bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of CNTS Mutations in Tunisian Patients with Ocular Cystinosis
Authors: chkioua latifa , Amri Yessine , Saheli Chayma , Mili Wassila , Mabrouk Sameh , Chabchoub Imen , Boudabous Hela , Azzouz Wissem Ben , Turkia Hadhami Ben , Ferchichi Salima , Tebib Neji , Massoud Taieb , Ghorbel Mohamed , Laradi Sandrine
Published: November 2021

Background: Ocular cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by intralysosomal cystine accumulation in renal, ophthalmic (cornea, conjunctiva), and other organ abnormalities. Patients with ocular cystinosis are mostly asymptomatic and typically experience mild photophobia due to cystine crystals in the cornea observed accidently during a routine ocular examination. The ocular cystinosis is associated with different mutations in CTNS gene. Cysteamine therapy mostly corrects the organ abnormalities. Methods: This study was performed in collaboration with the department of ophthalmology of Farhat Hached Hospital. The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the cornea and retinal photography were used to search cystine crystals within the corneas and conjunctiva in eight Tunisian patients. Screening for the common 57-kb deletion was performed by standard multiplex PCR, followed by direct sequencing of the entire CTNS gene. Results: The studied patients were found to have cystine crystal limited anterior corneal stroma and the conjunctiva associated with retinal crystals accumulation. CTNS gene sequencing disclosed 7 mutations: three missense mutations (G308R, p.Q88K, and p.S139Y); one duplication (C.829dup), one framshift mutation (p.G258f), one splice site mutation (c.681+7delC) and a large deletion (20327-bp deletion). Crystallographic structure analysis suggests that the novel mutation p.S139Y is buried in a first transmembrane helix closed to the lipid bilayer polar region, introducing a difference in hydrophobicity which could affect the hydrophobic interactions with the membrane lipids. The second novel mutation p.Q88K which is located in the lysosomal lumen close to the lipid membrane polar head region, introduced a basic amino acid in a region which tolerate only uncharged residue. The third missense mutation introduces a positive change in nonpolar tail region of the phospholipid bilayer membrane affecting the folding and stability of the protein in the lipid bilayer. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that impaired transport of cystine out of lysosomes is the most common, which is obviously associated with the mutations of transmembrane domains of cystinosine resulting from a total loss of its activity.
Disruption of YCP4 Enhances Freeze-Thaw Tolerance in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: November 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to identify genes related to a freeze-thaw tolerance and to elucidate the tolerance mechanism in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an appropriate eukaryote model. Results In this study, one tolerant strain under exposure to freeze-thaw stress was isolated by screening a transposon-mediated mutant library and the disrupted gene was identified to be YCP4. In addition, this phenotype related to freeze-thaw tolerance was comfirmed by deletion and overexpressing of this corresponding gene. This mutant strain showed a freeze-thaw tolerance by the reduction in the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of the MSN2/4 and STRE-mediated genes such as CTT1 and HSP12. Conclusions Disruption of YCP4 in S. cerevisiae results in increased tolerance to freeze-thaw stress.
Fasting Blood Glucose to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Relation to Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Deng Simin , Wang Zhaojun , Zhang Yifeng , Xin Ying , Zeng Cheng , Hu Xinqun
Published: November 2021

BackgroundBiochemical markers are crucial for determining risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD); however, the association between the fasting blood glucose to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (FG/HDL-C) ratio and short-term outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unknown. We investigated the association between the FG/HDL-C ratio and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and cardiovascular (CV) death in patients with ACS.eMethodsWe performed a post-hoc analysis of data from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala (ACS-QUIK) study. A total of 11,284 patients with ACS were subdivided into quartiles according to their FG/HDL-C ratios. We used a multivariate logistic regression model, generalized additive model (GAM), and two-piecewise linear regression model to determine the association of the FG/HDL-C ratio with MACEs (death, reinfarction, stroke, and major bleeding) and CV death. ResultsThe FG/HDL-C ratio was significantly associated with an increased risk of MACEs and CV death in patients with ACS in the highest quartile (MACEs, odds ratio [OR]: 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.11, 1.99]; P<0.01; CV death, OR: 1.69; 95% CI, [1.01, 1.41]; P=0.04). The GAM and two-piecewise linear regression model demonstrated that the relationship between the FG/HDL-C ratio and MACEs and CV death was non-linear (non-linear P<0.05); the threshold values were 3.02 and 3.00 for MACEs and CV death, respectively.ConclusionsA higher FG/HDL-C ratio is associated with an increased risk of MACEs and CV death in patients with ACS.
A THz Coupler based on Graphene Patterns with SU-8 Photoresist Dielectric Layer
Authors: Zandi Elham
Published: November 2021

