bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Seed Yield and its Attributing Traits in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]
Authors: Saran Rajwanti , Sharma P.P. , Dashora Abhay
Published: April 2023

Background: Blackgram is an important multipurpose grain legume. It contains high amount of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Productivity of this crop is still low hence efforts should make to improve the yield of blackgram by keeping knowledge about association between seed yield and its components. Thus, present investigation was aimed to determine the correlation and path coefficient analysis for seed yield and its attributing traits in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Methods: In this study, thirty five diverse genotypes of blackgram were evaluated during kharif 2018 for fourteen quantitative traits in randomized block design with three replications at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. Result: Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits studied indicating considerable amount of variation among genotypes for all the characters. The seed yield per plant exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, biological yield per plant and harvest index both at genotypic as well as phenotypic levels. The characters namely, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, biological yield per plant and pod length had high positive direct effect on seed yield per plant. Therefore, selection based on the traits viz., number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, biological yield per plant, harvest index and 100-seed weight could help in enhancing the seed yield per plant in blackgram.
Electroacoustic properties of various types of quartz in the finely dispersed state
Authors: Kotov L. , Lasyok M. , Dong Fagin , Wei Zhang
Published: April 2023

An electroacoustic echo method for studying the high-frequency (HF) electrical and elastic properties of piezoelectric materials in a finely dispersed state is described. The characteristics and relaxation time of electroacoustic echo for natural and artificial quartz powders are determined. Natural one is represented by the following types: smoky quartz, citrine, amethyst, recrystallized, granular and columnar. It is shown that natural quartz (especially citrine), has a higher electromechanical coupling coefficient than artificial quartz. The amplitudes of HF electric field are determined, at which the saturation mode of the echo signals is observed.
The Morphometry of the Foot in Fetal Human Cadavers
Authors: DENİZ İdris , ŞEKER Muzaffer , AKIN SAYGIN Duygu , YILMAZ Mehmet Tuğrul , ARGALI DENIZ Mine
Published: April 2023

Foot and associated formations have important functions in the musculoskeletal system. Recognition of normal parameter values related to the fetus in fetal development is important for the derivation of fetal growth curves, as each society determines its own normal values for its own population. There are limited number of studies on foot morphology in particular. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the measurements of morphological characteristics in human fetuses depending on gestational age, gender and side. Our study was carried out on 30 fetuses. Bilateral acropodian-pternion measurement (AP), the pternion measurement of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th fingers (2P, 3P, 4P, 5P), metatarsaltibia-metatarsalfibula measurement (MT-MF), lengths of the 1., 2., 3rd, 4th, 5th toes (1TL, 2TL, 3TL, 4TL, 5TL), malleolus width (MW), proximal metatarsal width (PMW), distal metatarsal width (DMW), lateral forefoot length ( LFL), the length of the sole of the foot with the medial malleol (MMFL), the length of the sole of the foot (LMFL) with the lateral malleol, and the length of the lower leg (LLL) were measured on all fetuses. Furthermore, the foot index (FI), lower limb length (LL), and leg index (LI) values were also calculated. The difference between trimesters was found statistically significant for all parameters measured except bilateral AI, and right BI measurements. All parameters except left LMFL at 2nd trimester and PMW at 3rd trimester were higher in female fetuses. However, the difference between genders was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The difference between trimesters was significant for all measurements. Furthermore, a correlation was detected between many parameters. In our study, it was found that foot measurements in fetal cadavers did not change with gender, but increased as the week of gestation increased. It was concluded that the data obtained from our study would be useful for further studies as well as recognition of fetal foot anatomy in obstetrics, perinatology, fetopathology, and pediatric surgery.
A questão ambiental a partir da teoria marxista da dependência
Authors: Palar Juliana Vargas , Granato Leonardo
Published: April 2023

O intercâmbio entre o ser humano e a natureza é uma marca da história da humanidade. Contudo, ele é dotado de especificidades conforme cada formação social. No capitalismo, essa relação é orientada para a obtenção de valor. Entretanto, essa relação também possui suas particularidades, dado que esse sistema se constitui como uma totalidade integrada diferenciada. A teoria marxista da dependência pontua as particularidades do capitalismo nas economias dependentes. Contudo, ela não aborda diretamente como a questão ambiental pode ser compreendida nesses países. Em razão disso, urge o seguinte questionamento: como a questão ambiental pode ser compreendida a partir da teoria marxista da dependência? Para responder a essa questão, o presente trabalho empregará o referencial teórico de matriz marxista, o método de abordagem indutivo, o método de procedimento histórico e a técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica. O objetivo é apontar se há particularidades da questão ambiental nos países dependentes.
Health and education conditions in rural settlements in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Michele da Silva Valadão , Noll Matias
Published: April 2023

