bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Mortality in Brazil, 2020-21: Consequences of the pandemic inadequate management
Authors: Szwarcwald Célia Landmann , Boccolini Cristiano Siqueira , de Almeida Wanessa da Silva , Filho Adauto Martins Soares , Malta Deborah Carvalho 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought countless challenges to public health and highlighted the Brazilian health system vulnerabilities to face the emergency situation. In this article, we analyze data on COVID-19-related deaths in Brazil in 2020-21 to show the tragic consequences of the pandemic on the Brazilian population.
Methods
The Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System were the main information sources. We used the population estimates in 2020-21 to calculate COVID-19 specific mortality rates by age and sex and educational level. Considering the total number of deaths in 2020-21, the COVID-19 proportional mortality (%) was estimated for each age group and sex. A graph of the daily deaths from January 2020 to December 2021 by sex was elaborated to show the temporal evolution of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil. In addition, four indicators related to COVID-19 mortality were estimated: infant mortality rate; maternal mortality ratio (MMR); number of orphans due to mother's death; average number of years lost.
Results
The overall COVID-19 mortality rate was 14.8 (/10,000). The mortality rates increase with age and show a decreasing gradient with higher schooling. Among illiterate people, the rate was 38.8/10,000, three times higher than those with college education. Male mortality was 31% higher than female mortality. COVID-19 deaths represented 19.1% of all deaths, with the highest proportions in the median age groups. The average number of years lost due to COVID-19 was 19 years. The MMR due to COVID-19 was 35.7 per 100,000 LB, representing 37.4% of the overall MMR. Regarding the number of orphans due to COVID-19, we estimated that 40,830 children under 18 years old lost their mothers during the pandemic, with an orphans' rate of 7.5/10,000 children aged 0–17 years. The pandemic peak occurred in March 2021, reaching almost 4,000 deaths per day, higher than the average number of deaths per day from all causes in 2019.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 lethality rate in Brazil was 2.2%, twice the global lethality rate. The delay in adopting public health measures necessary to control the epidemic has exacerbated the spread of the disease, resulting in several avoidable deaths.
Face Gear Generating Grinding Residual Model based on the Normal Cutting Depth Iterative Method
Authors: Cai Sijie , Cai Zhiqin , Yao Bin , Shen Zhihuang , Liu Jianchun , Huang Haipeng , Lin Bingjing , Lin Jianchun , Huang Haibin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The generating grinding method has the characteristics of high machining accuracy and high efficiency. Therefore, it is widely used in the finishing process of the face gear tooth surface. The physical performance of the grinding process is an important factor that influences the machining accuracy of the face gear tooth surface. Therefore, to improve the manufacturing accuracy of the face gear, it is necessary to accurately simulate the grinding process of the face gear. Owing to the influence of the complex spatial geometric characteristics of the face gear tooth surface and the grinding wheel, establishing a surface residual modeling method for the face gear is a key challenge in simulating the generating grinding process. To address the aforementioned issues, this study proposes a normal cutting depth iterative method to calculate the grinding residual in the face gear generating grinding process. First, the mathematical models of the grinding wheel profile, grinding trajectory, and face gear tooth surface are established. Then, the initial conditions of algorithm iteration are established by calculating the parameter coordinates of the meshing point of the grinding wheel and the face gear at each moment. Subsequently, the tooth surface of the face gear is gridded, its node normal direction is determined, and the normal grinding residual matrix of the face gear tooth surface is obtained. Based on the cutting surface of the grinding wheel, the normal cutting depth of the grid node on the tooth surface at each moment is iteratively approximated. Furthermore, by taking the meshing point as the initial solution point and the face gear normal grinding residual matrix at the previous moment as the initial condition of iteration, grinding area on the face gear tooth surface at the current moment is calculated, and the face gear normal grinding residual matrix is updated. Finally, these steps are repeated until the grinding is completed, and the final normal grinding residual matrix of the face gear is obtained. Thus, the generating grinding residual of the face gear is obtained. This algorithm considers the complex 3D spatial characteristics of the face gear tooth surface and establishes the spatial residual model of each grid node of the face gear in the process of generating grinding. Compared with other residual algorithms based on 2D truncation or Boolean operation of face gears, this algorithm has higher computational accuracy and efficiency. Thus, it lays the foundation for accurately establishing the complex spatial microscopic surface topography in the face gear generating grinding process.
