bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESPONSE OF COTTON CULTIVARS TO SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLIED FERTILIZER IN KABBA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: ETUKUDO O.O. , OGUNDARE S.K.
Published: November 2023

The experiment was carried out at Kabba College of Agriculture experimental field in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons to evaluate response of cotton cultivars to soil and foliar applied fertilizer. The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with two factors arranged in split plot arrangement in three replications. The first experimental factor was a cultivar, include two cotton varieties Hybrid and Lokoja local (abbreviated as C1 and C2) were used. The second experimental factor was the different nitrogen sources applied at five levels, NS1 = No Nitrogen source (control), NS2 = NPK (20:10:10 plus boron) fertilizer applied into soil alone = 80kg NPK & B, NS3 = NPK & B at 50% (40kg N) + Agric Zyme 50% (40 kg N), NS4 = NPK & B at 75% (60kg N) + Agric Zyme at 25% (20kg N) and NS5 = NPK & B at 25% (20kg N) + Agric Zyme at (60kg N). Data were collected on growth characters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area fresh and dry weight of cotton. Yield characters observed were number of flowers per plant, cotton ball per plant, cotton yield per plant and cotton lint yield. All plots with NPK&B and Agric Zyme produce better growth and yield characters than the control. All plots with NPK&B alone or in combination with Agric Zyme at reduced level produced similar growth characters. Cotton with fertilizer application either singly or combined produced higher number of flowers and cotton balls compared to the control. Cotton grows through hybrid seeds gave more flowers and cotton balls more than Lokoja local seeds used. Cotton with fertilizer application were susceptible to pest attacked compared to cotton grow in the control plots. Cotton grows with the use of hybrid seed gave higher number of aborted flowers than the Lokoja local seed used. Though, cotton plant grows with NPK&B at 80 kg /ha gave the highest yield of cotton. All other plots with combined application of NPK&B and Agric Zyme produced yield comparable to plots with NPK&B at 80 kg /ha. Among cotton with combined application of NPK&B and Agric Zyme, plots treated with NPK & B at 25% (20kg N) + Agric Zyme at 75% (60kg N) gave the greatest yield. Cotton with hybrid seed produced cotton yield higher than the Lokoja local seed. The increment in hybrid cotton yield over Lokoja local seed is 58.52%. Cotton farmers in the study area should grow hybrid cotton using any of the treatment combinations especially NPK & B at 25% (20kg N) + Agric Zyme at 75% (60kg N).
Marcus Musurus’ annotations in the 'recovered' UCM 22 (= 442 rahlfs) manuscript: Maccabaei II
Authors: Hernández Muñoz Felipe G.
Published: November 2023

The annotations of the Greek humanist Marcus Musurus in the recently recovered biblical manuscript UCM 22 (= 442 Rahlfs, 16th century in.), corresponding to the Septuaginta (Maccabaei, Book II), are studied in this article, as well as their possible origin: the Marc.gr. 1.
Studi Komparasi Aktivitas Antiradikal Bebas Ekstrak Metanol Kulit Buah Pisang Ambon (Musa acuminata Colla) Muda dan Matang dengan Metode DPPH
Authors: Malik Abd. , Fauziah Reni , Najib Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Ambonese banana fruit peel has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This search aims to investigate the potential of free radical scavengers based on the binding of DPPH free radicals (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl Hidrazil). Ambonese banana fruit peel was extracted by maceration using methanol. Free radical activity assay on sample measured by inhibition of DPPH using spectrophotometer UV-Vis at a wavelength at 516 nm. Identification by the TLC method showed that the peel extract of Ambonese banana was active as free radical scavengers where the DPPH solution changed in color from purple to yellow after being sprayed. The calculation results in IC50 values of each sample methanol extract of unripe Ambonese banana fruit peel is 11.78 µg/mL, while the methanol extract of the ripe Ambonese banana fruit peel is 151.56 µg/mL. The standard quercetin has IC50 values of 4.44 µg/mL. The result showed that the methanol extract from the Ambonese banana fruit peel (Musa acuminata Colla) has antioxidantactivity.
Aktivitas Larvasida Ekstrak Daun Bintaro (Cerbera odollam Gaertn.) Terhadap Larva Nyamuk Aedes aegypti
Authors: Handayani Virsa , Syarif Rezki Amriati , Ahmad Aktsar Roskiana , Amdar Andi Afifah
Published: November 2023

