bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF FRACTION ADDING CALCULATION OPERATIONS FOR CLASS III STUDENTS OF SDN PARAKANTIGA
Authors: Gunapati Muhammad Teguh , Suryana Yusuf , Sidik Geri Syahril
Published: November 2023

Fractional numbers are very important in everyday life, therefore fractions have been studied since grade 3 of elementary school. This is stated in the basic competencies of the syllabus for class 3 elementary school curriculum 2013 point 3.2 about explaining the presentation of whole numbers and simple fractions. However, based on observations made by the author, there are still many grade 3 elementary school children who do not understand fractions. Based on the initial ability test, only 11 students were able to work on the problem, namely 45.83%, while the remaining 13 students, namely 54.17%, still did not meet the KKM. Because of that, a research was made on Improving Understanding of Mathematics Learning Materials for Operations to Calculate Addition of Fractions Using Teaching Aids. In research using this visual aid successfully increased students' understanding of fractions. This can be seen from the results of student learning in pre-action, cycle I, and cycle II which have increased. The average value of students in the pre-action reached 64.14 and experienced an increase of 10.42 in the first cycle of 74.58 then experienced an increase in the second cycle of 13.32 to 87.9. Student completeness in the pre-action reached 20.83% and experienced an increase in cycle I by 16.67% to 37.5% then in cycle II it experienced an increase in returns of 62.5% to 100%.
Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment Considering the Sequence of the First and Second Earthquakes Along the Nankai Trough
Authors: Jiao Yuyu , Nojima Nobuoto
Published: November 2023

The Earthquake Research Committee (ERC) of the Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion conducted a probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment due to large earthquakes along the Nankai Trough for the next 30 years. Utilizing the basic data of earthquake source models and calculated maximum tsunami heights, the authors propose a method to evaluate the hazard curves of the first and second earthquakes separately, considering the sequence of earthquake occurrence in one cycle of large earthquake activities along the Nankai Trough. First, based on the relative weights allocated to the 176 occurrence patterns of 79 earthquake source regions, the weights for the 2,720 characterized earthquake fault models (CEFMs) are calculated. The hazard curve of the first earthquake is evaluated using the 2,720 sets of maximum tsunami heights and weights under the condition that one of the CEFMs causes an earthquake. Next, the conditional hazard curves for the possible second earthquakes conditional on each individual first earthquake are calculated. Finally, the hazard curve for the second earthquake is evaluated as a weighted average of the conditional hazard curves. Numerical examples are shown for 15 sites. The first earthquake accounts for about 60% or more of the total hazard evaluated by ERC, and its contribution increases with increasing maximum tsunami height. The first and second earthquakes account for 80%–90% of the total hazard.
Disaster Preparedness Using Local Wisdom Approach in Palu City
Authors: Rusydi Muhammad , Mudin Yutdam , Rahmawati  , Sabhan
Published: November 2023

Palu City is one of the city centers in the world which is located on a fault line that is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. The latest earthquake and tsunami occurred on September 28, 2018 with a magnitude of Mw 7.4, which was centered on the ground and caused a large tsunami in Palu City. The earthquake and tsunami claimed 4,194 lives and damaged 55,102 buildings while missing, heavily, and lightly damaged. To reduce the impact of disasters, it is necessary to make efforts to increase awareness based on local wisdom so that it can be easily implemented in the community of Palu City. Local wisdom was explored by the people of Palu City and saw its effect on the level of alertness to disasters caused by the earthquake and tsunami. Local wisdom ombo is obtained from the people of Palu City, which contains a prohibition on building close to clean water sources. Data collection was carried out by conducting interviews with 121 affected communities regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and environmental conditions related to the level of vigilance. For environmental variables, local activity was a parameter included in the survey. The results of the analysis showed that the level of knowledge about the earthquake and tsunami as well as attitudes based on local wisdom increased the level of vigilance in disaster risk reduction efforts in Palu City. The results of the analysis showed that the implementation of attitudes based on local wisdom can affect the level of alertness with a value of 0.87, which means that the application of local wisdom can increase preparedness for earthquake and tsunami disaster. Indigenous latent variables (knowledge, attitudes, and environmental conditions) had a strong effect on exogenous latent variables (earthquake and tsunami preparedness) with an R2 value of 0.741.
Study of foreign experience in dealing with ice and frost deposits on the wires of overhead power lines
Authors: Omelianenko Halyna Viktorivna , Cherkashyna Veronika Viktorivna , Smatov Anton
Published: November 2023

