bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the NF-κB/HIF-1α signaling pathway in colorectal cancer by tyrosol: a gut microbiota-derived metabolite
Authors: Guo Jian , Meng Fanqi , Hu Ruixue , Chen Lei , Chang Jiang , Zhao Ke , Ren Honglin , Liu Zengshan , Hu Pan , Wang Guangyi , Tai Jiandong
Published: September 2024

Background

The development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are influenced by the gut environment, much of which is modulated by microbial-derived metabolites. Although some research has been conducted on the gut microbiota, there have been limited empirical investigations on the role of the microbial-derived metabolites in CRC.

Methods

In this study, we used LC-MS and 16S rRNA sequencing to identify gut microbiome-associated fecal metabolites in patients with CRC and healthy controls. Moreover, we examined the effects ofFaecalibacterium prausnitziiand tyrosol on CRC by establishing orthotopic and subcutaneous tumor mouse models. Additionally, we conducted in vitro experiments to investigate the mechanism through which tyrosol inhibits tumor cell growth.

Results

Our study revealed changes in the gut microbiome and metabolome that are linked to CRC. We observed thatFaecalibacterium prausnitzii, a bacterium known for its multiple anti-CRC properties, is significantly more abundant in the intestines of healthy individuals than in those of individuals with CRC. In mouse tumor models, our study illustrated thatFaecalibacterium prausnitziihas the ability to inhibit tumor growth by reducing inflammatory responses and enhancing tumor immunity. Additionally, research investigating the relationship between CRC-associated features and microbe–metabolite interactions revealed a correlation betweenFaecalibacterium prausnitziiand tyrosol, both of which are less abundant in the intestines of tumor patients. Tyrosol demonstrated antitumor activity in vivo and specifically targeted CRC cells without affecting intestinal epithelial cells in cell experiments. Moreover, tyrosol treatment effectively reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines in MC38 cells. Western blot analysis further revealed that tyrosol inhibited the activation of the NF-κB and HIF-1 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This study investigated the relationship between CRC development and changes in the gut microbiota and microbial-derived metabolites. Specifically, the intestinal metabolite tyrosol exhibits antitumor effects by inhibiting HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, leading to a reduction in the levels of ROS and inflammatory factors. These findings indicate that manipulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites could be a promising approach for preventing and treating CRC and could provide insights for the development of anticancer drugs.
Angioplasty and/or stenting following successful mechanical thrombectomy for intracranial atherosclerosis-related emergent large vessel occlusive stroke (ASSET): protocol of a multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Liao Geng , Qiao Hongyu , Dai Chengbo , Yi Weiwen , Zhang Liang , Liang Zai , Li Li , He Yuemei , Zhang Zhenyu , Ji Zhong , Huang Li’an
Published: September 2024

Rationale

The management of residual stenosis after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis-related emerge large vessel occlusive (ICAS-LVO) stroke is still unclear question in clinical practice.

Aim

To demonstrate the design of a clinical trial on emergency balloon angioplasty and/or stenting (BAS) combined with standard medical treatment (SMT) for residual stenosis of ICAS-LVO stroke patients with successful recanalisation.

Design

ASSET is a multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded end-point, controlled clinical trial designed (PROBE) by investigators. This trial evaluates the effectiveness and the safety of emergency BAS in combination with SMT compared with SMT alone in ICAS-LVO stroke patients with successful recanalisation (defined as expanded treatment in cerebral ischaemia grade of 2b50-3 and maintained for more than 20 min) and residual stenosis (defined as ≥50%) up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms or the last known well.

Outcome

The primary outcome assessed at 90 (±7) days after randomisation is the incidence of ischaemic stroke in the responsible vessel. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage within 24 (±3) hours is the primary safety outcome.

Discussion

The ASSET trial is designed to provide strong evidence on the effectiveness and safety of emergency BAS to treat residual stenosis after successful recanalisation in patients with ICAS-LVO stroke.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300079069
CMA-ES with Learning Rate Adaptation
Authors: Nomura Masahiro , Akimoto Youhei , Ono Isao
Published: September 2024

The covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) is one of the most successful methods for solving continuous black-box optimization problems. A practically useful aspect of CMA-ES is that it can be used without hyperparameter tuning. However, the hyperparameter settings still have a considerable impact on performance, especially for
difficult
tasks, such as solving multimodal or noisy problems. This study comprehensively explores the impact of learning rate on CMA-ES performance and demonstrates the necessity of a small learning rate by considering ordinary differential equations. Thereafter, it discusses the setting of an ideal learning rate. Based on these discussions, we develop a novel learning rate adaptation mechanism for CMA-ES that maintains a constant signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, we investigate the behavior of CMA-ES with the proposed learning rate adaptation mechanism through numerical experiments and compare the results with those obtained for CMA-ES with a fixed learning rate and with population size adaptation. The results show that CMA-ES with the proposed learning rate adaptation works well for multimodal and/or noisy problems
without
extremely expensive learning rate tuning.
Disordered Gut Microbiome and Alterations in Metabolic Patterns Are Associated With Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Cao Rong , Gao Ting , Yue Jianwei , Sun Gang , Yang Xiaomin
Published: September 2024

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is most common when driven by hypertension, and it is a strong independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and death. Some animal models support a role for gut microbiota and metabolites in the development of LVH, but cohort studies confirming these findings in populations are lacking.

