bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Macronutrients Combination with Plant Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)
Authors: Sarkar Md. Imran , Khatun Khaleda , Mostarin Tahmina , Alam Md. Murshedul , Siddika Most Jakia , Saddam Md. Arif Hosen , Banik Niloy , Samad Md. Abdus
Published: August 2022

An experiment was conducted into the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka from October 2019 to March 2020 this study the effect of macronutrients combination and plant spacing on growth and yield of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). Black cumin variety BARI Kalozira-1 was used as planting material in this study. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor-A: macro nutrient combinations (4 levels): T1= N0P0K0 kg ha-1 (control), T2= N90P50K40 kg ha-1, T3= N135P75K60 kg ha-1; Factor-B: plant spacing (3 levels): S1= 20 cm × 10 cm, S2= 20 cm × 15 cm and S3= 20 cm × 20 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial with three replications. Data on different growth, yield and yield contributing parameter of black cumin were recorded and significant variation was observed from different treatments. In case of nutrient combinations, the tallest plant (54.86 cm) was observed from T3 (N135P75K60 kg ha-1) treatment. The maximum primary branch plant-1 (8.62) and secondary branch plant-1 (12.18), flower plant-1 (22.20), capsules plant-1 (19.69) and 1000 seed weight (2.99 g) was observed from T2 (N90P50K40 kg ha-1) treatment. The highest seed yield ha-1 (1.18 t) was observed from T2 (N90P50K40 kg ha-1) treatment. In case of plant spacing the tallest plant (48.34 cm) was observed from S1 (20 cm × 10 cm) treatment. The maximum primary branch plant-1 (7.80) and secondary branch plant-1 (11.23) flower plant-1 (20.26), capsules plant-1 (18.81), 1000 seed weight (2.99 g) were observed from S3 (20 cm × 20 cm) treatment. The highest seed yield ha-1 (1.09 t) was recorded from S1 (20 cm × 10 cm) treatment. It can be concluded that, sowing of black cumin providing 90 kg N, 50 kg P and 40 kg K nutrient combination with 20 cm × 10 cm plant spacing was recorded to be more suitable practice for getting higher amount and quality of seed yield of black cumin.
Hepatocellular Recovery of Chronic Paraquat Induced Liver Toxicity in Vitamin E and C Treated Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Okolonkwo Benjamin Nnamdi , Ekwempu Adaobi Ifeoma , Brisibe Ngozi , Konne Joel Burabar , Nyenke Clement Ugochukwu
Published: August 2022

Paraquat is an organic compound also known as methyl viologen, a chemical herbicide or weed killer with highly toxic effect on ingestion or exposure. Vitamin E and C are powerful antioxidants that act as initial responder against oxygen reactive species called free radicals which attack and destroy the tissues. The aim of this study was to determine a short term therapeutic effect of vitamin E and C combination on liver enzymes parameters of paraquat induced liver toxicity in male albino rats. 200 male albino rats were used for the study. The 200 rats were divided into four main groups (A, B, C, D) consisting of 50 rats in each group. The Groups were further divided into two subgroups having 25 rats in each subgroup. “A” group was not induced with paraquat while “B”, ‘C” and “D” groups were induced with increasing dose of 0.02g, 0.04g and 0.06g of paraquat respectively. “A” group had two subgroups; “Ao” and “AVEC” which represented the sub-group not treated with Vit E and the subgroup treated with Vit E (500mg) respectively. This also applied to group “B”, “C” and “D” paraquat was administered every forth night followed by treatment with the vitamins for one month. Blood samples were collected and analysed for liver function (SGOT, SGPT, ALT And GGT). There was a significant increase in the level of the liver enzymes among the “Ao”, “Bo”, “Co” and “Do”, p-value<0.05 and also among the “AVEC”, “BVEC”, “CVEC” and “DVEC”, p-value<0.05. The result also showed that there were significant differences in intra-group comparison in all the liver enzyme parameters, p-value<0.05 while there was no significant difference among the AO and AVEC subgroups for all parameters. This study has shown that vitamin E and C combination has a therapeutic effect in male albino rats on one month of weekly treatment. Therefore, a weekly treatment with Vit E and C may treat liver disease toxicity associated with paraquat toxicity in rats.
Association of Different Satellite Driven Products with Evapotranspiration in Tamil Nadu, India (2010-2020)
Authors: Patel Kuldeep , Kokilavani S. , Ramanathan S. P. , Kannan Balaji
Published: August 2022

