bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing diploid and tetraploid potato cultivars with reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Marín-Ortiz Juan Carlos , Hoyos-Carvajal Lilliana María , Botero-Fernández Verónica , Córdoba-Gaona Oscar de Jesús , Barrera-Sanchez Carlos Felipe
Published: July 2023

Characterizing potato cultivars provides information for diagnosing the needs of specific production and management. Techniques that enable rapid, objective, and low-cost identification of various aspects of plant physiology are important to producing this information. This study aimed to identify potato cultivars during three phenological phases using reflectance spectroscopy in the visible and near-infrared ranges. Reflectance spectra were measured using a portable spectrometer from leaves of five potato cultivars. Classification models were made to obtain the percentages of correct classification for each cultivar and phenological stage. General patterns in the reflectance spectra were obtained that were similar for all five cultivars in the measured range, with reflectance around 5% in the green region during the vegetative phase, decreasing slightly during the flowering phase and increasing up to 12% during the senescence phase. A decrease from 50–30% in reflectance was recorded in the measured NIR range during flowering with a variable increase that depended on the cultivar towards senescence. The identified wavelengths allowed the plants of each cultivar to be classified during the vegetative, flowering, and senescence phases, with correct classification rates of 87% for Var Paola, 96% for Var Paysandú, 93% for Var Violeta, and 100% for varieties 448 and 440. Var Paola obtained higher percentages of correct classification with values between 85% for Paysandú and Violeta, 90% for cv 440, and 100% for cv 448. The characterization of potato cultivars with spectroscopy techniques provides information that can be used as a basic input in precision agriculture systems.
The ecological corridor as a strategy for connectivity between Atlantic Forest fragments in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Vieira Micleia Nascimento , de Ramos Escarlett Arruda , Lopes Elfany Reis do Nascimento
Published: July 2023

The Atlantic Forest, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, is a fragmented hotspot that faces challenges in order to overcome environmental degradation. Ecological connectivity is one strategy that may mitigate environmental impacts. The objective of the study was to develop a spatial proposal for an ecological corridor between the forest fragment of the UFSB Sosigenes Costa University Campus, the private Natural Heritage Reserve Estação Veracel and the Pau Brasil National Park, as well as understand the mechanisms for the implementation of an ecological corridor that involves different government sectors in possible public-private support strategies. The topographic, socioeconomic, ecological and legal characteristics were evaluated in a geographic information system. Using the minimum cost method, the potential areas were modeled for a spatial mapping of connectivity between the areas. The proposed corridor has a length of 9.78 km, a width of 978.70 m and a total area of 942.70 ha. Due to a predominance of anthropogenic activities, mitigation strategies would be required for its implementation. Public-private partnerships can promote forest connectivity and mitigate threats to the stability of local ecosystems, inside and outside of conservation units, and permanent preservation areas should be prioritized as a source of forest connectivity.
Including Tumor Size Improves Ability of CA 19-9 to Predict Survival in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma After Resection with Perioperative Chemotherapy
Authors: Said Sayf A. , Perlmutter Breanna C. , Wehrle Chase J , Chang Jenny , Hossain Mir Shanaz , Naffouje Samer , BCh Daniel Joyce MB , Simon Robert , Walsh R. Matthew , Augustin Toms
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective:
Five-year survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is less than 20%. While previous studies have postulated that a Carbohydrate Antigen 19 − 9 (CA19-9) threshold could predict outcome of resection, the role for CA19-9 in decision-making remains unclear. This study aims to assess whether CA19-9 levels combined with tumor size improve prediction of post-resection survival.
Method:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 109 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent perioperative chemotherapy followed by resection. The primary outcome of mortality was, divided into short (< 1year) or prolonged (> 2years). Univariate and multivariable analyses compared the tumor size-adjusted CA19-9 between the outcome groups.
Results:
Twenty-seven (24.78%) and eighty-two (75.23%) patients were in the short-survival and prolonged-survival groups, respectively. The mean CA19-9 was significantly greater in the short versus prolonged group (P < 0.001). Analyzing CA19-9 level by tumor size, the association of high CA19-9 and short survival was significant for small (≤ 2cm) and large tumor (> 4cm), but not for intermediate-size tumors (2-4cm). Adjusting for preoperative variable did not change this association.
Conclusion:
CA 19 − 9 in combination with tumor size better identifies patients with prolonged post-resection survival. This prediction is most accurate in patients with either small (≤ 2cms) or large (> 4cms) tumors compared to intermediate size tumors.
Therapeutic effects of Salvadora persica extracts against Sarcoptes scabiei var. Hominis and their Secondary Infections
Authors: Shahid Abbas , Arif Amina , Ejaz Umer , Amin Zeemal Seemab , Mansoor Sajid , Usman Hafiz Muhammad , Naeem Mehwish
Published: July 2023

