bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on Extending the Shelf Life of Fig (Ficus carica L.) Fruits Cv. Dinkar Fig
Authors: Sable B. , Waskar D. P.
Published: August 2023

The present investigation entitled “Studies on extending the shelf life of Fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits Cv. Dinkar Fig” was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Late Shri. Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, M.S., India during the year 2008-2009. The experiment was conducted in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with six pre-harvest treatments and two storage conditions. The treatments were replicated three times. The pre-harvest sprays (0.5%, 1.0% and control) were undertaken 10 and 20 days before harvesting fruits of fig Cv. Dinkar fig. The fruits were packed in CFB boxes and stored under two environments viz. at room temp. (15.10 to 41.30C and 49.00 – 71.00% RH) and in cool storage (50Cand 90-95%RH). The results revealed that there was an increase in TSS, reducing sugars and total sugars with corresponding decrease in acidity of fig Cv. Dinkar fig under both the storage conditions irrespective of pre-harvest treatments. Fruits stored in cool store followed the same trend of physico-chemical changes but at a slower rate. The shelf life of control fig fruits was found to be hardly 2 days at room temperature. However fig fruits of variety Cv. Dinkar fig could be stored upto 4 days at room temperature when these were given spray of CaCl2(1.0%) 10 days before harvesting. The shelf life of untreated fruit of this variety was hardly 5 days in CS. However, it could be further extended upto 8 days when given spray of CaCl2 (1.0%) 10 days before harvesting and stored in CS.
Harmonics: The Distortion in Supplied Waveform – Causes and Remedies
Authors: Mirajkar Nilesh Balkrishna , M. Dharaskar Rajesh , G. Kazi Tousif , R. Burte Rohit , R. Jadhav Rakesh
Published: August 2023

In Industrial Distribution Power System, the use of electronic devices such as motor drives, rectifiers or converters, power supplies and power electronic devices has been increased tremendously from last decade. In such a systems, switching operations are more in their regular work. It causes distortion in supplied waveform (Harmonics). This increases the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of Industrial Distribution Power System which is considered as the main reason for the power quality problems. This paper includes the sources of the harmonics, effects of the harmonics and the recommendations for correction of these problems of power quality resulting from harmonic distortion in the Industrial Distribution Power System.
Economic Analysis of Jamun (Syzygium cuminni L.) Processing in Gadchiroli District of Vidarbha, India
Authors: Tingre S. , Kale N. M. , Dangore U. T. , Katole R. T. , Khade A. H.
Published: August 2023

Jamun (Syzygium cumini L.) a member of the family myrtaceae is a popular indigenous fruit of India. It has got very valuable place in Auyurvedic medicines. The Jamun is an important indigenous minor fruit of commercial value. Jamun fruits can be processed into excellent quality products such as Juice, Chock let, Jam, Cirup and seed powder etc. The objective of present is to work out cost, returns and profitability of Jamun processing. A list of Jamun processing units in Gadchiroli district were collected from the office of Mavim (Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, Gadchiroli). From the list five fruit processing units who are running regularly were selected purposively for the present study. In order to fulfil the objective of cost, returns and profitability of Jamun processing, necessary primary data were collected from the sample Jamun processing units by the personal interview method using a structured schedule. The data collected pertains to the agricultural year 2019. For the analysis of processing of Jamun different cost concepts were used i.e. fixed and variable cost. Mainly three products were prepared from Jamun by the selected units i.e. Jamun juice, Jamun chatpata and Jamun seed powder during the year 2019.The study concluded that Jamun processing is highly profitable venture and has high potential for value addition in all the products.
Standardization of Recipe for Preparation of Beverage RTS of Dragon Fruit
Authors: Dansena Sonia , Prakash Sharma Shishir
Published: August 2023

