bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Sensory Evaluation of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Beverage
Authors: S. Kamashi , Narayansamy Sangeetha
Published: November 2022

Millet is one of the indigenous foods known to human and called for its superior nutritional and therapeutic use. Fermentation is one of the most commonly used methods in preparing millet based food products and it has been shown to improve the bioavailability of nutrients. The present study emphasizes on formulation of fermented product with foxtail millet flour as a ready-to-drink beverage. A Lactic Acid Bacterium (LAB) namely Lactobacillus acidophilus conquers a significant part in these developments, has an extended and safe history of practice and consumption in the fabrication of fermented beverages and foods. The methods used for processing foxtail millet are soaking (8 hrs), sun drying, milling, preparing foxtail millet slurry (60%), boiling (80oC), addition of complementary ingredients (almond paste 10%, coconut milk 10%, sugar 20% and cardamom powder 2 g), cooling, fermenting with probiotic strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus 0.2 mg/200ml), incubating (at 37oC for 24 hrs) and bottling. Optimization of probiotic foxtail millet drink was carried out by trained sensory panel members against control (without foxtail millet). Quality characteristics namely proximate, sensory and physicochemical properties like pH were investigated at 12 hours interval for 2 days. The fermented foxtail millet beverage possessed significantly higher values of proximate principles (81% moisture, 3.4 % ash, 12% carbohydrate, 2% protein, 1.6% fat) than control. Scores for all sensory parameters reduced with the increase in storage period. From the present study, it could be concluded that foxtail millet based fermented beverage not only serve as a nutrient dense drink but also it acts as a carrier to deliver beneficial micro biota which would nourish the gut. Recent research studies on fermentation and biotechnology reveal that, daily consumption of probiotics could positively protect human from non-communicable diseases such as ulcer, colitis and cance
Phyto-labelled Gold Nanoparticles Using Garcinia cambogia Capsules for Selective Detection of Cyanide Ions
Authors: C. Akhila , P. Lalitha , P. Jayalakshmi , R. Rajalakshmi , P. Aruna
Published: November 2022

Plant-based nutraceuticals have paved much attention as they are biocompatible as well as non-toxic. A similar trend has also been seen in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Phyto-assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their potential applications are of great interest among the research community as they are biocompatible, non-toxic and eco-friendly. Herein we report the one-pot synthesis of gold nanoparticles using commercially available Garcinia cambogia (GC) capsules used for weight reduction. The aqueous suspension (GCA) of the formulation was prepared using a steam bath method and used for gold nano synthesis. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles was standardized and optimized with respect to the GCA concentration at room temperature by keeping the concentration of Gold chloride constant. The rapid formation of the GCA mediated gold nanoparticles was visually observed by the colour change from the brown colour of the extracts to violet, purple and pink depending on the concentration of GCA. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, FE-SEM and EDS. The rapid bioreduction of Au3+ to Au0 is attributed to the phytoconstituents present in the GC formulations. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were screened for the selective detection of various chemicals commonly used in the food industry. Of the screened chemicals, the GCA mediated gold nanoparticles efficiently detect CN– ions, which shows the phytomediated gold nanoparticles' sensory activity
Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Mentha piperita L
Authors: P. Valsala , E. Deepika , K.S. Santhy
Published: November 2022

The study investigated the phytochemical compounds and the free radical scavenging potential of Mentha piperita L. Four solvents namely methanol, ethanol, chloroform and water were taken for the extraction of Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint). Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done using the standard protocol. Further, Mentha piperita L. was assessed for the free radical scavenging activity against four radicals namely DPPH, FRAP, hydrogen peroxide and the reducing power ability. Among all the solvents used, methanol extract exhibited the maximum extractive index. The phytochemical screening detected the occurrence of compounds such as flavonoids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins and quinones. The free radical scavenging activity showed a maximum scavenging power in the methanol extract with increase in concentration. The scavenging efficacy of DPPH, FRAP and hydrogen peroxide were 90.33, 81.52 and 91.38% respectively at 60 Î¼g/ml. Similarly, the reducing power showed the highest at the dose of 60 Î¼g/ml. These findings demonstrated that the Mentha piperita L. has rich phytochemical resources, which act as a potent antioxidant species. Further studies on the therapeutic properties of this plant in animal and human models will resolve its potential for the treatment of lifestyle disorders.
Prevalence of Obesity among Young Women in Vellore District
Authors: K. Gowthami , C. A. Kalpana
Published: November 2022