The means and technologies for predicting and preventing frost and ice deposits on the wires of overhead power lines in the power grids of foreign countries are presented. The focus is on such systems as Meteo, dynamic thermal rating, online monitoring of China Southern Power Grid, Variable resistance cable de-icing system and mobile ice melting units. The advantages and disadvantages of these systems are analyzed and it is found that such approaches require energy consumption and are relevant only for the relevant region of the power grid, depending on weather conditions and the distance of electricity transmission. The mechanical, electromechanical, electrothermal, and physicochemical methods of predicting frost and ice deposits on the wires of overhead power lines are considered. It was found that the consideration of dynamic processes is essential and effective in the study of power grids in extreme weather conditions, and the data on frost and ice deposits on overhead line wires are characterized by high dimensionality, nonlinearity, multimodality, and heterogeneity, which makes it impossible to create an accurate forecasting model using traditional methods of evaluation and decision-making. The method of time series analysis and the method of Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition are proposed to solve this problem. The basis of these methods is to maximize the use of inherent regularities represented by frequency and time characteristics for effective data analysis and to create the basis for subsequent models and improve their forecasting accuracy. On the basis of the research, the author proposes ways to adapt and integrate the experience of foreign countries into the power grids of Ukraine. The necessity of creating integrated information systems for monitoring meteorological parameters and operating modes of power grids using specialized forecasting models and IT systems is substantiated, which will automate the process of assessing the current state of overhead power lines based on meteorological data in order to timely prevent emergencies in power grids provoked by frost and ice deposits.
ANALYSIS OF TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH TORQUE HYDROMOTORS WITH LIMITATIONS BASED ON DYNAMIC CALCULATIONS
Authors: Avrunin Grygoriy , Pimonov Igor , Shcherbak Oleg , Moroz Irina , Shevchenko Dmitriy
Published: November 2023

The goal is to study the technical characteristics of the world's largest modern high-torque multi-acting hydraulic motor from the point of view of ensuring reliable operation by the manufacturer at elevated pressures, speeds and depending on the type of working fluid used. Analysis of the influence of dynamic loads on fluctuations in pressure and speed of the hydraulic motor in the modes of starting and braking, taking into account changes in the pump flow rate and inertial loads. Method. Dynamic calculation of a hydraulic fluid power with a high-torque hydraulic motor based on studies of external loads, changes in the pump feed time, providing the maximum speed. To solve nonlinear differential equations when calculating the pressure in the hydraulic drive and the rotational speed of the hydraulic motor, the VisSim application software package was used. The modes of change in the operation of the hydraulic motor over time in terms of rotational speed, pressure in the hydraulic fluid power, output power and hydromechanical efficiency, depending on the external load and pump flow, are presented on the corresponding oscillograms. The mathematical model of the hydraulic fluid power includes simulation modules for controlling the supply of an axial piston pump and changing the moment of resistance on the hydraulic motor. Results. Calculations of the dynamics of a hydraulic fluid power with a high-torque multi-acting radial piston hydraulic motor showed the need for preliminary modeling of its operation modes, taking into account the nature of the external loading, the moment of inertia and the intensity of the pump flow. Conclusion. The conducted studies can be used in the development of hydraulic fluid power with high-torque hydraulic motors to clarify the technological processes of work during the operation of a hydraulic machine.
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL RESEARCH IN THE FLEXIBLE PIPES OF COIL TUBING INSTALLATIONS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE RHEOLOGY OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL FLUID
Authors: Shevchenko Nataliya , Shudryk Oleksandr , Luchaninov Kostiantyn , Andriievska Viktoriia
Published: November 2023

The current direction of the country's economic development is an intensive increase in hydrocarbon production on the territory of Ukraine, the introduction of new modern technologies and an increase in the efficiency of power equipment. One of the modern directions used in the oil and gas industry is the use of specialized equipment for coiled tubing units. Also, with the development of well drilling and oil production intensification technologies, modern multicomponent flushing (process) waters appear. The need for polymers is based on their ability to influence the properties of aqueous and hydrocarbon systems and form gels of different density, viscosity and rheology. Polymer systems are widely used due to their high cleaning, transporting and holding properties. Widely known polymer systems of technological solutions based on Xanthan Gum. Generalized information about the rheological parameters of fluids used to intensify the work of oil and gas wells is considered. The main rheological indicators of the studied liquid are the shear stress and the strain rate of the medium. These indicators are determined using an OFITE 900 rotational viscometer. The results of experimental studies of the properties of an aqueous solution with different concentrations of Xanthan gum from 0.6 to 8 g/l are presented. The study showed that an aqueous solution of gum creates a non-Newtonian behavior of the liquid. The coefficients of the rheological model of the solution were obtained by approximation of laboratory data. To simulate the hydrodynamic characteristics of a polymer system, a nonlinear viscous fluid model and a model with the introduction of effective viscosity are used. The results of studies of rheology indicators are used to determine the fluid flow regime, predict the hydraulic resistance coefficients in pipes and the energy characteristics of pumping equipment for supplying process fluid to the well. Experimental and calculated dependences of the influence of polymer additives on the resistance to the movement of liquids in coiled tubing of a coiled tubing unit are presented. The analysis of experimental and numerous hydrodynamic studies has been carried out. For numerical simulation of the hydrodynamics of non-Newtonian behavior of fluid in pipes, the open integrated platform OpenFOAM is used.
VORTEX CHAMBER PUMP CHARACTERISTICS DURING OIL PUMPING WITH DIFFERENT SUCTION PRESSURES
Authors: Rogovyi Andrii , Lukianets Serhiy , Neskorozhenyi Artem , Shudryk Oleksandr , Tolstyi Pavlo
Published: November 2023

