bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Forecasting in Smart Grid Environment using N-BEATS
Authors: Singh Neelesh Pratap , Alam Mahamad Nabab
Published: March 2024

Forecasting is increasingly becoming necessary in the modern Smart Grid to properly operate and control renewable integrated power systems. Forecasting accuracy plays a vital role in the adequate scheduling of conventional resources to allow the maximum utilization of renewable sources and provide proper operation of the system. Mainly, accurate short-term forecasting of load, electricity price, solar photovoltaic (PV), and wind turbine (WT) based renewable power generations are of central importance to manage remaining sources optimally to supply cost-effective power to the consumers and reduce carbon emissions. This paper proposes a Neural Basis Expansion Analysis Time Series Forecasting (N-BEATS) algorithm for highly accurate short-term forecasting of SG load, electricity price, PV and WT-based power generations. Data preprocessing, such as normalisation, outlier management, and new cyclic feature building, is employed in the proposed algorithm to enhance its performance. The developed N-BEATS algorithm performs excellently on dynamically fluctuating datasets and peak load prediction. The suitability and effectiveness of the N-BEATS algorithm are validated on four different datasets. Further, the superiority of the algorithm is demonstrated by comparing the performance of the algorithm with several well-explored state-of-the-art forecasting algorithms.
Thermopower probing emergent local moments in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Das Anindya , Ghosh Ayan , Chakraborty Souvik , Dutta Ranit , Agarwala Adhip , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Banerjee Sumilan , Trivedi Nandini , Mukerjee Subroto
Published: March 2024

Recent experiments on magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBLG) indicate an unusual coexistence of heavy 1-6 and light 7-10 fermions. Yet, these experiments lack direct evidence of the existence of local moments arising from the flatband, a key component of heavy-fermion physics 11-16. Utilizing thermopower as a sensitive probe for measuring entropy 17, we unveil the presence of local moments through their impact on entropy. Remarkably, in addition to sign changes at the Dirac point (ν = 0) and full band filling (ν = ±4), the thermopower demonstrates additional sign changes at the location, νcross ∼ ±1, which does not vary with temperature from 5K to ∼ 60K. This observation cannot be explained solely from the contributions of band fermions; instead, our data is consistent with the dominant contribution arising from the entropy of the localized moments. To validate our claim, we have investigated the effect of magnetic field (B) on the thermopower, both B∥ and B⊥. Our results show a 30% and 50% reduction, respectively, and can be attributed to the partial polarization of the local moments (spin/valley), resulting in decreased entropy. Our thermopower results highlight the contribution from local moments arising from flatbands, distinct from the band contributions to the resistivity in MATBLG.
Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and their association with oxidative stress among pregnant women in Los Angeles
Authors: Meng Qi , Mitra Sanjali , Rosario Irish Del , Jerrett Michael , Janzen Carla , Devaskar Sherin U. , Ritz Beate
Published: March 2024

Background
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been linked to adverse birth outcomes, but few epidemiological studies to date have evaluated associations between urinary PAH metabolites and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnancy.
Methods
We measured a total of 7 PAH metabolites and 2 oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) in urine samples collected up to three times during pregnancy in 159 women enrolled at antenatal clinics at the University of California Los Angeles during 2016–2019. Using multiple linear regression models, we estimated the percentage change (%) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in 8-OHdG and MDA measured at each sample collection time per doubling of PAH metabolite concentrations.
Results
Most PAH metabolites were positively associated with both urinary oxidative stress biomarkers, MDA and 8-OHdG, with stronger associations in early and late pregnancy. Women pregnant with male fetuses exhibited slightly larger increases in both MDA and 8-OHdG in association with PAH exposures in early and late pregnancy.
Conclusion
Urinary OH-PAH biomarkers are associated with increases in oxidative stress during pregnancy, especially in early and late pregnancy. Sex differences in associations between PAH exposures and oxidative stress need to be further explored in the future.
A method for assessing and localizing protection measurement loop errors based on an improved similarity algorithm
Authors: Mu ZongJun , Liu Deng Xin , Hu Bin , Li Zhen
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes the EWM-EDTS algorithm for localizing errors in measurement loops of power system relay protection devices. The algorithm integrates Euclidean distance and Tanimoto similarity using the entropy weight method. Two sets of measurement data with correlated physical information are selected based on the power station's topology. The Euclidean distance and Tanimoto similarity algorithms are used to calculate a sequence of distance values that characterize the dispersion of the two sets of data. then the entropy power method is introduced to calculate the dynamic entropy value of the two sets of sequences, which serves as a distance value weighting and fuses to generate the distance value of the EWM-EDTS, and compares it with the distance threshold value constituted by the measurement data under the normal working condition to realize the error localization of the real-time measurement data. Real-time measurement data error localization.
Following a route at a safe distance of the leader in 2D\3D environments with dynamic obstacles
Authors: Rybka Roman , Skorokhodov Maksim , Gryaznov Artem , Sboev Alexander , Moloshnikov Ivan , Kudryashov Nikolay , Liu Yuanchao
Published: March 2024

