bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enterprise Agility: How TCS Latam Improved Its Performance Through Its AgilityDebt™ Metric
Authors: Moraga-Diaz Roberto Andres , Leiva-Araos Andres , García José
Published: June 2023

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and global competition, adaptability and resilience have become critical success factors for businesses navigating uncertainty and complexity. This article explores the role of enterprise agility in today’s business landscape at Latam branch of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where organizations face complex and diverse operations. We aim to examine how companies can become more agile in the face of emerging challenges and seize opportunities swiftly to drive growth and deliver value. Since 2014, the division has embarked on an agile transformation journey to drive growth, deliver value, foster innovation, and build resilience in an increasingly dynamic environment. We scrutinize an approach to measuring and enhancing enterprise agility, employing statistical analysis and continuous improvement methodologies to tackle real-world challenges while offering valuable insights and recommendations for organizations aiming to implement similar systems. The results of an agile transformation in a certain company’s Latam branch serve as a compelling case study, demonstrating how the implementation of targeted measures and continuous improvement can significantly bolster enterprise agility. Methodologically, our work applies a novel sequence of parametric statistical tests which, to the best of our knowledge, have not been used in the industry to validate the results of business agility metrics. In future work, we aim to create a new workflow considering non-parametric tests to address data with other statistical distributions. We conclude our work by proposing a sequence of steps for organizations to implement business agility metrics.
Theorem on the Structure of the Fractionally Linear Functional Extremal Function
Authors: Kashtanov Victor , Bochkov Alexander , Zaitseva Olga
Published: June 2023

The paper proves a theorem about the structure of the distribution function on which the extremum of fractionally linear functional is reached in the presence of an uncountable number of linear constraints. The problem of finding an extremal distribution function arises when determining the optimal control strategy in a class of Markov homogeneous randomized control strategies. The structure of extremal functions is described by a finite number of parameters, hence the problem is greatly simplified since it is reduced to the search for an extremum of some function.
Factors Associated With Dietary Habit Change of Korean Stomach Cancer Survivors After Cancer Treatment
Authors: Park Junhee , Kim Jiyoung , Shin Dong Wook , Shin Jinyoung , Cho Belong , Song Yun-Mi
Published: June 2023

Current nutritional guidelines for stomach cancer survivors (SCS) mainly focus on the influence of surgical resection of the stomach, with limited guidance regarding a wider range of food options. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with healthier dietary changes in Korean adult SCS. This cross-sectional study assessed dietary pattern change after cancer treatment for 11 food categories, using a self-administered questionnaire. A ‘healthier dietary change’ was operationally defined as reduced consumption of red and processed meat, grains, salt, and burnt food, and increased consumption of poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and dairy products. Among a total of 624 SCS, approximately 60% of participants reported healthier directional dietary changes in three or more food categories, while 9.1% reported no changes. There was no significant difference in dietary habit changes between surgery types. Multivariable adjusted analysis showed that elderly and long-term survivors were inversely associated with a healthier dietary change. SCS with higher educational achievement and income were more likely to make healthier changes in their intake of processed meat, vegetables, fruits, burnt food, or salt. SCS with higher levels of fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, or depression were more likely to follow healthier dietary changes for fish, meat, fruits, grains, or burnt food. Change in dietary pattern varied across different food items and was associated with various characteristics of SCS. It is crucial to repeatedly provide SCS with information about healthier dietary patterns, considering their sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics.
Study of Adenosine Deaminase, Ferritin and Total Proteins as Salivary Biomarkers in Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD)
Authors: Lopez-Jornet Pia , Olmo-Monedero Aitana , P Rubio Camila , Pons-Fuster Eduardo , Tvarijonaviciute Asta
Published: June 2023

Objective: A study was made of the salivary levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA), ferritin (FRR) and total proteins in healthy individuals and in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), assessing the potential role of saliva as a diagnostic tool.
Methods: A total of 91 subjects participated in the study, divided into two groups: 59 patients with OPMD (oral leukoplakia or oral lichen planus )and 32 healthy controls with measurements being made of salivary ADA, ferritin (FRR) and total proteins (TP).
Results: There were no significant differences in salivary ADA between the OPMD group and the controls (p=0.934), though the levels of both FRR and TP were significantly higher in the OPMD group (p=0.001). Patients with oral lichen planus showed significant differences in terms of FRR (p=0.009) and TP (p=0.003).
Conclusions: The promising findings of this study suggest a potential role for FRR and TP in the salivary diagnosis of OPMD. In addition, saliva appears to be a reliable tool offering an interesting alternative for the screening of large populations.
Ultrasound-Guided Block of the Sciatic and the Femoral Nerves in Rabbits - A Descriptive Anatomical Study
Authors: Trujanovic Robert , Rohrbach Helene
Published: June 2023

