bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Darknet Traffic Big-Data Analysis and Network Management to Real-Time Automating the Malicious Intent Detection Process by a Weight Agnostic Neural Networks Framework
Authors: Demertzis Konstantinos , Tsiknas Konstantinos , Takezis Dimitrios , Skianis Charalabos , Iliadis Lazaros
Published: February 2021

Attackers are perpetually modifying their tactics to avoid detection and frequently leverage legitimate credentials with trusted tools already deployed in a network environment, making it difficult for organizations to proactively identify critical security risks. Network traffic analysis products have emerged in response to attackers’ relentless innovation, offering organizations a realistic path forward for combatting creative attackers. Additionally, thanks to the widespread adoption of cloud computing, Device Operators (DevOps) processes, and the Internet of Things (IoT), maintaining effective network visibility has become a highly complex and overwhelming process. What makes network traffic analysis technology particularly meaningful is its ability to combine its core capabilities to deliver malicious intent detection. In this paper, we propose a novel darknet traffic analysis and network management framework to real-time automating the malicious intent detection process, using a weight agnostic neural networks architecture. It is an effective and accurate computational intelligent forensics tool for network traffic analysis, the demystification of malware traffic, and encrypted traffic identification in real-time. Based on Weight Agnostic Neural Networks (WANNs) methodology, we propose an automated searching neural net architectures strategy that can perform various tasks such as identify zero-day attacks. By automating the malicious intent detection process from the darknet, the advanced proposed solution is reducing the skills and effort barrier that prevents many organizations from effectively protecting their most critical assets.
Universal Mobility in Old Core Cities of India: People’s Perception
Authors: Mahapatra Gaurab Das , Mori Suguru , Nomura Rie
Published: February 2021

In this research, users’ perception towards Universal Mobility in old core cities of India has been critically analyzed. Despite Universal Design guidelines from the United Nations and Union Government of India, old cities in India are seldom having Universal Mobility, in effect endangering the lifestyle of senior citizens and differently-abled people. The core of Kolkata Municipal Corporation in Kolkata, India has been considered as a case example for this research. This research has considered three types of data sets for analysis. First, the authors interviewed 310 respondents from the Indian design fraternity, with the objective of understanding their opinion on the concept of Universal Design. In the next investigative study of 125 respondents from different wards of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the purpose was to comprehend people’s perception about walkability and mobility in an old Indian city. In the last visual survey of a stretch in Central Kolkata, the focus was identifying the hindrance in Universal Mobility in an old city core of Indian origin. Significant dissatisfaction was found in walkability amongst all user groups; which is linked to poor infrastructural conditions. Furthermore, accessing public transportation is difficult due to improper waiting facilities. However, the design fraternity in India suggests the need of separate accessibility guidelines for old and new cities in India. The design fraternity also recommends a customized rating system for accessing Universal Design. The result of this study indicates a need of recognizing the difficulty in imparting Universal Mobility in old core cities in India. This information can be used for preparing an Access Audit Checklist through Architectural Planning, which is the first step in proposing a framework for Universal Mobility in old core cities in India.
The “Post Accelerating Data and Knowledge Online Society” (Padkos[1]): The first and the last continuously accelerating technological revolutions and their implications for Knowledge Sharing for Sustainable Development. [1] Food for the journey; prog; provisions for journey- in Afrikaans.
Authors: Russ Meir
Published: February 2021

This conceptual, interdisciplinary paper will start by introducing the commencement of a new era in which human society faces continuously accelerating technological revolutions, named for short ‘Padkos’. In this context, a conceptual model of sustainable development with a focus on knowledge sharing and management will be proposed. The construct of knowledge management will be unpacked into a three-layer model with a focus on the knowledge-human and data-machine spheres. Then, each sphere will be discussed with concentrating on the learning and decision- making processes, the digital supporting systems and the human actors’ aspects. Moreover, the recombination of new knowledge development and contemporary knowledge management into one amalgamated construct will be proposed. The holistic conceptual model of knowledge sharing for sustainable development is comprised by time, cybersecurity and two alternative humanistic paradigms (Homo Technologicus and Homo Sustainabiliticus). Two additional particular models are discussed in depth. First, a recently proposed model of quantum organizational decision-making is elaborated. Next, a boundary management and learning process is particularized. The paper ends with several implications for the future based on the deliberations in the paper and the models discussed.
Comparing Biochar-Swine Manure Mixture to Conventional Manure Impact on Soil Nutrient Availability and Plant Uptake – A Greenhouse Study
Authors: Banik Chumki , Koziel Jacek , Bonds Darcy , Singh Asheesh , Licht Mark
Published: February 2021

