bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lim Eun-Jeong , Kim Yi-Seul , Im Ji-Eun , Lee Jae-Gi
Published: September 2022

Background
In this study, an augmented reality (AR)-based tooth carving practice tool (TCPT) was developed and evaluated. This study aimed to reduce the difficulties faced by beginners in tooth carving practice, supplement the time and space constraints of the practice model that is only used in the laboratory, and increase user convenience.
Methods
The tooth carving process was performed using a sequential three-dimensional (3D) model. The camera of a mobile device with an Android operating system was used to recognize the image markers, and the process of carving a tooth was displayed on the screen and sequentially implemented in AR. According to the stage of tooth completion, the maxillary canine and maxillary first premolar were modeled in 16 steps, the mandibular first premolar in 13 steps, and the mandibular first molar in 14 steps. Based on the learner’s carving stage, the user assessed the step-by-step tooth carving process that was augmented and displayed on the screen of the mobile device. In a dental morphology practice class, 79 participants were randomly selected for user evaluation; of these, 40 were in the control group using a plastic model and 39 were in the experimental group using the AR-TCPT.
Results
The scores of user experience with AR-TCPT was evaluated as high and was approved for motivation, understanding, memory, visualization, repeatability, user convenience, flexibility, easy operation, interaction, enjoyment, confirmation of tooth shape, and provision of information for tooth carving.
Conclusion
AR-TCPT can help learners effectively carve teeth and easily understand the teeth carving stage in 3D compared with traditional practice tools.
SPP1+ macrophages: A malignant macrophage subset in the colorectal cancer microenvironment revealed by single-cell sequencing
Authors: Zheng Jianyong , Xie Zhenyu , Niu Liaoran , Zheng Gaozan , Li Ruikai , Dan Hanjun , Duan Lili , Wu Hongze , Ren Guangming , Dou Xinyu , Feng Fan , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2022

Accumulating single-cell studies suggest that SPP1 + macrophages are key players in the tumor microenvironment. However, a systematic investigation of SPP1 + macrophages in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been conducted. A total of eight single-cell RNA-seq datasets and 16 bulk RNA-seq datasets were included in this study. On the basis of existing research, we propose the SPP1 + macrophage model paradigm, which can explain the clinical features and functional changes of macrophages in CRC better than the M1/M2 polarization theory. We identified four macrophage subsets from CRC myeloid cells: FCN1 + macrophages, C1QC + macrophages, SPP1 + macrophages, and MKI67 + macrophages. Inflammation, phagocytosis, malignancy, and proliferation were identified as the most prominent features related to each of the four macrophage subsets. Our results show that SPP1 + macrophages can serve as markers of CRC occurrence, progression, metastasis and a poor prognosis and exhibit enhanced transcription of genes associated with angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, glycolysis, hypoxia, and immunosuppressive signatures. CellPhoneDB analysis further indicated that SPP1 may mediate crosstalk between SPP1 + macrophages and other cells via the SPP1-CD44, SPP1-PTGER4 and SPP1-a4b1 complex axes. Additionally, our study suggests that SPP1 + macrophages are associated with the benefit of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and that immunotherapy targeting SPP1 + macrophages is expected to improve the prognosis of CRC patients. Furthermore, anti-CSF1R treatment is more likely to preferentially deplete CSF1R-enriched C1QC + macrophages versus SPP1 + macrophages, which may account for the minimal effect of this monotherapy.
Growth performance, carcass characteristics; and cost-benefits analysis of grower-finisher pigs fed hatchery waste meal
Authors: Asiedu peter , Gyamera Ebenezer , Bumbie Gifty Ziema , Amoah Kwame Owusu , Wallace Paul Amponsah , Prah Anthony Annan , Odoi Frederick. Nii Ako
Published: September 2022

A 16-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal with hatchery waste meal (HWM) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grower-finisher pigs. Sixty (60) Large White grower intact male pigs at an average liveweight of 17.55 ± 0.1 kg were randomly allotted in equal numbers to 5 dietary treatments designated as 0% HWM, 2.5% HWM, 5.0% HWM, 7.5% HWM and 10.0% HWM. The diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The pigs were fed on restricted basis at 5% of the group body weight and had free access to water. Whereas ADG by the grower- finisher pigs were best on HWM 0%, HWM 2.5% and HWM 5%, FCR and day to slaughter were best on HWM 2.5%. The data revealed that feeding HWM 7.5% (210.49 kg) and HWM 10% (210.92) resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher total feed intake (TFI) compared to those fed 0% HWM (175.12 kg), 2.5 % HWM (172.87 kg) and 5.0 % HWM (190.49 kg). Inclusion of HWM up to 10%did not affect any of the carcass parameters measured. From the results of the study, it can be inferred that HWM could be included in pig diets up to 5% without any adverse effects on growth performance and carcass evaluation.
Reprogramming of fish somatic cells for nuclear transfer is primed by Xenopus egg extract
Authors: Chenais Nathalie , Cam Aurelie Le , Guillet Brigitte , Lareyre Jean-Jacques , Labbe Catherine
Published: September 2022