The rabbit is a popular animal model for human biomechanical research involving surgery at the hind limb. General anesthesia in rabbits is associated with significantly higher mortality rates than in dogs and cats. In addition, as prey animals, rabbits tend to mask signs of pain, making early detection particularly difficult. Regional anaesthesia, as an adjunct to general anaesthesia, may markedly reduce the need for systemic anaesthetic and analgesic drugs, limiting their associated side effects. In other species, a block of the sciatic (ScN) and the femoral nerves (FN) is usually applied in patients undergoing hind limb surgery. In phase 1 of this study, the ScN and the FN have been localized and an appropriate approach under sonographic guidance has been evaluated. In phase 2, a mixture of methylene blue and lidocaine have been administered to the ScN and the FN in 10 cadavers (20 hind limbs). Staining of the nerves was evaluated by dissection. Ultrasonographically, the ScN appeared as a binocular structure surrounded by a hyperechoic rim. The FN appeared as a hypoechoic structure in the dorsal part of the IPM, becoming hyperechoic/honey-comb-like in the ventral part. Both nerves could be successfully stained in all animals over a median length of 2.3 cm which was considered effective. This technique allows a feasible and accurate access to block of the ScN and the FN and may lead to successful analgesia in rabbits undergoing hind limb surgery.
Transparent Localized Haptics: Utilization of PVDF-Type Piezoelectric Actuators on Touch-Displays
Authors: Ege Enes Selman , Birbilen Ugur , Balikci Abdulkadir
Published: June 2023

Generating localized haptic feedback on touch displays has been a challenge in recent years. In this study, we introduce a haptic interface using transparent thin-film PVDF actuators to address this issue. The transparency feature allows for mounting the actuators at any location beneath the display, enabling localized haptic feedback as the generated vibration is primarily evident on the mounting area. Two different configurations are designed, simulated and prepared to explore the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The first configuration is used to characterize the haptic interface. Modal and forced-vibration analysis are performed to identify important design characteristics based on human factor considerations. Subsequent 2AFC psychophysics experiments validate the characteristics. In the second configuration, eight actuators are attached to the touch surface in a 2x4 matrix formation and excited at different voltage amplitudes. Human experiments are conducted based on the results from corresponding forced-vibration analysis. The results show that subjects demonstrate an accuracy of 96% in identifying locations with haptic feedback when the actuators are excited with 232 Vpp. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of the haptic interface equipped with PVDF-type actuators in achieving localized haptic feedback on touch displays.
The ANTI-Vea-UGR Platform: A Free Online Resource To Measure Attentional Networks (Alertness, Orienting, and Executive Control) Functioning and Executive/Arousal Vigilance
Authors: Coll-Martín Tao , Román-Caballero Rafael , Martínez-Caballero María del Rocío , Martín-Sánchez Paulina del Carmen , Trujillo Laura , Cásedas Luis , Castellanos M. Concepción , Hemmerich Klara , Manini Greta , Aguirre María Julieta , Botta Fabiano , Marotta Andrea , Martín-Arévalo Elisa , Gabriel Luna  Fernando G. , Lupiáñez Juan
Published: June 2023

The Attentional Networks Test for Interactions and Vigilance–executive and arousal components (ANTI-Vea) is a computerized task of 32 min duration in the standard format. The task simultaneously assesses the main effects and interactions of the three attentional networks (i.e., phasic alertness, orienting, and executive control) and two dissociated components of vigilance with reasonable reliability (executive and arousal vigilance). We present this free and publicly accessible resource (ANTI-Vea-UGR; https://anti-vea.ugr.es/) developed to easily run, collect, and analyze data with the ANTI-Vea (or its subtasks measuring some attentional and/or vigilance components embedded in the ANTI-Vea). Available in six different languages, the platform allows for adaptation of stimuli timing and procedure to facilitate data collection from different populations (e.g., clinical patients, children). Collected data can be freely downloaded and easily analyzed with the provided scripts and tools, including a Shiny app. We discuss previous evidence supporting that attention and vigilance components can be assessed in typical lab conditions as well as online and outside the laboratory. We hope this tutorial will help researchers interested in measuring attention and vigilance with a tool useful to collect data from large sample sizes and easy to use in applied contexts.
Effects of Stimulating Materials Addition on Methane Production from Brewer’s Spent Grain in Anaerobic Digestion Process
Authors: Syguła Ewa , Rasaq Waheed A. , Świechowski Kacper
Published: June 2023

The process of anaerobic digestion used for methane production can be enhanced by incorporating stimulating materials. The effects of these materials are dependent on various factors including the processed substrate, process conditions, and the type and amount of the stimulating material used. As part of the study, three different stimulating materials - iron powder, lime, and milled porous ceramic - were added to the 30-day anaerobic digestion of the brewer's spent grain to improve its performance. Different doses ranging from 0.2 to 2.3 gTS×L-1 were tested, and methane production kinetics were determined using the first-order model. The results showed that the methane yield ranged from 281.4±8.0 to 326.1±9.3 ml×gVS-1, while substrate biodegradation ranged from 56.0±1.6 to 68.1±0.7%. The addition of lime reduced methane yield at almost all doses by -6.7% to -3.3%, while the addition of iron powder increased methane yield from 0.8% to 9.8%. The addition of ceramic powder resulted in a methane yield change ranging from -2.6% to 4.6%. These findings suggest that the use of stimulating materials should be approached with caution, as even slight changes in the amount used can impact methane production.
Urgent Off-Label Use of Flow−Diverter Stents In the Endovascular Management of Tonsillar Loop-Associated Internal Carotid Artery Dissections Presenting with Carotid Occlusion or Near-Occlusion and Major Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Cohen José E. , Filioglo Andrei , Gomori J. Moshe , Honig Asaf , Leker Ronen R. , Henkes And Hans
Published: June 2023

