bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding Treatment Based on Palm Oil Byproduct and Supplementation to Support Reproduction Performance of Bull
Authors: Ratnawati Dian , Aryogi Aryogi
Published: March 2023

Palm oil waste (by product)can be used as a potential feed for livestock. Nevertheless, the study research of the effect of Palm oil waste (by product) as a feed to the bull performance was limited. The purpose of this research is to get technology to improve semen quality through improving protein of  feed based on palm oil waste (byproducts). This research was conducted in PTPN 6 Jambi and  used 30 bulls that separated into 3 treatments, treatment I (feed protein 12% and suplementation), treatment II (feed protein 12%) and treatment III (existing feed, feed protein 10%). Parameter were measured i.e feed consumption, libido, sperm motility, mass movement, sperm concentration, sperm abnormality, volume, pH, consistency, colour, body condition score and average daily gain. Design of this research was completely randomized design. Data was analyzed use ANOVA. The result showed that there is no significantly different on semen quality between treatmens. Semen quality of three treatments were appropriate to standart of quality semen of bull (sperm abnormality <20%, sperm motility >50% and sperm concentration >500 million/ml). Based on this consideration, feed with protein level 10% more efficient because it needs less cost but results a good semen quality. The conclusion of this research is protein level 10% can supporting performance reproduction of bull.
Adsorption of Rhodamine B on Spherical Activated Carbon synthesized from Waste Bagasse Liquid using Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Sulaeman Uyi , Ulumuddin Baynuri Ikhya , Andreas Roy , Irmanto Irmanto , Iswanto Ponco
Published: March 2023

The dyes of the textile dyeing industry wastewater are harmful to humans and the environment. They should be treated before discharging into the environment. The adsorption using the spherical activated carbon can be effective to reduce the dyes. The spherical activated carbon of 3-7 µm in diameter was successfully prepared from the waste bagasse liquid using the hydrothermal method. The activation of this carbon was carried out using the KOH solution. The optimum pH and contact time were achieved in 2 and 200 min, respectively. Adsorption kinetic for RhB on activated spherical carbon follows the second-order kinetics and its adsorption mechanism follows the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of spherical activated carbon to Rhodamine B was achieved in 64.52 mg/g.
Chemical Profiling and Histamine Inhibitory Activity Assessment of Merremia Vitifolia and Bidens Pilosa Extracts
Authors: Tahya Candra Yulius , Karnelasatri Karnelasatri , Gaspersz Nelson
Published: March 2023

There are two species of plant that grow flourishing all around Indonesia including in Banten and West Java which are Merremia vitifolia and Bidens pilosa. In this study we evaluate how these plants could be potentially used as natural preserver of fish product especially Auxis thazard, to inhibit the histamine formation, and to find out how this activity correlates to the substances in polar extract of B. pilosa flowers and M. vitifolia leaves. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to identify the substances of the plant’s part extracts. There are 27 chemicals in M. vitifolia extract and 14 chemicals in B. pilosa extract that have been detected. A triglyceride has been detected, isolated, and characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR from n-hexane extract of M. vitifolia supported by LC-MS/MS data. Histamine formation in fish was determined after 30 min treatment with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid solution is around 40 – 51 mg / 100 g of fish, while treatment with M. vitifolia and Bidens pilosa extracts were less than 10 mg / 100 g of fish. This is the indication of high potential of both extract as preserver of fish products. Many of the identified substances have bioactivity like antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and more, which influence the extracts’ ability to inhibit the formation of histamine in fish.
Does Artificial Intelligence help Journalists: A Boon or Bane?
Authors: Dhiman Bharat
Published: March 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in our day-to-day life. AI for journalism is a reality. Just like other vital aspects of our life, AI has also entered the world of journalism. Many reputed news organizations have adopted AI in journalism to perform various newsroom tasks. In today’s digital world, several technologies are powering journalism. One such technology that is transforming the journalism field is artificial intelligence. Accuracy is a core value of journalism. With AI and machine learning systems, there’s a statistical element of uncertainty which means it’s impossible to guarantee 100 percent accuracy. AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Bing chatbot, and Google’s Bard have been subject to debate now. AI tools have the potential to assist in a variety of tasks, such as scraping PDF files, writing code, and translating languages. AI can be a helpful tool for journalism students and media researchers. A main concern among computational journalists is that AI sometimes hallucinates data. This review paper highlights how artificial intelligence can help journalists.
IN QUEST FOR INDIVIDUAL-COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP IN CONTEMPORARY AGE: LESSONS FROM AFRICAN (YORUBA) THOUGHT SYSTEM
Authors: AİNA Adebayo
Published: March 2023

