bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary analysis of Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge events considering the impact of participants’ emotions
Authors: Xin Xu , Liu Miaohui , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Tao , Chen Kang
Published: March 2022

The Japanese government’s decision to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea on April 13, 2021 has aroused widespread concern around the world. The Japanese people, especially the fishermen, have expressed their long and strong dissatisfaction with this decision. Motivated by this background, this paper discusses an evolutionary game considering the impact of participants’ emotions to explore the evolutionary stable strategies of both the Japanese government and Japanese fishermen. The results show that (i) The evolutionary stability strategies of the two sides of the game are different under different emotion combinations. Under the optimism of the fishermen, the fishermen’s decision making is irrational, and the equilibrium strategy of the game between the two sides is not conducive to the fishermen. (ii) The emotions of the players will not only affect their own strategic choices but also affect the strategic choice intentions of other players. (iii) Reducing the cost of nuclear wastewater treatment is currently the most feasible way to reduce the probability of the Japanese government’s discharge policy. Under the premise that the government chooses to discharge, no matter what the fishermen’s emotions are, it is the fishermen’s dominant strategy to strive for more subsidies for their own interests. The abovementioned findings can provide a decision-making reference for the Japanese government to formulate discharge strategies and for Japanese fishermen to protect their rights and interests.
A New Approach to Pollution Vulnerability Assessment in Aquifers Using K-means Analysis
Authors: Uzcategui-Salazar Marisela , Lillo Javier Ramos
Published: March 2022

The most used methods to evaluate the vulnerability to contamination of aquifers are based on overlay index maps, such us DRASTIC, GOD and AVI. These methods assign weighting and rating values to hydrogeological characteristics, introducing subjectivity in the evaluation. In this research, a new methodology is proposed to eliminate some of that subjectivity. The methodology evaluates the vulnerability to contamination of a detrital aquifer using K-means cluster analysis with a new set of parameters. The set is composed of some parameters extracted from these methods, as well as other new ones that have a significant influence on the movement of contaminants. Application of the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) technique before using K-means cluster allowed the selection of the relevant parameters. In order to validate the methodology, this was applied to a detrital aquifer located at central Spain (the so-called “Aluviales Jarama-Tajuña” aquifer) with a significant agricultural development. To compare the traditional methods of vulnerability assessment with the K-means cluster, nitrate concentration was used as a pollution indicator. Thus, 23 groundwater quality samples were used to correlate (Spearman´s correlation coefficient) the vulnerability values with nitrate concentration to validate the most suitable method. The results showed that GOD and AVI were not appropriate methods to evaluate the vulnerability of the aquifer, because they use few variables which do not represent relevant features for the vulnerability assessment. Alternatively, DRASTIC and K-means cluster analysis obtained higher Spearman´s correlation coefficients. The relevant features selected by PCA analysis were depth of groundwater (D), net recharge (R), and land use (L). The new proposed method grouped data in three clusters (low, moderate and high vulnerability), increasing the Spearman´s correlation from 34% of DRASTIC method to 48%. This result confirmed the advantage of applying cluster analysis in the assessment of groundwater vulnerability in detrital aquifers.
An R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor Ghmyb18 Confers Cotton Aphid Resistance Through Regulating The Synthesis of Flavonoids in Cotton Plants
Authors: Hu Zongwei , Zhang Jianmin , Zhong Xiao , Feng Wanzu , Zhang Haoran , Luo Xincheng , Wang Yuxue , Wang Yi , Liu Ting , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiangping , Yang Yazhen
Published: March 2022

Accumulating researches confirmed that plant MYB transcription factors are involved in the defense response to insect herbivores. However, the target genes and signaling pathways they regulate are still unknown. Here, we identified the R2R3 MYB transcription factor GhMYB18 from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). GhMYB18 was a functional transcription activation factor. The expression level of GhMYB18 was significantly up-regulated under the conditions of aphid infestation and exogenous SA treatment. Overexpression of GhMYB18 in cotton cotyledons conferred enhanced tolerance to the aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover), while the silence of GhMYB18 expression led to increased susceptibility of cotton plants to aphid. Subsequent analysis showed that GhMYB18 activated defense-related enzymes including CAT, POD, PPO and PAL, induced the synthesis of salicylic acid and flavonoids to participate in the defense response against aphid. These results collectively prove that the cotton MYB gene GhMYB18 modulated the plant defense response to aphid attack, which may offer guide strategies for the prevention of cotton aphid.
Recognition of Geothermal Surface Manifestations: A Comparison of Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Xiong Yongzhu , Zhu Mingyong , Li Yongyi , Huang Kekun , Chen Yankui , Liao Jingqing
Published: March 2022

