bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indexing and segment-level mapping of soil quality in a spatially complex watershed in northern Iran
Authors: Aghalari Fatemeh , Chavoshi Elham , Borujeni Sattar Chavoshi
Published: October 2023

Soil quality (SQ) modeling and mapping is a leading research field aiming to provide reproducible and cost-effective yet accurate SQ predictions at the landscape level. This endeavor was conducted in a complex watershed in northern Iran. We classified the region into spectrally and topographically homogenous land units (average area of 48 ± 23 ha) using object-based segmentation analysis. Following the physicochemical analysis of soil samples from 98 stations, the Nemoro soil quality index (SQIn) was produced using the minimum dataset procedure and a non-linear sigmoid scoring function. SQIn values averaged 0.21 ± 0.06 and differed statistically between major land uses. To predict and map SQIn for each land unit, the best-performing regression model (F(3, 84) = 45.57, p = 0.00, R2 = 0.617) was built based on the positive contribution of the mean Landsat 8-OLI band-5, and negative influence of land surface temperature retrieved from Landsat 8-OLI band 10 and surface slope (T-test p-values < 0.01). Results showed that dense-canopy woodlands located in low-slope land units exhibit higher SQIn while regions characterized by either low-vegetation or steep-sloped land units had SQ deficits. This study provides insights into SQ prediction and mapping across spatially complex large-scale landscapes.
Efficacy of Orthokeratology Combined with Low-level Red Light in the Treatment of Myopia in Children
Authors: Li Zhaosheng , Lin Qi , Liu Xi , Zhang Liping , Wang Ying , Jie Ying , Li Li
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the three-month efficacy of single-vision spectacle(SVS) and orthokeratology(OK lenses) combined with low-level red light (LLRL) treatment in myopic children.
Methods
117 subjects from December 2022 to March 2023 were selected. The subjects groups included 30 cases in the SVS group, 30 cases in the OK lenses group, 30 cases in the SVS combined with LLRL(SVS-LLRL) group, and 27 cases in the OK lenses combined with LLRL(OK-LLRL) group. The amount of AL change and the effectiveness rate of myopia control in three months were compared among the subjects in the four groups.
Results
The growth of the AL in the SVS group was significantly higher compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the changes of AL between the OK lenses group and the SVS-LLRL group (P > 0.05). However, the changes in AL between the OK lenses group and the OK-LLRL group were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05), The changes in AL between the SVS-LLRL group and OK-LLRL group were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The SVS group had the lowest effective rate, with a statistically significant difference in effective rate compared to the other three groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in effective rate among the OK lenses group, the SVS-LLRL group, and the OK-LLRL group.
Conclusion
The short-term efficacy of using both SVS and OK lenses combined with LLRL in treating myopic children surpasses that of the original single measure. Additionally, the short-term efficacy of SVS combined with LLRL treatment is comparable to that of OK lenses.
WITHDRAWN: Analysis of factors related to recanalization of portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: shi yali , Feng Wanlin , Cai Jiaman , Wang Zhonglin , Pu Ying , Mao Weiting , Zhan Ke , Chen Daorong
Published: October 2023

Background Portal vein thrombosis（PVT） is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, yet there are fewer studies about predictors of PVT recanalization. We aimed to further explore the predictors of recanalization in cirrhotic PVT to facilitate accurate prediction of patients' clinical status and timely initiation of appropriate treatment and interventions. We also further investigated the benefits and risks of anticoagulation therapy in patients with cirrhotic PVT are further investigated.
Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients with cirrhotic PVT in our hospital between January 2016 and December 2022, The primary endpoint was to analyze predictors of PVT recanalization by COX regression. Others included bleeding rate, liver function, and mortality.
Results This study included a total of 82 patients, with 30 in the recanalization group and 52 in the non-recanalization group. Anticoagulation therapy was the only independent protective factor for portal vein thrombosis recanalization and the independent risk factors included massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main trunk width of the portal vein. Anticoagulation therapy was associated with a significantly higher rate of PVT recanalization (75.9% vs. 20%, log-rank P <0.001) and a lower rate of PVT progression (6.9% vs. 54.7%, log-rank P=0.002). There was no significant difference between different anticoagulation regimens for PVT recanalization. Anticoagulation therapy did not increase the incidence of bleeding complications(P=0.407). At the end of the study follow-up, Child-Pugh classification, Meld score, and albumin level were better in the anticoagulation group than in the non-anticoagulation group. There was no significant difference in 2-year survival between the two groups.
Conclusion Anticoagulation, massive ascites, history of splenectomy, Child-Pugh B/C class, and main portal vein width were associated with portal vein thrombosis recanalization. Anticoagulation may increase the rate of PVT recanalization and decrease the rate of PVT progression without increasing the rate of bleeding. Anticoagulation may be beneficial in improving liver function in patients with PVT in cirrhosis.
Resistance of Vitis germplasm to anthracnose in Southern Brazil
Authors: Menon Jéssica Karine , Modesto Lenon Romano , Bogo¹ Amauri , Guginski-Piva¹ Claudia Aparecida , Jurgensen Tiago S , Ritschel Patricia Silva , Welter Leocir José
Published: October 2023

