bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology Effect of Weather on Alternaria Blight Disease of Tomato
Authors: SHARMA RATAN LAL , Ahir R. R. , Ghasolia R. P. , Yadav Arjun Lal , Sharma Astha , sharma pinki , sharma Manisha
Published: March 2024

Alternaria blight incurring loss both at pre and post-harvest stages in tomato caused by Alternaria alternata become an important constraint for tomato producers in Rajasthan. The severity of this disease generating significant economic losses in crops has been increasing daily for the last few years in Rajasthan due to environmental changes. Field experiments were carried out to examine the development of Alternaria blight in tomato relevant to weather conditions during zaid 2017 and 2018 at SKNAU Jobner (Jaipur). Results showed that maximum temperature (r= 0.9032 Unit in 2017 and 0.8893 in 2018), minimum temperature (r=-0.8590 in 2017 and 0.8512 in 2018), relative humidity maximum (r=-0.6184 in 2017 and -0.8562 in 2017), relative humidity minimum (r=-0.6840 in 2017 and -0.5477 in 2018) and rainfall (r=-0.6161 in 2017) had shown significant negative correlation with disease severity index (DSI). The mean value of the minimum and maximum temperature during this period ranged from 15.630C to 35.740C and 15.750C to 36.240C during 2017 and 2018, respectively. Development of disease observed in favourable mean relative humidity ranging from 25.33 to 63.00 and 16.66 to 58.00 per cent. The coefficient of multiple determinations (R2) was 74.50 and 92.40 per cent during 2017 and 2018, respectively.
A Study of Calibration based Composite class of Estimators of Population Total under Successive Sampling
Authors: Alka Alka , Tiwari Shiwani , Rai Piyush Kant
Published: March 2024

This present article considers the problem of estimation of population total of the study character in successive sampling over two occasions under different sampling designs. Utilizing information available on a highly positively correlated auxiliary variable and also used information from previous occasion as an auxiliary information at current occasion together with the availability of additional auxiliary variables the calibration estimation has been derived at both occasions simultaneously further a set of composite calibrated estimators is proposed and its properties are discussed. Empirical studies have been carried out using both real and simulated data to show the efficiency of our proposed estimator over standard and existing estimator.
Perceptions Toward the Practice, Performance and Challenges of Humanitarian Logistics Management of Public Health Emergency Pharmaceuticals: The Case of Ethiopian Public Health Emergency Management
Authors: Tufa Biniam , Tebeka Shiferaw Mitiku
Published: March 2024

Background: The field of humanitarian logistics encompasses the interconnected network of a series of decision-making processes and the execution of tasks on the movement of goods, information, and funds among beneficiaries, donors, and suppliers to save lives and alleviate suffering. The success of emergency response operations is significantly influenced by the efficiency of humanitarian logistics. This study aims to help humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia measure perceptions of practice and performance and identify, visualize, estimate and control challenges that disrupt the practice and performance of humanitarian logistics management and pose a significant threat to access for healthcare services to beneficiaries.
Methods: An explanatory case study research design was employed for this study to understand the problem more efficiently.. A mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) is used and data were collected during the same period. A total of 92 professionals in technical and managerial positions working in nine directorates who were directly involved in the core humanitarian logistics management activities were included in the study using census method.
Findings– Twenty challenges were identified and categorized into five groups and organizational challenges and economic challenges found to be the top two influential challenges. A similar challenge profile was recorded among all challenge categories across organizations. The findings of this study showed that humanitarian logistics management (HLM) is moderately practiced , in which inventory management took the first highly practiced position, followed by distribution management. Conversely, procurement and transportation management were poorly practiced. However, the practice of HLM varies across organizations under study, in which the practice at Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is higher compared with Minstry of healthand Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Service counterparts. The oveall perceived HLM performance (Reliability, Responsiveness, Agility, Cost, Asset Management) of Public health emergency Pharmaceuticals in the study organizations (EPSS, EPHI, and MOH) is high with a grand mean of 3.58
Conclusion: The aforementioned inefficiencies can block humanitarian operations in part or totally, and delay or reduce delivery of pharmaceuticals to beneficiaries (patients) , which in turn cause loss of life and suffering and bear unnecessary costs .
Impact of research activity on performance of general practices: a qualitative study.
Authors: Kenning Cassandra , Usher-Smith Juliet A , Jamison James , Jones Jennifer , Boaz Annette , Little Paul , Mallen Christian , Bower Peter , Park Sophie
Published: March 2024

