bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Space-Time Cluster’s Detection and Geographical Weighted Regression Analysis of COVID-19 Mortality Impacts on Texas Counties
Authors: Zhang Jinting , Wu Xiu , Chow T. Edwin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

As COVID-19 run rampant in high-density housing sites, it is important to use real-time data tracking the virus mobility. Emerging cluster detection analysis is a precise way of blunting the spread of COVID-19 as quickly as possible and save lives. To track compliable mobility of COVID-19 on a spatial-temporal scale, this research is appropriately analyzed the disparities between spatial-temporal clusters, expectation Maximization clustering (EM) and hierarchical clustering (HC) analysis on Texas county-level. Then, based on the outcome of clustering analysis, the sensitive counties are Cottle, Stonewall, Bexar, Tarrant, Dallas, Harris, Jim hogg, and Real, corresponding to South-east Texas analysis in GWR modeling. The sensitive period took place in the last two quarters in 2020. We explored Postgre application to portray tracking Covid-19 trajectory. We captured 14 social, economic, and environmental 14 impact’s indices to perform Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality and minimize multicollinearity. By using the PCA, we extracted five factors related to mortality of COVID-19, involved population and hospitalization, age structure, natural supply, economic condition, air quality and medical care. We established the GWR model to seek the sensitive factors. The result shows that population, hospitalization, and economic condition are the sensitive factors. Those factors also triggered high increase of COVID-19 mortality. This research provides geographical understanding and solution of controlling COVID-19, reference of implementing geographically targeted ways to track virus mobility and satisfy for the need of Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Estimating District HIV Prevalence in Zambia Using Small Area Estimation Methods (SAE)
Authors: Mweemba Chris , Hangoma Peter , Fwemba Isaac , Mutale Wilbroad , Masiye Felix 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a very devastating impact at a global level, with the Eastern and Southern African region being the hardest hit. The considerable geographical variation in the pandemic means varying impact of the disease in different settings, requiring differentiated interventions. While information on the prevalence of HIV at regional and national levels is readily available, the burden of the disease at smaller area levels, where health services are organized and delivered, is not well documented. This affects the targeting of HIV resources. There is need for studies to estimate HIV prevalence at appropriate levels to improve HIV related planning and resource allocation. MethodsWe estimated the district level prevalence of HIV using Small-Area Estimation (SAE) technique by utilizing the 2016 Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (ZAMPHIA) data and auxiliary data from the 2010 Zambian Census of Population and Housing and the HIV sentinel surveillance data from selected antenatal care clinics (ANC). SAE Models were fitted in R Programming to ascertain the best HIV predicting model. We then used the Fay-Herriot (FH) model to obtain weighted, more precise and reliable HIV prevalence for all the districts.ResultsThe results revealed variations in the district HIV prevalence in Zambia, with the prevalence ranging from as low as 4.2% to as high as 23.5%. Approximately 35% of the districts (n=26) had HIV prevalence above the national average, with one district having almost twice as much prevalence as the national level. Some rural districts have very high HIV prevalence rates. ConclusionsHIV prevalence in Zambian districts is driven by population mobility Districts located near international borders, along the main transit routes and adjacent to other districts with very high prevalence, tend to have high HIV prevalence. The variations in the burden of HIV across districts in Zambia points to the need for a differentiated approaches in HIV programming in Zambia. HIV resources need to be prioritized towards districts with high population mobility.
