bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Preoperative Malignancy Risk in Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms through Basic Clinical and Laboratory Parameters
Authors: Martlı Hüseyin Fahri , Acehan Muhammed Fatih , Er Sadettin , Şimşek Ahmet , Şahingöz Eda , Sürel Aziz Ahmet , Tez Mesut
Published: August 2023

Background
The incidence of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCN) is increasing over time. However, differentiating between benign and malignant cysts remains challenging. However, identifying between benign and malignant cysts remains difficult. Despite suggestions from many organisations and research groups calling for endosonography and cytology, postoperative pathology is frequently used to make the final diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate the malignancy probability of PCNs using simple clinical and biochemical parameters.
Method
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients who underwent surgery for pancreatic cystic neoplasms. Based on postoperative pathology, patients were divided into two groups: Group A, which included those with malignancy or high-grade dysplasia, and Group B, which included those with benign or low-grade dysplasia. A comparison was made between pathology results and clinical and laboratory data.
Results
Out of the 70 patients, 42 (60%) were in Group A, and 28 (40%) were in Group B. The mean age was 59.59, and 60% of the patients were male. Univariant analysis (OR 95% CI) revealed that age was 1.095 (1.042–1.150) (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus was 4.889 (1.710-13.977) (p = 0.003), red cell distribution width (RDW) was 2.240 (1.485–3.380) (p < 0.001), and albumin was 0.914 (0.844–0.989) (p = 0.026). However, in the multivariate analysis, age and RDW were identified as independent variables (OR 95% CI) with values of 1.067 (1.014–1.122) (p = 0.012) and 1.784 (1.172–2.715) (p = 0.007), respectively.
Conclusion
The differentiation between benign and malignant PCN can only be achieved through advanced and specialized investigations. Postoperative pathology is still the most precise means of diagnosis. Age and RDW were shown to be useful in identifying individuals who may benefit from endosonography and cytology, as well as those who needed surgical intervention.
Knockdown of Long Non-coding RNA TUG1 Suppresses pyroptosis in High Glucose-Stimulated BV-2 Cells
Authors: Pan Youzhuo , Lu Xun , Guo Wenhui , Lei Haoyue , Zhang Qi
Published: August 2023

Neuroinflammation is a mechanism by which obesity leads to cognitive impairment. LncRNA-TUG1 can increase neuroinflammation by regulating microglial cells activation, but its mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential functional role of long non-coding RNA TUG1 in high glucose -stimulated BV-2 microglia cells. Mouse microglia cell line BV-2 cells were cultured in vitro and TUG1 shRNA was used to knock down its level. After microglial cells were exposed to high glucose 24 h, TUG1 level, as well as some pyroptosis-associated proteins and releasing inflammatory cytokines were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot. The activation of gasdermin D (GSDMD) were detected by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, and western blot. Our results showed that compared with those in the 5.5 mmol/L glucose control (NC) group, expression of TUG1, NLRP3, caspase1, GSDMD, IL-18 and IL-1β in the 25mmol/L glucose (HG) group of cultured BV-2 cells were significantly increased. the expression of TUG1 was up-regulated in microgolial cells 24 h after high glucose treatment. However, the lncRNA-TUG1 knocked down could significantly reduce the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD protein and mRNA level in BV-2 cells. Besides, immunofluorescence results showed the lncRNA-TUG1 knocked down stained positively for GSDMD. LncRNA-TUG1 knocked could improve microglial pyroptosis and production of inflammatory cytokines after high glucose insult.
Relationship between Topological efficiency of White Matter Structural Connectome and Plasma Biomarkers across Alzheimer's Disease Continuum
Authors: Zhang Mingkai , Chen Haojie , Huang Weijie , Guo Tengfei , Ma Guolin , Han Ying , Shu Ni
Published: August 2023

Background
Plasma biomarkers and brain network topology have shown potential in early diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD). We sought to explore relationships among plasma biomarkers, white matter structural network efficiency, and cognitive performance along the AD continuum.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study evaluated participants from the Sino Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Decline (SILCODE) cohort between September 2009 and October 2022, with available blood samples or 3.0-T MRI brain scans. Plasma biomarker levels were measured using the Single Molecule Array platform, including β-amyloid (Aβ), phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and Neurofilament light chain (NfL). The topological structure of brain white matter was assessed using network efficiency. Trend analyses and mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships among plasma markers, network efficiency, and cognitive performance across the AD continuum.
Results
498 participants along the AD continuum (mean age, 67.7 years ± 6.7 [SD]; 172 women) were included: 192 with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), 58 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 25 with AD, and 223 controls. The study involved 287 blood samples and 395 brain scans. GFAP was the most sensitive marker (t = 11.164, p = 3.59×10− 24), followed by NfL (t = 6.542, p = 2.9×10− 10), p-tau181 (t = 8.452, p = 1.61×10− 15) and Aβ42/Aβ40 (t=-3.257, p = 1.27×10− 3). Local efficiency decreased in the frontal, temporal cortex, and striatum. The principal component of local efficiency within these regions correlated with GFAP (r = − 0.61, p = 6.3×10− 7), NfL (r = − 0.57, p = 6.4×10− 6), and p-tau181 (r = − 0.48, p = 2.0×10− 4). Network efficiency mediated the relationship between cognition and GFAP (β=-0.224, p = .0196) or NfL (β=-0.346, p = .0188).
Conclusions
Network efficiency mediates the association between plasma biomarkers (especially GFAP and NfL) and cognitive performance along the AD continuum. These findings contribute to understanding AD pathogenesis and may have implications for early diagnosis and intervention.
The Magnitude of Trachoma Cases and Associated Factors Among Ophthalmic Clients Attending Menelik II Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Legass Getacher , Mideksa Samson , Oumer Abdu , Abegaz Kedir
Published: August 2023

