bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the level of historical education: Rome and the Etruscans
Authors: Shmeleva Liudmila Mihajlovna
Published: June 2021

The aim of this article is to dominate the educational aspects of historical level by examining the relationship between Rome and the Etruscan cities of Veii and Caere. Rome and Veii fought constant wars for control of the trade routes passing through the Tiber and its tributaries, which was necessary for the development of both states. In this struggle, Rome and Veii sought allies for themselves both among the Etruscans and among the Latins. Ultimately, Rome won over the Veii in 396 BC, thus the Roman tribes were founded on the land of the Veii, and the city fell into desolation. The relations with Caere developed in a different way, since there were no economic contradictions between the Romans and the Caerites. The relations were built on a peaceful basis, and Caere even helped the Romans during the Gallic invasion at the beginning of the 4th century BC: they received part of the population who fled from Rome, and their shrine, which was most important for the Romans. At the same time, Roman expansion at the end of the 5th - 4th centuries BC. Led to the war between Rome and Caere, after which the Etruscan city was subordinated to Rome. The results of such research, above all, highlight the need to increase the level of educational knowledge in the field of history
Elaboração de muffins adicionados de espinafre e isentos de lactose e glúten
Authors: Ferreira Thales Henrique Barreto , Cunha Ana Larissa Teodoro da , Guimarães Rita de Cássia Avellaneda , Ito Felicia Migumi , Munhoz Cláudia Leite
Published: June 2021

Devido à preocupação com a manutenção da saúde, juntamente com o aumento de pessoas com restrições alimentares, principalmente alergias e intolerâncias, se fez necessário a elaboração de produtos que atendesse esse público. Neste sentido, este estudo teve como objetivo à elaboração e caracterização de muffins adicionados de espinafre e isentos de lactose e glúten, a fim de atender pessoas portadoras de alergias e intolerâncias. Foram elaboradas quatro formulações de muffins: F1 (formulação padrão: sem adição de espinafre, F2 (formulação com adição de 25% de folhas de espinafre), F3 (formulação com adição de 50% de folhas de espinafre), F4 (formulação com adição de 75% de  folhas de espinafre) mantendo a proporção para os demais ingredientes. Foi realizada a caracterização física, química, microbiológica e sensorial. A inserção de espinafre conferiu diminuição no diâmetro e na espessura dos muffins, com variação de até 8%. O teor de umidade teve aumento à medida que aumentou a quantidade de espinafre. Os muffins apresentaram cor com tonalidade para o preto e verde. Todas as formulações apresentaram estabilidade microbiológica. A aceitabilidade sensorial foi expressiva, com notas superiores a 6, sendo as amostras preferidas aas formulações F1 e F2. Assim, foi observada viabilidade na produção de muffins adicionados de espinafre e isentos de lactose e glúten. Todas as formulações apresentaram estabilidade física, química e microbiológica, sendo considerados aptos ao consumo.
Lodo de esgoto compostado e diferentes lâminas de irrigações no de-senvolvimento de Acacia polyphylla
Authors: Lanzeti Nayara Gabriele Alcassa Alves , Chimini Ana Cláudia , Stancare Neto Miguel , Paz Marcelo Fossa da , Siqueira Marcos Vinicius Bohrer Monteiro
Published: June 2021

É cada vez mais comum a adição de componentes orgânicos aos substratos em viveiros florestais, com o objetivo de potencializar seus atributos biológicos, químicos e físicos. Entre esses componentes destaca-se o lodo de esgoto que, após passar por processo de estabilização, torna-se um componente rico em matéria orgânica, podendo ser utilizado na agricultura, e em viveiros florestais. O trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o comportamento da espécie em diferentes composições de substratos e lâminas de irrigação. Utilizaram-se 5 formulações distintas de substrato compostas por substrato comercial (SC) e lodo e esgoto compostado (LEC). Avaliaram-se simultaneamente 3 lâminas de água, perfazendo um total de 300 mudas no estudo. Os parâmetros analisados foram: altura de planta, diâmetro do coleto, número de folhas, massa seca de parte aérea e raiz. Observou-se que os melhores tratamentos consistiram nas seguintes formulações: S1 (100% LEC), S2 (25% SC + 75% LEC), e S3 (50% SC + 50% SC). Mostrou-se que, a partir do LEC puro, houve melhor desenvolvimento das mudas, expressando um aporte com o aumento no diâmetro do coleto, altura da planta, maior crescimento inicial e desenvolvimento radicular, ou seja, além do potencial como fertilizante, o LEC atua como condicionador de atribuições físicas, química e biológicas necessárias às mudas. As diferentes lâminas de irrigação não apresentaram influência significativa em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados.
Effect of Maxillary Implants Region and Loading Condition in the Stress Distribution of Implant-Supported Full-Arch Prosthesis: 3D-FEA
Authors: Grande Mateus Favero Barra , Teixeira Marcelo Lucchesi , Pelegrine André Antônio , Lopes Guilherme Da Rocha Scalzer , Campos Julio Ferraz , Nishioka Renato Sussumu
Published: June 2021

