bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma metabolomics indicates potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways of melasma
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , CHEN Yi , YANG Hedan , Ding Hui , CAI Pingping , GE Yiping , ZHENG Huiying , SUN Xiaojie , YANG Yin , LI Xinyu , LIN Tong
Published: June 2023

Introduction Melasma is a common and chronic pigmentary disorder that has negatively impacted patients’ quality of life. The pathogenesis of melasma is complicated. Metabolomics may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis and identifying intervention strategies for melasma.Objectives To analyze changes in plasma metabolites of female melasma patients and search for disease markers and potential therapeutic targets.Methods Plasma samples from 20 female patients with melasma and 21 age-matched healthy female controls were collected for untargeted metabolomics. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to analyze the plasma metabolites. Significantly differential metabolites in patients with melasma were identified by metabolic pathways and receiver operating characteristic curves, and correlation analysis was conducted with modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and oxidative stress level.Results Compared with healthy subjects, melasma patients showed significant changes in 125 plasma metabolites, including amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrate-related metabolites. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that tryptophan metabolism and biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan pathways may be the main pathways related to melasma pathogenesis. Some metabolites can be considered as biomarkers significantly associated with melasma by ROC analysis and correlation analysis.Conclusions This study identified significant changes in plasma metabolites in melasma patients using UPLC-MS-based metabolomics, which may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of melasma and explore new therapeutic methods.
Controlled v-generalized metric type space and some fixed point theorems with application
Authors: Roy Kushal , Saha Mantu , Parvaneh Vahid , Golkamanesh Farhan , Park Choonkil
Published: June 2023

In this article, the concept of controlled v-generalized metric type space is introduced as a generalization of b v (s)-metric spaces and controlled metric type spaces. Some fixed point theorems are proved for Banach orbital contractions and Bianchini type contractions over such spaces. Several examples are given in respect of our new metric type structure and established theorems. In addition, we use our fixed point theorems to find solutions to nonlinear integral equations.
AMS subject classification (2020): 47H10; 54H25.
State-Dependent Aberrant Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Reactivity and Downstream Functional Connectivity of Central Autonomic Network Subserve Pathological Intrusive Thinking
Authors: Schettino Martino , Parrillo Chiara , Gazzellini Simone , Cairone Luca , Baldassari Giulia , Thayer Julian F. , Giove Federico , Napolitano Antonio , Ottaviani Christina
Published: June 2023

Alterations in neurotransmission mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, are posited to play a pathophysiological role in stress-related disorders. Evidence, however, comes from the comparisons of pathological and healthy samples at rest and not during specific disease states, making it difficult to understand the processes underlying this assumption. The present study used 3T-proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the effects of an experimental induction of intrusive thinking (IT; a transdiagnostic psychiatric symptom) on GABAergic and glutamatergic neurometabolic concentration within the bilateral Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) in individuals with a pathological tendency to engage in IT (n = 29; 11 males) and controls (n = 29; 16 males). To assess physiological and functional concomitants of these neurochemical changes, autonomic measures and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging were also acquired before and after induction of IT. While engendering levels of IT amplified ACC GABA and GABA to Glx in the pathological group, an opposite trend emerged for controls. Notably, the pre-to post induction increase in GABAergic neurometabolism in the pathological group was accompanied by a dampened autonomic and resting state functional connectivity within nodes of the Central Autonomic Network. Current results are in line with the view of IT as a “better safe than sorry” strategy, which may be maintained in pathological conditions via a negative reinforcement mechanism through which increased GABAergic neurotransmission fosters avoidance of the transition from a relaxed state to a sudden spike of autonomic activation.
Epitope Generation for Peptide-based Cancer Vaccine using Goal-directed Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty
Authors: Hsiao Yen-Che , Dutta Abhishek
Published: June 2023

We introduce a novel immunogenicity goal-directed peptide sequence generator in a Wasserstein generative adversarial network (GAN) with gradient penalty. The convolutional neural network-based generator is guided by a critic incorporated with an immunogenicity predictor from DeepImmuno-CNN to generate immunogenic epitopes for bladder cancer vaccines. The convolutional neural network-based critic network is trained to guide the training of the generator with the peptide sequences received from the generator or the training data containing the bladder cancer epitope sequences that are bound with the human leukocyte antigen, HLA-A*0201. We trained the critic with the generated peptide sequences with the immunogenicity scores lower than the average immunogenicity score from a batch of samples. The results show our generator can produce more immunogenic peptides and can produce peptides that are similar to the epitopes shown in bladder cancer cells. Our generator provides more epitope candidates to facilitate the design of peptide-based cancer vaccines.
Factors Influencing Mercury Exposure in Arctic-Breeding Shorebirds
Authors: Perkins Marie , Stenhouse Iain , Lanctot Richard B. , Brown Stephen , Bêty Joël , Boldenow Megan , Cunningham Jenny , English Willow , Gates River , Gilchrist Grant , Giroux Marie-Andrée , Grond Kirsten , Hill Brooke , Kwon Eunbi , Lamarre Jean-Francois , Lank David , Lecomte Nicolas , Pavlik David , Rausch Jennie , Regan Kevin , Robards Martin , Saalfeld Sarah T. , Smith Fletcher , Smith Paul , Wilkinson Bradley , Woodard Paul , Basu Niladri
Published: June 2023