Evapotranspiration is an important phenomenon of hydrological cycle mainly influenced by meteorological factors and other vegetation characteristics. In this study, the relationship between Actual Evapotranspiration (AET) with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) were analysed using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) TERRA satellite data products with the help of Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The duration of study was during South West Monsoon (SWM) season from June to September, over a period of ten years (2011 to 2020) for all seven Agro Climatic Zones (ACZ) of Tamil Nadu, India. The results showed that moderate to strong positive correlation were observed between AET and NDVI (r= 0.3 to 0.9) in all seven ACZ. The AET and LST showed a weak to strong negative correlation (r= -0.4 to -0.7) in six ACZs except High Rainfall Zone (HRZ) which might be due to lower LST and high NDVI values recorded in the HRZ which exhibited a weak positive relationship (r=0.2). Relationship between AET, LST and NDVI are highly useful for parametrizing evapotranspiration in different climatic conditions, analyzing different crop growth and production and helps in planning water management strategies at regional scale.
Studies on Performance of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora T.) Varieties under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions
Authors: Kalyani K. , Prasad V. M.
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to find out the most suitable variety for plant growth flower yield and quality of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora.T) under the agro climatic conditions of Prayagraj, India. The present experiment was carried out during October to March, 2021-2022 in Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with 15 varieties which have been replicated 3 times. From the performed experimental it was conclude that the 15 chrysanthemum varieties under study showed significant variation in all the parameters observed. The variety Non pinch Non stick expressed significantly better performance in terms of height (35.77 cm), plant spread (22.90 cm²), average flower weight (11.4 g), flower yield per plant (134.15 g), shelf life (11 days).Variety Vijay took earliness for first flower bud initiation (38 days), which followed by Non pinch Non stick (41.47 days), the variety Vijay took less number of days (55 days) for flowering, but variety Non pinch Non stick took more number of days for flowering (59.7 days).The variety Pink Princes also reported significantly better performance in most of the parameters like number of primary branches (13.7), number of leaves (83.44),number of flower buds (44.00), number of flowers per plant (29.00), at par with the variety C₂₆, followed by Scarleteer. Hence, the varieties Non pinch Non stick and Pink Princes performed best varieties for cultivation in Prayagraj.
Malaria and HIV Co-infection among COVID-19 Cohort in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwalozie Rhoda , Onosakponome Orevaoghene Evelyn , Hanson Asikiya Huldah , Nyebuchi Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic began while improvement in malaria control and elimination had reached a peak. COVID-19 affected routine services particularly those for other killer infectious diseases including, HIV/AIDS and Malaria. This resulted in slowing progress in achieving control programs targets.

Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating malaria and HIV coinfection among COVID-19 cohort in selected healthcare facilities in Rivers State of Nigeria.

Methodology: The observational study showed a snapshot sampled only patients within the COVID-19 approved centers who consented to participate within the selected study area otherwise excluded. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants, giving subjects equal opportunity of participation. The majority of the data came from primary sources, but secondary sources were also used. Malaria testing was perform using microscopic method. Result outputs were presented on tables and charts.

Results: The study showed high prevalence of malaria infection among COVID-19 patients -327 (81.8%) but low rate of HIV co-infection- 2 (0.5%).

Conclusion: Much consideration should be channeled towards malaria endemicity and coinfection with COVID-19 unless it confers protective advantage as postulated by some studies however, a large scale and more in-depth study is suggested.
A Theory-driven Research Model to prove that Electrohomeopathic Medicines are Nanoparticles and to validate the Mechanisms of Electrohomeopathic Remedy Actions in a Complex Human System
Authors: Sabat Prasant Kumar
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Electrohomeopathy is a herbal-based alternative branch of medical science which has been projected by Dr. Count Ceasare Mattie of Italy in 1865. Since then it is comprehensively practiced in many countries by electrohomeopathic practitioners with safe and successful.

Objective: To prove the Electrohomeopathic remedies that are nanoparticles and act by allostatic cross-adaptation, time-dependent sensitization, and balancing the blood and lymph in a complex human system.

Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted by searching in databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed Central, Elsevier, Springer Link, and many others from 2001 to 2020 with the following keyword search terms: nanoparticles, electro homeopathy, fluid homeostasis, allostatic network system, etc. All the information secured when searching the database using the above search criteria were assembled, analyzed, and scrutinized systematically in a systemic way and repeated articles were deleted. In the final step, to obtain more data, a manual search was conducted using the reference list of the included articles.

Results: This paper suggests a novel model for the Electrohomeopathic remedies are a source of nanoparticles and act by organizing hormesis, time-dependent sensitization, and stabilizing blood and lymph constituents and characteristics (fluid homeostasis) via non-pharmacological but physiological effects on own specific biological adaptive and expanded mechanisms.
Association of Funding Cuts to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Navigator Program With Privately Sponsored Television Advertising
Authors: Myerson Rebecca , Anderson David M. , Baum Laura M. , Fowler Erika Franklin , Gollust Sarah E. , Shafer Paul R.
Published: August 2022

Importance

Many individuals eligible for coverage in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace remain unenrolled because of information barriers. Whether the private sector or the public sector should conduct outreach to address these barriers is a topic of active debate.