Obesity and overweight is the fifth leading cause for death all over the world and the prevalence rate is increasing in both developing and developed countries. Obesity is a common health problem which affects all age groups. Young women with obesity face the risks of medical, psychological and reproductive challenges and studies also reported that numerous health risks have been associated with overweight including hypertension, respiratory disease, several orthopedic disorders, diabetes and elevated serum lipid concentrations. The study is carried out with the objective to assess the prevalence rate of obesity among young women. The area selected for the study was Vellore District, Tamil Nadu. Out of 123 colleges, 10% were selected representing four areas - North, South, East and West. A total number of 2278 students of 18-25 years were selected with inclusion and exclusion criteria. To assess the obesity, height and weight were measured using standard protocols and the BMI calculated using WHO classification. Among the selected young women 17.4 % were 18-20 years, 57.2 % were 21-22 years and the remaining 25.1 % were 23-25 years. The prevalence rate of underweight was 18.9 %, normal (61.2 %), overweight (7.1%), obese grade I (6.4%) and obese grade II (4 %.) It was found that 17.5 % of young women were obese. The results were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics namely mean, standard deviation and ‘t' test. P-value of <0.0001 was statistically significant. The results of the present study revealed the need for a suitable intervention strategy for the management of obesity among young women.
Comparative Phytochemical Analysis and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Different Extracts of Allium ascalonicum (Shallots)
Authors: V. M. H. Zeenath , E. Deepika , K. S. Santhy
Published: November 2022

Allium ascalonicum belongs to family Alliaceae, is an annual plant spread throughout India. It is commonly known as shallots in India. The screening of various phytochemicals present in the methanol, ethanol, chloroform and water extracts of Allium ascalonicum was performed using a standard procedure. The different extracts were measured for the radical scavenging activities in vitro against a battery of radicals namely DPPH, FRAP and H2O2 and also the reducing power potential. The phytochemical analysis led to the detection of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, amino acids, glycosides, tannins, triterpenoids and carbohydrates. Of all the extracts, maximum intensity was revealed in the methanol extract. Similarly, the methanol extract exhibited a stupendous radical scavenging effect with respect to all the radicals in a dosage dependent manner where the scavenging capacity increased with increase in concentration. The DPPH, FRAP and H2O2 showed a maximum inhibition, 80.67, 77.12 and 80.88 % respectively at 40 Î¼g/mlas compared to the standard, 87.38%. Likewise, the reducing power ability was shown in the dose dependent manner. This study provides evidence for the presence of one or more soluble constituents in the plants used, that probably interferes with radical scavenging effect and further could be opted for other therapeutic activities.
Development and Standardization of Rajma Flour Incorporated Food Products to Combat Malnutrition
Authors: D. Vijayarani , J. Sabarimathi
Published: November 2022

Malnutrition is one of the major challenges in India. It threatens the long-term human development. In order to reduce the malnutrition problem an effort was made to increase the protein content of the food products, rajma an underutilized legume rich in protein was utilized. Rajma is termed as "king of nutrition”. Germination was more effective method in reducing the antinutritional factors of tannins and phytic acid. It was found that tannins and phytic acid were reduced when the germination period increased. The tannin level of rajma flour was 4.3 mg at 24 hours of germination period and it was decreased to 0.35 g at 72 hours of germination period. Hence it was decided to incorporate the rajma flour germinated at 72 hours because of the decrease of antinutritional factors. The phytic acid decreased to 4.50 mg at 24 hours germination period and 1.5 mg at 72 hours germination periods. Hence it was decided to select the rajma flour prepared from the 72 hours germination period for developing food products. The selected rajma flour was incorporated into the food products of chapathi and murukku at 5, 10, and 15 % level by using the replacement method. The developed rajma flour incorporated products were exposed to sensory evaluation by the trained panel members. The overall acceptability of 15% of the selected rajma flour incorporated chapatti and murukku were excellent. The nutrient content of the selected rajma flour was reported as 10% of moisture, 7 g of protein, 5.5 of fiber, 20.2 g of carbohydrate and 4 mg of vitamin C. The incorporation of rajma flour into the chapathi increased the protein content from 12 to 14 g and in murukku it increased from 14 to 19 g. Hence the incorporation of rajma flour into the food products paves way for reducing not only the malnutrition problem but also many of the lifestyle diseases.
Attitude and Practices of Food Labels among Consumers in Puducherry Region - A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: D. Vanaja , Many Josephine Nirmala , Kirupa Sucheta Soma
Published: November 2022