Salvadora persica, commonly recognized as the Miswak tree, happens in shrub savannah. From northwestern areas. The current evaluation gives a complete summary of the chemical materials and organic results (antibacterial and anti-parasitic specially scabies) of this species.To examine the qualitative and quantitative analyses of methanolic and ethanolic extracts to screen the phytochemical contents, sulfur containing compound present inSalvadora persicaagainst secondary bacterial infection of scabies. Numerous compounds were discovered using GCMS analysis, biological activities, Molecular docking and anti-bacterial activity of leaf extracts. It contributes to widespread disease brought on by secondary infections and post-infectious conditions such acute post-streptococcalglomerulonephritis Sarcoptic scabies mites' variant Hominis can be killed by sulfur-containing compounds. The extract of the particular elements that have an effect against scabies and the subsequent bacterial infection inside the single dose. They can protect against secondary bacterial scabies infections. The potential interaction and binding affinity between ligands2-(2 Methyl vinyl) thiophene,Benzene, (Isothiocyanatomethyl)andBenzyl Nitrileand protein (3h7t) were analyzed by Auto dockvina. The ligand tended to bind with the binding energy − 4.3kcal/mol, -5.4kcal/mol and − 5.7kcal/mol respectively.
Quantitative visualization of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion-induced cardiac lesions via ferroptosis magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Long Linzi , Yang Wenwen , Wang Yueqi , Fu Changgeng , Li Changjian , Feng Feng , Li Hongzheng , Tan Ling , Qu Hua , Hui Hui , Wang Jingjing , Tian Jie
Published: July 2023

In clinical practice, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) is widely used for the treatment of myocardial infarction, but reperfusion may cause secondary damage to the myocardium. The early stages of MI/R lesions are associated with ferroptosis, however, in vivo, noninvasive visualization of ferroptosis in MI/R using molecular imaging methods remains difficult. We report an Fe3O4-based probe for magnetic nanoparticle imaging of ferroptosis (feMPI) by exploiting transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) as a typical biomarker. The feMPI, based on the TfR1-targeting and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) dual-targeted probe, detects cardiac injury ~48 h in advance and quantitatively determines damage degree during post-MI/R ventricular remodeling, as compared to existing clinical imaging detection methods. This new imaging strategy compensated for the difficulty in detecting I/R damage during cardiac remodeling. These findings are notably consistent with the commonly used clinical biochemical indicators in the early stage of MI/R. In addition, optical and MI/R imaging was integrated as a multimodal to precisely monitor the occurrence and development of MI/R-induced cardiac injury. This study proposes a powerful imaging-effect-based feMPI strategy for the precise assessment of MI/R-induced cardiac injury, which may help elucidate diagnostic methods for ferroptosis-related heart diseases.
Construction and validation of a predictive model for the risk of sarcopenia in the elderly in China
Authors: Li Qiugui , Cheng Hongtao , Wei Jingjing , Tao Shengru , Yang Tao , Cen Wenjiao
Published: July 2023

Background
Sarcopenia is a progressive age-related disease that can cause a range of adverse health-related outcomes in the elderly and an increased risk of death in the short term in those with severe sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to construct and validate a predictive model for the risk of sarcopenia in the elderly in China.
Methods
This study used the data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a high-quality microdata representing households and individuals aged 45 years and older in China. Sixty-five indicators, including sociodemographic, health-related and biochemical indicators, were analyzed in this study.
Results
A total of 3454 older adults from the 2015 CHARLS database were included in the final analysis. A total of 997 (28.8%) had symptoms of sarcopenia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Sex, BMI, MSBP, MDBP and Pain were predictors of sarcopenia in the elderly. These factors were used to construct the Nomogram model, which had good consistency and accuracy. The AUC value of the prediction model in the training set was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.75-0.7901); The AUC value in the validation set was 0.76 (95%CI = 0.7287–0.7904). Hosmer-Lemeshow test values were P = 0.5041 and P = 0.2668 respectively (P > 0.05). The calibration curves showed a significant agreement between the nomogram model and the actual observations. ROC and DCA showed that the nomogram had good predictive performance..
Conclusion
The prediction model of the risk of sarcopenia in Chinese elderly people constructed in this study has a certain predictive effect, and can provide a reference for early screening and intervention by clinical staff.
An optimized calculation method of the grinding wheel profile for the helical flute grinding
Authors: Jiang Lei , Yang Zhihui , Li Yong , Ding Guofu , He Xin
Published: July 2023

Forming grinding process is a crucial method for grinding the helical flute of end mills, and the calculation of the grinding wheel profile is the key to ensure the precision of the helical flute, which is constrained by grinding wheel posture and helical flute profile. However, the current calculation method has not done enough research on the estimation of the feasibility and validity of the grinding wheel profile, which could lead to contradiction between theoretical calculations and practical application. In this paper, an optimized calculation method of the grinding wheel profile for the helical flute forming grinding is proposed, which includes the calculation, analysis and optimization process. Firstly, the parameters of the helical cutting edge and the flute surface are defined, and accurate geometrical models are established. Secondly, the contact condition between the grinding wheel and the flute surface is deduced to calculate the grinding wheel profile by the envelop theory. Thirdly, an optimization method, including profile optimization and grinding wheel wear optimization, is proposed for the calculation of the grinding wheel profile. Finally, the method is verified by simulation machining and the results show that the method can improve the grinding precision and expand the application range of forming grinding technology in helical flute grinding.
Evaluation of Potato Varieties Rooted Shoot Tip Cuttings as Influenced by IBA Growth Regulator for Transplant Survival and Tuber Production in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Yayeh Shege Getu , Mohammed Wassu , Woldetsadk Kebede , Bezu Tewodros , Dessalegn Yigzaw , Asredie Semagn
Published: July 2023