Bintaro Leaf (Cerbera odollam Gaertn) contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins that have the potential as larvicides. The study aimed to determine the mortality rate of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae after administration of Bintaro leaf extract as indicated by the LC50 value. The extract was obtained by maceration method. The yield of Bintaro Leaf (Cerbera odollam Gaertn)extract was 6.03%. This study used 180 mosquito larvae (Aedes aegypti) instar III, divided into test solutions made with 4 concentrations (10,000 ppm, 1000 ppm, 100 ppm and 50 ppm), positive control using Abate and negative control using Aquadest. Observations were made after 24 hours of treatment. The results of the larvacide test showed that the Bintaro leaf extract was effective as a larvicidal as indicated by the LC50 value of 21.170 g/mL 1000 g/mL.
Investigation of the Feasibility of Increasing the Tail-grouting Zone during Mechanized Tunneling in Sandy Soils
Authors: Barri Faezeh , Chakeri Hamid , Haghkish Hamed , Manafi Milad
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, excavation in urban environments can have many risks; one of these hazards is improper tail-grouting of Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM) and the consequent ground surface settlement. Failure to fill the tail space with suitable grout significantly affects the surface displacements. Injecting more grout to penetrate deeper around the tunnel will play a more effective role in reducing displacements and permeability of the soil. Therefore, experimentally investigation of the feasibility of increasing the tail-grouting zone during excavation around the tunnel space and the effect of this penetration on the amount of ground surface displacements is the main purpose of this paper. Thus, experimental tests were performed with different grout injection pressure and the effect of each of the pressure on the penetration depth of grout into the soil new laboratory model were examined. Then to study the effect of the grout penetration depth on surface settlement to determination of the adequate amount of grout injection pressure a numerical modeling of Tabriz metro line 2 by FLAC3D software were completed. For this purpose, the results of the laboratory tests (the penetration depth of grout) were used in numerical modeling. The results indicated that the amount of penetration in the implemented granulation has increased due to the increase in pressure, so doubling the pressure causes a 30% increase in grout penetration in the surrounding soil. The results of numerical studies showed that increasing the range of injection in the modeling causes a significant reduction (80 percent) in the ground surface settlement.
Deliniasi Struktur Sesar Lampung-Panjang dan Identifikasi Potensi Sumberdaya Alam Berdasarkan Anomali Magnet Daerah Bandar Lampung
Authors: Sulandari Brahmeswari , Suteja Aji , Hadibroto Hantoro , Nurmaliah  , Setyanta Budi , Garniwa Agus
Published: November 2023

ABSTRAK - Kemenerusan Sesar Lampung-Panjang dan kelurusan struktur bawah permukaan di daerah Bandar Lampung dan sekitarnya diidentifikasi menggunakan metode magnet. Pengukuran data magnet dilakukan pada 486 titik dengan interval 2-5 km. Pemisahan anomali regional dan residual serta filter horizontal derivative pada data digunakan untuk proses interpretasi. Pola kelurusan dominan berarah barat barat laut – timur tenggara dan timur laut - barat daya. Sesar Lampung-Panjang diinterpretasikan berada pada kedalaman dalam hingga dangkal berkisar 3 hinga 0,5 km. Di sekitar Kota Bandar Lampung juga ditemukan kelurusan struktur berarah barat laut - tenggara dan barat daya - timur laut, hal ini diprediksi memberikan pengaruh terhadap kejadian gempa di Daerah Bandar Lampung. Pada Peta Reduksi ke Kutub (RTP), respons anomali magnet rendah di bagian utara diinterpretasikan sebagai subcekungan sedimen yang merupakan kemenerusan dari Subcekungan Palembang Selatan. Pada peta anomali magnet residual ditemukan adanya anomali magnet tinggi dengan pola intrusi di sekitar Gunung Betung. Anomali magnet rendah di sekitar barat daya daerah penyelidikan yaitu di sekitar Gunung Betung, diinterpretasikan sebagai hasil proses demagnetisasi sehingga daerah tersebut memiliki indikasi potensi panas bumi.
Katakunci : anomali magnet, kelurusan struktur, reduksi ke kutub, Sesar Lampung-Panjang
Enhancing twelve grader’s proficiency in performing procedure text using flashcards
Authors: Sulistyowati Ana Dwi , Indah Rohmani Nur , Syaifulloh Burhanudin
Published: November 2023

Performing procedure text in English has its own complexities especially for twelve graders since they need to clearly present a series of action in logical order. When students performed their presentations online, they felt it was not as difficult as having an onsite presentation. Yet, the transition of learning mode in the current post-pandemic brings a greater challenge to them. To overcome this issue, this classroom action research offered the use of flashcards containing images and keywords that became the main attraction for students. The participants of this study were 28 students of a senior high school in Kediri. The results indicate that flashcards were significantly helpful in enhancing the twelve graders proficiency in performing procedure text with the increase from pre-test score of 76.79 into the post-test score 83.79 with a significance level of 000. It means that flashcards are able to improve student learning outcomes, especially in performing speaking for procedure text. Therefore, English speaking teachers are recommended to use flashcard to enrich student’s vocabulary and support the systematic presentation of procedure text.
Tantangan Penegakkan Diagnosis Herpes Associated Erythema Multiforme melalui Teledentistry: Laporan Kasus
Authors: Nurfianti Nurfianti
Published: November 2023

