bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective observational study based on angiographic profile in coronary artery disease patients with coronary intervention
Authors: Syeda Zaineb Kubra Hussaini  , Prakash Ajmera  , Giridhar Gunnala  , Peddapalegani Palavardhan  , Mariya Zoha Muskan  , Megha Mohan Narayanan  , P. Jhansi  , Papishetti Nikhila
Published: September 2023

Background: An enlargement of the coronary artery that restricts optimal blood flow to the heart tissue is called coronary artery disease. The most common cause is arteriosclerosis. Platelet aggregation inhibition is the mainstay of primary and secondary prevention of ischemic events associated with coronary artery atherosclerosis.

 Objective: Study of the angiographic profile of patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft and medical management.

 Methods: This prospective observational study included all patients who underwent PCI, CABG and medical treatment at a tertiary hospital between August 2021 and February 2022. Demographic and angiographic data were collected for all patients. The details of the procedure, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, diagnostic tests such as coronary angiography, 2D echocardiography, and treatment, including anticoagulant therapy, of these patients were reviewed.

 Results and discussion: A total of 100 patients (mean age - 58 years) with 71% males and 29% females were included in the study. Hypertension and Diabetes were the most common risk factors, present in 60% and 35% patients respectively. Smokers were observed in 16% patients respectively. Single vessel disease (SVD) was most common angiographic pattern, observed in 57% patients. Anterior wall MI was the most common mode of presentation (75%). Chest Pain was most common symptom, observed in 95% patients; PTCA was the most frequently employed procedure (71%) followed by CABG (10%) and Medical Management (19%); and Among 100 patients in 2DEcho Mild LV Dysfunction (Grade-1) were most prevalent (32%). The most commonly affected vessel was the right coronary artery (RCA) (51%). Drug-eluting stents were used in 71% of cases. Out of 100 patients, 51 patients received 1 stent and 20 patients received 2 stents.

 Conclusion: This prospective study of percutaneous coronary intervention provides insight into the patterns of coronary artery disease with angiographic features. Our aim was to profile patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention to alleviate symptoms and improve survival in patients with coronary artery disease
Elemental and Radiological Characterization of Residue on the Surface of PRR-1 TRIGA Fuel Cluster Assembly
Authors:   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Dela Cruz Rafael Miguel M. , Olivares Ryan U. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1101 Philippines, Astronomo Alvie A. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Gatchalian Ronald Daryll E. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Gregorio Eugene S. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Mangulabnan Dan Benneth C. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Valderrama Jr. Florante C. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Marquez John M. ,   Nuclear Reactor Operations Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines, Romallosa Kristine Marie D. ,   Radiation Protection Services Section, Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), Quezon City, 1100 Philippines
Published: September 2023

The Philippine Research Reactor-1 (PRR-1) of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has slightly irradiated Training Research Isotope General Atomics (TRIGA) nuclear fuel rods that have been stored in a wet storage tank for three decades. In support of the re-operation of PRR-1 as a subcritical assembly, which will reuse the TRIGA fuel rods, residues collected from the fuel cluster shrouds were characterized to ascertain the integrity of the fuel. The elemental composition of the residue samples was determined via wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDXRF), while radiological characterization of potential alpha, beta, and gamma contamination was performed using a radiation counter. Gamma spectrometry was also carried out for water samples obtained from the fuel storage tank to determine if the water contains any radioactive materials that are beyond normal levels. Results indicated that residues collected on the fuel cluster shrouds were aluminum oxide while radiological contaminations were found to be below the values for surface and water contamination based on the Code of PNRI Regulations Part 3. These results demonstrated that although the fuel cluster shroud had some level of oxidation, there is no evidence that the integrity of the TRIGA fuel cladding has been compromised, thus confirming its suitability for repurposing.
Deep Neural Network for Detecting Nucleon-Nucleon Bound States
Authors:   National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Philippines | Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka University, Osaka 567-0047, Japan, Sombillo Denny Lane B.
Published: September 2023

There is a long-standing ambiguity in the interpretation of near-threshold enhancement in hadron-hadron scatterings. The origin of enhancement can reveal the nature of the interaction between the two hadrons. However, there is no straightforward approach to probe the nature of near-threshold enhancement in a model-independent manner. The present study aimed to formulate a deep learning approach to detect a two-hadron bound state given only the partial scattering cross-section. To ensure that analyticity and unitarity were satisfied, an S-matrix model with a parameterized background was used for the training dataset. A deep neural network (DNN) model was designed and developed using the Adam and AMSGrad optimizers. To demonstrate that the trained DNN model can generalize beyond the training dataset, two variants of exact amplitudes of separable potential were used for validation. Finally, without using the deuteron’s known properties, such as the binding energy and its magnetic moment, the model identified the correct origin of threshold enhancement in the nucleon-nucleon scattering data. The proposed method can be applied to analyze the recently discovered near-threshold enhancements observed in scattering experiments.
城市集中供热系统节能技术及热力站控制系统的分析
Authors: 姚 立
Published: September 2023

