bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the methods used for estimating the bearing capacity of stone columns
Authors: Ghazavi Mahmoud , Rouhani Movahed , Khoshghalb Arman
Published: February 2024

Stone columns have been utilized for several decades due to their ability to improve the mechanical behavior of weak and marginal soil deposits. Reducing the cost of a project necessitates accurate estimation of the stone column capacity. This paper considers the existing analytical methods for estimating the bearing capacity of stone columns and evaluate their prediction accuracy. For this purpose, the results of 36 full-scale field tests on footings supported by stone columns are considered, and the measured bearing capacity (QM) are compared with estimated bearing capacity (QE) values computed from 15 analytical solutions predicting the stone column capacity. For this comparison, five statistical approaches are employed in order to evaluate these 15 methods and identify the level of their prediction accuracy. Finally, the methods are ranked by the degree of accuracy with which they can estimate the load capacity. The findings of this research help designers and decision makers to choose a more reliable design method when dealing with stone columns.
Association of Vehicle Count Data Obtained Via Image Processing Techniques Compared with Microsimulation Program Analysis Results
Authors: Ilyas Seyitali , Ulusoy Bahadır Ersoy , Kofteci Sevil , Albayrak Yalcın
Published: February 2024

As the population in cities increases, traffic problems have emerged, especially at intersections with high traffic density. Increasing traffic density leads to longer transportation times, higher fuel consumption, and elevated levels of environmental pollution. There are various techniques employed to decrease traffic congestion. To apply these methods, the degree of traffic density must first be determined. This is typically done through vehicle counting studies in the field using camera images. However, manually counting vehicles from camera images is a very detailed process. Therefore, various automated methods based on image processing techniques are preferred today to perform these operations faster and more accurately. In this study, we designed virtual zones using different vehicle counting methods at intersections based on image processing techniques. We obtained vehicle count data from four methods, including manual counting and three methods based on image processing techniques. We evaluated the accuracy of the counting results using transportation engineering parameters such as density and traffic volume. Additionally, we modeled the signalized intersection in the AIMSUN simulation program. The study found that the "New Type Virtual Zone" method resulted in vehicle counts that were 95% accurate, and the average success rate of the AIMSUN simulation analysis results performed with this data was 83.71% accurate.
A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and splenic infarction in a Caucasian man
Authors: Tomassi Maria Virginia , D’Abramo Alessandra , Vita Serena , Corpolongo Angela , Vulcano Antonella , Bartoli Tommaso Ascoli , Bartolini Barbara , Faraglia Francesca , Nicastri Emanuele
Published: February 2024

Background
Plasmodium ovale malaria is usually considered a tropical infectious disease associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, severe disease and death have previously been reported.
Case presentation
A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria in a healthy Caucasian man with a triangle splenic infarction and clinical progression towards acute respiratory distress syndrome was reported despite a rapid response to oral chloroquine treatment with 24-hr parasitaemia clearance.
Conclusion
Plasmodium ovale malaria is, generally considered as a benign disease, with low parasitaemia. However, severe disease and death have occasionally been reported. It is important to be awere that occasionally it can progress to serious illness and death even in immunocompetent individuals.
Security Analysis of Password-based Authenticated Key Exchange Protocols
Authors: Mishra Ashutosh , Mishra Sweta , Panday Sunil
Published: February 2024

