bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations of Choroidal and Retinal Microvasculature in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Khalilipur Ehsan , Mahdizad Zahra , Molazadeh Negin , Faghihi Hooshang , Naderi Nasim , Bahar Mohammadreza Mehrabi , Firouzi Ata , Sadeghipour Parham , Maleki Majid , Shahgoli Sahel Soltani , Pour Elias Khalili , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid
Published: December 2022

This cross-sectional study designed to assess alterations of choroidal and retinal microvasculature in patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and compare them with a normal age-matched population. Fifty-two eyes of 26 patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 40%) and 64 eyes of 32 healthy individuals considered as the patient and the control groups, respectively. The whole image, foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal age-adjusted mean superficial and deep capillary plexus VD showed statistically significant differences between the HFrEF group and the normal controls (P = 0.007, P = 0.000, P = 0.006, and P = 0.026, respectively). The patients with HFrEF had a significantly lower subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) than the normal subjects (264 ± 82 vs 313 ± 72, respectively; P = 0.009), and the difference was still statistically significant after age adjustment (P = 0.004). Although choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was lower in the HFrEF group than in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant before and after age adjustment (73.45 ± 6.67 vs 75.77 ± 5.92, respectively; P = 0.118 and P = 0.098, respectively). In conclusion, in patients with HFrEF, we observed a reduction in retinal VD in both the superficial and deep capillary plexuses, as well as SFCT, but no significant change in CVI.
A case of severe infection of metacercariae from the liver of garfish Xenentodon cancila (Beloniformes: Belonidae): morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Chaudhary Anshu , Singh Komal , Sharma Bindu , Singh Hridaya Shanker
Published: December 2022

Using only the morphological traits to describe trematode parasites are a poor indicator of their identification and validation. The current work uses molecular data to describe diplostomoid metacercariae supplemented with morphology found in freshwater garfish, Xenentodon cancila Ham., 1822 collected from River Ganga, of district Bijnour, Meerut region (Uttar Pradesh), India. The metacercariae were identified as Posthodiplostomum pandei (= Neascus pandei) collected from liver shows a high mass of cysts embedded and surrounded by partially damaged liver tissue. Partial DNA sequences of the 18S, internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and 28S of nuclear ribosomal DNA were generated and compared with available sequences on the Genbank database. In the phylogenetic analysis of partial sequences from 18S, ITS cluster (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and 28S rDNA, P. pandei from India fell within the superfamily Diplostomoidea with other members of Posthodiplostomum also confirms its distinct status and was found close to other Indian species. In Indian region, along with morphology, many species described under Neascus-type metacercariae are awaiting for their validation to be supplemented with molecular data. Furthermore, the validity of few species of genus Posthodiplostomum is also discussed to synonymized with P. pandei in the present study.
Volterra Operator-Based Fixed-Time Adaptive Parameter Estimation for DC-DC Buck Converters without Current Sensors
Authors: Shi Shang , Lu Jiazhou , Min Huifang , Hu Yinlong
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the problem of parameter estimation for DC-DC buck converter without current sensors. For the circuit, all the parameters of capacitance, inductance, resistance and input voltage are unknown. A novel Volterra operator-based fixed-time adaptive algorithm is proposed by using only the output voltage and control input signals. By selecting proper kernel function for the Volterra integral operator, the influence of the system initial values can be eliminated and the calculation of the derivative of the system output can also be avoided. Strict analysis shows that the proposed estimation algorithm can ensure the estimation errors converge to zero in a fixed time independent of the initial error values. Finally, simulation results with different initial values verify the advantages of the proposed algorithm.
Long-wave infrared transparent sulfur polymers enabled by symmetric thiol cross-linker
Authors: Lee Miyeon , Oh Yuna , Yu Jaesang , Jang Se Gyu , Yeo Hyeonuk , Park Jong-Jin , You Nam-Ho
Published: December 2022

Infrared (IR) transmissive polymeric materials for optical elements require a balance between their optical properties, including refractive index (n) and IR transparency, and thermal properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg). Achieving both a high refractive index (n) and IR transparency in polymer materials is a very difficult challenge. In particular, there are significant complexities and considerations to obtaining organic materials that transmit in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) region, because of high optical losses due to the IR absorption of the organic molecules. Our differentiated strategy to extend the frontiers of LWIR transparency is to reduce the IR absorption of the organic moieties. The proposed approach synthesized a sulfur copolymer via the inverse vulcanization of 1,3,5-benzenetrithiol (BTT), which has a relatively simple IR absorption because of its symmetric structure, and elemental sulfur, which is mostly IR inactive. This strategy resulted in approximately 1 mm thick lenses with an ultrahigh refractive index (nav>1.9) and high mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and LWIR transmission, without any significant decline in thermal properties. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our IR transmissive material was sufficiently competitive with widely used optical inorganic and polymeric materials.
Primary extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of ovary with novel KIT mutation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Fang , Xiong Jianbo , Peng Yi , Li Wen , Zhou Enle , Zhong Shanshan , Li Mingyang , Jiang Weiyang , Jiang Qingming
Published: December 2022

