bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new spin on single-pixel imaging: spatial light modulation at megahertz switch rates via cyclic Hadamard masks
Authors: Hahamovich Evgeny , Monin Sagi , Hazan Yoav , Rosenthal Amir
Published: March 2021

Optical imaging is commonly performed with either a camera and wide-field illumination or with a single detector and a collimated beam that scans the imaged object. Unfortunately, sources that can be collimated and cameras do not exist at all wavelengths and may not always achieve the specifications required for a given application. Single-pixel imaging (SPI) offers an alternative that requires a single detector and may be performed with wide-field illumination, potentially enabling imaging applications in which both the detection and illumination technologies are immature. However, SPI currently struggles with low imaging rates owing to its reliance on configurable spatial light modulators, whose rates do not generally exceed 22 kHz. In this work, we develop an approach towards rapid SPI which relies on cyclic patterns coded onto a spinning mask and demonstrate it for in vivo imaging of C. elegans worms. Spatial modulation rates of up to 2.4 MHz and imaging rates of up to 72 fps are reported, creating new opportunities for using the SPI paradigm in dynamic imaging scenarios.
Comparison between the human landing catch (HLC), an exposure-free mosquito-electrocuting trap (MET) and a BG-Sentinel trap (BGS) for evaluation of transfluthrin emanator against Aedes aegypti using choice and no-choice tests in a semi-field system
Authors: Tambwe Mgeni Mohamed , Saddler Adam , Kibondo Ummi Abdul , Mashauri Rajabu , Kreppel Katharina S. , Govella Nicodem J. , Moore Sarah J.
Published: March 2021

Background

The human landing catch (HLC) measures human exposure to mosquito bites and evaluates the efficacy of vector control tools. However, it may expose volunteers to potentially infected mosquitoes. The mosquito electrocuting trap (MET) and BG-Sentinel traps (BGS) represent alternative, exposure-free methods for sampling host-seeking mosquitoes. This study investigates whether these methods can be effectively used as alternatives to HLC for measuring the efficacy transfluthrin against Aedes aegypti.
Methods

The protective efficacy (PE) of freestanding passive transfluthrin emanators (FTPEs), measured by HLC, MET and BGS were compared in no-choice and choice tests. The methods were located 2 m from an experimental hut with FTPEs positioned 3 m on either side of them. For the choice experiment, a competitor HLC was included 10 m from the first collection point. One hundred laboratory-reared Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were released and collected for three consecutive hours.
Results

In the no-choice test, each method measured similar PE; HLC: 66% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50–82), MET: 55% (95% CI: 48–63) and BGS: 64% (95% CI: 54–73). The proportion of mosquitoes recaptured was consistent between methods (20–24%) in treatment and varied (47–71%) in the control. However, in choice tests, the PE measured by each method varied; HLC: 37% (95% CI: 25–50%), MET: 76% (95% CI: 61–92) and BGS trap: 0% (95% CI: 0–100). Recaptured mosquitoes were no longer consistent between methods in treatment (2–26%) and remained variable in the control (7–42%). FTPE provided 50% PE to the second HLC 10 m away. In the control, the MET and the BGS were less efficacious in collecting mosquitoes in the presence of a second HLC.
Conclusions

Measurement of the PE in isolation was fairly consistent for HLC, MET and BGS. Because HLC is not advisable, it is reasonable to use MET / BGS as a proxy for HLC for testing VP in areas of active arboviruses endemic areas. The presence of a human host in close proximity invalidated the PE estimates from BGS and METs. Findings also indicated that transfluthrin can protect multiple people in the peridomestic area and that at short-range mosquitoes select humans over the BGS.
Host Habitat Is the Major Determinant of the Gut Microbiome of Fish
Authors: Kim Pil Soo , Shin Na-Ri , Lee Jae-Bong , Kim Min-Soo , Whon Tae Woong , Hyun Dong-Wook , Yun Ji-Hyun , Jung Mi-Ja , Kim Joon Yong , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: March 2021