The effect of the different dental implants positioning region on the stress performance of the implant-supported prosthesis is not yet clear. This study evaluated the dental treatment with six dental implants in three different models and three different occlusal loading conditions, in terms of the biomechanical response of implants, prosthetic screw and maxilla, using three-dimensional finite element analysis. The finite element models were modelled containing external hexagon implants, as well as a Cobalt-Chromium superstructure. Three types of loads were applied: in the area of ​​the central incisors, first premolar and in the second molars. For the finite element simulations, the von-Mises stress peaks in the implant and in the surrounding cortical bone were analyzed. All recorded results reported higher values ​​for the implant-supported prosthesis in group C compared to the groups A and B. The highest stress values, ​​regardless the evaluated model, was in the prosthesis in group C and in screws, the smallest were in group A.
DC-link Current Harmonic Mitigation via Phase-shifting of Carrier Waves in Paralleled Inverter Systems
Authors: Baburajan Silpa , Wang Haoran , Kumar Dinesh , Wang Qian , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: June 2021

DC-connected parallel inverter systems are gaining popularity in industrial applications. However, such parallel systems generate excess current ripple (harmonics) at the DC-link due to harmonic interactions between the inverters in addition to the harmonics from the PWM switching. These DC-link harmonics cause the failure of fragile components such as DC-link capacitors. This paper proposes an interleaving scheme to minimize the current harmonics induced in the DC-link of such a system. The results show that when the carrier waves of the two inverters are phase-shifted by 90° angle, the maximum high-frequency harmonic ripple cancellation occurs, which reduces the overall RMS value of the DC-capacitor current.The outcome of this proposed solution is a cost-effective DC-harmonics mitigating strategy for the industrial designers to practically configuring multi-inverter systems, even when most of the drives are not operating at rated power levels. Experimental and simulation results presented in this paper verify the effectiveness of the proposed carrier-based phase-shifting scheme for two different configurations of common DC connected multi-converter systems.
Advertising Literacy Measurement Scale from Students' Perspective
Authors: Rasekh Nazanin , Ghasemi Hamid , Mataruna-Dos-Santos Leonardo Jose Mataruna-Dos-Santos , ABdolmaleki Hossein , Soheili Behzad
Published: June 2021

Although advertising literacy leads to critical thinking in the face of advertising, but so far, no action has been taken in Iran regarding a tool to measure this type of literacy. And after the investigations, it was determined that although much research has been done on advertising, but the lack of appropriate measurement tools to measure the level of advertising literacy is clearly evident. Therefore, this research provides a valid tool for measuring advertising literacy from students' perspective. In this study, referring to the dimensions of advertising literacy from the perspective of Malmelin (2010) and the views of related professors, a questionnaire was developed and to determine the validity of the structure, confirmatory factor analysis was used. In this study, the statistical population was high school students, considering the impact of advertising in this age range; finally, a tool with four dimensions of informational literacy, aesthetic literacy, rhetorical literacy and promotional literacy was obtained. According to the confirmation of this tool in the present study, it can be used to examine the status of items, their order and prioritization from the perspective of the mentioned population.
Genetic Subtypes and Natural Resistance Mutations in HCV Genotype 4 Infected Saudi Arabian Patients
Authors: Di Stefano Mariantonietta , Ismail Mona , Faleo Giuseppina , Elmnan Adem Saada , Elamin Mohamed , Eltreifi Obeidi , Alwazzeh Marwan , Fiore Jose Ramon , Santantonio Teresa Antonia
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to characterize the genetic subtypes of HCV-GT4 and identify the presence of natural occurring resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in Saudi Arabia patients. A total of 17 GT4 patients was analyzed. Sequence analysis of NS3, NS5A and NS5B regions was performed by direct sequencing. In addition, phylogenetic analysis was used to determine genetic subtypes, RAS and polymorphisms. Nine patients were infected by a GT4a, one with GT4o, 3 with GT4d. The remaining four patients were infected with a recombinant virus (GT4a+GT4o in three patients, GT4c+GT4d in a patient). Natural RASs were found in six patients (35%), including three infected by GT4a, two by GT4a+GT4o and one patient infected by GT4c+GT4d. In particular, NS3-RAS V170I was demonstrated in three patients, while NS5A-RASs (L28M, L30R, L28M+M31L) were detected in the remaining three patients. All patients were treated with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir; three patients were lost to follow-up whereas 14 patients completed the treatment. A sustained virological response (SVR) was obtained in all but one patient carrying NS3-RAS V170I who later relapsed. GT4a is the most common subtype in this small cohort of Saudi Arabia patients infected with hepatitis C infection. Natural RASs were observed in about a third of patients, but only one of them showed a treatment failure.
Coupled WGMs in a Dielectric Microsphere: Proof-of-Concept of Optical Pressure Microsensor
Authors: Minin Igor , Minin Oleg , Geints Yuri
Published: June 2021

