bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ БУКСИРУВАЛЬНОГО ОПОРУ КРУЇЗНИХ СУДЕН ПРИ ЇХ РОЗМІРНІЙ МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЇ
Authors: Shumylo O.M.
Published: February 2024

Зростання попиту на морські круїзи змушує судноплавні компанії започатковувати виробництво нових суден. Окрім того, зростання вимог Міжнародної морської організації до безпеки судноплавства й охорони навколишнього середовища змушують суднобудівні верфі та виробників суднового обладнання залучати найсучасніші розробки морської інженерії та проводити відповідні науково-дослідні та конструкторські роботи. В експлуатації світового пасажирського флоту перебувають декілька десятків суден, стан яких треба узгодити із сучасними вимогами, тобто зменшити рівень морального зносу та досягти відповідності критеріям круїзного ринку. Світовий круїзний флот налічує значну кількість таких суден – кандидатів для проведення розмірної модернізації. Збільшення розмірів судна завдяки додаванню циліндричної вставки вплине не тільки на корпус судна, але й на роботу ґвинто-рульового комплексу та головного двигуна, оскільки він є невід’ємною частиною загальносуднової енергетичної системи. Взаємодія структурних елементів пропульсивного комплексу має системний характер і повинна досліджуватись із застосуванням системного підходу. Такими структурними елементами є ґвинто-рульовий комплекс, корпус, головний електродвигун (суднова електроенергетична система). Проведено аналіз впливу збільшення довжини судна на характеристики системи, що утворює пропульсивний комплекс – «ґвинт – корпус – головний двигун». Оцінка ходовості та пропульсивних якостей судна ґрунтується на визначенні його буксирувального опору. Досліджено буксирувальний опір у залежності від швидкості та довжини судна (довжини циліндричної вставки) із застосуванням методу Холтропа. Проведено якісну та кількісну оцінку буксирувального опору та його складових частин під час проведення розмірної модернізації.
Plant Disease Detection and Classification Using Deep Learning Methods: A Comparison Study
Authors: Chin Pei-Wern , Ng Kok-Why , Palanichamy Naveen
Published: February 2024

The presence issue of inaccurate plant disease detection persists under real field conditions and most deep learning (DL) techniques still struggle to achieve real-time performance. Hence, challenges in choosing a suitable deep-learning technique to tackle the problem should be addressed. Plant diseases have a detrimental effect on agricultural yield, hence early detection is crucial to prevent food insecurity. To identify and categorise the indications of plant diseases, numerous developed or modified DL architectures are utilised. This paper aims to observe the performance of the YOLOv8 model, which has better performance than its predecessors, on a small-scale plant disease dataset. This paper also aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of plant disease detection and classification methods by proposing an optimised and lightweight YOLOv8 architecture model. It trains the YOLOv8 model on a public dataset and optimises the YOLOv8 algorithm with the integration of the GhostNet module into the backbone architecture to cut down the number of parameters for a faster computational algorithm. In addition, the architecture incorporates a Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism module, which further enhances the accuracy of the proposed algorithm. Our results demonstrate that the combination of YOLOv8s with CA mechanism and transfer learning obtained the best result, yielding score of 72.2% which surpassed the studies that utilised the same dataset. Without transfer learning, our best result is demonstrated by YOLOv8s with GhostNet and CA mechanism yielding a score of 69.3%.
Vision-Based Gait Analysis for Neurodegenerative Disorders Detection
Authors: Tan Vincent Wei Sheng , Ooi Wei Xiang , Chan Yi Fan , Tee Connie , Goh Michael Kah Ong
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects a significant portion of aging population. Early detection of PD symptoms is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease. Research has revealed that gait attributes can provide valuable insights into PD symptoms. The gait acquisition techniques used in current research can be broadly divided into two categories: vision-based and sensor-based. The markerless vision-based classification model has become a prominent research trend due to its simplicity, low cost and patient comfort. In this study, we propose a novel markerless vision-based approach to obtain gait features from participants' gait videos. A dataset containing gait videos from normal subjects and PD patients were collected, along with a control group of 25 healthy adults. The participants were requested to perform a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, during which their walking sequences were recorded using two smartphones positioned at different angles, namely side and front. A multi-person pose estimator is used to estimate human skeletal joint points from the collected gait videos. Different gait features associated with PD including stride length, number of steps taken during turn, turning duration, speed and cadence are derived from these key point information to perform PD detection. Experimental results show that the proposed solution achieves an accuracy of 89.39%. The study's findings demonstrate the potential of markerless vision-based gait acquisition techniques for early detection of PD symptoms.
Efanesoctocog alfa: the renaissance of Factor VIII replacement therapy
Authors: Dargaud Yesim , Leuci Alexandre , Ruiz Alejandra Reyes , Lacroix-Desmazes Sebastien
Published: February 2024

