bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Dispersity and Electrochemical Properties of Chitosan-Coated Carbon Nanotubes for Manufacturing High-Sensitivity Biosensors with Optimal Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Kim Dong Sup , Sobhan Abdus , Oh Jun-Hyun , Lee Jinyoung
Published: May 2024

Recent developments in high-performance electrode materials have been pivotal for real-time monitoring biosensors, necessitating compatibility with biomaterials and robust electrochemi-cal properties. This study explores the development of electrode materials using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), with a primary fo-cus on assessing their dispersion and electrochemical properties. Various solvents, including N N-Dimethylformamide (DMF), deionized water, ethanol, and acetone, were used for dispersion analysis by employing ultrasonic waves. The results showed that SWCNTs exhibited well-dispersed characteristics without precipitation when introduced to a DMF solution. It found that resistance values decreased as the concentration of SWCNTs increased over the range of 0.025 to 0.4 g/L, with a considerable electrical conductivity reached at concentrations ranging from 0.2 g/L to 0.4 g/L in DMF. The biosensor platform was evaluated with 1-pyrenebutanoic acid succin-imidyl este (PBSE) as the linker and glucose oxidase (Gox) and chitosan as the binding substrate. The binding of Gox with glucose resulted in a significant decrease in resistance value of the biosensor with rising their concentrations ranged from 0.001 to 0.1 M. Though this research provides founda-tional insights for the advancement of SWCNT-based high-performance electrode materials, it will pave the way for the next generation of efficient and reliable biosensors.
Application of additive manufacturing in automobile industry: a mini review
Authors: Yang Jian , Li Bo , Liu Jian , Tu Zhantong , Wu Xin
Published: May 2024

Automobile industry is recognized as one of the most influential sectors shaping the global economies, societies, and individual lifestyles. Therefore, fierce competitions among different companies are continuously undergoing, and innovations deserve special attention to improve the competitiveness. In the past several years, additive manufacturing (AM) is emerging as an innovative technology in the applications of automobile industry with significant advantages over traditional techniques. As a result, increasing attention has been attracted to combining AM technology with the development of automobile industry. Currently, many automobile players are optimizing their industrial layout by incorporating with innovative AM techniques, and meanwhile, many research progresses have been achieved to meet the market demand. This article aims at presenting a timely review to conclude the recent advances in the application of AM techniques in automobile industry, focusing on the available AM techniques, printable materials, and the industry applications. The future research opportunities and challenges are also outlooked. Hopefully, this work can be useful to the related researchers, as well as the game players in the industry of this field.
Effect of Solvent Properties on the Critical Solution Temperature of Thermoresponsive Polymers
Authors: Beitl Konstantin Nikolaus , Reimhult Erik
Published: May 2024

The ability of thermoresponsive polymers to respond to temperature with a reversible conformational change makes them promising ‘smart’ materials for solutions in medical and biotechnological applications. In this work, two such polymers and structural isomers were studied: poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNiPAm) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx). We compare the critical solution temperatures (CST) of these polymers in D2O and H2O in the presence of Hofmeister series salts, as results obtained under these different solvent conditions are often compared. D2O has a higher dipole moment and electronegativity than H2O, which could significantly alter the CST transition. We used two complementary methods to measure the CST, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and found that the CST decreased significantly in D2O compared to H2O. In the presence of highly concentrated kosmotropes, the CST of both polymers decreased in both solvents. The influence of the kosmotropic anions was smaller than the water isotope effect at low ionic strengths but considerably higher at physiological ionic strengths. However, the Hofmeister anion effect was quantitatively different in H2O than in D2O, with the largest relative differences observed for Cl-, where the CSTs in D2O decreased more than in H2O measured by DLS but less by DSC. PiPOx was more sensitive than PNiPAm to the presence of chaotropes. It exhibited much higher transition enthalpies and multistep transitions, especially in aqueous solutions. Our results highlight that measurements of thermoresponsive polymer properties in D2O cannot be compared directly or quantitatively to application conditions or even measurements performed in H2O.
Fault Detection of Multi Wheeled Robot Consensus Based on EKF
Authors: JOUILI AFRAH , Boussaid Boumedyen , Zouinkhi Ahmed , Abdelkrim Naceur.
Published: May 2024