The contemporary African society is infiltrated with the consequences of post-independence cultures of individualism: terrorism, corruption, climate change, unstable and irresponsible government, poverty, greediness, etc. This has adversely affected the cherished African communal existence from her social through political to religious values. As a result of this, there is an urgent need to addressing these anomalies in African society through a genuine alignment between the individual and the community as embedded in Yoruba thought system. This study employed both the expository and analytical approaches in philosophy. These will undoubtedly promote and revamp, in Africa again, the spirit of individual initiatives within the framework of the communal structure without suppressing one for the other. This balancing strategy is basic towards achievement of human personality formation, reformation and development in Africa continent today.
Strategies to improve entrepreneurship skills of youth considering the business and industry effects
Authors:   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Hardiyanto Wawan , Hatimah Ihat ,   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Wahyudin Uyu ,   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Saepudin Asep ,   Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Nurajizah  ,   STEBI Global Mulia Cikarang
Published: March 2023

Education-industry collaboration is a win-win learning and business strategy. Collaborative methods used include entrepreneurial internships and educational factory learning. The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of the school-business partnership model through training and work-based learning. This type of research is structured as descriptive quantitative research. This is a data collection method using a questionnaire-style survey tool distributed to respondents with a total sample of 110 students. The findings show that, as educational institutions, schools should be able to produce graduates with skills that meet the needs of business and industry. Schools must be able to make their curricula viable, sustainable and industry relevant. The data results show that there is a positive and significant influence on improving entrepreneurship skills through entrepreneurship internship and teaching factory learning.
The Azas Ice Sheet and Its Role in the Formation of Late Pleistocene Ice-Dammed Lakes in Southern Siberia: Case Study of Upper Kharal Paleolake
Authors: Novikov I.S. , Nazarov D.V. , Mikharevich M.V. , Gladysheva A.S. , Ruchkin M.V. , Prudnikov S.G.
Published: March 2023

—The paper focuses on the surface topography and deposits associated with the Late Pleistocene ice-dammed lake in the valley of the Kharal River dammed by the Azas ice sheet in a depression between the East Sayan and Akademik Obruchev Range. The study includes paleogeographic reconstructions for the time spans before the lake formation and drainage; reconstruction of vegetation in the lake area based on pollen and paleocarpological data; and dating by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and 40Ar/39Ar methods. The OSL and Ar–Ar dates provide more rigorous constraints on the history of deposition and topography in the western Serligkhem Basin. The territory was affected by erosion and subsequent basaltic volcanism at 6.9 ± 0.7 and 2.2 ± 0.7 Ma. The erosion valleys were dammed by the edge of an ice sheet and then by its moraine, which produced large Upper Kharal damlake. According to OSL data, the lake existed between 36 ± 4 and 14 ± 3 ka BP. The related glacial, glaciolimnic, and glaciofluvial facies in the area were deposited at the end of the Late Pleistocene (stages III and IV of regional stratigraphy).
Novel decellularization method to generate cell-free extracellular matrices from three-dimensional human gingival fibroblast cultures
Authors: Ramalingam Rajesvaran , Häkkinen Lari
Published: March 2023

Tissue and cell type-specific cell-free extracellular matrices generated by various decellularization protocols can be important tools to study cell interactions with their distinct extracellular niche. Our recent findings have shown that the widely used NH4OH/Triton X-100/DNase decellularization method is not able to completely remove cytoskeletal proteins from long-term three-dimensional human gingival fibroblast cultures. Therefore, we developed a novel decellularization protocol that involves sequential incubation of the cultures with latrunculin B, an actin destabilizing agent, deoxycholate, a mild detergent, and DNase. This protocol efficiently removes cytoskeletal proteins, including actin and beta-tubulin, and DNA from the cultures, which could interfere with the cell-matrix interactions of cells seeded on the decellularized matrices.
The correlation between serum APN, Cystatin C and MMP-9 levels and disease severity and prognosis in patients with hypertension during pregnancy: a case control study
Authors: Deng Hui , Zhang Xiao-Xia , Li Hang , Jiang Da-Yong
Published: March 2023

Objective
To explore the relationship between serum APN, Cystatin C and MMP-9 levels in patients with hypertension during pregnancy and the severity and prognosis of the disease.
Methods
A total of 75 cases of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP) patients who were admitted to the hospital from February 5, 2016 to May 9, 2017, were selected as the study group, and 70 healthy pregnant women who were in the same gestational week were selected as the control group. The serum APN, MMP-9 and Cys C levels of pregnant women and HDCP patients with different disease severity were compared between the two groups, and the receiver characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze its diagnostic value. The serum APN, MMP-9 and Cys C levels of HDCP patients with different prognosis were compared, and the factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed by Logistic regression.
Results
The serum MMP-9 and Cys C levels of pregnant women in the study group were significantly increased, and the APN level was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Serum MMP-9 and Cys C levels in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, mild preeclampsia, and severe preeclampsia gradually increased (r = 0.768, 0.766; P < 0.001), and APN levels gradually decreased (r=-0.748, P < 0.001). In the diagnosis of patients with HDCP, the sensitivity, specificity and AUC of APN single diagnosis were 70.00%, 82.67% and 9.848 respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of MMP-9 single diagnosis were 82.86%, 74.67% and 298.300 respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of Cys C single diagnosis were 80.00%, 74.67% and 1.301 respectively.There were significant differences in age, BMI, parity, dysthymia, disease severity, APN, MMP-9 and Cys between patients with poor prognosis of HDCP and patients with good prognosis of HDCP (P < 0.001).The patient's age, BMI, disease severity, APN, MMP-9 and Cys Cwere all related to HDCP. They were related risk factors of HDCP (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Serum MMP-9 and Cys C levels in HDCP patients are significantly increased, and APN levels are significantly reduced. The three may be involved in the occurrence and development of HDCP, and may become potential serum biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.
Early Ductal Shunting Patterns in Neonates with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Predict Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Hanna Morcos , Furtun Betul Yilmaz , Gopal Srirupa Hari , Hagan Joseph , Hammond James , II Oluyinka Olutoye , Fernandes Caraciolo , Keswani Sundeep , Gowda Sharada
Published: March 2023

