bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Just beautiful green herbs: Use of plants in cultural practices in Bukovina and Roztochya, Western Ukraine
Authors: Stryamets Nataliya , Fontefrancesco Michele F. , Mattalia Giulia , Prakofjewa Julia , Pieroni Andrea , Kalle Raivo , Stryamets Galina , Sõukand Renata 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The use of plants in rituals is a little explored corner of biocultural diversity which has developed through time within a complex socio-ecological system. Indeed, rituals are complex interactions between humans and biodiversity shaped by history, culture and ethnic belonging. Yet, in Western Ukraine, such rituals were forbidden for over 50 years (1939-1991). The current revival of rituals by rural inhabitants is an untapped reservoir of local ecological knowledge. The aim of the present study was to identify the ritual use of wild and cultivated plants in two regions of Western Ukraine, Bukovina and Roztochya, and to compare the findings with historical data. Moreover, we analyzed attitudes toward the ritual use of plants and interactions with the local environment. Methods We conducted 31 in-depth semi-structured interviews among Orthodox Hutsuls of Bukovina and 16 interviews among Greek Catholic rural inhabitants of Roztochya during summer 2018 focusing on the ritual uses of plants. Results We documented 26 plant taxa among Bukovinian Hutsuls and 58 plant taxa among inhabitants in Roztochya that were used in 7 religious festivals (of which two were celebrated differently in the two communities). Plants were mainly used in bouquets, but also for decorating churches and houses or in fruit baskets. In both communities, almost 25% of the interviewees could not name the plants they collected for bouquets, but rather referred to “just beautiful green herbs” one can get in meadows, forests and gardens. Comparison with historical data shows a smaller number of taxa currently used (wild taxa have been lost), yet the persistence of 18 taxa used both now and a century ago. Conclusions Contemporary practices concerning the use of plants in Christian rituals in Bukovina and Roztochya can be contextualized in the broader phenomenon of the revitalization of traditional environmental knowledge and practices that have characterized Europe over the past thirty years and in particular Eastern Europe after socialism. The current religious use of plants is to a certain extent the revitalization of historical rituals supported by various internal (knowledge from older generations) and external (church authorities and fashion in the region) drivers. Further research should address changes in regions with longer and more severe prohibition of religious practices and their revival.
An Improved AODV Routing Security Algorithm Based on Blockchain Technology in Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Ran Conglin , Yan Shuailing , Huang Liang , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ad Hoc network is a special network with centerless and dynamic topology. Due to the free mobility of the nodes, routing security has been a bottleneck problem that plagues its development. Therefore, a multi-path QoS (Quality of Service) routing security algorithm based on blockchain by improving the traditional AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) protocol (AODV-MQS) is proposed. Firstly, a chain of nodes is established in the network and the states of all nodes by making the intermediate nodes on the chain are saved. Secondly, the smart contract in the blockchain is set to filter out the nodes that meet the QoS constraints. Finally, two largest unrelated communication paths are found in the blockchain network through smart contract, one of which is the main path and the other is the standby path. Simulation experiments show that the performance of the proposed algorithm is better than other algorithms, especially in an unsafe environment.
FastGWA-GLMM: a generalized linear mixed model association tool for biobank-scale data
Authors: Yang Jian , Jiang Longda , Zheng Zhili 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Compared to linear mixed model-based genome-wide association (GWA) methods, generalized linear mixed model (GLMM)-based methods have better statistical properties when applied to binary traits but are computationally much slower. Here, leveraging efficient sparse matrix-based algorithms, we developed a GLMM-based GWA tool (called fastGWA-GLMM) that is orders of magnitude faster than the state-of-the-art tool (e.g., ~37 times faster when n=400,000) with more scalable memory usage. We show by simulation that the fastGWA-GLMM test-statistics of both common and rare variants are well-calibrated under the null, even for traits with an extreme case-control ratio (e.g., 0.1%). We applied fastGWA-GLMM to the UK Biobank data of 456,348 individuals, 11,842,647 variants and 2,989 binary traits (full summary statistics available at http://fastgwa.info/ukbimpbin) and identified 259 rare variants associated with 75 traits, demonstrating the use of imputed genotype data in a large cohort to discover rare variants for binary complex traits.