The current investigatory work entitled “Studies on Standardization of recipe for preparation of beverages (RTS of dragon fruit” was executed at Pomology Laboratory, Department of Pomology, Pt K.L.S. CHRS, Pendri, Rajnandgaon, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during year 2019-2020. The research was performed on sensory analysis of RTS of dragon fruit at fortnight meantime for course of 45 days preservation by implementing CRD with 3 replication inside lab condition. Each replication comprised of 7 treatments for RTS. It comprise of 10 percent pulp and 0.3 percent acidity and recipe is varied by different concentration of TSS which are as follows for T1 (9 percent TSS), T2 (10 percent TSS), T3 (11 percent TSS), T4 (12 percent TSS), T5 (13 percent TSS), T6 (14 percent TSS), T7 (15 percent TSS). The RTS with treatment T7 comprising of 10% pulp, 0.3% acidity and 15% TSS got peak score on colour, flavour, taste, appearance and overall acceptability among various recipe implemented. The organoleptic score in case of RTS was peak for T7 containing 10 % pulp, 0.3 % acidity and 15 % TSS while least for treatment T1 containing 10 percent pulp, 0.3 percent acidity, 9 percent.
A Study on Buying Behaviour of Consumers towards Packaged Food Products
Authors: Sonwal Mriganka , Baruah Moonty , Bhattacharyya Nandita
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted with 170 women respondents to elicit information on food buying behaviour and the reasons behind the purchase of food items. A higher number of respondents looked for quality followed by taste and availability while purchasing food items. It was seen that the women preferred to purchase from local store and they used to purchase only when there is need. Look for carriable package, buy products with all printed information about the product prefer purchasing refill package are the first, second and third ranked buying behaviour of the respondents.
Comparative Evaluation of Rapid Card Test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Antibody in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sneha Mohan Lalbiakdiki , Dimpi Nath Tarana Sarwat
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to compare the Rapid card test with Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay and to detect the seroprevalence of anti- HCV infection in Greater Noida. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) belongs to family Flaviviridae and genus Hepacivirus. It is a single stranded, enveloped, positive sense RNA virus.Liver is the main site of infection and is transmitted via- blood and blood. This study was conducted to compared between a Rapid card test and Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for detecting Hepatitis C Virus antibody in a human serum. The present study was conducted in the Serology section Department of Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda University for a period of 12 months (1st Nov 2020-31st Oct 2021) to comparative evaluate the detection of Hepatitis C Virus antibodies by rapid card test and ELISA. A total of 386 samples were taken for the test. Out of 386 samples, only a total of 92 samples were selected randomly for ELISA test with 46 negatives and other 46 positives samples from rapid test. Out of 46 negatives sample by rapid 1 turns out to be positive and from the 46 positive ICT samples 5 turns out to be negative by ELISA. The sensitivity and specificity of ICT was 90% and 97.61% respectively the PPV was 97.82% and the NPV was 91.30% when compare with ELISA. The seroprevalence was found to be 1.72%. Hence, anti HCV screening can be preferably done by Rapid Card test followed by a supplemental ELISA and Polymerase Chain Reaction for further confirmation.
CRIAÇÃO E CONSOLIDAÇÃO DA LINHA DE PESQUISA ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA NO PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM GEOGRAFIA DA UFT
Authors: Pereira Carolina Machado Rocha Busch
Published: August 2023

Em razão da comemoração dos 10 anos do Programa de Pós-graduação em Geografia (PPGG) da Universidade Federal do Tocantins este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o percurso de criação e os desdobramentos que contribuíram para a consolidação da área de pesquisa em Ensino de Geografia no PPGG. A partir de um conjunto de fontes históricas, da produção acadêmica e de registros de pesquisas busca-se explicitar as ações que resultaram na constituição da linha de pesquisa em Ensino de Geografia no PPGG da UFT. O Programa de Pós-graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins foi implantado em 2011 com duas linhas de pesquisa: "Análise e Gestão Geoambiental" e "Estudos Geoterritoriais" e permaneceu até 2016 com esta configuração. A alteração das linhas de pesquisa no PPGG ocorreu em 2016 mediante a demanda que crescia ano após ano por orientações na área de ensino de Geografia.  Em 2017 o PPGG incluiu a linha de pesquisa “Ensino de Geografia” no processo seletivo procurando destacar a Geografia na dimensão do ensino com espaço para a reflexão, pesquisa e debate sobre a Geografia no contexto da educação escolar, a formação de professores, a relação entre Geografia e educação formal e não-formal, a relação ensino aprendizagem na Geografia, cultura-arte-memória-imaginário no ensino da Geografia, tecnologias e práticas pedagógicas, ensino de Geografia e Educação Ambiental, e as categorias geográficas na relação do ensino aprendizagem. Durante esses 6 anos de formação de mestres na área de ensino de Geografia o PPGG contabiliza 15 dissertações defendidas (até abril de 2023) e 7 em andamento.
A PRESSÃO URBANA NO ENTORNO DA ÁREA DE PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL DA FAZENDINHA EM MACAPÁ-AMAPÁ
Authors: Silva Hilda Helena da , Chaves Patrícia Rocha , Silva Eliane Aparecida Cabral da , Brito Daguinete Maria Chaves
Published: August 2023

No Amapá, o uso das terras se apresenta sob diferentes perspectivas. O viés ambiental, é um desses cenários, que ecoa na sociedade contemporânea, como urgente discurso de sobrevivência planetária. As dinâmicas populacionais e urbanas percebidas no Amapá, especialmente nas cidades de Macapá e Santana, revelam uma produção urbana alicerçada em atender o avanço das atividades produtivas, em particular no uso do solo urbano, condição que reverbera no entorno da Área de Proteção Ambiental da Fazendinha. O objetivo deste artigo é contribuir com uma análise sobre como a produção capitalista do território tem avançado e provocado uma pressão urbana no entorno da APA da Fazendinha, impactando na sua existência e manutenção. Este trabalho é parte da dissertação de mestrado defendida em dezembro de 2022 pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal do Amapá- PPGEO/UNIFAP. Esta análise centrou nas discussões teóricas, atividades de campo e produção de mapas. As reflexões e medites aqui elencadas, permitiram confirmar que a pressão urbana exercida no entorno da APA, é reflexo do processo de urbanização pelo qual as referidas cidades vivenciam e que a preservação ambiental construída na implementação das unidades de conservação é, na verdade, uma geopolítica governamental, assegurando ao Estado o domínio e controle de porções do território.
DOMINAÇÃO POLÍTICA E A ACUMULAÇÃO CAPITALISTA NA PRODUÇÃO-REPRODUÇÃO DO ESPAÇO URBANO DE PALMAS, TOCANTINS, BRASIL
Authors: Bessa Kelly , Oliveira Claudia Fernanda Pimentel de , Lucini Andreia Cristina Guimarães Cantuara , Lima Wesley dos Santos , Vieira Kássia da Costa , Rodrigues Marcely Pereira da Silveira
Published: August 2023