Background: Our understanding of the gut microbiota of animals is largely based on studies of mammals. To better understand the evolutionary basis of symbiotic relationships between animal hosts and indigenous microbes, it is necessary to investigate the gut microbiota of non-mammalian vertebrate species. In particular, fish have the highest species diversity among groups of vertebrates, with approximately 33,000 species. In this study, we comprehensively characterized gut bacterial communities in fish.Results: We analyzed 227 individual fish representing 14 orders, 42 families, 79 genera, and 85 species. The fish gut microbiota was dominated by Proteobacteria (51.7%) and Firmicutes (13.5%), different from the dominant taxa reported in terrestrial vertebrates (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes). The gut microbial community in fish was more strongly shaped by host habitat than by host taxonomy or trophic level. Using a machine learning approach trained on the microbial community composition or predicted functional profiles, we found that the host habitat exhibited the highest classification accuracy. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the gut bacterial community of fish differs significantly from those of other vertebrate classes (reptiles, birds, and mammals).Conclusions: Collectively, these data provide a reference for future studies of the gut microbiome of aquatic animals as well as insights into the relationship between fish and their gut bacteria, including the key role of host habitat and the distinct compositions in comparison with those of mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Improved Teleconnective Predictability of Monthly Precipitation Amounts Using Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Ghamghami Mahdi , Bazrafshan Javad
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the application of the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to predict monthly precipitation amounts (predictands) by benefitting from 17 large-scale climate indices (predictors) in Iran. Monthly precipitation data, covering the period of 1987–2017, were collected from 100 weather stations across the country. Monthly precipitations were predicted using the multiple linear regression (MLR) models, based on the 1- to 6-month lead times of the original and canonical predictors. The cross-validation was conducted to compare the prediction skills of the two sets of MLR models constructed on the basis of the original predictors (MLOrigPr) and the canonical predictors (MLCCAPr). The analyses revealed the dominant teleconnections and that there are the interannual variations in responses of precipitation to them suggesting that a signal only is not sufficient to achieve a robust understanding of the associations. At the 1-month lead time, the MLR models based on the canonical predictors outperformed those based on the original predictors. However, the skill of both models was reduced by increasing the lead times up to 6 months. Averaging on all stations, around 61.4% and 26.3% of the observed values falls into the 95% prediction intervals of the MLCCAPr and MLOrigPr models, respectively. Furthermore, the MLCCAPr models were found to be more spatially universal than the MLOrigPr ones. These findings corroborated the advantage of using the CCA in improving the teleconnective predictability of precipitation in Iran.
Liquid State Properties and Solidification Features of the Pseudo Binary BaS-La2S3
Authors: Boury Charles , Allanore Antoine
Published: March 2021

The high temperature thermodynamic properties of chalcogenides materials based on BaS remain elusive, and herein the La2S3 pseudo binary system is investigated above 1573 K. The liquid properties of BaS-La2S3 are measured by means of high resolution in-situ visualization coupled with thermal arrest measurements in a thermal imaging furnace. This enables to report for the first observation of such melts in a containerless setting. The melting points of BaS and La2S3 are revisited at 2454 K and 2004 K respectively. La2S3 demonstrates a high stability in its liquid state, in strike difference with the sublimation observed for BaS. BaS is however partially stabilized with the addition of few percents of La2S3.The remarkable chemical and thermal stability of La2S3-rich samples, contrasts with the partial decomposition and high vapor pressure observed for BaS-rich samples. Observations and analysis of the solidified samples suggests three different solid solutions. Solid and liquid densities are investigated along the different compositions, supporting a first estimate of the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient for La2S3.
Mace-like carbon fibers/ZnO nanorods composites derived from Typha orientalis as ultralight and high-performance electromagnetic wave absorber
Authors: Dong Yanyan , Zhu Xiaojie , Pan Fei , Deng Baiwen , Liu Zhicheng , Zhang Xiang , Huang Chuang , Xiang Zhen , Lu Wei
Published: March 2021

Inspired by the nature, biomass-derived carbon attracts many attentions as the electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) material owing to its advantages including abundant, low cost, renewable and environmentally friendly. However, it is difficult to make further breakthrough in effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) due to the impedance mismatch. In this work, mace-like carbon fibers/ZnO nanorods composites (BDCFs@ZnO) derived from Typha orientalis were prepared via a carbonization process and a subsequent hydrothermal process for the first time. The unique hollow structure of BDCFs and the construction of 3D interconnected conductive network led to the strong conduction loss and multiple reflection. The BDCFs sample possesses an excellent EMA performance with an ultralow filling ratio of only 5wt%. After directionally growing of the ZnO nanorods, an exceptional RL of -62.35 dB at 14.12 GHz and the EAB achieves 6.8 GHz at the thickness of 2.29 mm at a filling ratio of 15wt% were revealed. Mace-like ZnO with suitable permittivity effectively avoid the reflection result from direct contraction between EMW and carbon fiber, further improving impedance match. Simultaneously, a dielectric sum-quotient model was proposed to analyze the EMA performance of the samples. This work not only offers an inspiration for the development of dielectric loss-type EMA materials with lightweight and strong EMA performance by a sustainable, low-cost and easily available approach, but also provides an important strategy toward biomass-derived carbon-fiber-based composites in other fields.
Brain Injury Caused by Rifle Bullet Impacting Bulletproof Plate: Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Huang Xingyuan , Hu Xiaoping , Cai Zhihua
Published: March 2021

Background: In wars, when bullets impact the bullet-proof helmet, kinetic energy will be transferred from the skull to brain tissue, resulting in the rapid deformation, stretching, shearing and final destruction of the soft tissue. In recent years, with the continuous upgrading of protective equipment, the penetration ability of bullets into protective equipment has gradually decreased, but the problem of head injuries caused by deformation of the back of the helmet has become increasingly prominent. It is of great significance and value to study the brain trauma caused by the bullet impact of the bullet-proof helmet.Methods: First proceeded the rifle bullet impact physical brain model experiment and the results were used to verify the simulation process of high-speed bullet impact, simulated the bullet hitting brain model from different directions (front, side, rear) and different incident angles (0°, 15°, 30°), then evaluated the craniocerebral injury by analyzing skull stress, intracranial pressure, principal strain, and shear strain.Results: When impact from the rear, the peak intracranial pressure and skull stress increase by 20%-25% compared to the front impact, and the principal strain and shear strain are 1.5-2.2 times than that of the front impact. In the same impact direction, the severity of brain injury will increase with the increase of incident angle. When the incident angle increases from 0° to 15°, the intracranial pressure and skull stress both increase, the principal strain and shear stress increase sharply with 6-7 times.Conclusions: Under different shock conditions, the dynamic response of the brain is sensitive, and the impact position and angle of the bullet have important influences on the brain. It is more likely to be caused injury during rear impact, and as the incident angle increases, the severity of the injury will become more serious.
Genome-Wide Association Study and QTL Mapping Revealed Genetic Loci for Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Chinese Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Shi Chaonan , Geng Junyou , Ren Yan , Zheng Yueting , Liu Chunyi , Hu Huiting , Lv Xialei , Pei He , Chen Feng
Published: March 2021

