bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on FRN and P2 during the performance of an auditory monetary incentive delay task
Authors: Grigoreva Anastasia , Gorin Aleksei , Klyuchnikov Valery , Dutov Ivan , Moiseeva Victoria , Klucharev Vasily , Shestakova Anna
Published: June 2023

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is a powerful tool for elucidating the causal relationship between specific brain regions and behaviour. While tES generates consistent results in sensorimotor research, cognitive studies present a more diverse, often ambiguous response to stimulation. To further understand these complexities, our study employed cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to modulate medial–frontal cortex activity during an auditory monetary incentive delay (MID) task. Participants responded to acoustic cues signaling expected monetary losses. We analysed feedback-related negativity (FRN), reflecting a reward prediction error processing when participants encountered losses and compared it to no-loss conditions across two subsequent MID task sessions. We also assessed the exogenous P2 response to stimulus onset, independent of monetary contingencies, anticipating an inhibitory effect of cathodal tDCS on both FRN and P2. Contrarily, we observed a facilitatory effect of stimulation on FRN and a suppressed learning effect of P2. The sham group demonstrated a difference in P2 amplitude between the first and second session, which was absent in the cathodal tDCS group. Our findings regarding the multidirectionality of tDCS effects on cognitive function challenge the utility of tES as a readily employable method for testing brain causality in highly complex neurocognitive events, such as decision-making.
Bacterial and fungal load quantitative and qualitative assessment of indoor air in Portuguese long-term and acute healthcare settings
Authors: Santos-Marques Catarina , Teixeira Camila , Pinheiro Rafael , Brück Wolfram Manuel , Pereira Sónia Gonçalves
Published: June 2023

Background
In healthcare-associated infections, the major transmission route is assumed to be the direct or indirect contact between patients, staff, and the environment. However, little is known about the air role as a pool for pathogens and multidrug resistance (MDR) in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively compare microbial air quality in a Portuguese long-term healthcare unit (LTHU) and a central hospital (CH).
Methods
During 2021 and 2022, air samples were collected fortnightly in both settings and their microbial load (bacteria and fungi) was determined (colony forming units – CFU/m3). Sampled sites were classified according to area, room capacity and occupation, activity and related infection potential risk. Bacterial isolates were randomly selected for identification by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and metallo-beta-lactamases genes.
Results
A total of 192 air samples were collected, 86 from LTHU and 106 from CH. Statistically significant differences in mean bacterial load in LTHU (367 CFU/m3) and CH (230 CFU/m3) was observed, but not in mean fungal load (LTHU: 87 CFU/m3; CH: 117 CFU/m3). CH bacteria and fungi loads were statistically significantly higher in sites with outpatients or no patients compared to those with inpatients as well as in support services compared to curative care areas. No statistically significant differences were found regarding these variables in LTHU.
Prebiotic effects of commercial apple juice in high-fat diet fed rat
Authors: Kon Risako , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Ohkuma Mayumi , Toyonaga Misato , Tomimoto Rei , Sakai Hiroyasu , Hosoe Tomoo , Kamei Junzo
Published: June 2023

Apples are one of the most frequently consumed fruits and are effective in preventing lifestyle-related and other diseases. However, some people may avoid consuming apples because of the time required to peel them. Processed apple products such as juice are easy to consume, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate their health benefits. In this study, we analyzed the health benefits of consuming commercially available apple juice, focusing on changes in the gut microbiota, which plays an important role in maintaining human health. Rats were fed apple juice ad libitum, and the relative abundances of various gut microbes in fecal samples were analyzed. In addition, rats fed apple juice were treated with a high-fat diet, and body weight, plasma triglyceride, glucose, and cholesterol levels were measured. The relative abundance of Clostridium cluster XIVa did not change with the treatment of apple juice, but the relative abundance of Clostridium cluster IV was significantly decreased. In contrast, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which provide benefits to the human body, were significantly increased by 3-fold and 10-fold, respectively, with apple juice consumption. When apple juice-treated rats were fed a high-fat diet, the increase in body weight, liver fat, and blood lipid parameters were all suppressed compared to high-fat alone group. This study suggests that the consumption of commercial apple juice changes the gut microbiota, exerts a prebiotic effect, and is effective in improving lifestyle-related diseases.
An Exploration of Online Technoliteracy Capability Teaching and Learning in Early Years Classrooms
Authors: Falloon Garry
Published: June 2023