Potato is food security crop. However, in northwestern Ethiopia, the productivity is low due to a shortage of quality seed tubers. Therefore, to solve this problem, an alternative seed production system is needed. Thus, an experiment was conducted to assess the shoot tip cuttings of potato varieties for transplant survival, establishment, and tuber production under field conditions during the 2022 cropping season at Adet agricultural research center, northwestern Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of eight potato varieties (Belete, Gudine, Jalane, Shonkola, Gussa, Gera, Dagim, and Ater Abeba) and four rates of IBA concentration (0 ppm, 3000 ppm, 6000 ppm, and 9000 ppm). The experiment was laid out in a factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replications. Transplant survival, establishment, and tuber production data were collected and analyzed. Results of main effects of variety and IBA significantly influenced analyzed data .The highest number of tubers (8.6) was registered from Belete treated at 6000 ppm IBA while the highest average tuber weight (136.08 g) was produced by variety Shenkolla not treated with IBA. Gera gave the highest tuber weight per plant (691.52g) and the highest yield (25.74 tons ha− 1) Similarly, IBA concentration of 6000 ppm gave the highest yield (19.16 tons ha-1). The experiment results suggested that rooted shoot tip cuttings of varieties Beleete, Gudenie, Gusa, Dagim, and Ater Abeba treated at 6000 ppm IBA concentration, Jalenie and Shonkolla treated at 3000 ppm IBA concentration, and Gera treated at 9000 ppm IBA concentration showed better results.
Medical Teachers’ Entrustable Professional Activities for Clinical Education a five-star clinical educator
Authors: Shafian Sara , Okhovati Maryam , Azemian Azaded , Zadeh Mohammad Reza Lashkari , Ilaghi Mehran
Published: July 2023

Introduction A medical teacher has a wide range of roles and responsibilities that vary from a clinical teacher to a trainer and finally a clinical specialist. Most medical teachers receive limited training to prepare them to provide effective teaching and clinical supervision. the current study aims to develop core entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for medical teachers related to more effective clinical education.
Methods This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on defining an initial set of EPAs. The second phase focused on developing this set via a nominal group technique (NGT) among 15 faculty clinical specialties until a consensus was reached.
Results The total of 29 EPAs in the five dimensions were agreed upon by more than 70% of the participants. Most of the activities were identified in the curriculum planning activities (n=11). Further details on the characteristics identified in each of the five dimensions of the EPAs of a five-star teacher are provided.
Conclusion Findings showed that One of the core EPAs for training the current generation of medical students is using enhanced technologies. Medical teachers should acquire these competencies by using faculty development programs.
DABCO-catalyzed highly regioselective synthesis of novel 4H-pyrano[2,3- b]quinoline derivatives: three‑component domino strategy
Authors: Heydari Masumeh , Mohammadi Ali A. , Mosleh Mohammad R.
Published: July 2023

A highly regioselective multicomponent synthesis via DABCO-mediated knoevenagel condensation/heterocyclization sequence has been executed. An efficient and fast-track protocol has been used for preparing O-heterocyclic compounds under metal-free conditions. The one pot three-component reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and two diverse cyclic active methylenes (dimedone and barbituric acid) for the synthesis of 4H-pyrano[2,3-b]quinoline has been accomplished under mild condition. The strategy included herein shows significant advantages including a facile process with easy purification, excellent yields, wide applicability, available substrates and cost-effective and eco-friendly solvent and catalyst.
Tilt-evoked, breathing-driven blood pressure oscillations: Independence from baroreflex-sympathoneural function
Authors: Grabov Edward , Sullivan Patti , Wang Siqi , Goldstein David S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Orthostasis often increases blood pressure (BP) variability. Low-frequency (LF) BP oscillations (Mayer waves) are related to baroreflex-mediated alterations in sympathetic cardiovascular outflow. Effects of orthostasis on high frequency (HF) BP oscillations at the periodicity of respiration (Traube-Hering waves) have received relatively little research attention. A previously reported patient with post-neurosurgical orthostatic hypotension (OH) and baroreflex-sympathoneural failure had large tilt-evoked, breathing-driven BP oscillations, suggesting such oscillations can occur independently of baroreflex-sympathoneural modulation. We therefore assessed effects of orthostasis on BP variability in the frequency domain in patient cohorts with or without OH.
Methods
Power spectral analysis of systolic BP variability was conducted on physiological recordings from a total of 73 research participants, 42 with neurogenic OH (nOH) (13 pure autonomic failure, 14 Parkinson’s disease (PD) with OH, 12 parkinsonian multiple system atrophy, 3 status post brainstem neurosurgery) and 31 without OH (No OH group of 16 healthy volunteers and 15 PD patients), before, during, and after 5’ of head-up tilt at 90 degrees from horizontal. The data were log transformed for statistical testing.
Results
Across all subjects, head-up tilting increased HF power of systolic BP variability (p = 0.0008), without a difference between the nOH and No OH groups. LF power during tilt was higher in the No OH than nOH groups (p = 0.0094), with the extent of increase in LF power greater in the No OH group (p = 0.046).
Conclusion
Head-up tilt can increase HF power of BP variability even in the setting of baroreflex-sympathoneural failure. nOH is associated with attenuated Mayer waves.
Low-temperature giant coercivity in metallic Co6.2Ga3.8-xGex(x=2.4 to 3.2) with chemically tunable spin frustration
Authors: Kitagawa Jiro , Nomura Himawari , Nishizaki Terukazu
Published: July 2023

