bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment Of Depression, Anxiety, and Quality Of Life in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bhattarai Dipesh , Upadhyaya Shreeram , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Poudel Chandra Mani
Published: April 2024

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent cardiovascular condition. Individuals with CAD frequently experience depression and anxiety, which correlate with adverse outcomes. Depression and anxiety are important predictors of quality of life (QoL) among CAD patients.
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and to find the effect of anxiety and depression on the quality of life in patients with CAD visiting cardiology outpatient at Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Tribhuvan University from November 2019 to October 2020.
Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design comprising a total sample size of 96. Socio-demographic and clinical profiles were obtained using a semi-structured proforma. A validated Nepali version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression. ICD-10 DCR was further used to categorize anxiety and depressive disorders. Quality of life was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF.
Results: The majority of the participants were of the age group 40-64 years (61.5%) were male (70%) and had a diagnosis of STEMI (57.3%). Anxiety disorder was present in 27.1% and depressive disorder in 20.9% of patients with CAD. The most common anxiety disorder diagnosis was generalized anxiety disorder (11.5%) and the most common depressive disorder diagnosis was a mild depressive episode (12.5%). The WHOQOL-BREF scores were significantly negatively correlated with the HADS A score across domain one (p<0.05) and domain two (p<0.05) and also negatively correlated with the HADS D score across all four domains(p<0.05).
Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with Coronary Artery Disease suffer from anxiety and depression which adversely impact the QoL.
Anti-diabetes and neuroprotection potential and primary safety studies of Isatis tinctoria L. hydroalcoholic leaf extract
Authors: Nicosia Noemi , Kwiecień Inga , Bednarski Marek , Głuch-Lutwin Monika , Mika Kamil , Hambaryan Rimma , Miller Anthea , Alesci Alessio , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Zammit Paula , Ragusa Salvatore , Trojan Ewa , Sapa Jacek , Miceli Natalizia , Kotańska Magdalena
Published: April 2024

Objectives
Natural plant raw materials, previously underestimated in therapeutics, are becoming the subject of research for new applications in medicine. In our research, the hydroalcoholic extract of Isatis tinctoria leaf, rich in flavonoid compounds such as vicenin-2 and quercetin, was examined as a potential antidiabetic and neuroprotective agent.
Methods
The effect of the extract and its main flavonoid compounds on protein glycation, alpha-glucosidase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity was tested. In vitro, in the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line and in vivo, using a mouse model, the safety of the extract was screened for.
Key findings:
Our experiments demonstrated significant inhibition of protein glycation, alpha-glucosidase activity, and acetylcholinesterase activity by the extract, in a concentration dependent manner. The extract had a strong reducing effect, did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 25 mg/mL. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract to mice did not have negative effects on body mass, locomotor activity, coordination, and liver cell integrity.
Conclusions
Our research sheds a new light on this raw material and deepens knowledge of its activity. This may result in the recognition of its therapeutic effects and even in its introduction in the modern treatment of diseases characterized by pathological changes associated with hyperglycemia, oxidation, and inflammation.
Spherical Implantable Collamer Lens with Postoperative Adjunctive LASIK in the Treatment of High Compound Hyperopic Astigmatism
Authors: Li Daniel Q. , Gauvin Mathieu , Rocha Guillermo , Wallerstein Avi
Published: April 2024

Objective
To assess refractive and visual outcomes of a spherical Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) followed by planned postoperative adjunctive laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in the treatment of high compound hyperopic astigmatism.
Methods
In this prospective, multi-center, multi-surgeon, consecutive observational case series, eyes with ≥ 3.50 D hyperopia and ≥ 2.00 D of astigmatism underwent surgery receiving a spherical Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) followed by a planned adjunctive LASIK postoperatively. Outcomes measures included postoperative uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, spherical (SEQ) and defocus equivalent (DEQ), efficacy index, safety index, and astigmatism vector analyses.
Results
48 eyes had a mean sphere of 6.18 ± 1.35 D and mean cylinder of 2.69 ± 0.89 D preoperatively. After ICL and LASIK, 94% of eyes achieved a UDVA within 1 line of preoperative CDVA. Efficacy and safety indices were 0.94 ± 0.13 and 1.00 ± 0.13, respectively. We obtained near-to-emmetropia SEQ postoperatively (mean − 0.03 ± 0.43D), and the scatterplot of attempted versus achieved refractive correction revealed a predictable procedure (R2 = 0.89). 93.8% and 100% of eyes achieved target SEQ within 0.75 and 1.00 D. 87.5% and 100% of eyes were within 0.50 and 0.75 D of intended plano cylinder.
Conclusion
Spherical ICL with postoperative adjunctive LASIK was safe with good early visual and refractive outcomes. The combined modality is a promising approach to treating high compound hyperopic astigmatism where toric hyperopic ICL is not available.
Physical exercise in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: a systematic review with meta- analysis
Authors: Pedroni Anderson Sartor , Perius Carine Andressa , Penna Giana Berleze , Macagnan Fabricio Edler
Published: April 2024

