bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planting Aman Rice at Monsoon Onset Could Mitigate the Impact of Temperature Stress on Rice-Wheat Systems of Bihar, India
Authors: Montes Carlo , Urfels Anton , Han Eunjin , Singh Balwinder
Published: November 2022

The rice-wheat rotation is the dominant cropping system in Bihar, where food security of the rural population depends heavily on the production of rice and wheat. In Bihar, climatic shocks induced by low temperatures and terminal heat stress can significantly affect rice and wheat yields. The present work evaluates the benefit of using the monsoon onset as the date for planting rice in reducing thermal stress on rice-wheat systems. High-resolution gridded crop simulations using the APSIM model were performed to simulate potential yields of rice and wheat using the monsoon onset and the farmers’ practice as planting dates. The monsoon onset was calculated using an agronomic definition and farmers’ practice dates were estimated using satellite data. Model outputs were analyzed in terms of planting dates, yields, and the incidence of low temperature stress on rice and high temperature stress on wheat by means of the APSIM yields limiting factors. The results show that the rice planting and harvest dates using the monsoon onset are in general 20-30 days earlier, decreasing the incidence of thermal stress in rice and wheat, and generating higher and more stable yields. These results can help design mitigation strategies for the impacts of climate shocks induced by low and high temperature events in the context of the advances in sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasting, targeting climate services for farmers in Bihar.
Heavy Ion Beam Probing Diagnostics on the TUMAN-3M Tokamak for Study Plasma Potential and Electric Fields in New Operational Regimes
Authors: Askinazi Leonid , Abdullina Gulnara , Belokurov Alexander , Kornev Vladimir , Lebedev Sergei , Razumenko Dmitri , Shergin Dmitri , Smirnov Alexander , Tukachinsky Alexander , Zhubr Nikolay
Published: November 2022

Heavy Ion Beam Probing (HIBP) diagnostic is a powerful tool for electric field studies in hot dense plasma of modern day toroidal magnetic confinement devices. On the TUMAN-3M to-kamak, the HIBP have been used in regimes with improved plasma confinement to clear up the role of radial electric field in the transition to good confinement regimes. Recently, a moderni-zation of the TUMAN-3M HIBP diagnostics was performed aiming to reconfigure it for a work with a reversed plasma current direction and improvement of overall stability of the diagnostic. The results of first measurements of plasma potential in co-NBI scenario are reported and dis-cussed.
Impact of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) Certification to Environmental Behavior of Palm Oil Plantation Companies
Authors: Pasimura Indah , Afrizal Afrizal , Novarino Wilson
Published: November 2022

In order to realize sustainable palm oil plantations and to overcome negative impacts of it, Indonesian government has required Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification to palm oil plantation companies. After 10 years of implementation, it is important to know the impact of ISPO certification on environmental behavior of palm oil plantation companies, especially related to deforestation and land fires. Using qualitative method, this study investigates environmental behavior changes in seven palm oil plantation company related to deforestation, and land fires as results of ISPO certification and to analyze the cause of the changes. This study showed that the implementations of ISPO certification are able to change the company's environmental behavior to reduce forest conversion in concession areas and increase conservation areas as a fulfillment of ISPO principles and criteria. The change of those company’s environmental behavior caused by the pressure to issue ISPO regulation, the influence of the company's internal stakeholders in responding and understanding ISPO, and encouragement to get easy finance  access from banks.
Application of Cultivation Technology for Rice (Oryza sativa L. ) in Three Sectors of Rain Patterns in South Sulawesi
Authors: Yassi Amir , Bahrun Abd Haris , Iswoyo Hari , Padjung Rusnadi , Faisal Faisal
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of each component of cultivation technology application on the production of rice (Oryza Sativa L.) in South Sulawesi. This research was carried out in three rain-type sectors within South Sulawesi Province, namely Maros for the West Sector, Bone for the East Sector, and North Luwu for the Transitional sector. A study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020 in the form of a survey (study literature, observation, and interviews), with the selection of samples carried out purposively to 90 respondents. Data analysis employed multiple linear regression with SPSS software. The results showed that the average rice production in Maros, Bone and North Luwu regencies, South Sulawesi, was still relatively low, Maros Regency was 7,032 kg per ha, Bone was 5,020 kg per ha and North Luwu was 6,497 kg per ha. The multiple regression equation for rice production in Maros, Bone and North Luwu Regencies, South Sulawesi is Y = 3354,185 -17,751X1 – 4,044X2 +36,839X3 . Factors from the aspect of cultivation technology application can increase rice production. Variables of cropping system, irrigation system, and fertilizer dose had a significant effect on rice production, while the variables of varieties and harvest time did not have a significant effect on rice production.
Congratulations! The Best Paper Award 2022 and The Special Paper Award 2022
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: November 2022

