bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search for Ways to Develop Regional Book Culture
Authors: Lizunova I. V. , Alshevskaya O. N.
Published: October 2023

The objective of the article is to give an overview of the materials of the Public Hearings on the problems of books and reading «The Reader: Global Challenges and Personal Stories» held on March 24, 2023 in Novosibirsk in the frames of the IV International Scientific and Practical Conference “Homo legens in the Past and Present”. They brought together about 30 representatives of the government and administration, book theorists and practitioners, heads of higher educational institutions, representatives of the library community, and public organizations. There were identified three directions for the development of the regional infrastructure for reading: the first one – related to the organization of regional studies of books and reading, search for tools to improve the quality of reading; the second – associated with the development of publishing (book, magazine) and bookselling practices, growth of their influence/ impact on the socio-cultural environment; the third direction – defining libraries as centers for organizing reading and formulating the problems of training library specialists. Resulting the Public Hearings, the resolution was prepared for the heads of legislative and executive authorities of the region with proposals for the development of the regional infrastructure for reading. The general outcome was the realization of the need to provide comprehensive support to all actors of book culture (writers, artists, publishers, critics, literary scholars, journalists and the media, bookstores, libraries and readers) and to strengthen partnerships, state, public and business initiatives in all areas of book business.
Examining the Predictability of Tropical Cyclogenesis through the Ensemble-Based Data Assimilation System
Authors: Hoa Dao Nguyen-Quynh , Tien Tran-Tan , Nhu Nguyen-Y , Dao Thi Lan
Published: October 2023

In this study, we conducted experiments to assess the forecasting capabilities for the tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the South China Sea using the ensemble-based data assimilation system (EPS-DA) by WRF-LETKF. These experiments covered forecast lead times of up to 5 days and spanned a period from 2012 to 2019, involving a total of 45 TC formation events. The evaluation involved forecast probability assessments and positional and timing error analysis. Results indicated that successful forecasting depends on lead time and initial condition quality. For TC formation from an embryo vortex to tropical depression intensity, the EPS-DA system demonstrated improved accuracy as the forecast cycle approached the actual formation time. TC centers converged toward observed locations, highlighting the potential of assimilation up to 5 days before formation. We examined statistical variations in dynamic and thermodynamic variables relevant to TC processes, offering an objective system assessment. Our study emphasized early warnings of TC development appear linked to formation-time environmental conditions, particularly strong vorticity and enhanced moisture processes.
High-Performance FAU Zeolite Membranes Derived from Nano-Seeds for Gas Separation
Authors: Wang Qing , Chen Huiyuan , He Feiyang , Liu Qiao , Xu Nong , Fan Long , Wang Chuyan , Zhang Lingyun , Zhou Rongfei
Published: October 2023

In this study, high-performance FAU (NaY type) zeolite membranes were successfully synthesized using small-sized seeds of 50 nm, and their gas separation performance was systematically evaluated. Employing nano-sized NaY seeds and an ultra-dilute reaction solution with a molar composition of 80 Na2O: 1Al2O3: 19 SiO2: 5000H2O, the effects of synthesis temperature, crystallization time, and porous support (α-Al2O3 or mullite) on the formation of FAU membranes were investigated. The results illustrated that further extending the crystallization time or increasing the synthesis temperature led to the formation of a NaP impurity phase on the FAU membrane layer. The most promising FAU membrane with a thickness of 2.7 µm was synthesized on an α-Al2O3 support at 368 K for 8 h, and had good reproducibility. The H2 permeance of the membrane was as high as 5.34×10-7 mol/(m2 s Pa), and the H2/C3H8 and H2/i-C4H10 selectivities were 183 and 315, respectively. The C3H6/C3H8 selectivity of the membrane was as high as 46 with a remarkably high C3H6 permeance of 1.35× 10-7 mol/(m2 s Pa). The excellent separation performance of the membrane is mainly attributed to the thin, defect-free membrane layer and relatively wide pore size (0.74 nm).
Real-Time Indoor Air Quality Analysis using Recurrent Neural Networks: A Case Study of Environmental Variables
Authors: Reyes Pérez Carlos Alejandro , Iglesias Martínez Miguel Enrique , Carmenate Jose Guerra , Michinel Álvarez Humberto , Balvis Eduardo , Giménez Palomares Fernando , Fernández de Cordoba Pedro
Published: October 2023

In the pursuit of energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces is essential. This study presents a hybrid neural network model designed for real-time monitoring and prediction of environmental variables. The system comprises two phases: An IoT hardware-software platform for data acquisition and decision-making, and a hybrid model combining short-term memory and convolutional recurrent structures. The results are promising and hold potential for integration into parallel processing AI architectures.
Modeling of Junior Servers Approaching a Senior Server in the Retrial Queueing-Inventory System
Authors: Kathirvel Jeganathan , Thanushkodi Harikrishnan , Kumarasankaralingam Lakshmanan , Melikov Agassi , Sztrik Janos
Published: October 2023