We propose the physical proof-of-concept of a new simple miniature pressure sensor based on the whispering gallery modes (WGMs) optically excited in a dielectric microsphere placed near a flexible reflective membrane, which acts as an ambient pressure sensing element. WGMs excitation is carried out by free-space coupling of optical radiation to a microsphere. The distinctive feature of proposed sensor design is double excitation of optical eigenmodes by forward and backward propagating radiation reflected from a membrane that causes WGMs interference in particle volume. The optical intensity of resulting resonant field established in the microsphere carries information about the exact position of the pressure-loaded reflecting membrane. The sensitivity of the proposed sensor strongly depends on the quality factor of the excited resonant mode, as well as geometrical and mechanical parameters of the flexible membrane. We propose to register not the displacement of the position of the WGM resonance, but the change in its amplitude under the influence of the change in the distance between the sphere and the mirror under the influence of pressure. Important advantages of the proposed sensor are miniature design (linear sensor dimensions depends only on the membrane diameter) and the absence of a mechanical contact of pressure-sensitive element with WGM resonator.
Linearization Technique of Low Power Opamps in CMOS FD-SOI Technologies
Authors: Kuzmicz Wieslaw
Published: June 2021

Negative feedback to the back gate of MOS devices available in FD-SOI technologies can be used to improve linearity of operational amplifiers. Two operational amplifiers designed and fabricated in a 22nm FD-SOI technology illustrate this technique, its advantages and limitations.
Healthy Lifestyles in Italian and Latvian University Students, According to Demographics, Nationality, and Study Specialty with Special Reference to Sport Studies
Authors: Helena Vecenane , Svetlana Usca , Antonio Cicchella
Published: June 2021

This study compares lifestyles behaviour in Italian and Latvian university students, to assess if there are differences for sex, age, university or studies specialties. An online questionnaire investigating 8 lifestyle dimensions has been compiled by 156 (43,6 % females) from Italy and 105 from Latvia (82,9% females). Answers were collected between April and December 2020. Presence of smokers are negligible. The questionnaire showed to have a good internal consistency (Cronbach α =.929). On the total group, significant statistically differences were found for all the dimensions regarding age, sex, study specialty and university. Physical activity was associated with healthier lifestyles choices. Geographical-induced differences were found (eating and sleep behaviours, alcohol awareness) as well as socio-economic differences. Female students shown to be more stressed than males. Occupational wellness increased by age. Sport students shown more health awareness. Many of the differences found in the total group disappeared when comparing only sport students of the two university, showing females increasing their scores. This result can be explained by a masculinization effect of sport.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of NO2 Vertical Column Densities (VCDs) over Poland: Comparison of the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI Observations and the GEM-AQ Model Simulations
Authors: Kawka Marcin , Strużewska Joanna , Kamiński Jacek
Published: June 2021

TRPOMI instrument aboard Sentinel-5P is a relatively new, high-resolution source of information about atmosphere composition. One of the primary atmospheric trace gases that we can observe through it is nitrogen dioxide. By now, we were using the chemical weather model (GEM-AQ) as a mean for estimating nitrogen dioxide concentration on a regional scale. Although well established in atmospheric science, the GEM-AQ simulations were always based on emission data, which in the case of the energy sector were reported by stack owners. In this paper, we attempted to compare the TROPOMI and GEM-AQ derived VCDs over Poland with a particular focus on large point emitters. We also checked how cloudy conditions influence TROPOMI results. Finally, we tried to link the NO2 column number densities with surface concentration using boundary layer height as an additional explanatory variable
Time-division Color Holographic Projection in Large Size Using a Digital Micromirror Device
Authors: Takahashi Takayuki , Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Kakue Takashi , Ito Tomoyoshi
Published: June 2021

Holographic projection is a simple projection because it enlarges or reduces reconstructed images without using a zoom lens. However, one major problem associated with this projection is the deterioration of image quality as the reconstructed image enlarges. In this paper, we propose a time-division holographic projection, in which the original image is divided into blocks and the holograms of each block are calculated. Using a digital micromirror device (DMD), the holograms were projected at high speed to obtain the entire reconstructed image. However, the holograms on the DMD need to be binarized, thereby causing uneven brightness between the divided blocks. We correct this by controlling the displaying time of each hologram. Additionally, combining both the proposed and noise reduction methods, the image quality of the reconstructed image was improved. Results from the simulation and optical reconstructions show we obtained a full-color reconstruction image with reduced noise and uneven brightness.
Reaction Time and Visual Memory in Connection to Alcohol Use in Persons with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Mazumder Atiqul Haq , Barnett Jennifer , Isometsä Erkki Tapio , Lindberg Nina , Torniainen-Holm Minna , Lähteenvuo Markku , Lahdensuo Kaisla , Kerkelä Martta , Ahola-Olli Ari , Hietala Jarmo , Kampman Olli , Kieseppä Tuula , Jukuri Tuomas , Häkkinen Katja , Cederlöf Erik , Haaki Willehard , Kajanne Risto , Wegelius Asko , Männynsalo Teemu , Niemi-Pynttäri Jussi , Suokas Kimmo , Lönnqvist Jouko , Tiihonen Jari , Paunio Tiina , Vainio Seppo Juhani , Palotie Aarno , Niemelä Solja , Suvisaari Jaana , Veijola Juha
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of cognition with hazardous drinking and alcohol related disorder in persons with bipolar disorder (BD). The study population included 1,268 persons from Finland with bipolar disorder. Alcohol use was assessed through hazardous drinking and alcohol related disorder including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Hazardous drinking was screened with the AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption) screening tool. Alcohol related disorder diagnoses were obtained from the national registrar data. Participants performed two computerized tasks from the Cambridge automated neuropsychological test battery (CANTAB) on tablet computer: the 5-choice serial reaction time task, or, reaction time (RT) test and the Paired Associative Learning (PAL) test. Association between RT-test and alcohol use was analyzed with log-linear regression, and eβ with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. PAL first trial memory score was analyzed with linear regression, and β with 95% CI are reported. PAL total errors adjusted was analyzed with logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI are reported. After adjustment for age, education and housing status, hazardous drinking was associated with lower median and less variable RT in females while AUD was associated with a poorer PAL test performance in terms of the total errors adjusted scores in females. Our findings of positive associations between alcohol use and cognition in persons with bipolar disorder are unique.
Comparison of Outcomes After Robotic-Assisted or Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Sweet Matthew C. , Borrelli George J. , Manawar Shaan S. , Miladore Nicholas
Published: June 2021

