bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Open Pancreaticoduodenectomy at different stages of Learning curves：A single center report
Authors: Wang Shupeng , Li Lin , Liu Yahui
Published: September 2022

Background: With the advancement of surgical instruments and the growth of professional expertise over the last decade,laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD) was widely applied in different centers.However, there are still some controversies about the safety of LPD.Hospital size, solid professional working experience,and the learning curve all have an impact on perioperative outcomes.In this study,our aim is to compare the outcomes at different stages of learning curve for LPD with open pancreatoduodenectomy(OPD).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical datas of 911 patients who received PD at a single institution.Among them,208 patients underwent OPD and 703 cases were performed LPD successfully. According to the key point of the learning curve for LPD,we divided those patients into three phases,and compared the perioperative outcomes with OPD at different phases.
Result: In the initial stage,the incidence of complications and mortality related with LPD were significantly higher than those in OPD group,and the number of harvested lymph nodes,R0 resection rate were were similar with OPD group. Postoperative complications, operative time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly reduced with improved surgical experience. At the mature stage of learning curve, the incidence of postoperative complications in LPD was lower than in OPD group.Simultaneously, the length of hospital stay was substantially reduced and statistical considerably shorter than in the OPD group.
Conclusion: After a long period of training and learning, LPD can be performed safely.Meanwhile,after the surgeons have surmounted the learning curve,compared with OPD, LPD can achieve similar oncology results,lower the incidence of postoperative complications as well as faster the postoperative recovery.
Logistic regression technique is comparable to machine learning algorithms in predicting cognitive impairment related to post intensive care syndrome
Authors: Wu TingTing , Wei YueQing , Wu JingBing , Yi BiLan , Li Hong
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore whether machine learning (ML) algorithms are more accurate than traditional statistical models in predicting cognitive impairment related to post intensive care syndrome (PICS-CI).
Research Methodology: We conducted a prospective observational study of ICU patients at two tertiary hospitals. A cohort of 2079 patients was screened, and finally 481 patients were included. Six different ML models were considered, decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), XGBoost, neural network (NN), naïve Bayes (NB), and support vector machine (SVM), and compared with logistic regression (LR). Discriminative ability was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration belt plots, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess calibration. Decision curve analysis was performed to quantify clinical utility.
Results: All ML models showed good performance (AUC range: 0.822–0.906). NN model had the highest AUC (0.906 [95%CI: 0.857–0.955]), which was slightly higher than, but not significantly different from that of LR (0.898 [95%CI: 0.847–0.949]) (P>0.05, Delong test). Except for DT, XBGoost, and NB models, the other ML models demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and observed probability of PICS-CI (Hosmer and Lemeshow Test, P>0.05). Decision curve analysis showed higher net benefit of most of the ML models. Given the overfitting and complexity of some ML models, the LR model was then used to develop a web-based risk calculator to aid decision-making (https://model871010.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/).
Conclusion: In a low dimensional data, logistic regression may yield as good performance as ML models to predict cognitive impairment after ICU hospitalization.
A Secured Reversible Data Hiding Technique for Multiple Secrets using Image Interpolation with Bit Reversal Permutation
Authors: Jana Manasi , Jana Biswapati , Lu Tzu-Chuen , Pal Pabitra , Jana Sharmistha , Joardar Subhankar
Published: September 2022

Early interpolation based data hiding methods embed one secret information with lower hiding capacity and suffer visual distortion with security loophole caused by the hidden message embedding. In this paper, we have proposed a secured high capacity reversible data hiding technique for multiple secrets using image interpolation with bit reversal permutation to overcome the said problem. Multiple secret messages are encrypted using bit reversal permutation before embedding within cover image to make it more robust and secure. Here, we proposed a mechanism which divides a fixed length sub-message into two values for each (4 × 4) overlapping block. Then one value is added and another is subtracted from two adjacent interpolated pixels to minimize the image distortion. Two interpolated pixels are calculated between each adjacent pixels to increase the embedding capacity. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme has better performance than other state-of-the-art interpolation based data hiding methods. Moreover, the proposed scheme has a low-time complexity with good visual quality. Finally, some standard steganographic analysis is used to measure the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The intended result brought some remarkable sublime features to the limelight in the area of image verification, tamper identification and electronic forgery detection without which the technical life is hindered. This scheme profits enormously from numerous aspects of government and private sector including health-care, economic protection, defence, intellectual property rights and so on.
Evaluate the effects dredging on water quality parameters in Imam Khomeini Port
Authors: Azizi Fatemeh , Savari Ahmad , Shirali Solmaz , Safahieh Ali Reza , ZareDoust Mostafa
Published: September 2022

