bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Computing with NbOx Mott Memristor-based Self-oscillatory pbit
Authors: Rhee Hakseung , Kim Gwangmin , Song Hanchan , Park Woojoon , Kim Do Hoon , In Jae Hyun , Kim Kyung Kim
Published: June 2023

Energy-based computing is a promising approach for solving NP-hard problems. Probabilistic computing using pbits, which can be fabricated through the semiconductor process and integrated with conventional processing units, can be an efficient candidate for fulfilling these demands. Here, we propose a novel pbit unit comprising a NbOx mott memristor-based oscillator, capable of generating probabilistic bits in a self-clocking manner. The noise-induced mott transition causes the probabilistic behavior, which can be effectively modeled using a multi-noise-induced stochastic process around the mott transition temperature. We demonstrate a memristive Boltzmann machine based on our proposed pbit and validate its feasibility by solving NP-hard problems. Furthermore, we propose a streamlined operation methodology that considers the autocorrelation of individual bits, enabling energy-efficient high-performance probabilistic computing.
Giardiasis and diarrhea in dogs: do the microbiome matter?
Authors: Kuzi Sharon , Zgairy Soha , Byrne Barbara A. , Suchodolski Jan , Turjeman Sondra C. , Park So Young , Aroch Itamar , Hong Mike , Koren Omry , Lavy Eran
Published: June 2023

Background
Giardia duodenalis (Gd) causes intestinal parasitosis; nevertheless, the intestinal microbiome involvement in determining the clinical phenotype of infection is unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate fecal microbiome features in dogs with giardiasis and included fecal samples of kenneled dogs diagnosed with Gd by fecal Giardia antigen dot ELISA. The fecal microbial compositional characteristics and the dysbiosis index (DI) were compared between diarrheic and non-diarrheic dogs.
Results
The study included 38 fecal samples of Gd-infected dogs (diarrheic, 21; non-diarrheic, 17). There were no group differences in Faith's phylogenic diversity and beta diversity (weighted UniFrac distances) and in specific taxa abundances at the phylum, genus, and species levels, as well as in alpha and beta diversities between diarrheic and non-diarrheic dogs divided by sex or age. In diarrheic dogs, alpha diversity was higher in males than in females (pairwise Kruskal-Wallis: q = 0.01). Among males, fecal abundances of the genus Clostridium (W = 19) and Clostridium spiroforme species (W = 33) were higher in diarrheic compared to non-diarrheic dogs. In diarrheic dog fecal samples, Proteobacteria were more prevalent (W = 1), while Verrucomicrobia were less prevalent, in dogs aged < 1 year than in older dogs. Fecal samples of 19 diarrheic, and 19 non-diarrheic dogs showed similar DI (median, -0.2; range, -4.3-4.5; and median, -1.0; range, -4.3-5.8, respectively).
Conclusions
The fecal microbial composition of symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs with giardiasis is similar. Based on the DI, giardiasis is not characterized by prominent dysbiosis. Other host and parasite characteristics may play important roles in determining the severity of giardiasis in dogs.
Efficacy of palliative surgery for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis who still have residual peritoneal dissemination after chemotherapy
Authors: Shinkai Masayuki , Imano Motohiro , Kohda Masashi , Nakanishi Tomoya , Hiraki Yoko , Hagi Takaomi , Kato Hiroaki , Shiraishi Osamu , Yasuda Atsushi , Tsubaki Masanobu , Nishida Shozo , Yasuda Takushi
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) are generally treated with systemic chemotherapy. When PM has disappeared because of chemotherapy, radical gastrectomy (so-called conversion surgery) is usually performed. We have previously reported the efficacy of conversion surgery, but there are no reports examining the efficacy of palliative gastrectomy for patients with residual PM after chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of palliative surgery for gastric cancer patients with PM who still have residual peritoneal dissemination after chemotherapy.
Methods
Twenty-five gastric cancer patients with PM confirmed by laparoscopy and who had received chemotherapy but who still had residual PM were included in this study. Among the 25 patients, palliative surgery was performed in 20 patients (PS group) and chemotherapy was continued in 5 patients (CTx group), and their therapeutic outcomes were compared.
Results
In the PS group, total and distal gastrectomies were performed. Clavian–Dindo grade I postoperative complications occurred in two patients (10%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Postoperative chemotherapy was performed all cases. In the PS group, the median survival time (MST) reached 22.5 months, with 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates of 95% and 45%, respectively, whereas in the CTx group, the MST was 15.8 months, and the 1- and 2-year OS rates were 60% and 0%, respectively. The PS group had significantly longer OS than the CTx group (P = 0.044).
Conclusions
Palliative surgery is safe and may prolong survival in gastric cancer patients with residual PM after chemotherapy.
Rice farmers’ knowledge and practices towards mosquitoes in irrigation schemes in Côte d’Ivoire: a qualitative study
Authors: Chan Kallista , Konan Aimé-Charles Kouadio , Doudou Dimi Théodore , Kouadio Ghislain Brou , Lines Jo , Aunger Robert , N’Guessan Raphael , Tusting Lucy
Published: June 2023

