bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic Rectal Resection for Rectal Cancer: State of the Art
Authors: De Stefano Francesca , Intini Gianfrancesco , Costantini Giulia , Gennaro Carlo , Chahrour Ali , Monsellato Igor
Published: October 2022

Surgical resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) represents a crucial milestone in the treatment of rectal cancer. Conventional open procedures have been gradually replaced by minimally invasive techniques. To date, laparoscopic and robotic resection associated with neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, represent the gold standard for rectal malignancies. Robotic surgery, when performed by an experienced surgeon, can offer advantages in case of difficult anatomical conditions, such as in male patients with a narrow pelvis. Higher costs remain a matter of debate in the diffusion of robotic platforms in general surgery. However, encouraging surgical outcomes and a shorter learning curve for the surgeon counterbalance the associated expense. Different surgical approaches are available for rectal cancer, according to the extension of the tumor and its location. The cornerstone of the different approaches is represented by TME, both transabdominally and transanally. Adequate TME, associated with neoadjuvant therapy, is pivotal in the success of the oncological treatment, in terms of curative results and reduced recurrence. Current different approaches are low anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, and intersphincteric resection. They can all be performed with the robotic system and their surgical steps are described in this chapter.
Perspective Chapter: Prevalence and Management of the Panic Disorder in Nepal
Authors: Singh Gurung Bhupendra
Published: October 2022

Although panic attacks are not life-threatening, they can be terrifying and have a substantial impact on your quality of life. Treatment, on the other hand, can be quite effective. Little attention is paid to mental health in Nepal. There is no mental health law and the National Mental Health Policy formulated in 1997 has yet to come into full effect. Unspecified anxiety disorder (15.7%), adjustment disorder (13.9%), and post-traumatic stress disorder were the most frequently diagnosed conditions (8.3%). In 2018, the KCH CAP (OPD) cared for 2477 children, of whom 1529 were men and 948 were women. The most common diagnoses were anxiety disorder (524). Children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years old took part in the study. Nepal has one general hospital dedicated to mental illness and four private mental hospitals. Inpatient mental health care is provided primarily by 19 medical schools, 36 private−public hospitals, and many 27 public hospitals. The counseling situation in Nepal is largely poor. Advanced psychotherapy is provided by 35 clinical psychologists who are licensed practitioners in Nepal. In a 2018 research with 2477 individuals, 524 incidences of anxiety disorders were identified. Supervised counseling and psychotherapy practice is a relatively new concept in Nepal.
The Phyloempathic Hierarchy: Differential Human Empathy for Different Animal Species
Authors: L. Paulhus Delroy
Published: October 2022

Empathy for animal suffering can be powerful, but it varies across animal species. In fact, some people empathize as much (or more) with the suffering of certain animals than they do with human suffering. Beginning with Paulhus and Dean, we review research comparing empathic reactions to a diverse array of animal species, as well as to selected humans. Those authors coined the term phyloempathic hierarchy to describe the differential empathy that humans feel toward different species. Sophisticated scaling techniques were applied to determine the unique drivers of empathic responses. Overall, four animal characteristics (the “Big Four”) appeared to drive empathic responses: (1) Perceived intelligence, (2) size, (3) esthetic appeal, and (3) lack of harmfulness. Ranking high were monkeys, elephants, dogs, and cats. Younger versions of the same species (e.g., kittens vs. cats) elicited even more empathy. Sharks, cockroaches, and snakes drew the least empathy. Those results have been replicated across 40 years of research from many laboratories and many countries. This hierarchy presents a challenge to relying on empathy in decisions regarding the treatment of animals. Bottom line: The phyloempathic hierarchy resembles but deviates from the phylogenetic hierarchy.
Organogel: A Propitious Carman in Drug Delivery System
Authors: Bedse Anjali , Singh Deepa , Raut Shilpa , Baviskar Kajal , Wable Aarti , Pagare Prajwal , Wavikar Samruddha , Pagar Samiksha
Published: October 2022

A gel is a semi-solid formulation having an external solvent phase that is either apolar (organogels) or polar (hydrogels) that is immobilized inside the voids contained in a three-dimensional networked structure. Organogels are bi-continuous systems composed of apolar solvents and gelators. When used at a concentration of around 15%, the gelators form self-assembled fibrous structures that become entangled with one another, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional networked structure. The resulting three-dimensional networked structure blocks the flow of the external apolar phase. Sterol, sorbitan monostearate, lecithin, and cholesteryl anthraquinone derivatives are examples of gelators. The unique characteristics such as thermo-reversibility, viscoelasticity, and versatility impart a longer shelf-life, prolonged drug release, and patient compliance. These characteristics can easily be adjusted by simple formulation modifications, resulting in highly-structured architectures. Organogels are more likely to be used in various types of delivery systems because of their ability to entrap both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules inside their structure. Their combination with other materials allows for tailoring their potential as dosage forms. Organogels have potential applicability in numerous ways; hence this article discusses the various aspects of it.
Linking Land Use Changes to Policy Decisions: The Case of Northeastern Iran
Authors: Sarparast Mehdi , Niknejad Maryam
Published: October 2022