Background There is evidence that engaging in research is directly associated with better performance. If this relationship is to be strengthened, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms which might underlie that relationship.Aim To explore the perspectives of staff and wider stakeholders about mechanisms by which research activity might impact on the performance of general practices.Design & Setting Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with general practice professionals and wider stakeholders in England.Method Individual interviews with 41 purposively sampled staff in ‘research ready’ or ‘research active’ general practices and with 21 other stakeholders. Interviews were independently coded by three researchers using a Framework approach.Results Participants described potential ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ impacts on their work. ‘Direct’ impacts included research changing practice work (e.g. additional records searches for particular conditions), bringing in additional resources (e.g. access to investigations or staff) and improving relationships with patients. ‘Indirect’ impacts included job satisfaction (e.g. perception of practice as a centre of excellence and innovation, and the variety afforded by research activity reducing burnout) and staff recruitment (increasing the attractiveness of the practice as a place to work). Respondents identified few negative impacts.Conclusions Staff and stakeholders identified a range of potential impacts of research activity on practice performance, with impacts on their working lives most salient. Negative impacts were not generally raised. Nevertheless, respondents generally discussed potential impacts rather than providing specific examples of those impacts. This may reflect the type of research activity conducted in general practice, often led by external collaborators.
Speciation within the Anopheles gambiae complex: high-throughput whole genome sequencing reveals evidence of a putative new cryptic taxon in ‘far-west’ Africa
Authors: Torre Alessandra della , Caputo Beniamino , De Marco Carlo Maria , Pichler Verena , Bottà Giordano , Bennet Kelly , Clarkson Chris , Tennessen Jacob , Weetman David , Miles Alistair
Published: March 2024

The two main Afrotropical malaria vectors - Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae – are genetically distinct and reproductively isolated across West Africa. However, populations at the western extreme of their range are assigned as “intermediate” between the two species by whole genome sequence (WGS) data, and as hybrid forms by conventional molecular diagnostics. By exploiting WGS data from 1,190 specimens collected across west Africa via the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes network, we identify a novel putative taxon in the far-west (provisionally named Bissau molecular form), which did not arise by admixture but rather originated at the same time as the split between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae. Intriguingly, these populations lack insecticide resistance mechanisms commonly observed in the two main species. These findings lead to a change of perspective on malaria vector species in the far-west region with potential for epidemiological implications, and a new challenge for genetic-based mosquito control approaches.
Assessing flooding extent and potential exposure to river pollution from urbanizing peripheral rivers within Greater Dhaka watershed
Authors: Khan Nafis Sadik , Shawal Shammi , Hossain Mohammed Abed , Tasnim Nishat , Whitehead Paul
Published: March 2024

Greater Dhaka area is home to large industrial clusters that are driving economic growth and the poverty reduction efforts of Bangladesh. These clusters are located around peripheral rivers- Turag, Buriganga, Dhaleswari, Balu, Shitalakhya, Bangshi, and Tongi-Khal, which are important for water transport, environment, and eco-systems where flooding of floodplains in monsoon is an integral part. The economic growth with minimal environmental regulations had led to severe degradation of the rivers and floodplains environment affecting livelihood, health and well-being of the people. Monsoon time exposure to polluted water is yet to be studied and addressed scientifically. This study looked into the water quality and flooding situation of Greater Dhaka for two successive monsoons through extensive river sampling coupled with estimation of flooded area and exposed population through use of remote sensing tools. Sentinel 1’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images are used for flood mapping considering cost-effectiveness and its advantages for data scarce regions. The estimated exposed population to flooding was over 668 thousand in 2019 and over one million in 2020 where the water quality ranged from highly polluted to moderately polluted. These point to a need for taking monsoon time exposure seriously in policy making process and design appropriate interventions.
Activation of Kv11.1 potassium channel suppresses lung cancer growth by promoting c-Myc degradation.
Authors: Gentile Saverio , Eskandari Najmeh , Delisi Davide , O'Neil Richard , Bocchetta Maurizio
Published: March 2024

The Kv11.1 potassium channels and the transcription factor c-Myc both play fundamental roles in controlling cellular homeostasis. Cancers take advantage of dysregulated c-Myc and Kv11.1, however, little is known about the possible link between these proteins. In this work we found that an inverse relationship between c-MYC and Kv11.1 exists in some lung adenocarcinoma. Importantly, patients expressing an elevated level of the Kv11.1 channel present a better overall survival when compared with patients with low expression. Therefore, we evaluate the hypothesis that pharmacologic activation of the Kv11.1 channel in lung cancer affects tumor growth. Our experimental tests provide definitive evidence a Kv11.1 agonist inhibits lung cancer growth by activating a senescent phenotype. Remarkably, we found that Kv11.1 activation produced rapid proteasomal degradation of c-Myc and that this could be antagonized by the OTUD6B deubiquitinase. We concluded that use of Kv11.1 agonists should be considered as potent anticancer pharmacological strategy against lung adenocarcinomas.
Dopaminergic Changes in the Subgenual Cingulate Cortex in Dementia with Lewy Bodies Associates with Presence of Depression
Authors: Gliaudelytė Lina , Rushton Steven , Thomas Alan , Palmini Rolando Berlinguer , Morris Christopher
Published: March 2024