Background
Irrigated rice cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa not only brings more malaria vectors to nearby communities, but also greater malaria risk. To aid the implementation of mosquito control in rice-growing communities, it is necessary to understand how farmers view their responsibility towards mosquito generation and whether they are interested in coordinating to minimise it.
Methods
Qualitative methods (observation grids, semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) were used to reveal the perceptions of mosquitoes and their control in two irrigated rice farming communities in central Côte d’Ivoire near the M’bé and Lokapli irrigation schemes.
Results
All rice farmers viewed mosquitoes as severe nuisances, and most acknowledged that they caused djèkouadjo (malaria) and were less numerous during harmattan (dry season). Many study participants believed that mosquitoes originated from grasses and stagnant water around villages. Only those living closer in proximity (~1 km) to the paddies believed that mosquitoes came from the ­bas-fonds(irrigated lowlands). However, they did not associate mosquito production with rice cultivation. Some farmers believed that there were more mosquitoes in recent years than historically because of the dam construction but remarked on the importance of the dam (and bas-fonds) for their livelihood. Many farmers were not convinced that mosquito control could occur at farm-level.
Conclusions
To enhance accountability amongst rice farmers, there is a need for greater awareness on the rice-mosquito link, and emphasis that the link does not imply a trade-off between food security and health. Training should not only be directed towards farming communities, but also agricultural and health extension workers. Future riceland mosquito control methods must focus on improving productivity and address collective action problems that may occur.
Analysis of Quality Changes in Mulberry Fruit at Three Developmental Stages Using Targeted Metabolomics Based on LC‒MS
Authors: Jiang Wei , Li Chenlei , Cheng Junsen , Wei Shanglin , Wang Yi
Published: June 2023

Mulberry fruits are popular in many countries because of their good taste, high nutritional value and medicinal properties. Studying the metabolic profile during fruit development can provide a better understanding of the changes in fruit quality. In this study, a widely targeted metabolomic approach using liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) was used to investigate the widespread metabolic changes during fruit development and ripening in mulberry fruits and combined with multivariate statistical methods to screen for significant changed metabolites (SCMs) at different developmental stages. A total of 981 metabolites in 12 categories were detected in mulberry fruit at three developmental stages (i.e., the fruit expansion stage in which mulberry fruits are green (MG), the fruit color change stage in which they are red (MR) and the fruit ripening stage in which they are purple (MP)). There were significant changes in the metabolic profile at the color change and ripening stages compared to the fruit expansion stage. Flavonoids increased mainly during fruit ripening and accumulated significantly during the mature stage. Large amounts of phenolic acids, lipids, and organic acids accumulated significantly during fruit expansion stage and decreased significantly during ripening. However, sugars accumulate significantly during ripening and are associated with the sweetness of mulberry fruit. Assessment of the levels of different sugar and acid components during fruit development revealed that fructose and glucose were the main sugars, and citric and malic acids were the main organic acids. Meanwhile, the sugar-acid ratio increased significantly, which in turn improved the flavor quality of mulberry fruit. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the SCMs were mainly enriched in galactose metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and flavonoid biosynthesis metabolic pathways. The reliability of the metabolomics data was demonstrated by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT‒PCR) validation of six genes encoding key enzymes. The results of this study provide insights into the rational utilization of mulberry fruit resources and the efficient development of functional fruit products.
Optimal Dispatch of energy Pricing with participation of the Renewable Units and demand response
Authors: Elfizon Elfizon , ALGHAMDI Mohammed. I. , Hussien Ahmed , ALAWADI RADHI , ALZAHMI Ahmed
Published: June 2023

With the advent of smart grids, the subscribers are considered as new resources in power systems. The presence of subscribers, as well as the major manufacturers, results in a more competitive market and a better economic condition. Numerous research on demand response, as well as its economic and technical consequences on the market and power systems, have been done in recent years. Alongside the competitive market, new concepts have emerged, such as demand-side management (DSM), which includes activities aimed at modifying the load curve. Implementing this goal requires telecommunications infrastructure and network intelligence tools. DSM can ultimately lead to increased system stability. Dynamic Economic Dispatch (DED) problem plans the production program of units during the load dispatch period to limit fuel cost. Demand response programs, on the other hand, are focused on enhancing subscriber profitability and network stability, and they will be much more efficient if these two challenges are merged by examining their relationships. One of the key problems of time of use response systems (TOU) will be appropriate pricing across various periods. This paper combines the demand response of TOU, whose main focus is on the consumer side, with DED, whose main focus is on the producer side. The combined issue called DEDTOU is a modern strategy for ideal pricing in which on the one hand, the optimal price to minimize fuel costs in the DED issue, and on the other hand the ideal pricing for various periods of high, medium, and low load is simultaneously determined using the bat algorithm. However, not only have subscriber profits increased but the lowest prices were created to lower unit production costs. In fact, this research aims to present the concept of DEDTOU in terms of its beneficial impacts on consumers and producers.
Stable orbit of Massive Klein Gordon Field near Schawarzschild black hole and its Quasi-Normal modes
Authors: Sharma Pradip
Published: June 2023