Geothermal surface manifestations (GSMs) are direct clues towards hydrothermal activities of a geothermal system in the subsurface and significant indications for geothermal resource exploration. It is essential to recognize various GSMs for potential geothermal energy exploration. However, there is a lack of work to fulfill this task using Deep Learning (DL), which has achieved unprecedented successes in computer vision and image interpretation. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using a DL model to fulfill the recognition of GSMs with photographs. A new image dataset was created for the GSM recognition by preprocessing and visual interpretation with expert knowledge and a high-quality check after downloading images from the Internet. The dataset consists of seven GSM types, i.e., warm spring, hot spring, geyser, fumarole, mud pot, hydrothermal alteration, crater lake, and one type of none GSM, including 500 images of different photographs for each type. The recognition results of the GoogLeNet model were compared with those of three Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, i.e., Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), by using the assessment metrics of Overall Accuracy (OA), Overall F1 score (OF) and Computational Time (CT) for training and testing the models via cross-validation. The results show that the retrained GoogLeNet model using transfer learning has significant advantages of accuracies and performances over the three ML classifiers with the highest OA and the biggest OF for both validation and test, and the fastest CT for both validation and test. On the contrary, the three selected ML classifiers perform poorly for this task due to their low OA, small OF, and long CT. It suggests that transfer learning with a pretrained network be a feasible method to fulfill the recognition of the GSMs. Hopefully, this study provides a reference paradigm to help promote further research on the application of state-of-the-art DL in the geothermics domain.
A comparative analysis of the work environments for registered nurses, nurse aides, and caregivers using the 5 th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Authors: Kim Sung Shin , Kim Yun Jin , Park Jun Sik , Ho Seoung Hee , Kweon Hyo Sun , Bae Young Hyeon
Published: March 2022

Background
Since the quality of work life of healthcare workers is affected by various factors, an improvement in their work environment can reduce the burden on them, increasing their performance. This study aimed to identify the current problems in working environments for registered nurses (RNs), nurse aides (NAs), and caregivers using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), presenting measures to improve working conditions by analyzing their predictors: 1) degree of exposure to work-related risk factors (musculoskeletal and mental), 2) number of days working overtime, 3) work-family balance, 4) work situations, and 5) self-rated health.
Methods
From 50,205 participants of the 2017 KWCS, 494 RNs, 201 NAs, and 505 caregivers were included in the analysis to compare their 1) degree of exposure to work-related risk factors (musculoskeletal and mental), 2) number of days working overtime, 3) work-family balance, 4) work situations, and 5) self-rated health.
Results
There were significant differences in all the variables (exposure to musculoskeletal and mental work-related risk factors, work hours, work-family balance, work situations, self-rated health, and satisfaction with working conditions) among RNs, NAs, and caregivers (p < 0.001). The degree of work-related musculoskeletal and mental risk exposure was higher among caregivers and RNs than among NAs; the number of days of working overtime, challenges with work-family balance, and work environment satisfaction were higher among caregivers than among NAs. In addition, work situations were poorer among caregivers and NAs than among RNs. Self-rated health was the highest among caregivers, followed by RNs and NAs. The most potent predictor of self-rated health was occupation, followed by work environment satisfaction and work-family balance; the most potent predictor of work environment satisfaction was self-rated health, followed by degree of exposure to work-related musculoskeletal and mental risk factors, occupation, work-family balance, work situation, and work hours.
Conclusions
This study confirmed that a variety of factors influence work environment satisfaction. Thus, practical and realistic measures to improve work environments tailored to each healthcare occupation should be developed at the national and community levels. Further qualitative studies are needed to analyze the work environments of nurses and other care workers in depth.
Determining LEAD toxicity in pregnant women using machine learning
Authors: Chaurasia Priyanka , McClean Sally I. , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Yogarajah Pratheepan , Ansari Jamal Akhtar , Kunwar Shipra , Ahmad M. Kaleem
Published: March 2022

Background and Objective: LEAD, an environmental toxicant, accounts for 0.6% of the global burden of disease, with the highest burden in developing countries. It can permeate through the foetus blood-brain barrier causing a negative impact on foetal growth and the developing brain. Literacy and awareness related to its impact are low and the clinical establishment for biological monitoring of Blood LEAD Level is low, costly, and time-consuming.Methods: We propose a novel approach to build a low-cost point-of-care analytical device, a screening app that can predict LEAD toxicity levels in maternal blood. A computational model is built that learns from maternal data comprising of blood LEAD level and a set of sociodemographic features, and then predicts the LEAD toxicity level based on the set of input features.Results: Following feature selection methods, the 11-feature set obtained from Boruta algorithm gave the best prediction results. The k-Nearest Neighbour-based model gave 94.00% accuracy whereas the Neural Network-based model gave 92.50% accuracy when tested on 200 participants.Conclusion: The range of features identified in the built models can estimate the underlying function and can accurately model LEAD toxicity prediction and provide an understanding of toxicity level. Early identification and intervention of LEAD-exposed pregnant women will reduce LEAD poisoning in infants and thus, prevent harmful effects on health throughout childhood and adulthood. The built prediction model is beneficial in improving the point of care and hence reducing the cost and the risk involved. It is envisaged that the app will become a part of a screening process to assist healthcare experts at the point of evaluating the LEAD toxicity level in pregnant women. Women screened positive could be given a range of facilities including preliminary counselling to being referred to the health centre for further diagnosis. Steps could be taken to reduce maternal exposure and hence, it could also be possible to mitigate infant’s LEAD exposure by reducing transfer from the pregnant woman.
Convergence of Two Serotypes within the Epidemic ST11 KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Creates the “Perfect Storm” in a teaching hospital
Authors: Liu Chao , Yang Ping , Zheng Jiajia , Yi Juan , Lu Ming , Shen Ning
Published: March 2022