This article deals with the queueing-inventory system, composed of c junior servers, a senior server, two finite waiting halls, and an infinite orbit. On occasion, junior servers encounter challenges during customer service. In these instances, they approach the senior server for guidance in resolving the issue. Suppose the senior server is engaged with another junior server. The approaching junior servers await their turn in a finite waiting area with a capacity of c for consultation. Concerning this, we study the performance of junior servers approaching the senior server in the retrial queueing-inventory model with the two finite waiting halls dedicated to the primary customers and the junior servers for consultation. We formulate a level-dependent QBD process and solve its steady-state probability vector using Neuts and Rao’s truncation method. The stability condition of the system is derived, and the R matrix is computed. Optimum total cost has been obtained, and sensitivity analyses, which include expected total cost, waiting time of customers in waiting hall and orbit, number of busy servers, and fraction of successful retrial rate of the model, are done numerically.
Analysis of Soiling Loss in Photovoltaic Modules: A Review of the Impact of Atmospheric Parameters, Soil Properties, and Mitigation Approaches
Authors: BORAH PANKAJ , Micheli Leonardo , Sarmah Nabin
Published: October 2023

Soiling accumulated on a photovoltaic (PV) module can significantly reduce the transmittance of the cover glass, resulting in power losses and consequent economic losses. Natural atmospheric parameters influence the accumulation of soiling at the various geographic locations. In this paper, the approaches and outcomes of the research studies on either indoor (simulator-based) or outdoor (field-based) PV soiling have been thoroughly reviewed. Different parameters depicted for the power loss of PV modules are analyzed individually and presented. Moreover, this study delves into a detailed examination of the key factors influencing dust depositions on PV modules in various geographical regions, with a particular focus on their relationship with climatic conditions. This way, probable future research directions to quantify soiling losses are identified. In addition, different loss prevention and mitigation techniques are also reviewed. This makes it possible to highlight effective strategies and pinpoint potential future research lines in these areas.
Topological Approach with Decision Making Based on Nano Beta Closure, Nano Beta Interior and its Application with Fractals in Medical Fields
Authors: El Safty M. A. , El Sayed Mohamed , Al-Qahtani Hadba F , Elamir Elhadi E. , Al Qarni A
Published: October 2023

In this paper we introduce the concept of Nano Beta Closure, Nano Beta Interior and study the relationship between them also study some of their properties. Based on these notions we introduced the topological Approach to Decision Making and Its Application in the Medical Field" which describes the use of topological methods in decision-making, specifically through the utilization of nano beta closure and nano beta interior. These mathematical tools are applied in the medical field to improve diagnostic accuracy and aid in treatment planning. The authors demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach through a case study on the diagnosis of Chronic Kidney. The results show that the topological approach using nano beta closure and nano beta interior provides a reliable and accurate method for medical decision-making. Finally, we introduce a medical application for disease groups patients of with chronic kidney. To identify the main causative agent of kidney disease. where using this approach, the medical team can identify the specific areas of the kidney that are affected by the infection, as well as the extent of damage and any potential complications. This information is used to create an individualized treatment strategy that is customized to meet the specific requirements of the patient. and medical history. We write an algorithm that can be a helpful tool for doctors to utilize in diagnosing infection disease Chronic Kidney infections. By utilizing this approach, clinicians can provide accurate diagnoses, develop effective treatment plans, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. finally, we show that fractals hold significant importance in future nano topological generation of the human factor. Their unique properties and self-similar patterns offer insights into the complex organization of biological systems and provide a foundation for designing advanced Nanosystems.
The Struggle To Find Appropriate Anaesthetics For Invertebrates: Fast, Effective Anaesthetization Of Octopus vulgaris
Authors: Di Cosmo Anna , Maselli Valeria , Cirillo Emanuela , Norcia Mariangela , De Zoysa Heethaka Krishanta Sameera , Polese Gianluca , Winlow William
Published: October 2023

A wide variety of substances have been used to anaesthetise invertebrates, but many are not anaesthetics and merely incapacitate animals, rather than preventing pain. Much is now known about the mode of action of modern clinical and veterinary anaesthetics because of their use on human beings and other vertebrates. In essence, the role of an ideal general anaesthetic is to act as a muscle relaxant, an analgesic, an anaesthetic and an amnesic. To achieve all these properties with a single substance is difficult and various adjuvants usually need to be administered, resulting in a cocktail of drugs.
In a clinical setting, the vast majority of patients are unaware of surgery being carried out and have no memory of it, so they can claim to have felt no pain, but this is much more difficult to demonstrate in invertebrates. Here we show that 1% MgCl2, a muscle relaxant, is a useful adjuvant for the clinical anaesthetic isoflurane on Octopus vulgaris when applied for 10 minutes before the clinical anaesthetic. After this, full anaesthesia can be achieved in 5 minutes using only 1% isoflurane and from which full recovery takes place rapidly in about 10 to 15 minutes. This reduces stress on the animal and minimises the quantity of anaesthetic used.
Synthesis, Structure, DFT and In Silico Studies of Zn (II) Complex with Lipoic Acid: A Potential Antidiabetic Drug
Authors: Jumabaev Farkhod , Khayrullaev Diyorbek , Zakirova Rukhsona , Abdunazarov Azamat , Sharipov Avez
Published: October 2023

