maternal placental growth factor (PlGF) and fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring findings. Methods: We included 35 women with single pregnancies from 35 to 42 weeks of gestation who were hospitalized due to onset of labor. Blood samples were collected at the start of labor. Intrapartum FHR monitoring parameters included total deceleration area, average deceleration area (mean deceleration area per 10 minutes), and five-tier classification level. Results: Of the 35 women, 26 (74%) had vaginal delivery and 9 (26%) had cesarean section. After excluding 2 women who had cesarean section for arrest of labor, we analyzed 26 women who had vaginal delivery (VD group) and 7 who had cesarean section for fetal indications (CSF group). PlGF level was significantly higher in the VD group (157 ± 106 pg/ml) than in the CSF group (74 ± 62 pg/ml) (P = 0.03). There were no significant correlations between PlGF and total (r = -0.07) or average (r = -0.08) deceleration area. A significant negative correlation was observed between PlGF and the proportion of five-tier classification level 3 or higher (r = -0.42). Conclusion: PlGF was correlated with FHR monitoring findings and might be a promising biomarker of intrapartum fetal function.
Assessing Drought Effects on Banana Production and On-Farm Coping Strategies by Farmers – A Study in the Cattle Corridor of Uganda
Authors: Nansamba Moureen , Sibiya Julia , Tumuhimbise Robooni , Ocimati Walter , Kikulwe Enoch , Karamura Deborah , Karamura Eldad
Published: September 2021

Drought is a major threat to banana production in Uganda, leading to large yield losses. This study documented drought effects on banana production and identified farmers’ coping strategies to mitigate the impact of droughts. Interviews were conducted in eight districts, randomly selected from banana-growing districts in Uganda’s cattle corridor, characterised by frequent droughts. Data were collected from 120 respondents/farms. Banana production in the study area was dominated by small-scale farmers, growing mostly a combination of cooking and dessert banana types. Among the 15 identified effects of drought stress on banana growth, reduced bunch weight, wilting and drying of leaves, reduced leaf production and reduced number of fingers and clusters were the most reported. ‘Mpologoma’ and ‘FHIA 17’ cultivars were reported as the most and least affected by drought stress, respectively. Although the cattle corridor is prone to recurrent droughts, the deployment of drought coping strategies was mostly low, with farmers using one to three strategies. A total of 12 drought mitigation practices were used across the cattle corridor, with mulching being the most common option. Irrigation was perceived as the most effective mitigation option though its deployment was limited by water scarcity and the high cost of water pumps. This study suggests the need for government support in drought stress mitigation practices and the development of drought-tolerant cultivars by breeders. Additionally, farmers need to prioritise preventive coping strategies like planting drought-tolerant cultivars, irrigation, mulching, and manure application and ensure the appropriate time of deployment of mitigation practices.
Motor Symptom Asymmetry Predicts Non-motor Outcome and Quality of Life Following STN DBS in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Voruz Philippe , Pierce Jordan , Ahrweiller Kévin , Haegelen Claire , Sauleau Paul , Drapier Sophie , Drapier Dominique , Vérin Marc , Péron Julie
Published: September 2021

Risk factors for long-term non-motor disorders and quality of life following subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN DBS) have not yet been fully identified. In the present study, we investigated the impact of motor symptom asymmetry in Parkinson’s disease.Data were extracted for 52 patients with Parkinson’s disease (half with left-sided motor symptoms and half with right-sided ones) who underwent bilateral STN and a matched healthy control group. Performances for cognitive tests and neuropsychiatric and quality-of-life questionnaires at 12 months post-DBS were compared with a pre-DBS baseline. Results indicated a deterioration in cognitive performance post-DBS in patients with left-sided motor symptoms. Performances of patients with right-sided motor symptoms were maintained, except for a verbal executive task. These differential effects had an impact on patients’ quality of life. The results highlight the existence of two distinct cognitive profiles of Parkinson’s disease, depending on motor symptom asymmetry. This asymmetry is a potential risk factor for non-motor adverse effects following STN DBS.
Comparison of General-Social Health and Corona-Induced Anxiety Between Active and Inactive Students in The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ahmadabadi Somayeh
Published: September 2021