The problem of controlling an agent, following by the leader, which moves by some complicated route, unknown for the follower is relevant both from a methodical point of view, and the practical one. In the first case, it is a rich polygon for investigation and prospective development of reinforcement learning (RL) methods. In the second case, a solution of the issue gives a means to control the route for an agent-follower which does not possess a detailed map of the area and the ability to navigate in space using external systems such as ”Global Positioning System” (GPS). The agent is obliged to remain on the route at a given distance from the leader. We consider the problem in the next statement: the agent follows by the leader, taking into account the avoidance of dynamical obstacles in a defined narrow area relative to a given or dynamically generated route. To train a reinforcement learning-based model we developed a two-dimensional (2D) environment simulator, where the "Light Detection and Ranging" (LIDAR) data from the last few steps are used as features, and the linear and angular velocities of the agent are used as the model's output. The paper presents the results of a study of various experimental configurations: the number and types of obstacles, variability of movement routes, and signs of the current state of the environment. The result shows the applicability of the developed model to the problem of following the leader along previously unknown routes in a three-dimensional (3D) environment built using the Gazebo simulator. Code is available at: https://github.com/sag111/continuous-grid-arctic.
Orally administered Thymoquinone mitigates cypermethrin-induced dentate gyrus oxidative stress, preventing GABAergic interneuron degeneration and memory impairment in rats via the Nrf2/ARE pathway.
Authors: Imam Abubakar Lekan , Okesina Akeem Ayodeji , Sulamon Fatimo Ajoke , Imam Aminu , Ibiyeye Ruqayyah Yetunde , Oyewole Lukuman Aboyeji , Biliaminu Sikiru Abayomi , Shehu Monsur , Abdulhameed Alli Oluwatomi , Omoola Oluwatosin Olasheu , Ajao Salihu Moyosore
Published: March 2024

Background
Exposure to chemical toxins, including insecticides, has harmful effects on body organs such as the brain. This study examined the neuroprotective of thymoquinone on the cypermethrin's harmful effects on the histoarchitecture of the dentate gyrus as well as motor deficit.
Methods
Forty adult male rats (180-200g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8 per group). Groups I, II, III, and IV received oral administration of 0.5 ml of phosphate buffered saline, 20 mg/kg of cypermethrin, 10 mg/kg of thymoquinone, 20 mg/kg cypermethrin plus 5 mg/kg of thymoquinone, and 20 mg/kg of cypermethrin plus 10 mg/kg of thymoquinone for 14 days respectively. The novel Object recognition test assesses intermediate-term memory at days 14 and 21 of the experiment. At the end of these treatments, the animals were euthanized and taken for cytoarchitectural analysis and immunohistochemical studies.
Result
The study shows that thymoquinone at 5 and 10 mg/kg improved Novelty preference and discrimination index. Thymoquinone enhanced Nissl body integrity, increased GABBAergic interneuron expression, nuclear factor erythroid 2-derived factor 2, and enhanced Bcl-2 expression in the dentate gyrus. It also improved the concentration of nuclear factor erythroid 2-derived factor 2, increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde level against cypermethrin-induced neurotoxicity.
Conclusion
thymoquinone could be a therapeutic agent against cypermethrin poisoning.
Evaluation of Tomatillo (Physalis spp.) Germplasm Suitable for Culture in Northern States
Authors: Freyre Rosanna , Loy J. Brent
Published: March 2024

The objectives of this research were to 1) evaluate and characterize existing accessions and commercial varieties of Physalis and 2) select desirable germplasm for future breeding attempts. Twenty-eight accessions of Physalis obtained from the Plant Genetic Resources Unit at Geneva, N.Y., and 11 cultivars from commercial seed companies (five tomatillos, P. ixocarpa; six other species) were used. Seed was sown in a greenhouse on 1 May 1997, and 20 seedlings per genotype were transplanted on 6 June at Kingman Research Farm, Univ. of New Hampshire, Durham. Two replicated plots of 10 plants each were used in a completely randomized design, with 1.8-m rows and 0.6-m spacing between plants. Plots were broadcast fertilized prior to planting, and black plastic mulch and drip irrigation were used. No pesticides were used except one application of Carbaryl early in the season to control Japanese beetle. The plants grew very vigorously and showed practically no symptoms of disease or pest problems. Manual harvests were performed continuously from 20 Aug. until 25 Sept., taking data on total weight and number of fruits per plot. After the first harvest, it was decided to limit the harvest to 12 genotypes of tomatillo with highest yields. Yields and flavor of fruits from other species were not considered satisfactory and were not harvested. A total of three harvests were performed. Average yields ranged from 16.1 to 57.7 mT·ha-1. Among the commercial cultivars, the tomatillo obtained from Burpee showed the highest yields and uniformity within plots. Six accessions (two identified as P. ixocarpa, four as Physalis sp.) had yields comparable to that of commercial varieties. Selected genotypes were propagated by cuttings and are being maintained in a greenhouse. E-mail rf@hopper.unh.edu; phone (603) 862-1912.
Effect of Leaf Age and Shading on the Phenolic Composition of Apple Foliage
Authors: Garcia M. Elena , Rom C.R. , Murphy J.B.
Published: March 2024