The use of swine manure as a source of plant nutrients is one alternative to synthetic fertilizers. However, conventional manure application with >90% water and a low C:N ratio results in soil C loss to the atmosphere. Our hypothesis was to use biochar as a manure nutrient stabilizer that would slowly release nutrients to plants upon biochar-swine manure mixture application to soil. The objectives were to evaluate the impact of biochar-treated swine manure on soil total C, N, and plant-available macro and micronutrients in greenhouse-cultivated corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Neutral pH red oak (RO), highly alkaline autothermal corn stover (HAP), and mild acidic Fe-treated autothermal corn stover (HAPE) biomass were pyrolyzed to prepare biochars. Each biochar was surface-applied to swine manure at a 1:4 (wt/wt) ratio to generate mixtures of manure and respective biochars (MRO, MHAP, and MHAPE). Conventional manure (M) control and manure-biochar mixtures were then applied to the soil at a recommended rate. Corn and soybean were grown under these controls and treatments (S, M, MRO, MHAP, and MHAPE) to evaluate the manure-biochar impact on soil quality, plant biomass yield, and nutrient uptake. Soil OM significantly (<0.05) increased in all manure-biochar treatments; however, no change in soil pH or N was observed under any treatment. No difference in soil ammonium between treatments was identified. An increase (p<0.05) in soil nitrate under corn was observed for conventional manure (M) treatment. There was a significant decrease in soil M3-P for all manure-biochar treatments compared to the conventional M, but that did not impact plant nutrient uptake. No statistical difference in corn or soybean biomass yield or plant nutrient uptake was observed in the short, two-month experiment. Interestingly, manure-biochar application to soil significantly diluted the M3-extractable soil Cu and Zn concentrations. The results attribute that manure-biochar has the potential to be a better soil amendment than conventional manure application to the soil.
Analysis of the Relationship between Executive Functions and Intelligence in Gifted Student: A Pilot Study.
Authors: M.J. Luque Rojas , D.J Luque , E. Elósegui , M. Román , D. Casquero , L. Scheithauerová
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Executive functioning is a concept that suggests a scheme of relationship between brain-mind and behavior, through a plan and control of individuals actions on tasks and context. This work is an approach to the study between relationship of abilities (flair) and the execution, between cognitive development and executive functioning as intelligence and creativity and reading writing learning association. The objective is trying to give a definition of neuropsychological profile of Gifted Students; (2) Methods: We studied 20 Gifted Student assessments by a school counselor, under some characteristics as having greater than 125 IQ. The age range was 6:8 to 11:8 from Primary School. Instruments were WISC-V. BRIEF-2 and TTCT; (3) Results: We observed a positive correlation between IQ and Inhibition, that would keep relation with behavioral mechanism (guide work, autonomy, impulse control, ...) of students to develop cognitive and metacognitive abilities as going in-depth in habits, skill, and strategies of intellectual work in the classroom; (4) Conclusions: There is a distance between executive functioning and IQ. Correlations, considering our sample, would express a halfway association between both variables. Association that would be explained for the connection or underlying cognitive mechanism in some factors of variables.
Ethnomatematics In Mathematics Learning on The Perspective of Perenialism Philosophy
Authors: Pratiwi Febria Dewi
Published: February 2021

Ethnomatematics in mathematics has the meaning as a new study that has the potential to be developed into the latest learning innovations containing a combination of contextual learning and at the same time introducing culture in Indonesia to learners. So that ethnomatematika can be used as a method of teaching and learning process in the field of mathematics. The view of mathematics learning as rationality and the principle of freedom which means freedom to learn to other objects without being bound by the provisions that are tightened through the culture around the environment. The research method used is the library research method. Information that has been collected and analyzed is secondary information in the form of research results including books, articles, and journals that correspond to the topic to be discussed. The authors examined some of the ideas, opinions, or findings contained in the literature, so that this study will provide theoretical information related to ethnomatematics in the study of mathematics on the perspective of perenialism. After being analyzed, the results of the analysis were associated and adapted to the ethnomatmatic context in mathematics learning in Junior High School (SMP) about the perspective of immortalism. So that the creation of students is free in expressing their observations in a happy and comfortable way. Although the main thing to note in perennials is students, teachers also have a role to play in the learning journey, but only as facilitators.
Design and Evaluation of Attention Guidance Through Eye Gazing of “NAMIDA” Driving Agent
Authors: Tamura Shintaro , Ohshima Naoki , Hasegawa Komei , Okada Michio ,   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan,   Electronics-Inspired Interdisciplinary Research Institute (EIIRIS), Toyohashi University of Technology 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan
Published: February 2021

