bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Activity Recognition with Deep Learning: Overview, Challenges & Possibilities
Authors: Kumar Pranjal
Published: June 2021

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) has become a vibrant research field over the last decade, especially because of the spread of electronic devices like mobile phones, smart cell phones, and video cameras in our daily lives. In addition, the progress of deep learning and other algorithms has made it possible for researchers to use HAR in many fields including sports, health, and well-being. HAR is, for example, one of the most promising resources for helping older people with the support of their cognitive and physical function through day-to-day activities. This study focuses on the key role machine learning plays in the development of HAR applications. While numerous HAR surveys and review articles have previously been carried out, the main/overall HAR issue was not taken into account, and these studies concentrate only on specific HAR topics. A detailed review paper covering major HAR topics is therefore essential. This study analyses the most up-to-date studies on HAR in recent years and provides a classification of HAR methodology and demonstrates advantages and disadvantages for each group of methods. This paper finally addresses many problems in the current HAR subject and provides recommendations for potential study.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of a Dye Decolorizing Peroxidase from Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Rai Amrita , Klare Johann P. , Reinke Patrick Y.A. , Englmaier Felix , Fohrer Jörg , Fedorov Roman , Taft Manuel H. , Chizhov Igor , Curth Ute , Plettenburg Oliver , Manstein Dietmar J.
Published: June 2021

A novel cytoplasmic dye decolorizing peroxidase from Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated that oxidizes anthraquinone dyes, lignin model compounds and general peroxidase substrates like ABTS efficiently. Unlike related enzymes, an aspartate residue replaces the first glycine of the conserved GXXDG motif in Dictyostelium DyPA. In solution, Dictyostelium DyPA exists as a stable dimer with the side chain of Asp146 contributing to the stabilization of the dimer interface by extending the hydrogen bond network connecting two monomers. To gain mechanistic insights, we solved the Dictyostelium DyPA structures in the absence of substrate as well as in the presence of potassium cyanide and veratryl alcohol to 1.7, 1.85, and 1.6 Å resolution, respectively. The active site of Dictyostelium DyPA has a hexa-coordinated heme iron with a histidine residue at the proximal axial position and either an activated oxygen or CN- molecule at the distal axial position. Asp149 is in an optimal conformation to accept a proton from H2O2 during the formation of compound I. Two potential distal solvent channels and a conserved shallow pocket leading to the heme molecule were found in Dictyostelium DyPA. Further, we identified two substrate-binding pockets per monomer in Dictyostelium DyPA at the dimer interface. Long-range electron transfer pathways associated with a hydrogen-bonding network that connects the substrate-binding sites with the heme moiety are described.
Lorentzian SRT-Transformation Factors as Solutions of Oscillation-Equations
Authors: Döring Holger
Published: June 2021

Shown is the derivation of Lorentz-Einstein k-factor in SRT as an amplitude-term of oscillation-differential equations of second order.This case is shown for classical Lorentz-factor as solution of an equation for undamped oscillation as well as the developed theorem as a second solution for advanced SRT of fourth order with an equation for damped oscillation-states.This advanced term allows a calculation for any velocities by real rest mass.Also accelerated coordinate -frames are discussed.
Symptom Cluster Analysis of long COVID-19 in Patients Discharged from the Temporary COVID-19 Hospital in Mexico City: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wong-Chew Rosa María , Cabrera Edwin Xchel Rodríguez , Valdez Carlos Alberto Rodríguez , Gascon Julieta Lomelín , Juárez Linda Morales , de la Cerda Mariana Lizbeth Rodríguez , Romero Antonio Rafael Villa , Fernández Stephanie Arce , Fernández Mariana Serratos , Bello Héctor Herrera , Castañeda Lidia Moreno , Avendaño Mónica Arboleya , Cruz Jesús Abraham Hernández , Martínez Nelson Álvarez , Contreras Liza Fernanda , de la Cerda Luis Rafael González , Flores Arturo Juárez , Martínez-Juarez Luis Alberto , Álvarez-Hernández Diego-Abelardo , Gallardo-Rincón Héctor , Dolci German Fajardo , Tapia-Conyer Roberto , Vazquez Rafael Ricardo Valdez
Published: June 2021

Recently, several reports have emerged describing the long-term consequences of COVID-19 that may affect multiple systems, suggesting its chronicity. As further research is needed, we conducted a longitudinal observational study to report the prevalence and associated risk factors of long-term health consequences of COVID-19 by symptom clusters in patients discharged from the Temporary COVID-19 Hospital (TCH) in Mexico City. Self-reported clinical symptom data were collected via telephone calls over 90 days post-discharge. Among 4670 patients discharged from the TCH, we identified 45 symptoms across eight symptom clusters (neurological; mood disorders; systemic; respiratory; musculoskeletal; ear, nose, and throat; dermatological; and gastrointestinal). We observed that the neurological, dermatological, and mood disorder symptom clusters persisted in >30% of patients at 90 days post-discharge. Although most symptoms decreased in frequency between day 30 and 90, alopecia and the dermatological symptom cluster significantly increased (p<0·00001). Women were more prone than men to develop long-term symptoms and invasive mechanical ventilation also increased the frequency of symptoms at 30-days post-discharge. Overall, we observed that symptoms often persisted regardless of disease severity. We hope these findings will help promote public health strategies that ensure equity in the access to solutions focused on the long-term consequences of COVID-19.
A Fluorescent Real-time Plaque Assay Enables Single-cell Analysis of Virus-induced Cytopathic Effect by Live Cell Imaging
Authors: Arias-Arias Jorge L. , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia , Mora-Rodríguez Rodrigo
Published: June 2021