Background
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain differentiation. Despite its name, this tumor type has no relationship to cartilage. Most tumors arise in deep soft tissue of the proximal extremities and limb girdles. The KIT mutation of this tumor is extremely rare and the ovary location as primary location has not been reported yet before.
Case presentation:
We present a case of primary EMC of ovary with novel KIT mutation of a 54-year-old female. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first primary EMC of ovary and the fourth case with KIT mutation.
Conclusions
With this case study we try to make a better understanding of tumor, lessen the diagnostic confusion by highlighting its rare location, and more importantly present substantial molecular data, which might help in providing more therapeutic opportunities in the future.
Beneficial Methanolic Extraction of Aractium lappal and Eryngium billardieri that Have Potential of Anti diabetic, Antibacterial, Anticancer and Biosynthesis of Novel Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Feizi Hassan , Mollania Nasrin , Mollania Hamid , Mollania Fariba
Published: December 2022

Biomass wastes and medical plants extract have been demonstrated to be sufficient sources for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using green technology, and has been applied in bio-medical and technology fields. Nanotechnology is gaining tremendous impetus in the present century due to its capability of modulating metals into the nanosize scale, which drastically changes the chemical, physical and optical properties of metals. This study reports the optimal conditions for beneficial extraction of Aractium lappal and Eryngium billardieri and biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles through reduction of Ag+ ions by secondary metabolite of plant extrcts. The purified nanoparticles was further characterized by UV–vis spectra, dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), X Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Results showed that, the purified solution yielded the maximum absorbance peak at 426 nm and the DLS characterization showed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles, with an average size of 47 nm. In addition, antibacterial results show that these compounds, have good potential of antibacterial activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. Finally, the cytotoxicity effect of silver nanoparticles on viability of MCF7 and MCR-5 cell lines was assessed by cytotoxicity 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results show that toxicity of the optained nanoparticles on cells is very low (IC50, MCF-7 > 1 mg/ml and IC50, MCR−5 > 5 mg/ml) and follows a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, the antioxidant and anti-diabetic effect of Aractium lappal methanolic extract were also investigated. The inhibition of pancreatic αft-amylase using this extract seems to be a good way to treat diabetes. Our findings indicate that these extracts are worthy of further consideration as plant drug to develop a new class of inhibitors against bacteria, some cancerous cell lines and also due to considerable antidiabetic effects and nanoparticles biosynthesis potential.
Wirsung diameter and microchannel presence as risk factors in postoperative pancreatic fistulas
Authors: doğan caner , borazan ersin , baskonus ilyas , dizibüyük Omer , balik ahmet
Published: December 2022

Background
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is one of the most severe morbidities, which can occasionally be fatal. This study evaluated the association of the main pancreatic duct diameter and the presence of open pancreatic interlobular ducts (microchannels) of the pancreas with pancreatic fistula in the pancreaticojejunostomy anastomotic line.
Methods
An evaluation was made on pancreatojejunostomy anastomoses of 49 patients who underwent pyloric-preserving PD between March 2018 and October 2019 using the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula classification. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and pathological characteristics of patients without postoperative fistula and with grade A fistula (biochemical leak) were recorded. The groups were analyzed for the diameter of the duct of Wirsung and the presence of microchannels on the cross-sectional surface of the pancreatic surgical margin through the PD materials.
Results
Drain fluid amylase levels were more than three times higher than blood amylase levels in 32(65.3%) patients. The diameter of the duct of Wirsung in overall patients was 2.97±1.84cm. Patients with a small main pancreatic duct diameter(<3 mm) had a high risk of a biochemical leak(RR:2.38;95% CI:1.14–4.97; p:0.002). Microchannels were detected in 27(55.1%) patients. The risk of a leak was 2.45 times higher in patients with microchannels on the pancreatic cross-sectional surface (RR:0.409;95% CI:0.23–0.72;p:0.001).
Conclusion
A main pancreatic duct diameter of < 3 mm, and the presence of microchannels on the pancreatic cross-sectional surface may increase the risk of fistula in postoperative pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis. Thus, it should be considered in the management of patients at risk after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Strong Pareto-based multiobjective differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Wang Lifang , Zhang Zhe , Guo Xiaodong , Sun Chaoli , Lan Yang
Published: December 2022