Pendahuluan: Teledentistry merupakan layanan kedokteran gigi menggunakan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi untuk menghubungkan pasien yang hidup di daerah pedesaan, pada masa pandemi menjadi solusi sebagai layanan kesehatan gigi dan merupakan solusi dalam situasi pandemi. Erythema Multiforme (EM) adalah reaksi hipersensitivitas mukokutan akut dan self-limiting yang dipicu oleh infeksi dan obat-obatan tertentu. Salah satu faktor predisposisi yang paling umum untuk Erythema multiforme adalah infeksi virus herpes simpleks (HSV). Hubungan antara infeksi HSV dan EM disebut Herpes Associated Erythema Multiforme (HAEM).  Laporan Kasus: Seorang pasien perempuan berusia 20 tahun, berkonsultasi melalui teledentistry dengan keluhan bibir bengkak dan ulserasi oral sejak 2 minggu yang lalu, dan didahului dengan demam. Pasien menggunakan salep herbal untuk terapi luka pada bibir. Pemberian Acyclovir memberikan respon dengan adanya penyembuhan lesi. Pembahasan: Herpes Associated Erythema Multiforme adalah penyakit kulit dan mukosa eksudatif akut yang dapat disebabkan oleh infeksi virus herpes simpleks. Penegakan diagnosis HAEM melalui Teledentistry memiliki banyak tantangan, kamera smartphone dapat membantu memberikan gambaran sebanding dengan pemeriksaan klinis. Kepatuhan pasien sangat diperlukan dalam melakukan pemeriksaan imunoserologi, dan konsumsi obat yang diberikan. Kesimpulan: Teledentistry merupakan layanan kedokteran gigi yang menggantikan pemeriksaan klinis, sehingga dapat membantu penegakkan diagnosis HAEM
Methodology of electromyography of the lumbar paraspinal muscles
Authors: Seliverstova E. G. , Sinkin M. V. , Kordonsky A. Y. , Grin A. A.
Published: November 2023

Electromyography (EMG) of the lumbar paraspinal muscles (PM) is performed for differential diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy and other proximal peripheral nerve injuries such as lumbosacral plexopathy or sciatic neuropathy. In neurosurgery, EMG of the lumbar PM can clarify the level of the compressed spinal nerve root in polyradiculopathy due to degenerative spinal deasese. In this article we describe in detail the technique of the study, present the factors limiting the use of EMG in the diagnosis of radiculopathy and determination of its anatomical level.
Analysis of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in migrant workers with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Shchepetin N. V. , Orlova N. V. , Fedulaev Yu. N. , Arakelov S. E. , Titova I. Yu.
Published: November 2023

The ﬂow of labor migrants to Russia is steadily growing. The rules for providing medical care to foreign citizens on the territory of the Russian Federation depend on their status. Among the morbidity of migrant workers, infectious diseases, venereal diseases, tuberculosis, injuries, intoxication are leading. This increases the risks to the health of Russians, and also puts an economic burden on the healthcare system of the Russian Federation. The purpose of our study was to study risk factors in migrant workers hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome. The study included 50 migrant workers and 107 Russian citizens hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome. Analysis of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases revealed that in migrant labor patients, the development of acute coronary syndrome occurred at a younger age. There were signiﬁcantly more smokers among migrant labor patients, they had a lower body mass index, type 2 diabetes mellitus and a previous acute myocardial infarction were signiﬁcantly less common in the anamnesis. Analysis of clinical and laboratory data of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome revealed that the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among migrant workers are smoking and lipid metabolism disorders.
The effect of amiodarone on the spectral parameters of heart rate variability in patients with various forms of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bogova O. T. , Sviridenko A. V. , Puzin S. S. , Markova A. S. , Puzin S. N.
Published: November 2023

In this study, spectral parameters in patients with various forms of atrial ﬁbrillation and the effect of the class III antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone on these parameters were studied. The use of spectral analysis of heart rate variability (hereinafter referred to as HRV) when choosing a drug for the treatment of arrhythmia and arterial hypertension is becoming increasingly widespread in experimental and clinical practice. This method, thanks to the mathematical analysis of the time and frequency characteristics of heart rate variability, allows you to get an idea of slow oscillatory processes that constantly exist in the body and have the properties of autowaves. The use of this method gives an idea of the role of various departments of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic), as well as the implementation of humoral mechanisms in the implementation of the chronotropic function of the heart.
Special Issue on Algorithms in Decision Support Systems Vol.2
Authors: Núñez-Valdez Edward Rolando
Published: November 2023

Currently, decision support systems (DSSs) are essential tools that provide information and support for decision making on possible problems that, due to their level of complexity, cannot be easily solved by humans [...]
Productivity and Physicochemical Properties of the BRS Isis Grape on Various Rootstocks under Subtropical Climatic Conditions
Authors: Sánchez Camilo André Pereira Contreras , Tecchio Marco Antonio , Callili Daniel , da Silva Marlon Jocimar Rodrigues , Basílio Leticia Silva Pereira , Leonel Sarita , Alonso Juan Carlos , Lima Giuseppina Pace Pereira
Published: November 2023

