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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0728.v1

Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Strains of Hypervirulent Capsular Serotypes K1 and K2 Demonstrating Resistance against Human Serum Bactericidal Activity and Virulence in Galleria mellonella Model

Basaier Nooh AL-Busaidi, Muna AL-Muzahmi, Zahra AL-Shabibi, Meher Rizvi, Azza Al-Rashdi, Amina AL-Jardani, Robeena Farzand, Zaaima AL-Jabri

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Epidemiology And Infectious Diseases Keywords: Hypermucoviscous1; Klebsiella pneumoniae2; Hypervirulent3; Mobile genetic elements4; capsule serotypes5; Virulence6; Whole genome sequencing₇; sequence types₈

Online: 10 January 2024 (03:51:05 CET)

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Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is a variant that has been increasingly linked to severe, life threatening infections including pyogenic liver abscess and bloodstream infections. HvKp belonging to the capsular serotypes K1 and K2 have been reported worldwide, however very scarce studies are available on the their genomics and virulence. In the current study we report four hypermucoviscous hvKp ESBL clinical strains of capsular serotype K1 and K2 isolated from pus and urine of critically ill patients in tertiary care hospitals in Oman. These strains belong to diverse sequence types (STs) namely ST-23(K1), ST-231(K2), ST-881(K2), and ST-14(K2). To study their virulence, Galleria Mellonella model and resistance to human serum killing were used. The G. mellonella model revealed that the K1/ST-23 isolate is the most virulent as 50% of the larvae died in the first day, followed by isolate K2/ST-231 for which 75% of the larvae died in the second day and isolate K2/ST-14 for which 50% of the larvae died in the second day. Resistance to human serum killing showed there was complete inhibition of bacterial growth of all four isolates by the end of the first hour and up to the third hour. For ST-23(K1), ST-231(K2), ST-881(K2), and ST-14(K2), there was a gradual decrease in the number of colonies up to the second to third hour, which indicates neutralization of bacterial cells by the serum components. However, this was followed by sudden increase of bacterial growth, indicating possible resistance of bacteria against human serum bactericidal activity. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that hvKp strains display unique genetic arrangement of k-loci. Whole genome SNP-based phylogenetic analysis revealed that these hvKp isolates are phylogenetically distinct, belonging to diverse clades and belong to different STs in comparison to global isolates. This is the first report from Oman detailing the WGS of hvKp clinical isolates and assessing their resistance and virulence genomics, which reinforce our understanding of their epidemiology and dissemination in clinical settings.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0659.v1

Effects of Dredging on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Storage Pat-Terns and Retention Mechanisms in Column Core Sediments in the Caohai Region of Dianchi Lake

Mingyan Liu, Yan Yang, Zhi Shao, Yaping Liu, Ziqi Wang, Zhengqing Chen, Mingang Chen, Lixin Jiao, Di Song, Jingyu Li, Jing Wang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: dredging project; lake eutrophication; lake ecosystem health; nitrogen form; phosphorus form

Online: 9 January 2024 (10:31:19 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0666.v1

They Have Always Called Us Sick: Heterosexism and Medical Inequality for Queer Americans with Chronic Illness and a Potential New Direction for AIDS Discourses

B. Garrick Harden, Andre A. Favors

Subject: Social Sciences, Sociology Keywords: Queer Theory; Pandemics; Sexuality; AIDS Discourses; COVID Discourses

Online: 9 January 2024 (10:30:55 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202401.0279.v1

In Vitro Combinatorial Activity of Direct Acting Antivirals and Monoclonal Antibodies against the Ancestral B.1 and BQ.1.1 SARS-CoV-2 Viral Variants

Lia Fiaschi, Camilla Biba, Ilenia Varasi, Niccolò Bartolini, Chiara Paletti, Federica Giammarino, Francesco Saladini, Maurizio Zazzi, Ilaria Vicenti

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Virology Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; mAbs; DAA; Combination antiviral therapy; In vitro synergism; Omicron variant

Online: 3 January 2024 (19:28:07 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.2230.v1

Comparative Study Of Spheroids (3D) And Monolayer Cultures (2D) For In Vitro Assessment Of Cytotoxicity Induced By The Mycotoxins Sterigmatocystin, Ochratoxin A And Patulin

Veronica Zingales, Maria Rosaria Esposito, Martina Quagliata, Elisa Cimetta, María-José Ruiz

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: mycotoxins; sterigmatocystin; ochratoxin A; patulin; 3D culture; spheroid; cytotoxicity; in vitro models.

Online: 29 December 2023 (08:55:15 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1822.v1

An Evaluation of the Anti-QS Activity and Virulence Factors Production Potential of Rhamnus cathartica L. against Some Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

Bashar IBRAHIM, AhuREİS REİS, Ulaş Evren ARIN, Muhammed Tilahun MUHAMMED, Ebru ONEM

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Medicine And Pharmacology Keywords: Quorum Sensing; Molecular Docking; Phytochemical; Rhamnus Cathartica L; Plant-Based Antimicrobial

Online: 26 December 2023 (01:47:16 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1805.v1

Why Do I Choose an Animal Model or an Alternative Method in Basic and Preclinical Research? A Spectrum of Reasons and Their Ethical Evaluation

Hannes Kahrass, Ines Pietschmann, Marcel Mertz

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science And Zoology Keywords: basic and preclinical research, animal research, animal model, non-animal disease model, ethical reasoning, bioethics, qualitative research; basic and preclinical research; animal research; animal model; on-animal disease model; ethical reasoning; bioethics; qualitative research

Online: 25 December 2023 (05:10:57 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1438.v1

Genome-wide Identification of Universal Stress Protein Family Genes and Expression in Mechanical damage and DON stress Response of Potato Based on the Transcriptome

Tianshuai Qi, Fumeng He, Xinqi Zhang, Jiaqi Wang, Zengli Zhang, Heran Jiang, Biao Zhao, Chong Du, Yunzhu Che, Xu Feng, Yingnan Wang, Fenglan Li

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Plant Sciences Keywords: Potato; USP gene family; abiotic stress; bioinformatics analysis; transcriptome

Online: 19 December 2023 (11:31:33 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1441.v1

Optical Evaluation of Dansyl Derivatives and Their Implementation in Low-Cost and Flexible Dye-Doped PMMA Platforms for Efficient Detection of Hazardous Chemical Vapours

Gonçalo Pedro, Frederico Duarte, Georgi Dobrikov, Atanas Kurutos, Hugo M Santos, José Luis Capelo-Martínez, Elisabete Oliveira, Carlos Lodeiro

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Electronic, Optical And Magnetic Materials Keywords: Dansyl derivatives; Fluorescent Chemosensors; dye-doped PMMA polymers; Solvatochromic Properties

Online: 19 December 2023 (10:53:17 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1372.v1

Formal Assessment of Agreement and Similarity between an Open-Source and a Reference Industrial Device, with an Application to a Low-Cost pH Logger

Evmorfia P. Bataka, Persefoni Maletsika, Christos T. Nakas

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Agricultural Science And Agronomy Keywords: open-source logger; open-source software; agreement; similarity; pH

Online: 19 December 2023 (09:38:42 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.1587.v1

Self-Esteem and Occupational Factors as Predictors of the Incidence of Anxiety and Depression among Health Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemics in Latvia

Laura Valaine, Māra Grēve, Maksims Zolovs, Gunta Ancāne, Artūrs Utināns, Ģirts Briģis

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: self-esteem; occupational factors; depression; anxiety; healthcare workers; Covid-19

Online: 26 November 2023 (06:21:45 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.1423.v1

Antitumor Effect of Novel Berberine Analogues in a Canine Mammary Tumor Cell Line and in Zebrafish Reporters via Wnt/β-Catenin and Hippo Pathways

Alessandro Sammarco, Giorgia Beffagna, Roberta Sacchetto, Andrea Vettori, Federico Bonsembiante, Giulia Scarin, Maria Elena Gelain, Laura Cavicchioli, Silvia Ferro, Cristina Geroni, Paolo Lombardi, Valentina Zappulli

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Veterinary Medicine Keywords: berberine derivates; dog; mammary tumors; zebrafish; Hippo; Wnt; β-catenin

Online: 22 November 2023 (11:45:04 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.0971.v1

Modelling and Simulation of the Combined Use of IABP and Impella as a Rescue Procedure in Cardiogenic Shock. An Alternative for non-Transplant Centres?

Beatrice De Lazzari, Massimo Capoccia, Roberto Badagliacca, Claudio De Lazzari

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Cardiac And Cardiovascular Systems Keywords: Lumped-parameter model, CARDIOSIM©; IABP; Impella; cardiovascular system; heart failure; clinician; numerical simulator; e-learning

Online: 15 November 2023 (07:09:06 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.0911.v1

First Report of Diplodia quercivora and Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme Associated with Cankers and Necrosis of Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) in Declining Stands in Southern Italy

Carmine Del Grosso, Davide Palmieri, Lucia Marchese, Luigi Melissano, Lima Giuseppe

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Forestry Keywords: forest decline; Diplodia corticola; Botryosphaeriaceae; emerging plant diseases; fungal pathogens; endophytic fungi; biotic and abiotic stress.

