bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dually biofortified cisgenic tomatoes with increased flavonoids and branched‐chain amino acids content
Authors: Vazquez‐Vilar Marta , Fernandez‐del‐Carmen Asun , Garcia‐Carpintero Victor , Drapal Margit , Presa Silvia , Ricci Dorotea , Diretto Gianfranco , Rambla José Luis , Fernandez‐Muñoz Rafael , Espinosa‐Ruiz Ana , Fraser Paul D. , Martin Cathie , Granell Antonio , Orzaez Diego
Published: September 2023

Higher dietary intakes of flavonoids may have a beneficial role in cardiovascular disease prevention. Additionally, supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) in vegan diets can reduce risks associated to their deficiency, particularly in older adults, which can cause loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass. Most plant‐derived foods contain only small amounts of BCAAs, and those plants with high levels of flavonoids are not eaten broadly. Here we describe the generation of metabolically engineered cisgenic tomatoes enriched in both flavonoids and BCAAs. In this approach, coding and regulatory DNA elements, all derived from the tomato genome, were combined to obtain a herbicide‐resistant version of an acetolactate synthase (mSlALS) gene expressed broadly and a MYB12‐like transcription factor (SlMYB12) expressed in a fruit‐specific manner. The mSlALS played a dual role, as a selectable marker as well as being key enzyme in BCAA enrichment. The resulting cisgenic tomatoes were highly enriched in Leucine (21‐fold compared to wild‐type levels), Valine (ninefold) and Isoleucine (threefold) and concomitantly biofortified in several antioxidant flavonoids including kaempferol (64‐fold) and quercetin (45‐fold). Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the biofortified cisgenic tomatoes revealed marked differences to wild type and could serve to evaluate the safety of these biofortified fruits for human consumption.
Photopatch testing in Singapore: A 10‐year retrospective study
Authors: Lim Shi Yu Derek , Goon Anthony Teik‐Jin , Leow Yung Hian , Chong Tricia Yi Rui , Tan Eugene Sern‐Ting , Cheng Wei Na Suzanne
Published: September 2023

Background

Photopatch testing represents the gold standard for the diagnosis of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD). We aimed to identify common photoallergens in our tertiary dermatological referral centre from 2012 to 2021, to compare this to the preceding period studied, and data from other communities.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all 90 patients who underwent photopatch testing at the National Skin Centre, Singapore, between 2012 and 2021.

Results

Of 90 patients, 19 (21.1%) were male, and the mean age was 41.6 years. Eighty‐four (93.3%) underwent testing to our standard sunscreen series, 10 (11.1%) to our extended series, and 73 (81.1%) to their own items. Seventeen (18.9%) were diagnosed with PACD (i.e., photocontact allergy with present or past relevance), 12 (13.3%) with ACD, and 4 (4.4%) with photoaugmented ACD. Relevant reactions were commonest to oxybenzone (8, 9.5%) and mexenone (3, 3.6%). Eleven (15.1%) had PACD to their own items, with 3 of 4 (75%) tested to ketoprofen diagnosed with PACD and the remaining 1 (25%) with photoaugmented ACD. Age, race, sex, atopy, and site of involvement were not associated with photocontact allergy. Compared to the preceding time period, the overall frequency of photocontact allergy and PACD decreased, but rates of photoallergic reactions to individual photoallergens were not significantly different.

Conclusion

Organic ultraviolet absorbers such as oxybenzone and mexenone remained the most relevant photoallergens. Personal item testing was valuable, and testing to ketoprofen should be considered.
A strategic roadmap for carbohydrate utilization in crustaceans feed
Authors: Singha Krishna P. , Sahu Narottam P. , Sardar Parimal , Shamna Naseemashahul , Kumar Vikas
Published: September 2023

Carbohydrates serve as essential macronutrients in aquaculture feeds, providing cost‐efficiency and numerous advantages, including energy supply, pellet stability, reduced ammonia excretion, and support for exoskeleton synthesis in crustaceans. Despite their significance, research on carbohydrate nutrition in crustaceans has been relatively limited compared to finfish. This comprehensive review addresses this knowledge gap by presenting contemporary insights into carbohydrate utilization in commercially important crustacean species, encompassing shrimps, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and crayfishes. The review underscores the pivotal role of carbohydrates, identifies limiting factors, and outlines strategies for enhancing efficiency. Wheat and sorghum/milo emerge as particularly promising carbohydrate sources. Nevertheless, determining species‐specific carbohydrate inclusion levels remains essential for further investigation. This review also emphasizes species‐specific distinctions in carbohydrate utilization during starvation, influenced by factors such as age, moulting stage, and digestive capacity. Challenging the misconception that carbohydrates are superfluous for crustaceans is imperative. Additional research to advance comprehension of their utilization mechanisms is vital. Enhanced knowledge of carbohydrate utilization can pave the way for economically sustainable and environmentally friendly feeds in crustacean aquaculture. Furthermore, exploring exogenous enzyme potential, optimizing pre‐treatment methodologies, and harnessing probiotics can further augment carbohydrate utilization. These advancements hold promise for bolstering the growth and sustainability of the crustacean industry, meeting the surging demand for seafood production while minimizing environmental impact.
HOW COULD THE CREDIBILITY OF THE HARRIS–TODARO MODEL BE IMPROVED?
Authors: Chaudhuri Sarbajit
Published: September 2023