Improving the efficiency of oil pumping is an urgent and difficult task due to the significant variety of composition, physical properties and impurities that can enter the oil. Among the means of oil transportation, jet pumps and technologies are gaining popularity. Jet machines and devices have highreliability indicators due to the absence of moving bodies at low efficiency, which is associated with the energy transfer between jets, and vortex chamber superchargers stand out among other jet-type pumps by combining the positive qualities of centrifugal and jet pumps. The aim of the work is to determine the characteristics of vortex chamber pumps (VCP) during oil pumping with different conditions of oil suction. The study was carried out numerically by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The sensitivity analysis of the calculation results was carried out for three grids using the Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model. For the first time, on the basis of analytical studies, the dependences of changes in the main integral parameters of the VCP operation efficiency on the gauge pressure in the suction channel were obtained. Increasing the suction gauge pressure allows to increase the maximum suction flow rate by 44 %, and the maximum relative efficiency by 14 %. Increasing the pressure in the suction channels reduces the relative effective pressure at the pump outlet by 30 %. There is a linear decrease in the relative effective pressure at the pump outlet in the absence of outlet static pressure. Also, there is an almost linear increase in suction flow rate, but with a greater angle of characteristic inclination, which leads to an increase in relative efficiency. Along with an increase in the efficiency of the VKN in comparison with a serial direct-flow jet pump, the linear overall size has been reduced by more than 3 times.
MODERNIZATION OF THE RUNER OF A HIGH-HEAD HYDRAULIC TURBINE TO THE SPECIFIED PARAMETERS
Authors: Myronov Kostiantyn , Dmytriienko Olha , Yaroshenko Mykola
Published: November 2023

The paper considers the problem of modernizing the runner of a high-head Francis turbine for the specified parameters. The modernized runner must meet modern requirements for efficiency and cavitation. Using a package of application programs, a blade system of the runner was developed for the accepted parameters of the optimal mode with high energy-cavitation performance. The results of the computational analysis of flow parameters in the flow space of the high-head hydro turbine Fr310 of increased speed are presented. Constantly growing requirements for improving the energy qualities of hydraulic turbines necessitate the improvement of methods that allow predicting and optimizing the energy characteristics of the flow space. Improving the energy-cavitation performance of hydraulic turbines poses the task of further developing the method of mathematical modeling of the workflow. The use of a numerical experiment based on a mathematical model of the workflow is an effective means of finding rational options for both newly designed and modified elements of the flow space of hydraulic turbines. A necessary component of the design of the flow part is the selection of a number of geometric parameters of the runner (meridional outlines of the cavity, input and output edges of the blade, etc.), the correctness of which significantly affects the energy performance. When choosing the geometric parameters of an runner, one is usually guided by experimental data obtained for hydraulic turbines depending on the speed. This approach does not ensure proper coordination of the geometric parameters of the runner, which often results in both a discrepancy between the design mode and the optimal one and an insufficiently high level of energy performance.
Medidas de control parental en la regulación del uso de teléfonos inteligentes en la infancia
Authors: Muñoz-Carril Pablo-César , Souto-Seijo Alba , Dans-Álvarez-de-Sotomayor Isabel , Fuentes-Abeledo Eduardo-José
Published: November 2023

La complejidad del actual ecosistema digital reclama el desarrollo de mecanismos de mediación parental que orienten a los menores en su relación con la tecnología. Desde esta perspectiva, se presenta un estudio descriptivo cuyo propósito ha sido identificar el tipo de medidas de control parental utilizadas por progenitores respecto al uso que sus hijos e hijas en edad escolar (6 a 12 años) hacían con los teléfonos inteligentes. Se empleó un diseño ex post facto mediante el método de encuesta. Participaron 885 sujetos (68.7% madres). Los resultados mostraron que un 93.7% de los padres y madres encuestados utilizaron algún tipo de sistema de control parental para regular el uso del smartphone. Las medidas más empleadas fueron la elección del horario sobre cuándo podía ser utilizado el dispositivo y la restricción de acceso a través de claves. Los análisis también revelaron que los progenitores con estudios superiores fueron los que usaron un mayor número de mecanismos de control. Asimismo, el tiempo de conexión por parte de los menores se relacionó con el nivel e intensidad de las medidas de control parental utilizadas. Igualmente, los padres y madres aplicaban un mayor número de estrategias de control parental con hijos e hijas preadolescentes, matriculados en los últimos cursos de educación primaria. Finalmente, se discute sobre los desafíos y oportunidades que comporta el uso de smartphones por parte de los infantes y se analiza el papel activo que la familia debería desempeñar en su capacitación digital.
Improving Hierarchical Ecosystem Structures and Multicriteria Evaluation for Current Land Ecosystem Classification
Authors: Zhang Yan , West Neil E. , Hua Xu Jian
Published: November 2023