Zinc, being a part of many proteins and enzymes, plays an important role in the vital processes of the body. Racemic α-lipoic acid (LA) has a wide range of biological activities: antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and it is also used in diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Nowadays, the synthesis and structural studies of new zinc complexes with biologically active compounds are of great importance for drug discovery. This work shows the studies carried out on the synthesis, structure, identification, also biological activity using in silico methods of a complex compound based on LA and zinc. A complex compound of zinc with LA (ZnLA) was synthesized in the presence of LA and zinc acetate in ethanol. The identification of ZnLA by (FT-IR, XRD and TGA-DTA), also DFT calculations at the B3LYP/def2-TZVPP level of theory was performed. The molecular docking investigation involved docking ZnLA with two different protein receptors such us Glycogen phosphorylase (2GPA) and Kv potassium channel beta subunit (1ZSX) using CB-Dock 2 server and Auto-Dock Vina program to determine the mechanism of action and biological activity. This study reveals potential ligand-protein interactions at the atomic level and suggests that the treatment of diabetes (non-insulin dependent) with ZnLA.
Risk factors for developing metachronous superficial gastric epithelial neoplasms after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Suzuki Tsunehiro , Goda Kenichi , Ishikawa Manabu , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Yoshinaga Tomonori , Kondo Masayuki , Kanazawa Mimari , Kunogi Yasuhito , Tanaka Takanao , Kanamori Akira , Abe Keiichiro , Yamamiya Akira , Sugaya Takeshi , Tominaga Keiichi , Yamagishi Hidetsugu , Masuyama Hironori , Irisawa Atsushi
Published: October 2023

Background: Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can provide a high rate of curative resection, remaining gastric mucosa after ESD is at risk of metachronous recurrence. We investigated risk factors for metachronous superficial gastric epithelial neoplasms (MSGENs) following ESD.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 369 patients with 382 lesions that underwent ESD for adenoma/early gastric cancer. The primary endpoint was to identify clinicopathological risk factors for the occurrence of MSGENs. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication with the MSGENs.
Results: Twenty-seven MSGENs were occurred. The subjects were divided into MSGEN and not-MSGEN groups. There was a significantly higher frequency of histological intestinal metaplasia (HIM) and initial neoplasm location in upper or middle part (INUM) in the MSGEN group. The HIM group and INUM group had significantly higher cumulative incidence of MSGENs. We compared the 27 patients of MSGEN group and 27 patients of matched not-MSGEN (Mnot-MSGEN) group that was matched to the MSGEN group for variables including HIM and INUM. There was a significantly higher frequency of Hp spontaneous eradication in the MSGEN group.
Conclusion: HIM, INUM and Hp spontaneous eradication may be clinicopathological risk factors for developing MSGENs after ESD.
Detection of Germline Mutations in a Cohort of 250 Relatives of Mutation Carriers in Multigene Panel: Impact of Pathogenic Variants in Other Genes beyond BRCA1/2
Authors: Di Rado S. , Giansante R. , Cicirelli M. , Pilenzi L. , Dell'Elice A. , Anaclerio F. , Rimoldi M. , Grassadonia A. , Grossi S. , Canale Nicole , Ballerini P. , Stuppia L. , Antonucci Ivana
Published: October 2023

Background: Several hereditary-familial syndromes associated with various types of tumors have been identified to date, evidencing that hereditary cancers caused by germline mutations account for 5-10% of all tumors. Advances in genetic technology and the implementation of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have accelerated the discovery of several susceptibility cancer genes, allowing the detection of cancer-predisposing mutations in a larger number of cases. The aim of this study is to highlight how the application of an NGS-multi gene panel to a group of oncological patients subsequently leads to the improvement of healthy pathogenic variants/likely pathogenic variants (PVs/LPVs) carriers' identification and prevention of the disease in these cases. Methods: Starting from a total of 110 cancer patients carrying PVs/LPVs in genes involved in cancer susceptibility detected by a customized NGS panel of 27 cancer-associated genes, we enrolled 250 healthy collateral family members from January 2020 to July 2022. The specific PVs/LPVs identified in each proband were tested in healthy collateral family members by Sanger sequencing. Results: 131 out of the 250 cases (52%) weren’t carriers of the mutation detected in the affected relative, while 119 were carriers. Of these, 81/250 patients carried PVs/LPVs on BRCA1/2 (33%), 35/250 harbored PVs/LPVs on other genes beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2 (14%), and 3/250 (1%) were PVs/LPVs carriers both on BRCA1/2 and on another susceptibility gene. Conclusion: Our results show that the analysis of BRCA1/2 genes only would have resulted in a missed diagnosis in a number of cases and in the lack of prevention of the disease in a considerable percentage of healthy carriers with a genetic mutation (14%).
Measuremnt Problem in Statistical Signal Processing
Authors: Milovanović Miloš
Published: October 2023

Discussing quantum theory foundations, von Neumann noted that the measurement process should not be regarded in terms of a temporal evolution. A reason for his claim is insurmountability of the gap between reversible and irreversible processes. The time operator formalism that goes beyond such a gap is adequate framework for elaboration of the measurement problem. It considers signals to be stochastic processes, whether they correspond to variables or distribution densities. Signal processing like that utilizes statistical properties to perform its tasks, which is the definition of statistical signal processing. A hierarchy of the measurement process is indicated by crossing between states and devices, which implies an evolution in the temporal domain. The concept has generalized to an open system by the use of duality in frame theory.
Digitalisation and IT Risk Management: Towards a System for Improved Business Sustainability
Authors: Metin Bilgin , Duran Sefa , Telli Eda , Mutlutürk Meltem , Wynn Martin
Published: October 2023

