bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestication, Growth Performance, Length-weight Relationship and Chemical Composition of Land Crab (Cardisomaarmatum) Fed With Compounded Feeds of Plant and Animal Proteins
Authors: Jolaosho Toheeb Lekan , Akintola Shehu Latunji
Published: June 2023

Background Preliminary research on the domestication of mangrove fisheries resources, especially those with high aquaculture potential, is mandatory as a requirement for aquaculture activities to ensure sustainability. This study evaluated the possible domestication, growth performance, and length-weight relationship of Land crab (Cardisoma armatum) crablets reared for twelve (12) weeks and fed complete (control), animal, and plant-based compounded diets, as well as the influence of formulated feeds on the biochemical profile of the domesticated crabs. Sixty (60) crablets of mixed sizes and sexes weighing 22–24 g was stocked at the rate of ten C. armatum crabs in three treatments and three replicate units and cultured for 12 weeks. The crab tissues after the completion of the feeding trial were manually detached from their bodies, processed, and transported to the laboratory for biochemical analysis.
Result The result of the biochemical contents of the C. armatum samples showed that the choice of ingredients utilized in feed formulation influenced the nutritional and mineral compositions. The final body weights were 46.10±0.10 g for crabs fed a complete diet, 38.92±0.15 g for a plant-based diet, and 47.84±0.18 g for an animal-based diet. The results obtained for the length-weight relationship of the crab samples showed a negative allometric growth pattern (b<3). However, the result of the condition factor for females, males, and combined sexes was greater than 1. The results obtained in the preliminary study showed that C. armatum can be successfully domesticated if properly managed.
Conclusion Cardisoma armatum fed with an animal-based compound diet had better overall growth performance and converted their feed better. Further study on the reproduction and domestication of C. armatum in captivity is hereby recommended to increase food security and sustainability.
A Novel Controller Strategy for Damping LCL Oscillations in Reduced DC Voltage fed Single Phase D-STATCOM
Authors: Satpathy Guddy , De Dipankar
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Synthesis of TiO2 Nanotubes from Ilmenite with CuS nanoparticles as Efficient Visible-Light Photocatalyst
Authors: Abbaspour Farhad , Sarvi Mehdi Nasiri , Azimi Ebrahim
Published: June 2023

Titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) is one of the most widely used photocatalysts. In this research, TNT was prepared by a facile method using ilmenite (FeTiO3) concentrate as the titanium source. For this purpose, iron was leached out from ilmenite using HCl in assistance with the iron powder as the reducing agent to produce pure TiO2, where consequently, TNT was produced through hydrothermal treatment of the prepared TiO2 in an alkaline solution. CuS quantum dots, using the L-Cysteine as a linker, were coated on the TNT to improve TNTs’ photocatalytic properties. Characterization was done using XRD, SEM, FESEM, HRTEM, FT-IR, nitrogen sorption, and band gap measurement. The results revealed the formation of TNT with a star-shaped macrostructure as well as, a good dispersion of uniform CuS quantum dots with an average diameter of a few nanometers on the TiO2 structure. A dye adsorption kinetics study of the TNT and CuS-dopped TNT showed that TNT carries a higher adsorption capacity compared to the CuS-dopped TNT, developed due to its higher surface area and pore volume. Next, the photocatalytic performance (under visible light) of the prepared composite was studied over the methylene blue and malachite green dyes, after the determination of the dye adsorption equilibrium point (where the adsorption stops). TNT showed almost no dye degradation while the prepared composite degraded almost 95% of the dyes as the result of the reduced band gap from 3.21 to 2.67 eV. In this study, for the first time, the TNT was prepared using a mineral source, ilmenite, enhanced in photocatalytic properties, and presented a successful application.
Advancements in Electronic Identification of Animals and Augmented Reality Technologies in Digital Livestock Farming
Authors: Pinna Daniele , Sara Gabriele , Todde Giuseppe , Atzori Alberto Stanislao , Artizzu Valentino , Spano Lucio Davide , Caria Maria
Published: June 2023