Leveraging both method and concept, a novel multi-layer structure based on Graphene patterns and SU-8 photoresist dielectric is proposed at THz frequency range. By considering reflection and transmission channels as outputs, a simple THz coupler is provided. The structure is described exploiting equivalent circuit model while results are verified by full wave simulations. According to simulation results, the proposed device is able to reflect and transmit THz waves with high sensitivity versus gate biasing. The operation involves five bands in entire THz spectrum while the structure behavior can be adjusted by external gate biasing. Such a tunable device is in great demand to realize optical sensors and systems in several fields from indoor communications, security and medical imaging.
The Influence of Dispersion Time On The Mechanical Properties of Spark Plasma Sintered Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Nickel-Aluminium Matrix Composites
Authors: Ayodele Olusoji Oluremi , Awotunde Mary Ajimegoh , Babalola Bukola Joseph , Olubambi Peter Apata
Published: November 2021

Nickel (Ni) and aluminium (Al) powders were milled with carbon nanotubes (CNT) by employing the high-speed ball milling approach, and the consolidation was achieved by spark plasma sintering technology (SPS). The microstructural evolution of the milled samples and consolidated samples were examined, and the mechanical properties were investigated. The outcome indicated the agglomeration of CNT within the NiAl matrix, and the CNT dispersions improved with the milling duration. The structural integrity of the CNT was evaluated using the Raman analysis which depicted that the ID/IG ratio decreased from 0.986 to 0.867 as the high-speed ball milling was longer, which also depicts more damage to the CNT. The microhardness of the consolidated composite was enhanced from 287.7 HV-320.4 HV due to better dispersion of CNT within the matrix metal. Furthermore, the predicted tensile strength and yield strength of the composite improved from 4011.9 MPa-4428.8 MPa, and from 5747.9 MPa-6389.3 MPa.
Spatial Probabilistic Mapping of Metabolite Ensembles in Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Sammour Denis Abu , Cairns James , Boskamp Tobias , Kessler Tobias , Guevara Carina Ramallo , Panitz Verena , Sadik Ahmed , Cordes Jonas , Marsching Christian , Friedrich Mirco , Platten Michael , Wolf Ivo , von Deimling Andreas , Opitz Christiane , Wick Wolfgang , Hopf Carsten
Published: November 2021

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) vows to enable simultaneous spatially-resolved investigation of hundreds of metabolites in tissue sections, but it still relies on poorly defined ion images for data interpretation. Here, we outline moleculaR, a computational framework in R, that introduces systematic probabilistic mapping and point-for-point statistical testing of metabolites in tissue to MSI. Beyond statistics, moleculaR allows for arithmetic operations within the same MS image and thereby, for instance, analysis and visualization of complex scores like the adenylate energy charge ([ATP]+0.5*[ADP])/ ([ATP]+[ADP]+[AMP]). moleculaR also enables collective molecular projections, for example of all potassium versus all sodium adducts for spatially-resolved investigation of ion milieus, or for surveys of lipid pathways or other user-defined biomolecular ensembles.
Graphene Optical Modulators Using Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Kim Myunghwan , Kim Sangin , Kim Soeun
Published: November 2021

Graphene-based optical modulators have been widely investigated due to the high mobility and tunable permittivity of graphene. However, achieving a high modulation depth with a low insertion loss is challenging owing to low graphene-light interaction. To date, only waveguide-type modulators have been extensively studied to improve light-graphene interaction, and few free-space type modulators have been demonstrated in the optical communication wavelength range. In this study, we propose two graphene-based optical free-space type modulators in a simple silicon photonic crystal structure that supports bound states in the continuum. The designed modulator with an ultra-high quality factor from the bound states in the continuum achieves a high modulation depth (MD = 0.9972) and low insertion loss (IL=0.0034) with a small Fermi level change at the optical communication wavelength. In addition, the proposed modulators support outstanding modulation performance in the normal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene (mobility = 0.5 m2/Vs). We believe the scheme may pave the way for graphene-based optical active devices.
A Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer Nanoplatform for Hypoxia-Responsive Chemo/Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Hao Yingchao , Gao Yue , Fan Yu , Zhang Changchang , Zhan Mengsi , Cao Xueyan , Shi Xiangyang , Guo Rui
Published: November 2021