SPEA2 is a multiobjective optimization algorithm based on the Pareto advantage. Since SPEA2 uses traditional genetic operators, the algorithm cannot solve problems in various complex scenarios. For this reason, this article proposes a multiobjective differential evolution algorithm based on strong Pareto (SPEA2-DE) to solve the above problem with several main strategies. First, the new proposed mechanism divides individuals into nondominated and dominated individuals, and it uses a difference operator based on the optimal vector for nondominated individuals to improve the local exploitation capability. To improve the global exploration capability for dominated individuals, this mechanism also uses a difference operator that is based on the current vector and the optimal individual. Second, the learning factor uses an adaptive strategy based on individual adaptation values to improve both the global exploration capability and the local exploitation capability. Furthermore, an adaptive parameter strategy for crossover probabilities for different evolutionary stage characteristics is employed to improve convergence. Third, the improved environmental selection strategy in SPEA2 makes full use of individual density information to increase population diversity, and the convergence of the proposed algorithm is analyzed. To evaluate the performance of SPEA2-DE, comparison experiments are conducted with six state-of-the-art multiobjective algorithms to solve 16 functions in the DTLZ and WFG benchmark suite and address five real-world engineering application scenarios. The comparison results indicate that the proposed SPEA2-DE is significantly better than, or at least comparable to, its competitors.
Passivation Remediation of Cadmium Contaminated Soil by Polyethyleneimine Modified Biochar
Authors: LI Haihua , Qu Yuanyuan , Wang Zhichen , Xie Minghao
Published: December 2022

Biochar was prepared from tobacco straws, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was loaded on the biochar surface to produce PEI-modified biochar (PBC). The remediation effect of PBC on Cd-contaminated soil was studied. During the soil incubation, soil samples were collected three times at 30, 60 and 90 days, and the physical and chemical properties of soil and the contents of heavy metals were determined after natural drying. After conducting passivation and remediation of Cd-contaminated soil, the available Cd content decreased significantly, the residual and oxidizable heavy metal Cd contents in the soil increased significantly, and the weak acid extractable Cd content decreased. When the PBC addition amount was 3% and the soil was cultured for 90 d, the available Cd content in the soil decreased by 54.36%, the weak acid extractable Cd content decreased by 35.36%, and the residual Cd content increased by 184.67%. This indicates that PBC can be used to repair heavy metal-contaminated soil and reduce the bioavailability, migration, and transformation ability of heavy metal Cd.
A comparative study of data-driven modal decomposition analysis of unforced and forced cylinder wakes
Authors: Chang Xu , Chen Wen-Li , Li Hui , Gao Donglai
Published: December 2022

The present study on the recognition of coherent structures in flow fields was conducted using three typical data-driven modal decomposition methods: proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), dynamic mode decomposition (DMD), and Fourier mode decomposition (FMD). Two real circular cylinder wake flows (forced and unforced), obtained from two-dimensional particle image velocimetry (2D PIV) measurements, were analyzed to extract the coherent structures. It was found that the POD method could be used to extract the large-scale structures from the fluctuating velocity in a wake flow, the DMD method showed potential for dynamical mode frequency identification and linear reconstruction of the flow field, and the FMD method provided a significant computational efficiency advantage when the dominant frequency of the flow field was known. The limitations of the three methods were also identified: the POD method was incomplete in the spatial-temporal decomposition and each mode mixed multiple frequencies leading to unclear physics, the DMD method is based on the linear assumption and thus the highly nonlinear part of the flow field was unsuitable, and the FMD method is based on global power spectrum analysis while being overwhelmed by an unknown high-frequency flow field.
Reporting on African Responses to COVID-19: African Philosophical Perspectives for Addressing Quandaries in the Global Justice Debate
Authors: Ajei Martin Odei
Published: December 2022

The first case of COVID-19 infection in Africa was recorded in Egypt on 14 February 2020. Following this, several projections of the possible devastating effect that the virus can have on the population of African countries were made in the Western media. This paper presents evidence for Africa’s successful responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and under-reporting or misrepresentation of these successes in Western media. It proceeds to argue for accounting for these successes in terms of Africa’s communitarian way of life and conceptions of self, duty, and rights; and that a particular orientation in theorizing on global justice can highlight the injustices inherent in the misrepresentation of these successes and contribute shared perspectives to formulating a framework of values and concepts that would facilitate the implementation of global policy goals for justice. The paper is thus grounded in a rejection of the insular tenets of theorizing prevalent in the global justice debate and to persistent inclinations in Western scholarship to the thinking that theorizing in the African context that draws inspiration from the cultural past has little to contribute to the quest for justice globally. On the contrary, it argues that reflexive critique of cultural history is a necessary source of normative ideals that can foster tolerant coexistence and a cooperative endeavour toward shared conceptions of justice in the contemporary world.
Responding to the Tragedies of Our Time - The Human Right to Health and the Virtue of Creative Resolve
Authors: Hassoun Nicole
Published: December 2022

