bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycoflora of grain maize (Zea mays L.) stored in traditional storage containers (gombisa and sacks) in selected woredas of Jimma zone, Ethiopia
Authors:   Jimma Agricultural Mechanization Research Center, Dubale B ,   Jimma, Ethiopia, Solomon A ,   Haramaya University, Ethiopia, Geremew B ,   Haramaya University, Ethiopia, Sethumadhava Rao G ,   Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma, Ethiopia
Published: January 2022

Mycoflora of maize (Zea mays L.) grain (Variety: Bako Hybrid-660) stored in two traditional storage containers (Gombisa and Sacks) for 180 days was studied for mycoflora in two agro-ecologies, that is Intermediate and Lowland, with altitude ranges of 1500-2500 meters above sea level, and 1000-1500 meters above sea level, respectively, in Jimma zone, Ethiopia. The temperature and relative humidity were observed for identifying fungi species which can flourish and cause maximum deterioration to maize grains. Significant (P<0.05) decreases in germination rate of the grains were observed with time under each storage method for both the low and intermediate altitude ranges. Germination percentage reduced from 98% and 97.5% to 68.5% and 80.5% for grains stored in Gombisa and Sacks, respectively. Storage type significantly (p<0.05) affected seed germination under intermediate agro-ecology whereas no significant (p>0.05) effect was observed under lowland agro-ecology due to storage container type. One sterile white mycelium and a total number of eight species of fungi viz., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus tereus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Drechslera halodes, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum were identified from maize grain at the beginning and during storage. The most common fungi recorded from both agroecologies in the two storage structures were A. flavus, A. niger, D. halodes and F.oxysporum. These fungi were recorded from 90, 51, 72 and 44 percentage of the seed samples, respectively. In the districts of both intermediate and lowland agro-ecology these fungi were consistently recorded throughout 180 days, during storage. A. fumigatus was detected in3.6% of samples while C. cladosporioides observed in 15% of the samples. Fungal species A. tereus and Penicillium were recorded in 0.5% of samples in selected districts of Jimma. These fungal species were known to cause deterioration of maize and are a health risk to humans and animals due to the toxins they potentially produce.
Comparison of tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) green manure, poultry manure and inorganic sources of nitrogen in the growth of kales (Brassicae oleraceae) in Nyeri county, Kenya
Authors:   St Marks Teachers´ Training College - Kigari, Embu Kenya, Mwangi PM , Mathenge PW ,   Karatina University College, Karatina Kenya
Published: January 2022

Production of vegetables in Nyeri County (Central Kenya) is greatly hampered by failure of farmers to use fertilizers. This is partly because of the relative high cost of the fertilizers. Tithonia green manure may provide a suitable alternative to the conventional inorganic sources of nitrogen. However, there is little information on its potential benefit especially in the growing of kales, (Brasicae oleraceace). Kales were grown on two experimental sites to compare tithonia green manure, poultry manure and other inorganic sources of nitrogen, namely calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea and ammonium sulphate nitrate (ASN). The fertilizer treatments were applied in three levels of; 30 kg of N/ha, 60 kg of N/ha and unfertilized control, from inorganic and equivalent of organic sources. Except for tithonia green manure, all the other treatments were administered at the time of transplanting. The experiment was a Completely Randomized Block Design, with five treatments in three levels, replicated three times on each site, and each site being a replica. Individual plots measured 4 m x 3 m at inter-plant and inter-row spacing of 60 cm x 60 cm, respectively. The inter-plot spacing was 50 cm and inter-block spacing was 100 cm. The fresh weight of kales was compared for all the treatments as well as the control. The data collected were subjected to F-test using SPSS proprietary computer software (Version 12.00). Treatment means found to be significantly different from each other were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% confidence level. The results indicated that tithonia green manure applied at 60 kg of N/ha or 9t/ha equivalent of dry matter, produced the highest fresh weight of kales followed by calcium ammonium nitrate applied at the same rates. The difference was significant and higher by an average of 7.65 % from the two experimental sites. Nevertheless, tithonia green manure was not easily available during the traditional planting season in the region. Further research is required to explore the possibility of applying it in mixture with poultry manure because as observed, many smallholder mixed farmers also keep poultry which could be a source of poultry manure. Undoubtly, organic fertilizers complement inorganic fertilizers.
Modelo para el intercambio de bienes en el sector agrícola empresarial peruano utilizando las tecnologías Smart Contracts y Blockchain
Authors:   , Cortez Zaga Christopher Americo , Casas Llamacponcca Victor Martin
Published: January 2022

