bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of converter configurations for vehicular applications
Authors: Ankur Kumar Gupta , Uliya Mitra , Hemant Kumar Verma
Published: March 2024

Renewable energy sources like hydro, wind, geothermal and solar along with fuel cells are nowadays solutions to the global energy crisis, environmental issues, and fossil fuel exploitation. The nature of the output of these renewable sources is D.C. The role of DC-DC converters in the integration of energy sources with microgrids is vital. These converters find their major applications in power generation, energy systems, vehicular applications, portable electronic devices, aerospace, etc. These converters help to boost the voltage and improve the reliability, stability, efficiency, and performance of the system. This study gives a brief overview of three DC-DC converters of non-isolated topology. They are: Clamped H-type boost DC-DC converter, Multi-Port Dual-Active-Bridge DC-DC Converter, and Four-Phase Interleaved Four-Switch Buck-Boost Converter. This study will make researchers learn and make their concept clear about the operation, performance, and usage of these converters.
Stagnation-Point Slip Flow of Hybrid Ferrofluid Past Exponentially Stretching Sheet in Darcy-Forchheimer Space
Authors:   Research Scholar, Mathematics & Statistics, Career Point University, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India, Prasad Sushil , Sood Shilpa , Thakur Archie
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The present article provides a detailed analysis on the Darcy-Forchheimer hybrid nanofluids flow past an exponentially stretching sheet in the presence of mixed convection with slip conditions and the impacts of different relevant parameters of the fluid flow for velocity and temperature profiles. Methods: In order to create hybrid nanofluids, two magnetic nanoparticles, magnetite ( ) and cobalt ferrite ( ), are taken into consideration. The governing boundary layer coupled partial differential equations are transformed into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations, which are then solved numerically by using the bvp4c solver available in the Matlab software. A comprehensive parametric analysis has been performed to show the effects of the convective parameter, velocity ratio parameter, porosity parameter, forchheimer parameter, solid volume fractions of and , velocity slip and temperature jump on the fluid velocity and temperature profiles as well as the local skin-friction coefficient and local Nusselt number within the boundary layer. Findings: For higher values of , , , , the velocity field grows, and it declines for , Fr, and A. The temperature field thickness is higher for , Fr, , and A, while decreases for and . The local skin friction coefficient diminishes as rise in the values of , , , Fr, , , A and B. The local Nusselt number shows increasing behaviour for increasing amount of , , , Fr, , , A and B. Novelty: The novelty of the current work is the analysis of the flow of Darcy-Forchheimer hybrid nanofluids across an exponentially stretched sheet in the presence of mixed convection with slip conditions. Here, water is used as base fluid and magnetite, cobalt ferrite being used as hybrid nanoparticles for the present study. Keywords: Hybrid nanofluids, Exponentially stretching sheet, Mixed convection, Velocity slip, Temperature jump
Studies on Biodiesel and Hydrogen Powered Dual Fuel Common Rail Direct Injection Engine
Authors:   Ph.D Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sanjay Ghodawat University, Atigre, Kolhapur, 416118, Maharashtra, India, Shaikh Sardar M , Khandal S V
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of hydrogen and used temple oil biodiesel (BTO) combination on the performance of Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) engine. To report the maximum possible flow rate (HFR) for knock free operation of the engine at a speed of 1500 RPM. Methods: Transesterification process was used to get BTO. was inducted through intake manifold. BTO was injected into engine cylinder using electronically controlled technique. Findings: The study revealed that the peak HFR was for BTO and 0.24 for diesel at an Injection Pressure (IP) of 800 bar and Injection Timing (IT) of before top dead center (bTDC). The Dual Fuel (DF) CRDi engine with Toriodal Reentrant Combustion Chamber (TRCC) shape yielded 6% to lower Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) with reduced exhaust gas emissions except 19 to higher oxides of nitrogen (NOx) at and 100% loads. Both Peak Combustion Pressure (PP) and Heat Release Rate (HRR) were 5 to 9% higher than BTO run diesel engine operation. Combustion Duration (CD) and Ignition Delay (ID) were 6 to 15% lower in DF CRDi operation with . Novelty: Diesel engine comes with hemispherical combustion chamber (HCC). Toriodal Reentrant Shaped Combustion Chamber (TRCC) was adopted in place of HCC which results better mixing of air and fuel. and BTO combination was used to power CRDi engine. Electronically controlled fuel injection system developed and fitted to conventional diesel engine. Keywords: Used temple oil biodiesel (BTO); Common rail direct injection (CRDi) engine; Toriodal reentrant combustion chamber (TRCC); Hydrogen flow rate (HFR); Hydrogen-biodiesel energy ratio (H2BER)
An Empirical Study to Analyse The Effect of Bagging and Feature Subspacing on The Performance of A Custom Ensemble Algorithm for Predicting Drug Protein Interactions
Authors:   Department of Computer Science & IT, IIS (deemed to be University), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Bhargava Harshita , Sharma Amita , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyse the effect of bagging and feature subspacing on the performance of a custom ensemble of decision tree classifiers for predicting drug protein interactions. Methods: In our present work we have designed a custom ensemble algorithm with decision trees as the base learner. We analysed the effect of bagging negative samples and feature subspacing on the performance of the custom ensemble in terms of AUCROC and AUPR. The Enzyme dataset from the Yamanishi dataset composed of 445 drugs and 664 proteins was used for the experiments. Findings: It was observed that the effect of bagging negative samples was significant as compared to feature supspacing in terms of AUPR metric. Now since AUPR is a metric that remains unaffected by the presence of negative samples hence the increase in AUPR by increasing the negative to positive ratio clearly indicated that the negative samples do contain the positives which are unknown and are yet to be verified. Novelty: The results give a strong indication that that feature subspacing has no considerable impact on the AUCROC metric performance of the custom ensemble while AUPR metric increases as the negative to positive ratio increases. The results give a foundation to the fact that, finding reliable negative samples from the entire set of negative drug protein pairs can further enhance the performance of the machine learning classifiers. Keywords: Decision tree classifier, Ensemble classifier, Drug discovery, Bagging, Drug repurposing
Vehicle Speed Detection using Haar Cascade Classifier and Correlation Tracking
Authors:   M.S. Student, Department of Computer Science, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, 65409, MO, USA, Siddiqua Ayesha , Saher Amena , Sumera Sumera
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop an efficient and cost-effective solution for predicting vehicle speeds using recorded video data. Methods: The proposed system employs a combination of image processing techniques and computer vision to calibrate cameras for traffic simulation, enabling the extraction of information on average vehicle speeds. It utilizes the Haar Cascade Classifier for object detection, followed by a correlation tracker for vehicle tracking. Speed estimation is achieved through the frame differencing method. The dataset comprises 90 minutes of recorded data from highway cameras, showcasing diverse traffic scenarios with various vehicle types (trucks, trailers, cars, buses, and bikes) at varying speeds. Predicted values are compared with ground truth data obtained from a GPS-equipped car, using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) as the evaluation metric. Findings: The algorithm's performance is evaluated, resulting in an average error rate of 1.72 km/h (2.07%). These findings are compared with state-of-the-art data. Novelty: This study introduces a novel system that combines the Haar Cascade Classifier, correlation tracker, and frame differencing method to track vehicle positions, incorporating bike detection into the analysis, and calculate their moving speeds. A relative analysis underscores the system's performance, emphasizing its effectiveness in real-world applications and demonstrating refinement in accuracy assessment. Keywords: Image processing, Vehicle speed estimation, Haar Cascade Classifier, Correlation tracker, Error rate calculation, Computer vision
Influence of Courtyard on the Behavioural, Cultural, Climatic and Spatial Characteristics in a Transformed Vernacular Courtyard House – A Case Study in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Authors:   Research scholar, Department of Architecture, Sathyabama Institute of science and technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Vedhajanani B , Amirtham Lilly Rose
Published: March 2024