Modern livestock farm technologies allow operators to have access to a multitude of data thanks to the high number of mobile and fixed sensors available on both the livestock farming machinery and the animals. These data can be consulted via PC, tablet, and smartphone, which must be handheld by the operators, leading to an increase in the time needed for on-field activities. In this scenario, the use of augmented reality smart glasses could allow the visualization of data directly in the field, providing for a hands-free environment for the operator to work. Nevertheless, to visualize specific animal information, a connection between the augmented reality smart glasses and electronic animal identification is needed. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop and test a wearable framework, called SmartGlove that is able to link RFID animal tags and augmented reality smart glasses via a Bluetooth connection, allowing the visualization of specific animal data directly in the field. Moreover, another objective of the study was to compare different levels of augmented reality technologies (assisted reality vs. mixed reality) to assess the most suitable solution for livestock management scenarios. For this reason, the developed framework and the related augmented reality smart glasses applications were tested in the laboratory and in the field. Furthermore, the stakeholders’ point of view was analyzed using two standard questionnaires, the NASA-Task Load Index and the IBM-Post Study System Usability Questionnaire. The outcomes of the laboratory tests underlined promising results regarding the operating performances of the developed framework, showing no significant differences if compared to a commercial RFID reader. During the on-field trial, all the tested systems were capable of performing the task in a short time frame. Furthermore, the operators underlined the advantages of using the SmartGlove system coupled with the augmented reality smart glasses for the direct on-field visualization of animal data.
: Pro Re Nata brolucizumab for early onset and treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema: a prospective study
Authors: Bilgic Alper , Kodjikian Laurent , Gonzalez-Cortes Jesus , de Ribot Francesc March , Deshpande Riddhima , Spitzer Martin , Mathis Thibaud , Sudhalkar Aditya
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab therapy administered on a pro re nata (PRN) basis without loading dose in treatment naïve patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) for 1 year follow-up.
METHODS
Patients with recent DME (< 6 months) received a mandatory brolucizumab injection at inclusion and other injections could be given on a PRN basis with an 8-week interval (between injections) at minimum. Rescue therapy with other anti-VEGF was possible in case of incomplete DME resolution after the second brolucizumab and with a minimum of 1-month treatment free interval between 2 injections. The primary outcome measure was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures included the change in central subfield thickness (CST), the change in hard exudate surface area and microaneurysms at 1 year.
RESULTS
A total of 53 patients were included. At 12 months, the mean (SD) number of injections was 2.6 (0.8) in addition to the first mandatory injection. The mean (SD) interval between 2 consecutive injections was 3.2 (1.4) months. The mean (SD) BCVA improved from 0.62 (0.1) logMAR to 0.40 (0.16) logMAR (p = 0.012). The mean CST reduced from 397.0 (47.2) µm to 224.5 (28.1) µm (p = 0.013). The hard exudate surface area decreased significantly (p = 0.012) as did the number of microaneurysms (p = 0.02). Seven patients required at least 1 rescue therapy and no patients experienced intra-ocular inflammatory adverse events.
CONCLUSION
Brolucizumab therapy for DME is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of recent DME and has the potential to reduce the number of injections.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Control for Waste Biorefining Processes Under Uncertainty
Authors: Gao Ji , Wahlen Abigael , Ju Caleb , Chen Yongsheng , Lan Guanghui , tong Zhaohui
Published: June 2023

Waste biorefining processes face significant challenges related to the variability of feedstocks. The supply and composition of multiple feedstocks in these processes can be uncertain, making it difficult to achieve economically feasible and sustainable waste valorization for large-scale production. Here, we introduce a reinforcement learning-based framework that aims to control these uncertainties and improve the efficiency of the process. The framework is tested on an anaerobic digestion process and is found to perform better than traditional control strategies. In the short term, it achieves faster target tracking with increased precision and accuracy, while in the long term, it shows adaptive and robust behavior even under additional seasonal supply variability, meeting downstream demand with high probability. This reinforcement learning-based framework offers a promising and scalable solution to address uncertainty issues in real-world biorefining processes. If implemented, this framework could contribute to sustainable waste management practices globally, making waste biorefining processes more economically viable and environmentally friendly.
Photocatalytic behavior for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions via nanocomposites based on Gd2O3/CdS and cellulose acetate nanofibers
Authors: Abdrabou Dalia , Ahmed Mohamed , Hussein Ali , El-Sherbini Tharwat
Published: June 2023

Efficient cleaning of contaminated water by photocatalysis has become an effective strategy in recent years due to its environmental and ecological designation. The cadmium sulfate (CdS) ) is an excellent photocatalyst in the visible region but has low quantum efficiency. In order to increase the photocataletic efficiency, CdS was modified with gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and combined with graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. The estimated crystallite size (Ds) for Gd2O3, CdS/Gd2O3 and CdS/Gd2O3@GO was 29.6, 11.6 and 11.5 nm, respectively. The degradation of methylene blue (MB) reaches the highest values after (60 min) under visible light irradiation with a dye concentration of (0.25 ppm). Whereas in powdered composition the efficiency of dye removal has been enhanced under UV irradiation, while it reduced by increasing the MB concentration to 0.50 ppm with visible light irradiation. In addition, the CdS with/without Gd2O3 and GO were integrated into electrospun nanofibrous cellulose acetate (CA) through the electrospinning technique. The compounds of Gd2O3, CdS/Gd2O3 and CdS/Gd2O3/GO were encapsulated into cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers, for the degradation of MB under visible and UV irradiation. The apparent rate constant (k) achieves a value of 0.006, 0.007 and 0.0013 min− 1 while, the removal efficiency reaches 41.02%, 54.71%, and 71.42% for Gd2O3@CA, CdS/Gd2O3@CA, CdS/Gd2O3/GO@CA respectively after 60 min under UV irradiation.
Optimizing Oil Spill Emergency Logistics: A Time-Varying Multi-Resource Collaborative Scheduling Model
Authors: Zhang Lingye , Lu Jing
Published: June 2023