The award ceremony for the Best Paper Award and the Special Paper Award was held virtually on September 27, 2022. Since the influence of COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, the winners and IJAT committee members who took part in the selection process attended online. The award-winning papers were carefully selected from among the 85 papers published in Vol.15 (2021). The award winners were granted a certificate and a honorarium. We congratulate the winners and sincerely wish them success in the future.
Estimation of Relative Resource Circulation for Heat Exchangers Using Material Flow Analysis for Air Conditioners
Authors: Fujii Shoma , Oshita Yuko , Kikuchi Yasunori , Ohara Satoshi ,   Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo  7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan,   Presidential Endowed Chair for “Platinum Society,” The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,   Department of Chemical System Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Published: November 2022

The demand for resource circulation of heat exchangers in air conditioners is expected to grow rapidly; however, the market stocking time is relatively long. Therefore, this scenario was used as a case study for sustainable products design. A material flow analysis was conducted to estimate the balance between global relative resource consumption for shipment, waste, and installed stock from publicly available information up to 2050. Based on the projected demand through 2050, the shipment volume for each year was calculated on a cooling capacity basis. From this analysis, the waste volume was calculated. Using the shipment volume on the basis of yearly cooling capacity, the shipment volume on a resource basis was calculated considering the heat transfer coefficient. The balance between the waste volume and the installed stock was estimated. The resource circulation was simulated by defining variables such as the ratio of units that can be converted from waste to shipment and the ratio of heat exchangers using circulated resources in the total number of shipments. The results indicate that the shipment, waste, and installed stock of resources projected for 2050 were greater than those at the 2021 levels by factors of 2.2, 2.8, and 2.9, respectively. In addition, they were greater than those of the 2021 levels in the scenarios by factors of 1.8, 2.2, and 2.8 accounting for the increase of heat transfer coefficient into account, indicating the importance of improvement of heat transfer. The simulation of circulation showed that a fully closed loop in 2050 would be difficult to achieve owing to the shortage of heat exchangers for waste-to-shipment. Sensitivity analysis also indicated that even under conditions where there is no predicted shortage of circulated resources for 2050, achieving the target in a short period of time may cause a rapid increase in demand for circulating resources. This would subsequently, lead to a shortage of supply compared to demand. Thus, it is important to account for these dynamics relating resource circulation and strategy planning during analysis.
Influence of Agitator Shape on Characteristics and Grinding Efficiency of Attritor Mill
Authors: Ye Chenzuo , Takaya Yutaro , Tsunazawa Yuki , Mochidzuki Kazuhiro , Tokoro Chiharu ,   Graduate School of Creative Science and Engineering, Waseda University 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan,   Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan,   Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan,   Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan,   Retoca Laboratory LLC, Funabashi, Japan
Published: November 2022

Grinding is a unit of operation of a pure mechanical process. An attritor is a grinder able to be used for fine or selective grinding. However, few studies have reported on the optimum design for the attritor. The attritor’s grinding characteristics and grinding effect depend not only on the operating conditions, but also on the geometry of the agitator. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the agitator shape on the grinding efficiency from the viewpoint of experiments, kinetic analysis, and discrete element method (DEM) simulations. We conducted grinding experiments with two different agitators. One was Agitator A, a traditional design with two pairs of 90° staggered mixing arms at the middle and bottom of the mixing shaft. The other was Agitator B, with a lower mixing arm inclined by 10° along the horizontal direction. We found that the grinding rate constant of Agitator B was approximately 40% greater than that of Agitator A. Although the size distribution of the particles was relatively dispersed after grinding with Agitator B, the distribution was concentrated mainly within two ranges (<0.5 mm and 2–4 mm) with Agitator A. These results and an elemental analysis of each size fraction suggested that the dominating grinding mode in Agitator A was surface grinding, whereas in Agitator B, it was bulk grinding. In terms of the influence of the agitator shape, the DEM simulation results showed that the kinetic energy of the grinding media in Agitator B was 0.0046 J/s, i.e., larger than the 0.0035 J/s obtained for Agitator A. A collision energy analysis showed that the dominating collision was between the media and wall in the tangential direction for both models. The collision energy of the media in Agitator B was larger than that of that in Agitator A. The results from the DEM simulation can help us evaluate the experimental results and infer the reasons why the grinding rate constant in Agitator B is larger than that in Agitator A.
Exploring the Impact of IoT and Green Advertising on Consumer Behavior
Authors: Tu Jui-Che , Yang Cheng-Hsueh , Chen Yu-Yin ,   Graduate School of Design, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology 123 University Road, Section 3, Douliou, Yunlin 64002, Taiwan,   Department of Mass Communication, Tamkang University, New Taipei, Taiwan
Published: November 2022

