bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of armed conflict on the epidemiological situation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Libya, Syria, and Yemen
Authors: Daw Mohamed Ali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Since the Arab uprising 2011, Libya, Syria, and Yemen have gone through a major armed conflict. This resulted in a high rate of mortality, injury, and population displacement with a collapse of the health care system. Furthermore, it was complicated by the emergence of, COVID-19 as a global pandemic which made the population of these countries strive under unusual conditions to tackle both the pandemic and the ongoing wars. The objectives of this study were to determine the impacts and influence of armed conflicts on the epidemiology of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) within these war-torn countries and outline the needed strategies to combat the spread of the pandemic and its upcoming consequences. Methods: The official and public data regarding the dynamics of armed conflict and the spread, of SARS-COV-19 in Libya, Syria, and Yemen were collected from all available sources. Starting from the early emergence of the COVID-19 in each country until the end of December 2020. Datasets were analyzed through a set of statistical techniques and the weekly resolved data were used to probe the link between the intensity levels of the armed conflict and the spread of the pandemic.Results; Data indicated that there is an increase in the intensity of violence levels at an early stage from March to August reached up to two folds in the three countries particularly in Libya. In this violent period, few cases of COVID-19 were reported ranging from 5-53 cases/day. From September to December, a significant decline in the level of the armed conflict was accompanied by steep upsurges in the number of reported COVID-19 cases reached up to 500 cases/day. The highest accumulative cases of COVID-19 were reported in Libya, Syria, and Yemen respectively.Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that the armed conflict has provided an opportunity for SARS-COV-19 to spread. At the early weeks of the pandemic that coincided with high levels of the armed conflict few cases were officially reported indicating a vast undercount, which may suggest a hidden mitigating spread at an early stage. Then the pandemic increased immensely as the armed conflict decline to reach the highest by December. A full-blown transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in these countries is expected. Therefore, urgent national and international strategies should be implemented to combat the pandemic and its upcoming consequences.
Pericarditis caused by Enterococcus faecium with acute liver failure treated by a multifaceted approach including antimicrobials and hemoadsorption
Authors: Köhler Thomas , Pletz Mathias W. , Altmann Simon , Kirchner Carmen , Schwier Elke , Henzler Dietrich , Winde Günther , Eickmeyer Claas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSepsis and septic shock are still life-threatening diseases with a high mortality rate. We report a complex case of peritonitis with pericarditis and acute liver failure caused by septic shock. Potentially hepato-toxic antibiotic therapy levels were monitored using the liver maximum capacity (LiMAx®) test and standard treatment was supplemented by adjunctive hemoadsorption with CytoSorb®. Case presentationThe case features a 29-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease and cachexia. Peritonitis caused by Enterococcus faecium was diagnosed later due to an ileum perforation. The hematogenic spread led to the pericarditis. In addition, sepsis-related acute-liver-failure complicated antimicrobial therapy further. The combination of standard therapy, anti-infective medication and blood purification was associated with inflammation control, hemodynamic stabilization and a concomitant decrease in vasopressor support. An efficient, sustained reduction in plasma bilirubin levels was achieved while maintaining liver function.ConclusionsThis case shows how complex infectious diseases with an atypical infectious focus resulting in septic shock can be successfully treated. A combination of antimicrobial (tigecycline and caspofungin) and long-term adjunctive hemoadsorption therapy was administered while hepato-toxic antibiotic medication was monitored by liver function testing.
Pure and Linear Frequency Converter Temporal Metasurface
Authors: Taravati Sajjad , Eleftheriades George V. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Metasurfaces are ultrathin structures which are constituted by an array of subwavelength scatterers with designable scattering responses. They have opened up unprecedented exciting opportunities for extraordinary wave engineering processes. On the other hand, frequency converters have drawn wide attention due to their vital applications in telecommunication systems, health care devices, radio astronomy, military radars and biological sensing systems. Here, we show that a spurious-free and linear frequency converter metasurface can be realized by leveraging unique properties of engineered transmissive temporal supercells. Such a metasurface is formed by time-modulated supercells; themselves are composed of temporal and static patch resonators and phase shifters. This represents the first frequency converter metasurface possessing large frequency conversion ratio with controllable frequency bands and transmission magnitude. In contrast to conventional nonlinear mixers, the proposed temporal frequency converter offers a linear response. In addition, by taking advantage of the proposed surface-interconnector-phaser-surface (SIPS) architecture, a spurious-free and linear frequency conversion is achievable, where all undesired mixing products are strongly suppressed. The proposed metasurface may be digitally controlled and programmed through a field programmable gate array. This makes the spurious-free and linear frequency converter metasurface a prominent solution for wireless and satellite telecommunication systems, as well as invisibility cloaks and radars. This study opens a way to realize more complicated and enhanced-efficiency spectrum-changing metasurface.