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of leaf age and shading on the phenolic content and composition of apple foliage. In the first study, it was determined that the phenolic content of `Liberty', at increasing leaf developmental stages, was leaf age—dependent. Early during leaf development, there was an increase in the phloridzin (the primary glycoside identified) and in total phenolics, reaching a maximum when the leaf is 6 days from 20-mm blade length. After this stage, the phenolic content decreased with increasing leaf age. In the second study, the leaves of two cultivars, `Liberty' and `Starkspur Law Rome', were tagged weekly when the leaf was two-thirds unfolded. Three weeks after budbreak, the trees were placed under three shade cloth treatments (0%, 60%, and 90% shade). After 4 weeks under the shade treatments, the tagged leaves were collected to determine their phenolic content. Shade significantly affected the foliar phenolic content. Leaves in 0% shade had the highest phenolic content, whereas the lowest content was found in leaves exposed to 90% shade. There was a significant leaf age × shade interaction. The phenolic content decreased with increasing leaf age except for those leaves whose development occurred before the experiment was started. The results indicate that light and leaf developmental stage are important factors in determining the phenolic content of apple leaves, but shading appears to have a stronger influence than leaf developmental stage. E-mail mgarcia@zoo.uvm.edu; phone (802) 656-2824.
Evaluation of New and Promising Apple Cultivars for New England
Authors: Greene Duane W.
Published: March 2024

Over 225 apple cultivars grown at the Horticultural Research Center in Belchertown have been evaluated for fruit quality and fruit characteristics. Methods used to determine fruit characteristics and organoleptic assessment will be presented. The postharvest potential of the most promising apples will be presented. Two apples ripen about the first of September and show promise for early market. `Sansa' is a medium-sized red apple that ripens about the first of September. It is a high-quality apple with characteristics similar to `Gala'. `Ginger Gold' is a large, firm, mild-flavored, russet-free, yellow apple. `Honeycrisp' is a red apple that ripens in mid-September, before `McIntosh'. It is a large, mild-flavored apple that is sometimes erratic in red color development. It maintains firmness and explosive crispness out of storage better than any other apple evaluated. `Golden Supreme' is an extremely attractive, russet-free `Golden Delicious' type ripening 7 to 10 days before `Golden Delicious'. When ripe it has a very aromatic, fruity flavor. It stores better than `Golden Delicious'. Other apples with merit that have commercial potential include: `Hampshire', `Shizuka', `Cameo', `Creston', `Coop 25', `Coop 29', and `Braeburn'. `Pink Lady' is a very late maturing, new cultivar that is being heavily planted in other areas. Although it does mature here, based upon starch rating, fruit size is small, the flesh is dry and very tart, and taste is only fair.
Breeding Early Blight Resistance for Tomato in Massachusetts
Authors: Holm David L. , Bernatzky Robert
Published: March 2024

Early blight disease on tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, is caused by Alternaria solani, a fungus that primarily affects plants experiencing stress due to adverse growing conditions and heavy fruit loads. A. solani spreads rapidly under conditions of heavy dew and humid, damp weather which frequently occur during Massachusetts summers. Early blight appears as spots and cankers on tomato fruit, stems, and foliage. Host plant resistance to A. solani is exhibited by several lines of wild tomato relatives, including Lycopersicon hirsutum. Breeding efforts at North Carolina State Univ. to incorporate this resistance by making crosses to the wild tomatoes and then making backcrosses to L. esculentum have resulted in advanced breeding lines. These initial lines showed some resistance but have later maturity and lower yields than current commercial cultivars. Field evaluations of yield and early blight resistance were completed for 22 cultivars and advanced breeding lines in 1992 and 20 cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and new crosses in 1993. The new crosses in the 1993 trial were made between high yielding, susceptible lines and lower yielding, resistant lines as evaluated in 1992. Two of these crosses, NC-EBR1 × JETSTAR and 88B231 × SUNRISE, were selected to be used in single seed descent and bulk breeding programs. David L. Holm phone (413) 545-2917, e-mail dholm@hamp.hampshire.edu; Robert Bernatzky phone (413) 545-5222, e-mail rb@pssci.umass.edu
Modifying Heat Unit Accumulation with Contrasting Colors of Polyethylene Mulch
Authors: Schmidt Johnie R. , Worthington Josiah W.
Published: March 2024

Contrasting colors of plastic mulch (black and white over black) were used to modify the rate at which heat units (HU) were accumulated in four different microclimates surrounding watermelon plants during 1996 at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station-Stephenville. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures from 25 Mar. through 4 Aug. were recorded for air 10 cm above the mulch surface, at the mulch surface, at the soil surface under mulch, and 10 cm below the soil surface under mulch. Accumulated HU were significantly higher for white than for black mulch during two of the four periods monitored; however, the reverse was true for all other points of measurements at all times. Daily mean soil surface heat gain was 3.29 HU higher under black than under white mulch in early season, 6.21 higher in late April and early May, 5.19 higher in late May and June, and 4.19 higher in late June through July. Values for soil at 10-cm depth paralleled those for soil surface.
Phenotypic Correlations between Root and Shoot Traits of Strawberry in Fumigated and Nonfumigated Soils
Authors: Fort Sean B. , Shaw Douglas V.
Published: March 2024