A healthy community is the basis for development of any country and one way to achieve this vital goal is nutrition. Consequently it is essential to provide the community with the necessary information about nutrition in food products. The present study aims to assess the attitude and practices of consumers above 25 years (n = 508) on information pertaining to food labels in Puducherry region. A cross-sectional design was used and cluster sampling was employed to select the samples. The study samples were consumers who visited the selected shops. Information pertaining to the survey was elicited through a questionnaire. The results showed that type of family of the consumers had a significant influence on the positive and negative attitude of the consumers (p<0.05), Pearson Correlation was significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).Similarly consumers from different regions (urban, semi- urban and rural) showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in attitude and practice. However, a significant correlation was found between the attitude and practice of the consumers (r = 0.37, p (two-tailed) < .05). Simple linear regression analysis showed that the attitude was a predicting variable to the outcome variable, practice. This model predicts 13.5% variance and showed that higher the attitude, higher would be the practice of using food labels. The ANOVA table shows the model is significant (p<0.001) with respect to practice (dependent variable) and attitude (independent variable). The study found that the consumer behaviour was more prone towards attractive food label. However, the consumer behaviour is not solely dependent on the attitude and practice towards the food label. Further studies are warranted to understand the factors influencing the attitude and practice.
Nutrient Analysis of Chia Seeds, Product Development and Sensory Evaluation of Chia Seeds Incorporated Recipes
Authors: S. Venugopal , Arora Sanchi , U. Iyer
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is dramatically rising around the globe. Diet is considered as an important modifiable risk factor in the management of NCDs. Over the past few decades, functional foods are being increasingly employed as complementary therapy for the prevention and management of diseases. Chia seed is one such functional food which is said to possess hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Due to their nutrient and bioactive component profile, chia seeds offer a great potential in food industries, medical, pharmaceuticals etc. To date, however available evidence supporting their inclusion into the diet is scarce and inconsistent. The objective of the present study was to analyze the nutrient, phytochemical and antioxidant profile of chia seeds, develop 10 equicarbohydrate recipes incorporating chia seeds at three different levels and to carry out sensory evaluation of the developed recipes. Nutrient analysis of chia seeds revealed that they contain good amounts of protein (20.7 g), fat (28.2 g), PUFA (24.9 g) and iron (12.4 mg). Phytochemical profile analysis indicated that alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and various glycosides were present. Ten equicarbohydrate recipes namely, poha, methi thepla, muthiya, vegetable cutlet, handvo, upma, sindhi koki roti, besan chilla, peas kebab and khichri were developed and incorporated with chia seeds at three different levels i.e. 4, 8 and 12g. Thirty semi trained panelists carried out sensory evaluation of these recipes. To analyze the acceptability of traditional Indian recipes incorporated with chia seeds, a 9-point hedonic rating scale was used to evaluate sensory attributes like appearance, texture, mouth feel etc. Sensory evaluation revealed that chia seeds could be incorporated effectively in traditional Indian recipes with good acceptability with all levels of incorporation. At the middle level of incorporation, i.e. 8 g of chia seeds, handvo (19.4 ± 9.31), poha (20.6 ± 9.54) and muthiya (21.96 ± 9.08) were found to be most acceptable among all the recipes based on total scores. It may thus be concluded that incorporation of omega-3 fatty acid and phytochemical rich chia seeds in traditional Indian recipes is feasible and acceptable and this could have important implications in the prevention and management of NCDs.
In Vitro Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Tabebuia pallida Leaf Extracts
Authors: J. Priyanka , I. Suganya , R. Nirmaladevi
Published: November 2022

Plants are the reservoir of various phytochemicals that gives more health benefits to the human body. They are widely used by our ancestors in traditional folk medicine. The major advantage of these phytochemicals is that they can be used to cure various diseases with little or no side effects. Free radicals play a major role in various disease conditions by causing damage to the cells. Antioxidants contribute an extensive part in defending the cells against damage and reduce the deleterious consequence of the free radicals mediated increased oxidant production. Plants contain a number of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants which render a better effect against these ailments. The main objective of the present study is to nalyse the antioxidant potential of various solvent extracts of Tabebuia pallida leaf. Free radical scavenging assays like, “DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, reducing power and nitric oxide assays’’, for the various solvents ``methanol, ethyl acetate, benzene, ethanol, chloroform, petroleum ether, acetone and water” of the leaf extracts of Tabebuia pallida were performed. All the extracts tested exhibit a remarkable radical scavenging effect as the concentration increases. So these antioxidant compounds from plant origin can be used as an alternative for the synthetic antioxidants that are available in the market.
Development and Evaluation of Vegan Egg using Soya Beans as Key Ingredient
Authors: E. Krithika , P. A. Raajeswari,
Published: November 2022

Vegan diet is important for health and prevents many diseases. Egg contains the protein of highest biological value. Approximately the nutritional composition of one egg is 75 calories but 7 g of high quality protein, 5 g of fat and 1.6 g of saturated fat, along with iron, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids. Interest in alternative protein sources to those derived from animal, soya and wheat is on the rise. Pulses are rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are low in fat. Soya bean pods generally contain one to three seeds within each one. The size of the soya seed ranges from 5-11 mm and seed weight from 120-180 mg/seed. They are generally a rich source of protein and filled with polyunsaturated fatty acids. With this background the present study was undertaken with the following objectives of developing a standardized vegan egg from a high protein source (soybean) to replace the egg protein. This study expounds developing techniques of vegan egg and preparing recipes for evaluation. The property of the selected protein source ensures the viscosity of the Vegan Egg developed. The soya bean vegan egg contains 658.3 kcal of energy, 35.5 g of carbohydrates, 63.3 g of protein, 29.1 mg of total fat, zero cholesterol, 483.3 mg of calcium, 525 mg of phosphorus, 108 mg of sodium, 1 mg of vitamin E and 0.30 mg of vitamin B6. Based on the type of flour used, the vegan egg is used for the suitable recipes. The study expounds developing techniques of vegan egg and preparing recipes for evaluation.
Consumption of Allium sativum (Functional Food) and Lipid Profile of Postmenopausal Women with Dyslipidemia: A Correlational Study
Authors: Mariam Bi Bi , Devi Usha
Published: November 2022