Settled families and rural workers face precarious living and working conditions that weaken their health and access to quality education. Health and education indicators are important parameters for planning and implementing public policies to improve these subjects' access to health and education. In light of this, this scoping review aimed at identifying the health and education conditions of families and workers living in rural settlements in Brazil. The SciELO, Scopus, and PubMed databases were searched. After the study screening process, thirty articles published between 1997 and 2021 were included in the review. The studies showed that families and settled workers are highly vulnerable in terms of health and education, with emphasis on the difficulty of accessing health services, leisure and physical activity, goods, and services such as transportation, basic sanitation, and income, as well as all levels of education, especially higher education. The main causes of the advances observed in the conditions of access to education were the constitution of rural education and the National Rural Education Program (Programa Nacional de Educação na Reforma Agrária [PRONERA]). The democratization of access to health and education services in rural settlements depends on public policies that focus on valuing the socioeconomic, cultural, and educational context of rural people. Therefore, interventions and public policies must aim at expanding access to health and education services in the settlements and promoting autonomy in the relations between work and production.
Machine learning based optimization method for vacuum carburizing process and its application
Authors: Jia Honghao , Ju Dongying , Cao Jianting
Published: April 2023

This paper develops an optimized prediction method based on machine learning for optimal process parameters for vacuum carburizing. The critical point is data expansion through machine learning based on a few parameters and data, which leads to optimizing parameters for vacuum carburization in heat treatment. This method extends the data volume by constructing a neural network with data augmentation in the presence of small data samples. In this paper, the database of 213 data is expanded to a database of 2116800 data by optimizing the prediction. Finally, we found the optimal vacuum carburizing process parameters through the vast database. The relative error of the three targets is less than that of the target obtained by the simulation of the corresponding parameters. The relative error is less than 5.6%, 1%, and 0.02%, respectively. Compared to simulations and actual experiments, the optimized prediction method in this paper saves much computational time. It provides a large amount of referable process parameter data while ensuring a certain level of accuracy.
Importance and inconsistencies of the influence of soil properties on nitrogen mineralization: a systematic review
Authors: Mendoza-Carreón Gabriela , Flores-Márgez Juan Pedro , Osuna-Avila Pedro , Sanogo Soum
Published: April 2023

Climate and soil properties profoundly impact N mineralization (Nmin). Hence, there is a critical need to identify how physical-chemical-biological factors involved in organic matter decomposition influence globally reported predictive models. This paper reflects research focused on those factors considered relevant and used during the construction of Nmin models. The literature data found on factors affecting Nmin or N availability in soils published since 1990 was downloaded to a database in Access. Using different bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques, we compiled results of 785 statistical analyses presented by authors of 90 research articles that related Nmin and environmental factors, management strategies, and soil biological and physicochemical attributes. For organization purposes, we decided to group results according to the similarity of properties related to mineralization into environmental factors (18.6%), ecosystem/vegetation (14.52%), management (7.64%), soil physicochemical properties (34.65%), organic matter (16.05%), and microbiota (6.37%). The measurements of the response variables were 16.2% using N content in soil (as ammonium, nitrates, Organic N and Total N), and 83.88% represent N in the process of mineralization, including potentially mineralized N. As Nmin is the dependent variable, the results included 109 independent variables, of which 47.7% presented seemingly inconsistent results, which means different effects in Nmin. The difference in results was found to be related mostly to a difference in ecosystems or variable interactions. We conclude that acquiring a general prediction model for Nmin or constructing a specific equation for local conditions poses a limitation to optimizing N management for crop production. A more useful strategy is to generate a prediction model for Nmin, including significative soil and weather conditions, within a region and ecosystem; thus, the information can support soil and crop management decisions.
ANALYSIS OF THE RUNNING OF LONG-DISTANCE TRAINS ON NON-ELECTRIFIED LINES IN POLAND
Authors: KAMIŃSKI Wojciech
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the number of long-distance trains running on non-electrified lines has been increasing in Poland. Unfortunately, trains running on non-electrified lines, unlike those running on the hook of electric locomotives, are very often canceled, especially in the winter. In this research, the analysis of which lines had the most frequent cancellations of trains in 2021 and the reasons for these cancellations were analyzed. The results show that the most common cause of train cancellations was the lack of an efficient locomotive at the starting station. Most often, accessibility problems concern Czech series 754 diesel locomotives. The numbers of canceled trains in February 2021 and 2022 were also compared. The comparison showed that although the situation is far from ideal, it has improved significantly.
ALGORITHM FOR THE EXTRACTION OF SELECTED RAIL TRACK BALLAST DEGRADATION USING MACHINE VISION
Authors: LESIAK Piotr , BOJARCZAK Piotr , SOKOŁOWSKI Aleksander
Published: April 2023