Strawberry seedlings (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) from the Univ. of California strawberry improvement program were assigned randomly to soils prepared either with or without preplant fumigation with a mixture of 2 methyl bromide: 1 chloropicrin (by mass; 392 kg·ha-1) in order to evaluate sampling methods for root characters. After 5 months in annual hill culture, individual plant root systems were sampled with a single 1.9-cm-diameter × 24-cm-long soil core probe to determine root mass (RM), secondary rootlet mass (SRM), and a subjective root appearance score (RAS) based on root color and morphology. Whole plants were subsequently extracted and used to measure these root characters and total above-ground (shoot) mass. Soil core samples captured <1 % of total RM on average but explained 45% to 74% of the variability for whole-plant RM and SRM in both soil environments. Plants grown in fumigated soils had greater shoot mass, plant diameter, RM, SRM, and RAS than those grown in nonfumigated soils, regardless of sampling method. Phenotypic correlations between traits were fairly consistent across fumigation treatments, differing by more than ±0.20 only for associations involving RAS as a variable. Highly significant (P < 0.01) phenotypic correlations were detected among shoot mass, plant size, and root core and whole-plant RM and SRM in both fumigation environments; correlations between whole-plant RM and shoot mass were r =0.84 and 0.96 in fumigated and nonfumigated soils, respectively. Conversely, nearly all correlations between pairs of traits involving either soil core or whole-plant RAS were nonsignificant. Together, these results indicate that a strong correspondence exists between above- and below-ground vegetative growth and that most correlations between traits are consistent across fumigation treatments. Further, the strong relationship between soil core RM and whole-plant RM indicates that soil cores provide an accurate description of root growth relationships at the whole-plant level and can be substituted effectively for whole-plant (destructive) samples. Chemical name used: trichloronitromethane (chloropicrin).
Genotype and Fertilization Effects on Trypsin Inhibitor Activity in Sweetpotato
Authors: Zhang Dapeng , Collins Wanda W. , Andrade Maria
Published: March 2024

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is intensively used as an animal feed in many developing countries. Information about trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), an antinutritional component in this crop, will be useful for breeding sweetpotato as animal feed. Nine sweetpotato lines were grown at two locations and fertilized or nonfertilized conditions at each location. Samples were analyzed for TIA using a substrate-specific colorimetric method. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds were used to compare the levels of TIA in sweetpotato and soybean. Activity in roots ranged from 29.5 to 55.0 units in the nine lines. The mean TIA in roots was 40.7 units averaged over lines and environments, which was ≈28% of the mean for the five soybean cultivars. Activity in sweetpotato vines was only ≈14.6% of that in the roots, and TIA in fertilized plots was 150% and 67% higher than that in nonfertilized plots in the two locations, respectively. There was a small but significant positive correlation between TIA and crude protein in roots. These results suggested that TIA in sweetpotato storage roots may be high enough to have a substantial nutritional impact on animals, whereas TIA in vines is very low and should be of less nutritional concern.
Field Performance and Phenotypic Variation of Passiflora incarnata L. in New York State
Authors: McGuire Christopher M.
Published: March 2024

Passiflora incarnata L., a perennial vine native to southeastern North America, bears fruit containing an edible juice. I observed the growth, flowering, fruit yield, and fruit traits of P. incarnata plants grown in the field for one season in Ithaca, N.Y. Plants flowered throughout the summer and were pollinated by carpenter bees, but fruit set was low without additional hand-pollination. Fruits set before mid-August matured in 52 to 113 days, but fruits set after mid-August usually failed to mature. Following hand-pollination of some flowers, plants matured 0 to 14 fruits, and yield of edible juice was 5 to 10 mL per fruit. Vegetative growth, plant architecture, number of flowers produced, number of fruits matured, days from flower opening to fruit maturity, fruit size, the proportion of fruits filled with juice and seeds, and the size of juice-containing arils all varied greatly among plants. Part of this variation was probably genetic.
Influence of Urban Waste Compost Media and Paclobutrazol Drenches on Impatiens Growth
Authors: Klock Kimberly A.
Published: March 2024

Bedding plant growers have the opportunity to utilize urban waste compost in their growing media, but variation in substrates that constitute the compost could influence the efficacy of growth regulator drenches. This experiment investigated the effect of 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% compost made from biosolids and yard trimmings on the efficacy of a paclobutrazol drench on Impatiens wallerana Hook.f. `Accent Red'. Paclobutrazol was applied at a.i. drench rates of 0, 0.016, 0.032, 0.060, or 0.125 mg/pot. Growth of control plants (0 mg) increased linearly as the percentage of compost in the medium increased from 0% to 100%. Growth of plants in all media decreased as paclobutrazol concentration increased to ≈ 0.016 mg with no further decreases at higher concentrations. The efficacy of paclobutrazol varied with the medium. For example, paclobutrazol at 0.016 mg reduced shoot dry mass by 31 % relative to control plants in the presence of 100% compost but only 17% in the absence of compost. The percentage of growth reduction, relative to control plants, increased as the percentage of compost in the medium increased. Chemical name used: β-[(4-chloro-phenyl)methyl]-α(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol (paclobutrazol).
Reduced Tillage Practices for Managing the Colorado Potato Beetle in Processing Tomato Production
Authors: Hunt D.W.A.
Published: March 2024