The observation of giant coercivity exceeding 20 kOe at low temperatures in several transition-metal-based compounds has attracted significant attention from a fundamental perspective. This research is also relevant to developing rare-earth-free permanent magnets, wherein cobalt is one of the primary elements used. To facilitate easy fabrication, rare-earth-free and Co-based inorganic bulk magnets that exhibit giant coercivity are highly demanded but rarely reported. Herein, we report the observation of low-temperature giant coercivity in polycrystalline metallic Co6.2Ga3.8-xGex (x=2.4 to 3.2) with the hexagonal Fe13Ge8-type structure composed of Kagome and triangular lattices. As the Ge content x decreases from 3.2, the magnetic ground state changes from ferrimagnetism to ferromagnetism at x=2.6. In the ferrimagnetic state, we observed a signature of spin frustration arising from the Kagome and/or triangular lattices of Co atoms. The ferromagnetic ordering temperatures for the x=2.6 and 2.4 samples are 46 K and 60 K, respectively. The coercive fields rapidly increase upon cooling and reach values of 26 kOe and 44 kOe in the x=2.6 and 2.4 samples, respectively, at 2 K. We discuss the possible origin of the observed giant coercivity in the present system.
Genetic Diversity studies of some ethnobotanical plants belonging to Family Rubiaceae, along the western ghats of India
Authors: Dsouza Sharon , Damle Sagarika , Jamkhedkar Suruchi , Jha Vikas , Harshal Anupma
Published: July 2023

Genetic diversity helps in long term viability of the plant population by helping them combat stresses and preserving genotypes that are beneficial to the mankind. Geographical factors is one of the main determinant of genetic diversity in plants, as being sessile, they adapt to environmental changes quickly. In this study, ethnobotanical plants, Meyna spinosa Roxb. ex. Link from Nasik, Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Triveng from Sattari and Ixora chinensis Lam from Karwar and all their urban counter- parts from Mumbai were subjected to genetic diversity studies by determining the genetic variation, using RAPD and DNA barcoding. RAPD was performed using five random primers; DNA barcoding was performed using matK and rbcL primers. The analysis culminated into two sets of phylogenetic trees. RAPD generated a phylogenetic tree which revealed that Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb.) Triveng from Goa and Mumbai diverged at the ancestral node; DNA barcoding using matK and rbcL primers resulted in 6 matK and 6 rbcL sequences, which were submitted to NCBI and further it generated a phylogenetic tree which revealed that Meyna spinosa Roxb. ex Link from Nasik and Mumbai diverged at ancestral node. Nei’s gene diversity was found to be 0.4096 ± 0.09, Shannon’s diversity index was found to be 0.5943 ± 0.11, percentage of polymorphic loci was found to be 98.67%. We could conclude that genetic diversity could be observed in the same plants from different locations across Western Ghats. Environmental factors such as weather, soil composition and biotic factors could be affecting the genetic make-up of the plants.
Optimization of functional spicy red pepper paste (Awaze) formulated from red pepper, garlic, red onion and ginger using optimal mixture design techniques
Authors: Anteneh Biadge Kefale , Delele Mulugeta Admasu , Fanta Solomon Workneh , Abate Solomon
Published: July 2023

