bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parking functions: From combinatorics to probability
Authors: Kenyon Richard , Yin Mei
Published: August 2022

Suppose that m drivers each choose a preferred parking space in a linear car park with n spots. In order, each driver goes to their chosen spot and parks there if possible, and otherwise takes the next available spot if it exists. If all drivers park successfully, the sequence of choices is called a parking function. Classical parking functions correspond to the case m = n; we study here combinatorial and probabilistic aspects of this generalized case. We construct a family of bijections between parking functions PF(m, n) with m cars and n spots and spanning forests F(n+1, n+1−m) with n + 1 vertices and n + 1 − m distinct trees having specified roots. This leads to a bijective correspondence between PF(m, n) and monomial terms in the associated Tutte polynomial of a disjoint union of n−m+1 complete graphs. We present an identity between the “inversion enumerator” of spanning forests with fixed roots and the “displacement enumerator” of parking functions. The displacement is then related to the number of graphs on n + 1 labeled vertices with a fixed number of edges, where the graph has n+1−m disjoint rooted components with specified roots. We investigate various probabilistic properties of a uniform parking function, giving a formula for the law of a single coordinate. As a side result we obtain a recurrence relation for the displacement enumerator. Adapting known results on random linear probes, we further deduce the covariance between two coordinates when m = n. MSC Classification: 60C05 , 05A16 , 05A19 , 60F10
Low Serum Magnesium as a Predictive Factor of Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lu Wei , Xie Yeqing , Zhang Yang , Cao Xuesen , Zhao Shuan , Zhang Zhen , Shen Bo , Zou Jianzhou
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events are the major complication and leading cause of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study was aimed to assess the relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in MHD patients. Methods: 290 patients were enrolled in the prospective cohort study, which were divided into three categories according to the concentration of serum Mg (LMg, MMg, and HMg), with a 60-month flowing-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were introduced to evaluate the role of serum Mg, and the potential prognostic values of the adjusted models were assessed with the time-dependent ROC curve. Results: During the follow-up period, a total of 69 patients experienced MACCE, including 35 cases of cardiovascular mortality, 22 cases of acute heart failure, and 12 cases of cerebrovascular events. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the incidence of MACCE (Log-Rank = 0.017) was significantly higher in patients with relatively low levels of Mg. The univariate Cox proportional hazard model indicated the low level of serum Mg was significantly pertinent to MACCE (LMg, HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.26-4.56; MMg, HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.12-4.07). After being adjusted for confounding factors, it was valid in models 1-9. Further subgroup analyses indicated that the risky role of low magnesium in the occurrence of cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.67, 95% CI 1.16-6.15). Conclusions: Low serum Mg was correlated with higher MACCE risks in MHD patients.
The Phenotype and genotype of Chinese adult patients with NLRP3-associated autoinflammatory disease
Authors: Wu Na , Wu Di , Miao Junke , Zhao Mengzhu , Wang Yi , Yu Weihong , Shen Min
Published: August 2022

Background: NLRP3-associated autoinflammatory disease (NLRP3-AID) is a spectrum of autosomal dominant inherited diseases associated with NLRP3 gene mutations. Reports of Chinese NLRP3-AID cases are limited to date. In the present study, we aim to describe the phenotype and genotype of a cohort of Chinese adult NLRP3-AID patients.Methods: This single-center study included sixteen adult patients diagnosed with NLRP3-AID at Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 2015 to September 2021. Whole-exome sequencing using next-generation sequencing was performed in each patient. Clinical data and mutational information were compared with a European cohort.Results: The median age of disease onset was 16 (0-46) years old, and adult-onset was observed in 4 patients (25%). The median time of diagnosis delay was 20 (0–39) years. Five patients (31.3%) had family history of similar symptoms. The most common clinical manifestations were recurrent fever (93.8%), arthralgia/arthritis (81.3%), skin rash (75%), myalgia (62.5%), and central nervous system manifestations (50%). Heterozygous NLRP3 variants detected in these patients were p.T348M (n=4, 25%), Q703K, V70M, K131R, M116I, P38S, V442I, D303G, G328E, A439V, K829T, L632F and V198M (n=1, separately). All the variants were missense mutations.Conclusions: We reported the largest case series of Chinese adult NLRP3-AID patients. The distinct symptoms of NLRP3-AID patients suggest the heterogeneity of disease. P38S, M116I, K131R, V442I and K829T were identified as novel NLRP3 variants. These data expand the clinical phenotypic and genotypic profiles of NLRP3-AID.
Dual-Band Reconfigurable Terahertz Dielectric Resonator Antenna with Graphene Loading
Authors: Fakhte Saeed , Taskhiri Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2022

