bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of highly realistic microstructural images of alloys from limited data with a style-based generative adversarial network
Authors: Lambard Guillaume , Yamazaki Kazuhiko , Demura Masahiko
Published: September 2022

In materials science, the amount of observational data is often limited by operating protocols that require a high level of expertise, often machine-dependent, developed for a time-consuming integration of useful data. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is one of those methodologies of characterisation for which the number of observations of a given material is limited to just a few images. In the present study, we present the possibility to artificially inflate the size of SEM image datasets from a limited (~100s-1000s of images) to a virtually unbounded number thanks to a generative adversarial network (GAN). For this purpose, we use one of the latest developments in GAN architectures and training methodologies, the StyleGAN2 with adaptive discriminator augmentation (ADA), that allow us to generate a diversity of high-quality SEM images of 512 x 512 pixels. Overall, coarse and fine microstructural details are successfully reproduced when training a StyleGAN2 with ADA from scratch on at most 3000 SEM images, and interpolations between microstructures are performed, without major modifications to the training protocol when applied to natural images.
Do the perceptions of community on forest management and conservation vary across wealth groups? The case of the Kilosa REDD+ initiative in Tanzania
Authors: Uisso Amani J. , Chirwa Paxie W. , Ackerman Pierre A. , Bakengesa Siima S.
Published: September 2022

Various community groups tend to interact with their environments differently. Understanding how these groups interact with their forests provides important insights for promoting sustainable forest governance. This study focused on understanding community across wealth groups (poor, medium, better-off) of their perceptions on forest management and conservation under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation plus (REDD+) initiative in Tanzania. Results showed that whereas community general awareness on forest management and conservation across wealth groups significantly varied, their perceptions on the extent of occurrences of several aspects/attributes of forest management and conservation were relatively symmetrical across all wealth groups. There was no significant difference in perceptions across the wealth group in the indicators of forest management and conservation. Community willingness to participate in forest management and conservation was also not significantly different across all wealth groups, with the exception of participation in training/workshop for which the difference was significant across wealth groups. Overall, community perceptions are of mixed results, however, they didn't vary much between wealth categories, either there was or wasn’t significant difference. The observed similarities and variations across wealth groups within the community are a key to inform future REDD+ actions. Thus, policies, plans and strategies related to REDD+ should consider these dynamics.
Analyses of Spatial Correlation and Coherence in ABL flow with a Fleet of UAS
Authors: Wetz Tamino , Zink Josef , Bange Jens , Wildmann Norman
Published: September 2022

The spatial structures of turbulent flow in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are complex and diverse. Multi-point spatial correlation measurements can be used to improve the understanding of these structures and their statistics. In this context, we investigate Taylor’s hypothesis and the statistics of spatial structures on the microscale in this study. For the first time, simultaneous horizontally distributed wind measurements with a fleet of 20 quadrotor UAS (unmanned aerial systems) are enabled. The measurements were taken at different heights and under different atmospheric conditions at the boundary layer field site in Falkenberg of the German National Meteorological Service (DWD). An adaptable horizontal flight pattern has been especially developed, consisting of measurements distributed along and lateral to the mean flow direction with separation distances of 5...205 m. The validity of Taylor's hypothesis is studied by examining cross-correlations of longitudinally distributed UAS and comparing them with autocorrelations of single UAS. To assess the similarity of flow structures on different scales, the lateral and longitudinal coherence of the streamwise velocity component is examined. Two modeling approaches for the decay of coherence are compared. The experimental results are in good agreement with the model approaches for neutral atmospheric conditions, whereas in stable and convective ABL, the exponential approaches are not unconditionally valid. The validation results and the agreement with the literature on coherence in the ABL underline the potential of the UAS fleet for the purpose of spatial turbulence measurements.
Conjunctival sac flora and drug susceptibility analysis in normal children in East China
Authors: jiang mingming , zhang jing , wan xiaomei , ding yichao
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To study the conjunctival sac flora distribution characteristics and analyze the drug susceptibility of commonly used topical antimicrobial agents in normal children <18 years in East China.
Methods: Microorganism cultures of conjunctival sac were analyzed for 1258 children (2516 eyes; average age, 6 years) in Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University in 2019. Patients with ocular surface diseases and those who used any topical antimicrobial agent recently were excluded. The operation followed the M-38A protocol (microdilution method; investigators read the minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] values) by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute to analyze the conjunctival sac microorganism species and drug susceptibility.
Results:The incidence of conjunctival sac microorganism in children was 32.87% (827/2516), a total of 541 cases (male 293, female 248). Patients with conjunctival sac flora in a single eye were 255 and in both eyes were 286 (no statistical difference, P>0.05). The concordance rate of patients with binocular conjunctival sac flora was 32.16% (174/541; male 84, female 90). A total of 42 species of bacteria were detected; patients with Gram-positive cocci accounted for the highest proportion, 91.54% (757/827). The top three bacteria with the highest detection rates were Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis; 52.12%), Streptococcus (12.09%), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus; 10.76%). Streptococcus mitis (5.20%) accounted for the highest proportion of Streptococcus. The drug susceptibility analysis showed that S. epidermidis was most sensitive to gatifloxacin (98.61%), while it had the highest resistance rate to erythrocin (87.94%). S. aureus had the highest susceptibility to moxifloxacin (100%). Streptococcuswas most sensitive to moxifloxacin (96.97%) and had the highest resistance rate to tobramycin (92.93%).
Conclusions: Conjunctival sac flora in children was dominated by Gram-positive cocci, mainly S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and Streptococcus. S. epidermidisincreased with age; the proportion of Streptococcus was higher than S. aureus among children aged 0–6 years. The typical conjunctiva sac flora was generally sensitive to quinolones, such as moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin; Streptococcusdisplayed high resistance to tobramycin antibiotics; and the female children had higher resistance to tobramycin than the male children.
Development of antifungal films from nanocomplexes based on egg white protein nanogels and phenolic compounds
Authors: Deseta María Laura , Sponton Osvaldo Ernesto , Finos Marianela Belén , Cuffia Facundo , Torres-Nicolini Andrés , Alvarez Vera Alejandra , Santiago Liliana Gabriela , Perez Adrián Alejandro
Published: September 2022