Mercury (Hg) pollution remains a concern to Arctic ecosystems. The objective of this study was to identify factors influencing Hg concentrations in Arctic-breeding shorebirds and highlight regions and species at greatest risk of Hg exposure. We analyzed 2,478 blood and feather samples from 12 shorebird species breeding at nine sites across the North American Arctic during 2012 and 2013. Blood Hg concentrations, which reflect Hg exposure in the local area in individual shorebirds: 1) ranged from 0.01–3.52 µg/g, with an overall mean of 0.30 ± 0.27 µg/g; 2) were influenced by species and study site, but not sampling year, with birds sampled near Utqiaġvik, AK, having the highest concentrations; and 3) were influenced by foraging habitat at some sites. Feather Hg concentrations, which reflected Hg exposure from the wintering grounds, were generally higher than blood, ranging from 0.07–12.14 µg/g in individuals, with a mean of 1.14 ± 1.18 µg/g. Feather Hg concentrations were influenced by species and year. Most Arctic-breeding shorebirds had blood and feather Hg concentrations at levels where no adverse effects of exposure were likely, though some individuals sampled near Utqiaġvik had Hg levels that are certainly of concern. Overall, these data increase our understanding of how Hg is distributed in the various habitats of the Arctic, and what factors predispose Arctic-breeding shorebirds to Hg, and lay the foundation for future monitoring efforts.
Depth-based Multivariate Records: Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Authors: Tat Samaneh , Faridrohani Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2023

In this article, the maximum likelihood estimation approach is considered for estimating the unknown parameters of some members of the elliptical distributions using the depth-based multivariate record values, a new innovative concept of records recently defined by the authors. Unlike other multivariate records, depth-based mul-tivariate records have the advantage that based on these records, inferences about the unknown parameters can be made.The problem is discussed under some scenarios in which the Mahalanobis and projection depth functions are employed. For all the scenarios, the maximum likelihood equations are formulated and the maximum likelihood estimates are obtained through numerical methods. The behavior of which is evaluated by using some simulation studies and studying the drought in Kermanshah, Iran. The results demonstrate the good performance of MLEs.
MSC codes: 62H12, 62G32.
Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rangasamy Deepa
Published: June 2023

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer detection has shown promising potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI in cancer detection and its implications in clinical practice. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify relevant studies on AI- based cancer detection. The review covers various cancer types, including breast, lung, skin, and others. We examined the AI algorithms used, such as machine learning and deep learning, and the diagnostic modalities employed, such as medical imaging and pathology. Performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, were assessed to evaluate the effectiveness of AI algorithms in cancer detection. The key findings demonstrate that AI algorithms can achieve comparable or even superior performance to human experts in detecting and classifying cancer. However, challenges such as data quality, interpretability, and algorithm robustness need to be addressed for successful implementation in clinical settings. AI in cancer detection holds great promise for improving early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and patient outcomes. Further research and collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and AI experts are essential to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of AI in cancer detection.
How does ChatGPT perform on the European Board of Pediatric Surgery examination? A randomized comparative study
Authors: Azizoğlu Mustafa , Okur Mehmet Hanifi
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to conduct a detailed comparison of the accuracy and responsiveness of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 in the realm of pediatric surgery. Specifically, we sought to assess their ability to correctly answer a series of sample questions of European Board of Pediatric Surgery (EBPS) exam.
Methods
This study was conducted between 20 May 2023 and 30 May 2023. This study undertook a comparative analysis of two AI language models, GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, in the field of pediatric surgery, particularly in the context of EBPS exam sample questions. Two sets of 105 (total 210) sample questions each, derived from the EBPS sample questions, were collated.
Results
In General Pediatric Surgery, GPT-3.5 provided correct answers for 7 questions (46.7%), and GPT-4 had a higher accuracy with 13 correct responses (86.7%) (p = 0.020). For Newborn Surgery and Pediatric Urology, GPT-3.5 correctly answered 6 questions (40.0%), and GPT-4, however, correctly answered 12 questions (80.0%) (p = 0.025). In total, GPT-3.5 correctly answered 46 questions out of 105 (43.8%), and GPT-4 showed significantly better performance, correctly answering 80 questions (76.2%) (p < 0.001). Given the total responses, when GPT-4 was compared with GPT-3.5, the Odds Ratio was found to be 4.1. This suggests that GPT-4 was 4.1 times more likely to provide a correct answer to the pediatric surgery questions compared to GPT-3.5.
Conclusion
This comparative study concludes that GPT-4 significantly outperforms GPT-3.5 in responding to EBPS exam questions.
Non-targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling of human plasma uncovers a novel Mediterranean diet biomarker panel
Authors: Macias Shirin , Yilmaz Ali , Kirma Joseph , Moore Sarah E. , Woodside Jayne V. , Graham Stewart F. , Green Brian D.
Published: June 2023

