bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of climate change on agriculture in South Asia
Authors:   ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India, Naresh Kumar S.
Published: August 2023

This chapter reviews the vulnerability to climate change of the key agricultural sector in South Asian countries. After looking at India as an example of how to assess the specific impact of climate change on agriculture, the chapter summarises the ways climate change affects basic plant processes. It then looks at the range of methods used to analyse climate change impacts and their relative strengths and weaknesses, including mechanistic models derived from historic data, the use of field trials, the role of remote sensing data and controlled environment experiments. The chapter also reviews the combined use of different models (e.g. crop, pest, soil and hydrological models) in impact assessments. It reviews the range of current projections for climate change impacts for a wide range of crops across a number of South Asian countries.
Modelling the impact of climate change on agriculture in North Africa and Southwest Asia
Authors:   Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Germany, Eyshi Rezaei Ehsan , Yamaç Sevim Seda ,   Konya Food and Agriculture University, Turkey
Published: August 2023

The impacts of climate change on food production in North Africa and Southwest Asia are severe, with rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells adversely affecting crop productivity and quality. Crop models are utilized to evaluate the impact of climate change and the potential of adaptation strategies to stabilize/enhance crop yields. The majority of studies in North Africa have focused on Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. In Southwest Asia, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey have been the focus of most studies. Limitations in impact assessment studies in these regions include a lack of data, compatibility of crop models, and inability of models to consider the effects of biotic stressors on crop growth due to poor agronomic practices. To reduce the uncertainty of model driven impact assessments, targeted experimental platforms are necessary to establish to explore the response of local crops and genotypes to potential adaptation strategies. Crop models should also encompass perennial crops and grasslands and use remote sensing technologies to provide high-resolution data for data-scarce regions.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Eco Enzyme dari Limbah Organik sebagai Hand Sanitizer di SMK Muhammadiyah Seputih Raman
Authors: Utami Yohana Tri , Anisa Devi Nur , Nurvazly Dina Eka , Chasanah Siti Laelatul , Ayu Humairoh Ratu , Shofiana Dewi Asiah
Published: August 2023

Penyakit yang disebabkan oleh agen biologi seperti bakteri, virus atau parasite tergolong ke dalam penyakit infeksi atau penyakit menular. Lingkungan sekolah adalah lingkungan yang rentan terhadap penularan penyakit tersebut. Oleh karena itu diperlukan kebiasaan hidup sehat yaitu dengan kebiasaan cuci tangan menggunakan sabun dan penggunaan antiseptik Salah satu yang umum digunakan adalah hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer merupakan antiseptik yang dapat digunakan secara instant tanpa menggunakan air dimana saja dan kapan saja. Tujuan dari kegiatan ini ialah mensosialisasikan perilaku hidup sehat dengan memilah sampah dan menghasilkan eco enzyme dari fermentasi limbah organik yang digunakan sebagai bahan baku pembuatan produk Kesehatan berupa hand sanitizer. Metode pembuatan yang mudah, dan menggunakan limbah organik sehingga sangat terjangkau menambah nilai keunggulan dari produk kesehatan ini. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan dilakukaan dengan forum group discussion dan pelatihan pembuatan ecoenzyme serta pembuatan hand sanitizer dari eco enzyme untuk para guru dan staf tata usaha SMK Muhammadiyah Seputih Raman. Hasil dari pengabdian ini adalah meningkatnya pengetahuan perilaku hidup sehat dan ketrampilan peserta dalam pembuatan eco enzyme dan hand sanitizer.
Pelatihan Pemahaman Implementasi Teori Euclidean Distance dalam Metode K-Nearest Neighbour (K-NN) untuk Komputasi Cerdas bagi Siswa SMA
Authors: Mar'i Farhanna , Husenti Nadya , Brilian Rakhmadhan Rizki , Gumilang Agung
Published: August 2023

SMA Muhammadiyah 8 Cerme adalah Sekolah Menengah Atas dengan tingkat kelas X, XI, dan XII yang memiliki jurusan Ilmu Alam dan Ilmu Sosial. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara yang dilakukan oleh tim Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PKM) Program Studi Teknik Informatika Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik kepada pihak sekolah SMA Muhammadiyah 8 Cerme didapatkan informasi bahwa sekolah sedang berusaha mengaplikasikan kurikulum merdeka belajar kepada siswanya dan mereka belum pernah diperkenalkan implementasi rumus matematika dalam ilmu komputer khususnya teori komputasi cerdas.  Adapun sasaran dari kegiatan PKM ini adalah siswa jurusan IPA kelas XI sebanyak 55 orang. Metode yang akan digunakan untuk kegiatan PKM ini adalah sosialisasi dan pelatihan tentang pentingnya mempelajari matematika khususnya rumus jarak dua titik atau teori Euclidean Distance beserta aplikasinya dalam Komputasi Cerdas menggunakan algoritme Klasifikasi yang merupakan bagian dari Data Mining yaitu K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN). Kegiatan PKM berlangsung selama 2 jam 30 menit  dan dibagi dengan 3 sesi. Sesi pertama diisi dengan sosialisasi dan manualisasi teori Euclidean distance, lalu sesi kedua adalah implementasi K-NN dalam Komputasi Cerdas, kemudian sesi terakhir yaitu sesi 3 adalah pengisian post test untuk mengetahui pemahaman siswa terhadap materi yang telah disampaikan. Berdasarkan hasil post test menunjukkan bahwa siswa memahami teori Euclidean distance dan penerapannya pada komputasi cerdas menggunakan algoritme KNN dibuktikan dengan poin tertinggi untuk post test yang telah dijawab benar adalah 96,3 %.
A Solution of The Collatz Conjecture Problem
Authors: duan baoyuan
Published: August 2023

