bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing a Novel Revenue-Sharing Contract in Media Supply Chain Management using Data Mining and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods
Authors: Alipour-Vaezi Mohammad , Aghsami Amir , Rabbani Masoud
Published: May 2021

In recent years, we have observed stunning advances in supply chain coordination. But despite all these scientific methods, some of the businesses are still coordinating traditionally. Media supply chain, and above all its components, the cinema industry has been coordinated traditionally for years. One of the boldest problems in the media supply chain is wage determination in the cinema industry, which in it the actor’s efficiency or deficiency is not considered. It means the success or failure of the movie is nothing to do with the actor’s revenue. To address this problem, this article proposes a novel revenue-sharing coordination contract that benefits from text mining and the best-worst method. We aim to determine a fair share of profit or loss of a movie for each of its actors based on their performance and efficiency on the success or failure of the project. One of the latest movies is considered as a case study, and its lead actor’s wage for this movie is determined under this contract. The sentiment analysis technique investigated the viewers’ opinions about the movie and the actor’s performance. Since the reviewers mainly are the people who have no expertise in cinematography, they cannot discern the influence of other participants on the actor’s performance. So the proposed method used experts’ opinions through the fuzzy DEMATEL method to consider the overlapping effect besides enhancing the validity of the reviewers’ opinions.
Streptomyces Species Associated with Fissure Scab of Potato in South Africa Including Description of S. Resiliuntiscabiei Sp. Nov.
Authors: Cruywagen Elsie Margaretha , Pierneef Rian , Chauke Kgothatso Andronicah , Nkosi Brightness Zama , Labeda David , Cloete Michele
Published: May 2021

Streptomyces species are the causal agents of several scab diseases on potato tubers. A new type of scab symptom, caused by Streptomyces species, was observed in South Africa from 2010 onwards. The disease was initially thought to be caused by a single Streptomyces species, however, subsequent isolations from similar symptoms on other potato tubers revealed diversity of the Streptomyces isolates. The objective of this study was to characterise these isolates in order to determine which species are involved in the disease. This was done by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rDNA as well as five housekeeping genes, investigation of growth on different culture media, standard phenotypic tests and scanning electron microscopy of culture morphology. The presence of the pathogenicity island (PAI) present in plant pathogenic Streptomyces species was also investigated. The genomes of eight isolates selected from the three main clades identified, were sequenced and annotated to further clarify species boundaries. Two isolates of each of the three main clades were also inoculated onto susceptible potato cultivars in order to establish the pathogenicity of the species. The results of the phylogenetic and genome analyses revealed that there are three main species involved, namely, S. werraensis, S. pseudogriseolus and a novel Streptomyces species that is described here as Streptomyces resiliuntiscabiei sp. nov. The glasshouse trial results showed that all three of the Streptomyces species are capable of producing fissure scab symptoms. None of the Streptomyces isolates from fissure scab contained the full PAI and the mechanism of disease initiation still needs to be determined.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Droughts over Different Climate Regions using Hybrid Clustering Method
Authors: Roushangar Kiyoumars , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Nourani Vahid
Published: May 2021

Drought spatiotemporal variations assessment is an efficient method for implementing drought mitigation strategies and reducing its negative impacts. In this study, the spatiotemporal pattern of short to long-term droughts was assessed for an area with different climates. 31 stations located in Iran were considered and the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) series with timescales of 3, 6, and 12 months were calculated during the 1951-2016 period. A hybrid methodology namely Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transform (MODWT) was applied to obtain the SPIs time-frequency properties and multiscale zoning was done via K-means clustering approach. The energy amounts of decomposed subseries via the MODWT were used as inputs for K-means approach. Also, the statistics in drought features (i.e. drought duration, severity, and peak) were assessed and the results showed that shorter term droughts (i.e. SPI-3 and -6) were more frequent and severe in the north parts where the lowest values of drought duration were obtained. It was observed that the regions with more droughts frequency had the highest energy values. For shorter term droughts a direct relationship was obtained between the energy values and mean SPI, drought severity, and drought peak, whereas an inverse relationship was obtained for longer term drought. It was found that with increasing the degree of SPI, the similarity of the stations of each cluster increased too and the homogeneity of stations for the SPI-12 was slightly higher than the SPI-3 and -6.
Efficacy And Central Mechanism of Acupuncture Treatment In Patients With Neck Pain: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gao Zhen , Yin Tao , Lan Lei , Li Dehua , Sun Ruirui , Ha Guodong , Jiang Caili , Shao Xin , He Zhaoxuan , Ji Laixi , Zeng Fang
Published: May 2021