El sector agrícola empresarial peruano debe tener una infraestructura que no limite la comercialización de bienes entre los agricultores por la dependencia de un intermediario. Sin embargo, esta no es la realidad porque actualmente para realizar la compra o venta de un producto, se necesita de un intermediario para validar ciertas actividades. Una alternativa para reducir esta dependencia es el uso de herramientas web a través del internet para que los agricultores puedan ofrecer sus productos al mercado y los compradores tengan una mayor variedad para su elección; sin embargo, esto genera una gran preocupación en la población ya que existe una desconfianza por la falta de seguridad que esto conlleva. Smart Contract y Blockchain, son tecnologías emergentes que están surgiendo para ofrecer nuevas oportunidades para el diseño de mercados descentralizados, estos permiten incrementar la seguridad de las transacciones, ahorros al no depender de un intermediario, aumentar la confianza de los agricultores y mejorar el crecimiento del país. Este proyecto propone una modelo que utiliza las tecnologías Smart Contract y Blockchain aplicadas en el sector agrícola empresarial peruano, que permite tanto al comprador como al vendedor comercializar productos agrícolas. Los resultados de las empresas encuestadas y tres expertos fueron satisfactorios, muchas de las empresas han tenido buena aceptación según la encuesta realizada, el 50% de las empresas considera como “Muy aceptable” el modelo según las características mencionadas en la encuesta y el otro 50% como "Aceptable"; así mismo, los expertos validan el modelo de acuerdo a los casos de uso de Blockchain y la metodología Solium para verificar que los Smart Contract se definieron correctamente.
Direct and Indirect Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women and Girls
Authors: Kelly Luke
Published: January 2022

This rapid literature review finds that women have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 in several ways. As the Covid-19 pandemic began, it was widely predicted that women would face worse outcomes than men in many spheres. This was based on evidence of pre-existing inequalities (e.g. the high share of women in informal work) and evidence from earlier disease outbreaks such as Ebola. Evidence from the past year and a half supports the idea that women have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 in many of the issues investigated for this report. A wide-ranging World Bank review of evidence from April 2020 to April 2021 states that “women often appear to have lost out more than men economically and socially” (Nieves et al., 2021, p. 4). It was not possible to find evidence on the effect of Covid-19 on women’s role in the green economy and the effects of climate change (beyond calls for inclusive green growth), or on gender stereotyping in the media (although there is a small amount of literature on perceptions of women leaders during the pandemic). In all cases, the effect of Covid-19 and measures to suppress it have directly or indirectly continued or worsened pre-existing inequalities. In some instances, Covid-19 has created distinct difficulties for women (e.g. lockdowns and increased domestic violence). This report has found no evidence of Covid-19 improving the position of women in the areas of interest surveyed, beyond possible benefits from working from home for some women in high-income countries; and some suggestions that female leadership during the pandemic may lead to better perceptions of women (Piazza & Diaz, 2020). Studies also point to the intersection of gender with other factors, such as caste and ethnicity, leading to worse outcomes (Chen et al., 2021; Kabeer et al., 2021). In many cases, migrant women and women with disabilities are at an increased disadvantage. The report focuses on evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and G7 members. It is not comprehensive but surveys the available evidence focusing on global, regional or synthesis evidence to provide a more representative coverage. It, therefore, does not cover every context or provide any country case studies and overlooks variations in some countries in favour of broader trends.
Dual-cured adhesive system improves adhesive properties of dentin cavities restored with a bulk-fill resin composite
Authors: Melo Ana Margarida dos Santos , Ribeiro Anne Kaline Claudino , Cunha Diana Araújo , Rodrigues Nara Sousa , Saboia Vicente de Paulo Aragão , Borges Boniek Castillo Dutra , Assunção Isauremi Vieira de
Published: January 2022

Aim: To evaluate the impact of a dual-cured adhesive system on the in situ degree of conversion (DC), bond strength (BS) and failure mode (FM) of adhesive interfaces in dentin cavities restored with a bulk-fill resin composite. Methods: 4-mm-deep dentin cavities with a 3.1 C-factor were created in 68 bovine incisors (n = 17 per group). The lightcured (Scotchbond™ Universal) or the dual-cured (Adper™ Scotchbond™ Multi-purpose Plus) adhesive system was applied to the cavities, which were then restored with a bulkfill resin composite (Filtek™ Bulk Fill). In situ DC analysis was performed by means of micro Raman spectroscopy at the top and bottom interfaces. Push-out BS was measured in a universal testing machine after 24-h or 6-month water storage. FM was determined with a stereomicroscope. Data of in situ DC and BS were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test (p<0.05), while the FM was analyzed descriptively. Results: The groups that received the dual-cured adhesive system showed statistically higher in situ DC and BS than those that received the light-cured adhesive system. Cohesive failure mode was the most frequent in all conditions. Conclusion: In situ DC and BS were influenced by the curing strategies of the adhesive systems with better performance of the dual-cured material.
La periferia latinoamericana en el sistema global del capitalismo
Authors: Prebisch Raúl
Published: January 2022