A graphene-based dual-band terahertz rectangular dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is proposed in this work. The upper wall of the rectangular DRA is coated with graphene, which acts as an impedance surface to tune the resonant frequencies of the \({\varvec{T}\varvec{E}}_{111}^{\varvec{y}}\)and \({\varvec{T}\varvec{E}}_{113}^{\varvec{y}}\)modes of the antenna by varying its chemical potential. Also, it is observed that for some values of the chemical potential of graphene, the \({\varvec{T}\varvec{E}}_{113}^{\varvec{y}}\) mode is not well excited, which leads to the ability to reconfigure the antenna in terms of the number of operating bands. In another part of the paper, an approximate formula for obtaining the resonant frequency of the graphene-loaded DRA is presented for the first time. The resonance frequency results obtained from this theoretical method for different chemical potential values are compared with the simulation results, and it is concluded that there is a good agreement between them.
Impact of Microfinance Credit Access on Households’ Income and Welfare: Evidence from Ethiopia, Asmamaw Getnet Wassie, lecturer, Department of Economics, Debre Tabor University
Authors: Wassie Asmamaw Getnet , Taw Tefera Berihun
Published: August 2022

This study examined the impact of microfinance credit access on households’ income and welfare evidence from Ethiopia. The main objective of the study is investigating the impact of microfinance credit access on households’ income and welfare. The study used cross sectional data. The study surveyed 422 households. Half of the surveyed households were credit taker but the remaining half did not take the credit. The treatment variable (D) of the study is credit access. The outcome variables of the study are income and welfare of households. The study employed both descriptive and econometric model to achieve the objective of the study. The propensity score matching was employed in the econometric part of the study to estimate the impact of the credit on outcome variable of the study. Among matching methods kernel (0.1) was employed since it satisfies the criterion of best matching between treatment unit and controlled unit. The study found that average treatment effect (ATT) on the treated group in terms of income is less than its counterpart. However, average treatment effect (ATT) on treated group in terms of welfare is greater than the average treatment effect (ATT) on controlled group.
Comprehensive analysis of MAGEA6 in digestive system tumours
Authors: yang yihan , Wu Xidong , Li Nianshuang , Chen Sihai , Zhang Lin , Ying Mengqi , Yang Sifan , Chan Matthew Tak Vai , Shu Xu , Wu William Ka Kei , Xie Chuan
Published: August 2022

Digestive system tumours are the most common malignancies worldwide, causing huge number of deaths each year. With the increases in morbidity and mortality, it is imperative to identify new therapeutic targets. Melanoma-associated antigen-A6 (MAGEA6) is a member of the cancer/testicular antigen (CTA) family. There are increasing amount of evidence supporting that MAGEA6 plays an important role in the development of solid tumours. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of MAGEA6 in digestive system tumours. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the expression level, clinical significance and related biological functions of MAGEA6 in digestive system tumours. In this study, we integratively analysed the data from multiple databases of patients with digestive system tumours. Our results showed that MAGEA6 was highly expressed in most digestive system tumours as compared with normal tissues, whereas patients with higher expression of MAGEA6 had a worse prognosis. Based on co-expression analysis, there was a close interaction between MAGEA6 and MAGEA3. Furthermore, differential gene enrichment analysis indicated that MAGEA6 was mainly involved in the formation of extracellular structure, DNA replication, mitosis and the p53 signalling pathway. These results suggest that MAGEA6 is as a prognostic factor with functional importance in digestive system tumours.
Effect of valve opening on starting performance of pump as turbine
Authors: Zhang Yu-Liang , Li Jin-Fu , Zheng You-Qu
Published: August 2022

The study on transient characteristics of pump as turbines during atypical startup has not been deeply explored yet. In order to reveal the transient characteristics of a small centrifugal pump reversing as turbine during startup process in this paper, the transient hydraulic performance experiments are conducted for three steady rotational speed cases. Under the condition of each case, three, five and, three valve opening scenarios are completed to measure the performance. The dimensionless analysis are also employed so as to better reveal transient behavior of the pump as turbine during atypical startup. The results show that the rise rate of each performance parameter is different, wherein the shaft power and rotational speed have the fastest rising rate, followed by the flow rate, and the head rise is the slowest. It is clearly seen that the shock phenomenon in static pressure easily occurs at the outlet of pump as turbine. With the increase of valve opening, the dimensionless flow rate, head and, power coefficient all show the evolution trend of gradually increasing.
Prognostic factors in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia according to competing-risks analysis: a study based on the SEER database
Authors: Li Wanyue , Zhuang Weisheng , Huang Liying , Shang Yaru , Yan Guoqiang , Zhou Yu , Lu Jianliang , Chen Zhuoming , Lyu Jun
Published: August 2022