Conventional plaque assays rely on the use of overlays to restrict viral infection allowing the formation of distinct foci that grow in time as the replication cycle continues leading to counta-ble plaques that are visualized with standard techniques such as crystal violet, neutral red or immunolabeling. This classical approach takes several days until large enough plaques can be visualized and counted with some variation due to subjectivity in plaque recognition. Since plaques are clonal lesions produced by virus-induced cytopathic effect, we applied DNA fluores-cent dyes with differential cell permeability to visualize them by live cell imaging. We could observe different stages of that cytopathic effect corresponding to an early wave of cells with chromatin-condensation followed by a wave of dead cells with membrane permeabilization within plaques generated by different animal viruses. This approach enables an automated plaque identification using image analysis to increase single plaque resolution compared to crystal violet counterstaining and allows its application to plaque tracking and plaque reduction assays to test compounds for both antiviral and cytotoxic activities. This fluorescent real-time plaque assay sums to those next-generation technologies by combining this robust classical method with modern fluorescence microscopy and image analysis approaches for future applica-tions in virology.
In Vitro Inhibition of Zika Virus Replication with Amantadine and Rimantadine Hydrochlorides
Authors: Arias-Arias Jorge L. , Vega-Aguilar Francisco , Picado-Soto Dihalá , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia , Loría Gilbert D.
Published: June 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-born flavivirus which human infection became relevant dur-ing recent outbreaks in Latin America, due to its unrecognized association with fetal neurologi-cal disorders. Currently there are no approved effective antivirals or vaccines for treatment or prevention of ZIKV infections. Amantadine and rimantadine are approved antivirals used against susceptible influenza A virus infections, that have been shown to have antiviral activity against other viruses, such as dengue virus (DENV). Here, we report the in vitro effectiveness of both amantadine and rimantadine hydrochlorides against ZIKV replication, resulting in a dose-dependent reduction in viral titers of a ZIKV clinical isolate and two different ZIKV refer-ence strains. Additionally, we demonstrate similar in vitro antiviral activity of these drugs against DENV-1 and yellow fever virus (YFV), although at higher drug concentrations for the later. ZIKV replication was inhibited at drug concentrations well below cytotoxic levels of both compounds, as denoted by the high selectivity indexes obtained with the tested strains. Further work is absolutely needed to determine a potential clinical use of these antivirals against ZIKV infections, but our results suggest the existence of a highly conserved mechanism across fla-vivirus, susceptible to be blocked by modified more specific adamantane compounds.
On the Role of Paraoxonase-1, Chemokine (C-C motif) Ligand 2 and Metabolism in Oxidation, Inflammation and Disease. A 2021 Update
Authors: Camps Jordi , Castañé Helena , Rodríguez-Tomàs Elisabet , Baiges-Gaya Gerard , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , Arenas Meritxell , Iftimie Simona , Joven Jorge
Published: June 2021

Infectious as well as most non-infectious diseases share certain common molecular mechanisms. Among them, oxidative stress and the subsequent inflammatory reaction are of particular note. Metabolic disorders induced by external agents, be they bacterial or viral pathogens, excessive calorie intake, poor-quality nutrients, or environmental factors, produce an imbalance between the production of free radicals and endogenous antioxidant systems; the consequence being the oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Oxidation and inflammation are closely related, and whether oxidative stress and inflammation represent the causes or consequences of cellular pathology, they produce metabolic alterations that influence the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review we highlight two key molecules in the regulation of these processes: Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2). PON1 is an enzyme bound to high-density lipoproteins. It breaks down lipid peroxides in lipoproteins and cells, participates in the protection conferred by HDL against different infectious agents, and is considered part of the innate immune system. With PON1 deficiency, CCL2 production increases, which induces migration and infiltration of immune cells in target tissues, and is involved in disturbing normal metabolic function. This disruption involves pathways controlling cellular homeostasis as well as metabolically-driven chronic inflammatory states. Hence, an understanding of these relationships would help improve treatments and, as well, identify new therapeutic targets.
Bio-Inspired Polymer-Polymer Hybrids for Medical Applications
Authors: Demirci Gokhan , Niedzwiedz Malwina , Kantor-Malujdy Nina , El Fray Miroslawa
Published: June 2021