For the purposes of environmental management and planning, Land Ecosystem Classification (LEC) provides a systematic framework for organizing landscape resources. LEC attempts to capture Earth processes over large geographic areas that produce persistent ecosystem patterns across the landscape. Past studies have conducted a comprehensive examination of LECs implemented in the 300 Dry Domain of the United States and the 100 Polar Domain of Canada. In this paper, LECs were manipulated and simplified as the structure levels within a hierarchical system, making this approach applicable globally. This study introduced a Real-World Components Model and streamlined the LEC into the structural levels. The verification of the top-level Domain established physical links and connections of comparison bases at continental and global scales. The focal levels represented the primary components of national and regional ecosystem classification. The bottom level and its components were objectively defined in relation to the Ecological Sites or Ecosites. The result showed that the LEC dimension was effectively reduced to fewer than ten levels across its full range. The component effect and importance values interpreted the comprehension of organizational levels and the ecosystem structures. In conclusion, with the Real-World Component Model, we were able to quantitatively compare and assess the LECs based on the component effect values and the component importance values. The component effect values within the ecosystem hierarchies exhibited a significant relationship with the component importance values (R2=0.8025, P < 0.01) across the full range of the LECs at the global continental scale.
An interpretable prediction model for the risk of retinopathy of prematurity development based on machine learning and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)
Authors: Liu Chen , Yin Xiaolong , Huang Dan , Xu Yuan , Li Shurong , Yu Chunhong , Zhang Yuezhi , Deng Yan
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Building a model to predict the occurrence of ROP for preterm infants based on machine learning method, expecting this model to be widely used in clinical practice.
Method:The clinical data of 642 preterm infants (126 children with ROP and 516 preterm infants without ROP) in our hospital were extracted, divided into training and validation sets according to the ratio of 4:1, and the prediction models were constructed separately by six machine learning, and the model with the best prediction performance was screened, and the prediction results of the machine learning models were visualized and interpreted by SHAP method.
Results: Among the models constructed by the six machine learning , the model constructed by XGBoost has the best AUC both in the training set (0.96) and in the validation set (0.949).severe pre-eclampsia, apgar 1 min, gestational age at birth, a very low birth weight, blood transfusion, and neonatal hyperglycemia were the candidate predictors for the XGBoost. SHAP showed that apgar 1 min, gestational age at birth, a very low birth weight, blood transfusion, and neonatal hyperglycemia were risk factors for the occurrence of ROP, and severe pre-eclampsia could contribute to the occurrence of ROP.
Conclusion: The XGBoost created based on machine learning with the predictive features of severe pre-eclampsia, apgar 1 min, gestational age at birth, a very low birth weight, blood transfusion, and neonatal hyperglycemia showed a high predictive value for ROP. This model could be clinically applied to screen patients at high risk of ROP.
Structural elucidation of full-length Pfs48/45 in complex with potent mAbs isolated from a naturally exposed individual
Authors: Julien Jean-Philippe , Kucharska Iga , Ivanochko Danton , Hailemariam Sophia , Inklaar Maartje , Kim Hee Ryung , Teelen Karina , Stoter Rianne , de Vegte-Bolmer Marga van , Gemert Geert-Jan van , Semesi Anthony , McLeod Brandon , Ki Ahyoung , Lee Won-Kyu , Rubinstein John , Jore Matthijs
Published: November 2023

Biomedical interventions capable of preventing the transmission of malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) between the human host and mosquito vector could prove a valuable tool in malaria elimination efforts. Pfs48/45, a gamete-surface protein essential for Pf development in the mosquito midgut, is a key component of clinical-stage transmission-blocking vaccines. Antibodies against this antigen have been demonstrated to efficiently reduce Pf transmission from humans to mosquitoes. Potent human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Domain 3 (D3) of Pfs48/45 have been structurally and functionally described; however, in-depth information about other inhibitory epitopes on Pfs48/45 is currently limited. Here, we present a 3.3 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of full-length Pfs48/45 in complex with potent mAbs targeting Domain 1 (D1) and D3, and a moderately potent mAb targeting Domain 2 (D2). Our data indicate that while Pfs48/45 D1 and D2 are rigidly coupled, there is substantial conformational flexibility between D2 and D3. Characterization of mAbs against D1 revealed the presence of a conformational epitope class that is largely conserved across Pf field isolates and is associated with recognition by highly potent antibodies. Our study provides comprehensive insights into epitopes across full-length Pfs48/45 and has implications for the design of next-generation malaria transmission-blocking vaccines and antibodies.
Evaluation of the EMulate Therapeutics Voyager’s ultra-low Radiofrequency Energy (ulRFE) in Murine Model of Glioblastoma (GBM)
Authors: Mukthavaram Rajesh , Jiang Pengfei , Pastorino Sandra , Nomura Natsuko , Lin Feng , Kesari Santosh
Published: November 2023

