bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer Learning Based Multiclass Classification For Covid-19 Detection Using Chest X-Rays
Authors: Monga Japman Singh , Champawat Yuvraj Singh , Kharb Seema 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the year 2020 world came to a halt due to spread of Covid-19 or SARS-CoV2 which was first identified in Wuhan, China. Since then, it has caused plethora of problems around the globe such as loss of millions of lives, economic instability etc. Less effectiveness of detection through Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction and also prolonged time needed for detection through the same calls for a substitute for Covid-19 detection. Hence, in this study, we aim to develop a transfer learning based multi-class classifier using Chest X-Ray images which will classify the X-Ray images in 3 classes (Covid-19, Pneumonia, Normal). Further, the proposed model has been trained with deep learning classifiers namely: DenseNet201, Xception, ResNet50V2, VGG16, VGG-19, InceptionResNetV2 .These are evaluated on the basis of accuracy, precision and recall as performance parameters. It has been observed that DenseNet201 is the best deep learning model with 82.2% accuracy.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Options through strengthening carbon Management in Central Africa: Biomass allometric models of Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss (meliaceae) in Cameroon
Authors: Awé Djongmo Victor , Vroh Bi Tra Aimé , Noiha Noumi Valery , Ganamé Moussa , Wanguili Djawé Yannick , Maïtching Mboudga Christelle , Nyeck Boris , Zapfack Louis 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study focused on the development of allometric models of Khaya senegalensis in order to establish a basis for calculating carbon stocks. The research was carried out in the Adamawa, North and Far North region of Cameroon. The weighing of the samples of each part (stem, branch, leaf) of the sample of trees composed of 60 feet of Khaya senegalensis and their drying in the oven made it possible to know the dry biomass of each subject Adjusted coefficients of determination (Adj.R2), residual standard error (RSE) and Akaike's information criterion (AIC) were used to choose the best models. Thus, the tested models presented varied performances. The various analyzes have confirmed that the diameter at breast height (DBH) is the variable that offers the best correlation with above-ground (AGB) and below-ground (BGB) biomass. The best selected models are: ln (AGB) = 1.004–0.054 * ln (D) and ln (BGB) = -3.009 + 0.016 * ln (D) (Adamawa); ln (AGB) = 0.004 + 0.054 * ln (D) and ln (BGB) = -1.301 + 0.116 * ln (D) (North); ln (AGB) = 0.004 + 1.084 * ln (D) and ln (BGB) = -0.002 + 0.016 * ln (D)( Far North). The best models selected for the global equations for the three regions are: ln (AGB) = 0.504 + 3.048*ln (D) and ln (BGB) =-0.109 + 0.306*ln (D). Models were proposed to estimate the carbon of Khaya senegalensis in Cameroon.
Are magicians specialists at identifying deceptive motion? The role of expertise in being fooled by sleight of hand.
Authors: Garcia-Pelegrin Elias , Wilkins Clive , Clayton Nicola 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study we performed two common sleight of hand effects and their real transfer counterparts to non-magicians and to magicians with a diverse range of experience practicing magic. Although, as a group, magicians identified the sleights of hand as deceptive actions significantly more than non-magicians; this ability was only evidenced in magicians with more than 5 years in the craft. However, unlike the rest of participants, experienced magicians had difficulty in correctly pinpointing the location of the coin in one of the real transfers presented. We hypothesise that this might be due to the inherent ambiguity of this transfer, in which, contrary to the other real transfer performed, no clear perceptive clue is given in reference to the location of the coin. We suggest that extensive time practicing magic might have primed experienced magicians to anticipate foul play when observing ambiguous movements, even when the actions observed are genuine.
Tocilizumab fails survival benefit in severe Covid-19 – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kumar Arjun , Ranka Rajat , Panda Prasan Kumar 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Anti IL-6 monoclonal antibody Tocilizumab has produced mixed results in clinical trials for effectiveness against COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare outcomes at 28 days of a cohort of patients with severe Covid-19 treated with Tocilizumab and standard care, with those receiving standard care only.
Methods

