bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Sentinel-3 and MODIS Vegetation Indices with ERA-5 Agro-meteorological Indicators for Operational Crop Yield Forecasting
Authors: Bojanowski Jędrzej S. , Sikora Sylwia , Musiał Jan P. , Woźniak Edyta , Dąbrowska-Zielińska Katarzyna , Slesiński Przemysław , Milewski Tomasz , Łączyński Artur
Published: December 2021

Timely crop yield forecasts at national level are substantial to support food policies, to assess agricultural production and to subsidize regions affected by food shortage. This study presents an operational crop yield forecasting system for Poland that employs freely available satellite and agro-meteorological products provided by the Copernicus programme. The crop yield predictors consist of: (1) vegetation condition indicators provided daily by Sentinel-3 OLCI (optical) and SLSTR (thermal) imagery, (2) a backward extension of Sentinel-3 data (before 2018) derived from cross-calibrated MODIS data, (3) air temperature, total precipitation, surface radiation, and soil moisture derived from ERA-5 climate reanalysis generated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The crop yield forecasting algorithm is based on thermal time (growing degree days derived from ERA-5 data) to better follow the crop development stage. The recursive feature elimination is used to derive an optimal set of predictors for each administrative unit, which are ultimately employed by the Extreme Gradient Boosting regressor to forecast yields using official yield statistics as a reference. According to intensive leave-one-year-out cross validation for 2000–2019 period, the relative RMSE for NUTS-2 units are: 8% for winter wheat, and 13% for winter rapeseed and maize. Respectively, for the LAU units it equals 14% for winter wheat, 19% for winter rapeseed, and 27% for maize. The system is designed to be easily applicable in other regions and to be easily adaptable to cloud computing environments (such as DIAS or Amazon AWS), where data sets from the Copernicus programme are directly accessible.
Some Properties of the Basins of Attraction of the Newton’s Method for Simple Nonlinear Geodetic Systems
Authors: Kroszczynski Krzysztof , Kiliszek Damian , Winnicki Ireneusz
Published: December 2021

The research presented in this paper concerns the determination of the attraction basins of the Newton’s iterative method which was used to solve the non-linear systems of observational equations associated with the geodetic measurements. The authors considered simple observation systems corresponding to the intersections, or linear and angular resections, used in practice. The main goal was to investigate the properties of the sets of convergent in the initial points of the applied iterative method. An important issue regarding the possibility of automatic and quick selection of such points was also considered. Therefore, the answers to the questions regarding the geometric structure of the basins, their limitations, connectedness or self-similarity were sought. The research also concerned the iterative structures of the basins, i.e. maps of the number of iterations which are necessary to achieve the convergence of the Newton’s method. The determined basins were compared with the areas of convergence that result from theorems on the convergence of the Newton’s method, i.e. the conditions imposed on the eigenvalues and norms of the matrices of the studied iterative systems. One of the essential results of the research is the indication that the obtained basins of attraction contain areas resulting from the theoretical premises and their diameters can be comparable with the sizes of the analyzed geodetic structures. Consequently, in the analyzed cases it is possible to construct methods that enable quick selection of the initial starting points or automation of such selection. The paper also characterizes the global convergence mechanism of the Newton’s method for disconnected basins and, as a consequence, the non-local initial points, i.e. located far from the solution points.
Hierarchy of concepts and models for creating and maintaining software throughout the life cycle
Authors: Khranilov Valery Pavlovich , Misevich Pavel Valerievich , Pankratova Elena Nikolaevna , Ermilov Andrey Eduardovich
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the positioning of modern approaches, concepts and models to the complex issues of the development of automated systems and their support throughout the life cycle. The topic is relevant for the creators of modern computer graphics software and hardware complexes and software-hardware complexes at the stages of their design and support. A hierarchy of universal concepts for building software and hardware is described in the paper. The first level consists of the concept of system intellectualization, the concept of software and hardware globalization, the systems concept, the concept of the support for systems during the life cycle, the concept of open systems, the object-oriented approach, and others and etcetera. The second level consists of the concept of the situation approach, the scenario approach, the scenario-situational approach, the logistics approach, the multi-agent approach, and etcetera. The third level of the hierarchy consists of the concept of abstraction hierarchies, the concept of aggregations, the concept of generalizations (DB), the concept of normalizations, the concept of semantic networks, the concept of frame networks, the concept of multimedia frame networks (remote control and monitoring systems), the concept of networks of frames with fuzzy logic and etcetera. The article is based on works in the field of system analysis, ACS, CAD and knowledge representation systems and artificial intelligence.
Laser-ultrasound diagnostics of plastic products made by the additive technologies
Authors: Novikov Mikhail Mikhailovich , Novikova Larisa Viktorovna , Savateeva Elena Vasilievna , Simonova Varvara Arkadyevna
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses the application of methods of non-destructive testing and flaw detection of plastic products manufactured by additive technologies. The modern development of additive technologies associated with the active transition from the manufacture of prototypes and test samples to the manufacture of functional products increases the requirements for improving the quality of manufacturing and conducting non-destructive diagnostics of finished products, including plastic materials. The overall productivity of the production process can be increased by increasing the yield due to a decrease in the number of defects, which is ensured by process control and the quality of finished products. The method of laser-ultrasound diagnostics allows monitoring and flaw detection of products made of different materials with good spatial resolution, which is not always possible, for example, by tomographic scanning. Thus, the main purpose of this work is to evaluate the possibility of using laser-ultrasonic methods to detect potential defects and to track the impact of the additive manufacturing process on the quality of plastic products.
Komunikasi Informasi dan Edukasi (KIE) pada Santri tentang Peningkatan Imunitas untuk Pencegahan COVID-19
Authors: Lina Nur , Novianti Siti , Setiyono Andik , Setialesmana Depi
Published: December 2021