U.S. West Coast Droughts and Heat Waves Exacerbate Pollution Inequality and Can Undermine Emission Control Policies
Authors: Zeighami Amir , Kern Jordan , Yates Andrew , Weber Paige , Bruno August 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Droughts reduce hydropower production and heatwaves increase electricity demand, forcing power system operators to rely more on fossil fuel power plants. However, less is known about how droughts and heat waves impact the county level distribution of health damages from power plant emissions. Using California as a case study, we simulate emissions from power plants under a 500-year synthetic weather ensemble. We find that human health damages are highest in hot, dry years. Communities of color and communities with high pollution burden are disproportionately impacted by increased emissions from power plants during droughts and heat waves. Taxing power plant operations based on each plant’s contribution to health damages significantly reduces average exposure. However, emissions taxes fail to reduce air pollution damages on the worst polluting days, becasuse supply scarcity (caused by severe heat waves) forces system operators to use every power plant available to avoid causing a blackout.
Influence of different drying methods on drying characteristics, three- dimensional appearance, physicochemical property and microstructure of Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: Bai Jun-Wen , Wang Yu-Chi , Cai Jian-Rong , Zhang Lu , Dai Yi , Tian Xiao-Yu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of different drying methods, including hot air drying (HAD ), infrared drying (ID), and microwave drying (MD), on the drying characteristics, three-dimensional (3D) appearance, color, total polysaccharide content (TPC), antioxidant activity and microstructure of Pleurotus eryngii slices, and used a new machine vision technology, with the shrinkage, roughness and curvature as an index to evaluate the appearance changes during drying. The results showed that compared with HAD and ID, MD greatly reduced the drying time. The 3D appearance and microstructure image of P. eryngii slices showed that high temperature and high power could easily destroy the cell structure, and increase the shrinkage and curl. Besides, the color, TPC and antioxidant activity of slices were also related to temperature and power. This experiment can provide reference for the quality evaluation of other agricultural products in the subsequent drying process by studying the 3D morphological changes.
Estimating Annualized Earthquake Loss for Residential Buildings in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Kalantari Mohsen , Firuzi Erfan , Ahmadipour masoud , Soroushian Siavash 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
A probabilistic seismic risk assessment is conducted in this study to quantify Annualized Earthquake Loss (AEL) of Tehran, the capital of Iran. To do so, a comprehensive review of three main components of risk assessment including the seismic hazard analysis, exposure model and vulnerability functions is performed. The classical seismic hazard analysis is carried out based on the most recent earthquake catalog by considering the available uncertainties. A high-quality building exposure model based on recent census data with geographic resolution of census blocks is also compiled. According to available information, buildings are classified into 19 groups by considering their construction material, quality and height. The results show that sum of AEL in Tehran is about 10488 million USD, which is equivalent to 0.16% of exposed economic value. The spatial distribution of AEL indicated that value of AEL in the eastern districts is higher; however, the relative seismic risk in term of AELR in the southern districts of the city is much higher. In addition, a disaggregation analysis per building typology is performed to identify the contribution of different building taxonomies in AEL. The results show that the masonry and low-quality steel and concrete structures with poor designing specifications have the highest contribution in AEL. The finding from this study can be used by local authorities, government and insurance sector in order to develop effective risk mitigation plans and a robust insurance scheme for Tehran, Iran.
Do Traditional Food Commodities Transform Food Security? Evidence From Indigenous Knowledge in West Part of Ethiopia
Authors: Wana Hika , Kudama Gezahang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This article describes the role of traditional food commodities in transforming food security in the west part of Ethiopia. The study used both secondary and primary data to identify the types of traditional, indigenous, and cultural foods in the areas. The descriptive result revealed that Dinnicha Oromoo, Abbaa Coomaa, Qoccoo, Caccabsaa, Mushroom, Qoc-qocaa, Ancootee, and Goodarree were the indigenous food commodities found and widely consumed in west Oromia. Though these foods are cheap and low cost in the areas, they have not yet been well utilized due to low peoples’ perceptions towards these foods termed as ‘food for poor’ since they consider it as inferior goods. Moreover, lack of awareness, poor policies that recognize their contributions in improving food availability, and lack of promotion to promote traditional and indigenous foods are determinants in the area. The paper also describes the integration concept between modern technology and indigenous knowledge to rise food security status. Traditional and indigenous food systems once lost are hard to recreate, underlining the imperative for timely documentation, adaptations, compilation, and dissemination of diminishing knowledge of indigenous foods, biodiversity, and the use of food culture for promoting sustainable and secured diets. Therefore government, extensions, and all stakeholders should give high consideration to promote such foods and create awareness on their importance to solve food security problems in the study areas and Ethiopia at large. Let Ethiopia recovery come to tell new development.