Over time, consumer awareness of environmental protection has grown. From big data in the Internet of things (IoT), green advertisement has indeed made a significant impact on consumers’ awareness of environmental protection. Therefore, this research studied the impact of the IoT and green advertisements on consumers’ behavior. An investigation was conducted based on focus group interviews, and the assumption was tested using statistical methods. The research results were as follows: 1) advertisement has a significant impact on consumer behavior; 2) consumers are willing to purchase advertised products that convey positive messages, regardless of their age, educational level, or average income level; 3) consumers with higher education levels have better environmental concepts; and 4) green advertisement has a significant impact on consumers’ environmental concepts and behaviors. In summary, the study found that green advertisement can improve consumers’ awareness of environmental protection and that consumers’ behavior can effectively influence the implementation of environmental protection.
Study on Method for Avoiding Chatter Vibration by Changing Machine Tool Rigidity
Authors: Hayashi Akio ,   Kanazawa Institute of Technology 7-1 Ohgigaoka, Nonoichi, Ishikawa 924-8501, Japan, Shibata Okitoshi , Morimoto Yoshitaka
Published: November 2022

Chatter vibration is a major problem in machining. At present, chatter vibration is avoided by changing the cutting conditions based on the stability limit diagram such that chatter vibration does not occur. However, changing the cutting conditions may reduce the productivity. The stability limit is estimated from the relationship between the dynamic characteristics of the machine tool and the cutting conditions. Therefore, we propose a method for avoiding chatter vibration by changing the machine tool rigidity. The dynamic characteristics of a desktop milling machine tool developed in a previous study can be changed by changing the tensile load of the brace bar attached on the frame. We report the transition of the dynamic characteristics and stability limit diagram with changes in the rigidity of the desktop machine tool, and confirm the presence or absence of chatter vibration through machining tests.
Developing A Moodle-Based Learning Management System (LMS) for Slow Learners
Authors: Widodo J. Priyanto , Musyarofah Lailatul , Slamet Joko
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to develop a Moodle-based Learning Management System (LMS) called eLSIDA (e-Learning STKIP PGRI Sidoarjo Asistif), which is validly used by students slow to study at STKIP PGRI Sidoarjo. This study used 3 out of 5 ADDIE models, namely Analysis, Design, and Development. Expert judgment in this study consists of two experts, material experts, and media experts. The research instrument used to obtain research data is a questionnaire. The data that has been obtained is then analyzed using descriptive analysis. Validation results from material experts obtained a score of 92.5%, while the results of media expert validation obtained a score of 95%. Based on the expert judgment assessment shown that eLSIDA that has been developed in general can be declared valid and worth to be used. The media that has been developed can be accessed through http://lms.elsida.ac.id/Although the development of eLSIDA has been considered valid, the effectiveness of the media on eLSIDA needs to be tested further.
Effectiveness of E - Module Implementation Using STEM Project-Based Learning on Statistics Materials
Authors: Ferdiani Rosita Dwi Ferdiani
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of implementing e-modules based on STEM Project-based learning on statistical material. This research is qualitative and quantitative. The types of data in this study are qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data is generated from the input and suggestions of teachers (learning experts) and respondents. Quantitative data in the form of scores from the questionnaire and test results done by students. The instruments used in this study were e-modules based on STEM Project-Based Learning, tests, and questionnaires. The subjects of this study were students of class VIII SMP Al Inayah. Based on the results of the study, it was found that: 1). Assessment of effectiveness based on the results of test scores obtained by students during limited field trials (small groups) showed that students' completeness scores were 80% reaching a score of 75 or above the KKM (Minimum Completeness Criteria). This percentage is located on a criterion scale of 80% < ð‘‹Ì… â‰¤ 100%, so the test results show that the e-module developed is in the "very effective" category. 2). Assessment of effectiveness based on the results of test scores obtained by students during large field trials (large groups) showed that the student's completeness score was 90% reaching a score of 75 or above the KKM (Minimum Completeness Criteria). This percentage is located on a criterion scale of 80% < ð‘‹Ì… â‰¤ 100% so the test results show that the e-module based on STEM Project Based Learning developed is in the "very effective" category. The difference between this study and previous research is that this research focuses on the effectiveness of implementing the STEM Project Based Learning e-module on junior high school statistics which discusses data distribution, average value, median, mode, and distribution of data to conclude, make decisions, and make predictions. The e-module contains exercises that help students think creatively and implement material on real-life projects and their relationship to the STEM
Plan de marketing para el lanzamiento al mercado de gomitas con melatonina en Lima Moderna
Authors:   , Malca Ugarelli Chiara Camille , Godinez Alanoca Rodrigo Enrique , Reategui Tello Diego Leonardo
Published: November 2022