Objectives.
ST11 KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is high prevalent in China. We investigated the transmission and evolution characteristics of the ST11 KPC-producing Kp during inter- and intro- host.
Methods.
A retrospective study was conducted in a hospital. Clinical data and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotype were collected. Whole genome sequencing was performed. Transmission route was reconstructed by combined the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with clinical information.
Results.
Fifty-eight Kp strains isolated from thirty-six patients were enrolled. The information of one isolate missed. The mean age was 74.3 ± 18.0 years and 18 (50.0%) were female. Fifteen patients (41.7%%, 15/36) presented with poor prognosis. All the strains identified as ST11 and 57 strains harbored blaKPC−2. Two distinguished clades were identified based on the 1,325 hqSNPs. In clade1, Carbapenem-resistant (CR)-hvKp accounted for 48.3% (28/58), mostly presented with KL64, whereas CR-classical Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKp) commonly possessed KL47 were clustered in the Clade2. One CR-hvKp strain might origin from CR-cKp during within-host evolution. Even worse, a prolonged transmission of the CR-hvKp has spread into the healthcare institutes.
Conclusion.
Two endemic subclones of ST11 KPC-producing Kp, KL64-CR-hvKp and KL47-CR-cKp, were parallelly transmitted within the hospital and/or the healthcare institute, suggesting that ongoing genomic surveillance should be enhanced.
Narrow funnel-like interaction energy distribution is an indicator of specific protein interaction partners
Authors: Choi Juyoung
Published: March 2022

Biological mechanisms consist of protein interaction networks. However, most of protein interaction prediction are based on interspecies biological evidences (knowledge-based predictions) or exhibits low accuracy for weak interactions and requires high computational power (in silico docking method). In this study, I suggest a novel method to identify protein interaction using interaction energy distribution. Protein interactions with specific partners can be predicted by searching narrow funnel-like interaction energy distribution. Kinases and E3 ubiquitin ligase are important signaling components. However, as their interactions are weak and various, those interaction predictions are limited. I described that their interaction partners can be identified by analyzing interaction energy distribution with low computational cost. The accuracy of this prediction was similar or even higher than those of yeast two-hybrid screening, the most widely applied interaction screening method. Furthermore, I showed that other specific protein interactions have narrow funnel-like interaction energy distribution. In summary, this knowledge-free protein interaction prediction method would broaden our understanding of protein interaction networks.
Decoration of Ziziphus spina-christi leaves derived-activated carbon with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and SDS surfactant for removal of Cr3+ from polluted water
Authors: Koutenaei Shima Shiraghaei , Vatankhah Gholamhossein , Esmaeili Hossein
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to remove Cr3+ ions from polluted water using AC@Fe3O4@SDS nanocomposite. The physical and surface features of the nanocomposite were investigated with EDS, DLS, XRD, BET, FTIR, SEM and TEM analyses. The BET surface area and the mean pore diameter of the AC@Fe3O4@SDS were 102.04 m2/g and 169.49 oA, respectively, indicating the high porosity of the aforementioned nanocomposite. DLS and XRD analyses showed that the mean particle size and mean crystal size of AC@Fe3O4@SDS were 78.9 nm and 28 nm, respectively. Also, the highest Cr3+ removal efficiency (99.5%) using the AC@Fe3O4@SDS nanocomposite was obtaind at pH= 7, contact time= 40 min, temperature= 55 ºC, the Cr3+ ion concentration= 10 mg/L and the nanocomposite dosage= 2 g/L, which is the highest Cr3+ removal efficiency ever achieved. Moreover, the utmost sorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 120.48 mg/g, which is a significant value compared to previous studies for Cr3+ removal. Furthermore, the isotherm and kinetic studies of the sorption process indicated that the Cr3+ sorption process using the aforementioned nanocomposite followed the quasi-second order and Freundlich equations due to higher correlation coefficients. Subsequently, the thermodynamic study demonstrated that the sorption process of Cr3+ ions using AC@Fe3O4@SDS is favorable, feasible, spontaneous and endothermic.
Protective effect of a nanofilled resin based coating on wear resistance of glass ionomer cement restorative materials
Authors: Moghimi Milad , Jafarpour Dana , Ferooz Reihaneh , Rafat Bagheri
Published: March 2022