集中供热系统在运行过程中会产生能源消耗，对于电力资源、水资源、煤炭等的需求量增加。为缓解能源紧张问题，降低集中供热的能源消耗，可以对集中供热系统进行优化和升级，有助于经济的可持续发展。
论煤炭机电领域变频调速技术的应用
Authors: 董 延君
Published: September 2023

随着社会科技技术的不断发展，涉及煤炭机电项目中的变频调节工序已经朝着智能角度不断延展变化，相关企业势必迎来较低能耗与超高安全等级规范前景。在此基础上矿井调速与电气传动工作顺利交接，包括提升设备形态等发生着翻天覆地的变化，进而为我国煤炭企业多元化综合发展前景提供广泛支撑动力。
地铁出入口地面亭施工图设计要点
Authors: 李 杨
Published: September 2023

近年来，随着地铁建设需求越来越多，地铁出入口也成为了城市的一道特色风景。作为地铁的门面，地铁出入口地面亭体量非常小，看似施工图设计非常简单，但是却有着许多公共建筑很难遇到的问题。对此我们从地铁出入口地面亭的施工图设计要点入手，展开说明其施工图设计中常见的问题，并对这些问题进行分析和探讨，并提出解决措施，为后续的地铁出入口地面亭设计提供帮助。
房地产开发经营的工程管理的几点见解
Authors: 张 威
Published: September 2023

房地产属于促进我国经济发展的一个支柱性产业，对房屋的需求随着人口数量的增加在不断增加，在房地产开发经营的工程管理人员需要储备大量的专业知识以及技能，深入研究市场发展趋势，还要不断关注国家颁布的房地产行业政策方针，就是为了提升项目管理的质量。笔者从规划管理、采用信息化管理方式、造价管理、风险管理、物业管理、开发管理、施工管理、完善管理制度几个方面浅析。
建设工程现场管理体系建设对策分析
Authors: 谢 永磊
Published: September 2023

当前，随着建设工程建设数量的不断增加、建设规模的不断扩大，建设工程的施工过程变得更加复杂，一旦施工现场的某一环节出现问题，就会在较大程度上影响施工质量，甚至还会埋下安全隐患，最终给建筑企业的经济效益造成较大的损失。因此，相关建筑企业要加强对工程现场管理工作的重视，针对其中存在的各种问题，采取科学合理的解决方式，并引进先进的管理技术设备，以此提高建设工程的建设质量，进而提高施工单位的经济效益。
The role of haptotherapy in treating parentification
Authors: van Rijsselberg Ineke
Published: September 2023

For nearly a quarter of adult psychiatric patients parentification is the primary cause of their illness. Patients face long existing self-esteem issues, attachment problems, mood and anxiety disorders, personality disorders and are sometimes traumatized. This article addresses destructive parentification and, its impact on the development of a child. The development of tact has an impact on the child’s life, their development, environment and relationships. The inability to develop tact properly has therefore a great influence on the child’s life. As these developmental gaps are taken into adulthood there is an impact on the adult’s life too. This can result in problems in intimate relationships and at work. The absence of the ability to set limits, taking on too much responsibility and raising high standards for themselves, are the result of a lack of basic trust, inner awareness and autonomy. Haptotherapy is a therapy that addresses the stagnated development of tact, touch, feeling, sensory wareness and connection. Clinical experience shows us that it supports clients in gaining a sense of self confidence, trust, inner awareness and autonomy. This results in a better ability to set boundaries, not taking on too much responsibility and be less perfection.
An ongoing discussion about validity and quality in action research
Authors: Mat Noor Mohd Syafiq Aiman , Jhee Yoon Sook , Kamarudin Muhammad Zulfadhli
Published: September 2023

This article unfolds a discourse on action research, illustrating its multifaceted perspectives, and engaging with the persistent debate about its validity and quality. Drawing on insights from a keynote presentation given by Kathryn Herr and Gary Anderson, renowned scholars in the field, at ICAR 2022, the article describes six possible positions within action research, from full insider to complete outsider, illuminating the potential for collaboration and transformation at each level of insider-outsider involvement. The article underscores the importance of establishing credibility, trustworthiness, and validity within action research, despite the scepticism it is often met with. It acknowledges the marginalisation of action research in academia and other organisational contexts and calls for its recognition as a rigorous methodology capable of generating context-specific knowledge and fostering change. This article serves as a critical examination of the unique dynamics of action research, its potential for impact, and the ongoing discourse surrounding its validity and quality.
Insubordinate hypothetical manner constructions in French and Spanish: A pilot study
Authors: Royo Viñuales Víctor , Van linden An
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a pilot study of insubordinate hypothetical manner constructions (‘as if’) in French (comme si) and Spanish (como si). On the basis of the theoretical framework provided by Evans (2007) and Olguín-Martínez (2021), we analyse data from both written and spoken corpora and we propose a four-way constructional typology that establishes the different meanings such constructions can express and the discourse functions they can serve, and links these to patterns of tense-aspect-mood marking. Thus, we move beyond previous findings and add three more construction types to Brinton’s (2014) denial of an assumption type: a nuanced agreement type that serves the discourse function of expressing partial agreement with some preceding discourse; a discursive elaboration or reformulation type in which the speaker fully agrees with the preceding discourse and only reformulates or adds new information to it; and a scalar evaluation type, which belongs to the evaluative-attitudinal domain and shows distinct formal characteristics (only type found to show indicative mood + present tense TAM marking in Spanish).
Porocarcinoma of the Left Foot: A Case Review
Authors: Wong Amy , Sachs Teviah , Sarita-Reyes Carmen D. , Tomich Anthony , Callaghan Daniel J. , Ho Jonathan , Al-Haseni Ali , Volansky Vitaliy , Pham Hau
Published: September 2023