Objective
We sought to compare the clinical outcomes in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who have continuous right-to-left versus intermittent or no right-to-left shunting across the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Methods
Retrospective study of 125 patients with CDH was done. Clinical outcomes were compared based on Doppler flow patterns through the PDA on initial echocardiogram.
Results
A total of 93 patients were included. Newborns with continuous right-to-left flow (N = 20) had a significantly increased risk of mortality (35% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.047), need for ECMO (80% vs. 33%; P < 0.001), number of pulmonary hypertension therapies (median 2.5 vs. 1; P < 0.001), and respiratory support. There was no difference in total length of stay or qualitative ventricular function. There was a significantly higher proportion of males among infants with continuous right-to-left ductal flow (P = 0.028).
Conclusion
Continuous right-to-left shunting across the PDA in neonates with CDH is associated with increased mortality and worse clinical outcomes.
Effects of double balloon and dinoprostone induction of labour and factors affecting vaginal delivery in primipara: An analysis of large, single-center clinical data
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Gao Yang , Zhang Bin , Zhou Linlin , Peng Yuwan , Chen Xianxia
Published: March 2023

Objective: To compare the effects of double balloon (DB) and dinoprostone induction of labor (IOL) and identify relevant factors affecting vaginal delivery in primipara with a cervical bishop score <6.
Methods: A total of 636 eligible primiparas with a cervical bishop score <6 were recruited for retrospective case-control analysis,who were divided into two groups, including double balloon group (DBG) (n=474) and dinoprostone group (DG) (n=162), and the basic clinical data of the two groups were collected for comparison. If labour is not progressing or there are no effective contractions, oxytocin is used after intervention. Univariate and multivariate models were used to assess factors influencing vaginal delivery (VD) and VD within 24 hours.
Results: The rates of uterine hyperstimulation and deciding to caesarean section (CS) after IOL within 12 hours were higher in DG (p<0.001,p=0.022,respectively), and the rates of duration of labor within 12 hours and emergency delivery DG had a higher rate of duration of labor within 12 hours were higher in DG (both p<0.001).However,oxytocin augmentation was significantly higer in DBG (p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis shows that bishop Score (p<0.001, OR=5.119, 95%CI 2.539-10.320), birth weight (P<0.001, OR=0.994, 95%CI 0.992-0.996), and obstetric analgesia (P=0.002, OR=5.402, 95%CI 1.816-16.068) were risk factors for VD.Moreover,bishop Score (p=0.024, OR=1.718, 95%CI 1.075-2.748),obstetric analgesia (P=0.013, OR=3.072, 95%CI 1.270-7.413),oxytocin augmentation (p=0.026, OR=0.382, 95%CI 0.164-0.892) were independent influencing factors for VD within 24 hours.
Conclusion: The effect of IOLwithin 24 hours was equivalent between DBG and DG. DBG appears to bea little more superior when considering the complication of IOL, but oxytocin augmentation should also be considered. Bishop Score,obstetric analgesia and oxytocin augmentation were independent influencing factors for VD within 24 hours.
METTL3 modulates autophagy by targeting TFEB in myocardial hypertrophy
Authors: Xie Yanan , Jiao Wei , Kang Shao-Wei , Hao Jie , Liu Jin-Ming , Li Yong-jun
Published: March 2023

Pathological myocardial hypertrophy is not only the central link of cardiac remodeling, but also an independent risk factor for heart failure. It has been shown that autophagy is closely related to myocardial hypertrophy. The m6A modification element (METTL3 and ALKBH5) interact with TFEB and controls autophagy. The major focus of this study was to find how m6A modification and TFEB mediate autophagy in myocardial hypertrophy progression. Here, we show that down-regulation of TFEB expression, impaired autophagy and increased apoptosis in pathological myocardial hypertrophy. There were differences in the methylation level of m6A and the expression of METTL3, ALKBH5 and HNRNPD in pathological myocardial hypertrophy. Increased expression of METTL3 affects the expression of TFEB in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes by regulating the binding of ALKBH5, HNRNPD and TFEB pre-mRNA. TFEB can reverse-regulate the expression of METTL3, ALKBH5 and HNRNPD in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. This study shows that in the pathological myocardial hypertrophy model, the increase of METTL3 level can inhibit the binding of ALKBH5 and TFEB pre-mRNA, thus promoting the binding of HNRNPD and TFEB pre-mRNA, which leads to the rapid degradation of TFEB mRNA, inhibiting the expression of TFEB, causing damage to the autophagy pathway of cardiac hypertrophic cells, and finally lead to myocardial injury.
Vibrations and energy distribution in inhomogeneous rods with elastic and viscous boundary conditions
Authors: Lelkes János , Bak Bendegúz Dezső , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás
Published: March 2023

