bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer Vision‐Based Detection for Delayed Fracture of Bolts in Steel Bridges
Authors: Zhou Jing , Huo Linsheng
Published: November 2021

The delayed fracture of high‐strength bolts occurs frequently in the bolt connections of long‐span steel bridges. This phenomenon can threaten the safety of structures and even lead to serious accidents in certain cases. However, the manual inspection commonly used in engineering to detect the fractured bolts is time‐consuming and inconvenient. Therefore, a computer vision‐based inspection approach is proposed in this paper to rapidly and automatically detect the fractured bolts. The proposed approach is realized by a convolutional neural network‐ (CNN‐) based deep learning algorithm, the third version of You Only Look Once (YOLOv3). A challenge for the detector training using YOLOv3 is that only limited amounts of images of the fractured bolts are available in practice. To address this challenge, five data augmentation methods are introduced to produce more labeled images, including brightness transformation, Gaussian blur, flipping, perspective transformation, and scaling. Six YOLOv3 neural networks are trained using six different augmented training sets, and then, the performance of each detector is tested on the same testing set to compare the effectiveness of different augmentation methods. The highest average precision (AP) of the trained detectors is 89.14% when the intersection over union (IOU) threshold is set to 0.5. The practicality and robustness of the proposed method are further demonstrated on images that were never used in the training and testing of the detector. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can quickly and automatically detect the delayed fracture of high‐strength bolts.
Evaluating the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of DLC Nanocoated Aluminium 5051 Using RF Sputtering
Authors: Natrayan L. , Merneedi Anjibabu , Veeman Dhinakaran , Kaliappan S. , Raju P. Satyanarayana , Subbiah Ram , Kumar S. Venkatesh
Published: November 2021

The diamond-like carbon- (DLC-) coating technique is used in the sliding parts of automotive engines, among other applications, to reduce friction and wear. In this work, DLC has been coated on the Aluminium 5051 sample to assess the mechanical and tribological properties. A sputtering deposition mechanism is used, and the DLC is coated using a graphite target. The developed DLC coatings are tested for adhesion strength, hardness, chemical composition using XRD, and wear behaviour. The developed DLC thin films have considerably increased the wear behaviour of the Aluminium 5051 sample and have fulfilled the objective of this study. The XRD data indicated the presence of amorphous carbon in the coating with a threefold increase to the hardness of the naked aluminium. This study provides insight into improving the aluminium wear resistance by developing a considerably hard coating.
A Matching Degree Management Model of Human Body Shape and Fashion Design Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Cui Yumei , Feng Xinqun , Yang Xinxin
Published: November 2021

The existing clothing design model lacks the screening link of the human body part index, and the output clothing data are affected by the high correlation coefficient, resulting in large matching errors. Therefore, based on the analysis of human body shape, a management model of matching degree of human body shape and clothing design based on big data is constructed. After processing with big data methods, human body characteristic data used signals as the input layer of a neural network model and the matching degree management model of human body shape and fashion design. The simulation results show that the built-up model has a matching error of less than 5%, which can effectively improve the matching of human body shape and clothing design.
Genotype by Environment Interaction on Grain Yield Stability and Iron and Zinc Content in OPV of Pearl Millet in Ghana Using the AMMI Method
Authors: Asungre Peter Anabire , Akromah Richard , Kena Alexander Wireko , Gangashetty Prakash
Published: November 2021

Twenty-two open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) genotypes were tested in two locations for three seasons in Ghana to estimate the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability, and stability for grain yield and related traits and grain micronutrients among the varieties. General analysis of variance within and across locations and years revealed very highly significant variability (

p
<
0.01

) among the genotypes. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analyses revealed significant genotype × environment interaction (GEI) that influenced the relative ranking of genotypes across the environments. Genotypic variance (

σ

2

g

) contributed a greater proportion of the phenotypic variance (σ2p) for plant height (530.31) and grain Fe content (34.72). Broad-sense heritability (

h

b
s

2

) varied widely from 24.82% for grain yield to 77.53% in days to flower. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, indicating strong play of environment on trait expressions. 11 out of the 22 OPVs were stable for grain yield and micronutrients across environments for the three-year period and included GB 8735 and ICMV 221 Wbr and SOSAT-C88.
Antibacterial Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Ethiopian Traditional Dairy Products against Food Spoilage and Pathogenic Bacterial Strains
Authors: Girma Abayeneh , Aemiro Aleka
Published: November 2021