The findings of bound states of the massive Klein-Gordon field near the Schwarzschild black hole have provided certain conditions for a stable orbit. Unlike classical methods, I have obtained a specific relation between the mass of the scalar particle and the distance from the black hole. Furthermore, by applying a polynomial condition to the Heun function, more accurate predictions of quasi-normal modes have been made. Based on this, the time of a stable orbit and its relationship with mass, polynomial order, and distance from the Schwarzschild black hole have been calculated.
Systematic Review of Literature on Expert System in Education.
Authors: FUSEINI INUSAH
Published: June 2023

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing challenges of education is an innovation in education which addresses a series and sequence of problems that humans cannot solve. Specifically, Expert Systems (ES) in education have helped tremendously in handling tasks that the human expert has limitations in handling. This review explores the use of ES in education to identify the trends and the possible gaps in the application of ES to improve education. Four (4) academic databases were searched to retrieve research works related to ES in education. These are; academia, research gate, google scholar and semantic scholar. The found results were filtered to avoid duplicates, and the titles and abstracts were then screened before the full text was read and captured in the literature. The findings reveal more than 80% of the research works on ES in education are centred on higher education leaving basic education which is the foundation for growth and development in education. Also, over 70% of the literature was on teaching and learning at the expense of resource management.
An EPQ inventory model with production rate dependent deterioration as well as stock and time dependent demand under lead time
Authors: Mallick Rabin Kumar , Patra Kartik , Mondal Shyamal Kumar
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a production inventory model has been considered for single item with deterioration. Here, the deterioration is production dependent. Also the demand of produced items has been taken as a function of time and stock of the quantity in manufacturing house. Since, the production rate in a manufacturing system completely depends on market’s demand and there is a time gap between order placed and items received, so lead time, here known as delay time is very important factor in this model. Because, the demand at the time of order placed should be different when the items is received. So, at any time, inventory level depends on the demand when the order is placed. In this regard, the controlling in the rate of production is very important. Here, the inventory model has been constructed in the form of delay differential equation and the model has been reduced into delay optimal control problem which is converted into a delay and advanced model using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. An algorithm has been developed to solve this two point boundary value problem. At last, it has been explained taking a numerical example to show the utility of the model.
Outcome of glioblastoma patients after intensive care unit admission with invasive mechanical ventilation: A multicenter analysis
Authors: Neumann Bernhard , Onken Julia , König Nicole , Stetefeld Henning , Luger Sebastian , Luger Anna-Luisa , Schlachetzki Felix , Linker Ralf , Hau Peter , Bumes Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

Purpose
Patients with glioblastoma (GB) bear a severe symptom burden, often leading to complications that mandate admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation (MV). However, published data on patients with GB admitted to ICU for MV are rare. Therefore, we investigated reasons for admission, duration of hospitalization and outcome of patients with GB and unplanned admission to ICU needing MV.
Methods
In this retrospective analysis, four certified interdisciplinary brain tumor centers performed a retrospective review of their electronic data systems. All patients with GB admitted to an in-house ICU and mechanically ventilated between January 2015 and December 2019 were included. Clinical and prognostic factors as well as relevant outcome parameters were evaluated by group comparisons and Kaplan Meier survival curves.
Results
We identified 33 GB patients with a mean time of MV of 9.2 ± 9.4 days. Main reasons for ICU admission were infection (n = 12; 34.3%) including 3 cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, status epilepticus (31.4%) and elevated intracranial pressure (22.9%). In hospital mortality reached 60.6%. Younger age, short course of GB, low number of MV days, and better Karnofsky Performance Status Scale before admission were significantly associated with positive prognostic outcome.
Conclusion
We conclude that less than 50% of patients with GB have a favorable short-term outcome when unplanned treatment on ICU with MV is necessary. Our data mandate a careful therapy guidance and frequent reevaluation of goals during ICU stay.
Patient vulnerability is associated with poor prognosis following upfront hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Mima Kosuke , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Adachi Yuki , Tajiri Takuya , Ofuchi Takashi , Kanemitsu Kosuke , Ogawa Daisuke , Yumoto Shinsei , Matsumoto Takashi , Itoyama Rumi , Kitano Yuki , Nakagawa Shigeki , Okabe Hirohisa , Baba Hideo
Published: June 2023

