bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Editing Platforms in Rice (Oryza sativa L.): Basic methodology and troubleshooting
Authors: Kumari Diksha , Prasad Bishun , Dwivedi Padmanabh
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, genome editing approaches are one of the most frequently used for studying the function of a new gene(s) and for the development of elite mutant lines with desired traits. The technology has to boost up the craze among the researchers for editing the crop genome. However, information regarding the constructions of CRISPR/Cas9 gene cassette to develop edited rice plants is scattered. In the present study, we have shown a systematic stepwise protocol for designing gRNA, cloning of gRNA in CRISPR/Cas9 binary vector, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, screening and confirmation of edited plants along with troubleshooting at each step to accelerate the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for rice improvement. The CHOPCHOP web tool was used for designing primers for gRNA. In this study, we are mentioning a specific trait for gene editing because we are giving overall easy and efficient protocols for generating edited plants for any trait. Plants with the presence of CaMV35S promoter, OsU3 promoter, PAT gene, and Cas9 gene were treated as gene-edited plants whereas the absence of the desired band in plants was treated as wild type. The performance of genome editing technology in the laboratory depends upon the systematic steps to finally find the desirable edited plant, and this simplified method of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing will accelerate functional genomics studies in rice.
Effects of handover education using the OPT model and SBAR protocol in nursing students: A quasi-experimental design
Authors: Seo Yon Hee , Jang Kyeongmin , Ahn Jung-Won
Published: September 2022

Background
Since most of nursing students lack clinical reasoning competency, for effective handover education, it is necessary to include a strategy to improve the clinical reasoning competency of nursing students in the practical training course of the nursing department.
Methods
This study is a quasi-experimental research design using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design to verify the effectiveness of the practice education program using the OPT model and SBAR. The subjects of this study were 73 third-year students from two universities participating in internal medicine ward practice or clinical alternative practice.
Results
Homogeneity was ensured in all variables of the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group showed significantly better communication clarity (t=-12.262, p =<.001), communication confidence (t =-12.486, p=<.001), problem-solving processes (t =-13.100, p =<.001), and team efficacy (t = -6.197, p = <.001) compared to before the intervention. However, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-intervention scores of the control group.
Conclusion
In a situation where clinical practice is difficult for nursing students, the handover education program using the OPT model and SBAR protocols can helps improve nursing students' communication clarity, communication confidence, problem- solving process, and team efficacy. Further studies are required to confirm these results.
A power-efficient integrated lithium niobate electro-optic comb generator
Authors: ZHANG Ke , Sun Wenzhao , Chen Yikun , Feng Hanke , Zhang Yiwen , Chen Zhaoxi , Wang Cheng
Published: September 2022

Integrated electro-optic (EO) frequency combs are essential components for future applications in optical communications, light detection and ranging, optical computation, sensing and spectroscopy. To date, broadband on-chip EO combs are typically generated in high-quality-factor micro-resonators, while the more straightforward and flexible non-resonant method, usually using single or cascaded EO phase modulators, often requires high driving power to realize a reasonably strong modulation index. Here, we show that the phase modulation efficiency of an integrated lithium niobate modulator could be dramatically enhanced by passing optical signals through the modulation electrodes for a total of 4 round trips, via multiple low-loss TE0/TE1 mode multiplexers and waveguide crossings, reducing electrical power consumption by more than one order of magnitude. Using devices fabricated from a wafer-scale stepper lithography process, we demonstrate a broadband optical frequency comb featuring 47 comb lines at a 25-GHz repetition rate, using a moderate RF driving power of 28 dBm (0.63 W). Leveraging the excellent tunability in repetition rate and operation wavelength, our power-efficient EO comb generator could serve as a compact low-cost solution for future high-speed data transmission, sensing and spectroscopy, as well as classical and quantum optical computation systems.
WITHDRAWN: A novel model of the deep neural network approach in coal mining surface pattern to assess land use classification using remote sensing image
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Das Bhumika
Published: September 2022

Computer vision usage in coal mining land use (LU) pattern classification is an exigent application for accurate accuracy. In the context of the satellite image pattern classification, the artificial intelligence (AI) for the development of a deep neural network (DNN), we have expressed an interest in land use (LU) for coal mining activities. Also, this image is addressed an area of interest as a spatial feature pattern that characterises coal mining regions. Moreover, the DNN classification algorithm's performance depends on the quality of the dataset. In the satellite image dataset, these practices of supervised-based learning are used for the accuracy assessment of mining activities area that is categorized into five classes coal area, built-up area, barren area, vegetation area, and water area respectively. The suit of mining activities area is selected from a case study of Talcher, Odisha, India. Further, we have found performances of training, testing, and validation like 88%, 69.7%, and 73.6%, respectively. Also, the overall accuracy is 79.4%. Therefore, the potential of DNNs learning is introduced for LU classification over mining activities area.
A social media fix to the Wallacean shortfall
Authors: Chowdhury Shawan , Aich Upama , Rokonuzzaman Md. , Alam Shofiul , Das Priyanka , Siddika Asma , Ahmed Sultan , Labi Mahzabin , Marco Moreno Di , Fuller Richard , Callaghan Corey
Published: September 2022

