bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration and remediation ability test of indigenous bacteria from rice field pemalang regency on lead (Pb) contamined soil
Authors: Rahayu Ahadiyat Yugi , Herliana Okti , Hadi Sapto Nugroho , Widyawati Ida , Hanifa Hana , Fauzi Ahmad , Cahyani Wilis , A Ardiansyah , Sarjiya Antonius , Widyarini Indah , Widjanarko Wisnu
Published: April 2023

The research aims to obtain isolates and determine the morphological characteristics of bacteria that are resistant to Lead (Pb) contamination. The materials and tools used were soil from conventional rice farming land, Nutrient Agar (NA) medium, alcohol 70%, aquades, PbNO3 solution, aluminum foil, cling wrap, heat-resistant plastic, spiritus, physiological solution of 0.85% NaCl, autoclave, test tubes, petri dishes, erlenmeyer flasks, measuring cylinder, beaker glass, laminar air flow (LAF), shaker, magnetic stirrer, micropipette, refrigerator, analytical balance, ose needle, pH meter, vortex, ice box, shovel , tube racks, bunsen, stationery, labels, and other supporting materials and equipment. This research is a sampling research and continued with laboratory tests including bacterial isolation, colony count calculation and macromorphological characterization. The data obtained from morphological observations are presented in the form of descriptions, while quantitative data are presented in the form of numbers and are used as primary data. The results of isolating bacteria with NA medium added with 5 ppm lead, there are five bacterial isolates were selected, namely KMPb O, KT1Pb C, KT2Pb H, KB1Pb H, and KB2Pb K. Based on the TPC (Total Plate Count) test with a range of 30-300 colonies, the number of bacterial colonies ranged from 10,45 x 106 – 28,9 x 106 CFU/ml. The colony morphological characteristics of the five bacterial isolates were dominated by round in shape, smooth texture and flat elevation.
National Economic Recovery (PEN) Through Data Strengthening and Digitization of General Trade in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) in Indonesia
Authors: Bawono Icuk Rangga , Naufalin Rifda , Gunawan D S , Novandari W , Maryani S , Jajang Jajang , Rahmajati E S
Published: April 2023

MSMEs are one of the actors that play a role in the Indonesian economy. The occurrence of Covid-19 greatly impacted the performance of MSMEs. National Economic Recovery (PEN) through strengthening data and digitizing MSMEs is an important thing to do. The aim is to minimize the impact of losses experienced by MSMEs actors if their products are not sold. However, this effort has several obstacles including human resource problems, infrastructure and information systems, network problems and social & behavioral problems.
Strategies for Fulfilling the Basic Needs of Circular Migrant Farmers in Wonokupang, Sidoarjo
Authors: Puspita Sari Alung Amelia , Mulyono Joko , Paramitha Nurina Adi
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to find out the strategy for fulfilling the necessities of life for the circular migrant business of vegetable farm laborers in Wonokupang Village, Sidoarjo Regency. This study uses migration theory by Everett S. Lee. The research method used is a qualitative method with a case study approach. The results of this study indicate that the strategy for fulfilling the necessities of life for the circular migrant business of vegetable farm laborers is the economy and lifestyle, working patterns in migrant places and building social networks. In addition, there are socio-economic changes experienced by circular migrant vegetable farm laborers. Then, from this migration process, there are factors behind the vegetable farm laborers doing circular migration, namely individual factors, factors of origin, factors of destination, and obstacles that exist in the area of origin and destination. From these strategies, changes, and factors, it is proven that they can fulfill the necessities of life of the circular migrant business of vegetable farming laborers.
Editorial: A Reflective Take on The Government Decisions in Facing Global Uncertainty
Authors: Wijaya Shadu Satwika
Published: April 2023

Editorial: Refleksi Keputusan Pemerintah dalam Menghadapi Ketidakpastian Global
A Combined Machine Learning (ML) and Discrete Element Model (DEM) for Pharmaceutical Aerosol Transport in Airways
Authors: Islam Mohammad S. , Larpruenrudee Puchanee , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Sauret Emilie , Gu Yuantong , Husain Shahid
Published: April 2023

The fluid flow field at the upper airways is highly complex due to the complex structure of the airway. The inhaled particle flow, the air streamline and the interaction of the continuum and discrete phase could significantly affect the transport behaviour of the inhaled particles. A range of analytical, mathematical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models analyzed the airflow and particle transport in different idealized and asymmetric airway models. A precise understanding of the continuum and discrete phase interaction in realistic human airways is missing, and this study aims to develop a CFD-DEM model for particle transport in realistic airways. This study uses the CFD model for the continuum phase and the discrete element method (DEM) for the discrete phase. A soft sphere approach is used for the interaction of the discrete phase. Proper validation is performed for particle transport efficiency. The CFD-DEM model analyzed the particle transport in an idealized and realistic airway model, and different methods are used to analyze the transport behaviour. During the particle-particle interaction, a stagnation point and a high-pressure zone are observed at the airway model's carinal angle. The numerical results report higher deposition efficiency (DE) for particle-particle interaction than without interaction. The flow field becomes highly complex with the spring constant values, and higher DE is found for high spring constant values. The spring dashpot friction-dshf method shows higher deposition at the upper part of the airways than other interaction methods. The findings of this study and more case-specific analysis would improve the knowledge of aerosol transport in airways and the health risk assessment of the patient.
The Imaginary Universe
Authors: Łukaszyk Szymon
Published: April 2023

