bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identical damped harmonic oscillators described by coherent states
Authors: Mousavi S. V.
Published: February 2023

Some aspects of quantum damped harmonic oscillator (DHO) obeying a Markovian master equation are considered in the absence of thermal noise. The continuity equation is derived and Bohmian trajectories are constructed. As a solution of the master equation, we take a single coherent state and compute analytically the relative entropy of coherence, [Formula: see text], in the energy, position and momentum bases. Although [Formula: see text] is constant in both the position and the momentum bases, it is a decreasing function of time in the energy basis becoming zero at long times, revealing its role as the preferred basis. Then, quantum coherence is computed for a superposition of two coherent states, a cat state, and also a superposition of two cat states in the energy basis as a function of separation, in the complex plane, between the two superposed states. It is seen that the quantum coherence increases with this separation. Furthermore, quantum coherence of superposition is compared to that of decomposed states in the superposition. Finally, by considering a system of two noninteracting DHOs, the effect of quantum statistics is studied on the coherence of reduced single-particle states, the joint detection probability and the mean square separation of particles. Our computations show that the single-particle coherence for antisymmetric states is always less than that of symmetric ones. Furthermore, boson anti-bunching and fermion bunching is seen in this open system. This behavior of bosons is the matter-wave analogue of photon anti-bunching seen in a modified Hanbury Brown–Twiss (HBT) interferometer.
A Novel Low-Cost ZMP Estimation Method for Humanoid Gait using Inertial Measurement Devices: Concept and Experiments
Authors: Das Ratan , Chemori Ahmed , Kumar Neelesh
Published: February 2023

Estimation and control of zero-moment point (ZMP) is a widely used concept for planning the locomotion of bipedal robots and is commonly measured using integrated joint angle encoders and foot force sensors. Contemporary methods for ZMP measurement involve built-in contact sensors such as joint encoders or instrumented foot force sensors. This paper presents a novel approach for computing ZMP for a humanoid robot using inertial sensor-based wireless foot sensor modules (WFSMs). The developed WFSMs, strapped at different limb segments of a bipedal robot, measure lower limb joint angles in real time. The joint angle trajectories, further transformed into Cartesian position coordinates, are used for estimating the ZMP positions of humanoid robots using the planar biped model. The whole framework is presented through experimental studies for different real-life walking scenarios. Since the modules work based on the limb motion and inclination, any ground unevenness would be automatically reflected in the module output. Hence, this measurement process can be a convenient method for applications requiring humanoid control on uneven surfaces/outdoor terrains. To compare the performance of the proposed model, ZMP is simultaneously measured from inbuilt foot force sensors and joint encoders of the robot. Statistical tests exhibit a high linear correlation between the proposed method with integrated encoders and foot force sensors (Pearson’s coefficient, [Formula: see text]). Results indicate that ZMP estimated by WFSM is a viable method to monitor the dynamic gait balance of a humanoid robot and has potential application in outdoor and uneven terrains.
DecodeSTORM: A user-friendly ImageJ plug-in for quantitative data analysis in single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Song Qihang , Wu Cheng , Huang Jianming , Zhou Zhiwei , Huang Zhen-Li , Wang Zhengxia
Published: February 2023

Quantitative data analysis in single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) is crucial for studying cellular functions at the biomolecular level. In the past decade, several quantitative methods were developed for analyzing SMLM data; however, imaging artifacts in SMLM experiments reduce the accuracy of these methods, and these methods were seldom designed as user-friendly tools. Researchers are now trying to overcome these difficulties by developing easy-to-use SMLM data analysis software for certain image analysis tasks. But, this kind of software did not pay sufficient attention to the impact of imaging artifacts on the analysis accuracy, and usually contained only one type of analysis task. Therefore, users are still facing difficulties when they want to have the combined use of different types of analysis methods according to the characteristics of their data and their own needs. In this paper, we report an ImageJ plug-in called DecodeSTORM, which not only has a simple GUI for human–computer interaction, but also combines artifact correction with several quantitative analysis methods. DecodeSTORM includes format conversion, channel registration, artifact correction (drift correction and localization filtering), quantitative analysis (segmentation and clustering, spatial distribution statistics and colocalization) and visualization. Importantly, these data analysis methods can be combined freely, thus improving the accuracy of quantitative analysis and allowing users to have an optimal combination of methods. We believe DecodeSTORM is a user-friendly and powerful ImageJ plug-in, which provides an easy and accurate data analysis tool for adventurous biologists who are looking for new imaging tools for studying important questions in cell biology.
Poisson distribution series on certain analytic functions involving Stirling numbers
Authors: Frasin Basem Aref
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we find a necessary and sufficient condition and inclusion relation for Poisson distribution series to be in the class [Formula: see text] of analytic functions with negative coefficients defined by Sălăgean differential operator involving Stirling numbers. Also, we consider an integral operator related to Poisson distribution series. Several corollaries and consequences of the main results are also considered.
Co-normal products and modular products of soft graphs
Authors: George Bobin , Jose Jinta , Thumbakara Rajesh K.
Published: February 2023