We present our experience with the implantation of flow diverter stents (FDSs) for the management of intern carotid artery (ICA) dissections in tortuous tonsillar loop segments. 16 patients (10 women, 62.5%; mean age 39±8 years; median baseline NIHSS 13; median ASPECTS 8.5) with acute ischemic stroke due to ICA dissection in a tortuous tonsillar loop segment, with/without large intracranial vessel thrombotic occlusion, from 6/2015−2/2022 were included in this retrospective study under a waiver of informed consent. An FDS device was deployed from the petrous ICA toward the upper cervical ICA, completely covering the tonsillar loop. Stentriever-assisted thrombectomy was performed when indicated. A dual antiplatelet regimen was used during and after the procedure. Thrombocyte inhibition levels were evaluated before, during, and after the intervention. The ICA occlusion/near occlusion was successfully recanalized in all 16 patients with postangioplasty residual stenosis of 34±14% (range 0−50%). Stent-assisted embolectomy was performed in 15/16 patients (93.7%), achieving revascularization (TICI 2b−3) in all. There were no procedural complications and no intraprocedural embolic events; one asymptomatic petechial hemorrhage was detected. At 3-month follow-up, mRS 0−2 was seen in all patients. This report provides pilot data for a subsequent study on the use of flow diverter stents for ischemic cerebrovascular conditions. Our encouraging preliminary results await confirmation from further experience and prospective randomized studies.
dashboard para tomada de decisão considerando dados abertos de rodovias federais
Authors: Miranda Rodrigo Gabriel de , Konrath Andréa Cristina , Zatelli Maicon Rafael , Hoffmann Yohana Taise , Silva Silvio Aparecido da
Published: June 2023

Destaques: A lei de acesso à informação garante que os dados sejam disponibilizados à população. Estes dados estão em forma bruta, sem real utilidade. Os registros de acidentes de trânsito podem ser mais informativos. Para isto é preciso desenvolver tecnologias web com base em conceitos de projeto de ciência de dados. Objetivo: Desenvolver um dashboard informativo, com interface amigável e tecnologia web, para disponibilização de dados úteis e simplificados à população. Metodologia: Foram coletados dados referentes aos acidentes em rodovias federais brasileiras, registrados pela Polícia Rodoviária Federal e disponibilizados como dados abertos. A partir dos princípios determinados pela Open Government Data e por meio de conceitos de projetos de ciências de dados associados à linguagem de programação R, elaborou-se um dashboard para consulta interativa dos dados de acidentes nas rodovias federais. Resultados: O dashboard desenvolvido é capaz de fornecer informações com interface amigável, relacionando os acidentes registrados com parâmetros ambientais e condições da rodovia, tais como condição climática, características de trechos das rodovias, região, temporalidade, sexo e idade do condutor, entre outros. As informações são apresentadas no dashboard por meio de gráficos, tabelas, mapas interativos, com possibilidade de pesquisar acidentes pela combinação de filtros, além de permitir o acesso a informações diretas de estatísticas de acidentes. Implicações práticas: O dashboard desenvolvido, por fornecer dados úteis apresentados de forma clara e simplificada, serve de subsídio para estratégias de prevenção a acidentes em rodovias. Estas podem ser empregadas pelo próprio Departamento de Polícia Rodoviária Federal, a fim de reduzir os transtornos causados pelos acidentes de trânsito. Originalidade: Este modelo de dashboard, focado especificamente em gestão de informações sobre acidentes de trânsito, traz a inovação do processamento e análise de dados de rodovias federais. Por isto, se preza a contribuir com a gestão pública de acidentes de forma simples a fornecer informações simplificadas à população.
Palavras-chave: Acessibilidade; Inclusão digital; Análise de dados; Acidentes de trânsito.
Design of intakes and outfalls to avoid risks during operation
Authors: Pita Eloy
Published: June 2023

The authors, engineers of the Consulting Company Increa, have significant and valuable experience in the design of marine installations (intake and outfall pipelines and intake structures) for desalination plants (Pita, 2014 and Pita, 2019). Increa’s engineers have been designing marine pipelines and structures for multiple plants throughout the world and in various different operating environments. This paper describes some of the problems that can be experienced during the operation of desalination plants and the way these can be prevented during the design stage. Proper design of marine installations should consider the most probable situations that can occur. In addition to normal operation, designers should consider accidental situations and the risks associated with these should also be evaluated and mitigated.
Precision solid synthesis of CoFe@FeOx nanoparticles for regulating Li/Na–S batteries
Authors: Liu Jian , Chen Yanping , Yao Yu , Zhao Wantong , Wang Lifeng , Li Haitao , Zhang Jiangwei , Wang Baojun , Zhang Riguang , Yu Yan , Jia Yi
Published: June 2023