Em Palmas, a cidade projetada em 1989 para sediar as atividades político-administrativas da mais nova unidade federativa brasileira, o estado do Tocantins, a dinâmica de apropriação, produção e reprodução do espaço urbano expõe os momentos para a realização da dominação política e para a acumulação capitalista, com suas respectivas espacialidades. Estas revelam ações e estratégias que envolvem os agentes políticos e os agentes do mercado fundiário e imobiliário, e, mais recentemente, do setor financeiro e do agronegócio, entre outros. Nessa perspectiva, o presente texto analisa a apropriação, produção e reprodução do espaço urbano de Palmas, com a manifestação desses geotempos: o poder político local se realizando com a produção de um espaço sob a forma da dominação, e a acumulação capitalista se realizando com a produção/reprodução de um espaço sob a forma de produto imobiliário, gerando a apropriação de rendas, lucros e juros. Nesses espaço-tempos, tem-se a redefinição da própria cidade, a diversificação dos agentes e o aprofundamento das contradições socioespaciais, resultando em uma complexificação dos processos socioespaciais.
Assessing Polarisation of Climate Phenomena Based on Long-Term Precipitation and Temperature Sequences
Authors: TWARÓG Bernard Stanislaw
Published: August 2023

This article presents an analysis of monthly precipitation totals based on the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre database and monthly mean temperatures based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data for 377 catchments located around the world. Data sequences covering 110 years from 1901 to 2010 were analysed. The long-term sequences of precipitation and temperature were used to assess the variability of climate extremes, referred to here as polarisation. Measures of polarisation used in the natural sciences are discussed. A simple measure of polarisation was presented and applied to long-term sequences of monthly precipitation totals and monthly mean temperatures. Due to the nature of the proposed polarisation measure, other characteristics of precipitation and temperature sequences are also presented as a background for the discussion of the polarisation index. The study showed the existence of trends related to the polarisation of temperature and precipitation phenomena. As a result of the analysis, trends of polarisation factors in the area of precipitation and temperature were identified in 11 catchments out of the 377 analysed catchments. The trend analysis used Mann-Kendall tests at a level of significance of 5%. The Pettitt test was used to determine the point of trend change for precipitation and temperature data. The whole investigation is supported by rich graphical analyses, and the results are presented in tabular form.
Anticoagulation Status and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Indications in Hospitalized Cardiology Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot (HECMOS) Sub-Study
Authors: Tsiachris Dimitris , Papakonstantinou Panteleimon E. , Doundoulakis Ioannis , Tsioufis Panagiotis , Botis Michail , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Leontsinis Ioannis , Kordalis Athanasios , Antoniou Christos-Konstantinos , Mantzouranis Emmanouil , Iliakis Panagiotis , Vlachakis Panayotis , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A , Tsioufis Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: Proper use of oral anticoagulants is crucial in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be considered for stroke prevention in patients with AF and contraindications for long-term anticoagulant treatment. We aimed to assess the anticoagulation status and LAAC indications in patients with AF from HECMOS (Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot) survey. Materials and Methods: HECMOS was a nationwide snapshot survey of cardiorenal morbidity in hospitalized cardiology patients. HECMOS used an electronic platform to collect demographic and clinically relevant information from all patients hospitalized on March 3, 2022, in 55 different cardiology departments. In this substudy, we included patients with known AF without mechanical prosthetic valves and moderate to severe mitral valve stenosis. Patients with prior stroke, previous major bleeding, poor adherence to anticoagulants, and end-stage renal disease were considered candidates for LAAC. Results: Two hundred fifty-six patients (mean age 76.6±11.7, 148 males) were included in our analysis. Most of them (n=159; 62%) suffered from persistent AF. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.28±1.7, while mean HAS-BLED score was 1.47±0.9. Three out of 3 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc 0 or 1 (female) received improperly anticoagulants. Sixteen out of 18 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc 1 or 2 (female) received anticoagulants. Thirty-three out of 235 patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc > 1 or 2 (for female) did not receive improperly anticoagulants. Among 221 under anticoagulant therapy, 191 (86.4%) received non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and 30 (13.6%) received vitamin K antagonists. Relative indications for LAAC were present in 64 patients with NVAF (60 had only one risk factor and 2 had two concurrent risk factors). In detail, 36 had a prior stroke, 17 patients had a history of major bleeding, 15 patients reported poor or no adherence to the anticoagulant therapy and 5 had eGFR< 15 ml/min/1.73m2. Moreover, 33 had a HAS-BLED score ≥3. No LAAC treatment was recorded. Conclusions: Anticoagulation status was nearly optimal in a high thromboembolic risk population of cardiology patients, mainly treated with NOACs. One out of four AF patients should be screened for LAAC.
Influence of Surgical Technique on Post-Operative Complications in the Extraction of the Lower Third Molar: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Albanese Massimo , Zangani Alessandro , Manfrin Federica , Bertossi Dario , De Manzoni Rachele , Tomizioli Nicolò , Faccioni Paolo , Pardo Alessia
Published: August 2023