Imaginary dimensions in physics require an imaginary set of base natural units and some negative parameter $c_n$ corresponding to the speed of light in vacuum $c$. The second, negative fine-structure constant $\alpha_2^{-1} \approx -140.178$ is present in Fresnel coefficients for the normal incidence of electromagnetic radiation on monolayer graphene, leading to these imaginary natural units, and it establishes $c_n \approx -3.06 \times 10^8~\text{[m/s]}$. It follows that electric charges are the same in real and imaginary dimensions. We model neutron stars and white dwarfs, emitting perfect black-body radiation, as objects having energy exceeding their mass-energy equivalence ratios. We define complex energies in terms of real and imaginary natural units. Their imaginary parts, inaccessible for direct observation, store the excess of these energies. It follows that black holes are fundamentally uncharged, charged micro neutron stars and white dwarfs with masses lower than $5.7275 \times 10^{-10}~[\text{kg}]$ are inaccessible for direct observation, and the radii of white dwarfs' cores are limited to $R_{\text{WD}} < 3.3967~R_{\text{BH}}$, where $R_{\text{BH}}$ is the Schwarzschild radius of a white dwarf mass. It is conjectured that the maximum atomic number $Z=238$. A black-body object is in the equilibrium of complex energies of masses, charges, and photons if its radius $R_\text{eq} \approx 1.3833~R_{\text{BH}}$, which is marginally greater than a locally negative energy density bound of $4/3~R_{\text{BH}}$. Complex Newton’s law of universal gravitation, based on complex energies, leads to the black-body object's surface gravity and the generalized Hawking radiation temperature, which includes its charge. The proposed model takes into account the value(s) of the fine-structure constant(s), which is/are otherwise neglected in general relativity, and explains the registered (GWOSC) high masses of neutron stars' mergers and the associated fast radio bursts (CHIME) without resorting to any hypothetical types of exotic stellar objects.
State of Charge Estimation Using Deep Neural Networks for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Aryal Amit , Hossain Jahangir , Khalilpour Kaveh
Published: April 2023

This paper presents an improved SOC estimation method for lithium ion batteries in Electric Vehicles using Bayesian optimized feedforward network. This innovative bayesian optimized neural network method attempts to minimize a scalar objective function by extracting hyperpa-rameters (hidden neurons in both layers) using a surrogate model. Furthemore, the hyperparameters are built and data samples are trained and validated. The performance of the proposed deep learning neural network is evaluated. Two reasonable size data samples are ex-tracted from Panasonic 18650PF Li-ion Mendeley datasets that are used for training and valida-tion. RNN and LSTM neural network algorithms offer the common core property of retaining past information and/or hidden states for better SOC estimation. However, the feature of this pro-posed method is the inclusion of Bayesian optimization that chooses optimal double layer hidden neurons. Analysis of results shows that Bayesian optimized feedforward algorithm with average MAPE (0.20%) is the lowest and is the best selection compared with average MAPE for other five deep learning algorithms. In the last quarter of fuel gauge, where fuel anxiety is severe, feed-forward with Bayesian Optimization algorithm is still the best selection (with MAPE of 0.64%).
Improving Detection of ChatGPT-Generated Fake Science Using Real Publication Text: Introducing xFakeBibs a Supervised Learning Network Algorithm
Authors: Hamed Ahmed Abdeen
Published: April 2023

Background: ChatGPT is becoming a new reality. Where do we go from here? Objective: to show how we can distinguish ChatGPT-generated publications from counterparts produced by scientist. Methods:By means of a new algorithm, called xFakeBibs, we show the significant difference between ChatGPT-generated fake publications and real publications. Specifically, we triggered ChatGPT to generate 100 publications that were related to Alzheimer’s disease and comorbidity. Using TF-IDF, using the real publications, we constructed a training network of bigrams comprised of 100 publications. Using 10-folds of 100 publications each, we also 10 calibrating networks to derive lower/upper bounds for classifying articles as real or fake. The final step was to test xFakeBibs against each of the ChatGPT-generated articles and predict its class. The algorithm successfully assigned the POSITIVE label for real ones and NEGATIVE for fake ones. Results: When comparing the bigrams of the training set against all the other 10 calibrating folds, we found that the similarities fluctuated between (19%-21%). On the other hand, the mere bigram similarity from the ChatGPT was only (8%). Additionally, when testing how the various bigrams generated from the calibrating 10-folds against ChatGPT we found that all 10 calibrating folds contributed (51%-70%) of new bigrams, while ChatGPT contributed only 23%, which is less than 50% of any of the other 10 calibrating folds. The final classification results using the xFakeBibs set a lower/upper bound of (21.96-24.93) number of new edges to the training mode without contributing new nodes. Using this calibration range, the algorithm predicted 98 of the 100 publications as fake, while 2 articles failed the test and were classified as real publications. Conclusions: This work provided clear evidence of how to distinguish, in bulk ChatGPT-generated fake publications from real publications. Also, we also introduced an algorithmic approach that detected fake articles with a high degree of accuracy. However, it remains challenging to detect all fake records. ChatGPT may seem to be a useful tool, but it certainly presents a threat to our authentic knowledge and real science. This work is indeed a step in the right direction to counter fake science and misinformation.
Experimental, Theoretical and Numerical Research Progress on Dynamic Behaviors of RC Structural Members
Authors: Li Rouhan , Gao Mao , Li Hongnan , Li Chao , Wang Debin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the research progress on dynamic behaviors of RC structural members is reviewed from experimental, theoretical and numerical perspectives. Firstly, the basic overview, measurement methods, main conclusions and current limitations of available dynamic loading tests are presented. Then the theoretical studies on the dynamic constitutive models of RC materials, the dynamic increase factor (DIF) model for concrete and reinforcing steel and the proposed modified models of dynamic behavior parameter at the structural member level are summarized. Finally, the available modelling approach and the method for incorporating the dynamic effect in numerical simulation of RC structures are reviewed. Moreover, a brief introduction is made to the dynamic hysteretic model established on the experimental data, which provides an alternative approach to consider the dynamic effect beside the commonly used DIF method. This paper provides valuable reference for experimental studies and numerical simulations on the dynamic behaviors of RC structures, and also puts forward some issues that need to be solved in the future research works..
Application of Ultrafiltration To Produce Sheep’s and Goat’s Whey Based Synbiotic Kefir Products
Authors: Pires Arona , Tan Gözdenur , Gomes David , Pereira-Dias Susana , Díaz Olga , Cobos Angel , Pereira Carlos
Published: April 2023