Emergency resource scheduling is at the heart of the response to an oil spill, as it lays the foundation for all other emergency operations. Extant studies address the dynamicity inherent to these operations primarily by modeling a dynamic network flow with static data, which is not applicable to continuously changing conditions resulting from oil film movement. In order to enhance the responsiveness and cost-efficiency of the response to oil spills, this paper takes a novel approach and formulates a multi-objective location-routing model for multi-resource collaborative scheduling, namely, harnessing time-varying parameters rather than static data to model real-time changes in the demand for emergency resources and the transportation network. Additionally, the model considers various operational factors, including the transportation of multiple resources in the order of operating procedures; the coordination of split delivery with the consumption of emergency resources; and the matching of multiple resources with suitable vehicles. To solve the proposed model, a hybrid heuristic algorithm of PSO-PGSA is developed, which utilizes particle swarm optimization (PSO) to search widely for non-dominated solutions. The algorithm then makes use of the plant growth simulation algorithm (PGSA) to find the more effective vehicle routes based on the obtained solutions. Finally, a numerical analysis is used to illustrate the practical capabilities of the developed model and solution strategies. Most significantly, our work not only to validated the methodology proposed here, but also underlines the importance of incorporating the features of an oil spill emergency response into emergency logistics in general.
Dig up tall fescue plastid genomes for the identification of morphotype- specific DNA markers or variants
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Chekhovskiy Konstantin , Saha Malay C.
Published: June 2023

Background: Tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.) is an important cool-season perennial grass species. Hexaploid tall fescue has three distinct morphotypes used either as forage or turf purposes. Its chloroplast genome is conserved due to maternally inherited to the next generation progenies. To identify morphotype-specific DNA markers and the genetic variations, plastid genomes of all three tall fescue morphotypes, i.e., Continental cv. Texoma MaxQ II, rhizomatous cv. Torpedo, and Mediterranean cv. Resolute have been sequenced using Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform.
Results: Chloroplast DNA was extracted from the tall fescue young leaves and used for genome sequencing. The plastid genomes of Continental-, rhizomatous-, and Mediterranean tall fescue were then assembled into a circular master molecule of 135,283 bp, 135,336 bp, and 135,324 bp, respectively. The tall fescue plastid genome of all morphotypes contained 77 protein-coding, 20 tRNAs, four rRNAs, two pseudo protein-coding, and three hypothetical protein-coding genes. We identified 630 SNPs and 124 InDels between Continental and Mediterranean, 62 SNPs and 20 InDels between Continental and rhizomatous, and 635 SNPs and 123 InDels between rhizomatous and Mediterranean tall fescue. Only four InDels in four genes (ccsA, rps18, accD, and ndhH-p) were identified, which discriminated Continental and rhizomatous genomes from Mediterranean genome. Here, we identified and reported eight InDel markers (NRITCHL18, NRITCHL35, NRITCHL43, NRITCHL65, NRITCHL72, NRITCHL101, NRITCHL104, and NRITCHL110) from the intergenic regions that can successfully discriminate tall fescue morphotypes.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the assembled plastid genomes of rhizomatous cv. Torpedo and Mediterranean cv. Resolute tall fescue. Our results will help to identify tall fescue morphotypes at the time of pre-breeding and will contribute to the development of both lawn and forage type commercial varieties.
Applying exercise capacity and physical activity as single vs. composite endpoints for trials of cardiac rehabilitation interventions: Rationale, use-case, and a blueprint method for sample size calculation
Authors: Carrozzo Eleonora , Cornelissen Veronique , Bathke Arne C. , Claes Jomme , Niebauer Josef , Zimmermann Georg , Treff Gunnar , Kulnik Stefan Tino
Published: June 2023

Objective
To conceptualise a composite primary endpoint (CE) for parallel-group RCTs of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) interventions, and to explore its application and statistical efficiency.
Study design and setting
We combined exercise capacity and physical activity for the CE, both being directly related to reduced premature mortality in cardiac patients. Based on smallest detectable and smallest clinically important changes (Δ exercise capacity of 15 W and Δ physical activity of 10 min/day), the CE combines two dichotomous endpoints (achieved/not achieved). To examine statistical efficiency, we compared sample size requirements based on the CE to single endpoints using data from two completed CR trials.
Results
Expecting, e.g., a 10% between-group difference and improvement in the clinical outcome, the CE would require a sample size increase by up to 21% or 61%, depending on the dataset. When expecting a 10% difference and designing an intervention with the aim of non-deterioration,the CE would allow to reduce the sample size by up to 55% or 70%.
Conclusion
Trialists may consider the utility of the CE for future studies in exercise-based CR, which could reduce sample size requirements. However, perhaps surprisingly at first, the CE could also lead to an increased sample size needed, depending on the observed baseline proportions in the trial population and the aim of the intervention.
Study on tourism economic resilience evaluation and governance model of island cities under uncertain environment: A case study of Hainan island, China
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Shen Mingzhe , Yu Hu , Liu Tongtong
Published: June 2023