Background: Courtyard have been used in residential vernacular architecture for many decades. It was incorporated within the spatial design of a house for both its cultural and climatic significance. Objectives: To understand the significance of courtyard in modern-day context, this research aims to explore the behavioural, cultural, climatic and spatial characteristics of courtyard in a transformed vernacular house in Tamil Nadu. Methods: The vernacular house was documented. Unstructured interviews were conducted with the residents to understand the relationship of the courtyard and its surrounding spaces. A matrix of attributes was developed in the research. In-situ measurements were recorded in 2021 December (Winter) and 2022 May (Summer). A statistical analysis using ArcGIS software was carried out to evaluate the correlation between the attributes. Findings: Results indicated that the cultural links with climatic and spatial attributes have been either weakened or lost in a few cases after transformations. Cultural links with courtyard have been lost to a larger extent. The links between cultural attributes and spatio temporal activities have been lost in recent years. Spatio temporal activities are more linked to privacy in recent times. The relationship between courtyard and climatic attributes has been altered with the changes in spatial configuration. The links between the climatic and spatial attributes have become weak due to transformations but not lost. The courtyard is strongly linked to temperature compared to all other climatic attributes. Spatio temporal activities are more related to temperature and day lighting. These activities are associated with spatial attributes like size, enclosure and openings. Spatial attributes like enclosure and openings are more linked to courtyard. Novelty: The study establishes the relationship between the behavioural, cultural, climatic and spatial attributes of a residential courtyard. Keywords: Courtyard, Culture, Climate, Activity pattern, Transformation
Deep Ensemble Learning Model for Diagnosis of Lung Diseases from Chest X -Ray Images
Authors:   Research Scholar, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Gujarat Technological University, Gujarat, India, Patel Mamta , Shah Mehul
Published: March 2024