Background: Chemodynamic therapy is a promising cancer treatment with specific therapeutic effect at tumor sites, since toxic hydroxyl radical (·OH) could only be generated by Fenton or Fenton-like reaction at the tumor microenvironment (TME) with low pH and high endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, the low concentration of catalytic metal ions, excessive glutathione (GSH) and aggressive hypoxia at tumor site seriously restrict its curative outcomes.Results: In this study, polyethylene glycol-phenylboronic acid (PEG-PBA)-modified generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers were synthesized as a targeted nanocarrier to chelate Cu(II) and then encapsulate hypoxia-sensitive drug tirapazamine (TPZ) by the formation of hydrophobic Cu(II)/TPZ complex for hypoxia-enhanced chemo/chemodynamic therapy. The formed G5.NHAc-PEG-PBA@Cu(II)/TPZ (GPPCT) with good stability could be specifically accumulated at tumors, efficiently taken up by tumor cells overexpressing sialic acid residues, and release Cu(II) ions and TPZ quickly in weakly acidic tumor sites via pH-sensitive dissociation of Cu(II)/TPZ. In vitro and in vivo experiments using murine breast cancer cells (4T1) demonstrated that the GPPCT nanoplatform could efficiently generate toxic ·OH in tumor cells while simultaneously deplete GSH, effectively kill hypoxic tumor cells by activated TPZ radicals, reduce tumor metastasis, and show no significant systemic toxicity.Conclusions: The targeted GPPCT nanoplatform may be developed for the synergistic inhibition of different tumor types by hypoxia-enhanced chemo/chemodynamic therapy.
Leukotriene B 4 Loaded in Microspheres Regulate the Expression of Genes Related to Odontoblastic Differentiation and Biomineralization by Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Silva Francine Lorencetti , Lamarque Giuliana Campos Chaves , de Oliveira Fernanda Maria Machado Pereira Cabral , Nelson-Filho Paulo , Silva Léa Assed Bezerra , Segato Raquel Assed Bezerra , Faccioli Lúcia Helena , Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia
Published: November 2021

Background: Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator that stimulate the immune response. Because dental pulp inflammation and dentin repair are intrinsically related responses, the aim of this research was to investigate the potential of LTB4 in inducing differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Methods: Microspheres (MS) loaded with LTB4 were prepared using an oil emulsion solvent extraction evaporation process and sterility, characterization, efficiency of LTB4 encapsulation and in vitro LTB4 release assay were investigated. Mouse dental pulp stem cells (OD-21) were stimulated with soluble LTB4 or MS loaded with LTB4 (0.01 and 0.1 μM). Cytotoxicity and cell viability was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and MTT (methylthiazol tetrazolium) assays . Gene expression were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) after 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. Results: Mineralized nodule formation was assessed after 28 days of OD-21 cell stimulation with LTB4. Groups were compared using the one-way ANOVA test followed by Dunnett's post-test (α = 0.05). Treatment with LTB4 or MS loaded with LTB4 (0.01 and 0.1 micrometer- μM) were not cytotoxic to OD-21 cells. Treatment with LTB4 modulated the expression of the Ibsp (integrin binding sialoprotein) and Runx2 (runt-related transcription factor 2) genes differently depending on the experimental period analyzed. Interestingly LTB4 loaded in microspheres (0.1 μM) allowed long term dental pulp cell differentiation and biomineralization. LTB4 loaded in MS was not cytotoxic and induced an odontoblastic cell phenotype differentiation. Conclusion: These findings shed light on a novel pharmacological strategy to induce dental pulp cell differentiation.
Derivation of Spatially Distributed Thermal Comfort Levels in Jordan as Investigated From Remote Sensing, GIS Tools and Computational Methods
Authors: oroud ibrahim M.
Published: November 2021

Thermal comfort is usually calculated using discrete point measurements. This procedure is not suitable to study thermal comfort for inhabited areas with rugged terrains where climate gradient is high. The wide availability of remote sensing data and GIS tools have revolutionized data management, processing and visualization. The present paper implemented digital elevation data, GIS tools and a computational algorithm to generate spatially continuous maps of climatological elements which were employed to derive thermal comfort levels across Jordan. Results show detailed information of the spatial distribution of the degree of thermal comfort in winter and summer across the country which cannot be resolved using discrete point measurements. It is shown that the mountainous areas in the country, where most urban centers are situated, experience “slightly warm” to “warm” indoor apparent temperatures in summer. The Jordan Valley and the desert experience high indoor apparent temperatures in summer. Cold conditions prevail over most parts of the country, with the heating degree days ranging from 2100 in the southern mountains to values close to zero near the Dead Sea area. The presented procedure demonstrated that the very low levels of ambient vapor pressure is an important atmospheric forcing contributing to the widespread cold conditions prevailing over the desert areas in winter. The efficiency of direct evaporative cooling systems to achieve thermal comfort in the various parts of the country is investigated. The procedure presented can be used over regional scales with different levels of spatial resolutions for a wide range of climatological studies.
Short-Term Effects of Two Types of Goggles On Intraocular Pressure and Anterior Eye Segment Biometrics
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Huixian , Nie Yuan , Li Wenjing
Published: November 2021