Spicy red pepper paste, locally known as Awaze, is a traditional popular spicy paste consumed in Ethiopia. The objective of this research was to determine the optimum proportion of red pepper, garlic, red onion and ginger in the preparation of Awaze paste. Mixture design was used to establish the appropriate proportion of red pepper, garlic, red onion and ginger. A D-optimal mixture experimental design with 15 runs was generated by design expert software within the constraint: 60–90% red pepper, 10–30% garlic, 5–20% red onion and 5–10% ginger. The physicochemical, mineral content and texture profile of Awaze paste were determined. Significant differences (p < 0.05) existed in color, ash, fiber content, viscosity, antioxidant activity, mineral and texture profile. Linear model for ash content, quadratic model for a* and antioxidant activity, special cubic model for fiber content significantly (p < 0.05) explained the effect of the components on the physicochemical quality of Awaze paste with high predicted R-squared (R2) value. The optimum formula of Awaze paste was a mixture containing 65.66% red pepper, 10% garlic, 19.086% red onion and 5.254% ginger. The optimum formula exhibited an antioxidant activity of 44.64%, ash content of 7.56%, color (a* value) of 18.3 and fiber content of 27.5%. There was a significant difference between Awaze paste produced from optimum formula and control (Household made Awaze).The study indicated that antioxidant activity, color value(a*), viscosity, ash content, fiber content and chewiness of Awaze paste are directly related to the proportion of red pepper, garlic, red onion and ginger.
Investigating the presence of dioxins in drinking water: Implications for public health
Authors: KUAMWAT MANOJ , Pal Namrata , Sharma Poonam , James Meenu , Verma Vinod , Tiwari Rajnarayan , Chouksey Vivek , Shubham Swasti , Sarma Devojit , Singh Samradhi , Kumar Manoj
Published: July 2023

Dioxins: Infamous man-made toxins, a top environmental hazard of great concern. The presence of highly toxic dioxins, specifically polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), in drinking water is a matter of great concern due to their long-lasting nature and harmful effects. In this study, we detected three out of the five dioxin congeners: 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD), 1, 2, 3, 7, 8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD), and octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD). The investigation revealed that all three dioxins were present in samples collected during the winter season, while only TCDD and OCDD were found in samples from the summer season. The geometric mean concentrations of PCDDs were 229.9 ng/L in winter and 108.4 ng/L in summer. These concentrations exceeded the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 30 pg/L set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in surface water, Water Treatment Plant effluent, overhead tank, and drinking water samples. This indicates a serious risk to the safety of drinking water and public health. The estimated daily intake of PCDDs for residents through drinking water was 273.97 ng-WHO2005-TEQ/kg/day during winter and 78.875 ng-WHO2005-TEQ/kg/day during summer. These values raise significant concerns about the potential health impacts associated with the consumption of contaminated water. The findings our study underscore the urgent need for further research focused on persistent organic pollutants in drinking water supplies. Additionally, it is crucial to develop and implement effective large-scale remediation technologies to combat the adverse effects of dioxin contamination. Safeguarding the quality of drinking water is essential for protecting public health and ensuring the well-being of communities.
Regulation of neuronal lipid droplet aggregation by microglia through the lactate-lysosome signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Shukai , Lan Zhuoqing , Ge Ziyi , Zhao Bing , Li Leilei , Li Caixia
Published: July 2023

Background
The process of neuroinflammation is marked by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and leads to neuronal death. However, accumulating evidence suggests that classic inflammatory processes alone do not fully explain many aspects of neuroinflammation pathogenesis. Recent findings indicate that abnormal deposition of lipid droplet (LD) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. Microglia, which regulate neuronal activity have been implicated in LD aggregation during neuroinflammation. However, the regulatory mechanism of LDs in neurons remains poorly understood.
Methods
Neurons were stimulated with LPS-treated microglia supernatant. Immunostaining with BODIPY was used to determine the localization of LDs in different neuronal cell lines and culture systems. LAMP and LC3 were used as lysosomal markers for LD co-localization analysis. For in vivo studies, we used a sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) mouse model to mimic neuroinflammation. Following microglia depletion using the small molecule CSF-1R inhibitor PLX3397, we examined lactate levels and LD changes in the mouse hippocampus.
Results
Our findings revealed activated microglia caused LD aggregation in neurons inducted by lactate. Furthermore, we observed co-localization of LDs with LAMP2 and LC3, suggesting involvement of the lysosomal pathway. These results were corroborated in an in vivo SAE model, where PLX3397 administration led to a reduction in LD accumulation and lactic acid levels.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that activated microglia induce LD accumulation in various neuronal cultures via the lactate-lysosome signaling pathway. A better understanding of the neuron lipid metabolism in the nervous system may ultimately contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neuroinflammation.
Effect of heating insufflation tube of AirSeal system on laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Sahara Kurumi , Ohno Ryo , Kajitani Ryuji , Munechika Taro , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Nagano Hideki , Watanabe Toshifumi , Aisu Naoya , Yoshida Yoichiro , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: July 2023

The AirSeal system (CONMED, NY, USA) can outstandingly keep pneumoperitoneum stable. However, water droplets form on the access port, impairing the performance of comfortable surgical procedures because of the resultant wet surgical field. This study was performed to clarify the mechanism of water droplet formation and to prevent it. Condensation was observed on the AirSeal system. A heater was wrapped around the tri-lumen tube, and the heating effect was assessed. The simulator experiments revealed that condensation formed in the tri-lumen tube and on the wall of the access port. The accumulated weight of the condensation on the wall of the access port was 41.6 g in the Heated group, 138.2 g in the Control group, and 479.4 g in the Cooled group. In the clinical assessment, the accumulated volume of the condensation attached to the inside wall was significantly smaller in the Heated group than in the Unheated group (111.7 g vs. 332.9 g, respectively). We clarified that the volume of condensation attached to the wall of the access port depended on the temperature of the tri-lumen tube. The clinical study revealed that the condensation on the access port was reduced by heating the tri-lumen tube. The development of a novel heating device for the insufflation tube would be effective and useful.
Technology Shelving under Exclusive Licensing
Authors: Lu Yuanzhu , Poddar Sougata , Banerjee Swapnendu , Ghosh Monalisa
Published: July 2023