Objective

To determine whether cuts to the funding of the ACA navigator program were associated with changes in the volume of private sector advertising.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Using data from the 2015 to 2019 open enrollment periods, this economic evaluation analyzed the changes in advertising associated with 2017 to 2019 cuts to navigator program funding. A difference-in-difference analysis was used to compare outcomes before and after the cuts in counties with higher and lower exposure to the navigator program. Health insurance advertising was measured using data from Kantar/Campaign Media Analysis Group in collaboration with the Wesleyan Media Project, the most comprehensive data available on local broadcast and national cable advertising. The data set included all counties that met the eligibility criteria for the navigator program from 2015 through 2019. Data were analyzed from August 2021 to May 2022.

Exposures

Counties were classified as having higher or lower exposure to the navigator program according to the intensity of program activity in 2016, before the funding cuts. Counties served only by statewide navigator programs were categorized as lower exposure, while those also served by local navigator programs were categorized as higher exposure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number of privately sponsored television advertisement airings for the ACA individual health insurance marketplace during the 2015 to 2019 open enrollment periods in each county, adjusted for population.

Results

All counties in 33 states that met the eligibility criteria for the navigator program from 2015 through 2019 were included in the analysis (2435 counties). Cuts to the navigator program were not associated with changes in the number of privately sponsored health insurance advertisements aired. Results were similar under several alternative approaches including an event study specification.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of the association between television advertising and navigator funding in the ACA marketplaces, private sector entities did not increase their advertising to compensate for declines in government-sponsored navigator activity. This finding can inform policy debates about the extent to which the private sector adjusts in response to changes in government outreach, and thus improve the design of state waivers and federal funding allocations.
Realization of a Sustainable Charging Power Source by In Situ Low‐Frequency Water Wave Energy Harvesting with a Coaxial Triboelectric–Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator
Authors: Ding Jiajun , Jiang Jiang , Lin Tao , Liu Guanlin , Yao Huilu , Wen Honggui , Li Songying , Mo FengLai , Wan Lingyu
Published: August 2022

Long‐term ocean monitoring and sensing remain a great challenge for the lack of sustainable power sources. Herein, a coaxial hybrid energy harvester (CH‐EH) consisting of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and electromagnetic generators (EMGs) is fabricated to charge lithium (Li)‐ion batteries through in situ water wave energy harvesting, enabling sustainable power supply. Triggered by mechanical motions, the TENGs and EMGs (connected in parallel) of CH‐EH move in the same phase at the same frequency through a shared‐bearing swing arm and generate high‐voltage, high‐current outputs after being rectified separately. At a wave frequency of 0.8 Hz and a wave height of 20 cm, the peak voltage and current are 194.09 V and 2.593 mA, respectively. After charging a 13.2 mF capacitor for approximately 7.5 min, the CH‐EH array successfully drives a thermometer with a Bluetooth module. Moreover, after charging a 22 mF capacitor for 33 min, the CH‐EH array successfully drives a radio‐frequency module to realize wireless transmission. Furthermore, a 35 mAh lithium battery is successfully charged by the designed circuit, and the fully charged lithium battery continuously powers a thermohygrometer for 13 h. Hence, the as‐designed CH‐EH has broad application prospects in long‐term ocean sensing and monitoring.
Quality of life of Brazilian families who have children with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome: An exploratory cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vale Amanda Rodrigues , de Avó Lucimar Retto da Silva , Pilotto Rui Fernando , Germano Carla Maria Ramos , Melo Débora Gusmão
Published: August 2022

This exploratory cross‐sectional study aimed to examine the family quality of life (FQoL) among 51 Brazilian families who have children with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical data forms, as well as the Beach Center FQoL Scale, a 5‐point Likert scale ranging from “very dissatisfied” (1) to “very satisfied” (5). The average score of the overall FQoL was 3.93 ± 0.64. Families' scores were higher for family interaction (4.17 ± 0.76), parenting (4.13 ± 0.61), and disability‐related support (4.08 ± 0.76) domains, and lower for the family's emotional well‐being (3.31 ± 0.96) and physical/material well‐being (3.76 ± 0.82) domains. Family income, attendance at religious services, presence of ocular abnormalities, and aggressive behavior explained 46.2% of the variance in the overall FQoL. In summary, FQoL seems to be anchored in aspects such as family interaction and the care of parents, and be negatively affected by emotional issues, physical, and material limitations. In this context, psychological assistance should be provided to both parents and siblings whenever indicated, for improving emotional well‐being and increasing family resilience. Additionally, investments in social policies, services, and human and material resources are needed to improve the physical and material conditions of families, promote better health care, and therefore reduce the family burden.
Self‐assembly of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐cholesterol micelles for controlled quercetin delivery with toxicity test inDanio reriomodel
Authors: Nguyen‐Huu Anh‐Minh , Le Ngoc Thuy Trang , Yen Pham Nguyen Dong , Ching Yern Chee , Nguyen Dai Hai
Published: August 2022