Efanesoctocog alfa (ALTUVIIIOTM, Sanofi-SOBI) is a B domain-deleted single-chain Factor VIII (FVIII) connected to D'D3 domain of von Willebrand Factor (VWF). Its ingenious design allows efanesoctocog alfa to operate independently of endogenous VWF and results in an outstanding 3-4 times longer half-life compared to standard and extended half-life (EHL) FVIII products. The prolonged half-life ensures sustained high levels of factor activity, maintaining normal to near-normal ranges for the majority of the week, facilitating the convenience of once-weekly administration. Efanesoctocog alfa received regulatory approval in 2023 for application in both adults and children with inherited hemophilia A in the United States and Japan. Its sanctioned use encompasses both prophylaxis and on demand treatment for bleeding episodes. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of ALTUVIIIOTM. This comprehensive review focuses on the immunological profile of efanesoctocog alfa, a highly sophisticated new class of EHL FVIII molecule. The integration of the VWF D'D3 domain, XTEN polypeptides, and potential regulatory T-cell epitopes within various segments of efanesoctocog alfa collectively serves as a mitigating factor against the development of a neutralizing T-cell-mediated immune response. We hypothesize that such distinctive attribute may significantly reduce the risk of neutralizing antibodies, particularly in previously untreated patients. The discussion extends beyond regulatory approval to encompass the preclinical and clinical development of efanesoctocog alfa, including considerations for laboratory monitoring. The review also highlights areas that warrant further investigation to deepen our understanding of this groundbreaking therapeutic agent.
Indirect treatment comparisons: how to MAIC it right?
Authors: Bachy Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Not available.
Charting a path through resistance: HDAC inhibitors for TP53-mutated B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kugler Eitan
Published: February 2024

Not available.
Sosialisasi Alat Tanam Benih Jagung Berbasis Double Seed Hopper Di Kecamatan Pegagan Hilir
Authors: Purba Jhon Sufriadi , Sinaga Mardame Pangihuta
Published: February 2024

The process of planting corn using conventional methods that have been happening in the community so far has become a problem faced by partners. As a result, the corn planting process takes a long time due to the stages of land preparation, seed placement, and corn covering not occurring simultaneously. By providing training and direct assistance to partners on the use of corn seed planting tools, it can improve their understanding and skills in using the tool effectively. By conducting socialization methods to provide understanding to partners with the aim of the community understanding the use of corn seed planting tools based on the double seed hopper and understanding how to maintain the tool. Thus, with this tool, the corn seed planting process becomes faster. Corn planting is the most widely produced crop in the world, and corn seed plants are most suitable for planting in high-temperature areas. Especially in Indonesia, corn plants cover more than 100 million hectares, consisting of 70 countries and even 53 developing countries. The tool being socialized is a simple tool that is used with human power by pushing without the use of motorized equipment. In the planting process, the spacing between corn seed plants and the number of corn seeds can be adjusted during the planting process. The vessel or container supplying corn seeds is a hopper located at the top, and a hole is provided at the bottom of the hopper, which is the outlet channel. Thus, the results of this socialization can shorten the time in the corn seed planting process. Keywords : corn seed; produktif; corn seed planting tool; hopper; maintenance
Pelatihan Dan Pemberdayaan Penyuluh Petani Di Kecamatan Suwawa Timur Da-lam Analisis Usahatani Sorghum
Authors: Arsyad Karlena , Sirajuddin Zulham
Published: February 2024

Sorghum is an extraordinary commodity because of its waste-free characteristics. Almost all parts of the plant can be used, including leaves, fruit stems, and wilt. Unfortunately, the personnel at the East Suwawa BPP partners and the farmers they support still lack experience in sorghum farming, especially in profit analysis. This is an obstacle in spreading sorghum as an agricultural potential, because extension workers have difficulty providing farmers with an understanding of the benefits of sorghum farming. Therefore, knowledge is needed in carrying out farming analysis, as well as organizing human resources in farmer groups so that they can produce maximum quality and quantity. Through this knowledge and ability, it is hoped that partners can further optimize the dissemination of sorghum farming to the farmers they support so that they can produce sustainably. The methods used in this service activity are training and mentoring. For training activities, farming business analysis and farmer group management were carried out for one day, where the implementing team facilitated training to partners, namely BPP East Suwawa. After the training activities, students in the implementing team provided regular assistance for two weeks to optimize the results obtained in the training. The results of the activity showed that the activity participants were very enthusiastic during the mentoring activity, and gave positive responses, so that activities like this could be routine, especially in assisting with sorghum farming analysis.       Keywords: farming analysis; sorghum; training; mentoring
Toefl Preparation Class in Non EFL Classroom: How is it Impactful on The Non-EFL Learners’ Achievement?
Authors: Angraini Nike , Iman Jaya Nur
Published: February 2024