In many markets, we observe scenarios where a firm sometimes pays to acquire new technologies (patents), however, does not use them for its use i.e. shelves them. By shelving the technology, the technology-acquiring firm can prevent its competitor from using it and thus maintain its strategic advantage in the market. We show this happens often when an outside innovator uses exclusive licensing to transfer technology where potential licensees have different efficiency levels of production and have asymmetric absorptive capacities of the transferred technology. However, we also show when this will not happen in the same environment. To this end, we highlight the interplay between strategic effect of the efficient licensee and the cost reduction effect of the inefficient licensee. We find under fixed fee and auction, when the size of innovation is not big, technology is shelved, whereas if the innovation is large, it is not shelved. With per-unit royalty licensing, we find interesting non-monotonicity with respect to shelving and no shelving as the size of the innovation increases. We also find out the optimal licensing contract in this environment and potential welfare loss due to shelving on the society.
Assessment of Groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes in Rohtak district, Northern India
Authors: Raheja Hemant , GOEL ARUN , PAL MAHESH
Published: July 2023

This study discusses about the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation use in Rohtak district of Haryana state, India. Ninety-four groundwater samples were collected during Pre monsoon and Post monsoon periods and analyzed by several methods, including Entropy water quality index (EWQI), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Permeability Index (PI), Sodium Percentage (Na %), Kelly Ratio (KR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), US salinity diagram, and Gibbs diagram. The spatial distribution maps of EWQI and irrigation indices were also plotted using the IDW technique in ArcGIS. The result suggests that the groundwater quality in the central part extending towards the south-western part of the area can be categorized as poor. The major ion concentrations were reported in the following order: Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > K+, and Cl- > SO42- > NO3- > HCO3- > F- > CO32- respectively. Moreover, results revealed that most of groundwater samples exceeded the desirable limits for drinking water as suggested by World Health Organization. The EWQI assessment indicates that 23.4% and 38.4% of groundwater samples have extremely poor quality in Pre monsoon and Post monsoon, respectively. Analysis of water quality for irrigation shows that various indices like EC, SAR, PI, Na %, KR, and MAR exceed their standard limit, and mostly samples are unsuitable for irrigation. The Gibbs diagram and other bivariate plots demonstrate that various ions in groundwater can be attributed to silicate and carbonate weathering, which occur through water-rock interactions and ion exchange phenomena. Additionally, the US Salinity diagram verifies that most groundwater samples exhibit significant salinity hazards, particularly concerning high sodium levels. The results of this study are highly valuable for efficiently allocating and managing the resources within this particular district.
Effects of Twin-Block with expanding device on the upper airway in growing children with skeletal class II malocclusion -a retrospective study based on the consistency of three-dimensional data and two-dimensional data
Authors: Mao Feng , Lu Chenmeng , Liu Nan , Zhang Yi , Qi Huichuan , Hu Min
Published: July 2023

Objectives
Skeletal class II malocclusion is one of the most common malocclusions. Among functional appliances for skeletal class II malocclusion, the Twin-Block appliance with maxillary expander is effective in reposition the mandible forward. In this study, we focused our efforts on investigating the effects of Twin-Block appliances with maxillary expander on the upper airway in growing children with skeletal class II malocclusion by tracing and measuring lateral cephalograms after evaluating the consistency of three-dimensional CBCT data and two-dimensional lateral cephalogram data.
Materials and Methods
One hundred and two patients with skeletal class II malocclusion from 9 to 15 years old (11.37 ± 2.80, Male/Female ratio = 1:1) were selected to evaluate the consistency of CBCT data and lateral cephalogram data. The strongly and moderately correlated segments were then selected to study the effects of Twin-Block with maxillary expander on the upper airway in 66 growing children with skeletal class II malocclusion (11.31 ± 1.23 years old, Male/Female ratio = 1:1) on lateral cephalograms.
Results
The results showed strong significant correlation in the nasopharynx (r = 0.708), moderate significant correlations in the overall upper airway (r = 0.641), velopharynx (r = 0.553) and glossopharynx (r = 0.575), but weak correlation in the hypopharynx (r = 0.323). The corresponding determination coefficient (R2) was also showed by the Scatter Plot analysis. Moreover, compared with the pre-treatment data (T1), the total area of the upper airway, the area of nasopharynx, velopharynx and glossopharynx after functional treatment (T2) increased statistically and significantly.
Conclusions
Lateral cephalogram can reflect the volume of nasopharynx and oropharynx in skeletal class II children to a certain extent, while the Twin-Block appliances with maxillary expander can widen the volume of nasopharynx and oropharynx significantly.
Clinical relevance
The lateral cephalogram is reliable to analyze the nasopharynx,velopharynx and glossopharynx in orthodontic clinical practice. The Twin-Block appliances with maxillary expander has a positive effect on skeletal Class II patients with airway stenosis.
Understanding User comfort and Expectations in AI-based Systems
Authors: Dave Anjali , Saxena Ankur , Jha Avdhesh
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the impact of prior experience and education levels on user expectations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) based systems. The research aimed to determine whether these factors, individually or interactively, significantly influenced user expectations. Moreover, the effects of system interface, system feedback and system responsiveness on user comfort in AI-based systems were determined as well. The findings highlighted the importance of prior experience in shaping user expectations. It also suggests that educational level may have limited influence on user expectations. The choice of system interface and the responsiveness of the AI-based system significantly impact user comfort. The findings suggest for the creation of more user-friendly and comfortable interfaces. Understanding the various factors that influence user comfort and expectation, can aid the design and development of AI systems tailored to user backgrounds that better meet user needs and enhance their overall experience.
Impacts of socioeconomic development on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Human Comfort in State of Kuwait
Authors: Aldashti Hasan , Abadla Zaher Al , Wahab Mohamad Magdy Abdel , Yassin Mohamed F.
Published: July 2023