Quercetin has been studied extensively with drug delivery systems due to the drug's needs to improve in solubility, but usually the systems are complicated, evading the practical aspects and potential applications. This problem is expected to be solved using the simplistic micelles, in combination with the materials mPEG and cholesterol to gain advantages from the nano‐size, while increasing its overall stability and drug releasing. In this study PEGylated‐cholesterol micelles were prepared by co‐solvent method in 4 different drug‐polymer ratios, which were then characterized by physical–chemical, in vitro analyses and emphasized on the in vivo cytotoxicity test by H&E staining histological assay onDanio reriomodel. The results show promising features of nano‐micelles as a passive drug delivery system in size, CMC value, and prolonged drug releasing profile. Compared to free QCT, the micelles‐loaded system exhibited significantly higher toxicity in vitro, which were also demonstrated in in vivo models, where the drug‐loaded micellar systems posed mild tissue changes, while blank micelles and free quercetin were almost harmless to the animals. The results had concluded that effective delivering of micellar system does not require advanced material‐composition, rather a throughout understanding of the interactions of nano‐properties and the materials with bio‐systems.
Drug release behaviors of flexible SiO2‐polyvinyl pyrrolidone electrospun membranes responsive to multiple stimuli
Authors: Zhu Wenqian , Zhao Yanping , Tang Hanxia , Lv Fengzhu , Zhang Yihe , Guo Sufang
Published: August 2022

Flexible SiO2‐polyvinyl pyrrolidone hybrid electrospun membranes were prepared using the partially hydrolyzed tetraethyl orthosilicate as cross‐linking component based on electrostatic spinning. Then ibuprofen (IBU) was absorbed on the fiber membrane and blocked by grafting azobenzene groups. The target membranes' excellent flexibility, good water resistance, and acceptable mechanical properties were shown. When the content of SiO2was 17%, the membranes could withstand at least 50 g tensile strength. Meanwhile and the water contact angle of the membranes was close to that of the skin, which was 68.44°. Also controlled in vitro release performance of IBU under UV irradiation at 37°C and pH of 6.5 was observed. The release behavior was well fitted by Ritger–Peppas kinetic model, suggesting the diffusion release mechanism of the drug. In addition, the membranes possessed the ability to release drugs into hydrogels by self‐driving. Thus, the easily prepared membranes possessed the potential to release drugs in different environments.
Dispatches from the age of crocodiles: New discoveries from ancient lineages
Authors: Holliday Casey M. , Schachner Emma R.
Published: August 2022

Crocodilians inspire researchers and the public alike with their explosive hunting methodologies, distinct craniofacial and dental morphology, and resplendent fossil record. This special issue highlights recent advances in the biology and paleontology of this fascinating lineage of vertebrates. The authors in this volume bring crocodylians and their extinct ancestors to life using a variety of approaches including fieldwork, imaging, 3D modeling, developmental biology, physiological monitoring, dissection, and a host of other comparative methods. Our journey begins with early crocodylomorphs from the Triassic, carries us through the radiation of crocodyliforms during the rest of the Mesozoic Era, and finally celebrates the diversification development and biology of extant crocodylians. Crocodyliform science has grown appreciably the past few decades. New fossil species and genetic evidence continue to keep phylogenies and our understanding of relationships wavering in key places of the tree such as the relationships of the extinct marine thalattosuchians as well as still living species like gharials. The application of imaging approaches and 3D modeling to both preserved tissues as well as living specimens is now revealing patterns in brain and lung evolution and function, growth strategies, and feeding and locomotor behaviors across the lineage. Comparative anatomical studies are offering new data on genitals, cephalic venous drainage and thoracoabdominal pressures. The new discoveries found here only reveal there is far more work to be done to understand the biology and behavior responsible for the great radiation extinct suchians and their crocodylian descendants experienced during their conquest of Mesozoic and Tertiary ecosystems.
The regrouping of Luminal B (HER2 negative), a better discriminator of outcome and recurrence score
Authors: Yang Zheng‐Jun , Liu Yu‐Xiao , Huang Yue , Chen Zu‐Jin , Zhang Hao‐Zhi , Yu Yue , Wang Xin , Cao Xu‐Chen
Published: August 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BC) remains the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. High recurrence risk Luminal BC receives adjuvant chemotherapy in addition to standard hormone therapy. Considering the heterogeneity of Luminal B BC, a more accurate classification model is urgently needed.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the data of 1603 patients who were diagnosed with HER2‐negative breast invasive ductal carcinoma. According to the expression level of PR and Ki‐67 index, the Luminal B (HER2‐negative) BCs were divided into three groups: ER+PR−Ki67low (ER‐positive, PR‐negative, and Ki‐67 index <20%), ER+PR+Ki67high (ER‐positive, PR‐positive, and Ki‐67 index ≥20%), and ER+PR−Ki67high (ER‐positive, PR‐negative, and Ki‐67 index ≥20%). The cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between each variable and outcomes. Besides, discriminatory accuracy of the models was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and log‐rank χ2 value.