Objective: To review literature data demonstrating preservation of cardiac function in patients participating in exercise when initiating cardiotoxic anticancer therapy.
Methods: LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science, without filters for year of publication or languages. Study selection: Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were selected that included outcomes assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain index (GLS) comparing physical training concomitant with antineoplastic therapy to usual treatment.
Results: Four studies were included, totaling 137 individuals (51.5±8.5 years). Three studies combined training (resistance and aerobic) and exclusive aerobic training. All studies were performed on breast cancer patients. The data did not show protection from physical exercise on LVEF (MD: 1.37 [-0.84, 3.59]; p=0.23, I2:55%) and GLS (MD: 0.21 [-0.84, 1.26]; p=0.69, I2:49%). However, the reduction in VO2peak was greater in the control group (14%) compared to the intervention group (5%). Limitations: Clinical trials evaluating the cardioprotective effects of exercise on cardiac function are rare and heterogeneous.
Conclusion: Physical exercise performed at the start of cardiotoxic antineoplastic treatment does not alter echocardiographic markers of cardiac function. However, no dysfunctional changes were observed in this population in the time period investigated. The preventive role of exercise on functionality during this phase of treatment strengthens the evidence for peripheral benefits that have been widely recognized in the literature.
Mapping of Terrestrial Gamma Radiation Isodose in Sabah State, Malaysia
Authors: Solleh Mohd Rafi Mohd , Sanusi Mohamad Syazwan Mohd , Idris Hairul Nizam , Yacob Mohd Zaini , Yahaya Faizal Bin , Wee Boon Siong
Published: April 2024

Research has been conducted to achieved data of background level of terrestrial gamma radiation for Sabah State. This research is conducted with a sampling technique where sampling location is selected according to soil type, geology, and minerals. Results were analyzed as geospatial to map the terrestrial gamma radiation isodose. The results of measurement at 1,054 locations showed that the min dose rate of terrestrial gamma radiation for Sabah State is 73 ± 1 nGyhr-1. This value is nearly the min global dose rate estimated by UNSCEAR which is 59 nGyhr-1. However, it is lower when compared to min dose rate measured in Peninsular Malaysia which is 190 ± 1 nGyhr-1. The highest dose rate measured is 190 nGyhr-1 in Lobong-lobong village near to Mount Kinabalu (igneous zone) and the lowest dose rate was 5 nGyhr-1 measured at Pulau Mabul. The existence of few location with high and low terrestrial gamma radiation anomaly is because of the difference geology background and soil types from lithology system in Sabah State. Isolated cases of high terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate is because of high natural radioactivity soil coming from plutonic and volcanic that existed as a separated debris. Measured gamma radiation dose level in Sabah is low because of domination by rock lithology with low radioactivity from metamorphic and sedimentation types. This low dose is classified as the normal dose level for ionized radiation coming from environment. Exposure by public from terrestrial gamma radiation in Sabah State does not producing dangers to public's health. The data from this research is important as a base data for terrestrial gamma radiation level. At present, this data is never established at federal level although it is important as a reference for government in conducting studies e.g., laws enforcement on the usage of radioactive materials or to address the Licensing Act for nuclear industry. On top of that, the results from this research such as isodose map could convince the public that the Government of Malaysia had information and scientific data towards radiation safety especially nuclear waste issues.
RETRACTED: A retrospective study of coronoid process morphology in patients with long-face morphology based on CBCT
Authors: He Shumin , Gu Deao , Yi Yingjie , Fan Ziqing , Min Li , Miao Leiying , Liu Chao
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A hybrid regularization method for identifying the source term and the initial value simultaneously for fractional pseudo-parabolic equations with involution *
Authors: Liang Ying-Qing , Yang Fan , Li Xiao-Xiao
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the problem of identifying source term and initial value simultaneously for fractional pseudo-parabolic equations with involution. This is an ill-posed problem and the conditional stability is given. A hybrid regularization method, which combines the modified quasi-inverse and the modified quasi-initial value, is used to deal with the inverse problem. The error estimates of the exact solution and the regularization solution are given respectively under the priori and the posteriori regularization parameter choice rules. Several numerical examples are presented to certify the hybrid regularization method is effective.
Modeling cardiac microcirculation for the simulation of coronary flow and 3D myocardial perfusion
Authors: Pelagi Giovanni Montino , Regazzoni Francesco , Huyghe Jacques M , Baggiano Andrea , Alì Marco , Bertoluzza Silvia , Valbusa Giovanni , Pontone Gianluca , Vergara Christian
Published: April 2024

Purpose: accurate modeling of blood dynamics in the coronary microcirculation is a crucial step towards the clinical application of in silico methods for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). In this work, we present a new mathematical model of microcirculatory hemodynamics accounting for microvasculature compliance and cardiac contraction; we also present its application to a full simulation of hyperemic coronary blood flow and 3D myocardial perfusion in real clinical cases.
Methods: microvasculature hemodynamics is modeled with a compliant multi-compartment Darcy formulation, with the new compli- ance terms depending on the local intramyocardial pressure generated by cardiac contraction. Nonlinear analytical relationships for vessels distensibility are included based on experimental data, and all the parameters of the model are reformulated based on histo-logically relevant quantities, allowing a deeper model personalization.
Results: Phasic flow patterns of high arterial inflow in diastole and venous outflow in systole are obtained, with flow waveforms morphology and pressure distribution along the microcirculation reproduced in accordance with experimental and in vivo measures. Phasic diameter change for arterioles and capillaries is also obtained with relevant differences depending on the depth location. Coronary blood dynamics exhibits a disturbed flow at the systolic onset, while the obtained 3D perfusion maps reproduce the systolic impediment effect and show relevant regional and transmural heterogeneities in myocardial blood flow (MBF).
Conclusion: the proposed model successfully reproduces microvasculature hemodynamics over the whole heartbeat and along the entire intramural vessels. Quantification of phasic flow patterns, diameter changes, regional and transmural heterogeneities in MBF represent key steps ahead in the direction of the predictive simulation of cardiac perfusion.
Neonatal Syringe Pumps in Zambia: a Multisite Cross-Sectional Case Study
Authors: Norton Oliver , Jha Prashant , Kazuma Seke , Lupupa Mumbi , Mmwamba Esther
Published: April 2024