The surgical extraction of the impacted third molar is frequently associated with several complications. The purpose of this study is to assess how two different surgical protocols affect post-operative complications during the extraction of the lower third molars. In order to compare and evaluate two different techniques (triangular flap vs envelope flap), and the relative post-extraction complications, two groups of 150 patients each, underwent to surgical third molar extraction and 60 days of follow-up. A complication rate founded in two groups was respectively 14,00% in group A and 17,33% in group B. There was a strong association between smoking (OR:2.8) and the use of oral contraceptives (OR:1.75) with complications. The age and sex-related incidence of complications in hard tissue healing finds great variability in the literature; the analysis performed on our data did not show a statistically significant association between them. Even though related to a higher incidence of transient changes in sensitivity, it was found that the envelope flap saw a lower percentage of complications. There is still no clarity on which is the best protocol for the extraction of the lower third molar, and the choice often depends on the surgeon’s experience.
Estimating the Trade-Offs between Wildfires and Carbon Stocks across Landscape Types to Inform Nature-Based Solutions in Mediterranean Regions
Authors: Simões Rui Miguel Serôdio , Ribeiro Paulo Flores , Santos José Lima
Published: August 2023

Climate and land-use changes have been contributing to increase the occurrence of extreme wild-fires, shifting fire regimes and driving desertification, particularly in Mediterranean-climate regions. However, few studies have researched the effects of land-use change on fire regimes and carbon storage at the broad national scale. To address this gap, we used spatially explicit data from annual burned areas in mainland Portugal to build a typology of fire regimes based on the accumulated burned area and its temporal concentration (Gini index) between 1984 and 2019, which was combined with 2018 carbon stock data (above- and below-ground), and a landscape typology re-sulting from cluster analysis over land-use composition, diversity and configuration, to explore relationships between landscape types and the two major ecosystem services at stake: wildfire reduction and carbon stock. Cross tabulations, logistic and linear regressions were performed on these data and results revealed a strong relationship between landscapes dominated by maritime pine and eucalypt forest plantations and high-hazardous fire regime but hold the highest carbon stock. Shrubland-mixed landscapes were associated with lower carbon stocks but less hazardous fire regimes. Specialized agricultural landscapes, as well as mixed native forests and mixed agro-forestry landscapes, were the least associated with wildfires. In the case of agricultural landscapes however, this good wildfire performance is achieved at the cost of the poorest carbon stock, de-noting land degradation, whereas native forests and agroforestry landscapes strike the best trade-off between carbon stock and fire regime. Our findings support how nature-based solutions promoting wildfire mitigation and carbon stock ecosystem services may prevent and revert land degradation harming Mediterranean regions.
Growing Evidence for LV Unloading in VA ECMO
Authors: Soltes Jan , Rob Daniel , Kavalkova Petra , Bruthans Jan , Belohlavek Jan
Published: August 2023

Impressively increasing availability of the mechanical circulatory/cardiac support systems (MCS) worldwide, together with the deepening of the knowledge of critical care medical practitioners, have inevitably led to the discussion about further improvements of intensive care associated to MCS. An appealing topic of the left ventricle (LV) overload related to VA ECMO support endangering myocardial recovery is being widely discussed within the scientific community. Unloading of LV leads to the reduction of LV end-diastolic pressure, reduction of pressure in the left atrium and decrease of the LV thrombus formation risk. Consequently, better conditions for myocardial recovery, with comfortable filling pressures and better oxygen delivery/demand ratio are achieved. The combination of VA ECMO and Impella device, also called ECPELLA seems to be a promising strategy which may bring the improvement of CS mortality rates. The series of presented trials and meta-analyses clearly showed potential benefits of this strategy. However, the ongoing research has brought a series of new questions, as whether Impella itself is the only appropriate unloading modality, or any other approach to unload LV would be beneficial in the same way? Benefits and potential risks of LV unloading and its timing are being discussed in current review.
Immune Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Repairing Bone Injury
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Yang Yumei , Li Na , Hua Jinlian
Published: August 2023