The driving agents considered thus far have aimed at navigating the driver’s attention while driving, for example, using interactions through linguistic conversations. Therefore, in this study, to investigate such a role in automatic driving from the perspective of nonverbal communication focusing on physicality (e.g., head movements and eye gaze), we constructed a driving agent called NAMIDA, along with its physical properties, as a research platform to investigate the role of nonverbal communication. We conducted a cognitive experiment on attention guidance, focusing on “gaze direction,” i.e., the movement of the eyes of NAMIDA. As a result, we confirmed that the attention of the participants is attracted by such eye-gaze movements of “NAMIDA,” which become a “cue” to exploring the surroundings.
Study on Pipetting Motion Optimization of Automatic Spheroid Culture System for Spheroid Formation
Authors: Shimoto Takeshi , Teshima Chihiro , Watanabe Toshiki , Zhang Xiu-Ying , Ishikawa Atsushi , Higaki Hidehiko , Nakayama and
Koichi ,   Fukuoka Institute of Technology 3-30-1 Wajiro-higashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 811-0295, Japan,   Kyushu University 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan,   Kyushu Sangyo University 2-3-1 Matsukadai, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 813-8503, Japan,   Saga University 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
Published: February 2021

This research group has established a technology for producing a three-dimensional cell constructed using only the cell itself. This technology uses a property in which the spheroids fuse with each other. We developed a system that automates the spheroid production process to obtain reproducible spheroids and suppress variation factors that occur from human operation. However, it has become clear that the dispersion occurs in the diameter depending on the number of cells of the spheroid even if the cells are handled in the same manner. The purpose of this research is to examine an appropriate pipetting motion in accordance with the number of cells of the spheroid to be produced. Rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) are used as the objects. The number of cells was set to 2×104, 3×104, and 4×104 cells/well, and the passage number as 7. The appearance of spheroids cultured using the motion programmed in accordance with each number of cells was observed every 24 hours for 5 days after seeding. The results of the analysis indicate that the optimum motion in each number of cells has been successfully specified, and reproducible spheroids have been successfully produced.
Development of the Second Prototype of an Oral Care Simulator
Authors: Daigo Tomomi , Muramatsu Masumi , Mitani Atsushi ,   Daigo Tomomi Works 1341-4-105 Tanida-cho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0251, Japan,   School of Nursing, Sapporo City University Nishi 13, Kita 11, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0011, Japan,   School of Design, Sapporo City University 1 Geijyutsu-no-mori, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0864, Japan
Published: February 2021

Oral care is crucial to preventing diseases and maintaining the quality of life of elderly people. To create an effective training environment for nursing students, we developed a second prototype of an oral care simulator that can guide and record oral care practices. The simulator has three components: (1) a dentition model with pressure sensors, (2) a microcomputer to record signals, and (3) software for visualization. We proposed a novel mechanism to detect brushing behavior using pressure sensors and developed software to visualize the records of oral care practice. We calibrated the system to estimate the weights applied in the dentition model using a brush and verified that the calibration increased the accuracy of the estimation.
Kinetics of Wet In-Situ Combustion: A Review of Kinetic Models
Authors: Cavanzo E. A. , Muñoz S. F. , Ordoñez A.. , Bottia H..
Published: February 2021

In Situ Combustion is an enhanced oil recovery method which consists on injecting air to the reservoir, generating a series of oxidation reactions at different temperature ranges by chemical interaction between oil and oxygen, the high temperature oxidation reactions are highly exothermic; the oxygen reacts with a coke like material formed by thermal cracking, they are responsible of generating the heat necessary to sustain and propagate the combustion front, sweeping the heavy oil and upgrading it due to the high temperatures. Wet in situ combustion is variant of the process, in which water is injected simultaneously or alternated with air, taking advantage of its high heat capacity, so the steam can transport heat more efficiently forward the combustion front due to the latent heat of vaporization.

A representative model of the in situ combustion process is constituted by a static model, a dynamic model and a kinetic model. The kinetic model represents the oxidative behavior and the compositional changes of the crude oil; it is integrated by the most representative reactions of the process and the corresponding kinetic parameters of each reaction. Frequently, the kinetic model for a dry combustion process has Low Temperature Oxidation reactions (LTO), thermal cracking reactions and the combustion reaction. For the case of wet combustion, additional aquathermolysis reactions take place.

This article presents a full review of the kinetic models of the wet in situ combustion process taking into account aquathermolysis reactions. These are hydrogen addition reactions due to the chemical interaction between crude oil and steam. The mechanism begins with desulphurization reactions and subsequent decarboxylation reactions, which are responsible of carbon monoxide production, which reacts with steam producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen; this is the water and gas shift reaction. Finally, during hydrocracking and hydrodesulphurization reactions, hydrogen sulfide is generated and the crude oil is upgraded.