Citizen science programmes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and popular among those with an interest in natural history, but remain the domain of a relatively small portion of the public and heavily biased toward certain areas. Although systematic recording of biodiversity data has been practiced for centuries in the Global North, many tropical nations are still vastly under-surveyed. Yet with the explosive popularity of social media, and the near-ubiquitous availability of smartphone cameras, millions of people are posting photographs on social media daily. Here, we illustrate the potential of harvesting these data to enhance our biodiversity understanding using Bangladesh, a megadiverse South Asian nation, as a case study. We compared biodiversity records extracted from Facebook with those from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) collating geospatial records for 1,013 unique species, including 970 species from Facebook (representing 25% of observation records) and 712 species in GBIF (representing 75% of observation records). While a vast proportion of the combined spatial data were biased towards major cities, Facebook records were more evenly spatially distributed compared to those from GBIF. About 86% of the available distribution records on threatened species were from Facebook, whereas GBIF records were almost entirely of Least Concern species. Our results reveal that social media archives can contain biodiversity data that far eclipses that available from formal databases in terms of volume, and also complements formal data both taxonomically and spatially. A key research priority now is the development of mechanisms for extracting and interpreting social media biodiversity data.
Antiseizure medication use after meningioma resection: A single institution experience
Authors: Ellis Erin , Drumm Michael R. , Rai Samhitha , Huang Jonathan , Tate Matthew C. , Magill Stephen T. , Templer Jessica W.
Published: September 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the antiseizure medication (ASM) practice behavior at a single institution with regards to type, dosage, and frequency in patients who present with seizures prior to meningioma resection and to review post-operative ASM management.
Methods: A retrospective study of 112 consecutive patients with meningiomas who underwent resection at a single institution between October 2016 and January 2020. Data was collected through detailed chart review, and included demographics, pre-and post-operative seizure characteristics, and type, dose, frequency, and changes to ASM regimens.
Results:Thirty-five patients (31%) had a preoperative seizure, and 43 (38%) of patients were prescribed a preoperative ASM. At discharge, 96 (86%) of patients were prescribed an ASM, which was most often 1000 mg daily total of levetiracetam (64%, 61/96), and less often higher doses of levetiracetam or other ASMs. By the six-month postoperative visit, 55 (49%) of patients were taking at least one ASM, and this number of patients further decreased to 45 (40%) and 36 (32%) by one-year follow-up and last-known follow-up, respectively. Median time to last follow-up was 27.3 months (range = 5.4 – 57.4 months), and by last follow-up, 24 (21%) of patients had experienced a post-operative seizure, and 36 (32%) of patients were never able to discontinue their ASMs.
Conclusions: Most patients who underwent surgical resection of their meningioma were eventually able to completely discontinue their postoperative ASM regimen. However, a large minority of patients continued to experience postoperative seizures throughout their treatment course and required long-term management.
Extent of ICT Integration in Science Based on SAMR Model
Authors: Flores Den Karl , Adlaon Mauricio
Published: September 2022

This study presents the level of ICT integration of science teachers based on the SAMR model of Ruben R. Puentedura. The said model was put into the context of science education during the first semester of online distance learning school year 2021–2022. This study involves the participation of science teachers and students. The components of the SAMR model are used as an indicator of this study. There were 54 science teachers and 591 students who participated in this study; each respondent was given a researcher-made questionnaire which is validated by the experts and tested for internal consistency. The data gathered were analyzed using the following descriptive statistical tools: (a)Frequency Count and Percentage Distribution, (b) Mean and Standard Deviation, and (c) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Based on the results Science teachers’ ICT integration is highly evident in the SAMR model’s Augmentation level. This is confirmed by the students. In the aforementioned model, augmentation is the second of four rungs. Science teachers utilized digital technology with improved functional change instead of traditional tools. It is in the enhancement of the Information and Communication Technology level but still needs to be upscaled to reach the transformational level where the use of ICT technology improves students' learning. The age and years of teaching experience of Science teachers have an impact on their ICT integration. Students’ perceptions of ICT integration in Science classes, on the other hand, are influenced by their curriculum, grade level, and school.
A framework to estimate continuous streamflow at the ungauged site with limited catchment’s hydrological data: Case study Isahaya Catchment
Authors: Angalika Misigo W. S. , Suzuki Seiji , Tanaka Wataru , Vu Huynh V. , Itayama Tomoaki
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a framework for mapping flow information from the gauged to the ungauged river basins. The calibration and validation of a hydrologic model were conducted to establish basic watershed characteristics. The new framework was then applied to account for the two watersheds' proportionality in their similarity, such as the influence of land use on transplanting flow signatures. Three land-use scenarios-discharges at the ungauged and gauged sites formed the basis of an equation mapping the gauged discharge signal to the ungauged site. In comparison with intermittent observed data, the framework prediction attained a precision of 0.85≥NSE≤0.95, 0.80≥R2≤0.94, 0.56≥bR2≤0.89. Despite considerable differences in the watershed area, slope, soils, and land cover, the framework satisfactorily depicted the variation in flow pulses of each river. In the absence of established hydrological information, this provides an alternative flow estimation at ungauged sites, reducing uncertainties in the regionalization of model parameters.
Exchange, catalysis and amplification of encapsulated RNA driven by periodic temperature changes
Authors: Salibi Elia , Peter Benedikt , Schwille Petra , Mutschler Hannes
Published: September 2022