Online: 15 November 2023 (03:48:59 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.0585.v1

Effect of Spindle Speed and Feed Rate on Surface Roughness and Milling Duration in Fabrication of the Milled Complete Dentures: An In Vitro Study

Yo Akiyama, Maiko Iwaki, Yuriko Komagamine, Shunsuke Minakuchi, Manabu Kanazawa

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Dentistry And Oral Surgery Keywords: CAD/CAM; milled denture; surface roughness; spindle speed; feed rate; fabrication time

Online: 9 November 2023 (09:14:26 CET)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202311.0301.v1

Role of the Night-Time Systemic Processes and the Astrocyte Tryptophan-Melatonin Pathway in the Regulation of α-Synuclein and Wider Parkinson’s Disease Pathophysiology

George Anderson

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Neuroscience And Neurology Keywords: α-synuclein; Parkinson’s disease; mitochondria; melatonin; glucocorticoid receptor; aryl hydrocarbon receptor; TrkB; gut microbiome; circadian; treatment

Online: 7 November 2023 (02:28:54 CET)

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An array of diverse processes and factors have been linked to the pathoetiology and pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), including systemic CNS factors. This article reviews some of the many processes and factors linked to the emergence and progression of PD that culminates in the loss of substantia nigra pars compacts (SNpc) in PD patients. It is proposed that SNpc astrocytes may be a key hub, with numerous systemic and CNS factors acting to suppress the astrocyte tryptophan-melatonin pathway, leading to a loss of astrocyte melatonin and lactate for SNpc dopamine neurons. Consequently, dopamine neurons show an increase in α-synuclein, oxidative stress and suboptimal mitochondrial function, partly due to the loss of melatonin induced PTEN-associated kinase (PINK)1/parkin and mitophagy. This leads to an increase in the major histocompatibility (MHC)-1 and the chemoattraction of CD8+ T cells that destroy SNpc dopamine neurons in an ‘autoimmune’/’immune-mediated’ manner. The upstream processes driving the end-point ‘chaos’ of SNpc dopamine neuron loss are proposed to be driven by the suppression of night-time pineal melatonin, gut microbiome derived butyrate and possibly bcl2-associated athanogene (BAG)-1, which all act to suppress the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) translocation to the nucleus in all systemic and CNS cells, thereby potentiating the effects of the rising levels of cortisol over the night and accelerated rise in the course of the cortisol awakening response (CAR). The potentiation of cortisol effects at the GR has consequences for the homeostatic regulation of the diverse array of systemic and CNS microenvironments, as well as a distinct regulation of different immune and glia cells. The morning CAR is classically proposed to ‘prepare the body for the coming day’. However, the differential regulation of the GR over the circadian rhythm at night would indicate that such preparation for the coming day may be powerfully determined by night-time factors and processes. The article integrates this systemic, night-time pathoetiology with the ‘immune-mediated’ processes that ultimately drive SNpc dopamine neuron loss. This has a number of novel future research and treatment implications.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.1256.v1

Chemical Composition and Antifungal Activity of Cyperus articulatus, Cyperus rotundus and Lippia alba Essential Oils against Aspergillus flavus Isolated from Peanut Seeds in Senegal

Safietou Sabaly, Yoro Tine, Alioune Diallo, Abdoulaye Faye, Mouhamed Cisse, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Cebastiana Sambou, Cheikhouna Gaye, Alassane Wele, Julien Paolini, Jean Costa, Aboubacry Kane, Saliou Ngom

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Agricultural Science And Agronomy Keywords: essential oils; Aspergillus flavus; antifungal activity; aflatoxin; peanuts; GC/MS

Online: 19 October 2023 (10:07:11 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0364.v1

Oct4/Sox2 positive breast cancer stem cell-like cells can be detected and targeted by including AURKA and Vimentin in the combinatorial marker profile

Debomita Sengupta, Debanjan Thakur, Elizabeth Mahapatra, Salini Das, Sagar Sen, Arindam Roy, Sutapa Mukherjee

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: Oct4; Sox2; AURKA; Vimentin; breast cancer; Alisertib; epithelial to mesenchymal transition; asymmetric cell division; NUMB; stem cell; diagnostics; intervention; chemotherapy

Online: 9 October 2023 (15:14:51 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0330.v1

Seasonal Comparison of Microbial Hygiene Indicators in Raw and Pasteurized Milk, and Cottage Cheese Collected across Dairy Value Chain in Three Regions of Ethiopia

Henok Nahusenay, Alganesh Tola, Tesfaye Sisay Tessema, Jessie L Vipham, Ashagrie Zewdu Woldegiorgis

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: Milk; Cottage cheese; indicators bacteria; raw milk; seasonality; pasteurized milk; value chain

Online: 6 October 2023 (11:28:08 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202310.0169.v1

The Supersymmetry Genetic Code Table and Quadruplet Symmetries of DNA Molecule Are the Unchangeable and Synchronized with the Codon Free Energy Mapping during Evolution

Marija Rosandic, Vladimir Paar

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Other Keywords: genetic code symmetry, mitochondrial genetic code, energy code, DNA quadruplet symmetry, classification of trinucleotides/codons

Online: 4 October 2023 (07:43:22 CEST)

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The Supersymmetry Genetic code (SSyGC) table is based on five physicochemical symmetries: 1) double mirror symmetry on the principle of the horizontal and vertical mirror symmetry axis between all bases (purines [A, G) and pyrimidines (U, C)], and 2) of bases in form of codons 3) direct – complement like codon/anticodon symmetry in the sixteen alternating boxes of the genetic code columns, 4) A+T rich and C+G rich alternate codons in the same row between both columns of the genetic code, 5) the same position between divided and undivided codon boxes in relation to horizontal mirror symmetry axes. The SSyGC table has a unique physicochemical purine – pyrimidine symmetry net which is as the core symmetry common for all, more than thirty different nuclear and mitochondrial genetic codes. This net is present in the SSyGC table of all RNA and DNA living species. None of these symmetries is present in the Standard Genetic Code (SGC) table which is constructed on the alphabetic horizontal and vertical U-C-A-G order of bases. Here we show that the free energy value of each codon incorporated as fundamentally mapping the “energy code” in the SSyGC table is compatible with mirror symmetry. On the other hand, in the SGC table the same free energy values of codons are dispersed and a mirror symmetry between them is not recognizable. At the same time the mirror symmetry of the SSyGC table and the DNA quadruplets together with our classification of codons/trinucleotides are perfectly imbedded in the mirror symmetry energy mapping of codons/trinucleotides and point out in favor of maintaining the integrity of the genetic code and DNA genome. We also argue that physicochemical symmetries of the SSyGC table in the manner of the purine – pyrimidine symmetry net, the quadruplet symmetry of DNA molecule and the free energy of codons have remined unchanged during all of evolution. The unchangeable and universal symmetry properties of the genetic code, DNA molecule and energy code are decreasing disorder between codons/trinucleotides and shed a new light on evolution. Diversity in all living species on Earth is broad, but the symmetries of the Supersymmetry Genetic Code as the code of life and the DNA quadruplets related to the” energy code” are unique, unchangeable and have the power of natural laws.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1790.v1

RAC1b Acts Upstream of TAp73α-SMAD4 Signaling to Induce Biglycan Expression and Inhibit Basal and TGF-β-Driven Cell Motility in Human Pancreatic Cancer

Hendrik Ungefroren, Julissa Reimann, Björn Konukiewitz, Rüdiger Braun, Ulrich Friedrich Wellner, Hendrik Lehnert, Jens U. Marquardt

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: TAp73; PDAC; RAC1b; Biglycan; SMAD3; SMAD4; transforming growth factor-β; epithelial-mesenchymal transition; cell migration

Online: 26 September 2023 (11:48:58 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1705.v1

The Impact of Petroleum Industry Act on Corporate Social Responsibility and Taxation in Nigeria's Upstream Oil and Gas Sector: A Path towards Sustainable Development

Haruna Isallah

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Accounting And Taxation Keywords: corporate social responsibility; taxation; petroleum industry act; sustainable development; upstream oil and gas sector; integrated framework; Nigeria

Online: 26 September 2023 (04:46:37 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.2063.v9

In Constructive and Informal Mathematics, in Contradistinction to Any Empirical Science, there are Non-Trivially True Statements with the Predicate of the Current Knowledge in the Subject

Apoloniusz Tyszka

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Logic Keywords: constructive algorithms; constructive mathematics; current knowledge in a scientific discipline; current mathematical knowledge; informal mathematics; known algorithms

Online: 6 December 2023 (12:11:37 CET)

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Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1053.v1

Development and Characterization of Human Oligodendroglioma Cellular Model as a Useful Tool to Study Iron Role in Tumor Cell: Preliminary Results and Future Prospective

Stefania Braidotti, Debora Curci, Daniele Zampieri, Cesare Covino, Davide Zanon, Natalia Maximova, Roberto Sala

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Oncology And Oncogenics Keywords: Oligodendroglioma; iron; pediatric; brain tumors

Online: 15 September 2023 (09:40:22 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0622.v1

Comparative Study of Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Rumen Fermentation, Ruminal and Fecal Bacterial Structure Between Yaks and Cattle Raised Under High Concentrate Feeding Conditions

Xiaojing Liu, Zhanming Yang, Jinfen Yang, Dongyang Wang, Jianzhang Niu, Binqiang Bai, Wu Sun, Shike Ma, Yanfen Cheng, Lizhuang Hao

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science And Zoology Keywords: yaks; cattle; blood metabolism; rumen bacterial; fecal bacterial

Online: 11 September 2023 (09:20:22 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0530.v1

Dynamic Changes of Land use/cover and Landscape pattern in the Upper and Middle Reaches of the Fen River Basin in Shanxi Province, China

Ying Zhao, Fei Wang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Water Science And Technology Keywords: land use/cover; ecosystem; dynamic changes; upper and middle reaches of the Fenhe River; NDVI; spatial-temporal evolution

Online: 8 September 2023 (05:14:02 CEST)