Land use change is the most important cause of disturbances in the natural environment. It increases the severity of natural disasters such as floods, dust storms, etc. Moreover, it also leads to major unnatural events such as water, soil, and air pollution and land subsidence. Land use change can take many forms in different parts of the world. The vast majority of these changes are the result of erroneous and unscientific policies that may be beneficial in the short term, but have negative long-term impact on human societies and the environment. Wrong policies lead to erroneous and short-term development and, in the long run, irreversible socioeconomic and environmental challenges. In this chapter, the process of land use change, driving forces (political decisions, technological development, etc.), causes, and effects of changes were all considered in a socio-ecological system in northeastern Iran (As a representative of the hyper-arid, arid, and semiarid regions of Iran). The discussion is captured in a framework reflecting driving forces, pressures, state of affairs, responses, and impacts (DPSIR framework).
Application of Raman Spectroscopy for Dental Enamel Surface Characterization
Authors: Carlota Barrera-Ortega Cecilia , Rosalba Vazquez Olmos America , Isaac Sato Berrú Roberto , Dominguez Karla Itzel Pineda
Published: October 2022

Dental enamel is the most complex and highly mineralized human body tissue, containing more than 95% of carbonated hydroxyapatite and less than 1% of organic matter. Current diagnostic methods for enamel caries detection are unable to detect incipient caries lesions. Many papers determine the re-mineralizing effect using many fluorinated compounds and different demineralizing solutions to test physical characterizations such as microhardness, roughness, wettability, among others, but there is not much information about the use of Raman Spectroscopy. Raman Spectroscopy is an efficient technique of chemical characterization to identify functional groups (phosphate-hydroxyl groups) found in the hydroxyapatite formula, which helps identify the level of mineralization on dental enamel surface. Raman spectroscopy is applicable to any state of aggregation of the material, indicated for biological samples. Given the minimum bandwidth of a laser source, as with all spectroscopic techniques that use a laser source, a small sample is sufficient, which makes it an important technique in the analysis of reactive products with very low yield. Raman spectroscopy can be used to obtain the main functional groups in order to determine the remineralization of dental enamel; these results are highly valuable as they can help us make the best decisions on dental treatments.
Role of NGS in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sundaresan Sivapatham , Selvaraj Lavanya
Published: October 2022

A recent advance next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has enabled the identification of potential disease-based biomarkers in saliva or epithelial cells. There has been no effective oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) biomarker or well-organised molecular detection method until now, which make early diagnosis difficult, if not impossible. This chapter summarises advances in cancer research using NGS and proposes biomarkers for screening and diagnosis of OSCC using the NGS technique. As part of our review, we covered four categories: OSCC and salivary biomarkers, Uses of NGS and definitions, present biomarkers in NGS, and Candidate salivary biomarkers for OSCC using NGS.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas in the Era of Personalized Genetic Diagnostic
Authors: Maria Lider Burciulescu Sofia , Livia Gheorghiu Monica
Published: October 2022

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells. Almost 40% of all PPGLs cases are caused by germline mutations and 30–60% have somatic mutations. The incidence of hereditary syndromes in apparently sporadic cases is as high as 35%. Currently, more than 20 susceptibility genes have been identified, including at least 12 distinct genetic syndromes, with particular clinical features and prognosis. In this chapter, we summarize recent advances in the management of PPGLs from clinical diagnosis to targeted molecular treatment, based on the genetic profile. Classically, patients with PPGLs were diagnosed by sign and symptoms, e.g., hypertension (with or without paroxysms) and headache. Nowadays, about half of PPGLs are diagnosed as incidentalomas or during the surveillance screening in patients with known mutations for PPGL susceptibility genes, familial syndromes, or with a previous PPGL; a high percent of these patients have normal blood pressure. Plasma or urinary fractionated metanephrines remain the major biochemical tests for confirmation. Functional imaging, with a radiopharmaceutical chosen according to the tumor genotype and biology, improves tumor detection (notably for metastases and multifocal tumors) and links to targeted radionuclide therapy. Detecting the germline and somatic mutations associated with PPGLs is a promising approach to understand the clinical behavior and prognosis and to optimize the management of these tumors.
Contagious Laughter as an Innate Acoustic Stimulus That Provokes Positive Emotions and Affects – Possible Relationships of This Laughter with Happiness
Authors: Arévalo-Pachón Guillermo , Eduardo Cruz Julio
Published: October 2022

This chapter delves into the topic of contagious laughter, as a little-studied vocalization (with the exception of the pioneering research by Provine), which contributes to the creation, maintenance, and strengthening of social ties. The text offers empirical evidence and arguments that support the thesis that contagious laughter and the laughter provoked by it involve a set of distinctive acoustic and perceptual characteristics and vocal, emotional, and affective effects of possible innate nature. The development of the chapter is also important for offering indirect support to the hypothesis or theories, such as (a) a supposed cerebral mechanism of perception/production of contagious laughter, (b) emotional contagion through vocalizations, and (c) innate behavioral sequences, proposed by the ethological perspective. Based on the reported evidence that supports the formulated thesis, the corresponding theoretical relationships and implications are established. At the end of the chapter, the possible relationships between contagious laughter and happiness are established, as phenomena of phylogenetically ancient origin and related to innate tendencies of positive valence.
A New Forced Convection Heat Transfer Correlation for 2D Enclosures
Authors: Rincón-Casado Alejandro , José Sánchez de la Flor Francisco
Published: October 2022