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects all parts of grapevine in warm and humid regions of the world. The present study aimed to assess 13 Vitis spp. germplasm accessions for resistance to grapevine anthracnose, caused by E. ampelina in southern Brazil, during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 growing seasons. Anthracnose incidence and severity were assessed biweekly under natural infection from budburst (October – BBCH-09) until flowering (November – BBCH-63). The accessions were compared based on the following epidemiological parameters: a) beginning of symptoms appearance (BSA), b) time to reach the maximum disease incidence and severity (TRMDI and TRMDS), c) maximum disease incidence and severity (Imax, Smax), and d) areas under incidence and severity disease progress curves (AUIDPC and AUSDPC). Additionally, histological analyses and quantification of hydrogen peroxide production were conducted with the less and high susceptible accessions to anthracnose. In general, there was significant difference in estimated epidemiological parameters according to accessions. The principal parameters that differentiated accessions were Imax, Smax, AUIDPC, and AUSDPC. V. berlandieri, V. shuttleworthii, V. candicans, and Baco 1 and V. thunbergii and V. betulifolia were the less and high susceptible accessions to anthracnose, respectively. V. thunbergii and V. betulifolia showed the highest Imax, Smax, AUIDPC, and AUSDPC when compared to the less susceptible V. berlandieri, V. shuttleworthii, and V. candicans. Additionally, V. betulifolia exhibited higher cell death in leaf tissues around the E. ampelina infected points than V. shuttleworthii. The variation in susceptibility level to anthracnose among accessions can be utilized in further grapevine breeding programs.
Application of Machine Learning on Hydrate formation prediction of pure components with water and inhibitors solution
Authors: Nasir Qazi , Suleman Humbul , Wameath S Abdul
Published: October 2023

Determining gas hydrate formation conditions with pure water and presence of inhibitors are Indispensable for ensuring efficient management of hydrate in various processes such as flow assurance, deepwater drilling, and the advancement of hydrate-based technology. Current work utilizes five machine learning algorithms that are used in the development of prediction models for estimating the temperature of hydrate formation of pure components with pure water and with the addition of inhibitors. The machine learning algorithm tested in this study is the KNN (k-Nearest Neighbor), DTR (Decision Tree Regressor), GBR (Gradient Boosting Regressor), RFR (Random Forest Regressor), and XGBR (Extreme Gradient Boosting Regressor). The model was trained and tested using a comprehensive dataset comprising 3029 experimental data points sourced from various literature sources. The experimental data pertaining to methane, ethane, propane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen were examined within a temperature range spanning from 148.8 to 323.9 K while maintaining a pressure not exceeding 1000 MPa. k-Nearest Neighbor emerges as the most accurate predictor among the five machine learning methods, boasting an impressive R2 score of 0.983 and a commendable AARD value of 0.267. Hence, the k-Nearest Neighbor regression method proves to be a reliable technique for forecasting the conditions under which hydrate formation occurs in pure components mixed with water and inhibitors.
High anti-corrosion barrier of poly(methyl methacrylate))-silica coatings explained: a thousand-days study
Authors: Uvida Mayara Carla , Trentin Andressa , Pulcinelli Sandra Helena , Santilli Celso Valentim , Hammer Peter
Published: October 2023

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-silica coatings form a few micrometers thick anti-corrosive barrier that blocks the permeation of water and ions when exposed to harsh environments. Their excellent anti-corrosive performance stands out for protecting steel and aluminum alloys immersed in seawater for long periods (> 2 years), making them compliant to several applications in the marine, aeronautical, and automotive industries, for example. A key approach to understanding the degradation of high-performance polymer and hybrid coatings over time consists of analyzing their water uptake-induced structural changes. This work is the first to examine in detail the uptake and structural modification of PMMA-silica coatings on AA2024 and AA7075 Al alloys immersed over a period of more than 1000 days in 0.6 M NaCl solution, using several complementary methods. Gravimetry, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to monitor the evolution of coated samples. The structural analysis performed using nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron and atomic force microscopies before and after immersion indicate a slight leaching-induced surface roughening due to Si-O-Si hydrolysis. These findings comply with water uptake profiles calculated using the coating permittivity extracted from EIS data. The remarkable barrier property with impedance modulus in the GΩ range is associated with low uptake values (~ 0.6 vol.%) that can be explained by the highly cross-linked hybrid structure, which results in a very low permeation rate of the electrolyte towards the coating/alloy interface. The applied methodology is of crucial importance for establishing a standardized analysis for high-performance barrier coatings used for technological applications.
FUNDNA Software for Computing Mathematical Functions by DNA
Authors: Huse Jackson , Salehi Sayed Ahmad , Ahmadi Mahdi , Naeini Mohammadreza Tavasoli
Published: October 2023