A damaging property of the two‐sector, mobile capital Harris–Todaro model (known as the Corden–Findlay model) is that growth in capital (labor) endowment accentuates (mitigates) urban unemployment in a dual economy, limiting the model's applicability to the field of trade and development. To resolve this problem, we introduce the informal credit market, which provides consumption loans to rural workers during the lean season. The informal interest rate is endogenously determined from the maximizing behavior of the informal sector lender. Factor accumulations produce their expected results on the absolute level of urban unemployment, while poverty eradication programs raise the informal interest rate and diminish borrowers' welfare under a wide range of parametric values. Finally, a wage subsidy policy to the urban sector unambiguously lowers the informal interest rate. Urban unemployment decreases while worker welfare improves under reasonable conditions. The result on unemployment is contrary to results of the Corden–Findlay model.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*13:181 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Loginova Maria , Druzhinina Svetlana , Paramonov Igor
Published: September 2023

HLA‐B*13:181 differs from HLA‐B*13:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 72 in exon 2.
The P1 protein of wheat yellow mosaic virus exerts RNA silencing suppression activity to facilitate virus infection in wheat plants
Authors: Chen Dao , Zhang Hui‐Ying , Hu Shu‐Ming , Tian Meng‐Yuan , Zhang Zong‐Ying , Wang Ying , Sun Li‐Ying , Han Cheng‐Gui
Published: September 2023

Wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV) causes severe wheat viral disease in Asia. However, the viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) encoded by WYMV has not been identified. Here, the P1 protein encoded by WYMV RNA2 was shown to suppress RNA silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana. Mutagenesis assays revealed that the alanine substitution mutant G175A of P1 abolished VSR activity and mutant Y10A VSR activity remained only in younger leaves. P1, but not G175A, interacted with gene silencing‐related protein, N. benthamiana calmodulin‐like protein (NbCaM), and calmodulin‐binding transcription activator 3 (NbCAMTA3), and Y10A interacted with NbCAMTA3 only. Competitive Bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that the ability of P1 disturbing the interaction between NbCaM and NbCAMTA3 was stronger than Y10A, Y10A was stronger than G175A. In vitro transcript inoculation of infectious WYMV clones further demonstrated that VSR‐defective mutants G175A and Y10A reduced WYMV infection in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), G175A had a more significant effect on virus accumulation in upper leaves of wheat than Y10A. Moreover, RNA silencing, temperature, and autophagy have significant effects on the accumulation of P1 in N. benthamiana. Taken together, WYMV P1 acts as VSR by interfering with calmodulin‐associated antiviral RNAi defense to facilitate virus infection in wheat, which has provided clear insights into the function of P1 in the process of WYMV infection.
Rethinking O2, CO2 and breathing during wakefulness and sleep
Authors: Dempsey Jerome A. , Gibbons Travis D.
Published: September 2023

We have examined the importance of three long‐standing questions concerning chemoreceptor influences on cardiorespiratory function which are currently experiencing a resurgence of study among physiologists and clinical investigators. Firstly, while carotid chemoreceptors (CB) are required for hypoxic stimulation of breathing, use of an isolated, extracorporeally perfused CB preparation in unanaesthetized animals with maintained tonic input from the CB, reveals that extra‐CB hypoxaemia also provides dose‐dependent ventilatory stimulation sufficient to account for 40–50% of the total ventilatory response to steady‐state hypoxaemia. Extra‐CB hyperoxia also provides a dose‐ and time‐dependent hyperventilation. Extra‐CB sites of O2‐driven ventilatory stimulation identified to date include the medulla, kidney and spinal cord. Secondly, using the isolated or denervated CB preparation in awake animals and humans has demonstrated a hyperadditive effect of CB sensory input on central CO2 sensitivity, so that tonic CB activity accounts for as much as 35–40% of the normal, air‐breathing eupnoeic drive to breathe. Thirdly, we argue for a key role for CO2 chemoreception and the neural drive to breathe in the pathogenesis of upper airway obstruction during sleep (OSA), based on the following evidence: (1) removal of the wakefulness drive to breathe enhances the effects of transient CO2 changes on breathing instability; (2) oscillations in respiratory motor output precipitate pharyngeal obstruction in sleeping subjects with compliant, collapsible airways; and (3) in the majority of patients in a large OSA cohort, a reduced neural drive to breathe accompanied reductions in both airflow and pharyngeal airway muscle dilator activity, precipitating airway obstruction.

image
“Walking the Tightrope”: Reflections on Mobilizing Foucauldian Theory Within an Endurance Running Coach Development Intravention
Authors: Avner Zoë , Denison Jim , Konoval Tim , Hall Edward T. , Skebo Kristina , Radowits Royden , Downie Declan
Published: September 2023