Pendahuluan: Corona virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) adalah penyakit yang disebabkan SARS-CoV-2. Muncul Klaster Covid-19 di Pesantren Kota Tasikmala. Hal hal yang meningkatkan risiko penularan Covid-19 di pondok pesantren di antaranya, satu kamar diisi lima sampai belasan santri sehingga menyulitkan prinsip jaga jarak yang menjadi bagian protokol kesehatan. Tujuan kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat Skema Kesehatan (PbM-SK) adalah mencegah Covid-19 di Pesantren melalui kegiatan Komunikasi Informasi dan Edulasi (KIE) pada Santri tentang Peningkatan Imunitas untuk Pencegahan Infeksi Covid-19.

Metode: Metode PbM-SK yang digunakan adalah pemberdayaan masyarakat pesantren melalui KIE yang dilakukan pada dua mitra yaitu Pesantren Persis Benda 66 dan Pesantren Ibadurrahman. Kegiatan KIE di Pesantren Benda 66 dilakukan pada tanggal 28 Juli 2021 dengan jumlah peserta sebanyak 150 orang sedangkan kegiataan di Pesantren Ibadurrahman dilaksanakan pada tanggal 16 Agustus 2021 dengan jumlah peserta sebanyak 30 orang.

Hasil dan pembahasan: Pemberian KIE tentang peningkatan imunitas untuk pencegahan Covid-19 di Pesantren Ibadurrahman dilaksanakan pada siswa MTs dan MA putra dan putri yang dilaksanakan bersamaan dengan kegiatan TOP (Taaruf Orientasi Pesantren) pada santri baru kelas satu. Pengelola  pesantren didorong  terlibat pro aktif dan berkoordinasi dengan pelayanan kesehatan dalam pemberian vaksinasi pada santri. Kedua mitra diberikan Kit Pencegahan Covid-19 yaitu masker kain, masker bedah, hand sanitizer, oksimeter, vitamin C. Diberikan juga banner sebagai media edukasi, untuk menjadi pengingat agar tetap patuh protokol kesehatan.

Kesimpulan: Pelaksanaan KIE berjalan dengan lancar, peserta menyimak dengan antusias. Telah disampaikan alat kesehatan berupa masker kain dan masker bedah, hand sanitizer dan oksimeter dan Vitamin.
Habilidades blandas y técnicas en la profesión ingenieril en Costa Rica. Un abordaje de enfoques en tecnologías
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Juan Diego
Published: December 2021

El artículo aborda los aspectos teóricos y prácticos referentes a la existencia y aplicación de las habilidades técnicas, o bien entendidas como duras, así como las llamadas blandas, en el campo de la ingeniería, realizando un análisis basado en datos de campo a una muestra de 132 ingenieros activos en Costa Rica, en sus respectivos campos. El abordaje de los datos se hace en función del patrón conductual de estos individuos, así como del comportamiento en el ejercicio profesional. Analizadas estas habilidades, se presenta un cruce de información en el cual se precisan las relaciones existentes entre las habilidades de mayor relevancia en la profesión ingenieril y los requerimientos tecnológicos y de aplicaciones informáticas que permiten maximizar las habilidades en cuestión.
Planeación Participativa y la Influencia de la élite empresarial: Sistema de indicadores para el mejoramiento de gestión de los servicios de salud
Authors: Lara Enríquez Edgar Omar , Olvera Willes Alejandra
Published: December 2021

El objetivo de este estudio está enfocado en la elaboración de un sistema de indicadores de gestión para la atención y servicio al derechohabiente de salud, con la participación e influencia de la élite empresarial en Ciudad Juárez, México, con enfoque en una investigación acción. El proceso de planeación participativa fue la conformación de mesas de trabajo con directivos, autoridades de salud y líderes empresariales. Se desarrollaron herramientas de planeación participativa con el método mixto con la finalidad de lograr detectar objetivos específicos e indicadores que permitieran lograr una implementación. Se lograron determinar 25 objetivos en las mesas de trabajo entre el gremio empresarial y el personal de organismo de salud de los cuales se desprendieron 80 indicadores logrando obtener un sistema de gestión y evaluación de los servicios de salud, con la participación de la élite empresarial de la localidad.
Análisis de la política fiscal y monetaria y su efecto en el mercado accionario de México
Authors: Astorga Medrano Adriana , Gutiérrez Chávez María Alejandra , Villalba Villalba Sergio Ignacio
Published: December 2021