To proactively manage information security, enterprises often employ information security risk assessment techniques. Asset value - which is used to calculate the financial impact of possible threats - is one of the key parameters of information security risk. However, assets in a system are rarely independent, and their values are typically interdependent. Asset owners and IT teams may hold different views as regards these values, and there is thus the need to reduce subjectivity in a qualitative risk assessment. The research entails the development of a conceptual framework derived from the literature to minimize subjectivity, and the design of a system based on those concepts. The study uses the Unified Modeling Language as a design tool and puts forward an object-oriented model for defining asset values, in which the relationships between assets, vulnerabilities and related threats are identified. A “segregation of duties” approach is integrated into the risk management system to mitigate against subjectivity and better determine asset values. Survey responses from 16 practitioners working in the private and public sectors confirm the validity of the approach, but suggest it may be more workable in larger organisations where resources allow dedicated risk professionals to operate.
Can Melatonin Ameliorate Smoking-Related Cadmium-Induced Decreases in Bone Mineral Density?
Authors: Montgomery Megan , Ritchie Marshall , McKinnell Iain
Published: October 2023

Cadmium, an environmental toxin, is associated with a range of adverse health effects due to increased Reactive Oxygen Species production, including decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Notably, cadmium is found at concentrations 4-5x higher in the blood of smokers versus non-smokers. Experiments performed in human cancer cells indicate that melatonin may directly protect against cadmium-induced tissue damage via regulation of mitochondrial activity. Further, recent evidence has demonstrated that melatonin can improve bone health for individuals with osteoporosis and partially protect against cadmium-associated inhibition of bone repair. Here we review this data and propose supplementation with melatonin as a strategy to protect against the negative impacts of cadmium exposure on bone mineral density within individuals regularly exposed to cadmium via cigarette smoking.
Gut-Joint Axis: Impact of Bifidobacterial Cell Wall Lipoproteins on Arthritis Development
Authors: Piva Frank , Gervois Philippe , Karrout Youness , Sane Famara , Romond Marie-Benedicte
Published: October 2023

Gut microbiota affects progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study aims at investigating the protective potential of Bifidobacterium longum cell wall lipoproteins (Lpps) shown to modulate the intestinal microbiome and prevent osteoarthritis. Arthritis was induced by collagen (CIA) or anti-collagen antibodies (CAIA) injection. Intake of 0.5 mg Lpps /L, but not 0.25 and 1mg Lpps/L significantly alleviated RA symptoms in CIA DBA/1OOaHsd mice. Arthritis index (AI) was also reduced in CAIA mice. In CIA protected group, colon Ligilactobacillus murinus, caecal Lactobacillus johnsonii and spleen weight correlated with AI, whereas the reverse was observed with splenic CD11c+ dendritic cells (cDCs). The unprotected CIA Lpps group harbored higher caecal and colon E. coli and lower caecal L.murinus. Lpps administration to CAIA mice after arthritis induction led to lower colon E. plexicaudatum counts. Splenocytes from CIA protected mice triggered by LPS secreted higher Il-10 than control ones. However, higher IL-10 response was not elicited in gnotobiotic RA mice splenocytes with lower cDCs recruitment. Labeled bacteria with Lpps signal were detected in CIA mice bone marrow (BM) cDCs 5 and 16h post-gavage but not in Peyer’s patches and spleen. In vitro uptake of Lpps by primary BM and thymus cells was observed within 24h. FACS analysis detected the Lpps signal in the plasmacytoid cell compartment but not in cDCs. In conclusion, Lpps dosing is critical for preventing arthritis progression and appropriately modulating the microbiome. Our results also highlight the possible triggering of the immune system by Lpps.
Parameter-Robust Numerical Scheme for Computing Singularly Perturbed Differential Equations with Mixed Large Shifts
Authors: Ejere Ababi Hailu
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the formulation and analysis of a numerical method to compute singularly perturbed functional differential equations (SP-FDEs) involving large mixed shifts. SP-FDEs are a class of differential equations with both shifts and small perturbation parameter. Such equations arise in various scientific fields to model phenomena with memory effects and perturbed dynamics. In this particular study, the considered SP-FDEs involve large negative shift (delay) and large positive shift (advance). Dealing with large mixed shifts in SP-FDEs gives rise to challenges in terms of stability analysis, numerical methods, and convergence of a solution. In this paper, the influence of the large mixed shifts is treated by choosing a uniform mesh discretized in such a way that the term with the shifts lie on the nodal points. Then, using the Numerov’s finite difference method, the continuous problem is transformed into a finite difference scheme and the influence of the perturbation parameter is handled by introducing a fitting factor in the difference scheme. Stability estimate and convergence analysis of the developed scheme are investigated and proved. Numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the developed scheme. It is shown that the numerical scheme obtained in this work is parameter-robust of second order convergence rate.
Maternal Dietary Iron Intake during Pregnancy Has a Potential Effect on the Neonate Gut Microbiota Profile
Authors: Qi Qi , Liu Danmeng , Wang Liang , Zhu Yingze , Gebremedhin Mitslal Abrha , Zhu Zhonghai , Zeng Lingxia
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between maternal dietary iron intake during pregnancy and the gut microbiota characteristics of both the mother and neonate in a well-characterized cohort. A total of 95 mother-neonate dyads were included in our study, with basic information collected through questionnaires. A semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess maternal dietary intake during pregnancy, and maternal dietary iron intake was categorized into <20 mg/d and ≥20 mg/d groups. Fecal samples were collected from the mother in the third trimester and the neonate, allowing for assessment of the community profile and diversity of gut microbiota via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Then, a comparison between different maternal dietary iron intake groups was conducted, adjusting for delivery mode (VD, vaginal delivery; CS, cesarean section) and other potential confounding factors. No significant differences in community profile and diversity were observed for the maternal gut microbiota in different dietary iron intake groups. In neonate fecal samples, the Shannon (P = 0.044) and Simpson (P = 0.010) diversity indices of the gut microbiota were higher in the maternal dietary iron intake ≥20 mg/d group, while Simpson diversity presented the same tendency in vaginal delivery (P = 0.041) after stratification. The relative abundance of the core genus Bifidobacterium showed a significant difference between groups (4.69 [1.19–12.77] vs. 13.98 [3.44–27.28]; P = 0.044). The abundance of Lactobacillus was different in the ≥20 mg/d group under both delivery modes (VD: beta = 2.9, w = 4.13; CS: beta = 2.77, w = 3.8). Our findings suggest that adequate dietary iron intake during pregnancy may promote beneficial bacterial colonization and increase the biodiversity of the neonate gut microbiota.
Prioritizing Work Health, Safety, and Wellbeing in Corporate Strategy: An Indicative Framework
Authors: Halliday Brent , Van der Laan Luke , Raineri Aldo
Published: October 2023

