bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of laser cut edge quality of ultra-thin titanium grade 2 sheets by applying in-process approach using modulated Yb:YAG continuous wave fibre laser
Authors: Burger Moritz , Bartsch Alexander , Grad Marius , Esper Lukas , Schultheiß Ulrich , Noster Ulf , Schratzenstaller Thomas
Published: February 2023

Titanium is used in many areas due to its excellent mechanical, biological and corrosion-resistant properties. Implants often have thin and filigree structures, providing an ideal application for laser fine cutting. In literature, the main focus is primarily on investigating and optimizing the parameters for titanium sheet thicknesses greater than 1 mm. Hence, in this study, the basic manufacturing parameters of laser power, cutting speed and laser pulsing of a 200 W modulated fibre laser are investigated for 0.15 mm thick titanium grade 2 sheets. A reproducible, continuous cut could be achieved using 90 W laser-power and 2 \(\frac{\text{m}\text{m}}{\text{s}}\) cutting-speed. Pulse pause variations between 85–335 µs in 50 µs steps and fixed pulse duration of 50 µs show that a minimum kerf width of 23.4 µm, as well as a minimum cut edge roughness Rz of 3.59 µm, is achieved at the lowest pulse pause. An increase in roughness towards the laser exit side, independent of the laser pulse pause, was found and discussed. The results provide initial process parameters for cutting thin titanium sheets and thus provide the basis for further investigations, such as the influence of cutting gas pressure and composition on the cut edge.
Rate of Canine Retraction and Expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor Kappa-B Ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) in Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) Following the Placement of Autologous Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) Among Subjects with Class I Bimaxillary Protrusion Malocclusions: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Balarama Krishna V. , Isha Duggal , Jitendra Sharan , Manaswini Mangaraj , Ritu Duggal , Kumar Jena Ashok
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To assess the outcome of L-PRF on the rate of maxillary canine retraction and its correlation with the levels of RANKL and OPG in the GCF.
Subjects and Methods: Eighteen females who required all 1st premolars extraction for the correction of their Class-I bimaxillary protrusion malocclusions were included. The L-PRF plugs were placed in the experimental side 1st premolar extraction sockets. Canine retraction was performed by sliding mechanics. Canine retraction was assessed from the maxillary study models prepared just before the extraction (T0), then at 1-week (T1), 2-weeks (T2), 4-weeks (T3), and 8-weeks (T4) after the 1st premolars extraction and placement of L-PRF plugs. The concentrations of RANKL and OPG in the GCF were evaluated at T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4.
Results: In experimental sides, the amount of canine retraction was statistically more during the T0-T1 (P=0.035), T1-T2 (P=0.001), and T2-T3 (P=0.038) periods. The mean concentration of RANKL at T1 (P=0.001), T2 (P=0.002) and T3 (P=0.010) was significantly more in the experimental sides. The mean concentration of OPG was significantly less in the experimental sides at T2 (P=0.016), T3 (P=0.020) and T4 (P=0.023). The RANKL:OPG was significantly more in the experimental sides at T1 (P=0.002), T2 (P=0.001), T3 (P=0.001) and T4 (P=0.005). No significant correlation found between canine retraction and RANKL and OPG concentrations in GCF.
Conclusions: The L-PRF accelerated the rate of maxillary canine retraction by 0.28mm over 8-weeks period. The L-PRF favored the local osteoclastogenesis by enhancing the RANKL and suppressing the OPG concentrations.
Trial registration: The Clinical Trials Registry of India (Reg. No. CTRI/2020/10/028390, Date-13.10.2020).
Etoposide/platinum plus anlotinib for patients with transformed small-cell lung cancer from EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma after EGFR-TKI resistance: A retrospective and observational study
Authors: Ding Jianghua , Leng Zhaohui , Gu Hong , Jing Xiang , Song Yun
Published: February 2023

