bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Genetic Diversity of Selected Ethiopian Core Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Germplasm Collections Using Morphological Traits
Authors: Adugna Derejaw Tesfa , Assefa Kebebew Assefa , Girma Dejene Girma , - Tileye Feyissa
Published: April 2023

Tef is an indigenous and important food, feed and cash crop to the small-holder of Ethiopian farmers. Information of the natural genetic variation of the crop would be useful for the genetic improvement of the crop through breeding. Hence, the current study was designed to determine the extent and pattern of genetic variability of selected tef core germplasm lines and released varieties from Ethiopia using morphological traits. A total of 81 tef genotypes were field evaluated for 17 morphological traits using a 9 × 9 simple lattice designs at Debre Zeit during the 2021 main cropping season and off-season. Only a few of the traits assessed showed significant differences among the genotypes. These were thousand seed weight and fertile tiller number in the main season, and peduncle length and number of fertile tillers in the off-season. Cluster analysis grouped the 81 tef genotypes into four clusters consisting of 15 to 31 genotypes. Principal component analysis showed that about 71% of the gross variance among the test genotypes was explained by six principal components with eigenvalues greater than one.
Effect of biological activity of Carapa procera DC. (Meliaceae) seed oil on the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick 1917 (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: KONAN Kouassi Arthur Jocelin , N’CHO Anthelme J. , KOUADIO Marie-France N'da , GADJI André , COULIBALY Noupé D. , OUALI-N'GORAN Mauricette S-W. , MARTIN Thibaud
Published: April 2023

Tuta absoluta poses a serious threat to tomato production worldwide as it can cause more than 80% yield losses. Its control is currently mainly based on the use of synthetic chemical insecticides, which unfortunately selects resistant populations and entails public health risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal, repellent and sublethal effects of Carapa procera seed oil on all stages of T. absoluta. Larvicidal (by contact and by ingestion), ovicidal and anti-feeding effects were evaluated by testing 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6% and 7.5% concentrations of oil. Larvicidal and ovicidal effects were tested by direct application of Carapa solutions on larvae and eggs but also by feeding the larvae leaves dipped in solutions. The adult repellent effect was investigated by identifying the preferred area on filter paper partly non-treated vs fully treated using LC10, LC50 et LC90 of larvae after ingestion. LC50 was also used on 2-day-old larvae to evaluate the sublethal effects on larval and pupal duration, longevity and adult morphology. Results showed that, regardless of the mode of application, all concentrations had larvicidal effects with a higher dose-response effect and a higher mortality rate via ingestion than via topical application. The ovicidal effect varied with the concentrations tested, the highest mortality rate was obtained at a concentration of 7.5%. At the same dose, Carapa oil reduced large feeding galleries from 92.22 ± 5.02% in controls to 3.33 ± 3.65% at the highest dose and had a repellent effect on 80% of adults. Carapa oil increased larval and pupal duration by 2.14 and 1.35 days, respectively, and reduced adult female longevity by 2.2 days and male longevity by 1.1 days. A deformation rate of 28.33% was observed in newly emerged adults. This study demonstrated insecticidal and insect repellent effects of Carapa oil on different stages of T. absoluta. This botanical oil is a very promising biopesticide to control this major new pest of Solanaceous crops. Its use in an agroecological pest management strategy is discussed.
Combination of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and platelet-rich plasma hydrogel injection for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Zhang Lidong , Zhang Chengliang , Song Dajiang , Chen Gang , Liu Lei
Published: April 2023

Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hydrogel injection in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods: A total of 98 consecutive patients with LDH who underwent either PELD combined with PRP hydrogel injection or PELD alone were reviewed. This retrospective study was performed between January 2019 and January 2021. Clinical outcomes were compared in the visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and MacNab criteria. Intervertebral disc height on MRI was measured and the Pfirrmann grade classification was used preoperatively and postoperatively.
Results: No severe adverse events were reported during an 18-month follow-up period. VAS scores for back pain were decreased at 1 month, 3 months, and 18 months in the treatment group than that in the control group. JOA score and ODI in the treatment group at 3 months and 18 months follow-up was lower than that in the control group (P <0.05). The excellent and good rate of the MacNab criteria was 92.0% (46/50) in the treatment group and 89.6% (43/48) in the control group (P >0.05). The comparation of Pffirmann grading and disc height at 18 months follow-up showed significant difference in two groups (P <0.05). The recurrence of LDH in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P <0.05).
Conclusions: We suggest that PELD combined with PRP hydrogel injection to treat patients with LDH is a safe and promising method. PRP injection was beneficial for disc remodeling after PELD and decreased the recurrence of LDH.
Analyzing the Performance of ChatGPT in Cardiology and Vascular Pathologies
Authors: Hariri Walid
Published: April 2023

The article aims to analyze the performance of ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI, in the context of cardiology and vascular pathologies. The study evaluated ChatGPT's accuracy in answering challenging multiple-choice questions (QCM) using a dataset of 190 questions from the Siamois-QCM platform. The goal was to assess ChatGPT's potential as a valuable tool in medical education compared to two well-ranked students of medicine. The results showed that ChatGPT outperformed the students, scoring 175 out of 190 correct answers with a percentage of 92.10\%, while the two students achieved scores of 163 and 159 with percentages of 85.78\% and 82.63\%, respectively.
Sex-specific metabolomics-derived blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Clark Christopher , Laczko Endre , Rabl Miriam , Stojkovic Slavisa , Popp Julius
Published: April 2023