In this record based retrospective cohort study, patients hospitalized with Covid-19 were classified into non-severe and severe disease as per institutional protocol. One cohort received Tocilizumab with standard care and the second cohort received only standard care. Few patients also received high dose steroids as ‘pulse’ steroids on initial clinical deterioration. Data was collected for the treatment given including oxygen interface, steroids, antimicrobials, duration of hospital stay in survivors, requirement of mechanical ventilation and day of intubation from symptom onset.
Results

There was statistically significant mortality in Tocilizumab cohort as compared to standard care alone (HR 2.43, 95%CI 1.54–3.89). The need for mechanical ventilation was more in Tocilizumab cohort (85% vs 18%, P-value < 0.001). Tocilizumab cohort had delay in day of intubation by a mean of 2.29 days from the day of symptom onset (p < 0.05). Pulse steroid administration showed increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.94, 95%CI 1.18–3.20) and risk of mechanical ventilation.
Conclusions

Tocilizumab cohort showed higher mortality and need for mechanical ventilation in our study which contrasts the result of few previous trials. Our study warrants the need for future clinical trials on this subject to ensure better treatment strategies in upcoming Covid-19 waves.
Estimation of aerator air demand by an embedded multi-gene genetic programming
Authors: Li Shicheng , Yang James , Liu Wei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A spillway discharging a high-speed flow is susceptible to cavitation damages. As a countermeasure, an aerator is often used to artificially entrain air into the flow. Its air demand is of relevance to cavitation reduction and requires accurate estimations. The main contribution of this study is to establish an embedded multi-gene genetic programming (EMGGP) model for improved prediction of air demand. It is an MGGP-based framework coupled with the gene expression programming acting as a pre-processing technique for input determination and the Pareto front serving as a post-processing measure for solution optimization. Experimental data from a spillway aerator are used to develop and validate the proposed technique. Its performance is statistically evaluated by the coefficient of determination (CD), Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NSC), root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). Satisfactory predictions are yielded with CD = 0.95, NSC = 0.94, RMSE = 0.17 m3/s and MAE = 0.12 m3/s. Compared with the best empirical formula, the EMGGP approach enhances the fitness (CD and NSC) by 23% and reduces the errors (RMSE and MAE) by 48%. It also exhibits higher prediction accuracy and a simpler expressional form than the genetic programming solution. This study provides a procedure for the establishment of parameter relationships for similar hydraulic issues.
Prediction of mean wave overtopping at simple sloped breakwaters using kernel-based methods
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Shabnam , Etemad-Shahidi Amir , Koosheh Ali 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The accurate prediction of the mean wave overtopping rate at breakwaters is vital for a safe design. Hence, providing a robust tool as a preliminary estimator can be useful for practitioners. Recently, soft computing tools such as artificial neural networks (ANN) have been developed as alternatives to traditional overtopping formulae. The goal of this paper is to assess the capabilities of two kernel-based methods, namely Gaussian process regression (GPR) and support vector regression for the prediction of mean wave overtopping rate at sloped breakwaters. An extensive dataset taken from the EurOtop database, including rubble mound structures with permeable core, straight slopes, without berm, and crown wall, was employed to develop the models. Different combinations of the important dimensionless parameters representing structural features and wave conditions were tested based on the sensitivity analysis for developing the models. The obtained results were compared with those of the ANN model and the existing empirical formulae. The modified Taylor diagram was used to compare the models graphically. The results showed the superiority of kernel-based models, especially the GPR model over the ANN model and empirical formulae. In addition, the optimal input combination was introduced based on accuracy and the number of input parameters criteria. Finally, the physical consistencies of developed models were investigated, the results of which demonstrated the reliability of kernel-based models in terms of delivering physics of overtopping phenomenon.
How is water security conceptualized and practiced for rural livelihoods in the global South? A systematic scoping review
Authors: Shah Sameer H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the global South, rural and resource-based livelihoods increasingly face water-related risks. The conceptualization and application of the water security concept in relation to rural livelihoods has not been reviewed in this context. To fill this gap, a systematic scoping review of refereed journal articles (2000–2019) was conducted to examine how water security is defined, driven, and addressed for rural livelihoods in the global South. Publications (n = 99) featured diverse methodologies and geographical contexts, and recognized simultaneous drivers of water insecurity and solution strategies for water security. Several shortcomings were evident. First, only 30.3% of publications defined the concept, mostly using frames of ‘adequate’, ‘sufficient’, and ‘acceptable’ water-related risks. Few definitions recognized the role of water security interventions in increasing capabilities and prosperity. Second, technical and managerial responses to proximate drivers of water-related risk – namely climate-related dynamics, water re-allocation, extraction, and mismanagement – outnumbered efforts to identify and transform the underlying social, economic, and political inequities that create and sustain water insecurity. Last, studies focused heavily on agriculture, while labour, transhumance pastoralism, and aquaculture were underrepresented. A research agenda that increases the synergies between the wider water security and rural livelihoods scholarship is advanced to address these shortcomings.
FYN and CD247: Key Genes for Septic Shock Based on Bioinformatics and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Yingchun , Tian Ye , Jiang Yue , Miao Qian , Hu Lin , Zhou Tingyan 
Published: August 2021