CVD is the leading cause of death in women around the world. Estrogen deficiency has been linked to the rapid increase in CVD in women who have undergone natural or surgical menopause. Garlic (Allium sativum) has played an important dietary as well as medicinal role in human history. The study was conducted to assess correlation of garlic consumption on lipid level among postmenopausal women with dyslipidemia. In this clinical trial 180 respondents willing to participate in intervention program, who met inclusion criteria, were divided into three groups, control (n=60), Exp-I (garlic eaters n=60) and Exp-II (non-garlic eaters n=60). Dry garlic powder was prepared using standard procedure and analyzed for its active phytonutrients. A 500 mg of dry garlic powder capsules two per day were given to the respondents for 12 weeks. Biochemical analysis for cholesterol levels were measured in the standard laboratory before and after the study. Questionnaire-cum- interview method was used to obtain relevant information. Pearson correlation and one-way analysis of variance tests were conducted to analyze the data. Mean age of the respondents was found to be (53.6 ± 0.89) years. Pretest cholesterol levels in control (211.2 ± 6.24), Exp-I (212.2 ± 6.41) and Exp-II (212.4 ± 6.74) was observed. The results indicate that all the groups exhibit negative correlation with total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides but the values of control group are non-significant and the relationship is weak, whereas values of experimental groups (Exp-I and Exp-II) shows strong negative correlation which is significant at 1 % level. Strong positive correlation observed with HDL among experimental groups and weak positive non-significant correlation was seen with control group. It can be concluded that functional property of garlic has positive correlation in managing dyslipidemia among postmenopausal women. Significant improvement in the lipid level was observed with garlic intervention.
COVID-19 Lockdown in South-India: Observational Study on Lifestyle Modifications, Dietary Habits and Elevation in BMI
Authors: P. G. Keerthana , R. Subaratinam
Published: November 2022

To investigate the lifestyle modifications caused due to the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in the South-Indian population. Corona Virus disease became prevalent all over the world due to its wide-outbreak at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China. In order to repress the prevailing infection, lockdown was established all over the world. In India, the lockdown was initiated on March 22 by the Government that posed a shutdown to major community services. A standard questionnaire was formulated based on the samples' anthropometric measurements, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep duration and screen time. Random samples (n=300) were involved in this study with no exclusion criteria. This observational study was conducted online, where Google Forms was used as a platform to collect the data.  Paired t test was used as means of statistical analysis in order to obtain the difference in weight and BMI before and during lockdown. For other parameters, standard deviation and diagrammatical representations such as Bar Diagrams and Pie Charts were used. Compelling evidence showed that there was an elevation in the weight and BMI among the samples. There was an escalation in the snacking frequency, screen time and sleep duration whereas there was depreciation in the physical activity which thus promoted a sedentary lifestyle during lockdown. Distinct lifestyle modifications were visible during the COVID-19 lockdown which advocated sedentary lifestyle in the South-Indian population. Interventions must be taken to prevent adverse health outcomes in the population.
Understanding Precocious Puberty through Educational Intervention towards Physical Activity and Nutritional Concerns
Authors: R. Saravana Prabha , Malathi Archana Mani
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study was to understand the precocious puberty through educational intervention towards physical activity and nutritional concerns. The selected 120 tween girls (Pre-Pubertal) were randomly divided into two groups namely experimental group (PNP) and control group. Each group consist of 60 girls (n=60). Girls who were interested in educational intervention on physical activity and nutritional concerns to prevent precocious puberty were selected as subjects. From each school, two groups namely - control and experimental groups were taken as per the students’ as per their interest. Experimental group underwent PNP training for a period of 6 weeks with the help of the comprehensive module. The control group did not participate in any intervention apart from their regular program of the curriculum. School based educational intervention programme on pre-adolescent’s physical fitness and nutritional fitness can be effective and an important way of enhancing pre-adolescent girls’ knowledge attitude and practice on their physical and nutritional fitness in preventing precocious puberty. Need for School based training on sensitive issues especially for girls can be included in the curriculum. Similar studies can be conducted in wider scale to create awareness among the tween girls with scheduled training and traditional recipes. Educational interventions are found to be effective in bringing changes among the group of girls than in individual. Schools can encourage such intervention programmes.
LEGAL REGULATION OF ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-CORRUPTION INSPECTIONS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION SUBJECTS
Authors:   Kazan Innovative University named after V. G. Timiryasov, Bikeev Igor
Published: November 2022

The preprint views anti-corruption inspections as one of the effective anti-corruption tools. The anti-corruption tool is proposed to be understood as a set of interconnected means of influ-encing this negative social phenomenon, used with the ultimate goal of reducing its negative con-sequences. Based on the current legislation of the Russian Federation subjects and the doctrinal developments, the authors consider procedural grounds for conducting the said inspections, as well as the methods of their implementation, the specific features of registering the results ob-tained, and the measures to improve the legal regulation of this tool in the Russian regions. The preprint is intended for persons involved in the implementation of the state anti-corruption policy at all levels of public authority, researchers, pedagogical staff, students, as well as all others interested in these issues.
The emergence of categorical norms
Authors: Yoeli Erez , Burum Bethany , Dalkiran N. Aygun , Nowak Martin , Hoffman Moshe
Published: November 2022