Methods and Results

We investigated the alterations of gut microbiota and metabolites in 30 patients with hypertension, 30 patients with hypertensive LVH, and 30 matched controls on the basis of 16S rDNA and metabolomic analyses. Thirty stool and 90 serum samples were collected in fasting conditions. ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis/Pearson's χ
2
/Fisher's exact test and Bonferroni's correction were used (
P
<0.0167) for comparison among the 3 groups. A regression analysis and subgroup analysis were performed between gut microbiota and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and metabolites and LVMI, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between metabolites and flora and metabolites and LVMI. We observed LVH‐enriched
Faecalitalea
(β=6758.55 [95% CI, 2080.92–11436.18];
P
=0.009),
Turicibacter
(β=8424.76 [95% CI, 2494.05–14355.47];
P
=0.01),
Ruminococcus torques
group (β=840.88 [95% CI, 223.1–1458.67];
P
=0.013), and
Erysipelotrichaceae
UCG‐003 (β=856.37 [95% CI, 182.76–1529.98];
P
=0.019) were positively correlated with LVMI. A total of 1141 (in sera) and 2657 (in feces) metabolites were identified. There was a sex‐specific association between metabolites and LVMI. Significant changes in metabolic pathways in LVH were also observed, especially bile acid and lipid metabolism pathways.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the disordered gut microbiota and microbial metabolite profiles in LVH. This highlights the roles of gut bacteria and metabolite in this disease and could lead to new intervention, diagnostic, or management paradigms for LVH.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique Identifier: ChiCTR2200055603.
A new wave of Mesoamerican bumblebees? Revising the weisi-complex to reject numts and pseudospecies (Apidae: Bombus)
Authors: WILLIAMS PAUL H. , SAGOT PHILIPPE , MARTÍNEZ-LÓPEZ OSCAR , BARAJAS RICARDO AYALA- , MÉRIDA-RIVAS JORGE A. , VANDAME RÉMY
Published: September 2024

COI-barcode-like sequences appear to show substantially more species diversity among Mesoamerican bumblebees than had been reported previously from morphological studies. Closer examination shows that some of this apparent diversity may be pseudospecies (groups falsely misinterpreted as separate species), often supported by paralogous ‘numts’ (nuclear copies of mitochondrial sequences). For the well-sampled weisi-complex, we seek to filter out pseudogenes in order to use the orthologous COI-barcode sequences for identifying estimates of evolutionary relationships and likely species’ gene coalescents for candidate species. Even after this filtering, in contrast to recent purely morphological studies our results from an integrative assessment of species’ gene coalescents together with skeletal morphology support that ‘Bombus weisi’ Friese in its recent broad sense consists of two species: B. weisi (which includes the taxon montezumae Cockerell); and B. nigrodorsalis Franklin. Our interpretation rejects likely numts-based pseudospecies and a candidate species that are unsupported by skeletal morphology. This shows that careful attention needs to be paid to both barcode analysis and to skeletal morphology, to avoid describing pseudospecies.
The genus Stenodynerus de Saussure, 1863 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from China: a new species, new records, and key to the species
Authors: ZENG XIN , CHEN BIN , LI TING-JING
Published: September 2024

The fauna of the genus Stenodynerus de Saussure, 1863 of China is supplemented with one new species and six new records, for a total of 30 recorded species. The new species, S. tongrenensis Zeng, Chen & Li, sp. nov., is described and illustrated in detail from Guizhou (China). The six following species are newly recorded from China: S. coreanus (Tsuneki, 1970), S. difficilis (Morawitz, 1867), S. kaszabi Giordani Soika, 1976, S. punctifrons (Thomson, 1874), S. steckianus (von Schulthess, 1897), and S. trotzinai (Morawitz, 1895). An updated key to the Chinese species of Stenodynerus is given.
Optimization of Groundnut Crop Management Practicesin Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Tadeos
Published: September 2024