Background.
The effect of nanofilled resin based coating on the wear resistance of glass ionomer cements (GICs) is still controversial. This study aims to compare the wear resistance of four encapsulated GICs including two conventional and two resin-modified, and to evaluate the effect of G-Coat Plus on the wear resistance of GICs.
Methods.
A total of 80 disk-shaped specimens were prepared from two CGICs (riva self cure (SDI) and Equia Forte Fil (GC) and two RM- GICs (Ketac Nano (3M/ ESPE) and Fuji II LC (GC). The specimens of each material were divided into two groups (n = 10) based on the surface protection: no coating (NC), and coating with G-Coat Plus (GCP). All specimens were then placed in distilled water for 24 h at 37 ºC. The specimens were subjected to thermocycling for 120,000 cycles using a chewing simulator. Wear resistance was measured using a specific formula. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results.
There was no significant difference in volume loss (mm3) between coated and uncoated groups for all materials (P > 0.05). Ketac Nano showed significantly lower volume loss (0.65 ± 0.12) compared to all other groups (P < 0.05) among uncoated specimen, and significantly lower than Fuji II LC (P = 0.035) and Equia Forte Fil (P = 0.040) among coated groups. However, no statically significant difference was observed between volume loss of coated Ketac Nano with that of riva self cure (P = 0.087).
Conclusions.
Coating with GCP did not affect the wear depth of GICs, and Ketac Nano showed significantly lower volume loss regardless of coating.
Heterozygous expression of the Alzheimer’s disease protective PLCγ2 P522R variant enhances Aβ clearance while preserving synapses.
Authors: Solomon Shiden , Sampathkumar Nirmal Kumar , Carre Ivo , Mondal Mrityunjoy , Chennell George , Vernon Anthony C. , Ruepp Marc-David , Mitchell Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Background: A rare coding variant, P522R, in the phosphoplipase C gamme 2 (PLCG2) gene has been identified as protective against late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the mechanism of protection is unknown. PLCG2 is exclusively expressed in microglia within the central nervous sytem, and altered microglial function has increasingly been implicated in the progression of AD.Methods: Healthy control hiPSCs were CRISPR edited to generate cells heterozygous and homozygous for the PLCG2P522R variant. Microglia derived from these hiPSC’s were used to investigate the impact of PLCg2P522R on disease relevant processes, specifically microglial capacity to take up amyloid beta (Ab) and synapses. Targeted qPCR assessment was conducted to explore expression changes in core AD linked and microglial genes, and nitochondrial function was assessed using an Agilent Seahourse assay.Results: Heterozygous expression of the P522R variant resulted in increased microglial clearance of Ab, while preserving synapses. This was associated with the upregulation of a number of genes, including the anti-inflammatory cytokine Il-10, and the synpase-linked CX3CR1, as well as alterations in mitochondrial function, and increased cellular motility. The protective capacity of PLCg2P522R appeared crucially dependent on (gene) ‘dose’, as cells homozygous for the variant showed reduced synapse preservation, and a differential gene expression profile relative to heterozygous cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PLCg2P522R may result in increased surveillance by microglia, as well as priming them towards an anti-inflammatory state, with an increased capacity to respond to increasing energy demands, but highlights the delicate balance of this system, with increasing PLCg2P522R ‘dose’ resulting in reduced beneficial impacts.
High Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue Using Microcrystalline Cellulose/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Expanded Graphite 3D Porous Foam as a “Green” Adsorbent
Authors: Tan Xiaodong , Peng Qingyan , Subrova Tereza , Saskova Jana , Wiener Jakub , Venkataraman Mohanapriya , Militky jiri , Xiong Wei , Xu Jie , Mahendran Arunjunai Raj , Lammer Herfried
Published: March 2022

The cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/expanded graphite (EG) 3D porous foam, which has wide application prospects in cost-effective dye removal, was prepared by physical crosslinking and foaming technology. The prepared foam material has an obvious 3D network and porous structure, exhibiting excellent removal efficiency for methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous solution. The largest MB adsorption capacity of the foam is 110.81 mg/g. The adsorption process follows the pseudo-2nd order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption process is controlled by active surface sites and the physical adsorption process. Thermodynamic studies have shown that the adsorption process is a spontaneous and exothermic reaction. After five cycles of adsorption experiments, the composite material still exhibited a more than 70% dye removal rate. The results show that cellulose/PVA/EG 3D porous foam is effective, promising, and recyclable adsorbent, which can be used to remove MB from aqueous solutions.
Strontium-doped hydroxyapatite as adsorbent effectively to remove lead ions from water
Authors: Zhu Zongqiang , Jiang Huiling , Zhu Yinian , Zhang Lihao , Tang Shen , zhou xiaobin , fan yinming
Published: March 2022

In this study, a strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAP) was synthesized by the sol-gel method, which used as adsorbent to remove lead ions (Pb2+) from water. The results shown that the adsorption capacities of the Sr-HAP were obviously higher than the HAP, which the adsorption capacities for Pb2+ reached 651.175 mg/g. The proper increasement in the dosage of adsorbent was beneficial to the removal of Pb2+ by Sr-HAP. Meanwhile Sr-HAP had a wide applicable pH range for Pb2+. And the increasement of temperature could increase the adsorption capacity of Sr-HAP for Pb2+ to a certain extent. The Langmuir model was used to fit the isotherm adsorption process of Sr-HAP to Pb2+ in water. Compared with HAP, the specific surface area of Sr-HAP has increased by 11.1 %, and the pore size distribution of Sr-HAP tended to be smaller and more uniform. Hence, Sr-HAP could be used as an ideal adsorbent to remove Pb2+ in wastewater.
new energy power system security operation evaluation based on the SWOT analysis
Authors: Maihemuti Saniye , Wang Weiqing , Wu Jiahui , Wang Haiyun
Published: March 2022