Readily accessible diagnostic tools are crucial for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we sought to identify peripheral metabolism biomarkers of cerebral AD pathology. Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify 2286 serum metabolites in participants on a longitudinal memory clinic study. Unbiased between-group analysis using Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis, Linear Discriminant Analysis and Principal Component Analysis were performed to build a classifier for AD as indicated by CSF biomarkers. MetaboAnalyst was subsequently used for selection of the most relevant metabolites; pathway enrichment was performed to determine biological pathway alterations related to AD. No biomarker signature was found in the whole cohort. Stratification according to sex allowed building a classifier for AD using 14 metabolites in males and 9 in females that significantly improved the prediction of the presence of AD compared to a reference model. Thirteen enriched pathways were identified, including lipid and amino acid metabolisms. Compared to a reference model, the selected metabolites significantly improved the prediction of cognitive decline in females. Sex-specific peripheral metabolism biomarkers are useful to predict cerebral AD pathology and cognitive decline, and detect related pathway alterations. This highlights the need for personalised diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in AD.
Experimental ultrasonic probe positioning method using optical triangulation
Authors: Cygan Szymon
Published: April 2023

In ultrasonic imaging, including echocardiography, the location of the section view is defined manually. In case of research and development of speckle tracking methods using left ventricle phantoms the repeatability of probe positioning is crucial for acquired data interpretation. In this work an optical system and method for probe positioning are proposed. This systems consists of a set of two cameras, a calibration frame with 8 markers of with known coordinates and a probe holder with 4 markers. The described calibration process involves image segmentation and extraction of the camera projection matrices. The positioning method uses the same initial image processing steps followed by estimation of markers’ positions using the triangulation method. Performance of the system is tested using a validation plate with five coplanar markers. Obtained precision of positioning estimated based on the reprojection errors at each step of the process and as validation distance errors reaches approx. 2 mm, which is considered sufficient in case of ultrasonic imaging based on its resolution.
Seroprevalence and Molecular Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 (HSV-2) among People living with HIV/AIDS in Northwestern, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad Ibrahim Abubakar , Hafiz Taysir Ramadan , Muhammad Faisal , Reuben Rine Christopher , Sani TasiuAdamu , Adam AbubakarSunusi , Rogo LawalDahiru
Published: April 2023

BackgroundIn most developing countries, including Nigeria, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission, which often results in more frequent, lasting, and severe clinical outcomes. Despite the association between HSV-2 and HIV, knowledge regarding HSV-2 among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in northern Nigeria is elusive.MethodsThis cross-sectional study sought to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of HSV-2 among PLWHA attending a referral hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Blood samples collected from 180 PLWHA were screened for HSV-2 IgM using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and then subjected to molecular characterization using HSV-2 specific PCR. Moreover, socio-demographic data and risk factors of the sampled population were collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 6.1%, with 5.0% and 1.1% in females and males, respectively. However, no significant association (P > 0.05) existed between HSV-2 seroprevalence with marital status, gender, occupation, residence, educational level, age, history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), ethnicity, and the number of sex partners. In addition, condom use significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the risk of HSV-2 infection among the study population. However, only 5 (45.45%) of the 11 (100.0%) HSV-2 seropositive subjects were molecularly confirmed to be HSV-2 positive using PCR.ConclusionThis is the first study to confirm the presence of HSV-2 infection among PLWHA in Northwestern Nigeria. Data obtained stress the need for surveillance of HSV-2 therapy, and public enlightenment on the use of condoms to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Detection of Land Surface Albedo Changes over Iran using Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Motlagh Omid Reza Kefayat , Darand Mahmmad
Published: April 2023

Albedo is one of the key parameters in climatic studies. Investigating its temporal and spatial behavior can be a tool for understanding environmental changes. The MODIS sensor continuously produces the land surface albedo on a global scale and with the appropriate spatial resolution and makes it available to researchers. In this study, to analyze Iran’s surface albedo trend, first, the daily albedo data of the MODIS on Iran in the period from 1/1/2001 to 12/30/2021 with a spatial resolution of 500 meters was prepared from the NASA website. After the necessary pre-processing, the long-term seasonal and annual trend of Iran's albedo was calculated at the 90% confidence level using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test. The findings showed that the albedo trend is positive in the lowland interior areas of Iran and negative in the highland areas. Since the decreasing trend of albedo in highland areas indicates the reduction of snow cover in these areas, this issue can challenge the life and water resources of these areas that rely on the accumulation of snow.
Simultaneous determination of paracetamol, propyphenazone, aspirin and caffeine in white wine samples by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Han Dan , Ding Yongliang , Peng Kun , Tang Bobing , Xi Cunxian , Den Anping Den Anping
Published: April 2023

