bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bartonella Species as a Cause of Culture-negative Endocarditis in South Africa&nbsp;
Authors: Pecoraro Alfonso , Herbst Philip , Pienaar Colette , Taljaard Jantjie , Prozesky Hans , Janson Jacques , Doubell Anton 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous reports have highlighted the high prevalence of blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) in South Africa.Methods: The Tygerberg Endocarditis cohort (TEC) study is a prospective cohort study of patients with confirmed or suspected IE presenting to Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Results: To date, 44 patients have been included in this ongoing study. Fourteen of the 44 patients (31.8%) had BCNE. Further analysis of the patients with BCNE identified Bartonella species as the most common causative organism (n=6; 43%). Other causes included Mycoplasma species (n=2), C. burnetii (n=1), and non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis due to anti-phospholipid syndrome (n=1). No cause could be identified in 4 of the 44 patients (9%). Bartonella quintana was identified with PCR of valvular tissue as the causative organism in 4 of the 5 patients that underwent urgent surgery. The patients with Bartonella IE (n=6) had an average age of 39 years with equal gender distribution The common clinical features were clubbing (n=5; 83%), anemia (n=4; 66.6%), haematuria (n=3; 50%), acute on chronic severe valvular lesion (n=3; 50%) and acute severe valvular lesion (n=2; 33.3%). The aortic valve was involved in 5 of 6 patients. During a mean follow-up period of 251 days after diagnosis, no major adverse events occurred.Conclusion: Bartonella IE is an important cause of BCNE in the Western Cape of South Africa. Imaging findings of significant valvular destruction with large vegetations on the aortic valve not affected by pre-existing congenital or rheumatic valve disease, should raise the suspicion of Bartonella IE.
Classification of Transfer Modes in Gas Metal Arc Welding Using Acoustic Signal Analysis
Authors: Cullen Mitchell , Zhao Sipei , Ji Jinchen , Qiu Xiaojun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is a welding process in which an electric arc is formed between a wire electrode and a metal work piece alongside a shielding gas to protect the arc from contaminants. There are several ways in which the molten electrode droplet can be transferred to the weld pool known as metal transfer modes. Identifying the metal transfer mode automatically is essential to monitor and control the welding process, especially in automated processes employed in modern Industry 4.0 manufacturing lines. However, limited research on this topic has been found in literature. This paper explores automatic classification of metal transfer modes in GMAW based on machine learning techniques with various signals from the welding process, including acoustics, current, voltage, and gas flow rate signals. Time and frequency domain features are first extracted from these signals and are used in a support vector machine classifier to detect the metal transfer modes. A feature selection algorithm is proposed to improve the prediction rate from 80% to 99% when all the four signals are utilized. When only the non-intrusive acoustic signal is used, the prediction rates with and without the proposed feature selection algorithm are approximately 96% and 81%, respectively. The high prediction rate demonstrates the feasibility and promising accuracy of the acoustic signal based classification method for future smart welding technology with real-time adaptive feedback control of the welding process.
Adoption of ICT in Learning: Perceptions from Technical College Students in Malawi
Authors: Msowoya Tumbikani Manjawira , Munthali George N. Chidimbah , Xuelian Wu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: There has been a growing interest to use Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the field of education. Most countries have made strides to adopt the use of ICT in teaching and learning. A lot of studies have been made to find out about attitudes of stakeholders in education on adopting the use of ICT. Aim: Considering that Malawi has recently been promoting the skills and vocational trades, this study was aimed at finding out how students in the technical and vocational colleges perceive the use of ICT in learning. Methods: A quantitative research study was undertaken among 208 students using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and analyses of variance were used to analyze the results using IBM SPSS version 23 Software. Findings: The study revealed that most students use ICT for recreational purposes than pedagogical. It was also revealed that there are no differences in perceptions of using ICT in learning between male and female students, although differences were noted between students coming from different locations. Recommendation: We recommend the use of ICT in technical and vocational college as the world is changing in the manner the business is being transacted as witnessed with the impact of COVID-19. Further we recommend authorities to put more attention in the development of ICT learning resources as it has the power to drive the economy in all sectors.