Having problem of reaching the tested aspects of TOEFL particularly on achieving target score of TOEFL set, participants needed to be provided an intervention with TOEFL preparation class before encountering the test. For that reason, this community service activity highlighted the impact of TOEFL preparation class on the non EFL learners’ achievement. One class was used as the sample of this activity in which it consisted of twenty students coming from different major in one of private universities in Palembang, southern region of sumatera. Descriptive analysis with experimental design was used. A test was administered to see whether or not there was a significant improvement on the non EFL learners’ TOEFL-like score achievement. The results revealed that achievement level of the participants were in the elementary and intermediate category. Besides, statistically there was a significant improvement on the EFL learners’ TOEFL-like score intervened by the provision of TOEFL preparation class. Thus, it could be further concluded that TOEFL preparation class was impactful on the non EFL undergaduates’ English achievement. Keywords: TOEFL preparation class; Non EFL Classroom; Non EFL learners’                  achievement
The Current State of Flora and Phytocoenosis Along the Kura River in Mingachevir City (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Mammadova Z. , Umudova Sh.
Published: February 2024

During the geographical analysis of the flora in the area surrounding the city of Mingachevir, situated on the banks of the Kura River in Azerbaijan, a total of 158 species of angiosperms were recorded. These were found to be represented in 28 families and 79 genera. As a result of the analysis, a flora conspectus was prepared. During the conducted research, six types of vegetation were identified along the Kura River in Mingachevir city. These vegetation types include bozghir (dry steppe), semi-desert, halophyte desert, thicket-grass, wetland, and forest. The researchers found that these vegetation types are represented by eight formation classes, nine formation groups, and ten associations. The research included the species composition of the identified formations and carried out geobotanical descriptions. We also evaluated the economic importance of phytocoenosis by determining the main fodder plants and the modern state of the terrestrial flora and phytocoenosis.
Change in Thrombin Time in Epiphysectomized Animals With Simultaneous Dereception of the Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Madatova V.
Published: February 2024

Despite a comprehensive study of the neuro-reflex and humoral-hormonal mechanism of regulation of the functional blood coagulation system, the role of the epiphysis in the mechanism of regulation of hemostasis is still not fully understood. It has been established that the epiphysis is one of the main transducers that transmit light information to the neurohormonal regulation of functional systems and determine their chronophysiological features. The olfactory tract coming out of the olfactory bulb consists of several bundles that are directed to different parts of the forebrain: the anterior olfactory nucleus, olfactory tubercle, preperiform cortex and part of the nuclei of the amygdala complex. The molecules of the odorous substance come into contact with the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, interact with specialized proteins embedded in the receptor membrane, as a result of which a receptor potential is generated in the receptor, and then impulse activity. The excitation transmitted along the fiber of the olfactory nerve enters the olfactory bulb, the primary nerve center of the olfactory analyzer.
Development of Resource Conservation Technologies and Complexes of Machines for Cultivation of Vegetable Crops
Authors: Yusubova U. , Bayramov M. , Babayev V. , Allazov E.
Published: February 2024

The main activities of leading foreign companies are currently the development and production of agricultural machinery, taking into account new legislative requirements both for agricultural production in general and directly for the machinery itself. There is a clear trend towards the widest use of modern computer and information technologies in the design of agricultural machines, which allows to increase productivity and quality of technological operations while reducing operating costs, as well as improve working conditions of employees, management and control of work performed. Intensive resource conservation technologies are technologies related to the introduction of the latest high-performance combines, tractors and a plume of wide-range or combined agricultural units. The next type of resource conservation technologies is based on knowledge and respect for the laws of nature. These are resource conservation technologies through the biologization of agriculture. Resource conservation activities in crop production are based on the complete restoration of land fertility after the removal of nutrients from the soil by agricultural crops. This is ensured by the integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, green manure, bacterial fertilizers, as well as peat and sapropel. All crop production technologies should be resource conservation, environmentally balanced, and have a pronounced zonal character. Moisture conservation technologies in crop production have great prospects due to the development of new crop rotations with an expanded set of crops.
Detection and Identification of Quarantine and Non-Quarantine Pest Species of Prunus avium Agroecosystem in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Midinova E. , Samieva Zh.
Published: February 2024

Research of agroecosystem is a comprehensive study of one species with in biocenosis taking into account integrated plant protection to increase output. Gardeners in developing countries most often resort to the use of highly toxic universal pesticides, which leads to the Pesticide Syndrome with general decline of these products. The purpose of the research is to identify fauna of the cherry orchard in the south of Kyrgyzstan to apply eco-methods to control pest of stone fruits. Research objectives: 1) identification of organisms in the agrocenosis of the cherry orchard; 2) classification into biological groups; 3) comparison of the experimental and control fields. Our work was carried out in the autumn and spring periods on 2 experimental fields in the South of Kyrgyzstan for 2021-2022. The identified fauna species comprised of 26 species, which are: Coleoptera (26.9%) the largest order; followed by Lepidoptera and Equidoptera (Homoptera) (19.2%); and Hymenoptera (15.4%). The others are less than 10%: Diptera (7.7%); Acariformes; Hemiptera; Neuroptera (3.8%). At the same time, Coleoptera (26.9%) and Lepidoptera pests make up the bulk of the biomass of the agrocenosis of cherry orchard (19.2%) which dominants and most harmful. The research field no. 1 with annual pesticide load has 20% quarantine pest species with no zoophages among identified species. Whereas non-pesticide-treated field no. 2, no quarantine species, there is biocontrol and with richer biodiversity where trophic relationships is preserved.
In-Vitro Propagation of Malus domestica and its Conservation
Authors: Bibi Sumaira , Abbas Saira , Baloch Adeel , Yousra Munazza , Ullah Ihsan , Shamim Sumbal , Khan Arifa , Hassan Syed Ijaz ul , Saleem Saqib
Published: February 2024