Background: To evaluate and compare the changes in intraocular pressure and anterior eye segment biometrics,during and after wearing two types of commonly used swimming goggles.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 40 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60 years old were selected to wear two kinds of common swimming goggles (ocular socket and orbital goggles). Intraocular pressure and anterior segment biometry were evaluated before wearing, at 2 and 5 minutes of wearing, and at 5 minutes after removing the goggles. Intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal front keratometry values (K1, K2, Km), central corneal thickness (CCT), central anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) were measured.Results: The IOP at 2 minutes (21.0±2.2 mmHg) and 5 minutes (21.2±2.3 mmHg) was significantly higher than before wearing goggles (17.7± 2.1 mmHg). The IOP after the goggles were removed and at 5 minutes after the goggles were removed was 18.4±2.3 mmHg and 17.7±2.1 mmHg, respectively. ACV, ACD, and ACA values all decreased while the googles were worn. After the goggles were removed, these changes gradually returned to baseline values, with no significant difference in the values before and after.Conclusion: This study proves that wearing orbital goggles can lead to an acute increase in IOP and a slight decrease in ACV, ACD, and ACA. However, once the goggles are removed, these indicators return to baseline levels, showing that wearing orbital goggles has no significant lasting effect on IOP and anterior segment parameters.
The Therapeutic Value of Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy In Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Primary Tumors: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis Based On Propensity Score Matching And Comparison With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Tao , Xiaohu Wang , Su Shengfa , Li Qingsong , Geng Yichao , Yang Wengang , Chen Xiaxia , Ouyang Weiwei , Zhang Wei , Lu Bing
Published: November 2021

Objective:.To explore the feasibility of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) instead of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for primary tumors of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (A-NSCLC). Methods:.We used propensity score matching (PSM) and multicenter retrospective analysis to study the efficacy and toxicity of VMAT technology in radiotherapy for primary tumors of A-NSCLC.We used the chi-squared test to analyze the response rate(RR), local control (LC), acute radiation injury, and dose-volume parameters; the Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests were used to determine local-regional progression-free survival (LRPFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: LRPFS was significantly prolonged in stage III patients treated with IMRT before PSM (P< .05) and cases of grade 1 or 2 acute radiation esophagitis (RE) or radiation pneumonia(RP) in the IMRT than the VMAT(P< .05), but cases of grade 3 or 4 RE and RP were not significantly different between the groups (P> .05). Before PSM, there was no significant difference in the LRPFS and OS rates of the whole study group and the RR, LC, and stage IV subgroups, respectively (P> .05). After PSM, there was no significant difference in the RR, LC, LRPFS, OS, RP, or RE of patients treated with VMAT and IMRT (P> .05), normal whole-lung (V5, V20, MLD), heart (V30, V40, MHD), and equal dose-volume parameters were significantly lower in the VMAT group (P< .05).Conclusion:.Radiation therapy of A-NSCLC primary tumors using VMAT can achieve a similar efficacy to that of IMRT but with significantly lower low-dose volume parameters of normal tissues and organs; this is true especially in stage N2 cases, where the reduction in radiation damage may be more favorable.
Modulation of Mo-Fe-C sites over mesoscale diffusion-enhanced hollow sub-micro reactors toward boosted electrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Gong Feilong , Liu Mengmeng , Gong Lihua , Ye Sheng , Jiang Qike , Zeng Guang , Zhang Xiaoli , Peng Zhikun , Zhang Yonghui , Fang Shaoming , Liu Jian
Published: November 2021

Simultaneously engineering the mesoscale mass transfer and surface reactions on the electrode can promote the kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report the simultaneously modulation of the mesoscale diffusion and Mo-Fe-C sites formation over monodispersed hollow Fe@MoS2-C sub-micro reactors for boosted OER performance. According to finite element simulation and analysis, the hollow nanostructured MoS2-C host possessed much better mesoscale diffusion properties than its solid and yolk–shell counterparts. Notably, the sulfur vacancies and intercalated carbon in the sub-micro reactor offered a unique microenvironment for Fe anchoring on Mo-Fe-C sites. The stability and activity of the sites were revealed by theoretical calculations. The resultant Fe@MoS2-C presented an OER overpotential of 194 mV, which is much better than those of the Fe-based single-atom catalysts reported to data. Our monodispersed sub-micro reactor combined the advantage of mesoscale diffusion and single-atom sites, and it may have broad prospects for complex electrocatalytic reactions.
Working Environment of Nurses in Public Referral Hospitals of West Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Kassahun Chanyalew Worku , Abate Addisu Taye , Tezera Zewdu Baye , Beshah Debrework Tesgera , Agegnehu Chilot Desta , Getnet Mohammed Adem , Abate Hailemichael Kindie , Yazew Birhaneselassie Gebeyehu , Alemu Mahlet Temesgen
Published: November 2021