Background: Acupuncture is effective for reducing the symptoms of neck pain (NP). However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Based on evaluating the efficacy of two acupuncture prescriptions for treating NP. This study aims to investigate the potential central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for NP by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial, 86 patients will be randomly assigned into two acupuncture treatment groups at a ratio of 1:1. The whole study period includes 2 weeks baseline, 2 weeks treatments and 12 weeks follow-up (4 and 12 weeks after treatment). The pain severity, the neck disability index, the cervical range of motion, the pressure pain threshold, etc. will be used to evaluate clinical efficacy of two acupuncture prescriptions for NP treatment. The MRI scans will be performed to detect cerebral activity changes of 20 patients in each group. The clinical data and MRI data will be analysed, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient will be used to evaluate the association between changes of cerebral activity features and improvement of clinical symptoms.Discussion: The results might provide further evidence for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of NP.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000040930. Registered on December 16, 2020.
A Generalized Kundu-Eckhaus Equation With An Extra-Dispersion: Pulses Configuration
Authors: Abdel-Gawad Hamdy.
Published: May 2021

Raman effect is due to self-phase modulation (SPM), which is embedded in Kundu-Eckhaus equation KEE. Here, a generalized KEE is suggested by accounting for an extra dispersion. Here, we are concerned with finding the exact solutions of the proposed equation, which is done by using the unified method. In this work, we aim to show that the optical pulses OPs propagation in optical fibers may show a variety of shapes. Waves of multiple geometric shapes are observed. Among these waves, hybrid lumps, soliton, cascade, complex chirped, hybrid w-shaped, rhombus (diamond) waves and soliton modulation, which is induced by SPM. Further, the pulses intensity, frequency, wavelength, polarization, and spectral content are introduced. The results found here are of great interest in experimenting the effects of the induced dispersion on pulses configurations. Further, the colliding dynamics are inspected and as it is observed that no rogue or sharp waves formation holds, so the collision is elastic.
Joint Optimization Framework For Maximization of Instantaneous Transmission Rate In Signal To Interference Noise Ratio Constrained UAVs-Supported Self-Organized Device-To-Device Network
Authors: Mondal Abhishek , Hossain Ashraf
Published: May 2021

Due to their high maneuverability, flexible deployment, and line of sight (LoS) transmission, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could be an alternative option for reliable device-to-device (D2D) communication when a direct link is not available between source and destination devices due to obstacles in the signal propagation path. Therefore, in this paper, we have proposed a UAVs-supported self-organized device-to-device (USSD2D) network where multiple UAVs are employed as aerial relays. We have developed a novel optimization framework that maximizes the total instantaneous transmission rate of the network by jointly optimizing the deployed location of UAVs, device association, and UAVs’ channel selection while ensuring that every device should achieve a given signal to interference noise ratio (SINR) constraint. As this joint optimization problem is nonconvex and combinatorial, we adopt reinforcement learning (RL) based solution methodology that effectively decouples it into three individual optimization problems. The formulated problem is transformed into a Markov decision process (MDP) where UAVs learn the system parameters according to the current state and corresponding action aiming to maximize the generated reward under the current policy. Finally, we conceive SARSA, a low complexity iterative algorithm for updating the current policy in the case of randomly deployed device pairs which achieves a good computational complexity-optimality tradeoff. Numerical results validate the analysis and provide various insights on the optimal deployment of UAVs. The proposed methodology improves the total instantaneous transmission rate of the network by 75.37%, 52.08%, and 14.77% respectively as compared with RS-FORD, ES-FIRD, and AOIV schemes.
Chaotic Dynamics in a Novel COVID-19 Pandemic Model Described by Commensurate and Incommensurate Fractional-Order Derivatives
Authors: Debbouche Nadjette , Ouannas Adel , Batiha Iqbal M. , Grassi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Mathematical models based on fractional-order differential equations have recently gained interesting insights into epidemiological phenomena, by virtue of their memory effect and nonlocal nature. This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of a novel COVID-19 pandemic model described by commensurate and incommensurate fractional-order derivatives. The model is based on the Caputo operator and takes into account the daily new cases, the daily additional severe cases and the daily deaths. By analysing the stability of the equilibrium points and by continuously varying the values of the fractional order, the paper shows that the conceived COVID-19 pandemic model exhibits chaotic behaviours. The system dynamics are investigated via bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, time series and phase portraits. A comparison between integer-order and fractional-order COVID-19 pandemic models highlights that the latter is more accurate in predicting the daily new cases. Simulation results, besides to confirm that the novel fractional model well fit the real pandemic data, also indicate that the numbers of new cases, severe cases and deaths undertake chaotic behaviours without any useful attempt to control the disease.
Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment Method for Groundwater Source Protection using a Process-Based Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Duda Robert , Zdechlik Robert , Kania Jarosław
Published: May 2021

Potable groundwater resources are under threat as a result of industrial development and an increase in fertilizer use. The protection of groundwater supply may require the establishment of groundwater source protection zones (GSPZ) to allow protective measures. The aim of this study has been to develop a new approach to groundwater source risk assessment (GSRA). The risk has been defined as the greatest of the risks identified for individual potential sources of contamination (PSCs). The risk resulting from a PSC is the combination of its adverse impact on groundwater, unwanted event probability, its adverse effect and annoyance for the population. A multi-criteria assessment has been designed to estimate the indices of potential groundwater impact of industrial facilities and non-inert waste landfills, using the range and weight method. The application of the approach proposed has been tested on an idealized model under three scenarios, involving various industrial PSCs and fertilization. The overall nitrogen load was compared to the maximum effective nitrogen load for the crops in question. The sensitivity analysis conducted for this methodology has revealed that the main factors affecting the risk to water supply are non-reactive contaminant mass load in PSC leachate and the ratio of groundwater volume abstracted from the wells to the amount of water flowing from PSCs to the wells, which determine the dilution degree of contaminant mass. This proposed interdisciplinary approach to GSRA should provide a robust basis for making decisions about GSPZ establishment and for the development of a groundwater risk analysis methodology.
Improvement in Group Identification of Dojo Loach, Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus, Using PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
Authors: Kuroda Masamichi , Fujimoto Takafumi , Yamaha Etsuro , Arai Katsutoshi
Published: May 2021