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) presents as an aggressive brain cancer, notorious for its recurrence and resistance to conventional treatments. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the EMulate Therapeutics Voyager®, a non-invasive, non-thermal, non-ionizing, battery-operated, portable experimental medical device, in treating GBM. Using ultra-low radiofrequency energy (ulRFER) to modulate intracellular activity, previous preliminary results in patients have been encouraging. Now, with a focus on murine models, our investigation seeks to elucidate the device's mechanistic impacts, further optimizing its therapeutic potential and understanding its limitations.
Methods: The device employs a silicone over molded coil to deliver oscillating magnetic fields, which are believed to interact with and disrupt cellular targets. These fields are derived from the magnetic fluctuations of solvated molecules. Xenograft and syngeneic murine models were chosen for the study. Mice were injected with U-87 MG or GL261 glioma cells in their flanks and were subsequently treated with one of two ulRFE cognates: A1A, inspired by paclitaxel, or A2, based on murine siRNA targeting CTLA4 + PD1. A separate group of untreated mice was maintained as controls.
Results: Mice that underwent treatments with either A1A or A2 exhibited significantly reduced tumor sizes when compared to the untreated cohort.
Conclusion: The EMulate Therapeutics Voyager® demonstrates promising potential in inhibiting glioma cells in vivo through its unique ulRFE® technology and should be further studied in terms of biological effects in vitro and in vivo.
Research and Application of Anti-Theft Technology in Electricity Consumption Areas
Authors: Xiangtan WU , Liju YIN
Published: November 2023

From the actual situation of the electricity-using area, we analyze several common ways of electricity theft and the basic principles of electricity theft, systematically summarize and analyze the causes and corresponding characteristics of electricity theft, and put forward some effective anti-theft techniques according to the design of electricity theft technology, which has important social significance and economic value for the future development of anti-theft work.
Effect of Liquefaction on shallow foundations during 2001 Bhuj earthquake at Kutch (Gujarat), India
Authors: Amin Milind , Singh Manendra
Published: November 2023

Liquefaction, the temporary loss of strength in saturated sand causing it to behave like a liquid, leads to devastating consequences, including the settling, tilting, or collapsing of structures built on loose, saturated soil. The 2001 Bhuj earthquake witnessed extensive liquefaction in regions such as the Great Rann of Kutch, Banni Plains, Kandla, and Gulf of Kutch, resulting in substantial damage to various infrastructures, including bridges, docks, buildings, embankments, and dams. This study employs a finite element approach to analyse the behaviour of shallow foundations on liquefying subsoil in Kutch during the 2021 earthquake. The investigation focuses on ring footings with inner radii of 0.25 m, 0.5 m, and 0.75 m, as well as an outer radius of 1 m, alongside a circular foundation with a 1 m radius. Notably, the ring footing with a radius ratio of 0.5 exhibits the least settlement under static loads, underscoring that liquefaction-induced settlement for ring footings is significantly less than that for circular footings.
ReTimeML: A retention time predictor that supports the LC-MS/MS analysis of sphingolipids.
Authors: Allwright Michael , Guennewig Boris , Hoffmann Anna , Rohleder Cathrin , Jieu Beverly , Chung Long , Jiang Yingxin , Wimmer Bruno Lemos , QI Yanfei , Don Anthony , Leweke Franz-Markus , Couttas Timothy
Published: November 2023

The analysis of ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelin (SM) lipid species using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) continues to present challenges as their precursor mass and fragmentation can correspond to multiple molecular arrangements. To address this constraint, we developed ReTimeML, a freeware that automates the expected retention times (RTs) for Cer and SM lipid profiles from complex chromatograms. ReTimeML works on the principle that LC-MS/MS experiments have pre-determined RTs from internal standards, calibrators or quality controls used throughout the analysis. Employed as reference RTs, ReTimeML subsequently extrapolates the RTs of unknowns using its machine-learned regression library of mass-to-charge (m/z) vs RT profiles, which does not require model retraining for adaptability on different LC-MS/MS pipelines. We validated ReTimeML RT estimations for various Cer and SM structures across different biologicals, tissues and LC-MS/MS setups, exhibiting a mean variance between 0.23 and 2.43% compared to user annotations. ReTimeML also aided the disambiguation of SM identities from isobar distributions in paired serum-cerebrospinal fluid from healthy volunteers, allowing us to identify a series of non-canonical SMs associated between the two biofluids comprised of a polyunsaturated structure that confers increased stability against catabolic clearance.
Differential sedimentary evolution of typical aulacogens of Meso-Neoproterozoic in North China craton
Authors: Tan Cong , Lyu Qiqi , Wang Tongshan , Li Qiufen , Jiang Hua , Yan Xue
Published: November 2023