In the face of uncertain development scenarios, there is an urgent need for exploratory research on the resilience of urban tourism economies. This study uses Hainan island as a case study to explore the level of urban tourism economic resilience, the barriers, and its governance model from 2000 to 2020. The results show that: (1) Hainan island's urban tourism economic resilience shows cyclical dynamic evolution characteristics, with Sanya and Haikou as the extremely high points; their long-term tourism economic resilience values are 8.31 and 7.63, respectively, forming a northeast-southwest trending resilience pattern; and the evaluation index system and measurement model results are basically consistent; (2) The Gini coefficient of Hainan island's urban tourism economic resilience basically remains within the range of 0.35–0.40, with the "Hai-Cheng-Wen integrated economic circle" in the north being the area with the most significant differences between groups and Sanya city, Lingshui county, and Ledong county in the south being the areas with the most significant differences within groups; (3) As the coordination role is constrained by the high resilience, Sanya city and Haikou city become the cities with the lowest equilibrium entropy value; (4) The factor linkage model, the structural adaptability model, and the function matching model are proposed from the factor, structure, and function dimensions in order to provide a theoretical basis for strengthening the resilience of the tourism economy of Hainan island.
Fault diagnosis of gearbox based on Fourier Bessel EWT and manifold regularization ELM
Authors: Wang Ke , Qin Fengqing
Published: June 2023

The novel fault diagnosis method of gearbox based on Fourier Bessel series expansion-based empirical wavelet transform (FBEWT) and manifold regularization extreme learning machine (MRELM) is proposed to obtain excellent fault diagnosis results of gearbox in this paper. A new feature extraction strategy based on Fourier Bessel series expansion-based empirical wavelet transform is used to capture the key non-stationary features of the vibrational signal of gearbox, and significantly improve the diagnosis ability of gearbox. The ELM with manifold regularization is proposed for fault diagnosis of gearbox. In order to outstand the superiority and stability of the proposed FBEWT and manifold regularization ELM, the balanced dataset and unbalanced dataset, respectively, are used. The experimental results testify that FBEWT-MRELM are more superior and stable than EWT-MRELM, and EWT-ELM regardless of balanced dataset and unbalanced dataset.
Correlation of Salivary Cytokine Il-17a and 1,25 Dihydroxycholecalciferol in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Sagar Sandra , Ramani Pratibha , Moses Sagar , S Gheena , Jayaraman Selvaraj
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
The management of malocclusion has developed greatly in terms of treatment simulation and biomechanics, but treatment duration has been a great concern to the clinician as well as the patient. Vitamin D stimulates both osteoclasts and osteoblasts and was found to be the most significant in Orthodontic Tooth Movement acceleration. Inflammatory cytokines like IL-17A also play an important role in osteoclastogenesis and enhances the rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement.
AIM
To perform a simultaneous evaluation of pro inflammatory salivary cytokine IL-17A and salivary vitamin D3 and to correlate their role on orthodontic tooth movement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective cohort study was conducted among n = 97 patients . Saliva samples were collected from the patients at three phases of the orthodontic treatment, centrifuged and stored at 4℃ for evaluation of salivary Vitamin D3 levels and Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17A using ELISA.
RESULTS
The mean salivary VitaminD3 levels were 41.250ng/ml, 33.246 ng/ml and 35.043ng/ml during the initial phase, lag phase and log phase of orthodontic treatment.
The mean pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 A levels were 107.79 pg/ml , 102.98pg/ml and 66.156 pg/ml during the initial phase, lag phase and log phase of orthodontic treatment.
There was a correlation between salivary vitamin D3 level and salivary cytokine IL-17A levels during the various phases of orthodontic treatment using Spearman’s correlation rho test and linear regression analysis. There was no significant difference(p>0.05) between vitamin D3 levels and gender during the various phases( initial phase, lag phase and log phase)of orthodontic treatment.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D3 and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17A was found to have a definite role in the osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity. Thus, the Vitamin D3 levels have been quantified during the various phases of orthodontic treatment and this can be used clinically for the supplementation of Vitamin D in patients with low vitamin D levels and can enhance the treatment duration for the patient with less damaging effects to the surrounding tissues.
The framing of depression in the South African print media over a 13-year period (2004-2016): a retrospective study.
Authors: Thobela Zanele , Nyamaruze Patrick , Akintola Olagoke
Published: June 2023

