bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Double-Lumen Tube Malposition in Thoracic Surgery: A Bibliometric Analysis and Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Xi , Wang Dong-Xu , Wei Jing-Qiu , Liu He , Hu Si-Ping
Published: November 2022

The thoracic surgery has increased drastically in recent years, especially in the light of the severe outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Routine “passive” chest computed tomography (CT) screening of inpatients detects some pulmonary diseases requiring thoracic surgeries timely. As an essential device for thoracic anesthesia, the double-lumen tube (DLT) is particularly important for anesthesia and surgery. With the continuous upgrading of the DLTs and the widespread use of the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB), the position of DLT in thoracic surgery is gradually becoming more stable and easier to observe or adjust. However, the DLT malposition still occurs during transferring patients from supine to lateral position in thoracic surgery, which leads to lung isolation failure and hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation (OLV). Recently some innovative DLTs or improved intervention methods have shown good results in reducing the incidence of DLT malposition. This review aims to summarize the recent studies of the incidence of left-sided DLT malposition, the reasons and effects of malposition, and summarize current methods for reducing DLT malposition and prospects for possible approaches. Meanwhile, we use bibliometric analysis to summarize the research trends and hot spots of the DLT research.
Modification Strategies for Ionic Complementary Self-Assembling Peptides: Taking RADA16-Ⅰ as an Example
Authors: Guo Weiwei , Ma Yinping , Hu Lei , Feng Yujie , Liu Yanmiao , Yi Xuedong , Zhang Wenzhi , Tang Fushan
Published: November 2022

Ion-complementary self-assembling peptides have been studied in many fields for their distinct advantages mainly due to their self-assembly properties. However, their shortcomings, such as insufficient specific activity and poor mechanical properties, also limited their application. For better and wider application of this kind of promising biomaterials, ion-complementary self-assembling peptides can be modified with their self-assembly properties not being destroyed to the greatest extent. The modification strategies were reviewed by taking RADA16-Ⅰ as an example. For the insufficient specific activity, RADA16-Ⅰ can be structurally modified with active motifs derived from the active domain of the extracellular matrix or other related active factors. For weak mechanical properties, materials with strong mechanical properties or materials that can undergo chemical crosslinking were used to mix with RADA16-Ⅰto enhance the mechanical properties of RADA16-Ⅰ. To improve the performance of RADA16-Ⅰ as drug carriers, appropriate adjustment of the RADA16-Ⅰ sequence and/ or modification of the RADA16-Ⅰ-related delivery system with polymer materials or specific molecules can be considered to achieve sustained and controlled release of specific drugs or active factors. The modification strategies reviewed in this paper may provide some references for the further basic research and clinical application of ion-complementary self-assembling peptides and their derivatives.
Cloud Data Security through BB84 Protocol and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Jaydip , Saxena Vipin
Published: November 2022

In the current digitalized world, cloud computing becomes a feasible solution for the virtualization of cloud computing resources.  Though cloud computing has many advantages to outsourcing an organization’s information, but the strong security is the main aspect of cloud computing. Identity authentication theft becomes a vital part of the protection of cloud computing data. In this process, the intruders violate the security protocols and perform attacks on the organizations or user’s data. The situation of cloud data disclosure leads to the cloud user feeling insecure while using the cloud platform. The different traditional cryptographic techniques are not able to stop such kinds of attacks. BB84 protocol is the first quantum cryptography protocol developed by Bennett and Brassard in the year 1984. In the present work, three ways BB84GA security systems have been demonstrated using trusted cryptographic techniques like an attribute-based authentication system, BB84 protocol, and genetic algorithm. Firstly, attribute-based authentication is used for identity-based access control and thereafter BB84 protocol is used for quantum key distribution between both parties and later the concept of genetic algorithm is applied for encryption/decryption of sensitive information across the private/public clouds. The proposed concept of involvement of hybrid algorithms is highly secure and technologically feasible. It is a unique algorithm which may be used to minimize the security threats over the clouds. The computed results are presented in the form of tables and graphs.
Effects of Castor Oil Nanoemulsion Extracted by Hexane on the Fourth Larval stage of Culex quinquefsciatus from Al Hawizeh Marsh/Iraq, and Non- Targeted Organism
Authors: Al Hilfy Alla Abd Al Hassan , Kathiar Soolaf A. , Al Shammari Hazim Idan
Published: November 2022