Fermented Ethiopian traditional dairy products containing LAB that show antibacterial activities against various food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria have been used for the preservation of fermented dairy products for a long time. However, there are no comprehensive scientific reports on the antibacterial activity of LAB isolated from various fermented dairy products in Pawe Woreda. The objective of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of LAB isolated from traditionally fermented Ethiopian dairy products against spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Thirty-five samples of fermented dairy products were collected from three cattle-farming areas of Pawe Woreda. A total of 97 LAB were isolated and screened primarily using the perpendicular streak plate method against 3 Gram-positive and 3 Gram-negative bacterial strains. Out of the 97 strains, 10 were active against at least two of the tested bacteria, of which 7 strains were selected for secondary screening by their broad-spectrum antibacterial activities. The seven in vitro antibacterial activities of the extract ranged from 5 to 16 mm in diameter during the secondary screening. In this study, Z2, Z4, and N2 strains exhibited the highest inhibition zone with broad-spectrum activity against all tested bacteria. The MIC and MBC values range from 0.10 to 0.30 µg/µL and 0.20 to 0.50 µg/µL, respectively. Following morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics, seven potent strains were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactococcus lactis. According to the findings of this study, Ethiopian fermented dairy products were the most potent source of bioactive compounds with potential effects against food spoilage and pathogenic bacterial strains.
From the Old, the Best: Parathyroidectomy in the Management of Soft-Tissue and Vascular Calcification in Patients with Chronic Renal Disease
Authors: Hernandez P. Mariel , Enos B. Daniel , Labarca T. Gonzalo , Vanderstelt A. Guillermo
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Bone mineral disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD-MBD) is a clinical syndrome involving bone, biochemical changes, and extraosseous calcification. These complications increase morbidity and mortality. Prevalence reports are rare. Case Report. This case shows a young woman on peritoneal dialysis (PD) for 10 years with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism and soft-tissue calcifications in the hands, pelvis, and right knee, as well as severe vascular calcification, managed with calcimimetics without success. We decided to perform subtotal parathyroidectomy (STPTX). Three months after surgery, she had satisfactory evolution, despite notable hungry bone disease, without bone pain or functional limitation and almost no calcifications. Discussion. The benefit of hemodialysis has been shown with better volume management and improvement of calcium/phosphate products. STPTX allowed biochemical control and calcification improvement, with an evident better quality of life for our patient. Therapeutic alternatives need to be tailored to the patient’s characteristics in the calcimimetics era.
Clinical Significance of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Zhao Danqing , Hu Shaoxuan , Zhou Daobin , Zhang Yan , Wang Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The clinical implications of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to explore the clinical correlations of pre- and post-treatment plasma EBV-DNA concentrations with treatment outcomes and prognosis in patients with PTCL. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 128 patients diagnosed with PTCL with available data on pre-treatment plasma EBV-DNA, including 63 patients for whom post-treatment plasma EBV-DNA data were also available. Patients with extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma were excluded from this study. Results: Pre-treatment plasma EBV-DNA was elevated (e.g., ≥500 copies/mL) in 35.2% of PTCL patients, with significant differences in positive rates between different subtypes of PTCL (p < 0.001). High pre-treatment EBV-DNA concentrations were associated with advanced age (>60 years), elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, high International Prognostic Index (IPI), and positive EBV-encoded RNAs-ISH in tumor specimens. In multivariate analyses, pre-treatment EBV-DNA ≥500 copies/mL was an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for IPI and pathological subtypes (hazard ratio = 2.14, p = 0.032). For patients with elevated pre-treatment EBV-DNA, normalization of EBV-DNA concentrations after first-line chemotherapy was significantly associated with better overall response rate (81.3% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.014), progression-free survival (12.0 months vs. 3.7 months, p = 0.011), and overall survival (37.9 months vs. 7.8 months, p = 0.012). For patients achieving remission to first-line therapy, rebound of EBV-DNA levels during follow-up was associated with disease relapse or progression. Conclusions: These results suggest that pre-treatment plasma EBV-DNA concentration is a strong prognostic factor for PTCL. For patients with elevated pre-treatment EBV-DNA, dynamic monitoring of EBV-DNA changes after initiation of therapy is useful for predicting treatment outcome and disease relapse.
miR-31-5p/SOX4 Axis Affects Autophagy and Apoptosis of Chondrocytes by Regulating Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinase/Mechanical Target of Rapamycin Kinase Signalling
Authors: Xu Fei , Lv Yong-Ming , Wang Hai-Bin , Song Ying-Chun
Published: November 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common type of degenerative joint diseases that is regulated by a combination of complex intercellular signals and modulators, including non-coding RNAs. Mounting evidence suggests that miR-31-5p is physiologically involved in the regulation of chondrocytes, but the mechanism remains unclear. Methods: Expression levels of miR-31-5p and SOX4 in OA cartilage tissues and in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes were examined by quantification polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) or immunohistochemistry assays. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Expression of LC3 was detected using immunofluorescence staining. Expressions of autophagy-related proteins and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)/mechanical target of rapamycin kinase (mTORC1) signal-related proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Molecular interaction was validated by dual luciferase reporter assay. Results: Downregulation of miR-31-5p and upregulation of SOX4 were observed in both OA patients and OA chondrocytes. Mechanistic experiments revealed that miR-31-5p negatively modulated SOX4 expression by directly targeting its 3′- untranslated region. Moreover, overexpression of miR-31-5p suppressed the activation of mTORC1 in an ERK-dependent manner by inhibiting SOX4. Further functional experiments demonstrated that overexpressing miR-31-5p in OA chondrocytes markedly promoted its proliferation and autophagy while inhibiting apoptosis. However, these effects were abolished by overexpression of SOX4 or treatment with 3BDO, an mTOR activator. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that miR-31-5p enhanced survival and autophagy of OA chondrocytes through inactivation of mTORC1 via directly targeting SOX4, suggesting that miR-31-5p may play a protective role in OA progression.
Associations between Intra-Pancreatic Fat Deposition, Pancreas Size, and Pancreatic Enzymes in Health and after an Attack of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ko Juyeon , Skudder-Hill Loren , Priya Sunitha , Kimita Wandia , Bharmal Sakina H. , Petrov Maxim S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Ectopic fat deposition in the pancreas is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic sequelae following an attack of pancreatitis. However, its relationship with the exocrine pancreas has never been explored in this setting. The aim was to investigate the associations between intra-pancreatic fat deposition (IPFD), pancreas size, and pancreatic enzymes. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited individuals with a history of acute pancreatitis and healthy controls. All participants underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging, from which IPFD, total pancreas volume (TPV), and pancreas diameters (across the head, body, and tail) were measured independently by 2 raters in a blinded fashion. Circulating levels of pancreatic amylase, pancreatic lipase, and chymotrypsin were measured in a fasted state. A series of linear regression analyses was conducted, accounting for possible confounders. Results: A total of 108 individuals with pancreatitis and 60 healthy controls were studied. There was a statistically significant difference in IPFD (p < 0.001), but not in TPV (p = 0.389), between the groups. In the post-pancreatitis group, IPFD was significantly inversely associated with pancreas tail diameter (β = −0.736, p = 0.036 in the most adjusted model). In the control group, IPFD was significantly inversely associated with TPV (β = −3.557, p = 0.026 in the most adjusted model). Levels of pancreatic amylase were significantly directly associated with pancreas tail diameter in the post-pancreatitis group (β = 3.891, p = 0.042 in the most adjusted model), whereas levels of pancreatic lipase were significantly inversely associated with TPV in the control group (β = −10.533, p = 0.024 in the most adjusted model). Conclusion: Increased IPFD in individuals after an attack of pancreatitis is associated with reduced pancreas tail diameter, which is in turn associated with reduced circulating levels of pancreatic amylase. The relationship between IPFD and the exocrine pancreas warrants further investigations.
Um olhar feminino sobre a performance Excesso, Pedras e Dores
Authors: Rodrigues Marcella Nunes , Biancalana Gisela Reis
Published: November 2021

