bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Power Load Forecasting Model Design Based on EMD-PSO-GRU
Authors: Zhang Weihao , Wang Ting
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the nonlinear, nonstationary, and time series characteristics of power load, this study proposes a load forecasting method based on empirical mode decomposition and particle swarm optimization of the gated recurrent unit neural network. First, the original power load data are decomposed into a limited number of modal components and a residual component by using empirical modal decomposition to reduce the nonstationarity and complexity of the load sequence and decrease the association between different IMFs. The subsequences build prediction models based on the gated recurrent unit neural network, respectively, and use the particle swarm algorithm to optimize the network-related hyperparameters to increase the parameter accuracy of the model; finally, superimpose the prediction results of each subsequence to obtain the final load prediction value. The results of the case study show that compared with the traditional forecasting algorithm, the proposed EMD-PSO-GRU forecasting model method can better dig the trend information of forecasting, fit the load curve better, and have higher forecasting accuracy.
Exploring the Value of Additional Primary Tumour Excision Combined with Systemic Therapy Administered in Different Sequences for Patients with de Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhu Siyi
Published: August 2022

Introduction. Uncertainty still remains regarding the survival improvement derived from immediate surgery or subsequent surgery in addition to systemic therapy for patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer. The current study aimed to examine the effect of combined treatment administered in different sequences on the survival of these patients. Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2019. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: (1) systemic therapy without primary surgery, (2) systemic therapy after primary surgery, and (3) systemic therapy before primary surgery. Cumulative incidence curves with Gray’s test were used to compare breast cancer-specific death (BCSD) between groups. Kaplan–Meier curves with the log-rank test were applied to compare overall survival (OS) between groups. A competing risk model and a proportional hazards model were generated to adjust for important prognostic factors. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed in the primary survival analysis. Stratified analysis was also performed. Results. Patients who underwent systemic therapy after primary surgery and who underwent systemic therapy before primary surgery both showed a significantly reduced risk of BCSD compared to patients who received systemic therapy without primary surgery [subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69–0.79; and

P
<
0.001

, and SHR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.56–0.67; and

P
<
0.001

, respectively]. A statistically significant disparity was also noted in OS. In the setting of single-organ metastasis, including the bone, lung, and liver, patients receiving the combination therapy showed an improved prognosis compared with patients receiving systemic therapy without primary surgery. Conclusions. Additional primary tumour excision, whether before or after systemic therapy, may provide survival benefits for patients presenting with de novo metastatic breast cancer, especially for patients with single-organ disease involving the bone, lung, and liver but not the brain. Further investigations mainly focused on these carefully selected candidates are required to improve personalized treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Improved Method of Blockchain Cross-Chain Consensus Algorithm Based on Weighted PBFT
Authors: Lei Liu , Song Liangtu , Wan Jiahua
Published: August 2022

Aiming to solve the problems of low fault tolerance, low throughput, and high delay in traditional methods, an improved method of the blockchain cross-chain consensus algorithm based on weighted PBFT is proposed. This article constructs a blockchain cross-chain exchange model based on cluster centers and divides the nodes in the blockchain system into consensus service nodes, cross-chain exchange nodes, and application nodes to improve the performance of consensus computing services. On this basis, according to the weighted PBFT consensus mechanism, the blockchain consensus environment is set up, and the distribution of nodes in the consensus domain and the blockchain signature scheme are obtained. Therefore, the blockchain cross-chain consensus optimization algorithm is designed to reduce throughput and delay and optimize the consensus effect. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the shortcomings of traditional methods, with high throughput and low latency, and strong security. It shows that it is a low resource consumption and secure consensus method.
Design of English Translation Model Based on Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Wang Xiaohui
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the accuracy and stability of English translation, this paper proposes an English translation model based on recurrent neural network. Based on the end-to-end encoder-decoder architecture, a recursive neural network (RNN) English machine translation model is designed to promote machine autonomous learning features, transform the distributed corpus data into word vectors, and directly map the source language and target language through the recurrent neural network. Selecting semantic errors to construct the objective function during training can well balance the influence of each part of the semantics and fully consider the alignment information, providing a strong guidance for the training of deep recurrent neural networks. The experimental results show that the English translation model based on recurrent neural network has high effectiveness and stability. Compared with the baseline system, it has improved about 1.51–1.86 BLEU scores. Conclusion. The model improves the performance and quality of English machine translation model, and the translation effect is better.
Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals the Active Involvement of Macrophage Polarizations in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Mao Xulong , Li Yaozhe , Yang Rui , Wei Jingqiu , Zhao Zhucheng , Zhang Ting , OuYang Mingli , Liu Xiaoling , Liu Can , Xu Hao , Huang Xiaoying , Wang Liangxing
Published: August 2022