Build a special identical equation, use its calculation characters to prove and search for solution of any odd converging to 1 equation through (*3+1)/2^k operation, change the operation to (*3+2^m-1)/2^k, get a solution for this equation. Furthermore, analysis the sequences produced by iteration calculation during the procedure of searching for solution, build a weight function model, prove it decrease progressively to 0, build a complement weight function model, prove it increase to its convergence state. Build a (*3+2^m-1)/2^k odd tree, prove if odd in (*3+2^m-1)/2^k long huge odd sequence can not converge, the sequence must walk out of the boundary of the tree after infinite steps of (*3+2^m-1)/2^k operation.
High Accuracy and Wide Range Recognition of Micro AR Markers with Dynamic Camera Parameter Control
Authors: Haraguchi Daisuke , Miyahara Ryu
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel dynamic camera parameter control method for position and posture estimation of highly miniaturized AR markers (micro AR markers) using a low cost general camera. The proposed method performs iterative calculation of the marker’s position and posture to converge them to specified accuracy with dynamically updating the camera’s zoom, focus and other parameter values based on the detected marker’s depth distances. For a 10 mm square micro AR marker, the proposed system demonstrated recognition accuracy of better than ±1.0% for depth distance and 2.5∘ for posture angle with a maximum recognition range of 1.0 m. In addition, the iterative calculation time was at most 0.7 seconds in an initial detection of the marker. These experimental results suggest that the proposed method and system can be applied to a robotic precise handling of small objects with low cost.
Analysis of Compressive Strength of Anhydrite Binder Using Full Factorial Design
Authors: Nizevičienė Dalia , Kybartienė Nora , Jusas Vacius
Published: August 2023

Flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum) is obtained from the desulphurization of combustion gases in fossil fuel power plants. FGD gypsum can be used to produce anhydrite binder. The effect of three independent variables such as the calcination temperature of FGD gypsum (500-800 oC), the hydration time (3-28 days) and the amount of activator (0-2 %) on the compressive strength of anhydrite binder were studied. K2SO4 and Na2SO4 were used as activators. The compressive strength of anhydrite binder was evaluated using a full factorial design. The multiple linear regression models were developed to correlate the significant variables to the compressive strength of anhydrite binder. The experimental results and statistical analysis showed that the hydration time had the biggest impact on the compressive strength of anhydrite binder using K2SO4 and Na2SO4. K2SO4 made a greater influence on the compressive strength than Na2SO4. The results of modeling indicated that the individual variables had a larger effect on the compressive strength of anhydrite binder than their interaction. The mean absolute percentage error between experimental and calculated values of compressive strength was less than 10 %.
Further Quinolizidine Derivatives as Antiarrhythmic Agents. 3
Authors: Tasso Bruno , Mattioli Laura Beatrice , Tonelli Michele , Boido Vito , Chiarini Alberto , Sparatore Fabio , Budriesi Roberta
Published: August 2023

Fourteen quinolizidine derivatives, structurally related to the alkaloids lupinine and cytisine and previously studied for other pharmacological aims, were presently tested for antiarrhythmic, inotropic, and chronotropic effects on isolated guinea pig heart tissues, and to assess calcium antagonism in comparison to amiodarone, lidocaine, procainamide, and quinidine. All compounds, but two, compared favorably with the reference drugs. Potent antiarrhythmic activity was observed for compounds (in increasing order) 4, 1, 6 and 5. The last compound N-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)aminohomolupinane) was outstanding, exhibiting a nanomolar potency (EC50 = 0.017 µM) for the increase of threshold of ac-arrhythmia, and being devoid of antihypertensive activity against spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Enhanced risk stratification in early-stage endometrial cancer: Integrating Molucular-L1CAM Classification and Simplified L1CAM/p53 Categorization
Authors: Joe Seungyeon , Lee Miseon , Kang Jun , Kim Joori , Hong Sook-Hee , Lee Sung Jong , Lee Keun Ho , Lee Ahwon
Published: August 2023