Background:
With the rapid aging of populations worldwide, the number of vulnerable patients with liver metastasis from colorectal cancer has increased. This study aimed to examine the association between vulnerability and clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).
Methods:
Consecutive 101 patients undergoing upfront hepatectomy for CRLM between 2004 and 2020 were included. The preoperative vulnerability was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score ranging from one (very fit) to nine (terminally ill), and frailty was defined as a CFS score of ≥ 4. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was utilized to investigate the association of frailty with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results:
Of the 101 patients, 12 (12%) had frailty. Associations between frailty and surgical outcomes, namely, the incidence of 90-day mortality and postoperative complications, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the multivariable analyses, after adjusting for clinical risk scores calculated using six factors (timing of liver metastasis, primary tumor lymph node status, number of liver tumors, the largest diameter of liver tumor, extrahepatic metastatic disease, and carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9 level) to predict recurrence following hepatectomy for CRLM, preoperative frailty was found to be an independent risk factor for DFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–5.25, P = 0.019) and OS (HR: 4.17, 95%CI: 1.43–10.89, P = 0.011).
Conclusion:
Preoperative frailty was associated with worse DFS and OS after upfront hepatectomy for CRLM. Assessment and improvement of patient vulnerability may provide a favorable prognosis for patients with CRLM.
Pharmacovigilance study of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A safety analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Zhao Dehua , Long Xiaoqing , Wang Jisheng
Published: June 2023

BackgroundWith the increased use of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in cancer patients, adverse events (AEs) have garnered considerable interest. We conducted this pharmacovigilance study by using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to evaluated the AEs of BCR-ABL1 TKIs in cancer patients.MethodsWe used OpenVigil 2.1 to query AE reports from the FAERS database. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the characteristics of TKIs-associated AE reports. Disproportionality analysis was used to detect safety signals by calculating proportional reporting ratio (PRR) and reporting odds ratios (ROR).ResultsA total of 85989 AE reports were retrieved from the FAERS database and 3080 significant AE signals were identified. The numbers of significant AE signals for imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib were 1058, 813, 232, 186, and 791 respectively. The significant signals were divided into 26 system organ classes (SOCs). The AE signals of imatinib and ponatinib were mainly fixed on general disorders and administration site conditions, while the AE signals of nilotinib, dasatinib, and bosutinib were mainly fixed on investigations, respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders, respectively. Of note, 245, 278, 47, 55, 253 unexpected signals were observed in imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib and ponatinib, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of the present study are compatible with clinical experience. The study showed that AE signals were differ among the five BCR‐ABL1 TKIs. Moreover, several unexpected signals were observed in each BCR‐ABL1 TKI. These findings provide valuable information for clinicians to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions during the BCR‐ABL1 TKIs treatment.
Enhancement Effect of Urea Toward Electroporation-mediated Plasmid Transfection Efficiency in HEK-293 Cell Line
Authors: Mowla Mahshid , Gorji-bahri Gilar , Moghimi Hamid Reza , Hashemi Atieh
Published: June 2023

Electroporation is one of the most widely used physical transfection methods, which induces transient pores in the cell membrane, by applying an external electric field. Unsatisfied transfection efficiency and low cell viability are the major drawbacks of electroporation. The impact of chemical enhancers to overcome these issues is not fully recognized. Thus, we decided to investigate the effect of urea as a low-cost chemical enhancer buffer on electroporation-mediated transfection efficiency. To this end, three voltages of electroporation including 100, 120, and 140 V as well as three concentrations of urea buffer including 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% W/V were considered as our variables. GFP expression in HEK-293 cell line was evaluated using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Our results indicated that voltage as a key parameter has a significant effect on cell behavior against the synergistic effects of electroporation and urea. The addition of urea to the cells at the voltage of 100 increased the number of cells expressing GFP. In this regard, further to acceptable cell viability (over 90%), the 0.5% W/V of urea at the voltage of 100 had the highest transfection efficiency (23.3 ± 0.3%), a nearly two-fold increase compared to the untreated transfected cells (12.3 ± 0.2%). In conclusion, the combination of electroporation and urea elevated the efficacy of electroporation. However, the effect depended on the voltage and urea concentration. We believe that our study would give researchers new insights into the achievement of improved gene transfection efficiency when they utilize electroporation.
Optimal first-line treatment strategies of systemic therapy for unresectable gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors based on the opinions of Japanese experts
Authors: Honma Yoshitaka , Ikeda Masafumi , Hijioka Susumu , Matsumoto Shigemi , Ito Tetsuhide , Aoki Taku , Furuse Junji
Published: June 2023