A number of physical methods are used to survey railway track ballast to assess its degradation as a function of deposition. Simulation tests on track models are also conducted. These testing methods, which are generally labour-intensive and expensive, provide an accurate understanding of the extent of ballast degradation. However, the impact of inadequate maintenance can be observed, even on the surface. Therefore, it seems natural in this case to use image registration. State-of-the-art machine vision systems of track geometry cars provide the means to do this. Obtained ballast images provide a baseline for evaluating its level in relation to sleepers. However, no information is available on other signs of track degradation, such as overgrown vegetation (weeds) or the so-called local muddy areas, which are generally a consequence of poor drainage and a lack of subgrade insulation. These degradations are observed to generate distinctive colour images that are superimposed on the overall image of the ballast surface. They differ in colour and shape. Hence, the authors used this phenomenon to develop an algorithm for the extraction of ballast degradation images based on RGB imaging. Surface descriptors have also been offered to assess these degradations. Extensive measurement material from the railway lines was used to conduct survey experiments based on the examples. The results clearly demonstrate the high success rate of the applied method.
PASSENGERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE SERVICE QUALITY AND OPERATION OF A BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (TRANS SEMARANG) IN SEMARANG, INDONESIA
Authors: SIMANGUNSONG Ruth Elgiana Ester , RAKHMATULLOH Anita Ratnasari , DEWI Diah Intan Kusumo , ADRIE Fadhilah Maretha , NUGRAHENI Dinar Mutiara Kusumo
Published: April 2023

The increasing population in urban areas has expanded the role of the transportation system to meet people’s mobility needs in developing countries. Since the demand for transportation services is proliferating, bus rapid transit (BRT) offers the opportunity to create a high-quality mass transit system in developing countries. The presence of BRT Trans Semarang, however, has not yet become a solution to city traffic problems since the transit system and its operation are not yet implemented. This study aims to explore the service quality and operation of BRT based on observations and passengers’ viewpoints at the BRT shelter, which is located in the central business district. The method of the research is a statistical descriptive and qualitative analysis using variables from passengers’ perspectives and observations on bus operation. The result shows that the capacity of the transit shelter, the interval between bus arrivals, bus dwell times, and BRT infrastructures (door size) are the most influential variables on passengers’ satisfaction. Furthermore, from the operation point of view, users’ trip destinations and maximum delay times are considered important for the improvement of BRT service.
EVALUATION OF WALKABILITY ON GULANGYU BASED ON RESIDENTS' PERCEPTIONS
Authors: SHI Yi , HARUMAIN Yong Adilah Shamsul , MOHIDIN Hazrina Haja Bava
Published: April 2023

As a heritage site, Gulangyu has a unique character and importance in its community function. Most heritage sites in China are car-free destinations where walking is the primary mode of transport and a medium of interaction in residents' daily lives. This study investigates residents' perceived evaluations of the landscape environment and residents' walking behaviour using descriptive statistics, correlation and logistic regression analysis to derive relationship between landscape and walking behaviour. The aim is to derive the landscape factors that influence walking behaviour and improve the basis for enhancing the walkability of Gulangyu. The results show that function is most strongly correlated with purposeful walking. And the recreational walkers are influenced by a combination of function, safety, comfort, aesthetics and pleasantness.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Difference of Gene Expression in Muscle of the Brown-Marbled Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) With Different Growth Rates
Authors: Wang Tong , Yang Yang , Gong Shirui , Wu Xi , Zeng Leilei , Tao Yuhao , Zhong Chaoyue , Song Leling , Liu Xiaochun
Published: April 2023

Brown-marbled grouper is one of the most important mariculture species in China, which is used as an important crossbreeding parent in grouper industry. Enhancing growth rates is a key target in fish breeding, and gaining insight into the underlying mechanisms responsible for growth differences among individuals can aid in the improvement of grouper growth rates. However, the mechanism behind this difference in growth in this fish is unclear. The difference of transcriptome profiles of muscle tissue between fast- and slow-growing brown-marbled grouper was analyzed by RNA-Seq. 77 significantly up-regulated genes and 92 significantly down-regulated genes were identified in the growth extreme groups. The up-regulated of ghr and tnni2 and the down-regulated of stc2 led to the growth advantages of brown-marbled grouper. The differently expressed genes (DEGs) were used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The results of GO enrichments indicated that the significantly upregulated genes in the fast-growing group were involved in protein folding, actin cytoskeleton, myosin complex, etc. The results of KEGG enrichments indicated that the significantly upregulated genes in the fast-growing group were involved in glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis, adipocytokine signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, carbon metabolism, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. To analysis the difference gene sets between fast- and slow-growing group, the RNA-seq data were used by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The results showed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was up-regulated in the fast-growing group. The up-regulated of this pathway could lead to higher nutrient absorption efficiency and lead to muscle growth in the fast-growing group. These results contribute to understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fast growth and regulative pathways regulating growth in brown-marbled grouper.
Helicobacter Pylori and Its Role in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Reyes Victor E. E.
Published: April 2023