Background
Depression is the leading cause of mental health-related disease burden globally, yet the symptoms of the disorder are not well-understood and it is stigmatised in South Africa. The way depression is portrayed in the media contributes to an understanding of the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the condition. While research on the framing of depression has been conducted widely in other contexts, our search did not yield any study on media framing of depression in South Africa. Therefore, this study used the framing theory to examine the media framing of depression following the enactment of two mental health policies in South Africa.
Methods
We examined 152 news stories that covered depression from 21 South African newspapers retrieved from the SABINET – SA Media online archive over a 13-year period (2004–2016). We used the four categories of framing; problems, causes, moral judgements and remedies to conduct deductive and inductive thematic analysis.
Results
The findings show that most of the news stories had problems as their main frame. The problems identified included the challenge of diagnosing and treating depression, misconceptions about depression, lack of funding for mental health initiatives and shortage of mental health practitioners. Most news stories framed depression as mainly caused by various risk factors, including high rates of crime and violence. Calls were made for increased mental health funding. Improving knowledge of depression in the community and seeking mental health services and support were identified as remedies.
Conclusions
This study provides an understanding of the framing of issues related to depression in the news media post the enactment of two Mental Health policies. While the two policies have clear provisions that seek to ensure that appropriate care, treatment and rehabilitation are provided to people living with mental health conditions, numerous challenges exist in the health system and society. To overcome these challenges, the study suggests a need for multi-level interventions that target to increase funding, reduce mental health stigma, and develop tailor made mental health promotion and prevention strategies.
Solutions to improve the quality of higher education services in crisis situations using soft systems methodology (Case study: Shahid Beheshti University)
Authors: ramezani sajad , jokarmoshtani mohamadreza , talebi davood , Dorri Behrouz
Published: June 2023

The education sector encountered serious problems and the quality improvement of higher education services stopped after the Covid-19 pandemic. After the peak period of this virus, it is required to predict the crisis and consider appropriate solutions to improve the quality of higher education services. Thus, this study aimed to provide some solutions to improve the quality of higher education services in crisis situations.This study was applied in terms of objective and mixed in terms of approach. Interviews and questionnaires were used in this study for data collection. The combination of soft systems methodology with hesitant fuzzy best-worst method (HFBWM) was used to encounter the research problem. Based on soft systems methodology, three general areas were presented to improve the quality of higher education services. Such areas included the solutions related to support services, solutions related to social development and team spirit, and improvement solutions related to management and planning. Thus, several solutions were provided in each area for Shahid Beheshti University. Finally, the solutions were prioritized based on the HFBWM. The establishment of updated educational systems, implementation of a strategic operational plan to improve services, and scientific consensus to improve education were considered as the prioritized solutions to improve the quality of higher education services in crisis situations at Shahid Beheshti University.
Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) with cisplatin and doxorubicin in combination with FOLFOX chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastases: single-arm phase II study
Authors: Luksta Martynas , Bausys Augustinas , Bickaite Klaudija , Rackauskas Rokas , Paskonis Marius , Luksaite-Lukste Raminta , Ranceva Anastasija , Stulpinas Rokas , Brasiuniene Birute , Baltruskeviciene Edita , Lachej Nadezda , Sabaliauskaite Rasa , Bausys Rimantas , Tulyte Skaiste , Strupas Kestutis
Published: June 2023

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) remains among the most common and most lethal cancers worldwide. Peritoneum is the most common site for distant dissemination. Standard treatment for GC peritoneal metastases (PM) is a systemic therapy, but treatment outcomes remain very poor, with median overall survival ranging between 3–9 months. Thus, novel treatment methods are necessary. Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is the most novel technique for intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Some preliminary data suggest PIPAC can achieve improved long-term outcomes in patients with GC PM, especially when used in combination with system chemotherapy. However, there is a lack of data from well-design prospective studies that would confirm the efficacy of PIPAC and systemic therapy combination for first-line treatment.
Methods
This study is an investigator-initiated single-arm, phase II trial to investigate the efficacy of PIPAC combined with systemic FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, leucovorin) as a first-line treatment for GC PM. The study is conducted in 2 specialized GC treatment centers in Lithuania. It enrolls GC patients with histologically confirmed PM without prior treatment. The treatment protocol consists of PIPAC with cisplatin (10.5 mg/m2 body surface in 150 mL NaCl 0.9%) and doxorubicin (2.1 mg/m2 in 50 mL NaCl 0.9%) followed by 2 cycles of FOLFOX every 6–7 weeks. In total 3 PIPACs and 6 cycles of FOLFOX will be utilized. The primary outcome of the study is the objective response rate (ORR) according to RECIST v. 1.1 criteria [20] in a CT scan performed 7 days after the 4th cycle of FOLFOX. Secondary outcomes include ORR after all experimental treatment, PIPAC characteristics, postoperative morbidity, histological and biochemical response, ascites volume, quality of life, overall survival, and toxicity.
Discussion
This study aims to assess PIPAC and FOLFOX combination efficacy for previously untreated GC patients with PM.
Trial registration
NCT05644249. Registered on December 9, 2022.
Radical Intermediates and Stable Products in Acrolein Pyrolysis
Authors: Muzika Michael , Genossar-Dan Nadav , Fux Dana , Lavan Shani Har , Zamir Uri , Rozenberg Illya , Hemberger Patrick , Baraban Joshua H.
Published: June 2023