Background. Sustained hypoxia can trigger a progressive rise in pulmonary artery pressure and cause serious pulmonary diseases. Macrophages play important roles along the progression of pulmonary hypertension. However, the state of macrophage polarization during the early stage of pulmonary hypertension is unclear. Methods. Unlike traditional sequencing method, single-cell sequencing can accurately distinguish among cell types and better understand cell-to-cell relationships. In this study, we investigated the polarization of macrophages in pulmonary hypertension via single-cell RNA-sequencing in a mice hypoxia model, which was then validated in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Results. We identified that the intermittent exposure to hypoxic conditions could lead to the production of more M2-type macrophages than M1-type macrophages in a mouse model. Further validation analysis was performed by analyzing lung tissue of patients with pulmonary hypertension, revealing that the number of disease-associated M2 macrophages was substantially increased. Conclusions. In this study, the active anti-inflammatory response of macrophage involved in pulmonary hypertension has been identified, suggesting that intervention against the polarization of macrophages to the M2 type may be a potential way to reduce chronic pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and artery pressure. Thus, investigation of macrophage polarization associated with hypoxia could help us better understand disease mechanism and craft effective prevention strategies and approaches.
Factors Affecting Learners’ Adoption of an Educational Metaverse Platform: An Empirical Study Based on an Extended UTAUT Model
Authors: Teng Zhuoqi , Cai Yan , Gao Yu , Zhang Xiying , Li Xinlong
Published: August 2022

This study examined the factors affecting learners’ adoption of an educational metaverse platform using an extended UTAUT (unified theory of acceptance and use of technology) model and incorporating perceived risk. Data were derived from a survey of 495 respondents from China and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results revealed that (i) performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions had significantly positive effects on learners’ satisfaction with the Eduverse; (ii) learners’ satisfaction had a positive effect on their continued usage intention; (iii) learners’ intention to use the Eduverse was reduced after they perceived risks. Our study provided empirical evidence of the validity of the UTAUT model in explaining learners’ adoption of the Eduverse. Our findings have significant practical implications for enterprises, educational institutions, and governments.
A Heuristic Task Scheduling Strategy for Intelligent Manufacturing in the Big Data-Driven Fog Computing Environment
Authors: Zhou Rong
Published: August 2022

A heuristic task scheduling strategy for intelligent manufacturing in the big data-driven fog computing environment is proposed to address the problem that current resource scheduling and allocation methods in the fog computing environment cannot comprehensively consider the dynamics and uncertainty of resources, resulting in the prolonged delay and high energy consumption. First, a system model with three computing modes for intelligent manufacturing is constructed based on intelligent terminal devices, fog nodes, fog servers, fog gateways, and the cloud. Then, the objective function is optimized by jointly considering the delay matrix, the energy consumption matrix, and the reliability matrix, and corresponding constraints are given based on the selection of computing modes, the decision variables of fog nodes as well as the constraints about the delay. Finally, the intervals of crossover-mutation operators are divided according to the fitness value, and individuals of the population are updated by taking different operations based on the operators in different intervals, so as to achieve an improvement on the traditional genetic algorithms. Meanwhile, a fog resource scheduling algorithm is proposed based on the improved adaptive genetic algorithm. Simulation experiments are conducted to compare and analyze the delay, energy consumption, and reliability of the proposed method with three other methods under the same conditions. The results show that the proposed method has the lowest delay and energy consumption and the highest reliability, with values of 361.3 s, 352.4 J, and 94.6%, respectively, when the number of task requests is 500. The performance is better than the other three comparison methods.
Study on Thermodynamic Characteristics and Heat Transfer Method of Uncontrolled Fire in Coal Mine Gangue Mountain Spontaneous Combustion Based on System Dynamics
Authors: Bai Guangxing
Published: August 2022

Coal fire disaster caused by the spontaneous combustion of coal has always been one of the serious problems that threaten the safety of coal mining. In our study, we first solved the dynamic parameters and mechanical functions of coal gangue using the Achar differential method and Coats-Redfern integral method. Then, based on the flow and heat transfer mechanism of hot rod vapor-liquid two-phase flow, combined with coal spontaneous ignition conditions, influencing factors, coal pile spontaneous combustion temperature field structure distribution, etc., the heat transfer process of the hot rod in the coal pile (coal gangue mountain) was analyzed. Results show the average activation energies of the second stage of different types of coal mine gangue. Upon comparing the characteristic parameters of coal gangue in different regions and ages, it is found that 8# coal gangue has better combustion and burn-out characteristics, and its comprehensive combustion characteristics are second only to those of the coal gangue in Datong and higher than those in Panzhihua, Pingdingshan, and Hancheng. The higher the content of volatile matter and fixed carbon in coal gangue, the lower the ash content, and the better the comprehensive combustion performance of the coal gangue. Under the condition of sufficient oxygen supply combustion, the larger the fuel ratio, the better the burnout performance of the coal gangue. The test of the influence of the hot rod on the temperature field distribution inside the coal pile shows that the maximum cooling rate of a single hot rod to the coal pile during the test period is 33.4°C, and the maximum cooling rate reaches 39.6%. The calculated heat dissipation of the 80 h hot rod is 1.0865, 2.1680, and 3.3649 MJ, respectively.
Garlic Peel Surface Modification and Fixed-Bed Column Investigations towards Crystal Violet Dye
Authors: Raaj E. Pravin , Bhuvaneshwari K. , Lakshmipathy R. , Devi V. Vandhana , Rico Ivan Leandro Rodriguez
Published: August 2022