BackgroundGeneral health includes physical and mental health and their interactions, and physical activity can improve people’s mental and social health. The present study has compared general-social health and COVID-19-induced anxiety between active and inactive students during the COVID-19 -19 pandemic.A causal-comparative research design was used in this study. The statistical population consisted of all students of the Farhangian University of Mashhad in 2020, out of whom 752 students were randomly selected. Subjects were assessed for general health, social health, and COVID-19-induced anxiety. Data normality was investigated by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and data were analyzed statistically using independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient test.ResultsThe results of the present study showed that there was a significant difference between general health and COVID-19-induced anxiety of active and inactive students (p = 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between these two groups in social health (p≥0.05). Results obtained regarding the correlation indicated that there was a significant correlation between general and social health in both active and inactive students (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between COVID-19-induced anxiety and general-social health (p≥0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of the present study, it can be said that an active lifestyle and physical activity are important factors to improve general health and reduce anxiety, especially in specific conditions of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, it is recommended that students have a regular exercise program to reduce their anxiety and increase the level of their physical health.
Optimizing Antiviral Therapy for COVID-19 With Learned Pathogenic Model
Authors: Dutta Abhishek
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 together with variants have caused an unprecedented amount of mental and economic turmoil with ever increasing fatality and no proven therapies in sight. The healthcare industry is racing to find a cure with multitude of clinical trials underway to access the efficacy of repurposed antivirals, however the much needed insights into the dynamics of pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and corresponding pharmacology of antivirals are lacking. This paper introduces systematic pathological model learning of COVID-19 dynamics followed by derivative free optimization based multi objective drug rescheduling. The pathological model learnt from clinical data of severe COVID-19 patients treated with Remdesivir could additionally predict immune T cells response and resulted in a dramatic reduction in Remdesivir dose and schedule leading to lower toxicities, however maintaining a high virological efficacy.
The Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI) An International Validation Study
Authors: Palmer Raymond F , Rincon Rudy , Perales Roger F , Walker Tatjana F , Jaén Carlos F , Miller Claudia F
Published: September 2021

Background
Chemical intolerance is a condition that may result in multisystem symptoms triggered by low levels of exposure to xenobiotics such as chemicals, foods, and drugs. The prevalence of chemical intolerance is estimated to be between 8% and 33% across several countries. Clinicians and researchers require a brief, practical tool for identifying chemical intolerance.
Objectives
This 5-country, population-based study investigates the validity of a three-item screening questionnaire, the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI), against the 50-item Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI).
Methods
One thousand individuals (n = 1,000) in each of 5 countries, the U.S., Japan, Italy, Mexico, and India responded to both the QEESI and the BREESI on a Qualtrics platform by Dyanata, a survey company that provides recruitment services for researchers. We determined performance metrics for BREESI responses comparing the number of items chosen on the BREESI with QEESI scores for chemical intolerance. We used logistic regression to determine the likelihood of chemical intolerance based on scoring 0, 1, 2 or 3 items on the BREESI. We report BREESI sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios.
Results
Compared to the QEESI reference standard, the BREESI had excellent sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and positive and negative predictive values for chemical intolerance in all countries except Japan. In Japan, the BREESI had poor sensitivity and a poor negative predictive value. Logistic regression shows that in all countries, with each increase in BREESI items endorsed, there is 4- to 5-fold increase in the odds of CI. Although the samples are relatively small for estimating population prevalence, our results suggest interesting differences and overall high prevalence of chemical intolerance. Applying QEESI criteria, India appears to have very high rates of chemical intolerance—over 50% of those sampled (54.7%, 95% CI = 52–58) followed by Japan (40.3%, 95% CI = 40–77), Italy (34.3%, 95% CI = 32–37), U.S. (31.2%, 95% CI = 28–34) and Mexico (26.0%, 95% CI = 23–29).
Discussion
This study confirms the results of a two recently published validation papers in the U.S. The BREESI performs well as a screening tool for chemical intolerance. The BREESI is a practical tool for researchers, clinicians, and epidemiologists seeking to understand and address this important and prevalent condition.
On the clinical acceptance of black-box systems for EEG seizure prediction
Authors: Pinto Mauro , Leal Adriana , Lopes Fábio , Pais José , Dourado António , Sales Francisco , Martins Pedro , Teixeira César
Published: September 2021