Este artículo constituye una apretada síntesis de las principales ideas del autor, las que se despliegan en tres ámbitos íntimamente vinculados entre sí. Por un lado, retoma su antigua preocupación por las relaciones entre centros y periferia analizándola a la luz de algunos rasgos salientes de la situación contemporánea; el tema tiene, a su juicio, la mayor significación, porque la naturaleza de esas relaciones condiciona, limita y orienta las modalidades y posibilidades de desarrollo de los países de América Latina. Por otro, penetra en el estudio de la dinámica interna del capitalismo periférico con el objeto de desentrañar sus principales componentes, contradicciones y tendencias. En este sentido, afirma que sus propias contradicciones internas impulsan al capitalismo periférico hacia crisis estructurales, de las cuales sólo consigue salir al apelar a regímenes políticos autoritarios. De esta tesis deriva un corolario que constituye el punto de partida del tercer ámbito de su pensamiento: una solución estable y democrática de esas crisis estructurales requiere una transformación profunda de los fundamentos del capitalismo periférico, en especial, de sus formas predominantes de apropiación y uso del excedente. Como una contribución a las reflexiones sobre este controvertido tema, esboza los lineamientos de su teoría de la transformación, los que se orientan por la esperanza de encontrar una síntesis entre los ideales liberales y socialistas.
Simulation of Organic Liquid Products Deoxygenation by Multistage Countercurrent Absorber/Stripping Using CO2 as Solvent with Aspen-HYSYS: Process Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Jr. Manoel Raimundo dos Santos , Costa Elinéia Castro , Ferreira Caio Campos , Bernar Lucas Pinto , da Silva Marcilene Paiva , Mâncio Andréia de Andrade , da Mota Sílvio Alex Pereira , de Castro Douglas Alberto Rocha , Jr. Sergio Duvoisin , Borges Luiz Eduardo Pizarro , Araújo Marilena Emmi , Machado Nélio Teixeira , Jr Sergio Duvoisin
Published: January 2022

In this work, the deoxygenation of organic liquid products (OLP) obtained by thermal catalytic cracking of palm oil at 450 °C, 1.0 atmosphere, with 10% (wt.) Na2CO3 as catalyst, in multistage countercurrent absorber columns using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as solvent, with Aspen-HYSYS process simulator was systematically investigated. In a previous study, the thermodynamic data basis and EOS modeling necessary to simulate the deoxygenation of OLP has been presented [Molecules 2021, 26, 4382. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144382]. This work address a new flowsheet, consisting of 03 absorber columns, 10 expansions valves, 10 flash drums, 08 heat exchanges, 01 pressure pump, and 02 make-up of CO2, aiming to improve the deacidification of OLP. The simulation was performed at 333 K, 140 bar, and (S/F) = 17; 350 K, 140 bar, and (S/F) = 38; 333 K, 140 bar, and (S/F) = 25. The simulation shows that 81.49% of OLP could be recovered and the concentrations of hydrocarbons in the extracts of absorber-01 and absorber-02 were 96.95 and 92.78% (wt.) in solvent-free basis, while the bottom stream of absorber-03 was enriched in oxygenates compounds with concentrations up to 32.66% (wt.) in solvent-free basis, showing that organic liquid products (OLP) was deacidified and SC-CO2 was able to deacidify OLP and to obtain fractions with lower olefins content. The best deacidifying conditions was obtained at 333 K, 140 bar, and (S/F) = 17.
Fish Liver Discards as a Source of Long chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Jacobsen Charlotte , Warncke Simone Andrea , Hansen Sussie Hjorth , Sørensen Ann-Dorit Moltke
Published: January 2022

The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the average consumer is generally low and products like fish oils high in omega-3 PUFA have become a popular dietary supplement. There is a need for more sources of omega-3 PUFA to cover the increasing demand. This study investigated whether livers from different lean fish species could be a potential new source of oils rich in omega-3 PUFA. The seasonal variation in lipid content, fatty acid composition, peroxide value and free fatty acid content of livers from cod, hake, ling, coalfish and monkfish was determined and the effect of storage conditions on the fishing vessel (ice vs frozen) was studied. Generally, the lipid content and composition of the livers from the five fish species varied similarly during the two years of sampling period with significantly lower values in spring (March, April) and higher values in fall (November, October). Storage conditions were found to have no significant effect on the quality and oil composition. Monkfish livers were less suitable for production of omega-3 oil due to their lower lipid and EPA content and higher FFA levels. Coalfish had higher fluctuations in oil composition during sampling period, which potentially makes a standardised quality difficult to obtain. Cod, hake and ling were the most suitable species for fish liver oil production.
Guidance to Pre-tokeniztion for SacreBLEU: Meta-Evaluation in Korean
Authors: Kim Ahrii , Kim Jinhyun
Published: January 2022

