bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary pH Levels at Three Different Time Intervals after Application of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Thimmegowda Umapathy , Venkatahanumaiah Sanchitha , Dhamnekar Pradnya , Kuri Pallavi Nagappa , Sampreetha Gadigi
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a major public health issue that negatively affects children’s physical and mental health. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a novel material that has the potential to improve dentin hypersensitivity and enhance enamel remineralisation. This alkaline solution is known to be more resistant to acidic environments than hydroxyapatite. Aim: To measure the pH (Potential of Hydrogen) in saliva at three different intervals after the application of 38% SDF in children with ECC. Materials and Methods: This pre-post single-group quasiexperimental study was conducted in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India from September 2021 to February 2022. A total of 15 patients with ECC, aged 3-6 years, were selected for the application of 38% SDF. Saliva samples were collected before the application, immediately after the application, and one hour after the application of 38% SDF. pH analysis was then conducted. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Repeated measures of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni’s post-hoc test were used for multiple comparisons of salivary pH levels at different time intervals. Age and gender-wise comparisons of mean salivary pH levels at different time intervals were conducted using an independent Student’s t-test. Results: Among the 15 participants included in the study, the average age of the subjects was 4.60±1.06 years. Among the study participants, 9 (60.0%) were males and 6 (40.0%) were females. A comparison of mean salivary pH levels at different time intervals showed that the mean salivary pH levels before the SDF application were 6.45±0.22, immediately after the application were 6.95±0.18, and one hour after the application were 7.30±0.27. In the gender-wise comparison, a higher mean pH was recorded in males than in females. Conclusion: The change in mean pH was found to be statistically significant before and after the application of SDF, as well as at the one-hour time interval, showing an increasing trend. This indicates that the changes in salivary pH that occur after applying 38% SDF are clinically significant and can be used as an effective caries control and preventive strategy.
Automation and AI in Precision Agriculture: Innovations for Enhanced Crop Management and Sustainability
Authors: Hoque Azmirul , Padhiary Mrutyunjay
Published: October 2024

Precision agriculture is one of the ways to achieve food security and sustainability through better resource-use optimization and crop productivity dealing with the challenges posed by the growing population and addressing environmental concerns. The study offers an in-depth look at the most recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in precision agriculture (PA), with a particular emphasis on important technologies such as drones, autonomous tractors, AI-driven irrigation systems, and predictive analytics for crop management. The accuracy of crop monitoring and health assessments has increased by 30–50 percent as a result of AI-powered solutions, which have improved resource-based decision-making. Systems for precision irrigation and fertilization have increased crop yields by 5–15 percent when using 25–40 percent less water and 30-40 percent less fertilizer, respectively. Robotic harvesters and sprayers are examples of automation technologies that have reduced labor expenses by 20–40 percent and increased operational efficiency by 35 percent. Additionally, AI-based prediction models have reduced pest damage by 20–25 percent and reached an accuracy of 85–90 percent for crop yield forecasts and pest control. Despite these developments, issues of scalability, affordability for small farms, and data privacy still exist, which can hinder technology adoption among farmers. The evaluation follows by outlining ideas for future research, such as 5G, blockchain, and AI integration with cloud and edge computing. These technologies could improve decision-making and transparency in precision agriculture by enabling real-time data transmission, secure data management, and enhanced traceability, thus addressing current limitations and fostering trust among stakeholders.
conceito de território na Geografia
Authors: Vasconcelos Pedro de Almeida
Published: October 2024

O texto é dividido em duas partes, além da Introdução e das Conclusões. A primeira parte, mais curta, trata dos principais conceitos da Geografia a partir de alguns autores escolhidos, dando destaque para o conceito de território. A segunda parte trata das mudanças e dos desdobramentos do conceito de território na nossa disciplina na longa duração, no período de 1802 a 2022.
Simulations for the Precise Modeling of Exercises Including Time, Grades and Number of Attempts
Authors: Jiménez Macías Alberto , Muñoz Merino Pedro J. , Delgado Kloos Carlos
Published: October 2024

Students’ interactions with exercises can reveal interesting features that can be used to redesign or effectively use the exercises during the learning process. The precise modeling of exercises includes how grades can evolve, depending on the number of attempts and time spent on the exercises. A missing aspect is how a precise relationship among grades, number of attempts, and time spent can be inferred from student interactions with exercises using machine learning methods, and how it differs depending on different factors. In this study, we analyzed the application of different machine-learning methods for modeling different scenarios by varying the probability of answering correctly, dataset sizes, and distributions. The results show that the model converged when the probability of random guessing was low. For exercises with an average of 2 attempts, the model converged to 200 interactions. However, increasing the number of interactions beyond 200 does not affect the accuracy of the model.
Analysis of Cybercrimes, Major Cyber Security Attacks and the Overall Economic Impact on Nigeria
Authors: Tuleun Washima
Published: October 2024