La presente investigación analiza la relación entre las variables macroeconómicas y su impacto en el precio de las acciones en México. El estudio toma en cuenta un modelo de valuación que permite la formulación de hipótesis y el modelo Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) para la creación de una ecuación econométrica, tomando en cuenta nueve variables macroeconómicas, seis pertenecientes a México: Tipo de cambio (peso mexicano-dólar), gasto público, inflación, indicador global de la actividad económica (IGAE), tasa de interés, exportaciones; y tres pertenecientes a Estados Unidos: producto interno bruto estadounidense (PIB) y tasa de interés, además del índice S&P500 perteneciente al mercado bursátil estadounidense. Los periodos representativos del modelo son mensuales, de febrero 1993 a marzo 2020, con excepción del tipo de cambio el cual es analizado de manera diaria.
Trans-Mediation of Gender in Elia Kazan’s Adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire
Authors: Nazermi Zahra , Aliakbari Harehdasht Hossein , Movahhed Abdolmohammad
Published: December 2021

Elia Kazan is among the first directors who adapted Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) for the cinema. Kazan’s film adaptation was almost faithful to the original manuscript by sticking to Williams’s words and sentences. However, even if one ignores the cultural and historical contexts, the alterations that take place in the process of trans-mediation cannot be disregarded, since the telling mode in the text changes to the showing mode in the media. With this hypothetical basis, the present study aims to detect the possible alterations in the adaptation of the play to examine gender roles in both texts. Using the ideas of Linda Hutcheon in A Theory of Adaptation (2013), the authors have studied the verbal signs in the play together with the verbal and visual codes in the movie to assess how the film adaptation has incorporated the ideas of femininity, which are the main concerns of the play, too. The results of the study suggest that the alterations from the literary text to film have contributed to the development of female identity.
Le mythe de l’enfant dans Douze contes vagabonds de Gabriel García Márquez
Authors: Aboudoulaye Andou Weinpanga
Published: December 2021

Cet article se propose d’analyser, au moyen de la sociologie de la littérature, la perception que l’écrivain colombien Gabriel García Márquez a de l’enfant à travers les contes de l’anthologie Douze contes vagabonds (1992). La création esthétique de cet auteur se nourrit de fond en comble du réalisme magique et peint le personnage de l’enfant, à la fois, comme une merveille et une calamité. L’image que le narrateur présente des petits enfants varie d’un conte à l’autre et suscite la curiosité de la science littéraire. Ainsi, dans certains contes l’enfant est peint comme une bénédiction de Dieu, un symbole d’humilité, le lieu de la présence de l’innocence, de la sagesse et de la sainteté. Cependant dans d’autres contes, il est décrit comme objet de terreur épouvantable
Run-off and Soil Loss Estimation Using Numerical Approach in Hard Rock Terrain.
Authors: Pandey Hemant Kumar , Singh Vishal , Singh Ram Pal
Published: December 2021

The present study reveals the potential run-off estimation, soil erosion and scope of groundwater recharge in the Bundelkhand region in the state of U.P. , India. The estimation of run-off and soil erosion have provided a platform to evaluate the realistic potential for water conservation in the study area. The study area is characterized by occurrence of mild to severe drought conditions with significant run-off and poor infiltration. Geomorphological factors such as land use changes, slope, and nature of soil affect the run-off rate and discharge significantly. Soil map and rainfall data for the study area were acquired to evaluate the hydrological soil group (HSG) and antecedent moisture condition (AMC) respectively. Soil Conservation Services and Curve Number (SCS-CN) method has been used to calculate the run-off volume at the point where river/streams join together while soil loss has been calculated using revised universal soil loss equation of RUSLE model with the input of spatial data sets such as soil texture, rainfall, topography etc. The maximum run-off (355mm) has been estimated in watershed-1 during 2016 and minimum (1 mm) in watershed-4 respectively. The estimated run-off varies from 5.5% to 28% of the total rainfall in the study area, while soil loss is maximum (2.1x106 ton/ha) in the watershed-1. It is a fact that soil loss is in conformity with run-off. This finding provides the roadmap for the selection of suitable artificial recharge structures to augment the groundwater in the study area.
Selective Outcome Reporting (SOR) in Pediatric Dentistry restorative treatment randomized clinical trials - A meta-research.
Authors: Elagami Rokaia Ahmed , Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Pannuti Claudio Mendes , Silva Gabriela Seabra da , Braga Mariana Minatel , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Raggio Daniela P
Published: December 2021

BackgroundSelective outcome reporting (SOR) is a type of bias that occurs when the primary outcome of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) is omitted or changed prospectively. We evaluated the prevalence of SOR in RCTs on restorative caries treatment in primary teeth.MethodsWe conducted an electronic search on ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) platform up to April/2021. We included RCT protocols that tested restorative treatments in primary teeth and excluded any protocol that has not resulted in at least one publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Chi-square test was used to detect the association between SOR and other variables (α = 5%).ResultsOut of 294 potential protocols, thirty were included. We found 34 corresponding publications and had the one that seemed to report the primary outcome and longest follow-up, resulting in 30 publications. SOR was observed in 53.3% (n=16) of the published trials and was significantly associated with the discrepancy in the follow-up period (p=0.017).ConclusionThere is a considerable prevalence of selective outcome reporting (SOR) on restorative trials in primary teeth. Properly pre-registered protocols and assessing them for the peer review processes will help decrease SOR.Practical implicationsRestorative treatment trials in primary teeth that selectively modify outcomes of interest have been shown to distort the treatment effect. Practitioners should avoid using restorative treatments based on misleading results in clinical practice.
Sexual Function, Self-Esteem, and Quality of Life in Infertile Couples Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Dyadic Approach
Authors: wang Jieyu , Lv Xiaoqing , Wu Jingmei , Tang Wangqin , Wang Danni , Luo Guiying , Hong Jingfang , Cao Yunxia
Published: December 2021