Background:

This systematic review aimed to present an updated analysis of the evidence comparing outcomes between robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (robotic THA) and conventional manual total hip arthroplasty (manual THA).

Methods:

A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) systematic review was performed using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase. Controlled studies comparing primary robotic THA and manual THA utilizing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. We also compared radiographic outcomes, dislocation rates, and revision surgical procedures between groups. The ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions) and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tools were used to assess study quality and risk of bias.

Results:

Of 765 studies identified, 7 articles comparing robotic THA with manual THA met inclusion criteria. A total of 658 patients were assessed, 335 of whom underwent robotic THA. The majority of studies found no significant differences (p > 0.05) in PROMs between the 2 techniques. Two low-quality studies (Level III) found significantly better postoperative PROMs favoring robotic THA at 2 years. When assessing radiographic outcomes, 6 studies showed that robotic THA resulted in more consistent and accurate component placement. No differences in postoperative dislocations, complications, or revision rates were found between groups except in 1 study, which found significantly more dislocations and revisions in the robotic THA cohort. Reported operative times were a mean of 12 to 25 minutes longer when using robotic THA.

Conclusions:

The existing literature comparing robotic THA and manual THA is scarce and low-quality, with findings limited by methodological flaws in study design. Although evidence exists to support increased accuracy and reproducibility of THA component placement with robotic THA, this has not been shown to reduce postoperative dislocation and revision rates. Based on the available evidence, functional outcomes are comparable between techniques, and robotic THA appears to be associated with longer operative times. To fully evaluate the utility of robotic THA, additional well-designed, prospective controlled studies with continuous long-term monitoring are required.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Ways To Develop Infrastructure of Tourism Destinations
Authors: Turayev Bakhodir , Atamurodov Ulugbek
Published: June 2021

This article explores the theoretical aspects of coordinating the management of infrastructure components in the development of tourism destinations and the practical state of the infrastructure in destinations. Based on the analysis, proposals have been developed based on international experience in the development of tourism infrastructure.
A Level of Student Self-Discipline in E-Learning During Pandemic Covid-19
Authors: Muksin Siti Nurajrina Binti , Makhsin Mardzelah Binti
Published: June 2021

Self-discipline in academics is the firmness of students in training themselves to be better in their learning. E-learning is now a growing learning method in every corner of the globe. It is able to speed up teaching and make the learning process last a lifetime. In Malaysia, the effectiveness of e-learning among school students may differ from IPT students where e-learning has a positive impact on IPT students. It was found that not many studies have been done on high school students related to distance education using e-learning methods. This quantitative descriptive study was conducted to find out the level of self-discipline of secondary school students in the world of e-learning during the period of the Covid-19 Movement Control Order in Malaysia as well as its relationship with gender and academic performance. The sample of this study was randomly selected consisting of 165 respondents of upper secondary students in Form Four and Five at SMK Syed Sirajuddin, Perlis. To achieve the objectives of this study, a questionnaire was used to collect research information and data was analysed with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS version 26). Overall, the results of the mean calculation found that the level of self- discipline of students is at a moderate level. The results of the t-test found out that there was no significant difference between the levels of students’ self-discipline based on gender. Meanwhile, Pearson correlation test proves that students' level of self-discipline also affects their academic performance. At the end of this writing, some suggestions have been put forward. Finally, this study has an impact not only on the world of education where teaching and learning are in new norms but also on the world of information technology to further develop interactive learning.
Консорты брюхоногого моллюска Rapana venosa (Valenciennes, 1846) в северной части Чёрного моря. Часть V: Annelida (Polychaeta)
Authors: Бондарев И. П. , Болтачева Н. А.
Published: June 2021