Why are norms unduly sensitive to categorical distinctions compared to continuous variation? For instance, the norm against the use of chemical weapons considers the type of weapon used, not how much suffering was caused; human rights are conditioned on membership in the species homo spaiens not on an animal's degree of sentience; norms promoting philanthropy emphasize donating, and are relatively insensitive to the impact a donation will have. Here we present a game theoretic model, which explains why it is easier for norms to be conditioned on categorical distinctions rather than on continuous variation. We explore the robustness of our results and present evolutionary simulations. Then, in a series of experiments, we demonstrate that participants’ moral intuitions and willingness to sanction norm violations are influenced by categorical distinctions rather than by continuous variation. We show that the reliance on categorical distinctions weakens when norm enforcement plays less of a role. We discuss various applications, including territoriality, human rights, inefficient altruism, institutionalized racism, and collusion.
Does the size of the informal sector explain vulnerability to climate change in Africa ?
Authors: MESSONO OMANG OMBOLO , Nsoga Mermoz Homère III Nsoga , Blaise Tsomb Tsomb Etienne Inédit , Ghislain Melingui Bate Adalbert Abraham
Published: November 2022

In a context marked by an increase in the adverse effects of climate change in Africa, this paper aims to analyze the effect of the size of the informal sector on vulnerability to climate change in 42 African countries from 1995 to 2017. The results obtained by the Random Effects (RE) method applied to panel data, show that the size of the informal sector increases the vulnerability to climate change (VCC) in African countries. Moreover, the effect of the informal sector on climate change vulnerability is weaker in English-speaking countries compared to French-, Portuguese- and Arabic-speaking countries. Robustness analyses using the Generalized System Moments (GSM) technique confirm the existence of a positive relationship between the size of the informal sector and the vulnerability of African countries to climate change. To this end, we recommend strengthening mechanisms to combat informal economic activities through the promotion of property rights, the fight against corruption and the implementation of climate change adaptation policies.
JEL classification: O17; 013; Q53
Anoikis-related signature identifies tumor microenvironment landscape and predicts prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Pan Yu-Biao , Xu Wang-jin , Teng Ya , Gong Jian-bin , Fu Xin-yu , Feng Yu-yi , Mao Xin-li , Li Shao-wei
Published: November 2022

Background: Anoikis, a mechanism of programmed apoptosis, plays an important role in growth and metastasis of tumors. However, there are still few available comprehensive reports on the impact of anoikis on colorectal cancer.
Method: A clustering analysis was done on 133 anoikis-related genes in GSE39582, and we compared clinical features between clusters, the tumor microenvironment was analyzed with algorithms such as “Cibersort” and “ssGSEA”. We investigated risk scores of clinical feature groups and anoikis-associated gene mutations after creating a predictive model. Lastly, we incorporated clinical traits to build a nomogram.
Result: We identified two anoikis-related clusters with distinct prognoses, clinical characteristics, and biological functions. One of the clusters was associated with anoikis resistance, which activated multiple pathways encouraging tumor metastasis. In our prognostic model, oxaliplatin may be a sensitive drug for low-risk patients. The nomogram showed good ability to predict survival time.
Conclusion: Our study identified two distinct modes of anoikis in colorectal cancer, with active metastasis-promoting pathways inducing an anti-anoikis subtype, which has a stronger propensity for metastasis and a worse prognosis than an anoikis-activated subtype. Massive immune cell infiltration may be an indicator of anoikis resistance. Anoikis' role in the colorectal cancer remains to be investigated.
Association between a single nucleotide polymorphism of the SF3A1 gene and tuberculosis in a Chinese Han population: a case‒control study
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Ming-Gui , Liu Quan-xian , He Jian-Qing
Published: November 2022

Background: Splicing factor 3A subunit 1 (SF3A1)-related pathways involve gene expression and mRNA splicing. To date, no direct association of SF3A1 with tuberculosis or similar infectious diseases has been reported in the literature.
Methods: A case‒control study was conducted in 1137 patients with tuberculosis (558 with severe tuberculosis and 579 with mild tuberculosis) and 581 healthy controls.
Whole blood DNA was extracted from all patients. Four tag polymorphisms (rs2074733, rs10376, rs117435254, and rs2839998) of the SF3A1 gene were selected and genotyped using a SNPscan Kit (Cat#: G0104, Genesky Biotechnologies Inc., Shanghai, China).
Results: The rs2074733 alleleT and rs10376 alleleA in the SF3A1 gene were associated with increased TB susceptibility after adjusting for age and sex (Pa = 0.036 and 0.048, respectively). No significant association was found between rs117435254 and rs2839998 and tuberculosis infection. In subgroup analyses, we did not find a significant association between SF3A1 gene polymorphisms in patients with mild and severe tuberculosis.
Conclusions: In our study, we found a statistically significant association between the two SNPs (rs2074733 and rs10376) in the SF3A1 gene and susceptibility to tuberculosis infection in a Chinese Han population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the relationship between the SF3A1 gene and TB.
Green synthesis of single layered SS/CuO nanocoatings as solar selective absorber: Morphological, Structural and optical properties
Authors: Welegergs G. G. , Gebretinsae H. G. , Tsegay M. G. , Nuru Z. Y. , Dube S. , Maaza M.
Published: November 2022