Conclusions: It could be concluded that small/medium scale dairy plants can use UF equipment with the aim to valorize sheep´s and goat´s CW through the production of dairy formulations with added prebiotics and probiotics, while reducing the environmental impact of their activities.
Crustal Deformation Pattern on the Northeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau derived from GPS Observations
Authors: Yu Sihan , Su Xiaoning
Published: April 2023

Northeastern margin is a natural experimental field for studying crustal extrusion and expansion mechanism. Accurate crustal deformation pattern is a key point in the analysis of regional deformation mechanism and seismic hazard research and judgment. In this paper, the present-day GPS velocity field on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau was obtained from encrypted GPS observations around the Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault zone, combined with GPS observations on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau from 2010 to 2020. Firstly, we divided the study area into three relatively independent blocks: ORDOS block, Alxa block and Lanzhou block; secondly, the accurate fault distribution of the Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault zone was taken into account to obtain the optimal inversion model; finally, using the block and fault back-slip dislocation model, the inversion got the slip rate distribution, locking depth and slip deficit rate of each fault. The results indicate that the Laohushan Fault and Haiyuan Fault are dominated by left-lateral strike-slip, while the Liupanshan Fault is dominated by thrust dip-slip, and the Guguan-Baoji Fault has both left-lateral strike-slip and thrust dip-slip components. The maximum locking depths of the Laohushan Fault, Haiyuan Fault, Liupanshan Fault and Guguan-Baoji Fault are 5 km, 13 km, 15 km and 10 km respectively, and the locking of Haiyuan Fault is strong in the middle section and weak in the eastern and western section. The Haiyuan Fault is still in the post-earthquake stress adjustment stage. The slip deficit rate decays from 3.6 mm/yr to 1.8 mm/yr from west to east along the fault zone. Combined with geological and historical seismic data, the results suggest that the mid-long term seismic risk in the Liupanshan Fault is high.
Assessing the Polarization of Climate Phenomena Based on Long-Term Precipitation and Temperature Sequences
Authors: Twaróg Bernard Stanislaw
Published: April 2023

The article presents an analysis of monthly precipitation totals based on the GPCC database, and monthly mean temperatures (NOAA data) for 377 catchments distributed across the globe. The analysis included 110-year data sequences from 1901 to 2010 calculated from grid data with a spatial resolution of 0.5°x 0.5° longitude and latitude. Long-term sequences of precipitation and temperature were used to assess the polarization of climatic phenomena. The noticeable impact of polarization in the area of extreme changes in temperature and precipitation is related to anthropogenic factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and pollution, which affect ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, water resources and economies. The paper demonstrates the existence of trends related to the polarization of temperature and precipitation phenomena. The measures of polarization used in science are discussed. A simple measure of polarization was proposed and applied to both long-term sequences of monthly precipitation totals and monthly mean temperature. Due to the nature of the proposed polarization measure, other characteristics of the precipitation and temperature sequences are also presented as background for the discussion of the polarization index. The paper presents, for a selection of several hundred catchments from around the world, analyses of the assessment of precipitation and temperature trends using non-parametric tests. The trend analyses use Mann -Kendall tests at the 5% significance level. A Pettitt test was used to determine the trend change point for precipitation and temperature data. The whole is supported by rich graphical analyses and the results are presented tabularly.
Oscillating Sequential Universes Model: A Novel Approach to Understand the Evolution of Universe
Authors: Fırat Mehmet
Published: April 2023