This work is aimed to develop antifungal films from nanocomplexes based on egg white protein nanogels (EWPn) and phenolic compounds (PC), carvacrol (CAR) and thymol (THY). EWPn-PC nanocomplexes were characterized by intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, particle size (DLS), ζ potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and antifungal properties. Nanocomplexes with proper encapsulation efficiency (> 80%) and antifungal activity against A. niger were obtained. Films were obtained by a casting process (40°C, 48 h) using glycerol as a plasticizing agent. EWPn-PC films were transparent and slightly yellow. SEM images revealed a porous, compact, and homogeneous microstructure. Tensile tests indicated less flexibility, breakability, and rigidity regarding the EWPn control film. Thermal analysis (DSC and TGA) highlighted an amorphous nature and resistance to high temperatures (~ 150°C). Moreover, they were permeable to water vapor and able to adsorb variable water amounts. Finally, their antifungal properties were verified using a sample of preservative-free bread. EWPn-PC films were able to prevent the fungal spoilage for 30 days of storage at 25°C. Sensory analysis for bread stored with EWPn-PC films indicated acceptability above the indifference threshold (> 5).
Photobiomodulation reduces the cytokine storm syndrome associated with Covid-19 in the zebrafish model
Authors: charlie-silva Ives , Barbosa Ana , De Pontes Letícia , Bomfim Camila , Machado-Santelli Glaucia , Condino-Neto Antonio , Guzzo Cristiane , Peron Jean Schatzmann , Medeiros Renata , Ferraris Fausto , Barcellos Leonardo , Junior José Dias Corrêa , Galindo-Villegas Jorge , Machado Mônica Ferreira Rodrigues , Peçanha Ana P. B. , Carvalho Tábata R. B. , Garcez Aguinaldo Silva , Castoldi Angela , Romos Ivana F. , Doretto Lucas B. , Nakajima Rafael Takahiro , Nóbrega Rafael , Oliveira Susana , Carlino-Costa Camila , Silva Patrick da , Belo Marco , Alexandre Leonardo S. , Ferreira Vinícius G. , Andrade-Silva Magaiver , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: September 2022

This work presents the first study showing how photobiomodulation (PBM) significantly increases cellular and tissue repair and elucidating the role of PBM with low-level laser as a possible new therapy in pathologies in COVID-19-associated cytokine storm syndrome from a zebrafish model. Our results demonstrate new strategies for treating SARS-COV-2 using PBM to modulate the expression of the genes and metabolites involved in inflammatory processes. These metabolic alterations show that the r-Spike led to disturbance in the energetic and inflammatory system, corroborating with the severe clinical conditions of human patients. Furthermore, PBM decreased the gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as il1b, il6, tnfa, and nfkbiab, and of factors involved in oxidative stress (romo1) and energy metabolism (slc2a1a, coa1), in various tissues, promoting an anti-inflammatory response. In summary, our study suggests that PBM may have a positive role in treating cytokine storm syndrome associated with COVID-19. PBM can significantly regulate the inflammatory response promoting cellular and tissue repair of injured tissues. This work suggests that PBM may have a positive role in treating COVID-19-associated cytokine storm syndrome. Nevertheless, the need for more clinical trials remains, and there is a significant gap to overcome before clinical trials.
Production of Bacterial Cellulose and its Evaluation as a Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Ramírez-Carmona Margarita , Gálvez-Gómez María Paula , González-Perez Lina , Pinedo-Rangel Valentina , Pineda-Vasquez Tatiana , Hotza Dachamir
Published: September 2022