In addition to the core clinical features of fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonism, individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) frequently experience chronic and debilitating major depression. Treatment of depression in DLB is hampered by a lack of available effective therapies and standard serotonergic medication for major depressive disorder (MDD) is typically ineffective. Dysfunction of dopaminergic neurotransmission contributing to anhedonia and loss of motivation has been described in MDD. The subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) is important in mood regulation and in the symptomatic expression of depression, displaying structural, functional and metabolic abnormalities in MDD. To assess dopaminergic and serotonergic synaptic changes in DLB, post mortem sgACC tissue from DLB donors with and without depression was investigated using high-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, as well as Western and dot blotting techniques. STED imaging demonstrated the presence of α-synuclein within individual dopaminergic terminals in the sgACC, α-synuclein presence showing a significant positive correlation with increased SNAP25 volumes in depressed DLB cases. A reduction in dopaminergic innervation in the sgACC was observed in DLB cases with depression, along with reduced levels of multiple dopaminergic markers and receptors. Limited alterations were observed in serotonergic markers. Our work demonstrates a role for dopaminergic neurotransmission in the aetiology of depression in DLB. Careful and selective targeting of dopaminergic systems may be a therapeutic option for treatment of depression in DLB.
Flying through an Eruption-associated Magnetic Reconnection Current Sheet in the Solar Corona
Authors: Patel Ritesh , Niembro Tatiana , Xie Xiaoyan , Seaton Daniel , Badman Samuel , Roy Soumya , Rivera Yeimy , Reeves Kathy , Stenborg Guillero , Hess Phillip , West Matthew , Feller Allex , Hirzberger Johann , Suarez David Orozco , Solanki S , Strecker Hanna , Valori Gherardo
Published: March 2024

Magnetic reconnection is a universal and fundamental process occurring in highly conductive magnetized plasma where field lines of opposite polarity reconfigure to a lower energy state across different scales. It plays a vital role in shaping the dynamics of the solar corona and heliosphere. It is also known to be responsible for energy exchange processes in Earth's magnetosphere, magnetic systems of our solar system planets and other astrophysical systems including black holes, blazars, and quasars. Theoretical models and laboratory experiments have predicted various properties of magnetic reconnection and associated flares, eruptions and current sheets at different spatio-temporal scales, which are complemented by remote sensing imaging observations. However, in situ sampling of plasma properties of reconnection regions after an eruption in the solar corona was impossible prior to the launch of Parker Solar Probe, with its close-in perihelion. Here we report on in situ observations of an ongoing reconnection event in the solar corona from PSP at a distance of 14 R⊙, supported by complementary remote sensing observations from Solar Orbiter. We find that even after more than 24 hours of the flare peak emission, PSP detected reconnection exhaust, suggesting ongoing fast reconnection. The observed plasma parameters in this region match well with predictions based on computer simulations. Solar Orbiter's observations of the low corona, and PSP's measurements in the outer corona, suggest that some magnetic environments support reconnection that lasts longer than the typical time-scales of a few minutes to a few hours generally inferred from remote sensing observations of the solar corona at various scales. These observations provide a key bridge to understand the relationship between observational and theoretical aspects of laboratory-based plasma experiments and plasmas in the solar atmosphere and astrophysical systems.
Influencing factors of the outcome of Hemophiliac Patients after Knee replacement, with equal important psychological factors
Authors: Jiang Hongyu , Chang Xueke , Zhang Ming , Yu Fubin , Liu Yifan , Man Jianzhi , Guo Kangshu , Zhang Wenqiang , Meng Hongzheng
Published: March 2024

Objective
To investigate the functional recovery of the knee joint post-total knee replacement in patients with hemophilic knee arthritis and to identify influencing factors on surgical outcomes.
Methods
We collected data on 87 hemophilia patients who underwent total knee replacement at our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020. Follow-up was conducted via telephone and in-person visits. Assessment of knee replacement efficacy employed the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the American Knee Society's Clinical (KSC) and Functional (KSF) scores. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine potential predictors of postoperative outcomes, encompassing continuous variables such as age, range of motion (ROM), hematocrit (HCT), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, body mass index (BMI), flexion contracture, and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Categorical variables included coagulation factor usage regularity, hemophilia typing, and severity grading. We classified patients into groups based on hemophilia type (Type A or B), severity (mild, moderate, or severe), and regularity of coagulation factor usage (regular or irregular) for analysis.
Results
Key factors impacting knee replacement outcomes in hemophiliac patients were ROM, flexion contracture, VAS, HAMD, coagulation factor usage regularity, and hemophilia severity. Univariate analysis revealed significant inter-group differences in hemophilia severity regarding KSC, HSS, and KSF scores (P < 0.05), as well as in coagulation factor usage regularity for KSF and HSS scores (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also noted in ROM, number of flexion contractures, VAS, and HAMD across KSC and KSF scores. Multivariate analysis indicated that hemophilia severity, ROM, and HAMD were significant predictors, with severity and HAMD negatively impacting, and ROM positively impacting postoperative outcomes.
Conclusion
For hemophiliac patients, ROM positively correlates with knee replacement success, while flexion contracture has a negative correlation. Higher HAMD scores, irregular coagulation factor usage, and greater hemophilia severity are associated with poorer knee function postoperatively. Clinical practice should emphasize regular coagulation factor usage and address the psychological well-being of patients with hemophilia to improve treatment outcomes.
Analysis of the Causal Relationship Between Anxiety- Depression and Vitiligo and Its Impact on Disease Onset, Progression, and Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Cao Cheng , Xu Aie , Zhou Miaoni , Lin Fuquan , Jin Rong , Lei Jingdi , Zheng Yujie , Sheng Anqi , Xu Wen
Published: March 2024