Garlic peel, a low-cost agro-waste, was explored as an adsorbent for the remediation of wastewater containing the crystal violet (CV) cationic dye. The garlic peel was treated with NaOH at 1 : 1.5 ratios in order to modify the surface and increase its porosity. The surface-modified garlic peel was ground to a smaller size in order to increase its surface area and used as an adsorbent in the continuous column investigations. Column parameters such as bed height, flow rate, and initial concentration were optimised and found that optimal removal efficiency was achieved at 3 ml rate of flow, 3 cm column depth, and 100 mg l-1 initial concentration. The surface-modified garlic peel exhibited a higher loading capacity of 99.9 mg g-1 towards CV at optimised conditions. SEM investigations confirmed the surface modification and increase in porosity of the garlic peel. The column data was tending to fit well with Thomas and Yoon-Nelson’s models suggesting the scalability to an industrial level. Regeneration of MGP was successful with 0.01 M HCl solution. These results conclude that garlic peel is a potential agro-waste material that can be used to mitigate water pollution.
Comparison of the Status Quo of Chinese Contemporary Popular Music and Traditional Music Based on Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics
Authors: Niu Yanlong
Published: August 2022

In real life and activities, music is everywhere. With the development of the times, Chinese pop music and traditional music have also continued to develop and present new characteristics. However, there is no fixed law in the development of music, and traditional analysis methods cannot capture the current situation of music development in time. Probability theory and mathematical statistics is a subject that studies possibility, which contains many analytical methods. To this end, the article takes the current situation of music teaching development as an example. From the perspective of probability theory and mathematical statistics, the correlation coefficient is introduced and incorporated into the analysis of the development status of popular music and traditional music. In this study, first the general methods of probability theory and mathematical statistics are analyzed, then related experiments from the mathematical level are designed, and a series of investigations are carried out. Finally, starting from the four groups of schools, teachers, parents, and students, the article raises the field of comparison from the campus to the society and focuses on comparing the comprehensive development status of Chinese popular music and traditional music. After a series of experiments and analysis, it can be concluded that the correlation between the students’ interest level and the development status of popular music reaches 7.33, and the correlation with the development status of traditional music reaches 7.61. At the same time, after analysis, it is found that most of the students prefer popular music, but they know little about Chinese traditional music. This fully shows that the comparison of the status quo of Chinese popular music and traditional music based on probability theory and mathematical statistics can intuitively describe the development status of the two, which is very important for promoting the national music and creating a good music environment.
miR-22 Suppresses EMT by Mediating Metabolic Reprogramming in Colorectal Cancer through Targeting MYC-Associated Factor X
Authors: Xia Shusen , Wang Xianyan , Wu Yi , Zhou Tong , Tian Hongpeng , Liu Zuoliang , Li Lifa , Yan Zaihua , Zhang Guangjun
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proved to be unusually expressed in CRC progression and thus alter multiple pathological processes in CRC cells. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of miR-22 in CRC have not been clearly reported. MicroRNA-22 (miR-22) and MYC-associated factor X (MAX) expressions were determined by RT-qPCR in CRC tissues and cells. The targeted regulatory effects of miR-22 and MAX were confirmed by luciferase reporter and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Also, gain- and loss-of-function and rescue experiments were used to elucidate the function and mechanism of miR-22 and MAX in CRC cells and the mouse xenograft model. We discovered that miR-22 was hypermethylated and downregulated, while MAX was upregulated in CRC. miR-22 markedly inhibited migration, invasion, glycolysis, and cancer stem cell transcription factors in CRC cells. In addition, it was found that miR-22 can directly target MAX. Additional functional experiments confirmed that MAX overexpression can rescue the effects of miR-22 on the behavior of CRC cells. This study suggested that miR-22, as a cancer suppressor, participates in CRC progression by targeting MAX, which might provide basic information for therapeutic targets for CRC.
Rural Adolescents: Parental Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Abraham Gelila , Nebeb Gebeyew Tsega , Deressa Beshea Gelana , Megerssa Berhane , Bayou Negaligh Berihanu , Teklehaymanot Aderajew Nigusse , Khali Kiddus Yitbarek
Published: August 2022

Purpose. There are very limited evidences showing the status of adolescent-parent communication in rural areas of Ethiopia as most of the studies focus in urban areas and were school-based. Therefore, this study intends to determine the adolescent-parent communication on sexual and reproductive health matters and its determinants among rural adolescents in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods. Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed using the multistage sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was cleaned and entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for descriptive and regression analysis. Results. From 833 adolescents participated in the study, only 364 (43.7%) of them had ever discussed sexual and reproductive health matters of which males represent 196 (53.8%) followed by females 168 (46.2%). Among these, only 35 (9.6%) had discussed with their mother, and 24 (6.6%) had discussed with their father. The proportion of adolescents who communicated with their parents on sexual and reproductive health issues was 364 (43.7%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that never getting information on SRH issues (