Background: Safe working environment is a key part, and professional right of nurses. But findings indicated nurses work environment as stressful and complex. The negative effects of a negative nurses’ work environment lead to poor nurse-sensitive patient outcomes, such as increased mortality, pressure ulcers, medication errors, and complications. It has also an effect on their professionalism, practice of patient’s handover. Studies have shown working conditions, professionalism, patient handover and nurse-sensitive patient outcomes are interrelated and form a critical foundation for promoting patients’ and nurses’ safety in hospitals. However, in Ethiopia, there is scarcity of data on this issue. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the working environment of nurses in Public Referral Hospitals in Public Referral Hospitals of West Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2021.Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 nurses from January to February 2021. Random sampling was used to select nurses from each hospital. Structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. EPI- DATA 3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS version-23 software for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were made using statistical measurements. Frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations were calculated. Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index tool was used to measure the outcome variable. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to identify associated factors. Finally, texts, tables and graphs were used to report findings. Results: The response rate for the study was 96.2%. One hundred eighty eight (46.2%) nurses perceived that their working environment was conducive, while 219 (53.8 %,) perceived it as not conducive. Nurses who were working in pediatrics wards (AOR= 0.13, 0.02, 0.1) and nurses who gave care for 7-12 patients per day (AOR =0.21, 0.05, 0.98) were less likely to have a conducive working environment, respectively. Nurses who perceived the Ministry of Health to give focus to the nursing profession were 0.27 more likely to have a conducive environment (AOR= 0.27; 0.09, .82).Conclusion and recommendations: More than half of nurses reported that their working environment was not conducive to appropriate practice. Hence, introducing systems to improve participation of nurses in hospital affairs and patient care is essential. It is also important to give attention to nurses who are working at pediatrics wards, and for nurses who give care more than the standards.
Association of Plasma Carotenoid and Malondialdehyde Levels with Physical Performance in Korean Adolescents
Authors: Joo Heeyeon , Hwang Jiyoung , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Hyesook , Kwon Oran
Published: November 2021

Background
Increased oxidative stress has been shown to lead to muscle damage and reduced physical performance. The antioxidant mechanism is most likely to reduce these relationships, but in the context of the action of carotenoids, more research is needed. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate whether carotenoids modify the association between plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and physical performance in Korean adolescents.
Methods
The study sample consisted of 381 participants (164 boys, 217 girls) aged 13−18, who participated in the 2018 National Fitness Award Project. We quantified α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and MDA levels in plasma using HPLC with photodiode array detection. Physical performance was measured by determining the absolute and relative hand grip strength, 20-m progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run, estimated maximal oxygen consumption, curl-up, and sit-and-reach.
Results
In boys, the multiple linear regression model adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, and physical activity showed that the MDA level was negatively associated with absolute hand grip strength; this association was observed only in groups with α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and total carotenoid values below the median.
Conclusion
These results suggest that carotenoids may act as an effect modifier of the association between MDA and physical performance in Korean male adolescents.
Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Length of Stay, Readmission, and Mortality: A Population-Based Study of Surgical Management of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Masum Shamsul , Hopgood Adrian , Stefan Samuel , Flashman Karen , Khan Jim
Published: November 2021

Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) have been used to predict patient outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery. A prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database was used, covering 4336 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery between 2003 and 2019. The 47 patient parameters included demographics, peri- and post-operative outcomes, surgical approaches, complications, and mortality. Data analytics were used to compare the importance of each variable and AI prediction models were built for length of stay (LOS), readmission, and mortality. Accuracies of at least 80% have been achieved. The significant predictors of LOS were age, ASA grade, operative time, presence or absence of a stoma, robotic or laparoscopic approach to surgery, and complications. The model with support vector regressor (SVR) algorithms predicted the LOS with an accuracy of 83% and mean absolute error (MAE) of 9.69 days. The significant predictors of readmission were age, laparoscopic procedure, stoma performed, preoperative nodal (N) stage, operation time, operation mode, previous surgery type, LOS, and the specific procedure. A BI-LSTM model predicted readmission with 87.5% accuracy, 84% sensitivity, and 90% specificity. The significant predictors of mortality were age, ASA grade, BMI, the formation of a stoma, preoperative TNM staging, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, curative resection, and LOS. Classification predictive modelling predicted three different colorectal cancer mortality measures (overall mortality, and 31- and 91-days mortality) with 80-96% accuracy, 84-93% sensitivity, and 75-100% specificity. A model using all variables performed only slightly better than one that used just the most significant ones.
Diagnostic Performance of RT-PCR-Based Sample Pooling Strategy for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hueda-Zavaleta Miguel , Copaja-Corzo Cesar , Benites-Zapata Vicente A. , Cardenas-Rueda Pedro , Maguiña Jorge L. , Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: November 2021