The relationship between particulate matter and economic growth, as well as the relationship between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions, has been the topic of considerable investigations over the past two decades. Kuwait has a hot, dry and desert climate that makes the outside air affected by natural and other unnatural factors. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were monthly collected during a 41-years (from 1980 to 2021) over state of Kuwait. This study presents a detailed investigation of possible correlation and regression analysis between PM2.5 mass column concentration and socioeconomic factors, and they are as follows: GDP Per Capita (GDPP), Greenhouse gas emission and population density during the same time period. The correlation between per capita GDP and PM2.5 concentration is statistically positive supported at the highest level of significance. The greenhouse gas emission and population density proportion exhibit significant positive effects, demonstrating that these two factors strongly affect PM2.5 pollution. The results of the regression analysis for Kuwait shows a significant positive relationship between GDP per capita and PM2.5, all of which remained significant at the 1% level. The consequence of the increase in per capita GDP, according to the results reported in the study, should be an increase in the level of PM2.5 column density and vice versa. Significant positive correlation with a value of 0.8805 found between Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) in extreme hot years and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Human activities lead to an environmental imbalance, and this will certainly affect future generations, so what is required to do is to feel a moral responsibility towards the environment around us.
Numerical Analysis of Mass Transfer Mechanisms in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries: Impact on Battery Performance
Authors: Yang Bin , Mu Anle
Published: July 2023

Vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is considered a promising option for large-scale energy storage due to its safety, long lifespan, and environmental friendliness. However, mass transfer imbalances can negatively impact its performance. In this paper, a two-dimensional static isothermal model is established based on VRFB to simulate the distribution of ion concentration under different states of charge (SoC). Herein, the cell voltage at different SoC and the overvoltage at half-cell height are studied by changing the current density and electrolyte flow rate. Meanwhile, H+ flux at the half-height of the battery at various current densities is studied. The results show that with the increase of current density, the potential difference and the H+ flux between the positive and negative electrolytes increase, and the over-potential near the collector increases maximum. Moreover, optimizing electrolyte flow rate and current density is critical to reducing polarization effects and improving battery performance. This paper explores the effect of the mass transfer mechanism of vanadium redox flow battery on VRFB performance and provides a reference for the improvement of battery performance.
Impacts of Land Use Change and Climate Variability on Streamflow in the Piracicaba Basin, Brazil
Authors: Machado Ronalton , Sentelhas Paulo , Leite Rafael , Paulino Juliana
Published: July 2023

Climate variability and land use change are two conditioning that affect hydrological processes in watersheds. Based on these findings, it is necessary to understand the processes involved in climate and land use and its impact on water systems. In this context, this study aimed to simulate climate scenarios combined with the change of land use and to analyze the impacts on streamflow in the Piracicaba basin with the SWAT model. Two periods were selected based on the preliminary result of detection of the abrupt change point of the annual streamflow series, using Petitt’s non-parameter test. The first period selected prior to the occurrence of the point of change ranged from 1985 to 2000. The other period after the point of change ranged from 2001 to 2015. Land use maps of the years 1990 and 2010 were used to represent the two periods. The results showed a good performance of the SWAT model. The NS (Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient) was 0.88 in calibration for both periods. In the validation, the NS was 0.92 and 0.94 for the first and second periods respectively. Then, we simulate climate and land use scenarios and compare them to the current scenario (baseline). The simulation results showed that the streamflow in the Piracicaba basin in the period 1985–2015, had more intense responses to land use change than climate variability.
Construction of Meteorological Application System Based on National BDS Ground-based Augmentation Network and the Water Vapor Products Validation
Authors: Du Mingbin , Cao Yunchang , Liang Hong , Hu Heng , Wang Haishen , Song Shuli
Published: July 2023