This work presents a new parametric correlation for 2D enclosures with forced convection obtained from CFD simulation. The convective heat transfer coefficient of walls for enclosures depends on the geometry of the enclosure and the inlet and outlet openings, the velocity and the air to wall temperature difference. However, current correlations not dependent on the above parameters, especially the position of the inlet and outlet, or the temperature difference between the walls. In this work a new correlation of the average Nusselt number for each wall of the enclosure has been developed as a function of geometrical, hydrodynamic and thermal variables. These correlations have been obtained running a set of CFD simulations of a 3 m high sample enclosure with an inlet and outlet located at opposite walls. The varying parameters were: a) the aspect-ratio of the enclosure (L/H = 0.5 to 2), b) the size of the inlet and outlet (0.05 m to 2 m), c) the inlet and outlet relative height (0 m to 3 m high), and d) the Reynolds number (Rein = 103 to 105). Furthermore, a parametric analysis has been performed changing the temperature boundary conditions at the internal wall and founds a novel correlation function that relates different temperatures at each wall. A specifically developed numerical model based on the SIMPLER algorithm is used for the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations. The realisable turbulence k-ε model, and an enhanced wall-function treatment have been used. The heat transfer rate results obtained are expressed through dimensionless correlation-equations. All developed correlations have been compared with CFD simulations test cases obtaining a R2 = 0.98. This new correlation function could be used in building energy models to enhance accuracy of HVAC demands calculation and estimate the thermal load.
Relationship between Teacher Efficacy and Information and Communication Technology
Competencies of Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Sezen-Gultekin Gozde , Hamutoglu Nazire Burcin , Topal Murat
Published: October 2022

The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between teacher efficacy levels, information and communication technology competencies, and demographic variables of pre-service teachers. In addition to the main problem, teacher efficacy levels and the technological competencies were also reviewed in terms of variables such as gender, grade, the status of choosing the teaching profession willingly, and if they were given the opportunity to select the teaching profession again. The study was designed in a correlational screening model, and the sample of the study consisted of pre-service teachers. Ohio State Teacher Efficacy Scale (OSTES) and Information and Communication Technology Competencies Scale (ICTCS) were used as the data collection tools. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to reveal how the variables of teacher efficacy, gender, grade level, willingly choosing to become a teacher, and re-choosing to become a teacher if having a chance predict ICTCS. As a result of correlational and regression significance tests, it was determined that only the teacher efficacy variable predicted ICTCS to a large extent in the established regression model.

Additionally, it was found that the teacher efficacy and the information communication technology competencies of pre-service teachers showed differences in terms of grade and the status of choosing the teaching profession willingly variables, while they did not differ in terms of gender and if they were given the opportunity to select the teaching profession again. Recent studies show that the most important conditions for attaining these skills are that teachers have general competencies for using information and communication technologies in their lessons. So, this study can contribute to the field by determining the positive relationship between teaching efficacy levels and information and communication technologies competencies of pre-service teachers, as well as presenting the results of some specific variables.
Rapid reconstruction of neural circuits using tissue expansion and light sheet microscopy
Authors: Lillvis Joshua L , Otsuna Hideo , Ding Xiaoyu , Pisarev Igor , Kawase Takashi , Colonell Jennifer , Rokicki Konrad , Goina Cristian , Gao Ruixuan , Hu Amy , Wang Kaiyu , Bogovic John , Milkie Daniel E , Meienberg Linus , Mensh Brett D , Boyden Edward S , Saalfeld Stephan , Tillberg Paul W , Dickson Barry J
Published: October 2022

Brain function is mediated by the physiological coordination of a vast, intricately connected network of molecular and cellular components. The physiological properties of neural network components can be quantified with high throughput. The ability to assess many animals per study has been critical in relating physiological properties to behavior. By contrast, the synaptic structure of neural circuits is presently quantifiable only with low throughput. This low throughput hampers efforts to understand how variations in network structure relate to variations in behavior. For neuroanatomical reconstruction, there is a methodological gulf between electron microscopic (EM) methods, which yield dense connectomes at considerable expense and low throughput, and light microscopic (LM) methods, which provide molecular and cell-type specificity at high throughput but without synaptic resolution. To bridge this gulf, we developed a high-throughput analysis pipeline and imaging protocol using tissue expansion and light sheet microscopy (ExLLSM) to rapidly reconstruct selected circuits across many animals with single-synapse resolution and molecular contrast. Using Drosophila to validate this approach, we demonstrate that it yields synaptic counts similar to those obtained by EM, enables synaptic connectivity to be compared across sex and experience, and can be used to correlate structural connectivity, functional connectivity, and behavior. This approach fills a critical methodological gap in studying variability in the structure and function of neural circuits across individuals within and between species.
‘Please tell me about an idea you would love to do’
Authors: Sjøvoll Vibeke
Published: October 2022