This paper presents our efforts and subsequent reflections in attempting to make Foucauldian theory accessible and relevant to a group of high-performance endurance-running coaches within the context of a coach development intravention and Foucauldian inspired workshop series. Specifically, we reflect upon our efforts to introduce coaches to Foucauldian ideas and concepts such as the knowledge–power–practice triad and upon the tensions we experienced in doing so. These tensions were related to the power of the theory–practice divide to set expectations around what it means to be an effective coach developer and a high-performance coach but also in the main related to our intentions regarding a broader shift in the coaches’ thinking concerning the influence of a number of social forces in the formation of their practices. We contend that coaching scholars invested in mobilizing ways of knowing underpinned by a different logic (e.g., relationally informed ways of knowing) within coaching and coach development settings would benefit from a deeper understanding of the politics of sports coaching knowledge and practice and how relations of power–knowledge impact learning within pedagogical contexts. Such an awareness, we believe, would in turn support more targeted pedagogical frameworks, practices, and strategies specifically aimed at disrupting established relations of power–knowledge and related problematic binary understandings such as the theory–practice divide which stand in the way of more diverse and ethical knowledge production processes in sports coaching and coach development work.
Stressors and Expected Performance of Soccer Athletes: The Role of Sport Confidence and Cognitive Appraisal
Authors: Morais Catarina , Simães Clara , Gomes A. Rui , Gonçalves Beatriz M.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to provide a framework for how athletes evaluate stress before a competition and how stress relates to cognitive appraisal, sport confidence, and expectations of performance. Participants were 327 youth male athletes, aged 15–19 years (M = 16.90; SD = 1.00), who competed in the Portuguese National Football League and completed a questionnaire 24–48 hr before their match, using the critical incident methodology. Results revealed that opponents were the main source of stress for athletes and that the more athletes stress about their opponents, the more they tend to perceive the situation as threatening (and less challenging), the lower their perceptions of coping and sport confidence which, in turn, predicted lower expectations of individual and collective performance. In sum, perceiving the stressful situation as either a challenge or a threat predicts young athletes’ sport confidence and, consequently, expected performance when dealing with stressful competitive situations.
Why Do Romantic Relationships Affect Physical Activity? An Analysis of the Time Use of Couples and Singles Over a 3-Day Period
Authors: Rapp Ingmar , Gruhler Jonathan , Ambiel Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Background: Several studies have found that individuals with a partner were less physically active than those without. To better understand the reasons for this association, we examine whether the existence of a relationship or the current presence of a partner influences physical activity (PA). Methods: We use data from the most recent German Time Use Survey 2012/13 to examine leisure-time PA. All leisure-time activities reported in the time diaries are classified according to their metabolic equivalent of task (MET) to calculate the mean MET scores. First, we use ordinary least square regressions and logistic regressions to examine the effects of living together with a partner or not on mean daily MET scores and on exercise. Second, we apply person-day fixed effects models to estimate the impact of current partner presence on current PA levels. Results: Having a partner is negatively associated with exercising but is not correlated with mean leisure-time MET scores for both women and men. For those with a partner, current MET levels are substantially lower when the partner is present than when the partner is absent. When partners spend leisure-time activities apart, their MET levels are higher than those of individuals without a partner. Conclusions: The results suggest that it is not the mere existence of a romantic relationship but the current copresence with a partner that affects PA behavior. Therefore, interventions to increase PA may be promising if they can encourage couples to be active together.
Complete genome sequences of α-glucosidase-positive and -negative strains of
Nocardia seriolae
from
Seriola
species in Japan
Authors: Umeda Kousuke , Matsuura Yuta , Shimahara Yoshiko , Takano Tomokazu , Matsuyama Tomomasa
Published: September 2023

We report complete genome sequences of two strains of
Nocardia seriolae
, the causative agent of nocardiosis in fish. Strains KGN1266 (α-glucosidase-positive) and 024013 (α-glucosidase-negative) were isolated from
Seriola dumerili
and
Seriola quinqueradiata
, respectively. Whole genome sequences were hybrid-assembled using Oxford Nanopore long-read and BGI DNBseq short-read sequencing.
Arsenophonus
symbiosis with louse flies: multiple origins, coevolutionary dynamics, and metabolic significance
Authors: Martin Říhová Jana , Gupta Shruti , Darby Alistair C. , Nováková Eva , Hypša Václav
Published: September 2023