SacreBLEU, by incorporating a text normalizing step in the pipeline, has been well-received as an automatic evaluation metric in recent years. With agglutinative languages such as Korean, however, the metric cannot provide a conceivable result without the help of customized pre-tokenization. In this regard, this paper endeavors to examine the influence of diversified pre-tokenization schemes –word, morpheme, character, and subword– on the aforementioned metric by performing a meta-evaluation with manually-constructed into-Korean human evaluation data. Our empirical study demonstrates that the correlation of SacreBLEU (to human judgment) fluctuates consistently by the token type. The reliability of the metric even deteriorates due to some tokenization, and MeCab is not an exception. Guiding through the proper usage of tokenizer for each metric, we stress the significance of a character level and the insignificance of a Jamo level in MT evaluation.
Reconstruction of Ipsilateral Femoral and Tibial Bone Defect by 3D Printed Porous Scaffold Without Bone Graft
Authors: Hou Guojin , Liu Bingchuan , Tian Yun , Liu Zhongjun , Zhou Fang
Published: January 2022

Case:

This study reported the case of a 42-year-old woman with traumatic ipsilateral critical bone defect of right femur and tibia after a motor accident. Three-dimensional (3D) printed porous titanium scaffolds were innovatively used to reconstruct this challenging situation. The initial stability was safe enough for early exercise and partial weight bearing. The 26-month follow-up showed osseous integration of the prosthesis-bone interface with short-term satisfactory clinical result.

Conclusion:

The custom-designed 3D-printed porous scaffold has the potential to become an effective option for reconstructing the segmental irregular-shaped bone defect.
Bilateral Unstable Severe Valgus Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Authors: Venkatadass K. , Durga Prasad V. , Jain Deepak , Rajasekaran S.
Published: January 2022

Case:

Bilateral valgus slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a rare condition with few cases reported in the literature. However, there are no reports of bilateral unstable valgus SCFE. We report a unique case of bilateral acute-on-chronic unstable valgus SCFE with severe coxa valga in a 9-year-old girl. She was treated with bilateral capital realignment procedure along with subtrochanteric osteotomy and had a good clinical outcome.

Conclusion:

We hitherto report a rare case of bilateral unstable valgus SCFE which was successfully managed. This report also highlights the importance of the need for additional osteotomies to address the deformity.
A Novel Insertional Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair After Heel Spur Debridement
Authors: Casciato Dominick , Mendicino Robert , Steginsky Brian
Published: January 2022

Case:

We report a case of a 46-year-old woman who suffered an insertional Achilles tendon rupture secondary to a fall after undergoing retrocalcaneal and Achilles tendon debridements with flexor tendon transfer. Examination revealed posterior ankle pain with insertional Achilles tendon retraction. Treatment options included continued immobilization vs. surgical repair. She underwent Achilles tendon tenodesis to the calcaneus using a combined gastrocsoleus recession and Krackow suture technique.

Conclusion:

At the 1-year follow-up, examination revealed pain-free return to normal function. In the presence of a ruptured Achilles tendon with retraction, this repair provided sufficient lengthening and fixation of the Achilles tendon complex.
INHIBITING ACTIVITY OF ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME-1 BY BEAN PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE GENUS PHASEOLUS
Authors: Tejasari Tejasari , Aulia Faiqotul , Agustina Nurdiana
Published: January 2022

Kidney bean (Phaseolus.vulgaris L. Chitra) and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L. Sweet) hydrolysates were obtained by alcalase and flavourzyme hydrolysis of the bean seed protein. Peptide in the bean hydrolysates, with hydrophobic amino acids had been studied for their inhibitory ACE-1 activity preventing transformation into ACE-2 that prevention hypertension. This study aimed to measure inhibitory ACE-1 activity of protein hydrolyzates from the bean Phaseolus genus spp. grown in Jember, and its solubility. The bean protein (19.8-20,2%) was extracted using isoelectric precipitation at pH 4-4,6. The extract were hydrolyzed at pH 8-9 for alcalase and pH 7 for flavourzyme, followed with inactivation at 80-85 o C. ACE-1 inhibitory activity was measured based on the amount of hippuric acid (HA) formed by the hydrolysis of Hippuryl-His-Leu (HHL) in spectrophotometry detection method (228 nm). The ultra chromatography evaluation showed that the protein hydrolysates of kidney bean contained higher hydrophobic amino acids (455.5 mg/g protein) compare to those of lima bean (350 mg/g protein). Protein hydrolysates of both beans from alcalase hydrolysis have higher ACE-1 inhibitory rather than those from flavourzyme. Protein hydrolysate from Phaseolus spp bean protein hydrolysis by alcalase, contain small molecular weight peptides (3.9-22.6 kDa) high ACE-1 inhibition ability (83 -88%), and therefore suggested as antihypertensive nutraceuticals. Highest solubility of protein hydrolysate resulted from alcalase hydrolysis of both beans were observed at pH 8-9, while those resulted from flavorzyme hydrolysis were at pH 7.
Neuroevolutionary reinforcing learning of neural networks
Authors: Bury Y. A. , Samal D. I.
Published: January 2022

The article presents the results of combining 4 different types of neural network learning: evolutionary, reinforcing, deep and extrapolating. The last two are used as the primary method for reducing the dimension of the input signal of the system and simplifying the process of its training in terms of computational complexity.

