bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consciousness and life after death in the evolution of intelligence
Authors: Senarath Dayathilake Kande Lekamalaya
Published: June 2022

It seems that no scientific study has been able to find evidence of an afterlife, and the mechanism of consciousness is two of the most challenging questions. Here, I show a hypothesis for consciousness and the probability of an afterlife through three simple thought experiments and theoretical evidence, yet more studies need to precisely understand the mechanism. I found that consciousness might be discussed from three fundamental theories: (1) quantum-level particles of functional neurons in the brain according to quantum mechanics, (2) the brain and its large larger matter than quantum particles behave to general relativity, and (3) a new theory is needed for the function of two ultraquantum particles. When a brain dies, the ultraquantum particles might emit from the dead brain and simultaneously bond with the suitable early vacant nervous system anywhere in the universe/s, creating a new life with the impact of new nurture.
Quantitative Evaluation of Lung Parenchyma Changes after Treatment in COVID-19 Pneumonia with Volumetric Study in Computed Tomography
Authors: ÖZKUL Bahattin , URFALI Furkan Ertürk , ASİL Kıyasettin
Published: June 2022

Objective

COVID-19 pandemic, causing approximately 3 million deaths over worldwide, still continues. Effect of COVID-19 pneumonia after treatment on the lungs still not know. Although widely using computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia, there is not enough study to determine damage of lung after treatment in COVID-19 pneumonia. In this study, our aim was to evaluate lung parenchyma changes in COVID-19 pneumonia after treatment with volumetric study, quantitatively.

Methods

25 patients, who has CT at the time of diagnosis (CT1) and after 282 days (CT2), and positive polymerase chain reaction test, were included in this retrospective single center study. Total lung volüme (TLV) and emphysematous lung (ELV) volume of CT1 and CT2 were calculated automatically by using Myrian® XP-Lung and Percentage of emphysematous area (PEA) was calculated by dividing ELV by TLV. Differences between CT1 and CT2 in PEA and in TLV and ELV was determined by Wilcoxon and Paired sample t test, respectively.

Results

Although higher TLV was found in CT2 (4216,43 ± 1048,99 cm3) than CT1 (3943,22 ± 1177,16 cm3), there was no statistical significance difference (p=0.052) between CT1 and CT2. ELV was statistically (p=0.017) higher in CT2 (937,22 ± 486,89 cm3) than CT1 (716,26 ± 471,65 cm3). There was a strong indication that the medians were significantly different in PEA (p=0,009).

Conclusions

Our study showed that there were emphysematous changes in lung parenchyma after COVID-19 pneumonia with CT, quantitatively and in our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluating lung changes quantitative after COVID-19 pneumonia.

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Pengaruh Suhu Perendaman dengan Larutan Natrium Metabisulfit terhadap Karakteristik Fisikokimia Tepung Labu Kuning (Cucurbita moschata D.)
Authors: Rismaya Rina , Yesika Kristiani  , Elvira Syamsir  , Didah Nur Faridah
Published: June 2022

Labu kuning (Cucurbita moschata D.) merupakan komoditas pertanian yang memiliki kandungan gizi yang cukup lengkap dan serat yang tinggi. Pemanfaatan labu kuning yang masih terbatas pada pangan olahan tradisional dapat diperluas dengan mengolahnya menjadi bentuk tepung. Labu kuning dalam bentuk tepung memiliki umur simpan yang lebih panjang, mudah didistribusikan dan mudah diolah menjadi beragam jenis pangan olahan.  Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh perlakuan suhu perendaman terhadap karakteristik fisikokimia tepung labu kuning. Perlakuan berupa perendaman dengan larutan natrium metabisulfit 0,10 % pada variasi  suhu air perendaman yang berbeda  yaitu 30 ºC dan 80 ºC selama 10 menit. Parameter fisikokimia yang diukur adalah kadar air, abu, protein, lemak, karbohidrat, dan serat pangan, dan warna. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, perbedaan suhu perendaman hanya berpengaruh nyata terhadap nilai warna. Tepung labu kuning hasil perendaman natrium metabisulfit 0,10% pada suhu awal air perendaman 80 ºC memiliki nilai L= 64,87 ± 0,04; b* =+52,95 ± 0,05 dan  nilai warna a* =+6,89 ± 0,06 yang menunjukkan warna lebih cerah dan lebih kuning dibandingkan dengan perlakukan suhu perendaman 30 ºC.
Modified Quantile Regression for Modeling the Low Birth Weight
Authors: Yanuar Ferra , Yozza Hazmira , Zetra Aidinil
Published: June 2022

This study aims to identify the best model of low birth weight by applying and comparing several methods based on the quantile regression method's modification. The birth weight data is violated with linear model assumptions; thus, quantile approaches are used. The quantile regression is adjusted by combining it with the Bayesian approach since the Bayesian method can produce the best model in small size samples. Three kinds of the modified quantile regression methods considered here are the Bayesian quantile regression, the Bayesian Lasso quantile regression, and the Bayesian Adaptive Lasso quantile regression. This article implements the skewed Laplace distribution as the likelihood function in Bayesian analysis. The cross-sectional study collected the primary data of 150 birth weights in West Sumatera, Indonesia. This study indicated that Bayesian Adaptive Lasso quantile regression performed well compared to the other two methods based on a smaller absolute bias and a shorter Bayesian credible interval based on the simulation study. This study also found that the best model of birth weight is significantly affected by maternal education, the number of pregnancy problems, and parity.
Can We Convert Genotype Sequences Into Images for Cases/Controls Classification?
Authors: Muneeb Muhammad , Feng Samuel F. , Henschel Andreas
Published: June 2022