Background: The classic Cox proportional-hazards model is generally used to derive risk factors affecting patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, when competing risk factors are present, the results of Cox analysis need to be revisited.Objective: This study aimed to develop a competing-risks model to assess the factors that influence predictions of patients with CML in an attempt to produce results that are more accurate than those from Cox analyses.Methods: The CML data in the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database that met our requirements during 1975–2019 were analyzed. Univariate analyses in this study were performed using cumulative incidence functions and Gray’s tests, and the multivariate analysis was performed using three models: Fine-Gray, cause-specific, and Cox proportional-hazards models.Results: Of the 8331 included cases, 4827 (57.94%) died (2459 [29.52%] from CML and 2368 [28.42%] from other causes) and 3504 (42.60) survived. Gray’s test indicated that the outcome was significantly affected by year of diagnosis, age, total number of in situ/malignant tumors, type of reporting source, marital status, and primary indicator of malignancy. The results of the multivariate competing-risks analyses suggested that age, year of diagnosis, total number of in situ/malignant tumors, type of reporting source, marital status, and primary indicator of malignancy were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with CML (P<0.05). Conclusions: This study has developed a competing-risks analysis model for assessing the risk factors for patients with CML. Our findings may allow for more-accurate formulation of clinical decisions, saving healthcare resources in the current individualized treatment environment for the benefit of the patients.
Isolation, characterization, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Gram-negative bacteria causing chronic bacterial prostatitis
Authors: Mehanni Magda M. , Sayed Osama M. , El-Gendy Ahmed O. , Hozayen Walaa G. , Mohamed Sahar I.
Published: August 2022

Background: Bacterial prostatitis (BP) is an infection of the prostate gland, it can be acute (ABP) or chronic (CBP) and if not treated appropriately, it can result in significant morbidity.Results: In this study, expressed prostate secretion from 10 patients that are diagnosed with chronic bacterial prostatitis at Ain-Shams hospital, Egypt are used to isolate the common causative bacteria for CBP. Results of this study indicated that Gram negative bacteria were predominant since 54 Gram-ve bacterial isolates were obtained out of the total 62 isolates. Gram-ve bacterial isolates were grouped according to their oxidase test results and to lactose fermentation capability into three groups. The largest group contained 38 isolates of oxidase negative, lactose fermenters. Five representative isolates of this group were identified biochemically or by 16S rRNA sequence homology to be related to Enterobacter cloacae complex (3 Enterobacter cloacae related strains and 2 Enterobacter kobei related strains). Oxidase positive lactose non-fermentors group contained 9 isolates while oxidase negative lactose non-fermentors group contained 7 isolates. A representative isolate for each of them were identified by 16S rRNA sequence homology to be a strain of Pseudomonas stutzeri and Providencia stuartii respectively. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the chosen representative isolates indicated that all of them were sensitive to ciprofloxacin followed by ampicillin while resistance to cefaclor and aztereonam was prevalent. Other tested antibiotics recorded different sensitivity pattern among tested isolates.Conclusions: isolates of Genus Enterobacter sp. included in the E. cloacae complex group represent the most common bacterial pathogen in tested EPS of CBP diagnosed patients, of them Enterobacter cloacae was the most common.
Dynamic hip screws versus cephalocondylic intramedullary nails for unstable extracapsular hip fractures in 2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Raj Siddarth , Grover Sarika , Bola Harroop , Pradhan Akhilesh , Fazal Muhammad Ali , Patel Akash
Published: August 2022

Background Extracapsular hip fractures comprise approximately half of all hip fractures and the incidence of hip fractures is exponentially increasing. Extramedullary fixation using a dynamic hip screw (DHS) has been the gold standard method of operative treatment for extracapsular fractures, however, in recent years, intramedullary nails (IMN) have become a popular alternative. Intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation is continuously discussed and debated in literature therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to directly compare the peri-operative and post-operative outcomes for DHS versus IMN to provide an up-to-date analysis as to which method of fixation is superior. Methods The MEDLINE/Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science Database were searched for eligible studies, from 2008 to August 2021, that compared peri- and post-operational outcomes for patients undergoing IMN or DHS operations for fixation of unstable extracapsular hip fractures (PROSPERO registration ID:CRD42021228335). Primary outcomes included mortality rate and re-operation rate. Secondary outcomes included operation time, blood loss, transfusion requirement, complication, and failure of fixation rate. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool and GRADE analysis tool, respectively. Results Of the 6776 records identified, 22 studies involving 3151 patients, were included in the final review. Our meta-analysis showed no significant different between mortality rates (10 studies, OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.22, p = 0.88), and similarly, no significant difference for re-operation rates (10 studies, OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.64 to 1.64, p = 0.91). There was also no significant difference found between complication or failure of fixation rates (17 studies, OR 1.29; 95% CI 0.79 to 2.12, p = 0.31) and (14 studies, OR 1.32; 95% CI 0.74 to 2.38, p = 0.35). Mean blood loss was not included in the meta-analysis but was demonstrated to be significantly greater in those undergoing DHS in 12 out of 13 studies. Conclusion Overall, based on the outcomes assessed, this review has demonstrated no significant difference in the peri- or post-operative outcomes for DHS vs IMN. Future studies should investigate DHS vs IMN for different types of unstable fractures as well as investigating different types and generations of fixation devices.
Item analysis of midterm pediatrics multiple choice exams of college of Medicine KKU: a step in evaluation and improvement of assessment
Authors: Mustafa Alam Eldin Musa
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the detailed indices of the analysis of the items of the written multiple choice questions (MCQs) exams in the Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine over the last four academic years (1439-1443 AH) and to construct the outlines of a plan for improving the upcoming written MCQs exams. Methods: This was retrospective cross sectional study on the item analysis of the exams in the MBBS course of pediatrics-2 for both boys and girls group in the Child Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia for the midterm MCQs exams in the years of 1439,1440,1441,1442 and the first semester of girl group in 1443. The total number of items studied in these 16 exams were 643 items. The data was obtained constitute the difficulty, discrimination, point biserial reliability and distractor analysis of each of the exams items. The data was tabulated and the statistical significance determined for some variables in the analysis. Results: Students’ scores: were as follows: A scored by 7.3% of students, B by 21.8%, C by 33%, D by21.4% and F by 16.5%. Difficulty index: considering a difficulty index of 80% as easy item, of 30% or less as difficult item and that between 30% and 80% of moderate difficult; we obtain 3 categories of items: difficult percentage is 6.6% of the total items, moderate difficulty represent 53.4% and easy items 40% of the total items. There was significant statistical correlation (p ≤ 0.05) when these difficulty levels compared through over the exam years. Conclusions: Departmental exam committee needs to work comprehensively to improve the difficulty of the exams towards moderate intermediate class also the quality of the questions need extensive work on refining the distractors and revision of the correctness and the suitability of a considerable number of items.
The Utility of Augmented Teledermatology to Improve Dermatologist Diagnosis of Cellulitis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Creadore Andrew , Manjaly Priya , Tkachenko Elizabeth , Li David G. , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Shinkai Kanade , Rosenbach Misha , Joyce Cara , Mostaghimi Arash
Published: August 2022