Objectives: This study aims to develop a robust medical recognition system using deep learning for the identification of various lung diseases, including COVID-19, pneumonia, lung opacity, and normal states, from chest X-ray images. The focus is on implementing ensemble fixed features learning methods to enhance diagnostic capabilities, contributing to the development of a cost-effective and reliable diagnostic tool for combating the global epidemic of lung disorders. Methods: The study utilizes a Kaggle dataset containing COVID-19 chest radiography images. Raw X-ray images undergo preprocessing for contrast enhancement and noise removal while addressing dataset imbalance through near-miss resampling. Ensemble learning techniques, including two and three-level methods, are employed to harness the strengths of individual base learners—VGG16, InceptionV3, and MobileNetV2. The model's performance is evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score. For remote access, a user interface and a shared web link are developed using Python Gradio. Findings: In two-level ensembles, features from base learners are concatenated and classified using a support vector machine. Three-level ensembles use concatenated features classified by three machine learning classifiers, employing a majority voting system for the final prediction. The two-level method achieved 93% accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The three-level ensemble model demonstrates superior performance, achieving 94% accuracy in detecting four lung diseases, namely COVID-19, pneumonia, lung opacity, and normal states. Novelty: This research contributes to the field by showcasing the efficacy of deep learning technology, particularly ensemble learning, in enhancing the detection of lung diseases from raw chest X-ray images. The model employs three modified and efficient pretrained networks for automatic feature extraction, eliminating the need for manual feature engineering. The developed model stands as a promising decision-support tool for healthcare professionals, particularly in low-resource environments. Keywords: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Deep Learning (DL), Transfer Learning (TL), Ensemble learning (EL), Fixed feature extraction, Chest X­rays (CXR), Lung diseases
Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Analysis of Wire Electro-Discharge Machining of Ceramic Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Material
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India, Gore Abhay S , Patil Nilesh G , Farooqui Mohammed Naser
Published: March 2024

Objectives: A mathematical model is formulated for WEDM process for machining of Al/SiC/p to predict crater size, material removal rate for single spark discharge and same model is extended for multiple spark discharges which is not extensively studied in the literature. This was done by considering previous experimental data from the literature. Methods: A mathematical model predicts heat flux, radius of crater, material removal rate. Mode of heat transfer considered as conduction through workpiece. Material modeling is done considering the number of reinforced particles in the given volume. For random distribution of reinforced particles, a code is written in MATLAB software tool. Co-ordinates of these reinforced particles are extracted for FEA simulation in ABAQUS software tool. Material properties are considered as temperature dependent. This methodology is not adopted for MMCs. Findings: Results of theoretical model, FEA simulation and experimentation are compared. The predicted MRR by FEA simulation is 2% error at lower Ton values as 0.2µs and 0.4 µs to that of experimental MRR. Novelty: Crater size becomes shallow with increase in volume percentage of SiC particles resulting greater crater radius. With increased pulse on time MRR increases up to certain limit and then decreases. Keywords: WEDM, Modeling, MMC, FEA, MRR
On Wilker’s and Huygen’s Type Inequalities for Generalized Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Functions
Authors:   Assistant Professor, School of Mathematical Sciences, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, 431606, Maharashtra, India, Darkunde Nitin , Ghodechor Sanjay
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The Trigonometric inequalities, generalized trigonometric inequalities which have been obtained by Wilker and Cusa Huygens have attracted attention of so many researchers. Generalized trigonometric functions are simple generalization of the classical trigonometric functions. It is related to the r- Laplacian, which is known as a non-linear differential operator. Method: For the establishment of inequalities involving generalized trigonometric and hyperbolic functions convexity plays the important role in many aspects, also Monotonicity rule is used for sharpness of inequalities. This technique is used to refine and sharpness of inequalities. Findings: Our main result of this paper focus on generalization of Wilker and Cusa Huygens type inequalities for generalized trigonometric and hyperbolic functions with one parameter. Novelty: The inequalities with generalized trigonometric and hyperbolic functions proved in this research paper are Wilker's and Cusa Huygens generalization. It can be used for further refinement and sharpness. Keywords: Trigonometric function, Hyperbolic function, Generalized Trigonometric, Hyperbolic functions, Wilker Inequality and Huygen's Inequality
Experimental Investigation on Color Change and Weight Loss of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete when Exposed to Elevated Temperature
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Jessie J Anita , Gaayathri K K , Sivaji R , Lavanya N
Published: March 2024