Password-based cryptosystems commonly suffer from dictionary attacks because their security depends on low entropy passwords. It is ever challenging to design a password-based cryptosystem secure against this attack. Password-based authenticated key exchange (PAKE) protocols allow two or more interacting parties to establish cryptographic keys based on their knowledge of some password. The PAKE protocols commonly use password-based encryption and are therefore susceptible to dictionary attacks. Many existing PAKE protocols are claimed to be secure against these dictionary attacks but there is no easy method to verify their claim. In this work we focus on evaluating the security of two-party PAKE protocols under possible attack scenarios. We first consider all possible combination of participants of an attack scenario, which turn out to be 5 in number. This gives rise to 25 possible attack scenarios among the participants. We find that 11 out of these 25 scenarios are valid. We then analyze the security of 5 PAKE protocols under the attack scenarios developed by us. Namely, we analyze EKE, SPEKE, SRP, KOY and IdBP protocols. We also provide some suggestions on improving existing PAKE designs.
Identification of maternal risk factors for having Down syndrome cases in Jordan
Authors: Batiha Osamah , Alahmad Nour Alhoda , Hammad Hani , Mresieh Reem , Al-zoubi Esra'a , Altalib Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Down syndrome (DS) is the leading cause of intellectual disability, yet the factors contributing to its occurrence remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the genetic influence of the C677T variant in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, alongside maternal age, family history, and miscarriages, on the development of DS. Our findings indicate that the presence of the C677T CT and TT genotypes in the MTHFR gene were associated with a 1.9-fold and 3.4-fold increased risk of DS, respectively, compared to controls. Furthermore, advanced maternal age, family history of DS, and particularly a history of miscarriages were found to significantly elevate the risk of DS. These results highlights the genetic and environmental factors contributing to DS and emphasize the importance of understanding these factors for effective prevention and management strategies.
Factors related to oral mucositis or dysgeusia in breast cancer patients undergoing fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide therapy: A single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Taguchi Tetsuya , Ishikawa Takeshi , Takayama Koichi
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to identify factors contributing to the development of oral mucositis (OM) or dysgeusia.
Methods: Between February 2016 and September 2020, 154 female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide were enrolled at our outpatient chemotherapy center. Variables related to the development of OM or dysgeusia were extracted from the patients’ medical records. The severity of OM or dysgeusia was assessed at the end of chemotherapy using a questionnaire designed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Multivariate ordered logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results: Factors significantly correlated with the development of OM included age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.07; P = 0.025), number of cycles (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.02-2.51; P = 0.042), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR = 4.52, 95% CI = 1.05-19.51;P = 0.043), mucoprotective agents (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.24-6.45; P= 0.014), and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01-0.60; P= 0.013). Factors significantly correlated with the development of dysgeusia were albumin (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21- 0.998; P = 0.049) and palliative chemotherapy (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03- 0.68; P = 0.015). Although not significant, potential prophylactic factors were statins for OM and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for dysgeusia.
Conclusions: The identified factors for OM or dysgeusia may help develop strategies to improve the quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.
The relationship between neighbourhood income and youth mental health service use differs by immigration: Analysis of population-based data in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Kaoser Ridhwana , Thakore Padmini , Peterson Sandra , Wiedmeyer Mei-ling , Sierra-Heredia Cecilia , Goldenberg Shira , Machado Stefanie , Hagos Selamawit , Tayyar Elmira , Bozorgi Yasmin , Lavergne Ruth
Published: February 2024

Purpose
We investigated the relationship between neighbourhood income quintile and mental health service use by immigration among youth and explored changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method
We used administrative data to examine mental health service use in British Columbia, Canada, among youth aged 10 to 24 between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022. We compared rates of community-based service use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations and the proportion of involuntary admissions by neighbourhood income quintile and immigration. We used models stratified by immigration to estimate the relationship with income.
Results
Non-immigrant youth used substantially more services than immigrant youth. Service use increased following the pandemic's start and peaked between January and March 2021. We observed a clear income gradient for community-based service use among both immigrant and non-immigrant youth, but the direction of the gradient was reversed. Service use was highest among non-immigrant youth in lower-income neighbourhoods and lowest for immigrant youth in lower-income neighbourhoods. We observed similar patterns of income gradient for non-immigrant youth for emergency department visits and hospitalization. The proportion of involuntary admissions was higher for immigrant youth.
Conclusions
Mental health service use was substantially lower among immigrant youth than non-immigrant youth, but higher proportions of immigrant youth were hospitalized involuntarily. The reverse income gradient patterns observed for community-mental health service use are noteworthy and suggest significant barriers to accessing preventable care among immigrant youth, particularly those living in lower-income neighbourhoods.
Paradigm Shift in World Health Organization Classification of Odontogenic Tumors - a 12 Years of Institutional Experience
Authors: yadav jagveer , Narwal Anjali , Kamboj Mala , Devi Anju , sharma Gitika , Vijayakumar Gopikrishnan
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Due to a lack of consistent international identification standards, the classification of odontogenic tumors (OTs) has undergone various modifications over the years. Their prevalence and frequency distribution were significantly altered as a result of this reclassification.
AIM
The purpose of this study was to highlight the effect of shifting classification systems on the prevalence and relative frequency of odontogenic tumors. The secondary goal was to compare the demographics of distinct histological categories of odontogenic tumors to published literature.
Methods
This was hospital-based retrospective research that obtained case data on odontogenic tumors diagnosed between 2010 and 2022. The categorization was based on the 2005, 2017, and 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) classifications and the prevalence and frequency distribution of odontogenic tumors using the WHO 2005, 2017, and 2022 classifications.
Results
From 2010 to 2022, a total of 226,145 and 149 cases of odontogenic tumors were detected using the 2005, 2017, and 2022 WHO categorization methods.
Conclusions
The variability in odontogenic tumors might be attributed in part to continually evolving classification systems. Variations in the relative incidence of different histological kinds of odontogenic tumors may represent varied populations with varying genetic and environmental variables.
Extracellular vesicles containing anti-miR-128-3p derived from mesenchymal stem cells attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppressing neuronal pyroptosis and modulating microglia polarization
Authors: Zhou Xinyu , Zhou Hang , Xu Liaoyang , Wu Huijuan , Zhou Xiaomei , Ren Xiaolin , Li Xiaomin
Published: February 2024