Objective: The histological conversion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an important resistance mechanism for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant LUAD. Anlotinib has been recommended as the third-line treatment for SCLC patients. The efficacy of etoposide/platinum (EP) as the main treatment is very limited for patients with transformed SCLC. However, little is known about EP plus anlotinib for transformed SCLC. The present study retrospectively explored the clinical response to EP combined with anlotinib in patients with transformed SCLC from LUAD after EGFR-TKI failure.
Methods: A total of 10 patients who underwent SCLC transformation from EGFR-TKI-resistant LUAD were retrospectively reviewed from September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022, in three regional hospitals. All of the patients were treated with the combination regimen of EP and anlotinib for four to six cycles, followed by anlotinib maintenance therapy. The clinical efficacy indices including objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (mOS), and toxicities were evaluated.
Results: The median time from EGFR-TKI treatment to SCLC conversion was 20.1±2.76 months (17–24 months). Genetic examination after transformation showed that 90% of the patients retained their original EGFR gene mutations. Additional driver genes included BRAF mutation (10%), PIK3CA mutation (20%), RB1 loss (50%), and TP53 mutation (60%). The ORR and DCR were 80% and 100%, respectively. The mPFS was 9.0 months (95% CI, 7.9–10.1 months), and the mOS was 14.0 months (95% CI, 12.0–15.9 months). Less than 10% of grade 3 toxicities were observed, and no grade 4 toxicity and death events were reported.
Conclusion: The EP plus anlotinib regimen appears to be a promising and safe strategy in transformed SCLC patients after EGFR-TKI resistance, which warrants further investigation.
Cost effective production of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis using rotten Pineapples
Authors: C Gopinathan , Shaju Devika M , E Hana mol K
Published: February 2023

Vector-borne ailments are illnesses that are transmitted by way of vectors or insects, which consist of ticks, mosquitoes and fleas. These vectors can elevate infective pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa which can be transferred from one host (carrier) to another. For the prevention of these diseases, vector management could be a powerful preventive tool. Microbial insecticide most extensively used in the world are preparations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) serving as an ideal candidate for mosquito control due to the fact of its excessive mosquito larvicidal activity, environmental friendliness, safety to non-target organisms and mammals, ease of production and ability to withstand various formulations like a dust, pellets, sprays, briquettes, capsules, granules, etc. Effect of submerged, solid state, batch and fed batch fermentation on the cultivation of Bti was investigated using rotten pineapple juice as substrate. Compared to batch fermentation, fixed volume fed-batch shows increase in biomass by 23.8%. 80% solid state fermentation showed maximum biomass among all the cultivation. Studies have been also conducted by using cheap industrial substrate together with chicken manure, fish waste, urea and soybean powder as nitrogenous sources which will greatly help in cutting down production cost of Bti for bulk production. Finally, biolarvicidal activity of the Bti were also evaluated using Aedes aegypti. 70–98% mortality was observed in PEP media supplemented with different nitrogenous wastes.
Antibacterial Activity of Pigment Extracted from Pigment Producing Bacteria
Authors: Chaturwedi Shashi Bhushan , Mainali Swostika , Chaudhary Richa
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity of pigment extracted from pigment producing bacteria isolated from soil samples. During the study, 20 soil samples were collected from different areas (forest, agriculture fields, river sides and dumping sites) of Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts which were processed for isolation of pigment producing bacteria by serial dilution and spread plate technique. The pigmented bacterial isolates were identified and enriched in nutrient broth. Then, pigment was extracted in 95% methanol as solvent, which was further characterized using UV-Vis Spectrophotometric and TLC analysis. The obtained crude pigment extract were processed to carry out the antimicrobial susceptibility assay using agar well diffusion method. Out of 13 total pigmented bacteria isolates, four different colored pigmented bacterial isolates (S4O, S11Y, S14P and S17G) which produced efficient pigment on nutrient agar were chosen and they were further processed. Among these isolates, S4O was identified as Staphylococcus aureus, S11Y was identified as Micrococcus luteus, S14P was identified as Micrococcus roseus and S17G was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. On characterization using UV-Vis Spectrophotometric and TLC analysis, the pigment extracted from isolates S4O, S11Y and S14P were found to be Carotenoids and from isolate S17G was found to be Pyocyanin in nature. The maximum antibacterial activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus from all the four pigments extracts. The green color pigment extract from isolate S17G was found to be most effective against all the Gram positive and Gram negative test bacteria. This study suggest that these pigment extracts from pigmented bacteria may have beneficial antibacterial roles that can be exploited in controlling unwanted bacterial growth.
Lie-series transformations and applications to construction of analytical solutions
Authors: Zhao Shunjing , Lei Hanlun
Published: February 2023