Malaria in migrant agricultural workers in western Ethiopia: entomological assessment of malaria transmission risk
Authors: Lemma Sisay Dugassa , Murphy Mathew , Chibsa Sheleme , Tadesse Yehualashet , Yohannes Gedeon , Lorenz Lena M , Solomon Hiwot , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Irish Seth R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Ethiopia has made great strides in malaria control over the last two decades. However, this progress has not been uniform and one concern has been reported high rates of malaria transmission in large agricultural development areas in western Ethiopia. Improved vector control is one way this transmission might be addressed, but little is known about malaria vectors in this part of the country. Methods To better understand the vector species involved in malaria transmission and their behaviour, human landing collections were conducted in Dangur woreda, Benishangul-Gumuz, between July and December 2017. This period encompasses the months with the highest rain and the peak mosquito population. Mosquitoes were identified to species and tested for the presence of Plasmodium sporozoites. Results The predominant species of the Anopheles collected was Anopheles arabiensis (1,733; i.e. 61.3% of the entire Anopheles), which was also the only species identified with sporozoites (Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax). Anopheles arabiensis was collected as early in the evening as 18:00h-19:00h, and host-seeking continued until 5:00h-6:00h. Nearly equal numbers were collected indoors and outdoors. The calculated entomological inoculation rate for An. arabiensis for the study period was 1.41 infectious bites per month. More An. arabiensis were collected inside and outside worker’s shelters than in fields where workers were working at night. Conclusions Anopheles arabiensis is likely to be the primary vector of malaria in the agricultural development areas studied. High rates of human biting took place inside and outdoor near workers’ residential housing. Improved and targeted vector control in this area might considerably reduce malaria transmission.
Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy in Patients with Transmural Defects of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Jung Da Hyun , Yun Hae-Ryong , Lee Se Joon , Kim Na Won , Huh Cheal Wung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

A transmural defect of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has shown rather excellent efficacy in managing UGI defects. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the available evidence on the efficacy of EVT in patients with transmural defects of the UGI tract. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for publications on the effect of EVT on successful closure, mortality, complications, and post-EVT stricture. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. This meta-analysis included 29 studies involving 498 participants. The pooled estimate rate of EVT for successful closure was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.88). The pooled estimate rate for mortality, complications, and post-EVT stricture was 0.11, 0.10, and 0.14, respectively. According to the aetiology of the transmural defect (perforation vs. leak and fistula), no significant difference was found in successful closure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45, 95% CI: 0.45–4.67), mortality (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.24–2.46), complications (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.17–5.15), and post-EVT stricture (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.12–4.24). The successful closure rate was significantly higher with EVT than with self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) placement (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.79–6.91). In conclusion, EVT is an effective and safe treatment for treating leaks and fistulae as well as perforations in UGI defects. Moreover, EVT seems to be a better treatment option than SEMS placement in healing UGI defects.
Objective and Subjective Evaluation of Trifocal Diffractive Intraocular Lens after Cataract Extraction with Phacoemulsification: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: El-Dein Ahmed A. Zein , Elmassry Ahmed , Hennawi Hazem M. El , Mossallam Ehab F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess visual outcomes, quality of vision and patients’ satisfaction of a trifocal diffractive intraocular lens after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification.Results: The study included 36 eyes that underwent implantation of trifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL). The residual mean postoperative spherical equivalent was –0.40 ± 0.29 diopters. Mean Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.80 ± 0.16 decimal (snellen equivalent 25 feet) while mean Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity was 0.82 ± 0.31 decimal (snellen equivalent 25 feet) and mean Uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA)was 0.87 ± 0.20 decimal (snellen equivalent 23 feet). In defocus curve, there was infinitesimal gradual change between the three foci. Contrast sensitivity was just below the inferior limit of normal. Conclusion: Trifocal diffractive IOL created a true intermediate focus proved by VA and defocus curve and better quality of vision assessed by contrast sensitivity and high order aberration. Moreover, it was safe and effective for correcting distance and near vision in these patients. Most of the patients were very satisfied and achieved spectacle independence.
Prioritizing Sponge City Sites in Rapidly Urbanizing Watersheds Using Multi-Criteria Decision Model
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Chen Lei , Zhang Meng , Shen Zhenyao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Spatial planning is crucial for Sponge City (SC) construction; however, prioritizing SC sites at the watershed scale has not been fully explored. In this study, a multi-criteria decision model, considering demand and suitability of SC construction, was established by monitoring, model simulation and index calculation. This new model was then tested in a rapidly urbanizing watershed, Beijing, China and the priority of SC construction at both grid scale (1km 1km) and subwatershed scale was ranked. The results showed that the highest priority was found in emerging regions where urbanization is ongoing, and followed by urban core areas. In addition, six indexes were identified by clustering heatmaps as key factors affecting the priority of SC planning, including topographic index, water pollution index, pollution rate based on the state standard of surface water environment quality, urbanization planning, urban levels, and vegetation index, which could guide SC planning in data-lacking regions. The approach and findings in this study can not only provide helpful references for watershed managers and urban planners but also can be easily used in other regions.