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The composition and pattern of ecosystems are important factors determining the overall status and spatial differences of ecosystem service functions. However, under the background of differential land policies and ecological protection policies, research on the trend of ecological system pattern changes in the Fenhe River Basin is insufficient. Taking the upper and middle reaches of the Fenhe River Basin as the study area, based on long-term NDVI index and multi-period LUCC remote sensing images, this study used spatial statistics and time trend analysis methods to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamic changes of vegetation, land use, landscape pattern, and explored the impact of major driving factors on ecosystem changes. The results show that: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the vegetation cover in the upper and middle reaches of the Fenhe River Basin increased, with an annual NDVI increment of 0.003 (P<0.001). NDVI showed an increasing trend spatially, with significant statistics (P<0.001) and significant changes (P<0.05) in vegetation in high-altitude mountain areas, and the vegetation cover was mostly forests or grasslands. There was no significant change in vegetation cover in the low-lying urban agglomeration area. (2) From 2010 to 2020, the area of water bodies or wetlands in the study area significantly decreased, with 51.3% converted to arable land and 33.9% transferred to construction land, while only 2.2% remained as water bodies or wetlands. From 2015 to 2020, the trend of water body changes slowed down, with the proportions of conversion to arable land and construction land being 44.0% and 18.4% respectively, while the area of wetlands or water bodies remained at 16.3%. During the period of 2015-2020, the area of water bodies or wetlands converted to other land types increased by more than 14% compared to 2010-2015. This proportion reached more than 30% compared to the 13th Five-year Plan Period. (3) From 2010 to 2020, the spatial changes of landscape diversity (SHDI) and evenness (SHEI) of LUCC showed heterogeneous characteristics. In the high-altitude areas near the river basin boundary, the values of SHDI and SHEI were below 1.0. While in the low-altitude plain areas and urban areas with relatively frequent human activities, the values of SHDI and SHEI were above 1.0, and the values in urban areas could reach above 1.5. The evolution of ecosystem patterns in the upper and middle reaches of the Fenhe River Basin in the past decade has been clarified, providing a scientific basis for the construction and management of ecological environment governance and restoration projects in the Fenhe River Basin, and providing practical references for ecological protection and high-quality development practice in the Yellow River Basin.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0045.v1

Can Overtourism at Heritage Attractions Really Be Sustainably Managed? Lights and Shadows of the Experience at the Site of the Alhambra and Generalife (Spain)

María García-Hernández, Manuel de la Calle-Vaquero, Victoria Chamorro-Martínez

Subject: Social Sciences, Geography, Planning And Development Keywords: heritage sites; cultural resources management; overtourism; tourism carrying capacity; sustainability; Alhambra.

Online: 1 September 2023 (11:57:38 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.0012.v1

A Qualitative Study on Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on the Project Schedule-, Cost- and Risk Management Knowledge Areas as presented in PMBOK®

Thordur Vikingur Fridgeirsson, Helgi Thor Ingason, Haukur Ingi Jonasson, Helena Gunnarsdottir

Subject: Business, Economics And Management, Business And Management Keywords: Project Management; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Project Schedule Management; Project Cost Management; Project Risk Management

Online: 1 September 2023 (11:34:59 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.2113.v1

Optimized Extraction of Polyphenols, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS Identification of Metabolites from the Selected Medicinal Herbs, Their Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potential

Hafiza Sehrish Kiani, Baber Ali, Mohammad Khalid Al-Sadoon, Hammad Al-Otaibi, Akhtar Ali

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: herbs; spices; flavonoids; antioxidants; diabetes; volatile compounds; drug discovery; phytochemicals; human health

Online: 31 August 2023 (10:12:18 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1994.v1

A Study on the Calculation of TEQ and MEQ of 16 PAHs in Kuwait’s Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil and Ecotoxicity Assessment of Bioluminescent Bacteria

Jaemin Lee, Byeongwook Choi, Haein Yang, Kyoungjin Lee, Taeyeong Heo, Eunhea Jho, Deokjong Song, Sungjong Lee

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Crude oil-contaminated Soil; PAHs; Bioluminescent bacteria; Ecotoxicity assessment

Online: 29 August 2023 (13:16:06 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1805.v1

Improving the Antioxidant Activity, Yield and Hydrocarbon Content of Bio-Oil from Açaí Seeds Pyrolysis by Chemical Activa-Tion: Effect of Temperature and Molarity

Flávio Pinheiro Valois, Gerson Valdez Daniel, Kelly Christina Alves Bezerra, Fernanda Paula da Costa Assunção, Sammy Jonatan Bremer, Lucas Pinto Bernar, Simone Patrícia Aranha Da Paz, Marcelo Costa Santos, Waldeci Paraguassu Feio, Renan Marcelo Pereira Silva, Neyson Martins Mendonça, Douglas Alberto Rocha De Castro, Sergio Duvoisin Junior, Marta Chagas Monteiro, Nélio Teixeira Machado

Subject: Engineering, Energy And Fuel Technology Keywords: Açaí seeds; Chemical activation; Pyrolysis; Bio-oil; Acidity; Antioxidants

Online: 25 August 2023 (13:36:35 CEST)

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This study explores the impact of temperature and molarity on the pyrolysis of Açaí seeds (Euterpe Oleraceae, Mart.) activated with KOH on the yield of bio-oil, hydrocarbon content of bio-oil, an-tioxidant activity of bio-oil and chemical composition of aqueous phase. The experiments were carried out at 350, 400, and 450 °C and 1.0 atmosphere, with 2.0 M KOH, and at 450 °C and 1.0 atmosphere, with 0.5 M, 1.0 M and 2.0 M KOH, in laboratory scale. The composition of bio-oils and aqueous phase determined by GC-MS, while the acid value, a physical-chemical property of fundamental importance in biofuels, of bio-oils and aqueous phases by AOCS methods. The an-tioxidant activity of bio-oils determined by the TEAC method. The solid phase (biochar) charac-terized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The diffractograms identified the presence of Kalicinite (KHCO3) in biochar, and those higher temperatures favor the formation peaks of Kalicinite (KHCO3). The pyrolysis of Açaí seeds activated with KOH show bio-oil yields from 3.19 to 6.79 (wt.%), aqueous phase yields between 20.34 and 25.57 (wt.%), solid phase yields (coke) between 33.40 and 43.37 (wt.%), and gas yields from 31.85 to 34.45 (wt.%). The yield of bio-oil shows a smooth exponential increase with temperature. The acidity of bio-oil varied between 12.3 and 257.6 mgKOH/g, decreasing exponentially with temperature, while that of aqueous phase between 17.9 and 118.9 mgKOH/g, showing and exponential decay behavior with temperature, demonstrating that higher temperatures favor not only the yield of bio-oil but also bio-oils with lower acidity. For the experiments with KOH activation, the GC-MS of bio-oil identified the presence of hydro-carbons (alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes, and aromatics) and oxygenates (carboxylic acids, phenols, ketones, and esters). The concentration of hydrocarbons varied between 10.19 to 25.71 (area.%), increasing with temperature, while that of oxygenates from 52.69 to 72.15 (area.%), decreasing with temperature. For the experiments with constant temperature, the concentrations of hydrocarbons in bio-oil increase exponentially with molarity, while those of oxygenates de-crease exponentially, showing that higher molarities favor the formation of hydrocarbons in bio-oil. The antioxidant activity of bio-oils decreases with increasing temperature, as the content of phenolic compounds decreases, and decreases with increasing KOH molarity, as higher molarities favors the formation of hydrocarbons. Finally, it can be concluded that chemical activation of Açaí seeds with KOH favors the not only the yield of bio-oil but also the content of hydrocarbons. The study of process variables is of utmost importance in order to clearly assess reaction mechanisms, economic viability and design goals that could be derived from chemically activated biomass pyrolysis processes.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1792.v1

A Methodological Approach for Data Collection and Geospatial Information of Healthy public Spaces in Peripheral Neighborhoods. Case Studies: La Bota and Toctiuco, Quito-Ecuador

Ana Medina, Diana Mosquera, Francisco Gallegos

Subject: Social Sciences, Urban Studies And Planning Keywords: peripheral neighborhoods; public space assessment tools; co-location network; open access data; geospatial data science; network analysis; cartography.

Online: 25 August 2023 (09:18:00 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1576.v1

Integration of Evaporative Greenhouse, Internet of Things and Root-zone Cooling to Enhance Growth and Development of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) in Tropical Climate

Daruni Naphrom, Kaewalin Kunasakdakul, CHOOCHAD SANTASUP, Werapat Panchai, Suwit Boonraeng, Nuttapong Na nan, Anucha Promwungkwa

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Horticulture Keywords: “Pharachatan 88”; “Pharachatan 80”; “Akihime”; cold water; flowering; IoT

Online: 22 August 2023 (12:12:08 CEST)

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The experiment was carried out during October 2022 to January 2023 at Mae Hea Agricultural Research, Demonstration and Training Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand; latitude: 18° 44′ 36″ North, Longitude: 98° 57′ 50″ East, and an al-titude 304 msl. Evaporative greenhouse, 9.6 x 40 square meters, with 8 planting troughs was prepared, Sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) system were installed to monitor continuously vital parameters, collect data, and send timely alerts to facilitate problem resolution. The data were displayed via IoT platform dashboard. An average air temperature, light intensity, media moisture and CO2 concentration in the greenhouse during 4 months was 21.1 ◦C, 12,948 Lux, 2 kPa and 495 ppm, respectively. The average maximum temperature in the evaporative greenhouse was 29.6 ◦C, which 4.2 ◦C lower than outside; 33.8 ◦C. Root-zone cooling of the strawberry planting was de-signed as factorial 3x4 in completely randomized design (CRD). Factor A was the short-day strawberry cultivars: 1) “Pharachatan 88” 2) “Pharachatan 80” and 3) “Akihime”. Factor B was the root-zone cooling treatments: 1) normal water dripping (NWD) 2) cold water dripping (CWD) 3) cold water dripping + cold water piping (CWD+CWP) and 4) normal water dripping + cold water piping (NWD+CWP). The results revealed that there was an interaction between the two factors on canopy width, leave width, crown diameter, number of flowers, fruit qualities and fruit color, whereas plant height, leaves length, SPAD and number of inflorescences were not affected by the interaction between the two factors. Four months after the experiment, the root-zone cooling treatments had no effect on chlorophyll contents, whereas “Pharachatan 80” had lower chlorophyll content than others. The CWD+CWP treatment could reduce 2 °C of root-zone temperature and leading to promote vegetative and reproductive growth in strawberry plants. Anyhow, without the root-zone cooling treatment, “Akihime”and “Pharachatan 88” still could produce flowers and yield, but “Pharachatan 80” could not. Furthermore, “Akihime” seemed appreciable in flowering, TSS and yield as compared to others.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.1151.v1

Detection and Quantification of Bisphenol A in Surface Water Using Absorbance-Transmittance and Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrices (A-TEEM) Coupled with Multi-Way Techniques

Thomas Ingwani, Nhamo Chaukura, Bhekie B Mamba, Thabo Nkambule, Adam Gilmore

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry Keywords: method development; optimisation and validation; parallel factor modelling; partial least squares modelling

Online: 16 August 2023 (07:18:19 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0911.v1

PCL/Starch/Agar Coatings for Food-Packaging Paper: Statistical Correlation of the Formulations’ Effect on Diffusion Mechanism and Resistance to Grease, and Tensile Stress

Emanuela Lo Faro, Angela Bonofiglio, Silvia Barbi, Monia Montorsi, Patrizia Fava

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: Biopolymers; Food-wrapping; Design of Experiments

Online: 11 August 2023 (09:55:31 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0763.v1

Assessment of Water Availability and Environmental Influence on People’s Lives in a Small Basin in the Hinterland of Pernambuco, Using the SUPer and UAV

Gabrielly Gregorio Luz, Rodrigo De Queiroga Miranda, Josicleda Domiciano Galvinicio

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: social inequalities; water dynamics; São Francisco River; Climate change.