Oscillating Sequential Universes Model (OSUM), an innovative cosmological model describing the universe's evolution through the interplay of dark energy and dark matter is presented in this study. The model proposes a series of expansions and contractions driven by dark energy and dark matter interactions, challenging the conventional view of a singular Big Bang event followed by continuous expansion. The necessity for model refinements, incorporating new observational constraints, reassessing dark energy-dark matter interaction assumptions, and investigating alternative mathematical formulations for the oscillation mechanism have been discussed in this study. The OSUM offers a comprehensive framework for future research and potential discoveries in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics, raising new questions and challenging prevailing assumptions about the cosmos.
Folate and Vitamin B12 Gestational Deficiency Disturb Glucocorticoid Response in Hypothalamus Through N-Homocysteinilation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Authors: Michel Arnaud , Kokten Tunay , Saber Cherif Lynda , Umoret Rémy , Alberto Jean-Marc , Helle Déborah , Julien Amélia , Jean-Luc Daval , Guéant Jean-Louis , Bossenmeyer-Pourié Carine , Pourié Grégory
Published: April 2023

Vitamin B9(folate)/B12 deficiency is known to induce brain structural and/or functional retardations. Besides neural tube defects in case of major consequences, several mild deregulations also lead to deleterious effect after birth, and folate supplementation recommended in some countries usually stop at the end of the first trimester. Various hormonal receptors were shown to be deregulated in brain tissue under this context. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is particularly sensitive to epigenetic regulation and post-traductional modifications. In a mother-offspring rat model of vitamin B9/B12 deficiency, we investigated whether a prolonged folate supplementation could restore the GR signalization in the hypothalamus. Our data showed that a deficiency in folate and vitamin B12 during the in-utero and the early postnatal periods was associated with reduced GR expression inn the hypothalamus. We also described for the first time a new post-traductional modification of GR that impaired ligand binding and GR activation, leading to decreased the expression of one of the GR targets in the hypothalamus, AgRP. Moreover, this brain-impaired GR pathway was associated with behavioral perturbations during offspring growth. Importantly, perinatal and postnatal supplementation with folic acid helped restore GR mRNA level and activity in hypothalamus cells and improved behavioral deficits.
Association of TP53 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Prostate Cancer in a Racially Diverse Cohort of Men
Authors: Duncan Allison , Nousome Darryl , Ricks Randy , Kuo Huai-Ching , Ravindranath Lakshmi , Dobi Albert , Cullen Jennifer , Srivastava Shiv , Chesnut Gregory , Petrovics Gyorgy , Kohaar Indu
Published: April 2023

Growing evidence indicates the involvement of a genetic component for CaP susceptibility and clinical severity. Somatic mutations of TP53 have been associated with 50% of diverse human cancers. Studies have also reported the role of germ line mutations and single nucleotide poly-morphisms (SNPs) of TP53 as possible risk factors for cancer development. In this single De-partment of Defense institutional retrospective study, we identified common SNPs in the TP53 gene in AA and CA men and performed association analyses for functional TP53 SNPs with clinico-pathological features of CaP. The CPDR Oncoarray database on blood derived genomic DNA from 321 men treated by radical prostatectomy at WRNMMC were used to examine clini-co-pathological associations with TP53 SNPs. The SNP genotyping analysis on the final cohort of 308 patients (212 AA; 95 CA) identified 74 SNPs in the TP53 gene region with a minor allele fre-quency (MAF) of at least 1%. Two SNPs were non-synonymous in the exonic region of TP53: rs1800371 (Pro47Ser) and rs1042522 (Arg72Pro). The Pro47Ser variant, had a minor allele frequency of 0.01 in AA, however, was not detected in CA. Arg72Pro was the most common SNP with a minor allele frequency of 0.50 (0.41 in AA; 0.68 in CA). Additionally, Arg72Pro was associated with time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) after statistical adjustment for patient age at diagnosis, self-reported race, and Gleason score (p= 0.046; HR = 1.52).
The present study demonstrated ancestral differences in allele frequencies of TP53 Arg72Pro and Pro47Ser SNPs in AA and CA CaP, providing a valuable framework for the interrogating CaP disparity among AA and CA men.
An Investigation into The Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Extracts of Cassipourea Flanaganii Stem Bark in vivo
Authors: Mpofana Nomakhosi , Chipangura John Kudakwashe , Paulse Michael , Mohr Bert , Gqaleni Nceba , Nxumalo Celenkosini Thembelenkosini , Dlova Ncoza Cordelia , Hussein Ahmed A. , Crouch Neil R.
Published: April 2023

The conventional use of medicinal plants is in part based on the widespread belief that plant crude extracts are non-toxic. In South Africa, traditional preparations of Cassipourea flanaganii used to treat hypermelanosis have accordingly been regarded by many as non-toxic. Whether so, impacts on the potential of bark extracts to be developed as a commercial drug to treat melasma, given their documented capacity to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Our study investigated the acute and subacute toxicity of the methanol extract of C. flanaganii bark in rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into different treatment groups. The rats received daily oral gavage of crude extract for acute and sub-acute toxicity tests. Haematological, biomechanical, clinical and histopathology examinations were carried out to evaluate possible toxicity of C. flanaganii. Results were subjected to the Student’s t-test and ANOVA. For both acute and subacute toxicity, there was no statistical difference between groups. There were no clinical or behavioral signs of toxicity observed in the rats. No treatment-related gross pathology lesions as well as no histopathology was observed. The findings of this study demonstrate the absence of acute or subacute toxicity after oral treatment with C. flanaganii bark extracts in Wistar rats at the levels administered.
Erythrocytes of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Patients Contain Decreased Arginase-1 and Thrombospondin-1, and Increased Phosphatidylethanolamine Levels
Authors: Papadopoulos Charalampos , Mimidis Konstantinos , Tentes Ioannis , Anagnostopoulos Konstantinos
Published: April 2023