Results

The analysis results showed that there was a significant correlation between subtypes using this newly defined classification and overall survival (p < 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (p < 0.001). Interestingly, patients in the ER+PR−Ki67high subgroup have the worst survival outcome in Luminal B (HER2‐negative) subtype, similar to Triple‐negative patients. Besides, the ER+PR+Ki67high has worse 5‐year DFS compared with Luminal A group. There was a significant relationship between the regrouping subtype and the recurrence score index (RI) (p < 0.001). Moreover, the results showed that patients in ER+PR–Ki67high subtype were more likely to have high RI for distance recurrence (RI‐DR) and local recurrence (RI‐LRR). Our newly defined classification has a better discrimination ability to predict survival outcome and recurrence score of Luminal B (HER2‐negative) BC patients, which may help in clinical decision‐making for individual treatment.
Tooth instance segmentation based on capturing dependencies and receptive field adjustment in cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Dou Wenhan , Gao Shanshan , Mao Deqian , Dai Honghao , Zhang Chenhao , Zhou Yuanfeng
Published: August 2022

Automatic and accurate instance segmentation of teeth can provide important support for computer‐aided orthodontic work. Traditional methods for tooth segmentation studies often ignore the rich structural features of teeth. Capturing the complete and accurate geometry as well as morphological details of a single tooth remains a challenge for current tooth segmentation studies. In this article, a new tooth segmentation deeplearning network based on capturing dependencies and receptive field adjustment in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is proposed to achieve automatic and accurate instance segmentation of dental CBCT data. The method acquires coarse‐level features of tooth and accurate tooth centroids in the first stage, and acquires the instance information and spatial position localization of the tooth. The encoding process in the second stage of the network introduces a guidance module for obtaining tooth geometry information based on a 3D self‐attention mechanism to capture dependencies in CBCT. The proposed tooth feature integration module is based on multiscale fusion of dilated convolutions to capture tooth detailed information at multiple scales, and the network receptive field was adjusted. Extensive evaluation, ablation, and comparison experiments demonstrate that our method exhibits state‐of‐the‐art segmentation performance and accurate instance segmentation results, reflecting their potential applicability in clinical medicine.
Allocation strategy for time‐sensitive tasks in mobile edge computing: An observable perspective
Authors: Chen Mengpan , Jin Shunfu , Chen Li
Published: August 2022

With the development of computing technology and the popularization of application in 5G network, mobile‐edge computing (MEC), which can effectively reduce time delay and save energy consumption, has attracted extensive attention from the academic community. How to make a suitable allocation decision for tasks becomes one of the critical issues in MEC systems. In order to yield the most benefit to a newly arriving task, by placing a decision making module (DMM) in a mobile device, a MEC system architecture is presented. Based on the net benefit of a newly arriving task, the DMM makes a decision of dropping the task, allocating the task to the local execution system, or offloading the task to the MEC server via the transmission system. From the observable perspective of task individuals, a pure threshold strategy is proposed to show that a Nash equilibrium is always allowed. By constructing a two‐dimensional continuous‐time Markov chain, a social optimal threshold strategy is proposed. Numerical results show that threshold under the pure threshold strategy is always greater than that under the social optimal threshold strategy. For this, a charging policy is presented to coincide the pure threshold strategy with the social optimal threshold strategy.
A triple boost 13‐level switched‐capacitor based multi‐level inverter topology for solar PV applications
Authors: Wasiq Mohammad , Siddique Marif Daula , Sarwar Adil , Iqbal Atif , Mekhilef Saad
Published: August 2022

A High Gain High‐Level switched‐capacitor multilevel inverter with low voltage stress requires a lower number of devices at peak output voltage and a reduced number of circuit components along with an increase in voltage boosting capability. The features of the proposed topology include inherent boosting (Gain: 3) and self‐voltage balancing properties. To avoid complex algorithms, calculations and obtain superior quality output voltage the nearest level control (NLC) modulation technique is used. The extension of the topology has also been derived for the higher voltage gain and levels by adding four switches and one capacitor. The proposed topology has been compared with the recently developed topologies. The power loss analysis and simulation analysis has been done with different loading conditions under the environment of PLECS 4.2.18 and MATLAB® 2018a, respectively. A hardware bench has been set up to show the verification of the simulation results with hardware results.
The interaction between metabolic rate, habitat choice, and resource use in a polymorphic freshwater species
Authors: Andersson Matilda L. , Scharnweber Kristin , Eklöv Peter
Published: August 2022

Resource polymorphism is common across taxa and can result in alternate ecotypes with specific morphologies, feeding modes, and behaviors that increase performance in a specific habitat. This can result in high intraspecific variation in the expression of specific traits and the extent to which these traits are correlated within a single population. Although metabolic rate influences resource acquisition and the overall pace of life of individuals it is not clear how metabolic rate interacts with the larger suite of traits to ultimately determine individual fitness.