A highly sensitive liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for simultaneous determination of analgesic-antipyretics drugs, e.g. paracetamol (PC), propyphenazone (PZ), aspirin (AS) and caffeine (CF), in white wine samples was presented. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a narrow C18column by a gradient elution using acetonitrile (A) and 10 mM ammonium acetate with 0.1% formic acid (B) as the solvents at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of PC, PZ and CF were achieved by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive mode, while the analysis of AS was completed by MRM in negative mode. Under optimal conditions, good linearity with high correlation coeﬃcient (>0.9981) were obtained between 0.05-50 ng mL-1for PC, 0.005-20 g mL-1for PZ, 0.3-200 g mL-1for AS, and 1.0-50 g mL-1for CF. The limit of detection (LOD) values of the method for PC, PZ, AS and CF were found to be 0.015, 0.0015, 0.08 and 0.25 g mL-1, respectively. Spiking experiments revealed good recoveries in range of 87.6~111.0% with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 2.1~9.4%. Total 1006 white wine samples were collected and analyzed by the proposed method. PC was found in three inferior white wines samples, and the residual levels of PC, PZ, AS and CF in other samples were undetectable. It was demonstrated that the proposed LC–MS/MS is a powerful analytical tool for sensitive determination of PC, PZ, AS and CF in white wine samples.
Significance of dumpsites for the conservation of bird fauna in Afar region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfahunegny Weldemariam , Assefa Alembrhan
Published: April 2023

Background:Dumpsites have a significant role for the attraction of diverse species of wildlife including birds. This study was carried out to assess the significance of dumpsites for the conservation of birds in Afar region, Ethiopia from August, 2019 to March, 2020, covering both the wet and dry seasons. Nine dumpsites found in different towns of Afar region were selected. Point count technique was employed to identify and count the birds. Shannon-Weiner diversity index was used to estimate species diversity and Two-way ANOVA was used to test birds’ species richness and abundance variation across dumpsites and seasons.Results: A total of 48 bird species consisting of one endemic and 10 globally threatened species were recorded. Red-billed Quelea, Marabou Stork and Egyptian Vulture were the most abundant species. Variation in bird species richness and abundance among dumpsites was significant (F = 8.44, df = 8, P < 0.05) and F = 15.507, df = 8, P< 0.05), respectively. Moreover, significant seasonal variation in abundance was also observed (F = 19.339, df = 1, P< 0.05). The highest species diversity (H’ = 3.18) was observed during wet season in Abala and Afambo dumpsites and the highest species evenness (E = 0.86) was observed during dry season in Afdera.Conclusion: Bird species diversity and abundance among the dumpsites was high, and man-made disturbance in these sites are main threats for conservation of birds. Therefore, conservation measures are needed to maintain the survival of this unique bird diversity. Moreover, proper management of dumpsites is vital to support the waste dependent birds.
Depth resolved thermal wave imaging approach for non-destructive testing and evaluation of steel sample
Authors: Arora Vanita , Mulaveesala Ravibabu , Dua Geetika
Published: April 2023

Reliability of sub-surface defects is imperative for safer functionality of critical materials/components/structures used in a wide variety of applications in various industries. The need for reliable, fast, remote, safe inspection and evaluation methods for detecting hidden defects increases in parallel with the demand for more sustainable solutions, which helps in inherent design and manufacturing specifications modifications. During in-service operations, the hidden defects are typically originated from various loading conditions leading to catastrophic failure. This work explores the best possible reliable, fast, remote, and safe inspection and evaluation experimental method and the associated post-processing approach using InfraRed Imaging (IRI) for Thermal Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation of mild steel materials. This proposed work provides an insight into the state-of-the-art research in the field of thermal/infrared non-destructive testing and evaluation methods and associated post processing approach to visualize the hidden subsurface defects not only resolved by spatial thermal gradients but also simultaneously provide temporal thermal gradients at the defective regions.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of biosimilar adalimumab injection with innovator adalimumab in subjects with active ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: S Chandrashekara , Parida Jyoti Ranjan , Sonawale Archana , Sharma Vishnu , Basu Kaushik , Mathew John , Dharmapalaiah Chethana , Bhatia Girish , Seth Gaurav , Kakade Girish , Jain Neeraj , Sharma Reena , Fatima Firdaus , Srivast Rajeshwar Nath , Shah Romi , Desai Bankim , Nalawade Ajit , Haridas Vikram , Kumar Uma , Naidu R , Pawar Roshan , Aiwale Amol , Rane Yogesh , Shahavi Vinayaka , Sharma Akhilesh
Published: April 2023