Novel bio-inspired materials have gained recently great attention, especially in medical applications. Applying sophisticated design and engineering methods, various polymer-polymer hybrid systems with outstanding performance have been developed in last decades. Hybrid systems composed of bioelastomers and hydrogels are very attractive due to their high biocompatibility and elastic nature for advanced biomaterials used in various medical applications such as drug delivery systems and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Herein, we describe the advances in current state-of-the-art design, properties and applications of polymer-polymer hybrid systems in medical applications. Bio-inspired functionalities, including bioadhesiveness, injectability, antibacterial properties and degradability applicable to advanced drug delivery systems and medical devices will be discussed in a context of future efforts towards development of bioinspired materials.
Potential-Growth Indicators Revisited: More Merits of Indication
Authors: Logofet Dmitrii O. , Razzhevaikin Valerii N.
Published: June 2021

The notion of potential-growth indicator came to being in the field of matrix population models long ago, almost simultaneously with the pioneering Leslie model for age-structured population dynamics, albeit the term has been given and the theory developed only recent years. The indicator represents an explicit function, R(L), of matrix L elements and indicates the position of the spectral radius of L relative to 1 on the real axis, thus signifying the population growth, or decline, or stabilization. Some indicators turned out useful in theoretical layouts and practical applications prior to calculating the spectral radius itself. The most senior (1994) and popular indicator, R0(L), is known as the net reproductive rate, and we consider two more ones, R1(L) and RRT(A), developed later on. All the three are different in what concerns their simplicity and the level of generality, and we illustrate them with a case study of Calamagrostis epigeios, a long-rhizome perennial weed actively colonizing open spaces in the temperate zone. While the R0(L) and R1(L) fail respectively because of complexity and insufficient generality, the RRT(L) does succeed, justifying the merit of indication.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis RpfE-induced Prostaglandin E2 in Dendritic Cells Induces Th1/Th17 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Park Hye-Soo , Choi Seunga , Back Yong Woo , Lee Kang-In , Choi Han-Gyu , Kim Hwa-Jung
Published: June 2021

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an important biological mediator involved in the defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Currently, there are no reports on the mycobacterial components that regulate PGE2 production. Previously, we have reported that RpfE-treated dendritic cells (DCs) effectively expanded the Th1 and Th17 cell responses simultaneously; however, the mechanism underlying Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation is unclear. Here, we show that PGE2 produced by RpfE-activated DCs via the MAPK and cyclooxygenase 2 signaling pathways induces Th1 and Th17 cell responses mainly via the EP4 receptor. Furthermore, mice administered intranasally with PGE2 displayed RpfE-induced antigen-specific Th1 and Th17 responses with a significant reduction in bacterial load in the lungs. Furthermore, the addition of optimal PGE2 amount to IL-2-IL-6-IL-23p19-IL-1β was essential for promoting differentiation into Th1/Th17 cells with strong bactericidal activity. These results suggest that RpfE-matured DCs produce PGE2 that induces Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation with potent anti-mycobacterial activity.
Local Muscle Endurance and Strength are the Best Predictors of Crossfit Open 2020 in Amateur Athletes
Authors: Tibana Ramires Alsamir , de Sousa Neto Ivo Vieira , Sousa Nuno Manuel Frade de , Romeiro Caroline , Hanai Adriana , Brandão Hiury , Dominski Fábio Hech , Voltarelli Fabricio Azevedo
Published: June 2021

This study analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, power and local muscle endurance with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. For this, 17 volunteers (6 women) (29.0 ± 7.2 years; 70.5 ± 9.8 kg) completed, on separate weeks, body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), maximal oxygen consumption (2km row test), muscle strength (1RM back and front squat, isometric peak torque), and muscle power (1RM snatch and clean & jerk), and muscle endurance (Tibana test), which were compared with performance during the CrossFit® Open 2020. Multiple linear regression showed that for the CrossFit Open 2020.1 and 2020.2 workouts, the score in the Tibana test was the only variable that explained the outcomes (Beta = -0.78, p < 0.01 for 2020.1 workout and Beta = 0.82, p < 0.01 for 2020.2 workout). Performance in the CrossFit Open 2020.3 and 2020.4 workouts were explained through the relative strength (Beta = 0.58, p = 0.02 for 2020.3 workout and Beta = 0.50, p = 0.04 for 2020.4 workout). Lastly, Tibana test had the greatest influence on CrossFit Open 2020.5 workout (Beta = -0.75, p < 0.01). A local muscle endurance and muscle strength may be used to predict CrossFit® open workout performance.
On All Real Zeros for a Class of Even Entire Functions
Authors: Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2021

The present paper deals with a class of even entire functions of order $\rho =1$ and genus $\vartheta =0$ of the polynomials form, \[ \sum\limits_{m=0}^\infty {\frac{\left( {-1} \right)^m\Phi ^{\left( {2m} \right)}\left( 0 \right)}{\Gamma \left( {2m+1} \right)}x^{2m}} =\Phi \left( 0 \right)\prod\limits_{k=1}^\infty {\left( {1-\frac{x}{\ell _k }} \right)} , \] where $\Phi\left( 0 \right)\ne 0$, real numbers $x$, nonnegative integers $m$, and $\ell _k \ne 0$ are all of the nonzero roots with $\sum\limits_{k=1}^\infty {1/\left| {\ell _k } \right|} <\infty $ and natural numbers $k$. We provide an efficient criterion for the polynomials with only real zeros. We also prove that the conjecture of Jensen is our special case.
Implementation of NAO Robot Maze Navigation Based on Computer Vision and Collaborative Learning
Authors: Magallán-Ramirez Daniela , Rodriguez-Tirado Areli , Martínez-Aguilar Jorge David , Moreno-García Carlos Francisco , Balderas David , López-Caudana Edgar Omar
Published: June 2021