Choosing to pursue one design idea usually requires leaving several others behind. As a design teacher, I have experienced this up close, and it has made me curious about what design students choose not to do and why. This article seeks to frame this question based on the conceptual approach care for abandoned ideas and will, through this concept, probe the role that the notion of risk plays in students’ management or processing of ideas. The arguments are based on an empirical study using students’ reflections on their abandoned ideas as data. To care about abandoned ideas has important potential and can be a tactic of resistance; it is a way of valuing what others do not and of giving space to what does not fit, is neglected and ignored in present design education.
De novo transcriptome assembly using Illumina sequencing and development of EST-SSR markers in a monoecious herb Sagittaria trifolia Linn
Authors: Tang Hanqing , Saina Josphat K. , Long Zhi-Cheng , Chen Jinming , Dai Can
Published: October 2022

Background

Sagittaria trifolia Linn. is a widespread macrophyte in Asia and southeast Europe and cultivated in parts of Asia. Although a few genomic studies have been conducted for S. trifolia var. sinensis, a crop breed, there is limited genomic information on the wild species of S. trifolia. Effective microsatellite markers are also lacking.

Objective

To assemble transcriptome sequence and develop effective EST-SSR markers for S. trifolia.

Methods

Here we developed microsatellite markers based on tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-nucleotide repeat sequences by comparatively screening multiple transcriptome sequences of eleven individuals from ten natural populations of S. trifolia.

Results

A total of 107,022 unigenes were de novo assembled, with a mean length of 730 bp and an N50 length of 1,378 bp. The main repeat types were mononucleotide, trinucleotide, and dinucleotide, accounting for 55.83%, 23.51%, and 17.56% of the total repeats, respectively. A total of 86 microsatellite loci were identified with repeats of tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-nucleotide. For SSR verification, 28 polymorphic loci from 41 randomly picked markers were found to produce stable and polymorphic bands, with the number of alleles per locus ranging from 2 to 11 and a mean of 5.2. The range of polymorphic information content (PIC) of each SSR locus varied from 0.25 to 0.80, with an average of 0.58. The expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.29 to 0.82, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.25 to 0.90.

Conclusion

The assembled transcriptome and annotated unigenes of S. trifolia provide a basis for future studies on gene functions, pathways, and molecular mechanisms associated with this species and other related. The newly developed EST-SSR markers could be effective in examining population genetic structure, differentiation, and parentage analyses in ecological and evolutionary studies of S. trifolia.
Morphological characterization of fluke eggs in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) found on the coast of Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: Cuzzuol Gomes Moara , Garcia Oliveira André , Domingos Carvalho Gabriel , Martins Isabella Vilhena Freire
Published: October 2022

Although some studies have identified parasites in green turtles (Chelonia mydas), little is known about the morphology of helminth eggs in the feces of these animals. The aim of this study was to morphologically characterize helminth eggs recovered in coproparasitological exams by sedimentation and to analyze their relationship with helminth species recovered during necropsy of juvenile specimens of C. mydas. Four different egg morphotypes were found, identified, and classified as digenetic trematodes of the families Microscaphidiidae, Cladorchiidae, and Spirorchiidae. There was morphological diversity in the size of the eggs measured directly in adult parasites, with sizes ranging from 19.07 to 99.28 μm in length and from 11.35 to 45.66 μm in width. The observation of eggs on coproparasitological exams is important for studying the ecology of sea turtle parasites, since the life cycle of some species is not yet fully understood.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Anaemia among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care at Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Sudipta
Published: October 2022

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major public health problem worldwide. The prevalence is high in developing countries compared to developed countries. In Bangladesh, anaemia during pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity as it is an additional risk factor for pregnancy complications. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among pregnant mothers and determine associated risk factors.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College and Hospital (JRRMCH), Sylhet, from February to May 2022. A total of 400 study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by using SPSS. A Chi-square test and binary logistic regression test were carried out to determine associated risk factors. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: Among 400 study participants, the prevalence was 53.50%. Among them 32.25% had mild anaemia, 20.25% had moderate anaemia, and 1% had severe anaemia. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (58.09%) than urban areas (46.54%). The majority of them were in the age group between 15-26 years. About 44.75% were primi gravida and 55.25% were multi gravida. About 70.25% of the respondents had taken iron supplementation. Maternal age 27-38 year (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR=1.847)), family monthly income (BDT) 50000-75000 (AOR=2.145), nuclear family (AOR=2.045), para (AOR=2.949), and gravida (AOR=1.636) were found to be independent factors of anaemia among pregnant mothers. Iron and folic acid supplement was protective of anaemia (AOR=0.432).