Aim: The projected dredging of the Musa Bay apart from its economic potentials was hinged on the following factors: Eutrophication, sedimentation and pollutants. This investigation surveyed the following parameters for surface samples: DO, pH, Conductivity, TDS, Nitrate, Phosphate, BOD, COD and Salinity.Methods: This study 9 points as sampling stations were chosen in Imam Khomeini Port (49˚05ˊ ;30˚25ˊ) that 3 replicates of each station water samples in the dark container for evaluating effects of the dredging was harvested. Water Sampling were collected from Imam Khomeini Port of Musa Bay, at 3 times before (Un-Dredging), during (Fresh-Dredging) and after (Post-Dredging) dredging was repeated.Results and discution: The mean DO value decrease from 3.78 to 2.85. Nutrients and Turbidity value increase during the dredging. Our study suggests that dredging may have potentials damages for aquatic environmental while these changes will improve with time shares.
Kaon-hyperon-nuclear systems in the Faddeev approach
Authors: Egorov Mikhail
Published: September 2022

The work addresses the development of the procedure to search for binding energies of three-body nuclei and exotic meson-nucleus systems based on the solution of homogeneous Faddeev integral equations without angular-momentum decomposition. The single components of such approach involves the two-body t-matrices which were searched for using coupled Lippmann-Schwinger equations and the Noyes-Kowalski subtractive procedure generalized for the case of angular-depending two-body potentials. Direct calculations of three-body binding energies have allowed establishing the correlation between the exact technique of finding the t-matrices and the approximated one using separable NN potentials as an example. Validation calculations of the binding energies of 3H, 3He nuclei have been performed with charge-dependent separable Bonn, Paris, and local ESC potentials which agree with the known experimental values at the accuracy of 10 to 180 keV. Realistic microscopic NN, YN, ꝀN, and KY interactions were used to study almost all possible bound states which can occur in ꝀNN, YNN and ꝀYN systems. Present calculations also confirm the existence of bound states of previously known K-pp, Λnp systems. The described method made it possible to accurately calculate the binding energies of K--p-Λ, K--n-Λ, K--d-Λ, K--3 He-Λ, K--4 He-Λ systems. The wave functions of the NNN, ꝀNN, ΛNN, and Λ K-p systems are also obtained and briefly analyzed.
A stationary population model with an "interior" boundary
Authors: Álvarez-Caudevilla Pablo , Brändle Cristina
Published: September 2022

We propose a stationary system that might be regarded as a migration model of some populations abandoning their original place of abode and becoming part of another population, once they reach the environment of the other population. To do so, we show a model where each population follows a logistic model in their own environment while assuming spatial heterogeneities. Moreover, both populations are coupled through the common boundary on which their flow moves in and out. The main goal we face in this work will be to describe the precise interplay between the stationary solutions with respect to the parameters involved in the problem, in particular the growth rate of the populations and the coupling parameter involved on the boundary where the interchange of flux is taking place.
Development And Synthesis Of Piezoelectric Materials Based On Natural Resources (Rocks)
Authors: Mebrouki Noura , Zenkhri Louiza , Tlili Salah , Boudjemaa Souhila , Belkhalfa Hakim , Benmabrouk Lazhar
Published: September 2022

This study reports the chemical composition of seven sandstones (OH1-OH7) from Ouargla desert in south-east of Algeria, then the investigation of these samples to be used as precursor for the hydrothermal synthetesis of piezoelectric mater in thin films form. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra shows the characteristic vibration bond peaks for the seven samples documenting the presence of quartz and calcite. Moreover, chemical composition of Ouargla sandstones has been determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) allowed mainly a composition avrage major of 86.86 % α-quartz (SiO2) and minor of 13.14 % calcite (CaCO3). The EDS analysis revealed the presence of solid solution in the crystal lattice of six samples of the sandstones with trace amounts of Fe, Al, Ag, Na, K. The aqua regia digestion method was used to extract silicon and calcium from the rock samples in to synthesis the thin films. From (FT-IR), (SEM-EDS) and (XRD) we show that synthesis thin films at different temperture are composed mainly of 90.66 % calcite (CaCO3)/9.33 % α-quartz (SiO2) and 69 % α-quartz (SiO2)/31% Sodium Chloride (NaCl). The crystallite sizes of the sandstones were calculated and estimated to be nanometric, in contrast the thin films are not nanometric.
Drainage Pattern Phenomena in Sandy Arias in Arid Zones for Identification High Potential and Excellent Groundwater
Authors: Yousef Ahmed
Published: September 2022