Online: 9 August 2023 (14:36:18 CEST)

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Water scarcity is a worldwide concern, considering that water is a limited resource and essential for life. In Brazil, approximately 30% of its population lives in one of the areas that most suffer from lack of water, the semi-arid region covering about 20% of the country's territorial extension. The lack of water, mainly in the northeast of the country, has been a problem for years, where people who live in this territory have been suffering for months from the lack of water and the poor distribution of the resource, which increases the degree of inequality between the regions of the country. The research aims to show the effect of the hydrological cycle on the quality of vegetation and how such processing can end up affecting people's lives and the environment. The municipality of Floresta is within the scope of sub-basin 73, the territory is part of the municipalities benefited from the PISF- São Francisco River integration project works, and the study has raised discussion on the part of the scientific community regarding the effectiveness of the population project and the possible risks caused to the environment. This study carried out a temporal analysis, 1961-2021, to investigate water availability and how the hydrological system can affect society, raising the degree of its importance for a better quality of life and consequently reducing hydric inequalities. It was also evaluated how climate changes can interfere with these environmental changes and the quality of life at the local scale. The hydrological model system used to assess water availability was the Pernambuco Hydrological Response Units SUPer-System. In addition, this system helped to understand the changes that occurred in the studied sub-basin. Yet was used UAV-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to view relationship between lives in house and environment conditions. The study can obtain accurate and necessary information to understand the dynamics of the hydrological system and the possible changes of social hydric inequalities. Thus, it is concluded that climate change will have different impacts on small scales and lives conditions due to different characteristic's environment. It is very important to carry out studies on a detailed scale to provide better public policies for mitigating the effects of climate change on people's lives.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0723.v1

Combination of Engineered Expression of Polysialic Acid on Transplanted Schwann Cells and in Injured Rat Spinal Cord Promotes Significant Axonal Growth and Functional Recovery

Fangyou Gao, Yi Zhang, Dongsheng Wu, Juan Luo, Svetlana Gushchina, Xuenong Bo

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Neuroscience And Neurology Keywords: spinal cord injury; polysialic acid; Schwann cell; transplantation; corticospinal axon; axonal regeneration

Online: 9 August 2023 (08:11:09 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1725.v1

Characterization of Obtained extracts and Bark Residues from Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Pine (Pinus sylvestris) after Microwave-Assisted Water Extraction under Different Conditions

Jevgenija Ponomarenko, Matiss Pals, Maris Lauberts, Alexandr Arshanitsa

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry Keywords: Extraction; Bark residues; Polyurethane; Analytical pyrolysis

Online: 26 July 2023 (03:25:06 CEST)

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This publication investigates the potential application of bark extractives as a biopolyol and extracted bark residues as a filler for producing polyurethane materials. The aim is to enhance the properties of polymeric composites while reducing the environmental impact associated with the complex utilization of bark.The comprehensive study of compositions of extractives isolated from black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Baltic pine (Pinus silvestris) barks was performed using microwave-assisted water extraction. The yield of the extracts obtained under different extraction conditions, as well as the total phenolic and monomeric carbohydrate content in the extractives, were studied. Furthermore, UHPLC-HRMS analysis was conducted to study the detailed composition of the bark extracts.The total content of hydroxyl groups and the relative portion of aliphatic and phenolic groups in the isolated extracts were determined depending on the extraction regimes and bark origination. The dominant compounds in black alder bark extracts isolated at 70-90⁰C were identified as diarylheptanoids and their derivatives bearing sugar units, with oregonin being the main compound. Pine bark extracts isolated at the same temperature were found to be rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Extracts from both black alder and pine barks obtained at different times of isothermal heating between 130-150°C were rich in carbohydrates and showed an increased proportion of aliphatic OH groups.The study also focused on the composition of residual biomass. It was indicated by Py-GC/MS/FID and wet chemistry methods that residues of both black alder and pine bark are enriched with lignin in comparison with initial barks. Therefore, it can be proposed that extracted bark residues introduced into polyurethane compositions will act as a charcoal formation promoter, thus increasing the flame resistance of materials.Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the chemical composition of bark extractives and extracted bark residues for their potential application as biopolyol and fillers of polyurethane materials, contributing to a more sustainable approach in polymer composite production.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1642.v1

A Novel Hybrid Optimization Approach for Fault Detection in PV Arrays and Inverters Using AI and Statistical Learning Techniques: A Focus on Sustainable Environment

Ahmad Abubakar, Mahmud M. Jibril, Carlos F. M. Almeida, Matheus Gemignani, Mukhtar N. Yahya, Sani I. Abba

Subject: Engineering, Electrical And Electronic Engineering Keywords: Fault detection; sustainable development; Artificial intelligence; Elman Neural Network; Boosted Tree Algorithms; Multi-layer Perceptron; Gaussian Processes Regression

Online: 25 July 2023 (09:22:07 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1566.v1

Combined Biologic Augmentation Strategies with Collagen Patch Graft, Microfractures and Platelet Concentrate Injections Improve Functional and Structural Outcomes of Arthroscopic Revision Rotator Cuff Repair

Alessandro Colosio, Andrea Bergomi, Andrea Pratobevera, Marco Paderno, Maristella Francesca Saccomanno, Giuseppe Milano

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Orthopedics And Sports Medicine Keywords: rotator cuff; retears; revision; augmentation; platelet concentrate; patch graft

Online: 24 July 2023 (07:07:21 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1433.v1

Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Phenolic Content and In Vitro Predicted Bioavailability of Olive Oil Fortified with Herbs and Waste By-Products, towards Sustainable Development

Chrysoula Kaloteraki, Panoraia Bousdouni, Kalliopi Almpounioti, Camille Ouzaid, Olga Papagianni, Fotini Sfikti, Elina Dimitsa, Dimitra Tsami, Anastasia-Grammatiki Sarivasilleiou, Haralabos C. Karantonis, Dimitrios Skalkos, Aikaterini Kandyliari, Antonios E. Koutelidakis

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: refined olive oil fortification; herbs; plant by-products; conventional maceration (CM); incubation shaking maceration (ISM); ultrasound assisted maceration (UAM); in vitro predicted bioavailability

Online: 21 July 2023 (07:47:00 CEST)

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Nowadays, the high demand for healthy foods and sustainable products, has led the food industry to explore innovative food technologies, such as fortification with bioactive compounds like antioxidants and polyphenols, that may be sourced from herbs or by-products. The aim of the present study was to explore the enrichment of refined olive oils with natural bioactive compounds such as the herbs rosemary (salvia rosmarinus), basil (ocimum basil), sage (salvia officinalis), lemon balm (melissa oficinallis), st. john’s wort (hypericum perforatum), pink savory (Thymbra satureja), dittany (origanum dictamnus), and by-products such as pomace from olives, olive leaves (olea europaea tree), orange peel (citrus sinensis), lemon peel (citrus limon), pomegranate peel (punica granatum) and mandarin peel (citrus reticulate). The fortification of the refined olive oils was performed with the use of different methodologies such as Conventional maceration (CM), Incubation shaking maceration (ISM), and Ultrasound assisted maceration (UAM). Their phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were measured with Folin–Ciocalteu assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay respectively. All methods demonstrated that different parameters such as time of maceration, temperature and sample concentration, play an important role in the fortification process of the refined olive oils. The predicyed bioavailability of the antioxidant and phenolic compounds in the fortified oils was determined with in vitro digestion and ranged from 4.84% to 53.11%. Furthermore, the refined olive oils fortified with pomace, basil, st. john's wort, and pomegranate peel presented the highest antioxidant and phenolic predicted bioavailability indices during the in vitro process compared to the control refined olive oil. Finally, fortification with natural herbs or by-products can be considered an innovative method for the improvement of the nutritional value of refined olive oils.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1391.v1

Clinical Application of a Patient-Specific 3D Printed Medical Device: Surgical Planning and Finite Element Analysis of Cranial Implant Manufactured With PMMA and PEEK

Freddy Patricio Moncayo-Matute, Efrén Vázquez-Silva, Pablo Gerardo Peña-Tapia, Paúl Bolívar Torres-Jara, Diana Patricia Moya-Loaiza, Tony Jesús Viloria-Ávila

Subject: Engineering, Bioengineering Keywords: polymethylmethacrylate; polyether-ether-ketone; custom medical device; finite element 11 analysis

Online: 20 July 2023 (11:42:21 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1124.v1

The Role of Personal and Environmental Resources in Predicting Work-Family Facilitation and Mental Health Among Employed Parents of Children With Disabilities in Croatia

Ana Šimunić, Ana Slišković, Andrea Tokić, Jelena Ombla, Lisa Stewart

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: parents of children with disabilities; mental health; work-family facilitation; emotional regulation strategies; optimism; posttraumatic growth; social support; recovery management

Online: 18 July 2023 (13:42:45 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.1064.v1

Numerical Investigation on a Solar Heating System with Solar Tower Receiver and Seasonal Storage in North China: Dynamic Performance Assessment and Operation Strategies Analysis