Conclusion: In our study, more than half of pregnant mothers were anaemic and most had mild to moderate anaemia. Based on identified risk factors it is highly recommended to improve socio-economic condition, level of education, family planning services and nutritional status. Iron supplementation should be encouraged for pregnant mothers.
Hydrological Investigation and Characterization of Sokouraba Watershed, Burkina Faso
Authors: Harouna Souley , Daou Ibrahim Elhadji , Hassan Abdourazakou Maman , Bachir Moussa Dandibi , Sanne Ismaël
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the hydrological characteristics and the morphometric parameters of the Sokouraba watershed (BV) where the climatic hazards make the water resource increasingly insufficient. This watershed has never been the subject of morphometric and hydrological characterization in the past. The present study made it possible thus, to better understand the functioning of the hydrographic networks as well as the quantity of water likely to be used for the construction of a dam in this watershed. According to the hydrologic analysis results, from 1960 to 2019, the annual precipitation values range from 347,3 to 1596,6 mm with an average of 1099,28 mm. The maximum daily rainfall values for the same period vary between 42 and 287 mm with an average of 82.85 mm. The values of wet decennial and wet quinquennial rainfall are respectively 1380 and 1280 mm. The dry five-year and dry ten-year rainfall values are 917 mm and 821 mm respectively. According to the watershed characterization results, the calculated Sokouraba watershed surface is 77,34 Km² and its perimeter is 44,3 Km. The values of the length and the width of the equivalent rectangle of the basin are respectively 17,81 Km and 4,34 Km. The longitudinal slope and the overall slope index values are 3.24 m/km and 3.20 m/Km respectively. The value of the corrected overall slope index of the watershed is 7.05 m/Km while the Gravelius compactness index is 1.42. This value of KG higher than 1 indicates that the watershed of sokouraba is of elongated shape. The specific gradient value of the watershed is 61.99. This value is included between 50 and 100 m, thus according to the classification of the reliefs the latter, the relief of the catchment area of Sokouraba can be qualified as moderate. The values of the length of the main watercourse and the total length of the watercourses calculated are respectively 15,41Km and 63,25 Km. The calculated value of the drainage density of the catchment area is 0.21 Km-1. The value of the attenuation coefficient and the ten-year rainfall calculated in this study are 0,78 and 100,062 mm respectively. The value of the decennial runoff coefficient thus calculated is 27,83%.
Impact of Groundnut Seed Subsidy on Farm Efficiency in Ananthapuramu District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Rani U. Sandhya , Jyothi S. Hyma , Reddy A. Amarender , Rajeswari S. , Ramanamurthy B.
Published: October 2022

Governments used seed subsidy as an incentive to encourage crop diversification and use of high yielding varieties. In present study, an attempt has been made to study farm efficiency of groundnut seed subsidy in Ananthapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh. For this purpose, two mandals (Kanaganapalli, Gudibanda) were selected based on highest number of subsidy benefited farmers. The data pertains for the year 2021 kharif season for 64 seed subsidy beneficiary and 136 non-beneficiary farmers. The data was collected from each respondent through personal interviews with the help of structured schedules. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed to analyze technical efficiency and scale efficiency of the farmers. For better comparison, all the farmers were divided into two categories viz. subsidized and non-subsidized and propensity score matching is also used. The empirical results observed that the overall mean Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) efficiency was 0.760, Constant Returns to Scale (CRS) efficiency was 0.70. The positive impact of seed subsidy is visible, as seed subsidy beneficiary farmers mean VRS efficiency was 0.916 which is greater than non-subsidized farmer’s i.e. 0.716. The variation is because of high input costs incurred to the non-subsidized farmers. The regression results also indicates that seed subsidy is positive influence on efficiency (VRS), efficiency (CRS) and scale efficiency to the extent of up to 20% increase in efficiency. Yet it has also been noticed that farmers still rely on non-subsidized sources for their seed requirement, because they could not meet the conditions of availing seed subsidy from the Andhra Pradesh state government.
Identification of Site Specific Interventions for Yarehalli Micro-watershed Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Patil Nagaraj , Rajashekarappa K. S. , Ningaraju G. K. , Devaraja K. , Pasha Md Majeed
Published: October 2022

The 761.2 acres of the Yarehalli micro-watershed in the Channagiri taluk of the Davanagere district served as the study's site. In 2017 the rainfall recorded was 931.8 mm of total rainfall, of which kharif rainfall made up 60.2%, rabi rainfall 20.1%, and summer rainfall 19.6%. This study's goal is to pinpoint the site-specific interventions that should be made in accordance with the Integrated Mission for Sustainable Development (IMSD) principles. The sites are located by superimposing thematic maps of slope, runoff potential, soil permeability, and stream order created with ArcGIS. The findings indicate that 57.31% of the overall area is suitable for check dam construction, compared to 23.17% for agricultural ponds, 8.57% for percolation ponds, and 1.12% for gully plugs. Locations for the water harvesting constructions that collect water in the structures are indicated.
Comparative Performance Response of Ten Economically Important Garlic Cultivars in Alluvial Soils of Punjab
Authors: Wayade Jitendra , Kumar K. Arun , Jayanthi J.
Published: October 2022