Background: The global neonatal mortality rate is due to miss the third Sustainable Development Goal of 12 deaths per 100 live births by 2030. However, medical devices can play a crucial role in improving the quality of care given to neonates, helping to reduce the rate further.
Methods: This study focuses on determining the availability of syringe pumps to newborns in Zambia and whether this correlates to reduced neonatal mortality rates. Inventories of syringe pumps on 11 neonatal intensive care units (NICU), paediatric intensive care units (PICU), and paediatric high dependency units (PHDU) were conducted at 7 different hospitals. Neonatal mortality data for the second quarter of 2023, when the study was conducted, was requested from the hospitals.
Results: At least 1 syringe pump was available at 5 of the hospitals, however, syringe pumps were only available in 3 of the 7 NICUs. Only 3 of the 18 syringe pumps were found in the Copperbelt region, despite 5 of the hospitals being in this region. The largest syringe pump-to-bed ratio was 0.50 on the Livingstone University Teaching Hospital PHDU, while there were no syringe pumps in 6 of the wards. The Pearson correlation, between syringe pump-to-bed ratios and the mortality rates, was 0.16 while the Spearman was 0.38. A larger, multi-country study is needed to confirm these results.
Conclusions: In Zambia, there is a disproportionate availability of syringe pumps, for neonatal and paediatric care, in the central Lusaka and Southern regions compared to the Copperbelt region in the north.
Predictors of active pulmonary tuberculosis among hospitalized patients with atypical symptom and sign and underlying diseases having impact on the outcome of the COVID-19
Authors: Chen Chia-Hung , Kuo I-Ling , Huang Wan-Ting , Hsu Lin-Yi , Huang Hui-Hsuan , Huang Cheng-Yueh , Yeh Jun-Jun , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: April 2024

Background
This study aimed to focus on the diagnostic use of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to identify active pulmonary tuberculosis (aPTB) with atypical symptom and sign among the hospitalized patients with the underlying diseases having the impact on the outcome of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods
Within the study period (2018.01.01-2021.12.31), for patients with underlying diseases having the impact on the outcome of the COVID-19, chest –x-ray (CXR) / HRCT scans along with their patients’ charts were reviewed. These patients (n = 4,380) were classified into the [aPTB] group I (G1, n = 277) and pulmonary disease without aPTB (G2, n = 4103). Lung morphology, and lobar (segmental) distribution using CXR/HRCT, the underlying diseases and clinical symptom/sign were analyzed. To identify independent variables associated with G1, multivariate analysis was performed. Independent variables were used to generate prediction scores, which were used to develop models for predicting G1.
Results
For the HRCT model, multivariate analysis revealed cavitation, clusters nodules/mass (CNM) of the right/left upper lobe or ground-glass opacity were useful predictors for the G1. The negative predictive value of the HRCT model, and the CNM model for the GI were 99.3%, and 97.5%, respectively. However, the CNM model has the highest positive predictive value of 95.4%.
Conclusions
The CNM model may play an auxiliary role for the identification of G1 with atypical symptom and sign among the patients with underlying diseases having the impact on the outcome of the COVID-19.
Assessment of fall risk in the home environment of Korean older adults: revision and validation of the K-HOME FAST
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Park Min Kyung , Kim Layoung , Lee Jae Jun , Kim Namhee , Yang Seung Bum , Lee Ji Yeon
Published: April 2024

Background: Most older adults experience a fall inside their house. To prevent such falls, specially designed screening tools are required to assess fall risk in the home environment. Because the home environment varies based on culture and time, these tools must be regularly modified and validated. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the Revised K-HOME FAST (Korean version of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool) and evaluate its validity and reliability.
Methods: The Revised K-HOME FAST was developed in these phases: 1) development of the Revised K-HOME FAST, 2) feasibility test, 3) verification of content validity, and 4) data collection and verification of reliability. Verification of content validity involved the participation of ten experts. Internal consistency was confirmed by conducting home-visit assessments with 211 community-dwelling older adults who had experienced at least one fall in the local community. Verification of inter-rater reliability involved six investigators forming pairs and conducting individual evaluations of the homes of 20 older adults with a history of falls.
Results: The final Revised K-HOME FAST consisted of 25 items categorized into seven home areas: bathroom/toilet, bedroom, living room, kitchen, stairs, entrance, and entire house. The item-content validity index of the Revised K-HOME FASTranged from 0.8 to 1.0, except for one item. The internal consistency (Kuder–Richardson Formula 20) of the Revised K-HOME FAST was .65. The agreement percentage for each item ranged from 92% to 100%, and the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.79 to 1.00, indicating high inter-rater reliability.
Conclusions: The Revised K-HOME FAST has satisfactory validity and reliability for assessing the risk of falls in the home environment of community-dwelling older adults in Korea. By incorporating the characteristics of Korea, the Revised K-HOME FAST is positioned to contribute substantially to the reduction of home fall risks for Korea’s aging population.
Association between B-type natriuretic peptide levels after the first dose of cyclophosphamide and early cardiac events and transplantation outcomes
Authors: Chiu Chang-Fang , Chen Tzu-Ting , Lin Ching-Chan , Wang Shing-Ting , Chen Chia-Yu , Lin Mei-Chan , Yeh Su-Peng
Published: April 2024

Posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has proven to be an effective approach for preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haploidentical HSCT. However, PTCy is associated with toxicities. It has been reported to be associated with a higher incidence of early cardiac events (ECEs) occurring during the first 100 days after HSCT. We performed a retrospective study including patients (187 patients) who underwent haploidentical peripheral stem cell transplantation between January 1, 2013, and October 13, 2022 in our institute. All patients received post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) as part of Graft versus Host disease prophylaxis. We investigated the association between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and ECEs after PTCy. The study found that elevated BNP levels (> 530 pg/ml) on day 4 after the first dose of PTCy were significantly correlated with ECEs (3-month cumulative incidence: 54% vs. 4.5%). Patients with high BNP levels also had a higher risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) and worse overall survival (OS) (3-year NRM: high BNP levels vs. low BNP levels: 66% vs. 28%, p = 0.001; 3-year OS: high BNP levels vs. low BNP levels: 12% vs. 38%, p = 0.011 ). These findings suggest that BNP levels may be a useful biomarker for predicting PTCy-induced cardiotoxicity in HSCT patients.
A Model of Housing Demand Determinant in Owerri Urban, Imo State Nigeria
Authors: Kalu Abaraikwu Obialo , Nwankwo Stephen Ikpendu , Nwankwo Chidiuto Victoria
Published: April 2024

Despite the usual housing demand pattern in Nigeria- income, distance family preferences, gender; Owerri urban housing choice and demand characterization exhibited beyond that. The study adopted questionnaire method by using systematic sampling technique. 252 questionnaires were distributed and 174 questionnaires returned, five-point-rating method were used to rate the responses of respondents. X2 technique was used to analyze data collected. Analysis of the perception of the sampled population in Owerri urban revealed that income, distance, family preference, gender, were not the major housing demand determinants with p-value of 0.000 less than α level of 0.05, while age has a p-value of 0.006 less than α level of 0.05, nevertheless positive but H0 is accepted with some reservations. Analysis also showed that accessibility, security and location to the house triggers unquenched housing demand determinants to housing choice and demand in Owerri Urban which were translated into proposed model for housing demand pattern (HDP) using seven variables as major determinant factors for housing demand in Owerri Urban and beyond. DHk-1 = f {yk + dk + pk + gk + ek + ak+ lk + ………. Kn}.The study suggested that stakeholders should establish the open Registration System (ORS) to capture demand before eligibility and allocation is awarded to housing demandees in Owerri Urban.
Development of an Innovative Mix-Probe for Spatio-Temporal Measurements of Vorticity Fluctuations in the IR-T1 Tokamak
Authors: Mahjour Mahdi , Lafouti Mansoureh , Ghoranneviss Mahmood , Salem Mohammad Kazem
Published: April 2024

In this paper, Mix- Probe is designed and fabricated for the first time in IR-T1 Tokamak. The spatio-temporal variation of vorticity fluctuations (\(\stackrel{\sim}{\omega })\), blob size, velocity, radial turbulent transport ( \({\stackrel{\sim}{{\Gamma }}}_{r})\), and electron temperature can be measured by this probe. The emphasis of this paper is on measuring. \({\stackrel{\sim}{\text{I}}}_{\text{s}\text{a}\text{t}}\) at the edge of the IR-T1 tokamak. The data collected by a Mix- Probe was analyzed using various methods such as Fast Fourier Transport (FFT), spectrogram, and cross-correlation. \({\stackrel{\sim}{\text{I}}}_{\text{s}\text{a}\text{t}}\) behaves differently compared to \(\stackrel{\sim}{\omega }\). Roughly in the region where \(\stackrel{\sim}{\omega }\) have maximum amplitude, amplitude of \({\stackrel{\sim}{\text{I}}}_{\text{s}\text{a}\text{t}}\) is reduced. By calculating the shearing rate ( \({\gamma }_{E\times B}\)), it was observed that the typical patterns of \(\stackrel{\sim}{\omega }\) and \({\gamma }_{E\times B}\) are similar. \({\stackrel{\sim}{\text{I}}}_{\text{s}\text{a}\text{t}}\) exhibits distinct behavior when compared to \({\gamma }_{E\times B}\). When \({\gamma }_{E\times B}\) reaches its maximum, \(\stackrel{\sim}{\omega }\) also reaches its peak, but \({\stackrel{\sim}{\text{I}}}_{\text{s}\text{a}\text{t}}\)remains at a minimum. Moreover, the cross correlation between \(\stackrel{\sim}{\omega }\) and \({\stackrel{\sim}{{\Gamma }}}_{r}\) was higher than the cross correlation between \({\stackrel{\sim}{\text{I}}}_{\text{s}\text{a}\text{t}}\) and \({\stackrel{\sim}{{\Gamma }}}_{r}\), as observed by calculating cross correlation.
Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Dysfunction in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Prospective Observational Study with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Wang Hongyi , Liu Anqi , Ni Yifei , Wang Jianping , Han Yueyin , Xie Bingbing , Geng Jing , Ren Yanhong , Zhang Rongguo , Liu Min , Dai Huaping
Published: April 2024