Aim: To improve risk stratification in early-stage endometrial cancer (EC), we performed mo-lecular classification, and L1CAM immunohistochemistry (IHC) for additional risk assessment. Method: We analyzed archival tumor tissue from 247 early-stage EC patients. POLE mutations were detected using a Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay and Sanger sequencing, while the mismatch repair (MMR) status was determined by MMR protein IHC and MSI test. Additionally, we conducted IHC of p53 and L1CAM. Results: The 247 ECs were categorized into four subgroups: POLE-mutated (13.0%), MMR-deficient (27.9%), p53-abnormal (8.5%), and non-specific molecular profile (NSMP, 50.6%). We further subcategorized NSMP subgroup into NSMP-L1CAMneg (44.9%) and NSMP-L1CAMpos (5.7%), which we refer to as the molecu-lar-L1CAM classification. The molecular-L1CAM classification was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) (p <0.001, each). Similarly, the simplified L1CAM-p53 categorization, for practical use, remained an independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS (p <0.001, p =0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Integrating the molecu-lar-L1CAM classification or the simplified L1CAM/p53 categorization can enhance risk stratifi-cation in early-stage EC, providing valuable prognostic information to guide treatment deci-sions and improve patient outcomes.
DNA Repair Enzymes Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterases 1 and 2 Inhibitors Based on Usnic Acid as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Zakharenko Alexandra L. , Dyrkheeva Nadezhda S. , Luzina Olga A. , Filimonov Aleksander S. , Mozhaitsev Evgenii S. , Malakhova Anastasia A. , Medvedev Sergey P. , Zakian Suren M. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: August 2023

Tdp1 and Tdp2 are DNA repair enzymes that repair DNA damages caused by various agents, including anticancer drugs. Thus, these enzymes resist anticancer therapy and could be the reasons of resistance to such widely used drugs as topotecan and etoposide. In the present work, we found compounds capable of inhibiting both enzymes among derivatives of (-)-usnic acid. Both (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of compounds act equally effectively against Tdp1, and only (-)-enantiomers inhibited Tdp2. Surprisingly, the compounds protect HEK293FT wild type cells from the cytotoxic effect of etoposide but potentiate it against Tdp2 knockout cells. We assume that the sensitizing effect of the compounds in the absence of Tdp2 is associated with effective inhibition of Tdp1, which could take over the functions of Tdp2.
Deep Learning-Based Dose Predictor for Glioblastoma – Assessing the Sensitivity and Robustness for Dose Awareness in Contouring
Authors: Poel Robert , Kamath Amith J. , Willmann Jonas , Andratschke Nicolaus , Ermis Ekin , Aebersold Daniel Matthias , Manser Peter , Reyes Mauricio
Published: August 2023

Background: External beam radiation therapy requires a sophisticated and laborious planning procedure. To improve the efficiency and quality of the planning procedure, machine learning predictions of the dose distributions have been introduced to speed up the planning procedure and to serve as quality assurance. The most recent dose prediction models are based on deep learning U-Nets that give good approximations of the dose in 3D almost instantly. It is our purpose to train a 3D dose prediction for glioblastoma VMAT treatment and test its robustness and sensitivity for the purpose of quality assurance of automatic contouring. Methods: From a cohort of 125 glioblastoma (GBM) patients, VMAT plans were created according to a clinical protocol. The initial model was trained on a concatenated 3D U-Net. A total of 60 cases were used for training, 15 for validation and 20 for testing. The prediction model was tested for sensitivity to dose changes according to realistic contour variations. Additionally, the model was tested for robustness by exposing it to a worst-case test set containing out-of-distribution cases.Results: The initially trained prediction model had a dose score of 0.94 Gy and a mean DVH score for all structures of 1.95 Gy. In terms of sensitivity, the model was able to predict the dose changes that occurred due to the contour variations with a mean error of 1.38 Gy.Conclusions: We obtained a 3D VMAT dose prediction model for GBM with limited data, providing good sensitivity to realistic contour variations. We tested and improved the model's robustness, by targeted updating the training set, making it a useful technique for dose awareness in the contouring evaluation and quality assurance.
A Hydroacoustic Adversarial Strategy Based on the Matrix Game Theory
Authors: Zhao Huijin , Cheng Huabin , Chen Yu
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the decision-making problem in the anti-torpedo hydroacoustic countermeasure scenarios, this paper proposes an intelligent adversarial strategy based on the game theory. By discretizing the strategy space of both sides, a matrix game model is established with the payoff characterized by the capture probability of attacking torpedo. An improved simplex algorithm is developed to get the mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium of the game model, by which preferred avoiding strategies can be obtained to minimize the risk of being captured by the attacking torpedo. Considering the urgent stage when the sonar equipment detects the torpedo without identification of its attacking direction, the proposed intelligent strategy provides an probabilistic overview on the countermeasure scenarios, which could improve the success capability of surface warships for the anti-torpedo cases.
Estimating Multivariate models for Association between soil Major and minor Micronutrients
Authors: Arunachalam Rajarathinam , Madhaiyan Ramji
Published: August 2023