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) greatly affects wheat yield worldwide and could also downgrade quality. In this study, a total of 406 wheat cultivars were investigated for FHB disease index (DI). Results indicated that the FHB DI of 95% of the tested cultivars showed more than scale 2. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 321 SNPs significantly related to FHB resistance on all chromosomes with 2.71–13.32% phenotypic variance explained (PVE). An important genetic locus gFHB-5A (329,828,930 to 595,372,995 bp) was identified to modulate FHB resistance in two panels, and the incidence of resistant alleles at the gFHB-5A1a locus were increasing with time in the tested cultivars. Two loci of gFHB-2B (9,740,162 to 68,200,954 bp) with PVE values of 2.73–3.57% and gFHB-7A (515,126,041 to 537,557,064 bp) with PVE values of 2.71–7.04% were identified to be significantly associated with FHB resistance. Linkage analysis in a bi-parental population identified the QTL FHB.hau-4D flanked by markers wPt-8836 and wPt-4572 with PVE value of 8.9%. This study identified new genetic loci to control FHB resistance and provided useful information of marker-assist selection in wheat FHB resistance breeding.
The Role of Secondary Cytoreductive Surgery in Primary Platinum-sensitive Recurrent HGSOC Patients With Different BRCA1/2 Mutation Status: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Bu Hualei , Wang Xia , Ma Yana , Peng Jin , Feng Shuai , Fu Mengdi , Chen Jingying , Nie Lekai , Jin Chengjuan , Zhang Youzhong
Published: March 2021

Background: The value of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS) for platinum-sensitive recurrent high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients and the effects of BRCA1/2 mutation status on the value of surgery are inconclusive.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in HGSOC patients with primary platinum-sensitive recurrence who were admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Shanghai General Hospital from January 2015 to August 2019. The DESKTOP Trial Score was used to assess whether patients could be included in the study. Relevant medical records were collected, including age at diagnosed, FIGO stage, germline BRCA1/2 mutations status, platinum-free interphase (PFI), recurrence characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results: A total of 195 HGSOC patients were included in the study, including 80 (41.0%) patients with BRCA1/2 germline mutation (BRCAmut) and 115 (59.0%) patients with germline BRCA1/2 wild-type (BRCAwt). SCS improved FPS in patients undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery, regardless of BRCA1/2 mutation status (BRCAmut, median PFS, 16.3 vs 12.9 months, p = 0.003; BRCAwt, median PFS, 15.3 vs 11.0 months, p = 0.001). There was a significant survival benefit in BRCAwt patients undergoing SCS (median OS, 70.6 vs 52.5 months, p = 0.021), however, compared with chemotherapy alone, SCS in BRCAmut patients did not improve overall survival (median OS, 77.5 vs 76.8 months, p = 0.827).Conclusions: SCS is recommended for platinum-sensitive recurrent HGSOC patients with BRCAwt. BRCA1/2 genetic test for all HGSOC patients is necessary to specify appropriate post-recurrence treatment strategies.
Isolated Left Subclavian Artery, Multiple Ventricular Septal Defects and Pulmonary Hypertension In A Child: A Case Report
Authors: Khalilian Mohammadreza , Hekmat Manouchehr , Sadr Saeed , Tavallai-Zavvareh Abdolhossein , Tahouri Tahmineh
Published: March 2021

solated left subclavian artery is a rare congenital aortic arch anomaly in which the left subclavian artery is connected to the pulmonary artery via a patent Ductus Arteriosus or a remnant of it, instead of the arota. Generally, it is associated with the right aortic arch and other congenital heart defects, mostly tetralogy of Fallot. Isolated left subclavian artery can cause subclavian steal syndrome, pulmonary steal syndrome and size or blood pressure discrepancy between the two upper limbs. We present a 14-months-old infant with isolated left subclavian artery, multiple ventricular septal defects and pulmonary hypertension. To our knowledge, it is a rare anomaly which can influence the surgical planning and outcomes.
Black Carbon Particles Needs Attention in Climate Change Mitigation Policies
Authors: Verma Ram Lal , Ambade Balram
Published: March 2021