Esta idea de negocio surge debido al contexto en el que vivimos por el que continuamente vivimos noche tras noche, problemas de sueño, que afecta a todas las personas de diferentes edades. Tenemos entendido que los problemas de sueño, como el insomnio, al generar largas horas sin poder dormir, desencadenan en consecuencias las cuales pueden afectar nuestra salud, entre las más conocidas tenemos el estrés, mal humor y cansancio, estas perjudican nuestras actividades del día a día; más aún en el contexto de pandemia que estamos pasando. Por esto surge nuestra propuesta de poder comercializar gomitas a base de melatonina, las cuales tienen el beneficio de ayudar a regular el sueño y mantener la calma a diferencia de otras gomitas que ya existen en el mercado actualmente. A partir de lo ya mencionado, nuestro objetivo de investigación es determinar la viabilidad de nuestro producto; es por esto que se desarrolló un análisis externo, el cual nos ayudó a encontrar los factores problemáticos que están afectando a nuestro país, acompañado de las fuerzas de Porter podremos obtener finalmente nuestro FODA y FODA cruzado, para así poder generar nuestras estrategias de negocio, además desarrollamos un análisis interno con una misión y visión que van de la mano para poder alcanzar nuestros objetivos, los cuáles son claros, medibles y alcanzables. También se realizará entrevistas a expertos para poder obtener su opinión acerca del producto y las encuestas realizadas al público objetivo que nos ayudarán a poder conocer los puntos que podemos mejorar para poder ofrecer el producto óptimo. Se expondrán las estrategias en cuanto a la creación de las redes sociales y la página web para generar engagement y con esto poder llegar a más personas, esto en conjunto con estrategias de marketing…
Prediction model for prolonged length of stay in hip fracture patients
Authors: Cao hong , Yu Jian , Chang YaRu , Li Yue , Zhou bingqian
Published: November 2022

Background
The length of hospital stay in hip fracture patients is closely associated with medical costs, the burden of which is increasing in aging societies. Herein, we developed and validated models for predicting prolonged length of stay in hip fracture patients to support efficient care in these patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing hip fracture from January 2021 to December 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between risk factors and delayed discharge after hip fracture. Finally, the risk factors obtained from the multivariate regression analysis were used to establish the nomogram model. The validation of the nomogram was assessed by the concordance index (C-index), the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves. the STROBE checklist was used as the reporting guideline.
Results
A total of 1259 patients were included in the present study for evaluation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CCI, Preoperative waiting time, Anemia, Hypoalbuminemia and Arteriosclerosis of lower limbs were independent risk factors for delayed discharge after hip fracture. The C-index of this model was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.793–0.847). Internal validation proved the nomogram model’s adequacy and accuracy, and the results showed that the predicted value agreed well with the actual values.
Conclusions
Our prediction models may help policymakers in developing strategies for the optimal management of hip fracture patients with a focus on patients at a high risk of prolonged length of stay.
New diagnosis for hepatocellular carcinoma via hsa_circ_0097009
Authors: Wang Xue , Peng Tingwei , Xu Limin , Lu Zuohua , Liu Qianqian , Li Beibei , Wang Yufang , Liu Xinghui
Published: November 2022

Background
Although circular RNAs take a key part in the regulation of cancer, its role in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still unclear. This study investigated the diagnostic and prognostic usefulness of hsa_circ_0097009 in HCC.
Methods
qRT-PCR assay was performed to detect the presence of hsa_circ_0097009 in plasma collected from 30 HCC patients and 30 healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Cox regression, and Kaplan–Meier curve analyses were applied to evaluate the clinical diagnostic and prognostic values of hsa_circ_0097009.
Results
The experimental data suggested that hsa_circ_0097009 expression of HCC plasma and cell lines is upregulated. The plasma hsa_circ_0097009 level of HCC patients was linked to tumor diameter (P = 0.026) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression level (P = 0.019). In addition, the plasma level of hsa_circ_0097009 decreased markedly after surgery to remove the tumor. Moreover, the level of plasma of hsa_circ_0097009 in HCC patients was increased compared with healthy controls (P < 0.0001) and hepatitis B patients. ROC curve reflected that the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma hsa_circ_0097009 to distinguish HCC from healthy controls and hepatitis B patients were 0.9368 (95 percent CI = 0.8874–0.9862) and 0.9067 (95 percent CI = 0.8439–0.9695), respectively, with the same sensitivity 0.9779 and the same specificity 0.6889. Furthermore, the AUC value of hsa_circ_0097009 combined with AFP for distinguishing HCC from healthy controls was 0.9822 (95 percent CI = 0.9682–0.9961), with the sensitivity 0.9889 and specificity 0.667. The plasma hsa_circ_0097009 low expression group had a considerably longer overall survival (OS) than the high expression group.
Conclusion
The study suggests that hsa_circ_0097009 could be used as a new potential biomarker in diagnoses and prognoses of HCC patients.
The principle of beneficence in nursing care: an integrative review
Authors: Valizadeh Leila , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Cheraghi Rozita , Jafarzadeh Anahita
Published: November 2022