The current study aims to show the importance of plant products as mosquitocides against Culex quinquefasciatus. Castor oil Nanoemulsions were subedit in various ratios including castor oil, ethanol, tween 80, and deionized water by using ultrasonication. Thermodynamic, centrifugation, PH, assay which improved that the formula  of 10 ml  of castor  oil, ethanol  5ml, tween 80 (14 ml) and deionized water 71ml was more stable than other formulas. The stable formula of castor oil nanoemulsion was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Nanoemulsion droplets were spherical in shape and were found to have a Z-average diameter of 87.4nm. A concentration of castor oil nanoemulsion 250, 350, 450, and 550 ppm were tested as larvicidal agents and bulk emulsion 1000, 1500, 2000 , and 2500 ppm were tested also and compared, against the fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. Castor oil nanoemulsion exhibited higher activity when compared to bulk emulsion. LC50 of castor oil nanoemulsion and castor bulk emulsion were found as 291.46 and 439.19ppm after 72 h, respectively. The toxic effects of castor oil bulk and Nano emulsion was tested against non-target organism Guppy fish and found to be not toxic at the concentration which used in the study.
Cluster Analysis of Biochemical Markers as Predictor of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Mohammed Suhayla K. , Taha Muzahem Mohialdeen , Taha Ekhlass M. , Mohammad Massara Najim Abdulla
Published: November 2022

Numerous blood biomarkers are altered in COVID-19 patients; however, no early biochemical markers are currently being used in clinical practice to predict COVID-19 severity. COVID-19, the most recent pandemic, is caused by the SRS-CoV-2 coronavirus.  The study was aimed to identify patient groups with a high and low risk of developing COVID-19 using a cluster analysis of several biomarkers. 137 women with confirmed SARS CoV-2 RNA testing were collected and analyzed for biochemical profiles. Two-dimensional automated hierarchy clustering of all biomarkers was applied, and patients were sorted into classes. Biochemistry marker variations (Ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase LDH, D-dimer, and C- reactive protein CRP) have split COVID-19 patients into two groups(severe cases and non-severe cases groups). Ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase LDH, D-dimer and CRP were markedly increased in COVID-19 patients in the first group (severe cases). Our findings imply that early measured levels of (Ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase LDH, D-dimer, and C- reactive protein CRP) are linked to a decreased probability of COVID-19 severity. Elevated levels of this biomarker may predict COVID severity development.
Awareness and knowledge of CBCT among a group of Egyptian Pediatric dentists: A questionnaire study
Authors: Elghazawy Reham K , Khalil Sarah M.S. , Sadat Shaimaa Abu El
Published: November 2022

Aim: To assess the knowledge and awareness of CBCT among a group of Egyptian pediatric dentists
Materials and methods: An online open-ended questionnaire with 21 items were delivered to around 300 applicants, who practice pediatric dentistry in Egypt. The questionnaire was conveyed by Facebook and distributed among different groups, via Whats app groups and messages, through emails and LinkedIn platform. Demographic, knowledge and awareness data regarding CBCT were collected. Categorical data were analyzed using chi square test followed by pairwise comparisons utilizing multiple z-tests with Bonferroni correction. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Two-hundred twenty-nine participants responded to the survey during a 2-month interval. Almost half of the respondents showed poor knowledge of CBCT, 65.2% believes that adequate teaching is not given to dental students, regarding CBCT in their universities, and 95.2% assumes that continuous education courses is required for pediatric dentists.
Conclusions: There is explicit gap in knowledge and awareness of CBCT in pediatric dental practitioners, necessitating additional CBCT education and training courses for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Clinical relevance: The increase of knowledge and awareness among Egyptian pediatric dentists is required, more training and tuition should be integrated in the students’ curricula in their undergraduate and post graduate stages.
Imaging immunomodulatory treatment responses in multiple sclerosis using hyperpolarized 13C metabolic magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Guglielmetti Caroline , Cordano Christian , Najac Chloe , Green Ari , Chaumeil Myriam
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the ability of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor high efficacy therapies and predict long-term disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been challenged. Here we used hyperpolarized 13C MR spectroscopy (MRS) metabolic imaging in a MS model of inflammatory-mediated demyelinating disease with widespread demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). We showed that hyperpolarized metabolic imaging could monitor immune cell activation by measuring hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate conversion to lactate and demonstrated that this approach detected response to two existing treatments, fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate. We observed a reduction of pyruvate-to-lactate flux after treatment, that can be explained by increased pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and decrease of immune cells. In addition, we evaluated brain perfusion using hyperpolarized [13C]urea, but saw no therapy effect. In conclusion, hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy of [1-13C]pyruvate could provide a new non-invasive way to more directly detect immunological responses to disease-modifying therapies in MS and other diseases of the CNS.
Refactoring and performance analysis of the main CNN architectures: using false negative rate minimization to solve the Clinical Images Melanoma Detection Problem
Authors: Biasi Luigi Di , De Marco Fabiola , Citarella Alessia Auriemma , Castrillón-Santana Modesto , Barra Paola , Tortora Genoveffa
Published: November 2022