We examined the relationship between metabolic rates and the major differences (habitat use, morphology, and resource use) between littoral and pelagic ecotypes of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) from a single lake in Central Sweden.

Standard metabolic rate (SMR) was significantly higher in pelagic perch but did not correlate with resource use or morphology. Maximum metabolic rate (MMR) was not correlated with any of our explanatory variables or with SMR. Aerobic scope (AS) showed the same pattern as SMR, differing across habitats, but contrary to expectations, was lower in pelagic perch.

This study helps to establish a framework for future experiments further exploring the drivers of intraspecific differences in metabolism. In addition, since metabolic rates scale with temperature and determine predator energy requirements, our observed differences in SMR across habitats will help determine ecotype‐specific vulnerabilities to climate change and differences in top‐down predation pressure across habitats.
Host–parasite coevolution: Partitioning the effects of natural selection and environmental change using coupled Price equations
Authors: Lively Curtis M. , Wade Michael J.
Published: August 2022

George Price showed how the effects of natural selection and environmental change could be mathematically partitioned. This partitioning may be especially useful for understanding host–parasite coevolution, where each species represents the environment for the other species. Here, we use coupled Price equations to study this kind of antagonistic coevolution. We made the common assumption that parasites must genetically match their host's genotype to avoid detection by the host's self/nonself recognition system, but we allowed for the possibility that non‐matching parasites have some fitness. Our results show how natural selection on one species results in environmental change for the other species. Numerical iterations of the model show that these environmental changes can periodically exceed the changes in mean fitness due to natural selection, as suggested by R.A. Fisher. Taken together, the results give an algebraic dissection of the eco‐evolutionary feedbacks created during host–parasite coevolution.
Favorable winds speed up bird migration in spring but not in autumn
Authors: Nussbaumer Raphaël , Schmid Baptiste , Bauer Silke , Liechti Felix
Published: August 2022

Wind has a significant yet complex effect on bird migration speed. With prevailing south wind, overall migration is generally faster in spring than in autumn. However, studies on the difference in airspeed between seasons have shown contrasting results so far, in part due to their limited geographical or temporal coverage. Using the first full‐year weather radar data set of nocturnal bird migration across western Europe together with wind speed from reanalysis data, we investigate variation of airspeed across season. We additionally expand our analysis of ground speed, airspeed, wind speed, and wind profit variation across time (seasonal and daily) and space (geographical and altitudinal). Our result confirms that wind plays a major role in explaining both temporal and spatial variabilities in ground speed. The resulting airspeed remains relatively constant at all scales (daily, seasonal, geographically and altitudinally). We found that spring airspeed is overall 5% faster in Spring than autumn, but we argue that this number is not significant compared to the biases and limitation of weather radar data. The results of the analysis can be used to further investigate birds' migratory strategies across space and time, as well as their energy use.
Topological optimization applied to a variable density and conductivity model of pollution in porous media
Authors: Dia Mouhamadou Baidy , Faye Ibrahima , Sy Alassane
Published: August 2022

This article deals with modeling and numerical study of pollutants transfer in porous media by topological optimization. Indeed we perform the modeling of pollution in porous media in non‐permanent cases by assuming the variability or not of some parameters such as the conductivity and the density. The model of pollutants transfer obtained in the case when the conductivity and the density are constant is similar to meadows of few coefficients to the one obtained by varying (with respect to the space) only the conductivity. By taking into account the space variability of density, conductivity, and diffusion under some assumptions we obtain a more realistic model of pollutants transfer. Topological optimization applied to these models allows reaching numerically the optimal design of a least squared functional. In fact, topological derivatives are used as descent direction and permit to creation of circular or cylindrical holes in order to decrease the considered cost function. Numerical results obtained are presented for Neumann and Dirichlet conditions on the boundary of the holes for 2 and 3 dimensions in nonpermanent cases of pollutants transfer.
Enhanced temperature uniformity with minimized pressure drop in electric vehicle battery packs at elevated C‐rates
Authors: Gungor Sahin , Cetkin Erdal
Published: August 2022

The trend of transition from fossil fuel to electrification in transportation is a result of no carbon emission produced by electric vehicles (EVs) during their daily operations. Furthermore, the global carbon footprint of EVs can be minimized if the electricity is generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar. On the other hand, there are some drawbacks of these vehicles such as charging time being very long and the mileage range of vehicles not at the desired level. Battery cells are being charged at relatively high C‐rates to eliminate these problems, yet high current rates accelerate the aging of batteries and capacity losses due to the generated heat. Generated heat causes overheating, and excess temperature triggers degradation and thermal runaway risks. This paper uncovers how the battery pack temperature uniformity and strict thermal control can be achieved with heat transfer enhancement by conduction (cold plates) and convection (vascular channels). We aimed to reduce the energy consumption of the EV battery pack system while increasing the thermal performance. The impact of the thermal contact resistance is also considered for many realistic scenarios. The results indicate that an integrated system with cold plates and vascular channels satisfies the temperature uniformity requirement (over 81%) with comparatively less pumping power (∼72%) of advanced electric vehicles for relatively high C‐rates. Furthermore, findings show the temperature level can increase up to 4°C as thermal contact resistance increases. The proposed cooling technique, which has low cost, easy application, and lower energy consumption superiorities, can be implemented in palpable EV battery packs.
Childcare providers’ views of challenging child behaviors, suspension, and expulsion: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Mondi Christina F. , Rihal Tripat K. , Magro Sophia W. , Kerber Sydney , Carlson Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2022