Objectives: This study mainly focuses on different steel fibres content behaviour, when exposed to various temperature. Methods: In this experimental investigation, the prism specimen of size 500 x 100 x 100 mm with steel fibre content of 0% and 1.5% were exposed to temperature of 100 °C, 300ºC, 500 °C and 700 °C. The Temperature-Time graph was obtained as an outcome of the experiment. Color change and weight loss of specimens at different temperatures was assessed. Findings: The RSM weight loss prediction model has been proposed for specimen before and after exposure of temperature. Color changes at 100 °C, 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C was observed to be no color change, red, grey and whitish grey respectively. Mass loss of 0% steel fibre concrete prism at 100 °C, 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C was found to be 2.17%, 4.33%, 4.24% and 6.55% respectively. Mass loss of 0% steel fibre concrete prism at 100 °C, 300 °C, 500 °C and 700 °C was found to be 0.61%, 4.51%, 5.66%, and 6.27% respectively. Novelty: Very few studies have been conducted on the combination of color change and weight loss of the specimen. Weight loss prediction model is the novelty of this study. The RSM prediction model clearly indicates that the response values are 97.21% and 96.12%, where the model is fit for weight of specimen before and after exposure to temperature respectively. Keywords: SFRC, Color change, weight loss, RSM, Temperature
Characterization of a Novel System of Bismuth Lead Borosilicate Glass Containing Copper
Authors:   Department of Physics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India, Krishna Madabushanam Gopi , Guntu Ravi Kumar , Shareefuddin Md , Prasad N V
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The primary objective of the present investigation was to examine the impact of Bi3+ ions on the optical, radiation shielding, dielectric and structural characteristics of lead borosilicate glasses doped with CuO. Method: In this view, we planned to utilize the conventional rapid melt quenching method to produce glasses with the following chemical composition: 25 PbO + 15 B2O3 + 0.1 CuO + (59.9-x) SiO2 :x Bi2O3 (0≤x≤12). Findings: The samples' non-crystalline characteristics were validated through XRD and SEM analysis, respectively, while their glass-forming capabilities were assessed through DTA studies. Utilizing the FT–IR and Raman analyses, the numerous structural units were determined. According to the findings of the FT-IR, and Raman analyses, the degree of disorder in the glass network increased. By means of optical absorption experiments, the optical properties of glasses were determined. The results obtained from optical absorption spectral investigations indicated that the concentration of octahedral Cu2+ ions increased gradually as the Bi2O3 concentration increased to 12 mol %. The dielectric properties of the glasses, suggested that the dielectric constant values of glasses containing Bi2O3 in concentrations below 12 mol% increase gradually. Additionally, the radiation shielding properties of the glasses are investigated. The values of radiation protection ability found to be purely function of Bi2O3 concentration. Novelty: The results suggest that the glasses' thermal stability, dielectric constant, optical band gap and radiation shielding ability values purely function of Bi2O3 concentration. Keywords: Borosilicate glasses, Thermal stability, Optical absorption, Radiation shielding properties, Dielectricsq
10x Genomics Xenium for FFPE User Guides v1
Authors: Houston Andrew
Published: March 2024

Xenium allows for in situ transcript detection of selected probe set of RNA targets revealing spatially resolved expression patterns at nearly single-cell resolution.
SOP and tick-sheet for using TDP-43 RNA aptamer (TDP-43APT) to detect pathological TDP-43 in FFPE-preserved human tissue, as described in Spence and Waldron et al., 2024 (Acta Neuropathologica) v1
Authors: Gregory Jenna , Spence Holly , M Waldron Fergal
Published: March 2024

Here we provide a SOP to outline the correct procedures for performing Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect pathological TDP-43 in FFPE-preserved human tissue using the TDP-43 RNA Aptamer (TDP-43APT), as described in Spence and Waldron et al., 2024 published in Acta Neuropathologica (in press at the time of release of this SOP on01/03/2024) Users with access to Sequenza immunostaining racks and histological facilities (with fume hood) should be able to carry out all steps over two days. This protocol uses the TDP-43APT sequence published in Zacco et al., 2022. The sequence is: CGGUGUUGCU with a 3' Biotin-TEG modification, purified using HPLC, scale: 1.0 µM synthesis. Reference for citations of this method RNA aptamer reveals nuclear TDP-43 pathology is an early aggregation event that coincides with STMN-2 cryptic splicing and precedes clinical manifestation in ALS. Holly Spence*, Fergal M. Waldron*, Rebecca S. Saleeb, Anna-Leigh Brown, Olivia M. Rifai, Martina Gilodi, Fiona Read, Kristine, Roberts, Gillian Milne, Debbie Wilkinson, Judi O’Shaughnessy, Annalisa Pastore, Pietro Fratta, Neil Shneider, Gian Gaetano Tartaglia, Elsa Zacco, Mathew H. Horrocks, Jenna M. Gregory (2024). Acta Neuropathologica (in press at the time of release of this SOP on 01/03/2024). *equal contributions, ‡corresponding author
Hospitality Discourse on Social Media: Evaluating Online Complaints and Service Recovery for Luxury Hotels
Authors: Wan Yau Ni , Forey Gail
Published: March 2024