AOR
=
0.5

, 95% CI, 0.4-0.8) and particularly on sexually transmitted infections (

AOR
=
0.5

, 95% CI, 0.4-0.7) and unknowing the period in which there is a possibility to be pregnant for a girl (

AOR
=
0.2

, 95% CI, 0.04-0.9) were found to be independent factors affecting adolescent-parental communication negatively. Conclusion. This study’s result implies that the majority of the adolescents in the rural area were not communicating with their parents about sexual and reproductive health issues. However, most of them knew about different sexual and reproductive health services and where they could be found. Therefore, the provision of detailed information on the importance of communication with their parents on such a sensitive issue is suggested. Further research is needed to identify the barrier from the parents’ side.
Assessing the Causes of Time Overrun in Building and Road Construction Projects: The Case of Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Negesa Adamu Beyene
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the majority of the construction projects executed in Addis Ababa city experienced a varying magnitude of time overrun in which the projects become late in their completion. Due to different problems encountered during the inception, design, and implementation phases, the projects are exposed to unexpected time overruns that in turn affect the overall performance of the projects. It is hence very essential to identify the actual causes of delay in order to minimize or avoid the corresponding adverse impacts. Therefore, this study primarily aimed at investigating and scrutinizing the potential factors causing project time overrun in the city so that the influential factors can be identified and the applicable remedial measures can possibly be forwarded. For the purpose of data collection, the study applied a semistructured questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was distributed to 121 respondents comprising practitioners and professionals actively working in the construction industry. Fifty-four delay-causing factors were identified and grouped under ten categories according to the similarity of their origin. In order to identify the most significant factors, severity analysis based on the principle of relative importance index was carried out. Accordingly, the top most significant and least significant factors were identified. The top four most influential factors identified were reluctance of consultants, inaccurate estimation of contract duration, delay in approvals and late decision making, and slow mobilization of labor whereas inadequacy of allocated funds, low motivation, and absence of incentives to contractors were the three least significant causes identified. So as to curb the adverse impact of the factors, the application of a detailed work breakdown structure, proper responsibility assignment, earned value principle, and project software were proposed as remedial measures to be implemented. The finding of the study will alarm the key players and practitioners engaging in the city’s construction industry to focus on managing the severe factors.
Successful Treatment of Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Denileukin Diftitox
Authors: Amagai Mayuko , Furudate Sadanori , Ohuchi Kentaro , Takahashi Toshiya , Yamazaki Emi , Chiba Hiromu , Asano Yoshihide , Fujimura Taku
Published: August 2022

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is a rare variant of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) characterized by CD30-expressing large atypical cells with kidney-shaped nuclei called hallmark cells. Since PCALCL is a rare variant of CTCL, the treatment of PCALCL is still controversial. In this report, a case of PCALCL successfully treated with denileukin diftitox as second-line therapy is described. Interestingly, the administration of denileukin diftitox decreased CD8+ T cells, CD25+ cells, granulysin-bearing lymphocytes, and CD163+ macrophages. The present case suggests that denileukin diftitox might induce an anti-lymphoma effect as well as modulate the tumor microenvironment.
DISTRIBUTION PATTERN AND DIVERSITY OF EPIPHYTIC ORCHIDS IN THE CURUG CIBEREUM PATH, MOUNT GEDE PANGRANGO, INDONESIA
Authors: Bela Prapitasari  , Ardyan Pramudya Kurniawan
Published: August 2022

The Curug Cibereum path as a tourist attraction in the Mount Gede Pangrango area is dominated by a lush tree, making it a suitable place to find a diversity of epiphytic orchids. This study aimed to determine the distribution pattern and diversity of epiphytic orchids along the Curug Cibereum path which is influenced by environtmental parameters. The research method was carried out by plotting ten plots on the right and left sides of the path, with each plot measuring 500 x 5 m and the distance between plots was 100 m. The results showed that there were 31 species of epiphytic orchids from 12 genera. The distribution pattern of epiphytic orchids was mostly clustered except for Oberonia lotsyana, which had a uniform pattern. The epiphytic orchid species with the highest INP were Bulbophyllum gibbosum with an INP value of 35% and Coelogyne speciosa with an INP value of 20%. Species diversity (H ') was moderate (H '=2.54), the evenness index (E) was high (E=0.73), the dominance index (D) was low (D=0.13). The measurements of environmental parameters showed optimal conditions for the growth of epiphytic orchids, namely with a temperature of 24.5 oC, soil moisture of 76.5%, air humidity of 70%, pH 5.1, the light intensity of 6351 lux and wind speed of 0.03 m/s.
AGEING AND THE AMOUNT OF DNA EXTRACTED FROM BAWEAN DEER (A xis kuhlii ) FECES
Authors: Nugroho Adi , Susanto Denni , Adi Subrata Sena
Published: August 2022