Brazil has emerged as a significant producer of seedless grapes due to high consumer demand. This has led to increased production of seedless grapes in non-traditional cultivation regions, such as subtropical areas. To meet this demand, the search for new grape varieties suitable for these conditions, such as the ‘BRS Isis’ variety, has become an option for growers. The interaction between grape cultivars and rootstocks is specific, and their adaptability to climatic conditions can result in uneven performance. Therefore, the choice of rootstock should be considered before making any recommendations. The purpose of this study was to assess the productive performance, physical-chemical, and biochemical properties of the ‘BRS Isis’ vine grafted onto rootstocks (‘IAC 572’, ‘IAC 766’, and ‘Paulsen 1103’) in two production cycles. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with seven blocks and three plants per plot, for a total of 63 vines. Thus, the vine’s income components, physical qualities of bunches and berries, chemical profile, bioactive substances, and antioxidant activity were assessed. The Tukey test (5% probability) was used to compare means between rootstocks. The data on scion cultivar and rootstock pairings were further evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA). There were substantial variations in the rootstocks, with ‘IAC 572’ and ‘IAC 766’ producing more bunches, generating more fresh mass, and having a longer bunch length than ‘Paulsen 1103’. However, phenolic compounds and flavonoids were greater in ‘BRS Isis’ grapes than in ‘Paulsen 1103’. ‘BRS Isis’ shows good adaptation to subtropical environments when employing the IAC 572 and IAC 766 rootstocks due to their higher yield and bioactive component accumulation compared to grapes grafted onto ‘Paulsen 1103’. However, regardless of the rootstock utilized, ‘BRS Isis’ grapes perform well commercially in subtropical environments.
Coffee Roasting, Blending, and Grinding: Nutritional, Sensorial and Sustainable Aspects
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel Henrique Horta de , Oliveira Ana Paula Lelis Rodrigues de
Published: November 2023

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of roasting, blending, and grinding on the nutritional, sensory and sustainable aspects of coffee. To achieve this, a systematic review of the literature was performed. The database for the selection of relevant papers was the Portal de Periódicos da Capes, with remote access via CAFe. For the elaboration of the research, a chronological criterion with period restriction was used, considering the period between 2008 and 2022, to access all possible works related to the theme of this work. The following terms were used: blending; grinding; coffee; nutritional; sensory; sustainability; and roasting. To filter the searches, the association of these terms was also used by means of links and word associations. In the terminology, the Boolean operator “AND” was used to interconnect the terms used. The roasting degree, grinding, and the amount of each coffee species impact the nutritional and sensorial aspects of coffee, while the determination of each blend influences the sustainability of the environmental, economic and social aspects of the coffee production chain.
Exogenous Melatonin Alleviates the Inhibitory Effect of NaHCO3 on Tomato Growth by Regulating the Root pH Value and Promoting Plant Photosynthesis
Authors: Yang Yuanling , Guan Sihui , Jiang Xiyao , Li Ming , Wei Shaowei , Diao Ming
Published: November 2023

Soil salinity is a severe threat to agricultural production. Most saline soils turn alkaline, increasing the soil pH and, in turn, hampering the growth and development of crops. In this study, the effects of a foliar spray of melatonin (MT; 100 μmol·L−1) on the pH of the root environment, growth of tomato seedlings, endogenous MT levels, rapid chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics, and key enzymes of the Calvin cycle under alkaline (60 mmol·L−1 NaHCO3) stress were studied in Riegel 87-5 tomatoes. The results revealed that the growth and photosynthesis of tomato seedlings were inhibited by increased pH in the root environment under alkali stress; however, the application of exogenous MT reduced the pH of the root environment, alleviated the inhibition of growth of tomato seedlings under alkali stress, increased the content of photosynthetic pigments, alleviated the damage of the donor and acceptor sides of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, increased the activity and efficiency of photosynthetic electron transport, and optimized the share of the light energy allocated to PSII reaction centers. Increased expression levels of Calvin-cycle enzymes, including fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), fructose-1,6-bisphosphate esterase (FBP), and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), led to enhanced photosynthetic performance in tomato seedlings. Exogenous MT boosted endogenous MT levels and stimulated the production and secretion of organic acids in the root system. This regulation of organic acid content reduced the environmental pH in the inter-root zone, alleviating the damage caused by alkali stress. This study indicated that the exogenous administration of MT may mediate an increase in endogenous MT levels, regulate the efficiency of photosynthesis and root pH levels, and play a crucial role in mitigating injury caused by alkali stress in tomato seedlings.
Safety Evaluation of an Intranasally Applied Cocktail of Lactococcus lactis Strains in Pigs
Authors: Rattigan Ruth , Wajda Lukasz , Vlasblom Abel A. , Wolfe Alan , Zomer Aldert L. , Duim Birgitta , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Lawlor Peadar G.
Published: November 2023