Back ground: Trachoma is the commonest infectious cause of blindness in our globe. It sustained to be endemic in many developing countries like Ethiopia. However, there is no study done in Menelik II comprehensive specialized hospital about the magnitude and associated factors of trachoma. Hence, the current study was to assess the magnitude and risk factors of trachoma infection in Central Ethiopia.
Methods:A hospital based cross-sectional study was employed on 607 ophthalmic clients were selected by consecutive sampling technique. A pretested and structured questionnaire was applied to collect a range of a data on socio demographic, facility and service related and environmental factors. The outcome variable was measured by using frequency, cross-tabulation and percent. Multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted using stepwise backward regression. We reported adjusted odd ratios with 95% confidence interval and statistical significance was declared at p-value below 0.05.
Result: A total of 607 ophthalmic clients were included in this study. This result revealed that 8.4 % of ophthalmic clients have Trachomatous Trichiasis (95% CI: 6.1%-10.6%). Additionally, TrachomatousScar (2.5%), Trachomatous Follicle (1.8%), and Corneal Opacity (6.1%) were also found in Menelik II comprehensive specialized hospital. Those who were absent of kitchen (AOR= 0.147, 95% CI 0.05–0.40); a present of trash with in the compound (AOR =1.86, 95% CI 1.2-2.8) flies on child face (AOR =3.44, 95% CI 1.3–8.54) and clients without latrine utilization (AOR= 1.78, 95% CI 1.1-2.8) and daily laborers (AOR= 0.47, 95% CI 0.3-0.7) were more likely develop trachoma.
Conclusions:The magnitude of trachoma in ophthalmic clients in the study area was found to be low according to the WHO threshold yet, it is public health threat. Absent of kitchen; poor environmental and personal sanitary conditions were relevant risk factors which could be further targeted in the fight against trachoma.
N-Redundant UDP - a fault tolerance scheme for real-time notification
Authors: Syam Anupom
Published: August 2023

UDP is a very efficient connectionless transmission model. It’s a well-suited protocol to use in real-time applications. As we know the problem with UDP is unreliability and lack of ordering. Many schemes and protocols were suggested or developed on top of UDP to make it reliable and ordered. But in all those cases we sacrifice latency to guarantee reliability. There are practical use cases where UDP is used for inter-system event notification (as an example, real-time event notification within a distributed system) where each event is transferred as a tiny datagram. In such cases increasing reliability without hampering the latency is desired. In this paper, we propose a scheme named N-redundant UDP that is suitable for transmitting small messages with increased Quality of Service than plain UDP but without adding any latency burden.
Efficacy and safety comparison of infrared laser moxibustion and traditional moxibustion in knee osteoarthritis: Study protocol for a Zelen- design randomized controlled non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Wang Zhong-yu , Chen Fang-fang , Guo Shi-qi , Xue Ying , Zhang Jia-chen , He Jing , Shi Yu-qing , OuYang Xia-li , Liu Ping , Zhang Yang , Shuang Shuang , Chen Yi-xiang , Li Jiang-tao , Zhao Bai-xiao , Han Li
Published: August 2023

Background
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which is the most common chronic degenerative joint disease, places substantial burden on public health resources in China. The purpose of this study is to preliminary evaluate whether infrared laser moxibustion (ILM) is non-inferior to traditional moxibustion (TM) in the treatment of KOA.
Methods
In the designed Zelen-design randomized controlled non-inferiority clinical trial, a total of 74 patients with KOA will be randomly allocated to one of two interventions: ILM treatment or TM treatment. All participants will receive a 6-week treatment and be followed-up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the mean change in pain on the numeric rating scale (NRS). The secondary outcomes will be the pain on the NRS from weeks 1 to 5 after the start of treatment and the changes from baseline to endpoints (weeks 6 and 10) in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), SF-36, knee circumference, and 6-min walking test. In addition, safety assessment will be performed throughout the trial.
Discussion
The results of our study will help determine whether a 6-week treatment with ILM is non-inferior to TM in patients with KOA, therefore providing evidence for verifying if ILM can become a safer alternative for TM in clinical applications in the future.
Trial registration:
Clinical Trial Registration Platform (ChiCTR2200065264); Pre-results. Registered on 1 November 2022.
Identification of prognostic biomarkers among VGCCs family in human ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Tingting , Gao Wen , Shi Peipei , Yang Lina , Yin Sheng , Ren Aimin , Zhang Jiarong
Published: August 2023