To study the response of groundnut to different crop management practice six different crop management practices tested in three districts namely Godey, Gursum and Erer of Eastern Ethiopia. Treatments wereT1 (Spacing 60 x 30 cm, P @ 80 kg/ha and twice weeding @ 15th and 30th DAE), T2 (75 x 20 cm, P@ 60 kg/ha three times mechanical weeding), T3 (Spacing 45 x 15 cm, 50 and 85 kg/ha twice weeding, T4(Spacing at 75 x 30 cm, N and P applied @ the rate of 46 and 90 kg/ha respectively and hand weeding once @ 25th DAE), T5 (Spacing 30 × 10 cm, FYM @ 12 ton/ha, N and P applied @ the rate of 25 and 46 kg/ha respectively and mechanical weeding @ 28 DAE). T6(Spacing 30x 15cm, N and P applied at the rate of 80 and 130 kg/ha respectively, twice weeding and earthling up). Then the treatments were arranged in RCBD. Analysis of variance showed that there were statistically significant differences between each treatment across the locations on growth and seed yield of groundnut at (p<0.05). Maximum seed yield was obtained from T6 followed by T5 and T3. Wider spacing and minimum use of P without N fertilizer at (T1 and T2) resulted in significantly low seed yield. T5 resulted in robust plant growth however; it resulted in reduced yield and yield components compared toT6. Groundnut seed yield was remarkably influenced by proper combinations of crop management components as specified in T6. Therefore, T6 can be recommended as an integrated crop management practice for groundnut to current study areas and other similar lowland districts of eastern Ethiopia.
Maize Production and Agronomic Practices in South Western Ethiopia: A Review
Authors: Yadete Eshetu
Published: September 2024

Maize is among the leading cereals in production and an important potential food security crop in South-western Ethiopia. The availability of diverse agroecology allowed the country to cultivate different maize varieties. The early, medium and late matured maize varieties were targeted in research in south western Ethiopia. Appropriate crop management practices, next to varieties are very mandatory to improve the productivity and production of maize. Suitable field management recommendations for maize varieties could be increased production and productivity. Cultural practices such as appropriate plant population, timely planting, balanced nutrient supply (right time, rate, place and source) and field management practices (timely weeding, disease and pest control) have been conducted and important information is available for users. In addition, crop rotation and intercropping have contributed to maize production and productivity. Maize intercropping and rotation with pulses improve soil fertility and increase maize crop productivity. Maize is important in the socioeconomic situation of south western Ethiopia, the information related to the agronomic practice of maize production in south western Ethiopia is scanty and poorly documented. Hence, documenting and publishing important crop information can help the producer to get better information on crop management and the researcher can explore more research gaps in the future. Therefore, the current review was made with the objective of to agronomic practices for maize production in South western Ethiopia.
Pseudo Oversampling Based on Feature Transformation and Fuzzy Membership Functions for Imbalanced and Overlapping Data
Authors: Pan Tingting , Pedrycz Witold , Yang Jie , Zhang Dahai
Published: September 2024

Class imbalance in data poses challenges for classifier learning, drawing increased attention in data mining and machine learning. The occurrence of class overlap in real-world data exacerbates the learning difficulty. In this paper, a novel pseudo oversampling method (POM) is proposed to learn imbalanced and overlapping data. It is motivated by the point that overlapping samples from different classes share the same distribution space, and therefore information underlying in majority (negative) overlapping samples can be extracted and used to generate additional positive samples. A fuzzy logic-based membership function is defined to assess negative overlaps using both local and global information. Subsequently, the identified negative overlapping samples are shifted into the positive sample region by a transformation matrix, centered around the positive samples. POM outperforms 15 methods across 14 datasets, displaying superior performance in terms of metrics of Gm, F1 and AUC.
Approximate Multiplication and Division Calculation for DSP Applications
Authors: Ellaithy Dina
Published: September 2024

Digital signal processing (DSP) is a promising alternative to accomplish a wide variety of signal processing operations. Multiplications and divisions have been urgently proposed to perform different DSP operations in real-time applications. However, the design and implementation of multiplication and division calculations have some limitations such as strict timing, bounded power consumption, and higher accuracy. The exact execution of these complex operations consumes great hardware resources and power consumption. Approximate computation for the main and complex arithmetic functions is a demand solution to decrease power, area, and delay. In this paper, low-power and high-accuracy approximate multiplication and division processes have been implemented using a 90 nm CMOS process, 1.0 V supply voltage standard cell library. The approximate multiplication and division algorithm depends on enhanced logarithmic converters. The logarithm-based arithmetic exhibits a good performance with decreasing the used hardware resources and runs at a higher speed. The proposed scheme achieves less hardware with minimal power consumption. The proposed approximate structure demonstrates up to a 62% saving in power with a rise in the accuracy level as compared with the prior approximate works. At the same time, the proposed multiplier and divider can carry out the multiplication and division processes in 1.8 ns, respectively.
Adaptation Trial of Sweet Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Varieties in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Dinkale Tamrat , Urgesa Lensa , Hassan Jibrail
Published: September 2024