Study on Fenton-like degradation of bisphenol A by α-MnO2 and α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w)
Authors: You Junqing , Zhang Xihui , Chen Jinglei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Bisphenol A is used in various industrial productions and large amounts of industrial wastewater containing bisphenol A is produced. Heterogeneous Fenton-like process in advanced oxidation technology can oxidize and degrade most organic compounds non-selectively, and it has become an effective method to treat bisphenol A. The aim is to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional Fenton method and synthesize catalysts by a simple method, which can help to degrade bisphenol A effectively under neutral conditions, with less catalyst and less H2O2 consumption. In this experiment, α-MnO2 and α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w) were synthesized by a simple method, and the degradation rate of bisphenol A by α-MnO2 and α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w) under different conditions were studied. The optimal conditions for the degradation of bisphenol A by the two materials were determined by single factor and orthogonal experiments. When the dosage of α-MnO2 catalyst is 6.5g/L and the concentration of H2O2 is 200 mg/L with pH = 4.5 at 328K, the degradation rate of 50mg/L bisphenol A can reach 91.02% within 70 minutes. When α-MnO2/AC (1:1, w/w) has a catalyst dosage of 1.5g/L, at 298K with no pH adjustment, the degradation rate of 50 mg/L of bisphenol A within 70 minutes can be reached 94.17%.
Carbon dioxide atmospheric concentration and hydrometeorological disasters
Authors: Fortunato Andres , Herwartz Helmut , López Ramón E. , Figueroa Eugenio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We study the long-run dynamic and predictive connection between atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and the probability of hydrometeorological disasters. For a panel of 193 countries over the period 1970-2016 we estimate the probabilities of hydrometeorological disasters at country levels by means of Bayesian sampling techniques. We then separate the effects of climatological and socio-demographic factors (used as proxies for exposure and vulnerability) and other country-specific factors, from a global probability of disasters (GPOD). Finally, we subject these global probability time paths to a cointegration analysis with CO2 concentration and run projections to year 2040 of the GPOD conditional on nine Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios. We detect a stable long-term relation between CO2 accumulation and the GPOD that allows to determine projections of the latter process conditional on the former. This way, we demonstrate that generally and readily available statistical data on CO2 global atmospheric concentrations can be used as a conceptually meaningful, statistically valid and policy useful predictor of the probability of occurrence of (global) hydrometeorological disasters.
Hepatic Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms: An Analysis of 16 Cases
Authors: Fu Yubin , Xue Jiahao , Ge Penglei , Guo Rufei , Li Lin , Li Chen , Feng Zhengkai , Li Chunbo , Wu Yang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (Hepatic PEComa) is a rare type of mesenchymal tumor and its diagnosis and treatment are controversial. To investigate its clinical features and to guide the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor.Methods: Retrospectively analysing the clinical data of 16 patients with pathologically confirmed hepatic PEComa, who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 2014 to April 2020, and summarizing its clinical symptoms, Imaging features, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics, therapy and prognosis. Results: All 16 patients were female, aged from 23 to 65 years (mean, 44±12 years). Clinical manifestations, preoperative routine laboratory tests and imaging examinations were lack of specificity. Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive rates of HMB-45, Melan-A and SMA were 100% (16/16), 100% (16/16) and 81.3% (13/16) respectively. The negative rates of Hepatocytes and S-100 were 100% (16/16) and 75% (12/16), respectively. With regard to treatment, eleven patients had undergone “laparotomy for partial hepatectomy” or “laparoscopic partial hepatectomy”. Three patients had undergone “radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors”. One patient had undergone chemotherapy with the " gemcitabine + nedaplatin + apatinib " regimen. Twelve of sixteen patients were followed up for 6- 55 months (mean, 26±18 months), one case of an intrahepatic recurrent lesion was found 14 months after radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors, and the remaining 11 cases showed no enlargement of the primary lesion, and no new lesions, metastasis or death. Conclusions: Hepatic PEComa lacks specific clinical manifestations and imaging features. The diagnosis depends on histological and immunohistochemical characteristics. The positive of HMB-45, Melan-A, and SMA and the negative of S-100 are helpful in the diagnosis of hepatic PEComa. Most hepatic PEComas are benign lesions, and radical resection is the best treatment with a favorable prognosis.