Converting genotype sequences into images offers advantages, such as genotype data visualization, classification, and comparison of genotype sequences. This study converted genotype sequences into images, applied two-dimensional convolutional neural networks for case/control classification, and compared the results with the one-dimensional convolutional neural network. Surprisingly, the average accuracy of multiple runs of 2DCNN was 0.86, and that of 1DCNN was 0.89, yielding a difference of 0.03, which suggests that even the 2DCNN algorithm works on genotype sequences. Moreover, the results generated by the 2DCNN exhibited less variation than those generated by the 1DCNN, thereby offering greater stability. The purpose of this study is to draw the research community’s attention to explore encoding schemes for genotype data and machine learning algorithms that can be used on genotype data by changing the representation of the genotype data for case/control classification.
Delamination of the Annulus Fibrosus of the Intervertebral Disc: Using a Bovine Tail Model to Examine Effect of Separation Rate
Authors: Briar K. Josh , McMorran John G. , Gregory Diane E.
Published: June 2022

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a complex structure, and recent evidence suggests that separations or delamination between layers of the annulus may contribute to degeneration development, a common cause of low back pain The purpose of the present experiment was to quantify the mechanical response of the layer-adjoining interlamellar matrix at different rates of separation. Understanding the rate-dependency of the interlamellar matrix, or the adhesion between adjacent layers of the disc, is important as the spine experiences various loading velocities during activities of daily living. Twelve discs were dissected from four bovine tails (three extracts per tail). Two multi-layered annulus samples were collected from each IVD (total = 24, mean bond width = 3.82 ± 0.96 mm) and randomly assigned to a 180° peel test at one of three delamination rates; 0.05 mm/s, 0.5 mm/s, or 5 mm/s. Annulus extracts were found to have similar maximal adhesion strengths (p = 0.39) and stiffness (p = 0.97) across all rate conditions. However, a significant difference in lamellar adhesion strength variability was observed between the 5 mm/s condition (0.96 N/mm ± 0.31) when compared to the 0.5 mm/s (0.50 N/mm ± 0.19) and 0.05 mm/s (0.37 N/mm ± 0.13) conditions (p < 0.05). Increased variability may be indicative of non-uniform strength due to inconsistent adhesion throughout the interlamellar matrix, which is exacerbated by increased rates of loading. The observed non-uniform strength could possibly lead to a scenario more favourable to the development of microtrauma, and eventual delamination.
Infrapatellar Fat Pad-Synovial Membrane Anatomo-Fuctional Unit: Microscopic Basis for Piezo1/2 Mechanosensors Involvement in Osteoarthritis Pain
Authors: Emmi Aron , Stocco Elena , Boscolo-Berto Rafael , Contran Martina , Belluzzi Elisa , Favero Marta , Ramonda Roberta , Porzionato Andrea , Ruggieri Pietro , De Caro Raffaele , Macchi Veronica
Published: June 2022

The Infrapatellar Fat Pad (IFP) is a fibro-adipose tissue of the knee recently reconsidered as part of a single anatomo-functional unit (AFU) together with the synovial membrane (SM). Several evidence support the role of this unit in the mechanisms that trigger and perpetuate the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) disease. Additionally, the contribution of IFP-SM AFU in OA-associated pain has also been supposed, but this assumption still needs to be fully elucidated. Within this context, the recent discovery of the mechanoceptive Piezo ion channels (i.e., Piezo1 and Piezo2) in mammals and consciousness on their role in mediating both mechanoceptive and inflammatory stimuli could shed some light on knee OA pain, as well as on the process leading from acute to chronic nociceptive responses. For this purpose, the IFP-SM AFUs of both healthy donors (non-OA IFP-SM AFUs, n = 10) and OA patients (OA IFP-SM AFUs, n = 10) were processed by histology and immunohistochemistry. After the attribution of a histopathological score to IFP-SM AFUs to confirm intrinsic differences between the two groups, the specimens were investigated for the expression and localization/distribution pattern of the mechanosensors Piezo1 and Piezo2. In addition, the presence of monocytes/macrophages (CD68), peripheral nerve endings (PGP9.5) and neoangiogenesis signs (YAP1) was evaluated for a broad tissue characterization. The study results lead to a better description of the IFP-SM AFU microscopic features in both healthy and pathological conditions, highlighting peculiar differences in the study cohort. Specifically, immunopositivity towards Piezo1/2, CD68 and YAP1 markers was detected at vessels level in the OA- IFP-SM AFUs compartments, differently from the non-OA-group. A correlation with pain was also inferred, paving the way for the identification of new and effective molecules in OA management.
Preeclampsia is Associated With Reduced ISG15 Levels Impairing Extravillous Trophoblast Invasion
Authors: Ozmen Asli , Guzeloglu-Kayisli Ozlem , Tabak Selcuk , Guo Xiaofang , Semerci Nihan , Nwabuobi Chinedu , Larsen Kellie , Wells Ali , Uyar Asli , Arlier Sefa , Wickramage Ishani , Alhasan Hasan , Totary-Jain Hana , Schatz Frederick , Odibo Anthony O. , Lockwood Charles J. , Kayisli Umit A.
Published: June 2022