In the presented work, the neural network structure of the control device of the modeled system is formed in the course of the evolutionary process, taking into account the currently known structural and developmental features of self-learning systems that take place in living nature. This method of constructing it makes it possible to bypass the specific limitations of models created on the basis of recombination of already known topologies of neural networks.
Method for determining of the distance to the object in the hyperbolic navigation system via doppler frequency offsets
Authors: Legkostup V. V. , Markevich V. E.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a method for estimating the distance to the object guided along a hyperbola to a target using a bistatic hyperbolic navigation system on a plane is given. At the same time, to solve the guidance problem, the number of required navigation positions is reduced by one in comparison with the classical method of hyperbolic navigation. However, in the guidance algorithms, it is still required to estimate the distance of the targeted object from the center of the base, the methods of obtaining which are considered in the work.
Formation of unmanned aircraft trajectory when flying around prohibited areas
Authors: Lobaty A. A. , Bumai A. Y. , Avsievich A. M.
Published: January 2022

Considered the problem of flying over restricted areas by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which have various shapes and restrictions, set on the basis of the international airspace classification system for aviation in accordance with the Chicago Convention and the recommended principles for the formation of forbidden zones, rules for creating a flight route along forbidden zones and actions in case of border violations of restricted areas. The problem of analytical synthesis of the control acceleration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is solved during its flight along a route passing along the boundaries of the forbidden zone of a given shape, along a given trajectory, which consists of subsequent segments located at the same height relative to the earth’s surface, in a given coordinate system. The optimal control synthesis problem is solved as an analytical definition of the optimal control of a linear non-stationary system based on the quadratic quality functional. A mathematical model of UAV motion in the horizontal plane is proposed, in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations in the Cauchy form. A law for measuring the control acceleration of the UAV’s center of mass is obtained on the basis of specifying the minimized quality functional and the corresponding constraints, which is a feature of the considered method of solving the problem. The proposed quality functional takes into account the parameters of coordinates and speed of the UAV, which correspond to the given points in the airspace, which characterize the necessary trajectory for flying around the restricted area. The derived mathematical dependences make it possible to implement them on board a UAV and minimize energy costs when guiding a UAV moving through specified points in space. Computer modeling of the derived analytical results, mathematical dependencies representing the optimal trajectory of the UAV flight along the boundaries of the forbidden zone, as well as the corresponding processes of changing the control acceleration and speed of the UAV movement was carried out, which made it possible to draw conclusions about the efficiency of the proposed method and the feasibility of its further use as a basis. for the initial stage of the synthesis of the UAV control system.
Approbation of the stochastic group virus protection model
Authors: Sharykin R. Y.
Published: January 2022

The article discusses the implementation in Java of the stochastic collaborative virus defense model developed within the framework of the Distributed Object-Based Stochastic Hybrid Systems (DOBSHS) model and its analysis. The goal of the work is to test the model in conditions close to the real world on the way to introducing its use in the practical environment. We propose a method of translating a system specification in the SHYMaude language, intended for the specification and analysis of DOBSHS models in the rewriting logic framework, into the corresponding Java implementation. The resulting Java system is deployed on virtual machines, the virus and the group virus alert system are modeled stochastically. To analyze the system we use several metrics, such as the saturation time of the virus propagation, the proportion of infected nodes upon reaching saturation and the maximal virus propagation speed. We use Monte Carlo method with the computation of confidence intervals to obtain estimates of the selected metrics. We perform analysis on the basis of the sigmoid virus propagation graph over time in the presence of the defense system. We implemented two versions of the system using two protocols for transmitting messages between nodes, TCP/IP and UDP. We measured the influence of the protocol type and the associated costs on the defense system effectiveness. To assess the potential of cost reduction associated with the use of different message transmission protocols, we performed analysis of the original DOBSHS model modified to model message transmission delays. We measured the influence of other model parameters important for the next steps towards the practical use of the model. To address the system scalability, we propose a hierarchical approach to the system design to make possible its use with a large number of nodes.
Label-free Quantitative Proteomics Combined With Transcriptomics Revealed the Importance of Cardiac Development in Producing the High Metabolic Capacity of Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus Albacares)
Authors: Yan Lulu , Guo Jieyun , Zhao Chao , Liu Yong , Wang Pengfei , Fan Sigang , Qiu Lihua , Chen Zuozhi
Published: January 2022