Eccrine porocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the eccrine sweat gland. This malignancy occurs most commonly in the lower extremities. It tends to occur in patients aged 60 to 80 years, affecting men and women equally. We present the case of a 62-year-old man with a lesion on the left foot. The diagnosis of the initial biopsy was squamous cell carcinoma. Six months later, the lesion reoccurred, and a second biopsy confirmed it to be eccrine porocarcinoma.
Mosquito community composition shapes virus prevalence patterns along anthropogenic disturbance gradients
Authors: Hermanns Kyra , Marklewitz Marco , Zirkel Florian , Kopp Anne , Kramer-Schadt Stephanie , Junglen Sandra
Published: September 2023

Previously unknown pathogens often emerge from primary ecosystems, but there is little knowledge on the mechanisms of emergence. Most studies analyzing the influence of land-use change on pathogen emergence focus on a single host–pathogen system and often observe contradictory effects. Here, we studied virus diversity and prevalence patterns in natural and disturbed ecosystems using a multi-host and multi-taxa approach. Mosquitoes sampled along a disturbance gradient in Côte d’Ivoire were tested by generic RT-PCR assays established for all major arbovirus and insect-specific virus taxa including novel viruses previously discovered in these samples based on cell culture isolates enabling an unbiased and comprehensive approach. The taxonomic composition of detected viruses was characterized and viral infection rates according to habitat and host were analyzed. We detected 331 viral sequences pertaining to 34 novel and 15 previously identified viruses of the families Flavi-, Rhabdo-, Reo-, Toga-, Mesoni- and Iflaviridae and the order Bunyavirales. Highest host and virus diversity was observed in pristine and intermediately disturbed habitats. The majority of the 49 viruses was detected with low prevalence. However, nine viruses were found frequently across different habitats of which five viruses increased in prevalence towards disturbed habitats, in congruence with the dilution effect hypothesis. These viruses were mainly associated with one specific mosquito species (Culex nebulosus), which increased in relative abundance from pristine (3%) to disturbed habitats (38%). Interestingly, the observed increased prevalence of these five viruses in disturbed habitats was not caused by higher host infection rates but by increased host abundance, an effect tentatively named abundance effect. Our data show that host species composition is critical for virus abundance. Environmental changes that lead to an uneven host community composition and to more individuals of a single species are a key driver of virus emergence.
A CRISPR-based rapid DNA repositioning strategy and the early intranuclear life of HSV-1
Authors: Xiang Juan , Fan Chaoyang , Dong Hongchang , Ma Yilei , Xu Pei
Published: September 2023

The relative positions of viral DNA genomes to the host intranuclear environment play critical roles in determining virus fate. Recent advances in the application of chromosome conformation capture-based sequencing analysis (3 C technologies) have revealed valuable aspects of the spatiotemporal interplay of viral genomes with host chromosomes. However, to elucidate the causal relationship between the subnuclear localization of viral genomes and the pathogenic outcome of an infection, manipulative tools are needed. Rapid repositioning of viral DNAs to specific subnuclear compartments amid infection is a powerful approach to synchronize and interrogate this dynamically changing process in space and time. Herein, we report an inducible CRISPR-based two-component platform that relocates extrachromosomal DNA pieces (5 kb to 170 kb) to the nuclear periphery in minutes (CRISPR-nuPin). Based on this strategy, investigations of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), a prototypical member of the human herpesvirus family, revealed unprecedently reported insights into the early intranuclear life of the pathogen: (I) Viral genomes tethered to the nuclear periphery upon entry, compared with those freely infecting the nucleus, were wrapped around histones with increased suppressive modifications and subjected to stronger transcriptional silencing and prominent growth inhibition. (II) Relocating HSV-1 genomes at 1 hr post infection significantly promoted the transcription of viral genes, termed an ‘Escaping’ effect. (III) Early accumulation of ICP0 was a sufficient but not necessary condition for ‘Escaping’. (IV) Subnuclear localization was only critical during early infection. Importantly, the CRISPR-nuPin tactic, in principle, is applicable to many other DNA viruses.
Physiological behavior of own rooted vine plants and rootstock effect on growth and PIP and TIP aquaporin leaf expression in Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Cabernet Sauvignon)
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Galaz Seguel Andrea Paz
Published: September 2023