Background: Ethics-based nursing practice can transform health care practices. As the biggest human capital in the health care system, nurses are obliged to follow the ethical principles in this field. One of these ethical principles; is beneficence, which is considered the core of nursing care. This study aimed to investigate the ethical principle of beneficence in nursing care and its related challenges.
Methods: This integrative review was conducted using the Whittemore & Knafl method in 5 stages, including problem identification, searching the literature, evaluating primary sources, analyzing data, and presenting the results. Databases like SID, Irandoc, Magiran, Google Scholar, Web of science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched using the keywords; "beneficence", "ethic", "nursing" and "care" in English and Persian. After applying inclusion criteria and assessing the articles using Bowling's Quality Assessment Tool, finally, 16 papers were included from 957.
Results: After reviewing and evaluating the qualified articles, the findings were classified into four main categories: 1) nature, 2) applicability, 3) Relevant and influential factors, and 4) challenges related to the ethical principle of beneficence in nursing care.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this review it seems that paying attention to training to the principle of beneficence in nursing care can provide positive outcomes for patients to benefit from this principle and finally, it leads to increasing the well-being and health of patients, reducing their mortality rate, increasing satisfaction and maintaining the respect and human dignity of patients.
Sexual dysfunction worsen both the general and specific quality of life of women with irritable bowel syndrome. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Camacho Santiago , Díaz Andrea , Pérez Paulina , Batalla Héctor , Flores Yoshua , Altamirano Evelyn , Tijera María de Fátima Higuera-de la , Murguía Daniel , Gómez-Laguna Laura
Published: November 2022

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sexual dysfunction (SxD) lowers quality of life (QOL) separately, but the effect of their overlap in unselected populations has not been studied.
Objective: To evaluate the QOL of IBS women with and without SxD and compare it with controls.
Methods: In this cross-sectional assessment, we studied 51 IBS women (Rome IV criteria) and 54 controls. SxD was determined using the female sexual function index questionnaire. QOL was evaluated by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and IBS-QOL questionnaires.
Results: SxD prevalence was similar between IBS women (39.22%) and controls (38.89%). Compared with other groups, IBS patients with SxD showed lower scores in all domains as well as in the physical, mental summaries of the SF-36 and almost all domains (except for body image, food avoidance, and social reaction compared with IBS patients without SxD) and the total score of IBS-QOL.
Conclusions: These findings show that SxD worsens both general and specific QOL of women with IBS. The consideration of SxD in patients with IBS will allow us to make a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Clinical trial registry in Mexico City General Hospital: DI/19/107/03/080. Clinical trials registration: NCT04716738.
Over-coupled resonator for broadband surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA)
Authors: Paggi Laura , Fabas Alice , Ouazzani Hasnaa El , Hugonin Jean-Paul , Bardou Nathalie , Dupuis Christophe , Greffet Jean-Jacques , Bouchon Patrick
Published: November 2022

Detection of molecules is a key issue for many applications. Surface enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) uses arrays of resonant nanoantennas with good quality factors which can be used to locally enhance the illumination of molecules. The technique has proved to be an effective tool to detect small amount of material. However the use of nanoresonators only enables the detection of a few absorption lines, hampering the identification of the spectral fingerprint of a molecule. Here, we introduce a new paradigm and use low quality factor resonators with large radiative losses (over-coupled resonators). The bandwidth enables to detect all absorption lines between 5 and 10 μm. Counterintuitively, despite a lower quality factor, the system sensitivity is improved and we report a reflectivity variation as large as one percent per nanometer of molecular layer of PMMA. This paves the way to specific identification of molecules. We illustrate the potential of the technique with the detection of the explosive precursor dinitrotoluene (DNT). We compare the data with numerical simulations and introduce an analytic model of the results.
Beyond single-crystalline metals: ultralow-loss silver films on lattice-mismatched substrates
Authors: Baburin Aleksandr S. , Moskalev Dmitriy O. , Lotkov Evgeniy S. , Sorokina Olga S. , Baklykov Dmitriy A. , Avdeev Sergey S. , Buzaverov Kirill A. , Yankovskii Georgiy M. , Baryshev Alexander V. , Ryzhikov Ilya A. , Rodionov Ilya A.
Published: November 2022

High-quality factor plasmonic devices are crucial components in the fields of nanophotonics, quantum computing and sensing. The majority of these devices are required to be fabricated on non-lattice matched or transparent amorphous substrates. Plasmonic devices quality factor is mainly defined by ohmic losses, scattering losses at grain boundaries, and in-plane plasmonic scattering losses of a metal – substrate system. Here, we demonstrate the deposition technique to e-beam evaporate ultralow-loss silver thin films on transparent lattice-mismatched substrates. The process is based on evolutionary selection growth. The key feature of our approach is a well-defined control of deposition on a cooled substrate, self-crystallization and subsequent annealing for precise stress relaxation that promote further grains growth. We are able to deposit 100-nm thick ultraflat polycrystalline silver films with micrometer-scale grains and ultralow optical losses. Finally, we show ultra-high-quality factor plasmonic silver nanostructures on transparent lattice-mismatched substrate comparable to epitaxial silver. This can be of the great interest for high performance or single-molecule optical sensorics applications.
Construction of a Bacteriophage-Derived Vector with Potential applications in Targeted Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging
Authors: Sharifi Mehdi , Alizadeh Ali Akbar , Hamzeh-Mivehroud Maryam , Dastmalchi Saivoush
Published: November 2022