As a prominent organizational issue there was limited evidence in the literature about the relationship between organizational strategy, workplace health, safety, and wellbeing, and performance measurement that demonstrate a measurable impact on organizational performance. Whilst the literature reports numerous studies into the relationship between employee engagement and performance, they hardly incorporate workplace health, safety, and well-being within this relationship. This mixed-methods study investigated the relationship between organizational strategy, workplace health, safety, and wellbeing strategy, employee engagement, and strategy efficacy from a corporate perspective. Findings from Phase two, the online survey, revealed a seven-factor HSW Strategy framework. The workplace health, safety, and wellbeing strategy framework provide empirical evidence towards a suitable and valuable framework for high-risk businesses to improve individual and organizational performance.
Towards Dynamic Fuzzy Rule Interpolation via Density-Based Rule Promotion from Interpolated Outcomes
Authors: Lin Jinle , Shang Changjing , Shen Qiang
Published: October 2023

Fuzzy Rule Interpolation (FRI) offers an innovative methodology for inferring outcomes from data points that match no established rules in a sparse fuzzy rule base. Generally, a traditional fuzzy rule-based system suffers from the inability to perform inference while facing an unmatched observation, given a sparse fuzzy rule base that is derived from insufficient data or inadequate human experience and that fails to cover parts of a specific problem domain. Fortunately, starting with a sparse rule base, Fuzzy Rule Interpolation (FRI) can help to formulate interpolated rules specifically in instances where observations fail to activate any existing rule. An interpolated rule gives a result called consequent, which is related to the unmatched observation so that the inference system will not fail to generate an outcome corresponding to the observation as the output. Conventionally, these interpolated rules will be discarded after obtaining outcomes. However, valuable information may be potentially embedded within those discarded rules addressing the limitation regarding the coverage of the original sparse knowledge space. Moreover, without exploiting the potential value of the interpolated rules, the fuzzy inference system based on a sparse rule base will never improve its efficiency and robustness in the long run. Therefore, this underscores the necessity for Dynamic Fuzzy Rule Interpolation (D-FRI), which aims to collate interpolated rules that cover particular knowledge spaces absent in the sparse rule base. Intuitively, those frequently appeared interpolated rules are considered valuable because future observations are more likely to hit the respective problem areas. Promoting selected interpolated rules to the sparse rule base can enhance the overall coverage of the knowledge space and increase the inference efficiency over time. This paper introduces a framework for Dynamic Fuzzy Rule Interpolation that integrates the widely used Transformation-based Fuzzy Rule Interpolation (T-FRI) with an effective form of clustering of interpolated results. Experimental findings validate the effectiveness of this approach.
Proton Compared to X-irradiation Induces Different Protein Profiles in Oral Cancer Cells and Their Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Juvkam Inga Solgård , Zlygosteva Olga , Sitarz Mateusz , Thiede Bernd , Sørensen Brita Singers , Malinen Eirik , Edin Nina Jeppesen , Søland Tine Merete , Galtung Hilde Kanli
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound particles released from cells, and their cargo can alter the function of recipient cells. EVs from X-irradiated cells have been shown to play a likely role in non-targeted effects. However, EVs derived from proton irradiated cells have not yet been studied. We aimed to investigate and compare the proteome of EVs and their cell of origin after proton or X-irradiation. The EVs were derived from a human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line exposed to 0, 4, or 8 Gy with either protons or X-rays. The EVs and irradiated OSCC cells underwent liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for protein identification. Interestingly, we found different protein profiles both in the EVs and in the OSCC cells after proton irradiation compared to X-irradiation. In the EVs, we found that protons cause a downregulation of proteins involved in cell growth and DNA damage response compared to X-rays. In the OSCC cells, proton and X-irradiation induced dissimilar cell death pathways and distinct DNA damage repair systems. These results are of potential importance for understanding how non-targeted effects in normal tissue can be limited and for future implementation of proton therapy in the clinic.
Effects of Tb3+ on Properties of Luminescent Calcium Sulfate Cement
Authors: Khayrutdinova Dinara R. , Goldberg Margarita A. , Fomin Alexander S. , Nosova Elizaveta D. , Krokhicheva Polina A. , Smirnov Sergey V. , Egorov Alexei A. , Konovalov Anatoliy A. , Ogarkov Alexander I. , Obolkina Tatiana O. , Barinov Sergey M. , Komlev Vladimir S.
Published: October 2023