Production of bacterial cellulose and its evaluation as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) was evaluated. Initially, the bacterial cellulose (BC) was produced by fermentation in a 600 mL bioreactor with a 300 mL medium volume, 10% v/v inoculum with Komagataeibacter hansenii under static conditions, and a temperature of 30°C. The bacteria were cultivated in Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium with pH adjustment to 6.6 with HCl and/or NaOH. Five culture media were evaluated: HS (M1), M1 + green tea extract (M3), M1 + mixture of extra thyme and green tea (M4), and M1 + glycerin (M5). The kinetics of BC production was followed by digital images. Subsequently, BC production cellulose was carried out using M5 under the same operating conditions. After 3, 5, 10 and 13 days of fermentation, the thickness of formed BC formed was measured, respectively, as 0.301 ± 0.008 cm, 0.552 ± 0.026 cm, 0.584 ± 0.03 cm and 0.591 ± 0.018 cm. Finally, BC was characterized by porosity, water absorption capacity, ion exchange capacity, mechanical strength and diffusivity. The results showed that thinner membranes favor the processes of ion exchange (0.143 H+mmol g− 1) and water absorption (93%). On the other hand, thicker membranes enhance physical parameters of transport across the membrane and its operability. Nevertheless, BC membranes can be a good alternative as PEM once they are functionalized.
Conglomerate Mergers and Competition: A Game Theoretic Approach with Research and Development Investments
Authors: Herrera-Velasquez Jose de Jesus
Published: September 2022

Given that conglomerate merger theory remains lacking, this study examines conglomerate mergers' effects on competition. It employs a theoretical model where oligopolistic firms in technologically related markets engage in conglomerate mergers to shift research and development (R&D) capabilities. The study fully characterizes the equilibrium outcomes and the underlying merger decisions. It finds an equilibrium outcome where competition is harmed, but more consumers enjoy the positive effects of R&D. Policy implications regarding conglomerate mergers are, therefore, intricate, given that they may be outside the jurisdiction of competition authorities like the European Commission.
JEL classification: C70, D21, D43, L11, L13, L40.
Nerve conduction studies through landmark based recording and effects of hand length
Authors: Yaranagula Sai Deepak , Koduri Venkata Krishna Chaitanya , P Suresh Babu , Veligonda Thriveni
Published: September 2022

As per existing guidelines, the distance between stimulator and recording electrodes in nerve conduction studies (NCS) should be the same (fixed) in all the subjects, i.e., it should not be based on anatomical landmarks. However, there are no studies comparing fixed distance recordings with landmark based NCS. We postulated that hand length can influence the NCS parameters in fixed distance recordings and this can be nullified using landmark based recordings. To test this theory, we performed NCS in forty eight normal subjects as per standard guidelines (standard protocol) and then compared it to NCS with ulnar styloid as the landmark (modified protocol). NCS were performed on Median and Ulnar nerves of the right upper limb. Three motor NCS parameters including distal latency, Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) amplitudes and nerve conduction velocities were measured. Sensory Nerve Action Potential (SNAP) amplitudes and conduction velocities were the two sensory parameters measured. On analysis, Ulnar motor conduction velocity was the only parameter affected by hand length in both standard and modified protocols. Modified protocol did not have any additional advantage to the standard protocol advised by NDTF. We conclude that the NDTF guidelines are therefore reasonable when considering the effects of hand length. Possible reasons for this result including anatomical and anthropometric explanations are discussed.
How Turbulence Works —Turbulence Multifractality Cascade
Authors: Hu Yinqiao , Chen Jinbei
Published: September 2022

How turbulence works? What is its function? What drives it? Yet turbulence is poorly understood and poorly ability to calculate. Turbulence is characterized by the cascades of energy across a huge range of scales. But so far, there is still a lack of accurate and universally applicable description of turbulence cascade. We develop the turbulence fractal dynamics to reveals universal law of the turbulence cascade and to provide a universally applicable cascade model of the energy spectrum simply determined by two constants. The atmospheric observation data verify universality and practicality of turbulence cascade model and prove further a huge motion system is composed of turbulence multifractality hierarchical structure with different level turbulence systems driven by the energy injection. The results reveal that the work of a turbulence system is like a heat engine, the energy injection domain continuously absorbs energy from the environment through negative entropy flow, and the energy dissipation domain increasing entropy does work to dissipate energy. The function of turbulence is the energy of a motion system continuously is transferred step by step from higher levels to lower levels through cascade of turbulent vortices, until the energy is converted into molecular heat energy eventually. The results greatly deepen our understanding of the nature of turbulence.
Coronal plane femoral bowing in Far East Asians - Implications for the strategy of distal femoral resection in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Kim Hak Sang , Jang Jae Hoon , Ahn Tae Young , Suh JeungTak , Rhee Seung Joon
Published: September 2022