We live in tragic times. Millions are sheltering in place to avoid exacerbating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. How should we respond to such tragedies? This paper argues that the human right to health can help us do so because it inspires human rights advocates, claimants, and those with responsibility for fulfilling the right to try hard to satisfy its claims. That is, the right should, and often does, give rise to what I call the virtue of creative resolve. This resolve embodies a fundamental commitment to finding creative solutions to what appear to be tragic dilemmas. Contra critics, we should not reject the right even if it cannot tell us how to ration scarce health resources. Rather, the right gives us a response to apparent tragedy in motivating us to search for ways of fulfilling everyone’s basic health needs.
Parendodontic Surgery as a Treatment Option: Case Report with One Year Follow-Up
Authors: Silva Jadson Mathyas Domingos da , Silva Gleidson de Oliveira , Vergetti Francisco de Assis Crescencio , Costa Andreza Raianne Oliveira da , Nascimento Milena Galdino , Almeida Neto Eduardo Marinho de , Nogueira Pedro Thalles Bernardo de Carvalho , Vasconcelos Rafaela Andrade de
Published: December 2022

Endodontic treatment aims at eliminating microorganisms from root canal systems. The resistance of these microorganisms contributes for the permanence of the apical lesion, leading to the failure of treatment. The microbiological factor is pointed out as the major cause of failures after intervention. In these cases, root canal retreatment can be performed aims the re-instrumentation, cleaning, and new filling in the root canal. Also, retreatment treatment can be associated with a parendodontic surgery in the attempt to reverse failure without a tooth extraction. The objective of this clinical case is to report a root canal retreatment associated with apical surgery with one year follow-up in the lower central incisor’s region. It was concluded that paraendodontic surgery is an effective and conservative treatment option compared to tooth extractions, and when properly performed, with the aid of good materials such a MTA, brings satisfactory results by returning normal conditions to the periodontal tissue, as well as health and function to the teeth affected by the inflammatory process.
The impact of COVID-19 on financing decisions of SMEs in Vietnam
Authors: An H.K. Vo  , Trang T.T. Truong  , Khoa D. Huynh
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a massive impact on the economy around the world. To shed light on how COVID-19 is affecting the bank loan financing decisions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam, we conducted a survey with the participation of representatives come from 92 SMEs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in the period from March to April 2020. Employing logistic regression, we find that the risk perception of COVID-19 is a significant factor that helps predict SMEs’ bank loan financing decisions. This study not only contributes to management literature regarding firm’s financing decisions but also assists policymakers in introducing policies related to SMEs.
Impacts of disinfected wastewater irrigation on soil characteristics, microbial community composition, and crop yield
Authors: Leonel Lays Paulino , Bize Ariane , Mariadassou Mahendra , Midoux Cédric , Schneider Jerusa , Tonetti Adriano Luiz
Published: December 2022

For agricultural reuse, the disinfection treatment must be efficient to inactivate the resistant pathogens and must not generate harmful byproducts for the soil and crop production. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the possible impacts caused by the irrigation with wastewater disinfected with sodium hypochlorite, peracetic acid, ultraviolet radiation, or the oxidation process UV radiation combined with hydrogen peroxide over soil physicochemical properties and microbial community composition, as well as over the wheat crop yield in the short term. A pot essay was performed in a greenhouse, and at the end the main alterations observed in soil physicochemical properties were due to water type, not to the disinfection treatments. The crop yield was influenced by the water type, but not by the disinfectant treatments. Irrigation with wastewater improved almost 5 times the wheat grains yield, compared with freshwater. Wastewater irrigation increased the abundance of families involved in organic matter degradation and nitrogen cycle, and some pathogenic bacteria. Among the disinfectant treatments, the UV disinfection played an important role in shaping soil bacterial community structure.
Impact evaluation and analysis at a river basin scale under projected climate and land-use change
Authors: S. Saranya M. , Nair Vinish V.
Published: December 2022

This study evaluated the individual as well as integrated impacts of climate and land use change on streamflow over Meenachil River Basin, Kerala, India. The hydrological model SWAT was used to simulate future streamflow simulations under representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios for the medium term (2025–2055) and long term (2056–2086). The land use land cover change was projected using land change modeler (LCM) of TerrSet software for the future period. Climate model simulations were taken to predict future streamflow at the regional scale, and an attempt was made to reduce the uncertainty associated with future predictions. According to the findings, streamflow was influenced by climate change (68.07%) and land use change (31.92%), with climate change having a higher contribution rate. The findings suggest that the combined impact of climate and land use change would increase streamflow in the future. The annual average streamflow is expected to decline (5.9%) in the medium term (2025–2055) under RCP 4.5 scenario and rise by 5.3% under RCP 8.5 scenario with reference to the observed streamflow for the period 1987–2017. However, in the long term, it is expected to rise by 10.56% under RCP 4.5 and 22.61% under RCP 8.5.
Prediction of Partition Coefficient of Carbamates using GA-MLR and GAANN
Methods, and Comparison with Experimental Data
Authors: Moosavi Seyedeh Azadeh , Mohammadinasab Esmat , Isfahani Tahereh Momeni
Published: December 2022