Little or no information is known about the adaptability and uses of sweet lupine in the Oromia region, especially in Hararghe zones where animal feed shortage is the bottleneck for smallholder farmers. This activity was initiated to evaluate and identifying the best performing sweet lupine varieties in herbage yield, best adaptive and high seed yielder from 2020/21 to 2021/22. The results of the analysis of variance indicated a significant (p<0.05) variation for most evaluated parameters. The longest date of 50% flowering and maturing date was recorded for Walala but the other varieties were similar. Statistical (P>0.05) variation was not recorded. Dry matter yield ranged from 0.66 to 3.10 t/ha at on station while at Quni Segeria and Arba Rakate FTC, it varied between 2.77 to 4.75t/ha and 2.58 to 3.78t/ha respectively. Lupines seed yield varied from 7.56 to 13.93 qt/ha at on station, from 3.92 to 57.5 qt/ha at Quni Segeria FTC, and from 6.22 to 18.6 qt/ha at Arba Rakate FTC. This study showed that there is a high potential to cultivate sweet lupines in the study area. Sweet lupine Walala followed by Propor varieties tolerant to diseases and pests. From this study, it is concluded that the sweet lupine variety Walala followed by Propor was found promising in terms of agronomic traits, DM yield, and seed yield than other varieties during the experimental years that need further evaluation of animal palatability and absorption potential. So, it is possible to recommend Walala and Propor varieties as alternative feed resources under smallholder conditions in the study areas and other places of the West Hararghe zone of the Oromia region with similar climatic and edaphic conditions.
Evaluation of Released Finger Millet Varieties in the East Wollega Zone of Western Oromia for Yields and Acid Soil Tolerance
Authors: Mekonnen Mamo , Temena Temesgen , Tadesse Shiferaw , Baye Bayisa
Published: September 2024

On the sub humid regions of western Oromia, many finger millet cultivars were released and produced, but their performance on acid soils was not well researched. A field experiment consisted of two factors (nine finger millet verities and two lime rates, limed and un-limed treatments) were laid out in factorial arrangement, Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment was carried out at three locations (Bako, Diga and Gute) during 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons to identify and recommend finger millet varieties better performing to acid soils of sub humid areas of western Oromia. The interaction effect of variety by lime for two years over three locations was significant for biomass weight and grain yield. Bako 09 produced significantly the highest mean biomass weight and produced increments of 10% biomass weight and 7% grain yield by application of lime compared to un-limed treatment. At Bako, Kumsa, Bako 09, Boneya and Addis 01 produced significantly the highest biomass weight and grain yield compared to others but not significantly different from each other and produced 4% to 12% yield advantage over all mean grain yield. At Diga and Gute, Bako 09 produced significantly high grain yield. Consequently, application of lime increased finger millet grain yield, soil pH, available P, organic carbon and total nitrogen. Considering higher grain yield, production of Bako 09 under limed condition is recommended for the sub-humid western Oromia. Besides lime application and varietal selection, cropping system managements like rotation, integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and split application of fine particle lime to acid soils require further research attention for sustainable crop production in acidic soils.
Effect of Intra Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Yield of Shallot in Mulo District, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Alemu , Chewaka Mosisa , Jalata Zerihun
Published: September 2024

The shallot is one of the important alliaceous crops cultivated in many tropical countries. It is an important horticultural crop used to flavor the local stew "wot" and a source of income for farmers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of shallot is low at study area due to various limiting factors such as low soil fertility, plant population and lack of improved agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of shallot at Mulo District, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia during 2021/22 off season. The treatments consisted of four intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 20) cm and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150) kgNha-1 tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on shallot yield was collected. The interaction effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer influenced the marketable yield, unmarketable yield, bulb weight, bulb fresh weight, bulb dry weight, dry matter and total yield. As a result, the treatment combination of 150kgha-1 nitrogen and 15cm intra-row spacing yielded the highest net benefit of shallot (Eth-Birr 1,012,274), followed by the treatment combination of 150kgha-1 nitrogen and 20 cm intra-row spacing. In conclusion, the above findings indicated that the combined application of 150kgNha-1 with 15 cm spacing can improve shallot growth and productivity in the Mulo district area. However, more research needs to be done in different seasons and locations, taking into account the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer and different intra-row spacing, to generate more reliable information.
Assessment of Background Radiation Levels on the Lunar Surface and Mapping the Lunar Albedos
Authors: Halder Subhojit , Kulkarni Aarya , Thakur Atharva
Published: September 2024