Reflexões sobre o corpo e os espaços urbanos vem sendo foco de estudos a décadas precipitadas, também, pela intensa explosão demográfica detonada em meados do século XX. A arte, como campo de conhecimento, se debruça sobre estas questões refletindo, ainda, sobre a cadência das afetividades que podem arejar as relações humanas nesses contextos. O presente artigo busca edificar uma reflexão acerca da Performance intitulada Excesso, Pedras e Dores. O percurso investigativo foi concebido a partir de um olhar feminino das autoras em relação à experiência vivida que afetou a performer durante a ação realizada em um espaço alternativo. O procedimento de composição em arte foi sustentado pela abordagem metodológica autoetnográfica. A intervenção performativa no evento precipitou um espaço-tempo expandido ao viabilizar compartilhamentos de experiências singulares entre os participantes próprias das imbricadas ocupações empreendidas pela arte contemporânea.
The Norwegian Association for Heredity Research and the Organized International Eugenics Movement. Expertise, Authority, Transnational Networks and International Organization in Norwegian Genetics and Eugenics (1919–1934)
Authors: Kyllingstad Jon Røyne
Published: November 2021

The Norwegian Association for Heredity Research played a key role in the rise of genetics as a research field in Norway. The immediate background of its establishment in 1919 was the need for an organization that could clarify scientific issues regarding eugenics and coordinate Norwegian representation in the organized international eugenics movement. The Association never assumed this role. Instead, Norway was represented in the international eugenics movement by the so-called Norwegian Consultative Eugenics Commission, whose leader, Jon Alfred Mjøen, was dismissed as a pseudo-scientist by Norwegian geneticists. The paper explores the Association’s role in defining and delimiting scientific expert knowledge in the field of genetics and eugenics in Norway. It demonstrates how struggles about academic authority on the national arena were intertwined with struggles about representation and impact in the international eugenics movement and how transnational scientific networks where mobilized to legitimize and delegitimize notions about Nordic race supremacy, racial mixing and the politics of eugenic sterilizations.
In the Name of Human Adaptation: Japanese American “Hybrid Children” and Racial Anthropology in Postwar Japan
Authors: Hyun Jaehwan
Published: November 2021