Noninvasive genetic sampling is the most reliable approach to collect endangered species which are typically rare and elusive. However, the approach is hampered by poor quality and quantity of DNA amount, and therefore, a pilot study is required. Our current short communication article reports the first noninvasive genetic sampling approach using feces of critically endangered Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) to test the effect of aging on the amount of DNA extraction. Fecal samples of the Bawean deer were collected from the Bawean Deer Captive Unit in Sangkapura Village, Bawean Island, East Java. The samples were grouped into two different categories, namely: 1) New samples: for feces that had just been expelled for less than a day and 2) Old samples: for feces that were estimated to have been expelled for more than a day. There were 11 New samples and 16 Old samples. The samples were extracted using the QIAGEN Mini Stool Kit. The DNA quantification was carried out by using a fluorometer. The results of the extraction between the two categories were analyzed by the Kruskal Wallis test. The results showed that the mean rank value of the New samples was better (15.27) than the Old samples (13.13). The P value of the Kruskal Wallis test, however, was higher than the Asymp significant value, indicating that there was no meaningful differences (P = 0.49) between the two samples categories. The work described in this short communication article is a preliminary result and an important step in the study of Bawean deer population genetic.
Checklist of the orchids of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Singh Bikarma , Sneha
Published: August 2022

A study on the diversity and distribution of different orchid species in Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (NBR) was carried out from 2009 to 2015 with an objective to assess the threatened plants present in protected areas. A total of 127 species of orchids belonging to 56 genera were identified from NBR; out of which 94 are epiphytes or lithophytes, 32 are terrestrial, and one species is mycoheterotrophic. Dendrobium (21 spp.) is the most dominant genus in terms of the species composition, followed by Bulbophyllum (8 spp.), Coelogyne (8 spp.), Liparis (7 spp.), Cymbidium (5 spp.), and Pinalia (4 spp.). Other dominant genera include Aerides, Agrostophyllum, Cleisostoma, Habenaria, Micropera, Paphiopedilum, and Pholidota which were represented by three species each. A total of 10 genera were recorded that were represented by two species include Acampe, Cryptochilus, Dendrolirium, Gastrochilus, Oberonia, Peristylus, Phalaenopsis, Pleione, Spathoglottis, and Vanda. Of the recorded species from NBR, the Gastrochilus calceolaris is assessed by the IUCN Red List as ‘Critically Endangered’, Paphiopedilum insigne and P. venustum are ‘Endangered’, P. Hirsutissimum as ‘Vulnerable’, and Dendrobium aphyllum as ‘Least Concern’. It has been observed that at the higher elevations, subtropical and temperate forests provide a conducive environment for the orchids to occupy a pristine ecosystem because the temperature and maximum humidity recorded in those areas is lower in comparison to lower regions. This research finding recommends the designation of Nokrek hill as a permanent orchid sanctuary for germplasm collection and conservation, as it could better guarantee the survival of threatened plants and reduce human interventions in the forested zone.
New records of Nyctalus leisleri (Kuhl, 1817) and Myotis nattereri (Kuhl, 1817) (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from National Park “Smolny” and its surroundings, Republic of Mordovia
Authors: Smirnov Dmitry , Kirillova Nadezhda , Kirillov Alexander , Ruchin Alexander , Vekhnik Vladimir
Published: August 2022

Protected areas in the Republic of Mordovia are still poorly studied in relation to bats. Our research of the bat fauna in the National Park “Smolny”, Republic of Mordovia was conducted in 2018‒2020. A total of 573 bats of nine species belonging to the family Vespertilionidae were captured and studied. Nyctalus leisleri and Myotis nattereri were caught here for the first time. Three new sites of two rare bat species were discovered. The list of bats in the National Park “Smolny” currently includes 10 species.
Avifaunal diversity in unprotected wetlands of Ayodhya District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Yashmita-Ulman  , Singh Manoj
Published: August 2022

Nine unprotected wetlands of Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, India were studied to assess the bird species composition and richness from March 2019 to February 2020 using point count method. A total of 105 species of birds belonging to 79 genera, distributed among 35 families and 12 orders were recorded. Passeriformes had the highest diversity with 25 species and 12 families. Anatidae was the most dominant family with 15 species, constituting 14.29% of the wetland bird community in the study area. These wetlands provided habitat for 62 residential species, 42 winter migrants and one vagrant. The carnivore guild was the most dominant with 46 species. The wetland sites under study were continuously used by humans mainly for land encroachment, fishing activities and livestock grazing apart from other minor uses. Out of the nine selected wetlands, three wetlands (˂2 ha) had very few bird species (≤3), therefore were excluded from further calculations. But the rest of the six selected wetlands (˃5 ha) provided habitat for 12 bird species of conservation importance (one Endangered species, five Vulnerable species, and six Near Threatened species) according to the IUCN Red list. These wetlands also supported 39 species of birds having a declining population trend globally. These findings highlight the role of medium and large-sized unprotected wetlands in providing critical habitat to the birds throughout the year in Ayodhya district. Future research must concentrate on understanding the key factors influencing the presence and absence of birds in such unprotected wetlands so that these wetlands can be managed effectively to secure the potential habitat of birds.
Alien flora of Uttarakhand, western Himalaya: a comprehensive review
Authors: Arora Shikha , Kumar Amit , Balodi Khima Nand , Arunachalam Kusum
Published: August 2022