Background: Infertility can be characterized as a situation of dyadic stress because it affects both individuals and their partners. Previous studies have shown that infertile couples have a poorer quality of life (QoL). However, the impact of sexual function on couples’ QoL and the potential mediating role of self-esteem during in vitro fertilization is unexplored. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between sexual function and QoL in couples with infertility through mediation of self-esteem at the dyadic level. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 428 infertile couples (856 individuals) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in China between October 2020 and January 2021. We assessed sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, sexual function, self-esteem, and QoL of the dyads. Dyadic data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model approach (APIMeM). Results: The APIMeM analysis indicated that the sexual function of infertile wives and husbands was positively correlated with their individual QoL, directly or indirectly, mediated by increasing their personal self-esteem. The wives’ sexual function was positively correlated with their husbands’ QoL, directly or indirectly, mediated by increasing the wives’ self-esteem. There were partial mediating and masking effects of the wives’ self-esteem on the relationship between their husbands’ sexual function and wives’QoL and their husbands’ sexual function and their own QoL. Conclusions: The results suggest that improving infertile husbands’ and wives’ sexual function can improve the QoL for both the individual and the partner; improving the husbands’ self-esteem can improve the husbands’ own QoL, while improving the wives’ self-esteem can improve the QoL for both themselves and their husbands. Therefore, sex therapy and psychological interventions that strengthen self-esteem should treat the couple as a unit in the context of infertility.
Heterogeneous Environmental Regulations And Green Economic Efficiency In China: The Mediating Role of Industrial Structure
Authors: Wang Guimei , Cheng Kaiming , Luo Yusen , Salman Muhammad
Published: December 2021

As the largest emerging economy, China has been experiencing significant environmental problems. To sustain green economic efficiency and modernize industrial structure, China has devised several environmental regulations. While, previous studies have obtained insightful conclusions on this subject, others have presented the reverse arguments, thereby leaving gaps in the literature. This study therefore analyzes the effects of heterogeneous environmental regulations on green economic efficiency in China while taking industrial structure as a mediator over the period 2003-2017. The green economic efficiency was estimated through slacks-based direction distance function (SBM-DDF) model which considers slacks and avoids overestimation. The results of dynamic panel two-stage system generalized method of moments (GMM) show that control-and-command regulation, market-based regulation and voluntary regulation are conducive to China’s green economic efficiency. Regarding spatial heterogeneity, control-and-command and voluntary regulations significantly promote green economic efficiency of inland provinces while the effect is insignificant in coastal provinces. Additionally, market-based regulation promotes green economic efficiency by advanced and rationalized industrial structure. Control-and-command regulation accelerates green economic efficiency only through advanced industrial structure. Voluntary regulation yields positive effect on green economic efficiency through advanced industrial structure and negative effect through rationalized industrial structure. Finally, a number of policy implications are provided.
KCNH2 Regulates the Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhou Bin , Lei Jinghao , Wang Qiang , Qu Tengfei , Cha Lichao , Zhan Hanxiang , Xu Jianwei , Liu Shanglong , Tian Lantian , Sun Chuandong , Cao Jingyu , Qiu Fabo , Guo Weidong
Published: December 2021

The mortality rate of pancreatic cancer (PC) remains high due to late diagnosis, early metastasis, and difficulty of complete resection. The online databases showed that potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) was highly expressed in pancreatic tumor tissues and was closely related to the poor survival of patients with PC. However, the mechanism of action of KCNH2 in PC is still unclear. In the present study, for the first time, we explored the regulatory effect of KCNH2 in PC. The results showed that KCNH2 was upregulated in PC compared with normal pancreatic tissues. High KCNH2 expression was associated with low tissue differentiation, high malignancy, and poor prognosis of PC. Moreover, knockdown of KCNH2 inhibited the proliferation and apoptosis of PC cells, as well as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, thereby promoting PC cell migration and invasion. In addition, KCNH2 knockdown inhibited the progression and metastasis of PC in a mouse xenograft model. In conclusion, these findings highlighted the potential of KCNH2 as a targeted molecule in the treatment of PC.
Priming Effect of Exogenous ABA on Heat Stress Tolerance in Rice Seedlings is Associated with the Upregulation of Antioxidative Defense Capability and Heat Shock-Related Genes
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Ji Ping , Yang Hongtao , Jiang Changjie , Liang Zhengwei , Chen Qizhou , Lu Fang , Chen Xin , Yang Yunyun , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: December 2021