Objectives
To compare the efficacy and safety of biosimilar adalimumab injection manufactured by Enzene Biosciences Ltd. with innovator adalimumab (iADA, HUMIRA®) in subjects with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Methods
The prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase III study involved 192 subjects with active AS recruited at 20 centers across India. The subjects who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were randomized in a ratio of 2:1 (i.e.,125 subjects in biosimilar adalimumab arm and 67 subjects in the iADA arm). The selected subjects received both the investigational products at a dose of 40 mg subcutaneously (pre-filled syringe contained 40 mg adalimumab in 0.4 ml as the active ingredient) every other week for a total of 12 weeks. Efficacy assessment was done based on ASAS response criteria. Safety assessment was based on complete physical examination, adverse event (AE) monitoring, vital signs, ECG, anti-adalimumab antibody (ADA) assessment, and laboratory tests.
Results
At 12 weeks, the ASAS 20/40/70 responses were achieved by 97.5%, 94.1%, and 68.9% patients who received biosimilar injection as compared to 98.4%, 96.7%, and 77% patients in iADA arm. Safety assessment showed that 19 (15.2%) subjects reported 33 AEs in the biosimilar adalimumab arm and 8 (11.9%) subjects reported 11 AEs in iADA arm. ADA for positive and negative subjects was statistically non-significant (P 0.3516) between the two arms.
Conclusion
The ASAS 20/40/70 response rates at week 12 were equivalent between patients treated with biosimilar adalimumab injection manufactured by Enzene Biosciences Ltd and those treated with iADA. Both the drugs had comparable safety and tolerability profiles.
Trial registry name: The Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI),
URL: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=42640&EncHid=&userName=enzene
Trial registration no: no. CTRI/2020/09/028070
Pointwise slant lightlike submanifold with semi-Riemannian screen distribution
Authors: Srivast Sachin Kumar , Dhiman Mayrika , Sood Kanika
Published: April 2023

We generalize the study of pointwise slant lightlike submanifolds of indefinite cosymplectic manifold. We prove the existence of semi-Riemannian screen distribution when the rank of radical is less than the index of a manifold and give a generalized definition of pointwise slant lightlike submanifolds. Also, we have constructed examples showing timelike components in screen distribution and derived the condition for pointwise slant lightlike submanifolds, which helps to conclude various related results. We studied pointwise slant lightlike submanifolds under different conditions, like totally umbilical and minimal lightlike, and obtained results.
Mathematical Subjclass Classfication(2020): 53C12, 53C25, 53B25, 53B30, 53D10.
Impact of Comminution Kinetic Energy: First Mathematical Modeling of Fragmentation Dynamic Fractures Per Millimetre of Coal
Authors: Nasution Lukman Hakim , Mursito Anggoro Tri , Astuti Widi , Nurjaman Fajar , Prasetyo Erik , Birawidha David Candra , Amin Muhammad , Haryono Tri , Wicaksono Mahruri Arif , Sumardi Slamet , Susanti Diah , Bahfie Fathan
Published: April 2023

The various aspects of coal, including its chemical composition, properties, and environmental impacts. The recent research focused on developing new technologies and processes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of coal comminution, with a particular focus on the use of kinetic energy impact application of coal comminution with linear momentum. We explored the potential benefits of this approach, as well as ongoing research aimed at optimizing the comminution process and improving our understanding of the physics of coal comminution. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact associated with coal mining and use. From calculation on comminution of coal samples 10 mm long, 1 mm thick and 1 mm wide using linear momentum kinetic impact energy were carried out to produce coal between 100 mm and 1 mm in size. The main parameters of the process are the configuration of the impact surface of the runway wall, volume, mass and initial size of the sample, as well as the impact distance to the runway. The results of the analysis produce 55 process equations with models per millimetre scale; starting from the equation. The value of the kinetic energy of the fragmentation impact is increasing small if the distribution of energy has an increasing impact Far from static center impact; following with bigger size fragment. With doubling the value of the distribution of impact kinetic energy per millimetre; uniformity size fragment between 100mm to 1mm reached. This first mathematical model is expressed as a comminution dynamic fragmentation linear pattern per millimetre.
Research on the mechanism of miR-132-3p in inhibiting the proliferation、invasion and metastasis of colon cancer by targeted regulation of PDGF
Authors: Li Chaobin , Lu Kemei , Lang Cuicui , LI Min , Yang Chenggang
Published: April 2023

Objective: To investigate the impacts of miR-132-3p on the proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and invasion of colon cancer cells by targeted regulation of PDGF, so as to provide a new approach and target for studying the development mechanism of colon cancer and targeting gene therapy of colon cancer.
Methods: qRT-PCRexperiment was used to detect the expression of miR-132-3p between colon cancer tissue and adjacent tissue.CCK-8 cloning experiment was carried out to observe the results of overexpressed miR-132-3p HCT-116 cells proliferation; Flow cytometry experiment was conducted to examine the results of apoptosis;Transwell chamber experiment and scratch healing experiment were performed to detect the effect of cell invasion and metastasis; Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to evaluate the correlation between miR-132-3p and PDGF;Luciferase experiment was used to detected the luciferase activity;qRT-PCR and Western blot were carried out to detect the PDGF mRNA and protein respectively;Tumorigenesis experiment was conducted in nude mice to verify the inhibitory effect of miR-132-3p on colon cancer HCT-116 cells.
Results: Compared with the pericarcinomatous tissues, the expression of miR-132-3p in colon cancer tissue decreased significantly (P<0.05); Compared with the miR-NC group, the proliferation and invasive ability of HCT-116 cells in the miR-132-3pmimic group decreased significantly (P<0.05); The luciferase activity in the wild-type miR-132-3p-mimic group was lower than that in the miR-132-3pNA group obviously(P<0.05);Compared with miR-132-3pmimic+vector group, the proliferation and invasion ability of cells in miR-132-3pmimic+PDGF group increased apparently (P<0.05);Compared with miR-132-3pNC group, the subcutaneous tumor mass in the nude mice in miR-132-3pmimic group was smaller (P<0.05).
Conclusion: PDGF is the action target of miR-132-3p. miR-132-3p can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of colon cancer cells by controlling the expression of PDGF so as to promote the apoptosis of colon cancer cells.
Putamen volume as a predictor of repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests related intensity in autism
Authors: Lefebvre Aline , Traut Nicolas , Pedoux Amandine , Maruani Anna , Beggiato Anita , Elmaleh Monique , Germanaud David , Amestoy Anouck , Moal Myriam Ly-Le , Chatham Christopher , Murtagh Lorraine , Bouvard Manuel , Alisson Marianne , Leboyer Marion , Bourgeron Thomas , Toro Roberto , Dumas Guillaume , Moreau Clara , Delorme Richard
Published: April 2023