Most of our conventional tools for formal reasoning, computing, and modeling are precise, deterministic, and crisp. However, many complicated problems in the domains of economics, medicine, engineering, the environment, social science, and other disciplines demand data that is not always precise. We cannot always use traditional approaches because there are so many different types of uncertainty present in these problems. This difficulty could be caused by the parameterization tool’s insufficiency. Soft set theory, which Molodtsov presented in 1999, is a generic mathematical approach for handling uncertain data. Many researchers are currently using soft set theory to solve problems involving decision-making. The concept of soft graphs is used to provide a parameterized point of view for graphs. The topic of graph products has received a lot of interest in graph theory. It is a binary operation on graphs with numerous combinatorial uses. On soft graphs, we can define product operations in a manner similar to how graph products are defined. The co-normal product, the restricted co-normal product, the modular product, and the restricted modular product of soft graphs are all introduced in this study. We prove that these products of soft graphs are again soft graphs and derive methods for computing their vertex count, edge count, and the sum of part degrees.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fe-Doped TiO2 Photoanode for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Mir Arshid , Ahmad Reyaz , Majeed Asif , Sohail Aamir , Aalim Malik , Farooq Jaffar , Shah M. A.
Published: February 2023

One-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures like nanotubes, nanowires, and nanorods have received huge attention due to their photocatalytic hydrogen-generating ability. However, its wide band gap and high charge carrier recombination rate hampered the efficiency with which it converts solar energy into hydrogen. To improve this application, metallic doping employing a quick and easy synthesis method should be proposed. In this study, we report on the microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of iron-doped TiO2 nanowires on an FTO substrate. The formation of TiO2 nano-wires was validated by structural and morphological analysis carried out using XRD and SEM imaging respectively. EDX was employed to provide a breakdown of their chemical composition to verify the presence of dopants in the samples. The impact of Fe-doping on optical and photoelectrochemical properties was studied. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to determine the mechanisms behind charge accumulation and charge transfer properties. The Mott-Schottky plot was used to examine the donor density and the flat-band potential of the pristine and Fe-doped TiO2 samples.
Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 14 (GALNT14) as a Chemosensitivity-Related Biomarker for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Xi Qiong , Ma Jinqi
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor. Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 14 (GALNT14), a member of the N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase family, has been considered to be associated with various cancers. However, its role in osteosarcoma remains unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the expression and potential mechanism of GALNT14 in osteosarcoma through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. Methods. We investigated GALNT14 expression in osteosarcoma using GEO, the TIMER database, and clinical samples. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on GALNT14 was performed by STRING. TARGET was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low GALNT14 expression. The correlation between GALNT14 and cuproptosis-related genes in osteosarcoma was analyzed by R language. The prognostic significance of GALNT14 was examined by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Additionally, we inhibited GALNT14 function in an osteosarcoma cell line by transfecting siRNA and subsequently explored the effect on drug sensitivity by CCK-8, clonogenic assay, and flow cytometry. Results. GALNT14 was significantly elevated in osteosarcoma tissue, osteosarcoma cell lines, and metastatic osteosarcoma. PPI analysis revealed that GALNT14 was associated with MUC7, MUC13, MUC5AC, C1GALT1, MUC15, MUC16, MUC1, MUC4, MUC21, and MUC17. In the high GALNT14 expression group, we discovered 81 upregulated DEGs and 73 downregulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed significant enrichment in the Wnt, TGF-β, Hippo, PI3K signaling pathways and cell adhesion molecules. Expression of cuproptosis-related genes was closely related in osteosarcoma, and GALNT14 expression was significantly positively correlated with FDX1, a key regulator of cuproptosis. Kaplan–Meier survival showed that GALNT14 was linked to poor overall survival and disease-free survival in osteosarcoma. In vitro experiments suggested that GALNT14 was associated with chemotherapy resistance in osteosarcoma. Conclusion. We identified a GALNT family gene, GALNT14, that was highly expressed in osteosarcoma. This gene was closely associated with metastasis, progression, cuproptosis-related genes, and chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma, and showed correlation with poor overall survival and disease-free survival in osteosarcoma.
The Effects of circ_000558/miR-1225-5p/ARL4C on Regulating the Proliferation of Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Xia Ling , Ge Minghuan , Shan Guang , Qian Huijun , Xia Yue
Published: February 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the top ten tumors over the world. RCC is not sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, it is necessary to find new targets for the treatment. CircRNAs are a special type of noncoding RNAs, which play important roles in many types of cancer. In this study, we found circ_000558 was upregulated in RCC cells, and it elevated the proliferation ability of RCC cells. The relationship between miR-1225-5p and circ_000558 or ARL4C was predicted via circBank and circular RNA interactome and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Then, the effects of circ_000558/miR-1225-5p/ARL4C on RCC cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8 assay. The results revealed that the knockdown of ARL4C significantly reduced RCC cell proliferation and overexpression of circ_000558 could significantly induce RCC cell proliferation after miR-1225-5p treatment further promoted the inhibitory ability of ARL4C knockdown. Overall, our study suggested that circ_000558/miR-1225-5p/ARL4C network was related to the RCC cell proliferation. This finding could provide new targets for the treatment and prognosis of RCC.
EDAS Method for Single‐Valued Neutrosophic Number Multiattribute Group Decision‐Making and Applications to Physical Education Teaching Quality Evaluation in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Liu Yefei , Yang Xiaoping
Published: February 2023