Tuna are commercially important fish throughout the world, and they are renowned for their endothermy, which allows them to maintain elevated temperatures in the oxidative locomotor muscles, viscera, brain, and eyes while occupying cold, productive, high-latitude waters. The endothermic mechanism is supported by a high heart rate and cardiac output, but the genes and proteins that participate in this cardiac function are poorly known. In this study, we combined label-free quantitative proteomics and transcriptomics to investigate the changes in the heart of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) before and after they developed endothermy. We identified 515,428 transcripts and 3355 protein groups in the hearts of two development stages of yellowfin tuna. Twenty-eight differentially expressed proteins were correlated with differentially expressed genes. The proteins that accelerate energy production were more highly expressed in the hearts of the large yellowfin tuna compared with the small specimens. Moreover, the proteins in the Z-disk, which protect against mechanical damage, were only detected in the hearts of large fish. These results indicate that as yellowfin tuna grow, the heart develops a self-protection strategy to cope with high metabolic rates and high mechanical forces. The differentially expressed proteins related to cardiac function, which are closely associated with striated muscle differentiation, glycosylation, and cardiac myocytes motility, were highly expressed in the larger (endothermic) tuna than that in the smaller (poikilothermic) tuna. Therefore, we suggest that the heart function of yellowfin tuna changes and improves during the transition from poikilothermic tuna (small size, 126 mm < fork length (FL) < 152 mm, 30 g < body weight < 46 g) to endothermic tuna (large size, 207 mm < FL < 235 mm, 170 g < body weight < 200 g). This is the first report of how gene and protein expression levels explain the strong heart function of yellowfin tuna.
A China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups Script Development Based On R Language
Authors: Zhu Junmin , Fan Yunhai , He Quanhui , Peng Wanglin
Published: January 2022

Background: To develop a set of R scripts that could efficiently and accurately identify the home page information of medical records and perform China Healthcare Security Diagnosis Related Groups (CHS-DRG) simulating grouping.Methods: Based on the CHS-DRG grouping rules, we abstracted the DRG grouping process into a standard algorithm and compiled the R script Z-DRG. The DRG simulating groupings by Z-DRG were compared with the DRG results from the regional CHS-DRG integrated service platform to evaluate the accuracy.Results: The Z-DRG includes one function module (zdrgfun. Rc), one operation module (zdrgpro. R) and one database form (zdrgcodes.RData). The function module set 7 algorithm steps and 8 custom functions. The functions were set for multiple diagnoses, multiple operations, joint diagnosis and operation. Only (17.85±0.11) milliseconds were taken for CHS-DRG simulating grouping of one case. Compared with the regional CHS-DRG results, the accuracy rate was 99.10%. The difference in the number of other diagnoses is the main reason that affected the accuracy.Conclusions: Z-DRG is easy to operate. The CHS-DRG simulating groupings were efficient and accurate. The simulation results could be effectively applied for medical institutions to carry out CHS-DRG grouping prediction and improve the implementation effect of CHS-DRG payment work.
Development of Ternary Concrete Utilizing Agricultural Waste Material
Authors: Kumari Sunita , Singhal Dhirendra , Walia Rinku , Rathee Ajay
Published: January 2022

The present project proposes to utilize rice husk and maize cob husk ash in the cement to mitigate the adverse impact of cement on environment and to enhance the disposal of waste in a sustainable manner. Ternary concrete / MR concrete was prepared by using rise husk and maize cob ash with cement. For the present project, five concrete mixes MR-0 (Control mix), MR-1 (Rice husk ash 10% and MR-2.5%), MR-2 (Rice husk ash 10% and MR-5%), MR-3 (Rice husk ash 10% and MR-2.5%), MR-4 (Rice husk ash 10% and MR-2.5%) were prepared. M35 concrete mix was designed as per IS 10262:2009 for low slump values 0-25mm. The purpose is to find the optimum replacement level of cement in M35 grade ternary concrete for I – Shaped paver blocks.In order to study the effects of these additions, micro-structural and structural properties test of concretes have been conducted. The crystalline properties of control mix and modified concrete are analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that 10% Rice husk ash and 5% maize cob ash replaced with cement produce a desirable quality of ternary concrete mix having good compressive strength. The results of SEM analysis indicated that the morphology of both concrete were different, showing porous structure at 7 days age and become unsymmetrical with the addition of ashes. After 28 day age, the control mix contained more quantity of ettringite and became denser than ternary concrete. XRD analysis revealed the presence of portlandite in large quantity in controlled mix concrete while MR concrete had the partially hydrated particle of alite.
Glycemic Variability Is Associated With All-Cause Mortality In COVID-19 Patients With ARDSFindings From The COVAS Cohort
Authors: Hartmann Bojan , Verket Marlo , Balfanz Paul , Hartmann Niels-Ulrik , Jacobsen Malte , Brandts Julia , Dreher Michael , Kossack Nils , Häckl Dennis , Marx Nikolaus , Müller-Wieland Dirk
Published: January 2022