Cybercrime is a worldwide issue, and Nigeria is not resistant to its impacts. This paper explores the cybercrimes and major cyber-attacks that have targeted businesses and institutions inside Nigeria, looking at different shapes, economic and the financial effect they have on people, businesses, and the country at huge. With the tremendous growth in technological developments coupled with the increased adoption and acceptability of online internet services, there are also been an increase in cyber related attacks and crimes in parallel targeting personal identifiable data, exploitation of vulnerabilities in systems and theft of sensitive data consequently leading to financial loss, reputational damage and overall impact on businesses and institutions. The study utilizes a comprehensive review of existing writing, case studies, and measurable information to have a holistic understanding of the cybercrime landscape. It moreover examines the measures taken by the government and private sector to combat these violations and proposes recommendations for more successful procedures to mitigate and reduce their affect
Seismic Analysis of R.C. Structure with Re-Entrant Corners and Bracing – A Critical Review
Authors: Dixit Nikhil , Babu K Dr. Ananda
Published: October 2024

This review paper critically examines the seismic analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) structures with re-entrant corners and the effectiveness of bracing systems in mitigating seismic risks. Re-entrant corners, often present in modern architectural designs, introduce significant challenges due to the irregularities they cause in the structural configuration. These irregularities lead to uneven force distribution and stress concentration, making such structures more vulnerable to seismic events. The paper synthesizes findings from numerous studies that employed various analytical methods, including response spectrum analysis, time history analysis, and equivalent static lateral force methods, to evaluate the seismic behavior of RC structures with re-entrant corners. Key parameters analyzed include storey displacement, inter-storey drift, base shear, and torsional irregularity. The review highlights the effectiveness of different bracing configurations—diagonal, chevron, V, and X— in enhancing the seismic performance of these structures. It is noted that while bracing significantly reduces displacements and inter-storey drifts, the choice of bracing type affects other critical responses such as base shear and column axial forces. Among the configurations, X-bracing demonstrates superior control over displacements but increases base shear and column forces. Additionally, the paper points out the limitations of current seismic design codes in adequately addressing the complex behaviors induced by re-entrant corners. In conclusion, this review underscores the necessity for advanced seismic design approaches and code modifications to incorporate the unique demands of RC structures with re-entrant corners. Through improved design strategies and the strategic use of bracing, the resilience of such structures against seismic events can be significantly enhanced. This paper provides a comprehensive reference for engineers and researchers aiming to develop safer and more resilient RC buildings in seismically active regions
Bio-Crude Upgrading Into Fuel Grade From Hydrothermal Liquefaction Of Biomass In Sub- And Super-Critical Water Media
Authors: Sarwono Rakhman
Published: October 2024

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) proceeded of biomass into bio-crude have been studied. Bio-oil products were not ready to use as a fuel, because bio-oil content of high moisture content, high density, low heating value and inorganic elements. The bio-oil needs upgrading to improve the characteristic to fuel grade. Upgrade biooil included process of hydrotreatment, esterification and cracking, denitrogenation, deoxygenation, and demineralization. The high oxygen content in the bio-crude created undesirable properties in the oil such as low energy density, instability that leads to polymerization, high viscosity, and corrosion on contact surfaces during storage and transportation. The bio-oil treated to fuel grade properties lead on the high carbon content and high heating value, low impurities content, such as lower N,O,S and mineral contents. The resulted upgrade bio-oil should be mathed to the criteria of the fuel to be used
Garbage detection using deep learning techniques with an integrated SMS system
Authors: Halder Tuhina , Sarkar Pradip , Kabi Sangsthita , Roy Shuvam , Roy Adrish , Das Manas Kumar
Published: October 2024

Waste management involves the breakdown of waste through recycling and landfill disposal. Deep learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer flexible solutions for waste classification and real-time data monitoring, respectively. This study presents a novel approach to automating waste sorting processes through the implementation of a convolutional neural network (CNN)--based model. The model is designed to detect garbage items by processing input images using a sequential architecture that includes convolutional layers, activation functions, max-pooling layers, and dense layers. Operating on images with dimensions of 224x224 pixels and RGB color channels, the network employs multiple convolutional layers to extract hierarchical features, followed by max-pooling layers to reduce spatial dimensions. Flattened feature maps are then passed through fully connected layers with rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation functions and dropout regularization to prevent overfitting. The final layer utilizes a sigmoid activation function to generate binary predictions for each garbage item class. Training involves the use of a binary cross-entropy loss function and the Adam optimizer, augmented by data augmentation techniques to enhance generalization. Experimental results demonstrate the model's high accuracy over ten epochs, underscoring its efficacy in waste item classification and its potential for deployment in waste management systems. The study underscores the significance of deep learning in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainability through intelligent waste-sorting solutions
Human Gait Analysis Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ahmad Shams , R Ms.Likitha.
Published: October 2024