Highly efficient removal of Rhodamine B dye using nanocomposites made from cotton seed oil-based polyurethane and silylated nanocellulose
Authors: Chandrashekar Akshatha , Vargheese Siji , Vijayan Jyothy G , Gopi Jineesh Ayippadath , Prabhu T Niranjana 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Biobased polyurethane nanocellulose nanocomposites were synthesized from cottonseed oil as the source for the biopolyol. The prepared composites were used to study the adsorption of Rhodamine B dye from water. Low functional polyol was derived from cottonseed oil using one-pot synthesis method. Nanocellulose was derived from pineapple leaves and then it was surface-functionalized via silylation. In-situ polymerization technique was used to incorporate the silylated nanocellulose into the polyurethane matrix. The prepared polyol from cottonseed oil was found to have an OH functionality of 2 which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Low functionality of polyol is the key factor in achieving flexible porous polyurethane. The silylated nanocellulose, polyurethane, and composites were characterized by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adsorption parameters were optimized using the Taguchi methodology and the adsorption efficiency was determined by carrying out adsorption at optimized parameters (5 wt% loading of silylated nanocellulose, pH 9, and temperature of 30 °C) for 8 hours. Studies showed that the prepared composite has a high adsorption efficiency of 597 mg/g of silylated nanocellulose towards Rh-B.
Low-energy shock wave therapy ameliorates ischemic-induced overactive bladder in a rat model with angiogenesis and increased expression of guanylate cyclase
Authors: Kimura Shingo , Kawamorita Naoki , Kikuchi Yoku , Shindo Tomohiko , Ishizuka Yuichi , Satake Yoichi , Sato Takuma , Izumi Hideaki , Yamashita Shinichi , Yasuda Satoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Ito Akihiro 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This study was to evaluate whether Low-energy shock wave therapy (LESW) improves ischemic-induced overactive bladder in a rat model and investigate its therapeutic mechanisms. Sixteen-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: arterial injury (AI), AI with LESW (AI-SW), and control groups. LESW was irradiated in AI-SW during 20–23 weeks of age. At 24 weeks of age, a conscious cystometry was performed (each n = 8). Voiding interval was significantly shortened in AI (mean ± SEM: 5.1 ± 0.8 min) than in the control group (17.3 ± 3.0 min), whereas significant improvements were observed in AI-SW (14.9 ± 3.3 min). The bladder blood flow significantly increased in AI-SW than in AI. Gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the bladder was elevated 24 hours after LESW followed by increased protein expression in the late phase. Following results of microarray analysis, protein expression of GC alpha was higher in AI-SW and control groups than in AI. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was also elevated in AI-SW. In histological examinations, rich vascularity was observed with positive stains of VEGF and GC in AI-SW. In addition to angiogenesis, activation of GC-cGMP may play a therapeutic role in the functional recovery of the bladder.
Upregulation of Dual-Specificity Phosphatase-26 is Required for Transforming Growth Factor β1(TGFβ1)-induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in A549 and PANC1 Cells
Authors: GULER Sabire , Zik Berrin , Yalcin Abdullah 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) proteins are potent inducers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Although mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family has been shown to be involved in TGFβ-induced EMT, role of Dual Specificity Phosphatases (DUSP), key regulators of MAPK activity, in TGFβ-induced EMT is largely unkonwn. Methods and Results: Real-time qPCR analyses were performed to determine the effect of TGFβ1 on expression of EMT genes and DUSP proteins in the non-small cell lung cancer model A549 and pancreatic adenocarcinoma model PANC1 cells. Western blot analyses were conducted to study the changes in protein levels of EMT proteins and select DUSP proteins, as well as phosphorylations of MAPK proteins upon TGFβ1 stimulation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was utilized to reduce expressions of DUSP genes. We observed that the EMT phenotype coincided with increases in phosphorylations of the MAPK proteins ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and JNK upon TGFβ1 stimulation. Real-time qPCR analysis showed increases in DUSP15 and DUSP26 mRNA levels and Western blot analysis confirmed the increase in DUSP26 protein levels in both A549 and PANC1 cells treated with TGFβ1 relative to control. Silencing of DUSP26 expression by siRNA markedly suppressed the effect of TGFβ1 on E-cadherin and mesenchymal genes in the cells.Conclusions: Data provided suggest that TGFβ1 modulates the expression of DUSP genes and that upregulation of DUSP26 may be required for TGFβ1-promoted EMT in A549 and PANC1 cells. Further studies should be carried out to elucidate the requirement of individual DUSPs in TGFβ1-associated EMT in tumor cells.