Many countries and regions in the world have obtained industrial oil flow in the Meso-Neoproterozoic sedimentary strata and formed commercial exploitation in recent years,. The development horizon of high-quality source rocks in the Proterozoic in North China can be compared with the international, indicating that the Meso-Neoproterozoic in North China has great exploration potential. The sedimentary characteristics of typical aulacogen in multiple cratons in the Meso-Neoproterozoic North China Craton are compared and studied by using field outcrop data, drilling data and analysis and test data, aiming to provide sedimentary support for the prediction of oil and gas distribution and evaluation of exploration field in the Meso-Neoproterozoic in this area. The results show that there are four sedimentary systems in the study area, including Marine clastic rock sedimentary system, Marine carbonate sedimentary system, Marine-continental transitional facies sedimentary system and glacial sedimentary system. They are divided into seven sedimentary facies types: barrier coastal facies, non-barrier coast facies, shallow shelf facies, carbonate platform facies, reef facies, fan delta facies and glacial facies, and further divided into 15 subfacies and 21 microfacies. On this basis, the Meso-Neoproterozoic sedimentary filling sequences of two typical aulacogens, Yanliao and Xiong 'er, in the study area are clarified, showing that the formation time of each sedimentary filling sequence stage of different aulacogens is different, and the rock characteristics, lithology combination, lithologic structure, contact relationship, vertical sequence and sedimentary facies assemblage of the same sedimentary filling sequence stage are obviously different. The filling characteristics of the two aulacogens completely record the geological events related to the breakup of the Colombian supercontinent.
An Integrative Bioinformatics Pipeline for NHANES Data Processing for Machine Learning Analysis of Oral Health Outcomes
Authors: Orlenko Alena , Mure Justin D , Gluch Joan I , Gregg John , Compher Charlene W , Koo Hyun , Moore Jason H
Published: November 2023

Large database sources, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), while being a great utility for epidemiological studies, pose challenges for machine learning due to data heterogeneity, varied sample sizes, missing values/outliers and variations in data collection and interpretation requiring thorough data-quality assessment and cleaning. In addition, complex disease outcomes often display a high degree of clinical heterogeneity, necessitating deeper phenotypic subtyping. Here, we develop an integrated data cleaning-subtype discovery pipeline with unsupervised learning algorithms for comprehensive analysis and network-based/clustering visualization of data patterns and data outcomes. We apply this pipeline to NHANES, one of the largest curated repositories of population-level health-related indicators which includes a physical examination, blood biochemistry, self-reported surveys, and dietary intake data. We focus our investigations on dental caries which remains the most prevalent chronic disease affecting more than 3.5 billion people worldwide. Our multidimensional pipeline declutters and optimizes the NHANES data, including redundant variable types, to streamline data integration and create a ‘machine learning-ready’ version of the report. In addition, this approach reveals data patterns that led to the discovery of previously unrecognized subtypes and variables associated with the clinical phenotype heterogeneity of dental caries. We observed diverging patterns of similarity within different age groups and different variable subsets, while deriving unexpected associations of sleep deprivation and specific laboratory markers and the disease. Altogether, we report a comprehensive data processing approach that can guide the development of more precise and robust machine learning predictive models for dental caries and other health conditions from NHANES.
FAM83B Regulates Mitochondrial Metabolism and Anti-Apoptotic Activity in pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Li Panpan , Sun Limin , Zhang Jing , Yue Ke , Wang Yan , Wu Xiaojuan
Published: November 2023

Background:Chemotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality; nevertheless, a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) demonstrate resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the potential regulatory mechanisms to develop novel treatment strategies.
Methods: Multiple assays, such as CCK8, wound healing, EdU, and transwell assays, were employed to confirm the augmented chemotherapy resistance, heightened cell proliferation, migration, and invasion caused by FAM83B overexpression in LUAD cells. Furthermore, MIMP, MTG, and ATP assays were utilized to quantify changes in mitochondria metabolism. In vitro functional assays were performed to evaluate the influence of FAM83B overexpression on the malignant progression and resistance mechanisms to chemotherapy in LUAD.
Results: In the context of this study, it was determined that LUAD patients with increased FAM83B expression had shorter survival times, and tissue samples with FAM83B overexpression were more prone to metastasis compared to primary samples. As a result, FAM83B is identified as an adverse prognostic marker. The mechanistic analysis demonstrated that FAM83B impedes the translocation of calbindin 2 (CALB2) from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria, resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis and the promotion of mitochondrial activity. Consequently, this ultimately confers resistance to chemotherapy in LUAD. Furthermore, the administration of metformin, which blocks mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), can restore sensitivity to drug resistance in LUAD.
Conclusions: Taken together, these findings provide substantial evidence supporting the notion that FAM83B enhances chemotherapy resistance in LUAD through the upregulation of mitochondrial metabolism and the inhibition of apoptosis.
Primary Splenic Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma A case report and literature review of a rare condition
Authors: Seijari Mohammed Najdat , Kaspo Samer , Alshurafa Awni , Elfaieg Amro , Elkourashy Sarah A.
Published: November 2023