Chemical reaction networks (CRNs) are commonly used as a design and modeling language for molecular computing. Thanks to the advancement of biotechnology, the implementation of more complex molecular computing circuits becomes feasible that makes generating efficient CRNs for these circuits difficult. This paper presents the development of a software tool, called FUNDNA, that automates the design of CRNs for computing mathematical functions. The generated CRNs can be mapped to DNA reactions using existing software tools. FUNDNA receives target mathematical functions from its user, approximates them by McLaurin series, and rearranges the series such that they can be transferred to a cascade of molecular AND/NAND (M-AND/M-NAND) units. To transfer the rearranged series into M-AND/M-NAND units, the software forms a connected graph of inputs, output, and the units using terms in the series. Each unit is then replaced by four reactions to generate the desired computing CRN. The computation is based on fractional encoding, where pairs of molecules are used to represent input and output variables. While individual units compute multiplication of their inputs the whole cascade performs the desired computation. We validated the software tool for 14 different functions. We mapped the generated CRNs into DNA reactions and the simulation results for different functions show that the tool can achieve computing CRNs with mean square error less than \(3.52\times {10}^{-4}\).
In Vivo Study of Newly Developed Albumin-Conjugated Urate Oxidase for Gout Treatment
Authors: Cho Jeonghaeng , Yang Byungseop , Lee Jae Hun , Kim Hyunwoo , Kim Hyeongseok , Go Eun Byeol , Bak Dong-ho , Park Su Jin , Kwon Inchan , Lee Kyunghee
Published: October 2023

Background: Exogenously providing engineered Uox with enhanced half-life is one of the important urate-lowering treatments for gout. The potential of PAT101, a recombinant human albumin (rHA)-conjugated variant, was evaluated and compared as a novel gout treatment through various in vivo studies with PAT101 and competing drugs.
Methods: PAT101 was produced by site-specific conjugation of rHA and Aspergillus flavus Uox (AfUox-rHA) through clickable non-natural amino acid (frTet) and Inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction. In vivo pharmacokinetics, efficacy tests and in vitro immunogenetic assay were performed after single or multiple doses of PAT101 and its competitors in BALB/c mice, Transgenic (TG) mice, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and non-human primate (NHP).
Results: The half-life of PAT101 in single dose treated TG mice was more than doubled compared to pegloticase. In SD-rats with 4 weeks repeated administration of rasburicase, only 24% of Uox activity remained, whereas in PAT101, it was maintained by 86%. In the Uox KO model, the survival rate of PAT101 was comparable to that of pegloticase. In addition, human PBMC-based CD4+/CD8+ T-cell activation analysis demonstrated that PAT101 has a lower immune response compared to the original drug, rasburicase.
Conclusion: All results suggest that this rHA conjugated AfUox, PAT101, can be provided as a reliable source of Uox for gout treatment.
Physiological measurements of passengers in self-driving cars encountering unexpected road events
Authors: Palatinus Zsolt , Volosin Márta , Dudás Zsolt , Lukovics Miklós , Majó-Petri Zoltán , Prónay Szabolcs , Lengyel Henrietta , Szalay Zsolt
Published: October 2023

In a preliminary analysis investigating the EEG and eye movement patterns of car passengers’ significant differences were reported in human driven and self-driving trials [15]. The differences suggested a preference and lower levels of anxiety in human driven conditions. The aim of the study reported here was to relate these differences to unexpected road events in real life passenger experience. These events were quick path corrections due to unforeseen obstacles on the path (deer and human shaped dummies). Every passenger went through both human and self-driving trials. The order of trials was balanced. Besides EEG and eye movements head movements and blinking frequencies were also recorded. Overall EEG and eye-tracking results were comparable to the preliminary findings showing the same overall differences between conditions. Analyses targeting the unexpected events showed moderate affective preferences for human drivers in the EEG data. Analyses of eye movements and head movements revealed larger multifractal spectrum differences for events vs smooth travel compared to human vs self-driving conditions. Blinking frequencies during the trip were lower during unexpected events, indicating higher levels of alertness.
Immersive Virtual Reality Enhanced Reinforcement Induced Physical Therapy (EVEREST) A pilot case–control study of virtual reality-enhanced upper limb rehabilitation for stroke survivors
Authors: Altukhaim Samirah , Sakabe Naoko , Nagaratnam Kirubananthan , Mannava Neelima , Kondo Toshiyuki , Hayashi Yoshikatsu
Published: October 2023

Motor impairment of the upper limb after a stroke is common, which negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. New technologies have been applied to stroke rehabilitation alongside conventional techniques in recent years. For example, immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a new treatment approach for stroke rehabilitation, simulating real-life activities to work on self-care skills. In this pilot study, we evaluated the efficacy of the IVR. Eighteen participants were randomized to an IVR group to receive VR intervention plus physical therapy (PT) sessions or a control group to receive PT sessions alone. Participants were instructed to reach with either their affected or unaffected hand to a randomly appearing target in the VR. The movement of the virtual image of the affected upper limb was reinforced by visual feedback to the participants. Treatment effects on motor recovery were investigated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity (FM) scale, kinematic dataset, and a questionnaire to obtain information regarding the sense of agency and comments about the training sessions in the IVR environment. The IVR group exhibited significant improvements in FM scores (p < 0.05) compared with the control group, reflecting the recovery of UE motor function. The time to target in the last session reduced compared with that in the first session, indicating motor learning and recovery of the affected limb (p < 0.05). The patients were highly engaged and motivated during the sessions because they felt like they were in charge of the virtual image of their upper body. The results suggest that positive reinforcement within the IVR could encourage the motor recovery of the affected hand and may facilitate the application of motor learning and neuroplasticity principles during neurological rehabilitation.
Dynamics of scientific research on mirror neuron system
Authors: Peyre Hugo , Yailian Alexandre , Dumas Guillaume , Gauld Christophe
Published: October 2023