Grid-connection of new energy is an important form of promoting the use of clean and renewable energy. However, it will bring huge risks to the power grid security operation. In the study, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis has been employed to construct 24 kind of internal and external evaluation factors and 8 kind of improvement strategies for assess security operation prospective with new energy power system of Hami in Xinjiang province. The weights of the SWOT factors are determined with the fuzzy-AHP method. The fuzzy-MARCOS approach is used to select the most suitable strategies for its effective implementation. Further research reveals that new energy in Hami area not only has ample potential to full development and generate electricity, but also brings security operation problems due to large-scale grid connection. It is, therefore, suggested the 8 kinds of improvement strategy to encourage the government should exploit and develop new resources, improve the investment pay, power generation and transmission technologies to mitigate the current energy crisis and increase energy security for sustainable development of the country. This methodology is applicable with a case study concerning the security operation prospective of Hami power grid and the all phases of the comparative analysis and sensitivity analysis showed the validity of MARCOS method. The obtained results of the all scenarios show that A2 remains the best alternative.
Sensitivity of reservoirs to sedimentation; Spatiotemporal analysis of the driving forces, implications, and the way forward
Authors: Atulley Joan Akandi , Kwaku Adjei A. , Gyamfi Charles , Owusu-Ansah Emanuel D. , Adonadaga Melvin A. , Nii Odai S.
Published: March 2022

Reservoirs are significant freshwater sources. Meanwhile, reservoir storage is compromised by sedimentation for which reason reservoir sedimentation has become an important matter in reservoir operation and management. This paper aimed to assess land cover change in two catchments in Northern Ghana in relation to the sedimentation of reservoirs located downstream of their catchments. The two reservoirs comprise a small-sized (Vea reservoir) and a large-sized reservoir (Tono). First, bathymetric surveys were performed on reservoirs to calculate the loss of storage capacity between 1985 and 2020. Then satellite imagery from 1986, 1996, 2006, and 2020 was used to classify land cover in catchments for the respective years. The results revealed an annual sedimentation rate of 0.17% and 0.304% for Tono and Vea, hence indicating a higher sedimentation rate in the smaller reservoir (Vea). During the study period, savannah forest decreased from 34.7% to 21.6% in Tono and a more drastic decline from 29.4%(1985) to 9.9%(2020) in Vea. This reduction was largely influenced by the expansion of farmlands from 18.7% to 47.9% in Vea and 19.2% to 39% in Tono. According to these observations, watershed land cover characteristics have a significant bearing on the rate of sedimentation in reservoirs located downstream of their catchments. Morso, small-sized reservoirs are known to be more vulnerable to sedimentation but the severity of sedimentation in them is exacerbated by extensive tree cover removal in their catchments since that would result in higher sediment generation. Hence, adopting a multisectorial approach to dealing with vegetation change patterns is necessary to sustain reservoirs' storage.
Association of motor index scores with fall incidence among community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Liu Xiao , Abudukeremu Ayiguli , Jiang Yuan , Cao Zhengyu , Wu Maoxiong , Ma Jianyong , Sun Runlu , Chen Zhiteng , Chen Yangxin , Zhang Yuling , Wang Jingfeng
Published: March 2022

Background: Several kinds of motor dysfunction have been studied for predicting future fall risk in community-dwelling older individuals. However, no study has tested the ability of the fine motor (FINEA) and gross motor (GROSSA) indices to predict the risk of falling, as well as the specific fall type.Objective: We investigated the associations of FINEA/GROSSA scores with fall risk, accidental falls, and unexplained falls.Methods: A total of 6267 community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years were included. First, the associations of FINEA and GROSSA scores with total falls, accidental falls and unexplained falls were assessed in a cross-sectional study and further verified in a prospective cohort after 2 years of follow-up by logistic regression.Results: We found that high FINEA index and GROSSA index scores were positively associated with the risk of falls (FINEA: total falls: adjusted OR [aOR]=1.50, P=0.001; accidental falls: aOR=1.22, P=0.163; unexplained falls: aOR=2.25, P<0.001; GROSSA: total falls: OR=1.68, P<0.001; accidental falls: aOR=1.42, P=0.002; unexplained falls: aOR=2.50, P<0.001) in a cross-sectional study. After 2 years of follow-up, high FINEA scores were associated with an increased incidence of total falls and accidental falls but not unexplained falls (total falls: aOR=1.68, P=0.003; accidental falls: aOR=1.76, P=0.005; unexplained falls: aOR=1.46, P=0.201). High GROSSA scores were borderline associated with an increased incidence of total falls and unexplained falls but not accidental falls (total falls: aOR=1.31, P=0.066; accidental falls: OR=1.13, P=0.500; unexplained falls: aOR=1.61, P=0.045).Conclusion: FINEA and GROSSA scores were positively associated with the risk of falls. FINEA or GROSSA may be used as a useful tool to screen for and identify community-dwelling adults at high risk of falling.
Perceptions of the influence of a mobile phone-based messaging platform on caregiver ECD knowledge, attitudes and practices: A qualitative exploration in an informal settlement in Nairobi
Authors: Wambui Elizabeth , Nampijja Margaret , Okelo Kenneth Odhiambo , Muendo Ruth , Onyango Silas , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W. , Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia
Published: March 2022