• Introduction: Consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) has established health benefits, and the identification of novel biomarkers could enable objective monitoring of dietary pattern adherence. • Objectives: The present investigation performed untargeted metabolomics on blood plasma from a controlled study of MD adherence, to identify novel blood-based metabolite biomarkers associated with the MD pattern, and to build a logistic regression model that could be used to characterise MD adherence. • Methods: A hundred and thirty-five plasma samples from n = 58 patients collected at different time points were available. Using a 14-point scale MD Score (MDS) subjects were divided into ‘high’ or ‘low’ MDS adherence groups and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied for analysis. • Results: The strongest association with MDS was pectenotoxin 2 seco acid (r = 0.53; ROC = 0.78), a non-toxic marine xenobiotic metabolite. Several lipids were useful biomarkers including eicosapentaenoic acid, the structurally related lysophospholipid (20:5(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)/0:0), a phosphatidylcholine (P-18:1(9Z)/16:0) and also xi-8-hydroxyhexadecanedioic acid. Two metabolites negatively correlated with MDS, these were the monoacylglycerides (0:0/16:1(9Z)/0:0) and (0:0/20:3(5Z,8Z,11Z)/0:0). By stepwise elimination we selected a panel of 3 highly discriminatory metabolites and developed a linear regression model which identified ‘high MDS’ individuals with high sensitivity and specificity (AUC (95% CI) = 0.83 (0.76–0.97)). • Conclusion: Our study highlights the utility of metabolomics as an approach for developing novel panels of dietary biomarkers. Quantitative profiling of these metabolites is required to validate their utility for evaluating dietary adherence.
The decryption of BAB1 Brucella abortus antigen- BCAP31 receptor binding in oral lactococcus lactis vaccine and its effect on activation of casp-8 and IL-10 for immunogenicity
Authors: Doosti Abbas , Kazemi Donya , Shakhsi-Niaei Mostafa
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Design Optimization of LNA using PSO algorithm with Multi Stage Noise Matching Technique for UWB Application
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kalra Dheeraj , Shukla Aasheesh
Published: June 2023

This manuscript describe optimization of LNA using PSO algorithms. The proposed LNA consist of two stage cascading. In the first stage current reused technique has been used using complementary MOS. Both the MOS use the common biasing current, henceforth saving a lot of power. While second stage is the cascading of two NMOS transistors, to increase the overall gain. Since traditional method of impedance matching is not sufficient to reduce the Noise Figure(NF). Therefore, an approach aiming to minimize high band noise has been used at the cost of increase in NF minimum. All the passive elements and aspect ratio are optimized through PSO in which objective function consist of NF and voltage gain term. Number of iterations used in PSO algorithm is 1500. LNA is simulated in 45 nm CMOS Technology for a wide range of frequency from 1GHz to 20GHz. Simulation show minimum NF of 1.89 Db, power gain(S21) and input reflection coefficient(S11) 16.8dB and − 19.2dB. Process corner simulation for robust ness of LNA has been done and depicted ten percent variation around the typical value of LNA. The power consumption of 32 mW and chip area order of 2.2mm × 1.6mm with core area is 650 µm in layout design.
Cracking the Code of Antibiotic Resistance OF Klebsiella pneumoniae ST16: A Computational Exploration of Whole Genome Sequences for Beta-lactam Resistance and the Discovery of NMD-1 Resistance Gene Inhibitor
Authors: Faleti Ayodele Ifeoluwa , Ibisanmi Tope Abraham
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the field of healthcare and medicine. This research project involves an exploration of the whole genome sequences ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeST16 from NCBI database with the aim of identifying resistance gene and potentially discovering its inhibitor. The study revealed the existence of several resistance genes to various classes of antibiotics, including macrolides, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulphonamides, rifampicin, trimethoprim, and beta-lactams. Among these, blaTEM-1B, blaCTX-M-15, and blaNDM-1 were identified. Additionally, mutations were observed in the genes acrR, ompK36, and gyrA, along with changes in the corresponding amino acids, which are linked to resistance to different antibiotics. This analysis also identified the alleles present in each locus, with FIA having a novel allele, the molecular docking results indicate that Baicalein exhibited the highest docking scores of -7.7 respectively, indicating their strong binding affinity to the NDM-1 found to be associated with beta-lactams. The RMSD plot showed that both the Baicalein and Adapalene complexes of NDM-1 exhibited stable behavior over the 50 ns simulation period. However, the slightly higher Rg of the New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase 1-Adapalene complex indicates that this complex may be slightly more flexible than the New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase 1-Baicalein complex. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, particularly the role of the NDM-1 gene in beta-lactam resistance. Furthermore, the molecular docking analysis identified Baicalein, Taxifolin, and Ellagic acid as the top three bioactive compounds that exhibited strong binding affinity to the NDM-1 domain.
The disturbance of circadian rhythmicity of clock gene expression in Gria2R/R mice; the comparison with C57BL/6J and Adar2-/- mice strains
Authors: Lebedeva Maria , Kubištová Aneta , Spišská Veronika , Filipovská Eva , Pačesová Dominika , Svobodová Irena , Kuchtiak Viktor , Balík Aleš , Bendová Zdeňka
Published: June 2023