All the varieties are not performed equally in all the agroclimatic and soil conditions. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural farm of the Lovely Professional University, Punjab to evaluate the growth and yield performance of garlic cultivars in alluvial soil of Punjab. T Ten cultivars viz., Fewari, G-50, G-323, G-189, G-1, Parvati-2, G-389, G-384, G-282, and G-404 were considered as experimental treatments, The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block designand replicated thrice. Growth, yield attributes and yield were significantly varied among the varieties.. Garlic productivity has been declining and more improved breeding lines are required to enhance the productivity status. The selected cultivars were prominent among farmers and identifying the variation among germplasms may aid in genetic improvement among garlic cultivars. Plant height after 30 days of sowing shows significant difference among cultivars; the pseudo-stem length of G-389 cultivar recorded higher values as compared to others. Yield parameter like length of bulb, bulb width and clove length were recorded higher for Fewari and Parvati-2 cultivars.  The cluster analysis based on growth and yield parameters segregates into two major clusters, viz., Fewari in one major cluster and the second cluster is segregated into further sub-clusters; sub-cluster 1 in second major cluster segregates G1, Parvati-2, G-189, and G-389 cultivars; however the sub-cluster 2 in second major cluster segregates G-323, G-282, G-384, and G-50 cultivars. Principal component analysis (PCA) show the close similarity between G-389 and G-189 cultivars and Fewari cultivars show high variation as compared to all other cultivars.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of Bacteria and Fungi Associated with Three Fresh Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Iruoma Anyakorah Caroline , Folakemi Adeniji Omolara
Published: October 2022

Aims: Mushrooms are health-food used as food supplements and fortification but are susceptible to microbial spoilage due to high moisture content and nutrient status. Fresh mushrooms sometimes show signs of spoilage after harvest and makes storage difficult. The objective of the study was to identify and characterize bacteria and fungi associated with three fresh edible mushrooms, under ambient and cold temperatures.

Methodology: The study was conducted at the Bells University of Technology, Nigeria, between December 2020 and October 2021. Pleurotus ostreatus and Calocybe indica fruitbodies were procured from the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi while Pleurotus tuber-regium fruitbodies were obtained from sclerotia planted in loamy soil. The fruitbodies were kept at ambient (28oC) and cold (15oC) temperatures respectively. The bacterial and fungal counts on each of the mushrooms were taken at 0,3, 5, and 7 days after harvest. The isolated bacteria were identified by conventional methods; Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E kits (BioMerieux), while Fungi were identified by morphological features and PCR amplification using ITS 1f/ ITS 4r universal primers. 

Results: The bacterial and fungal counts on the fruitbodies ranged from 5.7 log CFU/ml – 6.3 log CFU/ml and 5.0 log CFU/ml – 5.9 log CFU/ml respectively. Seven genera of bacteria isolated were gram-negative bacteria. At ambient temperature, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter asburiae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella ornithinolytica, Serratia marcescens, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum and Cedecea davisae were isolated while Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sakazakii and Citrobacter braakii were isolated at cold temperature. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were isolated at both temperatures while Alternaria was isolated at ambient temperature.

Conclusion: Isolated bacteria and fungi were mostly enteric pathogens and potential mycotoxin-producing fungi. This is an indication that strict hygiene and control measures should be put in place during the production and storage of these mushrooms in order to improve the quality and food safety of fresh mushrooms in Nigeria.
AI-Guided Lung Ultrasounds Could Help Nonexpert Clinicians Acquire “Expert-Level” Images
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Abbasi Jennifer
Published: February 2025

This Medical News article is an interview with emergency medicine physician Cristiana Baloescu, MD, MPH, of Yale University School of Medicine about the use of artificial intelligence to guide point-of-care ultrasounds by nonexperts.
Cross-State Travel for Cancer Care and Implications for Telehealth Reciprocity
Authors: Moen Erika L. , Wang Qianfei , Liu Lingbo , Wang Fahui , Tosteson Anna N. A. , Smith Rebecca E. , Cowan Lauren , Onega Tracy
Published: February 2025

Importance

Patients often travel for cancer care, yet the extent to which patients cross state lines for cancer care is not well understood. This knowledge can have implications for policies that regulate telehealth access to out-of-state clinicians.

Objective

To quantify the extent of cross-state delivery of cancer services to patients with cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed fee-for-service Medicare claims data for beneficiaries (aged ≥66 years) with a diagnosis of breast, colon, lung, or pancreatic cancer between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020. Analyses were performed between January 1 and July 30, 2024.

Exposure

Patient rurality.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of interest was receipt of cancer care across state lines. Frequencies of cancer services (surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) were summarized by cancer type in relation to in-state vs out-of-state receipt of care based on state of residence for Medicare beneficiaries. Cross-state delivery of cancer services was also quantified by adjacent vs nonadjacent states and overall between-state flows for service utilization.