Alien plant species have captured attention of the scientific community, ecologists, and environmentalists throughout the world. Like other regions, the Himalayan region is also grappling with the disrupting impacts of plant invasions. Based on an extensive review of studies conducted on alien plant species in the Indian Himalayan region, we report 728 alien plant species belonging to 450 genera under 108 families in the state of Uttarakhand, which represents 15% of the state’s flora. Fabaceae (89 species under 49 genera) followed by Asteraceae (63 species under 43 genera) and Poaceae (50 species under 35 genera) were the most diverse families amid alien species. Eucalyptus (15 species) followed by Ipomoea and Euphorbia (12 species each) and Pinus (11 species) were the most diverse genera. The maximum numbers of aliens (mostly herbs) in the state were introduced from America, followed by Europe. Owing to relatively high number of alien plant species in Uttarakhand, it is submitted that serious ecological and socio-economic consequences are likely to escalate in the future.
Eremotermes neoparadoxalis Ahmad, 1955 (Isoptera: Termitidae: Amitermitinae) a new record from Haryana, India
Authors: Bhanupriya  , Nidhi Kakkar  , Sanjeev Kumar Gupta
Published: August 2022

We report a new record of Eremotermes neoparadoxalis from Haryana, India. Eremotermes Silvestri, 1911 is a highly dispersed genus epitomized by 10 species, six of which have been reported in India, including E. paradoxalis in Harayana. Taxonomic descriptions provided with illustrations of general morphology and measurements of body length, head length with and without mandibles, body pigmentation, antennae segments, tibial spur, tarsal segments, head width, and body width. These keys along with photographs are prepared for both soldier and worker castes of E. neoparadoxalis.
Zoophily and nectar-robbing by sunbirds in Gardenia latifolia Ait. (Rubiaceae)
Authors: A.J. Solomon Raju  , S. Sravan Kumar  , L. Kala Grace  , K. Punny  , Raliengoane Tebese Peter , K. Prathyusha
Published: August 2022

Gardenia latifolia is a semi-deciduous tree species which blooms during the dry season. Its flowers are hermaphroditic, strongly fragrant, nectariferous, and specialized with a narrow corolla tube and concealed deep seated nectar. Thrips act as resident pollinators while bats and carpenter bees act as non-resident pollinators.  Sunbirds act as nectar robbers and have no role in pollination.  The flowers are milky white and fragrant on  days 1 and 2; they cease fragrance and change color to golden yellow on day 3. Bats visit newly open, day 1 fragrant flowers for pollen collection while thrips use day 1 and day 2 flowers. Carpenter bees and sunbirds visit only day 2 flowers. The flower visiting activity of all these foragers indicates that they do not visit non-fragrant, golden yellow colored flowers although they possess nectar. Fruit is an indehiscent berry with seeds placed in pulp inside; the birds are the most likely seed dispersal agents when they break the pericarp and feed on the fruit pulp.
Opportunistic sighting of a Sperm Whale Physeter macrocephalus Linnaeus, 1758 in Lakshadweep Archipelago
Authors: Manokaran Kamalakannan  , C.N. Abdul Raheem  , Dhriti Banerjee  , N. Marimuthu
Published: August 2022

The Sperm Whale Physeter macrocephalus is the world’s largest toothed whale and the only living species of the genus, Physeter. We report  an opportunistic sighting of a sperm whale with photographs from one of the recent protected areas (Pitti Islet) of Lakshadweep archipelago.
Species diversity and distribution of large centipedes (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) from the biosphere reserve of the western Nghe An Province, Vietnam
Authors: Son X. Le  , Thuc H. Nguyen  , Thinh T. Do  , Binh T.T. Tran
Published: August 2022

A total of 12 scolopendromorph species from five genera and three families were recorded in three different habitats (wooden forest, mixed timber-bamboo forest, and bamboo forest) and at three elevation ranges (>1,000 m, 700–1,000 m, and <700 m) from the biosphere reserve of the western Nghe An Province. Eleven species were recorded for the first time in the area. Scolopendridae is the most diverse family with nine species. The number of species was highest at elevation <700 m (9 species), and lowest at 700–1,000 m (4). By habitat distribution, the bamboo forest had the lowest number of species (3).
Quantifying Improved Outcomes, Cost Savings, and Hospital Volume Changes From Optimized Emergency Stroke Transport
Authors: Paydarfar Daniel A. , Holodinsky Jessalyn K. , Abbas Huda , Field Thalia S. , Zhou Lily W. , Kamal Noreen
Published: August 2022

Background:

A previously published conditional probability model optimizes prehospital emergency transport protocols for patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion by recommending the transport strategy, drip-and-ship or mothership, that results in a higher probability of an excellent outcome. In this study, we create generalized models to quantify the change in annual hospital patient volume, the expected annual increase in the number of patients with an excellent outcome, and the annual cost savings to a single-payer healthcare system resulting from these optimized transport protocols.