Gait analysis, traditionally is a complex field due to the complex interplay of various data points which is being significantly transformed by machine learning coupled with biomechanics.This paper provides an overview into how machine learning can empowers researchers to effectively analyze walking patterns in humans.It explores the current research and practical applications implemented by experts. The focus lies on leveraging supervised machine learning algorithms to identify neurological problems, uneven gaits, gait disorders, specific gait events, and overall walking activities. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the effectiveness of these machine learning methods in diagnosing conditions, predicting recovery timelines, and improving clinical monitoring tools for better results
A Framework to strengthen the Reliability OF financial Technology Lending Applications by Integrating with Central Banks
Authors: Nasser Dr.Mona , Hagag Dr.Riham , ELDesouky Ahmed Mohamed Ebrahim
Published: October 2024

The biggest near-term threat for the most of Central Banks Across All Countries comes from Fintech Companies as the financial ecosystem is changing rapidly due to the increased use of information technologies by financial institutions and over the past few years Fin-Tech has become a major force that is disrupting and transforming financial services on a global scale, the present period is considered crucial for financial services practitioners. Due to the massive number of technical advances that have altered the way businesses operate, and daily transactions are conducted, the FinTech (financial technology) industry has grown up to be one of the most significant industries receiving support from decision-makers globally. However, FinTech face a complex regulatory environment that was designed for older business models and is slow to adopt change. So, the fintech refers to any app, software, or technology that allows people or businesses to digitally access, manage, or gain insights into their finances or make financial transactions. The increase in financial technology usage is reshaping our financial world. People’s money is easier to access, and it provides new ways to share, save, invest, Lend and manage money making life better for the people while helping reach those underserved by legacy financial options
Electronic Obstacle Detector Spectacles for the VisuallyImpaireds without Microcontroller
Authors: Naskar Jeet , Ghosh Pretty , Ghosh Sayan , Nag Shreya , Kumar Sinha Shambhu Sharan
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a noble approach to a low budget and easy to use obstacle detector spectacles for visuallyimpaired people. A normal protection spectacle has been modified using a small circuit made off a driver network and an ultrasonic proximity sensor. The sensing mechanism bashed on transmitting ultrasonic sound signal and processing the reflected signals reflected by the object has to be synced. A NE555 timer IC along with some other passive components (resistors & capacitors) has been used as driver circuit. A piezoelectric buzzer has been used to give the sound output as warning. The whole contraption has powder using a rechargeable lithium-polymer (LIPO) battery. No jumper wires have not used for connection purpose
Predicting Stock Prices Using Machine Learning
Authors: YILDIRIM Ahmet , GÜNEŞ Ali
Published: October 2024

Predicting the closing prices of stock instruments, which have become one of the prominent investment tools in our era, has become an important topic. Investors tend to use their investments to gain profit with minimal risk. Accordingly, predicting the closing prices of stocks based on future closing values is crucial. Two different methods are used for these decisions: fundamental analysis and technical analysis. With the rapidly developing software and hardware technology, the use of statistical methods in technical analysis is rapidly increasing. In this study, the closing values of APPLE, GOOGLE, MICROSOFT, AMAZON, and NVIDIA stocks between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed using Arima, XGBooster, Prophet algorithms, and LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory Networks
Smartphone-Controlled Floor Cleaning Robot: An ArduinoBased IoT Solution
Authors: Dhavale Shrikant , Solanki Yash , Mane Siddhant , Deshmukh Manas
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the development of a smartphone-controlled floor cleaning robot designed to streamline household floor cleaning processes. Utilizing advanced technology such as an Arduino board, motor shield, and Bluetooth module, the robot offers customizable water usage and intuitive controls for efficient operation. Key features include a rotating mop and water storage attachment for thorough cleaning. The robot's standout feature is its remotecontrol capability via an Android app, enabling users to start, stop, and adjust cleaning parameters. The paper outlines the theory behind the robot's operation, including smartphone interface, initialization, Bluetooth communication, motor control, and sustainable component reuse. The utility of the robot lies in its versatility, user-friendliness, and eco-friendly design. Through strategic component reuse and energy-efficient operation, the robot embodies a commitment to sustainability. Future enhancements could include autonomous features to broaden its utility. Overall, this paper presents a practical and innovative solution for household floor maintenance, demonstrating the integration of advanced technology with environmental consciousness
Vertical Turning Lathe versus Horizontal Turning Lathe A Comparative Analysis
Authors: ALYEHYA ALI
Published: October 2024

The subtractive manufacturing process had been one of the early processes known in the industry field. One of which is turning operation. This type of operation is based on removing or carving-off material from a stock piece with a sharp cutting tool while the stock piece is revolving. A horizontal turning lathe (HTL) and a vertical turning lathe (VTL) are two types categorized according to the mounting direction of the work piece and the machine’s revolving axis. This research will bring up to surface the advantages and disadvantages of these two main processes and their applications in the industry. Also, whether the mounting direction of the work piece has any effect on the final product geometrical dimensions and finish. This study is a debate discussing where you should use one over the other; keeping in mind the skill level required to operate the machines, the footprint required at the work plant and most important the affordability and mobility of such machines
Crustal structure beneath Namche Barwa, eastern Himalayan syntaxis: New insights from three‐dimensional magnetotelluric imaging
Authors: Lin Changhong , Peng Miao , Tan Handong , Xu Zhiqin , Li Zhong‐Hai , Kong Wenxin , Tong Tuo , Wang Mao , Zeng Weihua
Published: July 2017