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) injury seriously threatens the patients with ischemic stroke. MiR-128-3p level was found to be upregulated in serum samples of patients with ischemic stroke. It has been shown that miRNA in extracellular vesicles (specifically exosomes) has attracted attention because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes play a favorable role in improving CI/R injury. Thus, we investigated whether MSCs-derived exosomes can be used to deliver miR-128-3p inhibitor (anti-miR-128-3p) to treat CI/R injury. BV2 cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) for constructing in vitro model of CI/R. In addition, a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established to construct in vivo model of CI/R. Results indicated that miR-128-3p inhibitor can be transferred from MSCs to BV2 cells via exosomes. MSCs-derived exosomes containing anti-miR-128-3p significantly reduced the viability and inflammatory response in OGD/R-treated BV2 cells. Additionally, exosomes containing anti-miR-128-3p was able to enhance M1-to-M2 polarization of BV2 cells exposed to OGD/R. Meanwhile, exosomal anti-miR-128-3p markedly decreased infarct area in MCAO rats. Furthermore, NRBF2 was a direct target of miR-128-3p. Exosomal anti-miR-128-3p obviously reduced the level of NRBF2 downstream genes including NLRP3 and Caspase 1 in OGD/R-treated BV2 cells as well as in brain tissues of MCAO rats, suggesting that MSCs-derived exosomal anti-miR-128-3p could attenuate neural cell pyroptosis. In conclusion, exosomes containing anti-miR-128-3p derived from MSCs could attenuate CI/R injury via suppressing neuronal pyroptosis and modulating microglia polarization. Hence, our study might provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Emerging Concerns for air pollutants from chemical laboratories: Emission Characteristics, Diffusion Effects, and Ozone Formation Potential
Authors: Wang Chenlong , Yue Tao , Wang Kun , Zuo Penglai , Gao Jiajia , Liang Quanming , Zhang Yun , Tong Yali , Tong Li , Han Yue , Zhang Xiaoxi , Li Bingyang , Guo Zhanqiang , Liu Cuiling
Published: February 2024

Although laboratories play a key role in scientific research at academic institutions, they pose an environmental threat because they discharge pollutants to the atmosphere. Typically, when laboratory experiments are conducted, harmful gases are generated, which pose a safety hazard. To ensure safe operation in laboratories, fume hoods or gas collection hoods are used to collect toxic and harmful pollutants and expel them through ventilation ducts. However, these pollutants lead to a series of environmental problems. According to preliminary tests, these pollutants primarily contain volatile organic compounds, such as esters, aromatic compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are resistant to degradation. In this study, long-term and periodic field monitoring was conducted to measure the concentrations and determine the chemical composition spectra of air pollutants discharged by three typical chemical laboratories located in Beijing, China. The results revealed 47 stable atmospheric pollutants exceeding the detection limit. Although the concentrations of these pollutants were characterized by an intermittent low peak and a low mean value, they were observed only for a short duration, and they tended to normalize after approximately 10 min. In summary, limiting the concentration of highly active substances is regarded as a key mechanism of air pollutant control in chemical laboratories. Overall, this study provides insights into the prevention and control of air pollutant discharge by chemical laboratories in academic institutions.
Design, Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Indole Derivatives Containing Quinoline Moiety
Authors: He Bangcan , Hu Yuzhi , Qin Yishan , Zhang Yufang , Luo Xingping , Wang Zhenchao , Xue Wei
Published: February 2024

A series of indole derivatives containing quinoline structure were designed and synthesized. The synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR and HRMS. And W14 was performed by single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The antiviral activity studies showed that some of the target compounds possessed significant activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). In particular, W20 had significant activity. The results of in vivo anti-TMV activity assay showed that W20 possessed the best curative and protective activities with EC50 values of 84.4 and 65.7 µg/mL, which were better than ningnanmycin (NNM) 205.1 and 162.0 µg/mL, respectively. The results of Microscale thermophoresis (MST) showed that W20 had a strong binding affinity for the tobacco mosaic virus coat protein (TMV-CP) with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.00519 µmol/L, which was superior to that of NNM (1. 65320 µmol/L). The molecular docking studies were accordance with the experimental results. In addition, the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in tobacco leaves showed that W20 improved the disease resistance of tobacco. Overall, this study shows that indole derivatives containing quinoline can be used as new antiviral agents for plant viruses for further research.
Mandatory Minute Ventilation (MMV) as a rescue mode of ventilation in late preterm and term infants
Authors: Bose Adrita , Sk Md Habibullah , Saha Bijan
Published: February 2024