A novel approach for solving the equations describing the longitudinalvibration of functionally graded rods with viscous and elastic boundaryconditions is proposed. The characteristic equation of the system is derivedand a homotopy method is applied to compute the eigenvalues and mode shapesfor any type of boundary condition, including fixed, free, elastic and/orviscous. Examples are provided for different graded rods with elastic andviscous boundary conditions. The optimal damping of the system is computedbased on the spectral abscissa criterion. It is shown that the qualitativebehavior depends on whether the damping of the system exceeds the optimaldamping. The energy density distribution of the different graded rods is alsodiscussed. An energy measure, the mean scaled energy density distribution isintroduced to characterize the energy distribution along the rod in theasymptotic time limit. It is shown that the energy distribution alsoqualitatively depends on the relation between the actual damping and theoptimal damping of the system.
WITHDRAWN: Climate change, the Arab Spring, and COVID-19 impacts on landcover transformations in the Levant
Authors: Kempf Michael
Published: March 2023

The Levant is a climatically sensitive region that suffers from prolonged heat waves contributing to societal crisis and massive population displacements1–3. At least since 2010 and the so-called Arab Spring, the region has experienced recurring socio-political turmoil and the Syrian civil war, which amplified the economic and ecologic pressure on the neighbouring countries4. Particularly in Jordan, the strong population growth in addition to the immigration of hundreds of thousands Syrian refugees has led to massive changes in land-use and built-up infrastructure, resulting in an over-exploitation of the landscape through irrigated crop plantations and unregulated construction activities5. Climate change and water shortages are now threatening food and water security6. A multicomponent trend analysis from climate variables, satellite imagery, and landcover datasets shows the strong increase in building activity over the past decades and emphasizes the interconnection of climate change prediction models and current socio-political development in the Levant. Groundwater exploitation for crop production in arid regions will further enhance the pressure on the local ecological functionalities and risks severe and irreversible land degradation.
Design, development and optimization of itopride hydrochloride loaded floating pellets by spheronization after compression method: In vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Dass Rameshwar , Verma Ravinder , Kaushik Deepak , Verma Vikas , Bhatia Meenakshi
Published: March 2023

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common disorder with a considerably high global prevalence. It is known to manifest with wide range of symptoms. Prokinetic drugs are commonly recommended in treating gastric reflux in addition to antacids and antisecretory drugs. Itopride, a prokinetic agent, has found to improve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It acts as D2 antagonist and acetylcholine esterase inhibitor. Objective This research aimed to develop a gastro retentive system using a dual approach of floating and mucoadhesion.The retention of the formulation was estimated byin vitrofloating time andin vivopharmacokinetic study. Methodology: Different batches of pellets were prepared using ethylcellulose, Eudragit S100 and Carbopol 934 with Itopride hydrochloride by compression and spheronization method. Central composite design (32) was applied to find the effect of independent variables (concentration of Eudragit S100 and ethylcellulose), on dependent variables (floating time and percent drug release).In vivogastric retention and bioavailability were done on rabbits for optimized pellets formulation. Results All developed formulations passed general evaluations test for pellets (P1-P13). The optimized pellets resulted in thein vitropercent itopride hydrochloride release (97.84%) and (9.3hrs) floating time.In vivoresidence was nearly 8hrs and bioavailability was 52.87 ± 0.15 µg/mL/h. Besides, pellets have showed the drug release by sustained action for 12hrs. Conclusion The experimental design of pellets formulation concluded that mucoadhesion with floating approach was suitable for gastric retention and sustained the release of the drug. So, this approach might be useful in controlling the reflux of stomachal fluid.
A model and analysis of intermixed 980 nm InGaAs/GaAsP MQW VCSEL
Authors: Khreis O M
Published: March 2023