The number of hotel visitors who post their personal experiences on online hotel review forums after their trips has increased significantly in the digital age. However, there is limited linguistic research that examines 1) how international travelers communicate online to share their negative hotel experiences and 2) how luxury hotel management resolves complaints and regains customer trust. This study examines electronic word-of mouth (eWOM) in the reviews and focuses on posted by international travelers who stayed at Hong Kong's 5-star luxury hotels and e-replies posted by hotel management groups. The data are based on authentic reviews collected from an online travel review forum. The present study employs appraisal analysis (Martin & White, 2005) and specifically the engagement system to investigate heteroglossic voice in 38 sets of complex e-complaints and responses totaling 17,344 words. The findings contribute to the advancement of professional discourse in hospitality service encounters.
An Analysis of Arab Undergraduate Students’ Writing Performance: Applying SWOT Framework
Authors: Al-Mutawa Alya S. , Al-Kandari Hanan S. , Fayez Fatema M.
Published: March 2024

Writing is an indispensable skill in the academic as well as professional lives of individuals. As such, an in-depth multi-layered delve into the writing of students becomes necessary to gain a better understanding of these texts from different directions. This study explores the writing skill proficiency of undergraduate Arab business students using the SWOT framework: analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The SWOT framework was adopted as an analytical framework for this study to achieve interdisciplinarity between the different fields of knowledge during face-to-face and hybrid sessions. This, in its turn, could contribute to viewing a persisting issue in the field of language teaching and learning, such as students’ writing performance, from a different angle. An analysis of a written corpus of 80 students’ written analytical essays was thoroughly conducted to depict the nature of students’ writing. The participants of the current study were business major students enrolled in an ESP course at the Arab Open University in Kuwait. Data analysis has yielded interesting findings with respect to the internal strengths and weaknesses in the students’ writing in the business field. The data has also provided valuable insights on the future opportunities as well as the pitfalls to avoid in order to improve the quality of students’ writing as external factors that might be affecting their performance in analytical business writing. Such findings could also be helpful for writing instructors when planning, teaching, and assessing their students’ writing.
Efficiency of Investment Project Evaluation in the Development of Innovative Industrial Activities
Authors: Shaturaev Jakhongir
Published: March 2024

The article discusses the issues of the effectiveness of investment projects, and their assessment when introducing innovations into the process. As you know, innovations, both domestic and foreign, allow you to first create the prerequisites for stabilizing the situation in the country's economy, and then for a radical increase in its efficiency. That is why the theoretical substantiation of the conceptual approach, the development of practical recommendations for solving problems, and strategies for the innovative development of industries are becoming an important factor in progress and, therefore, very relevant and significant research for practice. The efficiency of investment projects is analyzed based on the goals of the industry, methods are used and a calculation is given to increase the efficiency of implemented projects in the industry. In this regard, it is necessary to note the particular importance of timely identification and systematic use of reserves for the implementation of innovative activities, as well as for increasing innovative activity to achieve more efficient further activities of industries.
Innovation of Environmentally Friendly Solid Electrolyte Biobattery Based on Carrageenan and Rotten Tomatoes
Authors: Widyaningsih Mia , Abidin Muhamad , Hafidh Ashary Fathul , Murniati Anceu , Ragadhita Risti , Rizky Karina Mulya , Mudzakir Ahmad
Published: March 2024

This research aims to create and evaluate the performance of environmentally friendly biobattery based on carrageenan and rotten tomatoes to reduce B3 waste. To make a biobattery based on carrageenan and rotten tomatoes, five ratios of carrageenan and rotten tomatoes mixtures were used with the composition of carrageenan values of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% for each type of battery. The parameters observed in this study were the potential difference, current strength, and stability of the biobattery. Carrageenan was added to prevent battery leakage and maintain battery stability. As a result, the biobattery has a potential difference value equivalent to a commercial battery, namely 1.5 V, but the current generated is still low. On the other hand, biobatteries can be applied to alarm clocks. The difference in carrageenan concentration has no significant effect on the value of potential difference, current strength, power, recharging ability, and application on wall clocks, as well as the stability of the biobattery. The experiment was carried out with the hypothesis that husk ash can absorb rotten tomatoes, preventing electrolyte leakage. However, the resulting biobattery is still leaking. After that, we modified it again by using electrolytes made from rotten tomatoes and coconut dregs, but the leakage was still the same. Therefore, the biobattery made from a combination of carrageenan and rotten tomatoes was assumed to keep the battery more stable and prevent leakage. This research was expected to contribute to the development of environmentally friendly batteries to reduce B3 waste, along with the increasing need for batteries in the era of industrial revolution 4.0.
Effect of Water Regime and Soil Maintenance Mode on Vegetative Growth and Peach Tree Production
Authors: Laita Meriame , Hammouti Belkheir , Sabbahi Rachid , Messaoudi Zerhoune , Benkirane Rachid
Published: March 2024