In this study, Lie-series transformations including Hori's, Deprit's and Dragt--Finn's are discussed and applied to construction of analytical solutions of invariant manifolds in the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP). It shows that three Lie-series transformations lead to the same Kamiltonian as well as the same expressions of analytical solutions, implying that these three transformations are equivalent from the viewpoint of constructing analytical solutions. By taking Lie-series transformations, two types of analytical solutions are formulated for invariant manifolds in terms of action--angle variables as well as motion amplitudes. To validate the Lie-series analytical solutions, analytical trajectories are compared with numerical ones, showing that the analytical solution with a higher order has a higher accuracy. Motivated by the fact that Dragt--Finn's recursion can be derived from Hori's transformation by ignoring the commutation relation of Poisson brackets, we propose a simplified version of Deprit's recursion. It is shown that the simplified Deprit's recursion is equivalent to the other three transformations. From the viewpoint of computational cost, the simplified Deprit's recursion and Dragt--Finn's transformation are preferred in practice because they have much smaller number of Poisson brackets than the other two transformations at high orders. At last, explicit expressions are provided for Dragt--Finn's and the simplified Deprit's recursions up to order 10.
A Comparative Clinical Study Between Allograft Putty and Customized Allograft Bone Blocks in Treatment of Third Molar Extraction Socket Defects for Mitigating Probing Depth and Clinical Attachment Loss
Authors: Attili Obada , Hamdoon Zaid , Abdul-Sattar Abier , Samsudin A. R.
Published: February 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in mean probing depth and clinical attachment level at disto-buccal aspect of adjacent mandibular second molar following removal of third molar after socket treatment with either allograft putty or customized allograft bone block.
Materials and Methods 30 patients underwent extraction of a lower mesio-angular impacted third molar; and they were divided into three treatment groups. Group 1 received allograft putty, and Group 2 received customized allograft bone block in the socket while patients in Control Group 3 did not receive any bone substitute. Probing depth and clinical attachment level at disto-buccal aspect of adjacent mandibular second molar was measured at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post-operative. Pain score and complications were assessed.
Results Reduction in probing depth over time between groups was not significant. Customized allograft bone block group showed higher clinical attachment loss compared to allograft putty treatment. Pain scores were significantly higher in both the intervention groups and post-operative complications were highest in the customized allograft bone block group.
Conclusions Socket preservation following third molar extraction using either allograft putty or customized allograft bone block did not show favorable results for mitigating postoperative probing depth and clinical attachment loss at disto-buccal aspect of adjacent second molar .
Clinical Relevance Augmentation of lower third molar extraction socket with bone allograft to mitigate probing depth and clinical attachment loss at adjacent second molar does not show favorable results compared to leaving the socket to heal alone.
Mapping specific habitat requirements as a base for conservation measures for two strongly endangered burnet moth species in Southern France: Zygaena brizae and Zygaena cynarae (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae)
Authors: Hahn Inka , Wense-Goncalves Paulo , Brandmeier Melanie , Richaud Sonia , Markl Gregor
Published: February 2023

Zygaena species are sensitive indicators of ecological changes and habitat destruction. Here, field results on the ecology of two highly endangered species, Zygaena brizae and Zygaena cynarae, from optimal habitats near Col d'Araud in Hautes-Alpes, France are reported. Both species have faced severe population decline in the last decades in Southwest France, probably due to habitat deterioration. During May and June 2022, larvae, imagines and egg batches were mapped in carefully characterized habitat patches. In total, 713 imagines, 67 larvae and 20 egg batches of Zygaena cynarae (which was the most common burnet moth in the area in 2022) and 23 imagines, 84 larvae, 2 pupae and 18 egg batches of Zygaena brizae were observed. While Zygaena brizae occurs both on mesophile and on semi-dry slopes (only north-and west-facing), supported by increasing numbers of the larval food plant (Cirsium tuberosum), larval habitats of Zygaena cynarae are characterized by the common occurrence of the larval food plant (Peucedanum cervaria) and by (optimally) 10-30% tree cover. Most colonized patches are south-facing and flat; open habitat patches with many larval food plants are not inhabited. All inhabited patches are extensively grazed by sheep, goats, cattle or horses-the specifics do not seem to matter. Details of grazing schedule, sunshine duration, slope exposure and other habitat parameters are reported and evaluated to support conservation measures of these burnet moth species. Implications for insect conservation: Our results provide robust data about the specific habitat requirements of these two strongly endangered burnet moth species.
MAES: A ROS 2 Compatible Simulation Tool for Multi Robot Exploration and Coverage
Authors: Andreasen Malte Z. , Holler Philip I. , Jensen Magnus K. , Albano Michele
Published: February 2023

With the aim of allowing the realistic simulation of exploration and coverage algorithms, we present the tool Multi Agent Exploration Simulator (MAES), which is an open-source physics based discrete step multi robot simulator. MAES features movement in a continuous 2D space, realistic physics based on the Unity framework, advanced visualization techniques such as heatmaps, custom wireless signal degradation, both randomly generated and custom user-provided maps, and a ROS (Robot Operating System) interface. This latter characteristic allows to port easily the simulated algorithms to real world robots. We present performance tests, conducted with rather modest hardware, showing that MAES is able to simulate up to 5 robots in ROSMode (using the ROS integration) and up to 120 robots in UnityMode (development performed directly into the C# Unity Editor). A usability test was conducted which hinted that the target audience of robotics researchers and developers is able to quickly install, setup, and use MAES for implementing simple robot logic.
Early-warning evaluation of land ecosystem health in the Poyang lake eco-economic zone
Authors: Fu Yongqi , Wei Peng , Yu Dun
Published: February 2023