Growth and division of biological cells is based on the complex orchestration of spatiotemporally controlled reactions driven by highly evolved proteins. In contrast, it remains unknown how their primordial predecessors could achieve a stable inheritance of cytosolic components before the advent of translation. An attractive scenario assumes that periodic changes of environmental conditions acted as pacemakers for the proliferation of early protocells. Using catalytic RNA (ribozymes) as models for primitive biocatalytic molecules, we demonstrate that the repeated freezing and thawing of aqueous solutions enables the assembly of active ribozymes from inactive precursors encapsulated in separate lipid vesicle populations. Furthermore, we show that encapsulated ligase ribozymes can overcome freezing-induced content loss and successive dilution by freeze-thaw driven propagation in feedstock vesicles. Thus, cyclic freezing and melting of aqueous solvents – a plausible physicochemical driver likely present on early Earth – provides a simple scenario that uncouples compartment growth and division from nucleic acid self-replication, while maintaining the propagation of these replicators inside new vesicle populations.
Effects of lesion size on the 30-month clinical performance of restorations of non-carious cervical lesions
Authors: correia ayla macyelle de oliveira , jurema ana luiza barbosa , bresciani eduardo , caneppele taciana marco ferraz
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this double-blind, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the influence of the occlusogingival distance (OGD) in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) on the clinical performance of a regular bulk-fill resin composite and a regular nanofilled resin composite.
Materials and Methods: 140 NCCLs in 77 participants were randomly divided into four groups (n=35), according to OGD (1.5 mm±10% or 3 mm±10%) and resin composites (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior [B] or Filtek Z350 XT [C]), namely: 1.5 mm-B, 1.5 mm-C, 3 mm-B, and 3 mm-C. The restorations were bonded using a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond), applied following the manufacturer’s instructions. Restorations were polished 1 week after placement. Two experienced and calibrated examiners evaluated the restorations using modified US Public Health Service criteria at baseline (7 days) and after 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months. Statistical analyses were carried out using Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman's repeated measures analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon Signed rank test (α = 0.05).
Results: After 30 months, the recall rate was 94.2%. Eight restorations were lost (3 for 1.5 mm-C, 2 for 1.5 mm-B, 1 for 3 mm-C and 2 for 3 mm-B). All groups resulted in a significantly worse marginal discoloration and surface texture at 30 months in comparison with the baseline (one week).
Conclusion: The restorations performed with both resin composites produced clinically acceptable restorations. The OGD of NCCLs of did not influence the clinical performance of restorations.
Clinical significance: The regular bulk-fill material showed excellent clinical behavior in NCCLs of different sizes, similar to the regular nanofilled resin composite.
Immunological characteristics of CD103+CD8+T cells in the liver of C57BL/6 mouse infected with plasmodium NSM
Authors: Shi Feihu , Chen Dianhui , Mo Feng , Li Jiajie , Fang Chao , Wei Haixia , Xing Junmin , Liu Lin , Gong Yumei , Tan Zhengrong , Pan Xingfei , Zhao Shan , Huang Jun
Published: September 2022

Background: CD103 is an important marker of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) which play important roles in fighting against infection. However, the immunological characteristics of CD103+ T cells are not thoroughly elucidated in the liver of mouse infected with Plasmodium.
Methods: 6-8 weeks old C57BL/6 mice were infected with Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis NSM. Mice were anesthetized and sacrificed at 12 to 16 days after infection, and the livers were picked out. Sections of the livers were stained, and serum AST and ALT levels were measured. Moreover, lymphocytes in the liver were isolated, and the expression of CD103 was determined by using qPCR. The percentage of CD103 on different immune cell populations was dynamically observed by using flow cytometry (FCM). In addition, the phenotype and cytokine production characteristics of CD103+CD8+ T cell were analyzed by using flow cytometry, respectively.
Results: Erythrocyte stage plasmodium infection could result in severe hepatic damage, a widespread inflammatory response and the decrease of CD103 expression on hepatic immune cells. CD103 expression was increased on CD8+ T and γδ T cells. The decrease of CD103 expression was significantly on CD8+ T cells. Compared to that of CD103- CD8+ T cells, CD103+ CD8+ T cells from the infected mice expressed lower level of CD69, higher level of CD62L, and secreted more IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and secreted less IFN-γ.
Conclusion:CD103+CD8+ T cells might mediate the hepatic immune response by secreting IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17 except IFN-γ in the mice infected with the erythrocytic phase plasmodium, which could be involved in the pathogenesis of severe liver damage resulted from the erythrocytic phase plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis NSM infection.
Design and Implementation of a Metaverse Platform for Traditional Culture: The Chime Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng
Authors: Wu Lingyi , Yu Riji , Su Wei , Ye Shishu
Published: September 2022