Dermatology consultation for cases of presumed cellulitis improves diagnostic accuracy and management. However, access to in-person consultation remains limited, a gap that could be filled with teledermatology. Augmented teledermatology may improve outcomes. In this cross-sectional study, 20 dermatologists (60% of whom reported conducting inpatient consults > 1 month per year) reviewed 10 real-life cases representing either cellulitis or pseudocellulitis as diagnosed by in-person dermatology consultation. For each case, respondents recorded their diagnosis, confidence, and management decisions after viewing the history and standard teledermatology photos, the responses to a physician-reported cellulitis questionnaire, and finally thermal images. Overall mean diagnostic accuracy increased from 84% ± 4% with the history and physical to 89% ± 3% when adding a cellulitis questionnaire and thermal images (p = 0.23). Accuracy for cellulitis cases specifically significantly increased from 76% ± 6–88% ± 4% when adding a cellulitis questionnaire and thermal images (p = 0.049). Accuracy for pseudocellulitis was consistently ≥ 94%. Augmented teledermatology with a standardized questionnaire and thermal images improved diagnostic accuracy for cases of cellulitis and may increase physician confidence. Dermatologists were able to accurately diagnose regardless of experience with inpatient consults, increasing the pool of potential dermatologists who could diagnose cellulitis remotely.
Polygenic risk of type 2 diabetes is associated with Vascular Dementia but not with Alzheimer's Disease: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dybjer Elin , Kumar Atul , Nägga Katarina , Engström Gunnar , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Nilsson Peter M. , Melander Olle , Hansson Oskar
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives
Type 2 diabetes and dementia are associated, but their causal relationship is unclear. Genetic studies, i.e. using polygenic risk scores (PRS) or Mendelian Randomization (MR), and validated dementia endpoints with high diagnostic precision (instead of register-based diagnoses) may clarify causal links between these two entities.
Methods
We tested associations between PRS for type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HbA1c on the one hand and dementia on the other in 29139 adults (mean age 55) followed for 20–23 years. Dementia diagnoses were validated and included all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Vascular Dementia (VaD) as well as mixed dementia. We also tested causal associations between type 2 diabetes and dementia forms through 2-sample-MR analyses.
Results
Seven different PRSs (including SNPs with different significance thresholds) for type 2 diabetes were tested. A PRS including N = 4891 SNPs with p-value < 5e-04 showed strongest association with the different outcomes, including all-cause dementia (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.11; Bonferroni corrected p = 3.6e-03), mixed dementia (HR 1.18; Bonferroni corrected p = 3.3e-04) and VaD cases (HR 1.28; Bonferroni corrected p = 9.6e-05). Associations were stronger for non-carriers of the AD risk gene APOE ε4. 2-sample-MR analyses could, however, not confirm a causal link between genetic risk markers of type 2 diabetes and dementia outcomes.
Conclusions
Polygenic risk of type 2 diabetes is associated with dementia risk, in particular VaD. Associations were strongest for non-carriers of APOE ε4. However, 2-sample-MR findings did not support a causal relationship between type 2 diabetes and VaD.
Some global topological properties of a free boundary problem appearing in a two dimensional controlled ruin problem
Authors: Grandits Peter
Published: August 2022