Background
The accuracy of distal femoral resection in intramedullary (IM) guided total knee arthroplasty (TKA) depends on femoral morphology and varies according to individual anatomy. This study aimed to characterise coronal plane femoral bowing in Far East Asians according to age, sex, and severity of varus deformity to identify optimal strategies for distal femoral resection in TKA.
Method
Femoral anatomical parameters in 656 patients (M:F = 232:424) were assessed using standing long-leg anteroposterior radiography which was fulfilling strict standard. The femur was divided into three longitudinal segments to measure the segmental anatomical axial deviation from the mechanical axis and intersegmental bowing. Coronal plane femoral bowing pattern was categorised based on combined gross bowing and distal bowing.
Results
Mean hip–knee–ankle angle; neck-shaft angle; proximal, middle, and distal segmental axial differences; mechanical lateral distal femoral angle; and femur length were 6.7 ± 6.8°, 125.0 ± 5.5°, 5.9 ± 1.7°, 6.1 ± 1.1°, 5.3 ± 1.6°, 88.4 ± 2.6°, and 432.3 ± 23.9 mm in male and 8.4 ± 5.5°, 126.4 ± 5.6°, 5.4 ± 1.5°, 6.6 ± 0.9°, 5.6 ± 1.6°, 89.3 ± 2.6°, and 410.6 ± 23.3 mm in female, respectively. Mean proximal, distal, and gross femoral bowing was 0.3 ± 1.8°, − 0.8 ± 1.8°, and − 0.5 ± 2.9° in male and 1.2 ± 1.6°, − 1.0 ± 1.6°, and 0.2 ± 2.7° in female, respectively.
Conclusions
Grossly straight femur with a straight distal part were the most common femoral bowing pattern in Far East Asians. Distal bowing was proved to be a key factor to choose method for distal femoral resection in TKA. Using IM guide to achieve accurate distal femoral resection in the femora with distal segmental axial deviation between 4−8° and distal bowing less than ± 1° is considered feasible.
Hindi Text Summarization using Sequence to Sequence Neural Network
Authors: Kumari Namrata , Singh Pardeep
Published: September 2022

Text summarizing reduces a large block of text data to a precise, short, and intelligible text that conveys the whole meaning of the actual text in slight few words while maintaining the original context. Due to a lack of relevant summaries it is hard to understand the main idea of the document. Text summarization using abstractive technique is well-studied in English, although it is still in its infancy in Indian regional languages. In this study to implement abstractive text summarization, Sequence To Sequence (SeqTOseq) Neural Networks based on Attention model will be used. These modeling are supported by stop-words and rare word lists generated for pre-processing of the Hindi dataset. Our method allows the model to take the Hindi language dataset and as an output provides a concise summary that accurately reflects the gist of the original text.
Machine learning implementation using bots
Authors: Patel Hrishitva
Published: September 2022

For advanced human-computer interaction, research on natural language processing is on trend, resulting in the development of innate and natural interaction modalities, such as chatbots. A chatbot is a software application that makes it possible to conduct conversations in a natural language for various user queries in an online mode, thus grabbing much attention in business and commercial applications. Various chatbot models have been reported previously, but no comprehensive chatbot model has been available for processing all human languages under all user applications. As a result, researchers have started to dedicate their efforts to develop their own chatbot model based on a specific language for some specific applications. With this specific goal, we have proposed a chatbot model for conservation in the English language that handles queries in the sociological domain based on a hybrid approach. The proposed chatbot model using generative and retrieval techniques, can handle one-word as well as descriptive responses to user sociological queries. We claim that the proposed chatbot can meet the needs of small-to medium-sized organizations for their research queries, and that this model is comparatively more interactive, easy to maintain, and cost-effective against the previous models.
Comparison of first-line immunotherapy efficacy between advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma and pulmonary lymphoepithelioma- like carcinoma: A propensity score matching multicenter study
Authors: Zhou YuBin , Xiao Yi , Lan Jun , Hu Hao , Yuan Zihao , Dong Yinyan , Deng Huiyin , Su Xiaoyang , Huang Jian , Yang Xiongwen
Published: September 2022

Compared with other lung squamous cell carcinomas (LUSC), pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (pLELC) is closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus infections with a unique molecular profile and immune microenvironment. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare the treatment response and effectiveness of immunotherapy between pLELC and LUSC. We enrolled 31 patients with pLELC and 116 with LUSC receiving first-line immunotherapy at three centers in China and compared the treatment response and effectiveness of immunotherapy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the differences in baseline data between the two groups. Before PSM, progression free survival and overall survival was longer in the pLELC group than that of the LUSC group (Progression free survival: HR, 1.67; 95% CI: 1.05–2.63, P=0.028. Overall survival: HR, 1.9; 95% CI: 1.06–3.4, P=0.028). This remained unchanged after PSM (Progression free survival: HR,1.79; 95% CI: 1.02–3.15, P=0.044. Overall survival: HR,2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.37, P=0.022). In conclusion, pLELC showed a clinically meaningful survival benefit compared with traditional LUSC following immunotherapy. Subsequent studies should consider the role of the Epstein–Barr virus in the tumor immune microenvironment of pLELC.
Bio-Composite Materials of Porous Hydroxyapatite and Collagen from Eggshell Membrane and Oreochromis niloticus Fish Skin as Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ingwattanapok Nutchaya , Sakunrak Yosita , Tangboriboon Nuchnapa
Published: September 2022

Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) was prepared by a chemical reaction between eggshell and phosphoric acid mixed with a foaming agent. The mineral was composited with collagen via a fermentation process conducted with biocomposite materials of Acetobacter xylinum eggshell membranes, extraction and freeze-drying of Oreochromis niloticus, and commercial-grade collagen. Results of physical-mechanical-thermal properties of the biocomposite materials yielded them as potential candidates for tissue engineering or scaffolding, drug delivery through the body, as well as tissue regeneration. An ideal sample was discovered as HA and collagen encoded with 64HA-1NaHCO3-500 in collagen suspension, prepared from the extraction of eggshell membrane by A. xylinum, together with extraction and freeze-drying of O. niloticus. The received compressive strength of 64HA-1NaHCO3-500 in eggshell and fish skin collagen was 1.30 ± 0.02 and 1.71 ± 0.02 MPa, respectively. Both biocomposite samples served as positive thermal shock resistance absorbers with significantly strong SEM adhesion microstructures of collagen fibers within the porous HA matrices.
Assessing the potential of solubility trapping in unconfined aquifers for subsurface carbon storage
Authors: Addassi Mouadh , Omar Abdirizak , Hoteit Hussein , Afifi Abdulkader M. , Arkadakskiy Serguey , Ahmed Zeyad T. , Kunnummal Noushad , Gislason Sigurdur R. , Oelkers Eric H.
Published: September 2022