This literature explores the impact of Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) and Solar Energy Particles (SEP) on lunar surface radiation levels, using data from OLTARIS and CRATER missions. Applying the Focker-Planck equation with Badhwar-O-Neil 2020 constraints, we predict radiation levels for 53 ionic particles. The Ap-8 min model addresses trapped protons and neutron albedo on the lunar regolith. ACE/CRIS’s spectrometer data determines the Isotopic Composition of GCR, generating Linear Energy Transfer (LET) plots. CRATER and OLTARIS data characterize high-energy particles above the lunar surface. A spherical harmonic Lambertian surface is generated, on which contours representing scaled reflectance are obtained by passing the data through a Gaussian kernel. ARIMA and Random Forest machine learning models predict parameters, and HZETRN2020 and OLTARIS data produce an albedo map of the lunar regolith. This research aims to enhance radiation protection strategies for future lunar missions and space exploration. The value of scaled reflectance and radiation plots have been generated to help understand the impact of the predominant 53 ionic particles covering the range from solar activity particles SEP to the galactic radiation GCR. The values are provided by running various stimulations under multiple constraints provided in OLTARIS, and the value of these stimulated results are mapped across the lunar surface ranging from -180 degrees to 180degree by -90degree to 90degree plot, giving an accuracy up to 1895.21 px/m with a resolution of 16 degree per pixel in the generated radiation plot. The radiation flux developed provides a concise and detailed understanding of the nature of radiation entrapment on the lunar regolith. It successfully translates the lunar albedo value as per the scaled reflectance on the surface.
Investigation of ELectrochemical Behavior of Ferri/Ferrocyanide Redox on Carbon Paste Based Electrodes for Mercury (II) Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Roger N'dri , Paul Gauly , Ali Sanou , Bakary Soro , Mariame Coulibaly , Alfred Yao
Published: September 2024

The electrochemical characterisation of the materials used to make sensors is mostly based on the cyclic voltametry method. Cyclic voltametry is an electrical method for the dynamic study of electrochemical systems. Through a reversible potential sweep, the material is studied in contact with the ferri/ferrocyanide. Ferri/Ferrocyanide is one of the most studied chemical compounds in electrochemistry and photo-electrochemistry because of its singular known and controlled reactivity. The appearance of voltamorams and mathematical expressions make it possible to collect the information necessary for understanding the reaction. An electrode material is considered active if it shows a reversible peak in contact with the redox marker in cyclic voltametry. The mechanism of the reaction is also assessed using the peak potential difference ΔEp. The nature of the mass transport is determined by the anodic and cathodic peak current ratio Ipa/Ipc. The aim of this work is to compare the electrochemical activity of the Feri/Ferrocyanide couple achieved with carbon paste-based electrodes for application to the electrochemical sensor. The study of the peak potential difference ΔEp showed that the composition of the electrode material influences the reaction mechanism at the interface. Material transport and electronic charge transfer are impacted by complex phenomena. By studying the electrical quantities potential difference ΔEp, formal standard potential E° and current ratio Ipa/Ipc, the electrochemical sensors developed can be optimised.
Stability Analysis of Degenerate Einstein Model of Brownian Motion
Authors: Hevage Isanka , Ibraguimov Akif , Sobol Zeev
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in stochastic processes have uncovered a paradox associated with the Einstein model of Brownian motion of random particles, which diffuse in the media with no boundary . The classical model developed by Einstein provide diffusion coefficient which does not depend on numbers of particles(concentration) and does not degenerate. Based on this model one can predict the propagation speed of particles movement, conflicting with the second law of thermodynamics. We justify that within Einstein paradigm this issue can be resolved. For that we revisited approach proposed by Einstein, and significantly modified his ideas by introducing inverse Kolmogorov equation, with coefficient degenerating as concentration of the particle of interest vanishes. The modified model successfully resolves paradox affiliated to classical Brownian motion model by introducing a concentration-dependent diffusion matrix, establishing a finite propagation speed. Proposed model utilize but of inverse Kolmogorov stochastic parabolic equation and propose sufficient condition (Hypotheses 1.1) for degeneracy of diffusion coefficient, which guarantee finite speed of propagation inside domain of diffusion. This paper outlines the necessary conditions for this property through a counterexample, which provide infinite speed of propagation for the solution of the equation, with diffusion coefficient, which degenerate as concentration vanishes but with lower speed than in (Hypotheses 1.1). The second part focuses on the stability analysis of the solution of the degenerate Einstein model in case when boundary condition are crucial. We considered degenerate Einstein model in the boundary domain with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Our model bridge degenerate Brownian equation in the bulk of media with boundary of the domain. We with detail investigate stability of the problem with perturbed boundary Data, which vanishes with time. A functional dependence is introduced on the solution that satisfies a specific ordinary differential inequality. The investigation explores the solution's dependence on the boundary and initial data of the original problem, demonstrating asymptotic stability under various conditions. These results have practical applications in understanding stochastic processes and its dependence on the boundary Data within bounded domains.
Theoretical Approaches Review on Covariance Based Sem Using Lisrel, Partial Least Based Sem Using Smart PLS and Component Based Sem Using Gesca
Authors: Narimawati Umi , Sarwono Jonathan
Published: September 2024