Fractures are the most common large organ trauma in humans. The initial inflammatory re-sponse promotes bone healing during the initial post-fracture phase, but chronic and persistent inflammation due to infection or other factors does not contribute to the healing process. The precise mechanisms by which immune cells and their cytokines are regulated in bone healing remain unclear. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cellular therapy of bones injury is a novel clinical treatment approach. Bone progenitor MSCs not only differentiate into bone, but also interact with the immune system to promote the healing process. We review in vitro and in vivo studies on the role of the immune system and bone marrow MSCs in bone healing and their interactions. A deeper understanding of this paradigm may provide clues to potential therapeu-tic targets in the healing process, thereby improving the reliability and safety of clinical applica-tions of MSCs to promote bone healing.
Inﬂuence of a Standardized DBT-A Program on the Identity of Adolescents with Emotional Dysregulation
Authors: Dixius Andrea , Möhler Eva
Published: August 2023

Background: Identity diffusion plays a central role in the onset of borderline personality and disorders. The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is a treatment program for adolescents with emotional instability and dysregulation. The interest of this study is to examine the influence of a standardized and certified DBT-A therapy program on identity development of adolescents with emotion dysregulation in an inpatient setting.
Methods:
138 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years with symptoms of emotional instability were assessed before and after a curricular 12-weeks in-patient DBT-A program with standardized instruments for the assessment of identity (AIDA), emotion regulation (FEEL-KJ, SEE) and general psychopathology (SCL-90-R, DIKJ).
Results: The results indicate a significant change in identity development, emotion regulation and general symptoms of psychopathology after treatment with DBT-A.
A connection between identity scales and psychopathological symptoms of adolescents with diagnosed borderline disorders and impaired emotion regulation could be established.
Conclusion: In this large sample of adolescents, DBT-A significantly improved identity and reduced identity diffusion. As identiy disturbance is a core symptom of borderline personality disorder, our results may become clinically relevant for the prevention of personality disorders in emotionally unstable adolescents
Relationship of COMT Gene Polymorphism, Anxiety, and Pain Perception during Labour
Authors: Šanjug Jadranka , Kuna Krunoslav , Goldštajn Marina Šprem , Dunkić Lidija Fumić , Carek Andreja , Negovetić Vranić Dubravka
Published: August 2023

Background: The COMT gene polymorphism is associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders and pain perception. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene polymorphism, pain perception in parturients with inhaled nitrous oxide during labour, and anxiety as a personality trait. Methods: A total number of 181 woman who chose vaginal birth were enrolled in this study. To present the difference in pain perception, the parturients were divided into one group (n=80) that chose labour analgesia with inhaled nitrous oxide (50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen) and one group without analgesia. The blood samples were taken during the pregnancy as a part of routine pregnancy controls in the hospital. The COMT gene polymorphism was detected with the PCR technique. Pain perception of labouring women was self-evaluated two times according to the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and anxiety as a personality trait was determined with STAI-T (State Trait Anxiety Inventory). Pain perception as well as anxiety were compared according to COMT genotypes. Results: In the 181 pregnant women there were 40 women (22%) of wild homozygotes (GG) of COMT, 95 women (53%) of mutant heterozygotes (GA), and 46 women (25%) of mutant homozygote (AA). A negative association of pain perception with the GA (mutant heterozigote) polymorphism of the COMT gene versus the wild type (GG polymorphism) was observed. The GA polymorphism of the COMT gene was associated with 0.46 units lower pain perception compared to the wild type (GG). The anxiety trait score in group AA was lower than in groups GA and AA. The difference reached statistical significance only when comparing AA versus GA (P>0.042). Analgesic efficacy of nitrous oxide was noticed in 22% of labouring women who reported moderate pain (VAS score 4-7). Conclusions: The COMT gene polymorphism was associated with pain perception and anxiety among labouring women. The COMT gene polymorphism GA was associated with negative pain perception among labouring women. Nitrous oxide showed statistical significance in anxiolytic efficacy during labour in women with mild anxiety as a personality trait. Anxiolytic efficacy of nitrous oxide has shown better efficacy in labouring women with the COMT gene polymorphism AA.
The Effects of Dissolved Organic Matter Derived from Agricultural Waste Materials on Phosphorus Sorption in Sandy Soils
Authors: Debicka Magdalena , Morshedizad Mohsen , Leinweber Peter
Published: August 2023

The effect of organic matter (OM) on soil P-sorption is controversial and needs to be more investigated. The dissolved organic matter (DOM) may be regarded as an influential component on P sorption in natural soils. However, despite the great need for renewable sources of available P and OM in agricultural soils, little is known about interaction between P and DOM in natural soil systems. To uncover if and how soil saturation with DOM derived from different types of abundant agricultural wastes (cattle manure, horse manure, biogas digestate, compost) affects the phosphate sorption, we examined P sorption process in control and DOM-saturated sandy soils. The results indicated that organic matter introduced with agricultural wastes did not always reduce P sorption, but certainly had an effect on impairing P fixation and thus may result in potentially greater P mobility in the soil, including P availability. Up to now, we cannot recommend any of the tested organic amendments to directly overcome the P fixation in arable soils.
Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activity of the Irvingia Species
Authors: Nguena-Dongue Branly-Natalien , Pone Kamdem Boniface , Keilah Lunga Paul , Fekam Boyom Fabrice
Published: August 2023