Metaverse platforms become more and more prevalent for collaboration in virtual environments. Metaverse platforms, as opposed to Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, expand with greater social meanings within virtual worlds. The research object in this study is the chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, one of China's most treasured cultural heritages. We intend to create a Metaverse platform for the chime bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng, which provides visitors with a highly immersive and interactive experience. Firstly, the materials and data of the chime bells and other exhibits are collected, as well as historical information. Then, the data are processed and integrated for 3D model reconstruction. In addition, we design the virtual roaming system, in which visitors can interact with the exhibits to obtain multimedia information and even knock to ring chime bells. Finally, our system is built to connect multiple visitors who are geographically located and encourage them to collaborate and communicate within the virtual space. This platform helps to visualize the cultural heritage, simulate real-life tour experiences with intuitive manners of interaction, and motivate visitors’ interest in traditional culture. This research also reveals the potential use of Metaverse-related techniques in cultural heritage sectors.
Adaptive Mechanism in Quercus brantii Lindl. Leaves under Climatic Differentiation: Morphological and Anatomical Traits
Authors: Soheili Forough , Heydari Mehdi , Woodward Stephen , Naji Hamid Reza
Published: September 2022

Leaf traits, which vary across different climatic conditions, can reveal evolutionary changes within a species to adapt to the environment. To examine adaptive mechanisms applied by plants in different climates, we analyzed leaf morphology and anatomical structures in Quercus brantii in the Zagros forests. The trees adapted to the environmental differences with increased dry matter content in a Mediterranean climate, and increasing leaf length, specific leaf area, stomata length (SL), stomata width, stomatal density (SD), stomatal pore index (SPI), trichome length, and width in a sub-humid climate; trichome density was increased in a semi-arid climate. There were strong, positive correlations between SPI with SL and SD. Such traits plasticity probably leads to lower transpiration rates, control of internal temperature and water status, and improved photosynthetic capability under stressing conditions. These findings provide new insights into the adaptive strategies of trees to environmental changes at the morphological and anatomical levels.
Efficient Mapping Scheme for Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem in a Multiprocessing Environment
Authors: Oladipupo Esau Taiwo , Abikoye Christiana Oluwakemi
Published: September 2022

The security of Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem (ECC) hinges on on the hardness of Elliptic Curve Discrete Logic Problem. However, existing mapping schemes are inefficient, make ECC vulnerable to security attacks and cannot be efficiently implemented in a multiprocessing environment. In this paper, an efficient mapping scheme which employ the use of Columnar Transposition technique for bit manipulation before message mapping to point on the elliptic curve was developed. Comparative security, efficiency and performance analysis of the developed mapping scheme with the existing ones were investigated. The outcomes show that the developed mapping scheme is resilient to different attacks that the existing scheme are vulnerable to. ECC schemes that use the developed mapping scheme efficiently use resources in multiprocessing environment, requires lower bandwidth for transmission of encrypted point, without negatively affecting the encryption/decryption time, throughputs and energy consumption, than the ECC schemes with existing mapping schemes.
Prophylactic Antibiotic Administration in Adults with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Lin Jian-dong , Xiao Xiong-jian
Published: September 2022

Background: There is a debt whether prophylactic antibiotic use may further hamper prognosis of patients with OHCA. In this study, we have performed a meta-analysis to assessed the effect of prophylactic antibiotic administration.
Methods: Electronic databases were searched for trials in which prophylactic antibiotic had been administered to adults with OHCA. The predefined primary outcome was the incidence of pneumonia.
Results: The included 6 trials enrolled a total of 5061 patients. Prophylactic antibiotic administration was not associated with decreased incidence of pneumonia and early-onset pneumonia (OR 0.44; 95%CI (0.19, 1.02); p= 0.056; I2=95.9% vs. OR 0.54; 95%CI (0.22, 1.32); p= 0.175; I2=46.8%). No adverse effect on mortality was found among trials (OR 1.17; 95%CI (0.46, 2.97); p= 0.748; I2=87.8%).
Conclusion: Given this conflicting collection of limited quality, no difference in the incidence of pneumonia (including early-onset pneumonia) and mortality was found when receiving prophylactic antibiotic administration in patients suffering out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Randomized trials are warranted to define the best prophylactic antibiotic protocol.
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022341601. 07 March, 2022 retrospectively registered.
Analysis of the composition and microstructure of a diatom frustule in mud on the coast of Boryeong-City, South Korea
Authors: Bok Mi Kyung , Chin Chung Hwa , Choi Hee Jung , Ham Ju Hyun , Chang ByungSoo
Published: September 2022