Heat stress is a major restrictive factor that suppresses rice production. In this study, we investigated the potential priming effect of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on heat tolerance in rice seedlings. Seedlings were pretreated with 10 μM ABA by root drenching for 24 h and then subjected to heat stress conditions of 40 °C day/35 °C night. ABA pretreatment significantly decreased leaf withering by 2.5– 28.5% and chlorophyll loss by 12.8–35.1% induced by heat stress in rice seedlings. ABA application also mitigated cell injury, as shown by lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, membrane injury and expression of cell death-related genes OsKOD1 , OsCP1 and OsNAC4 , while expression of OsBI1 , a cell death-suppressor gene, was upregulated by ABA pretreatment. Moreover, ABA pretreatment improved antioxidant defense capacity, as shown by an obvious upregulation of ROS-scavenging genes and a decrease in ROS content (O 2 – and H 2 O 2 ) and downregulation of the OsRbohs gene. The application of fluridone, an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor, increased membrane injury and the accumulation of ROS under heat stress. Exogenous potent antioxidants (proanthocyanidins, PC) significantly alleviated leaf withering by decreasing ROS overaccumulation and membrane injury induced by heat stress. In addition, ABA pretreatment significantly superinduced the expression of ABA-responsive genes SalT and OsWsi18 , the ABA biosynthesis genes OsNCED3 and OsNCED4 , and the heat shock-related genes OsHSP23.7 , OsHSP17.7 , OsHSF7 and OsHsfA2a . Taken together, these results suggest that exogenous ABA has a potential priming effect for enhancing heat stress tolerance of rice seedlings mainly by improving antioxidant defense capacity and heat shock-related genes.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation By Down-Regulating TIGAR in MNNG-Induced Gastric Precancerous Lesions in Rats
Authors: Lv Shangbin , Chen Xiaodong , Mao Gang , Gong Daoyin , Chen Yu , Xia Ting , Cheng Jing , Luo Zhaoliang , Cheng Yu , Zeng Jinhao , Li Weihong
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) is one of the main active ingredients in Chinese ginseng extract and has various biological effects, such as immune-enhancing, antitumour, antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of GRg3 on gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and the potential mechanism of action.
METHODS

The MNNG–ammonia composite modelling method was used to establish a rat model of GPL. Histopathological changes in the rat gastric mucosa were observed by pathological analysis using haematoxylin–eosin staining to assess the success rate of the composite modelling method. Alcian blue–periodic acid Schiff staining was used to observe intestinal metaplasia in the rat gastric mucosa. Apoptosis was detected in rat gastric mucosal cells by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling staining. The expression level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the dihydroethidium fluorescent probe method, and that of TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) protein was determined by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. The expression levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and that of glutathione (GSH) was determined by microanalysis.
RESULTS

GRg3 significantly alleviated the structural disorganization and cellular heteromorphism in the form of epithelial glands in the gastric mucosa of rats with GPL and retarded the progression of the disease. Overexpression of TIGAR, NADP, GSH and G6PDH occurred in the gastric mucosal epithelium of rats with GPL, which in turn led to an increase in the ROS concentration. After treatment with GRg3, the expression of TIGAR, NADP, GSH and G6PDH decreased, causing a further increase in the concentration of ROS in the gastric mucosal epithelium, which in turn induced apoptosis and played a role in inhibiting the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells.
CONCLUSION

Grg3 can induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation in MNNG-induced GPL rats. The mechanism may be related to down regulating the expression levels of TIGAR, GSH, NADP and G6PD, up regulating the concentration of ROS and inducing apoptosis.
The Effect of Different Feeding Times of Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate in Whole Milk and Starter Feed on Growth and Health of Holstein Dairy Calves
Authors: Eskandary Mohammad Mahdi , Yazdi Mehdi Hossein , Mahjoubi Ehsan , Kazemi-Bonchenari Mehdi
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine the optimal feeding time of microencapsulated sodium butyrate (SB) in whole milk (WM) and starter feed on growth performance and health in dairy calves. Forty-eight Holstein calves (age = 4 d; body weight [BW] = 39.45 ± 2.48 kg) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatment groups (12 calves per treatment) in a completely randomized block design and fed (1) WM without microencapsulated SB (SB0) supplementation; (2) 4 g/d SB added to WM since d 4 to 32 (SB4); (3) 4 g/d SB added to WM since d 61 to 74 and equal amount was added to starter since d 75 to 88 (SB60); and (4) 4 g/d SB added to WM (since d 4 to 74) and the starter (since d 74 to 88) throughout the experiment (SBT). Calves fed SB4 and SBT had lower fecal score during pre-weaning, transition period, and overall period (P = 0.043, P = 0.05, and P = 0.015; respectively). In addition, calves in SB4 and SBT groups decreased the number of days with scours during pre-weaning period, and throughout study (P = 0.035 and P = 0.025; respectively). SB60 calves had greater serum total protein (P < 0.001) during post-weaning period. Post-weaning and overall albumin concentrations were greater in SB4 and SBT calves (P = 0.011), and tended to increase in pre-weaning period compared to control calves (P = 0.06). Based on these results, addition of SB in WM is recommendable for the first month of milk-fed calves life.
New EDM Generator Used for the Machining of 1.2363 and 1.2343ESR Steels
Authors: Mouralova Katerina , Bednar Josef , Benes Libor , Polzer Ales , Zahradnicek Radim , Fries Jiri , Prokes Tomas
Published: December 2021