Three Lactococcus lactis strains from the nasal microbiota of healthy pigs were identified as candidates for reducing MRSA in pigs. The safety of nasal administration of a cocktail of these strains was examined in new-born piglets. Six days pre-farrowing, twelve sows were assigned to the placebo or cocktail group (n = 6/group). After farrowing, piglets were administered with either 0.5 mL of the placebo or the cocktail to each nostril. Health status and body weight were monitored at regular time points. Two piglets from three sows/treatment group were euthanised at 24 h, 96 h and 14 d after birth, and conchae, lung and tonsil samples were collected for histopathological and gene expression analysis. Health scores were improved in the cocktail group between d1–5. Body weight and daily gains did not differ between groups. Both groups displayed histological indications of euthanasia and inflammation in the lungs, signifying the findings were not treatment related. The expression of pBD2, TLR9 and IL-1β in the nasal conchae differed between groups, indicating the cocktail has the potential to modulate immune responses. In summary, the L. lactis cocktail was well tolerated by piglets and there was no negative impact on health scores, growth or lung histopathology indicating that it is safe for administration to new-born piglets.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy following Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Cage Removal: A Case Report
Authors: Zhalniarovich Yauheni , Mieszkowska Marta , Morawska-Kozłowska Magdalena
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this case report is to describe the functional and clinical outcome of a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in a dog with joint instability and persistent lameness following a Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery (TTA) Rapid. A six-year-old male Labrador retriever (38 kg) with a tibial plateau angle of 27° and a patella ligament to tibial plateau angle of 102° and persistent lameness lasting six months after TTA Rapid surgery has been examined. During orthopedic examination, the lameness was subjectively graded 3/5 and the positive drawer and tibial compression tests were performed. The TTA Rapid cage and all screws were completely removed from the tibia to have enough room to perform a TPLO radial cut. A lameness score evaluation, client satisfaction and radiographic follow-up were performed at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Long-term follow-up showed radiologically excellent healing with fusion of the gap and disappearance of the osteotomy line. Six months postoperatively, no lameness was detected at a walk and trot. The owner was completely satisfied and reported the dog being free from lameness even after long walks. No complications related to the TPLO surgery occurred.
Changes in Oxidative Stress and Intestinal Permeability during Pregnancy in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Metformin or Insulin and Healthy Controls: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fernández-Valero Andrea , Peña-Montero Nerea , Lima-Rubio Fuensanta , Gutiérrez-Repiso Carolina , Linares-Pineda Teresa María , Picón-César María José , Sancho-Marín Raquel , Tinahones Francisco J. , Morcillo Sonsoles , Molina-Vega María
Published: November 2023

Both oxidative stress and intestinal permeability are increased in hyperglycemic situations and have been shown to be reduced by metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of metformin on oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with metformin compared to those treated with insulin and healthy controls. A total of 120 women were included from August 2016 to February 2022: 41 received metformin (MET group), 38 received insulin (INS group), and 41 were healthy controls. Baseline and antenatal visits were carried out at 25.4 ± 4.8 and 36.1 ± 0.8 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and zonulin levels were measured at every visit. Zonulin levels from baseline to prepartum visit increased significantly in both healthy controls (0.6 ± 0.9 to 1.2 ± 1.7 ng/mL, p = 0.004) and the INS group (0.4 ± 0.3 to 0.6 ± 0.5 ng/mL, p = 0.034) but did not significantly change in the MET group (0.4 ± 0.4 to 0.5 ± 0.4 ng/mL, p = 0.202). However, TAC and AOPP levels significantly increased in women with GDM, both in the INS and MET groups but not in the healthy controls. In conclusion, in our population, metformin has been shown to avoid an increase in intestinal permeability but failed to avoid an increase in oxidative stress related to hyperglycemia.
Caffeine Produced in Rice Plants Provides Tolerance to Water-Deficit Stress
Authors: Yoo Youngchul , Yoo Yo-Han , Lee Dong Yoon , Jung Ki-Hong , Lee Sang-Won , Park Jong-Chan
Published: November 2023

Exogenous or endogenous caffeine application confers resistance to diverse biotic stresses in plants. In this study, we demonstrate that endogenous caffeine in caffeine-producing rice (CPR) increases tolerance even to abiotic stresses such as water deficit. Caffeine produced by CPR plants influences the cytosolic Ca2+ ion concentration gradient. We focused on examining the expression of Ca2+-dependent protein kinase genes, a subset of the numerous proteins engaged in abiotic stress signaling. Under normal conditions, CPR plants exhibited increased expressions of seven OsCPKs (OsCPK10, OsCPK12, OsCPK21, OsCPK25, OsCPK26, OsCPK30, and OsCPK31) and biochemical modifications, including antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase) activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant (ascorbic acid) content. CPR plants exhibited more pronounced gene expression changes and biochemical alterations in response to water-deficit stress. CPR plants revealed increased expressions of 16 OsCPKs (OsCPK1, OsCPK2, OsCPK3, OsCPK4, OsCPK5, OsCPK6, OsCPK9, OsCPK10, OsCPK11, OsCPK12, OsCPK14, OsCPK16, OsCPK18, OsCPK22, OsCPK24, and OsCPK25) and 8 genes (OsbZIP72, OsLEA25, OsNHX1, OsRab16d, OsDREB2B, OsNAC45, OsP5CS, and OsRSUS1) encoding factors related to abiotic stress tolerance. The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased, and non-enzymatic antioxidants accumulated. In addition, a decrease in reactive oxygen species, an accumulation of malondialdehyde, and physiological alterations such as the inhibition of chlorophyll degradation and the protection of photosynthetic machinery were observed. Our results suggest that caffeine is a natural chemical that increases the potential ability of rice to cope with water-deficit stress and provides robust resistance by activating a rapid and comprehensive resistance mechanism in the case of water-deficit stress. The discovery, furthermore, presents a new approach for enhancing crop tolerance to abiotic stress, including water deficit, via the utilization of a specific natural agent.
Complimentary Staining of Caries Detector Dyes in Primary Teeth with or without the Application of a Dentine Bonding Agent
Authors: Abushanan AlWaleed , Sharanesha Rajashekhara B. , Alazmah Abdulfatah , Algahtani Mazin
Published: November 2023