Primary splenic lymphoma represents a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that involves the spleen, exhibiting diverse clinical presentations and lacking a clear consensus in terms of management strategies. We present the case of a 52-year-old patient with a complex medical history, marked by multiple chronic medical conditions. The patient was diagnosed with primary splenic lymphoma, specifically the diffuse large B-cell subtype. Treatment for our patient involved a shortened course of chemotherapy (4 cycles of R-CHOP followed by two doses of rituximab) due to issues related to compliance and treatment-related complications. This was followed by consolidative radiotherapy, without resorting to splenectomy. Remarkably, the patient achieved complete resolution, and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan conducted at the end of the 6-month post-treatment period confirmed sustained complete remission.
Value Chain Analysis of Utis (Alnus Nepalensis) From Eastern Nepal: A Farm Forest Perspective
Authors: Basnet Ritesh Bhushan , Gautam Jeetendra , Shapkota Jun , Ghimire Pramod
Published: November 2023

This study has explored the value chain of Alnus nepalensis (Utis) of Tehrathum district which has become an important timber product since last two decades. Two case studies were selected each from the 6 subdivision forest offices of Tehrathum district. Data were collected through combination of social survey methods and mixed method research involving participatory techniques, questionnaire surveys, and on- site observations. Participatory Rural Appraisal and questionnaire tools were used in data collection. The data were grouped as observational data and presentational data. The Focal Group Discussion and Key Informants Interviews were conducted following purposeful sampling. The data obtained were analyzed qualitatively and the breakdown of timber and its subsequent prices were done quantitatively. SWOT analysis was employed for the analysis of value chain. From this study it was found that the pricing of trees was affected by three variables: location, access, and distance to destination. Conversion of trees to logs required more investment than the price of trees itself, which amounted to around NRs 130 million. In a year between 2021 mid-April to 2022 mid-April, 37,912 Alnus nepalensis trees were sold to plywood and veneer industries with a volume of 15,37,686.95 cubic foot. Value Added Tax was NRs 49,974,826/- collected at Tehrathum district. Approximately NRs 240 million was injected to the rural economy by the Alnus nepalensis trade. Sincere efforts are needed towards strategic, tactical, operational, and structural overhaul in the ways private forests are being operated.
Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/TC for the characterization of adrenal lesions in a heterogeneous population
Authors: Romanisio Martina , Daffara Tommaso , Pitino Rosa , Ferrero Alice , Pizzolitto Francesca , Zavattaro Marco , Biello Federica , Gennari Alessandra , Volpe Alessandro , Sacchetti Gian Mauro , Marzullo Paolo , Aimaretti Gianluca , Prodam Flavia , Caputo Marina
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Data regarding 18F-FDG PET for the characterization of adrenal lesions are limited; to evaluate the performance of the tumour-to-liver maximum standardized uptake values (SUVratio) > 1.5 to predict malignancy.
Patients and methods
: Retrospective analysis of adrenal lesions undergoing 18F-FDG-PET/CT (2013–2022). Gold standard for benignity was: i) histology; ii) stability or minimal diameter increase (< 20%/< 5 mm) on 12-months follow-up. The performance of SUVratio > 1.5 and the optimal SUVratio in our population was calculated by ROC curves.
Results
42 lesions (diameter 36.1 ± 20.3 mm, 6 bilateral) out of 177 patients underwent 18FDG-PET/CT and were included (17 M/19 F, age 61.2 ± 11.7 years). According to gold standards, 29 lesions were benign, 11 malignant [8 metastases (2 bilateral) and 1 adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)] and 2 pheochromocytomas. The diagnosis of adrenal masses with a SUVratio > 1.5 was: 10 metastases, 1 ACC, 2 non-functioning adenomas, 1 hyperplasia and 1 pheochromocytoma. The SUVratio agreed with the diagnosis in 90.5% of patients; in the 4 discordant cases (SUVratio > 1.5 and non-malignant lesion) the diagnosis was: 2 non-functioning adenomas, 1 hyperplasia, 1 pheochromocytoma. The SUVratio cut-off of 1.5 showed 100% Sn, 87% Sp, 73% PPV, and 100% NPV. The SUVratio cut-off calculated in our population was 1.55 (Sn 100%, Sp 73.7%, AUC 0.868), with similar values excluding pheochromocytomas and metastases (SUVratio cut-off 1.49, Sn 100%, Sp 96.3%, AUC 0.988).
Conclusion
18F-FDG PET/CT could help in decision making process avoiding unnecessary surgery. The SUVratio cut-off of 1.5 has a good performance in a heterogenous population.
Revealing the Development of Agriculture Wastewater Treatment: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Publications from 1971 to 2022 using Scopus Database
Authors: Hartini Hajjar , Juahir Hafizan , Hanis Nur , Zulaikha Nur , Nasir Nurfarahana Mohd , Kurniawan Setyo Budi , Zakaria Nurulhuda , Nor Siti Mariam Muhammad
Published: November 2023