Изучение таксоцена Annelida (Polychaeta), эпибионтов брюхоногого моллюска — вселенца Rapana venosa, продолжает цикл по описанию состава консорции самого крупного брюхоногого моллюска черноморского бентоса. Консорция R. venosa до сих пор является мало исследованной и неучтённой компонентой в структуре биоценозов шельфа Чёрного моря. Цель данной работы — изучить комплекс полихет консорции R. venosa. Задачи этого этапа: составление списка таксонов Annelida (Polychaeta) — эпибионтов рапаны; изучение биогеографической и трофической структуры таксоцена; исследование экологических связей полихет с ядром консорции. Для изучения консортного сообщества рапаны были осуществлены сборы в семи районах северной части Чёрного моря: 1 — Мамайя, Румыния; 2 — северо-западная часть Чёрного моря, Крымский сектор; 3 — Севастополь; 4 — Алупка; 5 — Ялта — Алушта; 6 — Карадаг; 7 — Керченский пролив. Сбор R. venosa в прибрежной зоне до глубины 15 м проводили тотально с использованием легководолазного оборудования, в более глубоководной зоне (до 40 м) — дночерпателем «Океан-50» с борта НИС «Профессор Водяницкий». Каждый экземпляр (пробу) рапаны помещали в отдельный пластиковый пакет с указанием района, глубины и биотопа. Всего отобрано и проанализировано 2411 проб, из них 977 — скальной рапаны и 1434 — песчаной. Покрытие эпибионтами раковины R. venosa (интенсивность обрастания) оценивали в процентах от общей площади внешней поверхности раковины. Таксоцен Polychaeta консорции R. venosa включает 31 вид, представляющий 31 род 15 семейств 2 подклассов. Бόльшая часть видов (18) относится к Errantia, половину из них составляют представители семейств Nereididae и Syllidae. К Sedentaria относятся 13 видов; наибольшее их количество (4) принадлежит семейству Serpulidae. Таксоцен Polychaeta консорции рапаны представлен тремя биогеографическими группами: аборигенные виды средиземноморско-атлантического генезиса (84 %), эндемики Чёрного моря (10 %) и современные виды-вселенцы различного географического генезиса (6 %). На песчаной рапане обнаружен 31 вид полихет, а на скальной — только 5. Показатели развития фауны полихет значительно различаются по глубинам и районам исследований. Наиболее разнообразны полихеты в бухтах г. Севастополя (район № 3) на глубинах 2–10 м; максимальная глубина обнаружения полихет (40 м) соответствует наибольшей глубине отбора рапаны. Площадь покрытия раковины рапаны полихетами достигает 70 %, встречаемость в отдельных районах составляет до 95 %. Максимальное число видов, обнаруженных на отдельном экземпляре рапаны, — 8; в среднем на особях R. venosa отмечено 2–4 вида полихет. Таксономическое разнообразие и обилие Polychaeta определяют их значимость в консорции R. venosa. Благодаря инвазионному хищному моллюску R. venosa полихеты получают дополнительные возможности для распространения на шельфе Чёрного моря.
Automatic linear measurements of the fetal brain on MRI with deep neural networks
Authors: Avisdris Netanell , Yehuda Bossmat , Ben-Zvi Ori , Link-Sourani Daphna , Ben-Sira Liat , Miller Elka , Zharkov Elena , Ben-Bashat Dafna , Joskowicz Leo
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Timely, accurate and reliable assessment of fetal brain development is essential to reduce short and long-term risks to fetus and mother. Fetal MRI is increasingly used for fetal brain assessment. Three key biometric linear measurements important for fetal brain evaluation are Cerebral Biparietal Diameter (CBD), Bone Biparietal Diameter (BBD), and Trans-Cerebellum Diameter (TCD), obtained manually by expert radiologists on reference slices, which is time consuming and prone to human error. The aim of this study was to develop a fully automatic method computing the CBD, BBD and TCD measurements from fetal brain MRI.Methods: The input is fetal brain MRI volumes which may include the fetal body and the mother's abdomen. The outputs are the measurement values and reference slices on which the measurements were computed. The method, which follows the manual measurements principle, consists of five stages: 1) computation of a Region Of Interest that includes the fetal brain with an anisotropic 3D U-Net classifier; 2) reference slice selection with a Convolutional Neural Network; 3) slice-wise fetal brain structures segmentation with a multiclass U-Net classifier; 4) computation of the fetal brain midsagittal line and fetal brain orientation, and; 5) computation of the measurements. Results: Experimental results on 214 volumes for CBD, BBD and TCD measurements yielded a mean difference of 1.55mm, 1.45mm and 1.23mm respectively, and a Bland-Altman 95% confidence interval (I of 3.92mm, 3.98mm and 2.25mm respectively. These results are similar to the manual inter-observer variability, and are consistent across gestational ages and brain conditions.Conclusions: The proposed automatic method for computing biometric linear measurements of the fetal brain from MR imaging achieves human level performance. It has the potential of being a useful method for the assessment of fetal brain biometry in normal and pathological cases, and of improving routine clinical practice.
A Secure Anonymous D2D Mutual Authentication and Key Agreement Protocol for IoT Environments
Authors: Hajian Rahman , Haghighat Abbas , Erfani S.Hossein
Published: June 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is a developing technology in our time that is prone to security problems as it uses wireless and shared networks. A challenging scenario in IoT environments is Device-to-Device (D2D) communication that an authentication server as a trusted third-party, does not involve in the authentication and key agreement process. It is only involved in the process of allocating long-term secret keys and their update. A lot of authentication protocols have been suggested for such situations. This article demonstrated that three state-of-the-art related protocols failed to remain anonymous, insecure against key compromise impersonation (KCI) attack, and clogging attack. To counter the pitfalls of them, a new D2D mutual authentication and key agreement protocol is designed here. The proposed protocol is anonymous, untraceable, and highly secure. Moreover, there is no need for a secure channel to generate a pair of private and public keys in the registration phase.) Formal security proof and security analysis using BAN logic, Real-Or-Random (ROR) model, and Scyther tool showed that our proposed protocol satisfied security requirements. Furthermore, communication cost, computation cost, and energy consumption comparisons denoted our schema has better performance, compared to other protocols.
A Deep Learning Approach for Classification and Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jyotiyana Monika , Kesswani Nishtha , Kumar Munish
Published: June 2021