Calcium sulfate (CS) materials containing terbium ions at 0, 1.0, or 2.0 mol.% were obtained by mechanochemical synthesis. According to X-ray diffraction data, the powder materials are characterized by the presence of a CaSO4×0.5H2O phase, while Tb3+ is incorporated into the lattice at ≤1.0 mol.%. Specific surface area enlarged from 2.1 to 22.5 m2/g as crystallite size decreased from 68 to 31 nm and the Tb3+ concentration increased up to 1.0 mol.%. Thermal analysis showed that terbium slightly raises the temperature of CaSO4×2H2O-to-CaSO4 transition. The presence of Tb3+ did not affect the solubility of the CS cements. Furthermore, after 7 days of soaking of the materials in a simulated body fluid, a calcium phosphate layer formed corresponding to a hydroxyapatite phase, in contrast to the pure cements. Luminescent properties were studied by excitation at 276 nm. The recorded emission peaks of the CS materials indicated that the luminescence of the samples is green and blue, with the most intense luminescence observed for samples containing 1.0 mol.% Tb3+. The developed materials can find applications in medicine as bioimplants for the regeneration and restoration of bone tissue with a possibility of noninvasive monitoring of the bone restoration process.
Improvement of the Seed Germination and Growth in Early-Maturing Pear Breeding
Authors: Kan Jialiang , Yuan Na , Lin Jing , Li Hui , Yang Qingsong , Wang Zhonghua , Shen Zhijun , Ying Yeqing , Li Xiaogang , Cao Fuliang
Published: October 2023

Breeding early-maturing cultivars is one of the most important objectives for pear breeding. Very early-maturing pear provides an excellent parental material for crossing, while the immature embryo and low seed germination of its hybrid progenies often limit the selection and breeding of new early-maturing pear cultivars. In this study, we choose a very early maturing pear cultivar ‘Pearl Pear’ as study object, and investigate the effects of cold stratification, culture medium and seed coat on the germination and growth of early maturing pear seeds. Our results show that cold stratification (4℃) treatment could significantly improve the germination rates of early maturing pear seeds. A 100 days of low temperature pre-treatment and germination on White medium could increase the germination rate up to 84.54%. We also observe that seed coat removal could improve the germination activity of early maturing pear seeds, and middle seed coat removal (MSR) represents an optimal method with its high germination rate and low contamination. The results of our study established an improved protocol for seed germination of early-maturing pear seeds, which will greatly facilitate the breeding of new very early-maturing pear cultivars.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Antibacterial Nanocoatings: A Review
Authors: Nazarov Denis , Kozlova Lada , Rogacheva Elizaveta , Kraeva Ludmila , Maximov Maxim
Published: October 2023

In recent years, antibacterial coatings have become a significant approach in the global fight against bacterial pathogens. Developments in materials science, chemistry and biochemistry have led to a plethora of materials and chemical compounds that have potential for creating antibacterial coatings. Nonetheless, there has been insufficient consideration given to the analysis of the techniques and technologies used to apply these coatings. Among the various inorganic coating techniques, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is noteworthy. It enables the successful synthesis of high-purity inorganic nanocoatings on surfaces of complex shape and topography, while also providing precise control over their thickness and composition. ALD has various industrial applications, but its practical application in medicine is still limited. In recent years, a substantial number of papers have been published on the suggested implementation of thin films and coatings produced through ALD in medicine, notably those with antibacterial properties. The aim of this paper is to carefully evaluate and analyse the relevant literature on this subject. Simple oxide coatings, including TiO2, ZnO, Fe2O3, MgO, and ZrO2, were examined, as well as coatings containing metal nanoparticles such as Ag, Cu, Pt, and Au, and mixed systems such as TiO2-ZnO, TiO2-ZrO2, ZnO-Al2O3, TiO2-Ag, and ZnO-Ag. Through comparative analysis, we have been able to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of various antibacterial coatings of different compositions, including key characteristics such as thickness, morphology, and crystal structure. ALD has been analysed in its use for developing antibacterial coatings for various applications. Furthermore, assumptions regarding the most promising development areas have been presented.
Genomic analysis and tracking of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Gwangju, South Korea from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Lee Yeong-Un , Lee Kwangho , Lee Hongsu , Park Jung wook , Cho Sun-Ju , Park Ji-Su , Mun Jeongeun , Park Sujung , Lee Cheong-mi , Lee Juhye , Seo Mihee , Kim Eunju , Seo Jinjong , Kim Yonghwan , Kim Sun-Hee , Chung Yoon-Seok
Published: October 2023

Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, it has spread rapidly, and many coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have occurred in Gwangju, South Korea. Viral mutations following the COVID-19 epidemic have increased interest in the characteristics of epidemics in this region, and pathogen genetic analysis is required for infection control and prevention. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome analysis was performed on samples from patients with COVID-19 in Gwangju from 2020 to 2022 to identify the trends in COVID-19 prevalence and to analyze the phylogenetic tree of dominant variants. B.41 and B.1.497 prevailed in 2020, the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak; then, B.1.619.1 mainly occurred until June 2021. B.1.617.2, classified as sublineage AY.69 and AY.122, occurred continuously from July to December 2021. Since strict measures to strengthen national quarantine management had been implemented in South Korea until this time, mutations phylogenetic analysis was also able to infer the epidemiological relationship between infection transmission routes. Since the first identification of the Omicron variant in late December 2021, the spread of infection has been very rapid, and weekly whole-genome analysis of specimens has enabled us to monitor new Omicron sublineage occurring in Gwangju. Our study suggests that conducting reginal surveillance in addition to nation-level genomic surveillance will enable more rapid and detailed variant surveillance, which will be helpful in the overall prevention and management of infectious diseases.
Regional Multifractal Variability of the Overall Seismic Activity in Pakistan from 24 B.C to 2020 via the Application of MDFA on Earthquake Catalogs
Authors: Alam Aftab , Nikolopoulos Dimitrios , Cantzos Demetrios , Tahir Muhammad , Iqbal Tahir , Petraki Ermioni , Yannakopoulos Panayiotis H , Rafique Muhammad
Published: October 2023

The overall seismicity of Pakistan from 24 B.C to 2020 is analysed in terms of its multifractal behaviour. Seismic events of magnitude ML=3.0 and above are spatially clustered into four distinct groups, each one corresponding to a different region of high seismic activity. The Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDA) method applied on each cluster reveals pronounced inter-cluster heterogeneity in terms of the resulting generalised Hurst exponent and fractality spectrum, possibly due to the particular tectonic characteristics of the regions under investigation. Additional results on the variability of the Gutenberg–Richter b‐value across the defined clusters further corroborate the uniqueness of the seismic profile of each region.
An Investigation into the Efficacy of Septic Tank Systems in Removing Organics in a Subtropical Climate
Authors: Tabassum Sumaya
Published: October 2023

An estimated 38 million individuals, out of a total population of around 126 million, reside in urban areas of Bangladesh. The surge in urbanization and water consumption has led to a significant rise in waterborne sanitation systems within the country. One cost-effective solution for wastewater treatment is the utilization of septic tanks, which operate as anaerobic reactors, with their efficiency being closely tied to temperature conditions. This research focuses on evaluating the organic removal capabilities of a septic tank located on the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) campus. The results show that a septic tank's ability to remove organic matter depends on the temperature, with higher temperatures making the removal process more effective. Additionally, the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels were observed within a range of 110–280 mg/L, 200–1030 mg/L, 160–880 mg/L, and 190–220 mg/L for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd chambers, respectively. The maximum recorded pH values were 7.14, 7.13, and 7.11, while the minimum pH values were 7.06, 7.05, and 7.04, corresponding to the same chambers. Furthermore, the organic removal efficiency concerning dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO3-N), and pH levels remained within acceptable limits. These results suggest that a simple treatment unit like a septic tank can effectively render previously unacceptable and unhygienic water suitable for safe disposal and potential reuse, ultimately improving the management of septic tank wastewater.
Hydrogel Membranes from Chitosan-Fish Gelatin-Glycerol for Biomedical Applications. Chondroitin Sulfate Incorporation Effect in Membrane Properties
Authors: Karydis-Messinis Andreas , Moschovas Dimitrios , Markou Maria , Tsirka Kyriaki , Gioti Christina , Bagli Eleni , Murphy Carol , Giannakas Aris E. , Paipetis Alkiviadis S. , Karakassides Michael A. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Salmas Constantinos E. , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E.
Published: October 2023

Biomass and biowaste valorisation is of major interest nowadays because of the spirit of circular economy and of the neutral environmental fingerprint global target. In the current project chondroitin sulphate (ChS) was incorporated with the crustaceous’ and shrimp’s byproduct chitosan (Chi) and the fish industry byproduct gelatine (FG) to obtain dense hydrogel membranes. Glycerol (Gly) was utilized to avoid brittleness. The formation of the hydrogel membranes is attributed to secondary interactions between the natural polymers and the plasticizer. The prepared hydrogel membranes were characterized by Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface morphology of the membranes was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests were also performed to evaluate the mechanical response of the membranes. The samples were also evaluated for membrane wettability, degradation rate and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Finally, in vitro endothelial cell attachment on the membrane were addressed. The overall results of the study indicate that the hydrogel membranes could be appropriate for external application in wound healing applications as dressings.
Examining Students' Formative Test-Taking Behaviors Using Learning Analytics
Authors: BAYAZIT Alper , YILDIRIM Denizer , AKÇAPINAR Gökhan , ILGAZ Hale
Published: October 2023