Background
The disease burden of suffering epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) for women is increasing evidently with high risk of recurrence and poor prognosis. There is critical need to explore novel approaches for efficient treatment. VGCCs, a group of genes that encode a family of voltage-gated calcium channel, have been identified as being involved in the tumor progression of various cancer types. We performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify the expression and prognostic values of different VGCC family in ovarian cancer.
Methods
In the first place, we analyzed the transcript expression of VGCCs in clinical cancer tissue vs normal samples by accessing ONCOMINE and GEPIA microarray database. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between the gene expression, genetic alteration, and patient’s prognosis by utilizing the cBioPortal and Kaplan-Meier plotter. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemical (IHC) in tissue from ovarian cancer patient to validate the results.
Results
Notably, the majority of VGCC family members exhibited low expression in various cancer subtypes, including ovarian cancer. However, Cav2.1 (CACNA1A), encoding the P/Q type calcium channel, exhibited up-regulated expression in ovarian cancer tissue compared to normal tissue. Moreover, Cav2.1 achieved a relative high mutation in ovarian cancer patients, of which the majority was mRNA amplification. Interestingly, both overexpression of Cav2.1 and genetic variation were correlated with poorer PFS and OS. Moreover, our immunohistochemistry results from EOC patients verified that Cav2.1 was statistically related to poorer prognosis.
Conclusion
Collectively, our results hypothesized CACNA1A amplification may contribute to the upregulation of Cav2.1 expression, that were correlated with poor prognosis of EOC. Cav2.1 may serve as therapeutic targets and potential oncogene of ovarian cancer.
Seismic hazard indicators in Japan based on seismic noise properties
Authors: Lyubushin Alexey
Published: August 2023

The seismic noise recorded at the network of stations in Japan for more than 26 years (1997 - March 2023) is being investigated. The article is a continuation of the number of works in which the analysis was performed for 1997 - March 2021. New data for 2 years of follow-up observations, combined with a new approach to their analysis, provided additional opportunities to test a number of hypotheses regarding the presence of features in the properties of seismic noise that precede the release of seismic energy. The analysis is based on the use of the wavelet-based Donoho-Johnstone index, as a property of noise waveforms, the use of an auxiliary network of reference points, the estimation of spatial correlations of noise properties, and the relationship of the seismic noise response to the irregular rotation of the Earth with the flow of seismic events in the vicinity of the Japanese Islands by using a parametric model of interacting point processes.
Comparison of contamination and infection of CoNS bacteremia in hospitalized children’s blood cultures
Authors: Okay Songul , Gülhan Belgin , Yüksek Saliha Kanık , Parlakay Aslınur Özkaya , Bayhan Gülsüm İclal
Published: August 2023

Purpose: We have aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of infections caused by coagulase- negative staphylococci in pediatric patients.

Methods: Study included 511 patients aged 1 month-18 years with growth of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in their blood cultures obtained between October 2020-October 2021. The presence of blood stream infection (BSI), catheter- related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) or contamination was investigated.

Results: The median age of the patients was 2.2 years (min:1 month, max:18 years). The study population consisted of 57.9% male, and 42.1% female patients. Contamination was detected in 82.2%, bloodstream infection (BSI) in 10.8% and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in 7% of patients, while S. epidermidis was identified in 58.5%, S. hominis in 40.3% and S. haemolyticus in 13.9% of them. The rate of methicillin-resistant CoNS was found to be 36.8%. Fever, indwelling catheter use, total parenteral nutrition were significantly more common in the CRBSI/BSI group than in the contamination group (p=0.017; p<0.001; p=0.001, respectively). The growth of S. haemolyticus was found to be mostly associated with CRBSI/BSI, and S. epidermidis was considered more often as an contaminant agent (p<0.001; p=0,022, respectively) The duration of hospital stay was longer in the CRBSI/BSI group, and antibiotherapy changed more frequently in the CRBSI/BSI group (p<0.001, p<0.005, respectively).
Conclusions: Accompanying fever, using an intravascular device, and TPN may be warning signs for CRBSI or BSI. The most effective way to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics, laboratory workload and medical expenditures is to prevent contamination by performing correct blood collection procedures.
5-HT_FAsTR: A versatile, label-free, microplate assay to quantify serotonin transport and release using the genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor iSeroSnFR
Authors: Bukowski Lina , Strøm Markus , Andersen Jens , Maesen Jannick , Tian Lin , Sinning Steffen
Published: August 2023