Maze navigation using one or more robots has become a recurring challenge in scientific literature and real life practice, with fleets having to find faster and better ways to navigate environments such as a travel hub (e.g. airports) or to evacuate a disaster zone. Many methods have been used to solve this issue, including the implementation of a variety of sensors and other signal receiving systems. Most interestingly, camera-based techniques have increasingly become more popular in this kind of applications, given their robustness and scalability. In this paper, we have implemented an end-to-end strategy to address this scenario, allowing a robot to solve a maze in an autonomous way, by using computer vision and path planning. In addition, this robot shares the generated knowledge to another by means of communication protocols, having to adapt its mechanical characteristics to be able to solve the same challenge. The paper presents experimental validation of the four components of this solution, namely camera calibration, maze mapping, path planning and robot communication. Finally, we present the integration and functionality of these methods applied in a pair of NAO robots.
Breast Cancer and Anaesthesia: Genetic Influence
Authors: Raigon Ponferrada Aida , Guerrero Orriach Jose Luis , Molina Ruiz Juan Carlos , Romero Molina Salvador , Cruz Mañas Jose
Published: June 2021

This document summarizes the evidence currently available about the effects of the anesthetic agents and techniques used in primary cancer surgery and long-term oncologic outcomes, and the biomolecular mechanisms involved in their interaction..
The Longitudinal Pediatric Data Resource: Facilitating Longitudinal Collection of Health Information to Inform Clinical Care and Guide Newborn Screening Follow-Up Efforts
Authors: Brower Amy , Chan Kee , Hartnett Michael , Taylor Jennifer
Published: June 2021

The goal of newborn screening is to improve health outcomes by identifying and treating affected newborns. This manuscript provides an overview of a data tool to facilitate the longitudinal collection of health information on newborns diagnosed with a condition through NBS. The Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN) developed the Longitudinal Pediatric Data Resource (LPDR) to capture, store, analyze, visualize, and share genomic and phenotypic data over the lifespan of NBS identified newborns to facilitate understanding of genetic disease, and to assess the impact of early identification and treatment. NBSTRN developed a consensus-based process using clinical care experts to create, maintain, and evolve question and answer sets organized into common data elements (CDEs). The LPDR contains 24,172 core and disease-specific CDEs for 118 rare genetic diseases, and the CDEs are being made available through the NIH CDE Repository. The number of CDEs for each condition average of 2,200 with a range from 69 to 7,944. The LPDR is used by state NBS programs, clinical researchers, and community-based organizations. Case level, de-identified data sets are available for secondary research and data mining. The development of the LPDR for longitudinal data gathering, sharing, and analysis supports research and facilitates the translation of new discoveries into clinical practice.
Signatures of the Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis in the First Wave of COVID-19: Fuel Shortages and Border Migration
Authors: Lampo Margarita , Hernández-Villena Juan Vicente , Cascante Jaime , Vicenti-González María Fernanda , Forero-Peña David A. , Segovia Maikell J. , Hampson Katie , Castro Julio , Grillet Maria Eugenia
Published: June 2021

Testing and isolation have been crucial for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Venezuela has one of the weakest testing infrastructures in Latin America and the low number of reported cases in the country has been attributed to substantial underreporting. However, the Venezuelan epidemic seems to have lagged behind other countries in the region, with most cases occurring within the capital region and four border states. Here, we describe the spatial epidemiology of COVID-19 in Venezuela and its relation to population mobility, migration patterns, non-pharmaceutical interventions and fuel availability. Using an SEI metapopulation model, we explore how movement patterns could have driven the observed distribution of cases. Low within-country connectivity most likely delayed the epidemic in most states, except for those bordering Colombia and Brazil where high immigration seeded outbreaks. NPIs slowed early epidemic growth and subsequent fuel shortages appeared to be responsible for limiting the spread of COVID-19 across the country.
Revealing Antibiotic-Tolerance of the Mycobacterium smegmatis Xanthine/Uracil Permease Mutant Using Microfluidics and Single-Cell Analysis
Authors: Elitas Meltem , Dhar Neeraj , McKinney John
Published: June 2021