Herein, spectrally selective single-layered CuO nanocoatings were successfully demonstrated via green synthesis, and deposited on stainless steel (SS) substrates using spin-coater at 700, 800, 900 and 1000 rpm. The morphological surface, structural, and compositional analysis of the obtained nanocoatings were studied using SEM, XRD, EDX, and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM images shows a nanorod-like structure surfaces with a dense surface morphology. The XRD patterns confirm the presence of peaks indexed to a monoclinic structural phase of CuO. The EDX spectra clearly reveals the presence of Cu, and O elements and XPS spectra reveals peaks of Cu2p and O1s core levels which are typical characteristics of Cu (II) and O(II), respectively in CuO. Raman spectra shows peaks at 305, 344, and 642 cm− 1 attributed to Raman active (Ag+2Bg) modes for Cu-O stretching. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) determines content of the elements, and changes in thicknesses of the coatings with rotational speed (RS) of the spin coater. The elemental content of Cu, and O atoms are respectively 54, and 46 at %, and the thicknesses are calculated to be 1.406×1018 atoms/cm2 (296.3 nm), 1.286×1018 atoms/cm2 (271.0 nm), 1.138×1018 atoms/cm2 (239.8 nm), and 0.985×1015 atoms/cm2 (207.5 nm) at 700, 800, 900 and 1000 rpm, respectively. The optical properties of CuO nanocoatings was characterized using UV-Vis-NIR, and FTIR spectrometers, and its vital solar selectivity parameters of solar absorptance (α), and emissivity(ε) were evaluated in the range of 0.3–2.5, and 2.5–20µm wavelengths, respectively, and exhibits the solar parameters (α = 0.91, and ε = 0.31) associated to 700 rpm due to an intrinsic and interference-induced absorption as well as higher attenuation of light.
An evaluation of antiproliferative effects of bioactive compound from Punica granatum seed on lung cancer cell line (A549)
Authors: Nelson Samba S. , Yadav Sangilimuthu Alagar , Subban Ravi
Published: November 2022

A novel molecule PG-1, tri-O –punicyl glycerol was isolated and characterized from the seed extract of Punica granatum which was found to possess ant proliferative effect against lung cancer cell lines (A549) without any harmful effects on fibroblast cell line. The IC50 value determined by MTT assay is 25±8.5µg/ml for PG-1 and that of L- ascorbic acid is 22±7.4. Comet assay showed the damage of DNA at a concentration of 250µg/ml and Flow cytometry indicated a cell cycle arrest at G0 phase at a concentration of 12µg/ml. PG-1 also possesses an effective antioxidant activity which was determined through in vitro DPPH and ABTS assay methods. In DPPH assay the IC50 value was 26±5.7 µg/ml, 24±6.8 µg/ml and in ABTS assay the IC50 value was 26±0.62 µg/ml and 23±0.65µg/ml, for PG-1 and L-ascorbic acid respectively. PG-1 can be considered as a lead molecule from a natural plant P. granatum with lower side effects against lung cancer cell line (A549). Further the GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extract from P. granatum led to the identification of twelve compounds out of which octadecatrienoic acid which constitutes 19.88% of the whole extract is the major compound.
Anticancer drugs affect temperature signaling and epigenetic factors in the cold tolerance of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Okahata Misaki , Sawada Natsumi , Nakao Kenji , Ohta Akane , Kuhara Atsushi
Published: November 2022

Drugs are vital for maintaining the body healthy and treating diseases. As most drugs have side effects, it is important to gain a complete understanding of their action mechanisms. However, significant cost and time are involved in elucidating their mechanisms. We conducted drug screening at a low cost and in a short time using the phenomenon of cold tolerance in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Among ~ 4000 drugs, we screened the anticancer drugs leptomycin B and camptothecin that affect cold tolerance. Leptomycin B and camptothecin inhibited molecular pathway(s) downstream of the thermosensory signaling via the cGMP-dependent channel TAX-4 in ASJ thermosensory neurons and the thermoreceptor DEG-1 in ASG thermosensory neurons. Leptomycin B affected cold tolerance by inhibiting the molecular pathway upstream of the insulin receptor DAF-2 that regulates cold tolerance in the intestine. Camptothecin decreased the expression levels of genes required for epigenetic processes, such as hrde-1 and deps-1 encoding Argonaute and constitutive P granule protein, respectively. Moreover, hrde-1 and deps-1 mutants exhibited abnormal cold tolerance. This study established an experimental model for drug screening using the cold tolerance of C. elegans and proposed that an anticancer drug upregulates cold tolerance via temperature signaling and epigenetic regulation.
Graphical Representation of Multidimensional Poverty: Insights for Index Construction and Policy Making
Authors: Arancibia Rodrigo García , Girela Ignacio
Published: November 2022