In the present study, quantum mechanics calculations at the B3LYP theory level and 6-
31G* basis set were carried out to obtain the optimized geometry of carbamates. Then, a comprehensive
set of molecular descriptors was computed by using the Dragon software. A genetic algorithm
(GA) was also applied to select the suitable variables that resulted in the best-fixed models. The relationship
between the molecular descriptors and the partition coefficient of 66 types of carbamates is
represented. The molecular descriptors were applied for modeling the multiple linear regression
(MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. The quantitative structure-property relationship
models showed that the GA-ANN over the GA-MLR approach resulted in the best outcome. So, the
predicted partition coefficient was found to be in good agreement with the experimental partition coefficient.
The EEig01x and ALOGP descriptors were applied for modeling the multiple linear regression
(MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods. The best model was validated by Q2
LOO,
Q2
F1, Q2
F2, Q2
F3, and CCC techniques and external validation parameters for the established theoretical
models.
Hereditary Rickets: A Quick Guide for the Pediatrician
Authors: AlSubaihin Abdulmajeed , Harrington Jennifer
Published: December 2022

With the increased discovery of genes implicated in vitamin D metabolism and the regu-lation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, a growing number of genetic forms of rickets are now recognized. These are categorized into calciopenic and phosphopenic rickets. Calciopenic forms of hereditary rickets are caused by genetic mutations that alter the enzymatic activity in the vitamin D activation pathway or impair the vitamin D receptor action. Hereditary forms of phosphopenic rick-ets, on the other hand, are caused by genetic mutations that lead to increased expression of FGF23 hormone or that impair the absorptive capacity of phosphate at the proximal renal tubule. Due to the clinical overlap between acquired and genetic forms of rickets, identifying children with hereditary rickets can be challenging. A clear understanding of the molecular basis of hereditary forms of rick-ets and their associated biochemical patterns allow the health care provider to assign the correct di-agnosis, avoid non-effective interventions and shorten the duration of the diagnostic journey in these children. In this mini-review, known forms of hereditary rickets listed on the Online Mendeli-an Inheritance in Man database are discussed. Further, a clinical approach to identify and diagnose children with hereditary forms of rickets is suggested.
First Trimester Tricuspid Regurgitation: Clinical Significance
Authors: Teixeira Sofia , Guedes-Martins Luís.
Published: December 2022

Tricuspid regurgitation is a cardiac valvular anomaly that consists of the return of blood
to the right atrium during systole due to incomplete valve closure. This structure can be visualized
on ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation in most cases. Despite being a common finding,
even in healthy fetuses, the presence of tricuspid regurgitation may be associated with chromosomal
and structural abnormalities. The evaluation of tricuspid flow and the presence of regurgitation
on first-trimester ultrasound has shown promising results regarding its role in the early detection
of aneuploidies, congenital heart defects, and other adverse perinatal outcomes. This review
article aims to demonstrate the importance of tricuspid regurgitation as a secondary marker, and
consequently, significant benefits of its early detection when added to the combined first-trimester
screening. Its value will be discussed, namely its sensitivity and specificity, alone and together
with other current markers in the fetal assessment performed in the first-trimester ultrasound.
Adaptogenic Properties of 1-(Germatran-1-il)-Oxyethylamine
Authors: Zhigacheva Irina V. , Krikunova Natalya I. , Rasulov Maksud M.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Germanium is a biologically active trace element, and it is present in almost
all organs and tissues. Its biological activity was revealed in the 20th century. However, the study on
the possibility of using germanium for medical purposes was first undertaken by the Japanese scientist
Dr. Kazuhiko Asai in 1940. In 1965, academician M.G.Voronkov and colleagues synthesized tricyclic
esters of triethanolamine germanium with the general formula XGe(OCH2CH2)3N and studied their
biological activity. However, the adaptogenic properties of these compounds have not been sufficiently
studied. In this regard, there is an urgent need to study the adaptogenic properties of these drugs.

Objective:

As the resistance of the organism to stress factors primarily depends on energy metabolism,
the aim of our work was to study the influence of stress and 1- (germatran-1-il) –oxyethylamine (GM)
on the functional state of mitochondria.

Methods:

The functional state of mitochondria was studied as per the rate of mitochondria respiration
by the level of lipid peroxidation and fatty acid composition of mitochondrial membranes by chromatography
technique.