The neurotransmitter serotonin is important in mood and depression, acts as a vasoconstrictor in blood vessels and is the main neurotransmitter of the gut. In neurotransmission, the released serotonin is taken up by serotonin transporters, which are principal targets of antidepressants and the psychostimulant, ecstasy. Studies of serotonin transporters have relied almost exclusively on the use of radiolabeled serotonin in heterogenous end-point assays. Here we present the establishment and validation of the Serotonin (5-HT) Fluorescence Assay for Transport and Release (5-HT_FAsTR) for functional and pharmacological studies of serotonin transport and release. We demonstrate the applicability of the method for the study of a neuronal, high-affinity, low-capacity serotonin transporter (SERT) as well as an extraneuronal low-affinity, high-capacity organic cation transporter (OCT) and mutants thereof. 5HT_FAsTR is an accessible, versatile and reliable semi-homogenous assay format that only relies on a fluorescence plate reader for repeated, real-time measurements of serotonin influx and efflux.
Robust contact-constrained topology optimization considering uncertainty at the contact support
Authors: Schmidt Timo , Kriegesmann Benedikt , Seifried Robert
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the general framework for contact-constrained topology optimization of Strömberg and Klarbring [13] is extended to robust topology optimization. In doing so, a linear elastic design domain is considered and the augmented Lagrangian approach is used to model the unilateral contact. For topology optimization, the design space is parametrized with the SIMP-approach and the Sigmund’s filter is applied. Additionally, the robust framework considers uncertainties at the contact support such as deviations of the geometry of the contact surface and the friction coefficient. Both uncertainties are described by the first-order second-moment method which leads to minimal additional costs. In fact, only two addional linear equations must be solved to obtain the robust objective and its gradient with respect to the design variables. Having both the objective and the gradient, the design update is computed with the method of moving asymptodes. The robust framework is applied to 2D and 3D examples to prove its scalabiltiy for real-world applications.
Implicações Clínicas Envolvidas no Processo de Fotopolimerização da Resina Composta
Authors: Silva Geovanna Caroline Brito da , Dias Brenno Anderson Santiago , Medeiros Francielly Lemos , Mendes Jefferson Lucas , Alves Layla Narrely Santos , Vasconcelos Marcelo Gadelha , Vasconcelos Rodrigo Gadelha
Published: August 2023

Introdução: Devido à grande demanda por tratamentos mais conservadores e estéticos, os compósitos a base de resina composta fotoativados começaram a ser amplamente utilizados nos procedimentos restauradores e os fotopolimerizadores, principalmente do tipo diodo emissor de luz (LED), tornaram-se indispensáveis nos consultórios odontológicos, visto que são essenciais para o processo de fotopolimerização desses compósitos. Objetivo: Este trabalho consiste em uma revisão da literatura que objetiva discorrer acerca das implicações clínicas envolvidas no processo de fotopolimerização dos compósitos dentais, descrevendo fatores que podem ter influência na polimerização dos materiais resinosos no tratamento odontológico. Material e método: Realizou-se uma busca nas bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed, SciELO, BVS e Google Acadêmico, através do rastreio de 40 artigos publicados entre 2005 e 2020, além de um livro considerado proveitoso para o conteúdo deste estudo. Resultados: A fotopolimerização dos materiais resinosos está relacionada à vários parâmetros, como a intensidade e comprimento de onda da luz emitida pelo aparelho fotopolimerizador, tempo de exposição à luz, volume de material restaurador a ser fotopolimerizado, quantidade e tipo de fotoiniciador presente no material, tipo de partícula de carga presente, técnica de fotopolimerização e a cor e grau de translucidez da resina utilizada. Tais fatores são capazes de afetar as propriedades mecânicas e funcionais de restaurações em resina composta. Conclusão: É fundamental que os cirurgiões-dentistas conheçam as implicações clínicas envolvidas no processo de fotopolimerização dental e busquem maneiras para corrigir condutas que prejudiquem a etapa de fotoativação do material restaurador, para otimizar essa etapa clínica e desenvolver protocolos confiáveis, bem como tratamentos restauradores bem-sucedidos.
Postharvest Quality of Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) after X-ray Irradiation Quarantine Treatment
Authors: Sun Xiuxiu , Follett Peter A. , Postler Melissa , Wall Marisa M.
Published: August 2023

The quality of two kiwifruit varieties [Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa, ‘Hayward’ (green-fleshed), and Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis, ‘Zesy002’ (gold-fleshed)] was determined after X-ray irradiation at doses suitable for disinfestation of quarantine pests. Fruit were treated with irradiation doses of 0, 200, 400, 600, or 800 Gy and stored for 14 days at 2 °C. Irradiation did not affect soluble solids content, respiration rate, or taste. Minimal softening occurred to ‘Zesy002’ treated with irradiation doses of 400 or 800 Gy. No visible radiation injury, scald, or discoloration was observed. Irradiation treatment of kiwifruit at doses ≤800 Gy would ensure visual, compositional, and sensory quality while providing quarantine security.
Biology of Palms and Implications for Management in the Landscape
Authors: Hodel Donald R.
Published: August 2023

Comprising a natural and distinctive group, palms (Arecaceae) differ from other woody plants in their structure and growth features that require or offer unique and sometimes advantageous landscape management opportunities. Although palms are a mostly tropical group that lacks dormancy and cold tolerance, there are numerous species possessing sufficient cool or cold hardiness to be suitable for landscaping in subtropical and even some temperate areas. The habit of palms is largely dependent on the number of stems and the length to which they elongate. There are solitary or multistemmed palms and tree or shrub palms. Regardless of habit, there is typically only one growing point or apical meristem per palm stem. Thus, multistemmed palms may be especially versatile landscape subjects because in many instances, one is able to control height and density by judicious removal of stems. The uniquely constructed palm stem, with growth restricted to its extremities (leaves and inflorescences distally, roots proximally, and wholly the product of primary growth), is composed largely of numerous, dispersed, hard, fibrous-sheathed, vascular bundles embedded in a matrix of water- and carbohydrate-storing parenchyma cells. Often likened to a steel-reinforced concrete column and offering tremendous strength and resiliency, palm stems lack a peripheral vascular cambium and, thus, capability for secondary growth, meaning they do not thicken much once they elongate vertically and there is no ability to repair damaged tissue. Thus, care should be taken when performing horticultural tasks to avoid making wounds (which are permanent, unsightly, and potential entry sites for pests and diseases) and damaging the sole apical meristem. A palm's total photosynthetic and reproductive efforts are concentrated into relatively few but large organs (leaves and inflorescences respectively), offering a unique opportunity to capture an entire year's worth of potential leaf, flower, and fruit litter before it falls into the landscape. The palm root system is adventitious and composed of numerous, small- to medium-sized, nonwoody roots. All primary roots are of a more or less constant diameter and arise independently from an area at or near the base of the stem called the root initiation zone. Because of these root system characteristics and the ability of their trunks to store water and carbohydrates, palms are relatively easy to transplant—even large specimens with small root balls—resulting in instant, mature landscapes.
Irrigation Scheduling for ‘Sovereign Coronation’ Table Grapes Based on Evapotranspiration Calculations and Crop Coefficients
Authors: Reynolds Andrew G. , Ehtaiwesh Amal , de Savigny Christiane
Published: August 2023