An additional upgrading mechanism during the wet in situ combustion process can be explained by the aquathermolysis theory, also hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen production can be estimated by a suitable kinetic model that takes into account the most representative reactions involved during the combustion process.
Africa Petroleum Fiscal Evolvement and Impacts on Foreign Investment: Illustrations from Nigeria
Authors: Li Huimin
Published: February 2021

With plenty of latest discoveries witnessed from East Africa, the petroleum atlas reshaping is expected where some new faces (e.g. Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, etc.) may play emergent roles besides traditional oil countries in Africa. Due to general lack of infrastructure construction and capital investment, it still need some time for large-scale commercial production and the involvement of international oil companies is indispensable in the process.

Dramatic price drop has tremendously stricken both governments and international oil companies (IOC) in oil-producing countries since 2014. The effectiveness in which governments and IOCs adjust to this reality will determine the extent and the pace of future development of these countries’ oil sectors.

Most IOCs were struggling to cut capital expenditure and control operating cost to survive, and how to maintain and attract investment is regarded as huge challenges by many governments in the downward scenario. Apart from resource factors, petroleum fiscal terms are one of the key factors in the investment decision for IOCs. The attractiveness of fiscal contracts has a fundamental effect on profitability of petroleum projects, and thus an important indicator for evaluating investment feasibility in the country. The paper gives an overview on fiscal transformation in most Africa oil countries, some of them were trying to increase government share in oil profits to support social expenditures, and others have provided fiscal incentives to absorb further investment in the oil sector. It shows that fiscal policies in the countries where national economy relies more on oil revenues are less stable during the past decade. Some upstream projects in Nigeria are illustrated to show the impacts of different contract terms on economic benefits. Thus with new government's coming into power, most IOCs are holding back further investment and expecting negotiation with the authorities for confirmation on fiscal terms applied in their assets to avoid potential contractual risks, like PIB, Side letter, etc. The implications regarding petroleum regime are summarized based on the experience from Nigeria for emerging countries in East Africa, relatively stable fiscal policy with some incentives to encourage exploration activities would be helpful to petroleum industry. Lastly, investment suggestions are presented with priorities to promote business development in the area.
Prospects and Challenges of Developing Unconventional Petroleum Resources in the Anambra Inland Basin of Nigeria
Authors: Onuoha K. Mosto , Dim Chidozie I.
Published: February 2021

The boom in the development of unconventional petroleum resources, particularly shale gas in the United States of America during the last decade has had far reaching implications for energy markets across the world and particularly for Nigeria, a country that traditionally has been Africa’s leading crude oil producer and exporter. The Cretaceous Anambra Basin is currently the only inland basin in Nigeria where the existence of commercial quantities of oil and gas has been proven (outside the Tertiary Niger Delta Basin). The possibility of similarly finding commercially viable resources of unconventional petroleum resources in the basin appears quite attractive on the basis of the existence of seepages of shale oil and presence of coal-bed methane in some of the coal seams of the Mamu Formation (Lower Coal Measures) in the basin. This paper presents the results of our preliminary assessment of the shale oil and gas resources of the Anambra Basin. Our main objective is to locate the zones of very high quality plays within the basin, focusing on their depositional environments (whether marine or non-marine), areal extent of the target shale formations, gross shale intervals, total organic content, and thermal maturity. Data on the total organic content (TOC %, by weight) and thermal maturity of shales from different wells in the basin show that many of the shales have high TOCs (i.e greater than 2%) comparable to known shale gas and shale oil plays globally. Shale oil seepages are known to occur around Lokpanta in south-eastern Nigeria, but there is a general predominance of gas-prone facies in our inland basins indicating good prospects for finding unconventional petroleum in this and other Nigerian inland sedimentary basins. The main challenge to the exploration of unconventional resources in Nigeria today has to do with the absence of the enabling laws and regulatory framework governing their exploration and subsequent exploitation. The revised Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently under consideration in the National Assembly is expected to introduce drastic and lasting changes in the way the petroleum industry business is conducted in the country, but all the provisions of the draft law pertain mainly to conventional oil and gas resources.
Deeper Re-completions Exploited Bypassed Oil in Massive Heavy Oil Reservoir: Case Study
Authors: Tang Xueqing , Dou Lirong , Wang Ruifeng , Gabir Alsadig Mohmoud , Musa Mouiz Hamza
Published: February 2021

Fula field at Block 6, Sudan contains crude of 16.8 to 19 °API with in-situ viscosity of 497 cp in Bentiu formation. It was on production in March, 2004 and has produced 14% of original oil in place. Massive and unconsolidated sandstones inter-bedded with thin (3 to 13 ft) and discontinuous shales possess high horizontal and vertical permeabilities (2 to 9.53 Darcies). Lateral dimensions of shale bodies range from 1,000 to 2,000 ft. To extend oil production life with water-free, initial development strategy was to perforate the upper and more permeable zones (Perforations are 30% of entire zones) to obtain profitable productivity. After fieldwide water breakthrough, based on the studies of bypassed oil distribution, the following innovative deeper re-completions have been applied in high-water-cut wells (water cut more than 80%) to exploit the bypassed oil zones and new pay zones that have been missed below the existing productive zones. squeeze cement into the existing high-water-cut zones, located at the upper portion of entire pay zones. Those long wormholes communicating with aquifer caused by deep sanding should be cemented.perforate partially the lower portion of pay zones with optimal shot density. 30 to 40% of entire pay zones and shot density of 5 shots per foot are recommended. Perforation tunnel optimization can be run for concrete well conditions.Progressing Cavity Pumps operate at low frequencies less than 30 Hz to regulate proper pressure drawdown less than observed critical value of sanding from field tests and water coning.