Arsenophonus
is a widespread insect symbiont with life strategies that vary from parasitism to obligate mutualism. In insects living exclusively on vertebrate blood, mutualistic
Arsenophonus
strains are presumed to provide B vitamins missing in the insect host diet. Hippoboscidae, obligate blood feeders related to tsetse flies, have been previously suggested to have acquired
Arsenophonus
symbionts in several independent events. Based on comparative genomic analyses of 11 Hippoboscidae-associated strains, 9 of them newly assembled, we reveal a wide range of their genomic characteristics and phylogenetic affiliations. Phylogenetic patterns and genomic traits split the strains into two different types. Seven strains display characteristics of obligate mutualists with significantly reduced genomes and long phylogenetic branches. The remaining four strains cluster on short branches, and their genomes resemble those of free-living bacteria or facultative symbionts. Both phylogenetic positions and genomic traits indicate that evolutionary history of the Hippoboscidae-
Arsenophonus
associations is a mixture of short-term coevolutions with at least four independent origins. The comparative approach to a reconstruction of B vitamin pathways across the available
Arsenophonus
genomes has produced two kinds of patterns. On one hand, it indicates the different importance of individual B vitamins in the host-symbiont interaction. While some (riboflavin, pantothenate, and folate) seem to be synthesized by all Hippoboscidae-associated obligate symbionts, pathways for others (thiamine, nicotinamide, and cobalamin) are mostly missing. On the other hand, the broad comparison has produced patterns that can serve as bases for further assessments of the pathways’ completeness and functionality.

IMPORTANCE

Insects that live exclusively on vertebrate blood utilize symbiotic bacteria as a source of essential compounds, e.g., B vitamins. In louse flies, the most frequent symbiont originated in genus
Arsenophonus
, known from a wide range of insects. Here, we analyze genomic traits, phylogenetic origins, and metabolic capacities of 11
Arsenophonus
strains associated with louse flies. We show that in louse flies,
Arsenophonus
established symbiosis in at least four independent events, reaching different stages of symbiogenesis. This allowed for comparative genomic analysis, including convergence of metabolic capacities. The significance of the results is twofold. First, based on a comparison of independently originated
Arsenophonus
symbioses, it determines the importance of individual B vitamins for the insect host. This expands our theoretical insight into insect-bacteria symbiosis. The second outcome is of methodological significance. We show that the comparative approach reveals artifacts that would be difficult to identify based on a single-genome analysis.
CO481 corn inbred line
Authors: Kebede A.Z. , Voloaca C. , Wu J. , Bowman B. , Wang Z. , Woldemariam T. , Zhu X.
Published: September 2023

CO481 is an early maturing (57–58 days to flowering, 1283–1310 crop heat units (CHUs)) yellow, semi-dent inbred line. CO481 has mixed heterotic group and combines well with stiff stalk testers to produce hybrids with high grain yield. Additional key features include fast kernel drydown rate and moderate to high resistance to gibberella ear rot. CO481 is most suitable for short-season regions of North America with CHUs ranging from 2500 to 2750. These include the corn-growing regions of Canada in Prince Edward Island, eastern parts of Ontario, and southern parts of Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta.
Constraints on the local cosmic void from the Pantheon supernovae data
Authors: Wang Ke , Chen Kun-Peng , Le Delliou Morgan
Published: September 2023

In principle, the local cosmic void can be simply modeled by the spherically symmetric Lemaitre–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) metric. In practice, the real local cosmic void is probably not spherically symmetric. In this paper, to reconstruct a more realistic profile of the local cosmic void, we divide it into several segments. Each segment with certain solid angle is modeled by its own LTB metric. Meanwhile, we divide the 1048 type Ia supernovae (SNIa) of the Pantheon Survey into corresponding subsets according to their distribution in the galactic coordinate system. Obviously, each SNIa subset can only be used to reconstruct the profile of one segment. Finally, we can patch together an irregular profile for the local cosmic void with the whole Pantheon sample. Note that, the paucity of each data subset lead us to focus on the inner part of each void segment and assume that the half radii of the void segments are sufficient to constrain the whole segment. We find that, despite $$2\sigma $$

2
σ

signals of anisotropy limited to the depth of the void segments, the constraints on every void segment are consistent with $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model at 95% CL. Moreover, our constraints are too weak to challenge the cosmic homogeneity and isotropy.
Co-Training-Teaching: A Robust Semi-Supervised Framework for Review-Aware Rating Regression
Authors: Lu Xiangkui , Wu Jun , Huang Junheng , Luo Fangyuan , Yuan Jianbo
Published: September 2023

Review-aware Rating Regression (RaRR) suffers the severe challenge of extreme data sparsity as the multi-modality interactions of ratings accompanied by reviews are costly to obtain. Although some studies of semi-supervised rating regression are proposed to mitigate the impact of sparse data, they bear the risk of learning from noisy pseudo-labeled data. In this article, we propose a simple yet effective paradigm, called
co-training-teaching
(

CoT
2

), for integrating the merits of both co-training and co-teaching toward robust semi-supervised RaRR.