Xiaoxia Li, Husheng Qiu, Zhifeng Wang, Jinping Li, Guobin Yuan, Xiao Guo, Longfei Chen

Subject: Engineering, Energy And Fuel Technology Keywords: solar heating system; dynamic performance; seasonal thermal storage; underground water pit seasonal storage; operation strategies

Online: 17 July 2023 (10:38:12 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0937.v1

Relevance of Sustainable Knowledge and Environmental, Social and Economic Attitudes on the Sustainable Behaviour of Engineering Students: An Analysis Based on Attitudes Towards Teachers

Nirda de Jesús Colón-Flores, Maira Rafaela Vargas-Martínez, Joselina Caridad Tavarez De Henríquez, Cándida María Domínguez-Valerio

Subject: Engineering, Other Keywords: Sustainable knowledge; attitudes; sustainable behaviour; attitudes towards teachers; university

Online: 13 July 2023 (13:36:29 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0744.v1

A Study on the Distribution Pattern of Banana Blood Diseases (BDB) and Fusarium Wilt Using Multispectral Aerial Photo and Handheld Spectrometer in Subang-Indonesia

Ketut Wikantika, Mochamad Firman Ghazali, Fenny Martha Dwivany, Tri Muji Susantoro, Lissa Nur Fajri, Diah Sunarwati, Agus Sutanto

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Banana diseases; Blood Diseases Banana (BDB); Fusarium wilt; Random Forest; Spatial pattern; Multispectral images; Spectral Analysis

Online: 12 July 2023 (08:01:24 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0755.v1

Enhanced Adsorption Performance Cross-Linked Chitosan/Citrus reticulata Peel Waste Composites as Low Cost and Green Bio-Adsorbents: Kinetic, Equilibrium Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Studies

Deniz Akin Sahbaz

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Chemical Engineering Keywords: Citrus reticulata peel waste; chitosan; Congo red; green adsorbents

Online: 12 July 2023 (03:22:18 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0662.v1

The Impacts of COVID-19 and Roles of Artificial Intelligence on Energy Sector: An Analytical Review on the Pre-, Mid- and Post-Pandemic Perspectives

Siti Rosilah Arsad, Muhamad Haziq Hasnul Hadi, Nayli Aliah Mohd Afandi, Pin Jern Ker, Shirley Gee Hoon Tang, Madihah Mohd Afzal, Santhi Ramanathan, Chai Phing Chen, Prajindra Sankar Krishnan, Sieh Kiong Tiong

Subject: Engineering, Energy And Fuel Technology Keywords: COVID-19; pandemic; energy; artificial intelligence; digital technology; power system

Online: 11 July 2023 (05:22:21 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0536.v1

Development and Characterization of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Films Based on Potato Starch Incorporating Viola Odorata Extract to Improve the Shelf Life of Chicken Fillets

Ali Nikmanesh, Homa Baghaei, Abdorreza Mohammadi Nafchi

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: Active food packaging; Biopolymer; Viola odorata; Natural preservative

Online: 10 July 2023 (11:37:36 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0485.v1

Alternations in physiological and phytochemical parameters of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) varieties in response to amino acid fertilizer and plasma activated-water treatments

Malihe Omrani, Mojtaba Ghasemi, Mohammad Modarresi, Ivan Salamon

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biology And Biotechnology Keywords: Apigenin; Chamomile; Essential oil; Fuego Base; Metabolomics; Plasma-activated water

Online: 7 July 2023 (11:16:46 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202307.0256.v1

Revision of the Subgenus Ochthomantis Frogs from Madagascar (Amphibia: Mantellidae) with the Description of Four Species and Resurrection of Mantidactylus catalai and M. poissoni

Nirhy Harinelina Christian Rabibisoa, Rachel Welt, Chrsitopher John Raxworthy

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior And Systematics Keywords: Ochthomantis; Mantidactylus; cryptic species; morphology; 16S; Madagascar

Online: 5 July 2023 (04:03:22 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.2252.v1

May Nutritional Status Positively Affect Disease Progression and Prognosis in Patients with Oesophageal and Pharyngeal Cancers? A Scoping Review of the Current Clinical Studies

Evmorfia Psara, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Christina Tryfonos, Maria Tolia, Aimilia-Lynn Pandi, Maria Spanoudaki, Eleni Pavlidou, Nikolaos Tsoukalas, Maria Mentzelou, Constantinos Giaginis

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: nutritional assessment; oesophageal cancer; pharyngeal cancer; prognosis; survival; nutritional status; diagnosis; malnutrition; chemotherapy; radiotherapy

Online: 30 June 2023 (12:36:40 CEST)

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Background: Malnutrition in oesophageal and pharyngeal cancer patients constitutes a common and serious concern, which significantly reduces patients’ prognosis. Cancers of the oesophagus and the pharynx can considerably impair feeding in patients, resulting in severe undernutrition. This is a scoping review which aims to critically summarize and scrutinize the current clinical evidence on the use and prognostic role of diverse nutritional assessment tools on the prognosis of patients with oesophageal and pharyngeal cancers. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were comprehensively explored utilizing relative keywords to detect clinical studies that investigate whether nutritional status may affect disease prognosis. Results: Several assessment tools have evaluated and highlighted the prognostic role of nutritional status on patients’ survival and disease complications in both oesophageal and pharyngeal cancers. Regarding oesophageal cancer, CONUT, PNI, PG-SGA and NRS-2002 are more commonly used, while albumin is also frequently evaluated. Regarding pharyngeal cancers, fewer studies are currently available. PNI has been evaluated and its significance as a factor for shorter overall survival, distant metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival, and locoregional recurrence-free has been highlighted. Comprehensive Nutritional Index has also been evaluated with positive results, as well as NRS 2002, GPS, and body weight status. However, there is currently a lack of studies with adequate female patients. There is also a significant lack of well-designed prospective studies with well-organized methodology. Conclusion: Nutritional status may significantly affect disease progression and patients’ survival, highlighting the importance of a good nutritional status in patients with oesophageal and pharyngeal cancers. Further large-scaled and well-designed prospective clinical studies are strongly recommended to verify the potential beneficial effects of nutritional status in patients with oesophageal and pharyngeal cancers.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.2199.v1

Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Produced with Optimized Volume of Calcined Clay and Rice Husk Ash—Emphasis on Rheology, Time Dependent Workability and Durability

Abubakar Muhammad, Karl-Christian Thienel

Subject: Engineering, Civil Engineering Keywords: Self-compacting concrete; Calcined clay; Rice husk ash; Reactivity; Time dependent workability; Rheology; Flow resistance; Durability.

Online: 30 June 2023 (09:47:44 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.2147.v1

Core Fucosylation Mediated by the FucT-8 Enzyme Affects Trail-Induced Apoptosis and Sensitivity to Chemotherapy in Human SW480 and SW620 Colorectal Cancer Cells

Rubén López-Cortés, Isabel Correa Pardo, Laura Muinelo-Romay, Almudena Fernández-Briera, Emilio Gil-Martín

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: FUT8 knockdown; core fucosylation; TRAIL-induced apoptosis; DR4; colorectal cancer

Online: 30 June 2023 (02:17:17 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1798.v1

Study on the Regulation Mechanism of Quality Deterioration During the Anhydrous Storage and Transportation of Chilling Stress and Dry Exposure for scallop (Patinopecten Yessoensis)

Peihong Jiang, Dongjie Chen, Xiangyang Chang, Changfeng Zhang, Xiuping Fan, Xiaoming Qin

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Life Sciences Keywords: Ecological ice temperature; chilling stress; anhydrous live preservation; regulation mechanism; Patinopecten yessoensis

Online: 26 June 2023 (10:57:27 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1757.v1

Characteristics and Establishment of Objective Identification Standard and Perdictor of Foehn Winds in Urumqi on the North Slope of Middle Tianshan Mountains of China

Maoling Ayitikan, Xia Li, Qing He, Yusufu Musha, Hao Tang, Shuting Li, Yuting Zhong, Gang Ren

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science And Meteorology Keywords: Foehn; Wind direction and speed; Potential temperature difference; Identification standard

Online: 26 June 2023 (07:18:25 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1720.v1

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the Stress and Strain Distribution in Cone-Morse Implant-Abutment Connection Implants Placed in an Equicrestal and Subcrestal Position

Natalia Di Pietro, Mario Ceddia, Tea Romasco, Nilton De Bortoli Junior, Bruno Freitas Mello, Margherita Tumedei, Alessandro Specchiulli, Adriano Piattelli, Bartolomeo Trentadue

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Dentistry And Oral Surgery Keywords: Bacterial leakage; Cone-Morse connection; dental implants; equicrestal implant placement; Finite Element Analysis (FEA); implant-abutment junction; implant placement; subcrestal implant placement.

Online: 25 June 2023 (05:49:19 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1621.v1

The INOVMineral Project’s Contribution to Mineral Exploration – A WebGIS Integration and Visualization of Spectral and Geophysical Properties of the Aldeia LCT Pegmatite Spodumene Deposit

Joana Cardoso-Fernandes, Douglas Santos, Cátia Rodrigues de Almeida, Julia Tucker Vasques, Ariane Mendes, Ricardo Ribeiro, Antonio Azzalini, Lia Duarte, Alexandre Lima, Ana C. Teodoro

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geophysics And Geology Keywords: geological exploration; UAV; LiDAR; radiometry; geophysics; remote sensing; Landsat 9; GIS; lithium

Online: 22 June 2023 (12:22:05 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.1271.v1

Assessment of Selenium, Iodine and Supplementary Blue Light Effects on the Growth Characteristics, Pigments, Trigonelline and Seed Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracum L.)