Mandatory Minute Ventilation (MMV) is a valuable rescue mode for late preterm and term infants experiencing challenges with hyperventilation. In this prospective study, seven infants were ventilated using MMV as a rescue mode. Infants initially under Pressure Control-Assist/Control with Volume Guarantee (PC-AC + VG) mode were transitioned to Pressure Control-MMV (PC-MMV) using Drager Babylog VN 600. All infants were late preterm or term, without major congenital malformations. Our findings suggest that transitioning to PC-MMV resulted in improved gas exchange stability, reduced respiratory rate, and facilitated early weaning. The study's strengths include prospective data collection and a uniform cohort. However, limitations include the exclusive focus on late preterm and term infants and the lack of exploration of clinical or long-term outcomes. The use of MMV as a rescue mode in these infants warrants further investigation in future clinical studies.
Conclusion: MMV offers a promising approach for managing hyperventilation with increase work of breathing as a rescue mode in late preterm and term infants. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and long-term outcomes of MMV in neonatal care.
Adolescent boys’ experiences of stress – a focus group study
Authors: Schmidt Manuela , Hansson Erika
Published: February 2024

Background: The number of adolescents reporting that they are stressed has more than doubled among both boys and girls. Most focus is usually given to girls because they typically report not only higher levels of stress but also feel stressed more frequently than do boys. However, studies have confirmed that boys’ experience of stressors was the same, implying that the genders are equally prone to experiencing stress. Although male and female adolescents appear to experience stress in a similar way, how they cope with these stressors might differ. This study focuses on boys’ experiences of stress and how they cope with it.
Method: Eight focus groups were conducted with 39 adolescent boys aged 12–19 years enrolled in four schools in southern Sweden. The data was analysed inductively with conventional content analysis.
Results: The analysis resulted in three categories: Stress perception – time as a key factor, Identifying stressors and levels of stress, and Silent struggles and distractions. The boys had experienced considerable stress in their lives, despite their limited understanding of the concept. Their coping skills were limited to engaging in sports or distracting themselves from the stressors while social support from peers, school staff, or family was generally discarded.
Conclusions: Adolescent boys might need assistance in identifying stress and clearly voicing their specific concerns. They should also be provided with spaces that are free from stigmatization and judgement. Parents, teachers, and school nurses should be equipped with the appropriate tools and education on how to discuss stress and mental health in general with adolescent boys to prevent possible negative long-term consequences for both their physical and mental health.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis in prenatal care in the public health system, in a southern city of Brazil
Authors: Traesel Danielle Betina de Oliveira , de Carvalho Newton Sérgio , Bicalho Maria da Graça , Gaspar Pamela Cristina , Bazzo Maria Luiza , Miranda Angélica Espinosa Barbosa
Published: February 2024

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are prevalent in developing countries and are associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are asymptomatic in 70% of cases. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of CT, NG, MG and TV in pregnant women, correlating it with sociodemographic data.
The sample had 148 pregnant women between 18 and 49 years old, who attended in Joinville, South Brazil, from November 2021 to March 2022. The exclusion criteria were: recent antibiotic therapy and risk for miscarriage. Data collection and endovaginal swabs were performed to research of agents through molecular biology.
148 pregnant women were studied, 16.2% (N=24) had at least one of the agents positive. C. trachomatis , M. genitalium and T. vaginalis were detected in 11 (7.43%), 13 (8.78%) and 3 (2.03%) women, respectively. N. gonorrhoeae was not detected. There were three cases of infection with more than one microorganism (2 CT + MG and 1 MG + TV). MG infection was associated with single women (p-value=0.014); trichomoniasis, with more partners in the last year (p-value=0.042).
The high detection of MG in Brazilian pregnant women deserves to be highlighted. This had not yet been reported. The prevalence of CT and NG was in accordance to Brazilian studies, while TV was in common with European rates. The absence of clinical symptoms, the non-association between sexual risk behavior and the presence of STI were observed.
Determining The Levels Concentrations of the Two Toxic Elements Cadmium and Lead in the Serum Thalassemia Patients for Citizens of Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Abdulrudha Noor Hassan , Kadhim Shaymaa Awad
Published: February 2024