An empirical investigation was carried out to study the relationship between the soil characteristics, including the Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), potential of Hydrogen (pH), Electrical conductivity (EC), Sulfur (S,), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Boron (B) using principal component analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA), and Canonical Correlation analysis (CCA) for data reduction multivariate techniques. The first five main components accounted for 24.22%, 18.52%, 16.1%, 9.97%, and 9.27% of sample variances, respectively. All five principal components (PCs) accounted for 78.07% of the sample variance. The soil characteristics viz., P and K have highly dominated the first PC; the soil characteristics N and pH have dominated the second PC; K, EC, and Cu have dominated the third PC; Fe, Mn, and pH have dominated in the fourth PC; whereas the parameter Cu dominated the fifth PC. The first factor showed a strong negative loading on S and a strong favorable loading on Cu; P, K, and EC have substantial positive loadings in the second factor. Significant positive loadings on Mn, Fe, Cu, pH, N, and K are present in the third component. The fourth factor had a significantly positive pH, Fe, N, P, K, and B loadings. Fe, P, and B have much weight in the fifth factor. The soil characteristics viz., N, Zn, pH, K, Fe, and Mn have dominated the first PC; the soil characteristics B, P, S, Zn, and Fe have dominated the second PC; B and P have dominated the third PC whereas the only character Cu dominated the fourth PC. Cu and OC have much weight in the fourth factor. The canonical redundancies for dependent and independent sets are 12% and 17%, respectively. The Stewart-Love canonical redundancy index is 70.58%, which means that the first linear combination of the X-set explains 70.58% of the total variance in the Y-set.
R406W Mutant Tau Protein Conjugated with GFP Aggregates in Cells and Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate Inhibits Mutant Tau Aggregation and Promotes Neurite Outgrowth in Human Cell Culture Model of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Tokunaga Yasuko , Osugi Ayaka , Otsuyama Ken-Ichiro , Honda Takeshi , Hayashida Naoki
Published: August 2023

Patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are rapidly increasing all over the world. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease (HD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and many other diseases are classified as NDDs, however, no therapeutic drugs have been developed against NDDs yet. As common phenomenon, protein oligomers and aggregates (inclusion bodies) are formed in neurons, and they trigger neuronal cell death and/or axonal degeneration. We have investigated the mechanisms of NDDs, and discovered several chemicals and peptides have potential to cure NDDs. Here, we show phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly inhibits aggregate formation and promotes neurite regeneration in human neuronal cell culture model of NDDs, FTLD and AD. We expressed R406W mutant tau protein found in FTLD patients in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells as FTLD cell culture model. These FTLD neuronal cells showed intracellular aggregate formation and impaired neurite growth. Addition of PMA to culture medium 60% suppressed aggregate formation. PMA also enhanced neurite growth to the normal level at nanomolar concentration. We cultured SH-SY5Y cells in the medium containing -amyloid (1-42) as AD cell culture model. In these cells, neurite growth was limited to less than 50% of controls by the treatment of -amyloid (1-42). Surprisingly, addition of PMA increased the number of cells with >10-fold neurite extension to seven times even in -amyloid (1-42) contained medium. Also, PMA increased the expression of several genes and proteins important for cell survival in both cell culture models. These results suggest PMA has unexpected potential for the drug development against NDDs.
Spaceflight and Microgravity-dependent Alteration of Mast cell Population and Protease Expression in Digestive Organs of Mongolian Gerbils
Authors: Atiakshin Dmitri , Kostin Andrey , Shishkina Viktoriya , Burtseva Alexandra , Buravleva Anastasia , Volodkin Artem , Komi Daniel Elieh-Ali , Buchwalow Igor , Tiemann Markus
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Mast cell (MC) specific proteases are of particular interest for space biology and medicine due to their biological activity in regulating targets of a specific tissue microenvironment. MC tryptase and chymase obtain the ability to remodel connective tissue through direct and indirect mechanisms. Yet, MC specific protease expression under space flight conditions has not been adequately investigated. Using immunohistochemical stainings, we analyzed in this study the protease profile of the jejunal, gastric and hepatic MC populations in three groups of Mongolian gerbils - vivarium control, synchronous experiment, and 12-day orbital flight on the Foton-M3 spacecraft, - and in two groups - vivarium control and anti-orthostatic suspension - included in the experiment simulating effects of weightlessness in the ground-based conditions. After a space flight, there was a decreased number of MCs in the studied organs combined with an increased proportion of chymase-positive MCs and MCs with a simultaneous content of tryptase and chymase; the secretion of specific proteases into the extracellular matrix increased. These changes in the expression of proteases were observed both in the mucosal and connective tissue MC subpopulations of the stomach and jejunum. Notably, the relative content of tryptase-positive MCs in the studied organs of the digestive system decreased. Space flight conditions simulated in the synchronous experiment caused no similar significant changes in the protease profile of MC populations. The space flight conditions resulted in an increased chymase expression combined with a decreased total number of protease-positive MCs apparently due to participating in the processes of extracellular matrix remodeling and regulating the state of the cardiovascular system.
Ubiquitin Proteasome System Role in Diabetes-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nahum-Ankonina Ortal , Kurtzwald-Josefson Efrat , Ciechanover Aaron , Waldman Maayan , Schwartz Rohaker Orna , Hochhauser Edith , Meyer Sam j , Aravot Dan , Philip Moshe , D. Barac Yaron
Published: August 2023

This study investigated modifications in the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their relationship to heart complications. db/db mice heart tissues were compared with WT mice tissues using RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and protein analysis to identify cardiac UPS modifications associated with diabetes. The findings unveiled a distinctive gene profile in the hearts of db/db mice with decreased levels of nppb mRNA and increased levels of Myh7, indicating potential cardiac dysfunction. mRNA levels of USP18 (deubiquitinating enzyme), psmb8, and psmb9 (proteasome β-subunits) were downregulated in db/db mice while mRNA levels of RNF167 (E3 ligase) were increased. Corresponding LMP2 and LMP7 proteins were downregulated in db/db mice, and RNF167 was elevated in Adult diabetic mice. Reduced expression of LMP2 and LMP7, along with increased RNF167 expression, may contribute to future cardiac deterioration commonly observed in diabetes. This study enhances our understanding of UPS imbalances in the hearts of diabetic mice and raises questions about the interplay between the UPS and other cellular processes, such as autophagy. Further exploration in this area could provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying diabetic heart complications and potential therapeutic targets.
Towards Open Access and Open Source Software for Image-Based Velocimetry Techniques
Authors: Winsemius Hessel , Annor Frank Ohene , Hagenaars Rick , Van de Giesen Nick , Luxemburg Willem , Hoes Olivier
Published: August 2023