Gastric cancer is a challenging public health concern worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The primary risk factor implicated in gastric cancer development is infection with Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori induces chronic inflammation affecting the gastric epithelium, which can lead to DNA damage and promotion of precancerous lesions. Disease manifestations associated with H. pylori are attributed to virulence factors with multiple activities and its capacity to subvert host immunity. One of the most significant H. pylori virulence determinants is the cagPAI gene cluster, which encodes a type IV secretion system and the CagA toxin. This secretion system allows H. pylori to inject the CagA oncoprotein into host cells, causing multiple cellular perturbations. Despite the high prevalence of H. pylori infection, only a small percentage of affected individuals develop significant clinical outcomes, while most remain asymptomatic. Therefore, understanding how H. pylori triggers carcinogenesis and its immune evasion mechanisms is critical in preventing gastric cancer and miti-gating the burden of this life-threatening disease. This review aims to provide an overview of our current under-standing of H. pylori infection, its association with gastric cancer and other gastric diseases, and how it subverts the host immune system to establish persistent infection.
Ethical problems in the development of artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare
Authors: Gusev A. V. , Sharova D. E.
Published: April 2023

The development and implementation of software based on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is one of the main directions of the digital transformation in healthcare. The global market for AI systems in medicine as well as re­search in this area are the main industry drivers. At the same time there is a growing concern in the medical profes­sional community about the safety and effectiveness of AI-based software when it is put into practice. Responsibility issues come to the fore when discussing the pace of development of the AI industry.  

The aim of the work was to analyze the existing ethical problems of AI implementation in healthcare and to formulate priorities for overcoming them.
Tumor Board can save Sphincter, A Review of Contemporary Multidisciplinary Management of Rectal Cancer
Authors:   Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan., Ali Tooba , Abrar Sehrish ,   Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan., Tariq Maria ,   Department of Oncology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, Jamil Yumna ,   Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan., Abbasi Muhammad Muaz ,   Department of Medicine, Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Colorectal cancer ranks third amongst various malignancies worldwide out of which a major proportion is of rectal carcinoma. With increasing incidence of rectal cancer amongst younger population in past two decades various advancements towards organ preservation approach have been devised. Total Neo-adjuvant approach (TNT) is current standard of care in various clinical scenarios involving rectal malignancy. In this review article role of Radiation in neo adjuvant setting and various landmark trials leading to it are discussed in detail.
Numerical Investigation of Physical Parameters in Cardiac Vessels as a New Medical Support Science for Complex Blood Flow Characteristics
Authors: Defrianto  , Saktioto Toto , Soerbakti Yan , Thoibah Andika , Meyzia Bunga , Syahputra Romi Fadli , Okfalisa  , Syamsudhuha  , Irawan Dedi , Hairi Haryana
Published: April 2023

This study proposes a mathematical approach and numerical experiment for a simple solution of cardiac blood flow to the heart's blood vessels. A mathematical model of human blood flow through arterial branches was studied and calculated using the Navier-Stokes partial differential equation with finite element analysis (FEA) approach. Furthermore, FEA is applied to the steady flow of two-dimensional viscous liquids through different geometries. The validity of the computational method is determined by comparing numerical experiments with the results of the analysis of different functions. Numerical analysis showed that the highest blood flow velocity of 1.22 cm/s occurred in the center of the vessel which tends to be laminar and is influenced by a low viscosity factor of 0.0015 Pa.s. In addition, circulation throughout the blood vessels occurs due to high pressure in the heart and the pressure becomes lower when it returns from the blood vessels at the same parameters. Finally, when the viscosity is high, the extreme magnitudes of blood flow tend toward the vessel wall at approximately the same velocity and radius of the gradient.
Taxonomic and morphological studies on the genus Chrotogonus Serville, 1838 (Pyrgomorphidae: Orthoptera) from Pakistan, with reference to their habitats
Authors: Soomro Samiullah , Sultana Riffat
Published: April 2023

Species of genus Chrotogonus (surface grasshoppers) are phytophagous and damaging to various economical important plants in their seedling stages. In order to know the biodiversity of surface grasshoppers, the detailed study has been conducted from four provinces of Pakistan. During this study, biodiversity, taxonomy, diagnosis, morphometric analysis, habitat, global distribution, and remarks of each species have been described. Total of 826 specimens were collected and sorted out into three species and three subspecies: C. (Chrotogonus) homalodemus homalodemus (Blanchard, 1836), C. (Chrotogonus) homalodemus (Blanchard, 1836), C. (Chrotogonus) trachypterus trachypterus (Blanchard, 1836), C. (Chrotogonus) trachypterus robertsi Kirby, 1914, C. (Chrotogonus) trachypterus (Blanchard, 1836) and C. (Chrotogonus) turanicus Kuthy, 1905 based on newly constructed morphological keys and previous literature. The species C. (Chrotogonus) turanicus presented as a new record from Pakistan.
Gene Expression and Methylation Levels of PCSK9 Gene in Iraqi Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Al-Attar Marwa M. , Al-Awadi Salwa J. Al-Awadi , Abdulfattah Shaimaa Y.
Published: April 2023