The eastern terminations of the Himalayan orogeny, named Namche Barwa, are considered a vital natural laboratory in the Tibetan plateau for geodynamics due to its distinctive geological and geomorphological characteristics. Magnetotelluric (MT) data measured at 83 sites around the Namche Barwa are imaged by three‐dimensional (3‐D) inversion to better reveal the crustal structure of the eastern Himalaya. The results show a complex and heterogeneous electrical structure beneath the Namche Barwa. The electrical conductors distributed in the middle and lower crust around the Namche Barwa provide additional evidence for the “crustal flow” model if they are considered as some parts of the flow in a relatively large‐scale region. The near‐surface resistivity model beneath the inner part of Namche Barwa conforms with the locations of hot spring and fluid inclusions, the brittle‐ductile transition, and the 300°C–400°C isotherm from previous hydrothermal studies. Relatively resistive upper crust (>800 Ωm) is underlain by a more conductive middle to lower crust (<80 Ωm). The electrical characteristics of the thermal structure at shallow depth indicate an accumulation of hydrous melting, a localized conductive steep dipping zone for decompression melting consistent with the “tectonic aneurysm” model for explaining the exhumation mechanism of metamorphic rocks at Namche Barwa. The results also imply that both surface processes and local tectonic responses play a vital role in the evolution of Namche Barwa. An alternative hypothesis that the primary sustained heat source accounts for the local thermal‐rheological structure beneath Namche Barwa is also discussed.
CGCM and AGCM seasonal climate predictions: A study in CCSM4
Authors: Infanti Johnna M. , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: July 2017

Seasonal climate predictions are formulated from known present conditions and simulate the near‐term climate for approximately a year in the future. Recent efforts in seasonal climate prediction include coupled general circulation model (CGCM) ensemble predictions, but other efforts have included atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) ensemble predictions that are forced by time‐varying sea surface temperatures (SSTs). CGCMs and AGCMs have differences in the way surface energy fluxes are simulated, which may lead to differences in skill and predictability. Concerning model biases, forecasted SSTs have errors compared to observed SSTs, which may also affect skill and predictability. This manuscript focuses on the role of the ocean in climate predictions and includes the influences of ocean‐atmosphere coupling and SST errors on skill and predictability. We perform a series of prediction experiments comparing coupled and uncoupled Community Climate System Model version 4.0 (CCSM4) predictions and forecasted versus observed SSTs to determine which is the leading cause for differences in skill and predictability. Overall, prediction skill and predictability are only weakly influenced by ocean‐atmosphere coupling, with the exception of the western Pacific, while errors in forecasted SSTs significantly impact skill and predictability. Comparatively, SST errors lead to more significant and robust differences in prediction skill and predictability versus inconsistencies in ocean‐atmosphere coupling.
Relative influences of the metocean forcings on the drifting ice pack and estimation of internal ice stress gradients in the Labrador Sea
Authors: Turnbull I. D. , Torbati R. Z. , Taylor R. S.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the relative influences of the metocean forcings on the drift of sea ice floes is a crucial component to the overall characterization of an ice environment and to developing an understanding of the factors controlling the ice dynamics. In addition, estimating the magnitude of the internal stress gradients on drifting sea ice floes generated by surrounding ice cover is important for modeling operations, informing the design of offshore structures and vessels in ice environments, and for the proper calibration of Discrete Element Models (DEM) of fields of drifting ice floes. In the spring of 2015 and 2016, four sea ice floes offshore Makkovik, Labrador were tagged with satellite‐linked ice tracking buoys along with one satellite‐linked weather station on each floe to transmit wind speed and direction. Twenty satellite‐linked Lagrangian surface ocean current tracking buoys were also deployed in the open water adjacent to the targeted ice floes. In this paper, the dynamics of the four ice floes are explored in terms of the relative proportions which were forced by the wind, current, sea surface topography, Coriolis, and internal stress gradients. The internal ice stress gradients are calculated as residuals between the observed accelerations of the floes as measured by the tracking buoys and the sums of the other metocean forcings. Results show that internal ice stress gradients accounted for up to 50% of the observed forcing on the floes, and may have reached up to around 0.19 kPa.
Large runup controls on a gently sloping dissipative beach
Authors: García‐Medina Gabriel , Özkan‐Haller H. Tuba , Holman Rob A. , Ruggiero Peter
Published: July 2017

Observations on a mildly sloping beach suggest that the largest runup events are related to bore‐bore capture (BBC). A numerical model based on the Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations is implemented to evaluate the effects that BBC have on runup. From simulations with realistic sea states, BBC is found to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for large runup generation. The dominant dynamics leading to BBC are amplitude dispersion and interactions with infragravity waves in the outer and inner surf zone, respectively. When the effects of BBC are isolated, it is found that the runup associated with the merging of two bores is at least 50% larger than that associated with the larger of the two waves in a monochromatic wave train. The phase difference of the incident waves with the infragravity wave can generate up to 30% variability of the runup maxima. The majority of the shoreward directed momentum flux, prior to runup initiation, is related to the interaction between the bores and the infragravity wave followed by that of the incident infragravity waves alone.
A comparison of the effects of El Niño and El Niño Modoki on subdaily extreme precipitation occurrences across the contiguous United States
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Zhong Shiyuan , Heilman Warren E. , Bian Xindi
Published: July 2017