In this paper a two-dimensional Brownian motion (modeling the endowment of two companies), absorbed at the boundary of the positive quadrant, with controlled drift, is considered. The volatilities of the Brownian motions are {\em different}. We control the drifts of these processes and allow that both drifts add up to the maximal value of one. Our target is to choose the strategy in a way, s.t. the probability that both companies survive is maximized. It turns out that the state space of the problem is divided into two sets. In one set the first company gets the full drift, and in the other set the second one. We describe some topological properties of these sets and their separating curve.
An improved protocol for efficient regeneration, transformation and gene-editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan(L.) Millsp.)
Authors: Verma Rachana , Bharti Jyotsna , kaul Tanushri , Sony Sonia Khan , Fathy Khaled , Thangaraj Arul Prakash , Nehra Mamta , Easwaran Murugesh , Kaul Rashmi
Published: August 2022

Background: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.; 2n = 2× = 22) is a drought-tolerant perennial grain legume commonly cultivated in India's rain-fed and dry land zones, and it is a remarkable natural source of minerals and protein worldwide. Despite decades of research, the constraints linked to tissue culture continues to hinder the genetic improvement of the crop for instances; the explants inability to produce an embryogenic calli, direct shoot formation, and limited regeneration potential, as well as a lack of an effective transformation system. Thereby, efficient calli production, in-vitro recovery, and a systematic technique to co-delivery of Cas9 and sgRNA into the plant remain pre-requisites for efficient genome alteration. Results: To establish a CRISPR/Cas9 based genome editing platform in pigeonpea, a CRISPR/Cas9 mediated binary vector for coherent gene modification (for example, knockout, Homology Donor Repair) was designed. Calli production was achieved at a rate of over 70% by combining with a standardized robust genetic transformation method of pigeonpea using embryonic axis and cotyledonary node explants. The addition of tailored growth regulators and silver nitrate to shoot induction media boosted in-vitro regeneration by up to 89 %. Finally, as a hallmark, for biolistic-mediated transformation, an improved regeneration strategy was used, resulting in the successful incorporation of the transforming binary vector into the embryogenic calli with a transformation efficiency of 46%. PCR and Southern blot analyses were used to validate the results in the end.Conclusion: The standardized shoot regeneration method and successful transformation method of Cas9 in this research, made pioneer steps for facilitating the procedures for the improvement of this crop, which is as yet considered as recalcitrant. Furthering the protocol uncovers significant contributions in both effectiveness and convenience over existing pigeonpea transformation techniques, thereby enabling genetic research on other legumes/dicot crops achievable, as well.
Process optimization of the anaerobic co-digestion of Alternanthera philoxeroides and corn straw enhanced by biochar and Fe3O4
Authors: Fan Qiongbo , Shao Zhijiang , Guo Xiaohui , Zhou Qinqin , Qiu Ling
Published: August 2022

Alternanthera philoxeroides (AP), a highly invasive plant species, poses a serious threat to agriculture, ecological environment. In this study, the methane production properties of the anaerobic co-digestion (coAD) of AP and corn straw (CS) were studied. The interaction effects of total solids content (TS%), biochar, and Fe3O4 on methane yield were evaluated by regression model and response surface method (RSM). The regression model was extremely significant (p < 0.0001). The results show that the order of the effect of three factors on the methane yield of coAD was: TS% > Fe3O4 > biochar. With the aid of RSM, the optimum values of TS%, Fe3O4 and biochar were: 9.67 %, 8.41 g/kg and 5.51 %, respectively. The effects of three factors on the performance of coAD for methane yield were as follows: the content lower than the predicted optimal value was positively correlated with the methane yield, and the content higher than the predicted optimal value was negatively correlated with the methane yield. To improve the methane quality of AP, coAD could be carried out at a lower TS%, biochar and Fe3O4 were added to enhance the methane yield performance. This paper optimized the operational parameters of the coAD of AP and CS, which also provides new strategies for the treatment and utilization of AP.
Soil chemical and physical attributes in recovering areas in the Southern Amazon
Authors: Maria¹² Luciano Souza , Caione³ Gustavo
Published: August 2022

The objective was to evaluate the contribution of soil’s physical and chemical attributes in degraded areas in recovery process with different ages and compared to adjacent degraded areas cultivated with grassland, in the Southern Amazon. For this, was used areas located in the south of the Brazilian Amazon and four different areas were chosen, with 6 years of recovery (APP-6), 3 years (APP-3), degraded (APPD) area and degraded areas cultivated with grassland (DP). With emphasis on the physical variable bulk density soil showed averages of 1.37 ± 0.052 g cm− 3(APP-6), 1.49 ± 0.066 g cm− 3(APP-3), 1.55 ± 0.055 g cm− 3(APPD) and 1.67 ± 0.077 g cm− 3(DP), respectively, and there was a decrease in soil density with longer area recovery time. As for the soil chemical variable of P observed averages of 18.46 ± 2.74 mg kg− 1(APP-6), 2.86 ± 1.73 mg kg− 1(APP-3), 1.46 ± 0.69 mg kg− 1(APPD) and 1.1 ± 0.20 mg kg− 1(DP), there was a high increase in P in areas with longer recovery time. Study of comparison of means, was possible to elucidate the relationships between the soli’s chemical and physical attributes in the four areas studied. The results showed a greater supply of organic carbon, phosphorus, exchangeable cations (K+, Ca+ 2and Mg+ 2). Besides the improvement in the physical attributes of total porosity and the bulk density of the soil in the area of ​​APP-6 years of recovery, in comparison with the other areas
Construction of gene network database, and identification of key genes for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in sepsis
Authors: Li Qingsheng , Qu Lili , Miao Yurui , Li Qian , Zhang Jing , Zhao Yongxue , Cheng Rui
Published: August 2022