Adar2-/- mice are a widely used model to study the physiological consequences of reduced RNA editing. These mice are viable only when the Q/R editing site of the Gria2 subunit of the AMPA receptor is constitutively mutated to the codon for arginine, and Gria2R/R mice often serve as the sole control for Adar2-/- mice. The aim of our study was to investigate whether ADAR2 inactivity and the Gria2R/R phenotype affect the rhythmicity of the pattern of circadian clock genes and the expression of Gria1 and Gria2 subunits in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), hippocampus, parietal cortex and liver. Our data show that Gria2R/R mice completely lost circadian rhythmicity in the hippocampus compared to Adar2-/- mice. Compared to C57BL/6J mice, expression profiles in hippocampus and parietal cortex of Gria2R/R mice differ to the same extent as in Adar2-/-. These data suggest that the natural gradual increase in the editing of the Q/R site of the Gria2 subunit postnatally may be important for the development of circadian clockwork in some brain structures, and the use of Gria2R/R mice as the only control to Adar2-/- mice in the hippocampus- and parietal cortex- dependent experiments should therefore be considered.
Locating helicopter ambulance bases in Iceland – Efficient and fair solutions
Authors: Gunnarsson Björn , Björnsdóttir Kristrún María , Dúason Sveinbjörn , Ingólfsson Ármann
Published: June 2023

Background

Fixed-wing air ambulances play an important role in healthcare in rural Iceland. More use of helicopter ambulances has been suggested to shorten response times and increase equity in access to advanced emergency care. In finding optimal base locations, the objective is often efficiency—maximizing the number of individuals who can be reached within a given time. This approach benefits people in densely populated areas more than people living in remote areas, but the solution is not necessarily fair. This study aimed to find efficient and fair helicopter ambulance base locations in Iceland.

Methods

We used high-resolution population and incident data to estimate the service demand for helicopter ambulances, with possible base locations limited to 21 airports and landing strips around the country. Base locations were estimated using both the maximal covering location problem (MCLP) optimization model, which aimed for maximal coverage of demand, and the fringe sensitive location problem (FSLP) model, which also considered uncovered demand (i.e., beyond the response time threshold). We explored the percentage of the population and incidents covered by one to three helicopter bases within 45-, 60-, and 75-minute response time thresholds, conditioned or not conditioned on the single existing base located at Reykjavík Airport. This resulted in a total of 18 combinations of conditions for each model. The models were implemented in R and solved using Gurobi.

Results

Model solutions for base locations differed between the two demand datasets for 2 out of 18 combinations, both with the lowest service standard. Base location differed between the MCLP and FSLP models for one combination involving a single base, and for two combinations involving two bases. Three bases covered all or almost all demand at longer response time thresholds, and the models differed in four of six combinations. The two helicopter ambulance bases can possibly obtain 97% coverage within 60 minutes, with bases in Húsafell and Grímsstaðir. Bases at Reykjavík Airport and Akureyri would cover 94.6%, whereas bases at Reykjavík Airport and Egilsstaðir would cover
89.2%.

Conclusion

An efficient and fair solution would be to locate bases at Reykjavík Airport and in Akureyri or Egilsstaðir.
Bluetooth Hyperosmia: Chemosensory Variant of Delusional Somatic Symptom Disorder: A case report
Authors: Kalita Shweta , Birwatkar Drushti , Mehdiratta Nikita , Sundar Archana , Hirsch Alan Richard
Published: June 2023