The microstructure of the frustule of diatoms contained in mud distributed along the coast of Boryeong-city, South Korea was observed with a scanning electron microscope, and its constituent elements were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. On scanning electron microscopy of the mud powder, diatom frustules were present together with clay minerals. On high-magnification scanning electron microscopy, the surface of frustules had circular pores of the same shape arranged at regular intervals. The size of the pores on the surface of these frustules was found to be about 1 μm. Also, in this study, the diatom shells present in the mud powder were observed in the form of pieces ranging in size from 3 ㎛ to 30 ㎛, and the thickness was found to be about 2.5 μm. Diatom frustules present in mud sediments were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. On analyzing the components of the frustule, Si, Al, Fe, K, Na, Mg, and Ti elements were detected. The main component of the frustule was the Si element, and its content was higher than that of other mud materials.
The effects of Selenohomolanthionine supplementation on the rumen Eukaryotic Diversity of Shaanbei white cashmere wether goats
Authors: Li Longping , Qu Lei , Li Tuo
Published: September 2022

Selenium (Se) is an important microelement for animal health. However, the knowledge about the effects of Se supplementation on rumen eukaryotic community remains less explored. In this study, the ruminal eukaryotic diversity in Shaanbei white cashmere goats fed a basal diet (0.016 mg/kg Se, control group [CG]) were compared to those animals given basal diet supplemented with different levels of organic Se in the form of Selenohomolanthionine (SeHLan), namely low Se group (LSE, 0.3 mg/kg), medium Se group (MSE, 0.6 mg/kg Se) and high Se group (HSE, 1.2 mg/kg) using 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Illumina sequencing generated 2,623,541 reads corresponding to 3123 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Taxonomic analysis revealed that Eukaryota (77.95%) and Fungi (14.10%) were the dominant eukaryotic kingdom in all samples. The predominant rumen eukaryotic phylum was found to be Ciliophora (92.14%), while fungal phyla were dominated by Ascomycota (40.77%), Basidiomycota (23.77%), Mucoromycota (18.32%) and unidentified_Fungi (13.89%). The dominant eukaryotic genera were found to be Entodinium (55.44%), Ophryoscolex (10.51%) and Polyplastron (10.19%), while the fungal genera were dominanted by Mucor (15.39%), Pichia (9.88%), Aspergillu (8.24%), Malassezia (7.73%) and unidentified_Neocallimastigaceae (7.72%). The relative abundance of eukaryotic genera Ophryoscolex, Dasytricha, Enoploplastron and fungal genus Mucor were found to differ significantly among the four treatment groups (P<0.05). Moreover, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the ciliate protozoa and fungi were negatively correlated with each other. The results of this first systematic study provided newer information about the effects of Se on rumen eukaryotic diversity patterns using 18s rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology.
Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in the resuscitation from extreme metabolic acidosis (pH＜6.5) after drowning cardiac arrest: a case report
Authors: Chai Yueyang , Zhang Xinyi , Liu Hong
Published: September 2022

Background: Resuscitation in drowning victim with cardiac arrest is difficult because of severe metabolic acidosis and multiple organ dysfunction. There is insufficient evidence to support that veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is beneficial for patient.
Case presentation: A 44-year-old female was trapped under river when she attempted to rescue her drowning father. Furthermore, she underwent a loss of consciousness, with extreme metabolic acidosis, hypothermia and hypotension. Hence, the VV-ECMO, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and other resuscitative infusion were required. In this case, the patient did not experience any complication or neurologic deficit and reaching a complete recovery after 21 days of hospitalization.
Conclusions: Our case adds further concerns in supporting a patient with extreme metabolic acidosis (pH＜6.5) and hypothermia after severe drowning cardiac arrest, including extracorporeal life support, renal support, targeted temperature management, cerebral resuscitation, etc., due to the reversible nature of this condition.
Stationary states of a dissipative two-qubit quantum channel and their applications for quantum machine learning
Authors: Ghasemian E
Published: September 2022