Sadrollah Ramezani, Behnaz Yousefshahi, Yusuf Farrokhzad, Dariush Ramazan, Meisam Zargar, Elena Pakina

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Agricultural Science And Agronomy Keywords: Biofortification; Supplementary blue light; Growth; Health-preserving compounds; Trigonelline; Micronutrients

Online: 19 June 2023 (03:24:48 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.0199.v1

Predicting the Effect of Mutations on Protein Stability and Binding: Assessment of Leading Algorithms Performance and Databases Content with Respect to Types of Mutations

Preeti Pandey, Shailesh Pandey, Prawin Rimal, Nicolas Ancona, Emil Alexov

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: mutations; folding free energy change; binding free energy change; single nucleotide variant

Online: 2 June 2023 (11:58:21 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202306.0062.v1

Antimicrobial Action of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Rose-Mary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Essential Oils on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Inoculated in “Minas Frescal” Cheese

Marco Cortez, Juliana Cruz, Maria Carmela Duarte, Aline Gomes, Evelyn Carvalho

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Food Science And Technology Keywords: inhibition; dairy products; cheese; essential oil; pathogens.

Online: 1 June 2023 (08:12:53 CEST)

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Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.1371.v1

Simple Preparation of a Unique Ionic Liquid/Deep Eutectic Solvent and β-Cyclodextrin Composite Discs and Its Use To Capture Hazardous Substances From Water

Yingying Guo, Na Liu, Hangping Chen, Ahmad Ali, Sara Toufouki, Shun Yao

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Chemical Engineering Keywords: ionic liquid; deep eutectic solvent; cyclodextrin; sorbent disc; water environment

Online: 19 May 2023 (04:04:11 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.1073.v1

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Sports – a Comparison between a CGM Device and Lab-Based Glucose Analyser under Resting and Exercising Conditions in Athletes

Helen Bauhaus, Pinar Erdogan, Hans Braun, Mario Thevis

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Dietetics And Nutrition Keywords: continuous glucose monitoring; application in sports; carbohydrate management; active subjects; validation

Online: 16 May 2023 (03:52:33 CEST)

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Preprint CONCEPT PAPER | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.0554.v1

Development and Evaluation of Novel Apomorphine and Quetiapine Combinational Formulation for Parkinson’s Disease in Rat: New Era (Possibilities) for Pre – Clinical Protocol Concept Review

Minesh Patel

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: Parkinson’s Disease; Pre-Clinical Protocol; Novel Combinational Formulation; In Vivo Model; In Vivo Study

Online: 9 May 2023 (03:49:48 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202305.0027.v1

A Comparison of the Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) As Additives in Ultrafiltration Mem-Branes (PES-UF): Characterization and Performance

Amos Adeniyi, Gerald Okey Odo, Danae Gonzalez Ortiz, Celine Pochat-Bohatier, Sandrine Mbakop, Maurice S. Onyango

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Polymers And Plastics Keywords: ultrafiltration; PEG; CNC; COD; turbidity; morphology

Online: 2 May 2023 (03:32:44 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202208.0363.v2

Integrating Middle East and North Africa Unaccompanied Minors Refugees and Asylum Seekers through Mentoring: Exploring Eu-Based Research to Inform Future Applications in Portugal

Dora Carolo, Ricardo Carvalho, Carolina Batalha, Susana Gouveia, Paula Lebre

Subject: Social Sciences, Area Studies Keywords: migration; mentoring; unaccompanied minors; refugee; asylum seeker; integration

Online: 27 April 2023 (03:40:58 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202304.0281.v1

The Effect of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Food Intake, Anthropometric Indices, and Metabolic Biomarkers among Pre-and Post-menopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nada Alzunaidy, Abdulrahman Saleh Al-Khalifa, Maha Hussain Alhussain, Mohammed Awad alkareem Mohammed Ahmed, Hani A. Alfheeaid, MoezAlIslam E. Faris, Sami A. Althwab

Subject: Public Health And Healthcare, Public Health And Health Services Keywords: Intermittent fasting; Caloric restriction; Time-restricted eating; Menopausal; Women’s health

Online: 13 April 2023 (02:59:21 CEST)

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By shifting eating hours from daytime to nighttime, Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) illustrates how religious beliefs influence human dietary behavior and subsequent anthropometric and metabolic measures. This study aimed to investigate socioeconomic characteristics and examine how observing RIF affects dietary intake, anthropometric indices, and metabolic markers in healthy premenopausal (PRE-M) and post-menopausal (POST-M) Saudi women. Before starting the study, the authors hypothesized that the RIF improves some nutritional aspects and health in respondents, but not after breaking the fast.. The study includes 62 women (31 PRE-M, 21-43 years, and 31 POST-M, 44-68 years). A structured questionnaire was used to collect socioeconomic data. Physical activity, anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical assessments were undertaken before RIF and at the end of the third week of Ramadan fasting month. Socioeconomic data varied among respondents. Observing RIF was associated with significantly (at either p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) lower intake of calories, macronutrients, minerals (except for Na), and vitamins than before RIF for both groups. In terms of body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for PRE-M, the percentage of overweight decreased significantly (p≤0.01) while obesity remained unchanged. In contrast, for POST-M, the percentage of overweight increased significantly (p≤0.05), but obesity decreased after RIF. Both groups' waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat (BF), and fat mass (FM) decreased after RIF. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), and blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were generally maintained at acceptable normal levels in most responders before and after RIF. However, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly decreased during RIF than before, especially for POST-M. Age, occupation, and monthly income were the most important factors influencing women’s nutritional status and body fat. In conclusion, observing RIF by PRE- and POST-M Saudi women was associated with significant improvements in variable health indicators, with a few exceptions, particularly POST-M, and may help lower risk factors for chronic diseases.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202303.0519.v1

Spatial-Temporal Distribution Characteristics and Interrelationship of Sulfur and Iron Compounds in Sediments: A Model Study in the Closed-Section of Mikawa Bay, Japan

Mitsuyasu Waku, Ryota Sone, Tetsunori Inoue, Toshiro Ishida, Teruaki Suzuki

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Water Science And Technology Keywords: dissolved sulfide; iron; hypoxia; buffering capacity; environmental restoration; coastal waters; Mikawa Bay; dead zone

Online: 30 March 2023 (02:58:33 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202301.0305.v1

Molecular Docking and ADMET Prediction of Modified and Derivative Forms of 2-Deoxy-D-glucose against COVID-19 Main Protease Complex: In silico Approach

Rashmi Rekha Samal, Suryasikha Samal, Choudhury Suryakant Mishra, Atala Bihari Jena, Asim K Duttaroy

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Pharmacology And Toxicology Keywords: Covid-19; Deoxy-D-glucose; molecular docking; ADMET

Online: 17 January 2023 (09:32:43 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202301.0250.v1

Low Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Canine and Feline Serum Samples Collected during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong and Korea

Yun Young Go, Maura Carrai, Yan Ru Choi, Christopher J. Brackman, Karina W.S. Tam, Pierra Y.T. Law, Fiona Woodhouse, Jane Gray, Ji Hun Kim, Joohyung Park, Chae Won Jeon, Hyomi Jang, Ioannis Magouras, Nicola Decaro, Samuel MS Cheng, Malik Peiris, Julia A. Beatty, Vanessa R. Barrs

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Virology Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Feline; Canine; seroprevalence; zoonosis

Online: 13 January 2023 (10:21:53 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0510.v1

Unstable Behavioural Pattern of Teesta River and its Impact on Riverine Dwellers: A Case Study of Confluence Area of Teesta and Dharala River, India

Mantu Das, Mst Tania Parveen, Deep Ghosh, Abhisek Sarkar, Jiarul Alam, Snehasish Saha

Subject: Social Sciences, Geography, Planning And Development Keywords: channel migration; riverine landscape; riverine dwellers; livelihood vulnerability index (LVI); river confluence; RS-GIS

Online: 27 December 2022 (06:48:21 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0456.v1

Community-Based Approaches in the Construction, Ownership, and Management of Water Infrastructures and the Development of Socio-Political Complexity Among the Chagga, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Valence Meriki Silayo, Innocent Pikirayi

Subject: Arts And Humanities, Archaeology Keywords: Chagga; water infrastructures; water management; sustainable farming; social complexity; community collaboration

Online: 23 December 2022 (09:00:41 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0249.v1

The Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Concerted Expression of the Yellow and Tan Genes in Complex Patterns on the Abdomen and Wings of Drosophila Guttifera

Komal K.B. Raja, Evan A Bachman, Catrina Fernholz, David Trine, Rebecca E. Hobmeier, Nathaniel Maki, Timothy Massoglia, Thomas Werner

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Insect Science Keywords: tan; Drosophila; Drosophila guttifera; CRM; cis-regulatory; evo-devo; yellow; transcription factor; cis-regulatory module; cis-regulatory element

Online: 14 December 2022 (06:48:07 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0152.v1

Eugenio Martelli, Matilde Zamboni, Giovanni Sotgiu, Laura Saderi, Massimo Federici, Giuseppe Massimo Sangiorgi, Mariangela Valentina Puci, Allegra Rosa Martelli, Teresa Messina, Paolo Frigatti, Maria Pia Borrelli, Carlo Ruotolo, Ilaria Ficarelli, Paolo Rubino, Francesco Pezzo, Luciano Carbonari, Andrea Angelini, Edoardo Galeazzi, Luca Calia Di Pinto, Franco Michelino Fiore, Armado Palmieri, Giorgio Ventoruzzo, Giulia Mazzitelli, Franco Ragni, Antonio Bozzani, Enzo Forliti, Claudio Castagno, Pietro Volpe, Mafalda Massara, Diego Moniaci, Elisa Pagliasso, Tania Peretti, Mauro Ferrari, Nicola Troisi, Pietro Modugno, Maurizio Maiorano, Umberto Marcello Bracale, Marco Panagrosso, Mario Monaco, Giovanni Giordano, Giuseppe Natalicchio, Antonella Biello, Giovanni Maria Celoria, Alessio Amico, Mauro Di Bartolo, Massimiliano Martelli, Roberta Munaó, Davide Razzano, Giovanni Colacchio, Francesco Bussetti, Gaetano Lanza, Antonio Cardini, Bartolomeo Di Benedetto, Mario De Laurentis, Maurizio Taurino, Pasqualino Sirignano, Pierluigi Cappiello, Andrea Esposito, Santi Trimarchi, Silvia Romagnoli, Andrea Padricelli, Giorgio Giudice, Adolfo Crinisio, Giovanni Di Nardo, Giuseppe Battaglia, Rosario Tringale, Salvatore De Vivo, Rita Compagna, Valerio Stefano Tolva, Ilenia D'Alessio, Ruggiero Curci, Simona Giovannetti, Giuseppe D'Arrigo, Giusi Basile, Dalmazio Frigerio, Gian Franco Veraldi, Luca Mezzetto, Arnaldo Ippoliti, Fabio Massimo Oddi, Alberto Maria Settembrini

