bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of a 12-Month Dried Plum Consumption on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers in Korean Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized, Open-Labeled, Controlled Study
Authors: Yoo Jun-il , Je Minkyung , Kim Yoona , Clifton Peter Marshall
Published: August 2023

Consumption of prunes has been shown to slow bone loss after menopause in American women but there is no data on its effects in Asian women.
135 postmenopausal Korean women with osteopenia were randomized to 100g/day of prunes or no prunes with 600U vitamin D and 600mg of calcium for 12 months. Bone density was measured at baseline and 12 months in the lumbar spine, both hips and the L forearm. Serum levels of CTX and P1NP and vitamin D calcium and phosphate were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. PTH was measured at baseline if vitamin D was low
Four women dropped out of each group over the 12 months. There was no difference between groups in blood measures or bone density in any region over the 12 month trial.,
In conclusion 100g/day of prunes has no effect in Korean woman on bone density or bone markers.
Evidence Based Pharmaceutical Care in Community Pharmacies: A Survey of 595 French Pharmacists
Authors: Bosson Louis , Veyer Francesca , Bardet Jean-Didier , Vermorel Céline , Foote Alison , Allenet Benoit , Bosson Jean-Luc
Published: August 2023

We assessed the use of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among pharmacists working in community pharmacies in France, and the factors linked to this practice. During 3 months in 2018 an online survey was sent to over 7,000 active pharmacists, and posted on pharmacist social media sites. The 40-item questionnaire described four clinical cases reflecting typical situations (conventional med-icine and Complementary and Alternative Medicine) encountered daily by community pharma-cists. Multiple-choice responses were proposed and scored according to whether they reflected EBP. A high total score indicated behavior in line with EBP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate factors that might explain adherence to EPB (pharmacy’s characteristics, the pharmacist’s status, mode of continuing education and sources of information). 595 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. The majority relied on pharmaceutical industry and other biased and/or non-evidence-based sources, particularly concerning information on homeopathic products. The consultation of independent reviews, health agency recommendations, and peer-reviewed scientific journals, was associated with evidence-based decisions. In contrast, reliance on phar-maceutical industry documents, personal experience and informal handbooks was linked to lower EBP scores. The level of EBP use by French community pharmacists needs to be improved to ensure that good quality scientifically-based advice is given to customers.
Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Discula theae-sinensis Causing Camellia sinensis Anthracnose, and Synergistic Effect with Colletotrichum spp.
Authors: Li Qing-Sheng , Zhu Jun-Yan , Ren Ning , Li Da , Jin Ya , Lu Wen-Yuan , Lu Qin-Hua
Published: August 2023

Anthracnose is one of primary diseases in tea plants that affects tea yield and quality. The geographical distribution, occurrence regularity, and agronomic measures of tea plants with anthracnose have been researched for decades. However, the pathogenic cause of anthracnose in tea plants is diverse in different regions of the world. Identifying the specific pathogenic fungi causing tea anthracnose is an essential control measure to mitigate this disease. In this study, 88 Diaporthales and 45 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from 3 different types of diseased tea leaves. Based on multilocus phylogenetic and morphological analysis, 3 known species, including Discula theae-sinensis, Diaporthe ueckerae, Diaporthe lithocarpus, and 3 indistinguishable species of Diaporthales were identified. In adddition, 8 known species of Colletotrichum, C. fructicola, C. camelliae, C. aenigma, C. siamense, C. henanense, C. karstii, C. tropicicola, C. gigasporum, were identified. This study is the first to report C. tropicicola and C. gigasporum in tea plant in China. Discula theae-sinensis was the most common species in this study and caused disease lesions around wounded areas of tea leaves. The dual trials in vitro indicated Discula theae-sinensis and Colletotrichum were slight inhibition. Co-inoculating Discula theae-sinensis and C. fructicola was superior to single inoculation at low concentration.
Transport Equation based Physics Informed Neural Network to predict the Yield Strength of Architected Materials
Authors: Mishra Akshansh
Published: August 2023

In this research, the application of the Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) model is explored to solve transport equation-based Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). The primary objective is to analyze the impact of different activation functions incorporated within the PINN model on its predictive performance, specifically assessing the Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The dataset used in the study consists of a varied set of input parameters related to strut diameter, unit cell size, and the corresponding yield stress values. Through this investigation, the aim is to understand the effectiveness of the PINN model and the significance of choosing appropriate activation functions for solving complex PDEs in real-world applications. The outcomes suggest that the choice of activation function may have minimal influence on the model's predictive accuracy for this particular problem. The PINN model showcases exceptional generalization capabilities, indicating its capacity to avoid overfitting with the provided dataset. The research underscores the importance of striking a balance between performance and computational efficiency while selecting an activation function for specific real-world applications. These valuable findings contribute to advancing the understanding and potential adoption of PINN as an effective tool for solving challenging PDEs in diverse scientific and engineering domains.
Cell-Tissue Interaction: The Biomimetic Approach to Design Tissue Engineered Biomaterials
Authors: Nitti Paola , Narayanan Athira , Pellegrino Rebecca , Villani Stefania , Madaghiele Marta , Demitri Christian
Published: August 2023