The drainage pattern phenomenon in the sandy areas is rare in the world and has very high yields with excellent quality groundwater. It was recorded and tested in the Qattara Delta west of the River Nile. The study is based on data sets of remote sensing, groundwater wells, chemical analyses, pumping tests, stable isotopes, and field measurements. The drainage is trillic to dendritic, structurally controlled by NW, NE, and E-W fault systems, and has reduced flooding ability and a good chance for groundwater recharge. There are two main aquifers, Samalut karst and Nubian clastic. Samault
confined to semi-confined has huge thickness reach 395 m and groundwater flow from SSE to NNW. The structural elements and multiple sources of recharge much effect on the distribution of the salinity of groundwater which is less than 1000 in the southern part and increases northward to 2727 ppm owing to the decline in the rate of recharge from the River Nile, and dominant upward leakage from deep Nubian. The maximum drawdown exceeded 6 meters, transmissivity ranges from 6,200 to 45,900 m2/day, the storativity values vary from 8.2x10-6 to 8.6x10-4, and the overall static water level will decline in the ~15 meters over the first 10 years and then an additional 3 meters through a total of 50 years of continuous pumping. Samalut is less depleted in the south owing to the impact of the River Nile changed to moderately depleted in the center and depleted in the north part which means upward leakage from paleo-water of deep NSAS. The chemical properties and productivity of the central western part are affected by upward leakage from the deep Nubian Aquifer as springs through faults. A Nubian confined aquifer is tapped by one flowing well with a salinity of 1614 ppm, the transmissivity is 720 m2/day and the storativity is 1.5 X10-4. We can conclude that the productivity and hydrogeochemical properties of the aquifer of drainage pattern in the sandy areas are highly potential and have low salinity. This concept can be replicable in similar terrain elsewhere.
A facile one-pot, three-component protocol for, chiral synthesis of Cyanolactone as key intermediate of the Nafithromycin
Authors: Diwan Furqan , Pund Amit , Deshpande Prathmesh , Pursani Rajesh , Rafeeq Mohammad , Yadav Ram Prasad , Merwade Arvind
Published: September 2022

A facile one-pot, three-component protocol, for the large scale process of cyanide insertion was developed for synthesis of Cyanolactone (3) [Chemical name (11S, 21R)-11,12-dideoxy-6-O-methyl-2’,4’’-O-bis-(triethylsilyl)-12,11-[oxycarbonyl-(cyano)-methylene]-erythromycin A] as a key drug intermediate of Nafithromycin (6). The cesium carbonate used as a base for cyclisation and carried out insitu 1,4 Michael addition. Furthermore methanol as reaction promotor, which reacts with Trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to produce methoxytrimethylsilane and liberate cyanide as nucleophile, which undergoes insitu nucleophilic substitution on 7 by SN2 pathway resulting in the asymmetric compound 3. This procedure has major advantages like insitu cyanide generation under close condition, cost-effective, short reaction time, good atom economy, ease of operation at manufacturing scale. The most significant aspect of the process was that it did not involve any direct handling of poisonous cyanide compounds like potassium or sodium cyanide. In addition, a key feature of optimization and isolation on kilogram scale is described herein.
Numerical simulation of anisotropic properties of shale under triaxial compression using 3D DEM
Authors: Huang Juan , Song Yintao , Lei Mingfeng , Shi Chenghua , Jia Chaojun , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The relation of VEGFA, VEGFR2, VEGI, and HIF1A genetic variants and their serum protein levels with breast cancer in Egyptian patients
Authors: Abdelgalil Amani , Monir Rehan , Elmetwally Mohamed , Bazeed Fagr , Mesbah Noha , Abo-Elmatty Dina , Mehanna Eman , Ghattas Maivel
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Egyptian females. Polymorphisms in the angiogenesis pathway have been implicated previously in cancer risk and prognosis. The aim of the current study was to determine whether certain polymorphisms in the genes of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A) associated with breast cancer development. The study included 154 breast cancer patients and 132 apparently healthy age-matched females as a control group. VEGFA rs25648 genotyping was performed using (ARMS) PCR technique; while VEGFR2 rs2071559, VEGI rs6478106, and HIF-1α rs11549465 were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP method. Serum levels of VEGF, VEGFR2, VEGI, and HIF1A proteins in breast cancer patients and controls were measured by ELISA. There was a significant association between the VEGFA rs25648 C allele and breast cancer risk (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.7–3.6, p < 0.001). VEGFA rs25648 C/C genotype was statistically significantly higher in breast cancer patients vs. control (p < 0.001). Participants with the T/T and T/C VEGFR2 rs2071559 genotypes had 5.46 and 5 higher odds, respectively, of having breast cancer than those with the C/C genotype. For the VEGI rs6478106 polymorphism, there was a higher proportion of C allele in breast cancer patients vs. control (P = 0.003). Moreover, the C/C genotype of VEGI rs6478106 was statistically significantly higher in breast cancer patients vs. control (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in genotypes and allele frequencies of HIF-1A rs11549465 polymorphism between breast cancer cases and control individuals (P > 0.05). Serum levels of VEGFA, VEGI, and HIF1A were considerably greater in women with breast cancer than in the control (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the genetic variants VEGFA rs25648, VEGFR2 rs2071559, and VEGI rs6478106 revealed a significant association with increased breast cancer risk in Egyptian patients.
An in silico investigation on the interactions of curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate with NLRP3 Inflammasome complex
Authors: Jena Atala B. , Dash Umesh C. , Duttaroy Asim K.
Published: September 2022

