bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agronomic and Commercial Performance of Four Spanish Carob Cultivars
Authors: Tous Joan , Romero Agustí , Hermoso Juan F. , Ninot Antònia , Plana Joan , Batlle Ignasi
Published: August 2023

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) shows interesting prospects for some coastal Mediterranean growing areas and is widely used for industrial, agricultural, and ornamental purposes. It can be an alternative crop adapted to part-time farming and can also be used to regenerate vegetation in areas with a mild climate and erosion problems. Four Spanish carob cultivars were examined (Banya de Cabra, Duraio, Matalafera, and Rojal) to determine the one that performed the best for planting new orchards in northeastern Spain (Catalonia). The trees in this rain-fed trial (average rainfall of 500 mm) were planted in 1986 using seedling rootstocks that were budded in 1987. The trees were trained using the free-vase system and were spaced 8 × 9 m (138 trees/ha including 12% pollinators). The results showed that ‘Rojal’ was the earliest bearing cultivar. However, no significant differences were observed for cumulative pod production 18 years after budding. With respect to cumulative seed yield, ‘Duraio’ had the highest production (95 kg/tree). The lowest tree vigor (trunk cross-section) was observed in ‘Matalafera’. ‘Rojal’ trees produced the largest pods (average fruit weight of 18.9 g) and lowest seed content (11.8%), while ‘Banya de Cabra’ and ‘Duraio’ produced the smallest fruit (weighing 15.3 and 16.2 g, respectively) with the highest seed content (15.2% and 17.3%, respectively). Gum content, expressed as a percentage of the dry weight, was highest in ‘Duraio’ (56.9%) and was lowest in ‘Rojal’ (54.1%). Thus, in terms of kernel and pod production, ‘Duraio’ appeared to be the best-performing female cultivar for planting new carob orchards.
Relative Resistance of Ornamental Flowering Bulbs to Feeding Damage by Voles
Authors: Curtis Paul D. , Curtis Gwen B. , Miller William B.
Published: August 2023

Many plants have mechanisms of physical or chemical resistance that protect them from herbivores in their environment. Vertebrates such as meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) cause significant damage to ornamental plantings and home gardens. Our goal was to identify flowering bulbs that could be used to design more herbivore-resistant home landscapes. Single-choice feeding trials with captive prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were used to assess the relative resistance of 30 bulb varieties to deter rodents from consuming fresh plant material and freeze-dried, powdered bulb mixed with a preferred food (applesauce). Each fresh bulb and dried-bulb/applesauce mix was offered twice to 12 to 15 pairs of adult prairie voles. Bulb varieties that resulted in the lowest mean consumption were assumed to be the most resistant to feeding activity. With fresh bulbs, only tulips (Tulipa spp.) exhibited no resistance to prairie vole feeding. Dried-bulb/applesauce mixes containing hyacinth (Hyacinth spp.), crocus (Crocus spp.), corn leaf iris (Iris bucharica), dutch and dwarf iris (Iris reticulata), onion (Allium spp.), and squill (Scilla siberica) were also readily consumed, and thus, these bulbs could be damaged at sites with high rodent activity. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.), painted arum (Arum italicum), camass (Camassia leichtlinii), glory-of-the-snow (Chinodoxa forbesii), autumn crocus (Colchicum spp.), crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis), persian fritillaria (Fritillaria persica), snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), and grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) bulbs were resistant to prairie vole feeding in both forms (fresh bulbs and dried-bulb/applesauce mixes). Consequently, all of the specialty flower bulbs tested, except tulip, exhibited some resistance to prairie vole feeding in their fresh form, and could be suitable for designing herbivore-resistant landscapes.
Cover Crops Influence Meadow Vole Presence in Organic Orchards
Authors: Wiman Michel R. , Kirby Elizabeth M. , Granatstein David M. , Sullivan Thomas P.
Published: August 2023

Living mulch cover crops can improve soil health and build organic matter, yet their use in fruit orchards comes with a risk of encouraging meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), a rodent that can be destructive to fruit trees. Several living mulch cover crop species were assessed in an apple (Malus ×domestica) orchard understory along with wood chip mulch and bare ground. Desired species characteristics were weed competitiveness, low growth habit, nitrogen fixation, and potential rodent repellency. Legume species included birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), medic (Medicago spp.), and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), which were planted in solid stands as well as mixtures. Nonlegume species included sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), and colonial bentgrass (Agrostis tenuis). Meadow vole presence was evaluated in fall and spring with point-intersect and run-length measurements. A legume mix (medic, birdsfoot trefoil, subterranean clover, and colonial bentgrass) had the highest meadow vole presence, with no reduction under the “sandwich” system of tilling either side of the tree trunks while leaving a cover crop in a narrow strip with the trunks. The nonlegume mix [colonial bentgrass, sweet alyssum, creeping thyme, and fivespot (Neomophila maculata)] had similar results. However, the sweet woodruff (planted in the “sandwich” system) had significantly lower presence of meadow voles than the other living mulches. Wood chip mulch, cultivation, and bare ground control were all similar, with very low presence, indicating low risk of meadow vole damage. The results from the sweet woodruff suggest that we need more research on the potential to select living mulches that are nonattractive or repellent to meadow voles for use in orchards.
Economic Analysis of Nitrogen Rate on Vine Production and Fruit Yield of Pruned Cranberry Beds
Authors: Sandler Hilary A. , DeMoranville Carolyn J.
Published: August 2023