The increasing use of digital devices by young children, has led to calls for earlier teaching for information literacy. However, some research indicates reluctance to do this, due to perceived limitations of young children and notions about what is and is not ‘appropriate’ for them learn. This study examines this proposition, through analysis of 6 and 7 year olds’ application of ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities during a unit of learning about Matariki (the Maori new year). It used an updated and expanded revision of Durrant and Green’s L(IT)eracy capability model, to understand how the students applied ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities to online research and production of an information artefact for an identified audience. Although results were mixed, data was found of students’ productive engagement of ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities aligned with Durrant and Green’s dimensions, suggesting that with developmentally-appropriate curriculum and pedagogy they were capable of integrating these for meaning making, judging meaning quality, and meaning sharing and communication. Given increasingly ubiquitous access to devices from a young age, results indicate that serious consideration should be given to teaching basic ‘Technoliteracy’ capabilities in early years classrooms.
Seasonal variations of water physico-chemistry, heavy metal concentrations and ecological abundance and biodiversity of fish from two Lagoon streams
Authors: Jolaosho Toheeb Lekan , Olayeri Abraham , Oladipupo Ibrahim Olawale , Saba Abbas Olayiwola , Mustapha Adejuwon , Alonge Faith
Published: June 2023

Background
The fluctuation trends of ecological parameters and the biodiversity of aquatic living resources in freshwater environments are influenced majorly by anthropogenic activities. However, little or no study has been reported on the influence of natural events particularly seasons, on water physico-chemistry, heavy metal concentrations and their impacts on the ecological assemblages of fish in interlinked lagoon systems. The present study was carried out to estimate the influence of seasonal variations on the physico-chemical parameters, heavy metal concentration of water and biodiversity, and richness of fish from two lagoons with a view to ascertaining the significance of seasons on aquatic ecosystems and their resources.
Methods
The sampling lasted 12 months (from December 2021 to November 2022), during which both dry and rainy seasons were experienced. Samples of water and fish were collected twice per month. Water quality analysis was done using BOYD titration and APHA standard methods. The heavy metal contents were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Diversity indices were computed using Microsoft Excel 2015.
Results
There were inconsistencies in the results obtained, and as a result, statistical differences (P < 0.05) were observed. Most of the water parameters were at their highest during the dry season. High heavy metal concentrations, particularly Cd, Pb, Zn, and Fe at (P < 0.05), were recorded during the dry season. A total of 920 and 953 individual fish from 22 and 26 families were obtained from Lekki Lagoon during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. In the Lagos Lagoon, a total of 1299 and 1772 individual fish, which belong to 24 and 25 families, were collected during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The best diversity indices, such as Shannon Weiner, Simpson's dominant index, Margalef, Menhinick, and the evenness index, were obtained during the rainy season.
Conclusion
Our results suggested that variation in seasons strongly influenced water quality parameters and heavy metal concentrations, as well as fish species biodiversity in the study areas. Hence, seasonal patterns in relation to aquatic ecosystems should be taken into account when making long-term policies for the sustainability of fisheries resources.
Impact of Tender Points, Average Pain, Catastrophizing, Central Sensitization, Anxiety, and Depression on Quality of Life in Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease.
Authors: de Oliveira Lilian Anabel Becerra , Lopes Tiago da Silva , de Sousa Juliane Nascimento , Silva Edvan Santos da , Ribeiro Sânzia Bezerra , Baptista Abrahão Fontes , Sá Katia Nunes
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To analyze the impact of tender points in the body, average pain, Catastrophizing, Central Sensitization (CS), Anxiety, and Depression on the QoL of adults with SCD.
Method
This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. It collected sociodemographic data and applied the Brazilian-Portuguese Central Sensitization Inventory, the Brief Pain Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety/Depression Scale, the Brazilian-Portuguese Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Short Form Health Survey 36. Statistical analysis was done to define associations (Chi-square or Fisher's Exact) and correlation (Pearson correlation test). The alpha level was 5%, and the Beta of 80%.
Results
100 individuals participate, with genotypes HbSS/HbSC. 69% were women. Age 34.14 + 10.12 years. Pain intensity 4.20 + 2.67; 71% had chronic pain; 60% had widespread pain; 59% had CS; 33% had Anxiety; and 18% had Depression. The lowest mean score for QoL was for the Physical Aspect domain (35.55 + 40.16). Anxiety, Average Pain, CS, and Catastrophizing correlated with all the domains of QoL. Anxiety and CS showed a significant negative influence over the Mental Health domain (F(2.95) = 43.014 p < .001; adjusted R2 = .464), explaining 46.6% of the outcome. Catastrophizing and CS had a significant negative influence on the General Health Status (F(2.95) = 21.592 p < .001; adjusted R2 = .298), explaining 29.8% of the outcome; and Anxiety, Pain in lower limbs, and Depression had a significant negative influence on Pain domain (F(2.95) = 15.207 p < .001; adjusted R2 = .270), explaining 27% of the outcome.
Conclusion
Anxiety, Depression, Catastrophizing, and CS are significant factors that impact QoL. In a population of SCD individuals, the primary objective is to control pain, which leads to chronic pain directly affecting these predictors and, inevitably, QoL.
Comparative assessment of landslide susceptibility of West Sikkim using three machine learning techniques
Authors: Goswami Asutosh , Sen Suhel , Majumder Priyanka
Published: June 2023