Background: Existing programs supporting initiatives for children younger than three years are inadequate and not accessible to many families, particularly in resource limited settings. Many primary caregivers have little knowledge on how to monitor the development of their children or the importance of engaging children in stimulative activities during the course of early development. Health system limitations make it difficult for health workers to educate and demonstrate stimulative engagement to caregivers. The massive use of technology can be used to facilitate access to growth and development programs for children. We developed and implemented a mobile phone technology to help caregivers monitor and stimulate their children’s development in real time. This study explored the influence that this intervention had on the caregivers’ early child development (ECD) knowledge, attitudes and practices. Methods: The qualitative study reported in this paper was from data collected within a larger mixed methods quasi-experimental study that examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a mobile phone platform on caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and ECD outcomes in a low income community in Nairobi. We conducted qualitative interviews through eight focus group discussions, three key informant interviews interviews and 9 indepth interviews among a total of 111 participants including primary caregivers (n=87), community health volunteers (CHVs)(n=21) health managers and workers (n=3) to determine their attitudes and experience with the intervention with regards to improving their KAP. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Results: Caregivers and CHVs reported that the intervention had provided them with new knowledge that positively influenced their ECD caregiving attitudes and practices. CHVs and health workers and managers reported that the intervention had provided caregivers with confidence in caring for their children while increasing their knowledge on how to monitor and stimulate their childrens development. Conclusion: Mobile phone technology can be effectively used to enhance caregivers’ knowledge of ECD and enable them to monitor and support their children’s development in real time. Trial registration: The trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) database (ID number: PACTR201905787868050)
Analysis of chain mechanical characteristics of mine scraper conveyor under material loading and chain clamping conditions
Authors: XIE Chunxue , LIU Zhixiang , XIE Miao , MAO Jun
Published: March 2022

Taking into account the safety factor of the conventional calculation of chain is in accordance with the two chain to bear external load is calculated, and the actual situation of the two chains of load is not uniform, this paper uses nonlinear dynamic finite element software ABAQUS, the simulation system of scraper chain under bias load, torsional vibration in the process of chain distribution should be produced stress and strain. A torsional vibration model of Kelvin-Voigt scraper chain and system based on the analysis of the vibration characteristics of material loading and clamping the chain scraper chain under torsion. Twist vibration from two adjacent scraper chain as a finite element analysis model of the boundary conditions, the finite element analysis of the stress and strain of the chain, we obtain two kinds of different conditions in the chain link stress strain response and the maximum stress and strain distribution, provide the basis for follow-up in the chain of life prediction, safety factor calculation.
Grinding performance of electroplated diamond tools strengthened with Cr-C deposit using diamond particles in an average size of 150 μm
Authors: Huang Ching An , Shen Chia Hsuan , Huang Wei Ze , Lo Jeng Shun , Lai Po Liang
Published: March 2022

Electroplated diamond tools with single-layered high density diamond particles in an average size of 150 μm were prepared through a three-step electroplating process, including Ni-undercoating, Ni-diamond co-electrodeposition and Cr-C strengthening electroplating. Martensitic stainless steel (AISI 440C) rods with a diameter of 3 mm were used as substrates for tool fabrications. To evaluate tool grinding performances, linear slot grinding tests on the Al2O3 plates were conducted. The grinding performance of an electroplated diamond tool was determined through its maximum ground length upon tool failure. Experimental results show that an electroplated diamond tool with high density of diamond particles can be prepared by using Ni-diamond co-electrodeposition. After annealing at 500°C for 30 min, the hardness of Cr-C deposit was significantly increased from 597 Hv to 1636 Hv. The anneal-hardened Cr-C deposit is a suitable strengthening layer for fabricating electroplated diamond tools. The grinding performance of an electroplated diamond tool was strongly affected by the Ni-undercoating thickness. The highest maximum ground length of 2231 mm can be achieved by the electroplated diamond tool with a Ni-undercoating thickness of 90 μm. When the Cr-C strengthening deposit wore out, extruded diamond particles on the tool surface could be easily embedded into the Ni-undercoating, leading to fatigue fracture of the AISI 440C substrate.
Loss of SATB2 expression correlates with cytokeratin 7 and PD-L1 tumor cell positivity and aggressive behavior in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hrudka Jan , Matěj Radoslav , Nikov Andrej , Tomyak Igor , Fišerová Hana , Jelínková Karolína , Waldauf Petr
Published: March 2022