To reveal rare phenotypes in bacterial populations conventional microbiology tools should be advanced to generate rapid, quantitative, accurate and high-throughput data. The main drawbacks of widely used traditional methods for antibiotic studies include low sampling rate and averaging data for population measurements. To overcome these limitations microfluidic-microscopy systems have great promise to produce quantitative single-cell data with high sampling rates. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis cells we applied both conventional assays and a microfluidic-microscopy method to reveal antibiotic-tolerance mechanisms of wild type and the msm2570::Tnmutant cells. Our results revealed that the enhanced antibiotic tolerance mechanism of the msm2570::Tn mutant was due to the low number of lysed cells during the antibiotic exposure compared with wild-type cells. This is the first study that characterized the antibiotic-tolerance phenotype of the msm2570::Tn mutant that has a transposon insertion in the msm2570 gene encoding a putative xanthine/uracil permease, which enrolls in uptake of nitrogen compound during nitrogen limitation. The experimental results indicate that the msm2570::Tn mutant can be further interrogated to reveal antibiotic killing mechanisms, in particularly, antibiotics those targets cell wall integrity.
Sentiment Analysis Techniques Applied to Raw-Text Data from a CSQ-8 Questionnaire About Mindfulness in Times of Covid-19 to Improve Strategy Generation
Authors: Jojoa Mario , Castillo-Sánchez Gema , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya , De la Torre Diez Isabel , Franco-Martín Manuel
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to build a tool to analyze, using artificial intelligence, the sentiment perception of users who answered two questions from the CSQ – 8 questionnaires with raw Spanish free-text. Their responses are related to mindfulness, which is a novel technique used to control stress and anxiety caused by different factors in daily life. As such, we proposed an online course where this method was applied in order to improve the quality of life of health care professionals in COVID 19 pandemic times. We also carried out an evaluation of the satis-faction level of the participants involved, with a view to establishing strategies to improve fu-ture experiences. To automatically perform this task, we used Natural Language Processing (NLP) models such as swivel embedding, neural networks and transfer learning, so as to classify the inputs into the following 3 categories: negative, neutral and positive. Due to the lim-ited amount of data available - 86 registers for the first and 68 for the second - transfer learning techniques were required. The length of the text had no limit from the user’s standpoint, and our approach attained a maximum accuracy of 93.02 % and 90.53 % respectively based on ground truth labeled by 3 experts. Finally, we proposed a complementary analysis, using com-puter graphic text representation based on word frequency, to help researchers identify relevant information about the opinions with an objective approach to sentiment. The main conclusion drawn from this work is that the application of NLP techniques in small amounts of data using transfer learning is able to obtain enough accuracy in sentiment analysis and text classification stages
Unveiling the Evolution of Innovation Ecosystems: An Analysis of Triple, Quadruple and Quintuple Helix Model Innovation Systems in European Case-studies
Authors: Taratori Rallou , Fiscal Paulina RODRIGUEZ , Pacho Marie Abigail , Koutra Sesil , Pareja-Eastaway Montserrat , Thomas Dimitrios
Published: June 2021

Despite the rising interest in smart city initiatives worldwide, governmental theories along with the managerial perspectives of city planning are a great lack in the literature. It is definitely understandable that the adoption of configurational pathways towards the ‘smart’ ‘governance’ models is required as key factor and smartness’ facilitator in modern cities. In this manuscript, we display an exhaustive analysis on the importance of the n-Helix models along with a benchmarking critical approach through selected European case-studies. The study, through the literature review, revealed the lack of exhaustive analyses for the methodological investigation, identification and adoption of the most appropriate governance model and collaborative approaches per project and collaborative approaches and create modular frameworks to address efficiently the continuous urban challenges, such as the rapid urbanization or the climate change.
Comments on Indeterminism and Undecidability
Authors: Şahi̇n Inanç
Published: June 2021

In a recent paper \cite{Landsman1}, it has been claimed that the outcomes of a quantum coin toss which is idealized as an infinite binary sequence is {\it 1-random}. We also defend the correctness of this claim and assert that the outcomes of quantum measurements can be considered as an infinite {\it 1-random} or {\it n-random} sequence. In this brief note we present our comments on this claim. We have mostly positive but also some negative comments on the arguments of the paper \cite{Landsman1}. Furthermore, we speculate a logical-axiomatic study of nature which we believe can intrinsically provide quantum mechanical probabilities based on {\it 1(n)-randomness}.
The Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Associated Factors and Their Consequences: A Cross Sectional Study in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Baraka Mohamed A. , Alboghdadly Amany , Alshawwa Samar , Elnour Asim Ahmed , Alsultan Hassan , Alsalman Taha , Alaithan Hussain , Islam Md. Ashraful , El-Fass Kareem Ahmed , Mohamed Yehia , A. Alasseri Abdulsalam , Salem Khairi Mustafa
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Factors reported in literature associated with inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials, such as physicians with less experience, uncertain diagnosis, and patient caregiver influences on physicians' decisions. Monitoring antimicrobial resistance is critical for identifying emerging resistance patterns, developing, and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Improvement in prescribing `antimicrobials would minimize the risk of resistance and, consequently, improve patients' clinical and health outcomes. The purpose of the study is to delineate factors associated with antimicrobial resistance, describe the factors influencing prescriber’s choice during prescribing of antimicrobial, and examine factors related to consequences of inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobial. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare providers (190) in six tertiary hospitals in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The research panel has developed validated and piloted survey specific with closed-ended questions. A value of P <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. All data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 23.0). (3) Results: 72.7% of the respondents have agreed that poor skills and knowledge are key factors that contribute to the inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials. All the respondents acknowledged effectiveness and previous experience with the antimicrobial, and reading scientific materials (such as books, articles, and the internet) were key factors influencing physicians’ choice during antimicrobial prescribing. (4) Conclusion: The current study has identified comprehensive education and training needs for healthcare providers about antimicrobial resistance. Using antimicrobials unnecessarily, insufficient duration of antimicrobial use, and using broad spectrum antimicrobials, were reported to be common practices. Further, poor skills and knowledge were a key factor that contributed to the inappropriate use and overuse of antimicrobials and using antimicrobials without physician prescription (self-medication) were the key factors which contribute to AMR from participants’ perspectives. Furthermore, internal policy and guidelines are needed to ensure that the antimicrobials are prescribed in accordance with standard protocols and clinical guidelines.
Assessment of Snowfall Accumulation from Satellite and Reanalysis Products Using SNOTEL Observations in Alaska
Authors: Song Yang , Broxton Patrick , Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Behrangi Ali
Published: June 2021