The basic building block of any electric discharge machine is a generator, which ensures the operation of material separation itself. Not only the erosion rate and electricity consumption but also the quality of the machined surfaces depend on the design of the generator. These key factors for efficient machining have been investigated using a new energy-saving and powerful generator developed for the electric discharge machine (EDM) while machining 1.2363 and 1.2343ESR steels. In order to monitor and model the responses in the form of eroding rate and surface quality, a two-level half-factor experiment was performed with one replication at the corner points and two replications at the central points, for a total of 80 rounds. Both graphite and copper electrodes of sizes 10x10 mm and 100x100 mm were used for eroding and the influence of parameter settings: Open-voltage, Pulse current, Pulse on-time and Pulse off-time was monitored. It was found out that the shape of the electrode and Pulse current have the most significant effect on the erosion rate. The parameters Pulse current, Pulse on-time and their mutual interaction have the most significant effect on the surface topography. Statistically significant factors influencing the occurrence of defects turned out to be Pulse current, Pulse on-time and Material of workpiece, where it can be seen that the material 1.2343ESR is significantly less prone to the formation of surface defects.
Gut-derived Lipopolysaccharide Promotes Alcoholic Hepatosteatosis and Subsequent Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Stimulating Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Through TLR4
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Xin , Chen Shuo , Wang Jiazhong , Yu Shuo , Li Yiming , Xu Meng , Aboubacar Harouna , Li Junhui , Shan Tao , Wang Jixin , Cao Gang
Published: December 2021

BackgroundBinge drinking leads to many disorders, including alcoholic hepatosteatosis, which is characterized by intrahepatic neutrophil infiltration and which increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Molecular mechanisms may involve the migration of bacterial metabolites from the gut to the liver and activation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsSerum from both binge drinking and alcohol-avoiding patients was analyzed. Mouse models of chronical plus binge alcohol indued steatosis and HCC models were used. ResultsA marker of NETs formation, lipopolysaccharide, was significantly higher in alcoholic steatosis and HCC patients and mice than in controls. Intrahepatic inflammation markers and HCC-related cytokines were decreased in mice with reduced NET formation due to neutrophil elastase (NE) deletion, and liver-related symptoms of alcohol were also alleviated in NE KO mice. Removal of intestinal bacteria with antibiotics led to decreases in markers of NETs formation and inflammatory cytokines upon chronic alcohol consumption, and genesis of alcoholic hepatosteatosis and HCC was also attenuated. These functions were restored upon supplementation with the bacterial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When mice lacking TLR4 received chronic alcohol feeding, intrahepatic markers of NETs formation decreased, and hepatosteatosis and HCC were alleviated. ConclusionFormation of NETs following LPS stimulation of TLR4 upon chronic alcohol usage leads to increased alcoholic steatosis and subsequent HCC.
Intravenous Maintenance Fluid Therapy in the Pediatric Acute and Critical Care Setting: A European Practice Survey. Intravenous Maintenance Fluids in Pediatric Practice: A European Survey
Authors: Morice Claire , Alsohime Fahad , Mayberry Huw , Tume Lyvonne , Brossier David William , Valla Frédéric , Goyer) ESPNIC IVMFT GROUP (Isabelle
Published: December 2021

Background: The ideal fluid for intravenous maintenance fluid therapy (IV-MFT) in acutely and critically ill children is controversial and evidence based clinical practice guidelines are lacking. The current prescribing practices remains unknown.Aim: We aimed to describe the current practices and choice of pediatric acute care clinicians in prescribing IV-MFT in the context of acutely and critically ill children with regards to the amount, tonicity, composition, use of balanced fluid and prescribing strategies in various clinical contexts. Method: A cross-sectional electronic survey was emailed in April-May 2021 to pediatric critical care physicians across European and Middle East countries. The survey instrument was developed by an expert multi-professional panel within ESPNIC. The survey instrument included their practice of prescribing the IV-MFT: indication, amount, tonicity, use of balance solutions & composition of IV-MFT.Results: 154 respondents from 35 European and Middle East countries participated in this survey (response rate 64%). Respondents were staff physicians or nurse practitioners in charge of critically ill children. They all indicated that they routinely use a predefined formula to prescribe the amount of an IV-MFT. The use of balanced solution was preferred in case of altered serum Na and Cl levels or metabolic acidosis. 42% of responders (65/153) believed that balanced solutions should always be used. In terms of the indication and the composition of IV-MFT prescribed, responses were heterogenous among centers. 70% of the respondents (n=107) believed there was a gap between the current practice in their unit and what they considered ideal IV-MFT due to the lack of guidelines and inadequate training of health care professionals.Conclusion: Our study showed considerable variability in clinical prescribing practice of IV-MFT in PICUs across Europe and the middle east. There is an urgent need to develop evidence-based guidelines for IV-MFT prescription in acutely and critically ill children.
Bioinspired Repellent Pipette Tips with Low Retention Properties Prevent Contamination in Handling Biological Samples
Authors: Yousefi Hanie , Shakeri Amid , Kullab Samer , Al-Mfarej Dalya , Rottman Martin , Didar Tohid
Published: December 2021