Most wild types of dojo loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) are gonochoristic diploids that are genetically diversified groups (A and B, further subdivided into B1 and B2), while clonal lineages inhabit certain localities in Japan. Through a series of genetic studies including DNA markers, the clonal loaches were deemed to originate from a hybridization event(s) between the A and B1 groups. However, combined analyses with other DNA markers are needed to identify each genetic group. In this study, we improved the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the recombination activating gene 1 (RAG1) gene using digestion with two restriction enzymes, PvuII and StuI. The improved RAG1-RFLP analysis showed different fragment patterns for each group: two fragments (245 and 198 bp) for group A, three fragments (198, 147, and 98 bp) for group B1, and a single fragment (443 bp) for group B2. The clonal loaches exhibited four fragments (245, 198, 147, and 98 bp) derived from both groups A and B1. Moreover, the DNA markers were able to detect two different hybrid genotypes (A × B2 and B1 × B2). Thus, the improved RAG1-RFLP markers allowed for quick and accurate group identification of the dojo loaches.
Antibacterial Effects of Octenidine Dihydrochloride, and Benzalkanium Chloride on Acinetobacter Baumannii Strains Isolated from Clinical Samples and Determination of Genetic Diversity of Isolates by RAPD-PCR Method
Authors: Khosravi Azar Dokht , Montazeri Effat Abasi , Maki Seyedeh Roya
Published: May 2021

Due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii which is one of the important causes of nosocomial infections, many problems have been raised in the successful treatment of patients with the subsequent mortality. So, the present study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Actinidine dehydrochloride, Actinisept, and Benzalkanium chloride against Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from clinical samples and to determine the genetic diversity of strains by RAPD-PCR. A total of 119 non-duplicate, suspected Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were collected and confirmed by conventional culture and biochemical tests and PCR technique. Susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was evaluated by standard Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). For antiseptics Octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), Actinisept, and Benzalkonium chloride (BZK), Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed. The prevalence of Qac E and Qac delta E genes related to antiseptics was estimated by PCR. Finally, genetic diversity of strains was determined by RAPD-PCR. All 119 suspected isolates were confirmed as Acinetobacter baumannii using conventional tests and PCR. The isolates were mostly originated from blood samples. In AST, the lowest resistance was seen for ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. The MIC values were reported as OCT (15.26 µg) and BZK (640 µg). The antiseptic genes of qacE and qac ΔE1 were found to be present in 56 (47.05%) and 59 (49.57%) of isolates respectively. RAPD typing method revealed great diversity among A. baumannii isolates, with 37 clusters in isolates from ICU, of which 32 isolates were single and 5 were multiple. In conclusion, considering the increase of resistance to antiseptics, it is of importance to monitor the susceptibility of A. baumannii to antiseptics and to promote antiseptic stewardship in hospitals. Furthermore, in this study great diversity among A. baumannii was observed making it difficult to properly carry out infection control policies. analysis of RAPD-PCR typing results, and we found 37 clusters, among them 32 isolates were single and 5 were multiple. So, the method generated 37 RAPD type which shows great diversity among 57 out of 62 A. baumannii isolates at 80% cutoff.
Research on Measurement and Improvement Path of Total-Factor Carbon Emission Efficiency in China's Power Industry: A Perspective of Technological Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Xiping , Wang Sujing
Published: May 2021

Improving the total-factor carbon emission efficiency of the power industry (TCEPI) is of great significance for realizing the low-carbon development of power industry and promoting the transformation of society to green development. Considering the technological heterogeneity of different regions in China, this paper adopted the Meta-frontier Global Malmquist-Luenberger (MGML) index to measure TCEPI in 30 provinces from 2003 to 2017, and then analyzed the dynamic evolution and regional differences of TCEPI. Finally, the two-step system GMM model was used to explore the influencing factors of TCEPI. The results showed that: (1) During the survey period, the average annual growth rate of TCEPI in China was 4.2%, and average values of TCEPI in all provinces were greater than 1. The innovation effect was the key to TCEPI growth, while the catch-up effect and leading effect were not significant. (2) There was obvious technological heterogeneity in the three regions of China. TCEPI showed a decreasing trend from the western to eastern and central regions, with average annual growth rates of 5.69%, 3.66% and 2.89%, respectively, and the driving factors of each region were different. Moreover, the technology gap among the regions was constantly narrowing. (3) Both the economic development level and the R&D level had played a significant role in promoting TCEPI, while the intensity of power consumption had hindered the rise of TCEPI to a large extent. Based on the conclusions of this article, relevant policy recommendations were put forward to improve TCEPI in China.
New Clinical Applications-sintilimab Combined with Albumin-bound Paclitaxel/cisplatin in Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory ES-SCLC
Authors: Han Lei , Li Li , Hao Jinli , Lu Yuanli , Li Shicheng , Si Lianlian , Zhao Lei
Published: May 2021