Sepsis and sepsis-related diseases cause a high rate of mortality worldwide. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of sepsis are still unclear. Six sepsis-related blood transcriptome datasets were collected and analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Functional annotation was performed in gProfiler tool. DSigDB was used for drug signatures enrichment analysis. The proportion of immune cells was estimated by the CIBERSORT tool. The relationships between modules, immune cells, and survival were identified by correlation analysis and survival analysis. A total of 37 stable co-expressed gene modules were identified. These modules were associated with the critical biology process in sepsis. Four modules can independently separate patients with long and short survival. Three modules can recurrently separate sepsis and normal patients with high accuracy. Some modules can separate bacterial pneumonia, influenza pneumonia, mixed bacterial and influenza A pneumonia, and non-infective systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Drug signature analysis identified drugs associated with sepsis, such as testosterone, phytoestrogens, ibuprofen, urea, dichlorvos, potassium persulfate, and vitamin B12. Finally a gene co-expression network database was constructed (https://liqs.shinyapps.io/sepsis/). In conclusion, the recurrent modules in sepsis may facilitate disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Geometric Entropy of Plant Leaves: A Measure of Morphological Complexity
Authors: M Vishnu , Rajan Sajeev C , R Jaishanker
Published: August 2022

A boundary separates a physical object from its surroundings. It defines the object's shape and regulates energy flux to and from it. Visual perception of the shape (geometry) of physical objects is an abstraction. While the perceived geometry at an object's sharp interface (macro) creates a Euclidian illusion of actual shape, the notion of diffuse interfaces (micro) allows grasping the realistic form of objects. Here we formulate a dimensionless geometric entropy of plant leaves (SL) by a 2-D description of a phase-field function. SL is estimated from the leaf perimeter (P) and leaf area (A) and correlates positively with segmental fractal complexity (DΣS). Leaves with a higher P:A ratio has higher SL and morphological complexity. An increase in SL of plant leaves could be an evolutionary strategy. The results of morphological complexity presented in this paper will trigger discussion on the causal links between leaf adaptive stability/efficiency and complexity. We present SL as a derived plant trait to describe plant leaf complexity and adaptive stability. Integrating SL into other leaf physiological measures will help understand energy dynamics and information flow in ecological systems.
Physico-chemical study of sands in the coasts : El Jadida, El Haouzia, Lala Aicha El Bahria, Sidi Bounnayem, and Essouiria (region of Doukkala Morocco)
Authors: mghaiouini redouane , Harrati Achraf , Salah Mohammed , Monkade Mohamed , Bouari Abdeslam EL
Published: August 2022

This work reports a deep physical and chemical study, about different types of sand of the coast in the region of Doukkala: El Jadida, El Haouzia, Lala Aicha El Bahria, Sidi Bounnayem, and Essouiria. Thus, we have using different analytical techniques such as particle size analysis by sieving, mineralogy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The outcomes of this study, revealed that the main component found for these sands is silicon dioxide (SiO2), with the presence of impurities (iron, clay and organic).
Monitoring and Dietary Exposure Assessment of Elements in Mediterranean Mussels in İstanbul, Türkiye
Authors: TÜRKOĞLU Semra , Kaya Gökçe , Yaman Mehmet
Published: August 2022

In this study, concentrations of elements were determined by an ICP-MS device in the edible tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis. According to the results obtained in the study, As, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn in the digestive gland of M. galloprovincialis were above the maximum limits (mgkg-1), which were 0.67 for Cd, 6.9 for As, 0.79 for Pb, 2 for Ni and 42.6 for Zn. The results show that Cd and As mean concentrations in muscle of M. galloprovincialis and Cd and Ni mean concentrations in gills of M. galloprovincialis were above the maximum limits. Furthermore, it was observed that the highest value belonged to As in the digestive gland of mussels with 65.4% of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake. In addition to, the lowest percentage belonged to Zn with 0.2% of PTWI in muscles and 0.3% of PTWI in gills of the mussels.
Effect of Rootstock on ‘Tasti-Lee’ Tomato Yield and Fruit Quality in a High Tunnel Production System
Authors: Jenkins Tricia , Cowan Jeremy , Rivard Cary L. , Pliakoni Eleni D.
Published: August 2022