Background
Anxiety and depression are the most common psychiatric comorbidities among vitiligo patients. However, the impact on disease progression and outcomes remains unclear.
Objective
To elucidate the causal relationship between anxiety and depression and the progression and outcomes of vitiligo, providing a foundation for strengthening psychological interventions in the treatment of vitiligo.
Methods
Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was used to validate the causal relationship between depression and vitiligo. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the psychiatric condition of vitiligo patients. We conducted Fisher's chi-square tests and rank sum tests to analyse differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes among vitiligo patients with different HADS scores. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between anxiety-depression and disease progression, outcomes.
Results
Depression significantly increases the risk of the appearance of vitiligo (P = 0.03). Age, duration of the disease, body surface area, and VIDA were positive associated factors with HADS, with VIDA being the most influential. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that HADS (P < 0.001) and VIDA (P < 0.001) were significant negative associated factors for disease outcomes. However, HADS (P < 0.001) emerged as the only factor that influenced the therapeutic efficacy in multivariate regression analysis. A restricted cubic spline graph illustrates a U-shaped relationship between HADS and clinical efficacy, with the most significant impact on therapeutic efficacy occurring when HADS is equal to 15.
Conclusion
Anxiety and depression exhibit a bidirectional positive causal relationship with vitiligo. Moderate to severe anxiety-depression constitutes a significant factor influencing the clinical efficacy of vitiligo treatment.
Noisy samples-robust Neural Network-based Equalizer for Coherent Optical Transmission Nonlinearity Compensation
Authors: Deng Lei , Cao Zicai , Dai Longquan , Zhang Ziheng , Yao Shuchang , Yang Qi , Liu Deming
Published: March 2024

Nonlinear impairments introduced by optical/electrical components in coherent transceivers (CO-TRx) and optical fiber are the primary bottleneck for enhancing optical transmission capacity. As most nonlinearity equalizers (NLEs) are training data-driven, they can provide significant gain under high-quality training signals but only a weak gain under poor ones. This limitation becomes noteworthy for high-speed transmission systems characterized by high-baud rate and high-order modulation formats resulting in signals with relatively low signal-to-noise ratio, which are susceptible to penalties from various impairments. In response to this issue, we propose a novel approach known as noisy samples-robust neural network-based nonlinearity equalizer (NS-NNLE). With the combination of a pre-trained model, a filter network for noise feature filtration, and a main network for nonlinear mapping, the proposed NS-NNLE can be trained efficiently using noisy training sequences and achieve more stable generalizability than common NLEs. We experimentally demonstrate its performance in a dual-polarization (DP) 64 GBaud 16QAM signals back-to-back (B2B) coherent optical transmission and a DP-40GBaud 16QAM signals 110 km fiber transmission. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed NS-NNLE can provide a stable gain at an acceptable complexity cost under various test conditions where conventional NLEs struggle to achieve adequate training, both for CO-TRx and fiber-induced nonlinearity
Complete mitochondrial genome of Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae) insights into structure, Codon usage, repeats, and RNA editing
Authors: Wang Ru , Luo Yongjian , Lan Zheng , Qiu Daoshou
Published: March 2024

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a versatile plant highly valued for its unique aroma and medicinal properties. Additionally, P. frutescens seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid, holding significant economic importance. While the nuclear and chloroplast genomes of P. frutescens have already been documented, the complete Mitochondrial genome sequence has yet to be reported. In this investigation, we conducted the sequencing, annotation, and assembly of the entire Mitochondrial genome of P. frutescens using a combination of Illumina and PacBio data. The resulting assembled P. frutescens Mitochondrial genome spans 299,551 bp and exhibits a typical circular structure, with a GC content of 45.23%. Within the genome, a total of 59 unique genes were identified, encompassing 37 protein-coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, with 18 introns present in 8 protein-coding genes. Notably, the codons of the P. frutescens Mitochondrial genome display a notable A/T bias. Our analysis also revealed 293 dispersed repeat sequences, 77 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and 6 tandem repeat sequences. Additionally, RNA editing sites exhibited a preference for the formation of leucine at amino acid editing sites. Furthermore, we identified 70 sequence fragments (12,680 bp) that have been transferred from the chloroplast to the Mitochondrial genome, accounting for 4.23% of the entire Mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that among Lamiaceae plants, P. frutescens is most closely related to Salvia miltiorrhiza and Platostoma chinense. Inter-species Ka/Ks results suggested that Ka/Ks <1 for 28 PCGs, indicating that these genes will continue to evolve under purifying selection pressure. The findings of this study will contribute to the enrichment of Mitochondrial genome data for P. frutescens and provide a theoretical foundation for future molecular breeding research on P. frutescens.
Quantitative Assessment of Water Resources: Empirical Methods and Mapping Recharge Zones: Case Study (Eastern Tunisia)
Authors: BARREK Aziza , Msaddek Mohamed Haythem , May Moufida El , Kouaied Amal , Askri Khaoula , Zouhri Lahcen , CHENINI Ismail
Published: March 2024