LncRNA DLGAP1-AS2 Overexpression Associates with Gastric Tumorigenesis; A Promising Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Soltani Rogayeh , Amini Mohammad , Moghaddam Marziyeh Mazaheri , Jebelli Asiyeh , Ahmadiyan Sahar , Bidar Negar , Baradaran Behzad , MotieGhader Habib , Asadi Milad , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Aberrant expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with the progression of human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). The function of lncRNA DLGAP1-AS2, as an oncogene, has been identified in glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma but not in other malignancies. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the association of DLGAP1-AS2 with gastric tumorigenesis and beyond.Methods and Results: The expression level of DLGAP1-AS2 was prevaluated in GC datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Moreover, qRT-PCR experiment was performed on 25 paired GC and adjacent normal tissue samples. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were also analyzed for further validations. Consistent with data obtained from GEO datasets, qRT-PCR results revealed that DLGAP1-AS2 was significantly (p < 0.0032) upregulated in GC specimens compared to normal samples, which was additionally confirmed using TCGA analysis (p<0.0001). DLGAP1-AS2 expression level was also correlated with age (p =0.0008), lymphatic and vascular invasion (p =0.0415) in internal samples. Also, a significant correlation was found between DLGAP1-AS2 and YAP1 expression, as its valid downstream target, in GC samples. Besides, analysis of other prevalent tumor entities using TCGA illustrated the significant overexpression of DLGAP1-AS2 in lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, further indicating its promise as an oncogene. Moreover, ROC curve analysis showed the high accuracy of the DLGAP1-AS2 expression pattern as a diagnostic biomarker for gastric and colorectal cancers. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that DLGAP1-AS2 might display oncogenic property in gastric tumorigenesis and be suggested as a therapeutic and diagnostic target.
Three-Dimensional Modeling and Simulation of Muscle Tissue Puncture Process
Authors: lv zongkai , song qinghua , gao fan , liu zhanqiang , wan yi , jiang yonghang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Needle biopsy is an important part of modern clinical medicine. The puncture accuracy and sampling success rate of puncture surgery can be effectively improved through virtual surgery. Because fewer puncture existing three-dimensional(3D) model, it is impossible to guide the operation under complicated working conditions, which limits the development of virtual surgery. In this paper, 3D simulation of muscle tissue puncture process is studied. Firstly, the parameters of muscle tissue are measured. Considering the fitting accuracy and calculation speed, the M-R model is selected. Subsequently, an accurate 3D dynamic puncture model is established. The failure criterion is used to define the breaking characteristics of the muscle, and the bilinear cohesion model defines the breaking process. Experiments with different puncture speeds are carried out through the built in vitro puncture platform. The experimental results are compared with the simulation results. The accuracy of the model is verified by the high degree of agreement between the two curves. Finally, the model under different parameters is studied. Analyze the simulation results of different puncture depths and puncture speeds. The 3D puncture model can provide a more accurate model support for virtual surgery and help improve the success rate of puncture surgery.
Evaluate the Humidity Sensing Properties of a CNTs/Co3O4 Nanorods Composite
Authors: Taha Walaa M. , Morsy Mohamed , Nada Nadra A. , Ibrahim Medhat 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
For the development of humidity sensors, MWCNTs/Co3O4 nanocomposite has been prepared by precipitation method. in order to evaluate the prepared materials quality both of functionalized MWCNTs and decorated CNTs characterized by X- ray powder diffraction (XRD) ,High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) Thermal analysis (DTA and TGA) FTIR and finally Raman spectroscopy. Meanwhile the humidity sensing behavior has been also investigated. The proposed composite has been tested in the wide range in relative humidity and tesing frequency. The obtained results confirmed that the optimum testing frequency is 100 Hz. The MWCNTs/Co3O4 nanocomposite exhibited a good sensitivity toward humidity from11% up to 97% RH with reasonable response and recovery time. Also the sensor revealed a low hysteresis and good repeatability with increasing and decreasing of humidity levels.