Over 30 years, research into the Mirror Neuron System (MNS) has flourished, but criticisms emerged in 2014 regarding its role in empathy, mind-reading, and psychiatric disorders. One would expect that these criticisms to be considered with a time lag in the field of psychiatry because they were not originally formulated in the field of psychiatry. We found no time lag in publications on the social-cognition hypothesis between the peaks of publications on psychiatric disorders and all the other publications (both peaks in June 2014). Our findings indicate an effective knowledge dissemination between psychiatric research and other research fields.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aremu Abdulmujeeb Babatunde , Afolabi Ismail Bamidele , Odongo Owino Alfred , Shehzad Sheeraz , Khan Khalid S.
Published: October 2023

Background
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) decrease productivity. The objective of this systematic review was to estimate the regional prevalence of MSD among healthcare professionals in Africa.
Methods
After prospective registration (PROSPERO CRD42023455517), a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar in August 2023. Observational studies that reported the prevalence of MSDs among healthcare professionals were included. Studies were assessed for risk of bias in duplicate. The data were pooled using random effects models to estimate the prevalence of MSD with 95% confidence interval (CI) and I2 statistic captured heterogeneity.
Results
From 17,322 citations, 18 studies (4486 participants) were included. Of these, 8 (44%) were high-quality studies and 10 (56%) medium-quality. The overall pooled prevalence of MSDs was 70.8% (95% CI 61.9–78.961.9–78.9, I2 97.5%). The regional prevalence of MSDs in East Africa was 68.7% (95% CI 58.4–78.1, I2 94.9%; 7 studies, 1885 participants); West Africa 72.0% (95% CI 53.2–87.4, I2 95.8%; 4 studies, 604 participants); South Africa 61.6% (95% CI 53.0–70.0, I2 77.5%; 3 studies, 681 participants); and, North Africa 79.6% (95% CI 50.6–97.5, I2 99.2%; 4 studies, 1316 participants). The prevalence of MSDs among different professional groupings was: Physiotherapists 89.8% (95% CI 74.3–98.6, I2 97.4%; 4 studies, 1061 participants); Nurses 65.3% (95% CI 55.2–74.8, I2 65.3%; 8 studies, 2239 participants); Dentists 67.8% (95% CI 58.2–76.7, I2 87.5%; 4 studies, 827 participants); and, Medical laboratory staff 52.8% (95% CI 43.6–61.9, I2 52.8%; 2 studies, 359 participants).
Conclusion
Pooling studies of mixed quality revealed a high prevalence of MSD among healthcare professionals in Africa. This meta-analysis will help in regional occupational healthcare policy and prevention programs among various healthcare professions.
Analysis of different expression RBP genes in mouse microglia cell from the brains of mice 72h after subarachnoid hemorrhage or sham operation
Authors: Pan Xinyi , Ouyang Hengyang , Xiao Xue , Zhou Xiaobing , Lai Lingfeng
Published: October 2023

Background
The prognosis of brain injury caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is poor. Previous studies showed that abnormal function of RBPs might be involved in brain injury, neuroinflammation and further affect microglia homeostasis. However, no studies have systematically analyzed the genome-wide abnormal expression of RBPs genes in microglia during SAH.
Methods
RNA-seq data of microglia from the SAH mouse group (SAH) and control sham-operated mouse group (sham) were downloaded from the GEO database in GSE167957, including four samples from the sham group and four samples from the SAH group for subsequent analysis. Further analysis of differentially expressed RBPs and differential ASEs between the SAH and sham groups revealed the potential mechanism of the role of aberrantly expressed RBPs in microglia during brain injury in SAH.
Results
ASEs and co-expression analyses of differentially expressed RBPs and differential ASEs were carried out in microglia in terms of gene expression. GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis showed that aberrantly expressed RBPs such as Mcm7, Mtdh, SRSF3, and Hnrnpa2b1 may affect and regulate downstream Csnk1d, Uckl1 and other protein phosphorylation-related genes by alterative splicing.
Conclusion
RBPs were aberrantly expressed in microglia during the development of brain injury secondary to SAH, regulating alterative splicing of downstream genes and influencing the progression of SAH brain injury in this study. This implies that RBPs are important for the identification of new therapeutic targets for brain injury after SAH.
The Sun’s Large-Scale Flows I: Measurements of Differential Rotation & Torsional Oscillation Solar Physics
Authors: Mahajan Sushant S. , Upton Lisa A. , Antia H. M. , Basu Sarbani , DeRosa Marc L. , Webber Shea A. Hess , Hoeksema J. Todd , Jain Kiran , Komm Rudolf W. , Larson Tim , Nagovitsyn Yury A. , Pevtsov Alexei A. , Roudier Thierry , Tripathy Sushanta C. , Ulrich Roger K. , Zhao Junwei
Published: October 2023