The peach tree is a very water-demanding species that is affected by water stress, which is worsening due to global warming. The soil environment is also influenced by tillage and cropping methods, which affect the water content, temperature, aeration, and organic matter of the soil. Weed control is one of the most crucial cultural practices in arboriculture since weeds can compete with fruit trees for resources. This paper aims to measure the impact of water stress combined with different soil maintenance methods on vegetative growth and peach tree production. Different evapotranspiration conditions (ETc) were used. Two irrigation doses R1 (80% of ETc) and R2 (100% of ETc) were combined with three soil maintenance modes T1 (Sapping), T2 (Sickle tillage), and T3 (Chemical maintenance). The findings highlighted water stress reduces the growth and development of the peach tree but did not have a significant impact on yield when the irrigation dose was reduced by 20%. The sapping and sickle maintenance modes recorded the best results for most of the parameters, while the chemical maintenance mode had a positive effect on the total number of fruits and yield under the 100% of ETc water regime.
Clinical and economic effectiveness of using immunotherapeutic drugs in patients with urothelial carcinoma in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation
Authors: Krysanov I. S. , Makarova E. V. , Kurkin D. V. , Ermakova V. Yu.
Published: March 2024

Aim. To perform pharmacoeconomic evaluation of chemotherapy schemes GC (gemcitabine, cisplatin) and GemCarbo (gemcitabine, carboplatin) in comparison with immunotherapy drugs atezolizumab, pembrolizumab or avelumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

Materials and methods. Pharmacoeconomic cost–effectiveness analysis, sensitivity analysis in context of changes of initial model parameters were performed.

Results. Literature data analysis allows to make a conclusion of better clinical effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy drugs compared to chemotherapy in patients with urothelial carcinoma. Cost of medications was significantly lower for platinum-based chemotherapy (103,625.61 rubles for GC and 88,733.63 rubles for GemCarbo) compared to a course of immunotherapy (950,092.39 rubles for atezolizumab, 953,340.21 rubles for pembrolizumab, 1,328,999.43 rubles for GC + avelumab). However, the cost of treatment of complications arising during platinum-based chemotherapy was more than 20-fold higher than cost of treatment of immunotherapy complications: 578,853.02 rubles versus 15,336.78– 26,994.52 rubles). Cost–effectiveness analysis favored atezolizumab for which cost–effectiveness ratio was 53,230.69 rubles for 1 month of patient’s life. Atezolizumab had better value than standard 1st line GC chemotherapy by 10,671.80 rubles, as well as immunotherapy courses using pembrolizumab by 9,697.57 rubles and GC + avelumab by 10,824.66 rubles. The highest costs were observed for GemCarbo chemotherapy course: it is 18,522.82 rubles more expensive than atezolizumab course. Sensitivity analysis performed for the cost–effectiveness ratio showed stability of the developed model in regards to increased cost of atezolizumab course up to +18 % and decrease in overall survival with this course up to –15 %.

Conclusion. Atezolizumab is a clinically effective and economically justified option for treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and PD-L1 expression ≥5 % in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation.
Adenomatoid tumor of the right adrenal gland masked as pheochromocytoma: clinical case
Authors: Chuprina A. P. , Bobin A. N. , Pecherskaya M. S. , Segedin R. E.
Published: March 2024

According to summary autopsy data, the incidence of accidentally detected neoplasms of the adrenal glands is 6 %. Computed tomography performed for other reasons shows adrenal gland lesions in 4 % of cases. In diagnostic strategy for adrenal gland lesions, the most important factors to consider are hormonal activity and malignant potential. Moreover, absence of clinical manifestations for long periods of time and their mildness frequently lead to underestimation of the seriousness of the situation. Therefore, surgical treatment can be accompanied by multiple negative consequences. Literature describes cases accompanied by hypertensive crises which subsequently turned out to be hormonally inactive adenomas or adrenocortical carcinoma. The article describes a patient in whom hormonal activity masked an extremely rare benign tumor.
Organ-preserving surgical treatment of a patient with synchronous bilateral morphologically different renal cell carcinoma, inferior vena cava tumor thrombus and pyeloureteral segment stone: clinical case
Authors: Turupaev K. A. , Klimov A. V. , Khalmurzaev O. A. , Arakelyan G. A. , Ladyko D. D. , Bezhanova S. D. , Vorob’eva V. O. , Smirnova A. V. , Matveev V. B.
Published: March 2024