Carbon capture and storage projects need to be greatly accelerated to attenuate the rate and degree of global warming. Due to the large volume of carbon that will need to be stored to address this issue, it is likely that the bulk of this storage will be in the subsurface via geologic storage. To be effective, subsurface carbon storage needs to limit the potential for CO2 leakage from the reservoir to a minimum. Water-dissolved CO2 injection can aid in this goal. Water-dissolved CO2 tends to be denser than CO2-free water, and its injection leads immediate solubility storage in the subsurface. To assess the feasibility and limits of water-dissolved CO2 injection coupled to subsurface solubility, a suite of geochemical modeling calculations based on the TOUGHREACT computer code were performed. The modelled system used in the calculations assumed the injection of 100,000 metric tons of water-dissolved CO2 annually for 100 years into a hydrostatically pressured unreactive porous rock, located at 800 to 2000 m below the surface without the presence of a caprock. This system is representative of an unconfined sedimentary aquifer. Most selected scenarios suggest that the injection of CO2 charged water leads to the secure storage of injected CO2 so long as the water to CO2 ratio is no less than ~24 to 1. The identified exception is when the salinity of the original formation water substantially exceeds the salinity of the CO2-charged injection water. The results of this study indicate that unconfined aquifers, a generally overlooked potential carbon storage host, could provide for the subsurface storage of substantial quantities of CO2.
Comparing the demographics and laboratory biomarkers of the COVID-19 Omicron wave and the Alpha wave in a predominantly Afro-Caribbean patient population in New York City
Authors: Shin Hye Won , James Alecia , Feng Theresa , Chow Lillian , Foronjy Robert
Published: September 2022

Background
There is a knowledge gap of specific characteristics linked to disease severity of the different COVID-19 waves, especially in underserved populations. We compared the demographic and clinical factors associated with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the Omicron and Alpha waves.
Methods
An observational study comparing two COVID-19 waves was conducted in Brooklyn, NY. Twenty-seven ICU admitted patients with a positive COVID-19 test result during the period of November 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022, (“Omicron wave”) were compared to 271 COVID-19 patients who received ICU consults during the Alpha wave, the period from March 28, 2020, to April 30, 2020.
Results
The Omicron wave had a 55.6% mortality rate compared to a 67.2% mortality rate in the Alpha wave. For the non-survivors, there were more females (66.7%) in the Omicron wave, while the trend was reversed in the Alpha wave (38.5%). Most of the patients seen were Black (> 85%) in both waves. Comparison of the two waves’ lab findings showed that the survivors in the Omicron wave had significantly lower ALT levels (p = < 0.001), neutrophil % (p = 0.001), and platelets (p = 0.02) as well as a higher lymphocyte % (p = < 0.001) and eosinophil % (p = 0.06) compared to the survivors in the Alpha wave.
Conclusions
The COVID-19-positive ICU patients in the Omicron wave experienced less severe outcomes than those of the Alpha wave. In complete contrast to the Alpha variant, the Omicron variant exhibited enhanced infectivity and disease severity in females.
Fake Reviews Detection through Machine learning Algorithms: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ennaouri Mohammed , Zellou Ahmed
Published: September 2022

These days, most people refer to user reviews to purchase an online product. Unfortunately, spammers exploited this situation to post deceptive reviews and mislead consumers either to promote a product with poor quality or to demote a brand and damage its reputation. Among the solutions to this problem is human verification. Unfortunately, the real-time nature of fake reviews make the task more difficult especially on e-commerce platforms. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review to analyze proposed solutions by researchers who were working on setting up an automatic and efficient framework to identify fake reviews, unsolved problems in the domain and future research direction. Our findings emphasize the importance of the use of certain features and provide researchers and practitioners with insights on proposed solutions and their limitations. Thus, the findings of the study reveals that most approaches focus on sentiment analysis, opinion mining and especially machine learning (ML) which contributes to the development of more powerful models that can significantly solve the problem and thus enhance further the accuracy and efficiency of detecting fake reviews.
Histology and Ultrastructure of Olfactory and Nasal Respiratory Mucosae in Suckling and Adult African Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus- Temminck, 1827)
Authors: Kavoi Boniface M. , Ochieng Shem J.
Published: September 2022