Four nitrogen rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 lb/acre) and four spring pruning severities (none, low, medium, and high) were applied annually in all combinations at two commercial ‘Stevens’ cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) farms in southeastern Massachusetts for 4 years (consecutive). Because runners generated from pruning vines are used to establish new plantings, determining the vine weight generated from each treatment combination was an important criterion for the economic analysis; these data were collected each spring. Mean pruning weight across nitrogen treatments at both locations, collected from the low, medium, and high severity pruning treatments, was 0.17, 0.35, and 0.54 ton/acre, respectively. Economic analysis of the data indicated that nitrogen rate largely determined net income revenues; pruning severity did not significantly affect net income. Nitrogen rates of 100 and 150 lb/acre led to declines in fruit yield and ultimately, in net income. Annual removal of 0.5 ton of vines per acre while applying 50 lb/acre nitrogen did not negatively impact net income values over the 4-year study period. When deciding on horticultural management options for vine propagation, growers should consider the impact of their fertilizer program on fruit yield.
Effect of Seed Treatment, In-furrow, and Foliar Application of Insecticides on the Carrot Weevil in Processing Carrot
Authors: Bonham Melissa , Ghidiu Gerald M. , Hitchner Erin , Rossell Elwood L.
Published: August 2023

Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the effectiveness of a seed treatment, an in-furrow treatment, and foliar applications of insecticides for control of the carrot weevil [Listronotus oregonensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)] in processing carrot (Daucus carota). Carrot seed treated with fipronil resulted in significantly less root damage at harvest then did the in-furrow application of thiamethoxam or multiple foliar applications of diazinon or spinosad in both years, and resulted in significantly higher yields compared with all other treatments in 2004. Seed treatments with fipronil should be considered for future registration on carrot. Such registration would allow early to midseason protection of carrot from weevil damage and compliment the current management program of foliar sprays to control adult weevils.
Tools for Evaluating Native Grasses as Low Maintenance Turf
Authors: Bunderson Landon D. , Johnson Paul G. , Kopp Kelly L. , Van Dyke Adam
Published: August 2023

Visual ratings are the standard for evaluating turfgrass quality. However, to provide more objective evaluations and to address statistical concerns, other methods have been developed to measure turfgrass quality, including digital image analysis and measurements of chlorophyll content. These have been largely applied to traditionally used turfgrass species, but here we used these methods to evaluate turfgrass quality of nontraditional species and mixtures that are native or adapted to the intermountain west region of North America. Two fertilizer treatments (1.0 or 2.0 lb/1000 ft2 nitrogen) were applied to 21 different species and species mixtures in North Logan, UT. These plots were irrigated to replace 60% of the local evapotranspiration rate and were mowed at 4 inches. Turfgrass quality ratings were most effective in measuring quality among the diverse species used in this study. Because of the wider variation in acceptable visual characteristics and lower quality expectations for low-maintenance native turf, the objective evaluation methods proved less useful. Generally, chlorophyll meter data, digital image analysis of cover, and digital image analysis of color data were not well correlated with human visual quality ratings in this study. Measurements were well correlated in some species, but not in others. These methods can supplement, but cannot replace, human visual turfgrass quality ratings for comparison of dissimilar grasses.
The Occurrence of Codling Moth in Low Latitude Countries: Validation of Pest Distribution Reports
Authors: Willett Michael J. , Neven Lisa , Miller Charles E.
Published: August 2023

Phytosanitary restrictions are increasingly a factor in the ability of U.S. tree fruit exporters to gain and maintain access to worldwide markets. Under international trade rules, these restrictions must be based on specific guidelines, including an assessment of whether the proposed quarantine pest is likely to establish and spread under the climatic conditions of the importing country. Given the interest in and growth of temperate fruit production in the tropics, countries in the region (such as Taiwan, Columbia, Indonesia, and Thailand) have begun to impose a range of quarantine restrictions aimed at preventing the introduction of temperate zone pests. Apples (Malus ×domestica) are regulated in certain tropical/subtropical countries, such as Taiwan, for the presence of codling moth (CM; Cydia pomonella) in spite of reports in the literature that the distribution of CM is theoretically limited by daylength and chilling requirements to temperate regions. This work provides background as to why CM has been identified as a potential pest of quarantine concern in some low latitude countries; describes an approach used to validate worldwide CM distribution reports, providing additional information to allow for the revision of CM distribution maps; and demonstrates how accurate information regarding pest species distribution reports can aid in establishing an argument of ecological nonadaptability in the pest risk analysis process. Currently, a report of CM in Peru remains the only account of this pest's presence in low latitude countries that could not be refuted by the approach described here.
Performance of Hazelnut Cultivars from Oregon in Northeastern Slovenia
Authors: Solar Anita , Štampar Franci
Published: August 2023