Multivariate statistical approaches to benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality for farming impact assessment in Selangor River, Malaysia
Authors: Hettige Nadeesha Dilani , Hashim Rohasliney Binti , Ash’aari Zulfa Hanan , Kutty Ahmad Abas , Jamil Nor Rohaizah 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Chlorella Vulgaris and Spirulina Platensis Mitigate Lead Acetate-induced Testicular Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis with Regard to Androgen Receptor Expression in Rats
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim , Shalaby Abeir , Elaziz Raghda Abd , bahr hoda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The current research was constructed to throw the light on the protective possibility of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) versus lead acetate- prompted testicular dysfunction in male rats. Forty rats were classified into four groups; i) control, ii) rats received Lead acetate (30 mg/kg bw), iii) rats were concomitantly received Lead acetate and C. vulgaris (300 mg/Kg bw), vi) rats were simultaneously treated with Lead acetate and S. platensis (300 mg/Kg bw) via oral gavage for 8 weeks. Lead acetate promoted testicular injury as expressed with fall in reproductive organ weights, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Spermatogenesis disruption is indicated by Sperm cell count reduction, and increased sperm malformation percentage. Steroidogenesis deterioration is evoked by minimized serum testosterone along with maximized follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Testicular oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic cascades are revealed by elevated Acid phosphatase (ACP) and Sorbitol Dehydrogenase (SDH) serum leakage, declined testicular total antioxidative capacity (TAC) with elevated total oxidative capacity (TOC), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Caspase-3 levels, lessened androgen receptor (AR) expression, and histopathological lesions versus control. Our research highlights that C. vulgaris or S. platensis therapy can modulate lead acetate-promoted testicular dysfunction via antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic potentials promoted testicular histoarchitecture, and androgen receptor restoration with better impacts to S. platensis comparing to C. vulgaris.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Reserve Utilizing Exercise Provocation in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Mukherjee Monica , Mercurio Valentina , Hsu Steven , Mayer Susan A. , Mathai Stephen C , Hummers Laura K , Kass David A. , Hassoun Paul M. , Wigley Fredrick M , Tedford Ryan J , Shah Ami A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeRight ventricular (RV) capacity to adapt to increased afterload is the main determinant of outcome in pulmonary hypertension (PH), a common morbidity seen in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We hypothesized that supine bicycle echocardiography (SBE), coupled with RV longitudinal systolic strain (RVLSS), improves detection of limitations in RV reserve in SSc.Methods56 SSc patients were prospectively studied during SBE with RV functional parameters compared at rest and peak stress. We further dichotomized patients based on resting RV systolic pressure (RVSP) to determine the effects of load on contractile response.ResultsOur pooled cohort analysis revealed reduced global RVLSS at rest (-16.2 ± 3.9%) with normal basal contractility (-25.6 ± 7.7%) and relative hypokinesis of the midventricular (-14.1 ± 6.0%) and apical (-8.9 ± 5.1%) segments. With exercise, global RVLSS increased significantly (p=0.0005), however despite normal basal contractility at rest, there was no further augmentation with exercise. Mid and apical RVLSS increased with exercise suggestive of RV contractile reserve. In patients with resting RVSP < 35 mmHg, global and segmental RVLSS increased with exercise. In patients with resting RVSP ≥ 35 mmHg, global and segmental RVLSS did not increase with exercise and there was evidence of exertional RV dilation.ConclusionExercise provocation in conjunction with RVLSS identified differential regional contractile response to exercise in SSc patients. We further demonstrate the effect of increased loading conditions on RV contractile response exercise. These findings suggest subclinical impairments in RV reserve in SSc that may be missed by resting noninvasive 2DE-based assessments alone.
Advanced Information Technology for Development of Electric Power Market
Authors: Afanasyev Valentin , Chernyshenko Vsevolod , Kuzmin Vitaly , Voronin Viacheslav , Mkrttchian Vardan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Features of the electric power market functioning, in comparison with common proper- ties of modern markets, are considered. It is shown that continuous reforms, which take place in many countries, are far from reaching effective solution. Sectoral peculiarities, connected with both technological complexity of the field and economic specificity of the market participants, form very special model of the market. The main way to increase effectivity of the market, to make it more competitive and, in the same time, socially responsible, is to use widely and deeply the modern information technologies, including technologies of artificial intelligence. A scheme of using the modern technologies has been proposed in the article. The first set of technologies merges methods of collection, storage, processing and presentation of information. The collection of market data can be realized. Particularly, by so-called “intellectual avatars”, which operate in the market as virtual agents. A reliable distributed storage of data, based on blockchain technology, is chosen. The big data technologies of data structuring, storage and processing are involved. Datamining methods include effective presentation of results in forms of graphs and diagrams. The second set of technologies includes core mathematical mod- els and “digital twins”. They are aimed for data interpolation and extrapolation; in particular, for prediction of further system dynamics. The used neural networks have option of self-learning and self-development. At last, the third set is a set of user interfaces, which provides market actors by complete and adopted information and is organized in accordance with ideas of ergonomics.