Acrolein is a commonly encountered health hazard and pollutant. It is frequently used in industrial synthesis and is also a by-product of many combustion and other high temperature processes, especially those involving biological substances (e.g. forest fires, deep frying, or cigarette smoke). Despite the clear need for investigation of the chemical behavior of acrolein at high temperatures, little experimental work has been done on the decomposition of acrolein using apparatus capable of observing reactive species.
In this work, the pyrolysis of acrolein was studied at temperatures of up to 1700 K, with a focus on identification of radicals and other unstable species produced in the early reaction stages. Vinyl, formyl, and methyl radicals were all observed, either directly or indirectly. Detection of these reactive intermediates reveals the reaction pathways to stable species, including CO, ethylene, and acetylene, which were also observed. Our findings further the understanding of acrolein's high temperature chemistry, which has significant health and environmental importance.
Variations in nurse involvement in end-of-life practices in intensive care units worldwide (ETHICUS-2): a prospective observational study.
Authors: Benbenishty Julie Sarah , Ganz Freda DeKeyser , Lautrette Alexandre , Jaschinski Ulrich , Aggarwal Avneep , Soreide Eldar , Weiss Manfred , Dybwik Knut , Çizmeci Elif Ayşe , Ackerman Roberto Carlos Miranda , Estebanez-Montiel Belén , Ricou Bara , Robertsen Annette , Sprung Charles Lester , Avidan Alexander
Published: June 2023

Purpose
explore global ICU nurse involvement in end of life decisions, ETHICUS-2 prospective multinational, observational study was performed.
Methods
This is a secondary analysis of data obtained from the ETHICUS-2 study. Patients were followed until ICU discharge, death, or 2 months from the first decision to limit life-prolonging therapies. Data were collected by an ICU clinician recording end of life decisions typically at the time of first limitation. Nursing related questions included: were withholding or withdrawing treatment discussed with nurses? Who initiated the end of life discussion? Was a nurse involved in making the end of life decision? Was there agreement between physicians and nurses. Global regions were compared related to these four questions.
Results
A significant difference was found between regions, (p< .001) with Northern Europe and Australia/New Zealand having the most discussion with nurses and Latin America, Africa, Asia and North America the least. The percentages of nurses who were involved end of life decision ranging between 3-44%, the differences were statistically significant. Agreement between physicians and nurses related to decisions resulted in wide range of responses (27-86%) (p < .001). The percentages of EOL decisions in which agreement between physicians and nurses was not applicable included a wide range of responses from 0-41%
Conclusion
A large variability in nurse involvement in end of life care in the ICU was found. Perhaps due to perception of physicians and nurses view of themselves. Varying levels of expertise and experience of clinicians.
Between the lines: mitochondrial lineages in the heavily managed red deer population of Belarus
Authors: Valnisty Arseni Andreyevich , Homel Kanstantsin V , Kheidorova Ekaterina E , Molchan Vladislav O , Nikiforov Mikhail Y
Published: June 2023

Here we report the first thorough genetic characterization of the long understudied red deer population of Belarus in regards to its ancestry according to mtDNA sequence analysis. Employing a 328 base pair segment of the mitochondrial control region (d-loop) from 30 deer specimens of either sex recently harvested across the country, we have discovered 6 haplotypes belonging to 2 of the widely described European red deer lineages, or haplogroups: Iberian (A) and Maraloid (E), clarifying the range limits of both lineages in the region. Combining this data with a comparative analysis of genetic diversity and historical records, we conclude that the Belarusian population of red deer has an artificially mixed origin, though it remains unclear how desirable such a state of the local population is, in terms of sustainable management, use and conservation. Inquiries into ancient DNA are required in order to recognize the lineages closest to the now lost autochthonous population of Belarus.
Development of Vinyl-substituted Silica Based Coatings to Improve the Thermal Insulative Properties of Glass Surfaces
Authors: Koç Fatoş , Çok Selay Sert , Devrim Bora , Aksoy Sertan , Bilgin Gamze , Gizli Nilay
Published: June 2023