Conventional methods of propagation commonly used for commercially important apple varieties are time consuming, laborious and induce disease transmission from donor to propagating plant. To overcome these problems, a study was designed to optimize the procedure for micropropagation and conservation of Apple. For this purpose, the excised shoot tips of apple varieties were collected from the field of Biological Conservation Institute (BCI), NARC, Islamabad. The surface sterilization of shoot tips was done with 10, 15 20 % sodium hypochlorite for 15 minutes followed by ethanol application at 10, 15 and 20 % for 15 minutes. It had been observed that 10 % of sodium hypochlorite showed maximum survival percentage for ex-plant establishment. After culture initiation, ex-plants were transferred to MS media with the addition of different hormones i.e., BAP at the concentration ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 mg/L, GA3 from 0.5 to 2.5 mg/L and IBA from 0.5 to 3.5 mg/L under aseptic conditions. The results revealed that maximum number of leaves, shoots and plant height was attained with the addition of BAP 0.1 mg/L as compared to other hormonal concentrations. Cultures were incubated at 25 ᵒC under 1000-1500 lux. The plants after propagation were shifted to conservation media for five months (sorbitol mannitol at 10, 20 and 30 g/L each). The use of sorbitol at the concentration of 10 g/L showed slowest growth recorded after 35 days. This optimized method can be used for efficient mass scale production of true type apple varieties and breeders may get disease free plantlets of apples.
Banana Cellulosic Fiber: A Natural Innovative and Sustainable Bio-Resource for Eco-Friendly Industrial Applications
Authors: Abro Shaukat Ali , Ahmed Nisar , Khan Juma , Parveen Shazia , Ali Hamz , Ali Mumtaz , Bux Dhani , Ali Sameer , Liakat Sana , . Shahzeb , Ali Anwar
Published: February 2024

Growing concern about changing climate triggered by global warming, agro-waste disposal and synthetic non-renewable products are major challenges. World is moving from non-degradable and no-renewable, bio-degradable recyclable sustainable substitutions. Thus, there is increasing demand for natural fibers to substitute altered fiber with organic plant fibers like banana tree. After fruit cutting huge banana biomass is leftover in the field with mean biomass generated by a single pseudostem is around1.44 (±0.6) kg on dry weight basis and half ton of banana waste emitted about 0.5-ton CO2 and burring caused global warming. This also badly affects the air quality index AQI (to measure the air pollution levels) by spreading fume mist affecting human and livestock health. A lignocellulose bio-fiber is extracted through raspador machine mechanically. The extracted fiber was processed with 1M NaOH at 80°C for 90 minutes for decontamination. We produced innovative green textile industrial cottage cellulosic organic banana pseudo-stem fiber. It has good spin able quality, durable, antibacterial attributes, and low weightage, absorption of moisture quality morphological and thermal characteristics. Its physico-chemical dynamics ie; fineness tex 3-7 strength bundle tex 20-30 level of moisture 10-11 and density 1.35 (g/cm3) staple Length 10-50 (cm) L/D ratio 150. Strength of tensile (MPa) 600-800. Elongation at break 3-9 (%). The banana fiber is best for potential materials for textile paper food and cottage, medical usage and eco and environment friendly wrapping industry. A novel eco-green technique could boost livelihood of the rural marginalized farmers with value added bio-products by value chain creating system to enhance circular economic wellbeing.
Disease Surveillance and Pathogenic Variability of Ascochyta Rabiei causing Blight of Chickpea in Punjab Pakistan
Authors: Javed Muhammad Azhar , Mehmood Yasir , Gondal Amjad Shahzad , Sajid Muhammad , Sheeraz Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Naqvi Syed Atif Hasan , Abeer Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Chickpea is an important legume crop and plays a significant role in global food security. Production is affected by many biotic and abiotic factors. The most significant biotic factor, Ascochyta rabiei is a fungal pathogen that causes Ascochyta blight in chickpeas, leading to substantial yield losses globally and is the primary cause in Pakistan. This pathogen causes heavy yield losses annually in the chickpea industry. The knowledge of the pathogenic variability of A. rabiei isolates can significantly impact the effectiveness of blight disease management strategies. A survey was conducted to collect blight samples to assess the pathogenic variability of A. rabiei isolates from different chickpea-growing regions of Punjab. The disease incidence and severity data were recorded using the quadrat square method in the fields. After isolation and purification, the pathogenicity test was conducted for conformation of the isolates. The virulence of ten isolates of A. rabiei was analyzed on six differential chickpea genotypes under artificial inoculation conditions in the glasshouse. The differential genotypes showed different levels of resistance and susceptibility to the isolates. Based on the reactions, the population of A. rabiei was grouped into different groups using a 1-9 rating scale. Only two isolates, BKR-01 and LAY-01, produced a high virulent effect against six germplasm. These isolates were collected from the Bhakkar and Layyah. The isolate MTN-1 were categorised as the least virulent. At the same time, the remaining isolates showed a moderate level of reaction.
Evidencias confirmatorias de la Escala de Claridad Subjetiva del Autoconcepto (ECSA) en adultos mexicanos
Authors: Gonzalez Jimarez Alan Ivan , Velasco Matus Pedro Wolfgang , Bonilla Teoyotl Cristian Iván
Published: February 2024