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Hematology Keywords: chronic limb-threatening ischemia; outcome; sex; age; limb salvage

Online: 8 December 2022 (09:39:30 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202212.0122.v1

Never Ending Story? Biothermodynamic Properties of Biosynthesis and Binding of Omicron BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB and XBB.1 variants of SARS-CoV-2

Marko Popovic

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Virology Keywords: COVID-19; Elemental composition; Gibbs energy of biosynthesis; Gibbs energy of binding; Variant of concern (VOC)

Online: 7 December 2022 (09:19:10 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0555.v1

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Risk of Malnutrition Using Adapted Standard Tools in Patients with Mental Illness and in Need of Intensive Psychiatric Treatment

Ladina Risch, Florian Hotzy, Stefan Vetter, Sascha Hiller, Kathrin Wallimann, Erich Seifritz, Sonja Mötteli

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: nutritional risk screening; severe mental illness; psychiatric treatment; BMI; nutritional status; malnutrition; depression; schizophrenia; nutrition; diet

Online: 30 November 2022 (02:44:53 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0475.v1

The Local Coordination Effects on the Reactivity and Speciation of Active Sites in Graphene-Embedded Single-Atom Catalysts Over Wide pH and Potential Range

Milica S. Ritopečki, Ana S. Dobrota, Natalia V. Skorodumova, Igor A. Pašti

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Nanotechnology Keywords: single-atom catalysts; graphene; activity; reactivity; stability; Pourbaix plots

Online: 25 November 2022 (10:06:33 CET)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0336.v1

Combining Influenza and COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Strategy to Improve Vaccination Uptake Necessary for Managing the Health Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nikolaos Tzenios, Mary Tazanios, Mohamad Chahine

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Immunology And Allergy Keywords: COVID-19 Booster; Influenza and COVID-19; Vaccination Strategy; Combining Vaccination

Online: 17 November 2022 (10:31:53 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0269.v1

Occupational Stress and Burnout among Intensive Care Unit Nurses during the Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Nurses in COVID and non-COVID Units

Pratima Saravanan, Tariq Nisar, Qian Zhang, Faisal Masud, Farzan Sasangohar

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: critical care; physiological measurement; nursing and nursing systems; naturalistic study; fatigue

Online: 15 November 2022 (03:18:01 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202211.0250.v1

An Improved Retrieval of Snow and Ice Properties Using Spaceborne OLCI/S-3 Spectral Reflectance Measurements: Updated Atmospheric Correction and Snow Impurity Load Estimation

Alexander Kokhanovsky, Baptiste Vandecrux, Adrien Wehrlé, Olaf Danne, Carsten Brockmann, Jason Box

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: snow remote sensing; cloud screening; atmospheric correction; radiative transfer

Online: 14 November 2022 (09:38:42 CET)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0105.v1

Commercial Topical Probiotics for the Skin Microbiome: The Majority Do Not Contain Live Microbes and May Not Satisfy Criteria for Safe and Effective Use

Christopher Wallen-Russell, Samuel Wallen-Russell

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Immunology And Microbiology Keywords: topical probiotics; skin microbiome; probiotics; biodiversity; microbiome; skin allergy; cosmetics

Online: 9 October 2022 (03:34:01 CEST)

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Preprint ESSAY | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0085.v1

Using Directed Acyclic Graphs (Dags) to Represent the Data Generating Mechanisms of Disease and Healthcare Pathways: A Guide for Educators, Students, Practitioners and Researchers

George Ellison

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Probability And Statistics Keywords: Directed Acyclic Graph; DAG; confounding; collider bias; epistemology; inferential statistics

Online: 8 October 2022 (02:59:34 CEST)

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Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are nonparametric causal path diagrams that have substantial utility as principled representations of disease and healthcare pathways, and of the underlying ‘data generating mechanisms’ these pathways involve. As such, DAGs provide a valuable bridge between: the aetiological knowledge, operational insight and professional experience on which clinical training and practice depend; and the more abstract epistemological and analytical considerations required to extract robust statistical insight from health and healthcare data. DAGs are nonetheless vulnerable to imperfect biomedical paradigms, partial clinical knowledge and limited empirical data. DAGs drawn under such circumstances offer limited scope for statistical insight free from cognitive, analytical or inferential bias if: they misrepresent the data generating mechanisms involved; or ignore the important role that omitted variables (whether measured, unmeasured or unacknowledged) might play therein. To address these weaknesses and broaden the appeal and application of DAGs, this chapter provides ten simple steps that educators can use to improve the analytical competence and statistical confidence of the healthcare students, qualified practitioners and experienced researchers they support. These steps use temporal logic to draw DAGs so as to: reduce reliance on uncertain knowledge, incomplete information, flawed assumptions or guesswork; and avoid, mitigate or acknowledge the errors and biases that each of these incur. The chapter comprises an accessible, non-technical overview of the perspective and thoughtfulness required to generate temporally coherent DAGs as objective representations of the probabilistic causal paths involved in context-specific data generating mechanisms. It encourages a focus on those variables operating as potential sources of analytical or inferential bias when estimating the plausible, probabilistic causal relationship between two pre-specified variables; and specifically addresses the challenges posed by: omitted; time-variant; non-asynchronous; and temporally obscure variables. The chapter includes a worked example based on a published clinical study to demonstrate how each of the steps required to generate temporally-informed DAGs can be applied to: critically appraise the analytical decisions made during applied healthcare research; and inform the decisions required when designing, undertaking and analysing primary and secondary, prospective and retrospective research. The appendices include a summary of ten recommendations for improving the reporting and interrogability of DAGs and DAG-informed analyses.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202210.0048.v1

Phytomanagement of a Lead Polluted Shooting Range Using an Aromatic Plant Species and Its Effects on the Rhizosphere BacteRial Diversity and Essential Oil Production

Anabel Saran, Lucia Fernandez, Yanela Latini, Monica Bellozas Reinhard, Marisol Minig, Sofie Thijs, Jaco Vangronsveld, Luciano Merini

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Plant Sciences Keywords: Lead; Field trial; Phytostabilization; Phytomanagement; Aromatic plants; Bacterial community

Online: 5 October 2022 (17:51:14 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202209.0039.v1

Evaluating the Increasing Trend of Strength and Severe Wind Hazard of Philippine Typhoons Using the Holland-B parameter and Regional Cyclonic Wind Field Modeling

Joshua Cunanan Agar

Subject: Engineering, Civil Engineering Keywords: Holland-B Parameter; Philippine typhoons; Regional wind; Wind hazard

Online: 2 September 2022 (10:39:46 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202208.0507.v1

Evaluation of a Sleep Education Workshop for Trainee Psychologists Designed to Increase Knowledge and Practical Skills in Sleep and Insomnia Management: A Pilot Study

Hailey Meaklim, Imogen C Rehm, Moira F Junge, Melissa Monfries, Gerard A Kennedy, Romola S. Bucks, Lisa J Meltzer, Melinda L Jackson

Subject: Social Sciences, Psychology Keywords: sleep education; insomnia; training; circadian rhythms; behavioral sleep medicine, psychotherapy; dissemination; implementation science; mental health

Online: 30 August 2022 (05:07:56 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202208.0364.v1

Telomerase Inhibitors TMPyP4 and Thymoquinone Decreased Cell Proliferation and Induced Cell Death in NSCLC Cell Line LC‐HK2, Modifying the Pattern of Focal Adhesion

A.M. Bernabe Garnique, P. Rezende‐Teixeira, G.M. Machado‐Santelli

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Cell And Developmental Biology Keywords: TMPyP4 1; Thymoquinone 2; cell viability 3; cell adhesion 4; telomerase

Online: 19 August 2022 (10:46:07 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202207.0198.v1

Association of Serum and Urinary Magnesium Levels With Body Composition and Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Non-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Longitudinal Approach

Raimunda Sheyla Carneiro Dias, Dyego José de Araújo Brito, Cleodice Alves Martins, Elton Jonh Freitas Santos, Erika Cristina Ribeiro de Lima Carneiro, Elisangela Milhomen dos Santos, Denizar Vianna Araújo, Natalino Salgado Filho, Mario Bernardo Filho

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: Magnesium deficiency; Body composition; Chronic kidney failure.