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 are the underlying factors of the inflammatory response and are necessary for the host's reaction and pathogen resistance. These cytokines also promote damage during chronic inflammation along with acute tissue injury. However, little is known about how these proteins are made and secreted from cells. Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes which are required for the canonical synthesis of IL-1β. The NLRP3 inflammasome complex is one of the most studied inflammasome complexes. Its activation is dependent on two signals, i.e. one "primes" the cells by inducing the production of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β, while the other causes the complex to assemble and activate. Lysosomal rupture, reactive oxygen species, and cytosolic ion perturbation function as the second signal. Despite extensive research, the exact role and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome are still unknown. In the current study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of plant-derived compounds such as curcumin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on NLRP3-mediated IL-1β and IL-18 production using in silicoapproach. Our data suggest that the therapeutic effect of curcumin and EGCG may be due to the inhibition of inflammasome activation. The molecular and protein-protein interaction data indicated that the therapeutic effects of these two polyphenols are mediated by preventing the development of the NLRP3 complex.
Response surface methodology approach for dyeing process optimization of Ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon) wood with acid dye
Authors: Wu Shiqian , Peng Limin , Fu Feng , Feng Yun , He Jinrong , Wang Huishan
Published: September 2022

Dyeing of wood is an important value-adding process. An important indicator in the assessment of the performance of wood dyeing process is the dye penetration. In present study, the existing method of response surface methodology was extended to study the dyeing process optimization of Ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon) wood with acid dye using the radial dye penetration rate as an indicator. The experiments were carried out on the basis of a single factor experiment, and the optimal condition was determined by means of the Box-Behnken Design of response surface methodology. The effects of temperature, dye concentration, dyeing time and accelerant mass fraction on the radial dye penetration rate of Ayous wood were optimized. The experimental results showed that the maximum radial dye permeability can be achieved under optimum dyeing temperature (86.03 oC), dye concentration (0.31%), dyeing time (8 h), and accelerant mass fraction (2.23%). Under these conditions, the maximum dye-uptake and radial dye penetration rate were found to be 14.28% and 22.34%, respectively. The results of analysis of variance indicated that the mathematical model proposed in this study can be used to predict the dye-uptake and radial dye penetration rate of acid dye on Ayous wood by changing the process parameters.
Cellulosic biomass-derived carbon quantum dots: "On-off-on" nanosensor for rapid detection of multi-metal ions and green photocatalytic CO2 reduction in water
Authors: Raja Sebastian , Silva Gelson T.S.T. da , Anbu Sellamuthu , Ribeiro Caue , Mattoso Luiz H. C.
Published: September 2022

We have developed carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with excellent photoluminescence (PL) properties from macaúba (Acrocomia aculeate) fibers; a widely available cellulosic biomass species of palm trees in South America. As-prepared CQDs showed quasi-spherical morphology with high aqueous solubility, strong photostability and excitation dependent multicolor fluorescence behaviour. Interestingly, the CQDs display fluorescence 'turn-off' response with excellent sensitivity toward multi-metal ions including Fe3+, Cu2+ and Hg2+ with the very low detection limits of 0.69 µM, 0.99 µM, 0.25 µM, respectively. Notably, ascorbic acid (AA) induced a change in the (turn-off) fluorescence of Fe3+-CQDs, which caused an almost 70% revival of fluorescence (turn-on) by displacing Fe3+ ions. We have also harnessed CQDs as the visible-light-induced photocatalyst to reduce CO2 in water. Especially, the CQDs efficiently promote the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into methane (CH4) with an evolution rate of 99.8 nmol/g at 436 nm in aqueous conditions. This indicates that the CQDs provide abundant active sites for CO2 adsorption and thus enhance the separation and migration of photo-induced charge carriers that efficiently reduce CO2 into CH4 without any co-catalyst in 100% water.
Single cell RNA sequencing analysis of mouse cochlear supporting cell transcriptomes with activated ERBB2 receptor, a candidate mediator of hearing restoration mechanisms.
Authors: Piekna-Przybylska Dorota , Na Daxiang , Zhang Jingyuan , Baker Cameron , Ashton John , White Patricia
Published: September 2022

Hearing loss caused by the death of cochlear hair cells (HCs) might be restored through regeneration from supporting cells (SCs) via dedifferentiation and proliferation, as observed in birds. We recently found that in mice, activation of ERBB2 in SCs promoted the differentiation of hair cell-like cells. Here we analyze transcriptomes of neonatal mouse cochlear SCs with activated ERBB2 using single-cell RNA sequencing. ERBB2 inductionin vivogenerated a new population of cells expressingde novoSIBLING (small integrin-binding ligand n-linked glycoproteins) proteins and their regulators, particularly Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1). In other systems, SIBLINGs promote cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. ERBB2 signaling induced after noise exposure in young adult mice also up-regulated the SPP1 receptor CD44, and drove formation of stem-like cell aggregates in the organ of Corti. Our results suggest that ectopic activation of ERBB2 signaling in cochlear supporting cells alters the microenvironment, promoting proliferation and cell rearrangements.
Fundamental knowledge taught in compulsory education for effective genetic counseling: A qualitative study of descriptions in textbooks
Authors: Sakai Eri , Yamada Takahiro , Funaki Tomomi , Iwakuma Miho , Osawa Harumo , Morimoto Kana , Kosugi Shinji
Published: September 2022