Frequent natural disasters and environmental pollution have posed a threat to the regional land ecosystem health (LEH) and hindered the regional economic development. Therefore, it is of great significance to study LEH. According to the dynamic, complex, and opening characteristics of land ecosystems, we constructed an evaluation indicator system for early-warning of LEH based on a perspective of state–danger–response. Then, we analyzed the warning condition of LEH in the Poyang lake eco-economic zone in China over the past decade using the variable weight matter-element model. The LEH status in the study region improved obviously from 2010 to 2020. The warning condition of regional LEH in 2010, 2015, and 2020 was in the “warning”, “relatively healthy”, and “healthy” stages, respectively. The evolution of LEH was better demonstrated by the variable weight matter-element model than by the traditional method because the former could modify the weight of early-warning indicators and eliminate the incompatibility between indicators. Our study provides an alternative approach for research into ecosystem health, and the results will be useful for improving LEH in the study region.
Mutational Profile Enables the Identification of a High Risk Subgroup in Myelodysplastic Syndromes With Isolated Trisomy 8
Authors: Toribio-Castelló Sofía , Castaño-Díez Sandra , Ramiro Angela Villaverde , Such Esperanza , Arnan Montserrat , Sole Francesc , Díaz-Beyá Marina , Díez-Campelo María , Rey Mónica del , González Teresa , Rivas Jesús María Hernández
Published: February 2023

Trisomy 8 (+ 8) is the most frequent trisomy in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and is associated to clinical heterogeneity and intermediate cytogenetic risk when found isolated. The presence of gene mutations in this group of patients and the prognostic significance has not been extensively analyzed. Targeted-deep sequencing was performed in a cohort of 79 MDS patients showing isolated + 8. The most frequently mutated genes were: TET2 (38%), STAG2 (34.2%), SRSF2 (29.1%) and RUNX1 (26.6%). The mutational profile identified a high risk subgroup with mutations in STAG2, SRSF2 and/or RUNX1, resulting in shorter time to acute myeloid leukemia progression (14 months while not reached in patients without these mutations, p < 0.0001) and shorter overall survival (23.7 vs 46.3 months, p = 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed the presence of mutations in these genes as an independent prognostic factor in MDS showing + 8isolated (HR: 3.1;p < 0.01). Moreover, 39.5% and 15.4% of patients classified as low/intermediate risk by the IPSS-R and IPSS-M respectively, were re-stratified as high risk subgroup based on the mutational status of STAG2, SRSF2 and RUNX1. Results were validated in an external cohort (n = 2 494). In summary, the mutational profile in isolated + 8 MDS patients could offer new insights for the correct management of these patients.
Relationship between triglyceride glucose index and severe abdominal aortic calcification in the elderly
Authors: Pan Dikang , Guo Julong , Su Zhixiang , Meng Wenzhuo , Wang Jingyu , Guo Jianming , Gu Yongquan
Published: February 2023

Background
The association between triglyceride glucose (TYG) index and depression is unclear. We conducted this analysis to explore whether higher TYG index is associated with a higher odd of depression.
Aims
The objective was to investigate the relationship between TYG and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in people over 60 years old.
Methods
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed using logistic regression models to examine the independent association between TYG index and the Kauppila AAC-24 score.
Results
A total of 1,408 people took part in our study. Participants with higher TYG quartiles had higher AAC scores. SAAC was defined as a Kauppila score > 6, and the prevalence of SAAC was 17.0%. After adjusting for relevant covariates, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for participants in the third and fourth quartiles were 1.970 (1.232–3.150, P = 0.005) and 2.261 (1.404–3.644, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that the positive association between TYG and SAAC persisted across population subgroups.
Conclusion
Triglyceride glucose index was negatively correlated with SAAC in the elderly.
Biomagnetic flow and radiative heat transfer along an inclined stretched cylinder with magnetic particles and heat source/sink under the influence of magnetic dipole
Authors: Ferdows M. , Alam Jahangir , Murtaza M. G. , Tzirtzilakis E. E.
Published: February 2023