Objective: Respiratory muscle dysfunction in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a big challenge for treatment and rehabilitation nursing. To quantitatively assess diaphragm and chest wall dysfunction using dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (D-MRI) in patients with IPF.
Methods: Ninety-six patients with IPF and 50 gender- and age-matched controls were prospectively included and underwent D-MRI with a dynamic fast spoiled gradient-recalled echo sequence Respiratory Muscles function were assessed with thoracic anterior-posterior (AP), left-right (LR), cranial-caudal (CC), and lung area ratios, height (DH) and area (DA) of diaphragm curvature between end-inspiration and end-expiration during quiet and deep breathing.
Results: During quiet breathing, the functional metrics of the diaphragm and chest wall were comparable between IPF patients and controls. However, during deep breathing, IPF patients exhibited significantly reduced ratios of AP, CC, and lung area compared to controls. Moreover, the median ratios of DH and DA were higher in IPF patients than in controls (DH: 0.96 vs 0.81, p<0.001; DA: 1.00 vs 0.90, p<0.001). Furthermore, the ratios of AP, CC, and lung area during deep breathing were found to correlate with pulmonary function, total lung volume, and 6-minute walk distance.
Conclusion: D-MRI demonstrated dysfunction of the diaphragm and chest wall in IPF patients and respiratory muscle dysfunction correlates with the severity of IPF.
The Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching on Knowledge Regarding Identification of Children With Learning Disability Among the Primary School Teachers , Meerut
Authors: J DARLIN PRIYA JENSI. , SHARMA PRIYANKA
Published: April 2024

Statement of the Problem: A study to assess the effectiveness of video assisted teaching on knowledge regarding identification of children with learning disability among the primary school teachers in selected school, Meerut, U.P. Objectives: 1. To assess the pre-test level of knowledge regarding identification of children with learning disability among the primary school teachers, 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of video assisted teaching on knowledge regarding identification of children with Learning disability among the primary school teachers,
3. To compare the pre-test and post- test level of knowledge regarding identification of children with learning disability among the primary school teachers, 4. To find out the association between post-test knowledge score regarding identification of children with learning disability among the primary school teachers with selected demographic variables. Methods: A quasi experimental study was done on 60 primary school teachers ,30 in both experimental and control group selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by using self Structured questionnaire on identification of children with learning disability and self Structured questionnaire on learning disability pre-test and post-test was taken from both experimental and control group, pre-test and post-test was taken from both experimental and control group, video assisted teaching was given only in experimental group.
Results: Finding revealed that administered of video assisted teaching to experimental group improve the knowledge regarding identification of children with learning disability among the primary school teachers the knowledge score of participants in pre- test majority of primary school teachers .majority of samples 15(50%) had low knowledge, 8(27%) of the sample had very low knowledge, 6(20%) of the sample had average knowledge and 01 (3%) had high knowledge In post-test data represented that majority of samples 21(50%) had average knowledge, 5(17%) of the sample had high knowledge, 3(10%) of the sample had low knowledge and 01 (3%) had very low knowledge.
Conclusion: The study concluded that video assisted teaching was effective to improve the knowledge regarding identification of children with learning disability among the primary school teachers in selected school, Meerut
Application of Non-Coded Artficial Intelligence in the Imaging of Skin Carcinoma
Authors: Kumar Ansh
Published: April 2024

Consolidating Artificial Intelligence into medical image analysis has shown clear results in enhancing image analysis and interpretation. This research paper aims to explore the application of Apple's 'CreateML' in the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of imaging of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I will delve into using a non-coding approach in improving image analysis for SCC and discuss the ethical implications of implementing these technologies in clinical practice.
Phosphagermyenylidene: A Heavier Analog of Isonitrile
Authors: Li Jiancheng , Wang Xin-Feng , Hu Chaopeng , Liu Liu Leo
Published: April 2024