Groundwater is considered the primary water resource for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. Excessive groundwater pumping, driven by increasing water demand, particularly in the agricultural sector, leads to groundwater scarcity. Groundwater recharge is the most important process contributing to water sustainability. In this paper, two approaches have been combined to establish a groundwater recharge susceptibility map. The first approach is based on empirical formulas used to estimate quantitative groundwater recharge, namely Chaturvedi, modified Chaturvedi, Sehgal, Krishna Rao, and Bhattacharya, applied to the El Fahs Plain aquifer. The second approach, used to map sustainable groundwater recharge areas, is based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) multicriteria analysis. To delineate aquifer suitability for groundwater recharge, eight parameters were considered: soil type, land cover, drainage density, lithology, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, slope, transmissivity, and rainfall. The impact of each factor was weighted, and this method was applied to the El Fahs Plain shallow aquifer. Results indicate that the recharge coefficients obtained from the empirical formulas are 0.143, 0.130, 0.114, 0.010, and 0.089 for Chaturvedi, modified Chaturvedi, Sehgal, Krishna Rao, and Bhattacharya, respectively. The findings suggest that 37% of the aquifer area has very good and good recharge suitability. The results were validated by the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve, with an accuracy of prediction reaching 89.3%. The primary benefit of this research is to enhance the efficiency of mapping groundwater recharge zone suitability.
Prognostic Indicators for Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Curative Resection: Insights from Albumin, Lymphocyte Count, and RAS Mutations
Authors: Miyata Toshiya , Hayama Tamuro , Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Nozawa Keijiro , Misawa Takeyuki , Fukagawa Takeo
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge, demanding reliable prognostic tools to guide treatment decisions. This study introduces a novel prognostic scoring system, the Albumin-Total Lymphocyte Count-RAS Index (ALRI), integrating serum albumin, lymphocyte count, and RAS gene mutations. A cohort of 445 stage I–III CRC patients undergoing curative resection was analyzed, revealing ALRI's association with clinicopathological factors, including age, tumor location, and invasion depth. The ALRI demonstrated superior prognostic value, with a cutoff value of 2 distinguishing high and low-risk groups. The high-ALRI group exhibited elevated rates of recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified ALRI as an independent predictor for both 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier curves illustrated significant differences in RFS and OS between high and low-ALRI groups, emphasizing ALRI's potential as a prognostic marker. Importantly, ALRI outperformed existing nutritional indices, such as CONUT and NLR, in predicting overall survival. The study underscores the comprehensive insight provided by ALRI, combining inflammatory, nutritional, and genetic information for robust prognostication in CRC patients. This user-friendly tool demonstrates promise for preoperative prognosis and personalized treatment strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of inflammation and nutrition in CRC outcomes.
Deficit Irrigation practices on Broccoli Growth in a Natural Ventilated Net-cum-Polyhouse
Authors: Sojitra M.A , Satasiya R.M , Vadaria K.N , Rank H.D , Chauhan P.M
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of irrigation stress on yield and yield attribute at various growth stages of broccoli under natural ventilated net-cum-polyhouse system. The research experiment was carried out at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India, for two years, 2020-21 and 2021-22. The irrigation stress was imposed on 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% of the ETc at the initial, middle and end stages of the crop, respectively. The ETo was calculated by the standard and well-accepted FAO-56 method. The yield attributeparameters, such as stem diameter, plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant canopy were measured at the respective growth stages. However, the days taken to harvest, curd diameter, curd weight and yield were measured at the time of harvesting. The effects of irrigation stress level on crop growth stage were significant for stem diameter, plant height, number of leaves per plant, plant canopy, curd diameter, curd weight and yield. The interaction effect of stress imposed on crop growth stage and irrigation stress level on stem diameter, plant height, plant canopy, curd weight and yield was significant. However, the number of leaves per plant, days taken to harvest and curd diameter were not significantly different. Under irrigation stress, the application of 20% ETC at the initial and end stages promoted a greater yield in broccoli cultivation. Moreover, the yield was on par with that under irrigation stress which reached 60% at the initial stage and 40% at the end stage of the crop. It is advisable to impose irrigation stress at the initial stage and end stage of the broccoli crop when water resources are scarce under natural ventilated net-cum-polyhouse. However, irrigation stress imposed at the middle stage significantly affects broccoli yield.
Why do patients prefer tertiary hospitals?
Authors: Ji Seokmin , Park Sewon , Choi Mankyu , Lee Munjae
Published: March 2024