Among several interleukin (IL)-6 family members, only IL-6 and IL-11 require a gp130 protein homodimer for intracellular signaling due to lack of intracellular signaling domain in the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and IL-11R. We previously reported enhanced decidual IL-6 and IL-11 levels at the maternal-fetal interface with significantly higher peri-membranous IL-6 immunostaining in adjacent interstitial trophoblasts in preeclampsia (PE) vs. gestational age (GA)-matched controls. This led us to hypothesize that competitive binding of these cytokines to the gp130 impairs extravillous trophoblast (EVT) differentiation, proliferation and/or invasion. Using global microarray analysis, the current study identified inhibition of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) as the only gene affected by both IL-6 plus IL-11 vs. control or IL-6 or IL-11 treatment of primary human cytotrophoblast cultures. ISG15 immunostaining was specific to EVTs among other trophoblast types in the first and third trimester placental specimens, and significantly lower ISG15 levels were observed in EVT from PE vs. GA-matched control placentae (p = 0.006). Induction of primary trophoblastic stem cell cultures toward EVT linage increased ISG15 mRNA levels by 7.8-fold (p = 0.004). ISG15 silencing in HTR8/SVneo cultures, a first trimester EVT cell line, inhibited invasion, proliferation, expression of ITGB1 (a cell migration receptor) and filamentous actin while increasing expression of ITGB4 (a receptor for hemi-desmosomal adhesion). Moreover, ISG15 silencing further enhanced levels of IL-1β-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL8, IL-6 and CCL2) in HTR8/SVneo cells. Collectively, these results indicate that ISG15 acts as a critical regulator of EVT morphology and function and that diminished ISG15 expression is associated with PE, potentially mediating reduced interstitial trophoblast invasion and enhancing local inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. Thus, agents inducing ISG15 expression may provide a novel therapeutic approach in PE.
Intravital Imaging of Inflammatory Response in Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

The healthy liver requires a strictly controlled crosstalk between immune and nonimmune cells to maintain its function and homeostasis. A well-conditioned immune system can effectively recognize and clear noxious stimuli by a self-limited, small-scale inflammatory response. This regulated inflammatory process enables the liver to cope with daily microbial exposure and metabolic stress, which is beneficial for hepatic self-renewal and tissue remodeling. However, the failure to clear noxious stimuli or dysregulation of immune response can lead to uncontrolled liver inflammation, liver dysfunction, and severe liver disease. Numerous highly dynamic circulating immune cells and sessile resident immune and parenchymal cells interact and communicate with each other in an incredibly complex way to regulate the inflammatory response in both healthy and diseased liver. Intravital imaging is a powerful tool to visualize individual cells in vivo and has been widely used for dissecting the behavior and interactions between various cell types in the complex architecture of the liver. Here, we summarize some new findings obtained with the use of intravital imaging, which enhances our understanding of the complexity of immune cell behavior, cell–cell interaction, and spatial organization during the physiological and pathological liver inflammatory response.
Unconventional Secretion, Gate to Homeoprotein Intercellular Transfer
Authors: Joliot Alain , Prochiantz Alain
Published: June 2022

Unconventional secretion allows for the secretion of fully mature and biologically active proteins mostly present in the cytoplasm or nucleus. Besides extra vesicle-driven secretion, non-extravesicular pathways also exist that specifically rely on the ability of the secreted proteins to translocate directly across the plasma membrane. This is the case for several homeoproteins, a family of over 300 transcription factors characterized by the structure of their DNA-binding homeodomain. The latter highly conserved homeodomain is necessary and sufficient for secretion, a process that requires PI(4,5)P2 binding, as is the case for FGF2 and HIV Tat unconventional secretion. An important feature of homeoproteins is their ability to cross membranes in both directions and thus to transfer between cells. This confers to homeoproteins their paracrine activity, an essential facet of their physiological functions.
High Lithium Storage Performance of Co Ion-Doped Li4Ti5O12 Induced by Fast Charge Transport
Authors: Wang M. , Chen Y. , Yang C. X. , Zeng Y. H. , Fang P. F. , Wang W. , Wang X. L.
Published: June 2022