Several irrigation treatments were evaluated on ‘Sovereign Coronation’ (Vitis labruscana) table grapes at two vineyard sites in Ontario, Canada in 2003 to 2005 to assess the usefulness of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Penman-Monteith equation for predicting vine irrigation needs. Data (relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and temperature) for calculating reference evapotranspiration (ETo) were downloaded from the Ontario Weather Network. The five irrigation treatments were nonirrigated control plus four based on combinations of one of two ETo values [100% (ET100) or 150% (ET150)] and two crop coefficients [Kc (fixed at 0.75 or 0.5–0.8 based upon increasing canopy volume)] used to calculate the required irrigation water volume. Transpiration (Ts), leaf water potential (ψ), and soil moisture data were collected in all three seasons. Yield components data were collected and berries were analyzed for soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity (TA), anthocyanins, methyl anthranilate (MA), and total volatile esters (TVE). Irrigation typically increased Ts rate and soil moisture; the nonirrigated treatment showed consistently lower Ts and soil moisture over the three seasons. Irrigation also increased leaf ψ, which was lower throughout the three seasons for nonirrigated vines. Irrigation additionally increased yield and its various components (clusters per vine, cluster weight, and berries per cluster) in 2005. Berry weights were higher for irrigated treatments at both sites, and were consistently the main variable leading to yield increases. Soluble solids was highest for the Kc = 0.75 treatments. pH, TA, anthocyanins, and phenols were highest in nonirrigated treatments in 2003 and 2004, but were highest in irrigated treatments in 2005. MA and TVE were highest in the ET150 treatments. The use of irrigation was effective in reducing water stress and for improving yield and fruit composition of ‘Sovereign Coronation’ table grapes in the Niagara region of Ontario. The ET150 treatments were particularly beneficial. Soil and vine water status measurements indicated that irrigation was required for Summer 2003 and 2005 due to dry conditions.
Horizontal String Blossom Thinner Reduces Labor Input and Increases Fruit Size in Peach Trees Trained to Open-center Systems
Authors: Baugher T. Auxt , Schupp J.R. , Lesser K.M. , Hess-Reichard K.
Published: August 2023

Hand thinning of fruit is among the most labor-intensive orchard practices and consequently contributes significantly to peach (Prunus persica) production costs. Research reported in 2008 on a string blossom thinner for vertical tree canopies demonstrated that this new mechanical method has potential to favorably impact grower profitability by reducing labor requirement and by improving fruit size and quality. A string thinner prototype for open-center tree canopies was tested in six orchards in 2008. Peach blossom removal in upper canopy regions ranged from 23% to 69% with the new string thinner oriented in a horizontal or inclined position to thin the tops of vase-shaped trees. Optimal thinning with the horizontal string thinner was with a 2.0 km·h−1 tractor speed, reducing peach crop load by an average of 47%, reducing follow-up hand thinning time 32%, and increasing fruit in higher market size categories 22% to 31%. Net economic impact (realized economic savings) of mechanical thinning at 2.0 km·h−1 versus hand thinning alone ranged from $799 to $911 per hectare. Total yield was sometimes reduced by string thinner treatments; however, high-market-value yields were comparable across treatments. Two combination treatments—mechanical thinning followed by hand blossom thinning and thinning with a horizontal followed by a vertical string thinner—suggested additional strategies for achieving the most desirable thinning results.
Cryptocurrency energy consumption: Analysis, global trends and interaction
Authors: Bublyk Yevhen , Borzenko Olena , Hlazova Anna
Published: August 2023

The rapid spread of cryptocurrencies is one of the most relevant trends today. One of the significant risks of their spread is the increase in energy consumption, which has a negative impact on the environment due to carbon emissions. This requires the development of a scientific toolkit for assessing relationships and predicting the impact of cryptocurrencies on energy consumption, which is the aim of this paper.With the correlational regression analysis, the model of the dependence of spending on IT sector, energy consumption of Bitcoin, Ethereum and global capitalization of the cryptocurrency market was conducted, based on statistical data from Statista.com, Сoinmarketcap.com and International Data Corporation. To check the possible relationship, tests for the adequacy of the results obtained (Fisher’s test, Student’s t-test) confirmed the correctness of coefficients for independent variables.The results showed a significant direct correlation (Multiple R is 95%) of spending on IT sector, energy consumption and global capitalization of the cryptocurrency market. The established relationships allowed predicting that Bitcoin energy consumption may reach 142 Terawatt hours per year in 2026. And its impact on environment by mining in 2022 was at least 27.4 Mt of CO2 emission.As a proposal, a conclusion was made on the expediency of linking mining to the use of certain sources of electricity production, such as “residual” natural gas, nuclear power, renewable energy sources. The obtained results and conclusions may be used as a basis for political decisions in the field of energy efficiency and climate change mitigation.
'Urf of Cyberspace: Solutions to the Problems of Islamic Law in the Digital Age
Authors: Musarrofa Ita , Rohman Holilur
Published: August 2023