Background
There are several options for systemic therapy of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN), including somatostatin analogues (SSA), molecular-targeted agents, cytotoxic agents, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. However, the effectiveness of each agent varies according to the primary site. Although SSA and everolimus are key drugs used for systemic therapy of neuroendocrine tumors arising from the gastrointestinal tract (GI-NET), the optimal strategy for selecting among these modalities remains unexplored.
Methods
Japanese experts on GI-NET discussed and determined optimal first-line treatment strategies based on the results of previously reported pivotal trials.
Results
The consensus was reached that tumor aggressiveness and prognosis can be predicted using hepatic tumor load and Ki-67 labeling index, which are thought to be clinically important factors when selecting systemic therapy for unresectable GI-NET. SSA therapy is considered appropriate for patients with a low hepatic tumor load and low Ki-67 value and everolimus for those with contraindications to SSA therapy. There was also agreement that the treatment strategy should be determined according to whether the origin is in the midgut, considering the biological differences. Based on this strategy, the experts have tentatively created treatment maps and applied them in representative cases of unresectable GI-NET.
Conclusion
Japanese experts proposed tentative maps for optimal first-line treatment in patients with unresectable GI-NET. Further investigation is warranted to validate the usefulness of these maps.
Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Bitter Lakes Macro- Algae in Egypt: Environmental Bioindicator
Authors: Abdel-Shafy Hussein I. , Ibrahim Amr M.
Published: June 2023

The potential of algae to accumulate heavy metals from marine environment was studied. The aim is to study the accumulation of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and Mg in the tissues of algae that grow in the little Biter Lake, Egypt. For this purpose, the level of metals in twelve different algal species were studied extensively. The investigated algae belong to: Green, Brown, and Red algae. The investigation includes the influence of seasonal variation on the rate of heavy metals accumulation by algae. Meanwhile, levels of metals in the Lake water were also assessed. The results indicated that there are differences between the metal concentration and the different algal species. Furthermore, differences were also found in the levels of different metals within the studied algae. The overall results showed that the highest accumulation rate was exhibited by Red algae followed by Green then Brown algal species. Correlation between the level of metals in the Lake Water, and the studied algal species was conducted to determine the concentration factors for each metal. It was concluded that the bioaccumulation of heavy metals by aquatic algae is an indication of the availability of those metals within the aquatic environment.
Disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs predict prognosis and immune response of colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Sijun , long Qian , Nong Lanwei , Zheng Yanqing , Shao Honghua
Published: June 2023

Background Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is the most common type of colorectal cancer. Disulfidptosis is a novel method of disulfide-dependent cell death. Previous evidence suggested that targeting disulfidptosis may be a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. LncRNA also plays a key role in COAD. However, the mechanisms of disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs remain unknown, and the disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs-based signature for COAD remains less studied. Methods The transcriptional profile and clinical information of COAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Disulfidptosis-related gene (DRGs) expression profiles were analyzed. A correlation test, Cox regression analysis, and selection operator (LASSO) method were performed to determine a disulfidptosis -related lncRNA prognostic signature. Survival and predictive performance were analyzed according to Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Nomograms and calibration curves were established. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to analyze the biological function. Tumor Immune Analysis was also employed to analyze the tumor immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and immune function. Additionally, drug sensitivity analysis was employed to predict the sensitivity of antitumor drugs. Results We identified six DRGs as differentially expressed DRGs (DE-DRGs). Six disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs were identified and included in the novel prognostic signature. The Kaplan–Meier, and ROC curves demonstrated that the feature had acceptable predictive validity in the TCGA training, test, and complete sets. The disulfidptosis-related lncRNA model had higher diagnostic efficiency compared to other clinical features. Besides, significant differences in biological functions and pathway activities were observed between the low- and high-risk groups. The study constructed a disulfidptosis-related lncRNA signature for COAD. Additionally, six drugs were sensitive to COAD. Conclusion The six disulfidptosis-related risk profiles for lncRNA may help assess the prognosis and molecular profile of COAD patients and improve treatment options that can be further applied in the clinic.
Effects of acute caffeine ingestion on muscle strength, muscular endurance, rating of perceived exertion, and pain perception during strength exercise until the failure
Authors: Araújo Erivaldo M. , Gontijo Leandro P. , Oliveira Rafael X. , Sousa Caio V. , Júnior Hélio J. Coelho , Aguiar Samuel S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose
We aimed to examine the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on muscular strength, muscular endurance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and pain perception (PP) during strength exercise to failure.
Methods
Thirteen subjects (6 males, 7 females, 21.30 ± 0.71 years) participated in this randomized, double-blind, controlled experimental study. Participants ingested caffeine capsules (5 mg·kg− 1) or placebo one hour before a resistance exercise session at 90% 1RM and 50% 1RM, separated by at least 48 hours.
Results
The number of repetitions performed in the first and second series at 90% of 1RM of the bench press was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the caffeine condition than the placebo. In the back squat, the first set in the caffeine condition was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in comparison to placebo. At 50% 1RM, the number of repetitions was higher in the caffeine session than the placebo in the bench press, back squat and leg press exercises (p < 0.05). RPE at 50% 1RM was lower (p < 0.05) in the caffeine session compared to the placebo session in the bench press, back squat, and supine row. The PP at 90% of 1RM was lower (p < 0.05) in the bench press in the first and second series about the placebo session.
Conclusion
In conclusion, caffeine intake can be used to obtain greater performance in strength training with lower PP and muscular endurance with lower RPE.
UPS design without inverter to power ISP servers
Authors: Shirzad Ehsan
Published: June 2023