Somatic cell reprogramming in vitro prior to nuclear transfer is one strategy expected to improve clone survival during development. In this study, we investigated the reprogramming extent of fish fin somatic cells after in vitro exposure to Xenopus egg extract and subsequent culture. Using a cDNA microarray approach, we observed drastic changes in the gene expression profile of the treated cells. Several actors of the TGFβ and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, as well as some mesenchymal markers, were inhibited in treated cells, while several epithelial markers were upregulated. This was associated with morphological changes of the cells in culture, suggesting that egg extract drove somatic cells towards a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), the hallmark of somatic reprogramming in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, treated cells were also characterized by a strong decrease in de novo lipid biosynthesis metabolism, the lack of re-expression of pou2 and nanog pluripotency markers, and absence of DNA methylation remodeling of their promoter region. In all, this study showed that Xenopus egg extract treatment initiated an in vitro reprogramming of fin somatic cells in culture. Although not thorough, the induced changes have primed the somatic chromatin for a better embryonic reprogramming upon nuclear transfer.
Development of a qualitative data analysis codebook informed by the i-PARIHS framework
Authors: Ritchie Mona J , Drummond Karen L. , Smith Brandy N. , Sullivan Jennifer L. , Landes Sara J.
Published: September 2022

Background: The integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework, and its predecessor PARIHS, have been widely utilized in implementations studies. Although i-PARIHS developers have focused on creating tools to guide facilitators in its application in practice, tools are also needed for evaluation and research. Codebooks with clear and meaningful code labels and definitions are an important component of qualitative data analysis and have been developed for other widely used frameworks. There is no such codebook for i-PARIHS. Additionally, sub-constructs for the Innovation, Recipients, and Context constructs lack definitions and there is no sub-classification of facilitation activities for the Facilitation construct. The lack of a standardized codebook hinders our ability to synthesize research findings across studies, explore and test the range of activities that are utilized in facilitation efforts, and potentially validate and further refine i-PARIHS. This paper describes a rigorous process of developing a detailed qualitative codebook informed by the i-PARIHS framework.Methods: A workgroup of qualitative researchers conducted a rigorous four-phase process to develop a codebook informed by i-PARIHS. In phase 1, workgroup members reviewed and discussed literature, consulted an organizational scientist, and drafted and refined subcodes and definitions for i-PARIHS constructs. In phase 2, they obtained feedback from an expert panel and further refined subcodes and definitions. In phase 3, they obtained feedback from i-PARIHS developers/experts and incorporated it into the codebook. Finally, two studies piloted application of the codebook which informed the final version.Results: The resulting i-PARIHS-informed codebook includes definitions for the four main constructs of the framework: Innovation, Recipients, Context, and Facilitation; subcodes and definitions for characteristics of each of these constructs; and instructions for the suggested application of individual codes and use of the codebook generally.Conclusions: The standardized codes and definitions in the codebook can facilitate data exploration, pattern identification, and insight development informed by the i-PARIHS framework. Qualitative analysts can also use them to explore interactions between i-PARIHS constructs, maximize the potential for comparing findings across studies, and support the refinement of the i-PARIHS framework using empirical findings from multiple studies.
Genetically-Encoded Discovery of Perfluoroaryl-Macrocycles that Bind to Albumin and Exhibit Extended Circulation in-vivo.
Authors: Wong Jeffrey , Kirberger Steven , Qiu Ryan , Ekanayake Arunika , Kelich Payam , Sarkar Susmita , Alvizo-Paez Edgar , Miao Jiayuan , Kalhor-Monfared Shiva , Dwyer John , Nuss John , Lin Yu-Shan , Macauley Matthew , Vukovic Lela , Pomerantz William , Derda Ratmir
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we report selection of albumin-binding macrocyclic peptides from genetically encoded libraries of peptides modified by perfluoroaryl-cysteine SNAr chemistry. Modification of phage-displayed libraries SXCXnC-phage,n = 3–5, where X is any amino acid except for cysteine by decafluoro-diphenylsulfone (DFS), yields genetically-encoded library of octafluoro-diphenylsulfone-crosslinked macrocycles (OFS-SXCXnC-phage). Selection from these libraries using albumin as a bait identified a family of significantly enriched perfluoroaryl-macrocycles. Synthesis of perfluoroaryl-macrocycles predicted by phage display and testing their binding properties by19F NMR and fluorescent polarization identifiedOFS-macrocycle with SICRFFC sequence as the most potent albumin binder. We observed thatOFS-macrocycles slowly react with biological nucleophiles such as glutathione. Replacing decafluoro-diphenylsulfone by nearly isosteric pentafluorophenyl sulfide yielded perfluorophenylsulfide (PFS)-crosslinked macrocycles devoid of undesired reactivity. The augmented leadPFS-macrocycle with SICRFFC sequence exhibitedKD= 4–6 µM towards human serum albumin and similar affinities towards rat and mouse albumins. When injected in mouse, thePFS-SICRFFCGGG compound was significantly retained in circulationin vivowhen compared to controlPFS-macrocyclic peptide. The perfluoroaryl-macrocycles with SICRFFC motif are the smallest known peptide macrocycle with significant affinity for human albumin and they are a productive starting point for future development of compact macrocycles with predictable circulation half-lifein vivo.
MosTI single-copy transgene insertion in C. elegans using constitutive Cas9 expression
Authors: Mouridi Sonia El , Frøkjær-Jensen Christian
Published: September 2022