Introduction: This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sintilimab combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel/ cisplatin as a second-line treatment in these patients with relapsed or refractory extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Methods and Materials: ES-SCLC patients received a second-line regimen of sintilimab combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel/cisplatin. Albumin-bound paclitaxel/cisplatin can be used for up to 6 cycles. Sintilimab use was not stopped until the disease progressed or untolerable side effects occurred. After 2 cycles of chemotherapy or when the patient's condition progressed significantly, computed tomography was rechecked to observe the clinical curative effect and adverse reactions. Results: Totally 38 patients with recurrent SCLC were included for efficacy evaluation. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 26.3% and 84.2% respectively. The median PFS and OS were 6.5 months (95% CI: 3.8-7.8) and 10.8 months (95% CI: 8.5-16.2), respectively. The main adverse reactions are bone marrow suppression, alopecia, peripheral neurotoxicity, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal reactions, and fatigue. The severe adverse reactions (grade 3-4) are mainly leukopenia (21.1%), neutropenia (21.1%) and decreased hemoglobin (7.9%). No significant correlation was found between PD-L1 expression and efficacy.Conclusion: Sintilimab combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel/cisplatin has a positive effect on the treatment of ES-SCLC, and the adverse reactions are tolerable.
Simulation of RPAS/UAV Data Traffic Using Space-Air-Ground Networks
Authors: Ilnytska Svitlana , Li Fengping , Grekhov Andrii , Kondratiuk Vasyl
Published: May 2021

The latest applications of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) for telecommunication data transmission require reliable two-way communications. In this regard, it is necessary to answer two questions: how can existing space, air and ground networks be combined for effective interaction with RPASs during heavy traffic and under what data transmission modes can the required Quality of Service (QoS) be ensured. To answer such questions, this study was undertaken. Models of space, air and ground networks were created to simulate remote data transmission. Models including the Base Station (BS), the Public Terrestrial Network (PTN), the Low-Orbit Satellite, and different number of RPASs were designed using NetCracker Professional 4.1 software. For the first time, quantitative characteristics of traffic in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN) communication channels were obtained. The Average Utilization (AU) dependencies of BS links on the Transaction Size (TS) were obtained and analyzed. BS links with different bandwidths were studied. Effect of the Bit Error Rate (BER) on the AU parameters was considered. The dependences of the dropped packets on the TS parameters were studied. SAGIN traffic characteristics for terrestrial and satellite communication channels were compared.
Improving the Reporting Quality of Instrument Cross-Cultural Adaptation: the IRICA Statement
Authors: HOU Zheng-kun , LIU Feng-bin , TAN Yuan-kun , CHEN Xin-lin , CHEN Zhuo-qun
Published: May 2021

Background: To achieve a consensus on the reporting checklists for instrument Cross-Cultural Adaptation (CCA) research.Methods: Firstly, we clarified the research rationality with literature review and established the preliminary checklist pool based on information extracting. Then, using the focus group and expert interview, we optimized the checklists. Finally, the international Delphi surveys were conducted to evaluate the agreement degree, importance and familiarity of the checklists. In data analysis, 21 indicators were included for quantitative assessments, accompanied with group discussions.Results: A total of 61 articles was included for rational analysis and 70 items were extracted to establish the checklist pool. After focus group and experts interview research, a checklist draft contains 25 items was put forward. In the three-rounds of international Delphi surveys, 14(70.00%), 11(68.75%) and 11(68.75%) questionnaires were completed. Basing on the quantitative analysis and group discussions, 1, 1 and 9 items were deleted, added and modified. Finally, we formed the checklist for Improving the Reporting quality of Instrument cross-cultural adaptation (IRICA) which contains 24 items subhead under 6 sections: Title and structured summary, Rationale and Objective, Authorization, Participants Criteria, Forward Translations, Forward Synthesis, Backward Translations, Backward Synthesis, Experts Qualitative Review, Pilot Testing, Field Testing, Statistical methods, Participants, Series Instruments, Main results, Other analyses, Summary of evidence, Comparison of instruments, Limitations, Copyright owner interaction, Application attentions, Conclusions, Appendix, Funding. Conclusions: The IRICA statement can be used to guide users to report instrument CCA research in a standard manner, and assist to evaluate the reporting quality and study design.
Effect of Steam on the Homogeneous Conversion of Tar Contained from the Co-Pyrolysis of Biomass and Plastics
Authors: Tang Feng , Jin Yuqi , Chi Yong , Zhu Zhongxu , Cai Jie , Li Zhirui , Li Minjie
Published: May 2021