Thalassemia is a class of hereditary hematologic illnesses resulting from abnormalities in the production of one or more hemoglobin chains. Patients with β-thalassemia may have a reduction in heavy metal levels as a result of iron chelate medication. the aim Study the levels of heavy metals (toxic) in the blood of beta-thalassemia patients and compare them to healthy people for the purpose of arriving at indicators through which it is possible to assist in early diagnosis of this disease or reduce symptoms. The study included 80 patients in comparison with age and gender-matched 40 healthy individuals as controls. Samples were gathered between July 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023. The patients were interviewed for socio-demographic variables, and their medical histories were obtained from the hospital files. Cadmium and lead concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Cadmium levels in thalassemia patients were found to be lower in both genders than in the control group. Lead levels were found to be greater in male thalassemia patients and lower in female thalassemia patients than those in the control group of female thalassemia patients. Additionally, it was observed that patients from areas outside of Najaf's city center had greater levels of lead and cadmium than patients from the city center. Cadmium and lead levels in the serum were often low in thalassemia patients. Heavy metals are eliminated when deferasirox chelate is taken.
Non-Linear Time Series Analysis of Upper Limb Exercise Kinematics Profile
Authors: Chakraborty Pritam , Neogi Biswarup , Das Achintya , Faheem Muhammad , Bose Rajesh , Khan Arfat Ahmad , Roy Sandip
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the kinematic characteristics of shoulder and scapula movement during the Arnold press exercise, focusing on the joints of interest including the acromion (l-ai), lateral tip of the scapula (l-ts), C7 vertebra, and T8 vertebra. Using motion capture technology, three-dimensional coordinates of these anatomical landmarks were recorded to capture the dynamic motion patterns. State space reconstruction was performed with optimized embedding dimensions determined to be 7 for l-ai, 8 for l-ts, and 1 for both C7 and T8. Recur- rence Quantification Analysis (RQA) was employed to analyze the recurrence properties of the reconstructed state space, revealing %recurrence rate values of 0.8933 for l-ai, 0.2358 for l-ts, 1.2973 for C7, and 1.2916 for T8.Additionally, recur- rence entropy values were computed to be 20.17 for l-ai, 26.18 for l-ts, 26.44 for C7, and 26.30 for T8, indicating the level of predictability and complexity in the motion patterns. Furthermore, Lyapunov exponents were calculated to assess the system’s sensitivity to initial conditions, with values of 0.3724 for l-ai, -0.3230 for C7, 0.2904 for T8, and 0.27 for l-ts. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamic behavior and coordination of shoulder and scapula movement during the Arnold press exercise, with implications for optimizing exercise performance and injury prevention strategies.
GM130-silencing May Aggravate Blood-brain barrier Damage and Affect Microglia Polarization by Down-regulating PD-L1 Expression after Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Chen Xiqian , Ren Yijun , Xie Pinghui , Lei Qiang , Lu Wei
Published: February 2024

Background: In addition to primary injury, secondary injuries related to BBB disruption and immune-inflammatory response also play an important role in Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).And the Golgi apparatus play an important role in the state of ICH.
Methods: ICH model and GM130-silencing ICH model were established in SD rats. The Garcia score was used to score the neurological defects of the rats. Blood- brain barrier (BBB) integrity were assessed by amount of extravasated Evans blue, and tight junction proteins. The expression of PD-L1 and GM130were detected through Western-blot and the subtype of microglia was showing with Immunofluorescence staining.
Results: Compared with the ICH group, GM130-silencing ICH rats got a worsened neurological deficit and enlarged volume ofthe hematoma. Evan’s blue extravasation aggravated as well. The expression of GM130 in peri-hematoma tissue was further decreased, and the morphology and structure of the Golgi apparatus were further damaged. Meanwhile, the GM130 deficit resulted in decreased expression of PD-L1 and more polarization of microglia to the M1 subtype.
Conclusion:We demonstrate that GM130 could influence the integrity of BBB and plays a role in neuroinflammation via regulation of PD-L1 after ICH. The manipulation of GM130 might be a promising therapeutical target in ICH.
Association of Improvement and Worsening of Depressive Symptoms with Arthritis
Authors: Liu Ruxi , Xin Yinuo , Shao Yining , Wu Bo , Liu Yan
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The longitudinal association between changes in depressive symptoms (improvement/worsening) and arthritis is unclear.
Methods
The 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used to examine participant depressive symptoms and data on self-reported history of arthritis were collected. Depressive symptoms improving is defined as depression at baseline and no depression at follow-up. Similarly, depressive symptoms worsening is defined as no depression at baseline and depression at follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the effects of improvement or deterioration in depressive symptoms on arthritis.
Results
A total of 8556 participants free of arthritis were included from 2011 to 2018. After adjustment for confounders, depressive symptoms were associated with a 54% increased risk of developing arthritis. Each 1-point increase in CES-D-10 score was associated with a 4% higher risk of arthritis. Participants with depressive symptoms at baseline but improved symptoms (without depressive symptoms) at follow-up had a 25% lower rate of arthritis, and a 1-point reduction in CES-D-10 score during 8 years of follow-up was associated with a 5% lower risk of developing arthritis. Participants with no depressive symptoms at baseline but depression at follow-up had a 66% higher rate of arthritis, and a 1-point increase in CES-D-10 score during 8 years of follow-up was associated with a 5% higher risk of arthritis.
Conclusions
Improvement in depressive symptoms was associated with lower risk of arthritis and worsening of depression was associated with higher risk of arthritis. These findings suggest that the relationship between depression and arthritis is complex.
A Novel Hybrid Beamforming Algorithm for Massive MIMO LEO Satellite Communication
Authors: Mahmood Anas L. , Mohammed Yaseen A.
Published: February 2024