The aim of the research is to review theories underlying the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) procedure based on covariance (CBSEM), partial least square (PLSSEM) and component (GESCA SEM). The methods used are meta-analysis and systematic secondary data search. Results of the study are: First, theories underlying the CBSEM, PLSSEM and GESCA SEM procedures produce different characteristics in each SEM model. CBSEM models consist of two sub models, namely 1) Factor Analysis Model consisting of a) Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) which is designed for a situation where the relationship between indicators and latent variables is unknown or unclear; b) Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) which is used for research where the researcher already has knowledge about the structure of the underlying latent variable (construct) and c) Full Latent Variable Model (LV). 2) PLSSEM consists of two sub model, namely reflective and formative models. GESCA SEM consists of structural / inner model and measurement / outer model. Second, the primary characteristics of CBSEM, PLSSEM and GESCA SEM are requirements of the amount of data sample; the sample data origin; and the software used to calculate the data due to the different statistical formulation, namely LISREL, SmartPLS and GSCA Pro Windows. Third, the main differences among the CBSEM, PLS SEM and GESCA SEM are in the uses of the unstandardized regression coefficients (b) versus the standardized regression coefficients (β). Thus, the researchers that are going to use those procedures must consider those three important findings.
Numerical Simulation of Gas Flow and Nanoparticle Deposition in the Human Lung
Authors: Akter Roni , Yasmin Nilufar , Ahmmed Mahtab
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to investigate the numerical simulation of breathing for nanoparticle deposition of the human lung. The solid particles in the air that are passing through the human respiratory channels (considered as the 18th generation bronchial tube, which is narrow in diameter and short in length) have an impact on how our lungs exchange gases. In this study, a mathematical model within this respiratory tube of the human lung is taken into consideration. The unsteady Navier- Stokes equation is used to represent the fluid particles, and the equation of continuity is used to represent the nanoparticles. The governing equation is simulated numerically using the finite difference techniques under some assumption of axial symmetry and laminar flow, effectively reducing the problem into two dimensions. Results for velocity variation of air and dust particles have been discovered in this discussion. Effects of parameters like Reynolds number and pulse frequency have also been found. Additionally, results demonstrated that the axial velocity of fluid and particles increases with an increase in Reynolds number and frequency along both the length and diameter of the tube. Later, a comparison between fluid and particles for the velocity profile has been discussed.
Low Cost Adsorbent Derived from Agricultural Byproduct and Its Application for the Removal of Cationic Dye from Waste Water: A Review
Authors: Mekonen Natinael , Gebrearegawi Semere , Syraji Yonas , Tsegaye Kasahun
Published: September 2024