Three cultivars and three selections from Oregon State University's (OSU) hazelnut (Corylus avellana) breeding program were investigated in a yield trial during the period 1997 to 2007 in northeastern Slovenia with the Italian ‘Tonda Gentile delle Langhe’ as the standard. All OSU genotypes had higher cumulative yield and yield efficiency than the standard, all exceeded the kernel percentage of 45%, and all had at least 76% good kernels. OSU 228.084 is promising due to good vegetative growth and the highest yields and yield efficiency. It set many catkins and had the highest percentage of marketable kernels. Its disadvantage could be early flowering and large yield reduction due to low temperatures in early spring. Cultivars/selections that were late flowering (‘Lewis’ and OSU 244.001) had longer durations of pistillate flower receptivity (‘Willamette’ and OSU 238.125) and had lower sensitivity to unfavorable weather conditions in early spring (‘Clark’) expressed the best climatic adaptation. Unmarketable nuts were mainly blanks and poorly filled nuts. ‘Clark’ is precocious early maturing, and well-suited to the kernel market. Due to its upright growth habit, ‘Clark’ could be planted more densely than others. ‘Lewis’ yielded well and had medium yield efficiency, and is suitable for in-shell and kernel markets. Excellent pellicle removal was observed in OSU 244.001 and OSU 238.125. All OSU cultivars and selections showed relatively low susceptibility to hazelnut weevil (Balaninus nucum).
Extensão universitária: contribuições de palestras temáticas no processo formativo de professores de Química
Authors: AZEVEDO Kelly Batista de , JESUS Aline Samara Lima de , OLIVEIRA Ted Wilson Pereira de , SOARES Paula Raquel da Rocha , BRAGA Marcel Bruno Pereira , COUCEIRO Paulo Rogério da Costa , FARIAS Sidilene Aquino de
Published: August 2023

Este trabalho tem como objetivo desenvolver atividades com os licenciandos em Química, tendo em vista aproximação com outros setores sociais, bem como outros espaços acadêmicos, tendo em vista uma compreensão da responsabilidade e compromisso social de sua profissão. A equipe organizadora foi constituída por seis discentes dos cursos de Química, sendo realizado o levantamento dos interesses dos licenciandos, por meio de um formulário online. Também foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os docentes palestrantes e os discentes que assistiram às palestras. Além disso, também integrou o corpus da análise, os relatos dos discentes executores das atividades. Os resultados apontaram que o macrotema de maior interesse dos licenciandos foi “ciência, tecnologia e inovação” (24%), enquanto o macrotema “processos de globalização e política internacional” (0%) não despertou o interesse do licenciandos. A partir disso, foram organizadas oito palestras, presencial e remotamente.
Association between water, sanitation and hygiene practices and diarrhea among under 3-year-old children: Evidence from a nationally representative sample in India (2019–2021)
Authors: Roy Shubhanjali , Kiruthika G. , Muthappan Sendhilkumar , Rizwan S. A. , Kathiresan Jeyashree
Published: August 2023

Globally, 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrheal disease occur every year. The Government of India initiated the Intensive Diarrhea Control Fortnight (IDCF) program in 2015 aimed to reduce childhood diarrheal deaths to zero. We aimed to ascertain the association between WASH practices and the prevalence of diarrhea in India's children under three years of age. We analyzed the data from the NFHS-5 survey conducted between 2019 and 2021. We extracted data on household and individual levels. The association between WASH practice in the household and diarrheal episodes in children <3 years old were presented by unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used STATA v 16 for analysis. We included 132,198 children, 8.4% (n = 11,060) had diarrhea in the 2 weeks preceding the survey. The majority of the children were residing in rural areas (79.8%) and using unprotected water (90%) sources. Diarrhea was associated with using shared toilet facilities (adj. PR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.34), improper disposal of child's stools (adj. PR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.20) and having no separate kitchen (adj. PR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.23). Household WASH practices continue to be independent predictors of diarrhea among <3 children.
Estimating the Survival Rate in Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients who Received a Peptide Vaccine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dashtaki Masoumeh Eliyasi , Moradi Zahra , Moradi Yousef , Farsani Elham Asadi , Ghasemi Sorayya
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) has a poor prognosis, with current treatments providing no advantage in terms of survival. Certain new immunotherapy methods, such as peptide vaccines, have been used in clinical trials. In this meta-analysis, the effectiveness of peptide vaccinations on the survival rate of GBM patients was studied.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was carried out using three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and ISI. The purpose of this research was to assess Overall Survival (OS). The pooled overall one-year and two-year survival rates in GBM with peptide vaccination were calculated using the general inverse variance technique as random effects hazard ratios (HRs). In the study, subgroups of countries were compared with each other. Japan had the highest one-year survival rate, and the US had the highest two-year survival rate.