Background: Melanoma is one of the deadliest tumors in the world. Early detection is critical for first-line therapy in this tumor pathology and it remains challenging due to the need for histological analysis to ensure correctness in diagnosis. Therefore, multiple computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems working on melanoma images were proposed to mitigate the need of a biopsy. However, although the high global accuracy is declared in literature results, the CAD systems for the health fields must focus on the lowest false negative rate (FNR) possible to qualify as a diagnosis support system. The final goal must be to avoid classification type 2 errors to prevent life-threatening situations. Another goal could be to create an easy-to-use system for both physicians and patients.
Results: To achieve the minimization of type 2 error, we performed a wide exploratory analysis of the principal convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures published for the multiple image classification problem; we adapted these networks to the melanoma clinical image binary classification problem (MCIBCP). We collected and analyzed performance data to identify the best CNN architecture, in terms of FNR, usable for solving the MCIBCP problem. Then, to provide a starting point for an easy-to-use CAD system, we used a clinical image dataset (MED-NODE) because clinical images are easier to access: they can be taken by a smartphone or other hand-size devices. Despite the lower resolution than dermoscopic images, the results in the literature would suggest that it would be possible to achieve high classification performance by using clinical images. In this work, we used MED-NODE, which consists of 170 clinical images (70 images of melanoma and 100 images of naevi). We optimized the following CNNs for the MCIBCP problem: Alexnet, DenseNet, GoogleNet Inception V3, GoogleNet, MobileNet, ShuffleNet, SqueezeNet, and VGG16.
Conclusions: The results suggest that a CNN built on the VGG or AlexNet structure can ensure the lowest FNR (0.07) and (0.13), respectively. In both cases, discrete global performance is ensured. 73% (accuracy), 82% (sensitivity) and 59% (specificity) for VGG; 89% (accuracy), 87% (sensitivity) and 90% (specificity) for AlexNet.
"Comparison of sexual function of people with colorectal cancer with and without colostomy bag in Tabriz hospitals 2022"
Authors: Dahouri Amirmohammad , Sahebihagh Mohammadhassan , Gilani Neda
Published: November 2022

Cancer is a family of diseases unique to multicellular organisms characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells. Gastrointestinal Cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with high mortality. Colon and rectal cancer are among the most critical public health problems worldwide, so nearly one million new colon and rectal cancer cases are diagnosed every year, and nearly half of the cases die. In 1999, Laumann and his colleagues defined sexual dysfunction as a significant public health problem. Many people who have survived colorectal Cancer are sexually active. These people can have problems with their sexual performance due to reasons such as therapeutic surgeries, radiotherapy, or the presence of an ostomy. This study is descriptive-comparative. To conduct the above study, 252 patients with colorectal Cancer were included in the study by a convenient method based on the inclusion criteria and after obtaining informed consent. The data collection tools included the demographic information form, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the Women's Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The validity and reliability of these questionnaires have already been measured. Statistical analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS statistics version 24. According to the results of statistical analysis, the IIEF total score for men with a colostomy is 26.17 ± 15.30 and without a colostomy, is 29.05 ± 17.14, as well as the total FSFI score for women with a colostomy, is 7.21 ± 6.40 and without a colostomy is 14.67 ± 9.10. There was no statistically significant difference in the sexual performance score of men with pouches compared to men without pouches (P > 0.05). The sexual performance score of women with bags compared to women without bags had a lower sexual performance score, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Therefore, an ostomy in women causes a drop in FSFI. Health planners at the macro level and health service providers at the micro level should be aware of the importance of this issue and provide timely interventions to improve sexual performance and pay special attention to those aspects of FSFI that are of great importance.
Sustainable valorization of wood residue for the production of biofuel materials via continuous flow hydrothermal liquefaction
Authors: Acaru Silviu , Abdullah Rosnah , Lim Ren Chong
Published: November 2022

Almost half of the wood resulted from mass deforestation for infrastructure and agricultural developments is declared waste. To mitigate the impact and exploit renewable sources of energy sustainably it is paramount to explore their further utilizations. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology holds the promise to convert biomass into biofuels. In this study, conversion of wood residue under continuous flow, subcritical HTL was investigated under two conditions; untreated and alkaline pretreated. Results show that 4% NaOH pretreatment increased the production of fermentation sugar, glucose, by 1.8-fold (equivalent to 90 g/L) and facilitated faster recovery times compared to raw wood. Also, at 0.2 MPa HTL, the alkaline pretreatment shifted the hydrolysis of arabinose and cellobiose to rhamnose and increased the fluid's acidity from pH of 6.1 to pH of 3.5. Under the pretreatment, the energy output from glucose reached 246 kJ and the average Net Energy Ratio for glucose during liquefaction reached values as high as 63%. These results will usher in new waste conversion methods into sustainable biofuels via continuous flow HTL, thereby supporting the green energy transition towards net zero.
A Partially Hidden Policy Attribute-based Encryption Supporting Outsourced Authentication and Attribute Revocation
Authors: Fan Kai , Du Lingwei , Li Wenhao , Bai Yuhan , Yang Yintang , Yang Kan , Li Hui
Published: November 2022

Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-based Encryption (CP-ABE) has been used as an important access control approach to protect the data security. The data owner uploads the access policy in the form of plaintext to the cloud, potentially disclosing personal information about the data owner. Hidden-Policy CP-ABE schemes have been proposed to partially hide the policy or fully hide the policy. However, such schemes may incur high overhead on identity authentication and user revocation. In this paper, we propose a new partially hidden policy CP-ABE (OAAR-PHP-ABE) to address the low authentication efficiency and lack of support for attribute revocation of existing PHP-CP-ABE schemes. We give the cloud server a portion of the calculation of the encryption parameters to complete during the encryption step. The final ciphertext is encrypted by data owners using the outsourced encrypted ciphertext, which reduces the data owner's computational workload. In the decryption phase, we divide the user's key into two parts: the outsourced decryption key and the user's secret key. The cloud use outsourced decryption keys to help users complete user authentication and partial decryption. Users just need to conduct an exponentiation operation to recover the plaintext after receiving the outsourced decrypted ciphertext, which can significantly reduce users' computational overhead. In addition, a dynamic revocation algorithm for users and attributes in the system is also designed.
Formulation Development And Evaluation Of Aegle Marmelos Polysaccharide As a Matrix Former
Authors: Patil Aishwarya , Gadade Deepak , Wakure Balaji
Published: November 2022

Background-
The goal of the whole study was to examine the formulation of tablets containing sustained-release metoprolol succinate employing Aegle marmelose (Bael), a member of the Rutaceae family, as the matrix forming polymer. Excipients play an important function in enhancing a formulation's quality.
Result-The use of aegle marmelose polymers in pharmacy is similar to that of synthetic polymers, which have a wide range of potential applications in innovative drug delivery systems as matrix formers. Due to the fact that these polysaccharide gums are naturally plentiful, biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-immunogenic, and because they boost the economy by giving people access to low-cost formulations made using locally accessible materials. In order to get the desired features of components for drug delivery systems, they can also be altered in a variety of ways, which makes them competitive with the synthetic additives that are now available. The formulation of metoprolol succinate matrix tablets uses the fruits of the Aegle marmelosto as a binder. The metoprolol succinate tablet was created using a 32 factorial design (F1 to F9), and from that F6 batch, tablets were tested for weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, drug release research, stability study, solubility study, swelling property, and drug excipients compatibility..
Conclusion-Metoprolol succinate tablets that have been manufactured and tested for stability reveal no major alterations, making aegel marmalos polysaccharide a more suitable natural binder than synthetic one Additionally, the goal of the study was to determine the potential of natural polysaccharide.
Novelets: A New Primitive that Allows Online Detection of Emerging Behaviors in Time Series
Authors: Mercer Ryan , Keogh Eamonn
Published: November 2022

Much of the world’s data is time series. While offline exploration of time series can be useful, time series is almost unique in allowing the possibility of direct and immediate intervention. For example, if we are monitoring an industrial process and have an algorithm that predicts imminent failure, we could direct a controller to open a pressure release valve or initiate an evacuation plan. There is a plethora of tools to monitor time series for known behaviors (pattern matching), previously unknown highly conserved behaviors (motifs), evolving behaviors (chains) and unexpected behaviors (anomalies). In this work, we claim that there is another useful primitive, emerging behaviors, that are worth monitoring for. We call such behaviors Novelets. We explain that Novelets are not anomalies, chains, or motifs but can be informally thought of as initially apparent anomalies that are later discovered to be motifs. We will show that Novelets have a natural interpretation in many disciplines, including science, medicine, and industry. As we will further demonstrate, Novelet discovery can have many downstream uses, including prognostics and abnormal behavior detection. We will demonstrate the utility of our proposed primitive on a diverse set of challenging domains.
Torrential forced KdV equation : Soliton solutions over a hole
Authors: Beyoud Samira
Published: November 2022

Torrential flow of an incompressible and a perfect fluid over a hole is investigated in infinite channel, with a focus on the steady case of the governed equation. The flow is supposed to be two-dimensional and irrotational. The problem studied here included just the influence of the gravity $g$ and the surface-tension effects are neglected. The issue has been programed and run on a computer to solve a nonlinear ordinary differential equation of the third order, called the forced Korteweg de Vries equation. The obtained results in the torrential flow, have been represented graphically by varying the shape of the hole, its cavity, and also the value of the Froude number λ.
Robust Control Allocation Method for Uncertain Systems Based on the Algorithms of Maximum-minimum and Improved Fish Swarm
Authors: Yang Xingyuan , Tong Xi , Fang Yangwang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a novel robust control allocation method for a control system with uncertain parameters is proposed based on the algorithms of maximum-minimum and improved fish swarm. Based on the algorithm of maximum-minimum, the control allocation problem with an uncertain allocation matrix is transformed into the definite control allocation problem; then by using an improved fish swarm algorithm, the resultant control allocation problem is solved. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed robust control allocation method has better robustness to system modeling uncertainty and possesses stronger anti-interference ability than the existing control allocation methods.
Design of Chaotic Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Based Fractional Order PID Controller
Authors: DurgadeviSRM K. , Amali C. , Karthik R.
Published: November 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Accurate TDOA Localization Based On Trajectory Prediction to Deal With Positioning Nodes Failure
Authors: Liu XiangLi , Yu HongBo , Li Zan
Published: November 2022