Intense precipitation over a short duration is a major cause of flash floods. Using hourly rainfall data from the North America Land Data Assimilation System Phase 2 from 1979 to 2013, we compared the differences in the response of the subdaily extreme precipitation occurrences across the contiguous U.S. to strong anomalous warming over the eastern equatorial Pacific known as El Niño and over the central equatorial Pacific known as El Niño Modoki. For both types of anomalous equatorial Pacific warming, the teleconnection is much stronger in the cold season (November through April) than warm season (May through October). During the warm season, while both types correspond to an increase in subdaily extreme precipitation in areas of Texas and a decrease in some areas of the northern Plains, El Niño is associated with a significant increase in the northern Rockies and El Niño Modoki is associated with a decrease in the Intermountain West. During the cold season, the overall patterns are similar between the two types, with positive anomalies over much of the southern and negative anomalies over the northern U.S. However, large regional differences exist, with El Niño exerting a much stronger influence on subdaily extreme precipitation in the Atlantic and Gulf states as well as California, while the influence of El Niño Modoki is slightly broader over the Midwest. These differences can be largely explained by the vertical velocity, moisture convergence, and jet stream patterns induced by El Niño and El Niño Modoki episodes.
A high‐resolution atmospheric dust record for 1810–2004 A.D. derived from an ice core in eastern Tien Shan, central Asia
Authors: Zhang Wangbin , Hou Shugui , Liu Yaping , Wu Shuangye , An Wenling , Pang Hongxi , Wang Chaomin
Published: July 2017

Centennial‐scale, high‐resolution records of atmospheric dust conditions are rare in the arid and semiarid regions of central Asia, limiting our understanding of the regional climate and environmental changes and their potential driving forces. In this paper, we present an annually resolved atmospheric dust record covering the period of 1810–2004 A.D., reconstructed from an ice core retrieved at 4512 m above sea level from the Miaoergou Glacier in the eastern Tien Shan. The time series of dust flux for the past 195 years shows three periods of relatively low values (i.e., 1810–1829 A.D., 1863–1940 A.D., and 1979–2004 A.D.) and two periods of relatively high values (i.e., 1830–1862 A.D. and 1941–1978 A.D.). Spatial correlation analysis suggests possible regional factors controlling the dust flux, including antecedent summer precipitation, spring soil moisture, and near‐surface wind speed. In addition, the Miaoergou dust flux is closely associated with the winter index of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) over the past two centuries, with high (low) dust periods coinciding with the negative (positive) phases of the NAO. The persistent relationship suggests that the NAO may have been a key driver on dust flux change over the arid regions between the Tien Shan and Kunlun Mountains.
Dinitramidoborates: A Fascinating Case of Competing Oxygen and Nitrogen Donors and Tautomerism
Authors: Bélanger‐Chabot Guillaume , Rahm Martin , Haiges Ralf , Christe Karl O.
Published: July 2017

Reactions of the BH4− anion with equimolar amounts of HN(NO2)2 or of BH3⋅THF with K[N(NO2)2]− produced a mono‐substituted [BH3N(NO2)2]− anion, which contains a B−N connected dinitramido ligand. The reaction of BH4− with two equivalents of HN(NO2)2 afforded the di‐substituted borate anion consisting of two isomers, one with both nitramido ligands attached to B through N and the other one with one ligand attached through N and the other one through O. The disubstituted dinitramidoborates are marginally stable under ambient conditions, and the isomer with two N‐connected ligands was characterized by its crystal structure. A tri‐substituted borate was tentatively identified by NMR in the reaction of BH4− with a large excess of HN(NO2)2. All of the anions are highly energetic. Theoretical calculations show that the energy differences between the B−N and B−O tautomers are small, explaining the formation of both.
It is not always child abuse: multiple fractures due to hypophosphatemic rickets associated with elemental formula use
Authors: Abulebda Kamal , Abu‐Sultaneh Samer , Lutfi Riad
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

Rickets is not a disease of the past. We described a toddler who developed hypophosphatemic rickets associated with the use of elemental formula. This case highlights the importance of frequent monitoring of mineral metabolism in children receiving elemental formula and considering rickets in the workup of child abuse.
Constraint data‐driven optimal terminal ILC of end product quality for a class of I/O constrained batch processes
Authors: Chi Ronghu , Liang Hao , Lin Na , Zhang Ruikun , Huang Biao
Published: July 2017