Water scarcity is an increasingly important problem affecting the main wine-producing areas, and therefore, it is of great interest to study the physiological and molecular mechanisms that occur during periods of drought. Based on the stomatal behavior, two different strategies for facing water stress have been described: isohydric and anisohydric. Nevertheless, this classification is still not clear, and the effect of the rootstock on the whole plant response is still unknown. In this context, two assays were carried out, in both plants were subjected to water stress periods of 7 and 14 days and to a recovery period. In the first one, four Vitis spp. own-rooted genotypes were studied, two rootstocks (1103P and SO4) and two cultivars (Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère). Stem water potential, stomatal conductance, and growth rate were evaluated. Near anisohydric behavior was observed in all genotypes studied. The second assay consisted of three scion/rootstock combinations, Cabernet Sauvignon grafted onto itself, 1103P and 101-14. Although no differences were observed in stomatal conductance and stem water potential, near isohydric behavior was observed for the homograft, and near anisohydric behavior was found for the combinations. During the recovery period, significant differences were detected in the leaf expression levels of aquaporin genes VvPIP2;1, VvPIP2;2, VvTIP1;1 and VvTIP2;1. Cabernet Sauvignon plants grafted over 1103P and 101-14- showed higher expression levels. C. Sauvignon combined with rootstocks of different genetic backgrounds, responded better to the water suspension treatment, and its recovery was faster, demonstrating the benefits of genotype interactions in these responses.
Respuesta de abundancia de mesocarnívoros, en la dinámica de un paisaje antropizado, en la ecorregión del bosque templado de la Araucanía
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Morales Trujillo Gabriela
Published: September 2023

La supervivencia de mamíferos silvestres se ve afectada por la modificación del paisaje debido a la actividad humana y la productividad primaria. En estos paisajes los mamíferos mesocarnívoros juegan un papel importante en la organización y dinámica de los ecosistemas. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la relevancia de covariables asociadas a los procesos de fragmentación, pérdida de hábitat y disponibilidad de productividad primaria, en la respuesta de abundancia de un gremio de mesocarnívoros nativos y una especie doméstica: el perro. El estudio considera 5 temporadas entre 2012- 2019, en un paisaje agrícola de la Araucanía, y utiliza datos de cámara trampa para el modelamiento de abundancia mediante el modelo jerárquico binomial N-mixture. Las predicciones de abundancia del perro por sitio, fueron las que lideraron, en comparación a las especies mesocarnivoras nativas, lo cual evidencia la urgencia de concretizar medidas que mitiguen el impacto negativo de los perros con dueños, que deambulan en paisajes agrícolas y amenazan a la fauna nativa que coexiste. En general los predictores que presentaron mayor apoyo para explicar la abundancia fueron el Número de parches y la subdivisión de tierras, ambos representantes de la categoría fragmentación del hábitat. Por lo que, poder diferenciar los efectos de la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat es de alto interés/valor, respaldando el impacto negativo de la subdivisión y contribuyendo a la toma de decisiones para la gestión adecuada en la conservación de remanentes de bosque, para la persistencia de fauna nativa en paisajes agrícolas del Sur de Chile.
Silver Diamine Fluoride as Indirect Pulp Capping Agent in Primary Molars: A Case Series
Authors: Kalaivanan Dhanraj , Ashokan Sushantika , Anand Susmitha , Chamarthi Vishnu Rekha , Saleem Sumaiyya
Published: September 2023

According to the current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), Indirect Pulp Capping or Indirect Pulp Treatment (IPT) is defined as a procedure that preserves the deepest cavities adjacent to the pulp to prevent pulp exposure. Preserving and protecting the vital pulp through remineralisation of hypomineralised carious dentin poses a significant challenge in restorative dentistry. Traditionally, managing deep caries often led to pulp exposure and subsequent root canal treatment. Selective or stepwise caries removal is based on the concept of halting the progression of carious destruction, allowing for biological repair of the pulp-dentin complex by promoting the formation of tertiary dentin between temporary and definitive restorations. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has gained popularity due to its unique combination of silver and fluoride, which provides antimicrobial and remineralising properties. In this case series of three cases, three-year-old preschool boy, five year old girl and five year old girl, in whom, deep carious lesions in primary molars were treated using selective caries removal techniques with SDF as an IPT agent, resulting in successful minimally invasive restorative procedures. This case series underscores the importance of employing selective caries removal techniques and the potential use of SDF as an IPT agent in such scenarios to preserve tooth vitality in a less invasive therapeutic approach suitable for the pediatric population.
Statistical Analysis of Growth and Installation Cost of Sprinkler Irrigation System in Bikaner District of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kumari Vandana , Yogi Vikram , Sharma Shirish , Yadav P. K. , Pareek N. K. , Singh I. P. , Aravindh Kumar S.
Published: September 2023

Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the growth and economic feasibility of sprinkler irrigation systems in water-stressed regions, specifically Rajasthan and India, to promote sustainable agriculture and mitigate water scarcity challenges.

Study Design:  Mixed-Methods study design.

Methodology: The study analyzes time series data from 2005 to 2022 to estimate the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the area under sprinkler irrigation system in Rajasthan and India. This research also investigates the economic feasibility of sprinkler irrigation systems in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India, where water resources are limited. SPSS 16.0 was used to perform the statistical analysis.