Complex metal nanoparticles (NPs) distributed uniformly on supports demonstrate distinctive physicochemical properties and thus attract a wide attention for applications. The commonly used synthesis approaches are the wet chemistry methods, yet they display limitations to achieve the NPs structure design and uniform dispersion simultaneously. Solid synthesis serves as an interesting strategy which can achieve the fabrication of complex metal NPs on supports. Herein, the solid synthesis strategy is developed to precisely synthesize uniformly distributed CoFe@FeOx core@shell NPs via thermal syngas treatment. Fe atoms are preferentially exsolved from CoFe alloy bulk to the surface and then be carburized into a FexC shell under thermal syngas atmosphere, subsequently the formed FexC shell is passivated by air, obtaining CoFe@FeOx with a CoFe alloy core and a FeOx shell. This strategy is universal for the synthesis of MFe@FeOx (M=Co, Ni, Mn). The CoFe@FeOx exhibits bifunctional effect on regulating polysulfides as the separator coating layer for both Li/Na-S batteries. This method could be developed into solid synthetic systems to construct well distributed complex metal NPs.
Escitalopram increases synaptic density in the human brain over weeks: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Johansen Annette , Armand Sophia , Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Nasser Arafat , Ozenne Brice , Petersen Ida , Keller Sune , Masdsen Jacob , Beliveau Vincent , Møller Kirsten , Vassilieva Alexandra , Langley Christelle , Svarer Claus , Stenbæk Dea , Sahakian Barbara , Knudsen Gitte
Published: June 2023

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the exact mechanism of action and why effects can take several weeks to manifest is not clear. The neuroplasticity hypothesis is supported by preclinical studies, but the evidence in humans is limited. Here, we investigate the effects of the SSRI escitalopram on presynaptic density as a proxy for synaptic plasticity. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study (NCT04239339), 32 healthy participants were randomized to receive daily oral dosing of either 20 mg escitalopram (n = 17) or a placebo (n = 15). After an intervention period of 3-5 weeks, participants underwent a [11C]UCB-J PET scan to quantify synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) density in the hippocampus and the neocortex. Group means were compared using t-tests, and effect of intervention duration was assessed with linear models. Whereas there was only a small difference in [11C]UCB-J binding between the escitalopram and placebo groups after an average of 29 (range: 24-38) days of intervention (Cohen’s d of 0.31-0.42, p values > 0.26), we identified time-dependent group effects (neocortex: p = 0.020; hippocampus: p = 0.058). Linear models showed positive associations between [11C]UCB-J binding and duration of escitalopram intervention: pNeocortex = 0.016; pHippocampus = 0.11). Our findings suggest that brain synaptic plasticity evolves over 3-5 weeks in healthy humans following daily intake of escitalopram. This is the first in vivo evidence to support the hypothesis of neuroplasticity as a mechanism of action for SSRIs in humans, and it offers a plausible biological explanation for the delayed treatment response commonly observed in patients treated with SSRIs.
Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Monoclonal IgG Deposits Caused by Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: renal lingyan , Chen Qi , Qiu Feng-Ping , Jiang Zhen-Yu , Wang Xiao-Yi , Zhang Xiao-Lan , Shi Zhan-Qin
Published: June 2023

Introduction:
As a very rare form of B-cell lymphoma, plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) typically occurs in patients with underlying immunosuppression, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), organ transplantation, and autoimmune diseases. For HIV-positive patients, PBL normally originates in the gastrointestinal tract, especially from the oral cavity in most cases. It is extremely rare to find enterocoelial involvement in PBL, and there is no previous work reporting proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits because of PBL that secretes lambda light chains.
Case presentation:
We report the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome, renal insufficiency, and multiple swollen lymph nodes. Ascitic fluid cytology revealed high levels of PBL with the restriction of lambda light chains. Besides, a renal biopsy revealed proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID), which could presumably be secondary to lambda-light-chain-secreting PBL. Lambda light chain restriction in the kidney tissue was discovered earlier than in the blood.
Conclusion
The prognosis of patients with PBL is poor. Multimodal treatment with chemotherapy and newer targeted biological agents may be essential for the treatment of PBL. Unfortunately, the patient refused chemotherapy and died.
A prospective cohort study investigating contemporaneous changes in cytokines and cognitive function during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Wu Shu-I , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Hsu Yen-Hsuan , Tzang Bor-Show , Stewart Robert , Lin Chin-Kuo
Published: June 2023

Background
We aimed to investigate whether changes in levels of chosen cytokines were associated with contemporaneous changes in cognitive function from before to after chemotherapy, adjusting for baseline characteristics such as body mass index, age, or education years, and changes in anxiety, depression, or fatigue into consideration.
Methods
Adult patients with breast cancer stages I to III without brain metastasis were invited to participate in this longitudinal follow up study. A multidimensional neuropsychological examination was administered at two timepoints evaluating multiple subjective and objective cognitive domains, depression, anxiety, or fatigue before and at least 3 months after chemotherapy, and baseline demographic information. Cytokine levels were taken at the same times. Stepwise multivariate Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used to examine changes in cytokines and associations with changes in cognitive function.
Results
Over a mean interval of 10.5 months Event-based prospective memory (p < 0.001), Word list immediate (p < 0.001) or delayed recall (p = 0.024), and self- perceived cognitive impairment (p = 0.026) significantly improved following chemotherapy. Unit changes in log values of IL-2 (Estimates (SE) = 1.22(0.59), p = 0.04) and IL-12p70 (1.05(0.19), p = 0.03) were positively associated with improvements in Event-based prospective memory over that period.
Discussion
Improvements in Event-based prospective memory were positively associated with changes in IL-2 and IL-12p70. Our finding may not only reduce BC patients’ concerns about chemotherapy-related cognitive adverse effects, but also exhibit the possible roles or interactions of systemic cytokines and inflammation and cognitions.
Crop rotational effects on rhizospheric bacterial community and vascular bacterial wilt disease suppressiveness
Authors: Ghorai Ankit Kumar , Dutta Subrata , Barman Ashis Roy
Published: June 2023