Relativistic Equation Failure for LIGO Signals
Authors: Dongfang X.D. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Signal waves of the monotone increasing frequency detected by LIGO are universally considered to be gravitational waves of spiral binary stars, and the general theory of relativity is thus universally considered to have been confirmed by the experiments. Here we present a universal method for signal wave spectrum analysis, introducing the true conclusions of numerical calculation and image analysis of GW150914 signal wave. Firstly, numerical calculation results of GW150914 signal wave frequency change rate obey the com quantization law which needs to be accurately described by integers, and there is an irreconcilable difference between the results and the generalized relativistic frequency equation of the gravitational wave. Secondly, the assignment of the frequency and frequency change rate of GW10914 signal wave to the generalized relativistic frequency equation of gravitational wave constructs a non-linear equation group about the mass of wave source, and the computer image solution shows that the equation group has no GW10914 signal wave solution. Thirdly, it is not unique to calculate the chirp mass of the wave source from the different frequencies and change rates of the numerical relativistic waveform of the GW150914 signal wave, and the numerical relativistic waveform of the GW150914 signal wave deviates too far from the original waveform actually. Other LIGO signal waveforms do not have obvious characteristics of gravitational frequency variation of spiral binary stars and lack precise data, so they cannot be used for numerical analysis and image solution. Therefore, LIGO signals represented by gw50914 signal do not support the relativistic gravitational wave frequency equation. However, whether gravitational wave signals from spiral binaries that may be detected in the future follow the same co quantization law? The answer is not clear at present.
Modelling the Global Prevalence of COVID-19: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Adekunle Wasiu , Oyolola Feyisayo , Atolagbe Oluwafemi A. , Ademola Abdulhameed A. , Odugbemi Taiwo H. , Ashiru Yusuff O. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Virtually all economies of the world were caught up unawares with the sudden outbreak and rapid spread of coronavirus pandemic from Wuhan City of China to the rest of the world. A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the drivers of the spread of the viral infection. To differ with these studies which were mostly epidemiological-based, we employed a cross-sectional quantile regression approach to uncover both the common and region-specific socio-economic conditions that are instrumental in the spread of the pandemic across four continents of the world including Africa, Asia, America and Europe. Across the four continents, we observed that age characteristics proxied by life expectancy and the size of the aged population, as well as, overall spending on the health sector have significant impact on the spread of COVID-19. We also noted the significant roles of out-of-pocket spending on healthcare in the case of Africa, net migration in the case of America and tourism attraction in the case of Europe in driving the prevalence of coronavirus. We therefore draw policy implications in terms of the need for improved spending on health sector across continents and the need to intensify health checks for travelers and immigrants, and also the need to emphasize regular check-ups for all individuals across continents since current realities have shown that no age-group is spared of contracting the viral infection.
Geostatistics of Active Fire Remote Sensing Data - Examples from South Asia
Authors: Devkota Jyoti U. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Active fires illuminated on the earth surface are caught by the satellite. These fires are created by various sources such as vegetation fires, gas flares, biomass burning, volcanoes, and industrial sites such as steel mills. Near real time active fire data is collected using remote sensing techniques of satellites. Amount of active fires in an area is a proxy indicator of aerosols, green houses gases and trace gases. Here the behavior of active fires over a period of one year in Nepal, Bhutan and Srilanka are studied using spatial statistics. This study is based on data acquired through remote sensing of data acquisition platform, NASA’s MODIS. Spatial statistics is used here to study the incidence of active fires with respect to geographical location. The behavior of parameters of various autoregressive models like Spatial Durban Model, Spatial Lag Model, Spatial Error Model, Manski Model and Kelegian Prucha Model are minutely analyzed. The best model with highest pseudo R2 is selected. The spatial behavior of the fire radiative power for three countries is also predicted using spatial interpolation and kriging. So the burning potential of vegetations in unsampled areas is envisaged by thus predicting FRP. Such studies give a country wise perspective to the behavior of fire; this is with reference to south Asia. They are of great importance for countries of developing world which lack a strong backbone of good quality official records. Through the statistical analyses of data collected by such platforms, important information can be indirectly assessed.