Background:Septic shock is sepsis accompanied by hemodynamic instability and high clinical mortality.Material and Methods:GSE95233, GSE57065, GSE131761 gene-expression profiles of healthy control subjects and septic shock patients were downloaded from the Gene-Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and differences of expression profiles and their intersection were analysed using GEO2R. Function and pathway enrichment analysis was performed on common differentially expressed genes (DEG), and key genes for septic shock were screened using a protein-protein interaction network created with STRING. Also, data from the GEO database were used for survival analysis for key genes, and a meta-analysis was used to explore expression trends of core genes. Finally, high-throughput sequencing using the blood of a murine sepsis model was performed to analyse the expression of CD247 and FYN in mice.Results:A total of 539 DEGs were obtained (p < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis showed that key genes were enriched in functions, such as immune response and T cell activity, and DEGs were enriched in signal pathways, such as T cell receptors. FYN and CD247 are in the centre of the protein-protein interaction network, and survival analysis found that they are positively correlated with survival from sepsis. Further, meta-analysis results showed that FYN could be useful for the prognosis of patients, and CD247 might distinguish between sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome patients. Finally, RNA sequencing using a mouse septic shock model showed low expression of CD247 and FYN in this model.Conclusion:FYN and CD247 are expected to become new biomarkers of septic shock.
Development of 2D, 3D-QSAR and Pharmacophore Modeling of
Chalcones for the Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase B
Authors: Mathew Bijo , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Herrera-Acevedo Chonny , Dev Sanal , Rangarajan T.M. , Kuruniyan Mohamed Saheer , Naseef Punnoth Poonkuzhi , Scotti Luciana 
Published: August 2021

Background:
Selective and reversible types of MAO-B inhibitors have emerged as
promising candidates for the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Several functionalized
chalcone derivatives were shown to have potential reversible MAO-B inhibitory activity, which
have recently been reported from our laboratory.

Methods:
With the experimental results of about 70 chalcone derivatives, we further developed a
pharmacophore modelling, and 2D and 3D- QSAR analyses of these reported chalcones for MAOB
inhibition.

Results:
The 2D-QSAR model presented four variables (MATS7v, GATS 1i and 3i, and C-006)
from 143 Dragon 7 molecular descriptors, with a r2 value of 0.76 and a Q2
cv for cross-validation
equal to 0.72. An external validation also was performed using 11 chalcones, obtaining a Q2
ext
value of 0.74. The second 3D-QSAR model using MLR (multiple linear regression) was built
starting from 128 Volsurf+ molecular descriptors, being identified as 4 variables (Molecular
descriptors): D3, CW1 and LgS11, and L2LGS. Adetermination coefficient (r2) value of 0.76 and a
Q2
cv for cross-validation equal to 0.72 were obtained for this model. An external validation also
was performed using 11 chalcones and a Q2
ext value of 0.74 was found.