Transgene expression in C. elegans is an important tool for understanding regulatory elements (e.g., promoters and enhancers), for controlling cells using optogenetic effector proteins, and for editing the (epi)genome. Insertion of single-copy transgenes into well-defined safe-harbor locations can be used when consistent expression is required (e.g., to compare expression from different transgenes) or when expression is required in germ cells. Here, we describe a detailed protocol for inserting single-copy transgenes using Modular Safe-harbor Transgene Insertion (MosTI) and constitutive Cas9 expression from a co-injected plasmid.
Quantum Hall-like effect in electrochemical systems due to extra-dimension embedded in 3D graphene at room temperature
Authors: Sric Chavis , Danvirutai Pobporn , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Tuantranont Adisorn
Published: September 2022

In this work, we report for the first time, the quantization effect occurred at room temperature in an electrochemical system. The setup where it occurred was electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto three-dimensional microstructure graphene (GF) under certain applied potential. This is the first time that this quantum phenomenon occurs in solutions under electrochemical experiment. This effect might be described as quantum coherency in extra dimension embedded in three-dimensional microstructure of graphene foam which approximately hold radius around 100 µm. Possible explanation was proposed that the quantum effect occurs due to quantization in extra dimension when certain conditions were met. Our simplified quantum calculation could be used to fit with the experimental data. The quantization behaviors were observed in both silver and gold electrodeposition on GF. Primary theoretical description was explained in this article using Landauer formalism and Polyakov action from string theory. However, the concrete theoretical explanation could possibly be further elaborated or explained in a different way (Supplementary data contains the experimented videos).
Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter for Neuronal State and Parameter Estimation
Authors: Azzalini Loïc J. , Crompton David , D'Eleuterio Gabriele M. T. , Skinner Frances , Lankarany Milad
Published: September 2022

Data assimilation techniques for state and parameter estimation are frequently applied in the context of computational neuroscience. In this work, we show how an adaptive variant of the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) performs on the tracking of a conductance-based neuron model. Unlike standard recursive filter implementations, the robust adaptive unscented Kalman filter (RAUKF) jointly estimates the states and parameters of the neuronal model while adjusting noise covariance matrices online based on innovation and residual information. We benchmark the adaptive filter's performance against existing nonlinear Kalman filters and explore the sensitivity of the filter parameters to the system being modelled. To evaluate the robustness of the proposed solution, we simulate practical settings that challenge tracking performance, such as a model mismatch and measurement faults. Compared to standard variants of the Kalman filter the adaptive variant implemented here is more accurate and robust to faults.
Root mass density is responsible for nitrogen use efficiency in wheat during the early vegetative stage in low nitrogen conditions
Authors: Zeng Jian , Hu Xigui , Zhang Kehao , Zhang Fanglin , Wang Yi , Kang Houyang , Lan Ting , Chen Guangdeng , Xu Lili , Zhou Yonghong
Published: September 2022

Crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) decreases as the N supply increases, leading to wasted resources. Genetic variations that alter root morphological traits may be useful for developing crops able to explore the deep soil strata to enhance their N acquisition and NUE. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between root functional traits and NUE on the basis of a large set of wheat genotypes. A total of 126 genetically diverse wheat genotypes from major wheat-growing regions worldwide were grown for 2 months to compare root morphological traits, photosynthetic traits, biomass, N accumulation, and NUE under low N conditions. There were large genotypic variations in dry biomass accumulation, N accumulation, N concentration, and NUE in response to low N supply. An analysis of specific low N stress-induced phenotypic changes revealed the examined root morphological traits were closely associated with N accumulation, NUE, and biomass accumulation. A high root mass density (RMD) was conducive to improving NUE in response to the limited availability of N. Photosynthesis had little effect on NUE in wheat during the early stage under low N conditions. In wheat, compared with photosynthetic activities, root system development, especially in terms of RMD, has a greater effect on N acquisition and use for biomass production during the initial stage under low N conditions.
Supporting Single and Multi-Core Resource Access Protocols on Object-Oriented RTOSes
Authors: Santos Lucas Matheus dos , Gracioli Giovani , Kloda Tomasz , Caccamo Marco
Published: September 2022