Background. Repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests (RRBI) are core symptoms of autism with a complex entity and are commonly categorized into ‘motor-driven’ and ‘cognitively-driven’. RRBI symptomatology depends on the individual’s clinical environment limiting the understanding of RRBI physiology, particularly their associated neuroanatomical structures. The complex RRBI heterogeneity needs to explore the whole RRBI spectrum by integrating the clinical context (autistic individuals, their relatives and typical developing (TD) individuals). We hypothesized that different RRBI dimensions would emerge by exploring the whole spectrum of RRBI, and that these dimensions are associated with neuroanatomical signatures - involving cortical & subcortical areas.
Method. A sample of 792 individuals composed of 267 autistic subjects, their 370 first-degree relatives and 155 TD individuals was enrolled in the study. We assessed the whole patterns of RRBI in each individual by using the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. We estimated brain volumes using MRI scanner for a subsample of the subjects (n=152, 42 ASD, 89 relatives and 13 TD). We first investigated the dimensionality of RRBI by performing a principal component analysis on all items of these scales and included all the sampling population. We then explored the relationship between RRBI-derived factors with brain volumes using linear regression models.
Results. We identified 3 main factors (with 30.3% of the RRBI cumulative variance): Factor 1 (FA1, 12.7%) reflected mainly the ‘motor-driven’ RRBI symptoms; Factor 2 and 3 (respectively 8.8% and 7.9%) gathered mainly Y-BOCS related items and represented the ‘cognitively-driven’ RRBI symptoms. These three factors were significantly associated with the right/left putamen volumes but with opposite effects: FA1 was negatively associated with an increased volume of the right/left putamen conversely to FA2 & FA3 (all uncorrected p<0.05). FA1 was negatively associated with the left amygdala (uncorrected p<0.05), and FA2 was positively associated with the left parietal structure (uncorrected p=0.001).
Conclusion. Our results suggested 3 coherent RRBI dimensions involving the putamen commonly and other structures according to the RRBI dimension. The exploration of the putamen’s integrative role in RSBI needs to be strengthened in further studies.
WITHDRAWN: Seasonal variation of the quality of groundwater resources for human consumption and industrial purposes in the Central Plain Zone of Punjab, India
Authors: Singh Gobinder , Wani Owais Ali , Egbueri Johnbosco C. , Salaria Amit , Singh Harinder
Published: April 2023

Due to environmental pollution, climate change and anthropogenic activities, the judicious use and quality of groundwater for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes had garnered a lot of attention. In order to access the seasonal suitability of groundwater on the basis of hydrochemistry and different indices, 196 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for different physicochemical parameters. The results revealed that only 1.02 percent of water samples from pre and post monsoon season exceeded the permissible limits of WHO and BIS guidelines for suitability of drinking water. The TDS content was also within the permissible limits with mean value of 523.7 and 565.6 mg/L for pre and post monsoon seasons, respectively. The concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+ were within the permissible limits whereas chloride content (29.1% and 15.3% during pre and post monsoon period, respectively) exceeds the permissible limits. The sulphate ion concentration (mean value of 0.46 meq L-1) also ranged between the permissible limits. Based upon water quality index (WQI), none of the water sample was unfit for drinking purpose whereas synthetic pollution index (SPI) categorized all the samples as moderately polluted during both the seasons. For industrial purpose suitability, the various indices i.e., LSI (39.8 and 30.6 % have high corrosive tendency during pre and post monsoon, respectively), CSMR (98.4 and 100 % have tendency for galvanic corrosion during pre and post monsoon, respectively) and aggressive index (49.5% were severely corrosive during pre-monsoon period) showed quite variable results. Moreover, only 1.0 per cent of the total water samples seem to be strongly affected by salinization during pre-monsoon period.
Swelling Kinetics of Acrylamide Grafted Polysaccharides Blend Hydrogel
Authors: Sayed Marwa M. El , sorour mohamed , Shaalan Hayam
Published: April 2023