In order to deal with the I/O constraints in a practical plant, a soft limiter is often added into the control design procedure directly; however, the performance of the soft limiter based control approach will be degraded greatly due to the use of the soft constraints. This paper proposes a data‐driven optimal terminal iterative learning control (constraint‐DDOTILC) approach for the end product quality control of batch processes with I/O hard constraints. To deal with nonlinearities, a novel iterative dynamic linearization method without omitting any information of the original plant is introduced such that the derived linearized data‐driven model is completely equivalent to the original nonlinear system. By transferring all the constraints on the system output, control input, and the change rate of input signals into a linear inequality, a novel constraint‐DDOTILC is developed by minimizing an objective function under the derived linear matrix inequality constraint. The optimal learning gain of the constraint‐DDOTILC can be updated iteratively according to the input and output measurements to enhance the flexibility for modifications and expansions of the controlled plant. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed constraint‐DDOTILC.
High Efficiency MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cell Using a Pure Thin Film of Polyoxometalate as Scaffold Layer
Authors: Sardashti Mohammad Khaledi , Zendehdel Mahmoud , Nia Narges Yaghoobi , Karimian Davud , Sheikhi Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Here, we successfully used a pure layer of [SiW11O39]8− polyoxomethalate (POM) structure as a thin‐film scaffold layer for CH3NH3PbI3‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A smooth nanoporous surface of POM causes outstanding improvement of the photocurrent density, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and overall efficiency of the PSCs compared to mesoporous TiO2 (mp‐TiO2) as scaffold layer. Average power conversion efficiency (PCE) values of 15.5 % with the champion device showing 16.3 % could be achieved by using POM and a sequential deposition method with the perovskite layer. Furthermore, modified and defect‐free POM/perovskite interface led to elimination of the anomalous hysteresis in the current–voltage curves. The open‐circuit voltage decay study shows promising decrease of the electron recombination in the POM‐based PSCs, which is also related to the modification of the POM/ perovskite interface and higher electron transport inside the POM layer.
Multivalent methionine‐functionalized biocompatible block copolymers for targeted small interfering RNA delivery and subsequent reversal effect on adriamycin resistance in human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7/ADR
Authors: Wu Yang , Zhang Wei , Li Tinghan , Ma Rong , Chen Dan , Zhang Junying , Wu Jianzhong , Tang Jinhai
Published: July 2017

Background

Cationic polymers are outstanding representatives of the most efficient small interfering RNA (siRNA) vectors. Low cytotoxicity and siRNA protecting effect can be obtained with these cationic polymers via a variety of structural modifications. Nevertheless, the gap between their efficiency and the requirement for therapeutic processes is still noticeable.

Methods

A cationic polymer vector was synthesized via the copolymerization of N‐(1,3‐dihydroxy propan‐2‐yl)methacrylamide (DHPMA) and N‐(3‐aminopropyl)methacrylamide (APMA).

Results

APMA provides amine functionality that allows the conjugation of guanidine and methionine groups. Attributed to the hydroxy groups of DHPMA, the synthesized guanidine and methionine grafted DHPMA‐b‐APMA block copolymer (mDG) is water soluble and has good biocompatibility. The obtained mDG has high zeta potential, narrow molecular weight distribution, better membrane‐penetrating ability, high transfection efficiency, tumor cell targeting ability and high stability.

Conclusions

The synthesized polymer vector can deliver siRNA molecules into tumor cells and then reverse drug resistance by down regulation of P‐glycoprotein mRNA expression.
Homogenization of Ukrainian air temperature data
Authors: Osadchyi Volodymyr , Skrynyk Olesya , Radchenko Roman , Skrynyk Oleg
Published: July 2017

A database of monthly mean air temperature data collected in Ukraine has been created. The database contains records of 514 stations, which were working at one time or another during the period 1812–2014. Metadata have also been collected using the available descriptions of the stations' histories. Regular observations at a sufficiently large number of stations contained in the database began in the early 1880s. However, due to the disruptions that occurred during World Wars I and II and resulted in a lot of missing data, a reliable homogenized data set can be obtained only for the period 1946–2014. For this period, we have homogenized the data from 178 stations by means of the HOMER software. The total number of breaks that we have identified is 287. However, only approximately 31% of them can be explained by the station relocations or other reasons. The shift magnitudes in annual series do not exceed ±1 °C with the small negative mean value. Therefore, on average, the inhomogeneities of the time series have an effect of increasing the past temperature slightly over the territory of Ukraine and, consequently, decrease the rate of the temperature rise. The trend analysis of the raw and homogenized time series confirms this conclusion. The homogenized data show a more realistic pattern of the spatial distribution of the temperature tendencies, in contrast to many artificial spots of higher or lower trend values in the raw data. After the homogenization, the areas with insignificant trends were considerably reduced.
College Women's Experiences and Perceptions of Drinking: A Phenomenological Exploration
Authors: Likis‐Werle Elizabeth , Borders L. DiAnne
Published: July 2017