Natural disasters are responsible for disturbing the foundation of a stable system which affects man to a large extent. Man usually has no control on natural disasters. However, if precautionary measures are taken in advance, then the colossal loss of human lives and property caused by a disaster can be averted. In the world of rapidly developing technology, several machine learning algorithms along with GIS and Remote Sensing has been used by researchers to prepare disaster susceptibility map which in turn aided in adoption of appropriate mitigation measures. The present research work aimed for the preparation of landslide susceptibility map of West Sikkim district of Sikkim state in India by using three machine learning techniques namely Frequency Ratio (FR), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Critic method. The study revealed that all these three techniques are ideal for landslide susceptibility mapping with AUC values of 0.824 for FR, 0.739 for AHP and 0.757 for Critic and hence concluded that FR is the best machine learning algorithm that can be used for preparing landslide susceptibility maps.
Selmer group associated to the Chow group of certain codimension two cycles
Authors: BANERJEE KALYAN , CHAKRABORTY KALYAN
Published: June 2023

Let X be a surface with geometric genus and irregularity zero which is defined over a number field K. Let X denote a smooth spread of X over OK[1/f] for some element f ∈ OK and A2 stands for the group of algebraically trivial cycles on schemes modulo rational equivalence. If j∗ : A2(X) → A2(X) be the flat pull-back corresponding to the embedding j : X ,→ X then we prove that im(j∗)(K)/A2(X)(K) is a torsion group. Here im(j∗)(K),A2(X)(K) stand for the cycles fixed under the action of the absolute Galois group.
Comparison of stress tolerance of hybrid and selfed offspring of two populations of Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Shi Miao , Jiang Song , Jiang Shigui , Yang Qibin , Li Yundong , Zhou Falin
Published: June 2023

Litopenaeus vannamei collected from Thailand (T) and the United States (M) were uesd as parents, four progeny populations of TT, MM, TM and MT were constructed by diallel cross, with a total of 20 families. The tolerance of young shrimp to high ammonia-N, high pH and low salt was compared through 96 h acute toxicity test, the heterosis of each mating combination was analyzed, and the tolerance of parents and offspring was evaluated.The results showed that under 96 h of high ammonia-N, high pH, and low salt stress, the mortality rates of each family were 19.52%–92.22%, 23.29%–92.58%, and 19.95%–80.17%, respectively. There were significant differences in the tolerance of different families to ammonia-N, pH, and salinity stress (P < 0.05). The population with a female parent from the United States has stronger tolerance to ammonia-N, pH, and low salt stress than the population with a female parent from Thailand. The population with a male parent from Thailand has weaker tolerance to pH and low salt stress than the population with a male parent from the United States, but is superior to the population with a male parent from the United States under ammonia-N stress. The heterosis rates of the hybrid population TM in acute high ammonia-N, high pH and low salinity were 81.67%, 44.89% and −10.18%, respectively; The heterosis rate of MT population was 14.89%, 38.82% and −8.09%, respectively. The overall resistance of the four populations showed MM > MT > TT > TM. The population TM has obvious heterosis in high ammonia-N and high pH tolerance traits, and the family MM7 has strong low salt tolerance, so it can be considered as a candidate family for subsequent breeding work. The experimental results provide a basis for screening new strains of vannamei shrimp with strong stress resistance through family breeding.
Uterine-derived exosomes induce the M2 polarization of macrophages via miR210-3p to promote the development of endometriosis
Authors: Chen Shengnan , Jiang Ying , Chai Xiaoshan , Chen Zhaoying , Tian Hao , Liu Min , Zhu Tianyu , ShangGuan Wanwan , Wu Xianqing
Published: June 2023