Plants belonging to the genus Irvingia are widespread across the African and Southeast Asian regions of the world. Irvingia gabonensis, Irvingia malayana, and Irvingia grandifolia are among the commonly used species in ethnomedicine, especially in Africa. Fever, scabies, toothache, inflammation, and liver and gastrointestinal disorders are among the pathological conditions that are reverted by Irvingia plants upon traditional preparations. Modern pharmacological investigations have substantiated the ethnomedicinal uses of Irvingia spp. Reports on the phytochemical analysis of Irvingia plants have revealed the presence of a number of secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Based on the foregoing, the present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of reports on the ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of plants from the genus Irvingia. Relevant information on Irvingia plants was mostly obtained from major scientific databases from their inception until July 2023. As a result, more than forty compounds have been identified in Irvingia spp. proving the abundance of secondary metabolites in these plants. Reports have pointed out modern pharmacological activities, such as antiprotozoal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. The present study provides more insights for the successful utilization of Irvingia plants and may guide further research on their therapeutic potential in the treatment of various diseases.
Kinetics of C-reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in the Early Identification of ICU-Acquired Infections in Critically Ill COVID19 Patients
Authors: Cidade José Pedro , Coelho Luís , Póvoa Pedro
Published: August 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 infection is a cause of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure, leading to frequent intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Due to invasive organ support and immunosuppressive therapies, these patients are prone to nosocomial infections. Our aim was to assess the value of daily measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) in the early identification of ICU-acquired infections in COVID-19 patients
Methods: We undertook a prospective observational cohort study (12 months). All adult me-chanically-ventilated patients admitted for ≥ 72 hours to the ICU with COVID-19 pneumonia were divided into an infected group (n=35) and a non-infected group (n=83). Day 0 was considered as the day of the diagnosis of infection (infected group) and day 10 of ICU stay (non-infected group). The kinetics of CRP and PCT were assessed from day -10 to day 10 and evaluated using a general linear model, univariate, repeated-measures analysis.
Results: 118 patients (mean age 63 years, 74% males) were eligible for the analysis. The groups did not differ in patients' age, gender, CRP, and PCT serum levels at ICU admission. However, the infected group encompassed patients with a higher severity (SOFA score at ICU admission, p=0.009) and a higher 28-day mortality (p<0.001). Before D0, CRP kinetics showed a significant increase in infected patients, whereas in noninfected it remained almost unchanged (p<0.001), while PCT kinetics did not appear to retain diagnostic value to predict superinfection in COVID-19 patients (p=0.593).
Conclusion: COVID-19 patients who develop ICU-acquired infections exhibited different biomarker kinetics before the diagnosis of those infections. Daily CRP monitoring and the recognition of the CRP kinetics could be useful in the prediction of ICU-acquired infections.
Experimental Study of the Mechanical and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Sandstone by Using High-Temperature Water-Cooling Cycles
Authors: Wang Wen , Hong Lei , Cao Xuewen , Lu Xiaowei , Wang Fan , Zhang Tong , Zhu Weibing
Published: August 2023

In order to study the acoustic emission characteristics of sandstone under the action of the high temperature-water cooling cycle, the RMT-150B electro-hydraulic servo rock test system and the DS-5 acoustic emission detection and analysis system were used to conduct a single analysis of the sandstone after the high temperature-water cooling cycle. Experimental study on acoustic emission characteristics under axial compression, analyzing the deformation, strength and acoustic emission characteristics of sandstone under different temperatures and cycles. The results of the study show that the high temperature-water cooling action causes changes in the physical properties of the sandstone. The expansion rate of the rock sample decreases first and then increases when the temperature rises, and the strength first increases and then decreases. The number of cycles has little effect on the physical properties of the rock sample; sandstone acoustic emission ringing count increases with the increase of temperature and cycle times, acoustic emission activities become more frequent with the loading process; with the increase of cycle times and temperature, acoustic emission ringing counts and accumulative acoustic emission energy appear earlier The rock sample enters the elastic deformation stage ahead of schedule, the yielding period increases, and the rock sample presents a trend of transition from brittle failure to ductile failure; the ringing count and cumulative energy increase with the increase in temperature and cycle times, and the high-energy ringing count and cumulative energy increase. The simultaneous sharp increase of the rock sample is the harbinger of the failure and instability of the rock sample.
Probing Localised Corrosion Inhibition of Aa2024-T3 by Integrating Electrode Array, SVET, SECM and SEM-EDS Techniques
Authors: Parvizi Reza , Hughes Anthony E , Forsyth Maria , Tan Mike Yongjun
Published: August 2023