Kidney cancer is the 3rd most common disease in oncological urology. In 4–10 % cases, tumor thrombus of the inferior vena cava is diagnosed. In literature, single-digit number of cases of organ-preserving surgical treatment of patients with kidney cancer complicated by tumor thrombus is described. The article presents a rare clinical case of synchronous bilateral morphologically different kidney cancer with tumor thrombus in the left renal vein, perirenal segment of the inferior vena cava, pyeloureteral segment stone in the right ureter.
Atypical neoplastic solitary focal uptake of 18F-PSMA-1007 in PET/CT in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Antonevskaya T. L. , Khalimon A. I. , Khodzhibekova M. M. , Atakishieva L. U. , Khamadeeva G. F. , Khodakova D. Yu. , Lazutina T. N. , Pylova I. V. , Volchenko N. N. , Leontyev A. V.
Published: March 2024

It is established that prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), despite its name, is expressed in many tissues other than the prostate gland, both within physiological conditions and in various pathological processes. Additionally, apart from prostate cancer, other malignant tumors are characterized by increased PSMA expression which, according to many authors, is associated with neoangiogenesis. These factors are reflected in the results of PSMA-radioligand imaging and require comprehensive approach to image interpretation including evaluation of computed tomography and magnetic resonance semiotics. In addition, rare cases of distant visceral prostate cancer metastasis in the form of solitary lesions also should be considered during interpretation of the results of radiologic imaging including positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

We present two clinical cases in which positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed solitary foci of pathological 18F-PSMA-1007 uptake outside the areas of typical metastatic spread (with exception of advanced disease) of prostate cancer, specifically in the stomach wall and the left cerebellar hemisphere. In the first case histological examination results revealed a metachronous low grade neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach, in the second case a metastatic lesion of the cerebellum was diagnosed as part of the underlying disease.
When after radical prostatectomy radiotherapy should be performed? Comparison of adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy (literature review)
Authors: Taraki I. A. , Khmelevskiy E. V. , Gaas М. Ya. , Vorobyev N. V. , Sozykin M. A.
Published: March 2024

The question of optimal times and indications for radiotherapy (adjuvant or salvage) after surgical treatment of prostate cancer remains unanswered. Therefore, studies of this problem are essential and important for clinical practice. The article evaluates the effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy compared to salvage radiotherapy in the context of recurrence-free survival and associated adverse events. In 3 randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis, adjuvant radiotherapy did not show improved recurrence-free survival compared to salvage radiotherapy. The choice between adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy should be based on individual patient history and the risk of recurrence. Delayed radiotherapy can help some patients to avoid excessive treatment and associated adverse events.
Current understanding of prostate cancer biomarkers
Authors: Popov S. V. , Guseynov R. G. , Vasin A. V. , Sivak K. V. , Pomeshkin E. V. , Perepelitsa V. V. , Bunenkov N. S. , Lelyavina T. A.
Published: March 2024

Worldwide, prostate cancer has remained one of the most common malignant neoplasms among men and it is accompanied by high mortality rates. Standard methods for diagnosing prostate cancer have limited sensitivity and specificity, unnecessary biopsies are often performed, and the risk of overdiagnosis of the disease and overtreatment of patients is high. The review considers diagnostic and prognostic biological markers of prostate cancer proposed in recent years. Theoretical foundations for the use of new biomarkers are analyzed. The characteristics and practical significance of biomarkers of various groups (immunohistochemical, molecular and genetic, prostate specific antigen-associated, volatile organic metabolites) are presented. The need for further large-scale scientific research in the field of biomarker application in prostate cancer, criteria for their selection and evaluation are described. The introduction of modern diagnostic and prognostic markers into real clinical practice opens up new opportunities for improvement of prostate cancer diagnosis, individual prognosis, and rationalization of treatment strategy.
Functional outcomes of repeat kidney resection in patients with cancer recurrence after nephron-sparing surgeries
Authors: Zhumabaev N. K. , Komarov M. I. , Klimov A. V. , Matveev V. B. , Stilidi I. S.
Published: March 2024

Aim. To perform comparative analysis of functional outcomes of repeat kidney resection and radical nephrectomy in patients with local cancer recurrence after previous organ-sparing surgeries.

Materials and methods. Data on 64 patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Oncourology Department of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology between 2000 and 2022 due to local kidney cancer recurrence after previous nephron-sparing surgeries were retrospectively and prospectively included in the study. Among these, 37 (57.8 %) patients underwent repeat kidney resection (treatment group) and 27 (42.2 %) patients underwent radical nephrectomy (control group). The groups were matched in demographic and clinical characteristics (р >0.05). Median diameter of recurrent tumor in the treatment and control groups was 2.5 and 3.0 cm, respectively (95 % confidence interval 2.0–3.0 cm; Q1–Q3 2.4–4.0 cm). This difference was statistically significant (р = 0.012), but not clinically. Median follow-up duration was 35 (3–131) months (Q1–Q3 13–57 months).