Objective
Correlation of Bluetooth transmission with subjective hyperosmia.
Background
Subjective hyperosmia, as a manifestation of belief of exposure to Bluetooth transmission, with testing demonstrating the absence of true hyperosmia, has not heretofore been described.
Case presentation: This 53-year-old right-handed single woman presented with a 10-year history of increased sensitivity to the aroma and enhanced perception of smells upon exposure to Wi-Fi electromagnetic radiation. She noted an intensity-duration effect: with higher intensity and duration of Wi-Fi exposure, her sense of smell would escalate and persist: after a few hours of exposure, her smell would jump to 190% of normal and last for two weeks. Abnormalities in the neurological examination: Reflexes: 0 in both lower extremities. Chemosensory Testing: Alcohol Sniff Test: 8 (hyposmia). Gustation: Waterless Empirical Taste Test: brothy: 4/8 (hypogeusia).
Conclusions
Nidus for such hyperosmic delusions may be a primary olfactory system disorder, with induction of ephaptic transmissions, causing intermittent phantosmia or otherwise misperceived odor, misattributed to the ambient environment. The assignment of the source of the hyperosmia to Bluetooth is consistent with the zeitgeist of mistrust and paranoia of higher technology. This may be a form of expectation effect due to visual evidence (high tower wires); suggestion combined with subcultural group dynamics with belief in harm of such electromagnetic/Bluetooth waves, with distorted information recall and misattribution. Such group dynamics and shared misperceptions may fuel a delusion, as in the Mandela effect. Perchance, this case represents not having delusional hyperosmia due to a functional psychiatric disorder but instead having a neuroanatomic basis. Those with subjective hyperosmia and hypersensitivity to aromas have demonstrated hypertrophied gray matter volume in the posterior subregion of the right hippocampus, left precuneus, left superior frontal gyrus, and right hypothalamus. In those with subjective hyperosmia, a neurological investigation is warranted.
Microbes assisted management of bacterial wilt of brinjal in pesticide contaminated soil
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz Sultana , Bora Popy
Published: June 2023

Growing brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in a soil polluted with organophosphorus pesticide (OP) residues coupled with an additional threat of wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), pose a formidable management challenge for residue free crop production . Our study aimed at identifying efficient OP-degrading bacteria (OPDB) and their compatibility with microbial bio-control agents (MBCA) for twin objective of microbial degradation of OP -residues and reduction in incidence of bacterial wilt of brinjal in OP- contaminated soil. As many, ten bacterial isolates showing OP- degrading potential were recovered through colony growth in mineral salt (MS) -medium treated with 25 ppm chlorpyriphos. Efficient isolates displaying growth up to 700ppm chlorpyriphos were further screened for OP-degradation, leading to identification of two most efficient OPDB, Acromobacter marplatensis [MW397524] (Am) and Pseudomonas azotoformans [MW397525] (Pa). These two isolates having in vitro compatibility with each other, showed further compatibility with two most widely used MBCA, viz., Pseudomonas flourescens [KT258013] (Pf) and Trichoderma harzianum [ON364138] (Th), facilitating the development of consortium having extended functional corridor. The response of combination of OPDB + MBCA(Am +Pa + Pf + Th) showed 80% lower percent wilt incidence (PWI), 2.8 times higher fruit yield ofbrinjal, and 15-25% lower OP-residues over un-inoculated control treatment. Our studies, hence, put forward a strong unified delivery mechanism of OPDB and MBCA as a part of green technology for chemical residue -free vegetable production in contaminated soils.
How to overcome data inadequacy for policy formulation? Evidence from the Himalayan Mountain Region, concerning kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.) cultivation
Authors: Patra Nirmal , Rilung Tapi , Das Lalu , Kumar Pavan
Published: June 2023

Under global warming and climate change, the vulnerable piece of land is India’s Eastern Himalayan region (EHR), where millions’ livelihood activities are at risk. Quantifying the degree of climate change-induced vulnerability over the highly climate-sensitive mountain zone is challenging because of the inadequacy of meteorological data. Therefore, what alternative should mitigate the scientific data inadequacy for mitigation adaptation policy to climate change in EHR? The study's main objective is to assess the climate change perception of kiwifruit growers under EHR and the impact of climate change on its cultivation. Perceived and scientific data were used for accurate decision-support information creation. Descriptive statistics and trend analysis analyzed meteorological data. Study shows that indigenous mountain/farming communities are following shifting cultivation and diversifying their traditional agriculture (apple cultivation) to Kiwifruit cultivation as an alternative adaptation option to climate change. They have a clear perception of the patterns and trends of climate change and a relatively inadequate perception of the impact on agriculture. It can be concluded that using perceived and scientific data to assess and map climate change scenarios is a unique approach to avoid data inadequacy. The study has revealed that indigenous/mountain people clearly perceive climate change. Therefore, engaging indigenous communities and other stakeholders to postulate a comprehensive adaptation and mitigation strategy for climate change is a befitting strategy. The study's approach may be appropriate for depicting climate change scenarios elsewhere. The results will help to make appropriate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the Himalayan, other mountain and plane regions.
Modeling the flow deflection characteristics of incompressible fluids in the vortex chamber and analysis of its influencing parameters
Authors: Liu Shuyang , Cao Sukai , Han Zhihong , Liu Jiaxin , Li Shenshen , Xu Zhibin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the deflection characteristics of incompressible fluid trajectories in nonuniform vertical perforations are investigated. The hydrodynamic equations of the model are established based on the basic equations of fluid mechanics and finite element analysis methods. The effect of the difference in diameter between the two sides of the hole and the control of the incident fluid parameters on the trajectory deflection produced by the fluid is shown. The results show that: 1. The aqueous fluid is deflected towards the side of the hole with the larger diameter by the nonequivalent vertical throughhole structure. The deflection angle increases with increasing nonequivalent ratio and decreases with increasing incident fluid pressure.2 In order to achieve directional deflection of vertically incident aqueous fluids, the nonlinear coupling between incident fluid pressure and vertical span is investigated in this paper and suitable equations are developed.3. From the results, the incompressible aqueous fluid cannot achieve natural vortex initiation in a vortex tube where the inlet axis is the same as the vortex chamber axis, with a maximum deflection of 0.12 mm in the vortex chamber.4. If | λ2 -λ3 | is increased to 2.45 without considering the constraint that the diameter of the model vortex chamber is larger than the height of the vortex chamber, the water body can shoot out of the vortex chamber while its tangential velocity can reach 22.07 m/s, which can produce the spiral effect.
Disclosure of Patenting Activities within Scientific Publications as Potential Conflict-of-Interests: Evidences from Biomedical Literature
Authors: Falciola Luca , Barbieri Massimo
Published: June 2023