Experiments were conducted on processing tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown in a reduced tillage system utilizing rye (Secale cereale L.) as a cover crop, to determine the effects of tillage practices on the severity of Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)] infestation and damage. Colonization by newly emerged adult Colorado potato beetles in the spring was significantly more rapid in conventional tillage than in reduced tillage plots in 2 of 3 years. Conventional tillage plots without insecticide had significantly higher densities of egg masses, larvae, and second-generation adult Colorado potato beetles at several sampling dates over the 3-year study. Reduced tillage plots sustained less defoliation than conventional tillage plots without insecticide and had higher yields of ripe fruit. The results of this study establish that damage from the Colorado potato beetle can be significantly reduced in processing tomatoes through the use of minimum tillage.
Control of Tomato Irregular Ripening with Imidacloprid
Authors: Powell Charles A. , Stoffella Peter J.
Published: March 2024

The utilization of imidacloprid in controlling silverleaf whitefly (SLWF) (Bemisia argentifolii Bellows and Perrin) and its associated disorder tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) irregular ripening (TIR) was investigated under field conditions. Tomato seedlings were transplanted into the field and drenched with 0.0, 14.5, 24.0, or 43.5 mg a.i./plant of imidacloprid during Fall 1995 and Spring 1996. Adult SLWF populations were reduced in plots drenched with imidacloprid as compared with the untreated control plots during both growing seasons. In the fall, the low, medium, and high rates of imidacloprid reduced the percentage of tomato fruit with external tomato irregular ripening symptoms from 33.4 in the untreated control to 1.4, 0.3, and 0.7, respectively. The percentage of fruit with internal symptoms was reduced from 83.8 in the untreated control plot to 14.2, 4.0, and 6.1 for the low, medium, and high rates of imidacloprid, respectively. In the spring experiment, the incidence of external TIR symptoms in all plots was minimal (<1%), but the higher rates of imidacloprid reduced the incidence of internal symptoms relative to the untreated control. Chemical name used: 1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl) methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine (imidacloprid).
Comparison of Chitinases from Dogwood Anthracnose Resistant and Susceptible Cornus Species
Authors: Cardwell Nicole A. , McDaniel Gary L.
Published: March 2024

The pathogenesis-related protein, chitinase, is implicated in the resistance mechanisms involved in dogwood anthracnose, which is caused by Discula destructiva. Chitinase isozymes were isolated from Discula-inoculated Cornus mas, a highly resistant species, and from inoculated C. florida, a highly susceptible species. Chitinase activity was identified in C. mas on days 2-12 following inoculation, but was expressed only on day 8 following inoculation in C. florida. Both dogwood species expressed a constitutive chitinase level in noninoculated control leaves, but Discula-inoculated leaves of C. mas contained three chitinase isozymes, whereas C. florida leaves expressed only two. Molecular masses of isozymes were 21, 32, and 35 kDa for C. mas and 21 and 35 kDa for C. florida. Isoelectric focusing demonstrated three chitinase isozyme isoelectric points for C. mas (pI = 5.6, 6.8, and 8.9), but only two for C. florida (pI = 5.6 and 6.8). These differences in synthesized isozymes and rate of accumulation suggest that chitinase may have a role in the defense of dogwood against D. destructiva infection.
Sustainable Development of Russia and its Regions during the Pandemic
Authors: Moskovceva Larisa , Golovleva Irina , Usanov Alexander , Koryakina Tat'yana
Published: March 2024

The pandemic has created additional risks for achieving the socio-economic and environmental goals of sustainable development, has largely transformed consumer behavior and created prerequisites for an environmental agenda revision. The purpose of the study is to identify trends in sustainable development during the pandemic, to identify the features of their manifestation in Russian regions, as well as to justify the need for further stimulation of responsible consumption and production practices based on the environmental innovations’ potential. The objectives of the article include the research of sustainable development trends in the world and Russia during the pandemic, identification of risks to achieving socio-economic and environmental goals, disclosure of the sustainable development specifics in Russian regions during the pandemic, and the formation of recommendations aimed at achieving the goals of Russian regions’ sustainable development. It is determined that the pandemic period is characterized by a slowdown in economic growth and an increase of social and environmental tension, which creates risks for achieving sustainable development goals. Such trends are global in nature, and affect the Russian regions. The authors consider the vectors of consumer behavior patterns and organizations’ activities transformation during the pandemic, identify the key tasks for ensuring the Russian regions’ sustainable development at the stage of post-crisis recovery.
Faithful Depictions of Mahadevi Durga: A Glimpse into the Miniature Painting Collection of Goddess Durga at Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
Authors:   Researcher, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad., Baheti Pallavi
Published: March 2024