By focusing on the emergence and integration of “hybrid children” (konketsuji) anthropology into the Human Adaptability section of the International Biological Program (HA-IBP) in Japan during the 1950s and 1970s, this paper presents how transnational dynamics and mechanisms played out in shaping and maintaining the racist aspects while simultaneously allowed them to be included in the HA-IBP framework. It argues that Japanese anthropologists operated a double play between their national and transnational spaces, that is, they attenuated racist aspects of their research in their international activities while authenticating race in their national work. This paper will conclude with reflections on the transnational nationalism of konketsuji anthropology.
Public Theology in the Age of Social Media
Authors: Mok Bryan K. M.
Published: November 2021

The ubiquity of social media is a defining characteristic of our contemporary life. It has significantly changed the patterns of communication and altered the landscape of the public sphere. As a consequence the discipline of a public theology needs to reconsider its methodologies. With the aid of the study of political and media scholars, this article contends that the traditional public sphere, which is relatively stable and homogeneous, is experiencing a process of destabilization and pluralization under the impact of social media. The theoretical foundation of the widely adopted bilingual approach to public theology has been shaken. This article proposes that a transformational approach that attempts to shift public perception with the language of faith as its resource may fit the changing landscape of the public sphere better.
“I Must Honestly Confess That I Am Afraid of You”
Authors: Anthony Ishaya , Forster Dion A.
Published: November 2021

Fear is a global phenomenon that impacts individuals, institutions, and nations. Fear is associated with the experience of some form of threat, for example, the fear of a specific enemy. The increase in socio-political uprisings in many contexts around the world is contributing towards an environment of violence, insecurity, and fear. Such situations, challenge preachers to preach in ways that the Christian tradition characterises as “prophetic preaching”. This article argues that, in instances of institutionally induced fear, letter writing could serve as a powerful and effective means of public theological engagement. The authors employ an advocacy research paradigm to critically engage Allan Aubrey Boesak’s open letter to Alwyn Louis Schlebusch entitled, “A Letter to the South African Minister of Justice.” This letter was written in 1979 as South Africa was entering one of the darkest periods of the apartheid state’s brutality against its citizens. This article discusses the socio-ecclesiastical motivation(s) that underpin Boesak’s courageous and public proclamation of Christian theological truth, in a “prophetic mode”, in spite of the fear that characterised South Africa during that period of its history. Furthermore, we argue that this letter can be characterised as a form of public theological engagement. This paper offers a novel perspective on letter writing, amid threat and fear, as a form or prophetic preaching public theological engagement.
Emerging Online Science Teaching Practices: Insights from High School Physics Teaching Cases in South Korea during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kang Nam-Hwa , Seo Juri
Published: November 2021

By analyzing cases in South Korea, this study examined high school physics teachers’ online teaching practices during the first semester of school lockdown due to COVID-19. A total of eight physics teachers participated in this study. Data sources included observations of online classes, interviews with the teachers, and lesson materials. Data analysis was informed by social practice theory and literature on online learning. As a result, teachers’ practices were distinguished based on teaching emphases including content explanation, participatory learning, and independent first-hand experience. Through the application of various technological tools, teaching practices varied in terms of the degree of interactions and student self-directedness. Three essential practices of physics teaching, defined as those preserved from on-site teaching, were identified. Those features reflected the nature of schooling and the subject matter. The teachers were found to have professional development opportunities through online teaching experiences. Implications for professional development and further research topics are suggested.
Atlas of leaf surface micromorphology in Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae) from the Horn of Africa region
Authors: FENTAW ESHETU , ELLIOTT KELDA F.V.A. , DEMISSEW SEBSEBE , CUTLER DAVID , GRACE OLWEN M.
Published: November 2021

The confident identification to species rank of fragmentary and sterile plant material is often challenged by the absence of diagnostic characters, which are present in intact specimens, reproductive parts, and plants in habitat. Here, we consider leaf surface micromorphology for the identification of the genus Aloe in the Horn of Africa region. Primary and secondary sculpturing of the leaf epidermis and stomata were characterised from SEM micrographs of 35 taxa representing 31 species of Aloe (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae). Detailed comparison revealed that leaf surface characters are conserved between species and within-species variation is modest. Closely related taxa in the Aloe adigratana—A. camperi—A. sinana species complex could be distinguished using leaf surface micromorphology alone. These characters also guide species delimitation; in the species complex including A. schoelleri and A. steudneri, a narrow circumscription is supported, whereas with A. ankoberensis and A. pulcherrima, a wider circumscription merits consideration. The observed trait combinations are characteristic of plants in xeric environments, with the most notable feature being stomata that are most deeply sunken in species in more arid habitats. Our findings support the use of comparative study of micromorphological leaf surface characters for species identification and taxonomy in the genus Aloe.
Phylogeny of Amathusiini butterflies based on adult morphology (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)
Authors: PENZ CARLA M.
Published: November 2021