Climate change poses enormous challenges to human civilization in food security, water security, and health security. Anthropogenic emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are made responsible for climate change. The climate change mitigation agreements and treaties, from the Kyoto Protocol (1997) to the Paris Agreement (2015), are mainly focusing on emission reduction of GHGs. The Copenhagen Accord (2009) set the target of emission reduction of GHGs to the level of 1990, intending to keep the global warming below 2-degree centigrade (°C) above the temperature level of the pre-industrial era. The Paris Agreement (2015) further pursued efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C by reducing emissions of GHGs to 40 Gigatonne (Gt CO-eq) by 2030. However, assuming the countries will achieve the target of emission reduction of GHGs by 2030, the target of keeping global warming below 1.5°C is unlikely to achieve because the Paris Agreement (2015) has not included emission reduction of black carbon (BC) particles in the intergovernmental negotiation. The BC particles are strong climate warming agents whose climate forcing is more than half of that of carbon dioxide (CO2) – the main GHG. This article argues for the inclusion of BC mitigation measures in the climate change mitigation measures. As BC also causes severe health impacts, BC mitigation will bring multiple co-benefits for health and environment, including a quick fixing of climate change problems in a few weeks, since the residence time of BC in the atmosphere is about a week.
Economics of Great Green Wall: Opportunities for improved targeting and efficiency
Authors: Mirzabaev Alisher , Sacande Moctar , Motlagh Farinaz , Shyrokaya Anastasiya , Martucci Antonio
Published: March 2021

The Sahel region is confronted with a severe problem of land degradation, which is jeopardizing livelihoods and stymieing efforts to eradicate food insecurity. The Great Green Wall programme is a colossal initiative designed to improve communities’ resilience and restore degraded ecosystems by planting locally suitable native trees and grasses. We evaluated the economic costs and benefits of land restoration under this programme. The results show that the average annual costs of land degradation due to land use and land cover changes in the entire Sahel region during 2001–2018 period were equal to 3 billion USD. Every USD invested into land restoration is found to yield from 1.7 USD to 2.9 USD. About 10 years are needed for all land restoration activities to reach positive benefit-cost ratios from the social perspective. The amount of investments needed for land restoration across the Sahel is estimated to be between 18–70 bln USD.
Recruiting people facing social disadvantage: the experience of the Free Meds study
Authors: Norris Pauline , Cousins Kimberly , Cousins Kimberly , Churchward Marianna , Churchward Marianna , Keown Shirley , Keown Shirley , Hudson Mariana , Hudson Mariana , Isno Leina , Pereira Leilani , Klavs Jacques , Tang Lucy Linqing , Roberti Hanne , Smith Alesha
Published: March 2021

Background

Researching access to health services, and ways to improve equity, frequently requires researchers to recruit people facing social disadvantage. Recruitment can be challenging, and there is limited high quality evidence to guide researchers. This paper describes experiences of recruiting 1068 participants facing social disadvantage for a randomised controlled trial of prescription charges, and provides evidence on the advantages and disadvantages of recruitment methods.
Methods

Those living in areas of higher social deprivation, taking medicines for diabetes, taking anti-psychotic medicines, or with COPD were eligible to participate in the study. Several strategies were trialled to meet recruitment targets. We initially attempted to recruit participants in person, and then switched to a phone-based system, eventually utilising a market research company to deal with incoming calls. We used a range of strategies to publicise the study, including pamphlets in pharmacies and medical centres, media (especially local newspapers) and social media.
Results

Enrolling people on the phone was cheaper on average than recruiting in person, but as we refined our approach over time, the cost of the latter dropped significantly. In person recruitment had many advantages, such as enhancing our understanding of potential participants’ concerns. Forty-nine percent of our participants are Māori, which we attribute to having Māori researchers on the team, recruiting in areas of high Māori population, team members’ existing links with Māori health providers, and engaging and working with Māori providers.
Conclusions

Recruiting people facing social disadvantage requires careful planning and flexible recruitment strategies. Support from organisations trusted by potential participants is essential.
Registration:

The Free Meds study is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001486213).
A study of structural, optical and ferromagnetic properties of sol-gel derived Cr and Fe co-doped CeO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Shenghong , Zhang Yueli
Published: March 2021

The Cr and Fe co-doped CeO2 nanoparticles (Ce0.98−xCrxFe0.02O2: where x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) were prepared by sol-gel method. Effects of additional Cr dopant on structural, optical and magnetic properties of Fe doped CeO2 nanoparticles have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption spectra, Raman spectroscopy (Raman) and physical property measurement system (PPMS). XRD and Raman studied showed that all samples are single-phase of CeO2 original cubic fluorite crystal structure, Cr can readily be incorporated into the lattice of Fe doped CeO2 and no ferromagnetic secondary phase was found. With the increase of Cr doping concentration, the grain size and crystal quality decreases. The values of optical bandgap energy extracted from the absorption coefficient increase with the increase of Cr doping concentration. The PPMS studied show hysteresis phenomenon, which indicates that the samples have ferromagnetic properties at 300 K. With the increase of Cr content, the saturation magnetization increase obviously. Based on the results of XRD and Raman, it can be concluded that the ferromagnetism is the intrinsic property of the sample.
Causes of Altered Ventricular Mechanics in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy—an In-Silico Study
Authors: Kovacheva Ekaterina , Gerach Tobias , Schuler Steffen , Ochs Marco , Dössel Olaf , Loewe Axel
Published: March 2021