In genetic counseling, information must be provided in ways the client and general public can understand to ensure that decisions are made autonomously. To realize this, we must assess the extent of knowledge held by the general public regarding genetics. In order to identify the client's original knowledge before genetic counseling, we explored the fundamental knowledge related to genetic counseling that is taught in Japanese compulsory education. A qualitative study was conducted. We chose 50 textbooks for compulsory education (Japanese, social studies, science, health and physical education, technology and home economics, morality, and life) that had been used in more than half of the districts in Japan. The text data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, and quantitative data were also analyzed for methodological triangulation. Codes, subcategories, and categories were generated from contexts that met the following criteria: the contents included in the official textbook for clinical geneticists, the contents derived from such descriptions that were related to genetic counseling, and the contents clearly related to genetics. Among the 50 textbooks, 33 textbooks contained fundamental knowledge regarding genetic counseling. A qualitative content analysis identified four major categories: (1) Basics of genetics, (2) Understanding and control of disease, (3) Efforts and barrier to the realization of a harmonious society, and (4) Technology and humans. We found that fundamental knowledge related to genetic counseling is directly or indirectly taught in compulsory education. Our results are an important resource for understanding the client’s knowledge baseline and will be helpful for effective genetic counseling.
Investigation of the potential probiotic effects of lactic acid bacteria and cell- free supernatants against important pathogens leading to wound infections
Authors: Yilmaz Ozgenur , Turkyilmaz Suheyla
Published: September 2022

In recent years, several in vitro studies have revealed that some of the LAB strains and their Cell-free supernatants (CFSs) have shown antibacterial activities and promising tools to prevent or disperse the biofilm formation of dermatological pathogens. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects of LAB active cultures and CFSs against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus which were related to wound infections, as well as the inhibitory effects of CFSs on the biofilm formation of pathogens and destroying biofilms. The current results indicated that some of the LAB active cultures and CFSs have shown antibacterial properties against pathogens; furthermore, it was determined that some of the CFSs have shown powerful inhibitory effects on biofilm formation and destroying biofilms. All data together signify a great ability of the applications of CFSs as antibacterial and biofilm removal compounds that could be very suitable to control wound infections caused by these pathogens.
Baseline susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae to clothianidin in northern Ghana
Authors: Zong Cosmos Manwovor-Anbon Pambit , Coleman Sylvester , Mohammed Abdul Rahim , Owusu-Asenso Christopher Mfum , Akuamoah-Boateng Yaw , Sr Isaac Kwame , Cui Liwang , Attah Simon Kwaku , Afrane Yaw Asare
Published: September 2022

Background: Clothianidin, an insecticide with a novel mode of action, has been deployed in the annual indoor residual spraying programme in northern Ghana since March 2021. To inform pragmatic management strategies and guide future studies, baseline data on local Anopheles gambiae s.l susceptibility to the clothianidin insecticide were collected in Kpasolgu, a village in the Northern region, Ghana.Methods: Phenotypic susceptibility of Anopheles mosquitoes to clothianidin was determined using the WHO insecticide resistance monitoring bioassay. The WHO cone bioassay was conducted on mud and cement walls sprayed with Sumishield 50 WG (with clothianidin active ingredient). Mortality rates were observed up to 168 hours. Species of the An. gambiae complex present in the area and the detection of insecticide target-site mutations (kdr and Ace-1) were determined by PCR. Results: The WHO susceptibility bioassay revealed a delayed killing effect of clothianidin. Mosquitoes exposed to the cone bioassays for five minutes died 120 hours after exposure. Slightly higher mortalities were observed in mosquitoes exposed to clothianidin-treated cement wall surfaces than mosquitoes exposed to mud wall surfaces. The kdr target-site mutation L1014F occurred at very high frequencies (0.89-0.94) across all vector species identified whereas the Ace-1 mutation occurred at moderate levels (0.32-0.44). An. gambiae s.s was the most abundant species observed at 63% whereas An. arabiensis was the least observed at 9%.Conclusions: An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes in northern Ghana were susceptible to clothianidin. They harbored kdr and ace-1 mutations at high frequencies.
Evaluation the potentiality of Rhizophora mucronata for pollutants remediation on the Red Sea Coast, Egypt
Authors: Aboulsoud Yasmin I. E. , Elkhouly Ahmed A.
Published: September 2022