Results: The findings reveal a significant growth in sprinkler-irrigated areas in both regions. The research findings reveal significant CAGR values of 27.9 per cent for Rajasthan and 18.6 per cent for India, highlighting the growing acceptance and importance of sprinkler irrigation system. The 2-inch sprinkler system emerges as the most feasible choice, with a short payback period, high net present worth, internal rate of return, and benefit-cost ratio.

Conclusion: The research underscores the significance of sprinkler irrigation system technologies in enhancing water-use efficiency, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods. Policy recommendations are provided to promote the adoption of water-efficient irrigation practices in combating water scarcity and achieving sustainable agriculture.
Learning Motivation Scale (LMS): Development and Validation with Prospective-Teachers in West Bengal, India
Authors: Ray Suvendu , Sikdar Deb Prasad
Published: September 2023

Background: Learning motivation is the collective term for the internal and external factors that support or strengthen a learner's desire and willingness to acquire new knowledge. Every prospective teacher must acquire the skills necessary to do their job well, and learning is accelerated by learning motivation. Therefore, developing a standardised Learning Motivation Scale (LMS) is crucial for assessing the level of learning motivation among prospective teachers in West Bengal. The goal of the present study was to create a LMS to assess learning motivation level among prospective teachers.

Method: Fifty (50) prospective teachers from West Bengal, India, were given a self-administered version of the LMS, which consists of twenty-eight (28) items, to collect the data. The learning motivation scale was subjected to item analysis following the data collection in order to remove the poor items. Following that, the final scale's internal consistency was evaluated using the 225 participants (prospective teachers) who participated in the Cronbach's alpha method.

Result: The scale primarily consists of two subscales, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, each with twenty-eight (28) items measuring learning motivation. Following item analysis, the learning motivation scale's seven (7) poor items are eliminated in accordance with the discrimination index. As a result, 21 items from each of the two LMS subscales were kept. The scale's final iteration discovered 0.783 alpha values, a high level of statistically significant correlation.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Scale is a useful tool that researchers and instructors can use to effectively gauge the level of learning motivation among prospective teachers.
From EFL to ESL in the Eye of Saudi Vision 2030
Authors: Bahanshal Dalal A.
Published: September 2023

Aims: Starting with the definitions of EFL and ESL, this paper aims to explore the transformation from teaching English as a foreign language to a second language in the context of Saudi Arabia to cope with the promising Saudi Vision 2030. At all levels, teaching in the Saudi context is inclined to be EFL teaching. However, English language proficiency has become an emergent need to determine the employment value in the competitive job market, nationally and internationally. Therefore, the transformation to ESL teaching is a focus nowadays for modulating the evolution of English Classroom Teaching in Saudi Arabia.

Study Design: This study is a qualitative one that uses a semi-structured interview has been conducted at the participants' convenient time and venue. 

Place and Duration of Study: The study has taken place at one of the languages Institute (ELI) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the second semester of the academic year 2021 – 2022.

Methodology: The participants who took part in this study are six female English teachers, Saudis, and non-Saudis, holding Ph.D. and master's degrees in different fields of language teaching with teaching experience varying from 5 years to more than 10 years. 

Results: The study sought to investigate the university English language teachers' beliefs about the transformation of teaching English from a foreign language to a second language in line with SAV 2030. Data analysis has brought a variety of issues considering the benefits of shifting from EFL teaching and learning to ESL, the obstacles related to such a transit, the challenges that may be encountered throughout the transition process, and the adaption readiness of all stakeholders, educational policymakers, teachers, and students. Looking at participants' responses to the research questions, it was found that they were in agreement with the transformation from EFL to ESL. The study's findings were categorized according to the responses to the four research questions.

Conclusion: Since the declaration of VAS 2030, higher institutions in the kingdom have obliged their educational policies to an influential reformation that drives improvements in higher education to reach the successes intended by VAS 2030. The study results have provided substantial evidence that teaching the English language as an ESL rather than an EFL will conclusively add to Saudi English learners' skills and proficiency levels.
Ectopic Testis, Pubo-Penile: A Rare Entity
Authors: Jain Nitin , Ratan Simmi K.
Published: September 2023

Background: Pubo-penile ectopic testis is a rare congenital anomaly in which the testis is situated along the penile shaft or along its root. We are reporting a rare case of penile testicular ectopia whose etiopathogenesis is poorly understood. We describe one case of Pubo-penile ectopic testis in a Eleven-years-old child. The diagnosis was made on physical examination alone. The condition was present since birth but child presented late and successfully treated.

Clinical Description: 9 yrs old male child presented with swelling along base of penis since birth. On examination, left hemi-scrotum was empty with poorly developed scrotal sac. External genitalia was normal and appropriately developed. There was a single, firm, well defined, non-tender, mobile, oval shaped swelling of size 3.5 X 2.5cms, palpable at the base of the penis. Right sided testis was normally placed in scrotum. Testicular sensations were intact.

Management: Ultrasound abdomen and inguino-scrotal region was done & it confirmed the ectopic location of the testis. Incision was given over the swelling at the base of penis to mobilise the testis along with spermatic cord and it was taken through the superficial ring in to the scrotum by small inguinal incision. Orchidopexy was done & testis was anchored in the left extra dartos pouch. Postoperative period was uneventful and child was doing good in follow-up.