Conclusion:
This report exhibited a good correlation and satisfactory agreement between
experiment and theory.
Exploring the Effect of Polyphyllin I on Hepatitis B Virus-related Liver Cancer through Network Pharmacology and in vitro Experiments
Authors: Zeng Puhua , Yu Shuxian , Gao Wenhui , Chen Chenglong , Liu Zhuo , Zhang Zhen , Liu Jiyong 
Published: August 2021

Aim and Objective:To investigate the effect of Polyphyllin I (PPI) on HBV-related liver cancer through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments, and to explore its mechanism of action.Materials and Methods:Use bioinformatics software to predict the active ingredient target of PPI and the disease target of liver cancer, and perform active ingredient-disease target analysis. The results of network pharmacology through molecular docking and in vitro experiments can be further verified. The HepG2 receptor cells (HepG2. 2. 15) were transfected with HBV plasmid for observation, with the human liver cancer HepG2 being used as the control.Results:Bioinformatics analysis found that PPI had a total of 161 protein targets, and the predicted target and liver cancer targets were combined to obtain 13 intersection targets. The results of molecular docking demonstrated that PPI had a good affinity with STAT3, PTP1B, IL2, and BCL2L1. The results of the in vitro experiments indicated that the PPI inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01). Compared with the vehicle group, the PPI group of 1.5, 3, and 6 μmol/L can promote the apoptosis of liver cancer to different degrees (P<0.01).Conclusion:The present study revealed the mechanism of PPI against liver cancer through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of PPI on the proliferation of HBV-related liver cancer through promoting the apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Additionally, in vitro experiments have also verified that PPI can promote the apoptosis of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells.
The Association Between Hepatitis B Virus Mutations and the Risk
of Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Akrami Hassan , Monjezi Mohammad Rafiee , Ilbeigi Shahrzad , Amiri Farshid , Fattahi Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2021

:
Hepatitis B virus [HBV], the best-described hepadnavirus, is distributed all
around the world and may lead to chronic and acute liver disease, cirrhosis, and
hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the advancement in treatment against HBV, an errorprone
reverse transcriptase, which is required for HBV replication as well as host
immune pressure, leads to constant evolution and emergence of genotypes, subgenotypes
and mutant viruses; so, HBV will remain as a major healthcare problem
around the world. This review article mainly focuses on the HBV mutations which
correlated to occult HBV infection, immune escape, vaccine failure and eventually liver
cirrhosis and HCC. The current study indicated that preS/S region mutations are related
to vaccine failure, immune escape, occult HBV infection and the occurrence of HCC.
Whereas P region Mutations may lead to drug resistance to NA antivirals. PreC/C region
mutations are associated with HBeAg negativity, immune escape, and persistent
hepatitis. Moreover, X region Mutations play an important role in HCC development.
Degradation Mode of PBAT Mulching Film and Control Methods During
its Degradation Induction Period
Authors: Liu Jialei , Ouyang Canbin , He Wenqing , Qiao Runmeng , Wang Xin , Qin Guangjiong , Cao Aocheng 
Published: August 2021