Field production data indicate that this workover campaign has achieved more than 2-fold oil gain and reducing water cut by 30 to 50% compared to previous water cuts of over 80%, also, water cut plus dynamic fluid level remain relatively stable over 6 months.
A novel transcription factor PunR and Nac are involved in purine and purine nucleoside transporter punC regulation in E. coli
Authors: Rodionova Irina , Gao Ye , Sastry Anand , Hefner Ying , Yoo Reo , Rodionov Dmitry , Saier Milton , Palsson Bernhard
Published: February 2021

Many genes in bacterial genomes are of unknown function, often referred to as y-genes. Recently, novel analytic methods have divided bacterial transcriptomes into independently modulated sets of genes (iModulons). Functionally annotated iModulons that contain y-genes lead to testable hypotheses to elucidate y-gene function. Inversely correlated expression of a putative transporter gene, ydhC, relative to purine biosynthetic genes, has led to the hypothesis that it encodes a purine-related transporter and revealed a LysR-family regulator, YdhB, with a predicted 23-bp palindromic binding motif. RNA-Seq analysis of a ydhB knockout mutant confirmed the YdhB-dependent activation of ydhC in the presence of adenosine. The deletion of either the ydhC or the ydhB gene led to a substantially decreased growth rate for E. coli in minimal medium with adenosine as the nitrogen source, as well as with inosine or guanosine. Taken together, we provide clear evidence that YdhB activates the expression of the ydhC gene that encodes a novel purine transporter in E. coli. We propose that the genes ydhB and ydhC be re-named as punR and punC, respectively.
A prognostic score model based on eight metabolism-associated genes predicts the survival of adult females with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Shao Guangqiang , Rong Lei , Ji Yang , Zhang Keke , Liu Min
Published: February 2021

Background

As a non-small cell lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is common in women and non-smokers. This study is aimed to construct a prognostic score (PS) model for adult females with LUAD.
Methods

The gene expression data of adult females with LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was obtained as the training set, and GSE50081 and GSE37745 from Gene Expression Omnibus database were downloaded as the validation sets. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LUAD and normal samples were screened by limma package. The metabolism-associated DEGs were selected by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and were conducted with enrichment analysis using DAVID tool. After the independent prognosis-associated genes were identified by survival package, the optimal gene combination was screened using penalized package to build the PS model. Besides, the nomogram survival model based on the independent prognostic clinical factors was constructed by rms package. Using HPAanalyze package, the protein expression levels of the optimal genes were mined.
Results

There were 2388 DEGs between LUAD samples and normal samples. Totally, 150 metabolism-associated DEGs were screened, for which PPAR signaling pathway was enriched. The optimal gene combination (involving CYP17A1, ASPG, DUOX1, CIDEC, TH, B4GALNT1, APOA2, and GCKR) was selected, based on which the PS model was built. Combined with pathologic stage and PS model status, the nomogram survival model was constructed. Moreover, CIDEC was a characteristic gene in lung cancer and other cancers.
Conclusion

The PS model and the nomogram survival model might be applied for the prognostic prediction of adult females with LUAD.
A new simplified method for efficient extraction of solar cells and modules parameters from datasheet information
Authors: Muhammadsharif Fahmi F.
Published: February 2021

An accurate and straightforward estimation of solar cells and modules parameters from the manufacturer’s datasheet is essential for the performance assessment, simulation, design, and quality control. In this work, a simple and efficient technique is reported to extract the parameters of solar cells and modules, namely ideality factor (n), series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rsh), photocurrent (Iph) and saturation current (Io), from datasheet information. The method is based on defining the peak position of the function \(f\left(n,{R}_{sh}\right)=n\left({R}_{sh\_max}-{R}_{sh}\right)\), at which the five parameters are extracted. It was validated on four different technologies of solar cells and modules, including Poly-Si, Mono-Si, thin film and multijunction. Results showed that a simple and efficient extraction of the parameters can be realized by using this technique compared to that of the reported methods in literature.
A comparison of the MNA-SF, MUST, and NRS-2002 nutritional tools in predicting treatment incompletion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Hsueh Shun-Wen , Lai Cheng-Chou , Hung Chia-Yen , Lin Yu-Ching , Lu Chang-Hsien , Yeh Kun-Yun , Tsang Ngan-Ming , Hung Yu-Shin , Chang Pei-Hung , Chou Wen-Chi
Published: February 2021