Real-time resource access protocols are fundamental to bound the maximum delay a task can suffer due to priority inversions. Several real-time protocols have been proposed, for both static and dynamic scheduling approaches in single and multi-core processors. One of the main factors for performance efficiency in such protocols is the way they are implement within a real-time operating system (RTOS).
In this paper we present an object-oriented design of real-time access protocols considering single and multi-core systems and also suspension- and spin-based protocols (7 protocols in total). Our design aims at reducing the run-time overhead and increasingcode re-usability. By implementing the proposed design in an RTOS and running the protocols in a modern multi-core processor, we provide an analysis regarding the memory footprint, run-time overhead, and the impact of the overhead into the schedulability analysis of synthetically generated task sets. Our results indicate that proper implementation provides low run-time overhead (up to 6.1 us) and impact on the schedulability of real-time tasks.
Research on the Construction of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Its Effect on Entrepreneurial Enterprises Based on Process Perspective ——Case study of Hangzhou Dream Town
Authors: Xiang Yongsheng , Shi Linxia
Published: September 2022

By choosing Hangzhou Dream Town as the case study object, and analyzed the construction of entrepreneurial ecosystem(EE) and its effect on entrepreneurial enterprises, the study found that the Dream Town centered on entrepreneurs, and gradually carried out three-stage and three-layer town construction. That is, by attracting and exerting the roles of different entities such as the government, incubators, service organizations, and universities, forming a "five forces" power mechanism such as government power, service power, capital power, scientific and technological power, and ecological power, to gather basic resources for the Dream Town. The construction of the initial, mid and late stages of entrepreneurship platforms and entrepreneurial sustainable development has created the basic resource layer, platform service layer and innovation development layer from outside to inner for the growth and development of entrepreneurial incubations. The EE had accomplished the continuous improvement of entrepreneurial enterprises from the factor chain, service chain to industrial chain/innovation chain, and improved the success rate and growth of entrepreneurial incubations.
An optimization method of product function configuration based on value analysis
Authors: Yin Fupeng , Gao Qi , Sun Jiakun
Published: September 2022

Product function configuration is important for customer satisfaction and enterprise profitability. In this paper, we attempt to apply the value engineering theory to optimize the configuration scheme. The concepts of customer perceived benefit, enterprise perceived cost and product function configuration value are discussed. The evaluation method of value elements based on utility theory is proposed, to quantify the function configuration value. The value model perfectly integrates the interests of the customer and the enterprise. The product function configuration optimization model is established and used to optimize an automatic transmission product configuration scheme. This optimization model based on value analysis can realize the game equilibrium between the customer and the enterprise, which attaches importance to the subjective feelings of them.
Spatiotemporal Characterization of of the impact of Hurricane Michael on Urban Vegetation Cover in Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida
Authors: Alam Asiful , Mishra Deepak R. , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: September 2022

The impacts of major climatic events on urban vegetation cover are not well understood. We used Landsat 8 ETM + derived land cover in Google Earth Engine (GEE) to determine damage to urban vegetation, and Optimized Hotspot and Outlier Analyses to identify significant spatial clusters of hotspots and cold spots from Hurricane Michael in Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida. We used two vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Water Index-NDWI and Enhanced Vegetation Index-EVI) to assess the impact of Hurricane Michael on urban vegetation cover. Results show that more than 30.07% of the land cover changed after two months of the hurricane landfall, including a rapid increase of 19.64% in water bodies. Overall, we observed a 4.91% decrease in vegetation cover, out of which 34.44% were coastal woody wetlands. NDWI showed a rapid increase due to an increase in water coverage in the study area, whereas EVI decreased due to vegetation loss by strong winds and intense precipitation. After Hurricane Michael, hotspots for high water content in sustained vegetation (NDWI) and overall vegetation condition (EVI) were discovered in Panama City Beach, Southport, and Youngstown CCD (census county division). Statistically significant (≥ 95% confidence, z ≥ 1.96) increases in NDWI hotspots (76.11% of the total area) were observed post-hurricane due to an increase in water bodies. EVI showed a decrease of about 9.21% in hotspot areas (≥ 95% confidence, z ≥ 1.96) due to defoliation caused by hurricane force winds. Our results highlight the advantages of using spatial statistical methods that could aid the development of natural hazard mitigation plans and risk reduction strategies by characterizing urban vegetation status in the Gulf Coast from previous hurricane occurrences spatiotemporally.
Picosecond synchronously pumped diamond Raman laser
Authors: Shuanghong Ding , Xinxin Huang , Zou Qiaoshuang
Published: September 2022

With diamond crystals as Raman media, picosecond synchronously pumped solid-state Raman laser is theoretically studied in detail for the first time. High efficient working point and effective pulse compression working point are investigated. For both 532nm and 1064nm pumping, high Raman conversion efficiency can be achieved for negative cavity length detuning (Δx) and diamond crystal length of 5mm. The higher efficiency can be obtained with longer Raman crystal, longer pumping pulse width and higher pumping power. For 532nm pumping, effective pulse width compression can be realized for Δx = 0 nearby and diamond crystal length of 10mm. Shorter pulse width and higher peak power of 1st Stokes laser can achieved with longer Raman crystal, shorter pumping pulse width and higher pumping power. The findings can contribute to the design and optimization of picosecond synchronously pumped diamond Raman lasers.
Malaria Among Pregnant Women in, Bossaso City, Somalia: Cross Sectional Study Design
Authors: Jama Abdirahman , Mahamed Abdulahi Abdiwali , Assebe Tesfaye
Published: September 2022