Result:

With 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs), the one-year OS rate in GBM patients treated with peptide vaccination increased significantly, but the two-year survival rate did not increase. As a result, while additional research is needed, it cannot be concluded that it is an effective therapy for GBM.

Conclusion:

Our study found that while peptide vaccination treatment did not increase second-year survival, it improved first-year survival. More research needs to be done to find effective vaccinebased treatments for GBM that can help patients survive longer.
MiR-148b Caused Liver Injury in Rats with Traumatic Hemorrhagic Shock by Inhibiting SIRT6 Expression
Authors: Ma Xiongfei , Liu Mingchen
Published: August 2023

Background:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-
148b in liver injury in rats with traumatic hemorrhagic shock (THS) and to elucidate its
potential mechanism.

Methods:

The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) in the serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay
(ELISA), and the injury of rat liver was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining.
Apoptosis of rat hepatocytes and normal rat liver cell line (BRL3A) was identified by
terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)
assay and flow cytometry, respectively. MiR-148b and sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) expression was
measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)
and Western blot. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content and cell viability were
measured by commercial kits and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, respectively. The
binding sites of miR-148b and SIRT6 were predicted by the Starbase database and
verified by dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results:

MiR-148b expression in THS rats or ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-treated cells
was higher than in the control group. Overexpression of miR-148b further promoted the
effects of I/R, which enhanced the levels of ALT, AST and LDH, cell apoptosis of liver
tissue or BRL3A cells and decreased the expression of SITR6. Besides, miR-148b
negatively correlated with SIRT6, and upregulated the expression of SIRT6 could partly
reverse the effect of miR-148b.

Conclusion:

Hepatocyte injury induced by I/R was achieved by regulating miR-148b
/SIRT6 axis.
The Emerging Role of LncRNA AWPPH in Multiple Cancers: A Review Study
Authors: Sheykhhasan Mohsen , Dermani Fateme , Gheibi Nematollah , Datta Ishwaree , Sadeghi Hamid , Khoei Saeideh Gholamzadeh
Published: August 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed RNA molecules longer than
200 nucleotides in length that have no protein-coding potential. They are able to react
with DNA, RNA, and protein. Hence they involve in regulating gene expression at the
epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels. LncRNAs have
been proven to play an important role in human malignancies and prognostic outcomes.
In this review, we will comprehensively and functionally discuss the role of a novel
identified lncRNA, namely lncRNA WAPPH located on human chromosome 2q13, in
various cancers. Increasing research studies have shown that lncRNA AWPPH is
deregulated in different malignancies, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal
cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, leukemia, and others. LncRNA WAPPH serves
as an oncogene in tumorigenesis and the development of cancer. Moreover, lncRNA
AWPPH is involved in numerous biological processes of solid and blood cancers. Taken
together, based on our scrutiny analysis, lncRNA AWPPH can be regarded as a putative
biomarker for diagnosis or therapeutic target in human malignancies.
Intermittent Fasting against Cancer Development and Progression: Highlighting
Potential Anticancer Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Psara Evmorfia , Poulios Efthymios , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Tolia Maria , Vasios Georgios K. , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: August 2023

Background:

Intermittent fasting (IF) diets have been popular since the last few decades because of their
provable clinical efficiency on weight control of the subjects. These diet types are generally safe, resulting in health
promoting effects against several human diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurogenerative disorders
and cancer.

Objective:

To review whether IF can act against cancer development and progression, highlighting potential anticancer
molecular mechanisms in clinical studies.

Methods:

Applied summarization of the available clinical studies investigating the effectiveness of IF against cancer
development and progression and cancer-induced indicators. Scientific databases, e.g., PubMed, and Scopus, were
comprehensively searched using relative words to identify in vivo and in vitro data, as well as clinical studies.

Results:

IF seems to exert health-promoting effects in cancer patients through induction of autophagy, which enhances
the in vivo suppression of tumor development, by chemotherapy. IF provokes tumors to chemotherapy and defends the
normal cells from its adverse side effects, increasing the immune response. In addition, it enhances the cytotoxic
CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and the bone marrow lymphoid progenitor cells, delaying the cancer progression.
IF reduces oxidative stress via repression of translation and induces cellular apoptosis. Fasting exerts anti-aging
properties modulating the secretion of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, glucose, and insulin while, at the same time, it integrates cell
adaptive responses and activates cell signaling pathways which stimulates antioxidant defenses, DNA repairment,
control of protein quality, mitochondrial synthesis while decreasing inflammation.