The combination of snowfall, snow water equivalent (SWE), and precipitation rate measurements from 39 Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) sites in Alaska are used to assess the performance of various precipitation products from satellites, reanalysis, and rain gauges. Observation of precipitation from two water years (2018-2019) of the high resolution radar/rain gauge data (Stage IV) product was also utilized to add insights into scaling differences between various products. The outcomes were also used to assess two popular methods for rain gauge undercatch correction. It was found that SWE and precipitation measurements at SNOTELs, as well as precipitation estimates based on Stage IV data, are generally consistent and can provide a range in which other products can be assessed. Time-series of snowfall and SWE accumulation suggests that most of the products can capture snowfall events; however, differences exist in their accumulation. Reanalysis products tend to overestimate snow accumulation in the study area, while current combined passive microwave remote sensing products (i.e., IMERG-HQ) underestimate snowfall accumulation. We found that corrections factors applied to rain gauges are effective in improving their undercatch, especially for snowfall. However, no improvement in correlation is seen when correction factors are applied, and rainfall is still estimated better than snowfall. Even though IMERG-HQ has less skill in capturing snowfall than rainfall, analysis using Taylor plots showed that the combined microwave product does have skill in capturing the geographical distribution of snowfall and precipitation accumulation, so bias adjustment might lead to reasonable precipitation estimates. This study demonstrates that other snow properties (e.g., SWE accumulation at the SNOTEL sites) can complement precipitation data to estimate snowfall. In the future, gridded SWE and snow depth data from GlobSnow and Sentinel-1 can be used to assess snowfall and its distribution over broader regions.
Customer Churn - Prevention Model
Authors: Facundo Julian Eduardo Grijalba
Published: June 2021

The strategy of any organization is based on the growth of its customer base, and one of its principles is that selling a product to an existing customer is much more profitable than acquiring a new customer. However, this approach has several opportunities for improvement, since it usually has a totally reactive approach, which does not give opportunity to the areas specialized in customer experience and recovery, to give an effective response for that moment, since the customer is gone at the time of the intervention. This happens because usually a diagnostic analysis of customers who have stopped buying products or services in a defined period, commonly three (3) periods or months, is performed. This thesis work challenges the way to face this problem, and proposes the development of a complete solution, which does not focus exclusively on the prediction of churn, as is usually done in the state of the art research, but to intervene in different interactions that can be carried out with customers. The above focused not only to prevent customer churn, but to generate an added value of continuous improvement in sales processes, increase customer penetration, leading to an improvement in customer experience and consequently, an increase in customer loyalty.
Eﬀects of Coulomb Central Potential Induced by Lorentz Symmetry Breaking on Relativistic Quantum Oscillator
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we consider the eﬀects of a radial electric ﬁeld and a constant magnetic ﬁeld induced by Lorentz symmetry violation on a generalized relativistic quantum oscillator by choosing a function f(r) = b1 r + b2/r in the equation subject to a Cornell-type potential S(r) = ηL r + ηc/ r introduce by modifying the mass term in the equation. We show that the analytical solutions to the Klein-Gordon oscillator can be achieved, and a quantum eﬀect is observed due to the dependence of the angular frequency of the oscillator on the quantum numbers of the system
Sexual Dimorphism of the Neuroimmunoendocrine Response in the Spleen During a Helminth Infection: A New Role for an Old Player?
Authors: Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Pavón Lenin , Becerril-Villanueva Luis Enrique , Ponce-Regalado Maria Dolores , Aguilar-Díaz Hugo , Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: June 2021