Background: Malaria is a serious disease that leads to severe adverse effects on mothers and the fetus during pregnancy. Approximately 25 million pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa live at risk of malaria. This study aims to address the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors among pregnant women in Bossaso, Somalia.Objective: To determine the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors among pregnant women in Bossaso city, Somalia.Methods: A health institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women in Bossaso General Hospital (BGH) using an interview-administered questionnaire and malaria diagnosis confirmation, which was done on microscope-based laboratory techniques. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with malaria. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than or equal to 0.05.Results: The overall prevalence of malaria was found 20.9% [95%CI (15.9%, 25.9%)]. Of these, 64 (75.3%), 19 (22.4%), and 2 (2.4%) were caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infection, respectively. The factors like the presence of water pond sites around the house or vicinity [AOR= 6.5, 95% CI (1.6, 20.5)] and always using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) [AOR=0.1, 95%CI (0.01, 0.88)] were found to be significantly associated with malaria during pregnancy.Conclusion and Recommendation: Malaria is still a health problem among pregnant women in Bossaso city. The overall prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in the study area was found to be high. This study emphasized the need to provide health education and consultation to pregnant women on the appropriate malaria preventive methods and continued strengthening other interventions.
Incorporation of high band gap Carbon Nanotubes as Transparent Conductive Electrode in ITIC-OE accepter Organic solar cell
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Singh BP
Published: September 2022

The most common transparent conducting electrode, ITO, is delicate and prone to shattering under mechanical stress, which lowers the device's performance on flexible plastic substrates. Because of their exceptional optical transparency, low sheet resistance, and great mobility, carbon nanotubes have garnered a lot of interest as a Transparent Conductive electrode in organic solar cells. Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) doping of carbon nanotube Transparent Conductive electrodes makes p-doping, good energy-level alignment, and improved hole transport possible. In the present study, the performance of Non-Fullerene ITIC-OE Acceptor Organic Solar Cells with a transparent electrode fabricated from Carbon Nanotubes doped with Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is simulated using SCAPS 1-D. The optimized PCE of 24.94 %, Fill Factor (FF) of 74.02 %, Jsc of 35.32 mA/cm2 and Voc of 0.9539 V are shown in the current work by varying the band gap of MoO3 doped CNTs. Also, upgrading the simulated cell's Electron transport Layer (ETL) with SnO2, TiO2, and ZnO yields an optimized result with TiO2 ETL, having PCE of 25.71%, FF of 76.30%, Jsc of 35.32 mA/cm2, and Voc of 0.9539 V. These results demonstrated the possibilities for ITIC-OE acceptor Organic Solar Cells with Transparent Conductive Electrodes made of carbon nanotubes to advance device performance in the near future.
A Viscoelastic-Viscoplastic Model for Adhesives Subjected to Reversed Cyclic Load
Authors: Chen Yi , Smith Lloyd V.
Published: September 2022

This study aims to describe a toughened adhesive’s ratcheting-recovery behavior under reversed cyclic load using a viscoelastic-viscoplastic model. As most adhesives are based on synthetic polymers, their tensile and compression response can be different. A series of load-unload tests were conducted on bulk adhesives and bonded joints involving tension/compression-shear loads to characterize the initial yield surface. The effect of hydrostatic stress was studied by considering the instantaneous response and yield strength under tensile and compression loads. Given the observed modulus degradation and extensive permanent strain during reversed cyclic tests, time-dependent damage factors were considered for both viscoelastic and viscoplastic responses. The model was implemented in a finite element code and used to model the shear response to reversed cyclic load with varying frequency. Good agreement between the model and experiment was obtained. The consideration of both hydrostatic stress and damage was required to describe the observed adhesive reversed cyclic response.
Theaflavin indicates a high protective effect on vascular endothelial cells via stimulation of hydrogen sulfide production
Authors: Lee JicHyun , Terada Tomoko , Jiang WenQian , Miyazaki Hitoshi , Yoshida Shigeki
Published: September 2022

The present study compared the effects of green tea (–)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and black tea theaflavin on vascular endothelial cell (VEC) function via the gasotransmitters, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO). The reaction conditions for cell-free extracts of VECs and L-cysteine were optimized to detect H2S, which was measured using monobromobimane (MBB). EGCG and theaflavin were applied to VECs at 10 µM, and H2S and NO were measured using the MBB method and a NO-specific probe, diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate, respectively. The effects on the functions of VECs were evaluated based on wound healing and cell viability. Theaflavin significantly stimulated H2S production in VECs by 1.51-fold compared to the control, but EGCG showed no effect. In contrast, EGCG and theaflavin increased NO production (1.63 and 2.16-fold), wound healing (1.30- and 1.75-fold), and cell viability (85.0 and 90.0%). The potency of theaflavin was found to be higher than that of EGCG. By inhibiting cystathionine-γ-lyase activity with 100 µM of DL-propargylglycine (PPG) treatment, all cell responses were suppressed in both EGCG and theaflavin treatments, and the reduction rate in the case of theaflavin treatment was higher than that of the control and EGCG treatments in all responses. These results indicate that the protective effect of VECs is dependent on NO production, and that both EGCG and theaflavin have therapeutic potential in VECs. Theaflavin has a relatively higher therapeutic potential than EGCG by increasing H2S production, thereby affecting NO production and biological activity.
Special classes of isotropic covariance functions
Authors: Posa D.
Published: September 2022