The co-pyrolysis tar formed from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and polyethylene (PE) was used to study their further conversion path under the effect of steam. This paper addressed the yield and transformation of tar with different steam/feedstock mass ratios (S/F= 0.8, 1.6) in a two-stage fixed-bed when the two stages furnace temperature was set at 600℃ and 800℃, separately. Compared with pyrolysis, steam promoted tar cracking effectively, the tar yield decreased at least 1/3. However, with the addition of steam, the cracking effect of tar is not further improved. The tar yield depended more on the PE content in the mixture, which was enhanced with PE increment. Besides, the H/C atom ratio was related to the conversion path of tar. Steam was beneficial to the cracking of compounds, but the generated hydrogen radicals affected the direction of the subsequent reaction. The steam mainly promotes the cracking of long-chain hydrocarbons, accompanied by cyclization and aromatization when the steam was limited. Nevertheless, these reactions were hindered when the steam was excessive due to the apparent effect of hydrogenation. In this process, the short-chain hydrocarbons come to recombine instead of cyclization and aromatization.
Facilitators & Barriers to Implementing Provider-Initiated HIV Counselling and Testing at the Clinic-Level in Ekurhuleni District, South Africa
Authors: Mshweshwe-Pakela Nolundi T. , Mabuto Tonderai , Ntombela Nasiphi , Hlongwane Mpho , Kubeka Griffiths , Kerrigan Deanna , Hoffmann Christopher J.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundHIV testing is the entry point into the HIV care continuum, and critical for HIV epidemic control. Facility-based HIV testing services (HTS) reach individuals who are already seeking clinical care and engaging with the medical care system. For this reason, individuals diagnosed with HIV during facility-based HIV testing are more likely to continue into HIV care. Efforts have been increasingly made to increase facility-based HIV testing services (HTS), including introducing provider-initiated counselling & testing (PICT), but this strategy remains under-utilized. We aimed to identify key constraints to normalization of PICT implementation in 10 Ekurhuleni District healthcare facilities in South Africa. MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 40 healthcare workers (28 clinicians and 12 lay counsellors). Health care workers were purposefully selected to participate in the interviews, stratified by health facility and work category. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated for analysis. Thematic analysis was guided by the normalisation process theory (NPT). NPT theory explains how practices are routinely embedded within organisational contexts. We used NVivo 10 software for qualitative data management. ResultsBoth clinicians and lay counsellors exhibited clear understanding of the PICT policy – acknowledging its purpose and value. Key barriers to normalisation of PICT among clinicians understanding that HIV testing needs to be offered to all clients yet reporting actual practices of offering HIV testing based on suspicion of HIV. Additionally, clinicians perceived PICT as incongruent with their clinical roles and perceived it to be lay counsellors’ responsibility. The main facilitator was participation of all healthcare workers, specifically the presence of lay counsellors, although they also faced barriers such as a lack of workspace and under-appreciation. ConclusionsUse of NPT helped identify barriers which prevent normalization of PICT and its integration into the routine patient care. These barriers can be modified by low-cost interventions that promotes congruence of PICT to the roles of clinicians and integrate the role of lay counsellors within the patient flow in the facility.
Hydrogen Peroxide/Zero Valent Iron/Persulfate Approach for Dye Degradation: Key Operating Parameter and Synergistic Effect
Authors: Ahmadi Mehdi , feizi rozhan
Published: May 2021

Azo dyes due to the presence of benzene ring, toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and low biodegradability have become a major problem in the aqueous environment. In this study, Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) was employed as a catalyst to activate persulfate (PS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for removal of Sunset Yellow (SY) from aqueous solutions using integrated H2O2/ZVI/PS process. The effects of operational parameters (solution pH, H2O2 concentration, PS concentration, and ZVI dose) were studied on SY removal. According to the results, about 100% efficiency was obtained by the H2O2/ZVI/PS for dye removal at: pH = 3, ZVI 50 mg/L, 1 mM H2O2 concentration, 1 mM PS concentration, and 30 min reaction time. The kinetic study implied that the H2O2/ZVI/PS process followed the first-order kinetic model. The total organic carbon (TOC) test showed that about 65% of mineralization was achieved after 30 min. Moreover, the ZVI particles showed a suitable efficiency after five cycles, and hence, it can be used as an eco-friendly, cost effective and reusable catalyst for the treatment of wastewaters contaminated with such dyes.
Effect On Cardiac Function Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Following High-Dose Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Using Echocardiography; Data From The MIRAD Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Brandt-Jacobsen Niels H. , Johansen Marie Louise , Rasmussen Jon , Dalsgaard Morten , Kumler Thomas , Faber Jens , Rossignol Patrick , Schou Morten , Kistorp Caroline
Published: May 2021