Online: 13 July 2022 (09:27:18 CEST)

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Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202206.0403.v1

Promising Strategies for Preserving Adult Endothelium Health and Reversing Its Dysfunction: From the Liquid Biopsy to New Omics Technologies and Non-invasive Circulating Biomarkers

Carmela Balistreri

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology Keywords: Endothelium; Endothelium dysfunction; Newer omics technologies; network medicine; biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Online: 29 June 2022 (09:48:20 CEST)

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Preprint TECHNICAL NOTE | doi:10.20944/preprints202206.0182.v1

Heat Transfer Equipment for Space Shuttle Orbiter, Its Main Engine (Aerojet Rocketdyne RS 25), Thermal (Passive and Active), Environmental Control and Life Support System

Muhammad Musaddique Ali Rafique

Subject: Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Keywords: heat transfer; thermodynamics; evaporation; condensation; regeneration

Online: 13 June 2022 (10:07:32 CEST)

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Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202204.0299.v3

A Simplistic and Cost-Effective Design for Real-World Development of an Ambient Assisted Living System for Fall Detection and Indoor Localization: Proof of Concept

Nirmalya Thakur, Chia Y. Han

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Information Systems Keywords: elderly; aging population; ambient intelligence; fall detection; indoor localization; real-world implementation; sensors; activities of daily living; assisted living

Online: 21 July 2022 (10:46:08 CEST)

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Falls, highly common in the constantly increasing global aging population, can have a variety of negative effects on their health, well-being, and quality of life, including restricting their capabilities to conduct Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which are crucial for one’s sustenance. Timely assistance during falls is highly necessary, which involves tracking the indoor location of the elderly during their diverse navigational patterns associated with ADLs to detect the precise location of a fall. With the decreasing caregiver population on a global scale, it is important that the future of intelligent living environments can detect falls during ADL.s while being able to track the indoor location of the elderly in the real world. Prior works in these fields have several limitations, such as – the lack of functionalities to detect both falls and indoor locations, high cost of implementation, complicated design, the requirement of multiple hardware components for deployment, and the necessity to develop new hardware for implementation, which make the wide-scale deployment of such technologies challenging. To address these challenges, this work proposes a cost-effective and simplistic design paradigm for an Ambient Assisted Living system that can capture multimodal components of user behaviors during ADLs that are necessary for performing fall detection and indoor localization in a simultaneous manner in the real world. Proof of concept results from real-world experiments are presented to uphold the effective working of the system. The findings from two comparison studies with prior works in this field are also presented to uphold the novelty of this work. The first comparison study shows how the proposed system outperforms prior works in the areas of indoor localization and fall detection in terms of the effectiveness of its software design and hardware design. The second comparison study shows that the cost for the development of this system is the least as compared to prior works in these fields, which involved real-world development of the underlining systems, thereby upholding its cost-effective nature.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202205.0221.v1

Ascorbic Acid Effect on Frozen and Thawed on Sperm Motility, Plasma Membrane Integrity, Livability and Acrosome Integrity of Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Semen

Umer Ali, Asif Bilal, Aasma Iqbal, Muhammad Sajjad Ansari, Bushra Allah Rakha, Shamim Akhter

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science And Zoology Keywords: ring necked-pheasant; ascorbic acid; semen cryopreservation; semen quality

Online: 17 May 2022 (05:19:30 CEST)

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Ring necked-pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is bird of order Galliformes. Ring necked-pheasant is also known as gallinaceous bird and game bird. It looks like chicken bird. It is national bird of South Dakota. It is mostly found in wild areas but in Pakistan it exists as Domestic bird. It has high proteins and low fat in its meat. The present study was conducted to check the effect of ascorbic acid on sperm Motility, sperm cytoplasmic membrane integrity, sperm livability and acrosome integrity of Ring-necked pheasant at different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0mM, 1mM, 2mM, 3mM and 4mM) were used. Semen was collected by abdominal massage technique. Motility of sperm was greater than 70%.Then it was processed further. The cryopreservation of semen was checked at various stages like Post Dilution, Post Cooling, Post Equilibration and Post Thawing. Semen was cooled from post-dilution stage (37⁰ C) to post-cooling (20⁰C).Then it further cooled gradually to get post-equilibration stage (4⁰ C) within 24 hours. After that 10% glycerol was added to the sample. Then it was transferred to liquid nitrogen (LN₂) cylinder for 24 hours. After thawing stage sample was removed from LN₂ cylinders and placed in water bath for 4 hours to achieve post-thawing. Then performed sperm quality assays at each stage of cryopreservation. Sperm motility was assessed by Neubauer Chamber Hemocytometer. Plasma Membrane Integrity was checked by using Hypo Osmotic Swelling Test with the help to 2% Eosin. Sperm livability was assessed by Lake’s glutamate solution and sperm Acrosome Integrity was checked by dual staining technique by using Formal citrate solution and Giemsa stain. The better results were seen at 3mM treatment of ascorbic acid. Sperm motility percentage was significantly different (P < 0.05) on 3mM treatment on all the stages of cryopreservation rather than other treatments. Plasma membrane integrity assay also showed good results at same concentration (P < 0.05) on all the stages of cryopreservation rather than other treatments. At the sperm livability stage 3mM treatment showed significantly difference (P < 0.05) on all the stages of cryopreservation rather than other treatments. The sperm acrosome integrity showed highest percentage on 3mM treatment (P < 0.05) on all stages of cryopreservation rather than other treatments. Effect of ascorbic acid on all the quality parameters (sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, livability and acrosome integrity) was showed significant difference (P < 0.05) at 3mM treatment of ascorbic acid as compare to control as well as remaining treatments. It was seen that by increasing the concentration of ascorbic acid from 3mM concentration to onward it shows negative results on its cryopreservation. Now this cryopreserved semen can be transfer from one place to another place to obtain good varieties as well as better genetic characteristics of this species.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202205.0105.v1

Calibration of PurpleAir PA-I and PA-II monitors using daily mean PM2.5 concentrations measured in California, Washington, and Oregon from 2017 to 2021

Lance Arthur Wallace, Tongke Zhao, Neil Klepeis

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: low-cost particle monitors; calibration factor; PurpleAir; particles; PM2.5; ALT-CF3; algorithm; PMS1003; PMS5003

Online: 9 May 2022 (06:05:19 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202204.0201.v1

Compliance with Standard Precaution and Its Relationship With Views on Infection Control and Prevention Policy Among Chinese University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Winnie Cheng, Enid Kwong, Regina Lee, Anson Tang

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Psychiatry And Mental Health Keywords: COVID-19; emotion-focused coping; infection control practices; perceived stress; relation-ship-focused coping

Online: 21 April 2022 (10:06:24 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202204.0199.v1

Nano-Structured Na2CaP2O7: a New and Efficient Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Amino-3-Cyanopyridine Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity

Redouane Achagar, Abdelhakim Elmakssoudi, Abderrahmane Thoume, Mohamed Dakir, Abdelaziz Elamrani, Yassine Zouheir, Mohamed Zahouily, Zouhair Ait-Touchente, Jamal Jamaleddine, Mohamed M. M. Chehimi

Subject: Chemistry And Materials Science, Organic Chemistry Keywords: Catalyst; antibacterial activity; solvent-free conditions; heterogeneous catalysis; Synthesis; cyanopyridines; pyrimidines; nano-structured Na2CaP2O7; catalyst recovery

Online: 21 April 2022 (09:26:25 CEST)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202203.0283.v1

Exploring the Association between Misinformation Endorsement, Opinions on the Government Response, Risk Perception, and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the US, Canada, and Italy

Elena Savoia, Nigel Walsh Harriman, Rachael Piltch-Loeb, Marco Bonetti, Veronica Toffolutti, Marcia A. Testa

Subject: Social Sciences, Government Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy; Misinformation; Government Actions; Communication

Online: 21 March 2022 (10:29:33 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202203.0277.v1

Collaborative Research for Long COVID Haulers in Greece (Characteristics, Clinical Assessment and Rehabilitation). Non-hospitalized and Hospitalized Long COVID Patients Share Similar Symptom Patterns

Martha Spyridoula Katsarou, Eleni Iasonidou, Alexander Osarogue, Efthymios Kalafatis, Stylianos Gatzonis, Sofia Pappa, Athanasia Verentzioti, Maria Stefanatou, Pantelis Gounopoulos, Christos Demponeras, Eleni Konstantinidou, Nikolaos Drakoulis, Andreas Asimakos, Archontoula Antonoglou, Aspasia Mavronasou, Stavroula Spetsioti, Anastasia Kotanidou, Paraskevi Katsaounou

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Pulmonary And Respiratory Medicine Keywords: Long Covid; post Covid; Post-acute COVID

Online: 21 March 2022 (08:25:20 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202203.0205.v1

Modelling the Origin, Fate, and Ecological and Health Impacts of Heavy Metals from an Abandoned Mercury Mine in a Paradise Island in the Philippines

Reymar R. Diwa, Custer C. Deocaris, Lhevy D. Geraldo, Lawrence P. Belo

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: heavy metals; abandoned mine; soil pollution; potential ecological risk; multivariate analysis; health index; soil; sediments

Online: 15 March 2022 (10:58:46 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202202.0007.v1

Natural Language Processing Of Helpline Chat Data Before And During The Pandemic Revealed Significant Decrease In Self-image Appreciation And Changes In Other Traits

Maria Paz Raveau, Julian Goñi, José Rodriguez, Isidora Paiva, Fernanda Barriga, Maria Paz Hermosilla, Claudio Fuentes, Susana Eyheramendy

Subject: Computer Science And Mathematics, Computer Vision And Graphics Keywords: mental health; natural language processing; interdisciplinary research; mental health helpline

Online: 1 February 2022 (12:03:47 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202201.0390.v1

Analytic and clinical validation of a pan-cancer NGS liquid biopsy test for the detection of copy number amplifications, fusions and exon skipping variants.

Audrey Audetat, Cherie Tschida, Sarah Kreston, Adam Stephen, Brittany D'Alessio, Brittany D’Alessio, Leisa Jackson, John Williamson, Hestia Mellert, Niki Givens, Ubaradka G. Sathyanarayana, Gary A. Pestano

Subject: Medicine And Pharmacology, Oncology And Oncogenics Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); liquid biopsy; cell-free nucleic acid (cfNA); next generation sequencing (NGS); CNA (copy number amplifications); fusions, exon-skipping.

Online: 26 January 2022 (03:21:12 CET)

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Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202112.0513.v1

Antiparasitic Activity of Single Solanum ferox Extract and Concoction with Zingiber zerumbet and Boesenbergia pandurata Extracts to Control Argulus sp. on Goldfish (Cyprinus carpio)

Esti Handayani Hardi, Rudy Agung Nugroho, Irawan wijaya kusuma, gina Saptiani, agustina agustina, Abinawanto Abinawanto, Yushinta Fujaya, Bambang Murtiyoso, Tjahjo Winanto, Nurhidayat Nurhidayat

Subject: Biology And Life Sciences, Biology And Biotechnology Keywords: Argulus sp.; anti parasitic; natural product; fish diseases; solasodine; Solanum ferox

Online: 31 December 2021 (11:28:40 CET)

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