Deep learning techniques are playing an important role in the classification and prediction of diseases. Undoubtedly deep learning has a promising future in the health sector, especially in medical imaging. The popularity of deep learning approaches is because of their ability to handle a large amount of data related to the patients with accuracy, reliability in a short span of time. However, the practitioners may take time in analyzing and generating reports. In this paper, we have proposed a Deep Neural Network-based classification model for Parkinson’s disease. Our proposed method is one such good example giving faster and more accurate results for the classification of Parkinson’s disease patients with excellent accuracy of 94.87%. Based on the attributes of the dataset of the patient, the model can be used for the identification of Parkinsonism's. We have also compared the results with other existing approaches like Linear Discriminant Analysis, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbor, Decision Tree, Classification and Regression Trees, Random Forest, Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and Naive Bayes.
Survival Prediction By Baseline Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index And Its Changes During First-Line Platinum-Based Treatment In A Caucasian Population Of Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Palacka Patrik , Slopovsky Jan , Obertova Jana , Chovanec Michal , Rejlekova Katarina , Sycova-Mila Zuzana , Kollarik Boris , Mardiak Jozef , Mego Michal
Published: June 2021

Background: Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) predicts survival in patients with various malignancies. This study explores the prognostic value of SII in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (MUC) subjects.Methods: We evaluated 181 consecutive MUC (148 bladder, 27 upper tract) patients (135 men) treated with first-line platinum-based therapy. Karnofsky performance status <80% and visceral metastasis were present in 18.2% and 46.4%, respectively. SII was based on platelet x neutrophil/lymphocyte counts. Study population was dichotomized by median into high SII and low SII groups before the initiation of chemotherapy (median 1326) and at week 6 (median 705). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test. Results: At median follow-up of 9.6 months (range 1.7-191.1 months), 174 patients (96.1%) experienced disease progression and 173 (95.6%) died. Subjects with low SII at baseline and at week 6 had significantly better PFS (HR 0.58; P = 0.0002 and HR 0.55; P < 0.0001) and OS (HR 0.54; P < 0.0001 and HR 0.54; P < 0.0001) compared to patients with high SII. Independent prognostic value of SII was confirmed in a multivariate analysis. Patients with low SII at baseline and at week 6 had significantly better PFS and OS compared to patients with high SII at both timepoints (P < 0.0001).Conclusion: High SII before chemotherapy that persists at week 6 negatively affects survival. SII at baseline can be used in stratification of patients within clinical trials and in clinical practice.
Hypoxia-Associated Prognostic Markers and Competing Endogenous RNA Co-Expression Networks in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xiong Lecai , Zhou Xiao , Cai Yi , Dai Peng , Zhao Jinping , Zhou Xuefeng , Tang Hexiao
Published: June 2021

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common form of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hypoxia has been found in 50 – 60% of locally advanced solid tumors and shown to be associated with poor prognosis in a variety of tumors, including NSCLC. The study focused on the hypoxia associated molecular hallmarks in LUAD.Methods: 15 hypoxia related genes were selected to define the hypoxia status of LUAD by ConsensusClusterPlus based on the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). Then, we investigate the immune status under different hypoxia status. Subsequently, we constructed prognostic models based on hypoxic-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), identified hypoxia-related microRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs, and built a network based on the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) theory.Results: Two clusters (cluster1 and cluster2) were identified with different hypoxia status, cluster 1 was defined as the hypoxia subgroup, in which all 15 hypoxia-associated genes were upregulated. The infiltration of CD4 + T cells and Tfh cells was lower, while the infiltration of regulatory T (Treg) cells, the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and TMB were higher in cluster 1, which indicated immunosuppressive status. Based on the DEGs, a risk signature containing 7 genes was established. Furthermore, three differentially expressed microRNAs (hsa-miR-9, hsa-miR-31, hsa-miR-196b) associated prognostic under different hypoxia clusters and its related mRNAs, lncRNAs were identified, then built a ceRNAs network.Conclusion: This study showed that hypoxia was associated with poor prognosis in LUAD and explored the potential mechanism from the perspective of gene signature and ceRNA theory.
Flow Induced By A Rotating Microchannel-A Numerical Study
Authors: Ali Kashif , Ahmad Shahzad , Ahmad Anique , Ali Faisal
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a mathematical foundation has been developed for the primary understanding of complex interaction of the wall slip with the Coriolis and Lorentz forces acting orthogonally on the Electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow of a power-law fluid in a microchannel. Modified Navier Stokes equations are solved numerically by incorporating the fully implicit computational scheme with suitable initial and boundary conditions, which generates numerical results in excellent comparison with the literature for a certain limiting case. An extensive effort has been made to understand how the Hartmann number, fluid behavior index, rotating Reynolds number, and slip parameter affects the flow. Results show the velocity of the power-law fluid depends strongly on flow parameters. Critical Hartmann number can be obtained for the power-law fluid in presence of uniform electric and magnetic fields. As a promising phenomenon, existence of a cross over point (which depends upon the fluid behavior index) for the centerline flow velocity, has also been predicted. Reduction in the shear stress and fluid viscosity can be controlled effectively by incorporating a slippery film of lubricant on the periphery of the microchannel. This work is useful to meet the upcoming challenges of future generation, like improvement in bio-magnetic-sensor technologies as well as electrical and mechanical mechanisms.
Viral ADP-ribosyltransferases attach RNA chains to host proteins
Authors: Höfer Katharina , Schauerte Maik , Grawenhoff Julia , Wulf Alexander , Welp Luisa , Billau Franziska , Urlaub Henning , Jäschke Andres
Published: June 2021