Background
Endometriosis development is associated with peritoneal immune microenvironment abnormality. However, the specific mechanism is uncertain. Investigating peritoneal immune microenvironment regulation mechanisms could introduce novel therapeutic strategies for effective endometriosis treatment.
Methods
Wound healing assay, Transwell, colony formation were carried out to assess cells invasion and proliferation. Western blotting analysis and ELISA were used to evaluate cells resistance to progesterone. Endometriosis C57BL6 mouse model was conducted to assess the impact of peritoneal inflammatory environment and macrophage miR-210-3p on ectopic lesion implantation and growth. miRNA and proteomics sequencing were carried out to verify the potential mechanisms influencing the development of endometriosis.
Results
Medium conditioned of peritoneal macrophages from patients with endometriosis, as well as the medium conditioned of macrophages treated with uterine-derived exosomes of endometriosis patients, promoted the proliferation, invasion and progesterone resistance of cells. Interestingly, Uterine-derived exosomes of endometriosis patients increased miR-210-3p expression in peritoneal macrophages. In vivo experiments confirmed that macrophages lentivirally transduced with miR-210-3p inhibitor can significantly decrease the number and volume of endometriotic lesions. Mechanistically, miR-210-3p significantly induced M2 macrophage polarization by inhibiting the expression of ATP5D, and promoted cells migration.
Conclusions
Uterine-derived exosomes of endometriosis patients upregulated the expression of miR-210-3p in peritoneal macrophages to inhibit ATP5D, driving macrophages polarization towards M2 and promoting the development of endometriosis.
Decrease in Effective Renal Perfusion Pressure is Associated with Increased Acute Kidney Injury In Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Dang Phat , Lopez Balbino , Togashi Kei
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and renal perfusion indices and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in cardiac patients.
Methods: In a prospective cohort study conducted at a single academic institution, we collected data from adult patients undergoing open-heart operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) at our institution from February 2022 to April 2022 using the Accuryn SmartFoley system. Patients on mechanical support devices, pregnant patients, and patients on hemodialysis were excluded. Demographics, hemodynamics, and mean airway pressures (mAir) were measured at the beginning of the cardiac operations and during the first 4 hours of ICU. Renal perfusion indices were then calculated (Mean Perfusion Pressure (MPP) = MAP – CVP; Abdominal Perfusion Pressure (APP) = MAP – IAP; effective Renal Perfusion Pressure (eRPP) = MAP - (CVP + mAir + IAP)). Length of stay (LOS) were measured from the day of surgery to ICU discharge (ICU LOS) and hospital discharge (hospital LOS).
Results: During the first 4 hours of ICU stay, the non-AKI group had lower IAP and higher renal perfusion indices (MPP, APP, and eRPP). Logistic regression showed high perfusion pressures correlated with lower postoperative AKI (all OR < 1, p<0.05). Postoperative AKI group also had significantly longer ICU LOS (7.33 vs. 4.57 days) and hospital LOS (17.0 vs. 10.2 days).
Conclusion: Renal perfusion indices are a promising tool to predict postoperative AKI in cardiac surgery patients.
Ribosomal protein dynamics and its association with actin filaments and local translation in axonal growth cones of dorsal root ganglia neurons
Authors: Hoshi Osamu , Takei Nobuyuki
Published: June 2023

Local translation in growth cones plays a critical role in responses to extracellular stimuli, such as axon guidance cues. We previously showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activates translation and enhances novel protein synthesis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling in growth cones of dorsal root ganglion neurons. In this study, we focused on ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6), ribosomal protein P0/1/2 (RPP0/1/2), and actin filaments to determine how localization of ribosomal proteins changes with overall protein synthesis induced by BDNF and nerve growth factor. Our quantitative analysis using immunocytochemistry and super-resolution microscopy indicated that RPS6, RPP0/1/2, and actin tend to colocalize in the absence of stimulation, and that these ribosomal proteins tend to dissociate from actin when local protein synthesis is promoted. We propose that this is because the ribosome is turned into an actively translating ribosome (polysome) by the protein synthesis machinery. This study further clarifies the role of cytoskeletal components in local translation and will inform the study of neurological disorders associated with cytoskeletal disruption.
Decompressive craniectomy for massive neonatal arterial ischemic stroke: a case report
Authors: Takahashi Goro , Ito Shoko , Takahashi Tstutomu , Inamasu Joji
Published: June 2023

While perinatal arterial ischemic stroke occurs relatively commonly, its mid- or long-term outcomes have rarely been reported. Because of the accommodative mechanisms of a neonate skull against increases in intracranial pressure (ICP), conservative management has almost always been recommended for patients with perinatal arterial ischemic stroke, even when the infarction volume is massive. However, recent studies have suggested that their functional outcomes are unfavorable. Here, we report a case of massive neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) for which decompressive craniectomy (DC) was performed successfully. The patient, a 2260-g girl born full-term with a 5-min Apgar score of 10, suddenly became apneic on the third day after birth. Imaging studies revealed the infarction of the right middle cerebral artery territory. DC without dural opening allowed for accommodating ICP increases, and apnea disappeared shortly after surgery. Spontaneous ossification over the removed bone flap occurred by 35 days, making cranioplasty unnecessary. One year after surgery, no significant delay in the patient’s developmental milestone was noted. This is the first report on the use of DC for massive NAIS. Unlike adults, DC may not be a life-saving procedure in patients with massive NAIS. Rather, DC may play an important role in improving functional outcomes by mitigating ischemic progression, and DC without dural opening may be a safe procedure worth being replicated.
Exploring barriers of adherence to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) with one day primaquine treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria and compliance to vector control among marginalized tribal communities in East Central India
Authors: Panigrahi Dilip Kumar , N. Shriram A. , Baig Mustafa , B Vijaya Kumar , Kumar Ashwani
Published: June 2023