Background: Hepatic erythrophagocytosis is augmented in NASH and amplifies inflammation and fibrosis. Although various pro-phagocytic signals have been identified on erythrocytes of NASH patients, the role of bound thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), which acts as an “eat-me” signal, arginase-1, which regulates the levels of nitric oxide in erythrocytes, and phosphatidylethano-lamine (PE) which can amplify erythrophagocytosis and hepatic inflammation have not been explored. Hence, we sought to investigate the levels of arginase-1 and TSP-1 in erythrocyte lysate and PE in erythrocyte membranes of NASH patients. Methods: Twenty-four patients and 14 healthy controls participated in our study. The levels of TSP-1 and arginase were quantified by ELISA in erythrocyte lysates, and the levels of PE in erythrocyte membranes by thin layer chro-matography. Results: Erythrocytes of NAFLD patients exhibit lower levels of arginase-1 and TSP-1 (p<0.01). Erythrocyte-bound TSP-1 levels correlated with the levels of erythrocyte surface CD47. Phosphatidylethanolamine was increased in erythrocytes of NASH patients and was accompanied by increased release, indicating exposure. Conclusion: Our results imply reduced TSP-1 binding by erythrocytes which could allow free TSP-1 molecules to act on macrophages, enhancing erythrophagocytosis. Increased PE which could amplify inflammation after efferocytosis, while downregulation of arginase-1 could lead to defective efferocytosis.
Optimizing Stock Portfolio using Multi-Objectives Mathematical model
Authors: Olokoyo Felicia , Taslim Ganiyu , Nwankwo Alexius , Adedoyin Bunmi-Alo
Published: April 2023

The method propose in this study for stock market multi-objective mathematical model was linear programming using simplex algorithms to optimize the portfolio in the Nigerian Stock Market. The study selected five banks from the list of operators in the market and data were gathered from the banks to have individual market performances over a period of 5years. The data collected contains: Geometric Mean of Monthly Capital Gain Yields and Annual Capital Gain Yields from which Dividend Yields (%) were deducted to arrive Actual rate of return for the banks and the expected rate of return. Furthermore, the risk of semi-absolute deviation below the expected return is reduced. The data was analysed using Python programming because of some clauses in the data gathered. At first, the data assumes integer (-or +) and random in nature. As such, Python programming is one of the software suitable for such solution since the barrier for additivity is broken. Based on the analysis, the study therefore conclude that the potential investor(s) should invest in 13 units of investment x(GTbank Plc), 3 units of First Bank Plc`s Investment (y), 450 units of Zenith bank`s investment (z), and 8 units of Wema bank`s investment (m), and no units of investment of (n) Access bank. These investment quantities will result in the Optimal profit of p= 12797.902 billion naira.
Optimizing Biochar Particle Size for Plant Growth and Mitigation of Soil Salinization
Authors: Tang Esther , Liao Wenxi , Thomas Sean C.
Published: April 2023

Pyrolyzed waste biomass, or biochar, has been suggested as a means to increase plant growth and to mitigate soil salinization, which is a widespread agricultural issue and can reach extreme levels in urban soils impacted by de-icing salts. Soil mixing is enhanced by reduced biochar particle size; however, biochar properties vary with particle size and recent studies suggest that plant growth responses may be maximized at intermediate particle sizes. We examined the responses of two plant species (cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)) to biochar amendments that spanned a wide range of particle sizes obtained by sieving, with and without de-icing salt additions. The smallest size fractions of biochar reduced plant growth relative to unamended controls. Plant biomass production was generally maximized at intermediate biochar particle size treatments, with particles sizes of 0.5-2.0 mm showing the best response. Mitigation of salt effects was also improved at intermediate biochar particle sizes in this particles size range. Our results emphasize the importance of optimizing biochar particle size to best enhance plant responses to biochar, with particular reference to saline soils.
A Deep Learning Method for Ship Detection and Traffic Monitoring in Offshore Wind Farm Waters
Authors: Liu Xintong , Hu Yutian , Ji Huiting , Zhang Mingyang , Yu Qing
Published: April 2023