Thermal insulation of glass surfaces is essential in many respects because the glazing systems are the materials that lose the most energy in buildings or household devices. Therefore, application of coatings with low thermal conductivity is considered a key step in establishing the energy-efficient systems. In this study, vinyl substituted silica aerogel coatings were developed by the simple sol-gel method and applied on the glass substrates as in the bilayer form. Coating layers were composed of hydrophilic primary layer and hydrophobic top layer, which provides thermal insulation properties and acts as a protective layer barrier against water at the same time. The first layer consisted of SiO2 nanoparticles particles along with silica precursor of TEOS, while, the second layer was prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), which provided surface properties. The surface modification was applied with trimethylsilyl chloride (TMCS) to enhance the hydrophobic properties of surfaces. The aerogel-coated glasses were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Contact Angle (CA), and Thermal Conductivity Measurement. The thermal conductivity coefficient and water contact angle values were obtained as 0.126 W/mK and 88°. The experimental results showed that 85% decrease in thermal conductivity of glass substrate (from 0.8 to 0.126 W/mK) was obtained by applying bilayer silica aerogel coating.
Targeting FGFRs by pemigatinib induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest, cellular stress and upregulation of tumor suppressor miRNAs
Authors: Pace Angelica , Scirocchi Fabio , Napoletano Chiara , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Po Agnese , Megiorni Francesca , Asquino Angela , Pontecorvi Paola , Rahimi Hassan , Marchese Cinzia , Ferretti Elisabetta , Nuti Marianna , Rughetti Aurelia
Published: June 2023

Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene family alterations are found in several cancers, indicating their importance as potential therapeutic targets. The FGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) pemigatinib (Pemazyre®, INCB054828) has been introduced in the treatment plan for advanced cholangiocarcinoma and more recently for relapsed or refractory myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with FGFR2 and FGFR1 rearrangements, respectively. Several clinical trials are currently investigating the possible combination of pemigatinib with immunotherapy to synergistically amplify the anti-tumor activity.
Methods: NCI-H1581 lung cancer, KATO III gastric cancer and RT-112 bladder cancer cell lines were employed and FGFRs expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell lines were treated with the FGFR1-3 inhibitor pemigatinib and then characterized for cell proliferation, apoptosis, production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of senescence. Following pemigatinib treatment, the expression of microRNAs with tumor suppressor functions was analysed by qRT-PCR, while modulation of the proteins coded by their target genes was evaluated by Western blot.
Results: Pemigatinib reduced the proliferative ability of all cancer cells, inducing G1 phase cell cycle arrest and strong intracellular stress resulting in ROS production, senescence and apoptosis. Pemigatinib treatment also caused the upregulation of microRNAs (miR-133b, miR-139, miR-186, miR-195) with tumor suppressor functions in the cancer models investigated, along with the downregulation of validated protein targets with oncogenic roles (c-Myc, c-Met, CDK6, EGFR), suggesting that pemigatinib antitumor activity is at least in part mediated by microRNA modulation. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the various data and student’s t test to compare the analysis of two groups.
Conclusions: These results contribute to clarifying the biological effects and molecular mechanisms mediated by the anti-FGFR TKI pemigatinib in distinct tumor settings and support its exploitation for combined therapies.
Superovulation with an anti-inhibin monoclonal antibody improves the reproductive performance of rat strains by increasing the pregnancy rate and the litter size
Authors: Mochida Keiji , Morita Kohtaro , Sasaoka Yoshio , Morita Kento , Endo Hitoshi , Hasegawa Ayumi , Asano Masahide , Ogura Atsuo
Published: June 2023

The rat is a multiparous rodent that has long been used in biomedical research, but the low reproductive performance in some rat strains hampers their broader use as research models. This study examined whether superovulation using an anti-inhibin monoclonal antibody (AIMA) could increase the litter size following natural mating in rats. In outbred Wistar rats, AIMA administration increased the number of ovulated oocytes by 1.3-fold. Importantly, AIMA did not affect fertilization and subsequent embryonic development, resulting in a 1.4-fold increase in litter size with a high pregnancy rate (89%). In contrast, conventional superovulation by equine/ human chorionic gonadotrophin administrations decreased the pregnancy rate to 6% and failed to increase the litter size. In inbred Brown Norway rats, AIMA increased the litter size 1.2-fold, and the pregnancy rate increased more than twice (86% vs. 38% in controls). AIMA also increased the litter size 2.0- and 1.5-fold in inbred Fischer 344 and Tokai High Avoider rats, respectively. Overall, when considering the pregnancy rate, AIMA increased the efficiency of offspring production 1.4-, 2.7-, 1.8-, and 1.5-fold in four rat strains. Thus, AIMA may consistently improve the reproductive performance by natural mating in rats, readily enabling their efficient use in biomedical research.
Resettlement Action Plan of Lagos Red Rail Line and Project Affected Persons’ (Paps) Perception
Authors: Atobatele Abolaji , Moliki Ahmed , Deinde-Adedeji Oluwatimilehin , Dele-Dada Moyosoluwa
Published: June 2023

This study emphasizes on the project affected persons and their perception concerning the activities of government in Lagos State. Lagos Red Rail Line is going to be a laudable project that will result in socio-economic development of the State and reduce traffic jam when completed. The study employed survey research technique which include administration of interview to the respondents through focus group discussion in Ikeja, Yaba, Mushin and Oyingbo and secondary source of data such as Journals, Internet, Government Gazette, and Magazines. The study reveals that lack of confidence in government coupled with high rate of illiteracy is responsible to the negative reaction of the project affected persons. The study therefore recommends that government at all levels in Lagos State and Nigeria at large should build the confidence of the residents in the State and Nigeria by fulfilling the promises made to residents of Lagos State and Nigerians before and after the elections.
Will AI Art Devalue Human Creativity?
Authors: Horton C. Blaine , White Michael W. , Iyengar Sheena S.
Published: June 2023