The management of Ralstonia solanacearum, incitant of vascular bacterial wilt (VBW) is still a challenging task due to its high degree of genetic diversity, wide adaptability, inefficacy of antibiotics against it under field conditions and temperature dependent resistance breakdown. The present investigation was aimed to identify suitable crops suppressive to R. solanacearum and assess their potential in developing a promising suppressive crop rotation system. Among the 30 treatments with various crops selected based on survey and farmers’ perspective, significant reduction of VBW incidence was observed in sick plot over initial per cent disease incidence (PDI) in the two years successive crop rotations for maize-maize-brinjal (73.91%) followed by sorghum-maize-brinjal (65%), okra-okra-brinjal (65%), okra-maize-brinjal (57.14%) and maize-okra-brinjal (47.62%). Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of 16S rDNA sequence of rhizospheric soil DNA showed a trend of increase in population of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in the rhizospheric bacterial community of the suppressive crop rotations viz., maize-maize-brinjal (MMB), okra-okra-brinjal (OOB) and sorghum-maize-brinjal (SMB). Increase in the populations of Bacillaceae, Burkhloderiaceae, Paenibacillaceae and Strepotomycetaceae were observed at the family level. Further, presence of various biological control agents of R. solanacearum, viz., Streptomyces sp., Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia sp., Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus sp., Stenotrophomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were increased in the rhizosphere of brinjal at the end of two consecutive years of crop rotations of MMB, OOB and SMB. Thus, maize, okra and sorghum were identified to reduce the inoculum load of the soil borne phytopathogen R. solanacearum in sick soil along with delaying and reducing the severity of the VBW incidence when incorporated in the crop rotations.
Demixing fluorescence time traces transmitted by multimode fibers
Authors: Rimoli Caio Vaz , Moretti Claudio , Soldevila Fernando , Brémont Enora , Gigan Sylvain , Ventalon Cathie
Published: June 2023

Fiber photometry is a significantly less invasive method compared to other deep brain imaging microendoscopy approaches due to the use of thin multimode fibers (MMF diameter < 500 µm). Nevertheless, the transmitted signals get scrambled upon propagation within the MMF, thus limiting the technique’s potential in resolving temporal readouts with cellular resolution. Here, we demonstrate how to separate the time trace signals of several fluorescent sources probed by a thin (≈ 200 µm) MMF with typical implantable length in a mouse brain. We disentangled several spatio-temporal fluorescence signals by using a general unconstrained non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm directly on the raw video data. Furthermore, we show that commercial and low-cost open-source miniscopes display enough sensitivity to image the same fluorescence patterns seen in our proof of principle experiment, suggesting that a whole new avenue for novel minimally invasive deep brain studies with multimode fibers in freely-behaving mice is possible.
Improving a surrogate eggshell incubation system using white leghorn chicken eggs obtained from a poultry flock of the same age
Authors: Yang Hyeon , Lee Bo Ram , Lee Seunghoon , Ock Sun A , Oh Keon Bong , Jo Yong Jin , Lee Poongyeon , Lee Haesun , Han Jae Yong , Byun Sung June
Published: June 2023

A germinal disc located on egg yolk surface drives genetic modification. Based on eggshells, in ovo incubation such as windowed and surrogate methods have been developed, but these exhibit limited abilities to generate transgenic chickens. Here, we investigated the frequency of observing the germinal disc according to the preincubation positioning direction and time and found that it depended on those conditions, but only a few chicks (2.8-5.6%) hatched using windowed method. Then, we attempted to improve surrogate method via one- or two-step procedures, and all eggs, including surrogates which is 10 g heavier than donor egg, were obtained from a poultry flock of the same age. With the one-step surrogate method (the donor egg is transferred only once into the surrogate egg), the survival rate at day 4 was 30.8%, and the hatching rate was 11.8%. We then established an improved two-step surrogate method: System II is similar with methods previously established, and an unusual second surrogate egg is used in System III. With this method, the survival rate at day 4 was improved by 90.7%, and a hatching rate of 70.0% was obtained. Therefore, the improved surrogate methods established in this study can be effective for in ovo incubation.
The lag and module-phase synchronization of complex-valued neural networks with mixed delays
Authors: Jia Li , Yugang Gu , Yi Liang , Gang Li , Yuchun Yang
Published: June 2023