The multi-point cooperative TDOA positioning can achieve good positioning accuracy. But when some positioning nodes are blocked or fail, the positioning equation will be unsolved and lead to the failure location algorithm. A TDOA localization algorithm based on trajectory prediction is proposed to deal with the positioning nodes failure. Firstly, based on the target trajectory before the failure of the location node, the trajectory of the target in the next stage is predicted by machine learning. Then the predicted trajectory information is used to estimate the information of the failed node, so as to realize the solution of the TDOA positioning equation. The proposed algorithm is verified through the positioning error analysis comapared with other positioning strategies.
Superfluid drain vortex
Authors: Ruffenach Wandrille , Galantucci Luca , Barenghi Carlo F.
Published: November 2022

Drain vortices are among the most common vortices observed in everyday life, yet their physics is complex due to the competition of vorticity's transport and diffusion, and the presence of viscous layers and a free surface. Recently, it has become possible to study experimentally drain vortices in superfluid liquid helium, a fluid in which the physics is simplified by the absence of viscosity and the quantisation of the circulation. Using the Gross-Pitaevskii equation, we make a simple model of the problem which captures the essential physics ingredients, showing that the superfluid drain vortex consists of a bundle of vortex lines which twist, thus strengthening the axial flow into the drain.
Accurate Broadband Balanced Terahertz Tripler Design with Thermal and High-Frequency Effects
Authors: Wei Haomiao , Zhang Yong , Cui Jianhang , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Li , Chen Yang
Published: November 2022

This paper presents an accurate design method applied to the terahertz broadband multipliers. The design method is divided into two steps: a self-consistent electro-thermal (E-T) model with frequency-dependent spreading resistance and an external matching circuit. The self-consistent electro-thermal model consists of three parts: the steady-state thermal model, the electro-thermal diode circuit model, and the three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic (EM) model. The steady-state thermal model and the electro-thermal diode circuit model are used to express the thermal effects of diode. In particular, in the EM model, a frequency-dependent spreading resistance is obtained by the fitting conductivity of actual doped buffer layers and extracted by the auxiliary circuit structures, which is used to express the high-frequency effects. Then, the external matching circuit is designed carefully to match external wideband response instead of single frequency point load-pull. Based on the design approach, a balanced 225–300 GHz frequency tripler with AlN substrate has been designed and manufactured. By introducing the high frequency spreading resistance, a better simulated-measured consistency is achieved compared to the single E-T model, no matter low input power (80 mW) or high input power (160 mW) condition.
Improving the swimming route optimization algorithm based on big data cloud computing and directional distance sequence processing
Authors: Song Qi
Published: November 2022

As the times become more and more informational, people's physical fitness is gradually decreasing, and many people can't even swim through a small pond. This is very fatal for people going out and encountering sudden falls. This paper aims to study the improvement of the swimming path selection algorithm based on big data cloud computing and sequential direction distance processing.This paper adopts experimental comparison method and experimental analysis method, using big data technology, optimizes and improves the swimming route based on the idea of directional distance sequential processing, and builds a Mamdani-type fuzzy system to quickly introduce the final result. The experimental results in this article show that the efficiency of the algorithm optimized from the direction alone or from the distance is far better than the sequential processing optimization of the first direction and then the distance. The efficiency of the direction and distance sequential processing is about 1/3 higher than the efficiency of the direction optimization, but It is about 3 times more efficient than optimizing the distance! For an algorithm, this improvement is very exaggerated. The improvement of the swimming route optimization algorithm based on big data cloud computing and direction and distance order processing will have important social significance.
Pay Attention To The Global Component: An Effective Defense Approach against Adversarial Attacking
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Feng Xiaowei
Published: November 2022

Deep neural networks (DNNs) approaches have been widely applied for real-world machine learning applications. However, they were shown to be vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Nature images blended with human indistinguishable perturbations, so-called adversarial samples, can cause mis-classification of DNNs. On the other hand, recent defense approaches still suffer from strong attacks. This paper proposes a Matrix-Completion and Component Attention (MCCA) framework, a novel defense framework that leverages matrix completion and attention mechanism to defend the DNNs against adversarial attacks. MCCA would process the input (perturbed) images by two steps: firstly, the matrix completion is applied on the randomly masked inputs to execute the “reconstruc-tion” process; then, the reconstructed images will go through a DNN attached with flexible “attention” modules to enhance its classification performance. We show that the mask-reconstruction process can clear the area poisoned by perturbation, and maintain the global component in the processed image; while the attention module will capture such global component during the feed-forward phase, further make the DNNs focus on the area of major component during the classification step. These two processes would make the DNNs consistent with the typical perception of human beings. We conduct comprehensive experiments on three image benchmarks, comparing MCCA with state-of-the-art defense approaches. The quantitative comparisons demonstrate that our defense approach consistently outperforms prior techniques, improving the robustness against both black-box and white-box attacks.
Inter-rater reliability of the extended Composite Quality Score (CQS-2) – a pilot study
Authors: Mickenautsch Steffen , Rupf Stefan , Miletić Ivana , Strähle Ulf Tilman , Sturm Richard , Dhansay Faheema Kimmie- , Vidosusić Kata , Yengopal Veerasamy
Published: November 2022