Results:

It was shown that the drug in concentrations of 10-5, 10-6, and 10-11M reduced the intensity of
LPO in the membranes of "aged" mitochondria. This may serve as evidence regarding the presence of
anti-stress properties in the drug. Injection of GM at a dose of 10-5 mol/kg to rats prevented the activation
of LPO in the membranes of the liver mitochondria in conditions of acute hypobaric hypoxia. Restricting
lipid peroxidation, GM prevented changes in the content of C18 and C22 fatty acids in mitochondrial
membranes, which probably contributed to maintaining the bioenergetic characteristics of
mitochondria at the control level.

Conclusion:

It is assumed that the anti-stress activity of the drug is associated with its antioxidant
properties and its effect on the complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Effect of Field Plate on Device Performance of Wide Bandgap HEMT
Authors: Pattnaik Geeta , Mohapatra Meryleen
Published: December 2022

Background:

Devices with field plates have gained much popularity in high power and
high voltage applications. The work done in this paper is related to designing and studying the different
DC and RF characteristics of a field plated GaN HEMT. The results obtained were compared
with that of non-field plated GaN HEMT. This comparison and study reported the effect of field
plate on device performance.

Methods:

A GaN HEMT device with and without a field plate was designed and simulated in the
SILVACO ATLAS TCAD tool. The performance of both the devices was compared in terms of the
exhibited DC and RF characteristics in order to study the effect of the field plate on the device. We
have also studied the variation in the cut-off frequency and maximum frequency of both the field
plate and without field plate GaN HEMT with respect to gate-source voltage. We have further investigated
the device performance by varying the length of the field plate from 0 to 2.5 μm.

Results:

The study reflects the advantageous feature of GaN HEMT with field plate by exhibiting
high breakdown voltage of 292 V in comparison to GaN HEMT without field plate which exhibits a
breakdown voltage of 98 V. As a result of using field plate in the GaN HEMT structure, a rise in the
Cgs and Cgd capacitances are witnessed. This in turn affects the other RF characteristics of the GaN
HEMT with field plate even though the GaN HEMT with and without field plate exhibits nearly
same DC characteristics. The field plated GaN HEMT exhibits a reduced cut-off frequency and
maximum frequency of 7 GHz and 20 GHz, respectively, in comparison to the GaN HEMT without
field plate’s cut-off frequency and maximum frequency of 10 GHz and 25 GHz, respectively.

Conclusion:

The study reports that using a field plate helps in enhancing the breakdown voltage but
at the cost of reduced frequency performance. We have compared our proposed field plated device
with different non-field plated devices and concluded that our device exhibits much higher breakdown
voltage in spite of reduced device dimension. With the attainment of higher breakdown voltage
our proposed GaN HEMT device can be used for high power applications. From the study, it is
reported that while increasing the length of the field plate the breakdown voltage also increases. For
a particular set of device dimensions, an optimum field plate length provides the highest breakdown
voltage but increasing the length of the field plate beyond the optimum value results in reduction in
breakdown voltage.
Globalizing Traditional Knowledge of Indian Medicine: Evidence-based Therapeutics
Authors: Dilnashin Hagera , Birla Hareram , Keswani Chetan , Pratap Surya
Published: December 2022

With the advent of modern medicine, the use of medicinal plants is an
ancient therapeutic strategy used by traditional healers and is very useful in traditional
medicine. Medicinal plants are compatible with human physiology, which has been
adapted for centuries.
Systems Analysis Based Approach for Therapeutic Intervention in Mixed Vascular-Alzheimer Dementia (MVAD) Using Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Bhattacharjee Anindita , Kumar Roy Prasun
Published: December 2022

Mixed dementia is a form of dementia where Alzheimer's dementia coexists
with vascular dementia (VaD) in the same patient. Currently, the treatment available
for mixed dementia is conventional Alzheimer's dementia therapy dispensing
symptomatic relief. We aim to delineate the therapeutic possibility of some secondary
metabolites, which can provide manageable intervention because of their multi.targeting and multiple pathophysiological components of Alzheimer's dementia and
VaD. We performed the acquisition of relevant information and data by accessing and
analyzing Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scopus sources, to assess the
validity of therapeutic use of secondary metabolites against mixed dementia. For the
initial acquisition of data (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical), the keywords that were used
were “secondary metabolites,” “plant extract,” “mixed dementia,” “Alzheimer's
disease,” and “vascular dementia.” All types of relevant research articles, review
articles, and books were included. In our study, clinically, preclinical, in vivo, and in
vitro studies of secondary metabolites are encompassed. Furthermore, we undertook
the formulation of the mechanism of action of secondary metabolites in terms of
systems biology-oriented analysis and signal transduction-based methodology. Firstly,
the likely mechanisms through which mixed dementia can take place are identified and
analyzed rigorously. Secondly, we demarcate the pharmacological actions of the
secondary metabolites in treating mixed dementia by (i) Targeting acetylcholine levels,
(ii) Reducing or dissociating amyloid-beta (Aβ) load, (iii) Modulating microglial
activation, and (iii) Providing vasodilation concurrently with their various constituents
of Alzheimer's dementia and VaD. Thirdly, we formulate how several preclinical and
clinical studies furnish evidence that secondary metabolites may have efficacy in
Alzheimer's patients with cerebrovascular disorders.
We formulate comprehensive evidence to substantiate the use of secondary metabolites
from medicinal plants to enhance therapeutic intervention in mixed dementia.
Trends and opportunities of using local sustainable building materials in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Sonebi Mohammed , Abdalqader Ahmed , Amziane Sofiane , Dvorkin Leonid , Ghorbel Elhem , Kenai Said , Khatib Jamal , Lushnikova Natalia , Perrot Arnaud
Published: December 2022