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common heart disease causing alteration in the mechanical behaviour of the left ventricle (LV). Decreased myocardial velocities, reduced strain and strain rates have been reported clinically. These alterations result from underlying pathological mechanisms in the tissue: increased wall thickness, altered active and passive force development and/or fiber disarray, which are cumbersome to measure clinically. With a numerical study, we aim to answer: how the variability in each of these mechanisms contributes to altered mechanics of the LV and if the deformation obtained in in-silico experiments is comparable to values reported from clinical measurements. Results: We conducted an in-silico sensitivity study on physiological and pathological mechanisms potentially underlying the clinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype. Deformation and mechanical behaviour of whole heart models was evaluated globally and regionally. Hypertrophy of the LV affected the course of strain, strain rate and wall thickening—the root mean squared difference of the wall thickening between control (mean thickness 10 mm) and hypertrophic geometries (17 mm) was >10 %. A reduction of active force development by 40 % led to less overall deformation: maximal radial strain reduced from 26 % to 21 %. A five-fold increase in tissue stiffness caused a more homogeneous distribution of the strain values among the 17 AHA segments. Fiber disarray led to minor changes in the circumferential and radial strain. A combination of pathological mechanisms led to reduced and slower deformation of the LV and halved the longitudinal shortening of the left atria. Conclusions: This study uses a computer model to determine the changes in LV deformation caused by pathological mechanisms that are presumed to underlay hypertrophic cardiomybopathy. This knowledge can complement imaging-derived information to obtain a more accurate diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Visible and real sizes of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine
Authors: Nesteruk Igor
Published: March 2021

To simulate how the number of COVID-19 cases increases versus time, various data sets and different mathematical models can be used. In particular, previous simulations of the COVID-19 epidemic dynamics in Ukraine were based on smoothing of the dependence of the number of cases on time and the generalized SIR (susceptible-infected-removed) model. Since real number of cases is much higher than the official numbers of laboratory confirmed ones, there is a need to assess the degree of data incompleteness and correct the relevant forecasts. We have improved the method of estimating the unknown parameters of the generalized SIR model and calculated the optimal values ​​of the parameters. It turned out that the real number of diseases exceeded the officially registered values ​​by about 4.1 times at the end of 2020 in Ukraine. This fact requires a reassessment of the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in other countries and clarification of world forecasts.
Itaconic acid-modified layered double hydroxide as a ‎novel adsorbent for effective removal of Congo red from aqueous solutions
Authors: Dinari Mohammad , Shabani Shirin
Published: March 2021

Herein, we report the synthesis of Cu-Ca-Al/NO3-based layered double hydroxide through co-precipitation methodology. The prepared layered double hydroxide was then modified with itaconic acid. The physicochemical properties of the prepared materials were studied using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption technique. The prepared materials were then applied as novel adsorbents for the removal of Congo red as a model of an anionic dye from aqueous media. To reach maximum adsorption, the effect of parameters including sample solution pH, adsorbent amount, contact time, and initial concentration of Congo red on the adsorption process was investigated. Kinetic studies were also conducted to study the mechanism of adsorption. In this regard, the kinetic models of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intra-particle diffusion were studied. The results showed that the adsorption of Congo red onto Cu-Ca-Al-LDH and LDH-ITA adsorbents followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. To evaluate the equilibrium adsorption data, different isotherms including Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich were also applied. The data revealed that the Freundlich isotherm provided the best fit with the equilibrium data of both adsorbents. Maximum adsorption capacities of 81 and 84 mg g− 1 were obtained using Cu-Ca-Al-LDH and LDH-ITA adsorbents, respectively.
Temporal and geographic analysis of human trichinellosis incidence in Chile with risk assessment
Authors: Landaeta-Aqueveque Carlos , Ayala Salvador , Poblete-Toledo Denis , Canals Mauricio
Published: March 2021

Trichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by several Trichinella species around the world. In Chile, the domestic cycle was fairly well-studied in previous decades, but has been neglected in recent years. The aims of this study were to analyze, geographically, the incidence of trichinellosis in Chile to assess the relative risk, as well as to analyze the temporal fluctuation in the incidence rates in the last decades. Using temporal data spanning 1964–2019, as well as geographical data from 2010–2019, the time series of cases was analyzed with ARIMA models to explore trends and periodicity. The Dickey–Fuller test was used to study trends, and the Portmanteau test was used to study white noise in the model residuals. The Besag–York–Mollie (BYM) model was used to create Bayesian maps of the level of risk relative to that expected by the overall population. The association of the relative risk with the number of farmed swine was assessed with Spearman’s correlation. The number of annual cases varied between 5 and 220 (mean: 65.13); the annual rate of reported cases varied between 0.03 and 1.9 cases per 105 inhabitants (mean: 0.53). The cases of trichinellosis in Chile showed a downward trend that has become more evident since the 1980s. No periodicities were detected via the autocorrelation function. Communes (the smallest geographical administrative subdivision) with high incidence rates and high relative risk were mostly observed in the Araucanía region. The relative risk of the commune was significantly associated with the number of farmed pigs and boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758). The results allowed us to state that trichinellosis is not an (re)emerging disease in Chile, but local conditions must be further studied to identify the factors favoring the presence of outbreaks in some communes, particularly in Araucanía.
Cluster Weighted Model Based on TSNE Algorithm for High-Dimensional Data
Authors: Olobatuyi Kehinde
Published: March 2021