The evaluation of undergraduate teaching levels by the Ministry of Education has greatly promoted the construction of software and hardware in universities. After the evaluation, it will be a long‐term task to build a long‐term decision‐making mechanism to guarantee the continuous improvement of teaching quality. As an important part of university education, physical education (PE) has always played an irreplaceable role in improving current students’ physical quality and cultivating their awareness of lifelong physical exercise. How to establish and improve the quality evaluation information system of PE to guarantee the quality of PE is not only related to the awareness of physical education workers about their own teaching work but also to the effective means to regulate the quality monitoring of PE. An effective PE quality evaluation system depends not only on the teaching management department but also on the evaluation of teaching by students and teachers themselves. Only in this way can PE classroom teaching quality be comprehensively and truly reflected. The evaluation of PE quality in higher education is often considered as a multiattribute group decision‐making (MAGDM) problem. In this article, the EDAS model is extended to the single‐valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) setting to deal with MAGDM and the computational steps, for all designs are listed. Finally, the PE quality evaluation is given to prove the SVNN‐EDAS model and some good comparative analysis is done to demonstrate the advantages of SVNN‐EDAS. It is shown that the SVNN‐EDAS method emphasizes the expectation value of the SVNN average alternative. Compared with different methods mentioned, the SVNN‐EDAS method is more practical and efficient because the calculation steps are simpler and easier to apply in practice.
Network Pharmacology‐Based Identification of Key Targets of Ziyin Mingmu Pills Acting on Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Yang Yijing , Wang Ying , Liu Xiaoqing , Deng Ying , Lu Jing , Jiang Feipeng , Nie Fujiao , Peng Jun , Peng Qinghua , Qin Yuhui
Published: February 2023

Objective. This study is designed to find out the molecular targets of effective Chinese medicine Ziyin Mingmu pills (ZMPs) in treating age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) based on network pharmacology and experimental data. Methods. A comprehensive network pharmacology strategy that consists of three sequential modules (drug‐disease target molecular docking, enrichment analysis, and external verification) was carried out to identify potential targets of ZMPs acting on AMD. Results. The active ingredients of ZMPs targeting 66 genes have effects on the process of AMD. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses suggested that response to oxidative stress, regulation of angiogenesis, and lipid and atherosclerosis might serve as the most important signaling pathways in ZMPs for AMD treatment. Combined with the GSE29801 dataset for further analysis, two key genes, EGFR and VEGFA, were identified. Immune infiltration analysis showed that there was a strong association between EGFR and immune cell content. In addition, images were acquired following 24 h in the scratch experiment showed that ZMPs can reduce the percentage of wound healing distance. The Western blot assay found that ZMPs increased the expression of EGFR and decreased the expression of VEGFA. Conclusion. This study sheds light on some mechanisms of ZMP therapy for AMD, particularly the effect of ZMP on the oxidative stress in RPE and cell survival and angiogenesis in AMD. We propound ZMPs as a promising strategy to intervene in the process of AMD.
Adherence to Typical Antipsychotics among Patients with Schizophrenia in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kule Moses , Kaggwa Mark Mohan
Published: February 2023

Background. There has been a recent transition from typical to atypical antipsychotics in managing schizophrenia. This has been attributed to the acute side effects experienced by patients on typical antipsychotics that lead to nonadherence. However, the treatment cost with typical antipsychotics is cheaper (preferred in low-income settings), and there is no difference in the effectiveness, efficacy, discontinuation rate, or side effect symptom burden with atypical antipsychotics. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of nonadherence and the associated factors to typical antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric outpatient clinic at a rural tertiary facility in Uganda. Method. A cross-sectional study among 135 patients with schizophrenia for at least six months on typical antipsychotics (mean age of 39.7 (±11.9) and 55.6% were female) from a rural tertiary facility in Uganda. Data were collected regarding sociodemographics, adherence, insight for psychosis, attitude towards typical antipsychotics, side effects, satisfaction with medications, and explanations from health workers about medications and side effects. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with nonadherence. Results. The prevalence of nonadherence was 16.3%, and the likelihood of being nonadherent was more among the poor (monthly earning below the poverty line). However, having reduced energy was associated with reducing the likelihood of having nonadherence. Conclusion. The prevalence of nonadherence was lower than many previously obtained prevalence and was comparable to nonadherence for atypical antipsychotics. However, to reduce nonadherence, we need all stakeholders (such as the government, insurance companies, and caregivers) to assist patients living in poverty with access to medication.
Short-Term Forecasting of Dockless Bike-Sharing Demand with the Built Environment and Weather
Authors: Yang Yang , Shao Xin , Zhu Yuting , Yao Enjian , Liu Dongmei , Zhao Feng
Published: February 2023