The inhibition of localised corrosion is known to involve multiple processes taking place over a range of time and length scales that are difficult to study by conventional electrochemical methods. This work demonstrates an approach to probing complex localised electrochemical processes by combining an electrochemically integrated multi-electrode array (also known as wire beam electrode (WBE)), scanning vibrating electrode technique, scanning electrochemical microscopy and surface analytical techniques. Each technique reveals certain aspects of the dynamically changing, multi-scale, inhibitor-microstructure interactions and local chemistry over a heterogeneous AA2024-T3 alloy surface in the presence of an environmentally friendly inhibitor; cerium diphenyl phosphate (Ce(dpp)3).
Optimal Sparse Control Formulation for Reconstruction of Noise-Affected Images
Authors: Kogut Peter , Kohut Yaroslav
Published: August 2023

We discuss the optimal control formulation for enhancement and denoising of satellite multiband images and propose to take it in the form of an L1-control problem for quasi-linear parabolic equation with non-local p[u]-Laplacian and with a cost functional of a tracking type. The main characteristic feature of the considered class of parabolic problems is the fact that the variable exponent p(t,x) and the anisotropic diffusion tensor D(t,x) are not well predefined a priori, but instead these characteristic non-locally depend on a solution of this problem, i.e., pu=p(t,x,u) and Du=D(t,x,u). We prove the existence of optimal pairs with sparse L1-controls using for that the indirect approach and a special family of approximation problems.
Programmed Aging, Digital Genetics, and the Evolution of Acquisition Traits in Mammals
Authors: Goldsmith Theodore
Published: August 2023

Programmed aging refers to the idea that mammals (and some other multiparous sexually reproducing organisms) evolved complex biological mechanisms that cause gradually increasing fitness deterioration and internally limit individual organism lifetimes. The rationale is that this process enhances the survival (non-extinction) of a species population. Evolvability theories propose that mammals have evolved design characteristics that aid their ability to evolve, that is, reduce the time required for a particular increment of evolutionary adaptation and/or increase the precision with which the adaptation can be performed. Because an increase in evolvability aids a population in escaping extinction, evolution selects the associated design characteristics. Both of these concepts conflict with traditional (Darwinian) theory regarding the nature of evolution. However, more recent genetics discoveries have exposed rich detail regarding the nature of the evolution process including the fact that biological inheritance involves the transmission of organism design information from parent to descendant in digital form. These discoveries have acted to support both programmed aging and evolvability theories. Acquisition traits are those that depend for their evolutionary (fitness) value on the acquisition of something that gradually accumulates during an organism’s life but is not transmitted genetically to descendants. This situation causes these traits including language, immunity, intelligence, and social status to represent a special need for evolvability and programmed aging.
Metaverse for Education: Developments, Challenges and Future Direction
Authors: Chamola Vinay , Hassija Vikas , Singh Anushka , Mittal Uday , Pareek Ritawari , Mangal Poorvi , Devika Devika , Mahmud Mufti , Brown David
Published: August 2023

Recent digital transformations have significantly impacted the current society, economy, and culture. This includes adoption of rapidly emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technology (e.g., virtual, augmented, mixed and extended reality (VR/AR/MR/XR)), cloud services, and internet of things, in our day-to-day life. `Metaverse’ has emerged as a technology that incorporates many of these transforming technologies to deliver personalised immersive experience related to specific application areas. A potential major beneficiary of Metaverse is the educational ecosystem, where highly immersive learning experiences can be delivered to students, catering to their personal learning needs and train them on life skills such as empathy, ethical qualities, and communication skills. The present-day Metaverse allows physical engagement, enabling users to utilise limb movements to interact with the presented materials. However, ethical concerns and technical limitations impede the widespread implementation of the Metaverse in the real-world. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the existing literature covering the architecture, type and components of Metaverse, followed by practical aspects of metaverse implementation. The paper is concluded by discussing on the open challenges and issues along with their mitigation strategies and future research directions after the detailed usecase of Metaverse in Education.
Do TEP1 and TERC Have an Impact on Multiple Sclerosis Manifestation?
Authors: Rumsaite Gintare , Gedvilaite Greta , Balnyte Renata , Kriaučiūnienė Loresa , Liutkevičienė Rasa
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. According to recent studies, cellular senescence caused by telomere shortening may contribute to the development of MS. Aim of the study: to determine the associations of TEP1 rs1760904, rs1713418, TERC rs12696304, rs35073794 gene polymorphisms with the occurrence of MS. Methods: The study included 200 patients with MS and 230 healthy controls. Genotyping of TEP1 rs1760904, rs1713418 and TERC rs12696304, rs35073794 was performed using RT-PCR. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using the program "IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0". Haplotype analysis was performed using the online program "SNPStats". Results: The TERC rs12696304 G allele of this SNP is associated with a 1.4-fold lower odds of developing MS (p=0.035). TERC rs35073794 is associated with an approximately 2.4-fold reduced odds of MS occurrence in the codominant, dominant, overdominant, and additive models (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). Haplotype analysis shows that the rs1760904-G - rs1713418-A haplotype is statistically significantly associated with a 1.75-fold increased odds of developing MS (p=0.006). The rs12696304-C - rs35073794-A haplotype is statistically significantly associated with a 2-fold decreased odds of developing MS (p=0.008). In addition, the rs12696304-G - rs35073794-A haplotype was found to be statistically significantly associated with a 5.3-fold decreased odds of developing MS (p<0.001). Conclusion: Current evidence may suggest a protective role of TERC SNP in the occurrence of MS, while TEP1 has the opposite effect.
OW-SLR: Overlapping Windows on Semi-Local Region for Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Bhardwaj Rishav , Balaji Janarthanam Jothi , Lakshminarayanan Vasudevan
Published: August 2023