Similar to many Machine Learning models, both accuracy and speed of the Cluster weighted models (CWMs) can be hampered by high-dimensional data, leading to previous works on a parsimonious technique to reduce the effect of ”Curse of dimensionality” on mixture models. In this work, we review the background study of the cluster weighted models (CWMs). We further show that parsimonious technique is not sufficient for mixture models to thrive in the presence of huge high-dimensional data. We discuss a heuristic for detecting the hidden components by choosing the initial values of location parameters using the default values in the ”FlexCWM” R package. We introduce a dimensionality reduction technique called T-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (TSNE) to enhance the parsimonious CWMs in high-dimensional space. Originally, CWMs are suited for regression but for classification purposes, all multi-class variables are transformed logarithmically with some noise. The parameters of the model are obtained via expectation maximization algorithm. The effectiveness of the discussed technique is demonstrated using real data sets from different fields.
Assessing the impact of front grid metallization pattern on the performance of silicon solar cells
Authors: Siraj Saba , Tahir Sofia Akbar , Ali Adnan
Published: March 2021

The aim of this research work was to assess the impact of front and rear grid metallization pattern on the performance of silicon solar cells. We have investigated the effect of front grid metallization design and geometry on the open-circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF) and efficiency (ŋ) of silicon solar cells by using Griddler 2.5 simulation program. We used different number of metal fingers ranging from 80–120 having width of 60 µm and different number of busbars ranging from 1–5 busbars on the front and rear side of solar cells for optimization. We have also calculated the efficiency and fill factor at different values of front contact resistance ranging from (0.1–100) mohm-cm2, front and rare layer sheet resistances ranging from (60–110) ohm/sq and different edge gaps. We found that the maximum efficiency and fill factor was obtained with those parameters, when front and rare contact resistances were taken as same. We have designed an optimized silicon solar cell with 115 number of fingers, 4 busbars, front and rare contact resistance of 0.1 mohm-cm2 and front and rare layer sheet resistance of 60 ohm/sq. In this way we were able to successfully optimize the silicon solar cell having efficiency and fill factor of 19.49 % and 81.36 % respectively, for our best optimized silicon solar cell.
The early book herbaria of Leonhard Rauwolf (S. France and N. Italy, 1560–1563): new light on a plant collection from the ‘golden age of botany’
Authors: Stefanaki Anastasia , Walter Tilmann , Porck Henk , Bertin Alice , Andel Tinde van
Published: March 2021

The 16th century was a golden age for botany, a time when numerous naturalists devoted themselves to the study and documentation of plant diversity. A prominent figure among them was the German physician, botanist, and traveler Leonhard Rauwolf (1535?–1596), famous for his luxurious book herbarium containing plants from the Near East. Here we focus on the less studied, early book herbaria of Rauwolf. These form a three-volume plant collection bound in leather and gold, which contains over 600 plants that Rauwolf collected between 1560 and 1563 in S. France and N. Italy when he was a student of medicine. We show the botanical value of Rauwolf’s early book herbaria, exemplified by two exotic American specimens, namely one of the oldest surviving specimens of tobacco (Nicotiana rustica), collected in Italy, and the oldest known French record of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). We discuss Rauwolf’s professional botanical network during his student years and suggest that the famous Swiss botanist Johann Bauhin (1541–1613), friend and companion of Rauwolf during his field excursions and their medical studies in Montpellier, has played a significant role in the compilation of this precious historical plant collection. We also reconstruct the story of the compilation of the book herbaria, as evidenced through observations of paper watermarks and written texts in the book volumes and show that all four book herbaria of Rauwolf were probably bound between 1577 and 1582.
WHO Grade III Anaplastic Astrocytoma In A 72 Years Old Male-A Case Report
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Ruxmohan Samir , Gupta Sneha , Hange Namratah , Mukherjee Dattatreya
Published: March 2021

Glioma is a common type of tumor that originates in the glial cell in brain and is devastating in nature. It can affect all age groups but is more common in adults and has been found more in males than in females with a ratio of 1.3/1. Despite the aggressive treatment it relapsed and can cause mortality because of its infiltrative nature. This WHO type III Anaplastic Astrocytoma is more common in 40-50 years old with a median of 41 years. Here, we report a new case of Glioma occurring in a 72 year old male, who presented with a right sided headache, forgetful, worsening memory, behavioral problem along with increased agitation and irritability. MRI Brain WO/W revealed a mass in the left thalamus and basal ganglia region with a thick rim of peripheral enhancement. Diagnosis of Anaplastic Astrocytoma (WHO Grade III) was confirmed by histology and immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor.Conclusion:It is a case of Left sided WHO GRADE III Anaplastic astrocytoma which is rare in this age group of 72 years. The patient was managed with gamma knife radiosurgery, chemotherapy with Temozolomide (TMZ), and targeted molecular therapy with Bevacizumab. The patient improved with remission of symptoms.
Clinical significance of detecting organ-specificsensitization in patients with long-term chronic posttraumatic uveitis
Authors: Balatskaya N. V. , Filatova I. A. , Zakharova G. P. , Kulikova I. G. , Denisyuk V. O. , Mohammad I. M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: to assess the clinical significance of detecting organ-specific sensitization in chronic posttraumatic uveitis (CPTU) based on a comparative analysis of data from the leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) and histological examination.

Materials and methods. We examined 54 patients aged 17-82 with CPTU who underwent surgical removal of the eyeball (by enucleation/evisceration). To detect organ-specific sensitization, the LMIT in whole blood with extracts of corneal, lens, and uvearetinal tissue antigens was used. The eyes were subjected to histological examination after removal.