Results

The study included 1 040 874 Medicare beneficiaries with cancer. The mean (SD) age of the study population was 76.5 (7.4) years. Most patients were female (68.2%) and urban residing (78.5%); one-quarter (25.9%) were aged between 70 and 74 years. In terms of race and ethnicity, 7.0% of patients identified as Black, 3.4% as Hispanic, and 85.5% as White. Overall, approximately 6.9% of cancer care was delivered across state lines, with the highest proportion (8.3%) occurring for surgical care, followed by radiation (6.7%) and chemotherapy (5.6%) services. Out of all cross-state care, 68.4% occurred in adjacent states. Frequency of cross-state cancer care increased with patient rurality. Compared with urban-residing patients, isolated rural-residing patients were 2.5 times more likely to cross state lines for surgical procedures (18.5% vs 7.5%), 3 times more likely to cross state lines for radiation therapy services (16.9% vs 5.7%), and almost 4 times more likely to cross state lines for chemotherapy services (16.3% vs 4.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of Medicare claims data, a notable proportion of cancer services occurred across state lines, particularly for rural-residing patients. These results highlight the need for cross-state telehealth policies that recognize the prevalence of care delivery from geographically distant specialized oncology services.
The polyamine transporter ATP13A3 mediates difluoromethylornithine‐induced polyamine uptake in neuroblastoma
Authors: Azfar Mujahid , Gao Weiman , Van den Haute Chris , Xiao Lin , Karsa Mawar , Pandher Ruby , Karsa Ayu , Spurling Dayna , Ronca Emma , Bongers Angelika , Guo Xinyi , Mayoh Chelsea , Fayt Youri , Schoofs Arthur , Burns Mark R. , Verhelst Steven H. L. , Norris Murray D. , Haber Michelle , Vangheluwe Peter , Somers Klaartje
Published: February 2025

High‐risk neuroblastomas, often associated with MYCN protooncogene amplification, are addicted to polyamines, small polycations vital for cellular functioning. We have previously shown that neuroblastoma cells increase polyamine uptake when exposed to the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and this mechanism is thought to limit the efficacy of the drug in clinical trials. This finding resulted in the clinical development of polyamine transport inhibitors, including AMXT 1501, which is presently under clinical investigation in combination with DFMO. However, the mechanisms and transporters involved in DFMO‐induced polyamine uptake are unknown. Here, we report that knockdown of ATPase 13A3 (ATP13A3), a member of the P5B‐ATPase polyamine transporter family, limited basal and DFMO‐induced polyamine uptake, attenuated MYCN‐amplified and non‐MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cell growth, and potentiated the inhibitory effects of DFMO. Conversely, overexpression of ATP13A3 in neuroblastoma cells increased polyamine uptake, which was inhibited by AMXT 1501, highlighting ATP13A3 as a key target of the drug. An association between high ATP13A3 expression and poor survival in neuroblastoma further supports a role of this transporter in neuroblastoma progression. Thus, this study identified ATP13A3 as a critical regulator of basal and DFMO‐induced polyamine uptake and a novel therapeutic target for neuroblastoma.
Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polyphenylene Oxide Improved Thermal and Dielectric Properties of Active Ester Cured SiO2/Epoxy Composites for Advanced Electronic Packaging
Authors: Chen Yuanhang , Sui Yuying , Li Peng , Zhang Feng , Yu Shuhui , Luo Suibin
Published: February 2025

Low‐dielectric epoxy‐based composites are crucial for advanced electronic packaging in the high‐speed digital communication field. An effective method to achieving low dielectric loss (Df) is to construct active ester‐curing system. However, the introduction of large ester groups negatively affects the thermal stability of cured epoxy composite. Herein, hydroxyl‐terminated polyphenylene oxide (PPO) is incorporated into allyl bisphenol A‐based active ester‐cured SiO2/epoxy composites, and their thermal and dielectric properties are evaluated. By incorporating 20 wt% of PPO, the SiO2/epoxy composites achieve an ultralow Df of 0.0022 at 1 kHz and a low coefficient of thermal expansion of 29.0 ppm °C−1 below Tg, while the glass transition temperature (Tg) is increased from 97.7 to 117 °C and the value of Young's modulus is enhanced from 8610 to 10 331 MPa. Moreover, the introduction of PPO in the SiO2/epoxy composites significantly enhances the thermal and humid stability of the dielectric constant (Dk) and Df owing to the ultralow water absorption of 0.12%. These results demonstrate that the combination of PPO and active ester in SiO2/epoxy composites should be a potential strategy for designing advanced electronic packaging materials.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, Corrosion Behavior, and in Vitro Assessment of Mg‐Zn‐Cu Alloy for Gastrointestinal Anastomosis Staple Application
Authors: Liu Hongxu , Luo Tao , Sirag Ziad Alzubair Osman , She Jia , Lu Huabing , Xia Dongli , Tang Jing , Liu Zhenbei , Liu Aimin
Published: February 2025

Magnesium (Mg) is an ideal choice in gastrointestinal anastomosis staples due to its well‐known biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, the low strength and poor formability of pure Mg pose challenges in the preparation of wire materials suitable for surgical staples, thereby limiting its application as staples in gastrointestinal surgeries. This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical, corrosion, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of Mg‐2Zn‐xCu alloys (x = 0.1, 0.6, 1.2 wt%) with emphasis on the possible application of Mg‐2Zn‐0.1Cu alloy wire as a biodegradable surgical staple. Mg‐2Zn‐0.1Cu alloy exhibits good mechanical properties (UTS of 234 MPa, EL of 17.7%) and low corrosion rate of 5.21 mm year−1 with good biosafety and antibacterial capability. Therefore, this alloy is chosen to prepare Φ0.25 mm wire with an excellent balance between tensile strength (274 MPa) and corrosion resistance. The wire bent at 30° maintains excellent structural integrity after immersion for 14 days. The B‐shape staple derived from this wire exhibits a strength of 0.8 N, underscoring the suitability of Mg‐2Zn‐0.1Cu as an outstanding material for surgical staples.
Achieving Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting and Storage through Phase‐Change Material with Copper–Carbon Dual Network
Authors: Guo Leyang , Chen Zhenhui , Li Wenge , Lin Yue , Liu Zeyi , Feng Daolun
Published: February 2025