Inter-mixing in a hypothetical InGaAs/GaAsP multi-quantum vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) designed for emission at 980 nm has been mathematically modeled and analyzed. The solution to the diffusion equation using a combined superposition of the error-function describing the disordering process for the whole VCSEL structure has been applied. The simulation results showed no significant change in the reflectivity of the VCSEL top and bottom distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) at diffusion lengths of up to 10 nm. However, the results revealed that the VCSEL DBRs mirror loss have been more than doubled at the same diffusion length. The VCSEL effective cavity length has been shown to significantly increase by 200 nm for a diffusion length of 10 nm as compared to that of the as-grown VCSEL. The VCSEL active region relative confinement factor has been shown to appreciably decrease as a function of diffusion length. The VCSEL threshold current and external differential quantum efficiency have been derived as a function of diffusion length and were found to reliably describe the intermixing process in VCSELs. The model presented in this article could provide a mean to describe the compositional grading process in VCSELs and may reliably predict their various optical and electrical parameters.
Determinants of Green Smartphone Application Adoption for Sustainable Food Consumption Among University Students. A Combination of SEM and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Khoshtaria Tornike , Matin Arian , Todua Nugzar , Bareja-Wawryszuk Ola , Pajewski Tomasz , Todua Nia
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Do GPT Language Models Suffer From Split Personality Disorder? The Advent Of Substrate-Free Psychometrics
Authors: Romero Peter , Fitz Stephen , Nakatsuma Teruo
Published: March 2023

Previous research on emergence in large language models shows these display apparent human-like abilities and psychological latent traits.
However, results are partly contradicting in expression and magnitude of these latent traits, yet agree on the worrisome tendencies to score high on the Dark Triad of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, which, together with a track record of derailments, demands more rigorous research on safety of these models.
We provided a state of the art language model with the same personality questionnaire in nine languages, and performed Bayesian analysis of Gaussian Mixture Model, finding evidence for a deeper-rooted issue.
Our results suggest both interlingual and intralingual instabilities, which indicate that current language models do not develop a consistent core personality.
This can lead to unsafe behaviour of artificial intelligence systems that are based on these foundation models, and are increasingly integrated in human life.
We subsequently discuss the shortcomings of modern psychometrics, abstract it, and provide a framework for its species-neutral, substrate-free formulation.
Contribution to the percolation threshold study of Silicon Carbide filled polydimethylsiloxane composites used for field grading application
Authors: Metz Renaud , Merini Hocine , Reboul Jean-Michel , Bantignies Jean-Louis , Hassanzadeh Mehrdad
Published: March 2023

Nonlinear V-I characteristics of particulate composite prepared from dispersion of silicon carbide in a siloxane elastomer have been measured as a function of filler concentration up to the maximum allowable of about 32 vol.%. Two critical concentrations (percolation thresholds) are obtained at volume fractions of about 17 and 24 vol.% for low and high electric fields. These values are consistent with the critical concentrations predicted by the theory: 14 and 31 vol.% respectively and may come from edge and face contacts between SiC semi-conducting particles.
Diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi species associate with indigenous trees in a natural forest
Authors: Kebede Jemal Yimer , Pagano Marcela claudio , Beyene Belay Berza , Tuji Fassil Assefa
Published: March 2023

In terrestrial ecosystems, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-land plant symbiosis helps plant for nutrient uptake and, protection from abiotic and abiotic stresses. It is important to study the AMF-plant relationship to fully realize the potential to exploit for plant growth, maintenance and establishment in different ecosystem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the diversity, abundance and population densities of AMF and quantify root colonization of the indigenous trees in Munessa forest. To this end, composite fine roots and soil samples were collected from seven dominant indigenous trees within 10 m x10 m plots in the forest. AMF spores were extracted for taxonomic identification and AMF root colonization was determined. A total of 39 AMF morphotypes belonging to 7 genera were recovered. Of which,Glomuswas the most dominant genus followed byAcaulospora,Glomus rubiforme was the most dominant species followed byAcaulospora myriocarpa. The highest genus and species richness was recorded fromCroton macrostachyusandMillettia ferrugineain this study. Mean AMF spore density was significantly different (p < 0.05) among indigenous trees, ranging from 859.6 spores/100g of dry soil underAlbizia shimperianato2829.52 spores/100g of dry soil underPouteria adolfiifriedericii. The highest hyphal and vesicular colonizations were observed inMillettia ferruginea(71%) andCeltis Africana(36.37%) respectively.Albizia shimperianawas the least colonized tree by all AMF structures. AMF spore density was positively correlated with soil available phosphorus (p < 0.05). Extensive studies are required to select AMF for growth promotion and recruitment of tree seedlings for plantation and, restoration of forest vegetation and rehabilitation of degraded lands.
Archaeological sharks: Late Holocene changes in trophic ecology and habitat use of sharks in South Brazil
Authors: Mayer Guilherme Burg , Freitas Renato Hajenius Aché
Published: March 2023