Background: Early heart failure (HF)-prevention is central in patients with type 2 diabetes, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have shown to improve prognosis. We investigated the effect of high-dose MRA, eplerenone, on cardiac function and structure in patients with type 2 diabetes and established or increased risk of cardiovascular disease but without HF. Methods: In the current randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 140 patients with high-risk type 2 diabetes were randomized to high-dose eplerenone (100-200 mg daily) or placebo as add-on to standard care for 26 weeks. Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, indexed LV mass (LVMi), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were assessed using echocardiography at baseline and after 26 weeks of treatment. Results: Of the included patients, 138 (99%) had an echocardiography performed at least once. Baseline early diastolic in-flow velocity (E-wave) indexed by mitral annulus velocity (e’) was mean (SD) 11.1 (0.5), with 31% of patients reaching above 12. No effect of treatment on diastolic function was observed measured by E/e’ (0.0, 95%CI [-1.2 to 1.2], P=0.992) or E/A (-0.1, 95%CI [-0.2 to 0.0], P=0.191). Mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) at baseline was 59.0% (8.0). No improvement in systolic function was observed when comparing groups after 26 weeks (LVEF: 0.9, 95%CI [-1.1 to 2.8], P=0.382; GLS: -0.4%, 95%CI [-1.5 to 0.6], P=0.422), nor in LVMi (-3.8 g/m2 95%CI [-10.2 to 2.7], P=0.246). Conclusion: In the present echo sub-study, no change in cardiac function was observed following high-dose MRA therapy in patients with high-risk type 2 diabetes.Trial registration: Date of registration 25/08/2015 (EudraCT number: 2015-002519-14)
Sex Differences In COVID-19 Mortality In The Netherlands
Authors: Niessen Annabel , Teirlinck Anne , McDonald Scott , Hoek Wim van der , Gageldonk-Lafeber Rianne van , Knol Mirjam
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Since the first reports of COVID-19 cases, sex-discrepancies have been reported in COVID-19 mortality. We provide a detailed description of these sex differences in relation to age and comorbidities among notified cases as well as in relation to age and sex specific mortality in the general Dutch population. Methods: Data on COVID-19 cases and mortality until May 31st was extracted from the national surveillance database with exclusion of healthcare workers. Association between sex and case fatality was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. Subsequently, male-female ratio in standardized mortality ratios and population mortality rates relative to all-cause and infectious diseases-specific mortality were computed stratified by age.Results: Male-female odds ratio for case fatality was 1.33 [95% CI 1.26-1.41] and among hospitalized cases 1.27 [95% CI 1.16-1.40]. This remained significant after adjustment for age and comorbidities. The male-female ratio of the standardized mortality ratio was 1.70 [95%CI 1.62-1.78]. The population mortality rate was 35.1 per 100.000, with a male-female rate ratio of 1.25 (95% CI 1.18-1.31) which was higher than in all-cause and infectious disease mortality.Conclusion: Our study confirms male sex is a predisposing factor for severe outcomes of COVID-19, independent of age and comorbidities. The underlying mechanisms are likely to be COVID-19 specific.
A Comparative Study on the Model of PM2.5 Direct or Indirect Interaction with Bronchial Epithelial Cells.
Authors: Wang Yan , Zuo Xin , Jiang Fuyang , Hou Lin , Jiang Qiyue , Zhu Zhonghui , TIAN LIN
Published: May 2021

The impact of PM2.5 on epithelial cells is a pivotal process leading to many lung pathological changes and pulmonary diseases. In addition to PM2.5 direct interaction with epithelia, macrophages that engulf PM2.5 may also influence the function of epithelial cells. However, among the toxic researches of PM2.5, there is a lack of evaluation of direct or indirect exposure model on human bronchial epithelial cell against PM2.5. In this present research, PM2.5-exposed human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) serves as the direct interaction model, while the contrast is to indirect stimulation model, which takes advantage of transwell co-culture system to carry out that PM2.5 is promptly contacted with macrophages rather than BEAS-2B. By comparing these two modes of interaction, we determined the viability of BEAS-2B and mRNA and/or protein expression profile of transcription factors Nrf2,NF-kB and according inflammatory indicators, with a view to evaluating the effects of different interaction modes of PM2.5 on epithelial cell damage in vitro. We have found that macrophage involvement may protect epithelia from PM2.5 cytotoxic effect, while strengthen the inflammation response.
Correlation Assessment of NDVI and Land use Dynamics with Water Resources for the Southern Margin of Mu Us Sandy Land, China
Authors: Zhao Menglong , Wang Yu , Liu Siyuan , Zhong Ping-an , Liu Hongzhen , Li Rongrong
Published: May 2021

To prevent desertification, countries all over the world have made diversified efforts and vegetation restoration has been proved to be an effective approach. However, for sandy land that has limited water resources, measures such as artificial vegetation, may lead to the increase risk of drought. While affirming the achievements of sand utilization, there are many controversies exist regarding the advantages of turning deserts green, especially considering the water scarcity. Therefore, the long-run and causal relationships between sandy land, water consumption and vegetation coverage are necessary for explorations. Taken the southern margin of the Mu Us Sandy Land as the study area, this study explored the interactions between sandy land, water consumption and NDVI over a period of 2000–2018 with a VAR model approach. In the study area, various revegetation projects have made great achievements, resulting in a significant reduction of the sandy land area. In addition, the NDVI has ascend from 0.196 in 2000 to 0.371 in 2018 with a ratio of 89.3%. Results showed that there exist long-term stable equilibrium and causal relationships between water consumption with sandy land and NDVI. The increase of NDVI is relatively the direct factor causes the increase of water consumption. It could be inferred that those artificial vegetation measures may be based on large amount of water consumption, which may aggravate further water shortage and ecological damage. More scientific and stronger water resources management measures need to be implemented locally to achieve a balance between water resources and revegetation.
A New Approach to Sepsis Treatment by Rasagiline: A Molecular, Biochemical and Histopathological Study
Authors: Ün Harun , Ugan Rustem Anil , Köse Duygu , Yayla Muhammed , Tastan Tugba Bal , Bayir Yasin , Halici Zekai
Published: May 2021