Background: The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 has created a shortage of supplies of reagents for its detection throughout the world, especially in Latin America. The pooling of samples consists of combining individual patient samples in a block and analyzing the group as a particular sample. This strategy has been shown to reduce the burden of laboratory material and logistical resources by up to 80%. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the pool of samples analyzed by RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2.Methods: A cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests was carried out. We individually evaluated 420 samples, and 42 clusters were formed, each one with ten samples. These clusters could contain 0, 1 or 2 positive samples to simulate a positivity of 0, 10 and 20%, respectively. RT-PCR analyzed the groups for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The area under the ROC curve (AUC), the Youden index, the global and subgroup Sensitivity and specificity were calculated according to their Ct values that were classified as high (H: ≤25), moderate (M: 26-30) and low (L: 31-35) concentration of viral RNA.Results: From a total of 42 pools, 41 (97.6%) obtained the same result as the samples they contained (positive or negative). The AUC for pooling, Youden index, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-1); 0.97 (95% CI, 0.90-1.03); 96.67% (95% CI; 88.58-100%) and 100% (95% CI; 95.83-100%) respectively. In the stratified analysis of the pools containing samples with CT <31, the Sensitivity was 100% (95% CI; 90-100%), while with the pools containing samples with Ct ≥31, the Sensitivity was 80% (95% CI, 34.94% - 100%). Finally, a median greater than 2.32 (IQR: 1.12 - 3.03) in the Ct was observed in the pools concerning the Ct of the individual samples (p <0.001).Conclusions: The strategy of pooling nasopharyngeal swab samples for analysis by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR showed high diagnostic performance.
Three-dimensional synchronous proton radiography for dynamic magnetic fields in laser-produced high-energy-density plasmas
Authors: Zhao Zhonghai , He Shu-Kai , An H. H. , Lei Z. , Xie Y. , Yuan W. Q. , Jiao J. L. , Zhou K. N. , Ye J. J. , Xie Z. Y. , Xiong J. , Fang Z. H. , He X. , Wang W. , Zhou Weimin , Zhang Baohan , Zhu Shaoping , Qiao B.
Published: November 2021

Understanding the generation and evolution of magnetic fields in high-energy-density plasmas is a major scientific challenge in broad research areas including astrophysics, cosmology, and laser fusion energy. However, the fully three-dimensional (3D) topologies of such dynamic magnetic fields are still unknown yet. Here we report experiments of the first 3D synchronous proton radiography for self-generated magnetic fields in respectively laser-produced low-Z CH and high-Z Cu plasmas. The radiography images show that abundant 3D filamentary structures of magnetic fields grow up in coronal region of CH plasmas, while for Cu, the fields are majorly compressed along the dense surface region whose internal structures are pretty vague. These results are reproduced and explained by a combination of radiation-magnetohydrodynamic, particle-in-cell and Vlasov-Fokker-Planck simulations, where the cross-scale effects of Biermann battery, Nernst advection, resistive diffusion, Righi-Leduc and particularly kinetic Weibel instability are all taken into account. Our findings provide much enlightenment to the role of magnetic field generation in implosion and hohlraum dynamics of laser fusion.
Characterizing Mobility Patterns of Forest Goers in Southern Lao PDR using GPS Loggers.
Authors: Rerolle Francois , Dantzer Emily , Phimmakong Toula , Lover Andrew , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Phetsouvanh Rattanaxay , Marshall John , Sturrock Hugh , Bennett Adam
Published: November 2021

Background
In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), forest-going populations are considered high-risk populations for malaria and are increasingly targeted by national control programs’ elimination efforts. A better understanding of forest-going populations’ mobility patterns and risk associated with specific types of forest-going trips is necessary for countries in the GMS to achieve their objective of eliminating malaria by 2030.
Methods
Between March and November 2018, as part of a focal test and treat intervention (FTAT), we recruited 2,904 forest-goers in southern Lao PDR. A subset of forest-goers carried an “i-Got-U” GPS logger for roughly two months, configured to collect GPS coordinates every 15 to 30 minutes. The utilization distribution (UD) surface around each GPS trajectory was used to extract trips to the forest and forest-fringes. Trips with shared mobility characteristics in terms of duration, timing and forest penetration were identified by a hierarchical clustering algorithm. Then, clusters of trips with increased exposure to dominant malaria vectors in the region were further classified as high-risk. Finally, we used gradient boosting trees to assess which of the forest-goers’ socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics best predicted their likelihood to engage in such high-risk trips.
Results
A total of 122 forest-goers accepted carrying a GPS logger resulting in the collection of 803 trips to the forest or forest-fringes. Six clusters of trips emerged, helping to classify 385 (48%) trips with increased exposure to malaria vectors based on high forest penetration and whether the trip happened overnight. Age, outdoor sleeping structures and number of children were the best predictors of forest-goers’ probability of engaging in high-risk trips. The probability of engaging in high-risk trips was high (~33%) in all strata of the forest-going population.
Conclusion
This study characterized the heterogeneity within the mobility patterns of forest-goers and attempted to further segment their role in malaria transmission in southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). National control programs across the region can leverage these results to tailor their interventions and messaging to high-risk populations and accelerate malaria elimination.
Mixing ReaxFF Parameters for Transition Metal Oxides Using Force-Matching Method.
Authors: Włodarczyk Adam , Uchroński Mariusz , Podsiadły-Paszkowska Agata , Irek Joanna , Szyja Bartlomiej
Published: November 2021

We present the development of the method for the refitting the ReaxFF parameters for a system consisting of the mixed transition metal oxides. We have tested several methods allowing to calculate the differences between the vectors of the forces acting on atoms obtained from the reference DFT simulation and the parameters-dependent ReaxFF. We conclude that the footrule method yields the best parameters among the investigated options. We then validate the parameters using the system consisting of the hematite supported (TiO2)n clusters. The results indicate the refitted parameters allow to obtain much better geometries of the clusters upon MD simulation on the ReaxFF level, and despite the short timescale lead to the stable structures.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making and Dempster-Shafer Model Based Delineation of Groundwater Prospect Zones From A Semi-Arid Environment
Authors: Pandey Hemant Kumar , Singh Vishal Kumar , Singh Sudhir Kumar
Published: November 2021