The expression of the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 gene (PCSK9) is inextricably related to lipid levels and a risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ASCAD). The present study aims to measure the quantity of PCSK9 gene expression and the effect of methylation on its expression level taking part in the pathogenesis of acute coronary artery disorder.
A current study included 150 subjects from the Iraqi population, 100 ASCAD patients and 50 healthy controls. The concentration of PCSK9 in each serum sample was determined by the ELISA technique, the expression levels of the PCSK9 gene in whole blood were estimated by RT-qPCR – Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR method, and DNA methylation level detection in PCSK9 gene by using High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM) technique.
The expression level of the PCSK9 gene was 6.06 ± 1.84 in ASCAD patients group compared with a control group 1.00 ±0.19. That indicates the up-regulation of the PCSK9 gene in patient with atherosclerosis. In addition, the PCSK9 concentration was higher in patient group in comparison to the healthy controls group P= < 0.01. However, PCSK9 methylation levels, a highly significant distinction between the two study groups p=0.002. In conclusion, serum PCSK9 levels are associated with coronary artery lesions as shown in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Suggests that, serum PCSK9 might be a good indicator of coronary artery disease development.
Antioxidant Activity of Endophytic Bacteria isolated from (Pyrrosia piloselloides) (L) M.G. Price
Authors: Arifiyanto Achmad , Farisi Salman
Published: April 2023

Endophytic bacteria produced analogous secondary metabolites of their hosts. Similarly, the ability to generate antioxidants is not an exception. Dragon scales (Pyrrosia piloselloides), an epiphytic plant of the Polypodiaceae family, are frequently overlooked. This research aims to isolate antioxidant-producing bacteria from dragon-scale fern leaves. The antioxidant activities were tested after the extraction procedure using ethanolic extract. Bacteria were characterized and selected as candidates for antioxidant production by screening for the production of total phenolic compounds. Antioxidant levels were determined utilizing the ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH techniques. The preliminary findings of the entire phenolic compound test revealed that isolates B2, B3, C, and F produced the most phenolic compounds. The highest antioxidant activity was created by bacterial isolates B3. Bacterial isolates D1 have similar characteristics to B3 and it has been identified as Bacillus subtilis isolates D1AS. The assessment technique and extract dosages have the greatest effect on antioxidant concentration. In comparison to other approaches, the DPPH method yields considerable results when screening prospective isolates to manufacture antioxidants. Testing the ability of the results of bacterial extracts on other therapeutic effects needs to be done to ensure that the antioxidant abilities obtained in this study continue to be developed.
Fabrication of PVC Enrofloxacin-Selective Electrodes for Estimating Enrofloxacin in Pure Form and as Preparation Formula
Authors: Hassan Omar Salih , Alabdullah Sahar S M , Abass Amina M. , Ahmed Ahmed
Published: April 2023

This study explored the development and qualities of the response of electrochemical properties of enrofloxacin-selective electrodes using precipitation based on producing phosphotungstic, after utilizing a matrix of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and dibutyl phthalate or dibutyl phosphate as a plasticizer. The resulting membrane sensors were an enrofloxacin-phosphotungstic electrode (sensors 1) and an ENR-DOP-PTA electrode (sensors 2). Linear responses of (ENR-DBPH-PTA) and (ENR-DOP-PTA) within the concentration ranges of 2.1×10-6-10-1 and 3.0×10-6-10-2 mol. L-1, respectively, for both sensors were observed. Slopes of 51.61±0.24 and 39.40± 0.16 mV/decade and pH ranges equal to 2.5-8.5 and 2.0-9.0 were observed for sensors 1 and 2, respectively. The coefficients of selectivity of the created sensors demonstrated phenomenal selectivity for ENR. The proposed sensors showed useful scientific properties for the assurance of ENR in drug dosage and pure form.
Methane Emissions Quantification and Resulting Methane Emissions Reduction in the Permian Basin Enabled by Automated Unmanned Systems
Authors: Churchill Jason , Wise Brenda , Cooper Iain , Smith Brendan
Published: April 2023

Traditional methods for monitoring emissions from production operations have typically used optical gas imaging cameras or Method 21 systems, based on an intermittent basis to determine and document methane gas leaks, which are then subsequently identified for repair under the US Code of Federal Regulations (2017). These optical gas imaging emissions monitoring surveys can have a subjective bias, are highly conditional on the skill of the camera operator, and are an inexact method of measuring the quantity of the leak rate. With a renewed industry emphasis on methane emissions measurement and reduction, this paper describes a case study using a high-sensitivity sensor technology (laser absorption spectrometry) specifically targeting methane emissions, the unique capabilities engendered by its deployment on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the leveraging of automation in field-operation and data analysis, and the system’s successful utilizationin enabling emissions limitations over several production sites in the Permian Basin.