Entangled state preparation and preservation are the cornerstones of any quantum information platform. However , the strongest adversaries in quantum information science are unwanted environmental effects such as decoherence and dissipation. Here, we address how to control and harness the dissipation that arises from the coupling of a system with its environment, to provide stationary entangled states for quantum machine learning. To do so, we design a dissipative quantum channel, i.e., a two-qubit system interacting with a squeezed vacuum field reservoir, and study the output state of the channel by solving the corresponding master equation, especially, in the small squeezing regime. We show that the time-dependent output state of the channel is the so-called two-qubit X-states that generalize many families of entangled two-qubit states. Also, by considering a general Bell diagonal state as the initial state of the system we reveal that this dissipative channel generates two well-known classes of entangled mixed state and Werner-like states in the steady-state regime. Moreover, this channel provides an efficient way to determine whether a given initial state results in a stationary entangled state or not. Finally, we examine the potential application of the designed two-qubit channel for quantum machine learning. Integrating the non-unitary transformation of the two-qubit channel and parallel-processed neural computing establishes the requirements for a meaningful quantum neural network.
Blockchain-Enabled Secure and Efficient Data Sharing Scheme for Trust Management in Healthcare Smartphone Network
Authors: Bhan Rati Bhan Rati , Pamula Rajendra Pamula Rajendra , Faruki Parvez Faruki Parvez , Gajrani Jyoti Gajrani Jyoti
Published: September 2022

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is an extended genre of Internet of Things (IoT) where the Things collaborate to provide remote patient health monitoring, also known as the Internet of Health (IoH). Smartphones and IoMTs' are expected to maintain a secure and trusted confidential patient-records exchange while managing the patient remotely. Healthcare organizations deploy Healthcare Smartphone Networks (HSN) for confidential patient data collection and sharing among smartphone users and IoMT nodes. However, the attackers gain access to confidential patient data via compromised/malicious IoMT nodes from the HSN. Additionally, attackers can compromise the entire network via the compromised nodes. This article proposes a Hyperledger blockchain-based technique to identify the compromised IoMT nodes and safeguard sensitive patient records. Furthermore, the paper proposes a Clustered Hierarchical Trust Management System (CHTMS) to block malicious nodes. In addition, the proposal employs Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) to protect sensitive health records. Similarly, the proposed approach is resilient against denial of service, eclipse attacks, and terminal device failure. Finally, the evaluation results show that integrating blockchains into the HSN system improved the detection performance compared to the existing state-of-the-art. Therefore, the simulation results indicate better security and reliability when compared to conventional databases.
Intraseasonal variation of the 20-60-day summer rainfall in Thailand and its associated large-scale atmospheric moisture circulation
Authors: Faikrua Apiwat , Torsri Kritanai , Dike Victor Nnamdi , Peangta Pattarapoom , Sawangwattanaphaibun Rati
Published: September 2022

We have identified sub-seasonal variation of summer rainfall (wet and dry conditions) in Thailand and its associated large-scale atmospheric moisture circulation. The study is based on long-term daily rainfall data (1979-2019) of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) and atmospheric water moisture flux and transport dataset obtained from the ERA5 re-analysis. The daily time series is treated as a 2060-day bandpass filtering data for both TMD and ERA5. Results show that summer rainfall is characterized by high intensity and high variance of the 20-60-day rainfall, especially in northeastern, eastern, and western coastal areas of upper Thailand and in western coastal areas of lower Thailand. Features of the 20-60-day atmospheric water vapour anomalies associated with wet and dry rainfall events are spatially temporally varying depending on sub-region and month. We found that the intraseasonal variation of above normal rainfall in upper Thailand are strongly associated with southwesterlies (easterlies) of moisture convergence from eastern Indian Ocean (South China Sea) that induced total moisture budget about 24×108 kg/s, while below normal rainfall is controlled by westerly anomalies of moisture divergence (the moisture budget is -21.4×108 kg/s). For lower Thailand, wet condition of the 2060-day rainfall variation is associated with southwesterly anomalies and cyclonic-like pattern of moisture convergence over the Andaman Sea, while anti-cyclonic atmospheric moisture divergence is dominant leading to below normal rainfall (water budget remained of 2.7×108 kg/s and -2.4×108 kg/s for the wet and dry events).
Investigation of Thermo-Physical properties of EMIMBF 4 ionic liquid and water binary systems for heat transfer and refrigeration applications
Authors: Jegan B. , Kumaraguruparam G. , Kumar B. Varun
Published: September 2022

Research intent to discern a thermophysical property of novel proposed ionic liquid [EMIMBF4–1-Ethyl-3-MethyImidazolium tetrafluoroborate] which comprises of hydrophilic, non-corrosive, and negligible vapour pressure to play a perfect supernumerary solution to vapour absorption system and heat transfer applications. A Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid [RTIL] blended with deionized water in four different mass fractions as 20%,15%, 10% and 5% to prepare an ionic liquid and water binary mixture at room temperature. To understand the heat flow characterization of ionic liquid in the applications such as solar panel, chemical or refrigeration plant. Thermal stability and the thermophysical characteristics of EMIMBF4, including thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, viscosity and density, were measured over the temperature range of 25 OC to 90 OC. The results obtained are fascinating in exemplifying their presence in the advancement of heat transfer and refrigeration applications.
Rheological Properties and Volumetric Isothermal Expansivity of Bamboo Kraft Black Liquor with high solid content and low lignin content
Authors: Chen Shenglin , Xu Yongjian , Guo Kangkang , Yue Xiaopeng
Published: September 2022