The present study illustrates the delineation of the groundwater potential zones in one of the most critical and drought affected areas under Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Hydrological evaluations were carried out in district Mahoba using GIS tools and remote sensing data which ultimately yielded several thematic maps, such as lineament density, land use/land cover, drainage density, lithology, slope, geomorphology, wetness index (WTI), altitude and soil. CartoDEM data which have spatial resolution of 30m i.e. equivalent to one arc second were used to create digital elevation model, drainage density, altitude, WTI and slope. The thematic layers were assigned relative weightages as per their groundwater potential prospects under multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method through analytical hierarchy process (AHP). To recognize the groundwater potential zone, weighted overlay analysis was performed using ArcMap software. Additionally, for testing of the Dempster-Shafer model, 16 borewells in high potential areas have been selected. Based on the probability of the groundwater occurrence, the belief factor was equated. Further combining the weighted layers, groundwater potential zones were obtained. The groundwater potential maps illustrate five zones having different potential in the Mahoba district. According to the AHP model the north-west side of the study area is characterized with very good potential zones whereas the north-east and south-east region constitute medium and poor groundwater potential zones respectively. It reflects that more than 50% of the area is having medium groundwater potential while 30 percent of the area falls under low potential zone. 10% of the study area falls under very good groundwater potential zones. According to the DS model, very high groundwater zones constitute only 7% and the remaining area falls under poor potential. Overall accuracy of the DS model was higher than AHP model.
RSM-Modeling and Optimization of High Titer Functional Xylo-Oligosaccharides Production by Edible Gluconic Acid Catalysis
Authors: Gu Yuanjie , Guo Jianming , Zhou Xin , Xu Yong
Published: November 2021

Xylo-oligosaccharides as a functional prebiotic have great value in food, feed fields. Previous studies have shown that organic acids catalyze the hydrolysis of xylan-rich sources for the production of xylo-oligosaccharides. In this study, gluconic acid of edible aldonic acid, generated xylo-oligosaccharides via hydrolysis of xylan from corncob. In order to maximize the efficiency of xylo-oligosaccharide production, a model was designed and optimal conditions were determined by Box-Behnken design-based response surface methodology. The developed process resulted in a maximum xylo-oligosaccharides yield of 57.73% using 4.6% gluconic acid at 167°C for 28 min, which was similar to the predicted value and fitted models of xylo-oligosaccharides production. The results showed that the reaction temperature was crucial to xylo-oligosaccharides production, and by-product yields (xylose and furfural) could be effectively controlled by both reaction temperature and time. In addition, 44.87 g/L XOS was achieved by decreasing the solid-liquid ratio. Overall, the described process may be a preferred option for future high concentration xylo-oligosaccharides production.
FINANCIAL FORECASTING AND PLANNING AS A PREREQUISITE FOR MAKING MANAGEMENT DECISIONS
Authors: Zhukova T. , Hrybinichenko R. , Plikus I.
Published: November 2021

Today, the modern conditions of economic activity constantly require competent financial planning and forecasting of economic activity of the enterprise. In countries with developed market economies, the improvement of tools and methods of financial planning and forecasting is constant and quite significant. Without financial planning, it is impossible to achieve the level of enterprise management, which ensures its market success, continuous improvement of capacity and social development of the team. No other type of planning can have such a general, global significance for the company, as finance covers all parties and areas of its activities without exception. The relevance of this work is to study the construction of plans and forecasts that allow the company to forecast and take into account current and future changes in the external environment, as well as adjust the internal factors of financial and economic activities for their development and further growth. The article examines the historical aspects of the emergence of financial planning and forecasting in enterprises, and defines the essence of planning (forecasting) as a management function. The paper highlights the types and functions of financial planning and forecasting, which significantly helps to understand the meaning of these concepts. The methodological aspects of the organization of financial planning and forecasting at the enterprise in making managerial decisions were also studied and the organizational and economic stages of financial planning and forecasting were determined. It is substantiated that the financial plan development is a logical conclusion of the enterprise business planning process as a whole and makes it possible to assess the net results of its management in the planning period. It is emphasized that the results of the financial plan are necessary to generalize information concerning the sources and time of flow of funds as well as the amount of these flows, their scope, meeting the demand for funds and their availability, as well as possible financial status during and at the end of the planning period. We analyzed the economic efficiency of financial planning and forecasting of the enterprise and highlighted methods for optimizing planning and forecasting in management decisions. It is proved that the company of interest can significantly improve its index number in the coming periods. It is concluded that the stability of the enterprise is achieved by efficient and rhythmic restructuring of the enterprise due to skillful management of the production assets and sources of their formation. Through planning or forecasting the enterprise’s activity is accompanied by optimal solutions and the right company profile, which contributes, to high financial performance.
PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL FACILITY-TOURISM IN UKRAINE. CHALLENGES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kotenko O.O. , Halynska Yu. , Domashenko M.D. , Shcherbachenko V.O.
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to defining the essence of facility-tourism as a promising area within the tourism industry, which can potentially increase the attractiveness of Ukraine for foreign tourists and become a powerful competitive center in the redistribution of international tourist flows. The need to improve existing approaches to understanding industrial tourism (common term) has been demonstrated because it does not take into account the full range of opportunities associated with visiting abandoned cities, towns and buildings, existing and abandoned machines and industrial facilities, land and underground. engineering structures, exclusion zones and other objects of anthropogenic activity. The article proves that having an extraordinary technological, industrial, engineering potential, Ukraine can create hundreds of additional facilities that will have not only practical significance, but also financial and economic effect. In addition, the launch of facility-tourism in Ukraine will create additional opportunities for the development of related areas of services - hotel and restaurant business, museums, transport, etc., and will be the basis for creating new jobs, which is certainly important for modern Ukraine.
Special attention in the article to the define the prospects and place of international facility-tourism in the tourism industry of Ukraine. The method of testing hypotheses proved that its initiation will certainly have a positive effect. The authors also paid attention to the development of the industry during the pandemic. It was proved that this type of tourism can fully work even in conditions of quarantine restrictions due to the possibility of organizing facility tours for small groups of foreign nationals.
THE INFLUENCE OF NEW POST-PANDEMIC WORLD STANDARDS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURIST INDUSTRY
Authors: Zamora O.M. , Teslyk A.V. , Taraniuk L.M. , Shcherbachenko V.O. , Lazis P.M. , Taraniuk K.V.
Published: November 2021