Based on comparative morphology of adults, a phylogeny is proposed for the butterfly tribe Amathusiini (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae). The dataset includes 92 characters scored for 45 species in 12 genera, representing the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis for this group. Parsimony analyses produced a well-resolved strict consensus tree where genera were divided in three main groups: (clade 1) Stichophthalma; (clade 2) Aemona, Faunis, Melanocyma and Taenaris; (clade 3) Enispe, Discophora, Thaumantis, Thauria, Amathusia, Amathuxidia, and Zeuxidia. While genera in clades 1 and 2 were found to be morphologically homogeneous, clade 3 showed remarkable morphological divergence between and within genera. The monophyly of most genera was recovered with variable levels of support, but Melanocyma and Taenaris nested within Faunis. Therefore, here Melanocyma NEW SYN. is subsumed within Faunis, and Taenaris STAT. REV. is regarded as a subgenus of Faunis. Mimicry likely evolved a single time within the Faunis-Taenaris assemblage, as species of Taenaris formed a monophyletic group. Results are compared to early classifications and recent DNA-based analyses, and points of agreement and conflicts are discussed.
A review of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group, with the description of D. wildermuthi sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae)
Authors: PHAN QUOC TOAN , YOKOI NAOTO , MAKBUN NOPPADON , JOSHI SHANTANU , SUBRAMANIAN K.A. , NGO QUOC PHU , DOW RORY A.
Published: November 2021

A modified and expanded definition of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is given. This includes the species: D. annandalei Fraser, 1924, D. brownelli Tinkham, 1938, D. carmichaeli (Laidlaw, 1915), D. emtrai Dow, Kompier & Phan, 2018, D. hongkongensis Wilson, 1997, D. jurzitzai Hämäläinen, 1999, D. sumatrana Sasamoto & Karube, 2007, D. tenella Lieftinck, 1935, D. vietnamica Asahina, 1997 and D. wildermuthi sp. nov.). The species of the group are reviewed and in most cases illustrated, diagnostic notes are given wherever possible. Drepanosticta polychromatica Fraser, 1931 is considered to be a junior synonym of D. carmichaeli and variation in D. carmichaeli is discussed. Drepanosticta wildermuthi sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (holotype male from Bao Loc district, Lam Dong Province) is described. The female of D. jurzitzai Hämäläinen, 1999 is described for the first time. A key to the males of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is provided.
Cochlear Implantation Outcomes in Children With CDH23 Mutations–Associated Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Kaitian , Huang Bixue , Sun Jincangjian , Liang Yue , Xiong Guanxia
Published: November 2021

Objective

Mutations in the cadherin 23 gene (CDH23) have been reported to cause cochlear damage, but few studies have investigated the auditory and speech outcome of patients after cochlear implantation. Here, we describe the genetic, auditory, and postoperative outcomes of patients with CDH23 mutations who received cochlear implants.

Study Design

Retrospective case review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Targeted deafness‐related gene panels were sequenced in Chinese families with profound sensorineural hearing loss. The clinical features of subjects carrying potentially pathogenic CDH23 mutations were analyzed.

Results

Between 2017 and 2019, we identified 5 children with prelinguistically profound hearing loss at our center who harbored 6 variants of CDH23 that segregated with the disease. Of these, 4 variants were novel (c.2591G>T, c.4785G>C, c.5765A>G, and c.9280_9281insTT). All affected individuals had a loss of outer hair cell function, with an average residual hearing level of 3 to 10 dB SPL. Cochlear implantations were arranged for the patients at 11 to 36 months of age. All children made gains in their hearing, language, and speech performances 14 to 120 months after surgery. Their auditory outcomes improved during follow‐up intervals.

Conclusion

This study revealed that children with congenital cochlear defects caused by CDH23 variants can acquire an acceptable auditory and speech outcome after cochlear implantation. Early genetic detection and prenatal counseling for rare deafness genes such as CDH23 remain a priority for the future.
Environmental Kuznets Curve for Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Economic Growth in Algeria
Authors: Touitou Mohammed , Langarita Raquel
Published: November 2021

This article examines how economic growth affects the environment through the lens of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, by testing the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for the case of Algeria during the period 1973–2016. For this, the auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) method is used. The results of the econometric analysis confirm the existence of a positive long-term relationship between CO2 emissions and real GDP and show that the direction of this relationship goes from economic growth to CO2 emissions according to Granger causality tests. Specifically, for a developing country like Algeria, economic growth determines the level of emissions. This implies that an energy policy in favour of the environment can be put in place without risking negative repercussions on economic growth. In addition, the results of the ARDL regression validate EKC’s hypothesis: in the first phase, economic growth leads to a higher level of CO2 emissions, however, when a given threshold (inflection point) is reached, these emissions decrease.