In the literature classical properties concerning the class of covariance functions are well illustrated. The general problem which analyzes the requirements such that a covariance function can be obtained through the difference between two covariance functions can be retained a further property and a recent analysis regarding the difference between two covariance functions has been provided. In this paper the properties of these new classes of models have been explored; in particular, the present analysis has been given for isotropic covariance functions, because of their importance in many applied areas; moreover, isotropic covariance functions can be considered the starting point to construct anisotropic models. It has been pointed out that these new families of models are more flexible than the traditional ones because the same models, according to the values of their parameters, are able to select covariance functions which are always positive in their domain, as well as covariance functions which could be negative in a subset of their field of definition. Moreover, within the same class of models, it is possible to select covariance models which present a parabolic behaviour near the origin from covariance models which present a linear behaviour in proximity of the origin. Apart from the theoretical importance related to the new aspects presented throughout the paper, it is relevant to underline the practical aspects, since these new classes of isotropic co-variance models are characterized by an extremely simple formalism and can be easily adapted to several case studies, hence they result very useful for many practitioners.
The SF rule of classical probability: an exploration of the "gambler's paradox"
Authors: Fei Yin
Published: September 2022

This paper uses the "gambler's paradox", an event of classical probability origin, as an entry point, and use graphical and observational methods to generalize the SF rule. The SF rule is used to explain the compound events, to demonstrate the formal guarantee of the SF rule, and to deduce the detailed steps of using the SF rule. As an important rule for selecting basic events in classical probability, the SF rule should be described in the probability foundation.
In vivo toxicity of oral administrated nano-SiO 2 ; Can food additives increase apoptosis?
Authors: Firouzamandi Masoumeh , Hejazy Marzie , Mohammadi Alaleh , Shahbazfar Amir Ali , Norouzi Roghayeh
Published: September 2022

Nano silicon dioxide (Nano-SiO2) has a great deal of application in food packaging, as antibacterial food additives, and in drug delivery systems but this nanoparticle, despite its wide range of utilizations, can generate destructive effects on organs such as the liver, lung, and kidney. This study aimed to investigate the toxicological effects of nano-SiO2 through apoptotic factors. For this purpose, 40 female rats in 4 groups (n = 10) received 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg/day of nano-SiO2 at 20–30 nm size orally for 20 days. Relative expression of Caspase3, Bcl-2, and BAX genes in kidney and liver evaluated in Real time-PCR. The Results indicated the overexpression of BAX and Caspase3 genes in the liver and kidney in groups receiving 300 and 900 mg/kg/day of nano-SiO2. Bcl-2 gene was up-regulated in the liver and kidney at 600 mg/kg/day compared to the control group. Overexpression of the Bcl-2 gene in the kidney in 300 and 900 mg/kg/day recipient groups was observed (p ≤ 0.05). Histopathological examination demonstrated 600 mg/kg/day hyperemia in the kidney and lung. In addition, at 900 mg/kg/d were distinguished scattered necrosis and hyperemia in the liver. The rate of Epithelialization in the lungs increased. Our study revealed that the oral consumption of nano-SiO2 can cause respiratory toxicity. The nano-SiO2 at 300 and 900 mg/kg/day can induce more cytotoxicity in the liver and lung after oral exposure. However, cytotoxicity of nano-SiO2 at 600 mg/kg/day in the kidney and lung was noticed. Hence, The Using of nano-SiO2 as an additive and food packaging should be more considered due to their deleterious effects.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals commonalities and differences in the genetic underpinnings of a floral dimorphism
Authors: Potente Giacomo , Stubbs Rebecca L. , Yousefi Narjes , Duijsings Daniël , Pirovano Walter , Szövényi Péter , Conti Elena
Published: September 2022

Distyly is a floral dimorphism associated with a heteromorphic self-incompatibility mechanism that prevents inbreeding and promotes outcrossing in 28 angiosperm families. Distyly is controlled by a cluster of genes, i.e. the S-locus supergene, that evolved independently in all distylous species studied to date. Here we present a transcriptome atlas for Primula veris, the main model for studying distyly since Darwin, which helped to elucidate the mechanism through which the S-locus gene CYPT acquired its role in controlling style elongation. We also identified genes that are differentially expressed between the two floral morphs of P. veris and Fagopyrum esculentum, revealing the main molecular mechanisms and hormones underlying the expression of distyly in these two species. Further, we discovered shared homologous genes that likely control distyly in P. veris, F. esculentum and Turnera subulata, suggesting that the convergent evolution of distyly at the phenotypic level is coupled, to some extent, also at the molecular level. Additionally, we provided statistical support to the hypothesis that distyly supergenes of different species evolved by the recruitment of genes related to the phytochrome-interacting factor (PIF) signaling network. Overall, this is the first study to identify homologous genes that underlie the control of distyly in distantly-related taxa.
The credibility of information on social media: the study of Iranian users
Authors: Hosseini Monireh , Moeini Fakhereh
Published: September 2022