Phosphagermyenylidenes (R − P = Ge), as heavier analogs of isonitriles, whether in their free state or as complexes with a Lewis base, have not been previously identified as isolable entities. In this study, we report the synthesis of a stable monomeric phosphagermyenylidene within the coordination sphere of a Lewis base under ambient conditions. This species was synthesized by Lewis base-induced de-dimerization of a cyclic phosphagermyenylidene dimer or via Me3SiCl elimination in a phosphinochlorogermylene framework. The deliberate integration of a bulky, electropositive N-heterocyclic boryl group at the phosphorus site, combined with coordination stabilization by a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene at the low-valent germanium site, effectively mitigated its natural tendency towards oligomerization. Structural analyses and theoretical calculations have demonstrated that this unprecedented species features a P = Ge double bond, characterized by conventional electron-sharing π and σ bonds, complemented by lone pairs at both the phosphorus and germanium atoms. Preliminary reactivity studies show that this base-stabilized phosphagermyenylidene demonstrates facile release of ligands at the Ge atom, coordination to silver through the lone pair on P, and versatile reactivity including both (cyclo)addition and cleavage of the P = Ge double bond.
Pollen Amount and Viability in Mchare and Selected Wild (AA) Banana (Musa acuminata) Genotypes: Prospects for Breeding
Authors: Bayo Stanley J. , Massawe Veronica , Ndakidemi Patrick A. , Venkataramana Pavithravani , Mlaki Anna , Mduma Hassan , Jomanga Kennedy , Swennen Rony , Brown Allan
Published: April 2024

East African diploid cooking bananas, commonly called Mchare, are a staple crop for millions of subsistence farmers in Tanzania, particularly in the Pangani region in northern Tanzania. Several pathogens constrain Mchare production significantly and threaten food security. Sources of resistance to these pathogens have been identified; however, partial male and female sterility impedes successful resistance introgression, complicating the breeding process. Mchare cultivars are also the only known surviving representatives of a diploid banana subgroup that contributed unreduced gametes to many of the most widely grown and successful triploid dessert bananas (‘Cavendish’, ‘Gros-Michel’, ‘Silk’, and ‘Prata’). As such, they represent an essential intermediate step in the conventional improvement of bananas worldwide. We assess the amount and viability of pollen among Mchare and wild genotypes to identify the most fertile Mchare cultivars that can be used in conventional banana improvement. Pollen was collected from 14 banana genotypes for quantification and viability testing over 7 months, and the optimal time for pollen collection was determined to be 0800 HR. Significant variation among banana genotypes in terms of both overall pollen production and percentage of pollen viability was observed. The wild-type bananas ‘Calcutta 4’ [International Musa Germplasm Transit Center (ITC) 0249] and ‘Borneo’ (ITC0253) had the greatest overall pollen production (> 31,000 pollen grains/anther) and viability (∼74%), whereas ‘Ijihu Inkundu’ (ITC1460; Mchare genotype) was the least productive (almost completely sterile), with an average pollen production of a few hundred grains per anther and a viability of 7%. There were significant differences among months in terms of pollen viability, with the greatest average viability observed in May, April, and February (> 51%), and the lowest average pollen viability in July (41%). Significant differences were observed among the Mchare genotypes, with ‘Huti-White’, ‘Huti green bell’ (ITC1559), and ‘Mchare Laini’ consistently producing more substantial amounts of total pollen and an overall more significant proportion of viable pollen. This information is vital to improve Mchare bananas and the global breeding of dessert bananas. The choice of Mchare banana used in improvement programs could affect fertility and the likelihood of breeding success.
Investigation of Volatile Organic Compounds in Aromatic Phalaenopsis Cultivars Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Song Qixuan , Yang Chunmei , Wang Guoxian , Wu Lifang , Ruan Jiwei , Qu Suping , Yu Rongpei
Published: April 2024

Phalaenopsis is a globally popular potted plant possessing a few aromatic cultivars, but analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these cultivars is limited. Here, using nonaromatic cultivar Phal. Big Chili as a control, flower VOCs of four aromatic cultivars were investigated by headspace solid-phase microextraction in conjunction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed that 43 VOCs classified into seven categories were identified in the nonaromatic Phal. Big Chili and four aromatic cultivars. Hexyl acetate and hexan-1-ol were common VOCs in aromatic cultivars. On the basis of partial least squares discriminant analysis, the five cultivars were classified into three groups, the nonaromatic Phal. Big Chili (group 1) and the strong-aromatic Phal. Cherry Tomato (group 2) were easily distinguished from the other three aromatic cultivars (group 3). Moreover, 17 key VOCs with the different aromatic thresholds and characteristics were identified in the four aromatic cultivars, and the types and relative contents of key VOCs varied among the aromatic cultivars, resulting in different characteristics and intensities of floral fragrance in aromatic cultivars. In aromatic cultivars, the types and relative contents of key VOCs in Phal. Cherry Tomato significantly exceeded those in the other three cultivars. Eight key VOCs belonging to terpenoids, olefins, and alcohols had the highest relative contents in Phal. ‘Cherry Tomato’, which led to a strong and mixed aromatic type containing cedarwood, camphor, and mint fragrances.
Phenotypic Evaluation of a Lemon Hybrid Population to Identify Sources of Resistance to Plenodomus tracheiphilus
Authors: Arlotta Carmen , Cortese Martina , Ciacciulli Angelo , Paolo Donata Pietro , Russo Riccardo , Catalano Chiara , Licciardello Grazia , Licciardello Concetta , Gentile Alessandra , Di Silvestro Silvia , Caruso Marco
Published: April 2024