CoT
2

employs two predictors trained with different feature sets of textual reviews, each of which functions as both “labeler” and “validator.” Specifically, one predictor (labeler) first labels unlabeled data for its peer predictor (validator); after that, the validator samples reliable instances from the noisy pseudo-labeled data it received and sends them back to the labeler for updating. By exchanging and validating pseudo-labeled instances, the two predictors are reinforced by each other in an iterative learning process. The final prediction is made by averaging the outputs of both the refined predictors. Extensive experiments show that our

CoT
2

considerably outperforms the state-of-the-art recommendation techniques in the RaRR task, especially when the training data is severely insufficient.
Study of Structural and Compression Properties of Soft Soils in Kunming at Different Moisture Contents
Authors: Guo Wei , Xu Shiguang , Hong Tuo , Hao Shaolei , Chen Gang
Published: September 2023

The structure of soil refers to the properties and arrangement of soil particles and pores, as well as their interactions, which have a significant impact on the mechanical behavior of soil. Clarifying the strengths and weaknesses of soil structure can effectively ensure engineering safety during designing. In this study, the structural soft soil in the Wujiaba area of Kunming City was studied. A comprehensive structural parameter

γ

was proposed by analyzing one-dimensional consolidation test data, which consider both the moisture content and yield stress. Due to its high moisture content and lacustrine features, the soft soil in Kunming possessed obvious structural characteristics. As the moisture content increased, the structural characteristics of the soft soil gradually weakened, making it more prone to compression failure. Moreover, the initial consolidation pressure decreased with the increase in moisture content. And the soft soil was more susceptible to deformation failure with higher moisture content. The conclusions drawn from this study have important implications for predicting the settlement of layered soft soil foundations.
Identification and Determination of the Seminiferous Epithelium Stages and Spermatid Development in the Testis of Aceh Bull (Bos indicus)
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Siregar Tongku Nizwan , Gholib Gholib , Saputra Arianto , Hafizuddin Hafizuddin , Sofyan Hamny , Jalaluddin Muhammad , Adam Mulyadi , Akmal Muslim
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to describe the stages of seminiferous epithelium (SE), determine the relative frequency of the stages, and identify the steps of spermatid development during spermatogenesis in the testicular tissue of Aceh bull. Seven pairs of the testicular organs of Aceh bull (Bos indicus) were used and then processed in a histological manner for staining using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid‐Schiff‐haematoxylin (PAS‐H). The stages of seminiferous tubules were examined using a tubular morphology method while spermatid development was observed based on the acrosome formation during spermatid development. Eight stages (stages I to VIII) of SE were found in the testicular seminiferous tubules of Aceh bull. Furthermore, the percentage of the relative frequency of each stage was 25.48, 15.38, 12.92, 4.74, 14.97, 10.69, 10.74, and 5.08%, respectively, with the relative frequency of premeiotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic phases being 53.78, 4.74, and 41.48%, respectively. Spermatid development from round to elongated spermatids occurred in 14 steps. Steps 1 to 7 were observed in stage I, steps 8 and 9 in stage II, steps 10 and 11 in stage III, step 12 in stage IV, step 13 in stages V and VI, and step 14 in stages VII and VIII. These findings can be used as a basis for further studies, particularly in evaluating the abnormality of the cellular composition of the seminiferous tubule in each stage of spermatogenesis and also in determining daily sperm production in Aceh bull.
The Leading Transplantation Journals: A Trend Analysis, 2011–2021
Authors: Rawashdeh Badi , Alryalat Saif Aldeen , Kim Joohyun , Eriksen Calvin , Abu Assi Mohammad , Prasad Raj , Cooper Matthew
Published: September 2023

Background. As the field of transplantation has expanded, so have the quantity and variety of articles published on the topic. Evaluation of publications and journals is crucial to the expansion of transplant research. This study investigated the research output and journal metrics of the leading solid organ transplant journals published between 2011 and 2021 based on estimations of the trends in the category CiteScore from the Scopus database. Materials and Methods. We obtained data on the listed journals from the Scopus Source List. We then filtered the list for “Transplantation” journals. Only the top quartiles or quartile 1 (Q1) journals were placed in this category. This study focused specifically on transplantation journals and did not include other journals related to diseases of transplanted organs such as the kidney, liver, heart, and lungs. Results. The number of transplantation journals increased by 42.8% in the last ten years, from 28 in 2011 to 40 in 2021. Between 2011 and 2021, nine transplantation journals ranked in the highest quartile (Q1). The American Journal of Transplantation was the top journal in both years, with a 150% increase in citations and an 11.2% increase in articles published. Open access (OA) transplant journals rose from 3 in 2011 to 10 in 2021. In 2021, OA journals earned 8,555 citations, a 125% increase from 2011. Despite this increase, non-OA journals received more citations than OA in 2021 (

p

value 0.026). Conclusion. Solid organ transplantation advances lead to more publications and citations. Regular journals and publications evaluation benefits academics and policymakers by promoting the growth of research. This study examined solid organ transplantation journals and gave a global perspective on transplant journal rankings and compared their status in 2011 and 2021.
Separation of Spherical Nanosilica from Agricultural Wastes in Vietnam via Ultrasonic-Assisted Precipitation and Application for Effective Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Duc Vu Quyen Nguyen , Ngoc Tuyen Tran , Quang Khieu Dinh , Van Minh Hai Ho , Xuan Tin Dang , Thi Hoang Diem Bui , Van Thanh Son Le , Thi Kieu Diem Nguyen , Thi Nguyet Le , Thi Thuy Bui , Thi Thuy Dung Ho
Published: September 2023