There is high mortality among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Important factors for COVID-19 mortality are diabetes status and elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG). However, the effect of glycemic variability on survival has not been explored in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS. This single-centre cohort-study compared several metrics of daily glycemic variability (DGV) for goodness-of-fit in patients requiring mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19 ARDS in the ICU at University Hospital Aachen, Germany. 106 patients had moderate to severe ARDS (P/F ratio median [IQR]: 112 [87-148] mmHg). Continuous HRs showed a proportional increase in mortality risk with DGV. Multivariable unadjusted and adjusted Cox-models showed a statistically significant difference in mortality for DGV (HR: 1.02, (P)<0.001, LR(P)<0.001; HR: 1.016, (P)=0.001, LR(P)<0.001, respectively). Kaplan-Meier estimators yielded a shorter median survival (25 vs. 87 days) and higher likelihood of death (75% vs. 31%) in patients with DGV ≥ 25.5mg/dl (P<0.0001). High glycemic variability during ICU admission is associated with significant increase in all-cause mortality for patients admitted with COVID-19 ARDS to the ICU. This effect persisted even after adjustment for clinically predetermined confounders, including diabetes, procalcitonin and FPG levels at baseline.
Timely Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing for Young Women With Breast Cancer: Impact on Surgical Decision-making for Contralateral Risk-reducing Mastectomy
Authors: Dettwyler Shenin , Thull Darcy , McAuliffe Priscilla , Steiman Jennifer , Johnson Ronald , Diego Emilia , Mai Phuong
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE: Genetic testing (GT) can identify individuals with pathogenic variants (PV) in breast cancer (BC) predisposition genes, who may consider contralateral risk-reducing mastectomy (CRRM). We report on CRRM rates in young women newly diagnosed with BC who received GT through a multidisciplinary clinic. METHODS: Clinical data was reviewed for patients seen between November 2014 and June 2019. Patients with non-metastatic, unilateral BC diagnosed at age ≤45 and completed GT prior to surgery were included. Associations between surgical intervention and age, BC stage, family history, and GT results were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 194 patients, 30 (15.5%) had a PV in a BC predisposition gene (ATM , BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, NBN, NF1), with 66.7% in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Of 164 (84.5%) uninformative results, 132 (68%) were negative and 32 (16.5%) were variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Overall, 67 (34.5%) had CRRM, including 25/30 (83.3%) PV carriers and 42/164 (25.6%) non-carriers. Only a positive test result was associated with CRRM (p < 0.01). For the 164 with uninformative results, CRRM was not associated with age (p = 0.23), a VUS, (p = 0.08), family history (p = 0.19), or BC stage (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of young women with BC, the identification of a PV in a BC predisposition gene was the only factor associated with the decision to pursue CRRM. Thus, incorporation of genetic services in the initial evaluation of young patients with a new BC could contribute to the surgical decision-making process.
Maximizing Coverage, Reducing Time: A Usability Evaluation Method for Web-Based Library Systems
Authors: Iqbal Shumaila , Ikram Naveed , Imtiaz salma , Imtiaz Saima
Published: January 2022

Usability of a Web Based Library Systems (WBLS) is a major quality attribute. Checklists have become common and easy method to evaluate the usability of these WBLS; however the available checklists support evaluation of general usability aspects of WBLS only. The domain specific usability aspects are required to maximize the usability for such systems. This research proposes and validates a checklist based usability evaluation method that supports the evaluation of general as well as specific usability aspects of WBLS. The usability evaluation checklist is proposed based on analysis of literature and data of a controlled experiment. The checklist is validated in comparison to the “Academic Library Website Evaluation Checklist” via another controlled experiment. The proposed checklist is applied to the WBLS of universities in Pakistan. The manual and statistical result shows that, the proposed usability evaluation checklist identifies more general and specific usability aspects. It is found that both the checklists are equally efficient while identifying the usability errors. The proposed checklist is beneficial for the academia as well as industry to evaluate the usability of WBLS to an optimal level.
Improved Wood Species Identification Based On Multi-View Imagery of The Three Anatomical Planes
Authors: Silva Núbia Rosa Da , Deklerck Victor , Baetens Jan , Bulcke Jan Van den , De Ridder Maaike , Rousseau Mélissa , Bruno Odemir Martinez , Beeckman Hans , Acker Joris Van , De Baets Bernard , Verwaeren Jan
Published: January 2022

Background: The identification of tropical African wood species based on microscopic imagery is a challenging problem due to the heterogeneous nature of the composition of wood combined with the vast number of candidate species. Image classification methods that rely on machine learning can facilitate this identification, provided that sufficient training material is available. Despite the fact that the three main anatomical sections contain information that is relevant for species identification, current methods only rely on the transversal section. Additionally, commonly used procedures for evaluating the performance of these methods neglect the fact that multiple images often originate from the same tree, leading to an overly optimistic estimate of the performance. Results: We introduce a new image dataset containing microscopic images of the three main anatomical sections of 77 Congolese wood species. A dedicated multiview image classification method is developed and obtains an accuracy (computed using the naive but common approach) of 95%, outperforming the singleview methods by a large margin. An in-depth analysis shows that naive accuracy estimates can lead to a dramatic over-prediction, of up to 60%, of the accuracy. Conclusions: Additional images from the non-transversal sections can boost the performance of machine-learning-based wood species identification methods. Additionally, care should be taken when evaluating the performance of machine-learningbased wood species identification methods to avoid an overestimation of the performance.
Integrated Clinical and Genomic Models to Predict Optimal Cytoreduction in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cardillo Nicholas , Devor Eric , Nobre Silvana Pedra , Newtson Andreea , Leslie Kimberly , Bender David , Smith Brian , Goodheart Michael , Gonzalez-Bosquet Jesus
Published: January 2022