Most scientific publishers require authors to submit their manuscripts with a text reporting their own parallel activities, including patent-related ones, that may be considered as potential Conflict-of-Interest (COI). The authors’ or institutional patenting activities disclosed as COI in the official version of the article within Conflict-of-Interest Statements (COIS) are generally analysed in the literature using either very focused or non-systematic approaches. This study proposes methods for assessing COIS presence and main features, particularly with respect to patent information, across biomedical topics and journals that are covered in the PubMed database for the period 2011-2022. However, when comparing the results of equivalent COI-specific searches within PubMed and a selection of journals’ websites for a specific topic (such as COVID-19), COIS still appears unevenly available and searchable in PubMed due to the practices that each publisher or preprint server applies across journals and over time. Thus, if COIS appear an underestimated and/or incompletely evaluated source of patent, the search and analysis of COI-specific disclosures require well-designed strategies for efficiently identifying relevant information and then correctly assessing technological and publishing trends or the effects of innovation policies.
Composite Nfrp (Natural Fiber Reinforced Plastic) Cane Dregs Fiber With 5% NaOH Delignification Treatment Using Compression Molding Techniques In Wind Turbine Blades Applications
Authors: Rozikin Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Indonesia's energy needs are increasing from time to time, this is due to the increasing population growth. The use of conventional energy derived from fossils still dominates as a source of energy used. Wind energy in Indonesia has considerable potential to be exploited. One of the important components in a wind turbine is the blade or blade. The knife serves to catch the wind which is then forwarded to the generator. In making composites for this study using the compression molding method, this method is carried out using hydraulics as a press, the fibers that have been mixed with resin are inserted into the mold cavity, then pressing and heating. Then from the test results, it was found that for the absorption energy, the optimal value of impact strength, tensile strength and tensile elastic modulus on the composite specimen with delignification treatment for 2 hours, where the absorbed energy was obtained 1.8 J and the impact strength value was 0.040. J / mm2, the value of tensile strength obtained is 7,700 MPa and the modulus of elasticity is 1287.03 MPa.
SSIVD-Net: A Novel Salient Super Image Classification & Detection Technique for Weaponized Violence
Authors: Aremu Toluwani , Zhiyuan Li , Alameeri Reem , Khan Mustaqeem , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El
Published: June 2023

Detection of violence and weaponized violence in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage requires a comprehensive approach. In this work, we introduce the Smart-City CCTV Violence Detection (SCVD) dataset, specifically designed to facilitate the learning of weapon distribution in surveillance videos. To tackle the complexities of analyzing 3D surveillance video for violence recognition tasks, we propose a novel technique called, SSIVD-Net (Salient-Super-Image for Violence Detection). Our method reduces 3D video data complexity, dimensionality, and information loss while improving inference, performance, and explainability through the use of Salient-Super-Image representations. Considering the scalability and sustainability requirements of futuristic smart cities, the authors introduce the Salient-Classifier, a novel architecture combining a kernelized approach with a residual learning strategy. We evaluate variations of SSIVD-Net and Salient Classifier on our SCVD dataset and benchmark against state-of-the-art (SOTA) models commonly employed in violence detection. Our approach exhibits significant improvements in detecting both weaponized and non-weaponized violence instances. By advancing the SOTA in violence detection, our work offers a practical and scalable solution suitable for real-world applications. The proposed methodology not only addresses the challenges of violence detection in CCTV footage but also contributes to the understanding of weapon distribution in smart surveillance. Ultimately, our research findings should enable smarter and more secure cities, as well as enhance public safety measures.
ATRAcTR (Authentic Transparent Relevant Accurate Track-Record): A Screening Tool to Assess the Potential for Real-World Data Sources to Support Creation of Credible Real-World Evidence for Regulatory Decision-Making
Authors: Berger Marc , Li James , Crown William , Zou Kelly
Published: June 2023