In the context of global quarantine and uncertainty, an important aspect is the development of the economic spheres of the post-pandemic world and its new standards. The measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 have a particular impact on the tourism industry, which has become one of the most affected during this period. The study focuses on the prospects and emergence of new standards of living and doing business in countries with a significant weight of tourism in their GDP and the impact of post-pandemic features on countries that are beginning to develop in the tourism industry. During the preparation of the article, the dependence of the service sector on the stable situation in the world and the challenges posed by this pandemic to this branch of the tertiary sector of the economy were analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the study of the interaction of social and economic factors that affect the development of the tourism industry in the context of globalization. The relevance of the article lies in the need to predict ways to adapt countries to global change based on the experience of governments in combating the negative impact of coronavirus on the tourism industry. The purpose of the study is to reveal the impact of new norms of the post-pandemic world on the development of tourism. Methodology and scientific approaches: analysis of scientific works in the fields of economics, finance, sociology and medicine. An analysis of statistics for the COVID-19 pandemic, collected by global health and safety structures; reports of government agencies and analysis of the impact of quarantine restrictions on the state of their economy. The ability and pace of adaptation of the post-pandemic world to global changes and in particular to the tourism industry have been predicted. The result of the research is to reveal the scale of the pandemic effect on the world economy and forecast the vectors of tourism business development in the new realities. The practical significance of the article is determined in the analysis of the necessary transformation of the world in order to overcome further economic crises. The social consequences of compulsory vaccinations and non-violation of existing quarantine restrictions are positive in terms of improving the world economy.
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN COVID-19 CONDITIONS
Authors: Taraniuk L. , Poliienko M. , Sliusarenko A.D. , Malyshenko Y. , Taraniuk K. , Halynska Y. , Shcherbachenko V.
Published: November 2021

The article covers the problem of international tourism development in the conditions of COVID-19, as well as identifies the main trends of its potential development in the long run. Tourism contributes not only to the economic development of countries, but is the cause of geographical diversification, which dramatically changes the structure of international tourism, so the relevance of the study is indisputable. The purpose of this study is to trace the development trends of such a powerful industry as international tourism during the pandemic period and to develop a strategy for further social growth in this area at the international level. During the research the method of statistical research, the method of comparison, analysis and synthesis, the method of generalization were used.
The state of tourism in 2020 in comparison with 2019 is studied. The characteristic features of the current economic situation after the regression in the field of international tourism are formed: the contribution of this link to the world GDP and employment is generalized. The importance of this industry and related industries in the world economic arena is statistically substantiated. The article considers the tendencies of development of the tourist sphere of Europe in modern conditions. The analysis of expenses for internal European tourism is carried out. Prospects for tourism development in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic have been identified. The conclusions of scientific research are formed.
As for the possibility of using the results of the study, they are primarily necessary for the formation of an effective policy of international tourism by state regulators at the national and international levels. The practical significance of scientific research lies in the formation of an effective practical mechanism for implementing the strategies of international tourism in the world in terms of COVID-19. The social consequences in the languages ​​of the global COVID-19 pandemic may be a decline in travel services of tour operators as a result of falling profits of companies in the tourism industry and their closure, job losses, reduced taxes to the budget due to the closure of tourism enterprises.