Human interaction with information and communication technologies has created a new culture in the digital age. It impacts new legal issues that demand solutions based on Islamic law. A theory incorporating culture in law construction is termed ‘urf’ in uṣūl al-fiqh. The purpose of this article is to investigate the role of ‘urf in the establishment of law for cyberspace problems. As a data source, this article employs a virtual ethnographic method with cyberculture products. The application of ‘urf in adapting culture in cyberspace is studied using Jasser Auda’s maqāṣid al-sharī'ah theory. This study discovered that culture in cyberspace is generated by netizens’ externalization, objectivation, and internalization processes. The ‘urf that applies in cyberspace is included in the ‘urf khaṣṣ. Meanwhile, the stated legislation must allude to the realization of human advantage, which means that the six aspects of Jasser Auda’s system must be considered when negotiating between revelation, fiqh, and ‘urf in cyberspace. Thus, the ‘urf of cyberspace can be employed as a legal element in digital-era situations.
Exploring the Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on English Language Teachers
Authors: Sukirman Sukirman
Published: August 2023

This study aims to assess how Indonesian Islamic higher education, specifically English language teachers, have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews to investigate the impacts of Covid-19 on English language teachers. Data were collected from ten participants, and thematic analysis techniques were used to analyze the data, including data familiarization, generating codes, grouping codes, generating themes, and finalizing findings. The study reveals that the pandemic has significantly impacted education, particularly English language teaching. It has led to a loss of interactive classroom experiences and obstacles to language acquisition. However, participants have benefited from increased accessibility to international seminars, workshops, and conferences. It has removed geographical and financial barriers, allowing participants to attend events at no cost and providing valuable educational advantages. Future research could benefit from larger-scale participation. In that case, a better understanding of the impact of valuable educational advantages gained from international events amidst Covid-19 on teachers’ teaching performances in the post-pandemic needs to be developed.
Fault diagnosis of rolling bearing based on cross-domain divergence alignment and intra-domain distribution alienation
Authors: Zhao Shubiao , Wang Guangbin , Li Xuejun , Chen Jinhua , Jiang Lingli
Published: August 2023

When the current transfer learning algorithm is applied to the field of bearing fault diagnosis under different working conditions, it only focuses on reducing the cross-domain distance or the distribution difference within the domain, and does not consider the domain tilt. When the fault samples are scarce, the degradation of recognition ability is more obvious. A fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings based on cross-domain divergence alignment and intra-domain distribution alienation (CDDA-IDDA) is proposed. Firstly, aiming at the cross-domain tilt in the domain data space of variable working conditions, the overall divergence matrix of source domain and target domain is constructed, and the cross-domain divergence alignment is carried out. Then, aiming at the overlapping phenomenon of categories in the domain, based on the distribution adaptation weighted conditional distribution, the spatial distribution of different categories in the same domain is further alienated. Finally, the regularization term is introduced under the framework of structural risk minimization. On the basis of fully retaining the internal structure of the data, a multi-classifier with strong transfer ability is obtained by iteration. Experiments show that the proposed method is better than some mainstream transfer learning algorithms in multi-fault, multi-degree recognition and compound fault diagnosis. In addition, the proposed method still has high diagnostic accuracy when there are few labeled training samples. When the ratio of labeled source domain samples to unlabeled target domain is 1:50 (16 labeled data), the average accuracy of the transfer task reaches 97.78 %.
Influence of wheel web structure on the tight-curve short-pitch corrugation of metro
Authors: Tang Tiancheng , Wu Bowen , Wang Wenjing , Pan Jiabao , Hu Yan , Xu Rui , Ye Dongdong , Yan Wei
Published: August 2023

Short-pitch corrugation is a common phenomenon that occurs on tight-curve rails in metro systems. However, the contributing factors of this problem are still not fully understood, and effective control measures have yet to be developed. In this study, we investigated the contributing factors of short-pitch corrugation on tight-curve rails in metro systems using the complex eigenvalue analysis method according to the theory of friction-induced vibration. We also explored control measures for short-pitch corrugation from the perspective of optimizing the wheel web structure. Our results indicate that friction-induced vibration is the primary contributing factor to short-pitch corrugation in the wheel-rail system. The shape of the web structure significantly affects rail corrugation, and compared to the straight web structure, unstable vibrations are more pronounced in the S-shape web structure. In contrast, the bow web structure can significantly improve the system stability of the wheel-rail interaction, and the greater the web curvature, the better the inhibitory effect. The wheel deformation under contact force varies with the web curvature, and when the axial deformation of the wheel extends toward the inner rail, the wheel-rail system no longer exhibits unstable vibrations. Conversely, when the axial deformation of the wheel extends toward the outer rail, the greater the deformation, the greater the instability of the wheel-rail system.
Research on high-speed railway vehicle emergency braking control based on rail surface foreign matter identification
Authors: Wang Weihua , Zheng Yaodong , Chen Yuanjing
Published: August 2023