There has been considerable progress in implicit neural representation to upscale an image to any arbitrary resolution. However, existing methods are based on defining a function to predict the RGB value from just four specific loci. Relying on just four loci is insufficient as it leads to losing fine details from the neighboring region(s). We show that by taking into account the semi-local region leads to an improvement in performance. In this paper, we propose applying a new technique called Overlapping Windows on Semi-Local Region (OW-SLR) to an image to obtain any arbitrary resolution by taking the coordinates of the semi-local region around a point in the latent space. This extracted detail is used to predict the RGB value of a point. We illustrate the technique by applying the algorithm to the Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography (OCT-A) images and show that it can upscale them to random resolution. This technique outperforms the existing state-of-the-art methods when applied to the OCT500 dataset. OW-SLR provides better results for classifying healthy and diseased retinal images such as diabetic retinopathy and normals from the given set of OCT-A images. The project page is available at https://rishavbb.github.io/ow-slr/index.html
Submarine-Channel Element Architecture Demonstrates Facies Heterogeneity in Both Strike and Dip Views: Miocene Modelo Formation, Lake Piru, California, USA
Authors: Gilbert J Clark , Jobe Zane R
Published: August 2023

Submarine channels deliver vast quantities of sediment into ocean basins and the deposits left by these systems host important archives of paleoenvironmental change and are major targets for hydrocarbon production and carbon sequestration. However, similarities between channel subenvironments often make their identification difficult, particularly because some subenvironments are transitional or quite variable. While large channel complexes can often be resolved on seismic data, only outcrop data yields high-resolution detail of their internal heterogeneity. This study integrates 10 measured sections with drone-based photography to document lateral and vertical changes in depositional architecture in a well exposed outcrop of a submarine-channel element in the Miocene Modelo Formation at Lake Piru, California.

The channel-element architecture is well constrained by erosional-surface mapping and lateral and vertical facies changes. The 3-dimensionality of the outcrop provides a unique example to demonstrate this heterogeneity in both strike (i.e., cross-sectional view) and dip orientations (i.e., longitudinal view). This channel element has a predictable vertical facies succession of thin sandstones and mudstones, mass transport deposits and amalgamated sandstones. The element is capped by a siliceous mudstones that provide a unique marker of hemipelagic deposition and the presence of an abandonment surface. The amalgamated sand packages are thickest in axial locations and thin over a distance of 500 m in the dip direction, but thin over 150 m in the strike direction toward two locations along the same margin. This thinning is used to constrain the dimensions and sinuosity of the channel element. We interpret a channel-element width of 550 m, a thickness of 29 m and an aspect ratio of 19:1, which is in agreement with previously published ranges of channel-element dimensions. With the documentation of lateral facies heterogeneity in orientations slightly oblique to both strike and dip, this study provides important data for understanding channelized sediment gravity flow dynamics in submarine channels and aids in evaluating reservoir-model volume and connectivity estimates.
The Impact of Contract Farming on Income of Smallholder Vegetables Farmers in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Neme Abdisa Abe , Tefera Tesfaye Lemma , Beshir Bedru , Aweke Chanyalew Seyoum
Published: August 2023

Recently, due attention was given to commercialization of smallholder agriculture through contact farming hoping that it would bring positive impact on income of smallholder produces in Ethiopia. This article presents the results of data analysis conducted to generate empirical data required to inform smallholder agricultural commercialization policy using data collected from 424 (194 participants and 230 non-participants) randomly selected vegetables producer farmers from two districts of the East shewa zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The propensity score matching was used to assess the impact of contract farming on smallholder farmers’ income in the study area. The probit model result shows that the proportion of total crop area allocated to vegetables, access to credit, frequency of extension contacts, market information, and distance of the market center have a positive and significance effects on decision of vegetable producers to participate on contract farming. The impact assessment result using PSM reveals that gross annual income of contract participants is lower by 3.8% (Birr 2,942) compared to the non- participants. This may due to the nature of contract itself, being prone to manipulation, absence of effective contract enforcement mechanism, and lack of government support. However, some of the contract farming participants would like to continue to access inputs, credit, and technical advice and to reduce marketing risks and uncertainty. In conclusion, contract farming is a useful institutional arrangement which increases smallholders’ income and benefit from remunerative value chains but it is not a panacea that works in different contexts. Hence, policy makers should base their choices on empirical evidence and consider alternative and complementary intervention options to enhance smallholder commercialization and ensure sustainable livelihood in the research area.