Agricultural wastes including bagasse and rice husk ashes are employed for synthesizing spherical nanosilica materials via the ultrasonic-assisted precipitation process in the present study. The comparison between them and nanosilica prepared from pure sodium silicate is also carried out. The role of the NH4OH : ethanol volume ratio is demonstrated. The obtained nanosilica is characterized by modern methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET). The nanosilica material is employed as an effective adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. The suitable pH and adsorbent dosage are determined at 8 and 0.375 g·L−1. The adsorption isotherm study is surveyed based on Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Weber–Morris intraparticle diffusion model well describe the chemical nature of the adsorption. The thermodynamic parameters of the reaction are determined based on the Van’t Hoff equation.
Latest Concepts in Endodontic Management of Pregnant Patients
Authors: Kuzekanani Maryam
Published: September 2023

Pregnant patients and how to manage their treatments is one of the most important challenges in endodontic practice. Endodontic treatment on pregnant women is sometimes an emergency condition to control toothache due to irreversible pulpitis and odontogenic infection. Tooth decay, oral health, local and general anesthesia, analgesics, antibiotic prescription, drug interactions, and X-ray radiation are the most important considerations that may impact treatment planning and endodontic practice in pregnancy. The aim of this article is to notify and explain the latest concepts in the endodontic management of pregnant patients.
The Quality of Life of Seniors with Eye Diseases during COVID‐19
Authors: Yu Brian Edward , Ali Shehzad , Jang Hyunsoo , So Samantha , Huang Michael , Hutnik Cindy , Malvankar-Mehta Monali
Published: September 2023

Purpose. To assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), vision‐related quality of life (VRQoL), depression and anxiety symptoms, and social support and community integration of seniors with eye diseases and to identify important predictor variables of the outcomes. Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was performed in seniors with eye diseases (n = 90). Demographic characteristics and questionnaire scores were summarized. Linear regression analysis with backward stepwise selection was used to predict the value of the outcomes of eye disease. Results. Preference‐based HRQoL of the study patients with eye diseases during the pandemic was likely good with a mean utility value of 0.88. VRQoL and sleep quality appeared to be good as well. Depression and anxiety symptoms appeared to be low, while community integration and social support were moderate. Furthermore, the presence of retinal disease, number of nonocular comorbidities, and education appeared to have significant negative effects on social support and community integration. The presence of retinal disease and the number of nonocular comorbidities both appeared to negatively impact VRQoL. The use of a mobility aid appeared to negatively affect depressive symptoms and sleep quality. Conclusions. Overall quality of life and wellness among seniors with eye diseases appeared to be good during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, the presence of retinal disease and the number of nonocular comorbidities both appeared to negatively impact VRQoL and social support and community integration. Education appeared to impact social support and community integration negatively. The use of a mobility aid appeared to negatively affect depressive symptoms and sleep quality.
Challenges in Evaluating Quality of the Serbian Traditional Dairy Product Kajmak
Authors: Aleksic Biljana , Djekic Ilija , Smigic Nada , Miloradovic Zorana , Tomic Nikola , Miocinovic Jelena
Published: September 2023

Kajmak, a traditional Serbian dairy product, is a top, crust layer of milk containing a high amount of aggregated milk fat and proteins, formed during long cooling of boiled milk. Due to variations in production technologies, environmental conditions, and the composition of raw milk which varies from region to region, the quality of kajmak produced traditionally in households is very inconsistent. Attempts to produce kajmak in the industry environment (dairy plants) turned out to be highly challenging in terms of achieving a uniform quality and safety of the product. In order to have a deeper insight into the quality of kajmak produced by the traditional manufacture and the industry, the main objective of the study was to investigate sensorial, physicochemical, and textural properties of kajmak produced in households and dairy plants and distributed through open markets and retail stores, respectively. A total of 36 samples of kajmak were analyzed for thirteen quality characteristics. The results obtained showed a high variability in kajmak quality. The study applied a mathematical calculation of a single total quality index (TQI) that makes all quality attributes comparable. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that kajmak produced in households had a better TQI, which leads to the conclusion that in terms of kajmak quality, the traditional production method is still superior to the industrial one. The correlation between the examined quality characteristics was investigated using Pearson’s bivariate correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). By applying PCA, four principal components highlighting the most important quality characteristics were extracted. The results of the study suggest that further research on the quality of this valuable dairy product, as well as government support and investment in the small scale dairy sector, could be beneficial.
Alitretinoin as a Treatment Modality for Ichthyosis in Women of Childbearing Age: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Clabbers Julia , van Oosten Noor van , Bolling Marieke , Vreeburg Maaike , van Geel Michel , Steijlen Peter , Gostynski Antoni
Published: September 2023