There is a strong relation between dysregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the development of epithelial-derived cancers. Therefore, EGFR has usually been considered the desired target for gene therapy. Here, we propose an approach for targeting EGFR expressing cells by phage particles capable of displaying EGF and GFP as the tumor-targeting and reporting elements, respectively. For this, the superfolder GFP-EGF (sfGFP-EGF) coding sequence was inserted at the N-terminus of the pIII gene in pIT2 phagemid. The capability of constructed phage to recognize EGFR overexpressing cells was monitored by fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and cell-based ELISA experiments. The FACS analysis showed a significant shift in the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the cells treated with phage displaying sfGFP-EGF compared to phage displaying only sfGFP. The binding of phage displaying sfGFP-EGF to A-431 cells, monitored by fluorescence microscopy, indicated formation of sfGFP-EGF-EGFR complex on the surface of the treated cells. Cell-based ELISA experiments showed that the phages displaying either EGF or sfGFP-EGF can specifically bind EGFR expressing cells. The vector constructed in the current study has the potential to be engineered for gene delivery purposes as well as cell-based imaging for tumor detection.
Diversity, genetic structure and core collection of mangaba (Hancornia speciosa) genebank
Authors: Silva Ana Veruska Cruz , Gois Itamara Bomfim , Soares Adrielle Naiana Ribeiro , Ledo Ana Silva
Published: November 2022

This work was developed with the objective of characterizing the variability and genetic structure of matrices and progenies of the Mangaba genebank of Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, to define a core collection. From the matrix of seven accessions, 289 individuals were generated, evaluated by nine SSR markers. The characterization of genetic variability was performed from the estimates: Average number of alleles observed (Na = 5.63) and effective (Ne = 2.71); Shannon Information Index (I = 1.04); Heterozygosity observed (Ho = 0.45) and expected (He = 0.51); Fixation index (f = 0.13); Percent polymorphism (%P = 90.47); and, Number of private alleles (Nap = 20). The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) identified that the largest proportion of genetic variation is present within accessions (92%). The estimates of genetic differentiation (GST and RST) were considered low (< 0.05) to moderate (0.05 to 0.15) magnitude. Multivariate analyses (PCoA, Rogers and Bayesian genetic diversity) did not discriminate the accessions according to origin. The formation of the core collection allowed retaining 94.90% of the identified alleles. The accessions present genetic variability to be explored in mangaba conservation and genetic improvement programs.
Integrated analysis of m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and immune characteristics in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Yin Junhao , Fu Jiayao , Xu Jiabao , Chen Changyu , Zhu Hanyi , Zhao Yijie , Zheng Zhanglong , Wang Baoli , Zheng Lingyan
Published: November 2022

Growing evidence suggests that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant RNA internal modification, plays a critical role in immune regulation and thereby potentially contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. However, the role of m6A modification of the immune microenvironment of Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) remains unknown. In this study, we used data from public databases and our sequencing efforts to evaluate the expression levels of m6A regulators by profiling the data of whole peripheral blood of 220 SS patients and 62 healthy controls. We found that SS was associated with the expression of several m6A regulators, and this difference was correlated with activated CD4+T cells. We screened key genes with a random forest (RF) machine learning algorithm and constructed a diagnostic model of SS using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Two distinct m6A modification patterns were determined by unsupervised clustering, with significant differences in immunocyte infiltration, immune reactivity, and enriched biological functions. Key m6A regulators, gene modules, and co-expression networks of m6A-related genes were identified by conventional bioinformatics methods. This identified three key m6A regulators (METTL3, ALKBH5, and YTHDF1) and two m6A-related hub genes (COMMD8 and SRP9) which may play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of SS. This study demonstrates the close relationship between m6A modification and the immune microenvironment in SS and provides a basis for an improved understanding of m6A modification patterns and the exploration of new therapeutic options for SS.
Urban Population Characteristics Benchmarking Inequity of Access to Public Transport Services in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi Julius O. , Osabohien Romanus , Adebayo Iyabo T. , Wojuade Christopher A. , Aworemi Joshua R.
Published: November 2022

Inequity in access to public transport services highlights the differences in the ease and difficulty in reaching destinations and affects the quality of urban life. The study examined the factors underlying Public Transport Service Accessibility Inequity (PTAI) of population groups and asked if inequity of accessibility to public transport services differs based on the travel needs of aggregated population groups. Incidental-random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants for a questionnaire survey in ten major transit stops in Ibadan. Over a period of five (5) working days, 40 commuters were engaged in each of the transit stops. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarize the responses from the sampled respondents. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test if the PTAI of aggregated population groups differs based on their travel needs at a statistical probability of 5% level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that public transport services are inadequate for the low-income groups. More so, PTAI differ based on the travel needs/purposes of aggregated population groups and low-income people who use public transport to access essential activities such as work and education experience a higher levels of public transport accessibility inequity than those who use public transport to access other activities which are either domestic, social or leisure. Government and policymakers should therefore prioritize the accessibility of low-income groups whose travel purposes are majorly work and education to public transport by formulating strategic policies which addresses their peculiar transport needs.
Urban Stream Corridors and Forest Patches – The Connections: A Case Study of Bloomington, IN
Authors: Luchauer Gretchen , Freeman-Day Stephanie , Fischer Burnell
Published: November 2022