Results. A positive response in LMIT was detected in 35.2 % of patients with CPTU. Pathomorphological signs of immune inflammation were found in 55.5 % of cases (30 eyes). In 23 eyes (42.6 %), the morphological picture was characterized by atrophic, fibrous and dystrophic changes in tissues. Based on the data from a comparative analysis of LMIT results and histological studies, we showed that in 16 cases out of 30 (53.3 %), morphologically confirmed immune inflammation was accompanied by sensitization to antigens of eye shells.

Conclusions. In half of the cases, a productive inflammation, detected in CPTU during histological examination, was associated with the development of specific sensitization to eye tissue antigens. This result is important and should be considered when choosing how the patient should be managed, including targeted diagnostics and immunotropic therapy. The negative organ-specific response of LMIT in patients with chronic CPTU and intraocular inflammation confirmed by pathomorphological signs suggests a possible involvement of additional mechanisms of the inflammatory process, which requires further research.
Survival of retinoblastoma patients: a cohort study by two Russian medical centers
Authors: Saakyan S. V. , Ivanova O. A. , Tadevosyan S. S. , Tsygankov A. Yu. , Olkhova L. V. , Ushakova T. L. , Polyakov V. G.
Published: March 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the overall, disease-specific, event-free, relapse-free survival of retinoblastoma (RB) patients and cumulative probability of eye survival in such patients.

Material and methods. The study included 223 children with RB (126 male, 97 female). Monolateral disease was diagnosed in 69.1 % of cases (n = 154), bilateral disease in 30.9 % (n = 69). The median follow-up was 40 months (interquartile range from 27 to 53 months). According to ABC classification, group A was diagnosed in 16 of 292 eyes (5.5 %), group B — in 53 (18.2 %), group C — in 41 (14.0 %), group D — 58 (19.9 %), and group E — in 124 (42.5 %). Group E was detected twice as often in patients with unilateral RB as in bilateral RB (56.5 % versus 26.8 %; p < 0.01). Stage T1 according to TNM classification was diagnosed in 69 cases (23.6 %), stage T2-T3 — in 213 cases (72.9 %). The extraocular form (stage T4) was detected in 3.4 % of cases (n = 10).

Results. The overall five-year survival of patients treated for RB (n = 223) was 96.4 ± 1.4 %. The 5-year disease- specific survival (n = 222) was 96.8 ± 1.3 % in the general cohort, 96.5 ± 1.5 % in the group of children with monocular RB, 97.3 ± 2.7 % for binocular RB. Five-year event-free survival rate of children who received treatment (n = 223) was 66.7 ± 3.6 %, with monolateral lesion (n = 154) — 74.1 ± 4.2 %, with bilateral lesion — 50.6 ± 6.2 % (n = 69). Five-year relapse-free survival took place in 83.3 ± 3.1 %, with monolateral RB — 87.8 ± 3.3 %, with bilateral RB — 73.3 ± 6.4 %. Primary enucleation was performed in 121 of the 223 children treated for RB and included in the study. The frequency of primary enucleation with monocular RB was more than twice as high (55.2 %; 85 of 154 eyes) as with binocular RB (26.1 %; 36 of 138 eyes; p < 0.01). Organ-preserving treatment was carried out in 138 cases (171 eyes). It was effective in 123 (89.2 %) children (152 eyes; 88.9 %). 5-year ocular survival was 85.7 ± 3.7 %, with monolateral RB — 78.2 ± 6.6 %, with bilateral RB — 92.2 ± 2.8 %. Ocular survival counted separately for groups A, B, C, D, equaled 100 %, 100%, 76.6 ± 6.9 %, and 71.1 ± 11.9 %, respectively. The five-year disease-specific survival rate of children with monocular lesion given eye-preserving treatment was 100%, significantly higher than after primary enucleation — 93.4 ± 2.9 %.