Conclusion: Pubo-penile ectopic testis is rare. Examination of a child with an empty scrotum should include examination of all potential ectopic sites. The diagnosis is based on physical examination. Treatment is surgical and long-term prognosis is excellent.
Study of Genetic Diversity in Indian Barnyard Millet Genetic Resources [Echinochloa frumentacea (L.)]
Authors: Nehru G. , Reddy A. Trivikrama , Reddy C. V. Chandra Mohan , Sreenivasulu K. N.
Published: September 2023

Sixtyfour Indian barnyard millet genetic resources were studied to assess the extent of genetic divergence for 18 quantitative traits using Mahalanobis D2 Statistic. Sixtyfour genetic resources of Indian barnyard millet were evaluated during kharif, 2020 in a lattice square design, replicated twice at Regional Agricultural Research. Based on Tocher’s method, the entire genetic materials were separated into eight distinct and non-overlapping clusters suggesting availability of genetic diversity. Cluster I has highest number of accessions (57) and the remaining were mono genotypic clusters II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII containing only one accession each indicating high degree of heterogeneity among the genotypes. The widest inter-cluster distance was recorded between clusters IV and VII. Therefore, it is concluded that the genotypes to these clusters has to be intercrossed in order to create more diversity and improving grain yield in barnyard millet. The traits, grain yield per plant and panicle weight contributed maximum towards total divergence has scope of crop improvement through those traits. Diversity of parent paly main role for the successful of any breeding programme. So the crosses can be made among the parents having widest divergence would more likely to yield desirable recombination in segregating generations.
Performance Assessment of Japanese Mint Varieties for Growth under Open Field and Vertical A-Frame Structure
Authors: Aneesha  J.  , Muthulakshmi S.  , Nageswari K.  , Venkatesan K.  , Venkatesan K.
Published: September 2023

Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.), is a member of the family Lamiaceae which is a perennial herbaceous aromatic plant but cultivated as an annual for culinary purpose as leafy vegetable and as natural menthol extraction. It is a major source of raw material for flavours and fragrance industry. Urban regions are losing cultivable land every day and it has become extremely difficult to produce fresh vegetables of high quality. By using vertical structures, vertical space can be utilized while increasing the quality of vegetable production. This experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College & Research Institute, Periyakulam during 2022-2023 to evaluate the performance of nine varieties viz., Kosi (V1), CIM-Kranti (V2), Himalaya (V3), Kalka (V4), MAS-1 (V5), Saksham (V6), Gomti (V7), Seelayampatti local (V8) and Bangalore hybrid (V9) under open field (G1) and vertical A-frame structure (G2) condition. One vertical A-frame structure is used in this study which contain 516 holes for planting. Among the nine varieties, Saksham (V6) showed increase in growth parameters in both conditions. The observations on growth parameters were recorded for plant height(cm), number of leaves, root length(cm), fresh weight of roots(g) and dry weight of roots(g). Saksham variety in vertical A-frame structure yielded maximum plant height (53.05 cm), number of leaves (112.73), root length (39.92 cm), fresh weight of roots (3.204g) and dry weight of roots (0.874g) followed by the variety CIM-Kranti in vertical A-frame structure (48.83cm, 77.61, 37.75cm, 2.582g and 0.648g). As a result, the interactive action of G2V6 showed maximum growth due to the availability of nutrients in the root system and timely application of water and nutrient helped in better plant parameters.
Seed Treatment Effects on Seed Quality and Longevity of Soybean Seed Collected from Different Locations in Telangana State, India
Authors: Gaddam Pavan Kumar , Y. Bharathi , Jagan Mohan Rao P.  , Rajender Reddy M.
Published: September 2023

The soybean seed (JS 335) was collected from 8 different seed production locations in Telangana state and were treated with different seed treatment chemicals. The seed quality parameters of soybean seed kept at ambient conditions in gunny bag were recorded at monthly intervals during storage. The results revealed that, among the various seed treatments chemicals, the seeds treated with Xelora (Thiophanate Methyl 45% + Pyraclostrobin 5% FS) @ 2 g kg-1 recorded significantly high seed quality parameters viz., seed germination per cent, seedling vigour index-II, field emergence, moisture per cent, seed infection per cent and low electrical conductivity compared to all other treatments. Among the seeds collected from different seed production locations the seed collected from Nirmal location had shown better seed quality parameters.
Selective Isolation and Characterization of Phytophthora infestans from Potatoes Using Rye Agar Media in India
Authors: Rani Lingareddy Usha , Senthilraja G. , Parameshwari P. , Paranidharan V. , Sharmila D. Jeya Sundara , Raveendran M. , Sharma Sanjeev , Mhatre Priyank Hanuman
Published: September 2023