Background
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) treatment incompletion is a known negative prognosticator for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Malnutrition is a common phenomenon which leads to treatment interruption in patients with HNC. We aimed to compare the performance of three nutritional tools in predicting treatment incompletion in patients with HNC undergoing definitive CCRT.
Material and methods
Three nutritional assessment tools, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Malnutritional Universal Screening Tool (MUST), and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), were prospectively assessed prior to CCRT for HNC patients. Patients were stratified into either normal nutrition or malnourished groups using different nutrition tools. Treatment incompletion and treatment-related toxicities associated with CCRT were recorded.
Results
A total of 461 patients were included in the study; malnourished rates ranged from 31.0–51.0%. The CCRT incompletion rates were 4.9–6.3% and 14.5–18.2% for normal nutrition patients and malnourished patients, respectively. The tools had significant correlations with each other (Pearson correlation 0.801–0.837, p < 0.001 for all) and accurately predicted the incompletion of CCRT. MNA-SF had the highest performance in predicting treatment-related toxicity, including emergency room visits, need for hospitalization, any grade III or higher hematological adverse events, and critical body weight loss, compared to the other tools.
Conclusions
MNA-SF, MUST, and NRS2002 were all shown to be competent tools for malnutrition recognition and prediction of treatment incompletion, as well as treatment-related toxicity, in HNC patients undergoing CCRT. We suggest implementing nutritional assessment prior to treatment to improve the rate of treatment completion and to reduce treatment-related toxicity in HNC patients.
A preliminary environmental analysis for a sustainable pyrolysis process of Acacia tortilis encroacher bush.
Authors: Charis Gratitude , Muzenda Edison , Danha Gwiranai
Published: February 2021

A shortcut method of environmental assessment was applied procedurally to an Acacia Tortillis pyrolysis project which is in early stages of process development. The method uses mass balance data from the process simulation, which is done in ChemCAD. The ChemCAD model was developed using characterization data for raw biomass and the product bio-oil and data from literature. The shortcut assessment method started off by scoring the impact of inputs and outputs as high (A=1), medium (B= 0.3) and very low (C= 0) under impact categories such as raw material availability, use of critical materials, chronic toxicity, global warming potential, odour and eutrophication potential. An aggregated metric called the general effect index (GEI) was then calculated using this data and mass indices derived from mass balance. The GEI was calculated for inputs, outputs and the overall process. It fell within the scale of 0-1, with values below 0.5 indicating a low environmental impact, while those above that threshold indicated high impact. A GEI of 0 for the inputs reflected on the renewability of biomass and neutral impact of nitrogen and air. A GEI of 0.370 for the outputs showed they do have a significant effect on the environment and organisms, though overall, the process is relatively benign. The impact could be further reduced by utilizing the fuel gas waste stream which has a high methane content. The results obtained generally tally with other literary findings on biomass pyrolysis.
MS-AFF: A Novel Semantic Segmentation Approach for Buried Object Based on Multi-scale Attentional Feature Fusion
Authors: Lu Chao , Chen Fansheng , Su Xiaofeng , Zeng Dan
Published: February 2021

Infrared technology is a widely used in precision guidance and mine detection since it can capture the heat radiated outward from the target object. We use infrared (IR) thermography to get the infrared image of the buried obje cts. Compared to the visible images, infrared images present poor resolution, low contrast, and fuzzy visual effect, which make it difficult to segment the target object, specifically in the complex backgrounds. In this condition, traditional segmentation methods cannot perform well in infrared images since they are easily disturbed by the noise and non-target objects in the images. With the advance of deep convolutional neural network (CNN), the deep learning-based methods have made significant improvements in semantic segmentation task. However, few of them research Infrared image semantic segmentation, which is a more challenging scenario compared to visible images. Moreover, the lack of an Infrared image dataset is also a problem for current methods based on deep learning. We raise a multi-scale attentional feature fusion (MS-AFF) module for infrared image semantic segmentation to solve this problem. Precisely, we integrate a series of feature maps from different levels by an atrous spatial pyramid structure. In this way, the model can obtain rich representation ability on the infrared images. Besides, a global spatial information attention module is employed to let the model focus on the target region and reduce disturbance in infrared images' background. In addition, we propose an infrared segmentation dataset based on the infrared thermal imaging system. Extensive experiments conducted in the infrared image segmentation dataset show the superiority of our method.
A Noise Robust Automatic Radiolocation Animal Tracking System
Authors: Wang Liang , Diakogiannis Foivos , Mills Scott , Bajema Nigel , Atkinson Ian , Bishop-Hurley Greg , Charmley Ed
Published: February 2021