Glasscutters (GRCs) are hystricognath rodents that predominate West African countries where they are captured and bred in captivity as “microlivestock” and for research. Consequently, research priority has, of late, shifted to aspects of GRC biology particularly with regard to morphofunctional aspects of its body systems. The olfactory system plays critical roles in regulating social, sexual, maternal and feeding behaviors. This study examines, histologically and ultrastructurally, the pattern and magnitude of remodeling of the GRC olfactory mucosa (OM) and nasal respiratory mucosa (NRM) between suckling and adult ages and compares these with what is documented for other mammals. In the adults, tubular-type Bowman’s glands, olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) axon bundles and blood vessels were uniformly distributed in the OM lamina propria contrary to sucklings where acinar-type Bowman’s glands lay superficially and the bundles relatively deeper. Apically in the adult NRM epithelium, ciliated and non-ciliated cells were uniformly distributed contrary to the sucklings where linearly arranged ciliated cell separated large numbers of non-ciliated cells. Quantitatively between the suckling and adult ages, respective increment values (%) were 28.2, 23.0, 28.1 and 52.9 for OM epithelial thickness, axon bundle diameter, ORN packing density and cilia number/ ORN dendritic knob. Age-related increment in volume density (%) was 53.9, 31.6, 19.4 and 46.3 for Bowman’s glands, axon bundles, OM vessels and NRM glands respectively. We conclude that microstructural refinement of the OM and NRM varies in qualitative and quantitative detail depending on age and species and that phenotypic plasticity in these structures suggests environmentally driven morphology.
UTP23 is a promising prognostic biomarker and is associated with immune infiltration in breast cancer
Authors: Li Jindong , Xie Siman , Zhang Benteng , He Weiping , Zhang Yan , Hua Huilian , Yang Li
Published: September 2022

Background: Breast cancer is one of the malignant tumors with a high incidence and mortality rate among women worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing year by year, posing a serious health risk to women. UTP23 (UTP23 Small Subunit Processome Component) is a nucleolar protein that is essential for ribosome production. As we all know, disruption of ribosome structure and function results in improper protein function, affecting the body's normal physiological processes and promoting cancer growth. However, little research has shown a connection between UTP23 and cancer.
Methods: We analyzed the mRNA expression of UTP23 in normal tissue and breast cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the protein expression of UTP23 using The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Next, we examined the relationship between UTP23 high expression and Overall Survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier Plotters and enriched 980 differentially expressed genes in UTP23 high and low expression samples using GO/KEGG and GSEA to identify potential biological functions of UTP23 and signaling pathways that it might influence. Finally, we also investigated the relationship between UTP23 and immune infiltration and examined the effect of UTP23 on the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines by knocking down UTP23.
Results:We found that UTP23 levels in breast cancer patient samples were noticeably greater than those in healthy individuals and that high UTP23 levels were strongly linked with poor prognoses (P=0.008). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that UTP23 expression was connected to the humoral immune response. Besides, UTP23 expression was found to be positively correlated with immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, UTP23 knockdown has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1806.
Conclusions: Taken together, our study demonstrated that UTP23 is a promising target in detecting and treating breast cancer and is intimately linked to immune infiltration.
Exploring the impact of how criminals interact with cyber-networks - a mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Chikore Tichaona , Nyirenda-Kayuni Mwawi , Chukwudum Queensley C. , Chazuka Zviiteyi , Mwaonanji John , Ndlovu Meshach , Zhangazha Moster , Mhlabane Fezile , Osman Shaibu , Nyabadza Farai , White K.A.Jane
Published: September 2022

There is a growing interest in using mathematical models to understand crime dynamics, crime prevention, and detection. The past decade has experienced a relative reduction in conventional crimes, but this has been replaced by significant increases in cybercrime. We use a system of nonlinear differential equations to explore the impact of criminal location in relation to cyber networks on the amount of cybercrime. Using steady-state analysis and extensive numerical simulations, we find that the location of criminals relative to the network does not impact the system qualitatively although there are quantitative differences. Cyber networks that are more clustered are likely to experience greater levels of cybercrime but there is also a saturation effect that limits the level of victimisation as the number of criminals attempting to undertake crimes on a given network increases.
Removal of arsenic from zinc oxide leaching solution by oxygen combined with ultrasonic
Authors: Liang Chen , Zhang Qi , Xia Hongying , Xu Yingjie , Jiang Guiyu , Zhang Libo
Published: September 2022

In this study, the oxidation method combined with the iron salt precipitation method was used to remove the arsenic impurities in the zinc oxide fume leaching solution after germanium precipitation. First, the Fe2+ and As5+ in the solution are oxidized by oxygen with a specified flow rate into the solution, and then the calcination fume is added to adjust the pH value of the solution with Zn compounds such as ZnO, so that the impurity elements in the solution are precipitated. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, roasting soot input, oxygen flow rate and ultrasonic power on the arsenic removal rate were investigated in the experiment. The experimental results show that under the conditions of reaction time of 120min, reaction temperature of 70℃, roasting soot input of 7g, ultrasonic power of 240W and oxygen flow of 0.8L/min, the removal rate of arsenic can reach 92.77% by two-stage arsenic removal. , the loss rate of zinc is only 2.54%, and the amount of dry slag after removal is 5-7g. Compared with the iron salt precipitation method in the traditional industry, it has the advantages of less slag, less zinc loss, no harmful by-products, etc., and the main raw materials used oxygen and roasting dust are cheap products, which can save costs. The arsenic content in the finally obtained filtrate can reach 0.125g/L, and less than 0.2g/L can meet the requirements of the subsequent electrolysis process, and can be used for practical industrial production applications.
Subtype classification and prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on variable importance analysis
Authors: Gao Qian , Hao Ting , Zhang Huifang , Chen Shuting , Xi Yanfeng , Guan Hongwei , Wang Tong
Published: September 2022