Today, in order to provide continuous electricity to sensitive loads in centers such as banks, hospitals, telecommunication centers, military organizations and universities, uninterruptible power supply systems (UPS) should be used. The servers of the technology department of the mentioned centers can be considered as sensitive loads that must be continuously supplied with electricity. Many designs have been proposed for uninterruptible power supplies, all of which are based on rectifier and inverter circuits. In this article, a new method for UPS design is presented in order to provide continuous power to loads such as ISP servers, which, in addition to having proper performance, due to the removal of the inverter, the cost is also reduced compared to conventional UPS. The validity of the mentioned claim has been confirmed according to the results of the simulations in the Simulink MATLAB environment and the conducted experiments
Diffusion-driven frictional aging in silicon carbide
Authors: Nordhagen Even Marius , Sveinsson Henrik Andersen , Malthe-Sørenssen Anders
Published: June 2023

Friction is the force resisting relative motion of objects. The force depends on material properties, loading conditions and external factors such as temperature and humidity, but also contact aging has been identified as a primary factor. Several aging mechanisms have been proposed, including increased "contact quantity" due to plastic or elastic creep and enhanced "contact quality" due to formation of strong interfacial bonds. However, comparatively less attention has been given to other mechanisms that enhance the "contact quantity". In this study, we explore the influence of crystal faceting on the augmentation of "contact quantity" in cubic silicon carbide, driven by the minimization of surface free energy. Our observations reveal that the temporal evolution of the frictional aging effect follows a logarithmic pattern, akin to several other aging mechanisms. However, this particular mechanism is driven by internal capillary forces instead of the normal force typically associated with friction. Due to this fundamental distinction, existing frictional aging models fail to comprehensively explain the observed behavior. In light of these findings, we derive a model for the evolution of contact area caused by diffusion-driven frictional aging, drawing upon principles from statistical mechanics. Upon application of a normal force, the friction force is increased due to plastic creep. This investigation presents an alternative explanation for the logarithmic aging behavior observed and offers the potential to contribute to the development of more accurate friction models.
Simultaneous improvement of fructofilicity and ethanol tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains through a single Adaptive Laboratory Evolution strategy
Authors: Mavrommati Maria , Economou Christina N. , Kallithraka Stamatina , Papanikolaou Seraphim , Aggelis George
Published: June 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the main yeast used in the winemaking industry. Its innate glucofilicity provokes a discrepancy in glucose and fructose consumption during alcoholic fermentation of grape must, which, combined with the inhibitory effect of ethanol accumulated in the fermentation broth, might lead to stuck or sluggish fermentations. In the present study, we realized an Adaptive Laboratory Evolution strategy, where an alcoholic fermentation of a 20 g L− 1 fructose broth was followed by cell selection in a high ethanol concentration environment, employed in two different S. cerevisiae strains, named CFB and BLR. The evolved populations originated from each strain after 100 generations of evolution exhibited diverse fermentative abilities. One evolved population, originated from CFB strain, fermented a synthetic broth of 100 g L− 1 glucose and 100 g L− 1 fructose to dryness in 170 h, whereas the parental strain did not complete the fermentation even after 1000 h of incubation. The parameters of growth of the parental and evolved populations of the present study, as well as of the ethanol tolerant populations acquired in a previous study, when grown in a synthetic broth of 100 g L− 1 glucose and 100 g L− 1 fructose, were calculated through a kinetic model and were compared to each other in order to identify the effect of evolution on the biochemical behavior of the strains. Finally, in a fermentation at synthetic broth with 200 g L− 1 fructose only the evolved population derived from CFB strain showed improved fermentative behavior than its parental strain.
A 4-hydroxybenzoate 3-hydroxylase mutant enables 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid production from glucose in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Nonaka Kyoshiro , Osamura Tatsuya , Takahashi Fumikazu
Published: June 2023