In this article the problem of detection and isolation (FDI) in wheeled mobile robot is 1
treated. first of all we consider a master-slave robot system in which the master robot has to follow a 2
desired trajectory given by a well-determined control law, then the slave is controlled by the master. 3
However in real environment there is no ideality because faults can appear in the master or slave 4
or even the both and affect the system and may lead to unacceptable results so to ensure a well 5
functioning an extended kalman filter is tuned to diagnosis eventual faults and to generate residuals 6
in order to detect and isolate them. The performance of an estimator based on an EKF is simulated 7
based MATLAB Simulink simulations.
Study on the Reception and Dissemination of the Moss Roberts’ English Translation of Sanguo Yanyi
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Wang Juan , Fan Chiqi
Published: May 2024

The assessment of literary translation's quality constitutes a significant yet intricate undertaking. A pivotal aspect of this evaluation is gauging the reception of the translated work among its intended readership. By scrutinizing the reception and dissemination of English renditions of classical Chinese literature among international audiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact various translations have on readers. This, in turn, can offer invaluable insights and serve as a foundation for informed decisions regarding the translation of such works, thereby facilitating the international promotion of Chinese literature and ultimately enhancing the global influence of Chinese cultural soft power.
Quantitative fishery assessment in tropical waters: Stock dynamics and strategy options
Authors: J. Jayasankar  , Eldho Varghese  , A. Gopalakrishnan  , E. Vivekanandan  , U. Ganga  , Prathibha Rohit  , V. Sreepriya  , Judith Das
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the possible options for quantitative fishery stock assessment in tropicalwaters and is composed of four layers viz., concepts, methodologies, data and indicators.The concept promotes the fundamental theory that has been popular in research on stockdynamics, including the possibility of combining it with various doses of intrinsicallybiological information, from individual fish to regional stocks. After reviewing the concepts,tools and their evolution, an attempt has also been made to propose a few guidelines as thebest ways to approach stock assessment and formulate input control or output regulationstrategies in the most pragmatic yet scientific manner, thereby ensuring minimal impact onthe fishery, fishers and stocks in the medium term.
 
Keywords:Bayesian approach, Capture fisheries, Fish stockassessment, Models
Morphometry and length-weight relationships of the freshwater pearl mussel Parreysia corrugata (Muller 1774) (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from Daya River, Odisha, India
Authors: E. M. Chhandaprajnadarsini  , Saurabh Shailesh , Pankaj Kumar Tiwari
Published: May 2024

Allometry in the freshwater mussel Parreysia corrugata was studied from east-flowing riverDaya, Bhubaneswar, India. The results indicated that shell length (SL)-shell height (SH) andshell length-shell width (SW) relationships for P. corrugata were SH = 0.876 + 0.932SL andSW = 0.625 + 0.898SL. Greater correlation was found between SL and SW than between SLand SH. The length-weight, height-weight and width-weight relationships of P. corrugata wereestablished as TW = 0.00038SL2.80, TW = 0.0006SH2.95 and TW = 0.0023SW2.97 respectively.The t-test value of b indicated an isometric growth pattern in the width-weight and theheight-weight relationships. The highest r2 value was obtained for shell length-total weightand shell height-total weight equations. Present study will be helpful in strengthening theknowledge on interrelationship between the morphometric variables of P. corrugata and alsoin comparing with the earlier studies to know the existence of spatial or temporal variabilityin the morphometry of this species. This information can also be used to better understandthe biology of P. corrugata and to improve the management of this species.
 
Keywords:Conservation, Daya River, Length-weight relationships,Morphometry
Student and staff expectations of university life - a pilot study.
Authors: Dolecka Magdalena , Khan Noor U , Sivagurunathan Vanee , Kelly Alison Faith , Mulrooney Hilda Mary
Published: May 2024