JEL Codes: O10, O47, Q50, Q53
Structural analysis of SARS-Cov-2 nonstructural protein 1 polymorphisms found in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Zanchi Fernando Berton , Mariúba Luis André , Nascimento Valdinete , Souza Victor , Corado André , Nascimento Fernanda , Costa Ágatha Kelly , Duarte Débora , Silva George , Mejía Matilde , Pessoa Karina , Gonçalves Luciana , Brandão Maria Júlia , Jesus Michele , Glória Juliane , Silva Marineide , Mattos Tirza , da Costa Cristiano , Naveca Felipe Gomes
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 has been the cause of millions of deaths worldwide. Among the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, the non-structural protein 1 (NSP1) has great importance during the virus infection process and is present in both alpha and beta-CoVs. Therefore, monitoring of NSP1 polymorphisms is crucial in order to understand their role during infection and virus-induced pathogenicity. Herein, we analyzed how mutations detected in the circulating SARS-CoV-2 in the population of the city of Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil could modify the tertiary structure of the NSP1 protein. Three mutations were detected in the SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 gene: deletion of the amino acids KSF from positions 141 to 143 (delKSF), SARS-CoV-2, lineage B.1.195; and two substitutions, R29H and R43C, SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33, respectively. The delKSF was found in 47 samples, whereas R29H and R43C were found in two samples, one for each mutation. The NSP1 structures carrying the mutations R43C and R29H on the N-terminal portion (e.g. residues 10 to 127) showed minor backbone divergence compared to the Wuhan model. However, the NSP1 C-terminal region (residues 145 to 180) was severely affected in the delKSF and R29H mutants. The intermediate variable region (residues 144 to 148) leads to changes in the C-terminal region, particularly in the delKSF structure. New investigations must be carried out to analyze how these changes affect NSP1 activity during the infection. Our results reinforce the need for continuous genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 to better understand virus evolution and assess the potential impact of the viral mutations on the approved vaccines and future therapies.
ISEE: Industrial Internet of Things perception in solar cell detection based on edge computing
Authors: Dong Meiya , Zhao Jumin , Li Deng-ao , Zhu Biaokai , An Sihai , Liu Zhaobin
Published: November 2021

The photovoltaic industry is a strategic and sunrise industry with international competitive advantages. Driven by policy guidance and market demand, the new energy industry represented by the photovoltaic industry has been a significant emerging industry in developing the national economy and people’s livelihood. Stable photovoltaic power generation capacity supply is a critical issue in the photovoltaic industry. With the popularization of industrial Internet technology and Internet of things technology, more and more academic and industrial circles begin to introduce new technologies to provide the latest research results and solutions for the photovoltaic industry. Electroluminescence is a standard detection method for photovoltaic production in the application of solar energy production. This method uses human vision to detect whether the solar silicon unit is defective. In this article, due to the three core pain points in traditional electroluminescence detection: low efficiency of offline identification, low accuracy and accuracy of data detection, and no online diagnosis and prediction, we carry out ISEE research based on edge computing unit. ISEE uses the edge device to collect the real-time video image of the solar panel through the camera. Then it uses the powerful neural network processing unit module of the edge computing unit, combined with the convolutional neural network algorithm transplanted to the edge, to detect the defects of solar panels in real time. It completes the research on intelligent detection of photovoltaic power generation production defects based on the Internet of Things. After a large number of experimental design verification, ISEE effectively improves the automation degree and identification accuracy in the production and detection process of solar photovoltaic cells and reduces the cost of operation and maintenance. The accuracy rate reaches 93.75%, which has significant theoretical research significance and practical application value.
Reliability and Validity of Adapted Russian Version of Hospital for Special Surgery Lumbar Spine Surgery Expectations Survey
Authors: Denisov Anton , Zaborovskii Nikita , Solovyov Vladimir , Mamedov Mikael , Mikhaylov Dmitrii , Masevnin Sergei , Smekalenkov Oleg , Ptashnikov Dmitrii
Published: November 2021

Background: Patients’ expectations are an important determinant in their decision to undergo lumbar spinal surgery—particularly their expectations of recovery after surgery. The Hospital for Special Surgery Lumbar Spine Surgery Expectations Survey (HSS-LSSES) is one tool used to assess this; however, the original version was only available in English. Objective: We sought to evaluate the reliability and validity of a translated and adapted Russian-language version of the HSS-LSSES. Methods: This was a prospective study of 91 patients with degenerative disc disease who underwent lumbar spine surgery with instrumented fixation at a single institution in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Patients were recruited between December 2019 and February 2021 and asked about their expectations of surgery with a translated and adapted Russian version of the HSS-LSSES. To analyze construct validity, participants also completed disease-specific and general quality-of-life scales (Oswestry Disability Index, European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; 2-way random effects model, absolute agreement) were used to determine test-retest reliability of the total score of the Russian HSS-LSSES. Internal consistency was evaluated through the estimation of Cronbach’s alpha between the test and retest response of the questionnaire. Results: The test-retest stability of the Russian HSS-LSSES evaluated through the estimation of ICC was found to have good stability. The instrument was shown to have high internal consistency. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a translated and adapted Russian version of HSS-LSSES had good internal consistency, reliability, construct validity, and no floor and ceiling effects. Therefore, we recommend its use as a tool for evaluating Russian-speaking patients’ expectations before lumbar spine surgery.
RPD3 and UME6 are involved in the activation of PDR5 transcription and pleiotropic drug resistance in ρ0 cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yamada Yoichi
Published: November 2021