Hydrogel of polysaccharides blend graft acrylamide (PsB-g-Am) has been synthesized by copolymerization based on a free radical reaction using potassium persulfate (KPS) initiator and methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent under nitrogen atmosphere. The polysaccharides blend (PsB) composed of starch, chitosan and alginate. The produced hydrogels structure have been characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Swelling water ratio (SWR) in distilled water for grafted and hydrolyzed hydrogel with different Am/PsB weight ratios have been studied. Maximum obtained SWR was 140 g/g using Am/PsB weight ratio of 0.96. The present work is also addressed a preliminary study for the swelling kinetics of the produced hydrogel. It was found that, the swelling kinetics obeys first-order kinetics.
Characterization of hybrid nanofibrils composed of xyloglucan and disintegrated bacterial cellulose
Authors: Tagawa Satomi , Tokuyasu Ken , Yamagishi Kenji , Ike Masakazu , Amano Yoshihiko , Mizuno Masahiro
Published: April 2023

Nata puree (NP)—obtained by disintegrating nata de coco (bacterial cellulose [BC]) using a household blender—can be combined with tamarind seed gum (TG) to generate NPTG. In this study, BC fibrils (BC-TG) were prepared by removing free TG from NPTG and characterized. BC-TG exhibited high water dispersibility and relatively long nanofibrils (> 20 µm). We examined the distribution of xyloglucan, the main component of TG, on BC nanofibrils using immunofluorescence staining with calcofluor white, which stains the hydrophilic cellulose surface, and found that xyloglucan was adsorbed at different sites along the fibers. This indicated that BC-TG was a composite nanofibril of xyloglucan and BC. Furthermore, BC-TG showed a higher degree of adsorption on hydrophobic plastic substrates than BC did, suggesting a change in the surface properties of BC. Because the BC-TG preparation process is simple, requires only water and raw materials, and does not involve chemical reactions, it is expected to be an environmentally friendly method for the preparation and modification of BC nanofibrils.
Environmental geochemical characteristics of selenium in Northeastern China 1
Authors: Dai Huimin , Savin Igor , Zhang Yihe , Liang Shuai , Cui Yujun , Chen Chaoqun , Liu Kai , Zhao Hongmei , Ma TingtaoMa , Song Yunhong
Published: April 2023

Keshan Disease (KD) is still a serious endemic public health problem in Northeast China. Previous studies have mainly focused on soil selenium content, staple food selenium content, and human selenium level, but there are few systematic studies on soil selenium existing forms and their migration from soil to crops and human body. In order to provide visualization of the spatial distribution characteristics and migration status of soil selenium content, and to provide a reference basis for the etiological analysis, prevention, control and elimination of KD, the 121183 topsoil soil (0-20 cm) geochemical data and 30295 soil parent material data which were collected and analysed by two-layer gridding method were used to infer the barrier factors in the migration and transformation of selenium from soil to crop and human body. The total selenium average of soil, staple food and human body be counted, the soil selenium existing forms and the correlation analysis between soil aluminum trioxide, iron trioxide were analysed.The average content of topsoil selenium in Northeast China was 0.20 mg/kg, which was significantly lower than the world soil selenium content average (0.4 mg/kg) and slightly lower than the Chinese soil selenium content average (0.239 mg/kg).The average selenium content of human hair is only 0.16mg/kg in Baiquan, Heilongjiang Province. Soil-forming parent material has some influence on soil selenium content, however, epigenetic enrichment is a more significant enrichment factor on soil selenium content. Soil selenium existing in humic acid state selenium, strongly organic bound state selenium, and the contents of selenite, selenate and methyl selenocysteine which are easily used by plants are all relatively high, correlation analysis between soil selenium content and organic matter, iron and aluminium oxides shows that soil organic matter and iron and aluminium oxides were the main barrier factors for selenium migration and transformation. Lower soil selenium content may be the basic factor for the biogeochemical deficiency of selenium, the sequestration of selenium by clay chemical constituents such as iron and aluminium oxides and soil organic matter is the direct factor for the biogeochemical low selenium in the Northeastern China, which increasing the risk of KD in the population. These research findings can provide more evidence to assess the elimination of biogeochemical aetiology of diseases from a selenium nutrient perspective.
Quantitative proteomics reveals manganese alleviates heat stress of broiler myocardial cells via regulating nucleic acid metabolism
Authors: Qin Shizhen , Wang Rui , Li Jinlu , Tang Defu , Shi Zhaoguo
Published: April 2023

Heat stress threatens severely cardiac function by caused myocardial injury in poultry. Our prebious study have showed that Manganese (Mn) has a beneficial effect on heat-stress resistance of broiler. Therefore, we tried to confirm the alleviation mechanism through proteomic analysis after heat stress exposure to primary broiler myocardial cells pretreated with Mn. The experiment was divided into four groups: CON group (37°C, cells without any treatment), HS group (43°C, cells treatment with heat stress for 4 h), HS + MnCl2 group (cells treated with 20 µM MnCl2 before heat stress) and HS + Mn-AA group (cells treated with 20 µM Mn compound amino acid complex before heat stress). Proteome analysis using DIA identified 300 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between CON group and HS group, 93 and 121 DEPs were identified in inorganic manganese treatment group and organic manganese treatment group respectively, in addition, there were 53 DEPs identified between inorganic and organic manganese group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that DEPs were mainly involved in binding, catalytic activity, response to stimulus and metabolic process. DEPs of manganese pertreatment involved in a variety of biological regulatory pathways, and significantly influenced protein processing and repair in endoplasmic reticulum, apoptosis and DNA replication and repair. These all seems to imply that manganese may help to resist cell damage induced by heat stress by regulating key node proteins. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of manganese on overall protein changes during heat-stress and the possible mechanisms, as well as how to better use manganese to protect heart function in high temperature.
Research on polarization beam splitter based on metamaterial subwavelength structure
Authors: Wang Zhibin , Hou Xuwei , Li Zhengyang , Zhang Jiutian
Published: April 2023