This bibliometric study examines scholarly research on agriculture wastewater treatment using Scopus data from 1971 to 2022. The analysis explores publication trends, leading countries, prolific authors, and keyword co-occurrences. By employing various procedures to collect and refine data, a total of 1,706 research articles were retrieved. The findings indicate a steady growth in research on wastewater treatment since the 1970s, with a significant surge in publications in recent decades. Notably, there has been a considerable increase in research related to wastewater agriculture treatment, focusing on topics such as wastewater treatment technologies, agriculture reuse, and environmental impacts. The analysis also highlights influential authors, institutions, and countries driving research in this field, along with the most cited publications and journals. Additionally, the study identifies research gaps and suggests future research directions in wastewater treatment. From an economic standpoint, this analysis offers insights into the economic value of wastewater treatment research, including its potential to enhance resource efficiency, reduce environmental costs, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, it underscores the importance of research policy in shaping the direction and impact of wastewater treatment studies. Overall, this bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the landscape of wastewater treatment research, its evolution over the past five decades, and its economic and policy implications.
Novel Plasma Protein Biomarkers: A Time-Dependent predictive model for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhuang Tianchi , Yang Yingqi , Ren Haili , Gao Chang , Chen Shen , Shen Jiemiao , Ji Minghui , Cui Yan
Published: November 2023

Background
The accurate prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for the efficient management of its progression. The objective of this research is to construct a new risk predictive model utilizing novel plasma protein biomarkers for predicting AD incidence in the future and analyze their potential biological correlation with AD incidence.
Methods
A cohort of 440 participants aged 60 years and older from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) longitudinal cohort was utilized. The baseline plasma proteomics data was employed to conduct Cox regression, LASSO regression, and cross-validation to identify plasma protein signatures predictive of AD risk. Subsequently, a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model based on these signatures was constructed. The performance of the risk prediction model was evaluated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (t-ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier curves. Additionally, we analyzed the correlations between protein signature expression in plasma and predicted AD risk, the time of AD onset, the expression of protein signatures in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the expression of CSF biomarkers, and APOE ε4 genotypes.
Results
We identified seven protein signatures (APOE, CGA, CRP, CCL26, CCL20, NRCAM, and PYY) that independently predicted AD incidence in the future. The risk prediction model demonstrated area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of 0.77, 0.76, and 0.77 for predicting AD incidence at 4, 6, and 8 years, respectively. Furthermore, the model remained stable in the range of the 3rd to the 12th year (ROC ≥ 0.75). The low-risk group, as defined by the model, exhibited a significantly later AD onset compared to the high-risk group (P < 0.0001). Moreover, all protein signatures exhibited significant correlations with AD risk (P < 0.001) and the time of AD onset (P < 0.01). There was no strong correlation between the protein expression levels in plasma and CSF, as well as AD CSF biomarkers. APOE, CGA, and CRP exhibited significantly lower expression levels in APOE ε4 positive individuals (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Our research has successfully identified protein signatures in plasma as potential risk biomarkers that can independently predict AD incidence in the future. Notably, this risk prediction model has demonstrated commendable predictive performance and stability over time. These findings underscore the promising utility of plasma protein signatures in dynamically predicting the risk of Alzheimer's disease, thereby facilitating early screening and intervention strategies.
Expanding the genotype-phenotype correlations and mutational spectrum in inherited retinal diseases: novel and recurrent mutations
Authors: Sahin Ibrahim , Erdem Haktan Bagis , Bahsi Taha , Saat Hanife
Published: November 2023

Background
Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) represent a prominent etiology of visual impairment on a global scale. The lack of a clear definition of the etiology and genotypic spectrum of IRD is attributed to the significant genetic variability seen. Additionally, there is a scarcity of available data about the correlations between genotypes and phenotypes in this context. This study aimed to clarify the range of mutations and the associations between genotypes and phenotypes in IRD.
Methods
This cohort consists of 223 patients who have been diagnosed with a range of retinal illnesses, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt (STGD)/STGD-like disease, Usher syndrome, and Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). The validation of each mutation and its pathogenicity was conducted by bioinformatics analysis, Sanger sequencing-based co-segregation testing, and computational assessment. The link between genotype and phenotype was analyzed in all patients who possessed mutations as described in the recommendations established by the American College of Medical Genetics.
Results
A total of 223 cases, comprising Turkish and Syrian families, were examined, revealing the presence of 78 distinct mutations in the IRD gene. Among these mutations, 58 were identified as unique, indicating that they had not been previously reported. A total of 119 mutations were identified to be likely pathogenic, while 104 mutations were classified as pathogenic. The study identified patterns of heredity, namely autosomal recessive, dominant, and X-linked inheritance.
Conclusions
The findings of this study broaden the clinical and molecular aspects of IRD and further enhance our understanding of its complex nature. The discovery of previously unknown relationships between genetic variations and observable traits, as well as the wide range of genetic variants associated with IRD, significantly contributes to our existing understanding of the diverse phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of IRD. This new information will prove invaluable in facilitating accurate clinical diagnoses as well as personalized therapeutic interventions for individuals affected by IRD.