The contradiction between the increasing demand for pulp and the insufficient capacity of existing alkali recovery system and the “silicon interference” problem of non-wood raw material pulping restrict the development of pulp and paper integration. Therefore, the key to improve pulp productivity is to improve the processing capacity of alkali recovery system and reduce the influence of “silicon interference”. In this study, a certain percentage of lignin in original bamboo Kraft black liquor (BKBL) was separated, and the residual BKBL with low lignin content was expected to be fed into the alkali recovery furnace to reduce the heat transfer load of the alkali recovery furnace. It can effectively improve the processing capacity of black liquor without a new alkali recovery system. With the decrease in lignin content, the rheological properties/volumetric isothermal expansivity (VIE) of BKBL change. When the lignin content was 70% remained in the original BKBL, the viscosity of BKBL with low lignin content is close to that of the passivated BKBL at the same solid content, the dynamic viscoelasticity is superior, and the VIE decreases by 57.2%. When the amount of desilication agent is 1.5%, the viscosity of BKBL with low lignin content did not change much, and the VIE increased sharply and was 62.7% higher than that of the passivated BKBL. Therefore, the combination of partial lignin separation process and sodium aluminate desilication process can effectively improve the ability of alkali recovery furnace to deal with BKBL and reduce the influence of “silicon interference’’.
Modified Used Palm Oil Polyols – A New Waste-based Plasticizer for Thermoplastic Non-glutinous Starch Foam
Authors: Sukhawipat Nathapong
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a novel waste-based plasticizer derived from
modified Used Palm Oil (mUPO) was successfully developed and used
as an essential additive to thermoplastic non-glutinous starch foam
to improve its properties. The molecular weight and hydroxyl number
of the mUPO that was being explored was 3,150 g/mol and 192.19
mg.KOH/g, respectively. The key results revealed that the optimal
mUPO content enhances the mechanical properties and thermal
properties of thermoplastic starch. Furthermore, the superlative
mUPO content facilitate the forming of foam structure. All these
results indicate that the proper utilization of wasted-based
material such as mUPO is a promising solution to achieve a green
alternative plasticizer for starch components, especially starch
foam applications.
Natural Dihydroisobenzofuran Derivatives as a Template for Promising Radical Scavengers: Theoretical Insights into Structure-Activity Relationships, Thermochemistry and Kinetics
Authors: Spiegel Maciej , Sr Zbigniew
Published: September 2022

Dihydroisobenzofuran heterocycle is a structural motif found in a number of medications with antitumour, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activities. It's also found in a slew of natural substances, most notably fungus metabolites, which have been shown to possess credible radical scavenging activity. Density functional theory studies on three different derivatives were conducted to investigate their electronic structures as well as thermochemical and kinetic behaviour against •OOH, •OH, and •OCH3 in biologically relevant solvents, with the goal of elucidating structure-activity relationships and discussing the potential role of the scaffolds as a template for new semi-synthetic antioxidants. The importance of resonance and inductive effects, and also hydrogen bonding, has been underlined, but most importantly, it has been demonstrated that all structures have considerable scavenging potential against all studied radicals, with reactions rates close to the diffusion limit.
The Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Endemic Scutellaria yildirimlii by ISSR Marker for Conservation Purposes
Authors: YILDIRIM Merve , TUĞ Gül Nilhan , YAPRAK Ahmet Emre
Published: September 2022

Scutellaria yildirimlii is an endemic species from Turkey and belongs to the family Lamiaceae which has a high number of medicinal and aromatic plants. It is crucial to determine the genetic potential of these rare and endemic species for conservation; therefore, 111 samples from 5 populations of S. yildirimlii were investigated with 15 Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) primers. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) of S. yildirimlii was determined as 93.9% at the species level and 56.5% at the average population level. The Shannon’s information index (I) and Nei’s gene diversity (H) were calculated as 0.292 and 0.183, respectively. Gene flow among populations (Nm) was obtained as 2.984. Also, the variation between and within the population was 16% and 84%, respectively. The distribution of populations concerning gene flow shows a correlation between Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) dendrogram and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) analysis. Structure analysis (ΔK=3) revealed that K test yielded maximum peaks for 3 groups. In addition, the population distribution resembled both the UPGMA and PCoA dendrograms.
Aqueous microRNA profiling in age-related macular degeneration and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Choi Yeong A , Jeong Areum , Woo Chang-Hoon , Cha Soon Cheol , Park Do Young , Sagong Min
Published: September 2022