In recent decades, most of construction activities have been taking place in developing countries such as the Middle East and North Africa region. The expansion in infrastructure has great impact in the technological, social, economic and environmental transformation of this region. Construction sector contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) varies throughout the region and ranges between 2-10%. Currently, sustainable construction requires integrated and comprehensive sustainable design including careful choice of materials and methods. Materials that are locally available and require less energy to produce and transport would pave the way to more sustainable practices. Many countries in the region have realised the benefits of using local building materials on the economy, society and environment. This paper outlines the key trends and opportunities of using sustainable and affordable local building materials in the region to respond to the global climate change crisis and to promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The current practice of using various building materials such as bio-based materials, treated municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI-BA), construction and demolition waste, gypsum-containing by-products (phosphorgypsum, FGD gypsum, borogypsum and others) and rammed earth will be reviewed. It is concluded that the use of these local building materials in construction activities would foster the development of the society. However, some of these materials are already developed and reached the implementation stage while most of them are still at R&D stage. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive local and regional strategies to enhance the utilization of these materials.
Transferability Based on Drug Structure Similarity in the Automatic Classification of Noncompliant Drug Use on Social Media: Natural Language Processing Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Nishiyama Tomohiro , Yada Shuntaro , Wakamiya Shoko , Hori Satoko , Aramaki Eiji
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Medication noncompliance is a critical issue because of the increased number of drugs sold on the web. Web-based drug distribution is difficult to control, causing problems such as drug noncompliance and abuse. The existing medication compliance surveys lack completeness because it is impossible to cover patients who do not go to the hospital or provide accurate information to their doctors, so a social media–based approach is being explored to collect information about drug use. Social media data, which includes information on drug usage by users, can be used to detect drug abuse and medication compliance in patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess how the structural similarity of drugs affects the efficiency of machine learning models for text classification of drug noncompliance.

METHODS

This study analyzed 22,022 tweets about 20 different drugs. The tweets were labeled as either noncompliant use or mention, noncompliant sales, general use, or general mention. The study compares 2 methods for training machine learning models for text classification: single-sub-corpus transfer learning, in which a model is trained on tweets about a single drug and then tested on tweets about other drugs, and multi-sub-corpus incremental learning, in which models are trained on tweets about drugs in order of their structural similarity. The performance of a machine learning model trained on a single subcorpus (a data set of tweets about a specific category of drugs) was compared to the performance of a model trained on multiple subcorpora (data sets of tweets about multiple categories of drugs).

RESULTS

The results showed that the performance of the model trained on a single subcorpus varied depending on the specific drug used for training. The Tanimoto similarity (a measure of the structural similarity between compounds) was weakly correlated with the classification results. The model trained by transfer learning a corpus of drugs with close structural similarity performed better than the model trained by randomly adding a subcorpus when the number of subcorpora was small.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that structural similarity improves the classification performance of messages about unknown drugs if the drugs in the training corpus are few. On the other hand, this indicates that there is little need to consider the influence of the Tanimoto structural similarity if a sufficient variety of drugs are ensured.
Geomagnetic Survey Interpolation with the Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Aleshin Igor , Kholodkov Kirill , Malygin Ivan , Shevchuk Roman , Sidorov Roman
Published: December 2022

This paper portrays the method of UAV magnetometry survey data interpolation. The method accommodates the fact that this kind of data has a spatial distribution of the samples along a series of straight lines (similar to maritime tacks), which is a prominent characteristic of many kinds of UAV surveys. The interpolation relies on the very basic nearest neighbourss algorithm, although augmented with a Machine Learning approach. Such an approach enables the error of less than 5 percent by intelligently adjusting the nearest neighbours algorithm parameters. The method was pilot tested on geomagnetic data with Borok Geomagnetic Observatory UAV aeromagnetic survey data.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT IN THE PROJECT WORK OF TERTIARY ESP STUDENTS: CAUSES, RELATIONSHIPS AND SOLUTIONS
Authors: Kaščáková Eva , Kožaríková Henrieta
Published: December 2022