To help related operators to allocate and dispatch the number of bike-sharing and provide good guidance for setting up electronic fences, this paper proposes a spatiotemporal graph convolution network prediction model (SGCNPM) with multiple factors to enhance the accuracy of predicting the demand for bike-sharing. First, we consider time, built environment, and weather. We use a multigraph convolution network (GCN) to model the built environment, utilize a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to extract temporal features, and utilize a fully connected network (FCN) to model weather influence. We construct SGCNPM which can effectively fuse GCN, LSTM, and FCN, thus creating a prediction method considering the influence of multiple factors. The results of the real case in Tianjin, China, show that the proposed model can perform well in improving prediction accuracy. Also, we analyze the influence of factors on model prediction results in different periods.
Fisetin Prevents Angiogenesis in Diabetic Retinopathy by Downregulating VEGF
Authors: Lai Meihua , Lan Caifeng , Zhong Junmu , Wu Lijuan , Lin Chengmin
Published: February 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the more serious complications of diabetes. However, the mechanisms involved in DR are complex and still need to be investigated. The beneficial effects of fisetin have been widely reported, but whether it is beneficial in DR is not clear yet. This study was designed to investigate the regulatory role of fisetin in regulating DR and explore the involved mechanism. First, 30 mM glucose was used to establish DR cell model in vitro. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay was utilized to study the effects of fisetin on cell viability through treating human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) with 25, 50, and 100 μM fisetin. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to detect the function of fisetin on the migration and angiogenesis on HG‐induced HRMECs. Finally, OE‐VEGF was used as a mimic of VEGF, and western blotting (WB) was used to verify the targeting genes of fisetin. HG induced an increase in cell viability, cell migration, and angiogenesis in HRMECs, whereas fisetin inhibited these enhancements induced by HG through inhibiting VEGF. In conclusion, fisetin prevents angiogenesis in DR by downregulating VEGF.
Numerical and Optimization-Based Study on Split Hemispherical Shaped Fins for Augmenting Heat Transfer Rate
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Das Ranjan , Gajghate Sameer S. , Barik Debabrata , Majumder Himadri , Cardoso Elaine M. , Majumder Arindam , Pal Sagnik , Deb Madhujit
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with the numerical investigation of split hemispherical fins mounted staggered over a base plate. The thermal and flow analyses have been carried out to evaluate the Nusselt number (Nu), pressure drop

Δ
P

, and hydrothermal performance factor (HTPF) with air as a medium and Reynolds number (

Re
=
/
3000

to 15000). The cylindrical fin (CF) and hemispherical fin (HF, of radius

R

) of the same volume and height have been formed and placed in the computational domain. Results reveal that the Nu for CF compared to HF is 1.3-1.4 times higher, with approximately 1.5 times higher

Δ
P

for the given Re range. The value of HTPF for HF is greater than unity (/1.13-1.20) for all the considered Re values. Secondly, the HF gets split into longitudinal and transverse flow directions for better solid-fluid interaction. The geometrical parameters are transverse offset TO (/=

0
−
R
/
8

), longitudinal offset LO (/=

0
−
R
/
8

), and Re. Results show that the highest value of Nu (/=384.10) and HTPF (/=1.33) have been obtained at

TO
=
R
/
10

(at LO =0) and

TO
=
R
/
10

(at

LO
=
R
/
10

) for the highest Re (/=15000). At last, the cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) coupled with the response surface method (RSM) has been performed to fetch the optimum value of Nu based upon dimensionless TO

∗

, dimensionless LO

∗

, and Re. The optimum value (obtained at

TO

∗

=
0.1

,

L

O

∗

=
0

, and

Re
=
15000

) of Nu (=/392.16) from CSA is promising, with the numerically obtained Nu value (=/384.1059) with an error of 2.05%.
Vector Competence of a Coastal Population of Aedes aegypti for Dengue 2 and 3 Virus Serotypes in Kenya
Authors: Limoh Benson K. , Tchouassi David P. , Chepkorir Edith , Musimbi Brenda , Ongus Juliette , Sang Rosemary
Published: February 2023