Background: Caries detector dyes are introduced to aid in identifying infected dentine. Many researchers claim that they are not specific in identifying infected dentine since dyes also stains sound tooth surfaces. The use of a dentine bonding agent could help in avoiding the penetration of caries detector dyes to some extent in less mineralized primary teeth. This study assesses caries detector dyes penetration in primary teeth with or without dentine bonding agent application. Methodology: Ninety primary extracted carious teeth were considered for the study. Teeth were divided in to two groups (45 teeth each group): group I with dye application without dentine bonding agent and group II with dye application after dentine bonding agent; in both groups three different types of dyes were used. All cavity walls and surfaces of samples in group 1 were stained with caries detector dyes for 10 s, subsequently washed with water for another 10 s and finally air-dried. A similar procedure was carried for teeth in group II after the application of a bonding agent on visibly sound tooth surfaces without the use of an etchant. Results: A statistically significant difference between two groups for staining of different tooth surfaces was noted. A Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in stain removal among the different groups either by distilled water or sodium hypochlorite were observed. Conclusion: A dentine bonding agent can help in preventing caries detector dye penetration in noncarious tooth surfaces of deciduous teeth.
Hi-RCA: A Hierarchy Anomaly Diagnosis Framework Based on Causality and Correlation Analysis
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Guo Yuchun , Chen Yishuai , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: November 2023

Microservice architecture has been widely adopted by large-scale applications. Due to the huge amount of data and complex microservice dependency, it also poses new challenges in ensuring reliable performance and maintenance. Existing approaches still suffer from limitations of anomaly data, over-simplification of metric relationships, and lack of diagnosing interpretability. To solve these issues, this paper builds a hierarchy root cause diagnosis framework, named Hi-RCA. We propose a global perspective to characterize different abnormal symptoms, which focuses on changes in metrics’ causation and correlation. We decompose the diagnosis task into two phases: anomalous microservice location and anomalous reason diagnosis. In the first phase, we use Kalman filtering to quantify microservice abnormality based on the estimation error. In the second phase, we use causation analysis to identify anomalous metrics and generate anomaly knowledge graphs; by correlation analysis, we construct an anomaly propagation graph and explain the anomaly symptoms via graph comparison. Our experimental evaluation on an open dataset shows that Hi-RCA can effectively locate root causes with 90% mean average precision, outperforming state-of-the-art methods.
Study on Experimental and Constitutive Model of Granite Gneiss under Hydro-Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liu Lin , Wen Bo
Published: November 2023

Permeability, as a critical element in making sure the underground facilities are secure, is a vital consideration in analyzing the rock material seepage. Selecting granite gneiss from underground oil storage as the research sample in this study. Triaxial mechanical property tests under different hydro-mechanical properties were carried out under the rock full-automatic triaxial servo system that controls the application of axial pressure, confining pressure, and seepage pressure. Through experiments carried out, we obtained the rock samples’ mechanical properties and permeability in three stages of the stress–strain process. The study shows that the seepage pressure considerably affects granite gneiss strength and deformation parameters under hydro-mechanical properties. On the basis of the same confining pressure, in pace with the growth in seepage pressure, elastic modulus, the deformation modulus, and the peak strength present a prominent decreasing inclination. The derived mechanical parameters are bound up with the stages we divided. This study analyzes and discusses the relationship among the strains and permeability, establishing the granite gneiss hydro-mechanical coupling constitutive model. Verification shows the results in numerical and experimental matches well, indicating that the rock hydro-mechanical properties could be effectively represented by the constitutive model.
Numerical Simulation on Corneal Surface Behavior Applying Luminous Beam Levels
Authors: Guevara-Leon Fernando , Grave-Capistrán Mario Alberto , Flores-Campos Juan Alejandro , Torres-Ariza Jose Luis , Alcántara-Arreola Elliot Alonso , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René
Published: November 2023

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 billion people experience visual impairments. Daily exposure to various levels of luminous beams directly impacts the front layer of the visible structure, leading to corneal injuries. To comprehensively understand this, we reconstructed a three-dimensional model utilizing the PENTACAM® system. This enabled us to accurately determine the 50th percentile dimensions of the fibrous layer of the eyeball. Using the Ogden mathematical model, we developed a 3D cornea model, treating it as a soft tissue with predictable behavior, considering mechanical properties such as viscoelasticity, anisotropy, and nonlinearity. Employing the Finite Element Method (FEM), we analyzed five distinct test scenarios to explore the structural response of the cornea. Luminous beam properties were instrumental in establishing varying mechanical loads, leading to structural deformations on the corneal surface. Our findings reveal that when a smartphone’s screen emits light at a frequency of 651.72 THz from 200 mm, displacements in the corneal layer can reach up to 9.07 µm. The total load, computed by the number of photons, amounts to 7172.637 Pa.
A Large-Diameter Earth–Air Heat Exchanger (EAHX) Built for Standalone Office Room Cooling: Monitoring Results for Hot and Dry Summer Conditions
Authors: Duarte Rogério , Gomes Maria da Glória , Moret Rodrigues António , Pimentel Fernando
Published: November 2023