Background Artemisinin Based Combination Therapy (ACT) compounds, have been observed to produce rapid therapeutic response, introduced over the past few years against chloroquine resistantPlasmodium falciparum.In India, malaria treatment by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in remote and tribal villages has expanded the use of ACTs for the management of uncomplicated malaria. To maximize its effectiveness, patients’ adherence to the treatment regimen is central. Measures should therefore be taken to ensure and monitor the use of ACT to avoid the emergence of resistance/treatment failure. The present study assessed the level of adherence to ACT treatment, including the respondents’ compliance to vector control interventions. Methods The research team visited the houses of pre-diagnosedP. falciparuminfected malaria patients, treated by the Community Health Centres with ACT plus primaquine, on the 4th day post treatment. Adherence to the drug regimen was observed on the spot and the patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire on malaria and their compliance to the ongoing vector control intervention. Rapid diagnostic tests and peripheral blood smear collection were conducted to ascertain whether the patient was cleared of parasitaemia post treatment. Results 76.5% of the patients were found adhering to the drug regimen. Over 80% of the respondents informed mosquito that bite was one of the causes of malaria and felt it is a serious disease. Only 0.7% of the respondents preferred traditional to ACT medicines for malaria treatment. Lack of space, damaged nets, and use of mosquito repellents were the major reasons of the non-usage of Insecticide-Treated Nets(ITNs). Only 1.6% of the respondents had permitted for indoor residual spray(IRS) in all rooms of their houses. 27.3% of the respondents had permitted spraying their houses partially. Conclusion Too many tablets was the major reason for non-adherence to the ACT regimen. Strengthening information, education, and communication/behaviour change communication could enhance drug adherence, improving LLIN use rate, and acceptance to IRS. One of the important take away from the current study was the paradigm shift in preference to ACT from traditional medicines for malaria treatment.
A Survey on Knowledge-Enhanced Multimodal Learning
Authors: Lymperaiou Maria , Stamou Giorgos
Published: June 2023

Multimodal learning has been a field of increasing interest, aiming to combine various modalities in a single joint representation. Especially in the area of visi-olinguistic (VL) learning multiple models and techniques have been developed, targeting a variety of tasks that involve images and text. VL models have reached unprecedented performances by extending the idea of Transformers, so that both modalities can learn from each other. Massive pre-training procedures enable VL models to acquire a certain level of real-world understanding, although many gaps can be identified: the limited comprehension of commonsense, factual, temporal and other everyday knowledge aspects questions the extendability of VL tasks. Knowledge graphs and other knowledge sources can fill those gaps by explicitly providing missing information, unlocking novel capabilities of VL models. In the same time, knowledge graphs enhance explainability, fairness and validity of decision making, issues of outermost importance for such complex implementations. The current survey aims to unify the fields of VL representation learning and knowledge graphs, and provides a taxonomy and analysis of knowledge-enhanced VL models.
Surface tension of metals at high temperatures
Authors: Volpp Joerg
Published: June 2023

Surface tension is a material property that is needed to describe fluid behaviour, which impacts industrial processes, in which molten material is created, such as thermal cutting, welding and Additive Manufacturing. In particular when using metals, the material properties at high temperatures are often not known. This is partly because of limited possibilities to measure those properties, limitations of temperature measurement methods and a lack of theoretical models that describe the circumstances at such high temperatures sufficiently. When using beam heat sources, such as a laser beam, temperatures far above the melting temperature are reached. Therefore, it is mandatory to know the material properties at such high temperatures in order to describe the material behaviour in models and gain understanding of the occurring effects. Therefore, in this work, an experimental surface wave evaluation method is suggested in combination with thermal measurements in order to derive surface tension values of steel at higher temperatures than reported in literature. The evaluation of gravity-capillary waves in high-speed video recordings show a steeper decrease of surface tension values than the extrapolation of literature values would predict, while the surface tension values seem not to decrease further above boiling temperature. Using a simplified molecular dynamic model based on pair correlation, a similar tendency of surface values was observed, which indicates that the surface tension is an effect requiring at least two atomic layers. The observed and calculated decreasing trend of the surface tension indicates an exponential relation between surface tension and temperature.
A preliminary study of target delineation of glioblastoma based on peritumoral edema
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Hao Shanhu , Xu Ying , Yang Defu , Sun Ying , Zhang Peng , Yan Ying
Published: June 2023

Background
To introduce a simple glioblastoma target delineation method based on peritumoral edema.
Methods
First, a postoperative glioblastoma patient was selected, the target volume was delineated using three methods (RTOG method, EORTC method, and the method of this study), and radiotherapy plans were formulated. The dose distributions of each schedule were compared. Then, patients treated with the delineation method recommended in this study were retrospectively analyzed, and progression-free survival and overall survival were determined.
Results
The high-dose region distributions of the 3 plans were RTOG method > EORTC method > this study, as was the low-dose region. Thirty-three patients were included in the retrospective study, and the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 12 and 25 months, respectively.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that delineating the target volume for glioblastoma radiotherapy based on peritumoral edema is a good choice.
Comparative Microbiota Analyses in Rats Administered S. Typhimurium 14028 and its dam and seqA Mutants
Authors: Yanık Hafize Dilşad , Akçelik Nefise , Has Elif Gamze , Akçelik Mustafa
Published: June 2023