Student expectations of university lack clarity, yet unmet expectations may negatively impact upon satisfaction, attainment and progression. This questionnaire-based pilot study explored student and staff expectations, in a large English widening participation university. In all, 65 students and 27 staff participated. Most notable was the similarity of student responses regardless of demographic characteristics. However, students already in paid work were significantly more likely to agree that they liked the university and found it easy to make friends. Students who might consider taking on paid work expressed significantly more concern that they may struggle with their academic work whilst those not in paid work had significantly more concerns about exams and self-directed learning. In terms of transferable academic skills, Black students were significantly less likely than white students to expect to make detailed class notes for themselves, albeit within this small sample size, while those first-in-family identified more academic skills needs than other student groups. Significantly more staff than students considered classroom attendance necessary. This pilot study suggests future research directions, including the impact of paid work and ethnicity on specific academic skills and underlines the importance of student support.
Study on Plugging the Multiscale Water Channeling in Low-Permeability Heterogeneous Porous Media Based on the Growth of Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ni Jun , Wang Chengjun , Li Chengyong , Cui Kai
Published: May 2024

To promote the effect of waterflooding of a heterogeneous low-permeability reservoir in the Ordos Basin, a microbial plugging agent is developed to plug the multiscale water channeling. Based on the characteristics of the growth of bacteria, the microbial plugging agent can plug both porous media and microfractures with different scales. The microbial plugging agent is prepared by activating the native bacteria present in low-permeability reservoirs by using the fermentation nutrients. After growing in the fermentation nutrient solution for 4 days in a beaker, the growth of microbial strains begins to stabilize. After that, the main particle size of the prepared microbial plugging agent is between 40 μm and 160 μm and the median particle size (D50) is near 90 μm. The microbial plugging agent has good shear resistance, salt resistance, and stability. At the initial state, due to good injectivity, the microbial plugging agent can smoothly enter into a low-permeability core, a heterogeneous core, and a fractured core, respectively. Thus, it can grow and reproduce in the cores. Based on the characteristics of growth, it can match with the spatial scale of pore or fracture in the cores, so that it cannot only plug the porous media water channeling with different scales but also plug the microfracture water channeling with different scales. This phenomenon has been confirmed by microscopic visualization flow experiments and core flow experiments. The developed microbial plugging agent can be applied to plug the multiscale water channeling to enhance oil recovery of low-permeability heterogeneous reservoirs.
The Use of the Target Trial Approach in Kidney Disease: A Methodological Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Pinter Jule , Tunicliffe David , Karunaikumar Pooshwikaa , Anastasiadis Anastasios , Hills Robert K.
Published: May 2024

Background
Patients with kidney disease and failure have often been excluded from randomized trials leaving practitioners with limited data to navigate their decision-making at critical stages of patient’s lives.
The concept of target trial emulation has recently been introduced and implemented in Nephrology to address critical questions in the comparative effectiveness and safety of interventions during kidney failure. However, the reach, validity, and application of trial emulation in nephrology remains unknown and warrants systematic investigation. This methodological systematic review protocol aims to describe the methodology for assessing the available evidence regarding emulated target trials for studying outcomes in patients with kidney disease.
Methods
This protocol is developed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. MEDLINE, Embase, and reference lists will be searched up until 1st July 2023 to identify all studies in kidney disease patients that use target trial emulation as the primary approach for analysis. Two authors (AA, PK) will select articles based on title and abstract and then full text, with a third reviewer settling disagreements (JP). Prespecified variables will be extracted, and risk of bias assessed using prespecified data forms to determine, how robust the target trial design, emulation and answer is.
Discussion
The aim of this methodological systematic review is to understand the extent to which the target trial approach is being used in kidney disease, and to make recommendations for improving its use in nephrology.
Methodological systematic review registration
OSF, https://osf.io/z4y29 (under embargo currently).
Thermo-ring basis for heat unfolding-induced inactivation in TRPV1
Authors: Wang Guangyu
Published: May 2024