Despite 46 years of seizure prediction research, few devices/systems underwent clinical trials and/or are commercialised, where the most recent state-of-the-art approaches are not used to their full potential. This demonstrates the existence of social barriers to new methodologies. Based on the literature, we performed a qualitative study to analyse the seizure prediction ecosystem to find these barriers. With Grounded Theory and Actor-Network Theory, we draw hypothesis from data and considered that technology shapes social configurations and interests. For seizure prediction, as long as an algorithm proves to be useful to the patient, we conclude that we may only need to explain the model’s decisions, and not to necessarily obtain intrinsically interpretable models. Accordingly, we argue that it is possible to develop robust prediction models, including black-box systems to some extent, while avoiding data bias, ensuring patient safety, and still complying with legislation, as long as they can deliver human-comprehensible explanations.
Optimization Algorithms As Training Approach With Deep Learning Methods To Develop An Ultraviolet Index Forecasting Model
Authors: Ahmed Abul Abrar Masrur , Ahmed Mohammad Hafez , Saha Sanjoy Kanti , Ahmed Oli , Sutradhar Ambica
Published: September 2021

The solar ultraviolet index (UVI) is a key public health indicator to mitigate the ultraviolet-exposure related diseases. However, in practice, the ultraviolet irradiance measurements are difficult and need expensive ground-based physical models and time-consuming satellite-observed data. Furthermore, accurate short-term forecasting is crucial for making effective decisions on public health owing to UVI related diseases. To this end, this study aimed to develop and compare the performances of different hybridized deep learning models for forecasting the daily UVI index. The ultraviolet irradiance-related data were collected for Perth station of Western Australia. A hybrid-deep learning framework was formulated with a convolutional neural network and long short-term memory called CLSTM. The comprehensive dataset (i.e., satellite-derived Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, ground-based datasets from Scientific Information for Landowners, and synoptic-scale climate indices) were fed into the proposed network and optimized by four optimization techniques. The results demonstrated the excellent forecasting capability (i.e., low error and high efficiency) of the recommended hybrid CLSTM model compared to the counterpart benchmark models. Overall, this study showed that the proposed hybrid CLSTM model successfully apprehends the complex and non-linear relationships between predictor variables and the daily UVI. A complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN)-CLSTM-based is appeared to be an accurate forecasting system capable of reacting quickly to measured conditions. Further, the genetic algorithm is found to be the most effective optimization technique. The study inference can considerably enhance real-time exposure advice for the public and help mitigate the potential for solar UV-exposure-related diseases such as melanoma.
Mapping Ductile-To-Fragile Transition And The Effect of Tool Nose Radius In Diamond Turning of Single-Crystal Silicon
Authors: Dib Marcel Henrique Militão , Otoboni José Antonio , Jasinevicius Renato Goulart
Published: September 2021