In this study, the effect of the Salmonella Typhimurium 14028 strain and its two mutants with dam and seqA gene deletions on the rat gut microbiota was investigated. Descriptive RNA-sequencing studies were conducted on rectal swap samples taken at 3-day intervals for 9 days after oral dosing of bacterial strains to rats. As a result of bioinformatics and statistical analyses, a decrease in the relative ratio of Firmicutes at the phylum level (p < 0.05) and an increase in the relative ratio of Chlamydiae (p < 0.05) were determined in the rat groups treated with S. Typhimurium 14028 compared to the control group. Application of S. Typhimurium 14028 caused an increase in the relative ratio of Actinobacteria (p < 0.05). However, it was detected that the dysbiosis caused by the S. Typhimurium 14028 strain in favour of pathogens in the rat colon microbiota did not occur mostly in dam and seqA mutants. These general observations at the phylum level are maintained in all taxonomic groups analysed. At the species level, it was determined that the S. Typhimurium 14028 strain promoted especially Acinetobacter lwoffii, Jeotgalicoccus psychrophylus, Corynebacterium mastitis, and Corynebacterium stationi (seqA mutant also showed the same effect on this species) in the rat colon flora. On the other hand, S. Typhimurium 14028 typically led to the elimination of Blautia producta. These findings have proved that the S. Typhimurium 14028 strain causes dysbiosis in rat colon microbiota, and this ability is also lost in dam and seqA mutants of this strain.
Behaviours exhibited during training predict physical tiredness in harness racing horses
Authors: Hennes Noémie , Briant Christine , Lorcet Camille , Ruet Alice , Lansade Léa
Published: June 2023

Physical activity, especially high-intensity exercise, leads to physiological and behavioural changes. The objectives of this study were to investigate i) the effects of physical exercise on weight, behaviours, and head and ear positions on the days after low-intensity training (LIT) or high-intensity training (HIT) and ii) if behaviours, facial expressions, and/or physiological parameters (sweat, salivation and blood lactate levels) during training predict post-training behaviours. A total of 19 French trotter horses housed in four different training centers were studied the day before (Dpre) and after LIT or HIT (afternoon after training (Dtraining) and 2 days after training (D1Post and D2Post)). The results showed that horses exhibited i) longer durations of resting and head below the withers (HBW) on Dtraining and D1Post than on Dpre and ii) shorter eating durations on D1Post and D2Post than on Dpre after HIT. This was associated with significant weight loss on D2Post. Several behaviours and facial expressions associated with discomfort (e.g., head conflict behaviours, nose behind the vertical, and opened mouth), as well as amount of sweat, predicted the durations of resting, HBW and eating on D1Post. Thus, behaviours are impacted by training, and a combination of behaviours, facial expressions and visible physiological parameters exhibited during training could predict physical tiredness in harness racing horses.
Deciphering Avian Emotions: A Novel AI and Machine Learning Approach to Understanding Chicken Vocalizations
Authors: CHEOK Adrian , Cai Jun , Yan Ying
Published: June 2023

In this groundbreaking study, we present a novel approach to interspecies communication, focusing on the understanding of chicken vocalizations. Leveraging advanced mathematical models in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, we have developed a system capable of interpreting various emotional states in chickens, including hunger, fear, anger, contentment, excitement, and distress.

Our methodology employs a cutting-edge AI technique we call Deep Emotional Analysis Learning (DEAL), a highly mathematical and innovative approach that allows for the nuanced understanding of emotional states through auditory data. DEAL is rooted in complex mathematical algorithms, enabling the system to learn and adapt to new vocal patterns over time.

We conducted our study with a sample of 80 chickens, meticulously recording and analyzing their vocalizations under various conditions. To ensure the accuracy of our system's interpretations, we collaborated with a team of eight animal psychologists and veterinary surgeons, who provided expert insights into the emotional states of the chickens.

The novelty of our approach lies in its application of sophisticated AI techniques to a largely unexplored area of study. By bridging the gap between human and animal communication, we believe our research will pave the way for more empathetic and effective interactions with the animal kingdom.
Does timing of neoadjuvant chemotherapy influence the prognosis in patients with early triple negative breast cancer?
Authors: Hatzipanagiotou Maria Eleni , Pigerl Miriam , Gerken Michael , Räpple Sophie , Zeltner Verena , Hetterich Madeleine , Ugocsai Peter , Fernandez-Pacheco Miriam , Inwald Elisabeth Christine , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Ortmann Olaf , Seitz Stephan
Published: June 2023