We have developed a comprehensive catalog of the variable differential rotation measured near the solar photosphere. This catalog includes measurements of these flows obtained using several techniques: direct Doppler, granule tracking, magnetic pattern tracking, global helioseismology as well as both time-distance and ring-diagram methods of local helioseismology. We highlight historical differential rotation measurements to provide context and thereafter provide a detailed comparison of the MDI-HMI-GONG-Mt. Wilson overlap period (April 2010-Jan 2011) and investigate the differences between velocities obtained from different techniques and attempt to explain discrepancies. A comparison of the rotation rate obtained by magnetic pattern tracking with the rotation rates obtained using local and global helioseismic techniques shows that magnetic pattern tracking measurements correspond to helioseismic flows located at a depth of 25 to 28 Mm. In addition, we show the torsional oscillation from sunspot cycles 23 and 24 and discuss properties that are consistent across measurement techniques. We find that acceleration derived from torsional oscillation is a better indicator of long-term trends in torsional oscillation compared to the residual velocity magnitude. Finally, this analysis will pave the way toward nderstanding systematic effects associated with various flow measurement techniques and enable more accurate determination of the global patterns of flows and their regular and irregular variations.
A Multi-Site Phase I Trial of Veliparib with Standard Radiation and Temozolomide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Authors: Kleinberg Lawrence , Ye Xiaobu , Supko Jeff , Stevens Glenn H.J. , Shu Hui-Kuo , Mikkelsen Tom , Lieberman Frank , Lesser Glenn , Lee Emerson , Grossman Stuart
Published: October 2023

Purpose
A multi-site Phase I trial was conducted to determine the safety, maximum tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of Veliparib, a Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase [PARP] enzyme inhibitor, when administered with temozolomide (TMZ) alone and then with temozolomide and radiation (RT) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
Methods
Given the potential for myelosuppression when a PARP inhibitor is combined with chemotherapy, the first 6 patients accrued were given Veliparib 10 mg bid and TMZ 75 mg/m2/d daily for six weeks. If this was well tolerated, the same doses of Veliparib and TMZ would be tested along with standard radiation with plans to dose escalate the Veliparib in subsequent patient cohorts. Once a maximal tolerated dose was determined, a 78 patient phase II study was planned. Peripheral blood pharmacokinetics were assessed.
Results
Twenty-four patients were enrolled. In the first 6 patients who received 6 weeks of TMZ with Veliparib only one dose limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred. The next 12 patients received 6 weeks of RT + TMZ + veliparib and 4/12 (33%) had dose limiting hematologic toxicities. As a result, Veliparib was reduced by 50% to 10 mg BID every other week, but again 3/3 patients had dose limiting hematologic toxicities. The trial was then terminated. The mean clearance (± SD) CL/F of Veliparib for the initial dose (27.0 ± 9.0 L/h, n = 16) and at steady-state for 10 mg BID (23.5 ± 10.4 L/h, n = 18) were similar. Accumulation for BID dosing was 56% (± 33%).
Conclusions
Although Veliparib 10 mg BID administered with TMZ 75 mg/m2 for six weeks was well tolerated, when this regimen was combined with standard partial brain irradiation it was severely myelosuppressive even when the dose was reduced by 50%. This study again highlights the potential of localized cranial radiotherapy to significantly increase hematologic toxicity of marginally myelosuppressive systemic therapies.
Analysis of the genomic sequences and metabolites of Bacillus velezensis YA215 with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Yu FuTian , Shen YuanYuan , Chen ShangLi , Fan HeLiang , Pang YiYang , Liu MingYuan , Peng JingJing , Pei XiaoDong , Liu XiaoLing
Published: October 2023

Discovering more novel antimicrobial compounds has become an keen research problem. In this study, YA215 genome was sequenced by the Illumina HiSeq + PacBio sequencing platform. Genome assembly was performed by Unicycler software and the gene clusters responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis were predicted by antiSMASH. The genome comprised 3976514 bp and had a 46.56% G + C content. 3809 coding DNA sequences, 27 rRNAs, 86 tRNAs genes and 79 sRNA were predicted. Strain YA215 was re-identified as Bacillus velezensis based on ANI and OrthoANI analysis. In the COG database, 23 functional groups from 3090 annotations were predicted. In the GO database, 2654 annotations were predicted. 2486 KEGG annotations linked 41 metabolic pathways. Glycosyl transferases, polysaccharide lyases, auxiliary activities, glycoside hydrolases, carbohydrate esterases and carbohydrate-binding modules were predicted among the 127 annotations in the CAZy database. AntiSMASH analysis predicted that strain B. velezensis YA215 boasted 13 gene clusters involved in synthesis of antimicrobial secondary metabolites including surfactin, fengycin, macrolactin H, bacillaene, difficidin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, and plantazolicin. Three of the gene clusters (gene cluster 5, gene cluster 9 and gene cluster 10) have the potential to synthesize unknown compounds. The research findings have the potential to contribute significantly to the development of natural novel compounds with antimicrobial activity in B. velezensis YA215.
Kinetics and Modeling of Osmotic Dehydration of Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) using a Low- calorie Sugar
Authors: Lobe Elias Eyembe , Nde Divine Bup , Jean Sonchieu
Published: October 2023