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, an arboviral disease caused by dengue virus (DENV) that exists as four distinct serotypes (DENV 1‐4). While all four DENV serotypes circulate in Kenya, differential distribution of the serotypes in specific regions suggests virus transmission may differ among local vector populations. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a coastal Ae. aegypti population (Rabai, Kilifi County) varies in its ability to transmit DENV‐2 (predominant) and DENV‐3 (less dominant) and that transmission is related to Ae. aegypti subspecies—domestic Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa) and sylvtic Ae. aegypti formosus (Aaf). We orally exposed F1 females (3‐10 days old) to blood meals containing DENV‐2 (10 5.30 pfu/ml) or DENV‐3 (10 5.13 pfu/ml), tested them individually for infection (body), dissemination (legs), and transmission (saliva) at 7, 14, and 21 days postinfection (DPI), respectively, and compared the rates between the serotypes. We analyzed cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox-I) sequences among DENV‐susceptible and nonsusceptible cohorts. Of 489 mosquitoes tested (DENV‐2: 240; DENV‐3: 249), we found consistently higher but nonsignificant rates of infection (16% vs. 10%), dissemination (47% (18/38) vs. 35% (9/26)), and transmission (39% (7/18) vs. 11% (1/9)) for DENV‐2 than DENV‐3. However, DENV‐2 exhibited a shorter extrinsic incubation period (EIP) for disseminated infection (7‐DPI vs. 14‐DPI) and transmission (14‐DPI vs. 21‐DPI) compared to DENV‐3. Two cox-I lineages were recovered in phylogeny, one predominantly clustered with referenced Aaa and a minor lineage grouped with Aaf. Infected mosquitoes and those with disseminated infection were represented in both lineages; those that transmitted the viruses grouped with the Aaa‐associated lineage only. We conclude that the coastal Ae. aegypti population is a competent vector for DENV‐2 and DENV‐3 likely driven by the domestic Aaa that is predominant. The shorter EIP to attain dissemination and transmission for DENV‐2 could favour its transmission over DENV‐3.
Privacy-Preserving Federated Graph Neural Network Learning on Non-IID Graph Data
Authors: Zhang Kainan , Cai Zhipeng , Seo Daehee
Published: February 2023

Since the concept of federated learning (FL) was proposed by Google in 2017, many applications have been combined with FL technology due to its outstanding performance in data integration, computing performance, privacy protection, etc. However, most traditional federated learning-based applications focus on image processing and natural language processing with few achievements in graph neural networks due to the graph’s nonindependent identically distributed (IID) nature. Representation learning on graph-structured data generates graph embedding, which helps machines understand graphs effectively. Meanwhile, privacy protection plays a more meaningful role in analyzing graph-structured data such as social networks. Hence, this paper proposes PPFL-GNN, a novel privacy-preserving federated graph neural network framework for node representation learning, which is a pioneer work for graph neural network-based federated learning. In PPFL-GNN, clients utilize a local graph dataset to generate graph embeddings and integrate information from other collaborative clients to utilize federated learning to produce more accurate representation results. More importantly, by integrating embedding alignment techniques in PPFL-GNN, we overcome the obstacles of federated learning on non-IID graph data and can further reduce privacy exposure by sharing preferred information.
Optimization of the Fabrication of Sustainable Ceramsite Adsorbent from Coal Fly Ash/Waterworks Sludge/Waste Glass for Decolorization of Malachite Green
Authors: Fang Weicheng , Cheng Xingxing , Sun Chang-Jung , Xiao Hongfei , Wang Jing
Published: February 2023

As a traditional dye, malachite green (MG) poses a threat to our environment and health. To decolorize MG, a composite ceramsite adsorbent composed of coal fly ash (CFA), sewage treatment sludge (STS), and waste glass (WG) with a quality ratio of 3 : 3 : 4, respectively, was prepared. The optimal preparation parameters were determined as follows: preheating [Formula: see text], sintering [Formula: see text], and sintering [Formula: see text]. Under optimal conditions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the X-Com-ceramsite sample exhibits rough features and a porous structure. The obtained X-Com-ceramsite has a good MG decolorization effect (92% decolorization rate with an initial MG concentration of 56.876 mg/L). The [Formula: see text] value of MG can reach up to 37.6 mg/g. The retention degree of MG in the X-Com-ceramsite with a relatively higher pH is stronger, and the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Synchronous fluorescence, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) proved that the sensitivity of the C-O/C-O-O functional groups of the carbohydrates on the surface of the X-Com-ceramsite has a higher binding affinity toward MG as the initial concentration of MG changes.
Performance Evaluation of Composite CRONE Controller Strategy for an Air Pressure System
Authors: Velmurugan V. , Praboo N. N. , Ramash Kumar K.
Published: February 2023

This article explores and determines the robust performance of a CRONE controller for an air pressure system (APS). Generally, the CRONE controller is a robust noninteger order controller to achieve linear performance for a highly nonlinear system. In this regard, the noninteger order controller can be designed using the transfer function of an APS. Whereas, the transfer function of the system is obtained by the worst‐case modelling technique. The servo performance of the controller is analyzed in terms of error and time indices performances for three different operating points. Finally, the simulation results are compared with the conventional controller. According to the performance characteristics, it is visualized that the composite CRONE (CC) controller gives superior performance than the first generation CRONE (FGC) controller and conventional controller for the selected nonlinear system.
Evaluation of Histopathological and Hematological Effects of Neonicotinoid (Acetamiprid 20% SP) on Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Azadikhah Dariush , Baghdari Mozhgan Velayati , Dadras Mahnaz , Kadhim Sokaina Issa , Kareem Ali Kamil , Hussein Hussein Ali
Published: February 2023

Pesticides are usually used as an effective tool to control pests in agriculture; however, these chemicals may be a threat to nontarget organisms, especially aquatic organisms, because aquatic environments are the last station of pollutants. The present study evaluated the toxicity of a commercial formulation of neonicotinoid (acetamiprid 20% SP) as a systematic pesticide on the survival, hematology, and histology of the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). For these purposes, 105 fingerlings of the grass carp with an average body weight of 30 ± 2 g were exposed to 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg·L−1 of acetamiprid for 96 h. According to the data, a clear mortality was observed as the concentration of acetamiprid elevated (