The interaction of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems is crucial in the maintenance of homeostasis in vertebrates, and vital in mammals. The spleen is a key organ that regulates the neuroimmunoendocrine system. The Taenia crassiceps mouse system is an excellent experimental model to study the complex host-parasite relationship, particularly sex-associated susceptibility to infection. The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in neurotransmitters, cytokines, sex steroids, and sex-steroid receptors in the spleen of cysticercus-infected male and female mice, and the association of these different components with whole parasite counts. We found that parasite load was higher in female in comparison to male mice. The levels of the neurotransmitter epinephrine were significantly decreased in infected male animals. The expression of IL-2 and IL-4 in the spleen was markedly increased in infected mice; however, the expression of Interleukin (IL)-10 and Interferon (IFN)-γ decreased. We also observed sex-associated differences between non-infected and infected mice. Interestingly, the data show that estradiol levels increased in infected males but decreased in females. Our studies provide evidence that infection leads to changes on neuroimmunoendocrine molecules in the spleen during infection. These changes are dimorphic and impact the establishment, growth, and reproduction of T. crassiceps. Our findings support the key role of the neuroimmune network in determining sex-associated susceptibility to the helminth parasite.
Monitoring the Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Green Dam in Djelfa Province, Algeria
Authors: Benhizia Ramzi , Kouba Yacine , Szabó György , Négyesi Gábor , Ata Behnam
Published: June 2021

Abstract: Green walls and green dams are increasingly being considered as part of many nation-al and international desertification initiatives. This paper studies the spatiotemporal evolution of the green dam in the Moudjbara region (Djelfa Province, Algeria) from 1972 to 2019 by using Landsat imagery, Land Change Modeler and Open Land package. The future evolution of pine plantations for the year 2029 was also forecasted, based on an anthropogenic scenario (i.e., an-thropogenic pressure is the main driver of the green dam destruction). Our findings revealed that the green dam project was successful for a few years, but after that, pine plantations deteri-orated significantly due to forest harvesting, livestock overgrazing, and the proliferation of the pine caterpillar processionary, which destroyed most of the reforestation. Land Change Modeler predicted a huge degradation of pine plantations for the year 2029, and if the deforestation con-tinues at the same rate, the green dam will disappear in the Moudjbara region during the next few decades. Aware of this threat, the Algerian authorities are now planning to reforest more than 1.2 million ha under the latest rural renewal policy by introducing new principles related to sustainable development, fighting desertification, and climate change adaptation
Does Symptom Recognition Improve Self-care in Patients with Heart Failure? A Pilot Study Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Pereira Sousa Joana , Neves Hugo , Pais-Vieira Miguel
Published: June 2021

Patients with heart failure have difficulty in self-care management, as daily monitoring and recognizing symptoms do not readily triggers an action to avoid hospital admissions. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of a nurse-led complex intervention on symptom recognition and fluid restriction. A latent growth model was designed to estimate self-care management and quality of life changes on patients with heart failure and assessed by a pilot study, for three months, to sixty-three patients (33 control, 30 intervention). Patients in the control group had a higher risk of hospitalisation (IRR 11.36; p<.001) and emergency admission (IRR 4.24; p<.001) at three-months follow-up. Analysis of the time scores demonstrated that the intervention group had a clear improvement in self-care behaviours (βSlope. Assignment_group=-.881; p<.001) and in the quality of life (βSlope. Assignment_group=1.739; p<.001). This study supports that a nurse-led program on symptom recognition and fluid restriction can have a positive impact on self-care behaviours and quality of life in patients with heart failure.
Disease Susceptibility of Interspecific Cold-hardy Grape Cultivars in Northeastern U.S.A.
Authors: Hazelrigg Ann L , Bradshaw Terence L , Maia Gabriella S.
Published: June 2021

Susceptibility to economically-important diseases of grapes is critical to the evaluation of germplasm recommended for commercial production and for development of sustainable production systems. In 2018-2019, nine cold-hardy grape cultivars including ‘Brianna’, ‘Crimson Pearl’, ‘Itasca’, ‘Louise Swenson’, ‘Marechal Foch’, ‘Marquette’ ‘Petite Pearl’, ‘St. Pepin’, and ‘Verona’ were evaluated on non-treated vines for susceptibility to downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot, anthracnose, Phomopsis leaf spot and fruit rot, and Botrytis bunch rot. No cultivars were consistently disease-free, and all exhibited some degree of black rot and powdery mildew infection. Relative susceptibility to disease was not consistent across both years, but ‘Brianna’ had greater incidence of black rot and ‘Louise Swenson’ showed lower incidence of powdery mildew in both years. The relatively new cultivars ‘Crimson Pearl’ and ‘Verona’ exhibited comparatively moderate disease susceptibility overall. Growers typically manage diseases with fungicides on commercial farms, so cultivar susceptibility is just one component of a sustainable pest management and production system.
Vemurafenib and Rituximab in Patients with Hairy Cell Leukemia Previously Treated with Moxetumomab Pasudotox
Authors: Robak Tadeusz , Janus Agnieszka , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Tiacci Enrico , Kreitman Robert J
Published: June 2021