On Steel Surface Modification via Embedment of ZnNPs@polystyrene Composite as Anti-corrosive Template
Authors: Naggar Ahmed M.A. El , Karim Mohamed I Abd el , Taha Mohamed H. , Ramadan Ahmed M. , B.Ahmed Hanan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Corrosion is one of the serious problems countered in different industries as it dramatically causes strong impacting on the infrastructures. As an attempt for sorting out such problem, this approach investigated an innovative strategy for synthesis of corrosion inhibitor for steel surfaces based on composite of polystyrene and zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs@polystyrene composite). The successive immobilization of ZnNPs (size average of 4-50 nm) within polystyrene matrix (Mwt of 372.587 g/ mole and degree of polymerization equals 3582 repeat unit/ molecule) for clustering of the desirable ZnNPs@polystyrene composite (surface area of 33.62 m2/g, average pore diameter of 9 nm) was approved via several instrumental analyses of FT-IR, XRD, SEM, HRSEM, EDX, TEM and BET with estimation of total pore volume and average pore diameter for the prepared composite. Thermal stability of the prepared composite was affirmed via TGA analysis. Corrosion percentage via weight loss percent in three media of water, H2SO4 and diesel fuel was estimated to reach maximally to 25 % in case of H2SO4, while, corrosion inhibition efficiency (CIE) percentage estimated according to weight loss to reach 94.27, 88.18 and 85.05 % after 10 days of soaking the steel samples coated with the synthesized ZnNPs@polystyrene composite (800 ppm) at 25 ℃, while, elevation of temperature up to 45 ℃, resulted in non-significant effect on the estimated CIE to be diminished to 91.8, 85.2 and 81.1% after soaking in water, diesel fuel and sulfuric acid as corrosion media, respectively. CIE was estimated to be near 30% in case of coating steel samples with polystyrene polymer, to be significantly increased to near 80 % and formidably jumped to near 100% by coating with ZnNPs@polystyrene composite, with weight percent of 30 & 50% of ZnNPs, respectively. In addition to, Zeta potential was also detected to be - 9.67 in case of untreated steel samples, while, it became - 4.98 after coating of sample with ZnNPs@polystyrene composite. Eventually, from Arrhenius plots, activation energies and thermodynamic parameters of rate constant, enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) confirmed that the interaction is more taking place between the corrosion species and ZnNPs@polystyrene composite as corrosion inhibitor rather than with steel surface. Postulation of the reaction mechanism for the anticorrosive action of the synthesized ZnNPs@polystyrene composite was presented according to the illustrated instrumental analyses.
Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life among Older Adults after the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hubei China
Authors: Duan Yanping , Peiris D. L.I.H.K. , Yang Min , Liang Wei , Baker Julien Steven , Hu Chun , Shang Borui 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOlder adults’ quality of life (QoL) is facing huge challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. New normal lifestyle behaviors, including getting adequate physical activity (PA), consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables (FV) and enacting individual preventive behaviors (frequent hand washing, facemask wearing, and social distancing), as a significant determinant for QoL, have not been adequately addressed in older adults during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of QoL in Chinese older adults after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei China, to examine the associations of lifestyle behaviors with QoL, and to identify the moderating role of socioeconomic indicators in the associations. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Hubei, China, from June 15, 2020, to July 10, 2020. 516 older adults completed an online survey (mean age = 67.6 ± 6.6; 57.9% women). The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, covariates (chronic diseases and infected cases of acquaintances), lifestyle behaviors (PA stage, FV intake (FVI) stage and three preventive behaviors) and QoL. T-tests, ANOVA tests, hierarchical multiple linear regression models with simple slope analyses were used to test the hypotheses. ResultsQoL significantly differed in relation to economic situation, chronic diseases, marital status, education, living situation, age group and professional status. Participants’ economic situation (β average vs. below average = 0.17, p < 0.01; β above average vs. below average = 0.15, p < 0.01), chronic diseases (β yes vs. no = 0.19, p < 0.001), FVI stage (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) and preventive behaviors (β = 0.10, p < 0.05) indicated a significant association with QoL. Education level and economic situation significantly interacted with preventive behaviors on QoL respectively (β preventive behaviors x educational level = -1.3, p < 0.01; β preventive behaviors x economic situation = -0.97, p < 0.05). ConclusionsFindings emphasize the importance of enhancing FVI and preventive behaviors on QoL improvement in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults who are in a lower economic situation with lower education levels should be given priority when implementing interventions to improve preventive behaviors and QoL in older adults.