Background: Adoption and use of RWD for decision-making has been complicated by concerns regarding whether RWD was fit-for-purpose or was of sufficient validity to support the creation of credible RWE. This has greater urgency as regulatory agencies begin to use real world evidence (RWE) to inform decisions about treatment effectiveness.
Methods: We developed a practical screening tool to assess the quality of RWD sources using the framework of Modern Validity Theory. While there has been some convergence of conceptual frameworks, consensus has yet to emerge regarding how to specifically evaluate whether RWD is reliable and fit-for-purpose. We developed a screening tool consistent with the current frameworks and how researchers generally evaluate existing RWD sources for research that they intend to submit to regulatory agencies.
Results: The tool has five dimensions: authenticity, transparency, relevance, accuracy, and reliability. Based upon these dimensions, we developed what more detailed information should be sought by researchers to screen potential RWD sources.
Conclusions: Using a hypothetical example of a medical claims data source, we showed that responding to the tool would not require an extraordinary burden or a lengthy document. This RWD screening tool, which is ready for immediate use, is consistent with current conceptual frameworks to assess whether RWD is fit-for-purpose and adds the additional consideration of experience with RWD sources consistent with Modern Validity Theory.
Long-term retention and distribution of highly enriched uranium in occupationally exposed female
Authors: Tolmachev Sergey Y. , Avtandilashvili Maia
Published: June 2023

The United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries’ (USTUR) female whole body tissue donor was occupationally exposed to highly enriched uranium for 17 years. One hundred and twenty-nine tissue samples were collected at the time of death, 31 years post-exposure. These samples were radiochemically analyzed for uranium. The highest uranium concentration of 16.5 ± 2.0 µg kg− 1 was measured in the lungs, and the lowest concentration of 0.11 ± 0.01 µg kg− 1 in the liver. The thyroid had the highest concentration of 6.3 ± 2.9 µg kg− 1 among systemic tissues. Mass-weighted average concentration in the entire skeleton was estimated to be 1.60 ± 0.19 µg kg− 1. In the skeleton, uranium was non-uniformly distributed among different bones. Thirty-one years after the intake, approximately 40% of occupational uranium was still retained in the skeleton, followed by the kidneys (~ 30%), and the brain and liver (~ 10%). Systemic uranium was equally distributed between the skeleton and soft tissues. Uranium content in systemic organs followed the pattern: skeleton > > brain ≈ kidneys > heart ≈ liver > thyroid ≈ spleen. Uranium distribution in a female was compared to previously published USTUR data for male tissue donors. No significant difference in uranium systemic distribution was observed between female and male individuals.
Effects of In-Utero Personal Exposure to PM2.5 Sources and Components on Birthweight
Authors: O’Sharkey Karl , Xu Yan , Cabison Jane , Rosales Marisela , Yang Tingyu , Chavez Thomas , Johnson Mark , Lerner Deborah , Lurvey Nathana , Corral Claudia M. Toledo , Farzan Shohreh F. , Bastain Theresa M. , Breton Carrie V. , Habre Rima
Published: June 2023

Background: In-utero exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and specific sources and components of PM2.5 have been linked with lower birthweight. However, previous results have been mixed, likely due to heterogeneity in sources impacting PM2.5 and due to measurement error from using ambient data. Therefore, we investigated the effect of PM2.5 sources and their high-loading components on birthweight using data from 198 women in the 3rd trimester from the MADRES cohort 48-hour personal PM2.5 exposure monitoring sub-study.
Methods: The mass contributions of six major sources of personal PM2.5 exposure were estimated for 198 pregnant women in the 3rd trimester using the EPA Positive Matrix Factorization v5.0 model, along with their 17 high-loading chemical components using optical carbon and X-ray fluorescence approaches. Single- and multi-pollutant linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between personal PM2.5 sources and birthweight. Additionally, high-loading components were evaluated with birthweight individually and in models further adjusted for PM2.5 mass.
Results: Participants were predominately Hispanic (81%), with a mean (SD) gestational age of 39.1 (1.5) weeks and age of 28.2 (6.0) years. Mean birthweight was 3,295.8g (484.1) and mean PM2.5 exposure was 21.3 (14.4) µg/m3. A 1 SD increase in the mass contribution of the fresh sea salt source was associated with a 99.2g decrease in birthweight (95% CI: -197.7, -0.6), while aged sea salt was associated with lower birthweight (β =-70.1; 95% CI: -141.7, 1.4). Magnesium sodium, and chlorine were associated with lower birthweight, which remained after adjusting for PM2.5 mass.
Conclusions: This study found evidence that major sources of personal PM2.5 including fresh and aged sea salt were negatively associated with birthweight, with the strongest effect on birthweight from Na and Mg. The effect of crustal and fuel oil sources differed by infant sex with negative associations seen in boys compared to positive associations in girls.
The Challenge of Tracking the Reach of Post-Green Revolution Crop Breeding
Authors: Stevenson James , Gantier Marcelo , Traxler Greg , Kosmowski Frederic , Macours Karen
Published: June 2023