Grafting tomatoes with vigorous rootstocks can be used to increase yield in high tunnels without significant soilborne disease pressure. However, evidence suggests that grafting with high-yielding rootstocks could compromise the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites. ‘Tasti Lee’ is a hybrid tomato that is bred to have a superior fresh-eating quality and higher lycopene content. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the yield and fruit quality impacts of grafting ‘Tasti Lee’ with rootstocks with ranging vigor and typical yield performance in high tunnels. Nongrafted ‘Tasti-Lee’ and ‘Tasti-Lee’ scion grafted onto ‘Maxifort’, ‘DRO141TX’, ‘Fortamino’, ‘Estamino’, and ‘RST-04-106-T’ rootstocks were trialed in a high tunnel in Kansas for three consecutive growing seasons (2018–20). The trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Total yield, marketable yield, average fruit size, and distribution of fruit size classes were assessed. Red ripe tomato fruit were harvested to determine the soluble solids content, titratable acidity, lycopene content, vitamin C content, antioxidant capacity, and fruit firmness. ‘Maxifort’, ‘DRO141TX’, ‘Estamino’, and ‘Fortamino’ significantly increased marketable yield (kg/plant) by 31.5% to 47.0% more than nongrafted plants. In contrast, ‘RST-04-106-T’ did not lend any significant yield benefit. Regardless of the rootstock, grafting increased the marketable average fruit weight by 20 g. Grafting did not have significant effects on any of the fruit quality attributes assessed. However, the soluble solids content of fruit from plants grafted to ‘RST-04-106-T’ was 10% higher (P < 0.05) than that grafted to ‘Maxifort’, indicating that rootstock genotype can influence this quality trait. Our findings suggest that growers can graft the tomato ‘Tasti-Lee’ with select vigorous rootstocks to increase marketable yield without sacrificing fruit quality for high tunnel production.
Postharvest Potential of Cold-hardy Table Grapes
Authors: Treiber Erin L. , Moreira Laise S. , Clark Matthew D.
Published: August 2022

The University of Minnesota Grape Breeding Program has developed cold-hardy wine grape cultivars that have facilitated the establishment of an economically important grape industry for the Midwest region. In recent years, the program has renewed efforts to breed cold-hardy table grapes. Table grapes might require postharvest storage if they are to be transported or stored for any period of time. Rachis dehydration, berry splitting, and decay can affect the postharvest quality of table grapes. In this study, we evaluated these postharvest traits in six released cultivars and nine advanced selections in the breeding program. For two growing seasons, we used industry standard packaging to assess postharvest traits (rachis dehydration, berry splitting, decay, and overall acceptability) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of cold storage at 2.2 °C. The growing season had a significant effect on postharvest traits; therefore, the two were examined separately. There were significant differences in postharvest storage times for all traits, except berry splitting in 2020. Mean rachis dehydration reached unacceptable values (>3) after 4 weeks of postharvest storage in 2019 and after 6 weeks in 2020. All other trait means remained acceptable for many cultivars even after 6 weeks of postharvest storage. Advanced selections performed at and above the level of released cultivars, suggesting that selections will perform well in cold-hardy regions. The data collected regarding fruit quality and postharvest storage for two seasons will help to inform and improve breeding of cold-hardy grape cultivars.
Nitric Oxide Confers Chilling Stress Tolerance by Regulating Carbohydrate Metabolism and the Antioxidant Defense System in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Seedlings
Authors: Diao Qian-nan , Cao Yan-yan , Wang Hong , Zhang Yong-ping , Shen Hai-bin
Published: August 2022

The objective of the present study was to consider the regulatory role of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) supplementation in response to chilling stress impose alterations on different physiological parameters in melon seedlings. Melon seedlings were treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor), hemoglobin (a NO scavenger), NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (an NO synthase inhibitor), and tungstate (a nitrite reductase inhibitor) under chilling stress conditions. The results showed that exogenous SNP improves the growth of melon seedlings under chilling stress conditions and ameliorates the harmful effects of chilling stress by increasing the levels of chlorophyll and soluble solutes, elevating the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase by enhancing the expression level of CmSPS. Moreover, exogenous NO significantly enhances the expression of genes and activities of antioxidant enzymes under chilling stress, resulting in lower reactive oxygen species accumulation. However, the protective effects of SNP are reversed by both NO scavenging and inhibition. Collectively, our results reveal that NO has the ability to ameliorate the harmful effects of chilling stress on melon seedlings by regulating carbohydrate metabolism and the antioxidant defense system.
EMERGING NEW PRACTICE: CREATING NEW VALUE PROPOSITION FOR INNOVATIVE APPROACH TOWARDS DESIGN PRACTICE IN MALAYSIA
Authors:   Faculty of Arts, Computing and Industry Creative, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia., Jantan Ramlan , Kamaruddin Norfadilah ,   Faculty of Arts, Computing and Industry Creative, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia., Zainal Abidin Shahriman ,   Faculty of Arts, Computing and Industry Creative, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia., Ezedy Abd. Rahman Khairol ,   Faculty of Arts, Computing and Industry Creative, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia., Nawfal Mohd Isa Afeez ,   Faculty of Arts, Computing and Industry Creative, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Malaysia.
Published: August 2022