River monitoring has the potential to grow substantially with present-day available affordable and locally sourced hardware. Yet river monitoring networks are still under pressure due to lack of resources, difficulties with maintenance, and rapidly changing conditions which in part may be due to climate change. We advocate that to turn around this trend, monitoring stations must rely on local people, work with locally available devices, work without contact with water and operate through openly available knowledge. River observations with camera videos have this potential. IP cameras, drones or smartphones are widely available as observation platforms. The scientific methods are well established in literature. Yet current attempts to establish scalable open-source software solutions that can be operated anywhere are lacking. In fact, currently available software is either research-oriented, more aimed at incidental observations, is restricted to single-use licenses, entirely proprietary, or restricted to operations through a third-party Software as a Service. To overcome this obstacle, we present OpenRiverCam, a free and open-source software ecosystem for river observations that can fulfill a wide variety of use cases and business cases through a well-documented and simple to use Application Programming Interface, service workflows, cloud scalability and interoperability, and options to extend to several applications within the hydrological, hydrodynamic, environmental and geospatial domains. We demonstrate its current technical abilities through three different case studies that all originate from a user perspective. We discuss the future developments to meet further requirements, which include documentation, widely available training materials and embedding in curricula, and further hardware and software developments.
Bonnemaisonia hamifera, a Temperate Macroalga to Reduce Methane Emissions from Ruminants
Authors: Guinguina Abdulai , Hayes Maria , Gröndahl Fredrik , Krizsan Sophie
Published: August 2023

Researchers have been exploring seaweed to reduce methane (CH4) emissions from livestock. This study aimed to investigate the potential of a red alga, Bonnemaisonia hamifera, as an alternative to mitigate CH4 emissions. B. hamifera, harvested from the West coast of Sweden, was used in an in vitro experiment using a fully automated gas production system. The experiment was a ran-domized complete block design consisting of a 48-h incubation that included a control (grass si-lage) and B. hamifera inclusions at 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% of grass silage OM mixed with buffered rumen fluid. Predicted in vivo CH4 production and total gas production were estimated by ap-plying a set of models to the gas production data and in vitro fermentation characteristics were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of B. hamifera reduced (P = 0.01) predicted in vivo CH4 and total gas production, and total gas production linearly decreased (P = 0.03) with higher inclusion of B. hamifera. The molar proportion of propionate increased (P = 0.03) while isovalerate decreased (P = 0.04) with inclusion of B. hamifera. There was a tendency for increased (0.06 ≤ P ≤ 0.10) total volatile fatty acid production, as well as lower proportions of butyrate, isobutyrate, and 2-methylbutyrate. Chemical analyses revealed that B. hamifera had moderate concentrations of polyphenols. The iodine content was low and there was no detectable bromo-form, suggesting quality advantages over Asparagopsis taxiformis. Additionally, B. hamifera exhib-ited antioxidant activity comparable to the positive control Resveratrol. The findings of this study indicated that B. hamifera harvested from temperate waters in Sweden possesses capacity to mitigate CH4 in vitro.
The Relationship between Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life and Body Mass Index in an Older Population from Southern Italy: The Salus in Apulia Study
Authors: Dibello Vittorio , Lobbezoo Frank , Sardone Rodolfo , Lozupone Madia , Castellana Fabio , Zupo Roberta , Pilotto Alberto , Daniele Antonio , Solfrizzi Vincenzo , Manfredini Daniele , Panza Francesco
Published: August 2023

Background: The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) assessment evaluated the impact of individual’s oral health on the patient's physical and psychosocial status. We evaluated the association between subjective OHRQoL, measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, and unfavorable body mass index (BMI) (i.e., too high or too low) in a large population-based study on older adults from Southern Italy. Moreover, we assessed which of the seven OHIP-14 domains was most strongly associated with an unfavorable BMI. Methods: We used data on a subpopulation of the Salus in Apulia Study, including 216 older adults. BMI <18.4 kg/m2 and >30 kg/m2 were classified as unfavorable, values between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 were classified as ideal. Results: Higher OHIP-14 total score increased the risk to have an unfavorable BMI [odds ratio (OR):1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.01-1.15]. In the model adjusted for age, sex, education, hypertension, carbohydrate consumption, and alcohol consumption, this finding was confirmed with higher OHIP-14 total score increasing the risk to have an unfavorable BMI (OR:1.10, 95% CI:1.01-1.22), and higher age linked to a decreased risk to have an unfavorable BMI (OR:0.89, 95% CI:0.82-0.97). In a random forest regression model, the most important predictive domains/sub-scales of OHIP-14 in mean decrease Gini for unfavorable BMI were, in order of decreasing importance, physical pain, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical disability, social disability, psychological disability, and handicap. Conclusions: In older age, negative OHRQoL, particularly linked to the physical pain domain, increased the risk of underweight or overweight and obesity.
Model-Based Condition Monitoring of Modular Process Plants
Authors: Wetterich Philipp , Kuhr Maximilian M. G. , Pelz Peter F.
Published: August 2023