The use of automation enabled categorization of the leak type and intensity, and triage according to leak rate, facilitating prompt remedial action and directly limiting emissions. By automating the comprehensive flight paths specific to equipment groups (e.g., compressors, tanks, and flares), targeted repeat surveys confirmed that specific leaks were fixed, emphasizing a general downward trend in overall site- and asset-level emissions. These surveys were completed in 22.5 minutes, on average, at each of the five sites. Additionally, the use of high-resolution UAS-generated orthomosaic maps enabled the direct placement of emissions data into the context of the operations at the time of the survey, facilitating the generation of automated actionable reports, helping direct repair teams, and resulting in effective and necessary fixes. Furthermore, the campaign validated that following the set up of the initial survey, subsequent regular, repeat surveys could be commissioned at the “push of a button,” yielding reliable, actionable emissions data, with a direct impact on both environmental (6% reduction in emissions) and financial impact.
Prioritizing of The Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT) Challenges in Automotive Industry by using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)
Authors: Parkouhi Sahar Valipour , Ghadikolaei Abdul Hamid Safaei , Lajimi Hamidreza Fallah
Published: April 2023

Smart manufacturing can be referred as an important consequence of Fourth Industrial Revolution. With the advent of this revolution, manufacturing companies must use numerous new technologies to become smart. According to these new technologies, companies face multifaceted challenges. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is one of the achievements of Industry 4.0, which plays an important role in the implementation of smart manufacturing. IoT using in smart manufacturing is called Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT Like other technologies, IoMT has its own challenges. Therefore, manufacturing organizations must be able to identify these challenges and concentrate on them based on their priority. In this study, by reviewing the literature, the challenges of using the Internet of Things in smart manufacturing were identified. Then Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique was used to prioritize challenges in the automotive industry. Based on the research findings, the challenges were classified into three levels. This leveling provides a suitable model for automotive industry managers to be able to prioritize their strategies and actions accordingly.
"Siilo" – A New Instant Messaging Application for Medical Professionals and a Novel Platform for Medical Education
Authors: Shahar Tali , Tadmor Offer , Dior Uri , Porat Shai , Safrai Myriam , Kabiri Doron
Published: April 2023

Background: The use of instant mobile messaging applications has rapidly grown in recent decades. WhatsApp is the most common of these, but it has several limitations for use in medical settings when it comes to medical data confidentiality and security, and convenience of use. In this paper we introduce "Siilo" – a new mobile phone application specifically designed for medical professionals – as an alternative messaging application, addressing its advantages for use in the medical field. Particularly, we intend to present its potential use for medical education which we discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for virtual teaching platforms has risen, and considering studies that have shown improvement in student satisfaction and achievement in educational programs that included the use of instant mobile messaging applications.
Methods: During the pandemic, we evaluated possible uses of this application in the teaching and assessment of medical students during their clinical studies, and here we present a case-based learning program that was applied among fifth-year medical students in their rotation in the Obstetrics and Gynecology ward.
Results: We demonstrated that with the utilization of "Siilo", the program improved students’ satisfaction and learning experience.
Conclusion: "Siilo" is an effective educational tool we recommend to integrate with medical studies worldwide.
Halogenation of IAA by touch stimulus for rapid and differential growths of the Madeira vine
Authors: Li Wen-Hsien , Ma Ma-Hsuan , Batsaikhan Erdembayalag , Wu Chun-Ming , Luo Chih-I , Chen Ni-Jhen , Chung Jeng-Der , Chien Ching-Te , Tsai Yu-Han
Published: April 2023

Background The thigmotropic response triggers two actions of faster growth and differential growth. Madeira vine (MV) grows 30 times faster after encountering a support. The question as to “how the vine can provide sufficient amounts of active auxin and effectively transport it into the cells for fast growth in such a short time” has not yet been answered.Results In vivo x-ray diffraction made on live MV stems revel the appearance of crystallized IAA (C10H9NO2), 4-Cl-IAA (C10H8ClNO2) and 6-Cl-IAA (C10H8ClNO2) in the stems. Small angle neutron scattering spectra of the IAA extracted from MVs stem reveal a progressive increase in the size of crystallized IAA transported downward from the apex of the shoots. High resolution X-ray diffractions made on the extracted IAA reveal significantly larger amounts of 4-Cl-IAA and 6-Cl-IAA in the climbing MVs than in the swaying around MVs. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry spectra reveal the production of 9% more IAA and 90% more 4-Cl-IAA + 6-Cl-IAA at the apexes of climbing MVs than swaying MVs. More 4-Cl-IAA + 6-Cl-IAA were transported to the contact-free side than to the contact side of the vine. In vivo neutron tomography of naturally climbing MVs reveals a substantially higher H+ concentration in the contact-free parts than in the contact parts.Conclusions Enhanced expressions of auxin 4-Cl-IAA (C10H8ClNO2) and 6-Cl-IAA (C10H8ClNO2) through halogenation of IAA (C10H9NO2) triggered by the physical touch, rather than accumulation of auxin IAA, are the main sources to drive faster growth of Madeira vine. The IAA, 4-Cl-IAA and 6-Cl-IAA molecules produced in apex link into crystallized form, rather than stay in the molecular form, upon transporting downward to the stem.
Comparison of skin dose in IMRT and VMAT with TrueBeam and Halcyon linear accelerator for whole breast irradiation
Authors: Seok JaeHyun , Ahn Sohyun , Ahn Woo Sang , Choi Dong Hyeok , Shin Seong Soo , Choi Wonsik , Jung In-hye , Lee Rena , Kim Jin Sung
Published: April 2023