By means of probabilistic graphical models, in this paper, we present a new framework for exploring relationships among indicators commonly included in the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). In particular, we propose an Ising model with covariates for modeling the MPI as an undirected graph. First, we prove why Ising models are consistent with the theoretical distribution of MPI indicators. Then, a comparison between our estimates and the association measures typically used in the literature is provided. Finally, we show how undirected graphs can complement the MPI policy relevant properties, apart from discovering further insightful patterns that can be useful for policy purposes. This novel approach is illustrated with an empirical application for the global MPI indicators of Guinea and Ecuador, taking living areas and monetary poverty as covariates, respectively.
JEL Classification: I3 , C18 , C35.
Quantitative Distribution Model of Dendrites in Li metal batteries
Authors: Li Guanwu , Qin Chichu , Wang Dong , Liu Yumin , Zhang Hengguang , Wu Yingpeng
Published: November 2022

Multi-physics field (MPF) mechanism to Li dendrite has been broadly used in developed routes of protective Li metal anode. It is proved that dendrite can be optimized by adjusting homogeneity of distributions for charge/thermal/structure through chemical reaction field, concentration field, potential field, heat field etc. However, the accurate quantitative for these distributions is still an unsolved problem. Herein, by the natural of entropy (statistics and thermodynamics), we put forwards a quantitative physics field to describe these distributions, named surface distribution entropy (SDE). Subsequently, coupling it into the MPF of electrochemistry, a new finite element analysis model (MPFCS) is developed, which can quantitatively feedback the effect of surface distribution on dendrite growth. Then we re-understand the relationship between nucleation and Li plating within this entropy involved model. In light of this, a dendrite-suppressing route was accomplished through high-density/low-size nucleation with increasing SDE. A step further, an early-warning method for Li anode was realized via the correlation between SDE and extent of dendrite.
Remote and low-cost intraocular pressure monitoring by deep learning of speckle patterns
Authors: Kalyuzhner Zeev , Agdarov Sergey , Beiderman Yevgeny , Bennett Aviya , Beiderman Yafim , Zalevsky Zeev
Published: November 2022

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements comprise an essential tool in modern medicine for the early diagnosis of glaucoma, the second leading cause of human blindness. The world's highest prevalence of glaucoma is in low-income countries.
Current diagnostic methods require experience in running expensive equipment as well as the use of anesthetic eye drops. We present herein a remote photonic IOP biomonitoring method based on deep learning of secondary speckle patterns, captured by a fast camera, that are reflected from eye sclera stimulated by an external sound wave. By combining speckle pattern analysis with deep learning, high precision measurements are possible.
The method was tested under artificially varying eye pressures on a series of 24 pig eyeballs, found to be similar to human eyes.
As a low-cost procedure, it has the potential to meet clinical needs in low- and middle-income countries and at points of care everywhere.
Evaluation of T cell responses with the QuantiFERON SARS-CoV-2 assay in individuals with 3 doses of BNT162b2 vaccine, SARS-CoV-2 infection, or hybrid immunity
Authors: Dourdouna Maria-Myrto , Tatsi Elizabeth-Barbara , Syriopoulou Vasiliki , Michos Athanasios
Published: November 2022

Cellular immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or immunization may be important for long-lasting protection against severe COVID-19 disease. We investigated cellular immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination with an interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (QuantiFERON, QFN). In parallel, we measured SARS-CoV-2 anti-Nucleocapsid (Abs-N), anti-Spike (Abs-S) and Neutralizing (NAbs) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 wild type and Omicron variant. We recruited 41 participants: unvaccinated children and adults and vaccinated uninfected or vaccinated convalescent adults. All vaccinated adults had received three doses of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine at 6.2–10.9 months prior to their inclusion to the study. All the unvaccinated participants were tested negative with QFN. Regarding the vaccinated population, 50% (8/16) of the vaccinated uninfected adults and 57.1% (8/14) of the vaccinated convalescent adults were tested positive. Among the QFN positive individuals, a reactive response to antigen (Ag) 1 (CD4+ epitopes) and to Ag2 (CD4+ and CD8+ epitopes), was detected in 68.8% (11/16) and 87.5% (14/16) respectively, while 56.3% (9/16) had a reactive response to both antigens. Additionally, Ag1 IFN-γ values correlated with Abs-S (P < 0.001) and NAbs against wild type (P = 0.039) levels, but not with NAbs against Omicron variant (P = 0.09) and Ag2 IFN-γ values correlated only with Abs-S levels (P = 0.009). The SARS-CoV-2 QFN assay did not detect T cellular responses in unvaccinated individuals and in a significant number of vaccinated individuals. Further comparative studies with different immunology assays are required to elucidate whether this is the result of waning immunity or low sensitivity of the assay.
Unbalanced aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in peripheral and lesional T cell subsets of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Hu Yu-qing , Zhao Yan , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: November 2022