The biomagnetic fluid (blood) flow with magnetic particles over an inclined stretched cylinder in the presence of a magnetic dipole is numerically studied. The effect of thermal radiation and heat source/sink are taken into consideration. For the mathematical formulation of the present problem both magnetization (polarization) and electrical conductivity of blood are taken into consideration. Consequently, the mathematical formulation of Biomagnetic Fluid Dynamics (BFD) is utilized, where both principles of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and ferrohydrodynamics (FHD) are taken into account. The governing non-linear partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by using a similarity approach. The numerical solution is obtained by employing the bvp4c function in MATLAB R2018b software. The results are presented graphically and discussed for various parameters that are involved in this problem. Considering the electrical conductivity and magnetization of blood with magnetic particles, the effect of magnetohydrodynamic interaction parameter and ferrohydrodynamic interaction parameter on velocity and temperature profiles are discussed. One of the major findings is that the rate of heat transfer and skin friction coefficient are increased and decreased, respectively with increasing values of the volume fraction. It is obtained that the effect of the magnetic field is significantly enchased by the presence of the magnetic particles to blood.
Metformin has a protective effect against oxidative stress in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Manica Daiane , Sandri Gabriela , Silva Gilnei Bruno , Manica Aline , Bonadiman Beatriz da Silva Rosa , Santos Daniel , Flores Érico Marlon Moraes , Bolzan Rodrigo Cordeiro , Barcelos Raquel Cristine Silva , Tomazoni Fernanda , Suthovski Gabriela , Bagatini Margarete Dulce , Benvegnú Dalila Moter
Published: February 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and arterial hypertension are considered serious public health problems. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress is usually related to the onset of DM and hypertension and their complications. Moreover, levels of some minerals are closely related to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical markers, minerals and redox profile levels in the serum of patients with type 2 DM and hypertension, as well as to test the effect of metformin on the viability and redox profile of cells. Patients with type 2 DM and hypertension + type 2 DM had higher levels of fasting glucose and triglycerides. There were no statistically significant differences for mineral levels. The MPO activity was reduced in the DM type 2 and Hypertension + DM type 2 groups and in cells. On the other hand, PSH and vitamin C levels were increased. The metformin has a protective effect in patients with DM type 2 against oxidative stress by reducing MPO activity and improving PSH and vitamin C antioxidant defenders. Further studies are needed to assess the biochemical mechanisms of metformin and how it can be used in a pharmacological therapeutic perspective against oxidative damage.
An Experimental Study of the pVTx Propertiesfor Aqueous Solutions of Ammonia
Authors: Oguchi Kosei
Published: February 2023

In order to know the hydrogen bonding effects on H2O+NH3 mixtures, the pVTx properties of H2O+NH3 mixtures were measured and reported some of them [1]. As the result, the phenomena of hydrogen bonding effects in H2O+NH3 mixtures were revealed for the first time. However, there were several misprinted data where the mixture composition and the pVT data were misaligned. Therefore, the correct experimental data were shown in Table 1. In these data, the hydrogen bonding behavior appeared in the measured values of 0.0 to 0.0644 mole fraction. And also, in order to confirm whether macroscopic phenomena due to hydrogen bonding appears in other compositions, pVTx properties of this substance were measured in the mixtures of both 0.4810-0.5357 mol fraction and 0.9592-0.9638 mol fraction.
Study on transient photocurrent induced by energy level defect of schottky diode irradiated by high power pulsed laser
Authors: Wang Y. H. , Ma Y. Q. , Wang T. W. , Lei Z. Y. , Chen Z. J. , Shangguan S. P. , Han J. W.
Published: February 2023

The transient photocurrent is one of the key parameters of the spatial radiation effect of photoelectric devices, and the energy level defect affects the transient photocurrent. In this paper, by studying the deep level transient spectrum of a self-designed Schottky diode, the defect properties of the interface region of the anode metal AlCu and Si caused by high-temperature annealing at 150 ℃, 200 ℃ and 300 ℃ for 1200 h have been quantitatively analyzed. The study shows that the defect is located at the position of + 0.41 eV on the valence band, the concentration is 2.8×1013/cm2, and the capture cross section is σ = 8.5×1017. The impurity energy level mainly comes from the diffusion of Al atom in anode metal. We found that the defect did not cause the electrical performance degradation and obvious morphology change of the device, but the transient photocurrent increased significantly. The reason is that the high temperature treatment results in a growth in the density of states at the interface between AlCu-Si. The more mismatched dislocations and recombination center increased the reverse current of the heterojunction. The above view is proved by the TCAD simulation test.
Alluvial coastal aquifers in the Gulf Extensional Province under the influence of extreme weather events: the case of San Felipe-Punta Estrella aquifer, BC Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Hernández Jorge , Martín-Loeches Miguel , Carreón-Diazconti Concepción , Reyes-López Jaime , Rodríguez-Burgueño Jesús Eliana , Salas-Contreras Pedro
Published: February 2023