In this study, Co3O4-doped Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) composite was designed and synthesized by the hydrothermal reduction method and metal doping modification method. The microstructure and electrochemical performance of the Co3O4-doped Li4Ti5O12 composite were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic tests. The results showed that Li4Ti5O12 particles attached to lamellar Co3O4 constituted a heterostructure and Co ion doped into Li4Ti5O12 lattice. This Co ion-doped microstructure improved the charge transportability of Li4Ti5O12 and inhibited the gas evolution behavior of Li4Ti5O12, which enhanced the lithium storage performance. After 20 cycles, the discharge specific capacity reached stability, and the capacity retention maintained 99% after 1,000 cycles at 0.1 A/g (compared to the capacity at the 20th cycle). It had an excellent rate performance and long cycle stability, in which the capacity reached 174.6 mA h/g, 2.2 times higher than that of Li4Ti5O12 at 5 A/g.
Alteration of Skin Microbiome in CKD Patients Is Associated With Pruritus and Renal Function
Authors: Tian Yu , Gu Chaoqun , Yan Feng , Gu Yifeng , Feng Yangkun , Chen Jie , Sheng Jiayi , Hu Lei , Jiang Peng , Guo Wei , Feng Ninghan
Published: June 2022

Dysbiotic gut microbiome in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has been extensively explored in recent years. Skin microbiome plays a crucial role in patients with skin diseases or even systemic disorders. Pruritus is caused by the retention of uremic solutes in the skin. Until now, no studies have investigated the role of skin microbiome in CKD and its association with pruritus. Here, we aim to examine the bacterial profile of skin microbiome in CKD and whether it is correlated to pruritus. A total of 105 CKD patients and 38 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Skin swab was used to collect skin samples at the antecubital fossa of participants. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes V3–V4 region was sequenced on NovaSeq platform. On the day of skin sample collection, renal function was assessed, and numeric rating scale was used to measure pruritus severity. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed a significant difference in bacterial composition between the groups of CKD and HC. A depletion of bacterial diversity was observed in CKD patients. Akkermansia, Albimonas, Escherichia–Shigella, etc. showed significant higher abundance in CKD patients, whereas Flavobacterium, Blastomonas, Lautropia, etc. significantly declined in patients. Escherichia–Shigella achieved an acceptable diagnostic biomarker with area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.784 in the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. In addition, CKD patients with pruritus (P-CKD) had a different bacterial community comparing to those without pruritus (non-P-CKD) and HC group. Several bacterial genera showing significant difference between P-CKD and non-P-CKD/HC, such as Oribacterium, significantly declined in P-CKD patients than that in the HC group, and Methylophaga significantly increased in P-CKD patients compared to that in HC subjects. Escherichia–Shigella was positively associated with the levels of pruritus severity, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and urine protein; Oribacterium was negatively associated with pruritus severity, whereas it was positively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and 24-h urine volume. The dysbiotic of skin microbiome in CKD patients and its association with pruritus and renal function shed a light on skin probiotics.
Topical Neck Cooling Without Systemic Hypothermia Attenuates Myocardial Ischemic Injury and Post-ischemic Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Aimee , Rastogi Radhika , Marsh Katherine M. , Yang Boris , Wu Di , Kron Irving L. , Yang Zequan
Published: June 2022

Background

Following acute myocardial infarction (MI), irreversible damage to the myocardium can only be reduced by shortening the duration between symptom onset and revascularization. While systemic hypothermia has shown promising results in slowing pre-revascularization myocardial damage, it is resource intensive and not conducive to prehospital initiation. We hypothesized that topical neck cooling (NC), an easily implemented therapy for en route transfer to definitive therapy, could similarly attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).

Methods

Using an in vivo mouse model of myocardial IRI, moderate systemic hypothermia or NC was applied following left coronary artery (LCA) occlusion and subsequent reperfusion, at early, late, and post-reperfusion intervals. Vagotomy was performed after late NC in an additional group. Hearts were harvested to measure infarct size.

Results

Both hypothermia treatments equally attenuated myocardial infarct size by 60% compared to control. The infarct-sparing effect of NC was temperature-dependent and timing-dependent. Vagotomy at the gastroesophageal junction abolished the infarct-sparing effect of late NC. Cardiac perfusate isolated following ischemia had significantly reduced cardiac troponin T, HMGB1, cell-free DNA, and interferon α and β levels after NC.

Conclusions

Topical neck cooling attenuates myocardial IRI in a vagus nerve-dependent manner, with an effect comparable to that of systemic hypothermia. NC attenuated infarct size when applied during ischemia, with earlier initiation resulting in superior infarct sparing. This novel therapy exerts a cardioprotective effect without requiring significant change in core temperature and may be a promising practical strategy to attenuate myocardial damage while patients await definitive revascularization.
Colchicine Is a Weapon for Managing the Heart Disease Among Interstitial Lung Disease With Viral Infection: Have We Found the Holy Grail?
Authors: Yeh Jun-Jun , Hung Tuey-Wen , Lin Cheng-Li , Chen Tsung-Tse , Liw Pei-Xuan , Yu Ya-Lun , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: June 2022

Background

This study investigated the effect of colchicine use on the risks of heart disease (HD), pericarditis, endocarditis, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, and cardiac failure in patients having interstitial lung disease (ILD) with virus infection (ILD cohort).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled ILD cohort between 2000 and 2013 from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database and divided them into colchicine users (n = 12,253) and colchicine non-users (n = 12,253) through propensity score matching. The event of interest was the diagnosis of HD. The incidence of HD was analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models between colchicine users and the comparison cohort after adjustment for age, sex, medication, comorbidities, and index date based on the time-dependent analysis.