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is a capsaicin receptor and employs the use-dependent desensitization to protect mammals from noxious heat damage in response to repeated or constant heat stimuli. However, the underlying structural factor or motif has not been resolved precisely. In this computational study, the graph theory-based grid thermodynamic model was used to reveal how the temperature-dependent noncovalent interactions as identified in the 3D structures of rat TRPV1 could develop a well-organized fluidic grid-like mesh network, featuring various topological grids constrained as the thermo-rings that range in size from the biggest to the smallest to govern distinct structural and functional traits of the channel in response to varying temperature degrees. Following the findings that the heat unfolding of three specific biggest grids, one in the closed state and two in the open state, was respectively responsible for the reversible activation at 43 °C and thermal inactivation from 56 °C to 61 °C, a random smaller grid was further identified for the irreversible inactivation and the relevant use-dependent desensitization from the pre-open closed state between 43 °C and 61 °C. Thus, these two distinct inactivation pathways of TRPV1 may be involved in protecting mammals against noxious heat damages.
Quasi-two-dimensional self-assembled fluorinated MOF to construct organic/inorganic hybrid double layer with burst Li+ transmission channels
Authors: Feng Wei , Kong Lingchen , Li Yu , Peng Cong , Zhao Ziyue , Xiao Junwei , Zhao Yimin
Published: May 2024

The development of disordered lithium dendrite and the adverse reaction between Li and electrolyte impede the practical use of lithium metal batteries (LMB). Herein, we proposed quasi-two-dimensional fluorinated metal-organic frameworks microporous carbon (q2D-FcMOF) were utilized to construct an artificial solid electrolyte interface (ASEI) to achieve a robust and stable interfacial protective double-layer. The outer layer with quasi-two-dimensional hollow organic structure contains multistage pores, offering ample space for lithium deposition, whereas the inner layer composed of inorganic LiF, effectively conducts Li+ and prevents electron transport. Meanwhile, abundant metal ion clusters within the hybrid layer are uniformly dispersed in the matrix, and subsequent Li+ tends to be distributed, encouraging Li+ to cluster around metal active sites that are thermodynamically compatible with lithium. This guides the nucleation of lithium and ensures the growth of dendrite-free lithium during cycling. Consequently, q2D-FcZ8@Li symmetrical batteries demonstrated an ultralong cycle life of over 3600 h, outperforming bare Li and other q2D-FcMOF@Li batteries. When used with commercial cathodes (LiFePO4 or LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2), the full cells exhibited significantly improved cyclability under conditions of high cathode loading, lean electrolyte, and exposure to air for some time. This research suggests an effective method for fabricating ASEI using 2D quasi-ordered superstructure MOF NPs, which is expected to greatly advance the development of LMB.
How Populism Harms Prosperity: Unified Populist Rule Reduces Investment, Innovation, and Productivity
Authors: Magistro Beatrice , Menaldo Victor
Published: May 2024

The economic cost of populism is high. This paper finds that when a populist executive rules alongside a populist majority in the legislature, this reduces a country’s growth rate of real per capita income considerably for over a decade, before returning to the pre-populist equilibrium. We also outline the mechanics behind these numbers and provide systematic evidence for our argument. Unified populist governments engage in protectionism, inefficient redistribution and financial repression that undermines productivity by increasing the size of government without parallel investments in infrastructure, basic science, and education. Their policies also reduce private investment, R&D spending, researchers per capita, and patents per capita. This is true for populists from either the left or right, in rich or poor countries, in nations open to trade or less open, and across both liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes. We arrive at these findings by estimating ARDL dynamic panel models via System GMM, which increases our confidence that these long run effects run from populism to economic underdevelopment. This paper also introduces a new conceptualization of populism that identifies if populists are in control of both the executive and legislative branches.
Stereo-microscopic study of the anatomy of Papaya mealy bug Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink)
Authors: Prakash Harshitha , Veershetty Channabasava , shukla pawan , Subrahmanyam Gangavarapu , Moorthy S. Manthira
Published: May 2024

Papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink) is an economical pest of mulberry causing significant crop loss by damaging the leaves. This study was undertaken to investigate the internal structure of papaya mealybug was morphologically examined through a stereo-zoom microscope which includes digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, excretory system, pseudovitellus and muscular system. The internal anatomy of papaya mealybug revealed that the digestive system is associated with fore-gut (pharynx and oesophagus), mid-gut (stomach /dilated sac), filter chamber and hind-gut (ileum and rectum). The filter chamber is enclosed with posterior extremity of oesophagus, anterior mid-gut, posterior mid-gut, anterior extremity of ileum and rectum. Either side of the oesophageal tube has a pair of fully formed salivary glands. Two malpighian tubules approximate of its body length were seen adjacent to the hind-gut. Nervous system is mainly composed of supra-oesophageal ganglion (Brain) with a small lobe called sympathetic ganglion, sub-oesophageal ganglion and thoracico-abdomial ganglion. Tracheal trunks emerge from four spiracles, which were encircled by wax glands at its base. Reproductive system consists of three globular genital glands with a single globular structured spermatheca, a pair of ovaries present in Y shape with numerous ovarioles. The ventral longitudinal muscles protrude from diamond shaped thoracic furca and dorsal longitudinal muscles present beneath the dorsal region extends throughout the body. Oval shaped pseudo-vitellus composed of bacterio-cysts in the centre of the ventral region. The purpose of this study is to highlight some of the important internal anatomical features of adult female papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink).
Retrospective, Evaluator-Blinded, Pilot and Pivotal Clinical Trials: Assessing the mirCaP Kit (hsv2-miR-H9/has-miR-3659) as a Diagnostic Marker for Prostate Cancer in Patients with PSA Gray Zone Levels
Authors: Kim Won Tae , Kim Kyeong , Kang Ho Won , Byun Young Joon , Piao Xuan-Mei , Kim Yong-June , Lee Sang Cheol , Yun Seok Joong , Ha Yun-Sok , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Isaac Yi
Published: May 2024

PSA remains a key biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer (PCa). The positive predictive value (PPV) of PSA for PCa detection via biopsy is estimated to be between 30-42% for patients within the PSA gray zone. We conducted a single-center, retrospective, evaluator-blinded, pilot, and pivotal clinical trial to assess the clinical performance of the mirCaP kit (hsv2-miR-H9/has-miR-3659) in aiding physicians’ decision-making for PCa assessments in patients within this gray zone. In the initial clinical trial group, among patients in the PSA gray zone, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 94.29%, 77.50%, 85.33%, 78.57%, and 93.94%, respectively. In the pivotal clinical trial, these values were 94.50%, 82.73%, 87.90%, 81.10%, and 95.04%, respectively. These results suggest that the mirCaP kit may serve as an effective non-invasive diagnostic marker for PCa in patients within the PSA gray zone. The mirCaP kit appears to be a promising tool for guiding decisions regarding prostate biopsy in these patients. Notably, the negative predictive value was over 90%, indicating that in the PSA gray zone, the mirCaP kit could reduce the need for more than 90% of unnecessary prostate biopsies.
Design Principles Supporting Data-driven Decisions Platforms
Authors: Elragal Ahmed , Elgendy Nada
Published: May 2024

The digital transformation of organizations and societies and the increasing availability of big data and analytics make decision-making more complex and dynamic. This challenge is likely to continue and accelerate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new scientific approach to facilitate decision-making based on evidence from data. Quite recently, organizations have begun relying on machines to make decisions. So, this leaves us astray about designing data-driven decision platforms to enable humans and machines to collaborate toward organizational decision-making. Incorporating data and algorithms into decision-making addresses existing challenges and brings new ones. Therefore, to enable data-driven decisions, data-driven platforms are needed. However, existing platforms need the principles that ought to exist to foster insight-driven choices in organizations. We argue that a consolidated normative theory must be required for designing data-driven decision platforms. This is problematic because it hinders the ability of organizations to become data-driven concerning how they make decisions. Accordingly, we have posited and evaluated a set of design principles to support data-driven decision platforms, following design science research methodology. Our overarching purpose is to present the posited design principles and the preliminary results from their qualitative evaluation and to contribute to developing design principles, enabling researchers and practitioners to augment them into instantiations of various data-driven decision platforms.
Experimental Investigations of Light Weight Cellular Concrete fabricated using Sodium Lauryl Sulphate based Foam/Aerosol with Flyash as a stabilizer for structural applications
Authors: Theenathayalan R. , Venkatesan P. Vincent , Jeyasubramanian K.
Published: May 2024