The Effect of Marketing Investment on Firm Value and Systematic Risk
Authors: Mousa Musaab , Nosratabadi Saeed , Sagi Judit , Mosavi Amir 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Analyzing the financial benefit of marketing is still a critical topic for both practitioners and researchers. Companies consider marketing costs as a type of investment and expect this investment to be returned to the company in the form of profit. On the other hand, companies adopt different innovative strategies to increase their value. Therefore, this study aims to test the impact of marketing investment on firm value and systematic risk. To do so, data related to four Arabic emerging markets during the period 2010–2019 are considered, and firm share price and beta share are considered to measure firm value and systematic risk, respectively. Since a firm’s ownership concentration is a determinant factor in firm value and systematic risk, this variable is considered a moderated variable in the relationship between marketing investment and firm value and systematic risk. The findings of the study, using panel data regression, indicate that increasing investment in marketing has a positive effect on the firm value valuation model. It is also found that the ownership concentration variable has a reinforcing role in the relationship between marketing investment and firm value. It is also disclosed that it moderates the systematic risk aligned with the monitoring impact of controlling shareholders. This study provides a logical combination of governance–marketing dimensions to interpret performance indicators in the capital market.
Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles by Marine Streptomyces MHM38 and their Preventive Efficacy Against Paracetamol-Inducing Hepatic Damage of Albino Rats
Authors: Hamed Moaz , Gazwi Hanaa S.S. , Youssif Asmaa M. , Bukhari Sara I. , Al-Agamy Mohamed H. , Radwan Hesham H. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Growth of D614G Virus : Morgan – Morgan – Finney&nbsp;( MMF ) Regression&nbsp;
Authors: DATTA JAYDIP 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In our earlier work [ 1 , ] a correlation was established between Infection fatality rate ( IFR ) vs age of the patient by logistic or sigmoid regression model . The regression model shows a more probable IFR with a sigmoid rise after 46 yrs and becoming most significant after 70 yrs and above. In the present study the frequency of infected patient by ‘ G ‘ type of mutants of SARS-COV-2 with time from Jan, 2020 to June, 2020 for 6.5 months duration of experimental study. The best fit analysis is compared to Morgan – Morgan – Finney ( MMF ) model ( 3,4 ) statistics and Polynomial regression model. Both the above model correlates a significant result with Pearson coefficient ( r ), Probability ( p-value ). The RBD of D614G( 10 ) interaction with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-II ( ACE2) of host cell can be also correlated to another new spike mutant like N501Y ( 11) through Pearson coefficient ( r ) with p-value of significance.
Volatile compounds as potential bio-fumigants against plant-parasitic nematodes – a mini review
Authors: Bui Hung Xuan , Desaeger Johan A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Soil fumigation remains the standard practice to manage soilborne pathogens such as plant-parasitic nematodes, bacteria, and fungi, especially in high-value crops. However, increasing regulatory pressure due to the inherent and broad-spectrum toxicity and negative environmental impact of chemical soil fumigants, its negative effect on overall soil health, and increasing demand for organic produce, has created a growing interest in biological fumigants. Many plants and microorganisms emit volatile compounds, which can potentially be used as bio-fumigants. In this mini-review, we summarize the current status of nematology studies focused on the development of volatile compounds emitted from plants and microorganisms as fumigants to control plant-parasitic nematodes. The gap of knowledge and challenges of studying volatile compounds are also addressed.
Renin-Angiotensin System in Central Nervous System Diseases and its Interaction with COVID-19
Authors: Lanza Katharina , Dias Raphael , dos Santos Oliveira Rafaela Martins , Belotto Luís , Miranda Aline Silva , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina 
Published: February 2021