Background: Acitretin, a synthetic vitamin A derivative, is the most studied and widely used oral retinoid for ichthyoses. Its major disadvantage is the need for contraceptive measures during 3 years after discontinuation. An alternative is needed for women of childbearing age. With alitretinoin, another retinoid, pregnancy is considered safe 1 month after discontinuation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide evidence for alitretinoin as an alternative for acitretin for ichthyosis in women of childbearing age. Our experience is shared in a case series combined with an overview of the current literature. Methods: Nine women of childbearing age (19–31 years, median 21) with different subtypes of ichthyosis (autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, (superficial) epidermolytic ichthyosis, erythrokeratoderma variabilis, and epidermolytic epidermal nevi, a mosaic form of epidermolytic ichthyosis) were included and treated with 30 mg alitretinoin during 2–28 months. Severity was measured by Ichthyosis Area Severity Index (IASI) and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA). A literature search in Pubmed using the Mesh terms “alitretinoin,” “skin diseases, genetic” and “ichthyosis” was performed. Results: Significant reduction in the mean scores of IGA, IASI-erythema, IASI-scaling, and IASI-total was seen. Seven patients are still being treated, 1 patient stopped to become pregnant, 1 patient discontinued due to financial reasons. Observed side effects were reversible headache (n = 6), asteatotic eczema (n = 1), “not feeling well” temporarily (n = 1), and easier blistering of the feet (n = 1). The literature search resulted in six case reports and case series about alitretinoin in ichthyosis and ichthyosis syndromes with in total 29 patients. The vast majority of articles (21/29) reported significant improvement or even complete remission of skin symptoms. However, validated outcome measures to support these results were lacking. Side effects (n = 16) were relatively mild, except for benign intracranial hypertension (n = 1) and autoimmune hypothyroidism (n = 1). Conclusion: Our study shows, with validated outcome measures, that alitretinoin is effective to mitigate the symptoms of ichthyosis in women of childbearing age and a suitable alternative to acitretin.
A tracking control design for a DC motor using robust sliding mode learning control
Authors: Hadi Abdal-Razak Shehab , Alamili Adnan , Abbas Sajjad
Published: September 2023

The proposed robust sliding mode learning control (RSMLC) is a new control
approach that uses immediate feedback from the closed-loop system to improve tracking performance. A recursive learning technique is integrated with the sliding mode controller to ensure that the tracking error and sliding variables asymptotically converge to zero, which can be guaranteed within the framework of the proposed control approach. Moreover, the proposed controller design does not require system uncertainty and its upper limits. Thus, these benefits can be significantly simplified and mitigated by the design and implementation of RSMLC for DC motor applications. In comparison with conventional sliding mode control (CSMC), the RSMLC structure does not contain an explicit switching element, so the chattering phenomenon will be eliminated. Meanwhile, it will preserve the CSMC’s durability feature. Based on Lyapunov criteria, the stability and convergence analysis of the proposed controller were rigorously proved. Additionally, CSMC and SMLC controllers have been shown to outperform proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers in systems with nonlinear dynamics, high-order systems, or uncertainties. Finally, simulation studies of the DC
motor system were carried out under the proposed controller. In contrast, the CSMC simulation results are also presented for comparison purposes and to verify the validity and effectiveness of the proposed RSMLC via CSMC and PID controllers.
Controlling the significance of BLDC motor internal faults using dual examine algorithm in electric vehicle applications
Authors: Gaurav Gaurav , Nakka Jayaram , Obulesu Dakka , Arandhakar Sairaj
Published: September 2023

This paper presents dual examine algorithm (DEA) to reduce residual error as well as to provide accurate phase currents without any distortion for a closed loop brushless direct current (BLDC) motor of an electric vehicle (EV). The underlying technology of DEA is a hybrid of the tabu search optimization (TSO) method and the genetic algorithm (GA). During closed loop operation of BLDC motor residual error is introduced by the discrepancy between the actual and reference speed, and the phase current distortion lowers the efficiency of the machine as a result machine performance is degraded. To address these issues, GA algorithm calculates the necessary parameters for the controller to produce precise current without distortion based on stator phase currents, and the suggested TSO algorithm limits the repeated operations in the PID controller to reduce the residual error to the greatest degree feasible. After primary examining, dual examine process initiate the transposing operation such as TSO is used to prove and calculate the phase current controller parameters, and GA is used to correct for remaining inaccuracy. To validate the proposed DEA algorithm is compared with advanced particle swarm optimization (APSO). The results verified the superiority of proposed DEA algorithm using MATLAB/Simulink platform.
Determination of performance characteristics using FEA-analytical for outer rotor BLDC motor
Authors: Kamaroszaman Saharudin , Othman Raja Nor Firdaus Kashfi Raja , Karim Kasrul Abdul , Ahmad Suhairi Rizuan Che , Tashiro Kunihisa
Published: September 2023