Aim
To establish the inter-rater reliability of the Composite Quality Score (CQS)-2 and to test the null hypothesis that it did not differ significantly from that of the first CQS version (CQS-1).
Materials and methods
Four independent raters from three countries were selected to rate 45 clinical trial reports using CQS-1 and CQS-2. The raters remained unaware of each other’s participation in this study until all rating had been completed. Each rater received only one rating template at a time in a random sequence for CQS-1 and CQS-2 rating. Raters completed each template and sent these back to the principal investigator. Each rater received their next template two weeks after submission of the completed previous template. The inter-rater reliabilities for the overall appraisal score of the CQS-1 and the CQS-2 were established by using the Brennan-Prediger coefficient (BPC). The coefficients of both CQS versions were compared by using the two-sample z-test. During secondary analysis, the BPCs for every criterion and each corroboration level for both CQS versions were established.
Results
The BPC for the CQS-1 was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.64–1.00) and for the CQS-2 it was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.94–1.00), suggesting a very high inter-rater reliability for both. The difference between the two CQS versions was statistically not significant (p = 0.17). The null hypothesis was accepted.
Conclusion
This study shows that the CQS-2 is associated with a very high inter-rater reliability, which did not statistically significantly differ from that of the CQS-1. The promising results of this study warrant further investigation in the applicability of the CQS-2 as an appraisal tool for prospective controlled clinical therapy trials.
Susceptibility of Chewings Fescue and Hard Fescue to Anthracnose Disease Caused by Colletotrichum cereale
Authors: Yin Shuxia , Beirn Lisa A. , Tate Trent M. , Ward Daniel L. , Wang Ruying , Meyer William A. , Clarke Bruce B.
Published: November 2022

Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum cereale Manns sensu lato Crouch, Clarke & Hillman, can be a damaging disease on many cool-season turfgrasses; however, it has not been reported as an aggressive pathogen on fine fescue species (Festuca spp.). Symptoms and signs associated with anthracnose disease were observed in fine fescues on the Rutgers University Plant Science Research and Extension Farm in Adelphia, NJ, in Jun 2014. The objectives of this study were to identify the causal agent, determine if the isolate of C. cereale (FF1A) obtained from symptomatic Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin) plants was pathogenic to Chewings fescue and hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey) turfs, and whether cultivars and accessions collected from Europe varied in disease susceptibility. Pathogenicity of this fine fescue isolate was evaluated using four Chewings fescue and four hard fescue cultivars or accessions in a growth chamber. Disease symptoms were first observed at 5 days post-inoculation, and evaluations continued to 17 days post-inoculation. Infection was confirmed by morphological evaluations, re-isolation from symptomatic tissues, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Three noncommercial accessions (two Chewings fescues and one hard fescue) were very susceptible to the fine fescue C. cereale FF1A isolate, whereas ‘Sword’ and ‘Beacon’ hard fescues exhibited low susceptibility. In addition, an isolate of C. cereale (HF217CS) from annual bluegrass [Poa annua L. f. reptans (Hausskn) T. Koyama] was included, and our data demonstrated that this isolate was also able to infect Chewings fescue and hard fescue. This study confirmed that C. cereale can be a damaging pathogen of fine fescues, and that breeding for resistance to anthracnose should be considered when developing new cultivars.
Response of Wine Grape Quality to Rainfall, Temperature, and Soil Properties in Hexi Corridor
Authors: Yan Hao Kai , Ma ShaoYing , Lu Xu , Zhang Cong Cong , Ma Lei , Li Kang , Wei Yun Chun , Gong Mei Shuang , Li Sheng
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between grape (Vitis vinifera L.) quality and environmental factors (climate and soil), and to elucidate the theoretical basis and provide technical guidance for the rational planning of the cultivation area and the precise regulation of the cultivation mode in the future. The fruits of three different grape cultivars, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Vidal, as well as soil samples and meteorological data were collected from three wine grape growing areas (Wuwei, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan) in the Hexi Corridor, Northwest China. Principal-component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis were conducted to understand the relationship of grape quality with weather conditions and soil properties. The results showed that the titratable acid content of grape berries was significantly negatively correlated with average temperature from August to September, average minimum temperatures from August to September, and from April to October, mean annual minimum temperature, growing degree days from August to September, and soil total nitrogen content, and significantly positively correlated with average rainfall from April to October, annual mean rainfall, and soil available potassium content. In addition, the pH of grape juice was significantly negatively correlated with annual mean rainfall and soil available potassium content. However, it was significantly positively correlated with average temperature and average minimum temperature from August to September, average minimum temperature from April to October, growing degree days from August to September, as well as soil total nitrogen content. In addition, the results of PCA showed that the fruit quality scores of ‘Vidal’ in Jiayuguan, ‘Merlot’ in Zhangye, and ‘Pinot Noir’ in Wuwei were the highest, respectively. In conclusion, the contents of titratable acid, pH, and Brix° are greatly affected by climate and soil factors. ‘Vidal’, ‘Merlot’, and ‘Pinot Noir’ were suitable for planting in Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Wuwei, respectively. Nowadays, few reports focus on the relationship between grape quality and soil and climate conditions. Based on the investigation and analysis of the differences of climate, soil, and grape berries quality in the three production areas of Hexi Corridor, the relationship among climate, soil, and grape quality by using statistical methods was studied, which could provide references for clarifying the reasons why environmental factors affect grape quality and select the suitable area for wine grape cultivation.
Water Potential, Osmotic Potential, and Cell Turgor in Developing European Plums
Authors: Knoche Moritz , Grimm Eckhard
Published: November 2022