The mechanisms by which viruses hijack their host’s genetic machinery are of enormous current interest. One mechanism is adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylation, where ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) transfer an ADP-ribose fragment from the ubiquitous coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to acceptor proteins. When bacteriophage T4 infects Escherichia coli, three different ARTs reprogram the host’s transcriptional and translational apparatus. Recently, NAD was identified as a 5’-modification of cellular RNA molecules in bacteria and higher organisms. Here, we report that bacteriophage T4 ARTs accept not only NAD, but also NAD-RNA as substrate, thereby covalently linking entire RNA chains to acceptor proteins in an “RNAylation” reaction. One of these ARTs, ModB, efficiently RNAylates its host protein target, ribosomal protein S1, at arginine residues and strongly prefers NAD-RNA over NAD. Mutation of a single arginine at position 139 abolishes ADP-ribosylation and RNAylation. Overexpression of mammalian ADP-ribosylarginine hydrolase 1 (ARH1), which cleaves arginine-phosphoribose bonds, shows a decelerated lysis of E. coli when infected with T4. Our findings not only challenge the established views of the phage replication cycle, but also reveal a distinct biological role of NAD-RNA, namely activation of the RNA for enzymatic transfer. Our work exemplifies the first direct connection between RNA modification and post-translational protein modification. As ARTs play important roles in different viral infections, as well as in antiviral defence by the host, RNAylation may have far-reaching implications.
Effects of the First 1,000 Days Systems-Change Intervention on Obesity Risk Factors During Pregnancy
Authors: Simione Meg , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Perkins Meghan , Price Sarah N. , Luo Man , Kotelchuk Milton , Blake-Lamb Tiffany L. , Taveras Elsie M.
Published: June 2021

Background: First 1,000 Days is a systems-oriented program starting in early pregnancy lasting through the first 24 months of infancy focused on preventing obesity and related risk factors among low income, mother-infant pairs. The program was developed in partnership with stakeholders to create an infrastructure for system-wide change. It includes screening for adverse health behaviors and socio-contextual factors, patient navigation and educational materials to support behavior change and social needs, and individualized health coaching for women at highest risk of obesity and has been shown to reduce excess gestational weight gain for women who were overweight at the start of their pregnancy. Methods: We collected information through self-administered questionnaires during the first and third trimester of gestation and from electronic health records relating to obesity risk factors. Measures collected included behavior (i.e., diet, physical activity and screen time) and psychosocial outcomes, as well as enrollment in Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program. We examined the extent to which participation in the program was associated with changes in behaviors and psychosocial outcomes among women during pregnancy.Results: Women completed surveys at their initial and third trimester prenatal visits (n=264). Mean age (SD) was 30.2 (5.51) years and 75% had an annual household income of <$50,000. Mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 27.7 kg/m2 and 64% started pregnancy with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. In multivariable adjusted models, we observed decreases in intake of sugary-drinks (-0.96 servings/day; 95% CI: -1.86, -0.06) and in screen time (-0.21 hours/day; 95% CI: -0.40, -0.02), and an increase in physical activity (0.87 days/week; 95% CI: 0.56, 1.17) from the first to third trimester. We also observed a decrease in pregnancy-related anxiety score (-1.06 units; 95% CI: -1.32, -0.79) and higher odds of enrollment in Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.96, 3.41). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a systems-oriented prenatal intervention is associated with improvements in behaviors and psychosocial outcomes during pregnancy among low-income mothers.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03191591; Retrospectively registered on June 19, 2017)
Bioethanol Production from Enzymatic Hydrolyzates of Pretreated Flaxseed Meals by Baker’s Yeast
Authors: GHOSAL SAHELI , BHOWAL JAYATI
Published: June 2021