Despite there are many hybrid beamforming architectures and algorithms for multiuser Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system in terrestrial networks, it is still in the initial stages for non-terrestrial networks. This research studies the system model of multiuser MIMO system for Satellite communications, investigates the channel model, and formulates the problem of hybrid beamforming. In essence, it proposes a novel hybrid beamforming algorithm designed for multiuser Massive MIMO systems. The proposed algorithm shows a significant gain in spectral efficiency and a considerable decrease in computation time. Moreover, the proposed algorithm maintains a similar spectral efficiency to continuous phase algorithms but reduces costs by using discrete phase shifters for the Radio Frequency (RF) chains rather than continuous counterparts. Numerical experiments exhibit the efficacy of our novel algorithm, surpassing recent algorithms in the field. Since our algorithm is compared with algorithms used for terrestrial communications and it is not restricted to LEO channel model, it can be applied for terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications.
Exploring Mathematical Models and Algorithms for Plagiarism Detection in Text Documents: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir
Published: February 2024

The aim of this article is to explore the literature and develop a proof of concept application for detecting plagiarism in text documents. Plagiarism has become a crucial research area in recent years as various research, publishing, and teaching institutions seek to drastically eliminate the reinvention of the wheel associated with many research studies. People have wondered about how to check a suspected document against millions of reference documents to find an instance of plagiarism. This study focuses on providing the audience with the necessary information about mathematical models for texts, text processing, similarity measures, algorithms, and data structures for detecting plagiarism in text documents based on the type of texts.
Compressibility, thermal expansion, and Raman spectroscopy of synthetic whitlockite Ca9Mg(PO3OH)(PO4)6 at high pressures and high temperatures
Authors: Jia Muhua , Liu Yungui , Jiang Sheng , Wen Wen , Zhai Shuangmeng
Published: February 2024

In situ X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy of a synthetic whitlockite, Ca9Mg(PO3OH) (PO4)6, have been conducted at high pressures or high temperatures. The results show that whitlockite is stable up to ~15 GPa at ambient temperature and undergoes a thermally induced dehydrogenation to merrillite above 973 K at ambient pressure. The obtained pressure-volume data were fitted using a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, yielding an isothermal bulk modulus of K0 = 79(4) GPa with a pressure derivative of K0′ = 4.3(6). When K0′ was fixed at 4, the refined isothermal bulk modulus was 81(1) GPa. The volumetric thermal expansion coefficient (αV) is 4.05(8) × 10–5 K–1, and the axial thermal expansion coefficients (αa and αc) are 1.07(5) × 10–5 K–1 and 1.91(6) × 10–5 K–1. Both compressibility and thermal expansion show an axial anisotropy. The effects of pressure and temperature on the Raman spectra of whitlockite have been quantitatively analyzed. The isothermal and isobaric mode Grüneisen parameters and the intrinsic anharmonic mode parameters of whitlockite were derived. Some amounts of OH–-bearing whitlockite may be preserved in meteorites if whitlockite undergoes a low-temperature process.
An unfolding method based on conditional invertible neural networks (cINN) using iterative training
Authors: Backes Mathias , Butter Anja , Dunford Monica , Malaescu Bogdan
Published: February 2024

The unfolding of detector effects is crucial for the comparison of data to theory predictions. While traditional methods are limited to representing the data in a low number of dimensions, machine learning has enabled new unfolding techniques while retaining the full dimensionality. Generative networks like invertible neural networks~(INN) enable a probabilistic unfolding, which map individual data events to their corresponding unfolded probability distribution. The accuracy of such methods is however limited by how well simulated training samples model the actual data that is unfolded. We introduce the iterative conditional INN (IcINN) for unfolding that adjusts for deviations between simulated training samples and data. The IcINN unfolding is first validated on toy data and then applied to pseudo-data for the pp \to Z \gamma \gammapp→Zγγ process.
SOLAR ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Lecturer in Electronics and Incharge Principal, Government Polytechnic, Achalpur, District: Amravati (M.S. India)., G. Raut Anant , D. Raut Ranjana ,   Professor in Applied Electronics Department S. G B. A. University, Amravati (M.S. India)., Kanchan A. Ingle Ku. ,   Lecturer in Plastic and Polymer Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Amravati, (M.S. India).
Published: February 2024

The sun is the main source of energy on Earth. Other energy sources include coal, geothermal energy, wind energy, biomass, petrol, nuclear energy, and many more. Energy is classified into various types based on sustainability as renewable sources of energy and non-renewable sources of energy.
FIBROFOLLICULOMA: CASE REPORT
Authors:   Department of Pathology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco., Benaich Dounia ,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco., Mustapha Eid Chourouq ,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco.,   Department of Dermatology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco., Karima Senouci ,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco.,   Department of Dermatology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco., Jahid A. ,   Department of Pathology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco., Zouaidia F. ,   Department of Pathology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco., Znati K. ,   Department of Pathology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco., Bernoussi Z. ,   Department of Pathology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.,   Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohamed V University, 10100, Rabat, Morocco.
Published: February 2024