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents a health issue causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Further biomarkers are needed to allow patient risk stratification in terms of prognosis. In this study, we aimed to clarify prognostic significance of colonic-specific transcription factor special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2), cytoskeletal protein cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and immune checkpoint molecule programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) analyzing a cohort of 285 patients with surgically treated CRC, analyzing quantitative associations of all three markers and several traditional prognosticators (tumor stage, histological grade, variant morphology, laterality, mismatch-repair/MMR status). The results of the study include negative significant prognostic impact of loss of SATB2 expression in overall survival (OS) and cancer specific survival (CSS), significantly shortened 5 years OS and CSS and 10 years CSS in patients with CRC expressing CK7, and borderline insignificantly shortened OS in patients with PD-L1 + CRC. PD-L1 showed significant detrimental impact in case of stronger expression. Loss of SATB2 was associated with CK7 expression, advanced tumor stage, high grade, right-sided localization, and borderline insignificantly with PD-L1 expression. CK7 expression was associated with high grade. Both loss of SATB2 and CK7 expression were significant negative prognostic predictors in the multivariate analysis adjusting on associated parameters and patient age. In summary, loss of SATB2 expression and gain of CK7 and PD-L1 expression characterize aggressive phenotype of CRC.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Characterizes Silent Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Tsuda Takeshi , Glass Austin , Kernizan Daphney , D'Aloisio Gina , Hossain Jobayer , Quillen Joanne
Published: March 2022

Background
Late-onset cardiovascular complications are of serious concerns for even asymptomatic pediatric cancer survivors (PCS). We investigated whether cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can delineate the underlying pathophysiology of preclinical cardiovascular abnormalities in PCS.
Methods
We examined CPET data via cycle ergometer in asymptomatic PCS with normal echocardiogram and age-matched controls. Peak and submaximal parameters were analyzed.
Results
Fifty-three PCS and 60 controls were studied. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2), peak work rate (WR), and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) were significantly lower in PCS than controls (1.86 ± 0.53 vs. 2.23 ± 0.61 L/min, 125 ± 45 vs. 154 ± 46 watt, and 1.20 ± 0.35 vs. 1.42 ± 0.43 L/min, respectively; all p < 0.01), whereas peak heart rate (HR) and ventilatory efficiency (a slope of minute ventilation over CO2 production or DVE/DVCO2) were comparable. Peak respiratory quotient (RQ) was significantly higher in PCS (p = 0.0006). Stroke volume (SV) reserve was decreased in PCS, indicated by simultaneous higher dependency on HR (higher ΔHR/ΔWR) and lower peak oxygen pulse (OP) at the peak exercise. Twelve PCS with high peak RQ (≥ 1.3) revealed lower pVO2 and VAT than the rest of PCS despite higher ventilatory efficiency (lower DVE/DVCO2), suggesting fundamental deficiency in oxygen utilization in some PCS.
Conclusions
Poor exercise performance in PCS is mainly attributed to limited stroke volume reserve, but the underlying pathophysiology is multi-factorial. Combined assessment of peak and submaximal CPET parameters provided critical information in delineating underlying exercise physiology of PCS. (244 words)
Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization Based Ensemble Classifier for Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Museba Tinofirei
Published: March 2022

Real time networks generate very large amounts of traffic and are always susceptible to attacks and intrusions making the security and privacy of a network system a major concern. Recently, attacks on computer networks has increased significantly. To mitigate the effects of network attacks, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are used to enforce computer security by identifying and repealing malicious activities in real time computer networks. Network Intrusion approaches are getting more sophisticated and there is now a dire need for developing intrusion detection systems with optimal efficacy. To detect network attacks and intrusions, a number of contemporary intrusion detection systems have been proposed, among them, machine learning approach based ensemble learning techniques have been applied. The upsurge in the sophistication of attacks has created an intense need for the deployment of more dependable and robust network paradigms capable of detecting networking attacks more effectively and efficiently. Despite an avalanche of machine learning based ensembles, it remains a difficult task to formulate an optimal ensemble configuration capable of explicitly detecting network attacks. Existing machine learning approaches cannot achieve consistent generalization across multiple classes from large-scale imbalanced multiclass datasets that are associated with concept drift. To enhance the efficiency of network intrusion detection, this paper proposes a Particle Swarm optimized ensemble called Dynamic Heterogeneous Ensemble Particle Swarm Optimization (DHEPSO) algorithm where particles exhibit different search characteristics. Particles are at liberty to follow different search behaviors selected from a behavior pool, thereby efficiently addressing the exploration and exploitation tradeoff problem. Empirical studies conducted on the new version of NSLKDD99 that reflects modern day traffic trends showed that our proposed approach achieved comparative performance when compared with existing network intrusion detection techniques.
Malaria, Hepatitis B and their Co-infection among Pregnant Women Visiting Maternity Centers in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi Olajide Joseph , Bakare Tolulope Patience
Published: March 2022