College women's drinking rates are increasing, yet there is limited research on what is contributing to this phenomenon. In this study, the authors explored a fuller picture of how college women experience and perceive drinking situations. Qualitative data from 2 focus groups of high‐risk and low‐risk drinkers were analyzed with interpretative phenomenological analysis. Similarities and contrasts are discussed, implications for college counselors are highlighted, and areas for future research are recommended.
Experiencing Shame: Collegiate Alcohol Abuse, Religiosity, and Spirituality
Authors: Prosek Elizabeth A. , Giordano Amanda L. , Holm Jessica M. , Bevly Cynthia M. , Sender Kristy M. , Ramsey Zachary B. , Abernathy Meagan R.
Published: July 2017

Previous researchers have established the relationship between substance abuse and shame and religiosity/spirituality and shame. This study investigated the associations among shame, religiosity, spirituality, and drinking behavior in a college student sample (N = 310). Participants classified as hazardous drinkers reported higher levels of shame associated with drinking behavior. Elements of religiosity and spirituality significantly explained state shame among hazardous drinkers. Implications for college counselors are presented.
Successfully Implementing a Group for Adult Children of Alcoholics and Adult Children of Parents With Mental Illness on a College Campus
Authors: DiVento Jessica , Saxena Gauri
Published: July 2017

Because of their demographics, university counseling centers have an opportunity to reach both adult children of alcoholics and adult children of parents with mental illness who are at risk for poor psychosocial outcomes. This article presents a group intervention targeting these students. The authors describe the development and implementation of the Successful Survival group and considerations for clinical training. Also discussed are recommendations for future research, practice, and clinical training.
Effectiveness of Care Farming on Veterans' Life Satisfaction, Optimism, and Perceived Loneliness
Authors: GREENLEAF ARIE T. , ROESSGER KEVIN M.
Published: July 2017

Military veterans are increasingly using care farms to heal their psychological wounds and reconnect socially. The authors examined the effectiveness of care farming using a smartphone data collection app to determine its effect on veterans' life satisfaction, optimism, and perceived loneliness. Findings support care farming as a treatment for veterans.
Examining the Efficacy of the Spanish Cultural Translation of the Student Success Skills Program to Improve Academic Achievement
Authors: URBINA IVETT , VILLARES ELIZABETH , MARIANI MELISSA
Published: July 2017

This study examined the efficacy of a Spanish cultural translation of the Student Success Skills classroom program, influenced by individual psychology and humanistic counseling, to improve standardized test scores of Hispanic high school students (N = 352). Analysis of covariance findings revealed a statistically significant difference between treatment and comparison groups.
Study of the interactions between proximal femur 3d bone shape, cartilage health, and biomechanics in patients with hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Pedoia Valentina , Samaan Michael A. , Inamdar Gaurav , Gallo Matthew C. , Souza Richard B. , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: July 2017

In this study quantitative MRI and gait analysis were used to investigate the relationships between proximal femur 3D bone shape, cartilage morphology, cartilage biochemical composition, and joint biomechanics in subject with hip Osteoarthritis (OA). Eighty subjects underwent unilateral hip MR‐imaging: T1ρ and T2 relaxation times were extracted through voxel based relaxometry and bone shape was assessed with 3D MRI‐based statistical shape modeling. In addition, 3D gait analysis was performed in seventy‐six of the studied subjects. Associations between shape, cartilage lesion presence, severity, and cartilage T1ρ and T2 were analyzed with linear regression and statistical parametric mapping. An ad hoc analysis was performed to investigate biomechanics and shape associations. Our results showed that subjects with a higher neck shaft angle in the coronal plane (higher mode 1, coxa valga), thicker femoral neck and a less spherical femoral head (higher mode 5, pistol grip) exhibited more severe acetabular and femoral cartilage abnormalities, showing different interactions with demographics factors. Subjects with coxa valga also demonstrated a prolongation of T1ρ and T2. Subjects with pistol grip deformity exhibited reduced hip internal rotation angles and subjects with coxa valga exhibited higher peak hip adduction moment and moment impulse. The results of this study establish a clear relationship between 3D proximal femur shape variations and markers of hip joint degeneration—morphological, compositional, well as insight on the possible interactions with demographics and biomechanics, suggesting that 3D MRI‐based bone shape maybe a promising biomarker of early hip joint degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:330–341, 2018.
High mitochondrial DNA copy number was associated with an increased gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Xun , Mao Yingying , Huang Tongtong , Yan Caiwang , Yu Fei , Du Jiangbo , Dai Juncheng , Ma Hongxia , Jin Guangfu
Published: July 2017