The advancements achieved in Tissue Engineering are based on a careful and in-depth study of cell-tissue interaction. The choice of a certain biomaterial in Tissue Engineering is fundamental as it represents an interface for adherent cells in the creation of a microenvironment suitable for cell growth and differentiation. The knowledge of the biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix is a useful tool for the optimization of polymeric scaffolds. The aim of this re-view is to analyse the chemical, physical and biological parameters on which it is possible to act in Tissue Engineering for the optimization of polymeric scaffolds. Understanding the scaffold impact on cell fate is of paramount importance for the successful advancement of Tissue Engineering.
Strategies to Mitigate Biofouling of Polymer-Based Membranes in Contact with Blood
Authors: Wójtowicz Dominika , Stodolak-Zych Ewa
Published: August 2023

In a blood purification technique continuous renal replacement therapy called CRRT , a porous hollow-fiber polymeric membrane is exposed to prolonged contact with blood. In that condition, like with any other submerged filtration membrane, hemofilter loses its properties over time and use which results in a rapid decline in flux. The most significant reason for this loss is the formation of a biofilm. Protein, blood cells and bacterial cells attach to the membrane surface in complex and fluctuating processes. Anticoagulation allows for longer patency of vascular access and a longer lifespan of the membrane. Other preventive measures include modification of the membrane itself. In this article, we focused on the role of nanoadditives in the mitigation of bio-fouling. Nanoparticles such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, silica effectively change surface properties towards more hydrophilic, affect pore size and distribution, decrease protein adsorption and damage bacteria cells. As a result, membranes modified with nanoparticles show better flow parameters, longer lifespan and increased hemocompatibility.
Comparison Of Airflow Patterns Between Patient With Septal Deviation And Normal Nasal Cavity Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Kafash Hamedreza , Baradaran Rahimi Asghar , Nekooei Sirous , Mahmoudi Hashemi Seyedeh Fatemeh
Published: August 2023

Backgroumd: The feeling of nasal obstruction is one of the most complaints of the Ear Nose and Throats (ENT) patients. The reason of this complaint is variable, such as Nasal Septal Deviation (NSD). NSD is a significant obstacle to normal respiration and the volume of air entering the lungs.

Understanding how the deviation causes the obstruction is so important, because it leads to better management of this disease. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry are methods that are used for objective evaluation of upper airway, but they are semi invasive and the accuracy are not guaranteed.

With development of Computed Tomography (CT scan) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), numerical studies on airflow in different parts of the nasal cavity have been performed.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare nasal airflow patterns between patient with NSD and healthy nasal cavity using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Methods: A patient with NSD and a healthy human were selected. Using CFD, the maximal airflow velocity, nasal resistance, maximal Wall Shear Stress (WSS), and pressure drop in bilateral nostrils of both cases were assessed.

Results:

Pressure and velocity profiles are evaluated at a mass flow rate of 17.4 Liters Per Minute (LPM). The velocity profile shows an abnormal flow profile in the septal deviated nasal cavity and the peak velocity is observed at the middle nasal region, whereas this point is at the nasal valve level in a healthy nasal cavity.

Wall shear stress (WSS) caused by NSD is lower than in normal nasal cavities.

The pressure drop in a nasal cavity with deviated septum is higher than in a healthy nasal cavity.

Based on the results of this investigation nasal resistance in NSD was higher than in normal, healthy nasal cavity.

Conclusions: NSD plays an important role in nasal airflow regime and it results in the feeling of obstruction comparing to normal nasal cavity. Also there is a promising future for CFD to become a useful tool in understanding airflow physiology and pathology.
Development and Application of a Chemical Ionization Focusing Integrated Ionization Source TOFMS for On-Line Detection of OVOCs in the Atmosphere
Authors: Liu Ruidong , Guo Yingzhe , Li Mei , Li Jing , Yang Dong , Hou Keyong
Published: August 2023

Single photon ionization (SPI) based on vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lamps has been extensively investigated and applied due to its clean mass spectra as a soft ionization method. However, the photon energy of 10.6 eV and photons flux of 106 photons/s of commercial VUV lamp limits its range of ionizable analytes as well as sensitivity. This work designs a chemical ionization focusing integrated (CIFI) ionization source time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) based on VUV lamp for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs). The photoelectrons obtained from the VUV lamp through the photoelectric effect ionized the oxygen in the air to obtain the reagent ions O2+, and segmented quadrupole constituted the ion-molecule-reaction region (IMR) and radially focused the ions using a radio-frequency electric field, which improved the yield and transport efficiency of the sample ions and the sensitivity of mass spectrometry, resulting in 44-fold and 1154-fold increase in signal response to benzene and pentanal, respectively. To verify the reliability of the ionization source, the linear correspondence and repeatability of benzene and pentanal were investigated. Satisfactory dynamic linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 5-50 ppbv, and daytime RSD reached 3.91% and 6.26%, respectively. Finally, the CIFI ionization source TOFMS was applied to the determination of OVOCs, and the LOD of 12 types of OVOCs can reach the pptv level, indicating that the ionization source has the potential for accurate and sensitive online monitoring of atmospheric OVOCs.
Ice Core 17O Reveals Past Changes in Surface Air Temperatures and Stratosphere to Troposphere Mass Exchange
Authors: Aggarwal Pradeep K , Longstaffe Frederick J , Schwartz Franklin W
Published: August 2023

Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes (18O and 2H) in polar ice offer strong evidence of both long-term and abrupt climate changes. However, reliably estimating surface air temperatures from past climates has proven difficult because the relationship between 18O and temperature cannot be calibrated. In this study, we investigated the 17O and 18O of modern rain and ice cores using published data. We found that precipitation 17O is influenced by two factors: mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) that occurs during ocean evaporation, and mass-independent fractionation (MIF) that happens in the stratosphere. The MDF contribution remains constant and can be understood from studying tropical rain, as the overall movement of mass in the tropics is upward towards the stratosphere. On the other hand, the MIF effect comes from the mixing of stratospheric air in the troposphere, which is a result of the Brewer-Dobson circulation. This MIF effect on precipitation 17O increases from the tropics towards the poles. Therefore, the relative 17O and 18O composition, denoted as '17O, in modern precipitation can be calibrated with surface air temperature, creating a new, independent tool for estimating past temperatures. We used this calibration along with '17O of Antarctic and Greenland ice cores and our results for past temperatures are in excellent agreement with those from borehole thermometry or gas phase analysis of air trapped in the ice. The 17O method overcomes the problems associated with using 18O for paleothermometry. Our findings align with climate models that suggest a weakening of the Brewer-Dobson circulation during the Last Glacial Maximum. Furthermore, our method could be used to monitor future changes in response to a warming climate caused by increasing greenhouse gases.
Validation of HiG-Flow Software for Simulating Two-Phase Flows with a 3D Geometric Volume of Fluid Algorithm
Authors: Silva Aquisson T. G. da , Fernandes Célio , Organista Juniormar , Souza Leandro , Castelo Antônio
Published: August 2023

This study reports the development of a numerical method to simulate two-phase flows of Newtonian fluids that are incompressible, immiscible, and isothermal. The interface in the simulation was located and reconstructed using the geometric volume of fluid (VOF) method. The implementation of the Piecewise-Linear Interface Calculation (PLIC) scheme of the VOF method was performed to solve the three-dimensional (3D) interface transport during the dynamics of two-phase flows. In this method, the interface is approximated by a line segment in each interfacial cell. The balance of forces at the interface was accounted for using the continuum interfacial force (CSF) model. To solve the Navier-Stokes equations, meshless finite difference schemes from the HiG-Flow computational fluid dynamics software were employed. The 3D PLIC-VOF HiG-Flow algorithm was used to simulate several benchmark two-phase flows for the purpose of validating the numerical implementation. First, the performance of the PLIC implementation was evaluated by conducting two standard advection numerical tests: the 3D shearing flow test and the 3D deforming field test. Good agreement is obtained for the 3D interface shape using both the 3D PLIC-VOF HiG-Flow algorithm and those found on the scientific literature. In addition, the absolute error of the volume tracking advection calculation obtained by our 3D PLIC-VOF HiG-Flow algorithm was found to be smaller than the one found in the scientific literature for both the 3D shearing and 3D deforming flow tests. Lastly, the 3D bubble rising problem was simulated for different fluid densities and viscosity’s ratios. Again, good agreement is obtained for the 3D interface shape using both the newly implemented algorithm and the OpenFOAM, DROPS and NaSt3D software. The bubble’s rise velocity and evolution of the bubble’s center of mass is also computed with the 3D PLIC-VOF HiG-Flow algorithm and found to be in agreement with these software.
The Impact of Hole Diameter on the Moulded and Drilled Holes in Jute Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Kumar Jayant , Singh Yashpal , Rakesh Pawan Kumar , Singh Inderdeep , Davim J. Paulo
Published: August 2023

Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites (NFRCs) represent a significant category of materials that has the capacity to contribute to the worldwide objectives of sustainability and environmental preservation. To maximise the potential of composite materials, it is essential to establish their high quality and cost-effective manufacture. While the basic production procedures for producing items based on NFRCs have reached a high level of development, more research efforts are needed to advance their secondary manufacturing processes, namely in the areas of machining and joining. The primary factor leading to the rejection of composite goods with holes is the damage generated during the drilling process. The present experimental study aims to examine the effectiveness of hole production during the moulding phase. A comparative analysis has been conducted to assess the mechanical characteristics of moulded and drilled holes in jute fibre reinforced epoxy composite. It was observed that the moulded holes exhibit superior performance compared to the drilled holes for jute/epoxy materials. Additionally, the load extension curves indicate that the moulded holes experience greater extension in comparison to the drilled holes.
Social Capital of Banjarese for Peatland Fire Mitigation: Combining of Local Wisdom and Environment
Authors: Arisanty Deasy , Rajiani Ismi , Mutiani Mutiani , Hastuti Karunia Puji , Abbas Ersis Warmansyah , Rosadi Dedi , Muhaimin Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Repeated fires cause peatlands to degrade. Fire management has been carried out, but fires continue to occur, especially during the dry season. Through social capital that applies in the community based on the local wisdom of the Banjar people in environmental management, it is hoped that peatland fires can be overcome in this area. This research aims to analyze the social capital of the Banjar people in mitigating land fires based on local wisdom and the environment. The sample in this study was 250 people who live in an area prone to fires on peatlands in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. There are three variables in this study, namely Trust (T), Network (N) and Norm (N). There are 33 Likert scale questions (1-4, strongly agree-strongly disagree). We also conducted interviews with 20 members of the Fire Care Community (MPA) to obtain information about the social capital of the Banjar community in mitigating land fires. The analysis used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study results show norms have the greatest influence on disaster mitigation of peatland fires compared to trust and social networks. Norms in the community in the form of values from peatlands, rules, norms and sanctions regulate the community more to deal with the problem of peatland fires than trust and social networks
Adjoint-Based Design Optimization of a Volute for Radial Compressor
Authors: Hottois Romain , Chatel Arnaud , Verstraete Tom
Published: August 2023

Numerical optimization methods are widely used for designing turbomachinery components due to the cost and time savings they can provide. In the available literature, shape optimization of radial compressors is mainly focused on improving the impeller alone. However, it is a well-established knowledge that the volute plays a key role in the overall performance of the compressor. The aim of the present paper is to perform the adjoint-based optimization of a volute that is designed for the SRV2-O compressor. The CAD model is first created, using a parametrization of 33 design parameters. Then, a butterfly topology is applied to mesh the computational domain with a multi-block structured grid, and an elliptic smoothing procedure is then used to improve the quality of the fluid grid. A steady-state RANS CFD solver with Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model is used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations, and flow sensitivities are computed with an adjoint solver. The objective function consists in minimizing the loss coefficient of the volute. The optimization is performed to obtain an improved design with 14% losses reduction. Detailed flow and design analysis is carried out to highlight the loss reduction mechanisms followed by the optimizer. Finally, the compressor map of the full stage is compared between the baseline and the optimized volute through CFD simulations using a mixing plane interface. This research demonstrates the successful use of a gradient-based optimization technique to improve the volute of a radial compressor and opens the door towards optimizing simultaneously the wheel and the volute.
Integration of Building Information Modeling and Artificial Intelligence of Things in Post-War Renovation and Retrofitting of Historical Buildings
Authors: Chashyn Dmytro , Khurudzhi Yelyzaveta , Daukšys Mindaugas
Published: August 2023

The construction industry of Ukraine shall not only recover but also to upgrade, enhance and reevaluate projects of existing buildings. Further research raises simultaneously two pertinent issues for Ukraine - retrofitting as well as reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure. The priority objective of the research is to restore damaged and ruined buildings rapidly. It may be achieved by means of a creation of recovery methods in Ukraine and countries in the post-conflict stage of development. The approach implies using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence of things (AIoT) to make reconstruction faster, better and less costly. In addition, we acquire a reduction of energy consumption and increase in the lifespan of the building by choosing retrofitting methods. The effectiveness of BIM and AIoT technologies allows imple-menting modern requirements to reduce the time and cost of design, optimize design solutions based on experience in designing new buildings and structures, providing the necessary infor-mation support of the investment project throughout its life cycle.
Influence of No-till System with or without Cover Crop on Glyphosate Tolerant Soybean Productivity and Adaptation to Drought
Authors: Bernier Brillon Jérôme , Moingt Matthieu , Lucotte Marc Michel
Published: August 2023

Soybean are vulnerable to drought and temperature increases potentially induced by climate change. The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of cover crops (CC) can influence the gas exchange potential of glyphosate tolerant soybean when the vapor pressure deficit (Vpd) increases. This two years study was conducted in an open experimental field comprising Direct Seeding plots without CC (DS) or with CC (DSCC). Stomatal conductance (Gs) was measured five times on the same identified leaves following GBH application. These leaves were then collected in order to observe the stomata (size, density and stomatal index) with a scanning electron microscope and to perform measurements on foliar traits (venation density, width of midrib). The Vpd was calculated concomitantly to Gs measurements at the leaf surface. The results suggest that the use of CC promotes phenotypic change in soybean leaves (more elaborate venation and a higher stomatal density), which in turn may enhance their tolerance to drier conditions. In 2019, Gs could be up to 29% higher in DSCC plots compared to DS ones along with similar Vpd values. This study shows that the benefits of using CC can be observed through the morphological development strategies of the crop plants and their higher tolerance to drought.
Distributed Generation Applied to Residential Self-Supply in South America in the Decade 2013-2023: A Literature Review
Authors: Chabla-Auqui Leonardo , Ochoa-Correa Danny , Villa-Ávila Edisson , Astudillo-Salinas Patricio
Published: August 2023