Objectives
The research was aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria, hepatitis B and their co-infection among pregnant women visiting maternity centers in Akure South Local Government. Five hundred pregnant women were examined from Comprehensive Health Centre, Arakale and Mother and Child Hospital, Oke- Aro for malaria and hepatitis B. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared to detect the presence of malaria parasites, hepatitis B virus kit was used to detect hepatitis B virus antigen.
Results
The results showed that 65.6% of the pregnant women were infected with malaria parasites, while 3.8% were infected with hepatitis B virus. It was further observed that 2.2% pregnant women who had malaria also had Hepatitis B. Malaria was more prevalent among the age group 21-25years (68.1%), and women in their third trimester (66.7%), while hepatitis B virus was more prevalent among age group 41-45years (14.3%) and women in their second trimester (4.6%). The study revealed high prevalence of malaria and low prevalence of Hepatitis B infections among pregnant women in this study area. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment of the two infections among pregnant women should be intensified to prevent maternal and neonate mortality.
Strong relationship between dyslipidemia and the ectopic ossification of the spinal ligaments
Authors: Endo Tsutomu , Takahata Masahiko , Fujita Ryo , Koike Yoshinao , Suzuki Ryota , Hasegawa Yuichi , Murakami Toshifumi , Ishii Misaki , Yamada Katsuhisa , Sudo Hideki , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: March 2022

Obesity and metabolic disturbances are prevalent in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF); however, the involvement of dyslipidemia (DL) in OPLL/OLF remains uncertain. We investigated the association between dyslipidemia and OPLL/OLF using a dataset of 458 individuals receiving health screening tests, including computed tomography. Subjects were grouped according to the presence or location of OPLL/OLF: controls (no OPLL/OLF, n = 230), OLF (n = 167), cervical OPLL (n = 28), and thoracic OPLL (n = 33). They were also grouped according to the presence of dyslipidemia (DL(+), n = 215; DL(−), n = 243). The proportion of dyslipidemia in the OLF and OPLL groups was 1.6–2.2 times higher than that in the control group. The proportion of OLF and OPLL in the DL(+) group was significantly higher than that in the DL(−) group (OLF, 43% vs. 29%; cervical OPLL, 14.4% vs. 3.2%; thoracic OPLL, 11.1% vs. 3.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an association between all ossification types and dyslipidemia. This study demonstrated an association of dyslipidemia with OPLL/OLF; further investigation on the causal relationship between dyslipidemia and ectopic spinal ligament ossification is warranted to develop a therapeutic intervention for OPLL/OLF.
The Experiences and Challenges of Community Health Volunteers as Agents for Behaviour Change Programming in Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ndu Mary , Andoniou Ellena , McNally Sorcha , Popelka Francisco Olea , Tippett Marisa , Nouvet Elysee
Published: March 2022

Community health volunteers (CHVs) are considered a vital part of the community health structure in Africa. Globally, community health volunteers are widely recognized as vital components in the health system of low- and middle-income countries, enabling the extension of national and sub-national capacities for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and health promotion programs. Despite this vital role in the health system, very little is known about the CHVs day-to-day lived experiences providing services in communities and supporting other health workers. The purpose of this scoping review is to better understand the experiences and challenges of a community health volunteer in Africa. More specifically, drawing on the community health volunteers’ accounts of their experiences as reported in the literature to date, this review aims to identify critical factors or conditions that represent challenges to community health volunteers work in Africa. Advancing an understanding of community health volunteers experiences and challenges can inform governments and programs on how best to support community health volunteers both generally and specifically with respect to performance expectations within community-based healthcare delivery or health behaviour change and promotion programs.
Non-contrast MRI of Brain White Matter in Young Male Patients with Childhood-onset Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: luo Yunyun , zhou zhibo , li kang , zhu yanlin , yang hongbo , wang linjie , chen shi , duan lian , gong fengying , zhong suyu , gong gaolang , zhu huijuan , pan hui
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND The brain structure and function of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) have not been fully investigated so far. No previous studies have evaluated alterations in brain white matter degree and integrity in AGHD.

PURPOSE To evaluate alterations in brain white matter degree and integrity in AGHD compared to age and gender-matched healthy controls and further explore the correlation between endocrine hormone and brain white matter.

METHODS 17 young AGHD patients and 17 healthy controls were assessed by 3D volumetric T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whole brain and white matter volume were compared between two groups. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of brain white matter were calculated for group comparison based on DTI. Effect of disease status and hormone levels on FA and MD of brain white matter were evaluated.

RESULTS AGHD had significantly lower serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)，free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels compared with control (p<0.001). AGHD presents no significant change compared with control neither on the whole brain volume (p =0.2) nor the white matter volume (p =0.78). Comparing with controls, brain regions mainly including Middle cerebellar peduncle were decreased on FA and Middle cerebellar peduncle were increased on MD in AGHD. MD of the Left superior longitudinal fasciculus was prominently only associated with serum levels of FT4 in control adjusting for IGF-1 levels.

CONCLUSIONS Young adult male AGHD patients presented alteration of brain white matter on MD and FA in some brain regions.