La claridad del autoconcepto es un aspecto del yo que está vinculado con el bienestar y la salud mental, por ello su estudio se ha hecho cada vez más relevante. La Escala de Claridad Subjetiva del Autoconcepto (ECSA) es un instrumento del que se han mostrado evidencias exploratorias sobre su pertinencia y precisión en adultos mexicanos. El presente estudio tuvo por objetivos obtener evidencias confirmatorias de validez y confiabilidad de la ECSA a través de cuestionarios en línea. En total, participaron 424 voluntarios de la Ciudad de México y área metropolitana, quienes respondieron el instrumento mediante un cuestionario en Google Forms. Para alcanzar los objetivos, se llevaron a cabo análisis factoriales confirmatorios (AFC) con el fin de probar el modelo; después, se calcularon los coeficientes Alfa de Cronbach y Omega de McDonald; y, por último, se realizó un AFC multigrupo. Los resultados mostraron que el modelo tuvo un ajuste excelente a los datos, los coeficientes Alfa y Omega mostraron que las puntuaciones de la escala tuvieron una consistencia interna adecuada y, además, se encontró que hay una equivalencia completa en la estructura factorial de la ECSA entre hombres y mujeres. En conclusión, los resultados respaldan la pertinencia de la ECSA, confirmando el modelo en el que se establece que la claridad del autoconcepto se compone por la certeza, congruencia y estabilidad. Así, este instrumento permitirá continuar con la línea de investigación en México.
Perfil neuropsicológico en pacientes con esquizofrenia de acuerdo con el nivel de adherencia a la medicación
Authors: Sánchez Ceballos Leidy Alejandra , Ramirez Euse Julián Andrés , Ochoa Jiménez Deisy Elizabeth , Herrera Valencia Aura Lucero
Published: February 2024

La esquizofrenia es un trastorno mental grave, que por su cronicidad y heterogeneidad genera alto impacto sobre la capacidad funcional de las personas que la padecen, por lo cual, este estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer el perfil neuropsicológico de los pacientes con esquizofrenia de acuerdo con el nivel de adherencia a la medicación psiquiátrica, para esto se desarrolló una metodología de tipo analítico retrospectivo de casos y controles, en una muestra de participantes de n= 52 (grupo casos= 26 pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia y grupo controles= 26 participantes neurotípicos) de la ciudad de Medellín–Colombia, a la vez que el grupo casos se subdividió de acuerdo con el nivel de adherencia a la medicación psiquiátrica. Como resultados se encuentra diferencias estadísticas significativas entre el grupo casos y controles respecto a la prueba U de Mann Whitney en p valor inferior a 0,05 en los aspectos globales evaluados de la batería Neuropsi como total atención y funciones ejecutivas, Total memoria y Atención y memoria /puntuación global, así mismo diferencias en las puntuaciones de la prueba tarjetas de Wisconsin, estas diferencias también se visualizan en las comparaciones por grupos de acuerdo con el nivel de adherencia con la pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis. Como conclusiones, al parecer los pacientes con esquizofrenia presentan alteraciones en el funcionamiento cognitivo global, que a su vez pueden estar afectadas de acuerdo con el nivel de adherencia que estos pacientes presentan frente a la medicación psiquiátrica de primera línea.
Therapeutic Awareness Trends of Dentistry among Public in Tamil Nadu: A web engine search based study
Authors: B. Sivapathasundharam , Thanigaimalai Abirami
Published: February 2024