The study was aimed at evaluating the influence of process variableon mass transfer parameters; water loss (WL) and solute gain (SG) on osmotic dehydration of plantain (Musa paradisiaca) in low calorie sugar solution. Fully matured unripe plantain fruits of the ´´False Horn´´ cultivar were peeled and sliced into thicknesses of 2.5, 5 and 10mm. The slices were immersed in the commercial low-calorie sugar solutionsof concentrations 12.5, 25 and 50% and varying sample /solution ratio (1:5, 1:10 and 1:20) at room temperature (27 ± 2). To investigate the effect of temperature, plantain slices of thickness 5mm were immersed in low calorie sugar solution of concentration 12.5 and sample/solution ratio 1:20 at temperatures 30, 40 and 50°C. The water WL and SG of the slices under the different experimental conditions were measured at various time intervals (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140min). The kinetics of the osmotic dehydration was modeled using the Azuara, Peleg and Page models.Plantain slice of thickness 5mm, low-calorie sugar solution concentration of 50% at temperature 40°C, and a sample/solution ratio of 1:20 was judged best for osmotic treatment of plantains in low-calorie sugar solution.The Peleg model best described the dehydration kinetics with the highest R2(> 0.999) and the least RMSE.
Edge Manipulations for the Maximum Vertex-Weighted Bipartite b-matching
Authors: Auricchio Gennaro , Ma Qun , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2023

MDFS, and MAP – that, given an MVbM problem as input, return a b-matching. We weighted b-Matching (MVbM) problem on bipartite graphs(A∪T,E). The setAcomprises agents,whileTrepresents tasks. The set E, which connectsAandT, is the private information of either agents or tasks. In this framework, we investigate three mechanisms – MBFS, MDFS, and MAP– that, given an MVbM problem as input, return a b-matching. We examine scenarios in which either agents or tasks are strategic and report their adjacent edges to one of the three mechanisms. In both cases, we assume that the strategic entities are bounded by their statements: they can hide edges, but they cannot report edges that do not exist. First, we consider the case in which agents can manipulate. In this framework,MBFSand MDFSare optimal but not truthful. By characterizing the Nash Equilibria induced by MBFSand MDFS, we reveal that both mechanisms have a Price of Anarchy(PoA)and Price of Stability(PoS)of 2. These efficiency guarantees are tight; no deterministic mechanism can achieve a lowerPoAorPoS. In contrast, the third mechanism, MAP, is not optimal, but truthful and its approximation ratio is 2. We demonstrate that this ratio is optimal; no deterministic and truthful mechanism can outperform it. We then shift our focus to scenarios where tasks can exhibit strategic behaviour. In this case,MBFS,MDFS, and MAPall maintain truthfulness, making MBFS and MDFStruthful and optimal mechanisms. In conclusion, we investigate the manipulability of MBFS and MDFSthrough experiments on randomly generated graphs. We observe that (i) MBFSis less prone to be manipulated by the first agent than MDFS; (ii) MBFSis more manipulable on instances in which the total capacity of the agents is equal to the number of tasks; (iii) randomizing the agents’ order reduces the agents’ ability to manipulate MBFS.
The effect of tropicamide 0.5% versus tropicamide 1% on intraocular pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sadr Navid Elmi , Mirsharif Seyyedeh Sedigheh , Lavvaf Samaneh , Hariri Ramyar
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To assess and compare the effects of tropicamide 0.5% and tropicamide 1% on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods: A total of 98 eyes of 98 diabetic patients were included in this double-masked randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either tropicamide 0.5% (49 eyes) or tropicamide 1% (49 eyes). IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry; PD was measured by Pentacam HR (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), before and 30 min after tropicamide administration.
Results: Mean PD change and IOP change was 2.99 ± 0.62 mm and 0.12 ± 1.71 mm Hg in tropicamide 0.5% group, and was 3.11 ± 0.55 mm and 0.25 ± 1.70 mm Hg in tropicamide 1% group, with no significant difference (P = 0.31, P = 0.72, respectively). No participants had IOP increase of 5 mm Hg or more.
Conclusion: The effect of tropicamide 0.5% and tropicamide 1% drops on IOP and PD was similar. Mydriasis with tropicamide did not result in significant IOP change.
Developing an Automated Analysis System of Lexical Richness for Chinese As a Second Language Text
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ma Rong
Published: October 2023