Background: Tertiary hospital utilization for patients with mild diseases creates inefficiencies in medical utilization for medical consumers and providers, collapses the healthcare delivery system, and has negative consequences for the public health system. This study aims to identify the factors that lead to the selection of tertiary hospitals and the medical needs of patients with mild diseases. We evaluate the value of using medical institutions by comparing and analyzing regional and individual patient characteristics.
Methods: The travel cost method based on the travel cost incurred according to the consumer's temporal choice, was used to evaluate the medical use. We considered data from Ajou University Hospital from 2017 to 2022. The variables used for travel costs are travel costs, time costs, and medical costs. The Quantum Geographic Information System(QGIS) network analysis was used to calculate travel costs and time costs, and independent sample t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the evaluated values between groups.
Results: The analysis revealed that travel costs were the highest for patients with diabetes. Regarding personal characteristics, men exhibited higher rates than women, and individuals under 65 years of age and those receiving type 2 medical benefits demonstrated higher travel costs. Travel costs and outpatient visit rates for mild diseases exhibited a direct proportional relationship. We compared the total economic value assessed for each type of mild disease and found the highest value for diabetes patients with the highest number of outpatient visits.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of incorporating patient segmentation into policy formulation to alleviate the overcrowding of patients with mild illnesses in tertiary care hospitals. Furthermore, they advocate adopting a primary care-centered approach to enhance the healthcare delivery system and address imbalances in community healthcare resources.
Restoring Social Deficits in IRSp53-Deleted Mice: Chemogenetic Inhibition of Ventral Dentate Gyrus Emx1-Expressing Cells
Authors: Kim Yangsik , Kim Su Hyun , Lee Bomee , Lee Seong Mi
Published: March 2024

IRSp53 is a synaptic scaffold protein reported to be involved in schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and social deficits in knockout mice. Identifying critical brain regions and cells related to IRSp53 deletion is expected to be of great help in the treatment of psychiatric problems. In this study, we performed chemogenetic inhibition within the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) of mice with IRSp53 deletion in Emx1-expressing cells (Emx1-Cre;IRSp53 flox/flox). We observed the recovery of social deficits after chemogenetic inhibition within vDG of Emx1-Cre;IRSp53 flox/flox mice. Additionally, chemogenetic activation induced social deficits in Emx1-Cre mice. CRHR1 expression increased in the hippocampus of Emx1-Cre;IRSp53 flox/flox mice, and CRHR1 was reduced by chemogenetic inhibition. Htd2, Ccn1, and Atp61l were decreased in bulk RNA sequencing, and Eya1 and Ecrg4 were decreased in single-cell RNA sequencing of the hippocampus in Emx1-Cre;IRSp53 flox/flox mice compared to control mice. This study determined that the vDG is a critical brain region for social deficits caused by IRSp53 deletion. Social deficits in Emx1-Cre;IRSp53 flox/flox mice were recovered through chemogenetic inhibition, providing clues for new treatment methods for psychiatric disorders accompanied by social deficits.
Evolution of the Internal Structure and Physical Properties of Tongxin Sandstone Due to High Temperature
Authors: Jiang Guanghui , Wang Jintao , Wen Jinhao , Liu Xingzong
Published: March 2024

The thermal stability of the surrounding rock is pivotal to the efficient and safe production of high-temperature fluidized mining engineering. To investigate the thermal stability of rocks, this paper takes the roof sandstone of Tongxin coal mine as the research subject and tests the changes in various physical properties such as mass, size, wave velocity, porosity, and permeability with temperature. Additionally, thermal analysis testing and microscopic observations were conducted. The analysis yielded the following conclusions: (1) The thermal stability of the surrounding rock is pivotal to the efficient and safe production of high-temperature fluidized mining engineering; (2) The alterations in Tongxin sandstone's physical properties primarily stem from dehydration, thermal stress, quartz phase transitions, and kaolinite dehydroxylation. (3) The analysis of the pyrolysis process can predict the evolution rules and threshold temperature of various physical parameters efficiently; (4) a model that links wave velocity and permeability in sandstone at different temperature has been formulated, predicated on the interrelation of physical properties; (5) Based on the evolution rules of various physical properties and the analysis of the pyrolysis process, along with microscopic observation results, the evolution rules and mechanisms of the internal structure of Tongxin sandstone after heating were obtained.
The Bulk and Solution Properties Investigation of Multiblock Polyether
Authors: Jiang Xiaoxia , Zhang Zhiqing , Jin Xiaoxia , Wang Xiaojie , Bi Yangang , Choi Sukyoung , Dou Fan
Published: March 2024

A series of novel multiblock polyethers, (PEOm-PPOn)k, were synthesized via the anionic polymerization using ethylene glycol as the initiated core. Respectively, they were named as E340, E540 and E740, due to the block number (3, 5, 7) and the content of ethylene oxide (EO, 40 w%), which were confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H NMR, and GPC. Moreover, their bulk properties were determined as pseudoplastic fluid by the rotational rheometer. It was found that their solubility and surface tension were all gradually weakened with the addition of block numbers. Nevertheless, the dynamic modulus tended contrary trends. As confirmed to thier microemulsion performance, it was more easier to be destroyed the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance for the E740. Herein, the E740 could be potentially used as micro-emulsion demulsification and wastewater treatment.
High-capacity uranium extraction from seawater through constructing synergistic multiple dynamic bonds in confined spaces
Authors: Zhu Guangshan , Yuan Ye , Cao Doudou , Fengchao Cui , Zhang Cheng , Yang Yajie , Song Yingbo , Cao Jiarui , Zheng Yue , Chen Shusen , Song Yan , Wang Fengju
Published: March 2024