Phytophthora infestans is a pathogen that causes late blight, a major disease of potatoes. The isolation of P. infestans from infected potato plants using agar media has been challenging. This study investigated the use of Rye A and Rye B agar media for the isolation of P. infestans from infected potato tubers collected from the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu during 2022. The media were evaluated for hyphal growth, sporangial production, oospore formation, and long-term storage of P. infestans. Phenotypic diagnosis based on cultural and morphological characteristics confirmed the identity of P. infestans. The results were confirmed by a molecular identification test using primers specific to P. infestans. Pathogenicity tests were carried out to assess the virulence of the isolates. This study provides a useful protocol for the selective isolation and characterization of P. infestans, the potato late blight pathogen.
Evaluation of Moringa (Moringa oliefera. Lam) Genotypes for Seed Oil Yield and Quality
Authors: Tamilarasan C.  , Beaulah A.  , Nageswari K.  , Balakumbahan R.  , Anitha T.
Published: September 2023

A study was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam,2022 in ten moringa genotypes to assess pod, seed characters, seed oil yield, and quality. In pod characters, among ten genotypes PKM MO-3 recorded the highest pod length (75 cm) & fresh pod weight (154 g), PKM MO 7 recorded the highest dry pod weight (37 g), PKM MO 2 recorded the highest pod girth (7.7 cm) and PKM MO 9 recorded the lowest pod length, fresh pod weight, Number of seeds per pod and pod yield per tree. In seed characters PKM MO 3 registered the highest seed length (0.92 cm), seed width(0.79cm), seed diameter(1.20cm) and PKM MO 10 recorded the lowest highest seed length (0.72 cm), seed width (0.64 cm) and seed diameter (0.96 cm). The moringa seed oil composition extracted with different methods such as the expeller pressed method, soxhlet extraction method, and Clevenger extraction method were compared. The oil yield obtained by expeller, soxhlet, and Clevenger was 27.84, 26.1, and 25.35 percent respectively. Also, specific gravity, density, viscosity, and refractive index were measured by different methods of oil extraction in ten genotypes. These results promoted the use of expeller expeller-pressed method for the extraction of high-quality moringa oil.
Comparative Study of Conventional Rotary and Rotary-Percussion Techniques in Grout Hole Drilling from the Perspectives of Time, Cost, and Quality
Authors: Winarno Setya , D. Prasetyo
Published: September 2023

A dam foundation structure is usually strengthened by grouting, which begins with grout hole drilling.  This paper aims to examine a comparison between conventional rotary and rotary-percussion drilling techniques in a drilling case study of the Tugu Dam Project, from the perspective of time, cost, and quality comprehensively. Primary data was obtained from the field investigation and interviews. Secondary data was gathered from available project documents of the PT Wijaya Karya-APTA KSO Project Contractor. The findings have highlighted that the implementation of the rotary-percussion technique for grout hole drilling is better than conventional rotary drilling. There are 16 days of time-saving and 3.84% cost-savings for the rotary-percussion technique, as a result of faster rate of penetration. The quality of grouting work using the rotary-percussion drilling technique tends to be of better quality, although there is a shortcoming due to the limited drilling depth of only 5m particularly.
Hydromechanics – Slope Monitoring in Rainy Season
Authors: Muntohar Agus Setyo , Hairani Ani , Permana Muhammad Fikri , Bahti Farid Nur
Published: September 2023

Rainfall and soil response are necessary to be monitored to have slope characteristics in detecting landslide occurrence. Even though much research has been carried out worldwide for rainfall monitoring, less research has been conducted in Indonesia for slope monitoring. Therefore, this research was conducted to observe the suction, soil moisture content, and rainfall in a silty sand slope. An automatic rain gauge was set on the ground to measure precipitation. Tensiometer and soil moisture content sensors were installed at depths of 0.5 m; 1 m; and 1.5 m from the slope surface. The monitoring was conducted during the peak rainy season from December 2022 to January 2023. The rainfall amount is about 436.6 mm, and the 6 hours of rainfall events contribute a relatively sizeable rainfall amount (about 31%) to the total. The safety factor of the slope is estimated to decrease by 39%-40% due to the rainfall.
Modelling of Shear-critical, Lightly Reinforced Concrete T-beams with Externally Bonded CFRP using ATENA Science
Authors: Njoko Fillbert Hanselly , Tambusay Asdam , Jamieson Andrew , Suryanto Benny , Suprobo Priyo
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the finite element modelling of shear-critical reinforced concrete beams strengthened with U-wrapped CFRP fabrics using ATENA. Fracture-plastic constitutive models, implemented in the context of smeared crack and crush-band approach, were employed to represent the nonlinear behaviours of concrete. CFRP U-wraps were modelled as smeared rein­forcement and bonded to the concrete surface using an interface element, considering appropriate bond properties. To this end, two large lightly reinforced concrete T-beams from tests undertaken by Brindley in 2018 were analysed and predictions of the load-deflection response and failure mode are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the modelling. Moreover, parametric analyses were performed to assess the effectiveness of CFRP U-wraps for strengthening deteriorated members. It is shown that the response of the beams can be predicted accurately, capturing successfully the brittle shear failure mode observed experimentally. It is also shown that CFRP U-wraps are useful for reducing the brittleness of shear-critical beams.
Consumers Can Now Buy a Blood Test to Evaluate Their Alzheimer Disease Risk, but Should They?
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: September 2023