A Low-Power Biomimetic Crypto Engine for All-In-One IoT based on Programmable and Multifunctional MoS2 FETs
Authors: Das Saptarshi , Dodda Akhil 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the emerging era of internet of things (IoT), ubiquitous sensors continuously collect, consume, store, and communicate an astonishing volume of information, which are becoming increasingly vulnerable to theft and misuse. Modern software crypto systems are powerful but require extensive computational infrastructure for implementing ciphering algorithms making it difficult to be adopted by IoT edge sensors that operate with limited hardware resources and at miniscule energy budgets. Here we propose, and experimentally demonstrate a low-power, biomimetic, crypto system integrated with IoT edge sensor based on an array of atomically thin, multifunctional, and programmable MoS2 field effect transistors (FETs). We show that the information received by a MoS2 photodetector and encrypted by a population of MoS2 based reconfigurable artificial neural encoders is secure from an eavesdropper with finite resources. We also show that our all-in-one IoT platform consumes miniscule energy in the range of tens to hundreds of pico Joules, has a small hardware footprint, and combines sensing, non-volatile storage, and security, for the first time.
Biology, pathotype, and virulence of Globodera rostochiensis populations from Kenya
Authors: Mwangi James M. , Mwangi Grace N. , Finckh Maria R. , Kiewnick Sebastian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis (Woll.) and G. pallida (Stone), are important pests of potato globally. Due to their extensive damage potential and the challenge of managing them, these nematodes are under strict regulations in many countries; however, despite these regulations, PCN continue to spread into new areas and countries. In Kenya, G. rostochiensis was first reported in 2015 and G. pallida was reported three years later, both in Nyandarua County. Research was conducted to characterize the biology, pathotype, and virulence of G. rostochiensis populations from Kenya in glasshouse and laboratory studies. The development of G. rostochiensis was assessed in roots of susceptible potato ‘Désirée’ and resistant ‘Laura’ carrying the H1 resistance gene. The ‘HAR1’ population from Kenya and ‘Ecosse’ from Germany were not able to produce females in the roots of the resistant potato ‘Laura’. The rate of root penetration by G. rostochiensis juveniles did not differ (p > 0.05) between populations and cultivars. However, in the resistant cultivar, juveniles developed into males only. A total of 736 cumulative degree-days at 6°C base temperature (DD6) were required by ‘HAR1’ to complete the life cycle on ‘Désirée’, whereas ‘Ecosse’ completed the life cycle within 645 DD6. The Kenyan populations lacked obligatory diapause and high numbers of juveniles hatched immediately after maturity. Consequently, the Kenyan populations had the potential to complete up to three reproduction cycles in less than a year. On selected potato cultivars, the populations from Kenya failed to reproduce on 10 out of 13 commercial cultivars tested. The 10 cultivars carried the H1 resistance gene, which suggests that the G. rostochiensis populations tested belong to the Ro1/4 pathotype group. The virulence of the G. rostochiensis populations from Kenya did not differ from that of the standard reference population ‘Ecosse’ and therefore can be effectively managed with the commercially available potato cultivars carrying the H1 resistance gene.
Host status of morning-glory (Ipomoea spp.) to Meloidogyne species
Authors: Kaspary Tiago Edu , Júnior Ismail Teodoro de Souza , Ramos Rodrigo Ferraz , Bellé Cristiano 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Weeds can be hosting and alternative multipliers of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Among the main weeds, species of the genus Ipomoea stands out for their cosmopolitan presence and the negative impact on crops. In addition, they can behave as hosts and promote the reproduction of pests, diseases, and nematodes. However, the ability of Meloidogyne nematodes to infect morning-glory (Ipomoea spp.) is little understood. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the reproduction of M. arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. ethiopica, M. hapla, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. luci, and M. morocciensis in I. grandifolia, I. hederifolia, I. nil, I. purpurea, and I. quamoclit. Plants were individually inoculated with 5,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles and kept in a greenhouse for 60 days. The design was completely randomized with six repetitions. After this period, the root system of each plant was evaluated to gall index (IG) and reproduction factor (RF). It was verified that the eight species of Melodoigyne have the capacity to parasitize I. grandifolia, I. hederifolia, I. nil, I. purpurea, and I. quamoclit, showing the susceptibility of these weeds to the plant-parasitic nematodes. The highest RF were observed for M. enterolobii with values of 12.5 and 12.9 for I. quamoclit and I. hederifolia, respectively. While M. arenaria obtained the lowest values, with RF ≤ 4.0 for all species of Ipomoea. Thus, weed species of the Ipomoea genus are potential hosts and multipliers of root-knot nematodes, making it important to be considered in integrated management strategies for these plant-parasitic nematodes.
Quality by Design Approach for Development and Optimization of Rifampicin Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles and Characterization
Authors: Joshi Monica , Yadav Khushwant S. , Prabhakar Bala 
Published: February 2021