Background

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the retrograde signalling pathway is activated in ρ0/− cells, which lack mitochondrial DNA. Within this pathway, the activation of the transcription factor Pdr3 induces transcription of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene, PDR5, and causes pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR). Although a histone deacetylase, Rpd3, is also required for cycloheximide resistance in ρ0/− cells, it is currently unknown whether Rpd3 and its DNA binding partners, Ume6 and Ash1, are involved in the activation of PDR5 transcription and PDR in ρ0/− cells. This study investigated the roles of RPD3, UME6, and ASH1 in the activation of PDR5 transcription and PDR by retrograde signalling in ρ0 cells.

Results

ρ0 cells in the rpd3∆ and ume6∆ strains, with the exception of the ash1∆ strain, were sensitive to fluconazole and cycloheximide. The PDR5 mRNA levels in ρ0 cells of the rpd3∆ and ume6∆ strains were significantly reduced compared to the wild-type and ash1∆ strain. Transcriptional expression of PDR5 was reduced in cycloheximide-exposed and unexposed ρ0 cells of the ume6∆ strain; the transcriptional positive response of PDR5 to cycloheximide exposure was also impaired in this strain.

Conclusions

RPD3 and UME6 are responsible for enhanced PDR5 mRNA levels and PDR by retrograde signalling in ρ0 cells of S. cerevisiae.
Combining CHA2DS2-VASc score into RCRI for prediction perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Chu Song-Yun , Li Pei-Wen , Fan Fang-Fang , Han Xiao-Ning , Liu Lin , Wang Jie , Zhao Jing , Ye Xiao-Jin , Ding Wen-Hui
Published: November 2021

Background

Treatment decisions in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery are based on clinical assessment. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is pragmatic and widely used but has only moderate discrimination. We aimed to test the efficacy of the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the combination of CHA2DS2-VASc and RCRI to predict perioperative risks for non-cardiac surgery.

Methods

This pre-specified analysis was performed in a retrospective cohort undergoing intra-abdominal surgery in our center from July 1st, 2007 to June 30th, 2008. The possible association between the baseline characteristics (as defined by CHA2DS2-VASc and RCRI) and the primary outcome of composite perioperative cardiac complications (myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, and/or death) and secondary outcomes of individual endpoints were explored using multivariate Logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (C-statistic) was used for RCRI, CHA2DS2-VASc, and the combined models, and the net reclassification improvement (NRI) was calculated to assess the additional discriminative ability.

Results

Of the 1079 patients (age 57.5 ± 17.0 years), 460 (42.6%) were women. A total of 83 patients (7.7%) reached the primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes included 52 cardiac ischemic events, 40 myocardial infarction, 20 atrial fibrillation, 18 heart failure, four strokes, and 30 deaths. The endpoint events increased with the RCRI and CHA2DS2-VASc grade elevated (P < 0.05 for trend). The RCRI showed a moderate predictive ability with a C-statistics of 0.668 (95%CI 0.610–0.725) for the composite cardiac outcome. The C-statistics for the CHA2DS2-VASc was 0.765 (95% CI 0.709–0.820), indicating better performance than the RCRI (p = 0.011). Adding the CHA2DS2-VASc to the RCRI further increased the C-statistic to 0.774(95%CI 0.719–0.829), improved sensitivity, negative predictive value, and enhanced reclassification in reference to RCRI. Similar performance of the combined scores was demonstrated in the analysis of individual secondary endpoints. The best cut-off of a total of 4 scores was suggested for the combined CHA2DS2-VASc and RCRI in the prediction of the perioperative cardiac outcomes.

Conclusions

The CHA2DS2-VASc score significantly enhanced risk assessment for the composite perioperative cardiovascular outcome in comparison to traditional RCRI risk stratification. Incorporation of CHA2DS2-VASc scores into clinical-decision making to improve perioperative management in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery warrants consideration.
Fully automated segmentation in temporal bone CT with neural network: a preliminary assessment study
Authors: Wang Jiang , Lv Yi , Wang Junchen , Ma Furong , Du Yali , Fan Xin , Wang Menglin , Ke Jia
Published: November 2021

Background

Segmentation of important structures in temporal bone CT is the basis of image-guided otologic surgery. Manual segmentation of temporal bone CT is time- consuming and laborious. We assessed the feasibility and generalization ability of a proposed deep learning model for automated segmentation of critical structures in temporal bone CT scans.