Results

Colchicine users had a significantly lower risk of HD (aHR = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI]) = 0.82–0.92) than did the colchicine non-user. For colchicine non-users as the reference, the aHR (95% CI) of the patients who received colchicine of 2–7, 8–30, 31–150, and > 150 days were 0.89 (0.81–0.98), 0.84 (0.76–0.94), 090 (0.80–0.99), and 0.83 (0.74–0.93), respectively; regardless of duration use, the lower risk of HD persisted in colchicine users. The cumulative incidence of HD in colchicine users was significantly lower than that in the colchicine non-users (log-rank p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The addition of short-term or long-term colchicine to standard medical therapy may have benefits to prevent the HD among the ILD patients concurrent with a virus infection or comorbidities even in elderly patients.
Medical Devices Made of Substances: The Need for a Change in Approach in Paediatrics
Authors: Stagi Stefano
Published: June 2022

Paediatricians are often called on to weigh up potential side effects and interferences associated with drug treatments. Ethical concerns often prevent clinical trials in children, meaning that specific data for the paediatric population can be lacking. This is true for pharmacological therapies and also natural remedies used as add-on therapy. Among natural health products are “medical devices made of substances” (MDMS) which have become increasingly important in the treatment of many disorders; the substances contained in MDMSs frequently consist of molecular structures present in a standardized preparation derived from a natural source which act as a “system.” The benefits of using MDMSs to treat paediatric conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders and obesity have been proven, although there remains a degree of uncertainty about the precise mechanism of action underlying their therapeutic effectiveness. This paper argues in favour of using MDSMs when there is scientific grounds to prove their efficacy.
On the High Winds in the Tianshan Grand Canyon in Northwest China: General Features, Synoptic Conditions, and Mesoscale Structures
Authors: Xi Tao , Xu Xin , Wei Peng , Wang Yuan , Ming Jie , Zhang Shushi , Ding Jinfeng , Abulikemu Abuduwaili
Published: June 2022

This work studies the characteristics of high winds in the Tianshan Grand Canyon (TGC), Northwest China by using surface wind observations at six automatic weather stations during 2017–2018. Three high wind indices are examined, namely, high wind hour (HWH), station high wind event (SHWE) and regional high wind event (RHWE). SHWE denotes persistent high winds of more than 3 h at an individual station while RHWE is defined for the southern TGC as a whole. High winds are mainly northwesterly/westerly, occurring predominantly in southern TGC. HWHs most often occur in spring and summer, while winter and spring HWHs possess the strongest intensity. The occurrence of HWHs exhibits an apparent diurnal variation, most frequent in the afternoon and evening while least from mid-night to early morning. SHWEs and RHWEs are prone to take place in spring, possessing relatively long lifetime and strong intensity. According to composite analysis of the 0.25° FNL reanalysis, favorable synoptic conditions are obtained for the persistent high winds in spring. Of great importance is the mid-tropospheric trough in the mid-high latitudes located to the north (i.e., upstream) of the TGC. The cold advection behind the trough cools and stabilizes the mid-lower troposphere, while the post-trough sinking motion causes a surface high that accelerates the low-level northwesterly wind. The synoptic thermal and dynamical forcing help set an upstream flow of moderate Froude number such that the mesoscale orographic flow traversing the TGC is in the nonlinear high-drag regime. Large-amplitude gravity waves are excited, with the isentropes descending abruptly over the lee slope which resembles internal hydraulic jump. Downslope windstorms are produced at the expense of flow potential energy as the subcritical upstream flow is transitioned to supercritical at the TGC peak. These findings have important implications on the formation and prediction of high winds in the TGC.
Educational Technology and Student Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valverde-Berrocoso Jesús , Acevedo-Borrega Jesús , Cerezo-Pizarro Mario
Published: June 2022

The digital transformation of educational systems requires an evaluation of the effects of the integration of technologies in teaching-learning processes. From a pedagogical approach, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are defined, on the one hand, as the set of technologies that contain, store and disseminate information (e.g., e-books, videos, or databases) and, on the other hand, those technologies designed for short-term communication (e.g., social networks and smartphones). Academic achievement is one of the most widely used variables to try to understand how information and communication technologies affect student learning outcomes. Several international studies have shown little improvement in performance attributed to the use of ICT, although other reviews have shown positive results in relation to certain curricular areas. However, in general, the research is inconclusive and more studies are needed on this complex relationship. A systematic review was carried out using the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) educational database as a documentary source, and research articles on academic performance and ICT use were selected (n = 100). As a result, there was evidence of improved performance in educational practices enriched with ICT. Mathematics and science are the areas of greatest interest to researchers, and it was observed that the educational systems most oriented toward competitiveness and educational selectivity are the most productive in this field. The discrepancies between the “macro-studies” of international organizations and the “micro-studies” analyzed in this review are discussed.
Treating Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Dong Tianyu , Fu Zhujun , Wang Xu
Published: June 2022

Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a common extra-thyroid clinical manifestation of Graves’ disease. It is an inflammatory disease of the eye and orbital tissues. Up to one-third of pediatric Graves’ disease patients could be diagnosed with TAO. The symptoms can be variable with remissions and exacerbations of pediatric Graves’ disease, which has negative effects on the quality of life in children. Teprotumumab is a fully human IgG1κ type monoclonal antibody targeting insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and was approved for the treatment of TAO as a “breakthrough therapy” by the FDA in 2020. Nevertheless, the safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. IGF-1R plays an important role in human development, which raises concerns of developmental toxicity. As presented in the pharmacology review report, juvenile monkeys were tested in two separate repeated-dose toxicity studies and no NOAEL was identified. Teprotumumab affected the growth, thymus, spleen and decreased the bone growth. Younger animals seemed to be more sensitive to the effects on normal growth and normal thymus. Hearing impairment posed additional risk to the potential pediatric use, especially for school-age children. Considering the nature of the target, Teprotumumab should not be used empirically in children. More efforts would be made for the further development of teprotumumab for pediatric use.
Rest-Activity Rhythm Is Associated With Obesity Phenotypes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Li Jingen , Vungarala Soumya , Somers Virend K. , Di Junrui , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco , Covassin Naima
Published: June 2022

Background

The prevalence of obesity continues to increase in spite of substantial efforts towards its prevention, posing a major threat to health globally. Circadian disruption has been associated with a wide range of preclinical and clinical disorders, including obesity. However, whether rest-activity rhythm (RAR), an expression of the endogenous circadian rhythm, is associated with excess adiposity is poorly understood. Here we aimed to assess the association of RAR with general and abdominal obesity.

Methods

Non-institutionalized adults aged ≥20 years participating in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 who wore accelerometers for at least four 24-hour periods were included (N=7,838). Amplitude, mesor, acrophase and pseudo-F statistic of RAR were estimated using extended cosinor model, and interdaily stability (IS) and intradaily variability (IV) were computed by nonparametric methods. We tested the association between rest-activity rhythm and general obesity defined by body mass index and abdominal obesity by waist circumference. Waist-to-height ratio, sagittal abdominal diameter, and total and trunk fat percentages measured by imaging methods were also analyzed.

Results

In multivariable analysis, low amplitude (magnitude of the rhythm), mesor (rhythm-corrected average activity level), pseudo-F statistic (robustness of the rhythm), IS (day-to-day rhythm stability), or high IV (rhythm fragmentation) were independently associated with higher likelihood of general or abdominal obesity (all Ps<.05). Consistently, RAR metrics were similarly associated with all adiposity measures (all Ps<.01). Delayed phase of RAR (later acrophase) was only significantly related to general and abdominal obesity in women.

Conclusions

Aberrant RAR is independently associated with anthropometric and imaging measures of general and abdominal obesity. Longitudinal studies assessing whether RAR metrics can predict weight gain and incident obesity are warranted.
Effect of the Chinese New Year Public Holiday on the Glycemic Control of T1DM With Intensive Insulin Therapy
Authors: Guo Keyu , Ye Jianan , Zhang Liyin , Tian Qi , Fan Li , Ding Zhiyi , Zhou Qin , Li Xia , Zhou Zhiguang , Yang Lin
Published: June 2022

Aims

There is limited evidence that evaluates the glycemic control of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) during the Chinese New Year public holiday in China. The Chinese New Year public holiday represents various challenges to glycemic control, especially in T1DM patients, in China. We aimed to assess the effect of the Chinese New Year public holiday on several glucose metrics using flash glucose monitoring (FGM) in patients with T1DM.

Methods

Complete FGM data for 1 week before, 1 week during and 1 week after the Chinese New Year public holiday were available for 71 T1DM patients treated with multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) therapy (n = 51) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) treatment (n = 20). The mean age of the study participants was 13 (9, 30) years. Of note, 59.2% of the patients (n = 42) were adults, and 40.8% of the patients (n = 29) were minors. The interval between each two adjacent periods was one week. The indicators of mean glucose, glucose variability and time in different glycemic ranges were analyzed.

Results

The Chinese New Year public holiday was associated with an increase in mean blood glucose (8.2 ± 1.9 vs. 8.9± 2.8; P < 0.001) and time above range (TAR) (26.1% ± 18.1% vs. 31.7% ± 23.9%; P < 0.001) but a decrease in time in range (TIR) (65.7% ± 16.8% vs. 59.9% ± 21.1%; P < 0.001) and coefficient of variation (CV) (38.2% ± 8.2% vs. 36.7% ± 7.7%; P =0.037). There was no statistically significant difference in time below range (TBR). The glycemic control deteriorated during the Chinese New Year public holiday in our study population regardless of age. Interestingly, in the CSII group, none of the metrics of glucose control significantly changed during the Chinese New Year public holiday.