Introduction:Fibrofolliculoma usually is a clinically asymptomatic multiple connective tissue tumor, appearing perifollicular, skin-colored and located on the head or neck. and it usually arises in the form of multiple lesions, but rarely as a solitary lesion.We report a case of solitary fibrofolliculoma on the scalp. Case Report:A 67-year-old female presented with an asymptomatic mass on the scalp. The lesion appeared as a flesh-colored, dome-shaped, smooth nodule being the size of 5 mm in diameter, with a smooth surface, and located on the scalp. Shave excision was performed, and the diagnosis of fibrofolliculoma was confirmed finally through histological exam. Conclusion:Solitary fibrofolliculoma is rare, and generally diagnosed by histopathological exam after excision and biopsy, and one can very easily miss the diagnosis with a simple dermatologic examination when the patient presents with an asymptomatic lesion arising in the scalp. Fibrofolliculoma should be included in the differential diagnosis when a localized mass lesion arising in the scalp is encountered.
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HERPES ZOSTER AND KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HERPES VACCINATION AMONG PHCS VISITORS IN TABUK CITY, SAUDI ARABIA 2023
Authors: Majed Alhumaid Asma , Fahad Albaridi Rand , Salamah Shaman Mariam , Abdulallah Alanezi Sumaya
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Herpes zoster is a viral infection that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. For people 50 years of age and older, immunization against herpes zoster has been approved in order to prevent its negative effects. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward herpes zoster and its vaccination among the PHC visitors in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, in 2023 and to measure the prevalence of herpes zoster among adults â‰¥ 50 and the most common coexisting disease. Methodology: This study is designed as an analytical, cross-sectional study. A facility-based study was conducted among 403 adults over 50 years of age to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward herpes zoster infection and its vaccination among the PHC visitors in Tabuk city. PHCs were selected via stratified random sampling, and visitors were chosen at random. SPSS Statistics Version 23.0 was used to analyze the data. Result: 307 participants indicated that they had ever heard about shingles, representing 83.2â€“76.2% (95% CI, 72.9 to 79.0). The results showed that awareness about shingles was significantly higher among women (80.4% vs. 70.8 percent among men, p =0.024). Additionally, participants awareness increased consistently with higher educational levels. Among the respondents, only 9.4% had received the shingles vaccine. The most frequently reported barriers to getting vaccinated are the lack of awareness about the vaccine (29.0%) and concerns about the possible side effects (23.3%). Among the respondents who heard about shingles, only 4% had the disease. The most common chronic diseases were diabetes (39.5%) and hypertension (38.5%). Importantly, 54.1% of the respondents had chicken pox. Conclusion: The population in Saudi Arabia showed positive attitudes and had good information about HZ and its vaccine. We recommend encouraging doctors to discuss this subject with patients who are willing to be vaccinated. Arranging campaigns across the country to raise awareness of the disease. Thus increasing the vaccination rate for HZ.
INEVITABLE MYOMECTOMY OF EXTRUDING INTRAMURAL FIBROID DURING CAESAREAN SECTION- A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research., Thondaiman Mirunalini , K.S Rajeswari ,   Professor, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research., Agarwal Preet ,   Professor, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research.
Published: February 2024

Myomectomy during caesarean sections have been avoided routinely in the past in the fear of massive hemorrhagewhich may lead to obstetric hysterectomy. However in the recent times with adequate facilities and expertise, caesarean myomectomies are being performed with good outcomes. Case Presentation: A35-year-oldprimi gravida was diagnosed to have intramural fibroid - anterior 4.6*4.3cm and posterior 1.8cm*2.8cm at 8 weeks of gestation.By 13 weeks, during her NT scan there was increase in the size of anterior wall fibroid 7.0*6.6cm, the rest of NT scan and first trimester screening was normal. She developed early onset intrauterine growth restriction in her anomaly scan. She was conservatively managed as the doppler flow was normal. Her scan at 36 weeks showed estimated fetal weight at 2nd centile with normal doppler flow in breech presentation and an anterior intramural fibroid of size 9.5*8.2cm.Hence an elective caesarean section was planned at 37 weeks.Baby was delivered by breech extraction. Manual removal of placenta was done. As the uterus started contracting, the intramural fibroid started extruding, became submucosal and bulging into uterine edges. Hence planned for myomectomy. Injection vasopressin was injected into the surface of myoma,enucleation of the myoma done and myoma bed closed in 2 layers followed by the closure of uterine edges. Intra operative blood loss was around 800ml. No primary or secondary PPH noted. Patient was discharged on 5th post operative day without any complaints. Conclusions: Routine myomectomy at the time of cesarean section is not a standard procedure worldwide. However, it may be considered in carefully selected patients in centers with good facilities to tackle complications by the experienced obstetricians.
ETUDE DES PERFORMANCES THERMIQUES DUN SECHOIR SOLAIRE
Authors:   University of Agadez, PO BOX 199, Niger., Ousmane Moctar ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., Boureima Dianda ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso.,   Institut de Recherche en Sciences Appliquees et Technologies, Burkina Faso., Sikoudouin Maurice K.Y Thierry ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., Kabore Boureima ,   Departement de Physique, UFR-ST, Universite Norbert ZONGO, Burkina Faso.,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., Magloire Pakouzou B. ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso.,   Universite de Bangui, R.C.A., Ouedraogo Salifou ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., Konfe Amadou ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., Wende Pouire Ouedraogo Germain ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso.,   ESI, Universite de Fada NGourma, Burkina Faso., Sie Kam ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., A.O Dissa ,   Laboratory L.P.C.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso., Joseph Bathiebo Dieudonne ,   Laboratory L.E.T.R.E, Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso.
Published: February 2024