Methods:

We calculated the expected number of patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion transported by ambulance over a 1-year period in a region of interest, using the annual stroke incidence rate and a large-vessel occlusion screening tool. Assuming transport to the closest hospital is the baseline transport policy across the region (drip-and-ship), we determined the change in annual hospital patient volume from implementing optimized transport protocols. We also calculated the resulting annual increase in the number of patients with an excellent outcome (modified Rankin Score of 0–1 at 90 days) and associated cost savings to a single-payer healthcare system. We then performed a case study applying these generalized models to the stroke system serving the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Area, BC, Canada.

Results:

In the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Area, there was an annual increase of 36 patients with an excellent outcome, translating to an annual cost savings of CA$2 182 824 to the British Columbia healthcare system. We also studied how these results change depending on our assumptions of treatment times at the regional stroke centers.

Conclusions:

Our framework quantifies the impact of optimized emergency stroke transport protocols on hospital volume, outcomes, and cost savings to a single-payer healthcare system. When applied to a specific region of interest, these models can help inform health policies concerning emergency transport of patients with suspected large-vessel occlusion.
Digital Transformation and Risk Differentiation in the Banking Industry: Evidence from Chinese Commercial Banks
Authors: Cao Xinran , Han Boyu , Huang Yiping , Xie Xuanli
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the impact of digital transformation on the ex post risk differentiation of large and small banks, measured by nonperforming loan (NPL) ratios. It uses the Digital Transformation Index of Commercial Banks compiled by the Institute of Digital Finance of Peking University, which contains data on three dimensions—cognition, organization and products—for 97 banks from 2011 to 2018. The three main findings are: (1) the digital transformation of cognition and organization only affects the NPL ratio through the digital transformation of products; (2) the digital transformation of products only increases the NPL ratio of small banks, but not large banks; and (3) the reason for the above results is that, in fulfillment of the mandatory requirement of lending to the micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), digital transformation makes it easier for large banks to discount commercial bills held by MSMEs, thereby pushing small banks to extend corporate loans to MSMEs, which have higher risks.
International Collaboration and Research Organization Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Geng Hui , Wu Yanrui , Shi Xing
Published: August 2022

International collaboration is considered to exert a positive effect on research performance. However, the impact of international collaboration on the performance of research institutions is under-documented. This paper fills the void in the literature by utilizing InCites data of 1,067 Chinese research organizations. The main results show that international collaboration promotes the performance of research organizations in general, but the effect varies according to the types of institutions. The organizations in less-developed regions are more affected by international collaborations than those in developed regions. The empirical results also demonstrate that the United States is the most important scientific collaborator of China.
Macroeconomic Impacts of  Global Demographic Change: The Case of Australia
Authors: Liu Weifeng Larry , McKibbin Warwick
Published: August 2022

The world will experience dramatic demographic change over this century. This paper examines the impacts of the global demographic change on the Australian economy at both aggregate and sectoral levels in a global multi-region and multi-sector general equilibrium model. Using a detailed structural model, we simulate demographic shocks of six regions in the world economy as well as Australia's own demographic shock to investigate their impacts on Australian macroeconomic conditions, economic structure, and trade patterns. The results suggest that demographic change in different regions of the world economy will have different impacts on sectors in Australia depending on trade patterns between Australia and other regions. The energy, mining, and durable manufacturing sectors in Australia are the most affected. Demographic change in China, Japan, and Korea has significant negative impacts on Australia, but partly offsetting these shocks are positive demographic shocks from emerging Asia. The overall impact of the rest of the world on Australian GDP is quantitatively negligible, but the impacts on the real interest rate and trade balances are significant. Global demographic change increases Australian real interest rates in the next two decades on the assumption that emerging countries can access global capital markets and take advantage of their demographic dividends.
A new species of the March fly genus Dilophus Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Bibionidae) from the Oligocene of Provence (France)
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , LEGAL STÉPHANE , COSTER PAULINE
Published: August 2022

Dilophus cerestensis sp. nov. is the first described species of this bibionid genus from the lower Oligocene of Céreste (France). The species is characterized by a wing with the crossvein r-m quite shorter than basal part of Rs, a putative symplesiomorphy for this genus, suggesting a position in its stem group. Dilophus is significantly less diverse and frequent in the fossil record (mainly from the Northern Hemisphere) than the other bibionid genera Bibio, Plecia, and Penthetria, possibly related to a Gondwanan origin.
Lingulatus gen. nov., a new genus with description of three new species and one new combination (Araneae: Phrurolithidae)
Authors: MU YANNAN , ZHANG FENG
Published: August 2022