Functional devices based on metamaterials have received increasing attention in recent years due to their ability to make optical devices ultra-compact and densely integrated. To address the problems of polarisation-related losses and excessive size in polarisation beam splitters (PBS), and improve its efficiency, a new PBS based on metamaterial subwavelength structure is proposed in this paper. It achieves an ultra-compact coupling region of 1.9 × 8.2 µm2, which can effectively restrain TE polarization coupling and increase TM polarization coupling. The numerical analysis results show that both TE and TM polarizations have an insertion loss of < 0.5 dB and an extinction ratio of > 20 dB within a bandwidth of 65 nm, covering the entire C-band. At 1550 nm, the extinction ratio of TM polarization is as high as 41 dB. Realize a small footprint, short coupling length, and high-efficiency PBS.
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the female gynecologic tract: a retrospective clinical study of 14 cases
Authors: Shi Shuo , Wu Liangcai , Li Ting , Zhang Haiyan , Sun Hong
Published: April 2023

Background
The purposes of this study were to investigate the clinical features, treatments, and prognosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS) in the female genital tract with long-term follow-up.
Methods
The data of 14 patients who diagnosis of ERMS in the genitourinary system from January 2010 to October 2022 were retrospectively screened. The roles of prognostic risk factors, such as age, tumor size, tumor grade, depth of myometrial infiltration, lymphvascular space invasion and primary treatment were evaluated.
Results
We report 14 ERMS that arose in patients aged 10 to 44 (median = 19) year. The median longest tumor diameter was 5.5 cm (range, 1.0–15.0 cm). There was no myometrial infiltration in 4 patients, superficial myometrial infiltration in 3 patients, deep myometrial infiltration in 5 patients. Lymphvascular space invasion (LVSI) was present in 2 patients, and absent in 10 patients. All of the patients performed surgery and chemotherapy, and one patient also received radiotherapy. Follow-up evaluation was lost in two patients after three or six months of combination therapy. The 2-year PFS was 83.3% and the 5-year DSS was 91.7% with a median follow-up time of 57 months (range, 10–132). Patients with LVSI (+) had a significantly increased time to progression compared with patients with LVSI (-) (PFS: p = 0.004; DSS: p = 0.046). There was a trend toward improved PFS and DSS with early-stage disease (IRSG group I/FIGO stage I (uterine sarcoma or adenosarcoma)/T1) compared to advanced-stage disease.
Conclusions
ERMS in the female gynecologic tract with early stage has a good prognosis, a conservative surgical approach combined with chemotherapy can lead to good outcomes, preserving-fertility may be possible for younger women of these patients.
Activity Concentration of Natural Radionuclides in Agricultural Soil, Fertilizer, their Transfer to Some Commonly Used Cereal Types, and Associated Health Hazards, Holeta, Ethiopia
Authors: Geremew Hailu
Published: April 2023

Purpose: In the current study, the concentrations of natural radionuclides in samples of agricultural soil, fertilizer and cereal types commonly used in Ethiopia were estimated. Besides, the transfer of natural radionuclides (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) from agricultural soil to identified cereal types were computed.
Materials and Methods: Gamma-ray spectrometry coupled to HPGe detector was used for the estimation of activity concentrations in soil, fertilizer and identified cereal types. Normalized relations of measured activity values with constant paremeters, given by UNSCEAR and WHO were used to investigate the related radiological parameters and radiation indices.
Results and Discussion: The average activity concentrations in samples of agricultural soil are 46.44±6.68 Bq.kg-1, 94.66±13.98 Bq.kg-1, and 368.88±51.76 Bq.kg-1 and in fertilizer samples 38.5±4.15 Bq.kg-1, 87.6±9.36 Bq.kg-1, and 334.0±35.58 Bq.kg-1 for U-238, Th-232, and K-40 respectively. In the same way, the activity concentrations of these radionuclides was measured in identified cereal types. The related radiological parameters and radiation indices in the samples of soil and fertilizer were figured and compared with the prescribed limits set by the concerned committees (UNSCEAR, WHO).
Conclusions: According to this study, U-238 and Th-232 activity concentrations in samples of soil and fertilizer are above the prescribed limits, where activities in the fertilizer are additive to the soil and in K-40 is within the safety limit. The gamma radiation exposure from the soil samples and annual effective dose via ingestion of cereals can create a risk to the public, where other investigated indices are within the safety limit prescribed by UNSEAR and WHO reports.
Unique Division Method for calculating cube root of a real number
Authors: Khanna Anupam
Published: April 2023