Les populations ouest africaines produisent de grandes quantites de recoltes. Malheureusement faute de moyens de conservation, ces produits pourrissent. Cest pour cette raison que nous nous sommes interesses au sechage solaire des produits agro-alimentaires avec comme produit la banana douce. Lobjectif de cette publication est letude des performances thermiques dun sechoir solaire Ã absorbeur Ã ailettes. Les materiels utilises sont : un sechoir complet constitue de cinq claies, des tranches de banane douce, dune balance de precision et dun enregistreur automatique de temperatures. Levolution de la teneur en eau nous a montre que 65% de leau des rondelles est eliminee le 1er jour et 20% le 2eme jour. Les courbes simulees de sechage traduisent que la fraction massique de la vapeur deau dans lair augmente et celle du fruit diminue car lair shumidifie par absorption deau du produit. Enfin les performances thermiques du sechoir solaire sont estimees par la masse de banane sechee et lintroduction des ailettes a developpe un ecoulement turbulent.
THE INFLUENCE OF PH ON THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THERMOPHILIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM A MOUNTAIN CRATER IN WEST JAVA AGAINST STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS
Authors:   Lecturer of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia., Rachmawati Emma , Murniati Nani ,   Lecturer of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia., Dewi Warta ,   Lecturer of Oral Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung Indonesia., Tjatur Rina Hening ,   Lecturer of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia., Suciati Ame ,   Pharmacy Doctoral Program Study, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung.
Published: February 2024

Thermophilic bacteria that live in hot springs are a potential source of valuable biochemical capable of producing antibacterial regarding its ability to produce antimicrobial peptide (AMP). The study aims to investigate how pH affects the antibacterial activity of a bacterium isolated from a mountain crater in West Java against Streptococcus mutans, the predominant bacterium in the creation of oral biofilms. According to Buchanan and Gibbons, samples collected from the water of Mount TangkubanPerahus crater were identified. The ideal pH and incubation duration were ascertained using a disc diffusion antibacterial test against S. mutansATCC 25175, considering the diameter of the inhibitory zone. The sample was determined to be a Gram-positive bacterium that, at its ideal pH, forms the highest inhibitory zone, indicating antibacterial activity against S. mutans. At an optimum pH of 6-8, thermophilic bacteria isolated from a mountain crater in West Java have antibacterial activity against S. mutans.
Blood transfusions per hospitalization in the local public health network of Belo Horizonte between 2008 and 2021: A time series analysis
Authors: De Oliveira Elias Melo , Campos Marcia Kanadani , Martins Ana Virgínia Cunha , Pinto Ana Flávia Dinardi Alves , Jorge Alzira de Oliveira , Reis Ilka Afonso
Published: February 2024

Background: Blood transfusion rates are increasing worldwide. This work was a longitudinal retrospective study conducted with data referent to the use of blood components between January 2008 and December 2021 in the local public health network of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, at Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves (HRTN), Hospital Metropolitano Dr. Célio de Castro (HMDCC), and Hospital Metropolitano Odilon Behrens (HMOB). Objective: This study sought to describe the time series of the number of blood transfusions and blood transfusion rates per general hospitalization through a time series analysis. Methods: Through data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (HIS-SUS), this study formulated six monthly time series of the number of blood transfusions and blood transfusion rates per hospitalization. The stationarity, trend, and seasonality of the time series were verified by the unit root test, using the Mann-Kendall and the Fisher tests, respectively. The normality hypothesis of the data was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. All of the statistical tests considered a significance level of 5%. Results: The average monthly blood transfusion rates per hospitalization observed in this study were 45.5%, 26.9%, and 26.3% at HRTN, HMDCC, and HMOB, respectively. The highest decrease in the number of blood transfusions was observed at HMDCC and the highest decrease in blood transfusion rates was observed at HRTN. Packed red blood cells were the most commonly used blood component at HRTN, HMOB, and HMDCC (54.6%, 58.3%, and 65.4%, respectively). The time series showed that they were non-stationary, with a downward trend and the presence of a 12-month seasonal component. Conclusion: The decline in the number of blood transfusions should be considered a positive phenomenon in public health due to best use and quality management, since a decrease in blood donation rates was also observed.