Lexical richness is an essential construct in second language writing research. The existing method to measure lexical richness in Chinese as a second language (CSL) research is inaccurate and time-consuming, which reduces the reliability and comparability of research conclusions and limits sample sizes. The present study develops a lexical richness automated analysis system for CSL text (i.e. the LRAAS) that can process CSL text documents in batches and produce fifteen main indices of lexical richness. The LRAAS has shown high reliability and accuracy in calculating the lexical richness of CSL text by comparing artificial and automated calculation results with different Chinese proficiency levels. Furthermore, the LRAAS will achieve greater accuracy as the lexicon and dynamic corpus training data expand. At present, the LRAAS is a reliable tool for CSL researchers analyzing learners’ lexical richness and has several potential applications in the field.
Mining-Business: Analysis of the Socio-Environmental Impacts of an Environmental Disaster in the City of Maceió, Brazil
Authors: Filho Walter Araujo Lima , Levino Natallya Almeida , Guanieri Patrícia
Published: October 2023

In mid-2018, several neighbourhoods in Maceió, Brazil were affected by soil subsidence in the region. Since then, unprecedented developments and consequences have been observed in the affected areas. Against this backdrop, the study aims to analyse the socio-environmental impacts suffered by the five neighbourhoods affected by subsidence from rock salt extraction in the municipality of Maceió. We collected secondary data from documents (Geological Survey studies, information made available by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, Compensation Plan, Terms of Agreement, Socio-urban Action Plan, Environmental Impact Study, Study of the economic impact of the disaster) to assess the socio-environmental impacts caused by the socio-environmental disaster. The results highlight the complexity of the effects, since they were observed from the perspective of the physical, biotic and anthropic environments. In addition, it is clear that these impacts were relevant and important from the specialists' point of view and when analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study also constated that it is pertinent to take measures to mitigate the impacts indicated as possible through integration between public authorities and the mining company. These results can be relevant for practitioners and policymakers involved in decisions related to mining operations.
Design, implementation and evaluation of e-learning program for common diseases to smartphone-based medical students: at a Developing University
Authors: niromand Elham , Mansoory Meysam Siyah , Ramezani Ghobad , Khazaei Mohammad Rasool
Published: October 2023

Objective Mobile-based educational software offers a wealth of resources that can foster the growth of learners and facilitate the creation of an interactive learning environment. This environment encourages both students and instructors to engage in exploration and the examination of various medical issues. The objective of this study is to design, implement, and evaluate an electronic educational program focused on common medical conditions, specifically tailored for medical students and accessible through mobile phones. Method The study was conducted following an action research approach, which comprised four key stages: needs assessment, application design, training, and evaluation. This research took place at the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences' Medical School. In the needs assessment phase, a formal survey was distributed to the teaching faculty members, requesting them to identify diseases and medical issues of high importance for medical interns' education that were suitable for virtual teaching. Each faculty member was asked to prioritize a minimum of three and a maximum of seven cases. Subsequently, 10 faculty members from various departments completed the survey, leading to the identification of 47 common diseases after eliminating duplicates. These 47 cases were then presented to 30 medical interns, who were asked to select the 20 most significant cases. The 20 diseases with the highest statistical frequency were selected for further development due to resource constraints. The mobile application was developed for the Android platform using the Java programming language and the Android Studio development environment. To assess the application's effectiveness from the students' perspective, a questionnaire was designed, encompassing 25 questions across five domains: satisfaction, performance, learning, usability, and educational effectiveness. The questionnaire employed a Likert scale, with response options ranging from 'completely disagree' to 'completely agree,' scored from 1 to 5. One hundred medical interns and trainees were invited to participate in the evaluation, with 92 of them completing the questionnaires. Results The findings revealed a significant disparity in the average scores between students who underwent traditional teaching methods and those who engaged in mobile-based app-assisted education. This discrepancy was statistically significant across all three examined components. Conclusion Mobile-based learning represents a burgeoning educational approach with profound implications for healthcare education and the enhancement of patient care quality. The widespread integration of mobile phones into the educational framework offers a flexible teaching paradigm, fostering the potential for continuous lifelong learning.
Study of Anesthesia Agents Used for Ophthalmic Surgery
Authors: Fahed Aya mohammad nabeel , Jubran Wafaa Muafaq , Rekmani Najwa fajr
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim:
Selecting an anesthetic agent for ophthalmic surgery has crucial implications for the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and patient, this study explores the common classes of anesthesia used in ophthalmology and the influence of age, gender, duration of surgery, surgical and comorbid antecedents, and type of surgery on those techniques.
Methods and material:
A cross-sectional descriptive study, in Damascus Hospital between 1/6/2023 and 11/8/2023. 100 male and female patients were collected to be included in the study, according to certain inclusion and exclusion criteria, and several statistical methods were used to explain and clarify the results.
Results
We studied a group of valuable results and found that the average age of patients (54.61 ± 18.584) and the average age of the group of anesthesia patients (retrobulbar and sub conjunctival block) (63.41 ± 10.057 years) (P-value = 0.000), and according to gender (54% males, 46% females) and the ratio of the use of anesthesia (retrobulbar and sub conjunctival block) among males to females (38% / 26%) and general anesthesia (12% / 15%) (P-value = 0.391), and it was found that the average duration of surgery was (50.23 ± 22.811 minutes), the average duration of surgery for anesthesia patients (retrobulbar and sub conjunctival block) (45.16 ± 12.311 minutes) (P-value = 0.003), the percentage of surgery (elective/ emergency) (95% / 5%), most patients The paramedics were given general anesthesia (P-value = 0.007).
Conclusion
Anesthetizing the eye has rapidly evolved in recent years, supporting the safety, efficacy and comfort of ocular surgery. Since there are many viable options of anesthetics available for ophthalmic surgery, a robust understanding of the patients’ needs, the skill of the surgical team, and surgery-specific factors ought to be considered when creating an anesthetic plan for surgery.
Hot Mess: Heatwave Effects on Controlled-release Fertilizer
Authors: Nackley Lloyd , McCauley Dalyn , Scagel Carolyn
Published: October 2023