The lag synchronization and lag module-phase synchronization of complex-valued neural networks(CVNNs) with mixed delays are studied. The driving and response models of CVNNs with mixed-time delay are constructed. The lag and module-phase error systems of CVNNs are derived. The adaptive controller is designed and Lyapunov function is constructed. The effective conditions of lag and lag module-phase synchronization of CVNNs are obtained respectively. Finally, the results of Simulation experiment show the stability of system can be ensured, it illustrates that the strategy is reliable.
Adaptability analysis of the ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae FC428 clone in China
Authors: Li Yamei , Yang Yang , Cao Wenling , Xiu Leshan , Wang Di , Gu Weiming , Peng Junping
Published: June 2023

We describe nine internationally spreading ceftriaxone-resistant FC428 clone-related Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains with a typical ceftriaxone-resistant phenotype (MIC ≥ 0.5 mg/L) isolated from Guangzhou and Shanghai between 2019 and 2020. The adaptability analysis further involved all FC428-related N. gonorrhoeae strains reported in China and our data demonstrated that three representative clones (MLST-ST1903_NG-STAR-ST1143, MLST-ST1600_NG-STAR-ST2208, and MLST-ST13943_NG-STAR-ST233) were observed to settle in China in evolution. Specifically, enhancing antimicrobial resistance surveillance of the three representative clones is crucial for understanding the transmission trajectory and optimizing therapy strategies.
Classification of osseous housing and the incidence of labial bone perforation for virtual implant surgery by CBCT in the edentulous maxillary
Authors: Jiang Yuanjing , Mao Chuanqing , Weng YunPeng , Liao Caiyu , Chen Weihui
Published: June 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to classify the alveolar ridge of the anterior maxillary edentulous and investigate the incidence of perforation and associated risk factors via virtual implant placement using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods
The morphology of 85 patients who have lost a single tooth in the maxillary esthetic zone was assessed by CBCT. The width and height of the residual crest alveolar bone were measured. Root form implants (3.3 mm*10 mm and 3.3 mm*12 mm) were placed virtually in the edentulous area, and the risk factors associated with perforation were analyzed.
Results
Class Ib was the most common type of ridge (n = 26; 30.6%). Concavity bone thickness (CT) was significantly different (P < 0.05) among the four types of alveolar bone. The long axis angle of alveolar bone (LAAB) and the differences between the LAAB and implant placement angle (IPA) in the nonperforation areas were significantly lower compared with those in the perforation areas. After implantation, the overall occurrence of labial bone perforation was 56.5%, and perforation mostly occurred in Class II ridges.
Conclusions
Class II ridges and lateral incisors were at relatively high risk for labial perforation after implant placement. We thus recommend that clinicians determine the ridge classification, tooth type, CT, LAAB and IPA.
Influencing Factors in the Stagnation of the Baiu Front that Induced Heavy Rainfall in July 2020 over Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Moteki Qoosaku
Published: June 2023

The influencing factors of the long-term stagnation of the Baiu front that induced heavy rainfall in July 2020 over Kyushu, Japan, were examined. In July 2020, the position of the Baiu front from a weather chart at 130°E remained stationary over Kyushu for 20 days, and that was the longest from 2002–2021. By examining a certain index of the Yellow Sea High (YSH), which is a necessary condition for Baiu front stagnation near Kyushu, it was confirmed that in 2020, a positive high-pressure anomaly persisted over the Yellow Sea until the end of July. The YSH maintenance was due to the significant negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly over the Yellow Sea. The significant negative SST anomalies in the Yellow Sea were due to vertical mixing in ocean mixed layer in response to the strong winds of the extratropical cyclones. A rapid SST decrease ranging from 0.5–1.5°C/day was repeatedly occurred by ocean mixed layer deepening in association with the passage of the extratropical cyclones. The anomalous long-term stagnation of YSH due to the negative SST anomalies could have caused the Baiu front to remain stagnant over Kyushu until the end of July.
An Efficient and Adaptive Superframe Structure for IEEE 802.15.7-Based Real-time Sensor Networks
Authors: Bhutani Monica , Lall Brejesh , Agrawal Monika
Published: June 2023

The Internet is expanding with new bandwidth-intensive applications and the network's sensor count, resulting in spectrum constraints. The IEEE 802.15.7 standard specifies optical wireless communication (OWC) as a solution as it utilizes terahertz of unlicensed spectrum, is resistant to radio frequencies, and is more secure to harness. Nevertheless, the standard does not address the adaptive data demands of sensors, nor does it consider priority data transmission, which is a crucial quality of service demand. Wireless sensors are increasingly being used in personalized medical health care, and our proposed research focuses on their delay, adaptive traffic management, and overall network throughput. We have suggested a novel superframe structure that enables adaptive sleep mode for priority data handling. The proposed superframe structure is simulated for the contention access period (CAP) as well as the contention-free period (CFP). The suggested approach works in hybrid mode, i.e., with the CSMA/CA and GTS allocation techniques. We illustrate the importance of our proposed work by comparing it to IEEE 802.15.7 in terms of delay and throughput. Across both factors, the simulation results demonstrate a significant improvement. Additionally, we have computed the collision probability in our suggested adaptive superframe structure.
Modelling and simulation of composition and mechanical properties of high entropy magnesium-based multicomponent alloy
Authors: Otieno Robert Kennedy , Odhong Edward V. , Mutua James
Published: June 2023