Rhizophora mucronata was assessed as a biological tool for remediation and reduction of heavy metals mobility in sediments in Safaga and Hamata, the Red Sea Coast. It is an important region for tourism and nature reserves; however, this area suffers from various anthropogenic contaminants. Investigation of metal behavior in mangrove plants and sediments is important for clarifying the ability of mangroves to reduce sediments contamination through bioaccumulation, phytostabilization or phytoextraction. Sediments of Safaga site showed higher significant concentrations of all studied heavy metals. Heavy metal contents in sediments were significantly lower in case of elder plants than younger ones as well as in rhizosphere samples than non-rhizosphere ones. The order of remediation efficiency was Mo > Ni > Mn ≥ Co > Al > Cu > Zn ≥ Cr > Fe > V, where the highest % were 99.25, 58.97, 42.64, 42.48, 41.91, 39.47, 37.93, 37.01, 36.89, and 29.44, respectively. R. mucronata parts were more significantly contaminated in Safaga site with Co, Cr, Cu, Mo and Zn, meanwhile they were more significantly contaminated in Hamata site with Al, Fe, Mn, Ni and V. The elder plants accumulated higher concentrations than younger ones and contents of heavy metals in plant samples followed the order of root > aerial roots > shoot. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) values representing the accumulation efficiency of R. mucronata was Ni > Mo > Zn > Cu > Cr > Co > Mn ≥ Al > V > Fe, where their highest values were 17.74, 7.89, 3.95, 3.84, 2.66, 1.91, 1.67, 1.66, 1.6, 1.18, respectively. BCF values exceeded one for all metals and values of translocation factor (TF) were less than unity in all cases, thus Rhizophora mucronata can be considered as a good phytostabilizer of ten studied heavy metals able to reduce their mobility through accumulation by roots, thereby reducing off-site contamination.
Copy number analysis in a large-scale study of spinal muscular atrophy patients between two continuous generations in Iran
Authors: Shakerian Siavash , Shariati Gholamreza , anaie Marzieh Mohammadi , Abdorasouli Nehzat , Nanvazadeh Fatemeh , Galehdari Hamid , Hamid Mohammad , Sedaghat Alireza , Saberi Alihossein
Published: September 2022

Background:Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited neuromuscular disease with about 1:6000 to 1:10,000 in newborns.
Objectives:To evaluate the copy number variation of SMN1 and SMN2 genes between two generations, we experimented on 221 core families, including 221 patients and their parents (n=442).
Materials & methods: Before sample collection, all cases were subjected to clinical diagnosis, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity test. Moreover, DNA samples were analyzed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.
Results: In this study, 92.7% of patients' SMN1 deletions were homozygous, whereas 7.3% of the SMN1 deletions were heterozygous. On the other hand, 92.9% of the parents had one copy of SMN1, and the remaining had two copies of SMN1. Since SMN2 has a disease-modifying role, accurate determination of SMN2 copy number can be helpful in the case of prognosis and genotype-phenotype correlation. The average SMN copies from parents represent the copy number in the parent's generation. Evaluations showed a negative correlation between the copy number of SMN1 and SMN2in children and their parents. Besides, when the average of SMN2 copy numbers was two in the parent's generation, 81% of the children were type I, and the rest were Type II/III. Also, in cases with three or more SMN2copy numbers in parents, approximately 90% of children were either type II or III.
Conclusion: Accordingly, there is a possibility that the SMN2 copy numbers in parents could predict the disease severity in the next generation.
RETRACTED: Swarm Sets and Its Properties, Operations
Authors: M Clement Joe Anand , Ittanagi Basavaraj M.
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The influence of food-based enrichment on the behaviour of captive red pandas Ailurus fulgens fulgens
Authors: Khan Aamer Sohel
Published: September 2022

Developing simple and innovative ways to provide feed to captive animals, especially those kept for captive breeding programs is essential because food-based enrichment has a beneficial effect on animal welfare. The red panda is a threatened species and needs support in developing a successful captive breeding program. Indian captive population of red pandas exhibit stereotypic behaviour to some extent (Khan et al., 2022) which could interfere with species biology and hinder captive breeding success. Therefore to combat stress zoos must design effective enrichments. Food-based enrichments are ideal to maintain animal welfare. I studied the effect of feed dispersal on the behaviour of captive red pandas in India. This study analysed whether pacing and aggressive behaviour were reduced, and foraging behaviour increased, when food was spatially distributed around the enclosure (mimicking the panda’s natural habitat) compared to food served on a common platform. Results showed that dispersing the food (known as food-based enrichment) increased the level of behavioural diversity by 1.6 times and foraging by 3.6 times. Similarly, pacing decreased by 5.8 times and aggression by almost three times in the subjects. Individual analysis suggests that behavioural diversity in the male doubled when food was dispersed around the enclosure. This suggests that spatially distributing bamboo stimulates foraging behaviour and limits stereotypical behaviour, such as pacing, in captive red pandas. This study showed that planning simple and innovative food-based enrichments in captivity supports natural behaviours and reduces abnormal behaviours ultimately supporting species conservation.
Quality and Yield of Broccoli Hybrids Treated Postemergence with Tank Mixtures of Chelated Iron and Bentazon
Authors: Washington Marcellus , Farnham Mark , Couillard David , Campbell H. Tyler , Ward Brian K. , Cutulle Matthew
Published: September 2022

Increased broccoli production in the eastern United States necessitates the exploration of novel concepts to improve weed management in this region. Currently, there are minimal selective postemergent herbicide options available for broccoli growers in the southeastern United States. Research was conducted to determine if bentazon, an effective nutsedge herbicide, could be used safely for broccoli when tank-mixed with chelated iron in both greenhouse and field settings. Initial greenhouse screens in Charleston, SC, demonstrated that when 224 g⋅ha−1 active ingredient of chelated iron was tank-mixed with bentazon, a reduction in injury occurred in most of the cultivars that were evaluated. However, based on injury ratings, yield parameters, and broccoli quality observed in the field, it appears that the applications of chelated iron yielded no positive effects. Furthermore, for some of the broccoli cultivars it appeared to exacerbate bentazon injury in the field.
More Than Just Plants: Botanical Gardens Are an Untapped Source of Fungal Diversity
Authors: Bradshaw Michael J. , Quijada Luis , Tobin Patrick C. , Braun Uwe , Newlander Cindy , Potterfield Tom , Alford Élan R. , Contreras Carlos , Coombes Allen , Moparthi Swarnalatha , Buchholz Erin , Murphy Daniel , Enos Wade , Fields-Taylor Amy , Bower Anna , Pfister Donald H.
Published: September 2022