Previous research has underscored a need to understand the experiences and decision‐making processes that contribute to suspension and expulsion in early care and education settings, particularly among young children of color. The present study conducted qualitative interviews with 20 center‐ and family‐based childcare providers from the Minnesota Early Care and Education (MECE) study. Participants were asked about challenging child behaviors that they have encountered, their perceptions of these behaviors and how they manage them, and their thought processes around suspension and expulsion. Overall, the most frequently reported categories of challenging behaviors were physical aggression and noncompliance/defiance/arguing. The most commonly reported perceived causes of challenging behaviors were typical child development and parenting problems. The primary reported strategy for addressing challenging behaviors was connecting with the child, with relatively few providers reporting using other evidence‐based strategies. Finally, the most commonly reported reasons for considering suspension or expulsion were the providers feeling they had exhausted options and could not meet the child's needs, and the child's behavior being perceived as dangerous to self or others. Implications for future research and practice (including increased support services for childcare providers) are discussed.
Multistage adaptive noise reduction technique for optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Guezzi Nizar , Lee Changho , Le Thanh Dat , Seong Hyojin , Choi Kang‐Ho , Min Jung‐Joon , Yu Jaesok
Published: August 2022

Photoacoustic microscopy has received great attention due to the benefits of the optical resolution contrast as well as its superior spatial resolution and relatively deep depth. Like other imaging modalities, photoacoustic images suffer from noise, and filtering techniques are required to remove them. To overcome the noise, we proposed a combination of filters, including an adaptive median filter, an effective filter for impulsive noise, and a nonlocal means filter, an effective filter for background noise, for noise removal and image quality enhancement. Our proposed method enhanced the signal‐to‐noise ratio by 16 dB in an in vivo study compared to the traditional image reconstruction approach and preserved the image detail with minimal blurring, which usually occurs when filtering. These experimental results verified that the proposed adaptive multistage denoising techniques could effectively improve image quality under noisy data acquisition conditions, providing a strong foundation for photoacoustic microscopy with limited laser power.
Hsa_circ_0129047 regulates the miR‐375/ACVRL1 axis to attenuate the progression of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Jinxiu , Xia Xiaofan , Fan Zhongjie
Published: August 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are attractive candidates to be used as biomarkers of human cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Our study aimed to investigate the functions and regulatory mechanisms of hsa_circ_0129047 in the tumorigenesis of LUAD.

Methods

Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the circRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA expression levels in LUAD cell lines and tissues. Tumor xenografts were established in nude mice to evaluate whether hsa_circ_0129047 affected LUAD tumor development in vivo. Cell counting kit‐8 and transwell assays were performed to assess the mechanisms by which hsa_circ_0129047 influenced the viability and migration of LUAD cells, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated via determination of the levels of the apoptotic markers, B‐cell lymphoma‐2, and Bcl‐2‐associated X, via Western blotting. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and Pearson's correlation analysis were performed to determine the relationships among miR‐375 and hsa_circ_0129047 and activin A receptor‐like type 1 (ACVRL1).

Results

Downregulation of hsa_circ_0129047 levels was observed in LUAD cell lines and tissues. Meanwhile, the upregulation of hsa_circ_0129047 levels repressed the proliferative, migratory, and survival capacities of LUAD cells in vitro. Hsa_circ_0129047 exerted antitumor effects during in vivo tumor development. Finally, we demonstrated that hsa_circ_0129047 sponged miR‐375. This interaction facilitated the expression of the downstream target of miR‐375, ACVRL1, whose upregulation inhibited the development and malignancy of LUAD.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that hsa_circ_0129047 functions as a tumor inhibitor in LUAD by modulating the miR‐375/ACVRL1 axis. Hence, hsa_circ_0129047 may be a promising biomarker and gene target for LUAD treatment.
Consumer preference for formal address and informal address from warm brands and competent brands
Authors: Leung Eugina , Lenoir Anne‐Sophie I. , Puntoni Stefano , van Osselaer Stijn M. J.
Published: August 2022