Agriculture is becoming increasingly reliant upon accurate data from sensor arrays, with localization an emerging application in the livestock industry. Ground-based Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) radiolocation methods have the advantage of being lightweight and exhibit higher energy effciency than methods reliant upon Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Such methods can employ small primary cell batteries, rather than rechargeable cells, and still deliver a multi-year deployment. In this paper, we present a novel deep learning algorithm adapted from a one dimensional U-Net like a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, originally developed for the task of semantic segmentation. This model both converts TDoA sequences directly to positions and reduces positional errors introduced by sources such as multipathing. We have evaluated the model by using simulated animal movements in the form of TDoA position sequences in combination with known distributions of TDoA error. When errors with a standard deviation of 50 m and 100 m are added to simulated TDoA transmissions the model is able to reduce this error to 22 m and 27 m (RMSE) respectively. Without correction, the standard deviation of these errors is on the order of 90 and 200 m. Accordingly, the model can reduce the error by greater than 80 m (> 80%), demonstrating the effectiveness of this novel 1D CNN U-Net like encoder/decoder for error correction of TDoA position estimates.
Local Steroid Treatment: An Effective Procedure for Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis, Including Complicated Cases
Authors: Ertürk Taha Furkan , Çakır Özgür , Bayrak Büşra Yaprak , Güneş Abdullah , Aydemir Selahattin , Utkan Nihat Zafer
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of local steroid treatment (LST) for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and to compare with surgical methods.Methods: Data was retrospectively collected from hospital electronic records. The patients were divided into two groups, the LST group and the surgery group. Intralesional steroid injection and topical steroid administration were applied in LST group. Surgery and LST were compared with regard to: pain before and after the treatment; complication rate; recurrence rate; and treatment cost.Results: Seventy of 72 lesions responded completely to LST. Pre-treatment median maximum diameter was 23.50 (15.25-35.25) mm, which regressed to 16 (12-25) mm after the first LST session. LST was found to be superior to surgery in pain management. No recurrence occurred in any patients in LST group.Conclusion: LST is a treatment for IGM that is cheap, with high efficiency, negligible recurrence, and has good esthetic outcome.
Drought Effects on Growth, Water Content, and Organic Osmoprotectants in Promising Almond Genotypes with Different Drought Tolerance
Authors: Gohari Shabnam , Imani Ali , Talaei AliReza , Abdossi Vahid , Asghari Mohamad Reza
Published: February 2021

Background

Almonds ( Prunus amygdalus Batsch, syn. P. dulcis (Mill.) DA Webb) is a valuable nut crops species that is widely is cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, due to drought tolerance and dehydration under drought stress. Almonds show physiological adaptations for survival in drought stress conditions, but the degree Drought adaptation varies between cultivars. However, to date, its morphological and physiological responses to drought, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study was aimed to investigate the morphological and physiological changes of almond genotypes under drought stress. almond genotypes were planted in pots and subjected to four levels of soil water treatments: above 80% (control), 60% (light stress), and 40% (severe stress) of field capacity.

Results

Within the total stress period (0–30 days), almond genotypes grew rapidly in the light stress, whereas severe stress had a negative impact on growth. So that, in this study, 10 selected almond genotypes using some morphological traits such as: plant height, trunk diameter at the top of the graft, new branch growth length, leaf yellowness and some physiological indicators under drought stress conditions such as Chlorophyll index was evaluated based on SPAD criterion, relative leaf water content, measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence and Organic Osmoprotectants to identify drought-resistant and sensitive genotypes under drought stress conditions. Among the selected genotypes studied, genotype A-7-100 was the most resistant and genotype A-124-1 was the most sensitive to drought stress.

Conclusions

Our results show that almond genotypes adapt to drought mainly by avoidance mechanisms, and its morphological and physiological characteristics are inhibited under severe stress, However, the degree of drought adaptation varies between different cultivars. These findings might help limited water resources to be fully used for increased the percentage of kernel and finally increased the growth and yield of plants under water stress.
Implementation evaluation of staff support and wellbeing programmes at an academic health science centre during COVID-19: study protocol
Authors: Krausova Barbora , Gnanapragasam Sam Nishanth , Demetriou Len , Beck Alison , Pires-Yfantouda Renata , Docherty Mary Jane , Sevdalis Nick
Published: February 2021