The process industry is confronted with rising demands for flexibility and efficiency. One way to achieve this are modular process plants that consist of pre-manufactured modules with their own decentralized intelligence. Plants are then composed of these modules as unchangeable building blocks and can be easily re-configured for different products. Condition monitoring of such plants is necessary, but available solutions are not applicable. The authors suggest an approach in which model-based symptoms are derived from few measurements and observers that are based on manufacturer knowledge. The comparisons of redundant observers lead to residuals that are classified to obtain symptoms. These symptoms can be communicated to the plant control and are inputs to an easily adaptable diagnosis. The implementation and validation at a modular mixing plant showcases the feasibility and the potential of this approach.
Implementation of the Electrosurgical Checklist in a Podiatry Unit in Relation to a Case of Inadvertent Burns during Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Córdoba-Fernández Antonio , Jiménez-Cristino María Dolores , Córdoba-Jiménez Victoria Eugenia , Mármol-García Francisco Javier
Published: August 2023

Podiatric surgeons routinely use electrosurgical devices to cut and coagulate tissue during surgical procedures. Although advances in technology have made electrosurgery increasingly safer for patients and personnel, its use is still poorly understood by those using it and the hazards associated with its use still exist presently. Human error, direct or indirect transfer of electricity to a conductive device, or device malfunction can cause serious adverse events, including burns, electrical shocks, and or fires. Here, we report a rare case of a 43-year-old man who suffered severe burns during hallux valgus surgery. The surgeon and the nursing staff did not notice any injuries during the surgical intervention. This case highlights the need to implement tools to help health professionals improve patient safety during surgery. Based on the case herein reported, a specific checklist was implemented to prevent adverse events related to electrosurgery in our podiatric unit to reduce the risk of electrosurgical complications.
Optimization and Efficiency Enhancement of Modified Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Khan Muhammad Raheel , Jarząbek Bożena
Published: August 2023

In this study organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell along with the spiro OMeTAD as a hole transport layer (HTL) and the PDINO as an electron transport layer (ETL) was simulated through the Solar Capacitance Simulator, one dimensional (SCAPS-1D) software to examine the performance of this type of polymer thin film organic solar cells. As an active layer the blend of polymer donor PBDB-T and non-fullerene acceptor ITIC-OE was used. Numerical simulation was performed by varying the thickness of HTL and active layer. Firstly, the HTL layer thickness was optimized to 50 nm, after that the active layer thickness varied up to 80 nm. These results of simulation demonstrated that the HTL thickness has rather little impact on efficiency while in the case of active layer thickness improves efficiency significantly. The temperature effect on the performance of solar cells was considered, by the simulation performed for temperature from 300 K up to 400 K and the efficiency of solar cell decreases with increasing temperature. Generally, polymer films usually are full of traps and defects, the density of defects (Nt) value was also introduced to the simulation, and it was confirmed that with the increasing of defect density (Nt), the efficiency of solar cell decreases. After thickness, temperature and defect density optimization, the reflection coating was also applied on it. It turned out that by introducing the reflection coating on the back side of solar cell, the efficiency increases by 2.5 %. Additionally, the positive effect of HTL and ETL doping on efficiency of this type of solar cells was demonstrated.
Emergent Information Processing: Observations, Experiments, and Future Directions
Authors: Kroc Jiří
Published: August 2023

Scientists are gradually becoming aware of the challenges in the understanding of the very root mechanisms of massively parallel computations that are observed in literally all scientific disciplines ranging from cosmology, physics, across chemistry, biochemistry, and ending in biology. This leads us to the main motivation and simultaneously to the central thesis of this review: “Can we design artificial, massively-parallel, self-organized, emergent, error-resilient, computational environments?” A large number of simulations along with examples and counter-examples, finalized by a list of the future directions, are giving hints and partial answers to the main thesis. This all together is opening the crucial question whether there is existing a deeper, beyond the Turing machine theoretical description of massively-parallel computing. Important information dealing with this topic is reviewed along with highly expressive animations generated by the open-source, Python software GoL-N24. The perspective, future directions including applications in robotics and biology of this research are discussed in the light of known information.
Effects of Seed Ageing on Germination and Oil Content in Ethiopian Black Cumin Varieties
Authors: Mengistu Fekadu Gebretensay , Wegayehu Gizaw
Published: August 2023