Solar energy is a widely used renewable energy source, but its efficient harvesting and rapid storage in phase‐change materials (PCMs) remain challenging. This study presents a dual continuous network strategy to simultaneously enhance photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity for improved solar thermal storage. Copper foam serves as the primary thermal network, while expanded graphite forms a secondary continuous network within the pore channels. The top portion of this dual network acts as an optical absorber, efficiently capturing solar energy, while the bottom ensures rapid and uniform heat transfer to the PCM. With only 24 wt% filler content, the thermal conductivity of the composite PCM increases from 0.2 to 5.3 W/m·K, achieving 94% ultraviolet–visible‐near infrared (UV–Vis–NIR) absorptivity. Meanwhile, the latent heat remains 176  J g−1, surpassing similar materials in performance. These results highlight the potential of this composite PCM for advanced solar energy storage applications.
End‐to‐End Metasurface Design for Temperature Imaging via Broadband Planck‐Radiation Regression
Authors: Fisher Sophie , Arya Gaurav , Majumdar Arka , Lin Zin , Johnson Steven G.
Published: February 2025

A theoretical framework is presented for temperature imaging from long‐wavelength infrared (LWIR) thermal radiation (e.g., 8–12 µm) through the end‐to‐end design of a metasurface‐optics frontend and a computational‐reconstruction backend. A new nonlinear reconstruction algorithm, “Planck regression”, is introduced to reconstruct the temperature map from a gray scale sensor image, even in the presence of severe chromatic aberration, by exploiting black body and optical physics particular to thermal imaging. This algorithm is combined with an end‐to‐end approach that optimizes manufacturable, single‐layer metasurfaces to yield the most accurate reconstruction. The designs demonstrate high‐quality, noise‐robust reconstructions of arbitrary temperature maps (including completely random images) in simulations of an ultra‐compact thermal‐imaging device. It is also shown that Planck regression is much more generalizable to arbitrary images than a straightforward neural‐network reconstruction, which requires a large training set of domain‐specific images.
Colloidal ZnInGaS Nanocrystals with Wide‐Band Gap for Ultraviolet Emitters
Authors: Qin Yue , Peng Zhannan , Song Xuerong , Yu Chunyu , Zhang Hanzhuang , Ji Wenyu , Sun Zhenhua , Ning Jiajia
Published: February 2025

Colloidal wide band gap semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are the potential ultraviolet range materials for light‐emitters and photodetectors. ZnInGaS NCs with wide band gaps are produced with the intermediate of multinary ZnInGaS magic sized clusters. With the surface etching and intermediate shell design, ZnInGaS/ZnGaS/ZnS core/shell NCs exhibit the band‐edge fluorescence emission at 394 nm and the record photoluminescent quantum yield of 18.3% in Cd‐free ultraviolet emitters. The band gap in ZnInGaS NCs can be tuned from 3.20 to 3.75 eV via the changed size and composition, showing the adjusted fluorescence emission from 366 to 420 nm, which is widely tunable in the range. Finally, the NCs are integrated into a graphene transistor, obtaining a visible‐blind ultraviolet photodetector. This study underscores the potential of ZIGS NCs for UV emission and highlights their broader applicability in optoelectronic devices, demonstrating their significant potential for practical applications.
Multifunctional Topological Metasurfaces with Modular Meta‐Atoms for Multidimensional Wave Control
Authors: Qin Shilong , Chen Long , Cai Zixuan , Gu Ze , Yu Xinyi , Yu Zhicai , Su Jianlin , Xiao Qiang , Li Xinyu , Ma Qian , You Jian Wei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: February 2025

Metasurfaces offer precise control over various degrees of freedom of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, their capability to manipulate surface and space EM waves simultaneously remains a formidable challenge. Here, this challenge is addressed by integrating metasurfaces with topological photonics, resulting in topological metasurfaces that can control both surface and full‐space waves. The topological metasurface is composed of reusable and modular meta‐atoms, exhibiting programmability, reconfigurability, detachability, and scalability. The low‐cost and low‐power platform has big capability to control both surface and full‐space waves, enabling multiple functions such as focusing, holographic imaging, wireless communication, sensing, and object classification. The efficient manipulations of transmitted and reflected space waves are experimentally demonstrated by encoding the modular meta‐atoms and showcasing the programmable control of surface waves by constructing topologically protected multi‐channel propagation pathways. The topological metasurface redefines the paradigm of EM wave manipulation to provide unprecedented opportunities for holographic imaging, object sensing, and wireless signal enhancement, paving the way for intelligent and multifunctional EM controls for next‐generation sensor and communication systems.