The implementation of residential distributed generation (DG) in South America has shown significant growth in the last decade, driven by increased research on photovoltaics and renewable energy sources. Regulatory policies and business models have been crucial in fostering the adoption of DG in the region, with residential self-supply being the most receptive sector for implementing the concept. This article presents a literature review on DG as applied to residential self-supply in South America by comprehensively analyzing documents published between 2013 and 2023, applying the PRISMA methodology. In total, 37 literature resources have been systematically selected and reviewed to contribute to the identification of trends and developments in the field of DG in the residential sector, as well as highlighting areas that require further research and attention from stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, technology providers and consumers in the South American context.
Simplifying Forehead and Temple Reconstruction
Authors: Redondo Pedro
Published: August 2023

The forehead and temporal region are a frequent area of skin cancer development. After tumor removal, reconstruction must be performed maintaining the frontal-temporal line of the scalp and the symmetry of the eyebrows, trying to hide the scars in these marks or in natural folds and wrinkles. Second wound healing and skin grafts generally do not produce an acceptable cosmetic result. When direct closure is not possible, the technique of choice is skin flaps. In the midfrontal line, continuation of the glabella, there is a remnant of skin to be used as a donor area for local flaps; similarly, it occurs in the preauricular cheek, which can move towards the temple. In addition to the classic advancement and rotation flaps, the frontalis myocutaneous transposition flap is an excellent technique for closing defects which are wider than higher on the forehead. Its design is very versatile and can be done between the two pupil lines at different heights depending on the location of the defect. On the other hand, the preauricular skin advancement flap with an infralobular Burow's triangle is also an excellent option for reconstructing tumors in the temporal area.
Evaluation of structural and operational alternatives to optimize the distribution of water and sediment in the Passes of the Mississippi River
Authors: Copeland Ronald , Hartman Michael , Lewis James
Published: August 2023

Mississippi River shoaling and dredging processes in the vicinity of Head of Passes and in Southwest Pass were investigated. Existing rates of deposition and dredging were determined using near-daily eHydro bathymetric surveys, National Dredging Quality Management dredge operating data, and geospatial processing steps developed for this study. These surveys provide a means to characterize the highly dynamic and variable sedimentation patterns observed in the navigation channel. The HEC-6T one-dimensional numerical sedimentation model was used to evaluate possible modifications to the distribution of water and sediment in the Mississippi River near Head of Passes in an attempt to reduce shoaling in the navigation channel. The model was used to evaluate the effects of partial closures of several distributaries downstream from Venice and to evaluate the effects of channel widening and channel deepening adjacent to the Hopper Dredge Disposal Area at Head of Passes. In this study, various structural alternatives were compared to a base test that represented existing conditions. Sedimentation and dredging effects were projected 50 years into the future.
Towards volatile and uncertain energy markets - quantifying costs for German residential Prosumers
Authors: Ouwerkerk Jonas van , Cortés Mauricio Celi , Nsir Najet , Gong Jingyu , Figgener Jan , Zurmühlen Sebastian , Bußar Christian , Sauer Dirk Uwe
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to unseen disruptions in the global energy markets since the end of 2021. While German households could cut costs due to saving energy, residential energy installations like photovoltaic systems, battery home storage systems, and heat pumps are gaining traction. However, the benefit of those technologies during the energy crisis and beyond has not been quantified yet. Therefore, in this study, we benchmark residential investments for different prosumers and analyze recent political incentives and subsidies. We observe that at the climax of the energy crisis households with a heat pump could save 1,850 € and reduce equivalent CO2 emissions by 250 g/kWh annually. Politically introduced price breaks on electricity and natural gas do not reverse this advantage. Furthermore, installing a larger solar photovoltaic system and owning an electric vehicle always proves to be economically and ecologically beneficial.
An improved resource allocation method for mapping service function chains based on A3C
Authors: Huang Wanwei , Li Song , Li Hui , Zhang Chaoqin , Li Guangyuan , Li Yuhui
Published: August 2023

Network function virtualization(NFV) technology deploys network functions as software functions on a generalised hardware platform and provides customised network services in the form of service function chain (SFC), which improves the flexibility and scalability of network services and reduces network service costs. However, irrational resource allocation during service function chain mapping will cause problems such as low resource utilisation, long service request processing time and low mapping rate. To address the unreasonable problem of service mapping resource allocation, we proposes an improved service function chain mapping resource allocation method (SA3C) based on the Asynchronous advantageous action evaluation algorithm (A3C). Firstly, the SFC mapping model is established, the SFC mapping process is divided into two layers of physical topology resource layer and virtual network function request layer, and the two layers are represented by abstract parameters; Secondly, the relationship between mapping resource allocation and service processing process is analysed, and a mathematical model is established for the minimisation of the processing time of the joint allocation of node computation and link bandwidth communication resources, and the minimisation mathematical model is modelled as a Markov process, defining the ternary containing state, action, and reward; Finally, combining the ternary with the deep reinforcement learning algorithm A3C, using the training master network as a template, and using multi-threading technology to generate multiple sub-networks for parallel training to find the optimal resource allocation strategy. The experimental simulation results show that compared with the Actor-Critic (AC) and Policy Gradient (PG) methods, SA3C algorithm can improve the resource utilisation by 9.85%, reduce the total processing time by 10.72%, and improve the mapping rate by 6.72%, by reasonably allocating node computational resources and link bandwidth communication resources.
Investigation of miR-15b-5p expression and role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Su Xuejin , Zhou Ziyan , Chen Weimin , Zhu Mingjing , Wu Lanhua , Yin Yuanxiu , Chen Sixia , Kang Min
Published: August 2023