Earth–air heat exchangers (EAHX) use the soil thermal capacity to dampen the amplitude of outdoor air temperature oscillations. This effect can be used in hot and dry climates for room cooling, and depending on the EAHX design, this cooling can be achieved with very few resources other than those used during EAHX construction. This is an obvious advantage compared to the significant energy consumption and operational costs of refrigeration machines traditionally used in room cooling. Despite the large number of papers on EAHXs available in the scientific literature, very few deal with large-diameter EAHXs (with pipe diameters larger than 0.30 m), and even fewer present monitoring data gathered from a built and functional large-diameter EAHX. The present paper uses monitoring data and provides a detailed quantitative analysis of the performance of a large-diameter EAHX built for standalone cooling of an existing office building. The field monitoring was carried out during a characteristic hot and dry summer period of the south of Portugal. Results show that outdoor air to EAHX exit air temperature gradients reach 9 K and cooling capacities exceed 27 kW. Moreover, the studied EAHX is capable of standalone cooling for outdoor air temperatures up to 33 °C and meets more than 50% of the room design cooling demand for outdoor air temperatures as high as 37 °C. This evidences that large-diameter EAHXs have the potential to achieve significant reductions in CO2 emissions and in energy consumption associated with building cooling in hot and dry climates.
Taxonomic Exploration of Healthcare IoT: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Frontiers
Authors: Alashlam Lutifa , Alzubi Ahmad
Published: November 2023

An Internet of things (IoT) ecosystem is a fast-developing network in which users can connect a heterogeneity of physical and virtual devices, including customized healthcare areas. As medical resources are scarce, populations are aging with chronic diseases and require remote monitoring, medical expenses are rising, and telemedicine is being demanded in developing nations, the IoT is an attractive topic in healthcare. Through the IoT, people can enjoy better health and diminish pressure on sanitary systems. In this study, previously published studies in Healthcare IoT (HIoT) systems are detailed, analyzed, and taxonomically classified. By categorizing the articles according to the types of HIoT systems, we dispense a detailed taxonomical study. In addition, different evaluation methodologies, tools, and metrics are discussed, along with their advantages and disadvantages. The studies indicate that power management, trust, privacy, fog computing, and resource management are among the open issues. The future of the Internet includes tactile networks, social networks, big data analytics, software-defined networking, network function virtualization, the Internet of nano things (IoNT), and blockchain. It would be beneficial to study and research HioT systems further in terms of interoperability, the implementation of real-world test beds, scalability, and mobility.
Numerical Investigation of the Evolving Inelastic Deformation Path of a Solder Ball Joint under Various Loading Conditions
Authors: Lim Jae-Hyuk , Lee Da-Hun , Lee Eun-Ho
Published: November 2023

Solder joints of ball grid arrays (BGA) have been widely used to connect electronic components to printed circuit boards (PCBs) and are often subjected to mechanical stress. Several studies have been conducted on the mechanical reliability of solder joints. While these studies have been useful in the industry, detailed studies on how the inelastic deformation path of the solder ball joints evolves under specific loading conditions have not been sufficiently reported. This study aims to understand how the inelastic deformation path evolves when a solder joint is subjected to a constant external force by utilizing the theory of mechanics. It has also been found that the mechanical failure is strongly influenced by the evolution history of the deformation modes in materials. For this study, an elastoplastic constitutive model and a ductile fracture criterion were implemented into the vectorized user-defined material (VUMAT) subroutine of the ABAQUS program for finite element (FE) analysis. With the model, the evolution of the inelastic deformation path of a single solder ball under different loading conditions was numerically analyzed. Three loadings (shear, compression, and bending) were chosen as the basic loading conditions. In addition, combinations of the basic loadings resulted in three dual loadings and one complex loading. The simulation results showed that the shear and bending caused the fracture for both single and dual loadings, but when combined with compression, the fracture was suppressed. The results indicate that fracture is not solely determined by the magnitude of equivalent plastic strain but also by the evolution of inelastic deformation mode. This research offers an improved understanding of the significance of the inelastic deformation path and fracture.
Designing Advanced Multistatic Imaging Systems with Optimal 2D Sparse Arrays
Authors: Perez-Eijo Lorena , Arias Marcos , Gonzalez-Valdes Borja , Rodriguez-Vaqueiro Yolanda , Rubiños Oscar , Pino Antonio , Sardinero-Meirás Ignacio , Grajal Jesús
Published: November 2023

This study introduces an innovative optimization method to identify the optimal configuration of a sparse symmetric 2D array for applications in security, particularly multistatic imaging. Utilizing genetic algorithms (GAs) in a sophisticated optimization process, the research focuses on achieving the most favorable antenna distribution while mitigating the common issue of secondary lobes in sparse arrays. The main objective is to determine the ideal configuration from specific design parameters, including hardware specifications such as number of radiating elements, minimum spacing, operating frequency range, and image separation distance. The study employed a cost function based on the the point spread function (PSF), the system response to a point source, with the goal of minimizing the secondary lobe levels and maximizing their separation from the main lobe. Advanced simulation algorithms based on physical optics (PO) were used to validate the presented methodology and results.
Potential of Variable Geometry Radial Inflow Turbines as Expansion Machines in Organic Rankine Cycles Integrated with Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines
Authors: Alshammari Fuhaid , Alghafis Abdullah , Alatawi Ibrahim , Alshammari Ahmed S. , Alzamil Ahmed , Alrashidi Abdullah
Published: November 2023