Groundwater in semiarid regions is frequently the only water source. In addition, coastal cities worldwide, such as the city of San Felipe, have significant hydric pressure growth due to tourism and migration. In this work, a gravity survey allowed to delineate the geometry of the San Felipe-Punta Estrella aquifer basement identifying an uplift of the metamorphic and granitic basement according to the regional extensional tectonic model at approximately 400 m below the surface. Furthermore, groundwater geochemistry and isotopic composition interpreted in conjunction with the aquifer geometry allowed for pointing out at least three hydrological implications. First, the granitic uplift reduces the overall volume of the groundwater reservoir, with no apparent reduction in water availability. However, the uplift acts as a deep flow barrier that induces vertical upflows, modifying regional flows. Second, the high fluoride concentration in groundwater can be related to the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals, fluoride mobilization at high Na/Ca ratios and high pH, and active regional thermal systems. The third finding was determining the source of groundwater recharge from groundwater stable isotope signature, which is the moisture surges from hurricanes in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These structural and hydrogeological issues have crucial implications for water quality and availability in semiarid regions with high hydric pressure to promote a sustainable water extraction policy.
Efficacy and safety of primary tailored phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis for refractory acute primary angle closure
Authors: Wu Xinna , Liu Xiaobao , Xiao Suzhen , Cai Yajing , Yu Mengting , Xu Bingqiang , Wang Yanling , Wu Wenjie
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term clinical outcomes of primary tailored phacoemulsification (phaco) combined with goniosynechialysis (GSL; phaco-GSL) in refractory acute primary angle closure (APAC) eyes with uncontrolled high intraocular pressure (IOP).
Methods: This retrospective case series comprised 51 eyes of 42 consecutive patients with refractory APAC and high IOP who were treated using primary tailored phaco-GSL at 3 hospitals in China, from 2014 to 2021. Preoperative and postoperative IOP, corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The safety, efficacy and subsequent long-term clinical outcomes were analyzed.
Results: The mean CDVA (LogMAR) was improved from 1.67±0.94 preoperatively to 0.23±0.26 postoperatively (P <0.001). Preoperative CECD was 2309.39±541.03 cells/mm2 in 33 eyes and inaccessible in 18 eyes due to severe corneal edema; at the final follow-up, the mean CECD of all patients was 1823.50±533.40 cells/mm2 (P <0.001). The mean IOP decreased from 48.51±6.25 mmHg preoperatively to 15.66±2.27 mmHg at the final follow-up (P <0.001). Among 51 eyes, additional tailored procedures performed were corneal indentation in 42 eyes, epithelial debridement in 9 eyes, giant epithelial bullae view in 4 eyes, pars-plana fluid aspiration in 3 eyes, and secondary intraocular lens implantation in 7 eyes. The IOP of all eyes was well controlled eventually and 47 eyes (92.16%) were successfully treated by phaco-GSL alone. No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.
Conclusions: Primary tailored phaco-GSL is a safe and effective surgical management strategy for patients with refractory APAC and high IOP.
Multivariate analysis of groundwater around Solous lll dumpsite, Lagos, South-West Nigeria
Authors: Aduojo Ameloko Anthony , Mosobalaje Olatunde Olu. , Uchegbulam Okezie , Johnson Allo Olawale , Ifeanyi Obihan
Published: February 2023

The study of changes in groundwater quality across different areas is necessary so as to track the sources of the contamination in the water sources. Assessment of the physiochemical parameters of groundwater samples obtained from both borehole and hand-dug wells were conducted around the Solous III dumpsite, Lagos, South-western, Nigeria. Multivariate statistics such as correlation coefficient analysis, Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analyses (PCA) were utilised to assess the mode of association of parameters and their interrelationships to establish possible sources of groundwater contamination. Eight groundwater samples were obtained around the dumpsite during the wet and dry seasons for analysis of their physicochemical properties. The results of the analyses of water samples indicated seasonal changes for the various elemental constituents analysed. There was generally an increase in mean concentration of total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, temperature and hardness in the dry season study, and a corresponding increase in the mean concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, SO42-, NO32-, Pb, and Cr, when compared with the wet season. On the other hand, there was reduction in the mean concentration of electrical conductivity (EC), K+, Cl-, PO43-, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Ni in the dry season when compared with the wet season. Some of the water sample parameters exhibited high concentration when compared with WHO/SON standard, which may be due to the impact of leachate migration from the dumpsite. Five varimax rotated factor loadings and communalities were responsible for 30 % and 35 % of the total variance in the data set during wet and dry seasons respectively. The PCA parameters identified to be influencing the quality of water are perhaps related to anthropogenic activities from the dumpsite, soluble mineral dissolution, rock–groundwater interaction and weathering activities while PCA performed on samples of groundwater during wet and dry seasons indicated 2 and 3 important clusters, respectively. The clusters of parameters as observed in the parameters dendrograms clearly validates the results earlier obtained in the correlation analysis component of this research. The dendrogram was also able to reflect variation in the quality of water with season as indicated in the difference in the number of clusters during both wet and dry seasons.
FAK loss reduces BRAFV600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation
Authors: Gao Chenxi , Ge Huaibin , Kuan Shih-Fan , Cai Chunhui , Lu Xinghua , Esni Farzad , Schoen Robert , Wang Jing , Chu Edward , Hu Jing
Published: February 2023