India is a land of culture, faith, and religion and this land has always surprised its worshippers with miracles beyond explanation. Every tragedy has strengthened multiple narratives of belief systems and better ways of living. While the cultural consciousness has discovered a neutral source of energy to worship upon, not everyone can focus their energies on a fictitious fire of power. As humans, we tend to humanize that energy into the binaries we understand. While exploring these dichotomies, the energy representing the divine female draws us into its own web of complexities. Existentialism and origin are two strong words that can haunt us forever if not addressed; Who are we and what’s our divine origin? Where does femininity originate from in India? How do we identify ourselves with a visual divine female? Thus, while addressing this existentialism, this paper explores the notions of femininity, the need for an icon, her presence, her history and tales of her belief. It analyzes the collection of the paintings of Durga at Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
Akbarnama: A Study of the Different Facets of the Emperor’s Personality
Authors:   Ph.D candidate and JRF at the Department of History and Culture at Jamia Millia Islamia., Sekh Tanjima Kar
Published: March 2024

Akbarnama is a major primary source in the study of Mughal history. It is criticized by various historians, as a flattery of a senior courtier for the emperor of Hindustan, Akbar. However, we cannot deny its importance and the rich information that it provides about the contemporary times of Akbar’s rule. This paper would explore Akbarnama as a political tool that legitimized Akbar’s rule and established him as a balanced ruler. It would explore the various tenets of Akbar’s character that has been highlighted through some events throughout his period of reign via text and paintings.
New Find of Divine GeoArts in India and Neighbouring Countries
Authors:   Former Dy. D.G., Geological Survey of India, Jaipur, Grover Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2024

GeoArt deals with spectacular creations on the earth (Geo) by Mother Nature in the form of artistic (Art) developments of landforms and landscapes, which are appreciated when viewed from the air or sky-space. Initially Geoart was considered for any artistic natural or geological feature, and irrespective of scale. The stunning beauty of satellite views was brought out by NASA in a book ‘Earth as Art’ in 2012. Many considered these as ‘Geoarts’ relating it with geosciences and art. Large numbers of spectacular GeoArts are identified by the author through surfing of Google Earth images of India and neighbouring countries. Most of these are found related to human and animal-bird lives. Some, however, have attained manifestations of divine forms relating to God/ Goddess or their association; hence, are regarded as Divine GeoArts. Brief details of 20 such spectacular Divine GeoArts are presented in the paper. The approachable sites of some of these amazing GeoArts may find its place in future geotourism as these, like other landforms and landscapes, have potentiality to communicate scientific perception for their development through natural agencies or divine forces of Mother Nature.
Prediction of microbiological non-compliances using a Boosted Regression Trees model: application on the drinking water distribution system of a whole country
Authors: Barcia Mariana , Sixto Alexandra , Pia Cerdeiras Maria
Published: March 2024

Universal access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a requirement for a healthy life. Therefore, monitoring the quality of the supplied water is of utmost importance. To achieve this goal, there is a need to develop tools that support monitoring activities and improve efficiency. Forecasting models enable the prediction of pollution levels and facilitate the implementation of action plans. In this study, the Boosted Regression Trees method was employed to investigate the variables influencing water quality failures (WQFs) due to microbial contamination at the delivery point. The dataset used was obtained from localities across the country's distribution systems. The variables under consideration included physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity (NTU), and free chlorine (mg L−1), along with contextual parameters like the year, season, geographic location, and locality population. Indicators of microbial contamination assessed were the presence of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most significant variables were geographic location, free chlorine content, and the population of the locality. The model achieved an AUC value of 0.77 and provided adequate predictions in the conducted tests. It enables the exploration of key factors affecting microbiological water quality, allowing for informed action to reduce associated risks.
Targeted Delivery of Diphtheria Toxin into VEGFR1/VEGFR2 Overexpressing
Cells Induces Anti-angiogenesis Activity
Authors: Kazemi-Lomedasht Fatemeh , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farzad , Faal Zahra , Behdani Mahdi
Published: March 2024

Background::

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2)
are tyrosine kinase receptors expressed on endothelial cells and tumor vessels and play an important
role in angiogenesis. In this study, three repeats of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 binding peptide
(VGB3) were genetically fused to the truncated diphtheria toxin (TDT), and its in vitro activity
was evaluated.

Methods::

The recombinant construct (TDT-triVGB3) was expressed in bacteria cells and purified
with nickel affinity chromatography. The binding capacity and affinity of TDT-triVGB3 were
evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The inhibitory activity of TDT-triVGB3
on viability, migration, and tube formation of human endothelial cells was evaluated using MTT,
migration, and tube formation assays.

Results::

TDT-triVGB3 selectively detected VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 with high affinity in an enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assay and significantly inhibited viability, migration, and tube formation
of human endothelial cells.