Sharks are essential components of marine food webs, but their removal might simplify ecosystems and food webs. Comparing the isotopic niche of species between archaeological and modern communities can provide information to assess temporal changes in the ecological dynamics of communities. Here, stable isotope analysis was used to compare food web topology metrics between two shark guilds or communities, a late Holocene archaeological community (AC) dating from 724 − 542 years ago and a modern community (MC) trophic web, both from South Brazil. In the same line of comparison, we assess the trophic position of a top predator, Carcharias taurus. Results showed topological temporal differences such as higher trophic redundancy and higher patterns of niche overlap in the AC. Higher trophic redundancy could be expected in late Holocene food webs, as similar studies also observed these findings. In contrast, the MC showed dispersion of species throughout the isotopic space, thus higher niche partitioning and higher trophic diversity, suggesting changing ecological interaction dynamics. We found that Carcharias taurus has increased its trophic level, possibly due to a release from the intraspecific competition and a dietary shift towards larger prey items. We suggest that anthropic impacts, such as overfishing, may cause these differences in the trophic position of this species. We also advocate that this study method might help future trophic reconstructions using shark teeth, as information about past marine environments is scarce, and could serve as a baseline for future studies.
Clinicopathological features and prognostic analysis of Her-2-negative breast mucinous adenocarcinoma: A SEER database analysis
Authors: Liang Xi , Xu Qianshi , Wu Zhaozhen , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2023

Background
Breast mucinous adenocarcinoma is a group of malignant tumors of epithelial origin of the breast with a good prognosis; however, whether its treatment regimen should be consistent with that of non-specific types of breast cancer remains to be investigated.
Methods
In this study, the clinicopathological information, treatment modalities, and prognosis of 10,466 patients with mucinous adenocarcinoma of the breast from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were analyzed.
Results
After adjusting for other factors, radiotherapy showed a favorable benefit in most subgroups; although this may be associated with a higher proportion of breast-conserving surgery in early cases, chemotherapy did not show any benefit. In particular, estrogen receptor-negative subgroup patients who received chemotherapy had a poorer prognosis.
Conclusions
Although derived from retrospective studies, the results of these analyses revealed trends that may warrant further study.
Tetramethylpyrazine promotes remyelination by conversing M1 to M2 polarization of microglia via JAK2-STAT1/3 and GSK3-NFκB signaling pathways in ischemic stroke
Authors: Feng Xuefeng , Li Mingcong , Lin Ziyue , Lu Yun , Zhuang Yuming , Lei Jianfeng , Wang Lei , Zhao Hui
Published: March 2023

Ischemic stroke results in demyelination that underlies neurological disfunction.Promoting oligodendrogenesis will rescue the injured axons and accelerate remyelination after stroke. Microglia react to stroke and polarize to M1/M2 phenotypes. M1 microglia secrete proinflammatory factors to inhibit oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC)proliferation and differentiation, inversely, M2 microglia favor the remyelinating process. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been routinely used in treating cerebrovascular disorders, whereas the role of TMP-mediated microglial polarization on remyelination and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological evaluation were performed to characterize TMP’s efficacy on remyelinated axon preservation and oligodendrogenesis, particularly, TMP inhibited M1 and enhanced M2 polarization of microglia in cerebral ischemic rats. Moreover, we firstly demonstrated that TMP reversed M1/M2 phenotype via JAK2-STAT1/3 and GSK3-NFκB pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-stimulated BV2 microglia. Blocking the crucial target JAK2 will counteract TMP’s effect on mediating M2 polarization of microglia. This study uncovers that TMP’s facilitation on remyelination warrants promising targets for stroke therapy.
Risk Factors Analysis for Baseline Renal Function Impairment in Patients with Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction and Intermittent Abdominal Pain
Authors: Li Yi , Qu Yanchao , He Yuzhu , Zhang Weiping , Song Hongcheng
Published: March 2023

Objective
This study aimed to investigate whether ultrasound parameters during non-painful episodes could indicate impaired differential renal function (DRF) in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and intermittent abdominal pain.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of all cases of unilateral UPJO with intermittent abdominal pain undergoing their first pyeloplasty between March 2019 and October 2021. Clinical characteristics, such as gender, affected side, age at the first onset of pain, waiting time for pyeloplasty, age, and concurrent symptoms, were collected. Ultrasound examination (US) was used to measure the anteroposterior diameter (APD) and renal parenchyma thickness (PT) during intermittent pain episodes and dynamic renal scintigraphy (RDS) was used to assess DRF.
Results
This study investigated the characteristics and demographics of 109 patients with UPJO. Of the patients, 28.4% had baseline DRF less than 40%, and factors affecting baseline DRF were analyzed. Patients diagnosed with hydronephrosis before the onset of pain had a lower risk of DRF impairment compared to those diagnosed after the onset of pain (p = 0.021). Patients with impaired renal function had larger APD and thinner PT values on ultrasound (p = 0.002, p༜0.001). Abdominal pain accompanying symptoms were found to be associated with DRF impairment (p = 0.044). Multifactorial analysis identified that right UPJO, diagnosis of UPJO after pain onset, large APD, and thin PT were risk factors for baseline DRF damage in patients with intermittent abdominal pain (p༜0.05).
Conclusion
Patients with right-sided UPJO, UPJO diagnosed after a pain episode, and those with larger APD and thinner PT on ultrasound during pain-free intervals were more likely to have DRF impairment.
Vison Transformer Adapter-based Hyperbolic Embeddings for Multi-lesion Segmentation in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Wang Zijian , Lu Haimei , Yan Haixin , Kan Hongxing , Jin Li
Published: March 2023

Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of blindness worldwide.Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss, making accurateand timely diagnosis critical. Deep learning technology has shown promise in theautomated diagnosis of DR, and in particular, multi-lesion segmentation tasks. Inthis paper, we propose a novel Transformer-based model for DR segmentationthat incorporates hyperbolic embeddings and a spatial prior module.
Methods: Our model is primarily built on a traditional Vision Transformerencoder and further enhanced by incorporating a spatial prior module for imageconvolution and feature continuity, followed by feature interaction processingusing the spatial feature injector and extractor. Hyperbolic embeddings are usedto classify feature matrices from the model at the pixel level. We evaluated theproposed model’s performance on the publicly available datasets and compared itwith other widely used DR segmentation models. The results show that ourmodel outperforms these widely used DR segmentation models.
Results: The incorporation of hyperbolic embeddings and a spatial prior moduleinto the Vision Transformer-based model significantly improves the accuracy ofDR segmentation. The hyperbolic embeddings enable us to better capture theunderlying geometric structure of the feature matrices, which is important foraccurate segmentation. The spatial prior module improves the continuity of thefeatures and helps to better distinguish between lesions and normal tissues.Overall, our proposed model has potential for clinical use in automated DRdiagnosis, improving accuracy and speed of diagnosis.
Conclusions: Our study shows that the integration of hyperbolic embeddingsand a spatial prior module with a Vision Transformer-based model improves theperformance of DR segmentation models. Future research can explore theapplication of our model to other medical imaging tasks, as well as furtheroptimization and validation in real-world clinical settings.
Microbiota-dependent expression of CTLA-4 by innate lymphoid cells restrains IFNγ dependent colitis
Authors: Lo Jonathan , Schroeder Jan-Hendrik , Beattie Gordon , Roberts Luke , Cozzetto Domenico , Omer Omer , Ross Ellen , Heuts Frank , Jowett Geraldine , Read Emily , Liu Zhigang , Ibraheim Hajir , Seoane Rocio Castro , Mohamed Rami , Korcsmaros Tamas , Cope Andrew , Papa Sophie , Neves Joana , Walker Lucy , Jenner Richard , Powell Nick , Lord Graham
Published: March 2023

The maintenance of intestinal homeostasis is a fundamental process critical for organismal integrity. Sitting at the interface of the gut microbiome and mucosal immunity, adaptive and innate lymphoid populations regulate the balance between commensal micro-organisms and pathogens. Checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), particularly those targeting the CTLA-4 pathway, disrupt this fine balance and can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immune checkpoint colitis (CPI-C). Here, we show that CTLA-4 is expressed by innate lymphoid cells (ILC) and that its expression is regulated by ILC subset-specific cytokine cues in a microbiota-dependent manner. Genetic deletion or antibody blockade of CTLA-4 demonstrates that this pathway plays a key role in intestinal homeostasis and is conserved in human IBD and CPI-induced colitis (CPI-C). We propose that this population of CTLA-4-positive ILC may serve as an important target for the treatment of idiopathic and iatrogenic intestinal inflammation.
WITHDRAWN: Efficient removal of perfluorooctanoic acid by UV-based peroxide/persulfate advanced oxidation process
Authors: G Bharathi Dileepan A , Sellappa Kanmani
Published: March 2023

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) challenge traditional aquatic treatment and recycling from recalcitrant organic compounds, which ubiquitously persist in the environment, mainly water bodies, and cause various concerns in human and the environment. Conventional water technology treatment technologies are proven inefficient and must focus on the advanced oxidation processs (AOP). This study conducted treatability studies for removing PFOA using direct photolysis, UV/peroxide, and UV/persulphate oxidation using a lab-scale reactor. The experiment was performed with an initial concentration of 20 mg/L at 120 minutes for a 500 mL sample. The oxidant dosage and pH have been optimized based on the mineralization efficiency. The efficient method for the degradation of PFOA is based on their percentage reduction in concentration, mineralization efficiency, and Reaction kinetics study. It was found that all three processes were adequate for the mineralization of PFOA. Among them, UV/persulphate was more effective in mineralizing PFOA. The TOC removal percentage using direct photolysis, UV/persulphate, and UV/peroxide treatment were 49%, 80%, and 66%, respectively. The pseudo-first-order kinetics for those three were 0.160, 0.489, and 0.349 per hour, respectively.
The Analytic Hierarchy Process Method to Design Applicable Decision Making for the Effective Removal of 2-mib and Geosmin in Water Sources
Authors: Ozgur Cihan
Published: March 2023