Brief Background - The awareness of the dental ailments and its treatment modalities was initially assessed by means of questionnaire based epidemiological surveys. However, the advancement in technology will not only be used by the public to know about the importance of various dental ailments but also their treatment. On the other hand, the technology also utilizes to find out the awareness of the same among public. Google trends is a web engine based tool, provided by google. It allows the public to identify the popularity of a particular search term. Using this particular tool, we could identify the search trend of various dental terms pertaining to disease and treatment digitally. To evaluate the awareness of dental ailments and its treatments in Tamilnadu in 2020 and to compare the same, with that of previous decade to analyze the change in awareness over time.
Material and Methods - Google is the most commonly used by the general public worldwide. Hence we used Google search Engine to know the awareness of dental ailments and the treatment modalities among the general public. Five keywords were selected for each dental specialty. All the key words were run through google trends web engine.
Results - On the whole significantly highest searched terminology in Tamilnadu for the year of 2020 was extraction with 67 searches. Following this dental braces were the next commonly searched term with the count of 44. The significantly searched term for the year of 2010 was removable denture with 64 searches. The next commonly searched term was impaction with 56 searches and dental floss with 55 searches.
Conclusion - The current study is a novel attempt and paves a new platform to evaluate the awareness of disease, its trend and its treatment in dentistry and various other specialties.
Key Words - Dental disease, Dental therapy, Google trends, Oral health awareness, Web awareness
Exploring the transmission modalities of Bunyamwera virus
Authors: Turner Erik A. , Christofferson Rebecca C.
Published: February 2024

Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) (Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus) has been found in Sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrated recently as cocirculating with Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV). Little is known regarding the breadth of transmission modalities of Bunyamwera. Given its co-occurence with RVFV, we hypothesized the transmission system of BUNV shared similarities to the RVFV system including transmission by Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and environmentally mediated transmission through fomites and environmental contamination. We exposed Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to BUNV and evaluated their ability to transmit both vertically and horizontally. Further, we investigated the potential for a novel transmission modality via environmental contamination. We found that the LSU colony of Ae. aegypti was not competent for the virus for either horizontal or vertical transmission; but, 20% of larva exposed to virus via contaminated aquatic habitat were positive. However, transstadial clearance of the virus was absolute. Finally, under simulated temperature conditions that matched peak transmission in Rwanda, we found that BUNV was stable in both whole blood and serum for up to 28 days at higher total volume in tubes at moderate quantities (103–5 genome copies/mL). In addition, infectiousness of these samples was demonstrated in 80% of the replicates. At lower volume samples (in plates), infectiousness was retained out to 6–8 days with a maximum infectious titer of 104 PFU/mL. Thus, the potential for contamination of the environment and/or transmission via contaminated fomites exists. Our findings have implications for biosafety and infection control, especially in the context of food animal production.
Increasing the sensor channels: a solution for the pressing offsets that cause the physiological parameter inaccuracy in radial artery pulse signal acquisition
Authors: Chen Chao , Chen Zhendong , Luo Hongmiin , Peng Bo , Hao Yinan , Xie Xiaohua , Xie Haiqing , Li Xinxin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: In studies of pulse wave analysis, single-channel sensors only adopt single temporal pulse signals without spatial information to show pulse-feeling patterns. Multi-channel arterial pulse signals, also named as three-dimensional pulse images (3DPIs), provide the spatial and temporal characteristics of radial pulse signals. When involving single or few-channel sensors, pressing offsets have substantial impacts on obtaining inaccurate physiological parameters like tidal peak (P2).

Methods: This study discovers the pressing offsets in multi-channel pulse signals and analyzes the relationship between the pressing offsets and time of P2 (T2) by qualifying the pressing offsets. First, we employ a data acquisition system to capture 3DPIs. Subsequently, the errorT2 is developed to qualify the pressing offsets.

Results: The outcomes display a central low and peripheral high pattern. Additionally, the errorT2 increase as the distances from the artery increase, particularly at the radial ends of the blood flow direction. For every 1 mm increase in distances between sensing elements and center sensing elements, the errorT2 in the radial direction escalates by 4.87%. When the distance is greater than 3.42 mm, the errorT2 experiences a sudden increase.

Discussion: The results show that increasing the sensor channels can overcome the pressing offsets in radial pulse signal acquisition.
Reliability analysis of the cast-in-place bored pile with different defects
Authors: Yao Hua , Ma Lemin , Duan Zhiqiang , Guo Wei
Published: February 2024

The defects of the cast-in-place bored piles heavily influence their integrities and bearing capacities. The bearing capacity and reliability index of the cast-in-place bored piles with different defects were studied using the finite element method. The accuracy of the numerical model is verified by the field test results of an in situ cast-in-place bored pile. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the toe debris, mud cake, and necking and bulging defects on the ultimate bearing capacities of the cast-in-place bored piles. The results indicate that maximum reduction in the ultimate bearing capacities of the cast-in-place bored pile was observed, with the ultimate bearing capacity of the toe debris defect decreased by 17%, that of the mud cake defect decreased by 19%, that of the necking defect by 6.1%, and that of the pile bulging defect increased by 40.9%. The minimum reliability index can be 0.81 when the diameter of the pile necking defect is 0.2 m. The maximum reliability index can be 3.63 when the diameter of the pile necking defect is 2.0 m.
Phantom in the opera: adversarial music attack for robot dialogue system
Authors: Li Sheng , Li Jiyi , Cao Yang
Published: February 2024