Mal secco, caused by the fungus Plenodomus tracheiphilus, is a xylem disease that is a limiting factor for lemon production in the Mediterranean. Resistance or field tolerance are major goals for lemon breeders; however, there is scant information regarding the heritability of mal secco resistance in breeding populations. As with other vascular diseases, phenotyping is the bottleneck for ascertaining resistance and susceptibility, and a validated protocol for greenhouse phenotyping would be valuable to accelerate the selection of tolerant trees before field evaluation. We report phenotyping of 148 hybrids of Khasi papeda (Citrus latipes; tolerant to mal secco) × lemon (susceptible to the disease) in field and greenhouse conditions. Field evaluation was performed on all hybrids for 2 to 3 consecutive years on trees subjected to high natural-pathogen pressure. Detection of the fungal infection was performed by visual observation and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The first infections occurred ≈6 months after planting, but 2 years of observations were needed for a reliable estimation of susceptibility. The spread of the disease did not occur uniformly throughout the plot, with patterns of spread within rows, probably resulting from infections from plant to plant. The possible errors in the estimation of susceptibility as a result of the uneven distribution of infections in the plot were reduced by using more than one replicate tree per hybrid. The correlation between phenotyping scores and cycle threshold values was weak (r = –0.48, P < 0.001). Three years after planting, hybrids clustered into three groups—susceptible, tolerant, and intermediate—based on symptom progression. A subset of 65 self-rooted hybrids was also subjected to stem inoculation in an unheated greenhouse, with two to seven biological replicates per hybrid. Three months after inoculation, the samples were monitored for symptoms appearance and subjected to real-time PCR pathogen quantification. We observed a weak (r = 0.41) but significant (P < 0.001) correlation between phenotypes in the field and the greenhouse, indicating that, in our conditions, field evaluation remains the best method for phenotyping. However, artificial inoculations might help to discard the highly susceptible hybrids before field evaluation.
Productive Specialty Eggplant Cultivars Suitable for Small Farms in the Southeastern Coastal Plain
Authors: Keinath Anthony P.
Published: April 2024

Specialty eggplants (Solanum melongena L.), cultivars with fruit shapes, sizes, and colors different from the typical teardrop-shaped, dark purple eggplant fruit, are an underproduced vegetable commodity in the southeastern United States. Seven cultivars representing seven different fruit types were grown in Charleston, SC, USA, in Spring and Fall 2018 and 2019 to assess cultivar productivity and net return. Despite year-to-year variability, Hansel (Chinese type), Millionaire (Japanese type), and Gretel (white fruit) generally had greater weights of both marketable (US Fancy and No. 1 fruit) and edible (US Fancy, No. 1 and No. 2) fruit than Fairy Tale (Sicilian type) and Patio Baby (Indian type), whereas the globe-fruited cultivars Black Beauty (heirloom) and Rosa Bianca (Italian type), had intermediate yields. Yields of plants after ratooning in the fall were lower than in the spring before ratooning. Prices per carton paid by local food hubs for US Fancy, No. 1, and No. 2 fruit were two to three times greater than wholesale terminal market prices. Nevertheless, fruit weights were a greater determinant of net returns than prices were. Growers in the southeastern coastal plain can maximize net returns from specialty eggplant crops by choosing cultivars that produce high fruit weights.
Effect of Fungicides and Application Intervals for the Control of Black Spot of Roses
Authors: Jennings Christina , Simmons Terri , Parajuli Madhav , Liyanage Kumuditha Hikkaduwa Epa , Baysal-Gurel Fulya
Published: April 2024

The efficacy of the fungicide pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole (Postiva) was evaluated at varying application rates and intervals to control black spot disease (Diplocarpon rosae) in rose (Rosa spp. ‘Coral Drift’). Container-grown roses were arranged in a completely randomized design with five single-plant replications. Experiments were conducted under greenhouse and shade-house conditions (56% shade) in 2021/2022 and 2023. Black spot disease in roses was developed naturally. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at 1.1 , 1.6, and 2.2 mL⋅L–1, and standard fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr (Mural) at 0.5⋅g L–1 were sprayed on foliage to runoff on a 2- or 4-week interval. Plants that were not treated with fungicide served as the controls. Plants were evaluated weekly for disease severity (0%–100% foliage affected) and defoliation (0%–100% defoliation). The season-long area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and area under the defoliation progress curve (AUDFC) were calculated for the evaluation period. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole reduced significantly black spot disease severity, AUDPC, defoliation, and AUDFC both in greenhouse and shade-house conditions compared with control plants, and was as effective as azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr. All the application rates and intervals of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole were equally effective in reducing black spot severity and AUDPC. Our findings suggest that pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at the lowest rate with the longest application interval is the most cost-effective, and has similar efficacy as treatments with higher rates and more frequent intervals.
High thermal conductivity of the Earth's core and geodynamo
Authors: Reshetnyak M. Yu.
Published: April 2024