Although it has long been known that tools with more negative rake angles allow the ductile regime to be achieved when machining monocrystalline silicon; little has been discussed about the tool-material interaction in terms of the microgeometric contact of the tool tip at this interface. In this paper, the tool rake angle was varied in order to change the undeformed chip thickness value once the tool cutting radius, formed in front of the tool rake face, changes when the tool rake angle becomes more negative. Based on the statistical design of the experiment applied to cutting tests, a map relating values of transition pressure and different crystallographic directions is built to assist in determining machining conditions with a ductile response within a wider spectrum based on tool rake angle under different machining conditions. The results obtained allowed to answer questions under which machining conditions and tool geometry account for better surface finishes, lower machining forces, and lower residual stresses. The response surfaces generated provided answers capable of establishing under which cutting radii yielded more ductile mode material removal and avoided a brittle response, related to anisotropic response due to change in the crystallographic direction. Finally, we used the brittle-to-ductile transition map to determine a more suitable machining condition to diamond turn Fresnel lenses in single crystal silicon.
Medication Related Adverse Events in the Emergency Medical Services: Analysis of a Patient Safety Register
Authors: Howard Ian , Howland Ian , Castle Nicholas , Shaikh Loua Al , Owen Robert
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAdverse drug events encompass a wide range of potential unintended and harmful events, from adverse drug reactions to medication errors, many of which in retrospect, are considered preventable. However, the primary challenge towards reducing their burden lies in consistently identifying and monitoring these occurrences, a challenge faced across the spectrum of healthcare, including the emergency medical services. The aim of this study was to identify and describe medication related adverse events (AEs) in the out-of-hospital setting.MethodsThe medication components of a dedicated patient safety register were analysed and described for the period Jan 2017 – Sept 2020. Univariate descriptive analysis was used to summarize and report on basic case and patient demographics, intervention related AEs, medication related AEs, and AE severity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the odds of AE severity, by AE type.FindingsA total of 3475 patient records were assessed where 161 individual medication AEs were found in 150 (4.32%), 12 of which were categorised as harmful. Failure to provide a required medication was found to be the most common error (1.67%), followed by the administration of medications outside of prescribed practice guidelines (1.18%). There was evidence to suggest a 63% increase in crude odds of any AE severity [OR 1.63 (95% CI: 1.03 – 2.6), p = 0.035] with the medication only AEs when compared to the intervention only AEs. ConclusionPrehospital medication related adverse events remain a significant threat to patient safety in this setting and warrant greater widespread attention and future identification of strategies aimed at their reduction.
CDCA attenuates LUAD pathogenesis progression via integrin α5β1/FAK/p53 signalling pathway
Authors: Shen Dan , Zeng Yuanyuan , Zhang Weijie , Li Yue , Zhu Jianjie , Liu Zeyi , Yan Zhaowei , Huang Jian'an
Published: September 2021

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated death and includes non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC comprises approximately 80–85% of all lung cancers. Chenodeoxycolic acid (CDCA), one of the primary bile acids, has been reported to inhibit proliferation in carcinoma cells. To date, the role of CDCA in the migration, invasion and apoptosis of LUAD remains unknown. MethodsWestern blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels in LUAD cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of different kinds of cells in vitro. Transwell assay were utilized to assess the motility of tumor cells. RNA-seq was performed to identify the transcriptional profile in A549 cells after treatment with CDCA. A xenograft model was established to study the effect of CDCA on LUAD growth in vivo. GraphPad Prism 8 software was used for statistical analysis, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsCDCA can significantly inhibited the migration and invasion capabilities of LUAD cells. Furthermore, CDCA promoted the progression of apoptosis in LUAD cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that CDCA blocked the integrin α5β1 signalling pathway by inhibiting the expression of integrin α5 and β1 subunits and p-FAK in LUAD cells. Furthermore, we found that CDCA increased the levels of p53, a downstream gene of the integrin α5β1/FAK pathway. ConclusionOur findings indicated that CDCA attenuates LUAD pathogenesis via the integrin α5β1/FAK/p53 axis in LUAD cells.
Optical Solitons to the Ginzburg–Landau Equation Including the Parabolic Nonlinearity
Authors: Hosseini K. , Mirzazadeh Mohammad , Akinyemi L. , Baleanu D. , Salahshour S.
Published: September 2021

The major goal of the present paper is to construct optical solitons of the Ginzburg–Landau (GL) equation including the parabolic nonlinearity. Such an ultimate goal is formally achieved with the aid of symbolic computation, a complex transformation, and Kudryashov and exponential methods. Several numerical simulations are given to explore the influence of the coefficients of nonlinear terms on the dynamical features of the obtained optical solitons. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the results reported in the current study, classified as bright and kink solitons, are new and have been acquired for the first time.
FOXO3 regulates Smad3 and Smad7 through SPON1 circular RNA to inhibit idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Hailong , He Jin , Zhang Ruotong , Wei Yiying , Zhang Shanshan , Chen Xuefen , Li Xiaoping , Yu Rui , Li Xiaohe , Zhang Xianfeng , Yang Cheng , Zhou Honggang
Published: September 2021

Forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) has good inhibition ability toward fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix, especially for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. How FOXO3 regulates pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we reported that FOXO3 had binding sequences with F-spondin 1 (SPON1) promoter, which can activate its transcription and selectively promote the expression of SPON1 circRNA (circSPON1) but not mRNA expression. We further demonstrated that circSPON1 was involved in the extracellular matrix deposition of HFL1. In the cytoplasm, circSPON1 directly interacted with TGF-β-induced Smad3 and inhibited the activation of fibroblasts by inhibiting nuclear translocation. Moreover, circSPON1 bound to miR-942-5p and miR-520f-3p that interfered with Smad7 mRNA and promoted Smad7 expression. This study revealed the mechanism of FOXO3 in the occurrence and development of pulmonary fibrosis. Potential therapeutic targets and new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on circRNA were also provided.
Pioglitazone Protect PC12 Cells Against Oxidative Stress Injury: Involvement of Anti-apoptotic Effect and PPARγ Activation
Authors: Li Yali , Long Jun , Li Libo , Liu Lijuan , Yu Ziyao , Hou Bin , Liang Yanjing , Yu Jianbo , Niu Xiaolin
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Using a PC12 cell model with Hydrogen peroxide, we investigated the neuronal apoptotic gene expression and neuronal apoptosis after oxidative stress damage. We further explored protective effect of pioglitazone and its mechanisms. Methods: Taking H2O2 treated PC12 cells as oxidative stress damaged neuron models, MTT and flow cytometry methods were performed to measure the influence of H2O2 on neuronal apoptosis and the protective effect of pioglitazone. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Real-time PCR and Western blot methods were performed to investigate the expression of PPARγ, Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3. Results: H2O2 can induce the apoptosis of PC12 cells in an dose- and time-dependent manner. And H2O2 (100μmol/L, 24h) can induce the expression of PPARγ mRNA and protein (p<0.01). Pioglitazone significantly up-regulated the protein expression of Bax, caspase-3(p<0.01) and decreased the expression of Bcl-2(p<0.01). Pioglitazone can dose-dependently decrease the apoptotic ratio of H2O2-damaged PC12 cells. 1.0×10-6 mol/L pioglitazone can induce PPARγ mRNA and protein expression. Pioglitazone decreased Bax, caspase-3 protein expression(p<0.01) and increased Bcl-2 protein expression(p<0.01), thus down-regulated the expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2(p<0.01) and decreased the apoptotic ratio of PC12 cells(p<0.01). GW9662, the antagonist of PPARγ, and PPARγ siRNA can offset the protective effect of pioglitazone on PC12 cells to different degrees(p<0.01). Conclusions: hydrogen peroxide can induce apoptosis of PC12 cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. PPARγ activation by pioglitazone can significantly decreased expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3, thus plays a part in neuron protective effects on H2O2-treated PC12 cells. The antagonist and RNAi of PPARγ can offset protective effect of pioglitazone to different degree, which indicates PPARγ activation exerts protective role in decreasing the apoptosis of PC12 cells.
Effect of Variations in Microwave Processing Temperatures on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of AA7075/SiC/Graphite Hybrid Composite Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy Techniques
Authors: Guttikonda Manohar , Pandey K M , Maity S R
Published: September 2021

Due to the demand in present industrial, aerospace, defense sectors for lightweight high-performance aluminum (Al) particle-reinforced metal matrix composites, the advancement of techniques to fabricate these composites with superior mechanical properties have gained technological interest in the modern world. In this direction, SiC and graphite reinforced AA7075 matrix composite material has been fabricated in this study, through hybrid microwave sintering techniques. The microwave sintering temperatures for the optimized volume fraction composition of AA7075/SiC/graphite hybrid composite has been varied from 400 to 550 ℃ with a step value of 50 ℃. The obtained results showed a superior improvement in the mechanical properties for microwave sintered composites as compared to the conventionally sintered composites. Mechanical properties are found to show increasing trend with increasing microwave sintering temperatures up to 500 ℃, after that, a downfall is observed in their mechanical properties, which can be attributed to the increased average grain size of the composite at 550 ℃. Selection of SiC as primary reinforcement material helped in achieving high mechanical strengths, and through microwave sintering, an increment of 37.2% in tensile, 26.6% in compression, and 16.5% in hardness is achieved. From this investigation, it is also observed that the selection of materials that shows high response to microwaves helps in achieving the enhanced mechanical properties for the hybrid composites processed by microwave sintering techniques.
Land use cover change has non-trivial and potentially dominant impact on global gross primary productivity (2000-2100)
Authors: Hou Haiyan , Zhou Bing-Bing , Pei Fengsong , Hu Guohua , Su Zhongbo , Zeng Yijian , Zhang Han , Gao Yukun , Luo Meng , Li Xia
Published: September 2021