International plant breeding efforts aim to help address global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change and micronutrient deficiencies, but how much do we know about where new varieties are being used at scale in farmers’ fields? We use farmer-reported survey data and DNA fingerprinting data from samples of plant tissue that were collected from the same farmers’ fields, from 16 empirical studies across nine crops and ten countries to test commonly used methods used to generate adoption estimates. Taking the DNA fingerprinting results as the benchmark, we show that farmers both misclassify (improved vs local varieties) and misidentify (by name) their varieties at substantial rates. These measurement errors are non-classical and thus cloud understanding of the true nature of adoption.
Development and validation of a theory-based questionnaire examining barriers and facilitators to discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist use
Authors: Lynch Tom , Ryan Cristín , Presseau Justin , Foster D E , Huff Christy , Bennett Kathleen , Cadogan Cathal
Published: June 2023

Background
Long-term use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) is a persistent healthcare challenge and poses patient safety risks. Interventions underpinned by behaviour change theory are needed to support discontinuation of long-term BZRA use. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to examine mediators of behaviour change relating to the discontinuation of long-term BZRA use.
Methods
An initial 52 item questionnaire was developed using the 14 domains of TDF version 2 and iteratively refined over two rounds. The questionnaire was disseminated online via online support groups that focused on BZRAs to community-based adults with either current or previous experience of taking BZRAs on a long-term basis (≥ 3 months). Confirmatory factor analysis was undertaken to assess the questionnaire’s reliability, discriminant validity and goodness of fit. The Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) were calculated.
Results
Following an interactive process of adjustment, the results obtained from confirmatory factor analysis resulted in the final questionnaire consisting of 29 items across nine theoretical domains. The internal consistency reliability values across these domains ranged from 0.62 to 0.85. For the final model, the SRMR was 0.23, the RMSEA was 0.11 and the CFI was 0.6.
Conclusions
The questionnaire offers a potential tool that could be used to identify domains that need to be targeted as part of a behaviour change intervention at an individual patient level. Further research is needed to assess the questionnaire’s acceptability and usability, and to develop a scoring system so that domains can be prioritised and subsequently targeted as part of an intervention.
Prospective study on the effect of topical honey on radiation-induced mucositis induced by concurrent chemotherapy and radiation or radiation alone given as radical or adjuvant treatment in head and neck squamous cell malignancies
Authors: Armugam Nindra , Erukula Ramanjaneyulu , Saleem Zoha Mohd , Veluru Chandipriya
Published: June 2023

Pain imparts additional morbidity and economic burden to patients by requiring parenteral analgesia, interruption of radiation therapy (RT) and/or hospitalization, and parenteral or tube feeding, all of which negatively impact patients' quality of life. There are various drugs tried to relieve pain associated with radiation-induced mucositis.

The aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the topical application of pure natural honey on radiation-induced mucositis in patients undergoing concurrent chemo-radiation or radiation alone for radical or adjuvant treatment for head and neck squamous cell malignancies.

Materials and methods: It is a hospital-based prospective study enrolling patients with histopathologically proven head and neck cancers. All histopathologically proven patients of squamous cell carcinoma of Head & Neck cancer (carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx) receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone in the definitive or adjuvant setting and who meet our inclusion and exclusion criteria will be taken up as study group.

Results: Mean age of patients was 49 years, most males 87 %. The oral cavity was the most common primary site (84 %), followed by the oropharynx (16 %). Most cases were locally advanced cancer stage IV (60 %). The set of mucositis is after 5 fractions in both study and control groups, but 89 % in the control group, compared to 33 % in the study group. On grade 3, mucositis is delayed in the study group compared to the control group, and no patients in the study group had grade 4 mucositis.

Conclusions: All patients in the study developed mucositis. On the set of grade 3, mucositis is delayed in the study group compared to the control group, and no patients in the study group had grade 4 mucositis. Honey is effective in preventing grade 3 and 4 mucositis. Honey showed no effect on weight loss and oral infections in this study.
Pushing back against the mammy
Authors: Wilson Chanelle E , Primus Nakeiha
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on two Black women professors processing their experiences teaching an online equity in education course, to in-service education professionals, in a masters program. Using Narratives of Experience, Critical Race Theory, and Critical Black Feminism as our theoretical frames, we push back against the pressure for us to perform as caricature mammies to our students. Examining the experiences of Black women educator counternarratives as a self-study, the themes that emerged were: historic (re)memory; preparation, competency, and motivations; aggressions; coping mechanisms; and awareness. As endeavors to make the academy more diverse, accessible, and equitable, are pursued, the higher education community must be able to ascertain the costs (to health, safety, and overall well-being) when asking or assigning social justice/equity courses, even if the content is well within the instructors professional purview. As online courses make education more accessible and convenient for both students and universities, attention should be paid to this unique learning environment for Black faculty which continues to be a space where invisibility and erasure remain unchecked. To push back against the mammy, there must be systematic action to incorporating all the nuance that Black womanhood embodies, especially in spaces where we have been positioned to identify or perform only as a caricature. To dismantle this insidious trope, future research must incorporate women scholars of color as principal investigators and research partners, prioritizing their voice to be incorporated in the telling of their stories.