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) are water-soluble pellets of homo- or heterogenous mineral nutrients covered with polymer or resin that become increasingly porous as temperature increases, releasing water-soluble fertilizer through diffusion. An experiment was carried out at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center located in Aurora, OR, USA (lat. 45°16′51″N, long. 122°45′04″W) with six fertilizer concentrations of a CRF fertilizer that was designed to last 6 to 7 months at 70 °F. During the experiment, the Pacific Northwest experienced a series of early-summer (June) heatwaves that caused an unanticipated and excessive release of mineral salts. Extreme weather adaptation strategies are necessary to sustain horticultural production in a period with increased temperature volatility.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND SCREENING USING BSE, CBE AND CLINICAL FOLLOW UP AMONG RURAL WOMEN OF TRIPURA, NORTH-EAST INDIA
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department Of Pathology, AGMC & GBP Hospital., Bhattacharjee Kulashekhar , Saha Diya ,   3rdYear Post Graduate Trainee, Department Of Pathology, AGMC & GBP Hospital., Das Rituparna ,   Associate Professor, Department Of Community Medicine, AGMC & GBP Hospital.
Published: October 2023

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity and mortality among females around the globe. In India its the second most common cancer in females which is chiefly attributed to lack of knowledge on breast cancer and Breast Self Examination (BSE) especially among rural women. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of awareness on breast cancer, BSE and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) of rural women having breast problems and their follow up. Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the rural area around AGMC, Agartala, Tripura among the women. The data was collected by social workers from door to door using a predesigned questionnaire covering various aspects. Brief talk on awareness and BSE was given in form of on-site group discussions. Results: Out of 774 participants, majority belonged to the age group of 40-50 years having school level education(46.8%), married(88.5%), home maker(54.6%), below poverty line (58.8%). Most common electronic source of information were television/radio(75.4%). Most of them identified family history(72.7%) as risk factor & breast lump(100%) as most common symptom of breast cancer. Lacking knowledge about BSE(40.3%) was identified as an important barrier for conducting it. Only 17.8% practiced BSE. Conclusions: This study showed that the overall knowledge of breast cancer and BSE is inadequate and insufficient which warrants effective sensitization by public health education/programmes thus enhancing the knowledge and prevention strategies. This will help in early detection of breast cancer thus reducing morbidity, mortality and burden of disease.
MULTI-CRITERIA OPTIMIZATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON DEMAND
Authors:   LASTIC, African Higher School of Information and Communication Technologies (ESATIC)., Kpinna Tiekoura Coulibaly , Abdou Maiga ,   UFRMI, Felix HouphouetBoigny University (UFHB)., Koffi Kanga ,   LASTIC, African Higher School of Information and Communication Technologies (ESATIC)., Moustapha Diaby ,   LASTIC, African Higher School of Information and Communication Technologies (ESATIC).
Published: October 2023

With economic development, we are witnessing a high intensity of road traffic in general and especially public transport in particular. Unfortunately, this situation has negative environmental and economic consequences in the urban environment. To remedy this, several research have been made to optimize this type of transport. In this paper, we propose an optimal public transport management system which minimizes different criteria including travel distance, vehicle service time and safety obstacles (radius of curvature of turns and degree of slopes). The application of our model on different datasets gives better results compared to other works.
DEVELOPMENT OF SEASONAL AUTOREGRESSIVE INTEGRATED MOVING AVERAGE MODEL WITH ERROR PROCESS
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, TalataMafara, Zamfara, Nigeria., Maihaja Ibrahim , Wasiu Babayemi Afolabi ,   Department of Mathematics, Kebbi State University, Aleiru, Kebbi, Nigeria., Onwuka G. I. ,   Department of Mathematics, Kebbi State University, Aleiru, Kebbi, Nigeria.
Published: October 2023

This research work investigated with error process. The auto covariance function maximum likelihood methods, iterative method and chi-squares test statistics is used to develop SARIMA model corrupted with error process that is used to estimate the true parameter of the SARIMA model. The forecast performance measurement and properties of error with different value are also investigated. Test of seasonal unit roots are also carried out in the work. The simulation, and real data of Zamfara state monthly Rain fall from 1998 to 2022 is used to validate the results with R - Statistical software version 4.1.1 and mini tab statistical software version 14. The result showed a significance p- value of 0.000, the proposed model provides a generalization and more flexible specification than the existing models of AR (1) error and ARMA (1,1) error in fitting time series processes in the presence of errors . Hence, the studies showed that, the finding is closely to the true parameter of the process and would be useful to researchers in the prediction and handling of natural calamities that disturb the otherwise stability of a system.