This study explores the vulnerability of robot dialogue systems' automatic speech recognition (ASR) module to adversarial music attacks. Specifically, we explore music as a natural camouflage for such attacks. We propose a novel method to hide ghost speech commands in a music clip by slightly perturbing its raw waveform. We apply our attack on an industry-popular ASR model, namely the time-delay neural network (TDNN), widely used for speech and speaker recognition. Our experiment demonstrates that adversarial music crafted by our attack can easily mislead industry-level TDNN models into picking up ghost commands with high success rates. However, it sounds no different from the original music to the human ear. This reveals a serious threat by adversarial music to robot dialogue systems, calling for effective defenses against such stealthy attacks.
Convolutional neural network (CNN)-enabled electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis: a comparison between standard twelve-lead and single-lead setups
Authors: Saglietto Andrea , Baccega Daniele , Esposito Roberto , Anselmino Matteo , Dusi Veronica , Fiandrotti Attilio , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
Published: February 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise in the early detection of various cardiac conditions from a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, the ability of AI to identify abnormalities from single-lead recordings across a range of pathological conditions remains to be systematically investigated. This study aims to assess the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) using a single-lead (D1) rather than a standard 12-lead setup for accurate identification of ECG abnormalities.

Methods

We designed and trained a lightweight CNN to identify 20 different cardiac abnormalities on ECGs, using data from the PTB-XL dataset. With a relatively simple architecture, the network was designed to accommodate different combinations of leads as input (<100,000 learnable parameters). We compared various lead setups such as the standard 12-lead, D1 alone, and D1 paired with an additional lead.

Results

The CNN based on single-lead ECG (D1) achieved satisfactory performance compared to the standard 12-lead framework (average percentage AUC difference: −8.7%). Notably, for certain diagnostic classes, there was no difference in the diagnostic AUC between the single-lead and the standard 12-lead setups. When a second lead was detected in the CNN in addition to D1, the AUC gap was further reduced to an average percentage difference of −2.8% compared with that of the standard 12-lead setup.

Conclusions

A relatively lightweight CNN can predict different classes of cardiac abnormalities from D1 alone and the standard 12-lead ECG. Considering the growing availability of wearable devices capable of recording a D1-like single-lead ECG, we discuss how our findings contribute to the foundation of a large-scale screening of cardiac abnormalities.
Magmatic fingerprints of subduction initiation and mature subduction: numerical modelling and observations from the Izu-Bonin-Mariana system
Authors: Ritter Sandrine , Balázs Attila , Ribeiro Julia , Gerya Taras
Published: February 2024

Understanding the formation of new subduction zones is important because they have been proposed as the main driving mechanism for plate tectonics and they are crucial for geochemical cycles on Earth. However, the conditions needed to facilitate subduction zone initiation and the associated magmatic evolution are still poorly understood. Using a natural case study, we conducted a series of high-resolution 2D petrological-thermomechanical (i2VIS) subduction models assuming visco-plastic rheology. We aim to model the initiation and early stage of an intra-oceanic subduction zone connected to the gravitational collapse of a weak transform zone and compare it to the natural example of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone. We also analysed the influence of low convergence rates on magmatic evolution. We propose a viable transition from initiation to mature subduction zone divided into distinct stages that include initiation by gravitational collapse of the subducting slab, development of a near-trench spreading centre, gradual build-up of asthenospheric mantle return flow, and maturation of a volcanic arc. We further show that mantle flow variations and shear instabilities, producing thermal perturbations and depleted interlayers, influence the temporal and spatial distribution of asthenospheric mantle composition and fertility in the mantle wedge. Our modelling results are in good agreement with geological and geochemical observations of the early stages of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction zone.
SRF material research using muon spin rotation and beta-detected nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Junginger Tobias , Laxdal Robert , MacFarlane W. A. , Suter Andreas
Published: February 2024

Muon spins precess in transverse magnetic fields and emit a positron preferentially in the spin direction at the instant of decay, enabling muon spin rotation (μSR) as a precise probe of local magnetic fields in matter. μSR has been used to characterize superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) materials since 2010. At TRIUMF, a beam of 4.2 MeV μ+ is implanted at a material-dependent depth of approximately 150 μm. A dedicated spectrometer was developed to measure the field of first vortex penetration and pinning strength in SRF materials in parallel magnetic fields of up to 300 mT. A low-energy beam available at PSI implants μ+ at variable depth in the London layer allowing for direct measurements of the London penetration depth from which other material parameters relevant for SRF applications, such as the lower critical field and the superheating field, can be calculated. Beta-detected nuclear magnetic resonance (β-NMR) is a technique similar to low-energy μSR using beams of low-energy β radioactive ions. With a recent upgrade, it is capable of detecting the penetration of parallel magnetic vortices, depth resolved with nanometer resolution at applied fields of up to 200 mT. In this paper, we review the impact and capabilities of these techniques for SRF research.
Inflammatory biomarkers predict higher risk of hyperglycemic crises but not outcomes in diabetic patients with COVID-19
Authors: Tao Li-Chan , Shu Hong , Wang Ying , Hou Qian , Li Jian-Jun , Huang Xiao-Lin , Hua Fei
Published: February 2024