The Impact of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on the Growth Rate of New COVID-19 Cases: Evidence From Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Authors: Nanovsky Simeon , Arynov Zhanibek , Alzhanova Aigul 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: This article explores the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs also know as quarantine restrictions) on the reduction of the growth rate in new COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It turns out that empirically NPIs gradually reduce the growth rate of new cases. This is theoretically backed by an epidemic growth model shown in the paper. Once this growth rate turns negative, it is only then that the actual levels of new cases begin to fall.Methods: The growth rate of new cases is regressed on NPIs. The contribution of NPIs is estimated via ordinary least squares. The paper is unique in that it uses the growth rate as the main dependent variable. Results: The regression results are able determine the impact of particular NPIs on the growth rate of new cases. In turns out that all types of NPIs are effective in reducing the growth rate. Conclusions: Interesting enough, comparing the results for the two countries, it appears that in the summer the partial-lockdown in Kyrgyzstan was just as effective as the full lockdown in Kazakhstan at reducing the growth rate. Therefore as a policy recommendation, and to avoid the economic impact of a full lockdown, these countries should stick with partial lockdowns. Lastly, a conservative counterfactual scenario indicates that total cases for 2020 would be 50% to 100% higher had the countries not imposed NPIs.
Quantitative Strength Prediction of Advanced Ceramics With Regular/Irregular Flaws in I-Mode Condition
Authors: Zhao Xinyuan , Wang Anzhe , Chen Yaoyu , Zheng Qihan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Flaws in ceramics have a significant impact on their strength. Realization of ceramic strength from qualitative statistical description to quantitative prediction is essential for the fields of fracture mechanics, materials science and engineering applications. In this study, two regular flaw-strength prediction models with clear physical meaning were established under I-mode failure according to the classic crack-strength model (Sato [17]) combined with two critical stress intensity factor Kc vs. tip radius r relationships (Gómez [18] and Yang [19]). Comparison with the data that reported in the literature proved that the Sato-Yang model was more accurate than the Sato-Gómez model. On the basis of finite element simulation and mathematical fitting, a simple coefficient that can reasonably described the complexity of flaw shapes was proposed, thus extending the regular flaw-strength model to solve the irregular flaw problem and passing the experimental verification at the same time.
The Morphological Characteristics of Choriocapillaris In the Fellow Eyes of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.Co-authors
Authors: Wu Huajui , Sugano Yukinori , Itagaki Kanako , Kasai Akihito , Shintake Hiroaki , Sekiryu Tetsuju 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To evaluate the morphological characteristics of the flow void (FV) in the fellow eyes of the unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). 52 eyes of PCV fellow eyes (PCVF) and 57 age-matched normal controls were recruited in this prospective study. The number of FV was analyzed according to the size which from 6×6-mm swept source optical coherence tomography angiography scans. We used indocyanine green angiography images to determine whether choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH) has occurred. For the PCVF, the incidence of CVH was 70% (35 of 50. Two of participants were allergic to the dye.) The number of FV significantly lower in all sizes (P = .002), 400 ~ 500µm2 (P = .002), 525 ~ 625µm2 (P = .002) and 650 ~ 750µm2 (P = .005). And the distribution significantly different in all sizes (P = .002), 400 ~ 500µm2 (P = .001), 525 ~ 625µm2 (P = .002) and 650 ~ 750µm2 (P = .001) compared to the controls. And showed no differences in the size from 775 to 1125µm2 between two groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of PCVF with CVH and controls was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88 ~ 0.98) (P < .001). We found that the FV is a useful predictor for distinguishing the fellow eyes of PCV from normal eyes.