Neck shrivel is a fruit disorder of european plum (Prunus domestica L.). We investigate whether an asymmetrical distribution of osmolytes might explain the observations of a turgid stylar end and a flaccid stem end, in a selection of 17 plum cultivars sourced from two sites. The osmotic potential (ΨΠ) of the juices expressed from stem or stylar end fruit samples decreased (became more negative) during development. The cell turgor (ΨP) slightly increased during development up to 352 ± 42 kPa at 78 days after full bloom (DAFB) in the stem end and up to 331 ± 51 kPa at 92 DAFB in the stylar end, and then decreased. At maturity, ΨP averaged 22 ± 3 kPa in the stem end and 22 ± 4 kPa in the stylar end. These values are negligibly low compared with the very negative values of ΨΠ in the stylar end (−3188 ± 73 kPa) and stem end (−3060 ± 74 kPa). There was a transient gradient in ΨΠ between stylar end and stem end that almost disappeared by maturity. Marked differences in ΨΠ and its distribution were measured across 17 cultivars. In the majority (14), ΨΠ was more negative at the stylar end than at the stem end. A more negative ΨΠ in the stem was only detected in ‘Aprimira’, ‘Topfive’, and ‘Tophit’. Our results demonstrate that cell ΨP is very low and is essentially independent of ΨΠ in developing european plums. In most cultivars, ΨΠ in the stylar end is more negative than in the stem end. The absence of an axial gradient in ΨP and the small differences in ΨΠ between the stem and stylar end make both factors unlikely candidates for explaining neck shrivel.
Biomass Production of an Overwinter Cover Crop with Biofumigation Properties in New Mexico
Authors: Nagila Asmita , Sanogo Soum , Idowu O. John , Schutte Brian J.
Published: November 2022

Soil-borne diseases and weeds can be inhibited by mustard family (Brassicaceae) cover crops that are mowed and incorporated into the soil with tillage—a process referred to as biofumigation. To determine whether a fall-seeded mustard cover crop produces enough biomass to be a biofumigant in spring, this study measured the amount of biomass produced by a mixture of ‘Caliente Rojo’ brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and ‘Nemat’ arugula (Eruca sativa) grown in three commercial fields and a university research farm in southern New Mexico, USA. This study also determined whether the mustard biomass incorporated in the soil inhibits a weed [Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)], but does not affect a cash crop adversely [chile pepper (Capsicum annuum)]. Results indicated that, if the mustard cover crop was seeded before the first frost in fall, mustard cover crops produced biomass in quantities sufficient for biofumigation in spring. Mustard biomass incorporated in the soil reduced the survival and germination of Palmer amaranth seeds. Under greenhouse conditions, chile pepper plants grown in soil with mustard cover crop biomass were larger than chile plants grown in soil without mustard biomass. Chile pepper plants in soil with mustard biomass did not show symptoms of Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), whereas such symptoms were found on about 33% of chile pepper plants in soil without mustard biomass. These results suggest that a fall-seeded mustard cover crop that is tilled into the soil in early spring is a potential pest management technique for chile pepper in New Mexico.
Growth and Nutrient Concentration of Lychee Grown on an Acid Ultisol
Authors: Goenaga Ricardo , Marrero Angel , Pérez Delvis
Published: November 2022

Little is known about the adaptability of lychee (Litchi chinensis) to acidic soils high in aluminum (Al). A 2-year greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of various levels of soil Al on dry matter production, plant growth, and nutrient concentration in shoots of lychee cultivar rootstock seedlings (maternal half-sibs) of cultivars Brewster, Bostworth-3 (Kwai May Pink), and Kaimana. Soil Al treatments were statistically different for all variables measured in the study but not rootstock seedlings. Total leaf, stem, and root dry weights significantly decreased at soil Al concentrations ranging from 0.42 to 12.69 cmol·kg−1. Increments in soil Al resulted in a significant reduction in the concentration of leaf calcium and phosphorus and a significant increase in leaf Al in cultivar rootstock seedlings. The concentration of leaf potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and boron were in the optimum range for lychee, whereas leaf nitrogen and manganese concentrations were above optimum. The results of this study demonstrated no cultivar rootstock seedlings differences for dry matter production in lychee trees grown under Al stress and demonstrate that lychee is highly susceptible to acid soils.
Effectiveness of learning and growth performance metrics in the Nepalese telecommunications industry for organizational success
Authors: Kumar Dahal Rewan
Published: November 2022