Conclusion AhR was highly expressed in subpopulations of T cells in peripheral blood and skin lesions of AD, suggesting that AhR might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD.
Background and Objective The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor, which is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we aimed to study the AhR-expressing cells in T helper 17 (Th17), T helper 22 (Th22), regulatory T cells (Treg) and B cells in peripheral blood and in AD skin lesions.
Methods Twenty AD patients defined according to the Chinese criteria of atopic dermatitis and eighteen healthy subjects were included in our study. The AhR-expressing Th17, Th22, Treg and total B cells in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry. The AhR+ Th17 cells and AhR+ Th22 cells in AD skin lesions was measured by immunofluorescence. The mRNA of AhR, interleukin (IL)-22, IL-17A, IL-10, Foxp3, RORγT and TGF-β in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Results The expression of AhR in peripheral CD4+ T cells, Th22 cells, Treg cells and total B cells was significantly increased in AD. AhR+IL-17A+ and AhR+IL-22+ lymphocytes were also increased in AD skin lesions. The mRNA levels of AhR, IL-22 and IL-17A in PBMCs in AD patients were significantly higher. AhR mRNA levels in PBMCs positively correlated with peripheral basophil count, peripheral eosinophils count and mRNA levels of IL-22.
Optimized geometry parameters of PMBLDC motor using Hybrid moth flame
Authors: Chandran Praveenkumar , Mylsamy Kaliamoorthy , Umapathy Prabha S
Published: November 2022

PMBLDC motor is a type of brushless motor with a permanent magnet as a rotor material. Its main advantage is high efficiency and high lifetime due to less friction in the operation. Its efficiency can be improved further by the proper selection of BLDC motor design. Based on that, in the existing approach, the finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out using software for finding the stator material and the number of turns. This approach provides the optimal stator material with fixed turns as PMBLDC motor design. But in this, the analysis is carried out only for the two numbers of turns only. Hence, in this, a hybrid optimization approach is proposed for designing the PMBLDC motor. The hybrid optimization selects the pole pairs, thickness winding, and other PMBLDC parameters by minimizing the power loss of the motor. To perform this, here, the moth flame and Cauchy particle swarm optimization are used to determine the optimal PMBLDC parameters using MATLAB R2020b version under a windows 10 environment. The proposed method's performance will be compared with the existing in terms of torque and power loss.
TH-FLICM: Tversky Hillenger Distance-Based Fuzzy Local Information C- Means Clustering Algorithm For Effective Cluster Head Selection In Iot Routing
Authors: Kore Amit Vijay , Ranjan Mishra Manoj
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Does the dorsal plication matter with the results of primary hypospadias repair?
Authors: Wu Xuemin , Liu Zhaoquan , Wang Hongwei , He Yan , Xu Yingrui , Liu Wei , Wu Rongde
Published: November 2022

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of dorsal plication (DP) to correct ventral penile curvature (VPC) in hypospadias repair with urethral plate preservation.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a chart review of all patients underwent DP during primary hypospadias repair with urethral plate preservation from January 2018 to December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups according to the curvature degree after degloving, including < 30° (group 1) and 30–45° group (group 2). The recurrent VPC, common urethral complications and pediatric penile perception score (PPPS) questionnaires from parents were analyzed.
Results
A total of 66 patients were included. There were 51 patients in group 1 and 15 in group 2. The incidence of recurrent VPC (7.8% vs 13.3%, p = 0.889) and urethral complications (66.7% vs 46.7%, p = 0.160) did not differ between the two groups. We collected 33 PPPS questionnaires. There was no significant difference in dissatisfaction evaluation with penis length between the two groups (12.0% vs 25.0%, p = 0.744 > 0.05).
Conclusions
DP did not increase the incidence of recurrence VPC and urethral complications and the dissatisfaction rate of penile length in correcting 30–45° VPC after degloving in hypospadias repair. Long term follow-up and more cases are still required for the efficacy of DP.
Viscous dissipation and Joule heating Effects on Unsteady flow of Walters-B and tangent hyperbolic liquid past a semi-infinite vertical porous plate
Authors: Pavani M. Naga , Reddy G. VenkataRamana
Published: November 2022

The major aim of this communications is to examine the mass and heat transport process of two non-Newtonian liquids (Walters-B and hyperbolic tangent liquid) flowing into the boundary layer through a semi-infinite upward penetrable plate. The flow analysis is governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). The PDEs are reduced by utilizing a suitable quantity to obtain set of dimensionless PDEs. The simplified equations are solved by utilizing the spectral relaxation method (SRM). SRM is a technique that solved differential equations iteratively by first decoupling the system. This communication is unique because it elucidated the simultaneous flow of two non-Newtonian liquids with flow radiation, and Joule heating, viscous dissipation, magnetic field and so on. Increasing magnetic term enhances Lorentz force and the velocity degenerates owning to the simultaneous flow of Walters-B and hyperbolic tangent liquid, increase in the Weissenberg number elevates the velocity profile. The outcomes of this agrees with previous outcomes.