By increasing social usage and increasing its popularity among different users, it is undeniable that social media become very influential today. Due to the impact and usage of social media, the credibility of information is an important issue for academic research. The subject of this research is to assess the credibility of information on social media by Iranian social media users. Considering the fact that many factors influence the credibility of information on social media, the selection of the most important factors influential factors has been very important in previous research. In this study, by analyzing data collected through an electronic questionnaire from 332 Iranian social media users, the most important and influential factors in the credibility of information were analyzed by the factor analysis for the first time; the results of this research showed that the six most important factors were the presence of editor and media reviewer, media appearance and design, media focus, message accuracy, message completeness.
A Privacy-Aware EMR Sharing System Combined with Blockchain and Proxy Re-encryption Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Der-Chen , Liu Ling-Chun , Deng Yong-Yuan , Chen Chin-Ling
Published: September 2022

With the advent of the information age, data storage has not only developed from paper information systems to electronic information system storage but also extended to cloud database storage methods. To date, we can see the application of big data and cloud in various fields and levels, which makes the induction, arrangement, transmission, and exchange of data easier and faster. The electronic and systematization of patient medical records in the medical environment is an example. The use of electronic medical records can help to improve the quality of medical care, reduce duplication of treatment, and reduce the waste of examination resources. It has many advantages, but also many risks. Medical institutions may abuse electronic medical data without the consent of patients leading to the leakage of patient privacy data and causing serious social impact. Therefore, this study proposes a medical record exchange and sharing mechanism based on the Hyperledger blockchain architecture combined with proxy re-encryption. When pharmacists need to obtain medical records for related research, patients can decide whether to share medical records, and hospitals can also revoke the access rights of pharmacists at any time to achieve more private, secure, and convenient sharing of medical records. The proposed scheme meets various blockchain security requirements, and the BAN (Burrows–Abadi–Needham) logic proof model is applied to evaluate the correctness of the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme performs well in terms of computational and communication costs.
Thermodynamic functions of the improved Scarf II oscillator
Authors: Eyube E. S. , Yabwa D. , Nyam G. G. , Notani P. P. , Izam M. M. , Jabil Y. Y.
Published: September 2022

In this study, the improved Scarf II oscillator was used to model the internal vibration of a diatomic molecule. By employing the equation of energy levels of the oscillator, the canonical partition function was obtained and used to derive analytical expressions for the prediction of molar entropy, enthalpy and isobaric heat capacity of substances. The thermodynamic models were used to analyze the thermodynamic properties of some diatomic molecules including BBr, PN, PO, and PCl. The average absolute deviation from experimental data was used to affirm the suitability of the models. The expression for the reduced molar enthalpy yielded an average absolute deviation of 1.0945%, 1.6959%, 1.0013%, and 1.0945% for the molecules. Average deviations of 1.3053%, 1.5024%, 1.3838%, and 0.7490% were also obtained using the heat capacity model. These results are in good agreement with the existing literature data on selected diatomic molecules.
Impact of Climate Variability on Crop Diversification in West African Countries
Authors: Kevin ABOUA Angui Christian Dorgelès
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the impact of climate variability on cereal, root and tuber crops diversification for selected West Africa countries during the period 1965–2014. Crop diversification index, lumping together cereal, root and tuber crops, was calculated through the Composite Entropy Index. Climate variability is measured by the coefficient of variation of temperature and precipitation. A Seemingly Unrelated Regression was used to estimate the relationship between climate variability and crop diversification by controlling for supply and demand side factors of crop diversification. Overall, the results reveal that variability in temperature and precipitation over decades did not have an adverse effect on cereal root and tuber crops diversification. A detail analysis showed that Niger and Togo have been the most adapted to climate variability while Ghana was the most affected, mainly by precipitation variability. The results also indicated that, on the supply side, the availability of agricultural land contributed to crop diversification. Productivity, which is expected to increase crop diversification, was positive and significant in very few countries. In the others, it was not enough to improve crop diversification. On the demand side, population growth and consumption led to crop diversification, particularly in consumption of roots and tuber crops. This study suggests that greater diversification would mitigate the negative impact of climate variability. Therefore, regional and national agricultural policies aimed at increasing productivity are necessary to encourage farmers to diversify food crops under climate variability.
Design of a new fountain reactor for contamination degradation using advanced oxidation processes with hybrid techniques and modeling evaluation
Authors: Ghamsari Amir Reza Ghannayi , Mohseni Madjid , Esmaeilian Nima , Naderifar Abbas , Dabir Bahram
Published: September 2022