University students often lack basic skills related to academic integrity, especially with regard to the ethical use of resources. The paper attempts to identify typical cases of academic misconduct. In an effort to find the situations or circumstances that may trigger unethical behaviour, or a relationship between language proficiency and academic dishonesty, a profound analysis of Business English student projects was made, revealing that there is a relationship between the nature of a task and the occurrence of inadequate use of resources, as academic dishonesty is present irrespective of student’s language proficiency. The authors’ ambition is to propose solutions to tackle unethical academic behaviours, focusing on prevention rather than tracking and penalization. Besides providing proper training in correct citation, paraphrasing and summarization, it is also necessary to reassess the relevance of the project task. This combination should help to achieve not only a unique project work outcome, but also develop skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, information literacy, productivity and reliability, and ultimately lead to the development of autonomous lifelong learning.
IMPORTANCE OF TRANSLATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING -CASE STUDY-
Authors: Čarapić Dragana
Published: December 2022

Translation as a teaching and learning tool has not been fully approved in teaching English for general purposes (Duff, 1994); however, it is frequently used in teaching English for specific purposes (ESP), (Chirobocea, 2018). In order to analyze the importance of translation in teaching ESP, a case study was conducted aiming at analyzing the role and importance of translation exercises while using the ESP textbook “Oxford English for Electrical and Mechanical engineering” OUP and pointing out the advantages of using translation in teaching. During the winter term of 2021/22 academic year, 36 third-year students participated in a case study at the Faculty of Mechanical engineering, University of Montenegro. In their obligatory ESP course, they were taught English for Mechanical Engineering. At the end of the course, students were given a questionnaire to evaluate the quality and importance of all exercises applied (retelling, translation, grammatical exercises, reading comprehension, speaking, listening, and writing). Eventually, additional exercises that included translating sentences into English and from English were graded as one of the most efficient and, accordingly, the most important ones. Students were satisfied with the effects of applying translation exercises in the process of teaching and learning which has increased their motivation to use translation to a greater extent both in their future studies and in their future professional surroundings. Moreover, it is expected that translation exercises will raise students’ awareness of the importance of accuracy when using technical vocabulary in L1 and L2. Presently, domain experts translate scientific texts into and from English without consulting linguists and philologists of the Montenegrin language. This case study is the beginning of comprehensive research to be carried out among a greater number of students at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (Departments of Electronics and Energetics) and Faculty of Medicine (Departments of General Medicine, Stomatology and Pharmacy), University of Montenegro.
TESTING CORPUS LINGUISTICS METHODS IN ESP VOCABULARY TEACHING
Authors: Đurović Zorica , Bauk Sanja
Published: December 2022

Corpus-based methods have been progressively popular and required in teaching language, especially as regards English for Specific Purposes. When it comes to practical application and testing of the e.g. corpus-derived vocabulary lists, the scarcity of the resulting experiences has also been evident. Our idea, therefore, was to conduct experimental research with our target language learners and test the efficiency and effectiveness of corpus linguistics methods by incorporating them in the course design, as opposed to the group of students that continued the semester as per the earlier designed course. The study was conducted with the students of Marine Engineering study programme during one academic semester. Their knowledge of both general and technical vocabulary was tested at the beginning and end of the semester. The conducted and presented statistical analysis was upgraded by semi-structured interviews for providing the students’ perceptions and feedback. The results generally point to a positive correlation with innovative teaching methods. Moreover, positive reactions of the students noted during and after the research period bring about the additional and better motivation of both the students and the teachers when it comes to introducing innovative corpus methods in language teaching. In addition, some limitations of the study have been pointed to, as well as recommendations for further and similar research endeavours.
USING STUDENT FEEDBACK AND TEACHER REFLECTIONS TO DEVELOP COURSES: CASE STUDIES IN BUSINESS ENGLISH AND TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY ENGLISH COURSES
Authors: Bury James , Hair Iain
Published: December 2022

The provision of high-quality courses and the utilization of effective behaviours, methodologies, and approaches are essential targets that educators should aim for. In order to achieve these goals, it is imperative that teachers reflect on their practices and regularly update their curricula. Drawing on students’ perceptions and feedback are also of key importance when developing courses and adapting teaching practices. This paper reports on two case studies situated in Japan in which teachers engaged in self-reflection, sought and analyzed student feedback, and revised courses as a result of those processes. The article’s primary purpose is to examine how student feedback and teacher reflections can be utilized to improve the quality of courses and teaching practices, enabling a more engaging and fulfilling learning experience to be provided. Consistent with previous research, the case studies outlined in this article demonstrated that proactive instructor responses to ongoing feedback and reflections could improve class content, student/teacher engagement, and students’ overall learning experience. Thus, despite the many factors that may discourage educators from implementing changes to their courses and approaches, this article has shown that if constructive student feedback is acted on and sufficient effort is made to implement changes, then courses can be successfully adapted to the benefit of both students and teachers.