P
<
0.01

). The LC50 96 h of acetamiprid was 121.146 mg·L−1. The hematological parameters in fish changed, following exposure to acetamiprid (

P
<
0.05

). Also, a strong correlation was found between acetamiprid concentrations and stress bioindicators such as glucose, total protein, albumin, and cholesterol (

P
<
0.01

). There was not significant tissue damage in the control group (0 mg·L−1 of acetamiprid); however, acetamiprid led to tissues lesions such as hypertrophy, hyperplasia, uplifting of gill filaments, necrosis of gill epithelial cells, pyknosis and karyorrhexis of liver cells, and hemorrhage and necrosis of liver cell. Finally, acetamiprid-exposed fish exhibited some clinical signs including unbalanced swimming near the water surface, increasing operculum movement, and deaths with open-mouthed. The results of the present study clearly showed the survival-reducing effects of acetamiprid in C. Idella, which may return to tissue damage and stress induced by the pesticide. The results of the present study can be used as a base for future studies and environmental management.
Efficacy of a Gastroscope for Cecal Intubation during Colonoscopy in Patients with Severe Sigmoid Adhesion
Authors: Takada Jun , Uno Yukari , Yamashita Koji , Arao Masamichi , Kubota Masaya , Ibuka Takashi , Araki Hiroshi , Shimizu Masahito
Published: February 2023

Background: Cecal intubation during colonoscopy is difficult to achieve in patients with severe sigmoid adhesions. This retrospective observational study assessed the efficacy of using a gastroscope for colonoscopy in patients with severe sigmoid adhesions. Furthermore, the ability of computed tomography (CT) to predict the possibility of cecal intubation using a gastroscope was examined. Methods: A total of 1,626 patients who underwent colonoscopy for total colon observation by one endoscopist were enrolled. Cecal intubation rate and other procedure-related outcomes were evaluated. We also investigated whether identification of the sigmoid colon pathway by CT was involved in cecal intubation rate using a gastroscope. Results: Of the enrolled patients, cecal intubation by colonoscope was not feasible in 19 patients (1.2%) because of severe sigmoid adhesions. Cecal intubation was possible in 13 patients (68.4%) using a gastroscope, and the cecal intubation rate of peritoneal carcinomatosis (0%, p < 0.01) was significantly lower than that of other causes such as a diverticulum (100%) and history of gynecologic surgery (80%). The identifiable case of the sigmoid colon pathway by horizontal section on CT showed significantly higher cecal intubation rate compared to those of unidentifiable cases (92.3% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Using a gastroscope is effective in performing cecal intubation during colonoscopy in patients with severe sigmoid adhesions. However, in patients with sigmoid adhesions caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis, cecal intubation may be difficult, even when a gastroscope is used. The ability of CT to identify the sigmoid colon pathway may predict success of cecal intubation.
Bilateral Acute Iris Transillumination Syndrome after Topical Moxifloxacin/Dexamethasone Initially Misdiagnosed as Uveitis: Case Report
Authors: Costa Daniella Socci da , Gameiro Filho Aluisio Rosa , Barbosa Andrea Lima , Brasil Maria Vitória Moura
Published: February 2023

Bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT) syndrome is a rare condition of unknown etiology, characterized by acute onset of pigment dispersion in the anterior chamber, depigmentation of the iris, and heavy pigment deposition in the anterior chamber angle, with bilateral involvement in most cases. We present a case of a 46-year-old healthy woman, who developed BAIT in both eyes, following the use of topical moxifloxacin/dexamethasone for bilateral bacterial conjunctivitis, followed by a nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in the left eye.
The Impact of Chronic Endometritis on Infertility: Prevalence, Reproductive Outcomes, and the Role of Hysteroscopy as a Screening Tool
Authors: Geysenbergh Brecht , Boes Anne-Sophie , Bafort Céline , Van Rompuy Anne-Sophie , Neyens Sara , Lie-Fong Sharon , Debrock Sophie , Vriens Joris , De Loecker Peter , Dancet Eline , D’Hooghe Thomas , Peeraer Karen
Published: February 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women, its impact on reproductive outcomes, and the accuracy of hysteroscopy as a screening tool for CE. Design: This was a prospective observational study. Participants: Participants involved in this study were 514 asymptomatic patients with infertility. Setting: The review was conducted in a tertiary care center. Methods: The participants underwent a hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy (EMB). Antibiotics were given for cases of CE. We investigated the prevalence of CE in patients starting assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in the ART cycle after hysteroscopy, EMB, and antibiotic treatment in cases of CE; the cumulative CPR in the subsequent 2 years after hysteroscopy and EMB; the sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy as a screening tool compared to EMB as the “gold standard” for diagnosing CE. Results: CE was identified in 2.8% of patients starting ART (11/393). CPRs did not differ significantly between patients with CE and the entire cohort of patients without CE in the subsequent ART cycle (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.09–2.02) or in the 2 years after EMB (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.16–1.97). In a matched control comparison (with matching for age, basal FSH, and cause of infertility), CPR in patients with CE did not differ in the subsequent ART cycle (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.09–1.61); however, their CPR in the 2 years after EMB was significantly lower (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.13–0.38). The sensitivity and specificity of hysteroscopy as a screening tool for diagnosing CE were 8.3% and 90.1%, respectively. Limitations: Due to our cohort’s low CE prevalence, we could not detect significant differences in CPRs. Conclusion: CE is rare in our studied population of asymptomatic patients starting ART. Hysteroscopy cannot replace EMB for diagnosing CE.
Pretreatment of Dienogest for Women with Endometriosis in in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xueying , Lin Jinli , Zhang Linhao , Liu Yao
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Dienogest (DNG) was demonstrated to be comparable to gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in controlling symptoms of endometriosis. GnRH-a is used before in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with endometriosis to improve pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to determine the effect of DNG pretreatment on IVF outcomes, including number of mature oocytes, rate of clinical pregnancies, and rate of live births in women with endometriosis. Methods: All studies involving DNG, IVF, and endometriosis were searched from the PubMed; Ovid/MEDLINE, Wanfang, CQVIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases; and ClinicalTrials.gov. The study population was women with endometriosis in IVF. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included. All included studies comprised a DNG group and a control group. The outcomes were number of mature oocytes, rate of clinical pregnancies, and rate of live births. We calculated the odds ratio or mean difference and 95% confidence interval for each study and used a random-effects model to estimate the results. Results: Five articles were screened by the search strategy. One article without a control group was excluded. Finally, four articles with 422 patients were included. No significant differences in number of mature oocytes (MD = −1.27, 95% CI: −3.63 to 1.09, I2 = 91%), the rate of clinical pregnancies (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.33–3.47, I2 = 84%), or the rate of live births (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.34–3.46, I2 = 84%) were found between the DNG group and the control group. Conclusion: Pretreatment with DNG for women with endometriosis who underwent IVF could not improve the number of mature oocytes, the rate of clinical pregnancies, or the rate of live births.
Basic Need Satisfaction through Social Media Engagement: A Developmental Framework for Understanding Adolescent Social Media Use
Authors: Parent Natasha
Published: February 2023

This article provides a theoretical review of how within notions of self-determination theory adolescents’ use of social media can contribute to both the satisfaction and/or frustration of their basic psychological needs and thus contribute to (or impede) their attainment of key developmental goals in adolescence, such as identity formation and peer affiliation, and how these may impact their overall well-being. In this way, this work provides important insights into the motivational (i.e., basic psychological need satisfaction) and developmental (i.e., identity formation and peer affiliation) processes underlying youths’ social media engagement and has important implications for future research, as well as the development of intervention and prevention efforts targeting youth experiencing negative outcomes related to their social media engagement.
Teacher Beliefs and Student Learning
Authors: Wolf Sharon , Brown Autumn
Published: February 2023

Bringing together research from several lines of inquiry in psychology and education, we propose a conceptual model for understanding how entrenched inequalities embedded within ecological macrosystems play out in the classroom to affect student learning. We consider how implicit teacher beliefs and belief expressions affect teacher-student interactions and relationships, student learning-related processes, and student learning outcomes. First, we review the literature on how teacher beliefs relate to student learning outcomes. Second, we discuss how teacher beliefs may shape critical classroom-level and individual-level teacher-student interactions and how these interactions can affect student factors that are critical to learning. The Teacher Beliefs and Interactions Model, a conceptual model that brings together related bodies of work that have traditionally been separate, proposes teacher beliefs as an important area of inquiry for future empirical research in education and human development.
Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Attenuation in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Versus Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kuneman Jurrien H. , van Rosendael Sophie E. , van der Bijl Pieter , van Rosendael Alexander R. , Kitslaar Pieter H. , Reiber Johan H.C. , Jukema J. Wouter , Leon Martin B. , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Knuuti Juhani , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation has been associated with coronary inflammation and can be evaluated with coronary computed tomography angiography. The aims of this study were to compare the PCAT attenuation across precursors of culprit and nonculprit lesions of patients with acute coronary syndrome versus stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods:

In this case-control study, patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography were included. Patients who developed an acute coronary syndrome within 2 years after the coronary computed tomography angiography scan were identified, and patients with stable CAD (defined as any coronary plaque ≥30% luminal diameter stenosis) were 1:2 propensity score matched for age, sex, and cardiac risk factors. The mean PCAT attenuation was analyzed at lesion level and compared between precursors of culprit lesions, nonculprit lesions, and stable coronary plaques.