Due to the water and energy crises, wastewater treatment systems that are more energy efficient and capable of large volume degradation are a priority. Photochemical decomposition methods have a significant impact on pollutant treatment. The use of these methods in conjunction with a novel designed reactor and hybridization processes can result in considerable treatment results. This research used a fountain system in a UV/H2O2 process to generate a belt-type liquid film with a low thickness and high mixing to remove methyl orange as a model pollutant. The flowrate, H2O2 concentration, temperature, and UV intensity were the parameters evaluated in this series of tests. After 90 minutes under optimum conditions, the maximum degradation of methyl orange was 99.73 percent. The efficiency of the purification process was increased to 99 percent in 75 minutes by using the optimum state of hybridization of UV/US/H2O2 processes. Two deep neural network models and a pseudo-first-order kinetic model were created to fit the experimental data. The results reveal a good fit between the experimental data and the model prediction. The discovered synergistic factor (1.168) and energy yield (2.65 g/kWh) demonstrated the high efficiency of the hybridization process and the outstanding function of the designed system, respectively.
Randomization of Explainable and Interactive Simulated Annealing Strategy for Better Learning to Rank Models
Authors: Ibrahim Osman Ali Sadek
Published: September 2022

This short paper is about the first Explainable and Interactive Learning to Rank (LTR) Package in Information Retrieval (IR). This application is based on Combining Simulated Annealing Strategy with (1+1)-Evolutionary Strategy (SAS-Rank) which was introduced before as learning algorithm for ranking in the previous studies. In this application, the ranking models for offspring and parent chromosomes were showed in the runing for each iteration. Furthermore, there are three options for changing the SAS-Rank parameters and seeing the evaluation results obtained for that. This application is the first application introduces interactive learning in the ranking problem domain for IR.
Health System Readiness to Manage Maternal Death Data and Avail Evidence for Decision-Making Through Maternal Death Surveillance System in Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Endris Abduilhafiz A. , Tilahun Tizita
Published: September 2022

Background: - Maternal mortality remains a major health problem in Ethiopia. To generate contextual evidence, Maternal Death Surveillance and Response system was introduced in 2013. This assessment is conducted to describe the health system's readiness to avail evidence for decision-making through MDSR system in Ethiopia.
Method: - Cross-sectional study designed using the modified WHO framework for evaluating disease surveillance systems was used. Using a multistage sampling, 631 health facilities and 539 health posts were selected. Pretested survey questionnaires designed using ODK software were used. Trained field epidemiology residents were used for data collection from September 2019 to April 2020. Text descriptions, graphs, maps, and tables were used to present the study findings.
Findings: - Final study finding shows that 400 (77.1 percent) health facilities and 264 (71.5 percent) health posts claimed that they are implementing the MDSR system. Of the total implementing health facilities, 349 (87.3 percent) of them have a death review committee, and only 42 (12.4 %) were functional. About 89.4% of health centers and 79.4% of hospitals had sub-optimal readiness for maternal death identification and notification. Among implementing health posts, 39 (14%) and 231 (87.5%), of them had locally translated community case definitions and established mechanisms for receiving death reports from the community. Only 23 (6.96 percent) and 18 (26.47 percent) MDSR implementing health centers and hospitals had optimal readiness to investigate and review maternal deaths. Additionally, surveillance officers and HEWs at 6 (1.5 percent) and 24 (9.1 percent) systems implementing health facilities and health posts were engaged in data analysis and evidence generation at least once during 2019/20.
Conclusions and Recommendations: - Sub-optimal MDSR system implementation is registered. Revitalizing the system by addressing all system components is critical. Having a national-level roadmap for MDSR system implementation and mobilizing all available resources and stakeholders to facilitate this is vital. It is also critical to establish a system for routine data quality monitoring and assurance integrated with the existing PHEM structure. Having a system for routine capacity building, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation of the availability and functionality of MDSR committees at health facilities are all critical.
DCMI: Dynamic Clustering Approach using Multi-Verse Optimizer for Fog-assisted IoT Devices
Authors: Arikumar K.S. , Natarajan V. , Satapathy Suresh Chandra , Prathiba Sahaya Beni
Published: September 2022

The massive growth of sensor devices has assisted the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to reach a greater extent. However, the IoT devices are associated with various limitations, as the attached sensor devices are prone to limited battery lifetime. Though clustering seems to be the outstanding solution, it suffers from various disadvantages including unbalanced energy consumption and high packet loss ratio. In order to overcome these issues, we propose a fog-assisted Multi-Verse Optimization algorithm (MVO) for dynamic clustering of IoT devices (DCMI). The MVO algorithm is a meta-heuristic nature-inspired optimization algorithm possessing powerful operators, which makes the dynamic partitional clustering strategy more efficient. The MVO algorithm in the proposed DCMI approach employs inner and outer fitness function to produce more stable and optimal number of clusters. Moreover, the fog nodes helps the IoT network in transmitting the data with minimal latency. Thus, DCMI approach enhances the network lifetime and minimizes the packet loss ratio. The proposed DCMI approach is simulated and the results are compared with the various existing optimization based clustering approaches. The outcome analysis prove that the DCMI approach outperforms the existing approaches in terms of network lifetime, latency, packet loss ratio, throughput, packet delivery ratio, and energy consumption.