Aim:We aimed to investigate the effects of rasagiline, which has a strong antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effect, on acute lung injury that develops in the sepsis model induced with the CLP in rats. Main Methods:The rats were separated into the following six groups, Group 1: Sham, Group 2: Sham + Rasegiline 4 mg/kg, Group 3: Sepsis, Group 4: Sepsis + Rasegiline 1 mg/kg, Group 5: Sepsis + Rasegiline 2 mg/kg, Group 6: Sepsis + Rasegiline 4 mg/kg. A total of 4 holes were opened with a 16-gauge needle through the cecum distal to the point of ligation. Key Findings:GSH levels appear to improve due to increased doses of rasagiline, while SOD activity appears to improve only at the high dose of rasagiline. There was a statistically significant improvement in the doses of R2 and R4. This improvement in Tnf-α, IL1β, IL6, NF-κβand HMGB1 expression increased dose-dependent at R2 and R4 doses. In increased doses, rasagiline appears to prevent the development of edema, the formation of inflammation, and hemorrhagic areas are almost similar to healthy tissue. Significance: Rasagiline exerts both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on CLP induced acute lung injury in rats.
Investigation of Adsorption Characteristics and Influencing Factors for Diesel Engine Exhaust Particles
Authors: Wang Zhong , Zhang Qixia , Liu Shuai , LI Ruina , Hua Yan , Dong Zheng
Published: May 2021

The adsorption process of diesel exhaust particles has a great influence on the particles. A single-cylinder diesel exhaust particle collection system was established to collect particle samples with different adsorption environment conditions, and the adsorption capacity of the samples was analyzed and characterized by an isothermal adsorption test; the change patterns of particle characteristics were investigated by the scanning electron microscope and thermogravimetric analyzer, correlation analysis of the factors influencing the adsorption process was performed. The results show that the particles have adsorption capacity and belong to the type of multilayer adsorption on porous media; the pore diameter is continuously distributed in the range of 8–80 nm with multiple peaks, which is the category of mesoporous and macroporous; the adsorption capacity of the sample particles increase with the increase of engine speed. Compared with the particles at the inlet of the exhaust pipe, the box-counting dimension (DB) of particles at the outlet increased, the content of water and soluble organic fraction (SOF) increased, the activation energy (E) decreased. Among the parameters affecting the adsorption process, the increase of hydrocarbons concentration contribute to the increase of particle adsorption and E reduction; the increase of the average temperature of the exhaust pipe inhibit the increase of the DB, and the increase of the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet facilitate the adsorption of water and SOF by the particles; the decrease of the adsorption time is one of the main reasons for the slowdown of the increase in DB; the average pore diameter had the greatest positive correlation with the amount of variation in the DB; the increase in specific surface area and pore volume of the sample particles was the dominant cause of the increase in adsorption capacity as well as the decrease in E.
Evaluation of Protective Effects of Gallic Acid on Cisplatin-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Damage
Authors: ALTINDAĞ Fikret , Meydan İsmet
Published: May 2021

The current study explored the beneficial effects of GA against testis and epididymis toxicity induced by CP treatment. Male rats were into 4 groups (n=7). Control (saline, intraperitoneal), Cisplatin (a single dose of 8 mg/kg/day cisplatin, intraperitoneal), Gallic acid (50 mg/kg Gallic acid orally for 10 days) and Cisplatin+Gallic acid groups. Total number of spermatogonia, Sertoli, Leydig cell and the total volume of testis, seminiferous tubule, interstitial area, and germinal epithelial thickness and numerical densities of caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, 8-OHdG immunopositive cells were calculated. Histopathological examination of the testis and epididymis was performed. MDA and CAT levels are measured in the testis. Also, the testosterone level was measured in the serum of the rats. As a result, a significant decrease was observed in all stereological data, Bcl-2 immunopositive cell number, CAT, and serum testosterone levels in the testis compared to the CP group control group, while a significant increase was observed in the number of caspase-3, Bax, and 8-OHdG immunopositive cells and the level of MDA. However, GA significantly improved these parameters. Our study reveals that GA may improve CP-induced male reproductive toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing apoptosis and DNA damage, and restoring structural and functional deterioration.
Based on Transcriptome Sequencing: Clinicians Need to Pay Attention to Fever Caused by Common Respiratory Pathogens During the Global Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Yin Sheng , Wang Zeyou , Wang Min , Wang Wenlong
Published: May 2021