The primary use of financial-based performance metrics to assess an organization’s success might be misleading. The application of non-financial performance metrics could improve organizational success and longevity. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of learning and growth performance metrics for organizational success in the Nepalese telecommunication industry. The quantitative research approach was utilized for collecting, presenting, and analyzing data obtained during a survey. The two major telecommunications service providers in Nepal, Ncell and Nepal Telecom, were taken as sample organizations, and their employees were the study’s respondents. The study revealed that two latent learning and growth performance metrics, namely ‘organizational culture and alignment’ having seven observable variables (β = 0.229, t = 3.419, p < .05) and ‘information capital’ having four observable variables (β = 0.079, t = 1.193, p < .05) were significant for organizational success. In contrast, one latent metric, ‘human resources’ having seven observable variables (β = 0.047, t = 0.708, p > .05), was insignificant. The overall explanation of the observed non-financial performance metrics to the organizational success of the Nepalese telecommunication industry was approximately 6%. A better learning and growth environment helps an organization generate, acquire, share, and integrate information to build resources and capabilities. In addition, non-financial performance metrics help organizations connect business performance with strategy, allowing them to be competitive.
30 anos de mercosul: o aprofundamento do processo de integração regional a partir de uma dimensão social e o desenvolvimento de uma cidadania mercosulina
Authors: Taveira Élida Martins de Oliveira , Martini Sandra Regina
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo científico tem como objetivo primordial avaliar em que medida o aprofundamento do processo de integração regional do Mercado Comum do Sul (Mercosul), com a adoção de pautas de natureza social e de defesa dos direitos humanos, contribui para o desenvolvimento de uma cidadania regional. O problema de pesquisa consiste em averiguar se, na atualidade, existe uma política regional e um aparato normativo idôneo a forjar, no âmbito do Mercosul, uma concepção de cidadania multilateral. Após a análise das normas mercosulinas pertinentes ao tema em estudo, das ações sociais realizadas no bloco, bem como com fundamento nas bases teóricas abordadas no artigo, mormente as lições de Peter Häberle e de Eligio Resta, infere-se que está em construção uma concepção de cidadania regional no Mercosul, a qual é simbolizada pelo Estatuto da Cidadania do Mercosul, divulgado em março de 2021. A pesquisa empreendida é exploratória, com método de abordagem hipotético-dedutivo. Quanto aos procedimentos, a pesquisa é bibliográfica e documental.
Estado democrático de direito: Tema complexo, dimensões essenciais e conceito
Authors: Bedin Gilmar Antonio
Published: November 2022

O presente texto tem como tema central o conceito de Estado de Direito. Por isso, inicialmente resgata o seu núcleo fundante (a separação entre direito e poder e a subordinação do poder ao direito). Em seguida, destaca suas dez dimensões fundamentais. Por fim, apresenta um conceito amplo de Estado de Direito (em sentido forte: como Estado de justiça) e o vincula à Constituição Brasileira de 1988. O método utilizado foi o método hipotético-dedutivo e a técnica a da pesquisa bibliográfica.
Çilek (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Yetiştiriciliğinde Farklı Organomineral ve Kimyasal Gübrelerin Meyve Verimi, Kalitesi ve Bitki Besin Maddesi Alımı Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: SAYĞI Hülya
Published: November 2022

Tarımsal üretimde ürün verimi ve kalitesi bitki besleme ile yakından ilgilidir. Bitki beslemede kullanılan en önemli
girdi ise gübrelerdir. Günümüz modern tarımında vazgeçilmez olarak kullanılan kimyasal gübreler, hem maliyetli olması
hem de çevreye ve insanlara zararlı olması nedeniyle bu girdilere daha ekonomik ve etkili çözüm arayışları önem
kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmada çilek yetiştiriciliğinde farklı organomineral ve kimyasal gübre uygulamalarının verim, kalite ve
bitki besin alımı üzerine etkilerini belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Bitki materyali olarak Sweet Charlie çilek çeşidi,
organomineral gübre olarak Agronatura, Agrosülfür, 5x15, ve 30.0.0 ve kimyasal gübre olarak Agrohum, Azurite ve 4x10
gübre materyalleri olarak kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen verilerin ortalama değerleri istatistiksel olarak olarak
p<0.005 anlamlılık düzeyinde değerlendirildi. Araştırmada; bitki başına verim, ortalama meyve ağırlığı, suda çözünür kuru
madde içeriği, meyve asitliği gibi kalite parametreleri, mikro (demir, çinko, manganez ve bakır) ve makro (azot, fosfor,
potasyum ve kalsiyum) besin elementleri içerikleri incelenmiştir Bulgularımıza göre organomineral gübre uygulamalarının
verim ve ortalama meyve ağırlığı kriterleri açısından en iyi sonucu vermiştir