Purpose: With the increasing use of flattening filter free (FFF) beams, it is important to evaluate impact on the skin dose and target coverage of breast cancer treatments. This study aimed to compare skin doses of treatments using FFF and flattening filter (FF) beams for breast cancer.Materials and methods: The study established treatment plans for left breast of an anthropomorphic phantom using Halcyon’s 6-MV FFF beam and TrueBeam’s 6-MV FF beam. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with varying numbers of arcs and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were employed, and skin doses were measured at five points using Gafchromic EBT3 film. Each measurement was repeated three times, and averaged to reduce uncertainty. All plans were compared in terms of plan quality to ensure homogeneous target coverage.Results: The study found that when using VMAT with two, four, and six arcs, in-field doses were 19%, 15%, and 6% higher, respectively, when using Halcyon compared to TrueBeam. Additionally, when using two arcs for VMAT, in-field doses were 10% and 15% higher compared to four and six arcs when using Halcyon. Finally, in-field dose from Halcyon using IMRT was about 1% higher than when using TrueBeam.Conclusion: Our research confirmed that when treating breast cancer with FFF beams, skin dose is higher than with traditional FF beams. Moreover, number of arcs used in VMAT treatment with FFF beams affects skin dose of the patient. To maintain a skin dose similar to that of FF beams when using Halcyon, it may be worth considering increasing the number of arcs.
Maternal and perinatal health disparities among Middle Eastern and North African women and children in the United States
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany B , Brown Kyrah K , Dallo Florence J
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Few studies have evaluated the health of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) women and children in the United States. Objectives were to determine the odds of well-visits, preventive behaviors during pregnancy, and low birthweight among foreign-born non-Hispanic MENA women and children compared to their US- and foreign-born non-Hispanic White counterparts after adjusting for covariates (hereafter, reported as MENA and White).
Methods: We analyzed 2000-2018 National Health Interview Survey data (411,709 women, 311,961 children). Outcomes included well-woman visits (past 12 months); dentist visits (past 6 months) and current smoking among pregnant women; and low, moderately low, and very low birthweight among children. Covariates included age, family income, and health insurance for children. Education and marital status were also evaluated among women.
Results: Over half (53.4%) of foreign-born MENA women were of childbearing age (ages 18-45) compared to 47.7% US-born and 43.2% foreign-born White women. The odds of completing a well-women visit were 0.73 times lower (95% CI=0.38-0.89) among foreign-born MENA women compared to US-born White women after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. There was no statistically significant difference in dental visits between groups. No foreign-born MENA pregnant women reported current smoking. Foreign-born MENA children had higher odds of low (OR=1.65; 95% CI=1.16-2.35) and moderately low birthweight (OR=1.78; 95% CI=1.19-2.66) compared to US-born White children in adjusted models.
Discussion: MENA women and children are classified as White by the federal government. Our results highlight that the health of foreign-born MENA women and children differ from their White counterparts.
Bovine brucellosis, associated risk factors and preventive measures in industrial cattle farms
Authors: Izadi Shahrokh , Barati-Beni Zahra , Feizi Awat , Moghaddas Vahid , Bahreinipour Akram
Published: April 2023

Background As a zoonosis, the best way to control brucellosis in humans is to control it in domestic animals. The main purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with the spread of brucellosis in industrial cattle farms, in the Isfahan province of Iran.Methods A case-control study, consisting of 32 cattle farms with a history of brucellosis in the past 12 months (as case farms), were compared with 38 cattle farms without any history of brucellosis during the same time period (as control farms), in terms of compliance with hygiene and health regulations of cattle breeding.Results Analysis of the findings of the study using multivariable logistic regression, revealed that measures such as washing of the milking equipment with chlorine and water solution (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06–0.99), daily washing of the drinking troughs (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.04–0.89), crowding density of cows (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03–0.75), distance from the next infected cattle farm (OR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.09–14.84) and Proximity to sheep farms (OR = 8.43; 95% CI: 1.66–42.70) were the most important risk factors associated with the spread of disease. There was no difference between the case and control farms in terms of the number of times that the vaccination program was carried out in cattle farms (P = 0.645).Conclusion Compliance with hygiene and health standards is very important and decisive in preventing the spread of brucellosis between industrial cattle farms.
Continuing Medical Education in China: Evidence from primary health workers' preferences for continuing Traditional Chinese Medicine education
Authors: Yan Hao , Han Zhaoran , Nie Hanlin , Yang Wanjin , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Zhao Weihan , Yang Yong , Shi Xuefeng
Published: April 2023