Streams and forests are connected ecosystems, but few studies have looked at the connectivity between streams and forests in urban environments. City-made decisions affect connections between streams and forests by isolating both streams and forests. Streams are often channelized or buried to reduce flooding and increase potential developable areas. Forests become fragmented and are removed unless they are protected by public ownership, private ownership, or mixed governance arrangements. Historical choices in land usage affect the sites and sizes of current urban streams, forests, and development. This affects the distribution of impervious surfaces, a ubiquitous urban land cover type, which separates streams from forests. Despite these barriers to stream/forest interactions, cities can experience stream/forest connectivity. Seven Bloomington watersheds are ranked on their proportions of buried streams, channelized streams, forested hydrology, forested streams, urban forest patch cover, and impervious surface cover, along with historical presence of urbanization. Several watersheds demonstrate stream/forest connectivity, with five of these watersheds containing 50% or greater forested stream segments. Bloomington canopy cover reduces stormwater runoff by approximately 127 kiloliters per year. These forested areas reduce flooding, reduce nutrient loading, and reduce stream conditions associated with urban stream syndrome. Streams provide incentive for forest protection, aesthetic value, and recreational value. Understanding urban stream/forest connectivity can improve green infrastructure design and green space design, which improves urban resilience and better connects residents to the environment.
Immunomodulatory effects of β-defensin 2 on tumor-associated macrophages induced antitumor function in breast cancer
Authors: Agarwal Sonam , Chauhan Anita , Singh Khushwant , Kaur Rupinder , Masih Marilyn , Gautam Pramod Kumar
Published: November 2022

Background: TAMs express cytokines and chemokines that can suppress antitumor immunity and promote tumor progression. The immunomodulatory and antitumor function of β-defensin 2 is still unclear, despite the evidence of infection response. So, this study aims to investigate the association between β-defensin 2 and TAMs and determine the role in tumor-promoting attributes of TAMs reversal of phenotype in tumor regression.Methods:Swiss albino mice and C127i breast cancer cell line were used in this study. C127i conditioned media was prepared and generated macrophage-derived TAM to study antitumor function. Flow cytometry was performed for phenotype identification of macrophages and TAMs. MTT was performed to estimate cytotoxicity and dose optimization of β-defensin 2. Oxidative stress was analyzed by H2O2and NO estimation, and qPCR was performed for iNOS, cytokines and chemokines quantification.Results:PEC harvested macrophages were characterized by flow-cytometry using F4/80, CD11c antibodies with 98% pure population of macrophages and cultured in C127i conditioned media for 7 days. TAM markers were estimated, and it was found that 98 % expression of F4/80, CD-206, and CD-115 expression compared to macrophages. Purified 100ng/ml of β-defensin 2 was used to stimulate the TAMs 98% population was viable, which was confirmed by cell viability assay. ROS levels decreased (TAMs alone p<0.05, TAMs treated p<0.001) compared to control. IL-6, IL-10, IL-3, TNF-α, and TGF-β and CXCL-1, CXCL-5, CXCL-15, CCL-24, and CCL-5 decreased drastically compared to control.Conclusion:This is the first report of β-defensin 2 on TAMs to elucidate the immunomodulatory and anti-tumor function. It was found that the cytokines and chemokines molecules, ROS expression, pliably changed, which facilitates tumor regression. β-defensin 2 is a new therapeutic target peptide to revert tumor-promoting function.
The use of forced oscillation technique for monitoring of lung mechanics during covid-19 pneumonia
Authors: Taivans Immanuels , Grima Laura , Zvaigzne Ligita , Jurka Normunds , Gordjusina Valentina , Strazda Gunta
Published: November 2022

Forced oscillation technique (FOT) is non-invasive method, that does not require the patient's participation and allows to evaluate lung and airways mechanics. The question addressed by the study is whether Computerized Tomography (CT) and FOT data correlate between and whether FOT allows to follow up the course of covid-19 pneumonia during the acute intrahospital and recovery period.
Material, patients and methods
In the study were involved 30 intrahospital treated spontaneously breathing, oxygen dependent patients with moderate severity SARS-CoV-2 induced pneumonia. (CT) scans were quantitatively assessed by CT-scoring method. During the hospital stay and 3 months after the discharge lung function was measured by FOT method.
Results
During acute period resistance values R5 and R5-20 were elevated above the upper limit of normal (ULN) in 28% and 50% of all patients respectively. Reactance indices X5, AX and Fres exceeded ULN in 55%, 68% and 66% of cases. Significant correlations were observed between PaO2/FiO2, the time spent in the hospital and R5, X5, AX and Fres expressed as % of predicted. Significant correlations between FOT indices and CT-score was not found. After 3 months 18 patients were compared. R5-20 from 316;-171/+583 decreased to 122;- 56/+266 % pred. P=0,0075. AX from 448;- 275/+731 decreased to 213;- 131/+347 % pred,p=0,0112 and Fres from 171;- 143/+200 to 130;- 110/+150 %pred, p=0,0081.
Study has shown that FOT method reliably reflects the pathological changes in lung mechanics and allows to monitor the course of covid-19 disease, but it cannot substitute for CT.
Real-time Driver Cognitive Strain Evaluation System Based on Multivariate Biosignal Analysis
Authors: Shimizu Takeshi , Shima Keisuke , Mukaeda Takayuki , Muraji Shu , Matsuo Juntaro , Horiue Masayoshi
Published: November 2022