Although many studies demonstrated the differences of clinical features, natural course, and response to treatment between typical age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), differential microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in the aqueous humor (AH) between them has not been reported yet. We investigated the roles of miRNAs in the AH of patients with typical AMD and PCV using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Target genes and predicted pathways of miRNAs were investigated via pathway enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. A total of 161 miRNAs from eyes with typical AMD and 185 miRNAs from eyes with PCV were differentially expressed. 33 miRNAs were commonly upregulated, and 77 miRNAs were commonly downregulated in both typical AMD and PCV groups. Among them, hsa-miR-140-5p, hsa-miR-374c-3p, and hsa-miR-200a-5p were differentially expressed and were predicted to regulate proteoglycans in cancer, p53 signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, and adherens junction. The differential expression profiles and target gene regulation networks of AH miRNAs may contribute to the development of different pathological phenotypes in typical AMD and PCV. The results of this study provide novel insights into the pathogenesis, associated prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets in AMD and PCV.
Electro-mechano responsive elastomers with self-tuneable conductivity and stiffness
Authors: Yun Guolin , Cole Tim , Zhang Yuxin , Zheng Jiahao , Sun Shuaishuai , Ou-yang Yiming , Shu Jian , Lu Hongda , Zhang Qingtian , Wang Yongjing , Pham Duc , Hasan Tawfique , Li Weihua , Zhang Shiwu , Tang Shiyang
Published: September 2022

Materials with programmable conductivity and stiffness offer new design opportunities for next-generation engineered systems in soft robotics and wearable devices. However, existing approaches fail to harness variable electrical and mechanical properties synergistically, and lack the ability to self-respond to environmental changes. We report an electro-mechano responsive Field’s metal hybrid elastomer (FMHE) exhibiting variable and tuneable conductivity, strain sensitivity, and stiffness. By synergistically harnessing these properties, we demonstrate two applications with over an order of magnitude performance improvement compared to state-of-the-art, including a self-triggered multi-axis compliance compensator for robotic manipulators, and a resettable, highly compact, and fast current-limiting fuse with adjustable fusing current. We envisage that the extraordinary electromechanical properties of our hybrid elastomer will bring significant advancements in resilient robotic systems, intelligent instruments, and flexible electronics.
Ofloxacin-loaded Selenium-tellurium Nanoheterojunctions for Skin Infection and Wound Healing
Authors: Gao Ping , Sun Meng , Li Leijiao , Li Xiangyang , Wang Bao , Xu Yan , Sun Jing , Chen Jiajun , Li Wenliang
Published: September 2022

Background: With the increasing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment has decreased, which poses considerable threats to public health. Synergistic therapy for bacterial infection has attracted extensive attention due to its rapid, high efficiency and low toxicity.
Results: In this work, High performance and bioactive selenium tellurium nanoheterojunctions (TeSe) was synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. TeSe nanomaterials have high photothermal conversion efficiency (81.4%) and excellent photostability under 808 nm laser irradiation. Combined therapeutic nanoplatform was constructed by loading with ofloxacin (OFLX) based on TeSe nanomaterial as a NIR photothermal agent and carrier. Under physiological conditions, a small amount of drug release was observed, and NIR irradiation could effectively enhance OFLX release. In vitro antibacterial experiments indicated that combined with antibiotic and photothermal therapy had significant antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In addition, animal experiments further demonstrated that the combination therapy exhibited excellent bactericidal activity and promoted wound healing of infection. Such combined treatment strategy not only avoids damage to surrounding tissues in PTT, but also reduces antibiotic use and delays the development of antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions: Therefore, this work reveals the potential of antibiotic-photothermal combined therapy nanoplatform in the field of antibacterial applications, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Association of General and Central Obesity, and Their Changes with Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Park Dojoon , Park Yong-Moon , Ko Seung-Hyun , Hyun Kang-Se , Choi Youn-Ho , Min Dong-Uk , Han Kyungdo , Koh Hae-Seok
Published: September 2022

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between general and central obesity, and their changes with risk of knee OA using retrospective cohort data collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. We studied 1,139,463 people aged 50 and over who received a health examination in 2009. To evaluate the association between general and/or central obesity and knee OA risk, a Cox proportional hazard models were used. Additionally, we investigate knee OA risk according to the change in obesity status over 2 years for subjects who had undergone health examinations for 2 consecutive years. General obesity without central obesity (HR 1.281, 95% CI 1.270–1.292) and central obesity without general obesity (HR 1.167, 95% CI 1.150–1.184) were associated with increased knee OA risk than the comparison group. Individuals with both general with central obesity had the highest risk (HR 1.418, 95% CI 1.406–1.429). This association was more pronounced in women and younger age group. Remarkably, the remission of general or central obesity over two years was associated with decreased knee OA risk (HR 0.884; 95% CI, 0.867-0.902 ; HR 0.900; 95% CI, 0.884-0.916, respectively). The present study found that both general and central obesity were associated with increased risk of knee OA and the risk was highest when the two types of obesity were accompanied. Changes in obesity status have been confirmed to alter the risk of knee OA.