Seed quality is crucial for the success of crop production, as it affects germination capacity, emergence potential, and seedling growth. This study investigated the impact of extended stor-age on the germination capacity, oleoresin and essential oil contents of black cumin seeds from three black cumin varieties in Ethiopia: "Aden", "Dershaye", and "Darbera". Seeds were stored for up to three years, and germination studies were conducted using a Completely Randomized De-sign. Results showed that storage period significantly affected various germination parameters, with a decrease in germination percentage observed with increasing storage period. However, variety and the interaction between storage period and variety had no statistically significant effect on germination percentage. The study also provides valuable insights into the correlations between different germination indices. Additionally, as black cumin seeds age, their oleoresin and essential oil contents decrease across all three varieties. Proper seed storage practices are essential in maintaining the germination potential of black cumin seeds, particularly over ex-tended storage periods. Overall, this study provides insights into the impact of extended seed storage on black cumin seed quality and germination potential, highlighting the importance of proper seed management practices to support sustainable crop production.
Human Preadipocytes Differentiated under Hypoxia following PCB126 Exposure during Proliferation: Effects on Differentiation, Glucose Uptake and Adipokine Profile
Authors: El Amine Zeinab , Mauger Jean-François , Imbeault Pascal
Published: August 2023

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulation and hypoxia are two factors proposed to adversely alter adipose tissue (AT) functions in the context of excess adiposity. Studies have shown that preadipocytes exposure to dioxin and dioxin-like POPs have the greatest deleterious impact on rodent and immortalized human preadipocyte differentiation, but evidence on human preadipocytes is lacking. Also, hypoxia is known to strongly interfere with the dioxin-response pathway. Therefore, we tested the effects of pre-differentiation polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)126 exposure and subsequent differentiation under hypoxia on human subcutaneous adipocytes (hSA) differentiation, glucose uptake and expression of selected metabolism- and inflammation-related genes. Pre-differentiation PCB126 exposure lowered the ATP content, glucose uptake and leptin expression of mature adipocytes but had limited effects on differentiation under normoxia (21% O2). Under hypoxia (3% O2), preadipocytes ability to differentiate was significantly reduced as reflected by significant decreased lipid accumulation and downregulation of key adipocyte genes such as PPARγ and adiponectin. Hypoxia increased glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression but abolished the adipocytes insulin response and GLUT4 expression. Expression of pro-inflammatory adipokine IL-6 was slightly increased by both PCB126 and hypoxia, while IL-8 expression was significantly increased only following the PCB126-hypoxia sequence. These observations suggest that PCB126 do not affect human preadipocyte differentiation, but do affect the subsequent adipocytes population, as reflected by lower ATP levels and absolute glucose uptake. On the other hand, PCB126 and hypoxia exert additive effects on AT inflammation, an important player in the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Stochastic strike-slip fault as earthquake source model
Authors: Gapeev Maksim , Solodchuk Alexandra , Parovik Roman
Published: August 2023

It is known that the source of a tectonic earthquake in the framework of the theory of elasticity and viscoelasticity is considered as a displacement along a certain fault surface. Usually, when describing the source, the geometry of the fault surface is simplified to a flat rectangular area. The displacement vector is assumed to be constant. In this paper, we propose a model of an earthquake source in the form of a displacement with a constant vector along a stochastic surface. A number of standard assumptions were made when modeling. We take into account only the elastic properties of the medium. We consider the Earth’s crust as a half-space and assume that the medium is homogeneous and isotropic. For the mathematical description of the earthquake source, we use the classical force equivalent of displacement along the fault. This is the distribution of double pairs of forces. The field of displacements under the action of body forces is found through a combination of Mindlin nuclei of strain. The paper presents solutions for strike-slip fault. To obtain a stochastic fault surface, we propose to introduce a random deformation of a rectangular flat surface. The paper presents the results of a computational experiment comparing the levels and regions of relative deformations of the Earth’s crust in the case of displacement along a flat rupture surface and along a stochastic one. In the case of a stochastic surface, the regions of relative deformations become asymmetric. The developed model will help to indirectly take into account various mechanical properties of the Earth’s crust when modeling deformations caused by earthquakes.
Agaricus bisporus Extract (H2Oslim®) Exerts an Anti-obesity Effect in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6N Mice by Inhibiting Pancreatic Lipase-Mediated Fat Absorption
Authors: Kim Hyungkeun , Jeon Young Eun , Kim So Mi , Jung Jae In , Ko Donghyeon , Kim Eun Ji
Published: August 2023

Agaricus bisporus is well known as a source of polysaccharides that could improve human health. The objective of this study was to explore anti-obesity effect of A. bisporus extract (H2Oslim®) abundant in polysaccharides and its underlying mechanism. Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity in vitro was determined after treatment with H2Oslim® and chitosan. Treatment with H2Oslim® and chitosan significantly decreased pancreatic lipase activity. Five-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups for acute feeding with vehicle, H2Oslim® at 80 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day, and H2Oslim® at 160 mg/kg BW/day. H2Oslim® does-dependently increased plasma lipid clearance in an oral lipid tolerance test. Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were fed a control diet (CD), a high fat diet (HFD), an HFD with H2Oslim® at 80 mg/kg BW/day, H2Oslim® at 160 mg/kg BW/day, or chitosan at 160 mg/kg BW/day for eight weeks. HFD-fed mice showed significant increases of body weight, fat mass, white adipose tissue, average lipid droplet size, and serum levels of glucose, triglyceride, ALT, and AST compared to those in the CD group. However, H2Oslim® or chitosan administration ameliorated these increases. H2Oslim® or chitosan signifi-cantly reduced dietary efficiency and increased fecal excretion levels of lipid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. These in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that H2Oslim® might act as an anti-obesity agent by inhibiting pancreatic lipase-mediated lipid absorption, at least in part.
Effect of Cuff-Inflation on Blood Pressure, Arousals, Sleep Efficiency, and Desaturations: Sub-Analysis of the VAST Pilot Study
Authors: Socrates Thenral , Krisai Philipp , Meienberg Andrea , Mayr Michael , Burkard Thilo , Vischer Annina Salome
Published: August 2023