Anthropogenic land use/cover (LULC) change alters terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP), which is a major atmospheric carbon sink. Identifying the impacts of future LULC changes on terrestrial GPP has been challenging due to the complexity of incorporating future LULC into ecosystem models. Here, we present eight-scenario-based projections of global spatially explicit LULC at 1km resolution over the period 2015-2100. We further conducted Fourteen experiments to quantify the contribution of LULC change to GPP dynamics relative to that of climate change under different scenarios. We find that global GPP change would be underestimated by 10.92%‒16.16% during 2000-2050 and 1.41%‒14.57% during 2050-2100 when modeled without LULC dynamics—as in most existing GPP modeling efforts. Particularly, LULC-change-dominated areas would account globally for 1.65‒2.20 the size of the Amazon rainforest. Our findings underline the necessity of incorporating future LULC dynamics into process-based models and highlight the non-trivial role of LULC in transitioning toward sustainability.
An adjuvanted subunit SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccine provides protection against Covid-19 infection and transmission
Authors: Tabynov Kairat , Turebekov Nurkeldi , Babayeva Meruert , Fomin Gleb , Yerubaev Toktasyn , Yespolov Tlektes , Li Lei , Renukaradhya Gourapura , Petrovsky Nikolai , Tabynov Kaissar
Published: September 2021

Recombinant protein approaches offer major promise for safe and effective vaccine prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We developed a recombinant spike protein vaccine (called NARUVAX-C19) and characterized its ability when formulated with a nanoemulsion adjuvant to induce anti-spike antibody and T-cell responses and provide protection including against viral transmission in rodent. In mice, NARUVAX-C19 vaccine administered intramuscularly twice at 21-day interval elicited balanced Th1/Th2 humoral and T-cell responses with high titers of neutralizing antibodies against wild-type (D614G) and delta (B.1.617.2) variants. In Syrian hamsters, NARUVAX-C19 provided complete protection against wild-type (D614G) infection and prevented its transmission to naïve animals placed in the same cage as challenged animals. The results contrasted with only weak protection seen with a monomeric spike receptor binding domain (RBD) vaccine even when formulated with the same adjuvant. These encouraging results warrant ongoing development of this Covid-19 vaccine candidate.
The Extended Period Precursory Signals of Strong Persistent Freezing Rain and Snow Events in Southwest China
Authors: Sun Xiaojuan , Li Siyan , Wang Julian X.L. , Yang Yaqing , Chen Li
Published: September 2021

In this study, daily temperature and precipitation data between 1950 and 2018 from 753 stations from National Meteorological Information Center, and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data were used to screen freezing rain and snow events that occurred in the winters of 1951–2017 in southwest China (100°E–110°E, 22.5°N–32.5°N), in order to search for extended period warning signs of events. The combined anomalies index PCA ,established by the Mongolian Geopotential height pressure intensity, north–south position index and the southern trough intensity index, is closely related to the freezing rain and snow events in southwest China, and can be used as a link to explore the precursory signals of persistent freezing rain and snow events. The 1000-hPa height field of Iceland (60°N–80°N, 10°W–50°W), the North Atlantic (25°N–45°N; 20°W–60°W) and the Caspian Sea (30°N–50°N; 30°E–70°E) in the early mid-latitude was significantly correlated with PCA . The high disturbance signal in the upstream dispersed to the downstream 15–20 days in advance, which intensified the Mongolian high and deepened the southern trough. The combination anomaly of the Mongolian high and southern trough finally led to the strong persistent freezing rain and snow events in southwest China. The extended period forecast index of strong persistent freezing rain and snow events in southwest China was established according to the average geopotential height of key atmospheric regions 15 days ahead of the event. These findings provide a reference for the prediction of winter disaster events extension-period forecast in southern China.