Background
Evidence from previous pandemics as well as early evidence from COVID-19 suggest risk of adverse mental health and wellbeing outcomes for healthcare workers. In response to these concerns, healthcare systems and organisations rapidly established staff support and wellbeing programmes. While there is emerging literature related to the effectiveness of such interventions, what is less well understood and evaluated is the evidence base regarding how such programmes are implemented; what supports and hinders their implementation; and how or if they are maintained following the initial acute phase of the pandemic. This study addresses this gap by studying the implementation process of COVID-19-related staff wellbeing programmes in the three UK NHS Trusts that make up one of Europe’s largest academic health sciences centres, King’s Health Partners.
Methods
We will conduct a prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study using qualitative research methods and non-probability purposive sampling to identify a study participant group representative of the population and implementation activity of interest. We will conduct semi-structured interviews of between 30 minutes and one hour. We will identify theory-driven elements in the dataset using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (barriers and drivers), Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment Framework (timeline/chronology/evolution of the implementation and different issues at different times) and Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (implementation strategies). We will then identify indicators of these constructs within the dataset and report them, as well as their inter-relationships.
Discussion
Through this study we hope to better understand what factors hindered and enabled the implementation of three inter-linked staff support and wellbeing programmes, and how/to what extent have these programmes been sustained. We will also explore whether implementation science frameworks are applicable and beneficial in conceptualising and understanding crisis driven and rapidly implemented interventions, and in what ways, if any, they need to be adjusted when used in unprecedented circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interaction Effect of Serum Serotonin Level and Age on the 12-Week Pharmacotherapeutic Response in Patients With Depressive Disorders
Authors: Choi Wonsuk , Kim Ju-Wan , Kang Hee-Ju , Kim Hee Kyung , Kang Ho-Cheol , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Sung-Wan , Stewart Robert , Kim Jae-Min
Published: February 2021

Despite the recognized antidepressant role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) signaling pathways in the central nervous system, the association between baseline peripheral 5-HT level and the antidepressant treatment response in clinical studies remains debatable. We investigated the individual and interaction effects of baseline serum 5-HT level and age on 12-week remission in outpatients with depressive disorders who received stepwise antidepressant treatment. Baseline serum serotonin levels were measured and the age of 1,094 patients recorded. The patients received initial antidepressant monotherapy; then, patients with an insufficient response or who experienced uncomfortable side effects received alternative treatments every 3 weeks (3, 6, and 9 weeks). Subsequently, 12-week remission, defined as a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score of ≤ 7, was evaluated. Individual and interaction effects of serum 5-HT level (lower vs. higher based on the median value of 72.6 ng/mL) and age (< 60 vs. ≥ 60 years) on 12-week remission were analyzed using logistic regression models after adjusting for relevant covariates. Significant individual effects of serum 5-HT level and age on 12-week remission were not observed. However, a higher 5-HT level and age ≥ 60 years were significantly associated with higher 12-week remission rates. Our study suggests that the combination of baseline serum 5-HT level and age can be a useful predictor of 12-week antidepressant treatment outcomes.
Fe-MOF nanoparticles as efficient adsorbent for removal of heavy metal ions by facile hydrothermally synthesis
Authors: Dafrawy Shady. M. El , Al-Shorifi Fares T. , Ahmed Awad I.
Published: February 2021

Fe-MOFs catalyst was prepared by simple solvothermal synthesis. The Fe-MOF was characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM and FT-IR which confirmed metal organic framework nanoparticles with Nano size reached nearly 29.4-129.9 nm. The adsorption capacities / percentages of Fe-MOF adsorbent for heavy metals as toxic pollutants from aqueous solutions were high, which indicate that Fe-MOFs nanoparticles can be used as a good adsorbent.
Comparison of the oncological outcomes of abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A multicenter real-life data
Authors: Demirci Ayşe , Bilir Cemil , Gülbağcı Burcu , Hacibekiroğlu İlhan , V.Bayoğlu İbrahim , Bilgetekin İrem , Koca Sinan , Y.Çınkır Havva , Akdeniz Nadiye , Gül Deniz , Varım Ceyhun , Demirci Umut , Öksüzoğlu Berna
Published: February 2021

Background: To compare enzalutamide (E) and abiraterone acetate (AA) in terms of efficacy, survival and prognostic factors affecting survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. Methods: A total of 250 patients treated with E or AA in 5 centers were included.Results: The number of patients with no prostate specific antigen (PSA) decline was higher in the AA group than that in the E group, and the proportion of patients with a PSA decline of ≥50% was higher in the E group (p = 0.020). The rate of progression in the AA group (82.2%) was significantly higher than that in the E group (p <0.001). Radiological progression free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in the E group when compared to that in the AA group (p <0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). In the E group, rPFS was significantly longer than that in the AA group in both pre- and post-docetaxel settings (p=0.010 and p=0.003, respectively). OS was similar in the pre-docetaxel setting; but in the post-docetaxel setting, E group had a significantly longer OS than the AA group(p=0.021). In the multivariate analysis performed in the whole patient group, we found that good prognostic factors for rPFS were E treatment, being ≥75 years and a PSA decline of ≥50% while there was no factor affecting OS. Conclusion: With longer OS and PFS, E seems to be more suitable for mCRPC patients in the post-docetaxel setting than AA.