The present study investigated the usefulness of flaxseed meals as a novel feedstock for the production of bioethanol. The proximate composition of the flaxseed meal was carried out before the pretreatment of the flaxseed meal. In this study, flaxseed meal was pretreated with dilute acid, alkali, and aqueous for disruption of lignocellulosic compounds. The acid pretreated flaxseed meal was used for enzymatic hydrolysis by different enzymes (cellulase, α-amylase, and cellulase combined with α-amylase) for better release of reducing sugar. The cellulose conversion to reducing sugar was significantly higher for acid pretreated flaxseed meals. After enzymatic hydrolysis with cellulase, cellulose conversions to reducing sugars were found to be significantly higher than those of α-amylase and cellulase combined with α-amylase. The bioethanol production was also investigated. The fermentation process was carried out by using baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) with the acid pretreated flaxseed meal enzymatic hydrolyzate. Maximum ethanol production (0.11 g/l) was achieved from the fermented medium obtained from the acid pretreated flaxseed meal followed by enzymatic hydrolysis by using cellulase enzyme. The structural analysis of bioethanol was also investigated by FTIR.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kefyalew Merahi , Azazh Aklilu , Siraw Bekure Bewket , Teklu Amanuel , Seid Abdulkerim , Admasu Tesfaye Nigussie
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a major health problem, causing morbidity in 13 million people annually, among which, 85% occur in developing countries. It is, therefore, one of the important issues in Africa where there is resource limitation at large, and appreciation of its pattern can help understand its causes, complications, and outcome better which are determinants for its early prevention and management. The objective of the study was to evaluate Patterns and outcomes of AKI patients who are admitted to the Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital (TASH) Adult Emergency Unit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsA prospective Cross-sectional study was done from August 1, 2018, to May 1, 2019. . A total of 144 cases of AKI were included in the study. Binary logistic regression was done for the identification of mortality predictors. Patients’ laboratory results on admission and discharge were compared by paired samples T-test. Survival time was estimated by Kapan- Meier and Log Rank Test with a 95% CI. ResultsThe mean age of presentation at a younger age of 46.16 ± 16.6, the most common causes of AKI were Sepsis (43.2%), volume depletion (25%), cardiorenal syndrome (16%), and obstructive uropathy (16%). Uremic encephalopathy, sepsis, and hyperkalemia were factors that were identified as mortality predictors in overall AKI patients.ConclusionAKI patients with sepsis were found to have lower hospital survival than those without sepsis. From the laboratory findings, there was a significant difference between creatinine values on admission and discharge.
Stabilizing Nanolasers via Polarization Lifetime Tuning
Authors: Lüdge Kathy , Meinecke Stefan , Roos Aycke
Published: June 2021

We investigate the emission dynamics of mutually coupled nanolasers and predict ways to optimize their stability i.e. maximize their locking range. We find that tuning the cavity lifetime to the same order of magnitude as the dephasing time of the microscopic polarization yields optimal operation conditions which allow for wider tuning ranges than usually observed in conventional semiconductor lasers. The lasers are modeled by a Maxwell-Bloch type class-C laser model. For our analysis we analytically determine the steady state solutions, analyze the symmetries of the system and numerically characterize the emission dynamics via the underlying bifurcation structure. The polarization lifetime is found to be a crucial parameter which impacts the observed dynamics in the parameter space spanned by frequency detuning, coupling strength and coupling phase.
WITHDRAWN: Mapping the FACT-G to EQ-5D-3L utility index in cancer: data from a cross-sectional study in in Guangxi, China
Authors: He ZhiKui , Liang WenJie , Xu WenJia , Huang WenXiu , Wang XiaoMin , Huang KaiYong , Yang Li
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a function for mapping the cancer-specific instrument (FACT–G) to a preference-based measure (EQ-5D-3L) utility index for HRQoL, in which the utility scores were generated using the Chinese value set.MethodThe data are based on a cross-sectional survey of 243 patients in China with different cancer types. Cancer patients who completed the EQ-5D-3L and the FACT-G questionnaire, and patient demographics and clinical characteristics were included in this study. Regression models were used to predict the EQ-5D-3L utility index values based on four subscale scores of the FACT-G using the ordinary least squares (OLS) model, generalized linear models (GLM), censored least absolute deviations (CLAD), Tobit model, and two-part model (TPM) regression approaches. The performance and predictive power of each model were also evaluated using r2 and adj- r2, mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE). Linear equating is a mapping technique that avoids regression to the mean.ResultsThe introduction of the square term and the interaction term improves the accuracy of the model. The social well-being subscale of the FACT-G was not associated with the EQ-5D-3L utility index, whereas, the physical, emotional, functional well-being, and FACT-G total scores were derived when mapping the FACT-G to the EQ-5D-3L utility index. For the FACT-G, the OLS model was the best at predicting mean EQ-5D-3L values among all the regression models and has 70% explanatory power for the observed EQ-5D-3L variation. Nevertheless, the OLS model overpredicted utilities for poorer health states and underestimated utilities for those with better health. The result of the OLS model, GLM, and CLAD models were similar to the MAE, MSE, and RMSE. The results showed that the mean prediction accuracy of the OLS models was higher than that of the other models, and the OLS model's linear equating predicted values were much closer to the observed values.ConclusionThe algorithm based on Chinese population development for mapping the FACT-G into the EQ-5D-3L utility index can be realized. We also recommend that OLS models be used to assess the economic evaluation of patients' health-related quality of life when the population is in moderate to good health for further cost-utility analysis in China.