:
Plastic films play an important role in China's agricultural production. However, the
large-scale use of plastic film has also caused very serious agricultural film pollution. Biodegradable
polymers have received much attention because of the environmental pollution caused by the
traditional plastic mulching film. The most typical copolymer is poly (butylene adipate co butylene
terephthalate) (PBAT). Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) is a kind of aliphaticaromatic
polyester with excellent biodegradability and mechanical processing properties. Therefore,
it has been rapidly developed and widely used in the industry. However, the degradation period of
the agricultural film depends on certain requirements. Currently, the degradable materials available
in the market do not meet the needs of all crops due to their degradation period. In this paper, the
basic properties, degradation process and methods to delay the degradation of PBAT are reviewed
for improving the degradation period of the plastic film that is prepared by using this kind of material.
The degradation process includes photodegradation, biodegradation, and hydrolysis. The methods
of delaying the degradation process include adding a chain extender, light stabilizer, antihydrolysis
agent and antibacterial agent, providing a theoretical basis for the research and development
of biodegradable film with a controllable degradation cycle. The future research and development
of biodegradable polymers will mainly focus on controllable degradation rate, stable degradation
cycle, new materials, and reducing research and development costs.
Unchanged Prevalence of Preeclampsia After Implementation of Prophylactic Aspirin for All Pregnant Women With Preexisting Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Do Nicoline C. , Vestgaard Marianne , Ásbjörnsdóttir Björg , Nørgaard Sidse K. , Andersen Lise Lotte T. , Jensen Dorte M. , Ringholm Lene , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. 
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of preeclampsia after implementation of prophylactic aspirin for all pregnant women with preexisting diabetes compared with the prevalence in a previous risk-based prophylaxis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A prospective observational cohort study of 410 consecutive pregnant women with preexisting diabetes categorized according to aspirin prophylaxis strategy, with the prevalence of preeclampsia as primary outcome. In total, 207 women were included after implementation of prophylactic aspirin for all pregnant women with preexisting diabetes in February 2018 (all-cohort). The 203 women included before this date, where aspirin prophylaxis was risk based and only prescribed to selected women (selected-cohort), were studied for comparison.

RESULTS
Aspirin was prescribed at ∼10 gestational weeks for 88% (all-cohort) compared with 25% (selected-cohort). HbA1c, parity, chronic hypertension, home blood pressure, microalbuminuria/diabetic nephropathy, and smoking were similar in the two cohorts in early pregnancy. In the all-cohort, fewer women had type 2 diabetes (32% vs. 42%, respectively; P = 0.04) and BMI tended to be lower (P = 0.05). The prevalence of preeclampsia was similar (12% vs. 11%, P = 0.69) in the two cohorts, and this was also the case with stratification for diabetes type. Prevalence of preterm delivery &lt;37 weeks (23% vs. 27%, P = 0.30), preterm preeclampsia (7% vs. 7%, P = 0.96), and infants large (40% vs. 32%, P = 0.07) and small (7% vs. 6%, P = 0.88) for gestational age was similar in the two cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of prophylactic aspirin for all pregnant women with diabetes did not reduce the prevalence of preeclampsia compared with the previous risk-based prophylaxis in this cohort study.
Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la donación de sangre en estudiantes de Medicina de la Universidad Central del Ecuador
Authors: Obregón Jiménez Karina Juliana , Velástegui Muñoz G Amanda , Melo López Marco Vinicio , Álvarez Sánchez Nicole Estefanía , Calero Tipantuña Alejandra Elizabeth , Aviles Erazo Evelyn Dayanna , Loachamin Andrango Araseli Gissel , Betancourt Fonseca Lesly Michell , Torres Balarezo Pedro Isaac , Iñiguez Macas Paola Cristina 
Published: August 2021

Introducción. En el Ecuador, la donación de sangre se encuentra con una baja tasa de donantes (1,5 % de la población), ante la tasa óptima recomendada por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. El personal de salud debe enfrentar esta situación promoviendo la donación de sangre entre la población
Objetivo. Determinar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la donación de sangre en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad Central del Ecuador.
Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal se utilizó un cuestionario que fue difundido por medios electrónicos el cual constaba de cuatro secciones correspondientes a características sociodemográficas, conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas, dentro de esta última ítems destinados a identificar los factores que influyen en los donadores y no donadores
Resultados. Se obtuvo un total de 303 respuestas. El rango de edad de los participantes fue de 18 a 32 años con una media de 22,73 años, el 60,7% fueron mujeres y el 39,3% hombres. Un nivel adecuado de conocimiento está presente en la mayor parte de estudiantes encuestados así como una actitud positiva hacia la donación de sangre. Con respecto a la práctica el 60% de los encuestados fueron donadores, encontrándose factores importantes como el género masculino y el nivel de conocimiento adecuado hacia la realización de dicha práctica.
Conclusión. Es importante difundir información adecuada tanto hacia el personal de salud como población en general, para reforzar conocimientos y así superar los factores que inciden en que las personas no donen sangre.