Background: In the current study, miR-15b-5p expression and role in HNSCC remains indistinct. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and role of miR-15b-5p in HNSCC.
Methods: The data obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases was used to estimate the expression and diagnostic value of miR-15b-5p in HNSCC by meta-analysis and diagnostic test. We determined miR-15b-5p expression in HNSCC using RT-qPCR and predicted its key genes using miRWalk and GEPIA2 databases. Enrichment analyses were used to investigate the effects and signaling pathways associated with miR-15b-5p in HNSCC. The effect of target genes on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients were assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Results: The result of meta-analysis and RT-qPCR indicated that miR-15b-5p was overexpressed in HNSCC (P<0.05). Diagnostic test demonstrated that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR values were as follows: 0.70 (95% CI:0.67-0.73), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67-0.77), 2.15 (95% CI: 1.57-2.94), 0.48 (95% CI: 0.35-0.67), and 7.33 (95% CI: 4.95-10.86), respectively. Based on the SROC curve analysis, the AUC was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77-0.84), indicating that miR-15b-5p played a potential diagnostic role in identifying HNSCC tissues. MiR-15b-5p expression were higher in N1- 4 stages than in N0 stage, and in T3- 4 stages than in T1-2 stages (P < 0.05). Enrichment analysis showed that miR-15b-5p may participate in HNSCC by regulating the retinol metabolism pathway. RDH12 and UGT1A7 were downregulated in HNSCC, with the Spearman’s analysis demonstrating that RDH12 expression was inversely proportional to miR-15b-5p, whereas UGT1A7 expression was directly proportional to miR-15b-5p (P<0.05). The methylation levels of UGT1A10 and UGT1A7 in HNSCC were appreciably lower than those in the control, and the DFS of patients with high UGT1A7 expression were significantly longer than those with low expression (P<0.05). High UGT1A7 expression is a favorable factor for good DFS in patients with HNSCC.
Conclusion: MiR-15b-5p may regulate the retinol metabolism pathway by targeting UGT1A7, thereby affecting HNSCC prognosis. MiR-15b-5p may be a novel biomarker to predict the disease progression and prognosis in patients with HNSCC.
Transferring the TTF triples
Authors: Gao Nan , Ma Jing , Zhang Chi-Heng
Published: August 2023

In the paper, we investigate the lifting of TTF triples, where the main tools are ladders of triangulated categories. Then we apply it to the bounded Gorenstein derived category and the stable category of Gorenstein-projective modules.
A Secure and Interoperable Architecture for Blockchain/IPFS Assisted Electronic Health Record Access Control and Sharing
Authors: Kenaza Tayeb , Messai Sami , Debicha Islam , Sehaki Mehdi
Published: August 2023