Results:

In total, 198 patients (age 62±10 years, 65% male) were selected, including 66 patients who developed an acute coronary syndrome and 132 propensity matched patients with stable CAD. Overall, 765 coronary lesions were analyzed (culprit lesion precursors: n=66; nonculprit lesion precursors: n=207; and stable lesions: n=492). Culprit lesion precursors had larger total plaque volume, fibro-fatty plaque volume, and low-attenuation plaque volume compared to nonculprit and stable lesions. The mean PCAT attenuation was significantly higher across culprit lesion precursors compared to nonculprit and stable lesions (−63.8±9.7 Hounsfield units versus −68.8±10.6 Hounsfield units versus −69.6±10.6 Hounsfield units, respectively;
P
<0.001), whereas the mean PCAT attenuation around nonculprit and stable lesions was not significantly different (
P
=0.99).

Conclusions:

The mean PCAT attenuation is significantly increased across culprit lesion precursors in patients with acute coronary syndrome, compared to nonculprit lesions of these patients and to lesions of patients with stable CAD, which may suggest a higher intensity of inflammation. PCAT attenuation on coronary computed tomography angiography may be a novel marker to identify high-risk plaques.
Effects of Syllable Rate on Neuro-Behavioral Synchronization Across Modalities: Brain Oscillations and Speech Productions
Authors: He Deling , Buder Eugene H. , Bidelman Gavin M.
Published: February 2023

Considerable work suggests the dominant syllable rhythm of the acoustic envelope is remarkably similar across languages (∼4–5 Hz) and that oscillatory brain activity tracks these quasiperiodic rhythms to facilitate speech processing. However, whether this fundamental periodicity represents a common organizing principle in both auditory and motor systems involved in speech has not been explicitly tested. To evaluate relations between entrainment in the perceptual and production domains, we measured individuals’ (i) neuroacoustic tracking of the EEG to speech trains and their (ii) simultaneous and non-simultaneous productions synchronized to syllable rates between 2.5 and 8.5 Hz. Productions made without concurrent auditory presentation isolated motor speech functions more purely. We show that neural synchronization flexibly adapts to the heard stimuli in a rate-dependent manner, but that phase locking is boosted near ∼4.5 Hz, the purported dominant rate of speech. Cued speech productions (recruit sensorimotor interaction) were optimal between 2.5 and 4.5 Hz, suggesting a low-frequency constraint on motor output and/or sensorimotor integration. In contrast, “pure” motor productions (without concurrent sound cues) were most precisely generated at rates of 4.5 and 5.5 Hz, paralleling the neuroacoustic data. Correlations further revealed strong links between receptive (EEG) and production synchronization abilities; individuals with stronger auditory-perceptual entrainment better matched speech rhythms motorically. Together, our findings support an intimate link between exogenous and endogenous rhythmic processing that is optimized at 4–5 Hz in both auditory and motor systems. Parallels across modalities could result from dynamics of the speech motor system coupled with experience-dependent tuning of the perceptual system via the sensorimotor interface.
Queer Psycho and the He Circus: Applying Queering, Magic, and More-than-Human Theories to Immersive Visual Story Worlds as an Antidote to Late Capitalism
Authors: Dare Eleanor , Yamada-Rice Dylan
Published: February 2023

Two immersive visual story worlds (IVS), Queer Psycho and HE Circus, are at the center of this article, one made by each of us. Individually we found our works necessitated the development of new frameworks for IVS construction, namely (1) Brechtian a-effect and queering, and (2) magic and more-than-human theories. These new framings were needed to realize our desire to use IVS to create spaces of active resistance from psychological harm imposed by political and ableist structures designed with rigid ways of seeing the world through straight/neoliberal lenses. When both story worlds and their frameworks are viewed side-by-side, they lay bare the prejudices and normative framings of IVS software and industries. Thus, the outline of these new framings with this article makes an original contribution to the field by calling into question those who are designing IVS software and typical frameworks by asking who and what they are benefiting, and proposing alternatives to illustrate how neither should be considered fixed. Finally, the topic of each IVS, that of Hitchcock's Psycho and neoliberal structures of contemporary higher education, offer critiques of systems which serve to highlight our arguments.
Are papers published in predatory journals worthless? A geopolitical dimension revealed by content-based analysis of citations
Authors: Taşkın Zehra , Krawczyk Franciszek , Kulczycki Emanuel
Published: February 2023

This study uses content-based citation analysis to move beyond the simplified classification of predatory journals. We present that, when we analyze papers not only in terms of the quantity of their citations but also the content of these citations, we are able to show the various roles played by papers published in journals accused of being predatory. To accomplish this, we analyzed the content of 9,995 citances (i.e., citation sentences) from 6,706 papers indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, which cites papers published in so-called “predatory” (or questionable) journals. The analysis revealed that the vast majority of such citances are neutral (97.3%), and negative citations of articles published in the analyzed journals are almost completely nonexistent (0.8%). Moreover, the analysis revealed that the most frequently mentioned countries in the citances are India, Pakistan, and Iran, with mentions of Western countries being rare. This highlights a geopolitical bias and shows the usefulness of looking at such journals as mislocated centers of scholarly communication. The analyzed journals provide regional data prevalent for mainstream scholarly discussions, and the idea of predatory publishing hides geopolitical inequalities in global scholarly publishing. Our findings also contribute to the further development of content-based citation analysis.