Newly build offshore wind farms (OWFs) render a collision risk between ships and installations. The paper proposed a real-time traffic monitoring method based on machine vision and deep learning technology to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the traffic monitoring system in the vicinity of offshore wind farms. Specifically, the method employs real automatic identification system (AIS) data to train a machine vision model, which is then used to identify passing ships in OWF waters. Furthermore, the system utilizes stereo vision techniques to track and locate the positions of passing ships. The method is tested in offshore water in China to validate its reliability. The results prove that the system sensitively detects the dynamic information of the passing ships, such as the distance between ships and OWFs, ship speed and course. Overall, this study provides a novel approach to enhancing the safety of OWFs, which is increasingly important as the number of such installations continues to grow. By employing advanced machine vision and deep learning techniques, the proposed monitoring system offers an effective means of improving the accuracy and efficiency of ship monitoring in challenging offshore environments.
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Methylation Quantification As Diagnostic Biomarker of Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and Paragangliomas (PGLs)
Authors: Khatami Fatemeh , Oliveira Reis Leonardo , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Nasiri Shirzad , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Ahmadi Pishkuhi Mahin , Shafiei Gita , Heshmat Ramin , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is newly diagnosed tumor DNA that can easily represent a tumor’s genetic and epigenetic change. Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and Paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare tumors of adrenal gland tissue that have the potential to be detected by ctDNA. We aimed to study the potential of the methylation status of RDBP, SDHB, and SDHC genes in ctDNA of PCCs/PGLs patients as a diagnostic biomarker.
Materials and Methods: Clinical data, fresh frozen tissue, the blood of 12 PCCs/PGL patients, and the blood of 12 age/sex-matched normal patients were collected. The methylation status of RDBP, SDHB, and SDHC was compared between cases and controls by MS-HRM analysis.
Results: Amongst six promoter regions of RDBP, SDHB, and SDHC, promoter methylation quantification of SDHCa and RDBPb was significantly different between PCCs/PGLs and controls. SDHCa was methylated in 49.93% of PCCs/PGLs cases vs. 8.33 % of control samples, p-value: 0.026, area under curve AUC=0.757, and RDBPb in 74.9% of PCCs/PGLs cases vs. 25.0% of control samples, p-value: 0.032, AUC=0.750.
Conclusions: This study suggests the ctDNA potential for a less invasive source of tumor epigenetic modification in PCCs/PGLs malignancies. The SDHCa and RDBPb hypermethylation warrant further exploration as diagnostic tools for PCCs/PGLs.
Optimization of an Agent-Based Model for Continuous Trading Energy Market
Authors: Alberizzi Andrea , Di Barba Paolo , Mognaschi Maria Evelina , Zani Alessandro
Published: April 2023

The high penetration of intermittence resources in the energy market accelerates significantly the decarbonization process but, on the other hand, the electrical system has to face the problem of unbalances. Renewable Energies Sources (RES) are hard to precisely forecast, and power plants are not able to predict the amount of energy that they can provide far from the real time delivery. In this frame, the intraday market gets a fundamental role allowing agents to adjust their position close to the delivery time. In this work we suggest an agent-based model of intraday market combined with genetics algorithms to understand what the best strategy could be adopted by players in order to optimize the market efficiency in terms of welfare and unsold quantity. In the first part we show the effect on the market prices of different scenarios in which players aim at maximizing their revenues and selling/buying all their volumes. In the second part we show the effect of a particular genetic algorithm on the model, focusing on how agents can adapt their strategy to enhance the market efficiency. Comparative analyses are also performed to investigate how the welfare of the system increases as well as the unsold quantity decrease when genetic algorithm is introduced
The Ethical Frontier: Navigating the Metaverse in Modern Animal Farming
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh
Published: April 2023

The metaverse is a virtual world, consisting of a collective virtual shared space where users can interact with one another through avatars and computer-generated objects. Its goal is to mimic our real world as closely as possible, integrating elements of various trends like AI, immersive reality, advanced connectivity, and Web3. While there is currently no universally accepted definition of the metaverse, the emergence of metaverse technologies across multiple sectors, including animal farming, is rapidly gaining momentum. The potential value of the metaverse, particularly in relation to its capacity for solving complex problems (e.g., climate change and sustainability) in precision food production systems makes it an exciting endeavor. However, it is crucial to consider ethical implications during the development of metaverse technologies for modern animal farming, given the sensitive and controversial nature of animal welfare. Failure to address these ethical considerations could lead to a lack of credibility and insensitivity towards the adoption of metaverse technologies in the animal farming sector. It is therefore important to ensure that the development of metaverse technologies does not prioritize technology over animal welfare, ethics, and socio-economic implications. Additionally, addressing the topic of diversity and equity in the context of animal farming and the metaverse is crucial to avoid perpetuating existing inequalities during the implementation of metaverse technologies. The purpose of this critical review is to stimulate dialogue among stakeholders such as farmers, animal scientists, bioengineers, veterinarians, policymakers, consumers, and business-to-business clients. It aims to help them better understand the potential and power of the metaverse, identify ethical implications and strategic imperatives, and act as a force for its positive evolution.
A Simple Hidden Markov Model Could Prevent Physician Error in Failure To Diagnose Infectious Mononucleosis
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Vanathi
Published: April 2023