Conclusion::

The developed TDT-triVGB3 is potentially a novel agent for targeting VEGFR1/
VEGFR2 over-expressing cancer cells.
Identification of Potential Inhibitors of Three NDM Variants of Klebsiella Species from Natural Compounds: A Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and MM-PBSA Study
Authors: Neog Nakul , Puzari Minakshi , Chetia Pankaj
Published: March 2024

Background:

Klebsiella species have emerged as well-known opportunistic pathogens
causing nosocomial infections with β-lactamase-mediated resistance as a prevalent antibiotic
resistance mechanism. The discovery and emergence of metallo-β-lactamases, mainly new-
Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDMs), have increased the threat and challenges in healthcare facilities.

Objective:

A computational screening was conducted using 570 natural compounds from Dr.
Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical data to discover promising inhibitors for NDM-6,
NDM-9, and NDM-23 of the Klebsiella species.

Methods:

Using homology modeling on the Raptor-X web server, the structures of the three
NDM variants were predicted. The structures were validated using various computational tools
and MD simulation for 50 ns. Lipinski - Vebers’ Filter and ADMET Screening were used to
screen 570 compounds, followed by docking in Biovia Discovery Studio 2019 using the
CDOCKER module. GROMACS was used to simulate the compounds with the highest scores
with the proteins for 50 ns. Using the MM-PBSA method and g_mmpbsa tool, binding free energies
were estimated and per-residue decomposition analysis was conducted.

Results:

The three structures predicted were found stable after the 50 ns MD Simulation run.
The compounds Budmunchiamine-A and Rhamnocitrin were found to have the best binding
energy towards NDM-6, NDM-9, and NDM-23, respectively. From the results of MD Simulation,
MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations, and per-residue decomposition analysis, the
Protein-ligand complex of NDM-6 with Budmunchiamine A and NDM-9 with Rhamnocitrin
was relatively more stable than the complex of NDM-23 and Rhamnocitrin.

Conclusion:

The study suggests that Budmunchiamine-A and Rhamnocitrin are potential inhibitors
of NDM-6 and NDM-9, respectively, and may pave a path for in-vivo and in-vitro studies in
the future.
Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Retinitis
Pigmentosa
Authors: Ucgun Nil Irem , Zeki Fikret Cenk , Sahin Hamurcu Mualla
Published: March 2024

Background::

To determine the effectiveness of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal
stem cell therapy on visual acuity and visual field in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Objective::

Stem cell treatment in retinitis pigmentosa provides improvement in visual acuity and
visual field.

Method::

Forty-seven eyes of 27 patients diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa were included in our
study.
Allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were administered by deep subtenon injection.
Complete routine ophthalmological examinations, optical coherence tomography (Zeiss,
Cirrus HD-OCT) measurements, and visual field (Humphrey perimetry, 30-2) tests were performed
on all patients before the treatment and on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month after treatment. The
best corrected visual acuities of the patients were determined by the Snellen chart and converted
to logMAR. Visual evoked potential (VEP) and electroretinogram (ERG) examinations of the patients
before the treatment and on the 6th month after the treatment were performed (Metrovision)
data were compared.

Results::

Visual acuities were 0.74 ± 0.49 logMAR before treatment and 0.61 ± 0.46 logMAR after
treatment. Visual acuity had a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001). The visual field deviation
was found to be -27.16 ± 5.77 dB before treatment and -26.59 ± 5.96 dB after treatment (p
= 0.005). The ganglion cell layer was 46.26 ± 12.87 μm before treatment and 52.47 ± 12.26 μm after
treatment (p = 0.003). There was a significant improvement in Pattern VEP 120º P100 amplitude
compared to that before the treatment (4.43 ± 2.42 μV) and that after the treatment (5.09 ±
2.86 μV) (p = 0.013). ERG latency measurements were 18.33 ± 15.39 μV before treatment and
20.87 ± 18.64 μV after treatment for scotopic 0.01 (p = 0.02). ERG latency measurements for scotopic
3.0 were 20.75 ± 26.31 μV before treatment and 23.10 ± 28.60 μV after treatment (p =
0.014).

Conclusion::

Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive, inherited disease that can result in severe vision
loss. In retinitis pigmentosa, the application of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
by deep subtenon injection has positive effects on visual function. No systemic or ophthalmic side
effects were detected in the patients during the 6-month follow-up period
Current View on How Human Gut Microbiota Mediate Metabolic and Pharmacological Activity of Panax ginseng. A Scoping Review
Authors: Montagnani Monica , Potenza Maria Assunta , Corsalini Massimo , Barile Giuseppe , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , De Giacomo Andrea , Jirillo Emilio , Colella Marica , Santacroce Luigi
Published: March 2024

:

Panax ginseng is one of the most important remedies in ancient Eastern medicine. In
the modern Western world, its reputation started to grow towards the end of the XIX century,
but the rather approximate understanding of action mechanisms did not provide sufficient information for an appropriate use. Nowadays, Panax ginseng is frequently used in some pathological conditions, but the comprehension of its potential beneficial effects is still incomplete.
The purpose of this study is to highlight the most recent knowledge on mechanisms and effects
of ginseng active ingredients on the intestinal microbiota. The human microbiota takes part in
the immune and metabolic balance and serves as the most important regulator for the control of
local pathogens. This delicate role requires a complex interaction and reflects the interconnection with the brain- and the liver-axes. Thus, by exerting their beneficial effects through the intestinal microbiota, the active ingredients of Panax ginseng (glycosides and their metabolites)
might help to ameliorate both specific intestinal conditions as well as the whole organism's homeostasis.
A Deep Insight into Chemistry and Pharmacology of Genus Angelica.: An Up-to-date Systematic Review
Authors: Mishra A.K. , Paliwal S.K.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Healthcare providers globally need plant-derived bioactive compounds for
the treatment of ailments. The present systematic review article emphasizes the chemistry and pharmacology
parts of various Angelica species, family Apiaceae. The species of Angelica genus, native
to the Indian Himalayan, are beneficial for several therapeutic and edible purposes. Aromatherapy
uses essential oils obtained from various species of the Angelica genus. The population of various
Angelica species is declining quickly due to premature destructive harvesting. The traditional medicinal
system involves Angelica glauca Edgew and other Angelica species to treat respiratory, Central
Nervous System (CNS) disorders and many more ailments.

Method:

An extensive literature survey on the chemistry and pharmacological aspects of various
Angelica species, including A. glauca, secondary metabolites, mechanism behind various pharmacological
activities, and marketed products of plants of Genus Angelica was conducted using scientific
databases. The search terms Angelica species, botanical description, wild Angelica, important phytoconstituents
and their pharmacological responses, plant parts used, and the molecular mechanism
behind observed prominent activities were used for data collection. In total, 92 publications were
included from year 1983 to 2023. Articles focusing on other than Angelica species and other than the
English language were excluded from the study. Also, the papers with no full-text availability were
excluded from the present study. Species of the Angelica genus have been known for a wide range of
biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunotoxic.

Result:

The present paper highlights the secondary metabolites present in the Angelica species and
their scientific uses.
Ancient Ayurvedic treatise claims several other pharmacological activities, but scientific validation
of some indications, including the exact mechanism of action, is underway.

:

Ancient Ayurvedic treatise claims several other pharmacological activities, but scientific validation
of some indications, including the exact mechanism of action, is underway.

Conclusion:

This review compiles 30 years of data on Angelica species related to their phytochemistry,
pharmacology, molecular mechanisms of bioactivity, recent advancements and possible future
scope of applied and translational research.
A Deep Learning Framework for IoT Lightweight Traffic
Multi-classification: Smart-cities
Authors: Mudarakola Lakshmi Prasad , Bukkarayasamudram Vamshi Krishna , Jadhav Swati Dhondiram , Goviraboyina Soma Sekhar , Sharma Swati , Mukherjee Saptarshi , Reddy Pundru Chandra Shaker
Published: March 2024

Aim and Background:

Increased traffic volume is a major challenge for effective network
management in the wake of the proliferation of mobile computing and the Internet of Things
(IoT). Earlier models surrender efficiency to achieve high-precision classification outcomes, which
are no longer fitting for limited assets in edge network circumstances, making traffic classification
a difficult task for network administrators everywhere. Given the nature of the problem, the current
state of the art in traffic classification is characterized by extremely high computational complexity
and large parameters.

Methodology:

To strike a clever balance between performance and size, we present a deep learning
(DL)-based traffic classification model. We begin by decreasing the amount of model parameters
and calculations by modifying the model's scale, width, and resolution. To further improve the capability
of feature extraction at the traffic flow level, we secondly incorporate accurate geographical
information on the attention mechanism. Thirdly, we get multiscale flow-level features by employing
lightweight multiscale feature fusion.

Results:

The results of our experiments demonstrate that our model has high classification accuracy
and efficient operation. Our study presents a traffic categorization model with an accuracy of over
99.82%, a parameter reduction of 0.26M, and a computation reduction of 5.26M.

Conclusions:

Therefore, this work offers a practical design used in a genuine IoT situation, where
IoT traffic and tools' profiles are anticipated and classified while easing the data dispensation in the
higher levels of an end-to-end communication strategy.
Histaminergic System and Vestibular Function in Normal and
Pathological Conditions
Authors: Tighilet Brahim , Trico Jessica , Marouane Emna , Zwergal Andreas , Chabbert Christian
Published: March 2024

Most neurotransmitter systems are represented in the central and peripheral vestibular system
and are thereby involved both in normal vestibular signal processing and the pathophysiology of
vestibular disorders. However, there is a special relationship between the vestibular system and the
histaminergic system. The purpose of this review is to document how the histaminergic system interferes
with normal and pathological vestibular function. In particular, we will discuss neurobiological
mechanisms such as neuroinflammation that involve histamine to modulate and allow restoration of
balance function in the situation of a vestibular insult. These adaptive mechanisms represent targets of
histaminergic pharmacological compounds capable of restoring vestibular function in pathological situations.
The clinical use of drugs targeting the histaminergic system in various vestibular disorders is
critically discussed.