Methods

Thirty-nine temporal bone CT volumes including 58 ears were divided into normal (n = 20) and abnormal groups (n = 38). Ossicular chain disruption (n = 10), facial nerve covering vestibular window (n = 10), and Mondini dysplasia (n = 18) were included in abnormal group. All facial nerves, auditory ossicles, and labyrinths of the normal group were manually segmented. For the abnormal group, aberrant structures were manually segmented. Temporal bone CT data were imported into the network in unmarked form. The Dice coefficient (DC) and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) were used to evaluate the accuracy of automatic segmentation.

Results

In the normal group, the mean values of DC and ASSD were respectively 0.703, and 0.250 mm for the facial nerve; 0.910, and 0.081 mm for the labyrinth; and 0.855, and 0.107 mm for the ossicles. In the abnormal group, the mean values of DC and ASSD were respectively 0.506, and 1.049 mm for the malformed facial nerve; 0.775, and 0.298 mm for the deformed labyrinth; and 0.698, and 1.385 mm for the aberrant ossicles.

Conclusions

The proposed model has good generalization ability, which highlights the promise of this approach for otologist education, disease diagnosis, and preoperative planning for image-guided otology surgery.
Status of active trachoma infection among school children who live in villages of open field defecation: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Delelegn Demoze , Tolcha Alemu , Beyene Hunachew , Tsegaye Berhan
Published: November 2021

Background

Although many efforts are made by different stakeholders, magnitude of active trachoma remains high among children in Ethiopia. Open field defecation was found to be the main source of active trachoma. However, comparative information on the effect of open field defecation and non-open field defecation on active trachoma is scarce in Ethiopia.

Methods

Comparative community based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1–30, 2019 in Boricha and Dale districts to assess prevalence of active trachoma among primary school children. We have selected four primary schools purposively from two districts in Sidama. Study participants were selected by using simpe random sampling method. Data were collected through face to face interview, direct observation and ophthalmic examination. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with active trachoma infection among primary school children. Adjusted Odds Ratios with 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.

Result

From the total of 746 study participants, only 701 study participants gave full response for interview questions making a response rate of 94%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma infection was 17.5% (95% CI, 14.1–20.8) among primary school students. Specifically, prevalence of active trachoma infection was 67.5% among children who lived in open field defecation villages, but it was 88.5% among school children who live in Non-ODF Kebeles. Factors like: Living in open field defecation Kebeles (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI, 1.5–4.1), having ocular discharge (AOR = 5.715, 95% CI, 3.4–9.4), having nasal discharge (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI, 1.06–3.39), and fly on the face (AOR = 6.47, 95% CI, 3.36–12.44) of children were positively associated with active trachoma infection. However, finger cleanness (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI, 0.21–0.9) was protective factor against active trachoma infection in this study.

Conclusion

Significant variation in prevalence of active trachoma infection among school children between open filed and non-open field defecation Kebeles was observed. Surprisingly, the prevalence in open field defecation was significantly lower than non-open field defecation. Hence, this indicates active trachoma infection highly depends on the hand hygiene than environmental sanitation. Educational campaign of hand hygiene should be enhanced in the community for school students.
Economic evaluation of advanced practice physiotherapy models of care: a systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Lafrance Simon , Demont Anthony , Thavorn Kednapa , Fernandes Julio , Santaguida Carlo , Desmeules François
Published: November 2021

Background

The objective of this systematic review is to appraise evidence on the economic evaluations of advanced practice physiotherapy (APP) care compared to usual medical care.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted up to September 2021 in selected electronic bibliographical databases. Economic evaluation studies on an APP model of care were included. Economic data such as health care costs, patient costs, productivity losses were extracted. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed with the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Meta-analyses were performed and mean differences (MD) in costs per patient were calculated using random-effect inverse variance models. Certainty of the evidence was assessed with the GRADE Approach.

Results

Twelve studies (n = 14,649 participants) including four randomized controlled trials, seven analytical cohort studies and one economic modeling study were included. The clinical settings of APP models of care included primary, emergency and specialized secondary care such as orthopaedics, paediatrics and gynaecology. The majority of the included participants were adults with musculoskeletal disorders (n = 12,915). Based on low quality evidence, health system costs including salaries, diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up visits were significantly lower with APP care than with usual medical care, at 2 to 12-month follow-up (MD: -139.08 €/patient; 95%CI: -265.93 to -12.23;n = 7648). Based on low quality evidence, patient costs including travel and paid medication prescriptions, or treatments were significantly higher with APP care compared to usual medical care, at 2 to 6-month follow-up (MD: 29.24 €/patient; 95%CI: 0.53 to 57.95n = 1485). Based on very low quality evidence, no significant differences in productivity losses per patient were reported between both types of care (MD: 590 €/patient; 95%CI: -100 to 1280;n = 819).

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the economic evaluation of APP models of care. Low quality evidence suggests that APP care might result in lower health care costs, but higher patient costs compared to usual medical care. Costs differences may vary depending on various factors such as the cost methodology used and on the clinical setting. More evidence is needed to evaluate cost benefits of APP models of care.