In online learning environments, assessment is an important dimension and also one of the most challenging parts of the process. So to provide an effective learning process analyzing students’ behaviors are important for designing formative and summative assessment environments. In this study, students’ profiles have been analyzed in a formative assessment environment and compared with the summative assessment environment based on attempt count, overall time spent, first attempt score, and the last attempt score metrics. The within-subjects design has been used. Cluster analysis and the Kruskal Wallis-H Test were used to analyze behaviors. The data show that there are three main clusters. Cluster 1 showed a high number of interactions, and an increasing trend was observed in grades over attempts. Cluster 2 consists of the students who received the best grades in all of the other clusters, and lastly, cluster 3 consists of students that interact little and score lower on formative assessments.
Effect of potassium humate spray on some biochemical characteristics in potato leaves Solanum tuberosum under water stress conditions
Authors: Hassan Hadia , Suleiman Sawsan , Dais Maher
Published: October 2023

نفذت الدراسة في محطة بحوث الهنادي التابعة لمركز البحوث العلمية الزراعية في اللاذقية خلال العروة الربيعية لموسم 2020  وذلك  لدراسة تأثير الرش الورقي بتراكيز متباينة من هيومات البوتاسيوم 1500,1000,500 ppm على نباتات البطاطا صنف سبونتا عند مستويي ري  40و80  % من السعة الحقلية . استخدم في تصميم التجربة نظام العشوائية الكاملة ضمن القطع المنشقة. شملت التجربة 4 معاملات و3 مكررات لكل معاملة عند كل مستوى رطوبة. تم رش النباتات بالهيوماتHA بعد 35 يوم من الزراعة لثلاثة مرات، بفاصل عشرة أيام بين الرشة والأخرى.
أظهرت النتائج زيادة محتوى السكريات الذائبة الكلية ومحتوى البرولين وفعالية الكاتالاز في أوراق البطاطا المجهدة في حين انخفض محتواها من الكلوروفيل .كما حسنت  المعاملة بهيومات البوتاسيوم الصفات المدروسة عند المستوى 40 % ، وأعطت معاملة الهيومات  بتركيز1000  ppm أعلى  محتوى من الكلوروفيل الكلي  0.142مليمول / مغ ، والسكريات الذائبة الكلية1.67ملغ/غ . بينما أعطت معاملة  الهيومات بتركيز 1500  ppm أعلى محتوى للبرولين  45.65 ppm و زادت فعالية  الكاتالاز 0.04 مغ/غ عند المستوى 40 %.  و عند المستوى 80  %  تميزت معاملة الهيومات 1000ppm  بأعلى محتوى للكلوروفيل  الكلي في أوراق البطاطا 0.140 مليمول /مغ وأعلى محتوى من البرولين 11.63 ppm.  وبالتالي يمكن تطبيق هيومات البوتاسيوم بالتركيز1000 و ppm 1500 لرفع كفاءة تحمل نبات البطاطا صنف سبونتا تحت ظروف نقص الماء.
Modified Meerkat Clan Algorithm for Association Rules Mining
Authors: Saleh Mohamad Ab. , Sadiq Ahmed T. Sadiq
Published: October 2023

تشكل قواعد جمعيات التعدين (ARM) إحدى تقنيات التنقيب عن البيانات المهمة. أصبحت الأساليب الكلاسيكية التي عمل عليها الباحثون سابقًا غير فعالة للتعامل مع النمو المطرد لقواعد البيانات ، مما دفعنا إلى استخدام عملية التعدين لقواعد الارتباط القائمة على ميتاهيورستك، وفي عملنا سنستخرج جميع القواعد الصحيحة ، و التعدين لا يقتصر على القواعد عالية الجودة. ذكاء السرب يعتبر إحدى هذه الأساليب المعتمدة. في هذه الورقة، تم اقتراح تعديل فصيلة ميركات لتعدين قواعد الجمعية (MCC-ARM). تعتمد الخوارزمية المقترحة بشكل أساسي على خوارزمية فصيلة ميركات (MCA). أكبر فائدة هي تنوع الحلول المرشحة في MCA. سنقوم في عملنا بتمثيل القاعدة باستخدام طريقتين مستعارتين من الخوارزمية الجينية، في المجموعة الأولى، تشير كل مجموعة من القواعد إلى كائن في المجتمع و التي تدعى طريقة بيتسبرغ، بينما تشير القاعدة الثانية إلى كائن في المجتمع و التي تدعى طريقة ميشيغان. تهدف الخوارزمية المقترحة إلى فحص أكبر عدد ممكن من قواعد الارتباط الصحيحة. ما يسمى بخوارزمية تتبع نهج تحديد منطقة البحث الفعالة، والتي تعتمد على آلية عشوائية رئيسية لقيادة الخوارزمية في استخراج القواعد البديلة وتجنب الحلول الكلية من الاسترشاد بنفس القاعدة، وهذا أدى إلى قدر كبير من التنوع. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يستخدم MCC-ARM طريقة التكثيف في عملية البحث المتجاورة لمنع الخوارزمية من الوقوع في الوضع المحلي. لإثبات كفاءتها، سنطبقها في أربع مجموعات بيانات موثوقة (مثل حديقة الحيوان، والائتمان الألماني، والورم الأساسي والشطرنج). لقد حصل التحسين الذي أحدثته الخوارزمية المقترحة على عاملين حاسمين ، وهما عدد القواعد الصحيحة وقيمة لياقة الجودة.