Background

Inflammation is a predictor of severe complications in patients with COVID-19 infection under a variety of clinical settings. A few studies suggested that COVID-19 infection was a trigger of hyperglycemic crises including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and/or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS). However, the association between inflammation and hyperglycemic crises in diabetic patients with COVID-19 infection is unclear.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and COVID-19 infection from January 2023 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, especially inflammatory markers including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), c-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were collected and compared between patients with or without DKA and/or HHS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between inflammatory biomarkers and the prevalence of hyperglycemic crises. Patients were followed up 6 months for outcomes.

Results

Among 124 diabetic patients with COVID-19, 9 were diagnosed with DKA or HHS. Comparing COVID-19 without acute diabetic complications (ADC), patients with DKA or HHS showed elevated levels of c-reactive protein (CRP, P=0.0312) and procalcitonin (PCT, P=0.0270). The power of CRP and PCT to discriminate DKA or HHS with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) were 0.723 and 0.794, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression indicated 1.95-fold and 1.97-fold increased risk of DKA or HHS with 1-unit increment of CRP and PCT, respectively. However, neither CRP nor PCT could predict poor outcomes in diabetic patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

In this small sample size study, we firstly found that elevated serum CRP and PCT levels increased the risk of hyperglycemic crises in T2DM patients with COVID-19 infection. More study is needed to confirm our findings.
Time-resolved role of P2X4 and P2X7 during CD8+ T cell activation
Authors: Brock Valerie J. , Lory Niels Christian , Möckl Franziska , Birus Melina , Stähler Tobias , Woelk Lena-Marie , Jaeckstein Michelle , Heeren Joerg , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Rissiek Björn , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Guse Andreas H. , Werner René , Diercks Björn-Philipp
Published: February 2024

CD8+ T cells are a crucial part of the adaptive immune system, responsible for combating intracellular pathogens and tumor cells. The initial activation of T cells involves the formation of highly dynamic Ca2+ microdomains. Recently, purinergic signaling was shown to be involved in the formation of the initial Ca2+ microdomains in CD4+ T cells. In this study, the role of purinergic cation channels, particularly P2X4 and P2X7, in CD8+ T cell signaling from initial events to downstream responses was investigated, focusing on various aspects of T cell activation, including Ca2+ microdomains, global Ca2+ responses, NFAT-1 translocation, cytokine expression, and proliferation. While Ca2+ microdomain formation was significantly reduced in the first milliseconds to seconds in CD8+ T cells lacking P2X4 and P2X7 channels, global Ca2+ responses over minutes were comparable between wild-type (WT) and knockout cells. However, the onset velocity was reduced in P2X4-deficient cells, and P2X4, as well as P2X7-deficient cells, exhibited a delayed response to reach a certain level of free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). NFAT-1 translocation, a crucial transcription factor in T cell activation, was also impaired in CD8+ T cells lacking P2X4 and P2X7. In addition, the expression of IFN-γ, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by activated CD8+ T cells, and Nur77, a negative regulator of T cell activation, was significantly reduced 18h post-stimulation in the knockout cells. In line, the proliferation of T cells after 3 days was also impaired in the absence of P2X4 and P2X7 channels. In summary, the study demonstrates that purinergic signaling through P2X4 and P2X7 enhances initial Ca2+ events during CD8+ T cell activation and plays a crucial role in regulating downstream responses, including NFAT-1 translocation, cytokine expression, and proliferation on multiple timescales. These findings suggest that targeting purinergic signaling pathways may offer potential therapeutic interventions.
From neglect to spotlight: the underappreciated role of B cells in cutaneous inflammatory diseases
Authors: Lee Eun-Gang , Oh Ji Eun
Published: February 2024

The skin, covering our entire body as its largest organ, manifests enormous complexities and a profound interplay of systemic and local responses. In this heterogeneous domain, B cells were considered strangers. Yet, recent studies have highlighted their existence in the skin and their distinct role in modulating cutaneous immunity across various immune contexts. Accumulating evidence is progressively shedding light on the significance of B cells in maintaining skin health and in skin disorders. Herein, we integrate current insights on the systemic and local contributions of B cells in three prevalent inflammatory skin conditions: Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Atopic Dermatitis (AD), underscoring the previously underappreciated importance of B cells within skin immunity. Moreover, we address the potential adverse effects of current treatments used for skin diseases, emphasizing their unintentional consequences on B cells. These comprehensive approaches may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that effectively address the intricate nature of skin disorders.