The purine nucleoside analogues cladribine and pentostatin are highly-active first-line therapeutic treatments for hairy cell leukemia (HCL), resulting in complete response rates of 80 to 90%. However, HCL patients continue to relapse, and sooner or later, most require subsequent lines of treatment. This report presents the relapsed patients with classic HCL who were treated with vemurafenib (mostly at the low dose of 240 mg twice daily for 16 weeks) combined with rituximab after the failure of several lines of therapy including cladribine with or without rituximab and moxetumomab pasudotox. Two patients achieved CR MRD (-) after combined treatment with vemurafenib and rituximab, with a hematologic response ongoing after 38 months from the end of treatment in one patient and a relapse of cytopenias occurring after 13 months in the other patient. A third patient normalized her blood counts and this hematologic response, which was not evaluated in the bone marrow at the end of treatment, was lost after 18 months. The last patient died due to infection and multi-organ failure, too early to verify response to vemurafenib. Two patients who had relapsed after vemurafenib and rituximab derived meaningful clinical benefit from retreatment with the same agents, but eventually relapsed again and started indefinite therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib with normalization of the blood counts despite heavy bone marrow infiltration in the only patient so far evaluable. The outcomes of these cases indicate that novel targeted agents, and in particular vemurafenib combined with rituximab, improve the prognosis of HCL patients, even those heavily pretreated with PNAs and moxetumomab pasudotox
Klein-Gordon Oscillator Under the Eﬀects of Violation of the Lorentz Symmetry
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: June 2021

In this work, we investigate the behaviour of relativistic quantum oscillator under the eﬀects of Lorentz symmetry violation determined by a tensor $(K_F)_{\mu\nu\alpha\beta}$ out of the Standard Model Extension. We analyze this relativistic system under an inverse radial electric ﬁeld and a constant magnetic ﬁeld induced by Lorentz symmetry violation. We see that the presence of Lorentz symmetry breaking terms modiﬁed the energy spectrum of the system, and a quantum eﬀect arise due to the dependence of the linear charge density on the quantum numbers of the system
Comparison of Direct Intersection and Sonogram Methods for Acoustic Indoor Localization of Persons
Authors: Schott Dominik , Saphala Addythia , Fischer Georg , Xiong Wenxin , Gabbrielli Andrea , Bordoy Joan , Höflinger Fabian , Fischer Kai , Schindelhauer Christian , Rupitsch Stefan Johann
Published: June 2021

We discuss two methods to detect the presence and location of a person in a small-scale room and compare the performances. The first method is Direct Intersection, which determines a coordinate point based on the intersection of spheroids defined by observed distances of high-intensity reverberations. The second method, Sonogram analysis, overlays all channel’s room impulse responses to generate an intensity map for the observed environment. We demonstrate that the former method has lower computation complexity and higher accuracy for small numbers of channels, while the latter performs more robustly.
Behind Clubhouse’s Trajectory and Phenom
Authors: Chen Nora
Published: June 2021

Clubhouse is an auditory app that allows users to host various rooms surrounding a diverse range of topics from Artificial Intelligence to Philosophy. Along with its educational and serene approach, it is known for its popularity amongst celebrities, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg, CEO of Shopify, and its elusive invite and ios-only pass into gaining access into Clubhouse. Waiting lists are available in the case of not achieving an invite, but to further speed the process, various sellers on eBay, Reddit, Twitter, etc., charging invites from $10-$200. This research paper covers the phenomenon of Clubhouse and the emergence of audio-only rooms, along with a hypothesis of why Clubhouse and other apps of a similar kind are experiencing a harsh downfall despite its seemingly successful business model.
Effects of Microencapsulated Organic Acid and Their Salts on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Chowdhury M.A. Kabir , Song Hongli , Liu Yao , Bunod Jean-Daniel , Dong Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

A 63-day trial with Pacific white shrimp (0.33g) was conducted to assess the effects of two forms of organic acid (COMP), free acids (OA) and acid salts (OS) microencapsulated (ENCAP) with hydrogenated fat (HF), hydrogenated fat + alginate (HA), wax esters – (WE), and double coating of HA and WE (HAWE) on their growth performance, nutrient utilization, digestive enzyme, immune response and resistance to pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A high fishmeal (FM) diet containing 200 g/kg FM and a low FM diet containing 130 g/kg FM and 120 g/kg soybean meal were formulated as positive (PC) and negative control (NC), respectively. Eight other diets were formulated supplementing NC diet with microencapsulated OA (OAHF, OAHA, OAWE, OAHAWE) and OS (OSHF, OSHA, OSWE, OSHAWE). All diets were formulated to be iso-proteic (36.9% CP) and iso-energetic (16.1 MJ/g). Total 1600 shrimps were distributed to 40 tanks (40 shrimps/tank and 4 replicates/treatment). Shrimp fed diets containing OA showed significantly lower feed intake (P = 0.017) and FCR (P = 0.012), and higher protein retention efficiency (P = 0.016) than those fed the OS diets. Among the ENCAPs, significant difference was observed in serum malondialdehyde (P = 0.026) where HF showed the lowest level (6.4 0.3 mmol/L). Significant interactions between COMP and ENCAP were observed in lipid deposition (P = 0.047), serum alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase (P < 0.0001), and hepatopancreatic and serum phenol oxidase (P < 0.0001). Despite no differences, the 96-h mortality in all treatment diets (45% - 56%) was significantly lower compared to the NC diets (63%) under pathogenic vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge tests. Overall score combining the parameters shows that shrimp fed the OA diets with HF microencapsulation performed better compared to those fed diets with OS and other microencapsulation materials.