Magnesium alloys are high potential materials for application in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their lightweight properties. They can help to lower dead weight and fuel consumption to contribute to sustainability and efficiency. It is possible to achieve high specific strength and high stiffness of the alloys by varying compositions of alloying elements. Applications of magnesium are limited due to its low strength and relatively low stiffness. This research focuses on a recipe of multicomponent alloys of magnesium with varied percentages of Mg, Al, Cu, Mn and Zn obtained from literature and optimizes the percentage compositions to obtain high specific strength and specific stiffness. Relationships among percentage constituents of the alloy components are examined in Matlab R2022b using multiple linear regression. Optimization is achieved using genetic algorithm to determine the specific strengths and stiffness. The resulting optimal alloy component percentages by weight are used for microstructure simulation of thermodynamic properties, diffusion and phase transformations of proposed alloy is done in MatCalc software version 6.04. Results show potential for improved mechanical properties resulting from disordered structure in the high entropy magnesium alloy. Future research should focus on production and characterization of the proposed alloy.
Data security governance for Software-as-a-Service Cloud computing environment: A South African perspective
Authors: Dibetle Maseko , Kalema Billy Mathias
Published: June 2023

Numerous weaknesses, dangers, and risks to the data being distributed in the cloud environment are presented by cloud computing (CC). Data is an asset of all businesses, so all organizations should work to protect its security and integrity, especially those that deal with a lot of data that is generated frequently from many sources. Financial institutions handle a lot of consumer data; therefore, in order to earn the trust of their clients, they must make sure that their data is secure when put in the cloud. Destructive attacks that could result in significant financial losses, legal repercussions, and reputational damage could occur if appropriate safety measures and security governance processes and standards are not implemented. The purpose of this study was to create a data security governance model for the Software-as-a-Service cloud computing environment used by South African financial institutions. A conceptual model was developed based on four theories that served as the foundation for this study: the Technology-Organization-Environment model, information security theory, risk management theory and control and audit theory. This study used a quantitative methodology that involved statistical analysis of data gathered from South African financial institutions. The Krejcie and Morgan's technique was used to choose a sample size of 308 from an available population of 845 respondents. In order to test the proposed hypotheses, critical ratio was used. The results showed that for the development of SaaS cloud computing data security governance, technological factors and top management support are crucial.
Dataset Generation for Gujarati Language Using Handwritten Character Images
Authors: Suthar Sanket B , Thakkar Amit R
Published: June 2023

In pattern recognition, the handwritten character recognition (HCR) is considered as the classical challenge. Due to the unavailability of the dataset for different languages, it is complex to train the recognition system. In particular, the benchmark dataset for HCR in the Gujarati language is limited. To overcome this challenge, a proper dataset is required for experimentation. Hence, this work introduces dataset generation for the Gujarati language using pre-processing and classification techniques. Initially, the handwritten data is collected from various native Gujarati writers. In this work, there are three processes carried out to generate the dataset. They are pre-processing, segmentation and classification. Initially, the pre-processing stages like a selection of image, noise removal, normalization, conversion of integer value to double, grayscale image into a binary image, dimensionality reduction, and vector conversation are performed. Then, the pre-processed image is segmented using line segmentation, character segmentation and word segmentation. Then, for testing and training, the data are transformed into CSV file format (for converting the information to numbers). Finally, the data are classified using a Convolutional neural network (CNN). The kappa and FPR values achived by the CNN are 0.981 and0.189.
Dental Caries Diagnosis from Bitewing Images using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Forouzeshfar Parsa , Safaei Ali Asghar , Ghaderi Foad , Hashemikamangar SedigheSadat , Kaviani Hanieh , Haghi Sahebeh
Published: June 2023