Traffic accidents are often attributed to reduced attentional capacity, as vehicle operations involve complex tasks that depend on the driver's mental workload (MWL). Cognitive strain in MWL affects focus on other vehicles and pedestrians, which can result in serious accidents. Therefore, a method for effective cognitive-strain evaluation is required.
In this study, the driver cognitive strain was determined using the a posteriori probability method. The posteriori probability of the driver strain state is computed using multidimensional biological signals mapped into a probabilistic space based on a Gaussian mixture model. Ultimately, the driver’s cognitive strain was estimated using a regression function based on the posteriori probability. In the experiments, tasks tracked the preceding vehicle, and N-back evaluation helped elucidate the cognitive strain. Other experiments have shown an increase in the evaluation value during the satnav operation. Accordingly, the proposed method is considered suitable for real-time driver cognitive strain evaluation.
Assessment of post-traumatic stress disorders in women victims of intimate partner violence: a mixed methods comparison at initial care in coordinated and uncoordinated care facilities in France
Authors: Roland Noémie , Delmas Noëlla , El-Khoury Fabienne , Bardou Alice , Yacini Leila , Feldmann Laure , Hatem Ghada , Mahdjoub Sarah , Bardou Marc
Published: November 2022

Background: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has serious consequences on the mental health of victims-survivors such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). « La Maison des Femmes » (MdF, Women’s Home) is a French original medical and social structure specifically dedicated to provide multidisciplinary care for victims-survivors of IPV. The main objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of PTSD in victims-survivors of IPV consulting at the MdF or in two Municipal Health Centers (MHCs) located in the same area of the Paris conurbation.
Methods: We conducted an observational survey from July 2020 to June 2021 in the MdF and in two MHCs. All women aged 18 years and over having suffered from IPV were eligible. PTSD diagnosis was assessed using the PTSD self-report checklist of symptoms defined in the DSM-5 (PCL-5). We solicited data on the level of self-rated global health, the substances use, and the possibility of reaching women by phone in the 6 months following the inclusion visit. We also conducted qualitative interviews with a sub-sample of the women, asking for victims-survivors’ perceptions of the effect of the care provided at MdF and perceptions of their specific needs.
Results: A total of 67 women (mean age: 34 years old [Standard Deviation=9.7]) responded to our questionnaire (40 in the MdF, 12 in the MHC-1 and 15 in the MHC-2). PTSD diagnosis was retained for 40 women (59.7%) (PCL-5 score ≥33). The prevalence of PTSD was quite similar between the three groups. Around 30% of participants (n=23) self-rated their global health as bad or very bad, less than 30% (n=18) of women were regular smokers. Six months after inclusion, a half of participants (52.2%) had been reached by phone. Analysis of the nine qualitative interviews clarified victims-survivors’ perceptions of the MdF’s specific care: social networking, multidisciplinary approach, specialized listening, healthcare facilities, evasion and “feeling at home”.
Conclusions The prevalence of PTSD was high among the three centers. This mixed-methods comparison will serve as a pilot study for a larger comparative trial to assess the impact of the MdF on victims-survivors’ mental health outcomes comparatively with the impact of non-dedicated structures.
Development of an Automated Fibre Placement-based Hybrid Composite Wheel for a Solar Powered Car
Authors: Air Alexander , Shamsuddoha Md , Oromiehie Ebrahim , Prusty B. Gangadhara
Published: November 2022

Substantial range, handling and acceleration improvements in high-performance vehicles can be achieved by weight reduction. An important area for weight reduction on a car is the wheels. A prototype carbon fibre/epoxy wheel has been developed using a combination of automated fibre placement (AFP) and hand layup for the Sunswift 7 solar car. A three-piece wheel design that utilises each process where best suited has been analysed and optimised using the ANSYS ACP PrepPost suite, manufactured, and mechanically tested. The wheel disc was produced using AFP and featured selective reinforcement in the form of spokes. The laminate for the disc has been optimised using CGTech VERICUT VCP and VCS to minimise gaps and overlaps and simulate the manufacturing process. The rim and tyre mounting region of the wheel have been manufactured using hand layup, and adhesively bonded to the disc. This hybrid manufacturing approach has demonstrated an advancement in the feasibility of combining traditional and automated composites manufacturing, providing insight into the manufacture of parts and products with complex shapes in the future.