Water is the most important natural resource in the planet and is essential to life. But human activity such as industrial waste, and natural sources may all pollute this priceless resource. Among those, the effluent discharged from industries is the major pollutant in the water body. The development of industries is the backbone of the economic growth of countries, results in increased employment, and improves the living standards of human beings. But it is also the main source of environmental pollution. The primary cause of the cationic dye contamination in the water body is the organic effluent released by the textile industry. One of the cationic organic dyes generated by the textile industry is methylene blue (MB). This poisonous material hinders photosynthesis, keeps light from penetrating the water, and causes irreversible harm to people, animals, and plants. Therefore, different treatment methods were employed, including sedimentation, coagulation, oxidation, osmosis, electrolysis, and adsorption. Among them, adsorption is a highly effective technique for removing MB from waste water because of its affordability, environmental friendliness, accessibility, and high efficiency. Therefore, this review concentrated on different types of adsorbents made from agricultural products. Based on a study of many research, it appears that using agricultural wastes as an adsorbent can effectively remove MB from industrial waste water.
Cause of Construction Materials Wastages on Construction Project a Case of Mettu Town
Authors: Fufa Gamachu , Fite Kebede , Tucho Geremu , Wakuma Tamasgen
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of the construction industry has caused in the construction materials wastage that negatively affect the environment, budget and humanity. The aim of this study is to assess the cause of construction materials wastages on public construction project a case of Mettu town. The target population was selected randomly consultant and contractors of public construction project in Mettu town. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents’ a categories of questionnaires according to five groups on the cause of construction materials wastage of construction project. The main technique of data analysis was descriptive statistics comprising of percentage, mean value and relative importance index. The result of data analysis are shows on the tables and figures of the data collection. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-Test were used to test the hypotheses. The first three highest contributors to cause of construction material waste are found Group 3 operation, Group 1 design and documentation, and Group 5 site supervision in terms of groups with average relative importance index of 0.697, 0.686 and 0.680 respectively. The three rank cause of key construction materials, which are wasted on construction sites are Tile, Block (HCB), concrete, the relative importance index value are 0.683, 0.680, and 0.678 are wasted respectively. The statistical difference in the perceptions of the various group’s contractor and consultant concerning the most cause of wastage construction material produced during construction project. To evaluate the difference across five groups of cause of construction materials wastage on the contractor and consultant was tested using kruskal-wallis test. The test is significant difference of contractor, consultant and average (Aysmp sig. 0.000, 0.431, 0.812 are respectively. In the preference of cause of construction materials wastage for five groups of respondents are (Group 1=12, Group 2 = 19, Group 3 = 14, Group 4 = 13, and Group 5 = 5). The waste of construction materials is a common occurrence in Mettu town. Therefore, it is the obligation of all parties involved in the construction sector to minimize the construction materials waste. This study suggested that in order to achieve efficient waste reduction in the construction business, contractors and consultants need to receive the necessary training and motivation. The study's conclusions may have applications in waste management, construction technology, and control for environmentally friendly public construction projects.
The Structural Behavior of Lightweight Self-Compacting Concrete Slabs Using Different Types of Reinforcement
Authors: Eid Fatma , Mahmoud Islam
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine how the type of reinforcement used in self-compacting concrete (SCC) and lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) affects their structural behavior. There were three forms of reinforcement used: wire mesh, glass fiber-reinforced rebars, and regular steel rebars. To evaluate the mechanical characteristics of reinforced concrete slabs with various types of reinforcement, extensive experiments were carried out. The tensile strength, stiffness, and crack resistance of the concrete were studied in each case. The finite element program Abaqus was utilized in addition to the experimental investigations to create the numerical simulation of the test. The experimental results revealed that the reinforcement type significantly affects the structural behavior of SCC and LWSCC slabs. Conventional steel rebars provided high tensile strength and excellent crack resistance, while glass fiber-reinforced rebars contributed to enhanced flexibility and reduced overall weight of the concrete. On the other hand, the wire mesh exhibited average mechanical and structural properties. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate reinforcement type based on specific applications and desired performance requirements. This research provides valuable guidance for architects and civil engineers in choosing optimal reinforcement for SCC and LWSCC. Furthermore, it can contribute to the advancement of techniques and potential improvements in these materials to achieve better performance and enhance sustainability in infrastructure and building construction. From the practical results, it was found that in the case of using lightweight self-compacting concrete and self-compacting concrete, it is preferable to reinforce it with ordinary reinforcement steel, as it gives the best results in terms of maximum load capacity at failure. Although the use of steel reinforcement in self-compacting concrete also gives the best results, but from the laboratory results it is possible to improve the performance of self-compacting concrete by reinforcing it with GFRP or welded wire mesh.
Assessment of a Deep-Learning System for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Using Histopathology Images
Authors: Kar Purna , Rowlands Sareh
Published: September 2024

Colorectal Cancer is one of the most common and lethal forms of cancer hence, an early and accurate detection is crucial. Traditional manual diagnosis is a tedious and time-consuming job susceptible to human errors; therefore, it is imperative to use computer-aided detection systems to interpret medical images for a quicker and more accurate diagnosis. In recent years deep-learning approaches have proved to be efficacious in predicting cancer from pathological images. This study assesses several deep-learning techniques for cancer diagnosis on digitized histopathology images, amongst which GoogLeNet and Xception emerged as the most effective, with GoogLeNet exhibiting slightly better precision in identifying cancerous tissues. Building on these findings the study proposes a new model (Xception+) by borrowing the idea from Xception architecture, which outperforms existing architectures with an accuracy of 99.37% for cancer diagnosis and 94.48% for cancer-grade classification. The primary inference of our research is assisting pathologists in detecting colorectal cancer from pathological images faster and more accurately. With notable accuracy and robustness, our proposed model has significant potential to analyze pathological images and detect the patterns associated with other types of cancer. Our study holds promise for driving the advancement of innovative medical diagnostic tools, aiding pathologists and medical practitioners in expediting cancer diagnosis processes.
Population Dynamics of Coffee Thrips (Diarthrothrips coffeae) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Using Sticky Traps with Different Essential Oils
Authors: Tefera Banchiamlak
Published: September 2024

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is one of the most traded commodities worldwide, and it is grown in about 80 coffee producing countries. Ethiopia is the origin of coffea arabica L which is grown in different production systems. Insect pests are one of the biotic factors that contribute to low yield and quality. Thrips are key insect pests in several coffee-producing regions in Southern Ethiopia. This study evaluated blue sticky traps treated with different essential oils to monitor the population dynamics of coffee thrips over three years. The experiment was conducted at the Awada sub center research site on established coffee plots, with six treatments and three replications. The results showed a significantly different in the number of coffee thrips populations per week, month and year. In the 2021 cropping season, the highest number of coffee thrips was caught on sage oil-treated sticky traps in the second week of trap installation (WK2=77.50). In the 2022 cropping season, the highest number of coffee thrips was caught on lavander oil-treated sticky traps in the third week of trap installation (WK3=1,100.33). In the 2023 cropping season, the highest number of coffee thrips was caught on lavander oil-treated sticky traps in the third week of trap installation (WK3=2,320.00). Thus, the blue sticky trap treated with lavender oil attracted a higher thrips population in 2022 and 2023 year. Therefore, lavander oil is a promising essential oil along with the blue sticky trap for monitoring coffee thrips populations.
Characterization of Oils and Solid Residues Obtained from Bauhinia variegata L. and Pachira glabra pasq. Seeds Through the Solvent Extraction Method
Authors: Tebe Ulrich , Tangka Julius , Kamdem Brice , Abioye Kunmi
Published: September 2024