This paper presents an analytical approach to determine the performance characteristics of an outer rotor Brushless DC (BLDC) motor using finite element analysis (FEA). An accurate performance characteristic is a crucial deliverable during the early motor design process in order to minimize the cost of change while delivering a feasible design to the application. There are several popular methods to determine motor performance, including template-based software as well as FEA. However, these two methods have limitations in terms of geometry and time. Therefore, this paper proposes that the limitations can be addressed by using a combination of FEA and mathematical equations. First, the optimum motor design is determined using an FEA analytical approach. Second, the torque constant KT, is derived from the FEA results and followed by performance curve generation using the mathematical equation of speed, current, and output power in terms of torque function. Finally, the outcome results are verified against the motor requirements, including an assessment of maximum speed, stall current, and maximum output power. In conclusion, this research introduces a methodology for determining full curve motor performance prior to prototype fabrication. The leverage benefit could be gained through robust design and low-cost development.
A new brushless DC motor driving resonant pole inverter optimized for batteries
Authors: Rao Kambhampati Venkata Govardhan , Kumar Malligunta Kiran , Goud Srikanth B. , Devi Tellapati Anuradha , Rao Gundala Srinivasa , Giriprasad Ambati , Prashanth ISNVR , Kalyani Thalanki Venkata Sai
Published: September 2023

The brushless DC motor (BLDC) has gained significant popularity in industrial settings due to its notable attributes such as low inertia, rapid response, high power density, exceptional dependability, and reputation for being conservation-free. Typically, these are equipped by a tight-switching PWM inverter, which results in significant switching losses. Consequently, the dissipation of switching loss necessitates the use of sizable heat sinks, resulting in an increase in both the physical dimensions and mass of the drive system. Numerous researchers have developed soft switching inverters with the aim of minimizing switching losses. The utilization of a soft-switching circuit may give rise to additional issues, including heightened voltage stress, incomplete pulse width modulation control, and intricate control scheme or implementation. The present study introduces a basic soft switch inverter design that is suitable for employment in BLDC drive systems powered by batteries. The inverter exhibits low loss for power switching and voltage stress is less on the main switches, while also featuring a straightforward control scheme that is easily implementable. Upon conducting analytical analysis, simulation results were presented by evaluating the theoretical analysis.
Advanced dynamic stability system developed for nonlinear load
Authors: Abderrazak Tadjeddine Ali , Ilyas Bendjillali Ridha , Sofiane Bendelhoum Mohammed , Hichem Hamiani , Iliace Arbaoui
Published: September 2023

The conventional production of electrical energy gives rise to environmental problems and involves high production costs. To cope with the increasing demand for electrical loads and to optimize power transmission on the grid, it is imperative to shift towards renewable energies and their hybrid utilization. This planning study assesses the impact of fluctuating electric loads on bus voltages and frequency, with the objective of distributing energy in a more efficient and dynamic manner. Moreover, we delve into the implementation of artificial intelligence (IAPS) to curtail operations, minimize losses (GED), optimize production plans (EMSO), and synchronize decentralized multi-machine power systems (MMSA). Our study scrutinizes power dispatching on dynamic models of purely consuming loads, which are subject to dynamic constraints, by utilizing educational software that encompasses 13 cycles for 24 hours of frequency studies for multisource production in a standardized electrical system (EPSS). The control outcomes obtained through validation on an IEEE30 bus network display a resilient model for planned productions.
Comparative analysis on power quality improvement in autonomous micro grids using PSO, HHO and hybrid controller
Authors: Mohammad Karimulla Syed , Kumar Ch. Ravi
Published: September 2023

RES based DG’s are effectively used in DS due to government initiations and benefits. These are also support customer power demands in DS. However, few problems are facing in operation DG’s with existing DS, like parallel operation, islanding detection and majorly power quality problems due go harmonics. In this paper a hybrid control technique proposed to improve the power quality and conversion efficiency. A test case of single phase 3.5 kW PV system based autonomous micro grid is considered. PSO and HHO optimal control strategies are implemented under standard test case and variable test cases. In all the cases Vmpv (V), Impv (A), Vrms (V), Irms (A), Ppv (W), Pg (W), Efficiency (%), THD (%), Inverter Losses (%) are evaluated. In all the cases HHO optimal control strategy for autonomous microgrid exhibits the best performance in comparison with PSO optimal control strategy. The inverter efficiency is improved, inverter losses are reduced and the THD is improved.
Design of a linearized 4-H-bridge STATCOM for load balancing purposes
Authors: Obais Abdulkareem Mokif , Mukheef Ali Abdulkareem
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a 4-H-bridge STATCOM (4-HB STATCOM) is introduced. Four H-bridges are cascaded to build the proposed STATCOM. Cascading the H-bridges makes it possible to operate the devised STATCOM on high voltage levels with less voltage harmonic association. The proposed STATCOM is equipped with an adaptive current controller and a voltage balancing technique for its DC capacitor voltages. The adopted controlling strategy makes the STATCOM respond continuously and linearly to current demand in both inductive and capacitive operational modes without noticeable association of harmonics. The DC capacitor of each H-bridge is shunted by a second harmonic filter to stabilize its voltage. The proposed STATCOM does not require initial charging of its DC capacitors because it is provided with a utilized technique for charging them rapidly by disabling the STATCOM carrier for a certain period sufficient to build up the required level of DC voltages. In this work, the proposed STATCOM is designed to operate on 11 kV AC voltage as a continuously and linearly controlled compensating susceptance. It can deservingly be employed in load balancing systems for achieving big amount of energy savings in power generation and big reduction in transmission losses.