Gene expression profiling (GEP) is considered as gold standard for cell-of-origin (COO) classification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the high dimensionality of GEP limits its application in clinical practice. In this study, we aim to develop a parsimonious model based on GEP to accurately predict COO subtype of DLBCL for clinical applications. We first proposed a variable important measure to solve the instability of penalized regression methods in high-dimensional settings. Then this strategy was applied to six penalized methods to identify a small gene subset for DLBCL classification. Using a training dataset of 350 DLBCL patients, we developed a six-gene model for DLBCL classification. For training and validation datasets, model evaluations showed the six-gene model performed well in terms of discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness. Subgroups of patients characterized by these six genes showed significantly different prognosis. Furthermore, model comparisons demonstrated that the six-gene model outperformed models constructed by typical penalized regression methods. In conclusion, the six genes had considerable clinical usefulness in DLBCL classification and prognosis. The genes order based on their importance provided a priority for further functional and targeted drug research.
Digestate Potential to Substitute Mineral Fertilizers: Engineering Approaches
Authors: Ablieieva Iryna , Geletukha Georgii , Kucheruk Petro , Enrich-Prast A. , Carraro Giacomo , Berezhna Iryna , Berezhnyi Dmytrii
Published: September 2022

The study aims to define the potential and technological aspects of the digestate treatment for its application as a biofertilizer. Life cycle assessment methodology was used in terms of digestate quality management. The potential of nutrients, organic carbon, and useful microelements in the digestate allows for its consideration as a mineral fertilizer substitute and soil improver. The valorization of digestate as fertilizer requires quality management and quality control. Based on the research focus, the successful soil application of digestate post-treatment technologies was analyzed. Among the different commercial options for digestate treatment and nutrient recovery, the most relevant are drying, struvite precipitation, stripping, evaporation, and membranes technology. Comparing the physical and chemical properties of the whole digestate, separated liquid, and solid liquor fractions showed that in the case of soil application of granular fertilizer, nutrients from the digestate are released more slowly than digestate application without granulation. However, realizing this potential in an economically feasible way requires improving the quality of digestate products through appropriate technologies and quality control of digestate products. To support the manufacture of quality digestate across Europe, the European Compost Network developed a concept for a pan-European quality assurance scheme.
Assessment of Cherry Cultivars for Resistance to Leaf Spot Caused by Passalora circumscissa
Authors: Sun Yang , Han Wei , Ma Xiuming , Wang Junfeng , Wei Guoqin , Miu Jun
Published: September 2022

Cherry leaf spot (CLS), caused by Passalora circumscissa, is a
fungal disease that can cause decreased fruit quality and yield via inconsistent
ripening or premature defoliation. Germplasm resource screening is the most
reliable approach to disease control for economically important crops. However,
information is limited in China about the resistance of cherry cultivars to leaf
spot caused by P. circumscissa. The aim of this study was to
identify the resistance levels of cherry cultivars. Fifty-two cherry cultivars,
including 40 Prunus avium, four Prunus
pseudocerasus, and eight Prunus cerasus cultivars
were collected for resistance level characterization. These specimens were then
used to screen for P. circumscissa resistance through both
detached leaf assays and natural field infection. Significant differences in the
disease index (DI) value among test cultivars, ranging from 5.7 (resistant) to
53.7 (highly susceptible) and 6.5 (resistant) to 53.2 (highly susceptible), were
observed under the controlled and field conditions respectively. Correlation
coefficients between DI in pairs of years were highly significant
(0.77–0.86). Although resistance rankings for cherry cultivars between
screening methods were variable, the resistance levels of 52 cultivars evaluated
under controlled and field condition were comparable with a correlation
coefficient of 0.70 (P < 0.01). The results indicated
that, across cherry cultivars, responses to CLS in the detached leaf assay
corresponded well to responses under field conditions. A detached leaf assay was
developed as a complementary method to facilitate the screening of cherry
cultivars for resistance to leaf spot caused by P.
circumscissa. Our study provides a theoretical basis for cherry disease
resistance breeding and rational cultivar utilization.
The influence of digital transformation on the growth of small and medium enterprises in South Africa
Authors: Jeza Sanele , Mpele Lekhanya Lawrence
Published: September 2022

From a global perspective, the business environment has become highly dynamic, unpredictable, and competitive due to external forces – mostly technology – that generate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of digital technologies on South African business sectors. The sample includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Being qualitative by design, the study used semi-structured interviews for data collection, with eight interviews in the Durban area. SME managers were purposefully selected as participants based on their management positions in the business/company and that they oversee the business operation and understand the influence of digital transformation in the business. The interviews were then transcribed after data collection to determine any recurring themes. In the effectiveness of digital transformation, the study identified themes such as “gaining exposure” and “gaining effective sales figures” as a result of implementing digital transformation, which was indicated by six of eight participants. The findings showed that digital transformation significantly affects building customer relationships and ensuring easy accessibility of the business. The results further indicate online selling and digital marketing as the leading digital platforms successfully implemented by most South African SMEs. Lastly, the study revealed digital maintenance and rapid changes in technology as challenging factors. Moreover, the study recommends that South African SMEs implement more available digital technologies to gain additional exposure.
Dentiseñas-Colombia, por una Odontología interculturalmente inclusiva
Authors: Campos Valeria , Cartes-Velásquez Ricardo
Published: September 2022