Botanical gardens have extensive spatial databases of their plant specimens; however, the fungi occurring in them are generally unstudied. Botanical gardens, with their great plant diversity, undoubtedly harbor a wide range of symbiotic fungi, including those that are plant-pathogenic. One such group of fungi is powdery mildews (Erysiphaceae). The powdery mildews are among the most prevalent and economically important plant pathogens in the world, with an estimated 906 species in 19 genera. They are known to infect more than 10,000 species of flowering plants and although some species occur across a range of hosts, many are associated with specific plants. Powdery mildews have undergone a long and dynamic coevolution with their host plants, resulting in co-speciation. Botanical gardens provide a living laboratory in which to study these fungi, leading to a wealth of undiscovered fungal diversity. Furthermore, monitoring pathogens in botanical gardens has led to important ecological findings related to the plant sciences and plant protection. Between 2018 and 2022, a collaborative citizen science project was established with 10 botanical gardens in the United States and Mexico. A total of more than 300 powdery mildew specimens were collected on 220 different host taxa. We sequenced the entire internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA loci and phylogenetically and morphologically analyzed these collections revealing 130 species, of which 31 are likely unknown to science. This research highlights the importance of botanical gardens as a reservoir of fungal diversity. Future research will further elucidate the coevolutionary relationship between powdery mildews and their hosts and extend the current study to evaluate other plant pathogens and fungi in botanical gardens.
HULL SHAPE OPTIMIZATION OF SMALL UNDERWATER VEHICLE BASED ON KRIGING-BASED RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD AND MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM
Authors:   College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China, Hou Shuping , Zhang Zejiang , Lian Hongtai , Xing Xiaodong , Gong Haixia , Xu Xiujun ,   College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Published: September 2022

Small underwater vehicles have unique advantages in ocean exploration. The resistance and volume of a vehicle are key factors affecting its operation time underwater. This paper aims to develop an effective method to obtain the optimal hull shape of a small underwater vehicle using Kriging-based response surface method (RSM) and multi-objective optimization algorithm. Firstly, the hydrodynamic performance of a small underwater vehicle is numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and the value range of related design variables is determined. The mesh convergence is verified to ensure the accuracy of the calculation results. Then, by means of the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) design of simulation, the Kriging-based RSM model is developed according to the relation between each design variable of the vehicle and the output parameters applied to the vehicle. Based on the Kriging-based RSM model, the optimal hull shape of the vehicle is determined by using Screening and MOGA. As results, the vehicle resistance reduces and volume increases obviously.
An overview of investor sentiment: Identifying themes, trends, and future direction through bibliometric analysis
Authors: N Kamath Aditi , S. Shenoy Sandeep , Kumar N. Subrahmanya
Published: September 2022

Investor sentiment is the result of trading behavior and irrational beliefs of investors leading to high volatility and market mispricing. This review aims to study the entire spectrum of articles in the domain of investor sentiment using a bibliometric analysis approach. To this end, the study analyzes a total of 1,919 articles published in the Scopus database between 1979 and 2022. The review uncovers major themes, leading authors, influencing articles, trend topics, top contributing countries, and affiliations. The review shows that the research in the domain of investor sentiment is growing exponentially with an annual growth rate of 15.88%, and the year 2020 witnessed the highest number of scientific productions accounting for 252 (13.68%) total publications. The results display that the USA and China are leading countries in terms of the total contribution and volume of studies from respective authors. The review also reveals that existing research in the field has mainly focused on themes such as market efficiency, asset pricing, stock returns, sentiment analysis, IPO underpricing, overreaction, and volatility, whereas Covid-19 and Bitcoin depicted as emerging themes from recent scholarly works.
Organizational performance in the post-COVID-19 era: The predictors’ impacts
Authors: Philip Adekanmbi Foluso , Isioma Ukpere Wilfred
Published: September 2022