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number (mtCN) may be a potential biomarker in relation to cancer risk. However, the role of mtCN in gastric cancer remains uncertain. We examined the association between peripheral blood leukocytes mtCN level and gastric cancer risk in a case‐control study including 984 gastric cancer cases and 984 controls. We measured relative mtCN level by real‐time quantitative PCR‐based assay, and used logistic regression models to assess the association between mtCN and risk of gastric cancer. The mtCN level in gastric cancer cases was significantly higher than that in controls (median value: 6.53 vs 4.12, P = 1.79 × 10−5). Compared with those with low mtCN, the risk for gastric cancer was 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02‐1.63) in the median group and 1.74 (95%CI = 1.39‐2.18) in the high mtCN group (P for trend = 1.51 × 10−6). Because relative telomere length (RTL) has been associated with gastric cancer risk in our previous study, we also evaluated the combined effects of mtCN and RTL on gastric cancer risk. Multivariable regression model revealed that the effects of mtCN and RTL were independent on gastric cancer risk. Compared with those in the lowest risk group by combining mtCN and RTL, the odds ratio for gastric cancer was 4.30 (95%CI = 2.79‐6.63) in the highest risk group. Our results suggest that mtDNA may be implicated in gastric carcinogenesis and mtCN as well as RTL may serve as joint susceptible biomarkers for gastric cancer.
Physical validation of a Monte Carlo‐based, phantom‐derived approach to computed tomography organ dosimetry under tube current modulation
Authors: Stepusin Elliott J. , Long Daniel J. , Ficarrotta Kayla R. , Hintenlang David E. , Bolch Wesley E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To physically validate the accuracy of a Monte Carlo‐based, phantom‐derived methodology for computed tomography (CT) dosimetry that utilizes organ doses from precomputed axial scans and that accounts for tube current modulation (TCM).

Methods

The output of a Toshiba Aquilion ONE CT scanner was modeled, based on physical measurement, in the Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNPX (v2.70). CT examinations were taken of two anthropomorphic phantoms representing pediatric and adult patients (15‐yr‐old female and adult male) at various energies, in which physical organ dose measurements were made using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs). These exams (chest–abdomen–pelvis) were modeled using organ dose data obtained from the computationally equivalent phantom of each anthropomorphic phantom. TCM was accounted for by weighting all organ dose contributions by both the relative attenuation of the phantom and the image‐derived mA value (from the DICOM header) at the same z‐extent (cranial–caudal direction) of the axial dose data.

Results

The root mean squares of percent difference in organ dose when comparing the physical organ dose measurements to the computational estimates were 21.2, 12.1, and 15.1% for the uniform (no attenuation weighting), weighted (computationally derived), and image‐based methodologies, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, these data suggest that the Monte Carlo‐based dosimetry presented in this work is viable for CT dosimetry. Additionally, for CT exams with TCM, local attenuation weighting of organ dose contributions from precomputed axial dosimetry libraries increases organ dose accuracy.
A Novel Role for CAMKK1 in the Regulation of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome
Authors: Dong Feng , Patnaik Shyam , Duan Zhong-Hui , Kiedrowski Matthew , Penn Marc S. , Mayorga Maritza E.
Published: July 2017

Transplantation of adult stem cells into myocardial tissue after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), has been shown to improve tissue recovery and prevent progression to ischemic cardiomyopathy. Studies suggest that the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are due to paracrine factors released by MSC, as the benefits of MSC can be achieved through delivery of conditioned media (CM) alone. We previously demonstrated that downregulation of Dab2 enhances MSC cardiac protein expression and improves cardiac function after AMI following MSC engraftment. In order to define the molecular mechanisms that regulate MSC secretome, we analyzed gene arrays in MSC following downregulation of Dab2 via TGFβ1 pretreatment or transfection with Dab2:siRNA or miR-145. We identified 23 genes whose expressions were significantly changed in all three conditions. Among these genes, we have initially focused our validation and functional work on calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-1 (CAMKK1). We quantified the effects of CAMKK1 overexpression in MSC following injection of CM after AMI. Injections of CM from MSC with CAMKK1 over-expression correlated with an increase in vascular density (CAMKK1 CM: 2,794.95 ± 44.2 versus Control: 1,290.69 ± 2.8 vessels/mm2) and decreased scar formation (CAMKK1 CM 50% ± 3.2% versus Control: 28% ± 1.4%), as well as improved cardiac function. Direct overexpression of CAMKK1 in infarcted tissue using a CAMKK1-encoding plasmid significantly improved ejection fraction (CAMKK1: 83.2% ± 5.4% versus saline: 51.7% ± 5.8%. Baseline: 91.3% ± 4.3%) and decreased infarct size after AMI. Our data identify a novel role for CAMKK1 as regulator of the MSC secretome and demonstrate that direct overexpression of CAMKK1 in infarcted cardiac tissue, results in therapeutic beneficial effects.
Starobinsky-like inflation in no-scale supergravity Wess-Zumino model with Polonyi term
Authors: Romão Miguel Crispim , King Stephen F.
Published: July 2017

Abstract

We propose a simple modification of the no-scale supergravity Wess-Zumino model of Starobinsky-like inflation to include a Polonyi term in the superpotential. The purpose of this term is to provide an explicit mechanism for supersymmetry breaking at the end of inflation. We show how successful inflation can be achieved for a gravitino mass satisfying the strict upper bound m
3/2
< 103 TeV, with favoured values

$$ {m}_{3/2}\lesssim \mathcal{O}(1) $$

m

3
/
2

≲
O

1

TeV. The model suggests that SUSY may be discovered in collider physics experiments such as the LHC or the FCC.