BRAFV600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a “just-right” level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vill-Cre;BRAFV600E/+;Fakfl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E’s oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation resulted in increased mRNA expression and stability of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Together, our findings show that a “just-right” ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
Classification of Breast Cancer in Mammograms Using an Optimized Hybrid Deep Learning Models and Feature Fusion Techniques
Authors: shanker mc
Published: February 2023

Breast cancer is the most common deadly disease occurred in women. The major cause of the breast cancer agent is still not known. The early detection and treatment of breast cancer prevent the spreading of cancers to other parts and increase the lifetime of patients. Micro-calcification is one of the main signs of breast cancer. Mammography is a widely used digital screening approach to detect a microcalcification cluster in images. Compared to other image modalities, mammography is inexpensive and requires a low radiation dose. Image processing techniques with the aid of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques support radiologists to diagnose breast cancers earlier. In this work, the modified hybrid models with optimized feature selection models are proposed for accurate microcalcification classifications. The hybrid models of ResNet101V2 with Long short-term memory (LSTM) layers and ResNet101V2 with Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers are proposed for feature extraction. Then, the features are combined using serial-based feature fusion techniques. The performance of classifier models and feature selection process is improved using the metaheuristic algorithm of the Cheetahs optimizer. Experimental results on the MIAS breast cancer database show the superior performance of proposed models in terms of area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, and specificity and recall rates.
Comparison of Innovation in the Electronic Banking Services of the Largest Slovak Banks
Authors: Loucanova Erika , Olsiakova Miriam
Published: February 2023

At the time of digitization, the requirements of consumers are constantly increasing. Systematization of scientific sources and approaches and implemented surveys prove that new requirements impact the development of electronic innovations, which have also appeared in the banking sector. The digitization of provided banking services also represents innovations focusing on creating environmentally friendly innovations. Moreover, electronic banking has been used by clients of commercial banks for several years, as it represents easy access to finance, their overview, and other e-banking advantages. The opportunity to use the home environment is irreplaceable for many people. Wasting paper while providing banking operations in a brick-and-mortar branch or spending valuable time standing in a crowd of the bank’s clients is an unacceptable idea for many people, especially in the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper compares the electronic banking services of the three largest Slovak banks using the Kano model. The Kano model, through 5 categories of perceived quality by customers, expresses the relationship between their degree of satisfaction and quality attributes. These categories include one-dimensional, attractive, mandatory, reverse, and indifferent attributes of products creating quality. The individual categories of perceived quality change in accordance with the life cycle. They pass from indifferent through attractive, one-dimensional to the category of mandatory quality attributes. This paper focuses on selected types of provided services and innovations in electronic banking, drawing attention to the perception of risk by Slovak bank clients. The authors pointed out the differences among the services offered in individual banks provided within the portfolio of their services and the identification of customer requirements. The findings showed that the customers have not largely mastered the innovations, but they are nevertheless very important from the future perspective. The results of the research could be useful for bank managers to find the best way how to approach clients who approach innovations in banking with distrust and reluctance to adopt them.
Personnel Marketing in the System of Airline Anti-Crisis Management
Authors: Polous Olha , Heiets Iryna , Mykhalchenko Inna , Krapko Olena
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, and then the military aggression on the territory of Ukraine, had an extremely negative impact on the development of enterprises in all sectors of the state economy, personally affecting the air transport, which was forced to suspend its activities. The field of aviation services is traditionally characterized by the changing needs of customers, which causes a high degree of probability of dissatisfaction with the range and quality of aviation services provided by both domestic and international airlines. The dynamics of modern life and the business environment, the change in the ratio of work and free time increase the demand of the population for convenient and modern aviation services, putting increasingly high demands on the airlines that provide them to achieve competitive advantages. The main purpose of this study is to identify the place of personnel marketing in the airline’s anti-crisis management system. Within the framework of this article, a study of the structural elements of the marketing complex of the enterprise in the field of service provision was carried out; the structural ratio of personnel categories in world civil aviation is determined; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of employment in world aviation is analysed; the dynamics of changes in personnel costs in global aviation under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic are determined; the dynamics of changes in operating income and expenses for social needs of the airline “Ukraine International Airlines” under the influence of a number of crisis phenomena in the world and state economy are analysed. The methodological methods of the conducted research were the following methods: general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, logical and situational analysis and partial methods specific to economic sciences (subject-object approach, economic and statistical analysis, grouping, comparison and classification). According to the results of the research, the authors proposed an algorithm for the process of bringing the airline out of the crisis, which takes into account the prerequisites that affected the decline in the economic performance of aviation sector enterprises and focuses on the importance of introducing personnel marketing to the anti-crisis management system. The authors recommend applying the proposed model of using personnel marketing in the processes of anti-crisis management of an airline in order to include corporate culture in the system of anti-crisis management of an airline as an important tool that will contribute to the development of the intellectual capital of the company and the generation of new ideas. The results and recommendations of the study have practical value for Ukrainian airlines regarding the integration of personnel marketing into the anti-crisis management system.
The Implementation of Culture-Based Extracurricular Activities at SMP N 2 Pajangan
Authors: Nadia Dinihari Anggie
Published: February 2023