Purpose
For patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), the optimal time to initiate neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TTNC) is unknown. This study evaluates the association between TTNC and survival in patients with early TNBC.
Methods
A retrospective study using data from of a cohort of TNBC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018 registered in the Tumor Centre Regensburg was performed. Data included demographics, pathology, treatment, recurrence, and survival. Interval to treatment was defined as days from pathology diagnosis of TNBC to first dose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used to evaluate the impact of TTNC on overall survival (OS) and 5 year OS.
Results
A total of 270 patients were included. Median follow up was 3,5 years. The 5-year OS estimates according to TTNC were 77.4%, 66.9%, 82.3%, 80.6%, 88.3%, 58.3%, 71.1% and 66.7% in patients who received NACT within 0–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35, 36–42, 43–49, 50–56 and > 56 days after diagnosis. Patients who received systemic therapy early had the highest estimated mean OS of 8.4 years, while patients who received systemic therapy after more than 56 days survived an estimated 3.3 years.
Conclusion
The optimal time interval between diagnosis and NACT remains to be determined. However, starting NACT more than 42 days after diagnosis of TNBC seems to reduce survival. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to carry out the treatment in a certified breast center with appropriate structures, in order to enable an adequate and timely care.
An Improved Residual U-Net for Segmentation of Multiple Structures in Fundus Images
Authors: S BALAJI , B Karthik
Published: June 2023

Diabetic Retinopathy screening helps with early detection and prompt treatment of this vision-threatening condition. To facilitate the screening procedure, deep learning-based segmentation method is designed to identify and segment the fundus image’s regular markers like the optic disc and blood vessels along with the DR lesion namely exudates. Based on a standard U-Net framework with minor changes to the encoder and decoder parts of the model, this study presents an improved residual U-Net for the segmentation process. Three U-paths are obtained by the IRU-Net, each of which is made up of three upsizing paths and one downsizing path. IRU-Net can improve the related feature fusion and acquire more information from fundus images with the use of a structure with three U-paths. Additionally, IRU-Net builds a residual block to retrieve highly realistic features, and it integrates a channel attention module alongside the decoder component to properly combine the feature data. Furthermore to address the imbalance in fundus image class, a revised weighted focus loss function is additionally included. To segment the image, identify the regions of the retinal image that are associated to blood vessels, and assess the suggested strategy for diagnosing retinal disease, the DRIVE and IDRiD image libraries are used here. Comparing IRU-Net to various classic approaches and other contemporary U-Nets, the numerical findings show that IRU-Net is a potential network for use in clinical imaging segmentation in terms of sensitivity, DSE, and IoU.
GCFMN: Knowledge Graph based Multimodal Recommendation Model
Authors: Patel Kabir , Hollis Braylon , Gupta Anika , Farley Jedidiah
Published: June 2023

With the progress of computer technology in the Internet era, information is stored and transmitted more easily, and the amount of information people can receive through the Internet is especially huge. Network information is growing explosively, and people have entered the era of big data, from the previous lack of information to the great information overload they are facing today. In recent years, due to the development of deep learning techniques, researchers have started to combine recommendation systems with deep learning techniques to conduct research. Deep learning can solve the problem of relatively low prediction accuracy of traditional recommendation algorithms and make the recommendation system performance of recommendation systems to be significantly improved. Although there is rich multimodal information in short video recommendation systems, traditional recommendation algorithms lack effective mining and utilization of this multimodal information to capture users' deep-seated preferences for multimodal information. Traditional recommendation algorithms all consider only the synergistic signals in heterogeneous interactions or model user representations based only on their own item interaction sequences, the former is difficult to capture the dynamic preferences of users, while the latter faces the common data sparsity problem. In this paper, we propose a new graph neural collaborative filtering model GCFMN. We first construct a heterogeneous information network by adding attribute information to enrich the user-item bipartite graph, and then design a new messaging layer to learn the enriched user and item representations. Extensive experiments on datasets show that our model can significantly improve recommendation performance compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Learning Difficulties of Elementary School Students in Mathematics
Authors: Swain Bijay Kumar , Das Bhabani Shankar , Rout Nirupama
Published: June 2023