Cross-contamination of biological samples during handling and preparation, is a major issue in laboratory setups, leading to false-positives or false-negatives. Sample carryover residue in pipette tips contributes greatly to this issue. Most pipette tips on the market are manufactured with hydrophobic polymers that are able to repel high surface tension liquids, yet they lack in performance when low surface tension liquids are involved. This presents an obstacle for pipette tips as inaccuracies and loss in precision arise when low surface tension liquids such as viscous oils are pipetted. Here we propose the use of lubricant-infused surface (LIS) technology to achieve omniphobic properties in pipette tips. Using a versatile and simple design, the inner lumen of commercially available pipette tips was coated with a fluorosilane (FS) layer using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We show that after lubricating the tips through simply pipetting up and down a fluorinated lubricant, the surface free energy of the tips drastically decreased enabling them to attain low retention properties. Contact angle measurements reveals that the treated pipette tips have enhanced omniphobic properties. The repellent behavior of the lubricant-infused pipette tips against physical adsorption is investigated through pipetting a food coloring dye as well as human blood samples and are compared to the untreated tips. The results show significantly less amount carryover residue when the lubricant-infused tips are utilized compared to commercially available ones.
Optimization of Heat Transfer Process in Double Gate MOSFET Using Modified BDE Model
Authors: Ghedira Sami , Nasri Faouzi , Mera Abir
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a nonlinear electrical model is derived and is used to calculate the electric field and the current density. To corroborate our electrical model, it was compared to TCAD simulator. It was shown that the proposed model captures the current density with a good degree of agreement with TCAD simulator. The electrical model is given by the modified Drift-Diffusion (D-D) model coupled with the Ballistic-Diffusive Equation (BDE) which is able to predict the heat transfer phenomenon in the nanoscale regime. The thermal device performance is then investigated by varying device parameters including gate and drain biases with implementation of different gate dielectric to explore its response on thermal characteristics. It was further shown that the proposed electro-thermal model is able to predict the nano heat conduction in (DG) nanostructure devices. In addition, it is shown that the heat flux process could be controlled by adjusting the drain and gate voltages.
Oxidative Stress Induced By The Metallic Oxide The Copper Oxide (Cuo-Nps) On Terrestrial Snail Helix Aspersa
Authors: Maroua Benamara , Amina Amrani , Hadjer Zaidi , Fateh Sedrati , Selma Bouroumana , Dalel Zouzou , Naila Kerkoub , Tayeb Bouarroudj , Hichem Nasri
Published: December 2021

Our study focused on the evaluation of the toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on a bioindicator; the land snail Helix aspersa. Their effects were studied by a targeted approach in the laboratory, by evaluating the oxidative stress biomarkers in hepatopancreas and kidney (GSH, GST, GPx, CAT, and LPO). The snails were exposed to increasing concentrations (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) of CuO-NPs mixed in wheat flour during a sub-chronic treatment period of 45 days. Our results show that: CuO-NPs can induce oxidative stress, by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was confirmed by the decrease in glutathione (GSH) level and reduction of its metabolizing enzyme glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in both organs, as they trigger the detoxification system resulting in increased activity of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase defense enzyme and lipide peroxidation indices within the hepatopancreas.
Anthranilate Derivative Inhibits Glutamate Release and Glutamate Excitotoxicity In Rats
Authors: Lin Tzu-Yu , Lu Cheng-Wei , Hsieh Pei-Wen , Chiu Kuan-Ming , Lee Ming-Yi , Wang Su-Jane
Published: December 2021

The neurotransmitter glutamate plays an essential role in excitatory neurotransmission; however, excessive glutamate leads to excitotoxicity, which is the most common pathogenic feature of numerous brain disorders. This study aimed to investigate the role of butyl 2-[2-(2-fluorophenyl)acetamido]benzoate (HFP034), a synthesized anthranilate derivative, in the central glutamatergic system. We used rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes to examine the effect of HFP034 on glutamate release. In addition, we used a rat model of kainic acid (KA)-induced glutamate excitotoxicity to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of HFP034. We showed that HFP034 inhibited 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced glutamate release from the synaptosomes, and this inhibition was abolished in the absence of extracellular calcium. HFP034-mediated inhibition of glutamate release was associated with a decreased 4-AP-evoked Ca2+ level elevation, and had no effect on synaptosomal membrane potential. The inhibitory effect of HFP034 on evoked glutamate release was suppressed by blocking P/Q-type Ca2+ channels and protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, HFP034 inhibited the phosphorylation of PKC and its substrate, myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), in the synaptosomes. We also observed that HFP034 pretreatment reduced neuronal death, glutamate concentration, glial activation, and the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins, calpains, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP 78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and caspase-12 in the hippocampus of KA-injected rats. We concluded that HFP034 is a neuroprotective agent that prevents glutamate excitotoxicity, and we suggest that this effect involves the inhibition of presynaptic glutamate release by suppressing P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels and PKC/MARCKS pathways.
Whole-Genome Resequencing of Wild and Cultivated Cannabis Reveals the Genetic Structure and Adaptive Selection of Important Traits
Authors: Chen Xuan , Guo Hong-Yan , Zhang Qing-Ying , Wang Lu , Guo Rong , Zhan Yi-Xun , Lv Pin , Xu Yan-Ping , Guo Meng-Bi , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Kun , Liu Yan-Hu , Yang Ming
Published: December 2021