Light Weight Cellular Concrete (LWCC) was prepared in this work using Portland Pozzolana cement and river sand as fine aggregate with air voids induced using Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) as foaming agents along with foam stabilizers. The sustainability of foam in the base mix was attained by dispersing 4 g of foam stabilizers such as Fly ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Silica Fume (SF) in the surfactant solution. The optimum foam concentration was evaluated by varying the concentration of surfactant as 0.25 M, 0.5 M, 0.75 M and 1 M. Various characteristics of foam such as Surfactant Liquid Density (SLD), Foam Expansion Ratio (FER), Initial Foam Density (IFD) and Foam Stability (FS) with and without foam stabilizers were assessed using foam drainage test as per the ASTM standard 869 − 91. Taking into account the results obtained, the foam generated using SLS in 1 M concentration sustains the foam while being dispersed in the concrete manufacturing process. Furthermore, the optimization of foam characteristics was also performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS Ver. 26.0). After setting the foam concrete followed by curing under water, the density of foam/aerosol concrete and their compressive strength were measured. The SLS foam-based LWCC produced using FA as stabilizer showed the maximum compressive strength of 6.56 MPa with its corresponding density of 1705.28 kg/m3. In contrast, the LWCC produced using SLS-based aerosol with same concentration of 1 M showed a remarkable compressive strength of 16.8 MPa and density of 1742.94 kg/m3. The aerosol-based LWCC paved the way for a novel method of producing LWCC to build structural elements in construction industry.
Societal Sustainability Consciousness and Its Influence on Corporate Responsibility Uptake in Jordan's Business Sector
Authors: Mansour Ahmad , Al-Ma'aitah Mohammad , Deek Anan , Alshaketheep Khaled , Shajrawi Ahmad
Published: May 2024

The involvement of the private sector in fostering sustainable development is propelled by significant advancements in commercial and industrial spheres. However, despite these advancements, there is a noticeable decline in corporate social responsibility, attributed to various factors such as scepticism among owners or board members regarding sustainability concepts and the perceived high costs associated with adopting sustainable technologies. This paper endeavours to investigate the relationship between community responsiveness and the extent of businesses' commitment to sustainability in the context of Jordan. Utilizing a mixed methods approach comprising interviews and a comprehensive questionnaire, data was collected from a sample of two hundred and ten (210) members of the Jordan community through an online platform. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis including descriptive and regression analyses as well as relevant correlations. Encouragingly, the findings of this study reveal a robust association between individuals' social consciousness and their support for businesses and organizations operating within the Jordan community. Future research endeavours could further explore additional influential factors. The conclusions drawn from this research hold potential significance as they may provide valuable insights for incentivizing businesses to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency in cultivating a genuine societal commitment to sustainability, thereby contributing to scholarly discourse on the subject.
JEL Classification: M14, M21
Impact of integrated pest management strategies on major pests of kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco) and fruit yield in Haryana, India
Authors: MEENA PRABHU NARAYAN , Raghavendra Devaramane , Singh Satyendra , Kumar Narendra , Khokhar Mukesh Kumar , Chander Subhash
Published: May 2024

Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco) is one of the valuable fruit crops that mostly grown in North Indian states of India due to its high-quality juice content and resistant to decline. Pests psylla, whitefly, sooty mold and dieback damage new flush and fruits of mandarin are the most important biotic constraints affecting yield to the tune of 70 per cent. To manage these menace, farmers often resort to cocktail of pesticides without achieving the desired result. Hence, area wide implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in kinnow mandarin was implemented during 2021, 2022 and 2023 covering 5 villagesat Hisar, Haryana. The lowest average mean population of psylla and whitefly was recorded in IPM plots (4.82±4.69 no.of nymph and adult/10cm shoot and 2.80±1.56 no.of nymph and adult/leaf) compared to FP (6.67±3.15 no.of nymph and adult/10cm shoot and 3.89±1.51 no.of nymph and adult/leaf) and control (7.71±5.98 no.of nymph and adult/10cm shoot and 4.90±2.05 no.of nymph and adult/leaf) plots respectively. Similarly, minimum average mean disease severity of sooty mold and dieback was noticed in IPM plots (7.41±2.18 and 10.01±2.34%) compared to FP (9.31±2.97 and 12.11±2.65%) and untreated control (11.28±4.67 and 13.91±2.79%) plots. Likewise, low rate of Area Under Diseases Progress Curve (AUDPC) of sooty mold and dieback was observed in IPM followed by FP and in control plots. The Pearson correlation matrix reveals intricate relationships among the pests. The highest average fruit yield (t/ha) and B:C ratio was also recorded in IPM (22.46 & 4.34) compared to FP (18.88 & 3.16) and control (7.42 & 1.73). Besides, the IPM strategy has increased economic yield, the net profit by preventing pest resurgence, pesticide resistance, maintaining natural enemy diversity.
A study on the genetic and phenotypic factors affecting specific ewe productivity traits in Sangsari sheep
Authors: Ehsaninia Jamshid
Published: May 2024