BackgroundContinuing Medical Education (CME) is an important part of the training process for health workers worldwide. In China, training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) not only improves the expertise of medical workers, but also supports the Chinese Government’s policy of promoting TCM as an equal treatment to western medicine. CME, including learning Traditional Chinese Medicine Technologies (TCMTs), perform poorly and research into the motivation of health workers to engage in CME is urgently required. Using a discrete choice experiment, this study assessed the CME learning preferences of primary health workers, using TCMT as a case study of CME programs.MethodsWe conducted a discrete choice experiment among health workers in Shandong Province, Guizhou Province, and Henan provinces from July 1, 2021 to October 1, 2022 on the TCMT learning preferences of primary health workers. The mixed logit model and latent class analysis model were used to analyze primary health workers’ TCMT learning preferences.ResultsA total of 1,063 respondents participated in this study, of which 1,001 (94.2%) passed the consistency test and formed the final sample. Our key finding was that there was three distinct classes of TCMT learner. Overall, the relative importance of the seven attributes impacting the learning of TCMTs was: learning expenses, expected TCMT efficacy, TCMT learning difficulty, TCMT mode of learning, TCMT type, time required to learn, and expected frequency of TCMT use. However, these attributes differed significantly across the three distinct classes of TCMT learner. Infrequent users (class 1) were concerned with learning expenses and learning difficulty; workaholics (class 2) focused on the mode of learning; and pragmatists (class 3) paid more attention to the expected TCMTC efficacy and the expected frequency of TCMT use. We recommend targeted strategies to motivate TCMT learning suited to the requirements of each class of TCMT learner.ConclusionRather than a single TCMT medical education program for primary health workers, CME programs should be targeted at different classes of TCMT learner.
Immunohistochemical reactivity of human tissues with monoclonal antibody against Escherichia coli O104 O-specific polysaccharide containing sialic acid
Authors: Korzeniowska-Kowal Agnieszka , Gamian Elżbieta , Skowicki Michał , Lipiński Tomasz , Seweryn Ewa , Ziółkowski Piotr , Letkiewicz Sławomir , Gamian Andrzej
Published: April 2023

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains the O-antigenic polysaccharide used for classifying bacteria into O-serotypes within species. The serotype O104 of E. coli is characterized by the presence of sialic acid in its LPS. In previous study we established the structure of its O-polysaccharide and here we report the reactivity of anti-O104 polysaccharide monoclonal antibody with human tissues. The study was conducted under an assumption that the sialic acid based molecular identity of bacterial and tissue structures is not only an understanding the mimicry based bacterial pathogenicity. Cross-reacting antibodies could be used to recognise specific human tissues depending on their histogenesis and differentiation which might be useful for diagnostic purposes. The results indicate that variety of human tissues is recognised by anti-O104 antibodies. Positive reaction has been found in the metastatic colon adenocarcinoma cells in liver, ganglioneuroma cells, ovarian endometrioid carcinoma cells, mammary invasive ductal carcinoma cells and prostate carcinoma cells. The negative reaction with monoclonal antibody anti-O104 LPS has been observed in trophoblast, cartilage, normal squamous epithelium, hematopoietic cells and certain tumours, such as squamous cell carcinoma, myxoid liposarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Further studies should determine the structure of the recognized tissue epitope.
Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate in Pediatric Patients with Neurogenic Bladder: a comparison between Creatinine- and Cystatine C-equations
Authors: Menezes Catarina , Costa Teresa , Brás Catarina , Sousa Patrícia , Mendes Ana , Amorim Rosa , Faria Maria Sameiro , Mota Conceição
Published: April 2023

Purpose:
Patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) have higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Due to their lower muscle mass, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using creatinine (Cr) may be overestimated and delay the diagnosis of renal failure.
The study compare eGFR calculated by different formulas based on creatinine and/or cystatin C (CysC) in children with NB, and the differences between patients with lower muscle mass (underdeveloped lower limbs) and with independent gait (less muscle depletion).
Methods:
The eGFR was calculated in all pediatric patients with NB and CKD stage 1 and 2, using different formulas: CKiD-Cr, CKiD-CysC, CKiD combined-Cr/CysC, Zappitelli-CysC and Zappitelli combined-Cr/CysC.
Results:
Forty-seven patients were evaluated, 74.5% in CKD stage 1, with median age of 14.1 years, 59.6% had lipo/myelomeningocele. When compared with CKiD-Cr, CysC-based formulas showed lower eGFR ​​(p<0.05), (CKiD-CysC (p<0.001), Zappitelli-CysC (p<0.001), CKiD -Cr/CysC (p<0.001) and Zappitelli combined-Cr/CysC (p<0.05)).
When CKiD-CysC was used, 68% of patients moved to a more advanced CKD stage.
In patients without independent gait, with lower muscle mass (55.3%), the median eGFR using CKiD-Cr and CKiD combined-Cr/CysC were higher (p<0.05). No differences were found between the two groups using the others CysC-based formulas.
Conclusion:
In patients with NB and poor muscle mass, CKiD-Cr formula may overestimate renal function. CysC-based formulas seem more reliable in these patients, especially in those with greater muscular atrophy.