Infectious mononucleosis is mostly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and can spread through infected people sharing food and drinks with others. Once this virus gets into your system, it is there to stay. The virus can get activated when a person has low immunity and can cause major complications. Furthermore, if physicians miss the diagnosis of this disease, and prescribe penicillin-based antibiotics, it can cause severe rash and adverse reactions that compromise patient safety. This paper develops a simple Hidden Markov Model using which a Viterbi algorithm provides the maximum a posteriori probability estimate for the most likely hidden state path, given a sequence of symptoms arising as observations from a patient with hidden EBV positive or negative states. Apart from bringing awareness to help reduce missed diagnoses and subsequent adverse events, this work provides a tool for health care systems to better incorporate prompts during electronic medical record (EMR) interactions to help physicians catch potential missed diagnoses during a visit. This research demonstrates how statistical models can be used to assess likelihood of underlying conditions that require tests to be offered by physicians in order to make a definitive diagnosis. The model developed and applied herein for estimating likelihood of EBV infection from a series of observations has the potential to alter guidelines within healthcare systems to ensure that the safety of patients, particularly teens, is not compromised due to a lack of definitive diagnosis for Mono at point of care.
Intimate Partner Violence in the Khaliji Women: A Review of Frequency and Associated Factors
Authors: Al Kiyumi Maisa H , Al Shidhani Asma Said , Al Sumri Hana , Al Saidi Yaqoub , Al Harrasi Amira , Al Kiyumi Maryam , Al Sumri Sanaa , Al Toubi Aseel , Shetty Maithili , Al-Adawi Samir
Published: April 2023

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), locally known as Khaliji, is a group of six Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern in the GCC region, but the research that synthesized the trend has received scant attention. The present narrative review examines existing research on the prevalence and frequency of IPV among Khaliji women in GCC nations. This review synthesized studies on physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviors perpetrated by an intimate partner. The prevalence rates of IPV among Khaliji women are observed to be high: women reported facing different types of abuse from their partners, namely physical (7% - 71%), sexual (3.7% - 81%), financial (21.3% - 26%) and psychological (7.5% - 89%), which is a culmination of controlling behavior (36.8%), emotional (22% - 69%) and social violence (34%). The extant studies in the GCC suggest that the most endorsed IPV was psychological abuse (89%) followed by sexual violence (81%). Qualitative content analysis of the associated factors resulted in four meaningful descriptors such as demographics of the victim, sociocultural factors, socioeconomic, and perpetrator-related issues. The study on IPV is still nascent and few. The way forward will require developing culturally appropriate interventions that address unique risk factors for IPV among Khaliji populations, strengthening institutional responses, and increasing awareness and social support for the victim of IPV.
Mixture Culver Filter for Space Object Orbit Determination
Authors: Gilani Syed Amer Ahsan , Mihaylova Lyudmila S , Bhutta Maheen Fatima
Published: April 2023

Exact sequential state estimation of orbiting objects in space can be found by predicting the state using Fokker Planck Kolmogorov Equation (FPKE) and measurement correction using Bayes’ conditional/posterior Probability Density Function (PDF). Posterior PDF can be expressed as Gaussian density expanded in terms of Hermite polynomials named as Gram Charlier Series (GCS). This research is an extension of an earlier work on second order linearized solution to nonlinear Bayesian filtering using Taylor series and third order GCS expansion of posterior PDF. In this new extension, Bayes’ posterior PDF is approximated by a mixture of GCS functions for which the parameters are propagated using linear propagation theory. The update of weights of different components of GCS mixture model uses the FPKE error as feedback to adapt for the amplitude of different GCS components while solving a quadratic programming problem earlier used for Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) PDF. Proposed filtering method is applied on tracking of space debris. The simulation results for the filter shows performance is moderately better than single GCS filter, Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Gaussian Sum Filter (GSF) under space debris’ highly uncertain initial conditions and sparse measurement availability.
Detection of c.375A>G, c.385A>T, c.571C>T, and Sedel2 of FUT2 by Real-time PCR in a Single Tube
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro
Published: April 2023

The α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (Se enzyme) encoded by FUT2 is involved in the secretor status of ABH(O) blood group antigens. The sedel2 allele is one of the non-functional FUT2 (se) alleles in which 9.3 kb containing the entire coding region of FUT2 is deleted by Alu-mediated nonhomologous recombination. In addition to this allele, three SNPs of FUT2, c.375A>G, c.385A>T, and c.571C>T, appear to be prevalent in certain Oceanian populations such as Polynesians. Recently, we developed an endpoint genotyping assay to determine the sedel2 zygosity, using a FAM-labeled probe for detection of the sedel2 allele and a VIC-labeled probe for detection of FUT2. In this study, instead of the VIC probe, a HEX-labeled probe covering both c.375A>G and c.385A>T and a Cy5-labeled probe covering c.571C>T were added to the sedel2 allele assay mixture to allow simultaneous detection of these four variations by endpoint genotyping for the sedel2 zygosity and fluorescence melting curve analysis for c.375A>G, c.385A>T, and c.571C>T genotyping. The results obtained from 24 Samoan subjects with this method were identical to those obtained with previous methods. Therefore, it appears that present method can accurately determine these four variations simultaneously.
Super-Resolution Ultrasound Localization Microscopy using High-Frequency Ultrasound to Measure Ocular Perfusion Velocity in the Rat Eye
Authors: Ul Banna Hasan , Mitchell Benjamin , Chen Stephen , Palko Joel
Published: April 2023