Conclusions

These results suggested that less self-management may worsen glycemic control in the short term, indicating a need for more refined management algorithms during the Chinese New Year public holiday for T1DM patients.
Feasibility Assessment of Bifacial Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems in the State of Gujarat in India
Authors: Desai Alpesh , Mukhopadhyay Indrajit , Ray Abhijit
Published: June 2022

Bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are one of the recent interventions in the widespread commercial deployment of solar energy. This study intends to analyze the adoption of bifacial solar panels in rooftop PV systems to enhance energy generation as compared to their mono-facial counterparts. The technical and economic advantages of a typical 5-kW single-phase solar rooftop photovoltaic system using bifacial Si-modules are presented and compared with those using traditional polycrystalline Si (poly c-Si) modules in the urban location of the state of Gujarat in India. This methodology allows one to find optimal performance under the same irradiation and load conditions. As the majority of terraces in this location have a surface of white or gray tiles, which have a high albedo factor, bifacial modules generate more than 10% excess energy as compared to the poly c-Si systems. Although bifacial modules have an initial cost higher than the polycrystalline counterparts, the cost of their balance of system and space is reduced by 2 to 13%, respectively. Analysis shows that a 5kW bifacial technology can generate an excess of 13 MWh as compared to the traditional poly-Si over a period of 25 years. Finally, it is seen that an optimized bifacial system that is tilted between 15 and 20° will reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by 5.5% as compared to the traditional poly c-Si system.
A Pigeon Group Decomposition Based Algorithm for Logistics Service Transaction Matching Under Blockchain
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Dai Cai , Xue Xingsi
Published: June 2022

The transmission security problem in the industrial Internet of Things is the focus of industrial manufacturing development. Blockchain technology can well solve this problem. The massive data generated in the Industrial Internet of Things will be transmitted to the blockchain system through the gateway, the throughput and deployment costs need to be considered. This paper proposes a pigeon flock algorithm based on decomposition to solve this problem. It uses the excellent navigation ability of carrier pigeons to improve search efficiency. At the same time, two independent archives are used to balance convergence and diversity. After the solution set in the convergence archives is classified, the solution set is evaluated by the Tchebycheff function, and some better solutions are retained. The diversity archive chooses some solutions that are quite different from other solutions to maintain diversity. This article uses this algorithm to obtain the solutions with low throughput and high deployment when the blockchain is implemented in the Industrial Internet of Things. Finally, 7 questions in the DTLZ test question are selected to prove the validity of the proposed algorithm. These questions have 5, 10, and 15 goals. In the experimental results, it can be seen that the proposed algorithm is better than NSGAIII, MOEADD and NSGAII on most of the test problems.
Fully Coupled Analysis of an Integrated Floating Wind-Wave Power Generation Platform in Operational Sea-States
Authors: Chen Mingsheng , Xiao Panpan , Zhou Hao , Li Chun Bao , Zhang Xianxiong
Published: June 2022

The offshore wind power exploitation has experienced rapid development in recent years and has gradually moved into deeper waters with the floating wind turbine technology getting mature. Due to the strong concurrence of the wind and wave power in offshore sites, the idea of combined utilization of wind and wave power by one integrated device has attracted tremendous interests worldwide and a number of concepts and designs have been proposed. This article describes a novel integrated floating wind-wave generation platform (FWWP) consisting of a DeepCwind semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) and a point absorber wave energy convertor (PAWEC). Three models including the single PAWEC, single FOWT, and FWWP are considered to investigate the feasibility of the FWWP and its advantages over the single device. Hydrodynamic analyses are first conducted using the potential flow code AQWA with the viscous correction to investigate the hydrodynamic interactions effect of the integrated model. Then, a fully coupled model for the FWWP is established by calling OpenFAST in AQWA using the F2A method. The accuracy of the established coupled model is firstly validated with OpenFAST for analysing the dynamics of the single FOWT. Finally, fully coupled analyses of the FWWP are carried out for both regular and irregular waves in the operational sea-states. The coupled dynamics and wind and wave power generation of the FWWP are compared with those of the single PAWEC and FOWT for both the regular and irregular waves.
Sources and Formation of Atmospheric Nitrate Over China–Indochina Peninsula in Spring: A Perspective From Oxygen and Nitrogen Isotopic Compositions Based on Passive Air Samplers
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Jun , Tian Chongguo , Zong Zheng , Liu Qilu , Jiang Hongxing , Li Tingting , Li Jing , Jiang Haoyu , Zhao Shizhen , Zhang Gan
Published: June 2022

The formation processes and potential sources of particulate nitrate can be revealed by nitrogen (δ15N-NO3−) and oxygen (δ18O-NO3−) isotopes; however, the linkage and comparative information over a large scale is limited. In this work, the feasibility of using quartz wool disk passive air samplers (Pas-QW) to identify and quantify the nitrate concentrations and their isotopic compositions was demonstrated. The results of a simultaneous sampling campaign from March to June showed that the NO3− concentration was largely attributed to the development of the regional economies. The regional distribution of δ15N-NO3− values was due to the source changes. The decreasing trend of δ18O-NO3− values with latitude from south to north was mainly a combination of oxygen isotopic fractionation of the oxidant induced by natural factors and anthropogenic changes in O3 concentrations. Coal combustion (CC) and mobile sources (MS) have a significant contribution to NOx in the typical urban agglomerations, while the high contribution from biomass burning (BB) and biogenic soil emission (BS) was mainly in areas with high natural productivity and intensive agricultural activities. By allowing simultaneous monitoring at multiple sites and over extended periods, passive sampling complements existing techniques for studying nitrate aerosol, and the results can provide a reference for the spatial distribution of its sources and formation in the China–Indochina Peninsula (CICP).
Soil CO2 Emission Largely Dominates the Total Ecosystem CO2 Emission at Canadian Boreal Forest
Authors: Bhanja Soumendra N. , Wang Junye , Bol Roland
Published: June 2022