Karawitan and traditional dance are two of culture-based extracurricular acrivities. This study aims to evaluate both of extracurricular activities in order to find information to be used in judging alternatives. This is a kind of evaluative study. The data were gained from interview, documentation, and also observation. School administrator, students, and instructor became the participants of this study. Analysis data of this study used descriptive qualitative analysis which focused on each aspect based on the CIPP model evaluation. Data were presented narratively by adding quotation from the interview. The study found that from the context evaluation, school administrators were right in choosing karawitan and traditional dance as the culture-based extracurricular activities. This met the needs of environment. However, for traditional dance should have instructor. From the input process, schools administrators selected students which wanted to follow the extracurricular activities then choose some of them. This was aimed to have balance quota for each extracurricular activities. For the process evaluation, authors found that the room can affect to the process of activities. Room should be bigger so that the process of extracurricular runs well. For the last is product evaluation. Product for traditional dance is better for individual only. That is why school administrator is hoped to make better improvement for both extracurricular activities.
Predictive heuristic control: Inferring risks from heterogeneous nowcast accuracy
Authors: van der Werf Job Augustijn , Kapelan Zoran , Langeveld Jeroen Gerardus
Published: February 2023

Urban Drainage Systems can cause ecological and public health issues by releasing untreated contaminated water into the environment. Real-time control (RTC), augmented with rainfall nowcast, can effectively reduce these pollution loads. This research aims to identify key dynamics in the nowcast accuracies and relate those to the performance of nowcast-informed rule-based (RB)-RTC procedures. The developed procedures are tested in the case study of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Using perfect nowcast data, all developed procedures showed a reduction in combined sewer overflow volumes of up to 14.6%. Considering real nowcast data, it showed a strong ability to predict if no more rain was expected, whilst performing poorly in quantifying rainfall depths. No relation was found in the nowcast accuracy and the consistency of the predicted rainfall using a moving horizon. Using the real nowcast data, all procedures, with the exception of the one predicting the end of the rainfall event, showed a significant risk of operative deterioration (performing worse than the baseline RB-RTC), linked to the relative performance of the nowcast algorithm. Understanding the strengths of a nowcast algorithm can ensure the reliability of the RB-RTC procedure and can negate the need for detailed modelling studies by inferring risks from nowcast data.
Tobol arsenal of hand firearms during Peter I’ reign (1680-1720)
Authors: Balyunov Igor V.
Published: February 2023

At the late 17th — early 18th century, Tobolsk was the place for accounting, storage and issuance of firearms for the Russian military forces in Siberia. These processes are often mentioned in hoistorical papers, yet they have never been on object of study. Cardinal changes in military affairs and army weapons in Russia occurred during the period of Peter the Great’s reforms. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to trace the changes in the hand firearms arsenal in Tobolsk in the 1680s-1720s. This requires analyzing the surviving written sources describing what weapons were stored, manufactured or supplied in Tobolsk. In comparison with the general data on Russia, Siberian materials show the approximate quantitative and qualitative contains of the local arsenal, as well as several changes in military affairs in Western Siberia. In 1680s, a set of hand firearms generally typical for Russian military units, which were still irregular. Qualitative changes started taking place in Tobolsk because of the armory construction in 1701. However, the volumes of its production could not provide for all the Siberian military personnel, although part of the plant’s products was exported from Siberia to Moscow. Because of I. D. Buchholz’s and I. M. Likharev’s campaigns (1715 and 1720), reverse processes took place, when a significant number of fuses were sent from Moscow to Tobolsk. At the same time, Siberian troops were reorganized because of local specific conditions.