Background: Cannabis is an important industrial crop, whose bast fiber, seed, flowers and leaves are widely used by humans，especially cannabinoids extracted from plants as medicine is a hot spot in recent years. China is one of the origins of cannabis, where it has been cultivated and utilized for more than 6000 years, with the largest planting area of industrial hemp at present. China is rich in cannabis germplasm resources covering different latitudes (23 to 51°N) and is one of the few countries with wild cannabis resources. However, the genetic structure of Chinese cannabis populations and the adaptive selection of important traits remain unclear.Results: We identified the main morphological and physiological characteristics of wild cannabis and defined the genetic structure and relationships among wild and cultivated Chinese cannabis accessions and foreign representatives. This suggested that wild resources in Xinjiang have played an important role in the process of cannabis domestication. Adaptive selection analysis revealed that cultivated cannabis has undergone selective evolution or adaptation in flowering, growth and stress tolerance, and many functional genes were identified. Flowering characteristics analysis implied that wild cannabis is native to high latitudes and possesses the typical characteristic of early flowering, while cultivated cannabis has undergone a process of adaptive evolution to adjust to natural photoperiod conditions in different latitudes through regulation of FT-like expression.Conclusion: This study clarifies the genetic structure of Chinese cannabis and provides insight into adaptive selection and breeding in cannabis.
Identification and Complete Genome Sequence of an Alternavirus From Airborne Spores of the Phytopathogenic Fungus Fusarium Bullatum
Authors: Mokhtari Samira , Ali Akhtar
Published: December 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Association Between Monocyte Levels and Breast Lump Detected By Ultrasound Among Chinese Women: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Gao Ying , Li Shu , Wei Wei , Jin Yujing , You Junfang , Xu Xiaoqian , Sun Shaomei , Liu Li , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2021

Background
Few studies have focused on the relationship between monocyte and breast lump. To explore whether absolute monocyte count (AMC) or monocyte percent (%MONO) could be used as a new circulation tumor marker for breast lump detection by ultrasonography among Chinese women.
Methods
A total of 3,231 women who had at least two breast ultrasonography examinations were followed up from January 2014 to December 2019. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the relationships between AMC and %MONO and the incidence of breast lump.
Results
During a total of 6,037 person-years of follow-up, 803 participants developed a breast lump. In the final multivariable adjusted models, using the lowest quartile as the reference group, the HRs (95%CIs) of breast lump were 1.18 (0.95, 1.45), 1.33 (1.08, 1.65), and 1.28 (1.02, 1.61), respectively, for AMC in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles (Ptrend < 0.001). The corresponding HRs (95%CIs) for %MONO in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles were 1.03 (0.83, 1.28), 1.28 (1.03, 1.29), and 1.62 (1.30, 2.02, Ptrend< 0.001), respectively. The multivariable adjusted HRs for breast lump per unit increase of AMC and %MONO were 3.19 (1.38, 7.38; P = 0.007) and 1.14 (1.08, 1.21; P < 0.001), respectively. The effect of high monocyte levels on increased risks of breast lump were more remarkable in younger women.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that increased monocyte levels can be used as an indicator of the incidence of breast lump, especially for younger women.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of The Geriatric Depression Scale Into Igbo Language: A Validation Study
Authors: Mgbeojedo Ukamaka Gloria , Akosile Christopher Olusanjo , Ezugwu Juliet Chidera , Okoye Emmanuel Chiebuka , John Nene Jeneviv , Ani Kenneth Umezulike , Okezue Obinna Chinedu
Published: December 2021

Background: Late-life experiences such as protracted and indisposing medical disorders can negatively impact older adults’ psychological and mental health, making them vulnerable to depression. Majority of the assessment tools for depression were developed for use in western countries. There is therefore need for availability of culture- and environment- specific tools for assessment of depression in low and middle income countries. This study was designed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) into Igbo Language and culture. Methods: The English version of the GDS-15 was translated into Igbo language; synthesized, back-translated, and underwent expert panel review, pretesting and cognitive debriefing interview, according to Beaton’s guideline. The Igbo version of the GDS-15 was tested for concurrent and structural validities and internal consistency among consecutively recruited 140 consenting older adults (62.9% females) in Enugu North Senatorial District, at 0.05 level of significance.Results: The English version of the GDS-15 was successfully cross-culturally adapted to Igbo with all the 15 items still retained on the Igbo version of the GDS-15. The Igbo version of the GDS-15 exhibited the same structure as the English version. The Igbo version of the GDS-15 has Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.53. The correlation between the participants’ total scores on the Igbo and the English versions of the GDS-15 (rho = 0.86) was excellent. There was no significant difference between corresponding scores in the English and Igbo versions of the GDS-15 (p = 0.89).Conclusions: The Igbo version of the GDS-15 is a valid and culturally specific instrument, and can be used for assessing depression among Igbo older adults in Nigeria.