Background
Microbial production of aromatic chemicals is attractive as a means of obtaining high-performance materials from biomass resources. A non-proteinogenic amino acid 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid (4,3-AHBA) is expected to be a precursor of highly functional polybenzoxazole polymers; however, its microbial production methods have not been reported. In this study, we attempted to produce 4,3-AHBA from glucose by introducing 3-hydroxylation of 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) in the metabolic pathway of the industrially relevant bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum.
Results
Six different 4-hydroxybenzoate 3-hydroxylases (PHBHs) were heterologously expressed in C. glutamicum strains and screened by detecting the concentration of 4,3-AHBA produced following cultivation using glucose as the carbon source. The highest 4,3-AHBA concentration was detected in the strain expressing PHBH from Caulobacter vibrioides (CvPHBH). The combination of site-directed mutagenesis in the active site and random mutagenesis via laccase-mediated colorimetric assay allowed us to obtain CvPHBH mutants that enhanced 4,3-AHBA productivity under deep-well plate culture conditions. The recombinant C. glutamicum strain expressing CvPHBHM106A/T294S and having an enhanced 4-ABA biosynthetic pathway produced 13.5 g/L (88 mM) of 4,3-AHBA and 0.059 g/L (0.43 mM) of the precursor 4-ABA in the fed-batch culture.
Conclusions
Identifying PHBH mutants that efficiently catalyze the 3-hydroxylation of 4-ABA in C. glutamicum allowed us to construct an artificial biosynthetic pathway capable of producing 4,3-AHBA on a gram-scale using glucose as the carbon source. These findings will contribute to an improved understanding of enzyme-catalyzed regioselective hydroxylation of aromatic chemicals and to the diversification of biomass-derived precursors for high-performance materials.
Spatial Distribution and Determinants of Unskilled Birth Attendance in Ethiopia: Spatial and Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Sisay Gizaw , Mulat Tsion
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Deliveries performed by unskilled birth attendants contribute to maternal and newborn deaths in low-and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia, where only 28% of women give birth by skilled health personnel. Hence, this study was aimed to examine spatial variation and associated factors of unskilled birth attendance in Ethiopia.
Methods: This study used a total weighted sample of 7579 women who had a live birth in the five years preceding the survey obtained from 2016 EDHS data were included in the analysis. ArcGIS 10.7 software was used to detect areas with a high prevalence of unskilled birth attendance in Ethiopia. Besides, a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify the determinant factors of UBA delivery.
Results: Based on the 2016 EDHS, the overall national prevalence of unskilled birth attendants was more than three-fourth (66.93 %) with 95% CI (66.39, 69.12 66.93 %). In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression model; women age group, women attained primary and above educational level, women in the middle and richest household wealth status, mass media exposure, ANC visits, region, place of residence and health insurance coverage were significantly associated with unskilled birth attendance. The spatial distribution analysis of unskilled birth attendant was significantly varied across the country with the significant hotspot areas in the eastern Somali, western Gambela, central and eastern Amhara, southwestern Oromia, eastern border of SNNP region were detected.
Conclusion: The national prevalence of unskilled birth attendance delivery in Ethiopia was still more than three-fourth. The geospatial distribution of UBAs was varied across the country. Maternal age group, education level, rural residence, ANC visits, mass media exposure, wealth status, health insurance coverage and barriers in accessing healthcareservice were determinants of unskilled birth attendants. Hence, improving maternal educational level, special interventional design in hotspot areas, and motivate the women to take antenatal care is vital to decrease the prevalence of unskilled attendance delivery.
Ontology Driven Machine Learning Models for the Classification of Social Media Data: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: KERO ADMAS ABTEW , Demissie Dait , Kekeba Kula
Published: June 2023

This systematic literature review aims to explore the challenges and limitations of applying ontology driven machine learning models to the classification of social media data. Social media platforms generate a vast amount of data that requires automated and reliable classification to facilitate analysis and decision-making. Ontology driven machine learning models offer a promising approach to address this need by harnessing the power of both ontologies and machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy and efficiency. However, the application of such models to social media data classification poses unique challenges due to the complex and dynamic nature of social media data. To address this research gap, a systematic literature search was conducted, and 20 studies were included in the review. The findings of this review suggest that ontology driven machine learning models offer a promising approach to address the challenges of social media data classification. However, the existing literature highlights several challenges that need to be addressed, such as ontology development, feature selection, and model validation. Overall, the review provides insights into the current state of research on ontology driven machine learning models for social media data classification, identifies research gaps, and suggests directions for future investigation.
The Diophantine equation $\displaystyle a \left(\frac{b^k - 1}{b - 1}\right) = \mathcal{U}_n - \mathcal{U}_m$
Authors: Tiebekabe P. , Diouf I. , Tall A. , Kakanou K. R.
Published: June 2023

Here, we find all positive integer solutions of the Diophantine equation in the title, where $(\mathcal{U}_n)_{n\geqslant 0}$ is the generalized Lucas sequence $\mathcal{U}_0=0, \ \mathcal{U}_1=1$ and $\mathcal{U}_{n+1}=r \mathcal{U}_n +s \mathcal{U}_{n-1}$ with $r$ and $s$ integers such that $\Delta = r^2 +4 s >0$.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY MERCHANT VESSELS’ VOYAGE MONITORING
Authors: RAUCA L
Published: June 2023