With the exception of Modern English, the world's major languages present advertisers and service providers with a choice: whether to address consumers using informal or formal pronouns (e.g.,tuorustedin Spanish). Yet, no research has investigated the impact of informal and formal address on consumer responses. In this paper, we show that brand personality affects consumers' preferences for, and responses to, pronominal address. In five studies, we establish that informal address is more likely to be preferred, and elicits higher preferences and more positive responses, when used by warmer brands; whereas formal address is more likely to be preferred, and elicits higher preferences and more positive responses, when used by more competent brands. These effects are replicated using a variety of contexts and designs. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Examining the effect of patient personality types and coping styles on outcomes of genetic counseling
Authors: Salman Areesha , Morris Emily , Inglis Angela , Austin Jehannine
Published: August 2022

Both empirical data and genetic counselors' clinical experience suggest that patients differ in the extent to which they benefit from genetic counseling (GC). Understanding the origins of these differences could help adapt services to ensure that all patients benefit fully, and potentially inform triage. Although patient personality dimensions and coping styles have been shown to influence outcomes of other psychological interventions, they have remained largely unexplored in relation to GC outcomes. We conducted an exploratory, descriptive study to assess relationships between patient personality dimensions, coping styles, and outcomes of GC. We recruited patients from a psychiatric genetics clinic who had – in the prior 7 years ‐ completed the GC Outcomes Scale (GCOS, a measure of empowerment) immediately prior to, and approximately one month after their appointment, and asked them to complete validated measures of personality and coping style. Interactions between each personality dimension or coping style and GCOS score were assessed using mixed‐effects linear regression models. Among the 169 participants, GCOS score increased by an average of 16.48 points (SD = 12.59). Though extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and all three coping styles significantly predicted GCOS score (p < 0.02), there was no relationship between these variables and time. For example, though a high score on conscientiousness predicted higher GCOS scores, it did not predict greater change in GCOS – people with higher scores on this dimension of personality had higher GCOS scores both pre‐ and post‐ GC. These preliminary data suggest that genetic counseling may increase empowerment regardless of personality dimensions and coping styles.
Analysis of long‐term trends and variations in extreme high air temperatures in May over Turkey and a record‐breaking heatwave event of May 2020
Authors: Erlat Ecmel , Türkeş Murat , Güler Hakan
Published: August 2022

This paper investigated the trends and variability in warmest daily maximum (TXx) and warmest daily minimum (TNx) air temperatures, and heatwave characteristics in Turkey in May during 1950–2020. It also analysed the climatological and synoptic meteorological evolutions of heatwave (HW) observed in May 2020. Trend analysis revealed significant increasing trends in TXx and TNx series and heatwave characteristics in May since 1950. Since the mid‐1980s, a continuously increasing trend in TXx and TNx series, and the number, frequency, and magnitude of the heatwaves were observed that accelerated with the mid‐1990s. The most severe heatwave in Turkey since 1950 in May was observed in 2020. The record‐breaking daily maximum (daily minimum) air temperatures were noted at 32 (23) of 96 stations in May 2020, mainly over Turkey's western and southern parts. Record‐high maximum (minimum) air temperature was 43.2°C (31.1°C) reached for the first time in May since 1950. The generalized extreme value model applied to the May TXx and TNx series revealed that the daily air temperatures in May 2020 exceeded 100 years' return periods at many stations of Turkey. This heatwave was linked to a regionalized strong anticyclonic blocking anomaly circulation and other associated atmospheric anomalies in May 2020. This also resulted in the centring of an unprecedented subsiding, calm, and stable warm air mass over Turkey. Adiabatic warming and drying developed very likely under subsidence control because of relatively weak circulation conditions. Such circumstances resulted in extremely hotter conditions in May 2020 compared to the long‐term averages.
Comparison of pesticide residue and specific nutrient levels in peeled and unpeeled apples
Authors: Lecerf Jean‐Michel , Périquet Alain , Carlin Frédéric , Lanckriet Suzanne , Paris Nicolas , Robaglia Christophe , Gleizer Bethsabée , Belzunces Luc , Cravedi Jean‐Pierre , Calvarin Johanna
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that the consumption of apples has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, largely as a result of their micronutrient and phytoconstituent contents. Apple peel not only contains more polyphenols than the flesh, but also is likely to contain pesticide residues. The present study aimed to compare the contents of certain micronutrients and residual pesticide levels in peeled and unpeeled apples.

RESULTS

Peeled apples contained fewer pesticide residues at lower concentrations than unpeeled apples. However, whether samples were peeled or not, the exposure values for pesticide residues in apples never exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI), but ranged between 0.04% and 2.10% of the ADI in adults for food intake estimated at the 95th percentile (277 g per person per day). Determination of polyphenol, fibre, magnesium and vitamin C levels showed that the nutritional differences observed between peeled and unpeeled apples were marginal.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of apples, such as the apples tested in the present study, results in an exposure to pesticides that is low for unpeeled apples, and lower for peeled apples. Moreover, there was no significant loss of nutritional value from eating peeled apples based on the nutrients investigated. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.