A new genus of the family Phrurolithidae, Lingulatus gen. nov., is described, including three new species, L. brevis sp. nov. (♂♀), L. longulus sp. nov. (♂) and L. pingbian sp. nov. (♂♀) from China, and one new combination, L. christae (Jäger & Wunderlich, 2012) comb. n. from Laos.
Nanocomposites of low-density polyethylene and nanocellulose: An alternative route using bleached cellulose nanofibers gel suspension
Authors: Tedesco Jonas , Beltrami Lilian V R , Amico Sandro Campos , Zattera Ademir J
Published: August 2022

The production of thermoplastic composites with nanocellulose has proven a great challenge due the tendency to form strong nanocellulose agglomerates during dispersion or when they are dried. In this research, an alternative method for preparing composites based on bleached cellulose nanofibers (CNF) gel suspension and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using thermokinetic mixing (Drais mixer) is described. This process makes it possible to use cellulose nanofibers in gel suspension (pulp), without the need for prior drying. For that, a masterbatch was first prepared by mixing the CNF in gel suspension (95%wt moisture) with LDPE in a Drais type homogenizer. The masterbatch was then grinded and incorporated into the LDPE matrix at various contents using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The produced materials were characterized using thermal, mechanical and dynamic-mechanical techniques. Efficient incorporation of CNF into LDPE was obtained, that is, no traces of moisture or thermal and/or hydrolytic degradation were noticed, and similar mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties compared to the neat polymer was obtained. The proposed method was found to have a relevant technological aspect with potential application in the cellulose/polymer industry, aiming to overcome the difficulty of working in water media.
Adults Aged ≥50 Years Reached by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV Testing Programs in the United States and US Dependent Areas, 2019
Authors: Marano-Lee Mariette , Williams Weston , Huang Taoying , Uhl Gary
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

Older adults represent nearly half of people living with HIV in the United States. The objective of this analysis was to describe HIV testing, demographic characteristics, and risks of adults aged ≥50 years (older adults) reached in 2019 by HIV testing programs funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Methods:

We collected data from 101 CDC-funded community-based organizations and 61 health departments. All funding recipients submitted deidentified program service data for 2019 through a secure online CDC-supported system. We used multivariable robust Poisson regression to assess the association between demographic and risk characteristics and the proportion of tests that resulted in a new diagnosis. We also assessed the proportion of people who received a positive test result, were linked to HIV medical care, and were interviewed for partner services.

Results:

During 2019, among 2 452 507 CDC-funded HIV tests provided in the United States, 412 164 (16.8%) were provided to older adults. Among the 1059 (0.26% positivity) older adults with newly diagnosed HIV infection for whom we had data, 582 (68.4%) were linked to HIV medical care within 30 days of diagnosis and 494 (72.1%) were interviewed for partner services. Among the 2858 older adults with previously diagnosed HIV infection, 1321 (46.2%) reported not being in HIV medical care at the time of the test; of those with linkage data, 425 (49.9%) were linked to HIV medical care within 30 days of testing HIV positive.

Conclusions:

More rapid disease progression and higher morbidity and mortality rates among older adults suggest that services are needed to ensure early diagnosis, rapid linkage, and interview for partner services.
Enhancing the ride comfort of off-road vibratory rollers with seat suspension using optimal quasi-zero stiffness
Authors: Ni Dengke , Jiao Renqiang , Nguyen Vanliem , Zhang Jianrun
Published: August 2022

The research proposes a new design of the seat suspension equipped with the quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) and hydraulic mount (HM) of the cab isolation system to improve the ride comfort of off-road vibratory rollers. To assess the ride comfort of the vehicle using the QZS and the HM, a dynamic model of the off-road vibratory roller is built and researched under various interactions of the drum/wheel and off-road terrain. Based on the multi-objective genetic algorithms, the design parameters of the QZS are also optimized to further enhance the vehicle’s ride comfort. The QZS optimized (QZSO)’s efficiency and the ride comfort of the off-road vibratory roller are analyzed based on the indexes of the seat displacement and acceleration; and the cab’s pitching and rolling acceleration. The experimental investigation is then carried out to verify the accuracy of the mathematical model and research result. The investigation result indicates that with the QZSO applied on the seat isolation, the Root-Mean-Square and Power-Spectral-Density of the acceleration responses of the seat and cab are greatly decreased compared to the seat isolation without the QZS in both the time and frequency regions. Particularly, the Root-Mean-Square acceleration of the seat is remarkably decreased by 61.7% when the vehicle is moving and 67.5% when the vehicle is working. Consequently, this research can provide a valuable reference and knowledge for the application of the QZSO on the driver’s seat suspension of off-road vehicles to optimize ride comfort.