Prevalence of Occult Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Nasimzadeh sepideh , azaran azarakhsh , Jalilian shahram , Makvandi Manoochehr , Seyedian Seyed Saeid , keikhaei Bijan , mehr fateme Jahangiri 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) is defined by the presence of HCV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and liver tissue cells despite the absence of HCV RNA in plasma. Currently, OCI is classified into two types: seropositive OCI (anti-HCV positive and serum HCV-RNA negative) and seronegative OCI (anti-HCV and serum HCV-RNA negative). Beta-Thalassemia is described as a blood disorder, which decreases the synthesis of hemoglobin. Repeated blood transfusion is the standard treatment for patients with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) that increases the risk of exposure to infectious agents. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of OCI among BTM patients.Materials and Methods: plasma and PBMCs were collected from 90 BTM patients and screened for HCV antibody using the ELISA kit commercially as the first step. Then nested-RT PCR was performed on extractions of plasma and PBMC. Positive samples of HCV RNA from PBMCs were sequenced and aligned to construct the HCV phylogenetic tree to assess the homology of sequences compared to the reference sequences retrieved from GenBank.Results: Seventy-nine out of 90 cases (87.8%) indicated negative results for HCV Ab (seronegative), while 11 patients (12.2%) were seropositive. HCV RNA was found in PBMCs samples of four patients (66.66%) with negative HCV Ab (seronegative) and two patients (33.3%) with positive HCV Ab (seropositive). HCV RNA was not detected in plasma samples of these six patients. Overall six out of 90 patients (6.7%) had OCI. HCV genotyping revealed that all six patients infected with HCV subtype 3a.Conclusion: We indicated the high frequency of OCI in BTM patients. Nevertheless, more attention is warranted, considering the importance of this infection. Also, further studies are necessary to determine the actual prevalence of OCI among BTM patients in Iran.
Deep Factor Analysis for Weather Varied Sense-through-foliage Target Detection
Authors: Xue Wenling , Jiang Ting , Sun Xuebin , Zheng Xiaokun , Ding Xue 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the influence of seasonal variation on target detection accuracy and the effectiveness of deep factor analysis(DFA) in signal denoising are studied. To extensively verify the universality of the DFA_based approach, a variety of target objects, including no target, human, wood board and iron cabinet targets, are measured in foliage environment under four different weather conditions. Then, after removing background noise from the collected data, deep factor analysis is carried out to reduce the impact of noise. The experimental results show that the influence of weather variation on target detection can be effectively eliminated by DFA_based algorithm, which can improve the average classification accuracy in all seasons. Finally, by means of cross validation, the effectiveness of DFA_based algorithm on signal denoising and the influence on target detection accuracy are further studied. The method is stable and universal in any weather conditions, even in foggy and snowy days, which can be stable at about 93%.
Single domain antibody-antigen adducts that target Class II MHC induce antigen-specific tolerance
Authors: Pishesha Novalia , Harmand Thibault , Smeding Liyan , Ma Weiyi , Ludwig Leif , Janssen Robine , Islam Ashraful , Xie Yushu , Fang Tao , McCaul Nicholas , Pinney William , Sugito Harun , Ploegh Hidde 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The association of autoimmune diseases with particular allelic variants of Class II MHC (MHCII) products implicates presentation of the offending self-antigen(s) to T cells. Antigen presenting cells are tolerogenic when they encounter antigen under non-inflammatory conditions. Manipulation of antigen presentation would therefore be a possible intervention to induce antigen-specific tolerance. We show that, under non-inflammatory conditions, systemic administration of a single dose of a nanobody that recognizes MHCII (VHH MHCII) conjugated to the relevant self-antigen affords long-lasting protection against induction of experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Co-administration of the VHH MHCII-antigen adduct together with dexamethasone, conjugated to VHH MHCII via a cleavable linker, not only halted progression of established EAE in symptomatic mice but even reverted the severity of EAE, establishing this approach as a potential means of treating autoimmune conditions.