Objectives:During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians and public health decision-makers especially focus on fever patients. Other common pathogens that may cause fever are easily overlooked. We aimed to describe the pathogen infection and epidemic trend of non-SARS-CoV-2 occurring in hospitalized patients.Methods:An observational cohort study of 733 consecutive patients admitted to Hospital Clinic of the Second Xiangya Hospital for COVID-19. All samples of a pharyngeal swab from patients with fever have been tested for nucleic acid and immune antigens of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A/B virus. 649 fever patients have been tested for nucleic acid in ten respiratory pathogens. Macrotranscriptome sequencing was performed on 26 samples.Results:Of a total of 733 patients with fever, 2.05% patients had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. Fever patients with common respiratory pathogens in fever patients was 8.78%. There is no integration phenomenon between SARS-Cov-2 and the human genome. SARS-CoV-2 positive samples will also be infected with other viruses, especially adenovirus. Macrotranscript analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the species and genus levels of pathogens between Covid-19 patients and other fever patients. The main pathways that affect human metabolism after SARS-Cov-2 infection are the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotides de novo biosynthesis I and D-galactose degradation V.Conclusions:Most patients have a fever caused by common respiratory pathogens. Clinicians still need to pay more attention to infections of common respiratory pathogens in addition to SARS-CoV-2. China's public health measures to stop the spread of the epidemic have proven effective.
A New Image Encryption Scheme based on Fractional-order Hyperchaotic System and Multiple Image Fusion
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Yu Jiawu , Yan Huizhen , Mou Jun
Published: May 2021

A multi-image encryption scheme based on the fractional-order hyperchaotic system is designed in this paper. The chaotic characteristics of this system are analyzed by the phase diagram, Lyapunov exponent and bifurcation diagram. According to the analyses results, an interesting image encryption algorithm is proposed. Multiple grayscale images are fused into a color image using different channels. Then, the color image is scrambled and diffused in order to obtain a more secure cipher image. The pixel confusion operation and diffusion operation are assisted by fractional hyperchaotic system. Experimental simulation and test results indicate that the devised multi-image encryption scheme can effectively encrypt multiple images, which increase the efficiency of image encryption and transmission, and have good security performance.
Whole Genome based Insights into the Phylogeny and Evolution of the Juglandaceae
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , Hu Yiheng , Ebrahimi Aziz , Liu Peiliang , Woeste Keith , Zhang Shuoxin , Zhao Peng
Published: May 2021

Background: The walnut family (Juglandaceae) contains commercially important woody trees commonly called walnut, wingnut, pecan and hickory. Phylogenetic relationships in the Juglandaceae are problematic, and their historical diversification has not been clarified, in part because of low phylogenetic resolution and/or insufficient marker variability. Results: We reconstructed the backbone phylogenetic relationships of Juglandaceae using organelle and nuclear genome data from 27 species. The divergence time of Juglandaceae was estimated to be 78.7 Mya. The major lineages diversified in warm and dry habitats during the mid-Paleocene and early Eocene. The plastid, mitochondrial, and nuclear phylogenetic analyses all revealed three subfamilies, i.e., Juglandoideae, Engelhardioideae, Rhoipteleoideae. Five genera of Juglandoideae were strongly supported. Juglandaceae were estimated to have originated during the late Cretaceous, while Juglandoideae were estimated to have originated during the Paleocene, with evidence for rapid diversification events during several glacial and geological periods. The phylogenetic analyses of organelle sequences and nuclear genome yielded highly supported incongruence positions for J. cinerea, J. hopeiensis, and Platycarya strobilacea. Winged fruit were the ancestral condition in the Juglandoideae, but adaptation to novel regeneration regimes after the Creaceous-Paleogene boundary led to the independent evolution of zoochory among several genera of the Juglandaceae. Conclusions: A fully resolved, strongly supported, time-calibrated phylogenetic tree of Juglandaceae can provide an important framework for studying classification, diversification, biogeography, and comparative genomics of plant lineages.
Signature Identification and User Activity Analysis on Whatsapp Web through Network Data
Authors: S Ramraj , G Usha
Published: May 2021

WhatsApp messenger is a popular instant messaging application that employs end-to-end encryption for communication. WhatsApp Web is the browser-based implementation of WhatsApp messenger. Users of WhatsApp communicate securely using SSL protocol. Encryption and use of common port for communication by multiple applications poses challenge in traffic classification for application identification. It is highly needed to analyze the network traffic for the purpose of QoS, Intrusion Detection and application specific traffic classification. In this paper, we have done traffic analysis on the network packets captured through data transfer in whatsapp web. In the result, we have explored the user activities such as message texting, contact sharing, voice message, location sharing, media transfer and status viewing. Packet level traffic analysis of user activities reveal patterns in the encrypted SSL communication. This pattern is identified across SSL packet lengths for WhatsApp media transfer and voice message communication. Other important features WhatsApp is the ability to view the status of the message being sent. We have identified the read and unread message status in these data packets by exposing signatures in the network layer. These signatures are identified with the help of the SSL lengths in the TLS header information of WhatsApp Web network traffic traces. Various other information on WhatsApp traffic presented in our study is relevant to the version of WhatsApp Web v0.3.2386.