In order to improve the operation stability of high-speed railway vehicles, an emergency braking control method for high-speed railway vehicles based on the identification of foreign matters on the track surface is proposed. The dynamic frame scanning method is used to build the image acquisition of abnormal objects on the high-speed rail track surface, and the visual sensor and vibration sensor are used to identify and process the features of foreign objects on the high-speed rail track surface. According to the abnormal feature extraction results, the command signal in case of foreign objects is transmitted to the terminal command library of the braking control system. According to the transfer switch of the emergency braking system to display the main emergency disposal output states such as the train emergency disposal information reception, emergency disposal level, emergency disposal type and other information, the joint control method of contact pressure distribution and non-uniform heat flux is adopted, and the joint control method of control system, drive system, disc friction system and signal acquisition system is adopted. The emergency braking control module is established to realize the emergency braking control of high-speed railway vehicles according to the feature recognition results of foreign matters on the rail surface. The test results show that the control module is less affected by the vehicle wheelbase characteristics, track structure characteristics and other factors when using this method for high-speed railway vehicle emergency braking control, and has a strong ability to identify the characteristics of foreign matters on the track surface, which improves the stability and real-time performance of emergency braking.
Shear and Fracture Characteristics of Nano-silica and GNP Hybrid Nanoparticle Reinforced Single Lap Joints
Authors: ÖZBEK Özkan
Published: August 2023

In the current study, the effects of hybrid nanoparticles on the shear and fracture behaviours of adhesively bonded single lap joints (SLJs) using Aluminum substrates were investigated. To this aim, nano-silica and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) particles were used as filler materials in Araldite 2014-2 epoxy-based adhesive. The SLJ samples prepared at seven different configurations were subjected to lap shear tests. Additionally, macro and SEM views taken from damaged surfaces of the samples were examined to understand the influence of nanoparticle addition on the fracture characteristics of the joints. The experimental findings showed that all nanoparticle-doped samples, whether single or hybrid, exhibited remarkable improvements in shear strength compared to pure ones. The maximum improvements were obtained from the H2 sample having 1 wt.% nano-silica and 0.5 wt.% GNP. The maximum shear strength was 13.62 MPa which was 213% higher than pure samples (4.35 MPa). It was determined that some toughening mechanisms such as crack deviation, crack bridging and plastic void formations had a crucial role in the enhancements of the samples. However, higher amounts of nanoparticle inclusion such as H4 (1.5 wt.% nano-silica+1 wt.% GNP) showed a decrease in shear strength, compared to the maximum one, due to the material degradation caused by agglomerations. In conclusion, nano-silica and GNP particles proved they could be used together by exhibiting a synergetic effect in the adhesive joints.
Holstein Irkı Gebe Düvelerde Vücut Kondisyon Skoru ile Süt Verimi, Buzağı Performansı ve Gebelik İlişkilerinin Araştırılması
Authors: METİN KIYICI Jale , SARIASLAN Yusuf
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışma Holstein ırkı gebe düvelerde doğumda belirlenen vücut kondisyon skoru (VKS) ile erken laktasyon (ilk 100 gün), laktasyon süt verimi (305 gün), gebelikle sonuçlanan tohumlama sayısı ve buzağılarda doğum ve büyüme performansı özellikleri arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmada Holstein ırkı 59 baş gebe düve (24±2 aylık yaşta) ve bu düvelerden doğan 55 baş (30♀ ve 25♂) buzağı kullanılmıştır. Düvelerin VKS değerleri doğumda ve VKS aplikasyon uygulaması kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Gebe düvelerde VKS’ ler 3.50 (n=18), 3.75 (n=31) ve 4.00 (n=10) olmak üzere üç şekilde skorlanmıştır. Çalışmada VKS değerleri ile ineklerde erken laktasyon ve laktasyon süt verimi, gebelikle sonuçlanan tohumlama sayısı ve buzağıların büyüme performansı arasındaki ilişki önemli olmamış ancak VKS ile buzağılarda doğum ağırlığı (P
m- ve p-nitro Bromoasetofenon Bileşiklerinin Deneysel (FT‒IR, NMR) ve Teorik Yaklaşımlarla Yapılarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: YILDIRIM Muhammet Hakkı , ÖZEK YILDIRIM Arzu
Published: August 2023