Background:
This study is focused on preparing rifampicin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles
(RIF BSA NPs) suitable for intravenous application using systematic quality by design
(QbD) approach.

Aim:
Rifampicin is one of the first-line drugs used for tuberculosis therapy. The therapy
lasts for a long time. Thus, there is a need to develop a sustained release formulation of rifampicin
for intravenous application.

Objectives:
The main objective of this study is optimizing particle size and entrapment efficiency
of rifampicin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (RIF BSA NPs) and making them suitable
for intravenous application using QbD approach.

Methods:
Quality target product profile was defined along with critical quality attributes (CQAs)
for the formulation. 32 factorial design was used for achieving the predetermined values of CQAs,
i.e., mean particle size <200 nm and percent entrapment efficiency>50%. Incubation time of drug
with colloidal albumin solution and ratio of rifampicin to albumin, were selected as independent
variables. Checkpoint analysis was performed to confirm the suitability of the regression model for
optimization.

Results: :
The optimized RIF BSA NPs were characterized by FTIR, DSC, 1H NMR techniques. The
NPs observed by transmission electron microscopy were spherical in shape. The rifampicin release
could be sustained for 72 hours from BSA NPs matrix. RIF BSA NPs dispersion was stable at 5 ±
3°C for 72 hours. Non-toxicity of nanoparticles to RAW 264.7 cell line was proved by MTT assay.

Conclusion:
Development of RIF BSA NPs with desired quality attributes was possible by implementing
the QbD approach. The optimized formulation suitable for intravenous application can potentially
improve the therapeutic benefits of rifampicin.
Comparison of Serum Choline and Trimethylamine N-oxide after ingestion of Alpha Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline and Choline Salts.
Authors: Davis Greggory R. , Bellar David , Aldret Randy L. 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Choline supplements may provide potential improvements to health outcomes and exercise performance, yet the bioavailability of choline supplements is poorly understood. Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to examine the levels of serum Choline and Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) after two dose of Alpha Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (A-GPC) in comparison to common choline salts.

Methods:
High-dose and low-dose A-GPC along with choline salt supplements were administered to participants over the course of four weeks in a randomized double-blind fashion. Serum levels of choline and TMAO, the gut byproduct of choline were examined acutely over the course of four hours and again following one week and four weeks of supplementation.

Results:
High-dose A-GPC and the choline chloride supplement yielded significantly higher choline levels compared to low-dose A-GPC and choline bitartate (F=31.31, p<0.01) though the effect for time was not significant. TMAO levels were not significantly different between supplements (F=1.96. p=0.1361) or across time (F=0.0795, p=0.7795).

Conclusion:
A-GPC increases serum choline similar to that seen with high-dose choline chloride ingestion without a concomitant increase in TMAO levels and therefore, may be a desirable option as a dietary supplement.
Forecasting the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia Using a Modified Singular Spectrum Analysis Approach: Model Development and Data Analysis
Authors: Alharbi Nader 
Published: February 2021

Background
Infectious disease is one of the main issues that threatens human health worldwide. The 2019 outbreak of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, has become a serious global pandemic. Many attempts have been made to forecast the spread of the disease using various methods, including time series models. Among the attempts to model the pandemic, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have used the singular spectrum analysis (SSA) technique to forecast confirmed cases.

Objective
The primary objective of this paper is to construct a reliable, robust, and interpretable model for describing, decomposing, and forecasting the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and predicting the peak of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A modified singular spectrum analysis (SSA) approach was applied for the analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. We proposed this approach and developed it in our previous studies regarding the separability and grouping steps in SSA, which play important roles in reconstruction and forecasting. The modified SSA approach mainly enables us to identify the number of interpretable components required for separability, signal extraction, and noise reduction. The approach was examined using different levels of simulated and real data with different structures and signal-to-noise ratios. In this study, we examined the capability of the approach to analyze COVID-19 data. We then used vector SSA to predict new data points and the peak of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

Results
In the first stage, the confirmed daily cases on the first 42 days (March 02 to April 12, 2020) were used and analyzed to identify the value of the number of required eigenvalues (r) for separability between noise and signal. After obtaining the value of r, which was 2, and extracting the signals, vector SSA was used to predict and determine the pandemic peak. In the second stage, we updated the data and included 81 daily case values. We used the same window length and number of eigenvalues for reconstruction and forecasting of the points 90 days ahead. The results of both forecasting scenarios indicated that the peak would occur around the end of May or June 2020 and that the crisis would end between the end of June and the middle of August 2020, with a total number of infected people of approximately 330,000.

Conclusions
Our results confirm the impressive performance of modified SSA in analyzing COVID-19 data and selecting the value of r for identifying the signal subspace from a noisy time series and then making a reliable prediction of daily confirmed cases using the vector SSA method.