Seawater is the largest uranium reserve in the world, and the efficient extraction of uranium from seawater facilitates the sustainable development of the nuclear industry for thousands of years. However, conventional extraction processes must suffer the dissociation of CO32− ions from [UO2(CO3)3]4− anions to bind the uranyl core, which has a high energy barrier, resulting in the poor selectivity and long working times. Here, we combine a molecular templating strategy to synthesize five hydroxy-rich covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with tunable nanopore sizes (from 0.6 to 2.5 nm). In the 1.1-nm-sized COF cavity, hydroxyl groups coupled with the hydrogen-bonded NH4+ cations selectively bind uranyl tricarbonate ions via synergistic electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions. This framework exhibits high uranium-extraction capability with a removal ratio of >99.99 % in 400 min. Notably, a record uranium-adsorption uptake is achieved with a capacity of 23.68 mg g−1 in 7 days from natural seawater, surpassing that of classical amidoxime-based adsorbents by a factor of 350%.
Enhancing Cellulose Hydrolysis via Cellulase Immobilization on Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks Using Physical Adsorption
Authors: Sun Liqun , Xu Chaozhong , Tong Shanshan , Gu Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the immobilization of cellulase on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) by physical adsoption, specifically ZIF-8-NH2 and Fe3O4@ZIF-8-NH2, to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. The immobilization process was thoroughly analyzed, including optimization of conditions and characterization of ZIF carriers and immobilized enzymes. The impacts on the catalytic activity of cellulase under various temperatures, pH levels, and storage conditions were examined. Additionally, the reusability of the immobilized enzyme was assessed. Results showed the cellulase immobilized on Fe3O4@ZIF-8-NH2 exhibited a high loading capacity of 339.64 mg/g, surpassing previous studies. Its relative enzymatic activity was found to be 71.39 %. Additionally, this immobilized enzyme system demonstrates robust reusability, retaining 68.42 % of its initial activity even after 10 cycles. These findings underscore the potential of Fe3O4@ZIF-8-NH2 as a highly efficient platform for cellulase immobilization, with promising implications for lignocellulosic biorefinery.
Anticipating Solar Flares
Authors: Hudson Hugh
Published: March 2024

Solar flares commonly have a "hot onset precursor event" (HOPE), detectable from soft X-ray observations. This requires subtraction of pre-flare fluxes from the non-flaring Sun prior to the event, fitting an isothermal emission model to the flare excess fluxes by comparing the GOES passbands at 1-8 Å and 0.5-4 Å, and plotting the timewise evolution of the flare emission in a diagram of temperature vs emission measure. The HOPE then appears as an initial "horizontal branch" in this diagram. It precedes the non-thermal impulsive phase of the flare and thus the flare peak in soft X-rays as well. We use this property to define a "flare anticipation index" (FAI), which can serve as an alert for observational programs aimed at solar flares based on near-real-time soft X-ray observations. This FAI gives lead times of a few minutes and produces very few false positive alerts even for flare brightenings too weak to merit NOAA classification.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, SQUEEZE method/XRD interactions, linear and Nonlinear Optical properties, and antibacterial effect of the ligand/copper(II) complex tetradentate Schiff base: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Boudraa Naouel , Assabaa Rachida , Ghichi Nadir , Zaidi Meriem , Hannachi Douniazed , Djedouani Amel , Yahiaoui Ahmed Abderrahim , stoeckli-evans Helen
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of a novel N2O2 donor Schiff base ligand: N,N'-bis(2-hydroxypropiophenone)-1,2-ethanediamine L and its’ copper(II) complex CuL Extensive spectroscopic methods including 1H and 13C NMR, FT-IR, Raman and UV-Vis spectroscopy were employed for the detailed characterization of these compounds. The structure of the CuL complex was elucidated using single-crystal X-ray crystallography, employing the SQUEEZE procedure in PLATON to resolve refinement issues. The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized compounds was assessed using the disc-diffusion method against a range of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus (Gram-positive), and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram-negative). Additionally, the study extends to the computational realm, where Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) methods were utilized to analyze the structural optimization, optical properties, and both static and dynamic hyperpolarizabilities of CuL and its analogues with nickel (NiL) and zinc (ZnL). The findings contribute valuable insights into the spectral properties, crystal structure, and biological activities of these Schiff base complexes.
Coupling between maximum temperature and ozone levels in the lower stratosphere and extreme cooling events in Northeast China
Authors: Shi Yu , Evtushevsky Oleksandr , Milinevsky Gennadi , Yu Ruixian , Grytsai Asen , Sun Xiaopeng , Wang Xiaolong
Published: March 2024