In this work, a new approach to find the cube root of real numbers is discussed. This technique is based on the classic long division method as we usually use to find the square root of real numbers. Author applied this method to ‘perfect cubes as well as non-perfect cubes real numbers (even to decimal numbers)’ and got the accuracy in the answers. This approach is unique due to its working procedure which is explained in this paper. Method is discussed step-by-step for few examples with the help of figures. No comparable work is available in the existing literature.
The Role of Clonazepam on the Control and Management of Tinnitus: A Cross-over randomized study, Damascus, Syria.
Authors: Roumieh Mirar W. , Tarrab Fatema , Dandashli Mohammad Nabil , Ataya Sham
Published: April 2023

Background and objectives:
Tinnitus is considered one of the most prevalent complaints among patients viewed at the E.N.T and neurological clinics. It’s defined as the perception of phantom sound, originated in the head. It’s estimated that 20% of population suffer tinnitus, 1% of which have severe symptoms affecting their quality of life, and may lead to suicide. In spite of that there is no “golden stander” test for tinnitus nor an agreed upon treatment or cure. Leaving practitioner trying with different protocols and medications for each patient.
The paper search in the use of clonazepam as an effective treatment for tinnitus or at least as a tamer for the affects it has on patient’s quality of life.
Methods:
This is a cross-over study, conducted on 80 patients who completed the inclusion criterion and signed the informed consent paper. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. The 1st group had clonazepam for 1 month as the 1st stage then they were followed using the attached survey for 3 months, for the 2nd stage they had gingko biloba “herbal medication usually used on tinnitus cases” for 1 month then were followed for 2 weeks with the same survey. The 2nd group were reversed for the medications “ginkgo biloba for the 1st stage- clonazepam for the 2nd”. This study was designed for each patient to serve as their own case-control.
Results:
A significant improvement was found during the use of clonazepam “p value < 0.05” compared to their basic status on both scales THI+VAS.
No improvement was seen during the use of gingko biloba. “p value >0.05”
Conclusion:
Clonazepam can be considered one of the effective medication for the treatment of subjective tinnitus, no matter how severe or chronic was it. It’s also advised to start to rely less on gingko biloba for the treatment of tinnitus.
Damping of oscillations of load lifted by handling equipment
Authors: Fedoreshchenko N. V.
Published: April 2023

This work is aimed at improving the performance of various handling equipment by optimizing the transportation cycle, e.g., decreasing the time of acceleration and deceleration by damping load oscillations, increasing the steady-state motion speed, and decreasing the time of pauses. The object of modeling is an overhead crane with a capacity of 15 ton, a stroke of 15 m, and three degrees of freedom. A Lagrange equation of the first kind as a non-linear heterogeneous system was used. A mathematical analysis of the damping process was carried out by energy balance modeling. As a result, the optimal amplitude and frequency of damping impulses required to change the suspension length within 5% were obtained. These impulses have a maximum frequency of three oscillations per second and are supplied in a reversed phase to load oscillations. According to calculations, energy costs for damping load oscillations are below 3–4% of the lifting motor power. It is shown how damping is implemented in manual control, and coefficients are calculated to define the amplitude of changes in the load and arm suspension length. The ranges of changes in these coefficients comprise 0.85–0.9 and 1.1–1.15 for setting the amplitude and frequency of damping impulses when using an automatic system. On this basis, a load oscillation damping system for a moving overhead crane is developed. Options are proposed for the damping system: by an operator or an automatic control system. The mathematical model of a crane is suitable for studying various types of equipment. Due its high efficiency and relatively low cost, the proposed method of damping is recommended when designing new equipment or improving the existing equipment.
Post-emergency reconfiguration of a distribution network as a method for restoring power supply to consumers
Authors: Karpova E. V. , Golub I. I.
Published: April 2023

The work is aimed at solving the problem of using reconfiguration and additional reactive power sources to restore power to consumers of the medium-voltage distribution network in the case of emergency disconnections of connections by bus section circuit breakers. The reconfiguration problem for a 118-node test distribution network is solved using a high-speed algorithm involving the construction of a maximum spanning tree on a network graph as the basis for determining information about the composition of branches and chords of independent circuits necessary to restore power following disconnection. To ensure acceptable voltage levels following power restoration, additional reactive power sources determined using singular Jacobian matrix analysis methods are installed in the sensor nodes of the network. For the test circuit, the modes for single disconnections of individual sectional switches, including in dead-end sections, are analysed. By optimally reconfiguring the network in the normal mode, it is possible to reduce voltage deviations from 13% to 7%. For the modes caused by disconnections of individual bus section circuit breakers that lead to unacceptable voltage deviations, the set-down locations and reactive power of additional sources are selected. In the most severe of the considered disconnection scenarios, the installation of additional sources provided a reduction in voltage deviations from 18 to 8%. Thus, the methods proposed by the authors make it possible to restore the test network mode following emergency disconnections and ensure that the voltages in the network nodes are maintained within acceptable limits, both in normal and in post-emergency modes.