Background
Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is a widespread and long-standing condition that affects people of all ages. This ailment is caused by bacteria that attach themselves to teeth and break down sugars, creating acid that gradually wears away at the tooth structure. Tooth discoloration, pain, and sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks are common symptoms of tooth decay. Although this condition is prevalent among all age groups, it is especially prevalent in children with baby teeth. Early diagnosis of dental caries is critical to preventing further decay and avoiding costly tooth repairs. Currently, dentists employ a time-consuming and repetitive process of manually marking tooth lesions after conducting radiographic exams. However, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence in medical imaging research, there is a chance to improve the accuracy and efficiency of dental diagnosis.
Methods
This study introduces a data-driven model for accurately diagnosing dental decay through the use of Bitewing radiology images using convolutional neural networks. The dataset utilized in this research includes 713 patient images obtained from the Samin Maxillofacial Radiology Center located in Tehran, Iran. The images were captured between June 2020 and January 2022 and underwent processing via four distinct Convolutional Neural Networks. The images were resized to 100x100 and then divided into two groups: 70% (4219) for training and 30% (1813) for testing. The four networks employed in this study were AlexNet, ResNet50, VGG16, and VGG19.
Results
Among different well-known CNN architectures compared in this study, the VGG19 model was found to be the most accurate, with a 93.93% accuracy.
Conclusion
This promising result indicates the potential for developing an automatic AI-based dental caries diagnostic model from Bitewing images. It has the potential to serve patients or dentists as a mobile app or cloud-based diagnosis service (clinical decision support system).
Bilateral duplicated hypoplastic superior cerebellar arteries one of which originates from a full-type fetal posterior cerebral artery
Authors: Alnafie Mohammed Assaad
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The association of bilateral duplication of the superior cerebellar artery with an origin from the posterior cerebral artery is rare but of great interest to anatomists, radiologists, and surgeons. This article reports bilateral duplicated hypoplastic superior cerebellar arteries, one of which arises from a full-type fetal cerebral artery.
Material and method: A 59-year-old woman admitted to the neurosurgery department for a subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent a brain CTA with 3D reconstruction using « 3D slicer 4.11 » software. Brain CTA and the 3D model were used to analyze the configuration of the posterior circulation.
Results: CTA images and the 3D model showed an unusual configuration of the posterior circulation. The basilar artery prolonged the left vertebral artery, while the right vertebral artery ended in the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. On both sides, a full-type fetal posterior cerebral artery and duplicated hypoplastic superior cerebellar artery were observed. Three cerebellar arteries arose from the basilar artery, while the fourth one emerged from the right fetal posterior cerebral artery.
Conclusion: Knowledge of such a configuration of the posterior circulation and others is necessary before radiological and surgical procedures. It helps to understand hemodynamic events, and neurovascular conflicts, improve revascularization procedures, and avoid surgical arterial and nervous injuries.
Morpho-Genetic Characterization of Fig (Ficus carica Var. Rupestris (Hausskn.) Browicz) Genotypes Aiming to Be Used As Rootstock
Authors: YILDIZ Ercan , Ağlar Erdal , SÜMBÜL Ahmet , yaman mehmet , ÇALIŞKAN Oğuzhan , POPESCU Georghe Christian , POPESCU Monica , GÖNÜLTAŞ Metin
Published: June 2023

Turkiye, which has very rich gene resources, is the homeland of figs as well as many plant species. The common fig species found in the natural population of our country is Ficus carica var. caprificus (male figs), Ficus carica var. domestica (female figs; edible figs) and Ficus carica var. rupestris. In the study, morphological and molecular characterization of a total of 42 genotypes, including genotypes obtained by selection breeding method from the Ficus carica var rupestris (Hausskn.) Browicz population, which is naturally spread in a limited area in Tunceli province, was performed. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 23 fig genotypes were evaluated. It was determined that tree growth habit, lateral shoot formation, apical dominancy and leaf length characteristics had the highest effect on phenotypic descriptions in fig genotypes. The genetic relationship between the genotypes was demonstrated with 12 SRAP primer combinations and 9 ISSR primers. As a result of the study, it was determined that the genetic similarity values ranged between 0.52 and 0.94. According to the weight grading test results, the genotypes had scores between 290 and 910. In terms of these selection criteria, the genotype FCR-19 received the highest score with 910, while this genotype received 865 points with FCR-6, FCR-7, FCR-14, FCR-15, FCR-20, FCR-24, FCR-27, FCR-31 and FCR-42 genotypes followed. At the end of the study, very detailed results on the genetic variation in the fig population in the region were obtained by morphological features and molecular methods. The 7 genotypes selected were propagated to determine their potential for dwarf rootstocks. The results of the present study may provide significant leads for further studies on this subject. Dwarf roostoscks for grafting fig is an essential tool for modern fruit growing.
Oxidative stress mediated by pyrrolidine SS13 is involved in autophagic cell death induction in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Nosalova Natalia , Majirska Monika , Keselakova Alexandra , Martinkova Miroslava , Fabianova Dominika , Mirossay Andrej , Pilatova Martina Bago , Kello Martin
Published: June 2023

Pyrrolidines, nitrogenous organic compounds, are among the most intensively studied substances because of their antibacterial, antiviral, neurological, and promising antitumor effects. This study aimed to evaluate the pro-oxidative properties of SS13 on human colorectal carcinoma cell lines (HCT116 and Caco-2) using flow cytometry, western blot, fluorescence microscopy and qRT-PCR. Pyrrolidine SS13 induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in both cell lines. N-acetyl cysteine and Trolox, known antioxidants, reduced the increased levels of free radicals mediated by SS13 treatment. Moreover, modulation of both superoxide dismutase isoenzymes (SOD1, SOD2) was confirmed by western blot analysis and qRT-PCR. Oxidative stress was also associated with DNA damage response system activation and modulation of stress/survival pathways. We demonstrated for the first time that pyrrolidine SS13 is involved in the induction of autophagy by increasing the levels of autophagic markers (p-AMPK, p-ULK, LC3I/II, and ATG7). In addition, a significant decreasing effect on p62 protein levels was observed in both cell lines. Finally, chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, increased cell survival and suppressed the cytotoxic effect of SS13 in HCT116 and Caco-2 cells, indicating the involvement of SS13 in autophagy-mediated cell death. Taken together, our results suggest that oxidative stress and autophagy contribute to the antiproliferative effect of pyrrolidine SS13 on colorectal cancer cells.