The little studied vertical temperature structure between the lower stratosphere and the surface during extreme cooling events in Northeast China is analyzed. Minimum diurnal temperatures in Changchun (44°N, 125°E) in January 2011, 2016, 2018 and 2023 were taken from Meteostat data. NCEP–NCAR reanalysis temperatures in the meridional cross-section between the pressure levels of 1000 hPa and 10 hPa, averaged over 120–130°E, and horizontally at 30–90°N are considered. Meridional profiles of ozone concentration are based on MLS observations and ERA5 reanalysis. In January of the four winters, the temperature in Changchun dropped by 15–24°C, and the coldest days were compared to the warmest days. It has been shown that there were (i) a concerted downward movement of vertical temperature and ozone maxima to the lower stratosphere, (ii) the tropopause descent by about 2–3 km below the warmest lower stratosphere and (iii) pushing down of the cold midtropospheric layer from about 4 km to the surface with the occurrence of extremely cold weather (–28°C to –34°C). Due to the action of stationary planetary waves, the large wave ridge provides a deep southward penetration of cold polar air into Northeast China, bringing the lowest January temperature among the midlatitude regions. Our results highlight the persistent vertical structure of the thermal coupling between the lower midlatitude stratosphere and the surface over four coolings and the role of peak stratospheric temperature and ozone levels in the occurrence of extremely cold weather.
Role of robot-assisted laparoscopy in deep-infiltrating endometriosis with bowel involvement: a systematic review and application of the IDEAL framework
Authors: Ong Hwa Ian , Shulman Nastassia , Nugraha Patrick , Wrenn Stephen , Nally Deirdre , Peirce Colin , Mahmood Uzma , McCormick Jacob , Proud David , Warrier Satish , Fleming Christina , Mohan Helen
Published: March 2024

Aims
This review aims to evaluate the feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) as an alternative to standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) for the treatment of bowel deep-infiltrative endometriosis (1). Additionally, it aims to provide guidance for future study design, by gaining insight into the current state of research, in accordance with the IDEAL framework.
Method
A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies on RALS for bowel deep infiltrating endometriosis (BDIE) in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed databases up to August 2023 and reported in keeping with PRISMA guidelines, The study was registered with PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022308611
Results
11 primary studies were identified, encompassing 364 RALS patients and 83 SLS patients, from which surgical details, operative and postoperative outcomes were extracted. In the RALS group, mean operating time was longer (235 ± 112 min) than in the standard laparoscopy group (171 ± 76 min) (p < 0.01). However, RALS resulted in fewer postoperative complications (15.3%) compared to standard laparoscopy (26.5%). Patients in the RALS group experienced a shorter hospital stay (5.3 ± 3.5 days vs. 7.3 ± 4.1 days) (p < 0.01). Research evidence for RALS in BDIE is at an IDEAL Stage 2B of development.
Conclusion
RALS is a safe and feasible alternative to standard laparoscopy for bowel endometriosis treatment, potentially improving rates of intraoperative and overall postoperative complications despite longer operating times.
Hamiltonian Boundary Value Methods (HBVMs) for functional differential equations with piecewise continuous arguments
Authors: Gurioli Gianmarco , Wang Weijie , Yan Xiaoqiang
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a class of high-order methods to numerically solve Functional Differential Equations with Piecewise Continuous Arguments (FDEPCAs) is discussed. The framework stems from the expansion of the vector field associated with the reference differential equation along the shifted and scaled Legendre polynomial orthonormal basis, working on a suitable extension of Hamiltonian Boundary Value Methods. Within the design of the methods, a proper generalization of the perturbation results coming from the field of ordinary differential equations is considered, with the aim of handling the case of FDEPCAs. The error analysis of the devised family of methods is performed, while a few numerical tests on Hamiltonian FDEPCAs are provided, to give evidence to the theoretical findings and show the effectiveness of the obtained resolution strategy.
FLTGAN: A Novel Framework for Enhanced Diabetes Classification in Imbalanced Datasets
Authors: Yang Shuaibin , Liu Wenjun , Wang Sensen , Huang Hui
Published: March 2024

Class imbalances in diabetes datasets are common in datasets in the medical research field, and class imbalances may cause the training effects of machine learning models to be biased toward a larger number of classes, thus affecting the model's ability to predict a small number of classes. In order to solve this problem, this study designed and implemented a diabetes classification model based on Focal Loss Tabular Generative Adversarial Network (FLTGAN) to effectively solve the problem of sample imbalance in uneven datasets. The model, integrating advanced machine learning algorithms, has been validated using two real-world datasets. Comparative results demonstrated that our model significantly outperformed traditional TGAN and SMOTE methods across multiple evaluation metrics, it achieved an F1 score of 0.78, an AUC of 0.84, an accuracy of 0.80, a precision of 0.83, and a recall of 0.75, indicating its superior classification performance. This study confirmed the robust capability of the proposed intelligent diabetes classification method in accurately diagnosing diabetes and addressing class imbalance, offering a new effective tool for the intelligent diagnosis of diabetes.