This paper assesses the impacts of teleworking, perceived technostress, and job insecurity on the organizational performance (OP) of Nigeria’s business organizations in the post-COVID-19 era. The sample was obtained from 10 business organizations in the Oyo and Lagos States of Nigeria. This investigation espoused a cross-sectional scientific study involving surveys. In the current investigation, survey forms were randomly distributed among 300 employees. Of the 300 surveys floated, 277 were fitting for scrutiny and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28). The current study established a positive impact of teleworking on organizational performance. Besides, it showed a substantial negative impact of technostress on organizational performance. It further noted that perceived job insecurity negatively affects organizational performance.Moreover, this study showed a significant joint strong influence of teleworking, technostress, and job insecurity on the organizational performance of Nigeria’s business organizations in the post-COVID-19 era. Thus, management should encourage the work practice that allows employees to work at the agreed location since findings indicated a substantial and positive influence of teleworking on organizational performance in the post-COVID-19 era. Besides, employers need to increase their workers’ capability for information technology-enabled creativeness to mitigate the negativity generated by technostress. Also, management should ensure that employees have access to information, constantly communicate, and participate in organizational processes to better overcome perceived insecurity and emotional distress. Furthermore, the information and communication must hint at the prospect and stability of post-COVID-19 services. Consequently, employees’ perceptions of organizational identification are promoted.
AcknowledgmentWe acknowledge the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, under Professor Wilfred Isioma Ukpere, for funding this study and its publication.
Occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in cats from the Aegean region in Turkey
Authors: TUNA GÜLTEN EMEK , AKSOY KEMAL , AY CEREN DINLER
Published: September 2022

Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) is a vector-mediated zoonotic parasite that can cause significant cardiopulmonary problems in humans and animals. Although dogs are the main hosts of the parasite, in recent years, its importance has been increasing in cats, especially in endemic areas. This study aims to determine the occurrence of D. immitis infection in cats in the Aegean region, Turkey. The animal material of the study consisted of 200 cats of different breeds and ages (at least 1 year old) and both sexes. The cats were tested for D. immitis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) antibodies and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) antigen with commercial immuno-chromatographic test kits. In addition, blood samples were examined for microfilariae using a direct blood smear technique and the modified Knott’s test. Out of 200 cats, one (0.5%) cat was seropositive for D. immitis, 15 (7.5%) cats were seropositive for FIV, and one (0.5%) cat was seropositive for FeLV. One cat seropositive for D. immitis was showing signs of active heartworm infection. All samples were found negative for microfilariae by direct blood examination and the modified Knott’s method. This study is the first report of the occurrence of D. immitis in the Aegean Region, with a seroprevalence of 0.5%. Also, it provides evidence that cats in the Aegean region are at risk of becoming infected with D. immitis.
Study of regional monthly precipitation based on CEEMD-BILSTM coupled model
Authors: Zhang Xianqi , Shi Jingwen , Zhu Guoyu , Xiao Yimeng , Chen Haiyang
Published: September 2022

The prediction of monthly precipitation is of great importance for regional water resources management and use. The monthly precipitation sequence is affected by various factors such as atmosphere, region and environment, and has obvious ambiguity, chance and uncertainty. CEEMD based on complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition can effectively reduce the reconstruction error of time series, and bidirectional long short-term memory (BILSTM) model can effectively learn long-term dependencies in time series. A CEEMD-BILSTM (complementary integrated empirical mode decomposition-bidirectional long short-term memory) coupled model is constructed to predict the monthly precipitation in Zhengzhou, and the performances of the LSTM model, EEMD-LSTM model and EEMD-BILSTM model are compared. The CEEMD-BILSTM model has a maximum relative error of 7.28%, a minimum relative error of 0.00%, and an average relative error of 2.68%, with an RMS error of 2.6% and a coefficient of determination of 0.97 in predicting monthly precipitation in Zhengzhou, which is considered a good accuracy of the CEEMD-BILSTM model for predicting monthly precipitation in Zhengzhou. The model is better than the LSTM model, the EEMD-LSTM model, and the EEMD-BILSTM model and has better fitting ability. It also shows that it has strong nonlinear and complex process learning ability in the hydrological factor model of regional precipitation prediction.
Analysis of energy recovery and microbial community in an amalgamated CSTR-UASBs reactor for a three-stage anaerobic fermentation process of cornstalks
Authors: Zhao Bowei , Xie Fei , Zhou Aijuan , Liu Zhihong , Ji Li , Zhang Guixiang , Yue Xiuping
Published: September 2022

In this study, a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) coupled with up-flow anaerobic sludge beds (UASBs) reactor was successfully developed for enhancing methane production and carbon recovery rate from cornstalks. Acetic acid production was higher in regions A than in B and C. The methane percentage achieved at 75.98% of total gas and methane production of cornstalks was up to 520.07 mL/g, during the stable operation period. The carbon of recovery rate, represented substrates converted to methane gas, reached 69.32% in stable stage. Microbial community structure analysis revealed that Paludibacter, Prevotella/Clostridium sensu stricto, and Caldisericum were the dominant bacteria for the degradation of cellulose, lignin, and other refractory macromolecules in regions A, B, and C, respectively. Methanobacterium and Methanolinea were the two major genera, accounting for methanogenesis generation.
SCHEDULE OF ASCENT TO THE SURFACE AFTER SATURATION DIVE ON HELIOX MIXTURE TO 500 METERS
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Nikolaev V.P.
Published: September 2022

Modified US navy Tables of decompression and stop times were used to provide theoretical grounds for reckoning of ascent rate to the surface after saturation dives to 500 on a heliox mixture lasting 18 days, 12 hrs and 35 minutes. According to calculation, dynamics of helium tension in the slowest body tissues points to oversaturation, the risk of gas bubble formation and development of decompression sickness symptoms. This risk can be averted fully by decelerating the standard ascent rate in half.