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) store sensitive and critical patient information, necessitating stringent access control and sharing mechanisms to uphold data security and comply with privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In this paper, we propose a comprehensive architecture and a suite of efficient protocols that leverage the synergistic capabilities of blockchain and Interplanetary File System (IPFS) technologies to enable secure access control and sharing of EHRs. Our approach is based on a private blockchain, wherein smart contracts are deployed to enforce control exclusively by patients. By granting patients exclusive control over their EHRs, our solution ensures compliance with personal data protection laws and empowers individuals to manage their health information autonomously. Notably, our proposed architecture seamlessly integrates with existing health provider information systems, facilitating interoperability and effectively addressing security and data heterogeneity challenges. To exhibit the effectiveness of our approach, we developed a prototype implementation utilizing the Ethereum platform, enabling the simulation of diverse scenarios involving access control and health data sharing among healthcare practitioners. Our experimental results demonstrate the scalability, recovery mechanisms, and revocation procedures embedded within our solution, thereby substantiating its efficacy and robustness in real-world healthcare settings. Overall, our study provides a significant contribution towards a secure and interoperable framework for EHR access control and sharing, leveraging patient-centric control mechanisms.
Assistive technology’s potential to improve employment of people with disabilities
Authors: Kruse Douglas , Schur Lisa , Johnson-Marcus Hazel-Anne , Gilbert Lauren , Lallo Antonio Di , Gao Weibo , Su Hao
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
This study investigates how access to assistive technologies affects employment and earnings among people with disabilities
Methods:
We first document employment and earnings gaps associated with specific disabilities using 2017-2021 American Community Survey and 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation data. We then use accommodations data from the 2012, 2019, and 2021 Current Population Survey (CPS) Disability Supplements to examine employment and earnings growth for people with disabilities related both to any, and to technology-based, accommodations. We also provide a case example of a specific new assistive technology: a “wearable robot” that assists people with upper body impairments.
Results:
Almost all disability types are linked to lower employment and earnings, with especially low employment among those with mobility impairments and particularly low earnings among those with cognitive impairments. About one-tenth of workers with disabilities received any accommodations, and 3-4% received equipment-based accommodations in the 2012-2021 period; these figures increased slightly over the period. The occupations with the highest disability accommodations rates had greater disability employment growth from 2012 to 2021, but disability pay gaps did not decrease more in these occupations. The exoskeleton in our case example can address the estimated employment deficits associated with lifting, reaching, grasping, and pushing/pulling for people with upper body impairments.
Conclusion:
Assistive technology accommodations have potential for increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Near-global Summer Circulation Response to the Spring Surface Temperature Anomaly in Tibetan Plateau ---- The GEWEX/LS4P Phase I experiment
Authors: Zhang Yang , Pan Yan , Xue Yongkang , Diallo Ismaila , Zeng Xubin , Li Shuting , Neelin J. David , Lau William K.M , Boone Aaron A. , Vitart Frederic , Yao Tandong , Tang Qi , Sato Tomonori , Koo Myung-Seo , Ardilouze Constantin , Saha Subodh K. , Yang Jing , Materia Stefano , lin Zhaohui , Qi Xin , Qin Yi , Nakamura Tetsu , Nobre Paulo , Peano Daniele , Senan Retish , Takaya Yuhei , Wang Hailan , Zhang Hongliang , Zhan Yanling , Zhao Mei , Mechoso Carlos R. , Bao Qing , Bottino Marcus Jorge , Hong Songyou , Lin Yanluan , Xie Shaocheng , Pan Xiaoduo , Nayak Hara Prasad , Chou Sin Chan , Guo Weidong
Published: August 2023

Subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) prediction of droughts and floods is one of the major challenges of weather and climate prediction. Recent studies suggest that the springtime land surface temperature/subsurface temperature (LST/SUBT) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) can be a new source of S2S predictability. The project “Impact of Initialized Land Surface Temperature and Snowpack on Subseasonal to Seasonal Prediction (LS4P)” was initiated to study the impact of springtime LST/SUBT anomalies over high mountain areas on summertime precipitation predictions.
The present work explores the simulated global scale response of the atmospheric circulation to the springtime TP land surface cooling by 16 current state-of-the-art Earth System Models (ESMs) participating in the LS4P Phase I (LS4P-I) experiment. The LS4P-I results show, for the first time, that springtime TP surface anomalies can modulate a persistent quasi-barotropic Tibetan Plateau-Rocky Mountain Circumglobal (TRC) wave train from the TP via the northeast Asia and Bering Strait to the western part of the North America, along with the springtime westerly jet from TP across the whole North Pacific basin. The TRC wave train modulated by the TP thermal anomaly play a critical role on the early summer surface air temperature and precipitation anomalies in the regions along the wave train, especially over the northwest North America and the southern Great Plains. The participant models that fail in capturing the TRC wave train greatly under-predict climate anomalies in reference to observations and the successful models. These results suggest that the TP LST/SUBT anomaly via the TRC wave train is the first order source of the S2S variability in the regions mentioned. Furthermore, the TP surface temperature anomaly can influence the Southern Hemispheric circulation by generating cross-equator wave trains. However, the simulated propagation pathways from the TP into the Southern Hemisphere show large inter-model differences. More dynamical understanding of the TRC wave train as well as its cross-equator propagation into the Southern Hemisphere will be explored in the newly launched LS4P phase II experiment.
Comparing Apples and Oranges? The Influence of Java Profiler Choice on the Identification of Hot Methods for Genetic Improvement
Authors: Watkinson Myles , Brownlee Alexander Edward Ian
Published: August 2023

Genetic improvement (GI) of software applies search-based optimisation to existing software and many existing pieces of work show its successful application in a variety of contexts. GI generates variants of the original program, testing each for functionality and properties such as run time or memory footprint. A common approach to increase the efficiency of the GI search is to profile the target application to identify hot methods that the code variations are focused on. More widely, of course, profiling is an important tool in the software developer's box. We recently upgraded the profiler included in the GI toolbox Gin from HPROF (Java 8) to Java Flight Recorder (JFR) (Java 9+). In doing so, we explored whether the change of profiler would have much impact on the profiling results: specifically the hot methods identified for a target application. We now expand that work with a much wider experimental study comparing HPROF on Java 8, and JFR on Java 9 and 17, within Gin on six target open-source applications, for both run time and memory use. We find that a small number of repeat runs (20) of any one profiler is enough to produce remarkably consistent results. Perhaps unsuprisingly, changing the profiler and JDK dramatically change the hot methods identified. We also show that localising test suites during the profiling process is unwise, often missing relevant members of the test suite.
Dual Optimization For Enhancing TRA in MCF-based SDM-EONs
Authors: Petale Shrinivas , Subramaniam Suresh
Published: August 2023