The contemporary art world is conservatively estimated to be a $65 billion USD market that employs millions of human artists, sellers, and collectors across the world. Yet recent attention paid to AI-made art in prestigious galleries, museums, and popular media has provoked debate around how these statistics will change. Unanswered questions fuel growing anxieties. Are AI-made and human-made art evaluated in the same ways? How will growing exposure to AI-made art impact evaluations of human creativity? Our research uses a psychological lens to explore these questions in the realm of visual art. We find that people devalue AI-made art across a variety of dimensions, even when they report it is indistinguishable from human-made art, and even when they believe it was produced collaboratively with a human. But we also find that comparing human and AI-made art increases perceptions of human creativity, an effect that can be leveraged to increase the value of human effort. Our results are robust across six experiments (N = 2,965) using a range of artistic stimuli and incorporating representative samples of the US population. Finally, we highlight conditions under which effects can be strengthened or weakened as well as dimensions where AI-devaluation effects are stronger.
A new technology combined robotics and 3D printing facilitates closed reduction of tibia shaft fractures using a minimally invasive plate as a reduction template: A technical note.
Authors: Liang Jinghao , Yang Hongju , Liu Dapeng
Published: June 2023

Less invasive fixation techniques are the mainstay in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures (TSFs), Intramedullary nailing (IMN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) are the least invasive and the preferred choices used nowadays. However, malreduction and radiation exposure are the main deficiencies associated with less invasive fixation techniques, especially rotation around the shaft axis is difficult to assess intra-operatively. Our focus is on describing a novel technology that integrates robotics and 3D printing to facilitate closed reduction of Tibial shaft fractures using minimally invasive plates as reduction templates. Using this technique, we have achieved anatomic reduction on phantom bone.
Rice straw anaerobic digestion enhancement through bioaugmentation: effect on the microbial community
Authors: Pérez Annerys Carabeo , López María Isabel Sánchez , Rivera Gilda Guerra , Henderson Deborah , Jiménez Janet
Published: June 2023

The degradation of agricultural residues by anaerobic digestion and their bioconversion to methane is still hampered by the search for pretreatment strategies due to the lignocellulosic content that limits the efficiency of the process. Adding an enriched microbial consortium could be an alternative for the biological treatment of lignocellulosic biomass. During the degradation process, it is necessary to study the dynamics and structure of the microbial community. The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of an enriched microbial consortium, and its effect on the methane-producing prokaryotic community during the anaerobic digestion of rice straw. The consortium was characterized by diversity, microbial community dynamics, and taxonomic identification. The rice straw anaerobic digestion was bioaugmented using the microbial consortium in 10 L semi-continuous stirred tank reactors (35 ± 2°C) for 70 days of operation at increasing organic loading rates up to 1.8 g VS L-1 d-1. Relative to the control reactor, higher and more stable methane production was obtained with the biological treatment strategy. The metagenomic method allowed identification down to the genus and species level of microbial consortium and the prokaryotic community within the reactors. From the knowledge of the diversity and dynamics of the microbial community, possible preferential metabolic pathways were presumed. The enhanced anaerobic degradation of rice straw by the microbial consortium and its effect on the methane-producing microbial community demonstrated that it could be used as a bioproduct for the treatment of agricultural waste for energy purposes.
Straintronics in Phosphorene: Tensile vs Shear Strains and Their Combinations for Manipulating the Band Gap
Authors: Solomenko Anastasiia , Sahalianov Ihor , Radchenko Taras , Tatarenko Valentyn
Published: June 2023

We study the effects of the uniaxial tensile strain and shear deformation as well as their combinations on the electronic properties of single-layer black phosphorene. The evolutions of the strain-dependent band gap are obtained using the numerical calculations within the tight-binding (TB) model as well as the first-principles (DFT) simulations and compared with previous findings. The TB-model-based findings show that the band gap of the strain-free phosphorene agrees with the experimental value and linearly depends on both stretching and shearing: increases (decreases) as the stretching increases (decreases), whereas gradually decreases with increasing the shear. A linear dependence is less or more similar as compared to that obtained from the ab initio simulations for shear strain, however disagrees with a non-monotonic behaviour from the DFT-based calculations for tensile strain. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are discussed. In case of a combined deformation, when both strain types (tensile/compression + shear) are loaded simultaneously, their mutual influence extends the realizable band gap range: from zero up to the values respective to the wide-band-gap semiconductors. At a switched-on combined strain, the semiconductor–semimetal phase transition in the phosphorene is reachable at a weaker (strictly non-destructive) strain, which contributes to progress in fundamental and breakthroughs.