Conclusion:

IF appears to exert health promoting effects against cancer development and progression, suppressing
several kinds of cancer. There are well-recognized and not well-recognized molecular processes accentuating its anticancer
outcomes; however, well-designed clinical trials and further molecular studies are strongly recommended.
Simvastatin Enhanced Anti-tumor Effects of Bevacizumab against Lung Adenocarcinoma
A549 Cells via Abating HIF-1α-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tu Xin , Zhang Jian , Yuan Wei , Wu Xia , Xu Zhi , Qing Cuo
Published: August 2023

Background:

Bevacizumab increased hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) expression attenuates its antitumor
effect. Simvastatin can reduce the expression of HIF-1α to exert a tumor-suppressive effect in many in vitro experiments.
Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether simvastatin could strengthen the anti-tumor activity of
bevacizumab in lung adenocarcinoma.

Objective:

To determine whether simvastatin could strengthen the anti-tumor activity of bevacizumab in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

The changes in the biological behavior of A549 cells treated with different drugs were determined through
colony forming assay, Cell Counting Assay-8 (CCK-8), transwell assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry.
The expressions of pathway-related factors HIF-1α and β-Catenin were determined via qRT-PCR and western blotting.
The expressions of proliferation-related proteins, invasion-related proteins, and apoptosis-related proteins were detected
by western blotting. In addition, a xenograft non-small cell lung cancer model in nude mice was used to explore in
vivo tumor growth.

Results:

We found that simvastatin combined with bevacizumab synergistically suppressed the proliferation, migration,
and invasion of A549 cells while promoting their apoptosis. As demonstrated by qRT-PCR and western blotting
experiments, the bevacizumab group displayed a higher expression of pathway-related factors HIF-1α and β-Catenin
than the control groups, however simvastatin group showed the opposite trend. Its combination with bevacizumab
induced elevation of HIF-1α and β-catenin expressions. During in vivo experiments, simvastatin inhibited tumor
growth, and in comparison, the inhibitory effects of its combination with bevacizumab were stronger.

Conclusion:

Based on our findings, simvastatin may affect the biological responses of bevacizumab on A549 cells by
restraining the HIF-1α-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus representing a novel and effective combination therapy
that can be potentially applied in a clinical therapy for lung adenocarcinoma.
Applications of Nanotechnology-mediated Herbal Nanosystems for
Ophthalmic Drug
Authors: Shree Dipthi , Patra Chinam Niranjan , Sahoo Biswa Mohan
Published: August 2023

In recent years, herbal nanomedicines have gained tremendous popularity for novel drug discovery.
Nanotechnology has provided several advances in the healthcare sector, emerging several novel
nanocarriers that potentiate the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of the herbal drug. The recent
advances in nanotechnology with accelerated strategies of ophthalmic nanosystems have paved a new
path for overcoming the limitations associated with ocular drug delivery systems, such as low bioavailability,
poor absorption, stability, and precorneal drug loss. Ophthalmic drug delivery is challenging due
to anatomical and physiological barriers. Due to the presence of these barriers, the herbal drug entry into
the eyes can be affected when administered by following multiple routes, i.e., topical, injectables, or
systemic. However, the advancement of nanotechnology with intelligent systems enables the herbal active
constituent to successfully entrap within the system, which is usually difficult to reach employing
conventional herbal formulations. Herbal-loaded nanocarrier drug delivery systems demonstrated enhanced
herbal drug permeation and prolonged herbal drug delivery.

:

In this current manuscript, an extensive search is conducted for original research papers using databases
Viz., PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, etc. Further painstaking efforts are
made to compile and update the novel herbal nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles,
solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructure lipid carriers, micelles, niosomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers,
etc., which are mostly used for ophthalmic drug delivery system. This article presents a comprehensive
survey of diverse applications used for the preventative measures and treatment therapy of varied eye
disorders. Further, this article highlights the recent findings that the innovators are exclusively working
on ophthalmic nanosystems for herbal drug delivery systems.

:

The nanocarriers are promising drug delivery systems that enable an effective and supreme therapeutic
potential circumventing the limitations associated with conventional ocular drug delivery systems. The
nanotechnology-based approach is useful to encapsulate the herbal bioactive and prevent them from
degradation and therefore providing them for controlled and sustained release with enhanced herbal
drug permeation. Extensive research is still being carried out in the field of herbal nanotechnology to
design an ophthalmic nanosystem with improved biopharmaceutical properties.
Design of Automatic Loading and Unloading Manipulator for CNC Gear
Milling Machine
Authors: Chen Zhong , Gao Xin , Yang Hu , Song Zuxiao , Wang Yongfang
Published: August 2023

Background:

At present, due to the widespread use of robotic arms for the automatic loading and unloading of CNC gear milling machines, there has been an increase in patents related to robotic arms. However, these robotic arms have issues of low efficiency and large space occupation. To solve these problems, a CNC gear milling machine with an automatic loading and unloading manipulator device needs to be designed.