Birbirlerinin yapısal izomerleri olan 2-Bromo-3-nitroasetofenon (I) ve 2-Bromo-4-nitroasetofenon (II) bileşikleri proton/karbon NMR, FT-IR ve yoğunluk fonksiyoneli yöntemleri kullanılarak karakterize edildi. Hesaplamalı yöntemlerle elde edilen en iyileştirilmiş moleküler yapıları ortalama hata kare kökü hesapları ile karşılaştırılarak sübstitüentlerin konumlarının moleküler geometri parametreleri üzerindeki etkileri araştırıldı. Bromoaseton grubu ile halka arasıdaki burulma açısının potansiyel enerji yüzey taraması yapılarak en düşük enerjili şekillenimin 110°’de olduğu belirlendi. Farklı çözücüler içinde sınır moleküler orbital analizleri ile moleküllerin kimyasal reaktiviteleri ve kinetik kararlılıkları araştırıldı. NMR’da yapılan çekirdek atamaları ve IR’de yapılan titreşim atamaları izomerler arasındaki benzerlikleri ortaya çıkardı. Moleküler geometri ve spektrum hesaplamalarında yeterli doğruluk ve hassasiyette olduğunu belirlediğimiz hesaplama seviyesinde, bileşiklerin doğrusal olmayan optik özellikleri teorik olarak hesaplandığında referans bileşiğe göre ortalama kutuplanabilirliklerinin yaklaşık dört kat, toplam yüksek mertebe kutuplanabilirliklerinin yaklaşık beş kat fazla olduğu belirlendi.
Understanding the Molecular Basis for Enhanced Glutenase Activity of
Actinidin using Structural Bioinformatics
Authors: Puja Shivangi , Seth Shreya , Hora Rachna , Kaur Satinder , Mishra Prakash Chandra
Published: August 2023

Background:

Management of gluten intolerance is currently possible only by consumption
of a gluten-free diet (GFD) for a lifetime. The scientific community has been searching for alternatives
to GFD, like the inclusion of natural proteases with meals or pre-treatment of gluten-containing
foods with glutenases. Actinidin from kiwifruit has shown considerable promise in digesting
immunogenic gliadin peptides compared to other plant-derived cysteine proteases.

Methods:

In this study, we aimed to understand the structural basis for the elevated protease action
of actinidin against gliadin peptides by using an in silico approach.

Results:

Docking experiments revealed key differences between the binding of gliadin peptide to
actinidin and papain, which may be responsible for their differential digestive action.

Conclusion:

Sequence comparison of different plant cysteine proteases highlights amino acid residues
surrounding the active site pocket of actinidin that are unique to this molecule and hence likely
to contribute to its digestive properties.
New Molecules of Importance in the Prevention and Treatment of
Acne: A Systematic Patent Review (2016-2020)
Authors: Calderón-Pardo Daniela Estefanía , Serafini Mairim Russo , Alves Izabel Almeida , Aragón Diana Marcela
Published: August 2023

Background:

Acne is a highly prevalent disease that mainly affects the pilosebaceous
units associated with sebaceous glands, causing inflammatory skin lesions and affecting
the self-esteem, mental health, and quality of life of those who suffer from this
disease. Different treatments exist today to prevent, reduce, and improve symptoms; however,
over the years, there have been problems with bacterial resistance and slight effectiveness
with prolonged use.

Objective:

The purpose of this article is based on the review of patents of new products of
principal topical administration for the treatment of acne in recent years 2016-2020, to
evaluate and analyze novel synthetic molecules and semi-synthetics with potential therapeutic
and preventive in the acne treatment.

Methods:

A systematic review of patents was conducted through the official database of
the European Patent Office - Espacenet, where the search focused on the keywords: "acne
and bacteria" in the title or abstract. Only patents granted between the years 2016-2020
were included, with products having molecules with a synthetic and semi-synthetic origin,
without considering natural, biological products or those used as diagnostic means.

Results:

A total of 19 patents were selected, most with principally antimicrobial and antiinflammatory
action, where the reduction in the appearance of resistance by C. acnes is
verified, and its action is complemented by inhibiting the different pathophysiological
mechanisms that lead to the worsening of the disease.

Conclusion:

Novel approaches in the treatment and prevention of acne, mainly topically,
are focused on the reduction of bacterial resistance and irritation compared to current
treatments. The use of combined formulations provides better results with additional benefits,
improving treatment times and patient adherence.
Validation of novel catechol derivatives as potent Escherichia coli MetAP inhibitors using Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Chowdhury Abhishek , Laskar Monjur Ahmed , Panda Debashis , Choudhury Manabendra Dutta
Published: August 2023

Background:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common form of nosocomial
infection primarily caused by Escherichia coli. Complicated UTIs carry a higher risk of treatment
failure, recurrent infections, and increased morbidity. Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP) has
gained tremendous importance as a bacterial drug target due to its role in cell growth and membrane integrity. However, the participation of metal-chelating residues and the occurrence of the
enzyme in the human body complicate the process of selecting a suitable inhibitor.

Aims:

This study aimed to find new molecules with more stable binding against urinary tract infection drug targets.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to find new molecules with more stable binding against
urinary tract infection drug targets using computational approaches.

Method:

The drug target was selected based on a literature study. Catechol derivatives were prepared and an ADME/T study was performed, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics.

Result:

The docking score of Met592 (-20.95) was found to be much better than that of known inhibitors (-12.88). The overall study on Rg signified that the ligand binding compels the respective
proteins to become more compact and less flexible in the case of Met592. Binding free energy
analysis also showed a better affinity for Met592 (-46.60) than the known inhibitor (-31.37).

Conclusion:

The increased binding score, good oral bioavailability, and better binding free energy
endorse the reliability of the ligand Met592, i.e., (R, E)-4-(4-(2-(((9H-purin-6-yl)amino)methyl)-
4,5-dimethylphenyl)thiazol-2-yl)-4-aminobut-2-enoic acid, as the probable drug candidate to treat
uropathogenic E. coli.