The natural carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from the ecosystem, also termed as the ecosystem respiration (Reco), is the primary natural source of atmospheric CO2. The contemporary models rely on empirical functions to represent decomposition of litter with multiple soil carbon pools decaying at different rates in estimating Reco variations and its partitioning into autotrophic (Ra) (originating from plants) and heterotrophic (originating mostly from microorganisms) respiration (Rh) in relation to variation in temperature and soil water content. Microbially-mediated litter decomposition scheme representation are not very popular yet. However, microbial enzymatic processes play integral role in litter as well as soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. Here we developed a mechanistic model comprising of multiple hydro-biogeochemical modules in the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) code to explicitly incorporate microbial-enzymatic litter decomposition and decomposition of SOM for separately estimating regional-scale Ra, Rh and Reco. Modeled annual mean Reco values are found varying from 1,600 to 8,200 kg C ha−1 yr−1 in 2000–2013 within the boreal forest covered sub-basins of the Athabasca River Basin (ARB), Canada. While, for the 2000–2013 period, the annual mean Ra, Rh and soil CO2 emission (Rs) are varying within 800–6,000 kg C ha−1 yr−1, 700–4,200 kg C ha−1 yr−1 and 1,200–5,000 kg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Rs generally dominates Reco with nearly 60–90% contribution in most of the sub-basins in ARB. The model estimates corroborate well with the site-scale and satellite-based estimates reported at similar land use and climatic regions. Mechanistic modeling of Reco and its components are critical to understanding future climate change feedbacks and to help reduce uncertainties particularly in the boreal and subarctic regions that has huge soil carbon store.
Environmental Impact of Sewage Discharge on Shallow Embayment and Mapping of Microbial Indicators
Authors: Alkhalidi Mohamad A. , Al-Nasser Zahraa H. , Al-Sarawi Hanan A.
Published: June 2022

Marine pollution in shallow embayments is hazardous to human and marine health. This research investigates the environmental impact of sewage discharge from coastal outfalls on the semi-enclosed-shallow Doha Bay. Such a study highlights the impact of environmental stressors on the health of such bays. Also, the study assesses the spreading of the pollutant relative to the location of the pollution source. The bay is susceptible to sewage discharge as it is featured slow tidal currents leading to increased pollution concentrations within its basin. The concentrations and distributions of microbial water quality indicators (E. coli, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci) were investigated parallel with physical and chemical water quality parameters. Water samples were collected from the outfalls and within Doha Bay for four months. The results show that the concentrations of discharged Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Organic Carbon (COD), Nitrites (NO2−) and ammonia (NH3) has exceeded Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) maximum limits, specifically from the outfalls J3 and J4. In addition, the microbiological parameters were significantly breaching KEPA’s guidelines. The maximum fecal coliform concentration was 3.5 × 105, 2.4 × 104, and 5.4 × 103 CFU/100 ml, E. coli concentration was 2.2 × 105, 1.2 × 104, and 2.6 × 103 CFU/100 ml, fecal streptococci concentration was 7.25 × 102, 4.4 × 102, and 44 CFU/100 ml, at outfalls J3, J4, and J5, respectively, indicating high microbial pollution. The fecal coliform near J3 exceeds the allowable limits of KEPA by more than 600 times. Laboratory results were mapped to assess the microbial indicators within the bay. Spatially, the concentration of pollutants varies and correlates proportionally with the locations of the outfalls. The highly affected area is near outfall J3: a shallow, closed area with minimal water circulation and maximum sewage discharge. Offshore locations show lower pollution concentrations, and the pollutant concentrations were highest in January 2019 and February 2019. Continuing to discharge pollutants through coastal outfalls to regions such as Doha Bay will lead to long-term consequences, including eco-social, ecological, and adverse health impacts that are complex to be treated. Therefore, the bay needs an independent, comprehensive, and reliable monitoring program to measure the environmental indicators continuously.
Do Livelihood Strategies Affect the Livelihood Resilience of Farm Households in Flooded Areas? Evidence From Hubei Province, China
Authors: Luo Xin , Zhang Chongmei , Song Jiahao , Qiu Zishan , Li Wenzhuo , Wang Wei
Published: June 2022

Hubei Province, located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, is a complex area of fragile ecological environment and traditional agricultural production in China. With the further intensification of the impact of global warming, flood disasters have brought a more severe threat to the sustainable development of farmers’ livelihoods. This paper therefore examines the livelihood resilience of farmers with different livelihood strategies in the region by constructing a livelihood resilience evaluation system based on three target levels: buffering capacity, Adaptation and restoration, and using a contribution model to identify the main contributing factors affecting the livelihood resilience of fa rmers. The following three conclusions were found: (1). The overall level of livelihood resilience of farmers in flood-affected areas in Hubei Province is not high, and the difference in livelihood resilience indices between farmers with different livelihood strategies is large; (2). Farming-led farmers and part-time balanced farmers can better adapt to external shocks brought about by floods; (3). The main contributing factors affecting the livelihood resilience of various types of farmers have Convergence.