The influence of cuff inflations on nighttime measurements during 24h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements is unknown. We investigated the potential effect of cuff-inflations on asleep parameters using measurements taken simultaneously with a cuffless device using pulse-transit-time (PTT). On the first day of measurement, standard cuff-based 24h BP and cuf-fless measurements were simultaneously performed on right and left arms (CUFF/PTT-D). 1-2 days after the first measurement, the cuffless device was worn alone (PTT-D). Only data from the cuffless device was analyzed. The following mean asleep parameters were analyzed: systolic and diastolic BP, arousals, sleep efficiency, total arousals, arousal per hour and desaturations. 21 in-dividuals were prospectively enrolled. Mean (SD) age was 47(±15) years and 57% were female. Mean systolic asleep BP for the during CUFF/PTT-D and during PTT-D were 131(±21) and 131(±26) mmHg respectively. Mean diastolic asleep BP values during CUFF/PTT-D and during PTT-D were 80(±14) and 84(±14) mmHg respectively (p=0.860, p=0.100 respectively). Systolic and diastolic asleep mean difference was 0.1 (±18.0) and -3.6 (±9.8) mmHg, respectively. There were significantly more total arousals during PTT-D (p=0.042). There was no significant difference seen in sleep efficiency (p=0.339) or desaturations (p=0.896) between the two measurements. We could not show any significant impact from cuff inflations during asleep PTT-D measurements.
Mechanical Properties and Non-isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Polylactic Acid Modified by Polyacrylic Elastomer and Cellulose Nanocrystalline
Authors: Meng Weixiao , Zhang Xiaojie , Hu Xiuli , Liu Yingchun , Zhang Jimin , Qu Xiongwei , Abdel-Magid Beckry
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a polyacrylic elastomer latex with butyl acrylate (BA) as the core and methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymerized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as the shell, named poly(BA-MMA-GMA) (PBMG), was synthesized by seeded emulsion polymerization. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was dispersed in the polyacrylic latex to prepare PBMG/CNC dispersions with different CNC contents. The dried product was mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) to fabricate PLA/PBMG/CNC blends. The addition of PBMG and PBMG/CNC improved the mechanical properties of the PLA matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics. The Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny, and the Ozawa, and Mo’s equations were used to analyze the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PLA and its blends. Analysis of crystallization halftime of nonisothermal conditions indicated that the overall rate of crystallization increased significantly at 1 wt% content of CNC. This seemed to result from the increase of nucleation density and the acceleration of segment movement in the presence of CNC component. This phenomenon was verified by polarizing microscope observation.
Annual Dynamics of Layered Phytoplankton Structure in a Meromictic Lagoon Partially Isolated from the White Sea
Authors: Krasnova Elena Dmitrievna , Voronov Dmitry A. , Radchenko Irina G. , Aksenova Vasilisa A. , Rostanets Dmitry Viktorovich
Published: August 2023

In a saline semi-isolated Lagoon on the Cape Zeleny (White Sea), the annual dynamics of the vertical hydrological structure, and the seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton were traced, including species composition, and vertical distribution, abundance, nutrition type,and biomass.293 species and supraspecific taxa of algae and cyanobacteria were found. Most of the identified species are marine, and 38 species are freshwater. Taxonomic composition changed in the Lagoon during the year. Dinoflagellates dominated in winter and early June; unidentified cocci and flagellates in July; diatoms, dinoflagellates and unidentified cells in August; dinoflagellates in September; and unidentified cocci and flagellates in October–November. The abundance of algae also changed in the Lagoon during the year. The integrated biomass in the water column varied from 0.01 g C/m2 in January to 0.78 g C/m2 in early September.
According to the abiotic parameters, the water column of the Lagoon is subdivided into several zones with different conditions and corresponding phytoplankton communities. Similarity between the communities of different horizons was 32-46% in summer and 7% in winter. The chemocline layer was the most populous. Almost the entire year it contained a maximum of phytoplankton biomass, 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that in the overlying horizons.
Comparison phytoplankton in the lagoon and in the nearby sea area was carried out. Despite the connection between the Lagoon and the sea phytoplankton structure in the surface water layer in the Lagoon and in the sea differs significantly in composition, quantitative parameters, and seasonal dynamics. The similarity of the communities in the sea and the Lagoon never exceeded 50%. In terms of biomass, the Lagoon lags behind the sea until mid-summer, but, starting from August, it outnumbers it, and the phytoplankton development in the Lagoon lasts longer, until late autumn.
The phytoplankton structure and dynamics in the Lagoon and the sea by 24.5% was related to the daylight, water salinity, oxygen content and pH, but did not depend on water T, underwater illuminance, and depth. Oxygen content and pH are defined by PhP activity. Salinity serves as a vector of the vertical sequence of ecological niches. The daylight length seems to be the crucial factor of the seasonal PhP dynamics in the semi-isolated coastal stratified lakes and lagoons.