Imaging of the ocular vasculature can provide new insights into the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. This study proposes a novel high-frequency super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy (SRULM) technique and evaluates its ability to measure in vivo perfusion changes in the rat eye at elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). A 38.4 MHz center frequency linear array transducer on a VisualSonics Vevo F2 imaging platform was used to collect high frame rate (1 kHz) radiofrequency data of the posterior rat eye following systemic microbubble contrast injection. Following clutter and spatiotemporal non-local means filtering, individual microbubbles were localized and tracked. The microbubble tracks were accumulated over 10,000 frames to generate vascular images quantifying perfusion velocity and direction. Experiments were performed using physiologic relevant controlled flow states for algorithm validation and subsequently performed in vivo on the rat eye at 10 mm Hg IOP increments from 10 to 60 mm Hg. The posterior vasculature of the rat eye, including the ophthalmic artery, long posterior ciliary arteries and their branches, central retinal artery and retinal arterioles and venules were successfully visualized, and velocities quantified at each IOP level. Significant reductions in arterial flow were measured as IOP was elevated. High-frequency SRULM can be used to visualize and quantify perfusion velocity of the rat eye in both the retrobulbar and intraocular vasculature simultaneously. The ability to detect ocular perfusion changes throughout the depth of the eye may help elucidate the role ischemia has in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Potential Role of RBMS1 in Adipogenesis and Adipocyte Metabolism
Authors: Dairi Ghida , Al Mahri Saeed , Benabdelkamel Hicham , Alfadda Assim A. , Alswaji Abdulrahman A. , Rashid Mamoon , Malik Shuja Shafi , Iqbal Jahangir , Ali Rizwan , Al Ibrahim Maria , Al-Regaiey Khalid A. , Mohammad Sameer
Published: April 2023

Adipocytes play a critical role in maintaining a healthy systemic metabolism by storing and releasing energy in the form of fat and helping to regulate glucose and lipid levels in the body. Adipogenesis is the process through which pre-adipocytes are differentiated into mature adipocytes. It is a complex process involving various transcription factors and signaling pathways. Dysregulation of adipogenesis has been implicated in the development of obesity and metabolic disorders. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate adipogenesis and the factors that contribute to its dysregulation may provide insights into the prevention and treatment of these conditions. RNA Binding Motif Single Stranded Interacting Protein 1 (RBMS1) is a protein that binds to RNA and plays a critical role in various cellular processes such as alternative splicing, mRNA stability, and translation. The RBMS1 polymorphism has been shown to be associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, but the role of RBMS1 in adipose metabolism and adipogenesis is not known. We show that RBMS1 is highly expressed during the early phase of differentiation of the murine adipocyte cell line 3T3-L1 and is significantly upregulated in adipose tissue depots and adipocytes of high-fat-fed mice, implying a possible role in adipogenesis and adipose metabolism. Knockdown of RBMS1 in pre-adipocytes impacted the differentiation process and reduced the expression of some of the key adipogenic markers. Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated that RBMS1 depletion affected the expression of several genes involved in major metabolic processes, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Our findings imply that RBMS1 plays an important role in adipocyte metabolism and may offer novel therapeutic opportunity for metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
High Thermoelectric Performance of a Novel Monolayer γ-PbSnX2(X=S, Se, Te): Predicted by First-Principles
Authors: Ding Chang-Hao , Duan Zhi-Fu , Luo Nan-Nan , Zeng Jiang , Ren Wei , Tang Li-Ming , Chen Ke-Qiu
Published: April 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are potential candidates for thermoelectric (TE) applications due to their unique structural properties. In this paper, we constructed an 2D monolayer TMDCs semiconductor γ-PbSn2(X=S, Se, Te) and first-principles calculations and Boltzmann transport theory are used to study the thermoelectric performance. We found that γ-PbSnX2 had an ultra-high carrier mobility up to 4.04×103 cm2V−1s−1 leading to a metal-like electrical conductivity. Meanwhile, γ-PbSnX2 both have high Seebeck coefficients, resulting in high power-factors, and also shows intrinsic low lattice thermal conductivity of 6-8 W/mK at room temperature. The lower lattice thermal conductivity and high power-factors resulted in excellent thermoelectric performance. The high ZT values of γ-PbSnS2 and γ-PbSnSe2 were as high as 2.65 and 2.96 at 900 K, respectively. The result suggests that the monolayer γ-PbSnX2 are better candidates for excellent thermoelectric performance.
Investigating the Effect of Multi-choice Goal Programming in Project Portfolio Analysis
Authors: Olokoyo Felicia , Adurogbola Temitayo , Owoh Emeka
Published: April 2023

The study sought to investigate the effect of Multi-choice Goal programming in project Portfolio Analysis, using Lagos State Project Portfolio from between 2017-2021 as a study case. Specifically, the objectives examined the effectiveness of multi-choice goal programming in analyzing the project Portfolio of Lagos State Government and investigated the possible lapses in the use of Multi-choice Goal programming in analyzing the project Portfolio of Lagos State Government. Data were gathered from the State financial Statements and analyzed using Lingo-17 Software. Based on the analysis, the study discovered that the goals formulated can be optimally and minimally attained as the positive deviational and negative deviational variables depict zero. This indicates that the cost incurred on the project portfolio was absolutely minimized during the period and at the same time; Lagos State Government derived the most preferred benefits from it. The study therefore concluded that the State minimized the project costs and at the same time maximized benefits while meeting its overall objectives.