The geomagnetic field is generated by dynamo processes in the Earth's core. This process is supported by the cooling of the planet and the growth of the solid core. It is known that the magnetic field existed long before the appearance of the solid core, although according to available estimates and calculations, this could not have happened. Moreover, according to some models, thermal conductivity in the Earth's core may be three times higher than generally accepted values. In this case, the magnitude of the convective heat flow decreases and the generation of the magnetic field stops. In the above-mentioned models it was assumed that the magnitude of the heat flow at the core – mantle boundary over the entire existence of the Earth linearly decreased by only 15–20 %. The latter is a rough guess. Significantly large changes in heat flow are predicted by models of mantle cooling, in which the growth of convective heat flow in ancient times occurs due to a decrease in the viscosity of the mantle with an increase in the temperature of the substance. Below we consider a model of the cooling of the Earth with a threefold value of the thermal conductivity of the core. It is shown that the use of a combined model of core and mantle cooling makes it possible to significantly increase the heat flow at the core – mantle boundary in ancient times. To slow down the growth of the solid core, a subadiabatic layer is included in the model. As a result, the size of the solid core in the model satisfies seismological observations. The model allows us to obtain a sufficient amount of energy to generate a geomagnetic field, starting from the moment the liquid core appeared and to the present. The appearance of a solid core 2.4 billion years ago, which does not lead to sharp changes in heat flow in the model, is consistent with paleomagnetic observations that do not record changes in the behavior of the magnetic field. The model does not exclude the existence of a multipole magnetic field at the initial stage.
Peculiarities of ecological and geological systems of coarse-clastic soil massifs
Authors: Korolev V. A.
Published: April 2024

Ecological and geological systems formed on massifs of coarse clastic soils have a number of characteristic features of both abiotic components (lithotope, edaphotope) and biotic (microbocenosis, phyto- and zoocenosis). It has been revealed that the structure and functioning of these ecological and geological systems (EGS) are largely determined by the features of their lithotope – complexly built massifs of coarse clastic soils with a certain genesis (relating to the eluvial, water, glacial, slope or volcanogenic-sedimentary series), geological structure, relief and exogenous geological processes developed within these massifs. The main features of the EGS lithotope of the coarse-grained soil massif include the following: 1) discrete structure of the massif due to rock fragments of different sizes; 2) the shape of the debris; 3) the presence and features of the porous filler; 4) chemical and mineral composition of fragments; 5) soil salinity; 6) geochemical migration of substances; 7) physical and mechanical properties of the soil; 8) soil weathering; 9) its water cut; 10) expressiveness in relief; 11) paragenesis of modern exogenous geological processes (weathering, erosion, cryogenic processes, as well as slope gravitational processes: landslides, screes, stone avalanches, etc.). This abiotic component affects both the formation of soils and the formation of microbiocenoses, phyto- and zoocenoses developed within these systems. The features of a specific ecological-geological system of a coarse-clastic soil massif are considered on the example of the Big and Small Iremel mountains in the Southern Urals (Republic of Bashkortostan), whose specific biocenosis is characterized by a boreal mountain-taiga type. Scale-type epilithic lichens play an important role in the formation of their phytocenoses.
Discharge estimation in compound channels with converging and diverging floodplains using an optimised Gradient Boosting Algorithm
Authors: Sandilya Shashank Shekhar , Das Bhabani Shankar , Proust Sébastien , Shekhar Divyanshu
Published: April 2024

River discharge estimation is vital for effective flood management and infrastructure planning. River systems consist of a main channel and floodplains, collectively forming a compound channel, posing challenges in discharge calculation, particularly when floodplains converge or diverge. In the present study, ML algorithms such as XGBoost, CatBoost, and LightGBM were developed to predict discharge in a compound channel. PSO algorithm is applied for optimization of hyperparameters of gradient boosting models, denoted as PSO-XGBoost, PSO-LightGBM, and PSO-CatBoost. ML model discharge predictions were validated with existing empirical models and feature importance was explored using SHAP and sensitivity analysis. Results show that all three gradient-boosting algorithms effectively predict discharge in compound channels and are further enhanced by application of PSO algorithm. The R2 values for XGBoost, PSO-XGBoost, CatBoost, and PSO-CatBoost exceed 0.95, whereas they are above 0.85 for LightBoost and PSO-LightBoost. PSO-CatBoost performance is better than other models based on findings of statistical performance parameters, uncertainty analysis, reliability index, and resilience index for prediction of discharge in a compound channel with converging and diverging flood plains. The findings of this study validate the suitability of the proposed models especially optimized with PSO is recommended for predicting discharge in a compound channel.
Copulation record of Tropidurus imbituba (Squamata: Tropiduridae)
Authors: Dos Anjos Souza Diego , Simiano Jung Maricelma , Ávila Mendonça Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

Tropidurus imbituba is a lizard with endemic distribution. Data on the species are scarce as it is a new species and has the only known habitat to date. Understanding reproductive aspects is important for their conservation. Thus, the present study presents the first records of the courtship and copulation behavior of T. imbituba. Sampling was carried out in spring 2022 and summer 2023, between September 24, 2022 and March 19, 2023. Monitoring was adapted from the Squamata Reptile Monitoring Protocol in Federal Conservation Units of the Caatinga Biome, following the active search method without time limitation (BANLT), in order to register T. imbituba individuals without any type of physical restraint. The individuals viewed had their coordinates taken with GPS, photographed with a DSLR camera – 65x zoom with a 21 mm ultra-wide angle lens. Viewing was done with the naked eye and with the aid of 8x40 binoculars. In areas with a concentration of lizards, the fixed point methodology was also used for five to 10 minutes, to observe the animals and other important data, where, at opportune moments, filming and photographs of courtship or copulation behavior were recorded.