Conclusions. Modern combined retinoblastoma treatment is able to save the sick children’s lifes and and even their eyes and visual functions, which improves social adaptation and quality of life. It has been shown that, with a binocular form, it is possible to save more eyes than with a monocular form. Eye-preserving treatment administered to patients with intraocular RB under strictly observed criteria does not heighten the risk of metastasis. Yet timely enucleation in cases of absolute indications remains the method of choice in saving the life of a child.
Carbon Emission Disclosure Ditinjau dari Nilai Perusahaan, Leverage dan Media Exposure
Authors:   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta, Jl. RS. Fatmawati Raya, Pd. Labu, Kec. Cilandak, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 12450, Ayu Laksani Syahida , Andesto Ronny ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta, Jl. RS. Fatmawati Raya, Pd. Labu, Kec. Cilandak, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 12450, Kirana Dwi Jaya ,   Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta, Jl. RS. Fatmawati Raya, Pd. Labu, Kec. Cilandak, Kota Depok, Jawa Barat 12450
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengetahui faktor perusahaan melakukan pengungkapan informasi sukarela emisi karbonnya ditinjau dari nilai perusahaan, leverage, dan media exposure. Sampel penelitian datang dari perusahaan sektor non keuangan yang listing sahamnya di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama periode 2015-2018. Metode purposive sampling digunakan untuk pemilihan sehingga terkumpul sebanyak 23 perusahaan. Uji hipotesis menggunakan SPSS 25 dan dengan model analisis regresi linear berganda. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa nilai perusahaan dan media exposure tidak memiliki pengaruh pada pengungkapan emisi karbon perusahaan. Sedangkan leverage terbukti berpengaruh negatif pada pengungkapan emisi karbon, dimana perusahaan dengan leverage yang tinggi akan lebih cenderung tidak mengungkapkan pengungkapan informasi emisi karbonnya.
Efektivitas Praktikum Mandiri Akuntansi Perusahaan Dagang Berbasis Youtube Selama Covid-19
Authors:   Politeknik Negeri Ambon, Jl. Ir. M. Putuhena, Rumah Tiga, Tlk. Ambon, Kota Ambon, Maluku, Ardiansyah Ardiansyah
Published: March 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis efektivitas praktikum mandiri yang dilakukan oleh mahasiswa secara online melalui media video YouTube yang dibuat oleh peneliti pada saat covid-19. Jenis penelitian ini kualitatif dengan metode pengumpulan data kuesioner. Subjek penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa D4ABT/2B dan D4ABT/2C Prodi D IV Administrasi Bisnis Terapan, Jurusan Administrasi Niaga, Politeknik Negeri Ambon. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa video praktikum berbasis YouTube yang dikembangkan peneliti mendapatkan respon yang baik dari mahasiswa dan efektif sebagai media praktikum secara online. Temuan penelitian ini memberikan insight untuk pendidikan akuntansi terutama dosen akuntansi untuk membuat video tutorial praktikum yang diunggah melalui YouTube meskipun perkuliahan nantinya dilakukan secara tatap muka pasca covid-19 sehingga mahasiswa dapat dengan mudah mempelajari kembali kegiatan praktikum yang telah dilakukan.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages as Potential Targets for Anti-Cancer Activity of Marine Invertebrate-Derived Compounds
Authors: Dolmatova Lyudmila S. , Dolmatov Igor Y.
Published: March 2021

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are M2 phenotype dominant and promote tumor growth and
metastasis. The new cancer treatment strategy includes TAM targeting and is aimed primarily at reprogramming
TAMs toward the M1 phenotype or reducing the number and activity of M2 macrophages. Several marine
invertebrate-derived drugs, combining efficacy and a low level of side effects, were approved for use in the cancer
therapy. The mechanisms of action of some of them include TAM targeting. The review includes data showing
immunomodulatory properties of these already approved anticancer drugs and drug candidates in clinical development
which additionally incorporate data from screening studies of new substances from marine invertebrates.
Based on screening data, the most promising marine compounds for cancer immunotherapy are supposed.
Research Progress on Microreactor Technology in Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhu Mengjing , Xiang Fuwei , Li Junfeng , Yang Hongjun , Mao Zhipeng
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the development of the chemical industry has been moving in a
green, safe and efficient direction. Oxidation reactions are one of the most important types of
reactions and have key applications in food, medicine, cosmetics, and petrochemicals. However,
the occurrence of the oxidation reaction is accompanied by a strong exothermic phenomenon,
and improper control can easily lead to safety problems and even explosions. The
realization of an environmentally friendly oxidation reaction is a key industrial milestone.
The unique structural characteristics of microreactors result in good mass and heat transfer
performance, precise control of the reaction temperature, reduced risk of explosion, improved
safety production and selectivity of products. These unique advantages of the microreactor
determine its significant application value in oxidation reactions. In this paper, the research
progress of several typical oxidation reactions, including alkane oxidation, alcohol oxidation,
aldosterone oxidation, aromatics oxidation and olefin oxidation combined with microreactors,
is reviewed systematically.
Investigating the Mechanism of Action of Frankincense against Drug- Induced Liver Injury Using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Liao Yu-cheng , Wang Jing-wen , Yang Qian , Wang Wen-jun , Zhao Chao , Sun Lian , Wen Ai-dong , Li Rui-li , Ding Yi
Published: March 2021

Background:

Frankincense has been used as a traditional medicine in many countries.
It is an important herb with multiple targets and therapeutic effects, including liver protection.
However, its mechanism of action in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains unknown.

Objective:

The purpose of this work was to elucidate the active components, core genes, and
molecular mechanism of frankincense in DILI through network pharmacology and molecular
docking approaches.

Methods:

The active components of frankincense and its target genes were obtained from the
BATMAN-TCM database, and the DILI target genes were obtained from the GeneCards and Drug-
Bank databases. Cytoscape was used to create the compound-shared gene target network. STRING
and DAVID software were used to analyze key targets and pathway enrichment. Autodock Vina
software was used for molecular docking.

Results:

Network analysis identified 16 compounds in frankincense and 103 target genes highly
related to DILI. The core genes in the protein-protein interaction network are INS, IL6, TP53, TNF,
SRC, PTGS2, IL1B, CAT, IL10, and IGF1. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses
indicated that the effect of frankincense on DILI is related to positive regulation of transcription
from RNA polymerase II promoter and inflammatory response. Core pathways such as the HIF-1,
TNF, FoxO, PI3K-Akt, and the sphingolipid signaling pathway are closely related to DILI.

Conclusion:

This study revealed the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of frankincense
and unveiled potential DILI healing targets. This study could provide insights for further
development of drugs that specifically target DILI.