Results. Repeat nephron-sparing surgeries correlated with lower decrease in kidney function compared to organ-resecting surgical treatment. In the early postoperative period, decrease in calculated glomerular filtration rate per the CKD-EPI formula compared to baseline after re-resection and nephrectomy was 16 and 32 % (р = 0.010); long-term, it was 8 ± 41 and 45 ± 22 % (р <0.001), respectively. Complication rates in the groups were similar: 21.6 and 29.6 %, respectively (р = 0.563).

Conclusion. For local kidney cancer recurrence, repeat resection promotes preservation of kidney function without increased complication rate.
Effectiveness and safety of darolutamide as a component of combination therapy in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Alekseev B. Ya. , Perepukhov V. M. , Nyushko K. M.
Published: March 2024

Prostate cancer is an extremely important problem in current urologic oncology. For a long time, the golden standard of treatment of common forms of prostate cancer at the stage of distant metastases was androgen deprivation therapy directed at suppression of native testosterone level. Combination treatment using long-term androgen deprivation therapy and new generation antiandrogens is currently a scientifically substantiated conceptually new standard of therapy which has replaced treatment paradigm using androgen deprivation therapy as a monotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. The article presents the results of large trials performed in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and characterizes the role of one of the most effective and safe drugs, darolutamide, used to treat patients of this subgroup.
Biosimilars in the practice of modern oncologist
Authors: Shevchuk I. M. , Kalpinskiy A. S.
Published: March 2024

Currently, genetically engineered drugs are widely used in oncological clinical practice which has significantly increased treatment cost. One of the most effective ways to decrease cost is substitution of an innovative drug after patent expiration with a reproduced compound – biosimilar.

In this article, a problem of biosimilars is actualized both worldwide and in Russia, characteristics of these products are described, and the path of the agents from the moment of reproduction through preclinical and clinical trials to introduction into real clinical practice is traced, examples of such trials are presented.

The results of clinical trials of effectiveness and safety of Pembroria® in patients with various oncological pathologies are described in detail. The first data from the multicenter prospective post-marketing trial PERFECTION are presented demonstrating similar effectiveness and tolerability results for the biosimilar in a multicohort patient category compared to pembrolizumab molecule.

Manufacturing of high-quality analogs and their introduction into clinical practice create a possibility to provide more patients in need with modern highly effective and safe drugs as well as increases effectiveness of the state healthcare system.
First experience of using Pembroria® medication in patients with disseminated renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shevchuk I. M. , Movchan N. D.
Published: March 2024

Background. According to the clinical guidelines from the leading Russian and international societies, treatment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma is based on combination use of immune and targeted drugs. In December of 2022, the first Russian analogue of immune-oncological drug pembrolizumab with trade name Pembroria® was registered in Russia.

Aim. To evaluate safety of the biosimilar, as well as register its effectiveness in the form of objective response estimation in accordance with the RECIST v.1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1) criteria. The article presents the results of the first experience of using Pembroria® in real clinical practice. Two clinical observations are presented demonstrating effectiveness and safety of the biosimilar.

Materials and methods. At the clinic of the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology – branch of the National Medical Research Radiology Center, 21 patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who did not previously receive systemic antitumor treatment underwent immunotarget therapy with Pembroria® and a targeted agent: lenvatinib (20 mg/day orally) or axitinib (10 mg/day orally).

Results. The analysis of effectiveness considering short follow-up periods was performed in 18 patients. Median follow-up period was 6 (2–13) months and objective response rate was 50 %, in 28 % of cases stable disease was observed. Survival rates were not evaluated due to short observation time.

Conclusion. Use of Pembroria® medication in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma in real clinical practice showed high objective response rate with acceptable toxicity level. No new, previously not described adverse events were registered during Pembroria® administration.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of local prostate cancer recurrence after radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy: a unified PI-RR reporting system
Authors: Rubtsova N. A. , Alekseev B. Ya. , Kaprin A. D. , Kryuchkova O. V. , Talyshinskii A. E.
Published: March 2024

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has an indisputable advantage in diagnosis of local recurrences of prostate cancer (PCa). Even though mpMRI has been shown to be very informative for detection of local PCa recurrences, high variability in its application and interpretation remains. Experts from the European Society for Urogenital Radiology (ESUR), the Imaging Committee of the European Association of Urology (ESUI), and several members of the PI-RADS committee developed a unified report system called Prostate Imaging Recurrence Reporting (PI-RR) to measure the risk of local recurrence of PCa in men who have had radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy and are being followed up. The principles of mpMRI that form the basis of PI-RR are well known and are stated in the PI-RADS v.2.1 guidelines, which have proven their diagnostic efficiency. The PI-RR system has the potential to become an important tool for improving communication between specialists involved in the process of PCa diagnosis and treatment, for optimizing treatment strategy in patients with local PCa recurrence, and for improving survival rates in patients with PCa after specialized anticancer treatment.