A fine-grained, flexible frequency grid of elastic optical transmission and space division multiplexing (SDM) in conjunction with spectrally efficient modulations is an ideal solution for the impending capacity crunch. The routing, modulation, core, and spectrum assignment (RMCSA) problem is an important lightpath resource assignment problem in SDM elastic optical networks (SDM-EONs). Intercore Crosstalk (XT) degrades the quality of parallel transmissions on adjacent cores, and the RMCSA algorithm must satisfy XT requirements while optimizing network performance. There is an indirect tradeoff between spectrum utilization and XT tolerance; while higher modulations are more spectrum-efficient, they are also less tolerant of XT because they allow fewer connections between neighbouring cores on the overlapping spectrum. In the presence of XT, the Tridental Resource Assignment algorithm (TRA) has been shown to optimally assign resources in multicore fiber networks. Using the tridental coefficient (TC), this algorithm strikes a balance between spectrum utilization and XT. However, TRA is computationally expensive because TC is calculated for all the possible candidate resource sets for each lightpath request. In this paper, we demonstrate that acceptable or better TRA performance can be achieved while reducing computational overhead than traditional TRA. We achieve that using different stages of offline optimization, required only once. We demonstrate that by using tailored weights in TC, the performance of TRA can be enhanced further. We observe that acceptable TRA performance can be achieved with as low as 40% of the total computations and that adjusting weights reduces the bandwidth blocking of TRA, which is already performing better than the baseline algorithms, by approximately two orders of magnitude.
INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY IN LIBRARY SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
Authors:   Research Scholar, Library & Information Science, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar marathwada Vidyapeeth, Aurangabad., Jagdish Ghare Jagruti , Anantrao Kastikar Anuja ,   Librarian & Research Guide, Swatantryaveer Savarkar College, Tal. Beed, Dist- Beed Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkarmarathwada Vidyapeeth, Aurangabad.
Published: August 2023

Efforts are being made to provide effective service to the readers by using innovative technology in the Modern Information Technology Library. Digital libraries and their resources and the number of readers are increasing tomorrow. New technology will be used in the future library, so the purpose of the library and the reader will be achieved through proper coordination between the library and the reader. An attempt has been made to clarify the importance of innovation and technology in the library.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE OF MAJOR FUNGAL DISEASES IN CASHEW ORCHARDS IN PENI, BURKINA FASO
Authors:   Equipe Phytopathologie et Mycologie Tropicale (PM-Prop), Unite de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (UFR/SVT), Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso., Adama Sirima , Tounwendsida Abel Nana ,   Equipe Phytopathologie et Mycologie Tropicale (PM-Prop), Unite de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (UFR/SVT), Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso., Patinde Abdoul Kader Zongo ,   Centre National de Semences ForestiÃƒÂ¨res (CNSF), 01 BP 2682 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso., Bakary Ouattara ,   Laboratoire de Virologie et de Biotechnologies Vegetales, Institut de lEnvironnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA), station de Kamboinse, 01 BP 476 Ouagadougou 01 Burkina Faso., Adama Traore ,   Centre National de Semences ForestiÃƒÂ¨res (CNSF), 01 BP 2682 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso., Edith Marie Sylvie Daboue ,   Centre National de Semences ForestiÃƒÂ¨res (CNSF), 01 BP 2682 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso., Sabati Djane ,   Centre National de Semences ForestiÃƒÂ¨res (CNSF), 01 BP 2682 Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso., Kadidia Koita ,   Equipe Phytopathologie et Mycologie Tropicale (PM-Prop), Unite de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre (UFR/SVT), Universite Joseph KI-ZERBO, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso.
Published: August 2023

Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) occupies an important place in the fruit growing of Burkina Faso. Its nuts are the object of an increasingly strong internal and external demand. However, fungal diseases are the cause of considerable losses and reducing the quality of cashew nuts in plantations. The present study was therefore aimed at identifying the fungal pathogen profile associated with cashew orchards in Peni. For this experiment, symptomatic samples of leaves, flowers and fruits were harvested in 60 orchards from 12 villages of Peni, and the fungi associated with the symptoms were isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Then, an identification of fungi was carried based on the morphological characters of colonies, hyphae and conidia, using identification keys. The results revealed that six fungal species were associated to diseases symptoms. Among these fungi, Pestalotia heterocormis, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Aspergillus niger were the most frequently isolated from symptoms, 61.67%, 38.33% and 25.00%, respectively. Our findings indicate that cashew orchards in Peni are attacked by a complex of phytopathogenic fungi that may affect fruit quantity and quality. Therefore, there is a need to seek effective fungal disease management strategies to ensure sustainable cashew production in Burkina Faso.