Vegetable oils derived from non-edible seeds are excellent sources for producing biodiesel which serves as an alternative to fossil fuels. In this study, products viz vegetable oils and solid residues obtained from solvent extraction method of Bauhinia variegata and Pachira glabra seeds were characterized according to standard norms to evaluate their energy potential. The oils obtained have a free fatty acid content of 2.31 wt% and 13.6 wt%, a kinematic viscosity of 12.45 and 3.24 mm²/s, an iodine value of 17.26 and 12.37 (g of I2/100g of oil), a saponification value of 207.57 and 183.03 (mg of KOH/g of oil), a peroxide value of 10 and 8.06 (meq O2/kg of oil), and a calorific value of 40.66 and 65.08 MJ/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the physicochemical analysis of the oils revealed that they are excellent choice for biodiesel production. In addition, the proximate analysis of the solid residues of Bauhinia variegata and Pachira glabra showed high level of protein, fiber, and total carbohydrates with respective values of 34.79 and 30.41 wt%, 10.44 and 15.16 wt%, and 47.50 and 52.92 wt%. Mineral analysis indicated a high concentration of minerals, particularly potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus. The solid residues exhibit anti-nutritional properties, making it suitable for various applications such as bioconversion by black soldier fly larvae, bioelectricity, biogas production, and biofuels among others.
Gully Erosion Risk Assessment Using a GIS-Based Bivariate Statistical Models and Machine Learning in the Dodota Alem Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Gizaw , Bekele Daniel , Eshetu Melat , Rabo Mohamed , Bezu Abebe , Asefa Abera
Published: September 2024

One of the most significant environmental hazards threatening ecosystems is gully erosion. In this study, we applied two bivariate statistical models—frequency ratio (FR) and index of entropy (IoE)—as well as a machine learning algorithm (RF) to generate gully erosion susceptibility maps (GESM). The study was conducted in the Dodota Alem watershed of the Awash River basin, covering 135 km². Our modeling utilized input data from field surveys, Google Earth, and secondary sources. Geo-environmental factors such as land use and land cover, soil characteristics, altitude, slope, aspect, profile curvature, plan curvature, drainage density, distance from roads, distance from streams, stream power index (SPI), and topographic wetness index (TWI) were considered after a multi-collinearity test. Among these factors, distance from roads had the most substantial impact on gully erosion susceptibility according to the RF model, while SPI played a crucial role in the FR and IoE models. Approximately 60% of the watershed falls into the moderate or high susceptibility category for gully erosion using the FR and IoE models, whereas the RF model projected the largest area in the very high susceptibility class. Validation results, based on the Area Under Curve (AUC), demonstrated prediction efficiencies of 0.912 (FR), 0.880 (IoE), and 0.932 (RF). These findings can guide decision-makers and planners in implementing effective soil and water conservation measures to mitigate the damage caused by gully erosion. Additionally, this approach serves as a valuable reference for future research on gully erosion susceptibility.
Leveraging Information Technology for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Tanzania: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways
Authors: Alphonce Magori
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to assess the current state of IT integration in Tanzanian climate change strategies, identify barriers and opportunities, and provide insights for informed decision-making and policy formulation. Additionally, the research aims to explore comparative analysis with other African countries to contextualize Tanzania's experiences and lessons learned. Methodology: The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining literature review, surveys, interviews, document analysis, and case studies. Various regions within Tanzania are selected to represent geographical and climatic diversity. Data collection methods include surveys among key stakeholders, in-depth interviews with experts and policymakers, document analysis of existing reports and policies, and examination of successful case studies. Quantitative data are analyzed using statistical software, while qualitative data undergo thematic analysis to derive patterns and themes. Findings: The study yields insights into the current status of IT integration in Tanzanian climate change strategies, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. Findings indicate limited IT infrastructure and capacity, high costs, and awareness gaps among end-users as significant barriers. However, opportunities exist in mobile technology, remote sensing, and community-centric approaches. Comparative analysis with other African countries offers valuable context-specific insights. Unique Contribution to Theory. Practices and Policy: leveraging IT for climate change mitigation and adaptation in Tanzania requires addressing infrastructure limitations, enhancing awareness and technical skills, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Policy interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative partnerships are essential for realizing its transformative potential. The study underscores the urgency of integrating IT solutions into Tanzania's climate resilience efforts to ensure sustainable development and safeguard the well- being of its populace.