National BDS ground-based augmentation network (BGAN) of China is constructed with the existing GNSS observation resources of industry departments and local governments, based on the concept of joint building and sharing with sustainable development. This study provides a detailed introduction to the design, construction and operation of meteorological application system based on BGAN, and validation of its water vapor products. BDS and GPS synchronization and real-time observation of atmospheric water vapor products are achieved nationwide in China, as well as the application of multi-GNSS. Through the application of multi-GNSS data and validation of the water vapor products from year 2018 to 2020, the accuracy of precipitable water vapor (PWV) inversed with only BDS is equivalent to that with only GPS, which is a proven application internationally. The root mean square error (RMSE) between them is around 2 mm with high correlation coefficient. Based on radiosonde data, the validation is conducted on the products of BDS/PWV, GPS/PWV, and Combine/PWV, which are water vapor inversed with only BDS, only GPS and multi-GNSS of BDS + GPS respectively. The error characteristics of the three products show a consistent trend over the months. The bias is relatively small. The RMSE of the three products is 2.18–2.73 mm, and BDS/PWV was the largest, followed by GPS/PWV, and Combine/PWV is the smallest.
High-performance Na-doped LiFePO 4 cathode material derived from acid-washed iron red for the simultaneous immobilization of multi-metals
Authors: Cong Jun , Luo Shao-hua , Li Kun , Wang Jiachen , Wang Ya feng , Yan Shengxue , Li Pengwei
Published: July 2023

To immobilizing hazardous elements of metallurgical waste and meet the demand for cathode materials in lithium-ion battery industries, LiFePO4/C cathode material was successfully prepared via a simple carbothermal reduction method using acid-pickled iron oxide red as raw material by orthogonal tests. To further improve electrochemical performance, Na-doped LiFePO4/C cathode material designed with the first-principles calculation verification was synthesized by solid-state method at the optimal experimental conditions including the ball-milling medium of 3 h, the reaction temperature at 750°C in heating rate of 5 ℃·min− 1 for 4 h. The results reveal that Na doping can effectively change the band gap structures and microstructure, which reduced the size of the particle and increased the electronic conductivity. The Li0.75Na0.25FePO4/C electrode showed a discharge specific capacity of 139.2 mAh·g− 1 at 0.5 C and an excellent capacity retention of 98.9% after 50 cycles. The synergy strategy was a sustainable solution for immobilizing hazardous heavy metal elements, which paves a novel facile and cost-effective way towards high-performance LiFePO4 cathodes and promising markets for lithium-ion battery industries.
The Effects of Internal Representations on Performance and Fluidity in a Motor Task
Authors: Runswick Oliver R. , Roebuck Hettie
Published: July 2023

Individuals can differ in the mode in which they experience conscious thought. These differences in visualisation and verbalisation can also be evident during motor control. The Internal Representation Questionnaire (IRQ) was developed to measure propensity to engage certain types of representations, but its ability to predict motor control and links to reinvestment and motor imagery have not been tested. 159 included participants completed the IRQ, movement specific reinvestment scale (MSRS), and a novel online motor task before and after a period of practice. Results showed that the IRQ Verbal and Orthographic factors were significant predictors of scores on the MSRS. The IRQ factor of Manipulational Representations predicted motor performance both before and after practice. The fluidity of executed movements was precited by the IRQ verbalisation factor why higher propensity to verbalise made for more jittery movements, but only after a period of practice. Results suggest there may be some informative conceptual overlap between internal verbalisations and reinvestment and that the propensity to manipulate internal representations may be predictive of motor performance in new tasks. The IRQ has potential to be a valuable tool for predicting motor performance.
DataFlow based- Automatic parallelization of MATLAB/Simulink models for Fitting Modern Multicore Architectures
Authors: Gasmi Kaouther , Romdhani Lamia , HASNAOUI SALEM
Published: July 2023

In many fields including aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications, Math-Works’ MATLAB/Simulink is the current de facto standard for model-based design. The strengths of Simulink are rapid design and algorithm exploration. Models created with Simulink are just functional. Therefore, designers cannot effortlessly consider a Simulink model’s architecture. As today’s architectures are optimized to run on multicore, Software running on multicore processors must be parallelized to fully utilize their natural performance. For instance, designers need to understand how a Simulink model could be parallelized and how an adequate multicore architecture is selected. This paper focuses on the dataflow-based parallelization of Simulink models and proposes a method based on dataflow to measure the performance of parallelized Simulink models running on multi-core architectures. Throughout the parallelization process, the model is converted into a Hierarchical Synchronous DataFlow Graph (HSDFG) keeping its original semantics, and each composite node in the graph is flattened. Then, the graph is mapped and scheduled into a multicore architecture with the ultimate objective that minimizing the total execution time. In the experiment of applying the proposed approach to a real model from the automotive industry, the execution time of the parallelized model could be reduced successfully on a multi-core processor.