This work evaluates the feasibility of utilizing an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for waste heat recovery in internal combustion engines to meet the stringent regulations for reducing emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. The turbine is the most crucial component of the ORC cycle since it is responsible for power production. In this study, a variable geometry radial inflow turbine is designed to cope with variable exhaust conditions. A variable geometry turbine is simply a radial turbine with different throat openings: 30, 60, and 100%. The exhaust gases of a heavy-duty diesel engine are utilized as a heat source for the ORC system. Different engine operating points are explored, in which each point has a different exhaust temperature and mass flow rate. The results showed that the maximum improvements in engine power and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) were 5.5% and 5.3% when coupled to the ORC system with a variable geometry turbine. Moreover, the variable geometry turbine increased the thermal efficiency of the cycle by at least 20% compared to the system with a fixed geometry turbine. Therefore, variable geometry turbines are considered a promising technology in the field and should be further investigated by scholars.
Bridging Theory and Practice: An Innovative Approach to Android Programming Education through Nutritional Application Development and Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Lopez-Gazpio Inigo
Published: November 2023

This study introduces an innovative Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology to enhance the teaching of Android programming, focusing on addressing nutritional challenges. Conducted within the Computer Science degree at the University of Deusto, this research engages third-year students in developing applications aimed at improving access to nutritional knowledge. The novelty of this approach lies in its integration of advanced programming concepts with practical application development, fostering a deeper understanding and engagement among students. The applications enable users to access detailed nutritional information from open-access food databases, catering to individuals with specific dietary constraints. Preliminary results indicate a significant improvement in student engagement and learning outcomes compared to traditional teaching methods, underscoring the potential of this methodology in fostering future researchers and advancing educational practices in computer science. This research contributes to the field by demonstrating the efficacy of combining PBL with application development in enhancing learning experiences and outcomes in programming education. Our findings not only contribute valuable insights into the unique challenges and motivators associated with Android programming but also pave the way for tailored educational strategies that can optimize the learning experience in this domain.
Delamination Strength and Elastin Interlaminar Fibers Decrease with the Development of Aortic Dissection in Model Rats
Authors: Kurihara Genki , Ujihara Yoshihiro , Nakamura Masanori , Sugita Shukei
Published: November 2023

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening tear of the vascular tissue with creation of a false lumen. To explore the mechanism underlying this tissue tear, this study investigated the delamination strength of AD model rats and the histological composition of the aorta at various stages of AD development. SD rats were administrated beta-amino propionitrile for 0 (Control), 3 (Pre-dissection), and 6 (Dissection) weeks. The thoracic aorta was harvested at 10–11 weeks of age. The Dissection group exclusively showed AD at the ascending aorta. The delamination strength, a force that separates the aorta in the radial direction, of the descending aorta decreased significantly in the order of the Control, Pre-dissection, and Dissection groups. A quantitative histological analysis of the aortic tissue demonstrated that, compared with the Control group, the area fraction of collagen was significantly higher in the Pre-dissection and Dissection groups and that of elastin was significantly lower in the Dissection group. The area fraction of the elastin fibers between the elastic laminas (interlaminar fibers) was significantly decreased in the order of the Control, Pre-dissection, and Dissection groups. Histological changes of the aortic tissue, perhaps a reduction in interlaminar fibers mainly aligned in the radial direction, decreased delamination strength, thereby causing AD.
Enhancing Taxonomic Categorization of DNA Sequences with Deep Learning: A Multi-Label Approach
Authors: Hossain Prommy Sultana , Kim Kyungsup , Uddin Jia , Samad Md Abdus , Choi Kwonhue
Published: November 2023

The application of deep learning for taxonomic categorization of DNA sequences is investigated in this study. Two deep learning architectures, namely the Stacked Convolutional Autoencoder (SCAE) with Multilabel Extreme Learning Machine (MLELM) and the Variational Convolutional Autoencoder (VCAE) with MLELM, have been proposed. These designs provide precise feature maps for individual and inter-label interactions within DNA sequences, capturing their spatial and temporal properties. The collected features are subsequently fed into MLELM networks, which yield soft classification scores and hard labels. The proposed algorithms underwent thorough training and testing on unsupervised data, whereby one or more labels were concurrently taken into account. The introduction of the clade label resulted in improved accuracy for both models compared to the class or genus labels, probably owing to the occurrence of large clusters of similar nucleotides inside a DNA strand. In all circumstances, the VCAE-MLELM model consistently outperformed the SCAE-MLELM model. The best accuracy attained by the VCAE-MLELM model when the clade and family labels were combined was 94%. However, accuracy ratings for single-label categorization using either approach were less than 65%. The approach’s effectiveness is based on MLELM networks, which record connected patterns across classes for accurate label categorization. This study advances deep learning in biological taxonomy by emphasizing the significance of combining numerous labels for increased classification accuracy.