Methods:

This paper first designs the overall scheme of the automatic loading and unloading manipulator, and then uses Solidworks to establish a three-dimensional model. Finite element analysis software is used to analyze and simulate the deformation, stress distribution, and service life of the key components in the overall device. Finally, a prototype of the robotic arm is created based on the simulation optimization results.

Results:

This paper designs a new type of automatic loading and unloading manipulator device for CNC gear milling machines, which is different from existing patents in that all its components are installed inside the machine tool protective cover. In production experiments, the operation was found to be stable and reliable, and the loading and unloading process was completed at a speed of 11s/time, consistently exceeding the manual maximum speed of 19s/time. The results indicate that the proposed clamp storage system and core rod perforation feeding method are effective.

Conclusion:

The new design solves the problems of low efficiency and large space occupation in existing robotic arm patents.
Numerical Modelling of Carrier Transport in Organic Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Hussien Salma , Abdellatif Sameh
Published: August 2023

Background:

Organic field effect transistors (OFETs), used in the fabrication of nanosensors,
are one of the most promising devices in organic electronics because of their lightweight,
flexibility, and low fabrication cost. However, the optimization of such OFETs is still in an early
stage due to the minimal analytical and numerical models presented in the literature.

Objective:

This research presses to demonstrate a numerical carrier transport model based on the
finite element method (FEM) to investigate the I-V characteristic of OFETs.

Methods:

Two various organic semiconductor materials have been included in the study, polyaniline
and pentacene, where micro-scale, as well as nano-scale models have been presented. OFETs
regarding channel length, dielectric thickness, and doping level impact have been studied. We
nominated the threshold voltage, the on/off current ratio, the sub-threshold swing, and the field effect
mobilities as the primary output evaluating parameters.

Results:

The numerical model has shown the criticality of the doping effect on tuning the device
flowing drain current to exceed 300 μA saturation current, along with a threshold voltage of -0.1 V
under a channel length of 30 nm.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the effectiveness of polyaniline over pentacene as nano-channel
length OFET due to the boosted conductivity of polyaniline concerning pentacene.
Traveling-wave-based Fault Location using Time Delays between Modal
Components in Electrical Distribution Systems
Authors: Lei Yang , Yang Fan , Yin Zhijiang , Tang Jinrui , Zhang Guoqing , Ma Bo , Shen Yu , Yang Zhichun
Published: August 2023

Background:

The distribution feeders usually include many laterals, too many sensors
need to be installed to locate the fault positions in electrical distribution systems by using the traditional
double-ended traveling-wave-based fault-location methods

Objective:

Fault location based on the time delays between the moments of the first wavefronts of
zero-mode voltages and that of aerial-mode voltages arriving at one end of the distribution feeder.

Methods:

Large decomposition level in wavelet transformation is adopted in this paper to obtain the
zero-mode velocity.

Results:

Both theoretical research and simulation experiments have proved that the proposed fault
location method can greatly improve the accuracy of the fault location in the electrical distribution
systems without many sensors.

Conclusion:

The proposed fault location method can provide one feasible way to locate the faults in
the electrical distribution systems.
Silver Nanoparticulate Carriers: A Significant Development in Nanotechnology
Authors: Kumar Boga Vijay , Asthana Gyati Shilakari , Asthana Abhay , Gaddam Rakesh
Published: August 2023

Background:

For centuries, silver has been known for its anti-bacterial effects. It also helps in the prevention and control of various infections. Silver, when synthesized in nano-size, is much more effective, so the trend of using silver nanoparticles in treating mild bacterial diseases to deadly infectious diseases has increased rapidly.

Methods:

Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized by physical, chemical, and biological methods. Nanoparticles are developed in different shapes and have a wide range of sizes, with the purpose of controlling the release rate and content of the drug’s dose. The nanoparticles can be administered via oral, pulmonary, dermal, and intravenous routes.

Results:

Silver nanoparticles have been used in treating diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, etc., by targeted drug delivery and in cosmetics, wound healing, diagnostics, water purifying, bio-imaging, air purification, etc. The research on the novel applications of silver nanoparticles merits its medical application, and this utility aspect is granting patented technologies. The utilization of silver nanoparticles has enhanced in recent times due to their effectiveness in the specified diseased state.