In the present study, the population was separated into two groups, i.e., teachers teaching mathematics and students of standard 3 and 5. The sample consists of 25 teachers, i.e., 14 teachers from Basudevpur block and 11 teachers from Bonth block (9 males and 16 females) and 169 students, 72 males and 97 females (75 students of Bonth block and 94 students of Basudevpur block). The main purpose of the study is to know the different problems faced by students in solving problems in mathematics at the elementary level and the extent to which the mathematical problems are unique to the child. The result of the above points and the analysis of problem-solving difficulties taken from the teacher's questionnaire and interview shows that 1) students do not understand the meaning of the problem; 2) they don’t write the steps in a proper sequential manner; 3) students are unable to understand the keywords in the given problems; 4) students are careless in their reading of the mathematical problems, which leads to mistakes, such as "Write in expanding the form of a given number," but the answer of the problem was written in the form of “write-in words,” which is totally different; and the last one is that 5) students' problem-solving skill is not in a good manner. The data were entered in SPSS software, and it was found that the reliability of standard three questions was more than 0.7, while it was more than 0.6 for standard five. From a statistical point of view, it was inferred that the questions in each class were statistically reliable, but standard three is more reliable than standard five. The average RMSE values of the training and testing procedures are relatively small, i.e., 0.083 and 0.078 and 0.087 and 0.086 for standard three and five, respectively. Accordingly, we affirm that there is an amazing model fit for establishing a relationship between the students’ performance and the question items. In the current examination, R2 of the ANN model was registered, and the outcome revealed that the ANN model predicts the troubles of tackling numerical issues with a precision of 98.2% for standard 3 and 79.9% for standard 5.
Investigating the Fundamental Conditions for Growth to Obtain High-Quality WS2 Using a Process of physical vapor deposition
Authors: Madoune Yassine. , Zhang Luzhi , Ismail Ayman Abdallah Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Two-dimensional layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) have garnered significant attention due to their layer number-dependent electronic properties, making them promising candidates for atomically thin electronics and optoelectronics. However, current research has primarily focused on exfoliated TMD materials, which have limitations in size, layer number control, and yield. Therefore, a crucial challenge remains in producing large-sized TMD single crystals with precise control over the layer number. A comprehensive understanding and precise control of the growth conditions are imperative to address this challenge. This study systematically investigated key growth conditions, including temperature, precursor flow, growth duration, material quantity, gas flow, and slide position. By optimizing these parameters, we successfully synthesized TMD materials with an impressive size of 850 µm. Notably, we achieved the preparation of monolayer WS2 single crystals on a large scale within a remarkably short duration of 10 minutes, exhibiting a lateral growth rate of up to 1.4 μm/s, which is comparable to the best-exfoliated monolayers. The findings from our study provide a robust pathway for the rapid growth of high-quality TMD single crystals, facilitating further advancements in this field.
Disaster risk management in the maritime area of Romania. Case study: risk of oil pollution by modeling and simulation
Authors: NICOLAE FLORIN
Published: June 2023

Among the threats to the internal security environment, due to the associated risks, can be identified the economic activities that take place in the western part of the Black Sea coast: maritime transport, exploitation of resources in the maritime economic zone, economic objectives located in the coastal zone and so on. The paper identifies the risk of marine pollution with oil or other hazardous substances / goods, as a possible threat, with major economic, social, political and environmental implications. From this perspective, the paper emphasizes the need to identify solutions that increase the capacity to respond and intervene in order to counter threats and ensure resilience. The paper identifies a specialized tool, integrated in an innovative scientific approach, to support the authorities in managing the risk of marine oil pollution in the Romanian maritime area through modeling and simulation.
Biogenic Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Deb Ankita , Chowdhury Devasish
Published: June 2023

The new class of nanomaterials termed carbon dots: a quasi-spherical nanoparticle
having a size less than 10 nm, possesses some unique characteristics like good aqueous
solubility, colloidal stability, resistance to photobleaching, and fluorescence tunability,
resulting in the unfolding of their various properties and their usage in different applications.
Materials that are naturally derived or produced by living organisms are termed
‘biogenic’. Over the past few years, there has been a gradual increase in the use of naturally
derived materials in synthesizing carbon dots. Green precursors or biogenic materials
are of low cost, readily available, renewable, and environmentally benign. Most importantly,
they provide essential benefits not found in synthesized carbon dots. This review
focuses on the use of biogenic materials for the synthesis of biogenic carbon dots
developed in the past five years. It also briefly explains different synthetic protocols used,
along with some significant findings. Thereafter, an overview of the use of biogenic carbon
dots (BCDs) in different applications like chemo and biosensors, drug delivery, bioimaging,
catalysis and energy applications, etc., is discussed. Thus biogenic carbon dots
are future sustainable materials that are now fast replacing conventional carbon quantum
prepared from other sources.
The Potential of Mur Enzymes as Targets for Antimicrobial Drug Discovery
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra , Sarkar Nandan , Roy Kuldeep K. , Bisht Dheeraj , Kumar Deepak , Mandal Bitasta , Rajagopal Mogana , Dey Yadu Nandan
Published: June 2023

The extensive development in the strains of resistant bacteria is a potential hazard to
public health worldwide. This necessitates the development of newer agents with the antibacterial
property having new mechanisms of action. Mur enzymes catalyze the steps related to the biosynthesis
of peptidoglycan, which constitutes a major part of the cell wall in bacteria. Peptidoglycan increases
the stiffness of the cell wall, helping it to survive in unfavorable conditions. Therefore, the
inhibition of Mur enzymes may lead to novel antibacterial agents that may help in controlling or
overcoming bacterial resistance. Mur enzymes are classified into MurA, MurB, MurC, MurD,
MurE, and MurF. Until-date, multiple inhibitors are reported for each class of the Mur enzymes. In
this review, we have summarized the development of Mur enzyme inhibitors as antibacterial agents
in the last few decades.