This Medical News feature discusses a Quest Diagnostics blood biomarkers test that is supposed to help consumers assess their Alzheimer disease risk.
Comparative membrane lipidomics of hepatocellular carcinoma cells reveals diacylglycerol and ceramide as key regulators of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and tumor growth
Authors: Azbazdar Yagmur , Demirci Yeliz , Heger Guillaume , Ipekgil Dogac , Karabicici Mustafa , Ozhan Gunes
Published: September 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely associated with aberrant activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Nevertheless, how membrane lipid composition is altered in HCC cells with abnormal Wnt signaling remains elusive. Here, by exploiting comprehensive lipidome profiling, we unravel the membrane lipid composition of six different HCC cell lines with mutations in components of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, leading to differences in their endogenous signaling activity. Among the differentially regulated lipids are diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramide, which were downregulated at the membrane of HCC cells after Wnt3a treatment. DAG and ceramide enhanced Wnt/β‐catenin signaling by inducing caveolin‐mediated endocytosis of the canonical Wnt‐receptor complex, while their depletion suppressed the signaling activity along with a reduction of caveolin‐mediated endocytosis in SNU475 and HepG2 cells. Moreover, depletion of DAG and ceramide significantly impeded the proliferation, tumor growth, and in vivo migration capacity of SNU475 and HepG2 cells. This study, by pioneering plasma membrane lipidome profiling in HCC cells, exhibits the remarkable potential of lipids to correct dysregulated signaling pathways in cancer and stop abnormal tumor growth.
A quantitative comparison of antibodies against epitope tags for immunofluorescence detection
Authors: Marchetti Anna , Lima Wanessa C. , Hammel Philippe , Cosson Pierre
Published: September 2023

Epitope tags recognized by specific antibodies have been widely used over the last few decades, notably to localize tagged proteins within cells by immunofluorescence. The diversity of tags and antibodies usually prevents a side‐by‐side comparison of the efficiency with which each antibody recognizes its cognate tag. We expressed chimeric proteins, each composed of an invariant domain (IL2Ra) associated with a specific epitope tag. Double immunofluorescence allowed us to quantify in parallel the reference signal generated by the anti‐IL2Ra antibody and the signal generated by the anti‐epitope tag antibody. Since all antibodies used in this study were recombinant antibodies fused to the same mouse Fc domain, the generated signals were directly comparable. Three groups of tags/antibodies were revealed: ‘good’ antibodies generated high signals even when used at a low concentration (50 ng·mL−1), ‘fair’ antibodies generated a high signal only at high concentrations (5000 ng·mL−1), and ‘mediocre’ antibodies generated positive but weak signals. Except for an anti‐myc antibody, similar results were obtained when cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde or methanol. These results provide a side‐by‐side quantitative evaluation of different tag/antibody pairs. This information will be useful to optimize the choice of epitope tags and to choose optimal antibodies.
Seasonal and circadian patterns of herring gull (Larus smithsoniansus) movements reveal temporal shifts in industry and coastal island interaction
Authors: Gutowsky S. E. , Baak J. E. , Craik S. R. , Mallory M. L. , Knutson N. , d'Entremont A. A. , Allard K. A.
Published: September 2023

Anthropogenic food subsidies attract opportunistic generalists like gulls in high densities, which may lead to negative impacts on human communities and local ecosystems. Managing impacts requires understanding why gulls use particular natural or industrial sites at different times of day or phases of the breeding cycle. Use of natural and human‐influenced habitats likely varies temporally as gulls alter schedules and site selection to match the predictability of different resources as they vary through space and time relative to patterns in human activities (seasonal industries, the work week, working hours) and natural rhythms (daylight, tide cycles), while gull resource requirements and restrictions to movement also shift with changing reproductive demands.

We quantified seasonal and circadian patterns in American herring gull (Larus smithsoniansus) interactions with anthropogenic and natural sites throughout breeding using GPS data from 15 gulls tracked over 3 years from two colonies. We examined the weekly probability of gull occurrence at distinct destinations (e.g. breeding colony, islands, offshore, fish processing plants), and how occurrence varied with time of day, weekday/weekend, tide phase and colony, using GLMMs with a binomial response for destination‐specific occurrence.

Probability at the colony varied predictably through the breeding season (highest attendance from dusk to dawn, during incubation and early chick rearing), providing confidence in the modelling approach for detecting temporal patterns in behaviour. Gulls visited other islands mostly outside incubation and early chick rearing, and from dusk through the night, likely roosting. Occurrence offshore where interaction with fishing vessels is possible was highest from dusk to dawn, and differed among colonies, but was the most likely destination during incubation and early chick rearing. Occurrence at fish plants gradually increased until after fledging when attendance was highest from Aug‐Oct coincident with the peak of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) processing and was more likely during the weekdays, during working hours, and during low and flood tide.

Gulls in southwest Nova Scotia, Canada, have the behavioural flexibility to adapt to both natural rhythms and human schedules when beneficial, enabling them to thrive in a region where industry and natural resources are abundant. These findings can provide information to guide when and where to test different subsidy management strategies locally, while also considering potential increased pressures on island ecosystems. We emphasise that management outcomes of reductions of food subsidies for opportunistic species depend on multiple factors, including availability of alternative food sources and timing of use.