Conclusion:

Studies have indicated that the drugs developed using silver nanoparticles manifest safety as they are biocompatible; thus, silver nanoparticles display a promising role in developing futuristic medical therapeutic strategies.
Field Propulsion Systems Based on the Advanced Physics
Authors: Minami Yoshinari , Takaaki Musha
Published: August 2023

This chapter consists of two sections, the first section is for the field propulsion systems based on the General Relativity Theory, such as space drive propulsion and warp drive propulsion. The second section is for the systems on the Quantum Field Theory, which are based on the hypothesis that the inertial mass can be developed from the interaction of elementary particles with the vacuum electromagnetic zero-point field. Several field propulsion systems on these theories are presented in this chapter.
Other Exotic Theories and Propulsion Systems
Authors: Minami Yoshinari , Takaaki Musha
Published: August 2023

There are realms of propulsion theory that stretch over the boundaries of known relativity and quantum theories. Some of these theoretical attempts incorporate electromagnetism or the relativity theory, while others attempt to evolve existing theories. Some of the more interesting theories that may some day be proven to be useful for space travel are presented in this chapter.
Green Extraction Techniques
Authors: Tabib Malak , Rakotomanomana Njara , Remmal Adnane , Chemat Farid
Published: August 2023

Green extraction of natural products was and will always remain an
important research subject in various fields. It is based on developing techniques that
meet the six principles of eco-extraction. This concept responds to the challenges of the
21st century, aiming to protect the environment, the operator, and the consumer by
reducing hazardous solvent consumption and by favoring the use of more
environmentally friendly methods. In this chapter, we review the principles of eco-extraction in detail, followed by an overview of four methods widely used in
extraction, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted
extraction (MAE), subcritical water extraction (SWE), and supercritical fluid extraction
(SFE).
Ionic Liquids
Authors: Jiménez Alfonso , Javier Pelegrín Carlos , Garrigós María Carmen
Published: August 2023

The significant potential of ionic liquids (ILs) in the extraction and
separation of valuable products from food samples is deeply discussed in this chapter,
where the main studies on the application of ionic liquids to food analysis are
presented. The novel extraction strategies reviewed in this chapter have the potential to
significantly enhance the extraction yield, in particular when the combination of ionic
liquids with accelerated and green extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted
extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) or subcritical water extraction
(SBWE) are used. ILs are considered environmentally-friendly solvents and they offer
some advantageous properties which are particularly relevant in extraction systems in
food matrices, such as their low toxicity and volatility and different polarity,
hydrophobicity and selectivity. A particular section is devoted to microextraction
techniques with ionic liquids, which have shown great performance in the extraction of
valuable compounds for a variety of food samples. This chapter summarizes and gives
an overview of the latest developments and applications of ILs in the extraction of
bioactive compounds from food. 
High-Voltage Electrical Discharges
Authors: Hernández-Corroto Ester , Luisa Marina María , Concepción García María
Published: August 2023

 High-Voltage Electrical Discharges (HVED) are considered an emergent
extraction technique based on the application of high-pulsed voltages. The aim of this
chapter was to review its fundamentals for applications at laboratory and industrial
scales. The configuration of devices and employed electrodes is described. Moreover,
main steps required for using HVED and most important factors affecting this
technique are also highlighted. Extraction of high added-value compounds from food
waste and plant matrices using batch HVED has been the most usual application in last
five years. In many cases, the low selectivity of the technique has made the use of a
solid-liquid extraction step after HVED application necessary.
MATEMATİK ÖĞRETMEN KİMLİĞİ: ÖLÇEK UYARLAMA VE ÖĞRETMEN ADAYLARININ MATEMATİK ÖĞRETMEN KİMLİKLERİNİ BELİRLEME ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: Arslan Okan
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışmada, matematik eğitimi alan yazındaki Teacher of Mathematics Identity Scale (ToMI) Türkçeye Matematik Öğretmen Kimliği Ölçeği (MÖKÖ) ismi ile uyarlanmış, Türkçe versiyonu için çeşitli geçerlik ve güvenirlik kanıtları sunulmuştur. Orijinal ölçek 7’li Likert tipinde ve 3 boyuttan oluşmaktadır. Ölçek her bir boyutta 5, toplamda 15 maddeden oluşmaktadır. Ölçek uyarlama çalışmalarında matematik eğitimi alanından iki uzmanın görüşlerinden faydalanılmıştır. Uyarlanan ölçek maddelerinin matematik öğretmen adayları tarafından anlaşılır bulunup bulunmadığını test edebilmek adına farklı sınıf seviyelerinde öğrenim görmekte olan sekiz matematik öğretmen adayı ile grup görüşmesi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu aşamalardan sonra son haline gelen ölçek, İlköğretim Matematik Öğretmenliği Programında farklı sınıf seviyelerinde öğrenim görmekte olan 203 matematik öğretmen adayına uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler öncelikle açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonrasında ise doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile test edilmiştir. Bu analizler Türkçeye uyarlanan ölçeğin orijinaline uygun olarak 3 boyutlu yapıda olduğunu göstermiştir. Betimsel analiz sonuçları çalışmaya katılan öğretmen adaylarının ortalamanın biraz üzerinde matematik öğretmenliği öz-yeterliğine ve matematik eğitimi camiasına aidiyete sahip olduklarını göstermiştir. Ayrıca, öğretmen adaylarının yüksek seviyede matematik öğretmeni olma hevesine sahip oldukları görülmüştür.
Review on Material Performance of Carbon Nanotube-Modified Polymeric Nanocomposites
Authors: Hu Zhong , Hong Haiping
Published: August 2023

The chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) and hydrogen bonding modified polymer composites (CPCs) exhibit unique chemical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties and are emerging as promising materials to achieve extraordinarily high electrical and thermal conductivity, lightweight and anticorrosion, superior strength and stiffness for potential applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, energy conversion, and optical and electronic devices, therefore, attracting considerable research efforts over the past decade. In this review, the fundamentals of the topics on f-CNTs, hydrogen bonding, and CNT directional alignment have been briefly introduced. The research on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties have been reviewed. The effects of the CNT morphology, hydrogen bonding, CNT alignment and aspect ratio, and the interactions between the constitutes on the CPC performance is critical to understand the fundamentals and challenges of designing such materials with desired properties and their potential applications. However, to gain a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of the effects of these factors on the performance of CPCs, further studies by computer modeling, especially MD simulations, will be highly needed for effective new/novel material design and development.
 
AI as a Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting in Regulatory Databases: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Kale Aditya U , Dattani Riya , Tabansi Ashley , Hogg Henry David Jeffry , Pearson Russell , Glocker Ben , Golder Su , Waring Justin , Liu Xiaoxuan , Moore David J , Denniston Alastair K
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The reporting of adverse events (AEs) relating to medical devices is a long-standing area of concern, with suboptimal reporting due to a range of factors including a failure to recognize the association of AEs with medical devices, lack of knowledge of how to report AEs, and a general culture of nonreporting. The introduction of artificial intelligence as a medical device (AIaMD) requires a robust safety monitoring environment that recognizes both generic risks of a medical device and some of the increasingly recognized risks of AIaMD (such as algorithmic bias). There is an urgent need to understand the limitations of current AE reporting systems and explore potential mechanisms for how AEs could be detected, attributed, and reported with a view to improving the early detection of safety signals.

OBJECTIVE

The systematic review outlined in this protocol aims to yield insights into the frequency and severity of AEs while characterizing the events using existing regulatory guidance.

METHODS

Publicly accessible AE databases will be searched to identify AE reports for AIaMD. Scoping searches have identified 3 regulatory territories for which public access to AE reports is provided: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. AEs will be included for analysis if an artificial intelligence (AI) medical device is involved. Software as a medical device without AI is not within the scope of this review. Data extraction will be conducted using a data extraction tool designed for this review and will be done independently by AUK and a second reviewer. Descriptive analysis will be conducted to identify the types of AEs being reported, and their frequency, for different types of AIaMD. AEs will be analyzed and characterized according to existing regulatory guidance.

RESULTS

Scoping searches are being conducted with screening to begin in April 2024. Data extraction and synthesis will commence in May 2024, with planned completion by August 2024. The review will highlight the types of AEs being reported for different types of AI medical devices and where the gaps are. It is anticipated that there will be particularly low rates of reporting for indirect harms associated with AIaMD.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this will be the first systematic review of 3 different regulatory sources reporting AEs associated with AIaMD. The review will focus on real-world evidence, which brings certain limitations, compounded by the opacity of regulatory databases generally. The review will outline the characteristics and frequency of AEs reported for AIaMD and help regulators and policy makers to continue developing robust safety monitoring processes.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/48156
Virtual Reality Technology in Pain Treatment Application: A Bibliometric Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lou Xiajing , Cao Shihua , Yao Jiani , Shi Yankai , Wang Bingsheng , He Danni , Chen Yanfei
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

In recent years, research into the application of virtual reality technology in pain treatment has rapidly increased.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the application status, research hotspots, and emerging trends of virtual reality (VR) in pain treatment over the past 20 years.

METHODS

Based on a dataset of 950 publications extracted from the Web of Science, we performed a bibliometric analysis using Citespace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and HistCite Pro.

RESULTS

A total of 950 papers were included in the analysis. Research on the application of VR has gained remarkable traction in recent years, evident from the consistent growth in the annual publication of relevant literature. The primary research areas encompass neurosciences and neurology, general and internal medicine, and psychology. The United States ranked first with 309 papers, followed by Australia with 79 papers. Notably, Hunter G. Hoffman, an accomplished American academic, secured the top position as the most prolific author, having authored 32 publications. Research on the role of VR in pain management originated from Kevin D. McCaul's study on distraction and coping with pain in 1984. This research evolved in two distinct stages: the initial phase concentrated on pain relief for burn patients, while the subsequent phase extended its application to various diseases along with efficacy assessments. The prevalent keywords employed by researchers encompass "Virtual reality," "Distraction," and "Children."

CONCLUSIONS

The bibliometric analysis offers a comprehensive overview of VR technology's utilization in the field of pain treatment. Our findings lead us to the conclusion that the applications of VR technology are undergoing continuous expansion, with its integration into surgical procedures representing one of the latest and most notable research advancements.