In dire straits we always look for ways to equip our self with latest information or knowledge available so that we can have a grasp of what is happen. Eventually, design production issues in Malaysia seriously need a new frontier for future design development in Malaysia. Co-creation value, the new approach or method most debated for the past few years, re-known as efficient tools to create new value proposition. The new approach is customer centric, rather than products only focus. Hence, involving customer, design and stakeholder to create new value creation, this new approach create new opportunities that lead to competitive and innovative services and products. Whereby, user share their personal interest and personal behaviours to erect and actualized new value creation by envision future services. This study aims to investigate a unique proposition actualized from nuances of co-creation value attributes and characteristic. Whereby, the attributes and characteristic of co-creation value can be apply to design production in Malaysia, and create value-in-exchange in good services or products. Thus, this paper propose a critical report and suggestion obtain, pertinent to characteristic and attributes of co-creation value. The report and study clearly provide an insight of what co-creation value approach can promise to Malaysia design studies and root of design production. This paper further contributes to the literature on the co-creation of value and digital ecosystems.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CI PROJECT: LEAPERS MODEL (LEARNERSACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SCIENCE THROUGH MODULARDELIVERY OF LEARNING)
Authors:   Bagong Nayon II National High School, CSDO Antipolo City, Manila, Philippines., L. Gebilaguin Maricel , A. Matawaran Arlene ,   Bagong Nayon II National High School, CSDO Antipolo City, Manila, Philippines., B. Rodriguez Elvin ,   Bagong Nayon II National High School, CSDO Antipolo City, Manila, Philippines.
Published: August 2022

The CI Project: LEAPERS model aimed to increase the academic performance of BagongNayon II National High Schools Grade 7 Students in Science. As public schools in the Philippines adopt different distance learning modalities, BN2NHS used Modular Distance Learning in print(MDL-P) The said modality had some limitations and these were the reasons why Science teachers needed to create more supplementary tools that could help students to understand Science concepts especially in Earth Science. This study used descriptive analysis using Mean Percentage Scores (MPS) and the frequency in percentage. Consequently, the respondents were selected based on the documents and data presented through MPS Test Results. The results of this study indicated the following: 1) with the use of video lessons, students understood the science concept in modular distance learning 2) Video lessons were the most appropriate to the students to help them lessen their difficulty in answering learning tasks in their modules 3) Learning with video lessons made by the teachers fostered interest and motivated students to be engrossed with the lessons. The CI Project: LEAPERS model had a great impact in the academic performance of the grade 7 students in Science. Teachers must put a premium on contextualizing videos by incorporating graphics, interactive illustrations, and twists on the videos. Using these contextualizations, students felt the excitement and learning at the comfort of their home.
KNEE SYNOVIAL OSTEOCHORNDROMATOSIS: CASE REPORT, SAUDI ARABIA
Authors:   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah KSA., Abdullah Batarfi Maram , Felemban Faiz ,   Consultant Orthopedic Arthroplasty Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic and Spine Surgery, International Medical City Jeddah, KSA., Mohammad Imran Wafa ,   Medical Intern, Shandong First Medical University, China.
Published: August 2022

A rare benign condition known as synovial osteochondromatosis is characterized by the development of several cartilaginous nodules in the synovial joint. It is a monoarticular or polyarticular joint disease, that is easily diagnosed with radiographs. We decided to present this case as its infrequently seen in our arthroplasty clinic and accidentally found during routine images when the patient presented with pain and limited range of motion.
EVALUATION OF PLATELET COUNT AND PLATELET INDICES IN COVID-19 INFECTION
Authors: S. Metkar Gauri , Nagare Mangala
Published: August 2022

Background: Covid- 19 infection has caused global pandemic. One of the important pathogenic mechanisms of COVID19 infection is abnormal inflammatory response. Newer studies show that platelets play important role in inflammatory and immune responses. Platelet count and isolated platelet indices have been studied in COVID-19 infections. However comprehensive study of all platelet parameters is lacking. Hence, we analysed platelet count as well as platelet indices in COVID-19 patients in correlation with each-other. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study which included 101 COVID-19 patients whose platelet count and platelet indices were analysed using MINDRAY B-6000 Analyzer. Results: The study population consisted of 61 males and 40 females, and Maximum patients were in the age group of 61-70 years. 49 (47%) out of 101 patients had normal platelet count. Mild thrombocytopenia was seen in 38 (37.60%) patients. Mean MPV in the present study was 11.4 which is on the higher side of normal range of MPV. Mean PDW, P-LCC and P-LCR were significantly increased. Mean platelet count and PCT were within normal range in the present study. Conclusions: Platelet parameter derangements can be seen in COVID 19 infection, even in mild cases. Analysis of platelet counts and platelet indices can be used as useful method in monitoring and prognostication of COVID 19 patients. In COVID 19 patients having normal platelet count, platelet indices like PDW, P-LCC and P-LCR can be used for monitoring and evaluating treatment effect.