Background:
The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) comprises a complex
molecular cascade with two counter-regulatory axes, the classical and the alternative. Angiotensin
II and Angiotensin-(1-7), the main peptides of the RAS, exert opposite effects
in multiple organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and immune
systems. Strong evidence supports the hypothesis of a local RAS in the Central
Nervous System (CNS) and its modulatory roles in neuroendocrinology and neurotransmission.

Objective:
In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive approach to experimental
and clinical data regarding RAS molecule expression and their possible roles in the
physiology and physiopathology of CNS diseases.

Methods:
This non-systematic review summarizes evidence on RAS implications in
CNS diseases and their possible relationships with COVID-19.

Results:
We divided the possible RAS mechanisms in distinct conditions during the lifespan,
approaching from congenital infections to neurodegenerative alterations, passing
through mood disorders and cerebrovascular diseases. We also gathered current evidence
about the possible effects of RAS in Covid-19, particularly in cases with neurological
manifestations.

Conclusion:
Although there are limitations and controversies, the analysis of RAS mechanisms
in the CNS certainly represents an interesting field of research. However, further
investigation is necessary to support the noteworthy interactions and provide a better
comprehension of the cross-talk between RAS and the CNS. Investigations in this research
field may shed light on the novel therapeutic targets.
Resveratrol and Cardiac Fibrosis Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Zivarpour Parinaz , Reiner Željko , Hallajzadeh Jamal , Mirsafaei Liaosadat 
Published: February 2021

Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases are some of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developed or developing countries but in developed countries as well. Cardiac fibrosis is one of the most often pathological changes of heart tissues. It occurs as a result of extracellular matrix proteins accumulation at myocardia. Cardiac fibrosis results in impaired cardiac systolic and diastolic functions and is associated with other effects. Therapies with medicines have not been sufficiently successful in treating chronic diseases such as CVD. Therefore, the interest for therapeutic potential of natural compounds and medicinal plants has increased. Plants such as grapes, berries and peanuts contain a polyphenolic compound called "resveratrol" which has been reported to have various therapeutic properties for a variety of diseases. Studies on laboratory models that show that resveratrol has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, high blood pressure cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, cardiac fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. In vitro animal models using resveratrol indicated protective effects on the heart by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, preventing inflammation, increasing neoangiogenesis, dilating blood vessels, suppressing apoptosis and delaying atherosclerosis. In this review, we are presenting experimental and clinical results of studies concerning resveratrol effects on cardiac fibrosis as a CVD outcome in humans.
Effective Classification of Melting Curve in Real-time PCR Based on Dynamic Filter-based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Gai Di , Shen Xuanjing , Chen Haipeng 
Published: February 2021

Background:
The effective classification of the melting curve is conducive to measure the specificity of the amplified products and the influence of invalid data on subsequent experiments is excluded.

Objective:
In this paper, a convolutional neural network (CNN) classification model based on dynamic filter is proposed, which can categorize the number of peaks in the melting curve image and distinguish the pollution data represented by the noise peaks.

Methods:
The main advantage of the proposed model is that it adopts the filter which changes with the
input and uses the dynamic filter to capture more information in the image, making the network learning
more accurate. In addition, the residual module is used to extract the characteristics of the melting
curve, and the pooling operation is replaced with an atrous convolution to prevent the loss of context information.

Result:
In order to train the proposed model, a novel melting curve dataset is created, which includes a
balanced dataset and an unbalanced dataset. The proposed method uses six classification-based assessment
criteria to compare with seven representative methods based on deep learning. Experimental results
show that the proposed method not only markedly outperforms the other state-of-the-art methods
in accuracy, but also has much less running time.

Conclusion:
It evidently proves that the proposed method is suitable for judging the specificity of amplification
products according to the melting curve. Simultaneously, it overcomes the difficulties of
manual selection with low efficiency and artificial bias.
Dioclea Altissima Seed Lectin (DAL) Prevents Anxiety-like Behavioral Responses
in Adult Zebrafish (Danio Rerio): Involvement of GABAergic and
5-HT Systems
Authors: Araújo João Ronielly Campêlo , Campos Adriana Rolim , Ferreira Maria Kueirislene Amâncio , Santos Sacha Aubrey Alves Rodrigues , de Barros Mamede Vidal Damasceno Marina , Magalhães Francisco Ernani Alves , de Azevedo Moreira Renato , de Oliveira Monteiro-Moreira Ana Cristina 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Plant lectins have shown promising neuropharmacological activities in animal
models.

Objective:
This study evaluated the effect of Dioclea altissima seed lectin (DAL) on adult zebrafish
behavior.

Method:
Zebrafish (n=6/group) were treated (i.p.; 20 μL) with DAL (0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/mL),
vehicle or diazepam (DZP) and submitted to several tests (open field, light/dark preference or novel
tank). Flumazenil, pizotifen or granisetron were administered 15 min before DAL (0.05 mg/mL),
and the animals were evaluated on light/dark preference test. It was also verified whether the DAL
effect depended on its structural integrity and ability to interact with carbohydrates.

Results:
DAL decreased the locomotor activity of adult zebrafish (0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/mL), increased
the time spent in the upper region of the aquarium (0.025 mg/mL), and decreased the latency
time of adult zebrafish to enter the upper region on the novel tank test. DAL (0.05 mg/mL) also
increased their permanence in the light zone of the light/dark preference test. The effect of DAL
was dependent on carbohydrate interaction and protein structure integrity and was prevented by pizotifen,
granizetron and flumazenil.

Conclusion:
DAL was found to have an anxiolytic-like effect mediated by the 5-HT and GABAergic
receptors.
Role of Calcium Homeostasis in Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Authors: Ludhiadch Abhilash , Sharma Rashmi , Muriki Aishwarya , Munshi Anjana 
Published: February 2021