Maritime or inland transportation is one of the essential elements of the global supply chain, contributing to over 85-90% of international trade. Although sea transportation remains one of the most important and feasible choices of goods transportation for most international trade routes, the impact on the environment is one of the major issues that need to be addressed. The maritime industry is facing high demands to find solutions to operate in a more sustainable way, to find feasible and viable decarbonization solutions. To comply with IMO regulations, the shipping industry must develop and invest in future technologies. The paper proposes a method of monitoring the voyage of a container ship, having different characteristics, to determine the impact of vessel’s activity on the environment. The research method was applied to various means of operation, such as vessel’s speed, the constructive characteristics of the ship (including those of the propulsion system), or the type of fuel used. For each case, the following are performed: monitoring of fuel consumption, calculation of emissions from ships (with an emphasis on greenhouse gases), evaluation of energy efficiency indicators. From this perspective, the article offers an environmental impact assessment solution for merchant ships, to support the management of companies in the decision-making process, to promote environmentally friendly maritime transport and sustainable development of maritime transportation.
Research overview concerning the maritime industry: An evaluation of the trends and topics in the Black Sea area
Authors: NEDELCU L
Published: June 2023

The present study's main purpose is to concisely outline a general overview of the main activities which took place in the maritime field in recent years, not only at a global level but also in a specific area – the Black Sea, using the data and information from international and national publications, such as Review of Maritime Transport 2021 – UNCTAD and Romanian Naval Agency. From the analysis conducted over a prolonged period, based on the evaluation of the world seaborne trade, the main parameters which define the world fleet, the global maritime trade and its outcome from the COVID-19 pandemic, and last but not least, the Black Sea maritime area, it is demonstrated that the maritime industry has overcome any crisis which occurred in time and continues to provide a complex and dynamic mean of transport. Nevertheless, the results obtained in this study represent a benchmark in the future analysis of the naval industry development.
Dynamic head loss in pilot- and full-scale wastewater sand filtration with phosphorus removal, denitrification, and associated bumping
Authors: Jonsson Lena Margareta , Björlenius Berndt
Published: June 2023

Limitations of the operation of down-flow sand filters were investigated without and with dosages of methanol, ethanol, or acetate for denitrification and dosages of ferrous sulphate to remove phosphorous. The dynamic head loss was developed due to clogging by suspended solids (SS) that originated from the secondary sedimentation tanks including sludge overflow and from SS in primary settled wastewater that bypassed the biological step. The dynamic head loss was also developed from clogging by gas bubbles formed during denitrification, not by the SS produced from cell growth. The dynamic head loss in sand filters after 24 h operation without and with denitrification increased by 0.9–1.3 and 2.3–2.4 mH2O, respectively. The total time of operation was prolonged by 50% after one water bumping, by 75% after two bumpings, and by 85% after six or seven bumpings. Operational time for filter cycles was prolonged by 4–5 h by one bumping in the full-scale and pilot-scale filters. The time of operation depended on hydraulic loading. With a carbon source dosage, one filter cycle lasted 20–40 h at 10 m/h and 60 h at 5 m/h in pilot-scale filters, and 15–27 h at 3.3 m/h in full-scale filters.
ESTABLISHMENT OF TOUR PACKAGES AND FEASIBILITY OF COSTS WITH NPV IN BARITO TOURISM VILLAGE IN MALANG DISTRICT
Authors: Utomo Medea Rahmadhani , Purnomo Mangku , Laili Fitrotul , Chaqqi Mochamad Sufi
Published: June 2023

Tourism is a driver of the economic sector and a solution for the government to increase economic development. Tourism is one of the important sectors in developing a country because it contributes to job creation and state income and promotes the prosperity of a country. The tourism sector has a multiplier impact on the regional economy. One is that it can help increase people's income and alleviate poverty. There are problems in efforts to develop tourism, and researchers make plans for developing tourist village areas by mapping the potential of tourist destinations and packaging in the form of tour packages. Planning for developing tourist areas in rural areas through innovation in making tour packages from the results of mapping tourism potential will boost regional economic growth and strengthen the community to carry out a sustainable development process. The research was conducted using mixed method analysis, namely descriptive qualitative, and quantitative. Calculation data for the design cost of promotion planning and marketing of tourism villages is calculated using financial feasibility analysis. Financial feasibility analysis is carried out by calculating the NPV (Net Present Value). The planning for packaging the Barito Village tour package is named " Local Pride Tour Of Barito," which is grouped into three types. First, based on the theme with the respective names of the Heritage Tour, Artificial Tour, and Socio-Economic Tour packages. Second, based on age groups with the names of each package, Kids Tour, Teenager Tour, Adult Tour. Third, based on special needs, each package is named Religion Tour, Healing With Nature Tour, and Sports Tour, which has two types of packages named Adventure Trail and Gowes to Barito Village. Based on the results of the NPV calculation, the NPV value of the entire tour package is more than zero, so all tour packages in the Barito Tourism Village Area are feasible.