Estimado Editor,
Hemos leído con profundo interés y agrado el artículo Dentiseñas–Colombia, prototipo de una App para facilitar la comunicación Odontólogo– Persona con Discapacidad Auditiva (1) recientemente publicado en la revista. Debemos felicitar a los autores por un excelente trabajo que escucha a los miles de personas con discapacidad auditiva (PDA) y aporta a alcanzar un acceso universal garantizado en salud. Sin embargo, se hace necesario profundizar en algunos aspectos que son críticos cuando hablamos de PDA y las personas Sordas.
8. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Cebirsel İfade, Denklem ve Özdeşliklere Yönelik Kavram İmajlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: GEREZ CANTİMER Gülşah
Published: September 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı 8. sınıf öğrencilerinin cebirsel ifade, denklem veözdeşliklere yönelik kavram imajlarının incelenmesidir. Bu doğrultudaöğrencilerin cebirsel ifade, denklem ve özdeşliklere yönelik kavram imajları, bukavramlar arasındaki ilişkilere yönelik açıklamaları ve uygulama sorularınaverdikleri yanıtların kavram imajlarıyla tutarlılığı araştırılmıştır. Çalışma nitelaraştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışması olarak tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmanınkatılımcıları 2020-2021 eğitim-öğretim yılı bahar döneminde Sakarya’da birdevlet okulunda 8. sınıfta öğrenim gören 36 öğrencidir. Veri toplama araçlarıolarak öğrencilerin kavram imajlarını belirleyebilmek için 4 açık uçlu sorudanoluşan Kavram Bilgi Formu (KBF) ve bu kavramlara yönelik 2 örnek sorudanoluşan Uygulama Formu (UF) kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veri içerik analiziyöntemine göre incelenmiştir. Bu kapsamda öncelikle öğrencilerin kavramlarayönelik açıklamaları kodlanmış, daha sonra temalar oluşturulmuş ve elde edilenbulgular tanımlanarak yorumlanmıştır. Buna göre; araştırmaya katılanöğrencilerin çoğunluğu kavramları tanımlarken sözel ifadeler kullanmadazorlanmış, kavramlara yönelik açıklamalarını matematiksel işlemler üzerindeifade etmiştir. Ayrıca öğrencilerin örneklerdeki uygulamalarda kavramimajlarına yönelik açıklamalarda bulundukları tespit edilmiştir
Okul Yöneticilerinin Teknoloji Liderliği Rollerini Yerine Getirme Düzeyleri
Authors: KIRAL Erkan , ÖZTABAN Altan
Published: September 2022

Araştırma, öğretmenlerin algılarına göre okul yöneticilerinin teknoloji liderliği rolleriniyerine getirme düzeylerini ve bu düzeylerin öğretmenlerin sahip olduğu bazı demografikdeğişkenlere göre farklılaşıp, farklılaşmadığını incelemek amacıyla betimsel taramamodelinde desenlenmiştir. Araştırmanın evrenini; 2018-2019 eğitim öğretim yılında, Aydınili merkez Efeler ilçesinde ilkokul, ortaokul ve liselerde görev yapan öğretmenleroluşturmaktadır. Araştırma 392 öğretmenle yürütülmüştür. Araştırma verilerinintoplanmasında “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” ve “Okul Yöneticilerinin Teknoloji Liderliği Ölçeği”kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizi betimsel ve kanıtlamasal istatistik teknikleri ile yapılmıştır.Öğretmenlerin teknoloji liderliğine ilişkin algıları tüm boyutlarda ve teknoloji liderliğindegörece yüksektir. Öğretmenlerin teknoloji liderliğine ilişkin algıları, öğretmenlerincinsiyetine göre değişmemekte ancak eğitim durumu, kıdem ve okul türüne göredeğişmektedir. Vizyon - destek boyutunda ve genel teknoloji liderliğinde ön lisansmezunlarının puanları, lisans ve yüksek lisans mezunlarının puanlarından yüksektir.İletişim -işbirliği boyutunda ise ön lisans mezunlarının puanları, lisans mezunlarınınpuanlarından yüksektir. İletişim – işbirliği ve vizyon - destek alt boyutlarında, 21 yıl veüzeri kıdemi olanların puanları, 10 yıl ve altı kıdemi olanların puanlarından göreceyüksektir. Genel teknoloji liderliğinde ve tüm alt boyutlarda ilkokul öğretmenlerininpuanları, ortaokul ve lise öğretmenlerin puanlarından; ortaokul öğretmenlerinin puanlarıda lise öğretmenlerinin puanlarından görece yüksektir. Söz konusu bulgulara dayalı olarakokul yöneticilerinin sergiledikleri teknoloji liderliği davranışlarının korunması vegeliştirilmesine yönelik çeşitli öneriler sunulmuştur