:
Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. It occurs due to the insufficient
supply of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. It is a complex disease with multiple associated risk
factors, including smoking, alcoholism, age, sex, ethnicity, etc. Calcium ions are known to play a
vital role in cell death pathways, which is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger during and immediately
after an ischemic period. Disruption in normal calcium homeostasis is known to be a major
initiator and activator of the ischemic cell death pathway. Under ischemic stroke conditions, glutamate
is released from the neurons and glia, which further activates the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
receptor and triggers the rapid translocation of Ca2+ from extracellular to intracellular spaces
in cerebral tissues and vice versa. Various studies indicated that Ca2+ could have harmful effects
on neurons under acute ischemic conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction also contributes to delayed
neuronal death, and it was established decades ago that massive calcium accumulation triggers mitochondrial
damage. Elevated Ca2+ levels cause mitochondria to swell and release their contents.
As a result, oxidative stress and mitochondrial calcium accumulation activate mitochondrial permeability
transition and lead to depolarization-coupled production of reactive oxygen species. This association
between calcium levels and mitochondrial death suggests that elevated calcium levels
might have a role in the neurological outcome in ischemic stroke. Previous studies have also reported
that elevated Ca2+ levels play a role in the determination of infarct size, outcome, and recurrence
of ischemic stroke. The current review has been compiled to understand the multidimensional
role of altered Ca2+ levels in the initiation and alteration of neuronal death after an ischemic attack.
The underlying mechanisms understood to date have also been discussed.
The Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Immunity: Shedding
Light on Experimental Findings
Authors: Aghsaeifard Ziba , Alizadeh Reza 
Published: February 2021

Abstract:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc-dependent dicarboxypeptidase with
two catalytic components, which has an important role in regulating blood pressure by converting
angiotensin I to angiotensin II. ACE breaks down other peptides besides angiotensin I and has a variety
of physiological effects together with renal growth and reproduction in men. ACE also acts on
innate and acquired immune systems by affecting macrophage and neutrophil function, and these
outcomes are exacerbated due to the overexpression of ACE. Overexpression of ACE in
macrophages imposes antitumor and antimicrobial response, and it enhances the ability of neutrophils
to produced super peroxide that has a bactericidal effect. ACE is also known to contribute
to the expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and MHC class II peptides
through enzymatic alterations of these peptides. Apprehending the expression of ACE and its effects
on myeloid cell (myelogenous cells) activity can be promising in therapeutic interventions, including
treatment of infection and malignancy.
Effects of Orally Administered Preliminary Analgesic Therapy in Diagnostic Colposcopy Patients: A Prospective Questionnaire Study
Authors: Michail Georgios , Androutsopoulos Georgios , Panas Panagiotis , Valasoulis Georgios , Papadimitriou Ifigenia , Poulas Konstantinos , Adonakis Georgios 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Colposcopy has a key role in the diagnostic work-up and management of abnormal cervical cytology, but it might generate negative feelings of mainly anxiety and pain to the patients undergoing such examination. These feelings are interrelated, with the anxiety fueling the painful sensations. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of preliminary administration in terms of pain and anxiety relief that the preliminary administration of paracetamol would have on patients undergoing diagnostic colposcopy.

Materials & Methods:
We conducted a single center prospective study which enrolled 112 patients with diagnosed or suspected cervical pathology who were examined at the Outpatient Colposcopy Clinic of Patras University Hospital, over a 7-months period. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The interventional group received 1gr of paracetamol (acematiminofen) in pill form, 30 to 60 minutes before colposcopic assessment; the control group received no medication. At the end of consultation, all participants completed a 2-page questionnaire.

Results:
More patients of the interventional arm did not experience any pain at all during colposcopy compared with the control group. However, this difference was statistically not significant, probably because of the small number of patients. Moreover, there were no differences in mild and moderate pain rates between the interventional and control groups. Severe pain was only experienced by patients in the control group. Further data analysis from the first time as and for repeat colposcopy patients showed similar findings regarding pain intensity rates in the interventional and control group. When considering anxiety levels, no differences were observed between the two groups.

Conclusion:
The preliminary administration of low dose paracetamol in a pilot sample of colposcopy patients did not illustrate significant benefits in terms of experienced pain and anxiety levels.
Examining the Influence of Personality Traits and Family Income on Psychological Distress Among Farmers: The Role of Educational Status
Authors: Olatunji Olabimpe A. , Idemudia Erhabor S. , Olawa Babatola D. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction:Farming in most developing nations is still largely agrarian. Hence, ensuring high productivity among farmers requires that they must be both physically and psychologically healthy. The current study aimed at investigating the role of personality types and some demographic factors on psychological distress in farmers.Methods:The study employed a cross-sectional survey design of 301 farmers (male = 193, female = 107; age range = 17 – 74; M = 45.6 SD = 11.5) sampled purposively and conveniently from three major farm settlements in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using multiple regression stratified by educational status.Results:Findings revealed that high neuroticism and low family income predicted psychological distress in less-educated farmers but not among more educated counterparts.Conclusion:Outcomes imply that less-educated farmers may be vulnerable to psychological distress due to personality disposition and economic factors. Increasing the level of literacy among farmers may wane the negative impact of neuroticism and low income on emotional wellness.