Identification of repurposed drugs targeting significant long non-coding RNAs in the cross-talk between Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ghiam Shokoofeh , Eslahchi Changiz , Shahpasand Koorosh , Habibi-Rezaei Mehran , Gharaghani Sajjad 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: The relationship between Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is so strong that scientists called it "brain diabetes". According to several studies, the critical factor in this relationship is brain insulin resistance. Due to the rapid spread of both diseases throughout the world, overcoming this cross-talk has a significant impact on societies. Long non-coding RNAs (lnc RNAs), on the other hand, have a substantial impact on complex diseases due to their ability to influence gene expression via a variety of mechanisms. As a result, regulating the expression of lncRNAs in chronic diseases enables the development of novel therapeutic strategies. However, developing a new drug requires considerable time and money. Recently repurposing existing drugs has gained popularity due to the use of low-risk compounds, which may result in cost and time savings.Results: We identified drug repurposing candidates that could control the expression of common lncRNAs in the cross-talk between DM and AD. We also utilized drugs that interfered with this cross-talk. To do so, high degree common lncRNAs were extracted from microRNA-lncRNA bipartite network. The drugs that interact with the specified lncRNAs were then collected from multiple data sources. These drugs, referred to as set D, were classified in to positive (D+) and negative (D-) groups based on their effects on the expression of the interacting lncRNAs. Six significant features for D were chosen using a feature selection algorithm. These features were capable of classifying D+ and D- with an accuracy of 82.5% using random forest classifier. Finally, the same six features were extracted for the most recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs to choose those with the highest likelihood of belonging to D+ or D-. The most major FDA-approved positive drugs, chromium nicotinate and tapentadol, were introduced as repurposing candidates, while cefepime and dihydro-alpha-ergocryptine were proposed as significant adverse drugs. Moreover, curcumin and quercetin, two natural chemicals, were recommended to prevent this cross-talk. Conclusions: Less attention has been paid to the role of lncRNAs in this cross-talk. Our research not only identified significant lncRNAs, but also introduced candidate repurposing drugs to control them.
Predicting Graft Failure in Pediatric Liver Transplantation Based on Early Biomarkers Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Jung Seungho , Park Kyemyung , Ihn Kyong , Kim Seon Ju , Kim Myoung Soo , Chae Dongwoo , Koo Bon-Nyeo 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The early detection of graft failure in pediatric liver transplantation is crucial for appropriate intervention. Graft survival is associated with numerous perioperative risk factors. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for 90-days graft survival in pediatric liver transplantation using machine learning methods. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 87 liver transplantation cases performed in patients aged < 12 years at the Severance Hospital between January 2010 and September 2020 were included as data samples. Patient characteristics, serial laboratory parameters, and events observed within seven days of surgery were collected as features. A LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) -based method was used for feature selection to overcome the high dimensionality and collinearity of variables. A risk scoring system was constructed based on the final selected model. Four variables were selected as the resultant features, namely, preoperative hepatic encephalopathy, sodium level at the end of surgery, hepatic artery thrombosis, and total bilirubin level on postoperative day 7. The model with logistic regression demonstrated good prediction performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.898 and area under the precision–recall curve (AUPR) = 0.882). The risk scoring system developed by selected features showed AUROC of 0.910 and AUPR of 0.830. The prediction of graft survival in pediatric liver transplantation using the proposed machine learning method exhibited superior discrimination power. This could provide relevant information to clinicians during medical decision making.
Filterless fluorescent DNA sensing in capillary tube PCR
Authors: Abid Hassan Ali , Ong Jian Wern , Lin Eric Shen , Song Zhixiong , Liew Oi Wah , Ng Tuck Wah 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The method of applying programmed tilt displacements on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) reactants held in capillary tubes that are displaced to and from closely adjacent holding regions kept at different constant temperatures overcomes many of the issues encountered with other approaches. Investigations here found laser diode line generators to provide sufficient excitation light levels but not electroluminescent (EL) wires for fluorescent emission detection. When optical fiber sensing was used, the levels of excited light from scattering far exceeded the fluorescent emission levels from the reagent. Camera recording however enabled filterless detection of the fluorescent emission as the excitation light levels from the scattering was low enough and fluorescent imaging was facilitated by the point spread function (PSF) axial length conditions being met. The capacity for quantitative PCR was also illustrated using an architecture comprising a heated glass block.
The Synthesis and the effect of Cu on optoelectronic qualities of β-In2S3 as a window layer for CIGS thin film solar cells
Authors: Alamoudi Elaf , timoumi abdelmajid 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In this paper, the vacuum thermal evaporation technique was used to investigate β-In2S3 doped with copper (Cu) as window layer thin film for solar cells. For various Cu doping levels, the characteristics of the thin films were studied utilizing structural, morphological, and optical characterization techniques, as well as dielectric testing. The research included X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Infrared analysis (FTIR), XPS, Ellipsometry and UV-NIR spectroscopy. The measurements demonstrated that the real and imaginary isolation constants were over the wavelength range and successfully estimated the Urbach energy (Eu) and band gap energy. Moreover, employing the Wemple-Didomenico model helped uncover the Cauchy coefficients’ refractive index and the dispersion and oscillation energies. Therefore, the results presented in this paper show that the use of Cu-In2S3 for perovskite cells offers a high-efficiency alternative in the solar energy field.