Numerous utilities encounter issues with taste and odor that alter the public's impression of the safety of drinking water. The creation of certain components in water naturally due to global climate change is another source of taste and odor components, in addition to industrial emissions. Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), both of which are generated by blue-green algae and actinomycetes, are two substances that contribute to the musty and earthy smells in drinking water sources. Unfortunately, current conventional treatment plants partially remove 2-MIB and geosmin. Therefore, to safeguard the environment and public health, current treatment methods should be applied to outdated treatment facilities. Best treatment practices, evaluation standards, and decision-making approaches, however, are still shrouded in mystery. The goal of this study was to identify the most effective treatment options for 2-MIB and geosmin. By using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a total of 22 assessment criteria were found and prioritized. A thorough literature search led to the identification of potential treatment options, and their effectiveness was evaluated. These options and priority rankings were decided upon using AHP in the decision-making process. Advanced oxidation techniques came out on top in the final priority ranking, followed by membrane filtering, adsorption, oxidation, hybrid processes, and traditional treatment methods. The applied analytical decision techniques may also be used to choose the optimal treatment options, even though the results are particular to 2-MIB and geosmin.
Visit Planner: A Personalized Mobile Trip Design Application based on a Hybrid Recommendation Model
Authors: Papadakis Harris , Panagiotakis Costas , Fragopoulou Paraskevi , Chalkiadakis Georgios , Streviniotis Errikos , Ziogas Ioannis-Panagiotis , Koutsmanis Michail , Bariamis Panagiotis
Published: March 2023

The paper presents Visit Planner (ViP), a mobile application prototype that provides a solution to the challenging tourist trip design problem. ViP follows a holistic approach offering personalized recommendations for Points of Interest (POIs) based on preferences either explicitly collected by the application, or inferred by the users’ ongoing interaction with the system. ViP proposes to the final user, a trajectory of POIs calculated using an Expectation Maximization method that maximizes user satisfaction taking into consideration a variety of time and spatial constraints for both users and POIs. Additionally, POIs are divided into categories, so that a certain number of POIs from each category to be included in the final itinerary. The application is implemented as a user-interactive system that allows the flexibility for easy content adaptation and facilitates management of content and services by the user.The prototype has been implemented for Android-based smartphones, on an open application environment, using standard communication protocols and open database technology. Currently, it is applied to the city of Agios Nikolaos in Crete, and is available for download from Google play. MSC Classification: 68T20 , 68N99
Lived Experiences of Old Age People in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Muhye Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Understanding ageing and how it is perceived from the perspective of aged people can help one gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of the phenomenon as well as of the demands and challenges that they face. However, this is rare in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the living experiences of old age people in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A hermeneutic phenomenological study design was conducted from January 1 to 15, 2022. An in-depth interview was conducted with 12 old age people chosen based on heterogeneous purposive sampling. In addition, a typical case of purposive sampling was used to select four key informants from different offices in Bahir Dar City. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, following the recommended steps for qualitative data analysis. Lincoln and Guba's criteria were used to increase the trustworthiness of the findings. Finally, this research followed the standards for reporting qualitative research to report the findings. Results: The study revealed nine main themes: definition of old age, perception of old age and healthy ageing; daily activities and community participation; health-related conditions; healthcare service utilization and barriers; nutritional concerns; and availability and types of support. Participants observed old age a change of body appearance, physical and mental activities, and/or expected social roles. Similarly, healthy ageing entails the absence of disease along with physical activity, spiritual wellbeing, and social interaction. The study participants complained about a variety of health-related issues that interfered with their daily activities, community participation, and dietary practices. Furthermore, participants reported receiving various forms of support from various bodies, but they were dissatisfied with the coverage and adequacy of support, and they perceived that traditional values and norms were gradually eroding. Conclusion: The study participants perceived the blessings and challenges of old age. They perceived that older people are seen as a burden to the family and society at large. Therefore, policymakers and stakeholders should offer comprehensive strategies to improve health outcomes and support effective ageing.
A comprehensive profiling of quorum quenching by bacterial pigments identifies quorum sensing inhibition and anti-biofilm action of prodigiosin against Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Acharya Kusumita , Borborah Sonjukta , Chatterjee Abhishek , Bhattacharya Arijit
Published: March 2023

Bacterial pigments represent a diverse group of secondary metabolites offering advantages to the producers in terms of survival and replication in communities. The bioactive potential of such metabolites including antimicrobial, anticancer and immune-suppressive properties are being explored. Reckoning that several of such pigments are produced in response to quorum sensing mediated expression of biosynthetic gene clusters and do influence cell-cell communication while residing in communities, systemic profiling of the pigments for possible impact on quorum sensing appears crucial; particularly in the quest of novel alternatives to confront drug nonresponsive pathogens. In this context, a series of bacterial pigments are clustered based on their physicochemical properties and representatives of the clusters are screened for quorum sensing inhibition. The screen highlighted prodigiosin as a potent quorum quencher although its production from Serratia marcescens apparently is QS-independent. In silico analysis indicated potential interaction with AbaI and AbaR, two major QS regulator in Acinetobacter baumannii. While developing multi-bacterial biofilm, prodigiosin producer S. marcescens significantly impaired fitness of A. baumannii and accentuated responsiveness against colistin under co-culture. Prodigiosin impaired a major QS dependent process, biofilm formation, in A. baumannii and also enhanced antibiotic action against A. baumannii biofilms. Collectively, the results underpin the prospect of prodigiosin-based therapeutic strategy in combating A. baumanii infection.