Background: Advanced high grade serous (HGSC) ovarian cancer is treated with either primary surgery followed by chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval surgery. The decision to proceed with surgery either primarily or after chemotherapy is based on a surgeon’s clinical assessment and prediction of an optimal outcome. Optimal surgery is correlated with improved overall survival. This clinical assessment results in an optimal surgery approximately 70% of the time. We hypothesize that this prediction can be improved by using biological tumor data to predict optimal cytoreduction.Methods: With access to a large biobank of ovarian cancer tumors, we obtained genomic data on 83 patients encompassing gene expression, exon expression, long non-coding RNA, micro RNA, single nucleotide variants, copy number variation, DNA methylation, and fusion transcripts. We then used machine learning to incorporate this data with pre-operative clinical information to create predictive models which successfully predicted whether or not a patient’s cytoreductive surgery would have an optimal outcome. These models were then validated within The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HGSC database. Results: Of the 124 models created and validated, 21 performed at least equal if not better than our historical clinical rate of optimal debulking in advanced-stage HGSC as a control, 78%. Conclusions: This is the first time tumor genomic data has been used to predict surgical outcome in ovarian cancer. Prospective validation of these models could result in improving our ability to objectively predict which patients will undergo optimal cytoreduction and, therefore, improve our ovarian cancer outcomes.
How Does Climate Change Affect Rice Production in Thailand? Assessing the Role of Financial Development
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Twumasi Martinson Ankrah , Ahmad Fayyaz , Sargani Ghulam Raza , Jiang Yuansheng
Published: January 2022

The study aims to examine the impacts of climate change (CC) and financial development (FD) on rice production (RP) in Thailand from the period 1969 to 2016 by using the ARDL and VECM framework. The empirical results revealed that in the long- run (LR) and short-run (SR) there is a reduction in rice production as temperature increase. The carbon dioxide (CO2) positively affects rice production in the (LR), while this connection is negative in the SR. The empirical results further confirmed that in the LR and SR domestic credit provided by the financial sector positively and significantly improved rice production, while domestic credit to private sector by banks negatively affect rice production. The important input factors including cultivated area, fertilizers use and labor force positively and significantly contributed to rice production in both LR and SR. The LR causal link of all variables with rice production is validated. The SR causal association is unidirectional among temperature, CO2 emissions, financial development, labor force and rice production. Additionally, the IRF and VDM outcomes also confirm that both climate change and socioeconomic development are crucial for rice production in Thailand. The study offers important policy implications to improve rice production with the help of improved financial system and climate controls.
Assessing Spatiotemporal Built-up Dynamics in Chiang Mai City, Thailand using Entropy approach
Authors: Gyeltshen Sangay , Tran Thuong V. , Khunta Wanwilai , Kannaujiya Suresh
Published: January 2022

The rates of urban dynamics affecting by industrialization, urban agglomeration, and large-scale migration turn its behaviour from monocentric to polycentric metropolitan resulting in unprecedented urban growth. Therefore, the present study incorporated an entropy-based approach to measure the degree of compactness and dispersiveness of urban development in Chiang Mai City. The Object-based machine learning was deployed for the image classifications with an overall accuracy above the minimum requirements (i.e., 90%) and kappa statistic of agreement above 0.85. The study reveals that Chiang Mai city has undergone urban development outskirts from the urban centre (CBD) and north and south-west direction from the CBD. A considerable increase in urban demographic and physical urban patches was observed in last 1998 to 2018. The research emphasized the significant role of Shannon Entropy to analyze the built-up growth supplemented by Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in respective zones and geographical directions.
Investigations of The Hybrid Effects of The Operational Parameters In The Radial Forging Process Based On The Validation of The Hardness Test
Authors: Darki Saeed , Raskatov Evgeniy Yurevich
Published: January 2022

In this study, considering all the parameters in radial forging and a three-dimensional model has been simulated using the finite element method. By implementing an elastoplastic state for the specimen tube, parameters such as friction type, residual stress distribution, effective strain distribution, material flow velocity and its effect on the neutral plate and the distribution of force in the die have been studied and analyzed. The effects of angle on the quality and characteristics of the specimen and the longevity of the die have also been obtained. Experimental results have been used to confirm the accuracy of the simulation. The results of the hardness test after forging were compared with the simulation results. Good agreement between the results indicates the accuracy of the simulation in terms of hardness. Therefore, this validation allows confirming the other obtained results for the analysis and prediction of various components in the forging process. After the validation and confirmation of the results through the hardness test, the hardness distribution was obtained by considering temperature changes and the effective strain on the specimen.