The study's objectives were to assess the genetic parameters of reproductive characteristics in Sangsari sheep. A data set of reproductive information with pedigree details from 1995 to 2016 was used. Studied traits were litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Test significance of the environmental factors to be included in the model was conducted using the general linear model procedure of the SAS program. All traits were significantly affected by the year of lambing and ewe age at lambing (P < 0.01). The AI-REML procedure of the Wombat program was used to evaluate genetic parameters. A series of bivariate animal models were employed to calculate genetic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlations between traits. The total least square means ± standard error of LSB, LSW, LMWLB, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW were 1.04 ± 0.05, 0.96 ± 0.03, 3.12 ± 0.08, 15.40 ± 0.13, 3.28 ± 0.04, and 19.31 ± 0.16, respectively. The estimates of h2 were relatively low and ranged from 0.063 ± 0.028 for LSW to 0.181 ± 0.063 for TLWW. Repeatability estimates varied from 0.101 for LSW to 0.241 for TLWW. The sire service effects for LMWLB, TLWB, and TLWW were 0.012 ± 0.004, 0.023 ± 0.006, and 0.039 ± 0.009, respectively. The traits studied showed a greater magnitude of genetic correlation than phenotypic correlation, with values ranging from − 0.59 (LSB-LMWLB) to 0.87 (LMWLB-TLWB). It appears that focusing on TLWW for selection could result in more significant improvements in the reproductive performance of Sangsari ewes.
Evaluation of Ketone Bodies in Blood during Vomiting Episodes for Diagnosing Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Saito Yuya , Osawa Yukiko , Obonai Toshimasa
Published: May 2024

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a very common emergency pediatric condition but can be challenging to diagnose due to the need to ascertain a history of recurrent vomiting episodes. The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of the blood ketone (beta-hydroxybutyric acid) level in diagnosing CVS by investigating ketone bodies in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department with vomiting symptoms. The study included 395 patients who underwent rapid beta-hydroxybutyric acid testing for vomiting episodes between August 24, 2021 and September 30, 2023. Of these, 21 (5.3%) were diagnosed with CVS while 374 (94.7%) were classified as non-CVS. Additionally, 21 patients with CVS were compared with 63 controls matched for age and fasting duration. The beta-hydroxybutyric acid level was higher (3.6 mmol/L vs. 1.7 mmol/L, P < 0.001) in the CVS group than in the control subjects. The diagnostic probability model for CVS based on age (≥ 8 years) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid level (≥ 2.9 mmol/L) in the present study demonstrated a specificity of 97.1%, sensitivity of 42.9%, and positive likelihood ratio of 14.3.
Conclusion: The blood ketone level was higher in pediatric patients with CVS presenting to the emergency department with vomiting symptoms than in matched control subjects. Age and the blood ketone level may have the potential to aid the early diagnosis of cyclic vomiting syndrome.
Comprehensive Radiomics Analysis for Predicting Benign and Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) of the Pancreas: Integrating Clinical and Imaging Data
Authors: Lou Fengxiang , Li Mingyang , Chu Tongjia , Duan Haoyu , Liu Huan , Zhang Jian , Duan Kehang , Liu Han , Wei Feng
Published: May 2024

Purpose:The primary aim of this investigation was to leverage radiomics derived from contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans to devise a predictive model adept at discerning the benign and malignant of IPMNs. Material and Methods: Radiomic signatures were meticulously crafted to delineate benign from malignant IPMNs by extracting pertinent features from contrast-enhanced CT images within a designated training cohort (n = 84). Subsequent validation was conducted on an independent test cohort (n = 37). The efficacy of the model's discriminative capability was quantitatively evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with an integration of carefully selected clinical features to enhance comparative analysis. Results:The arterial phase images were utilized to construct a model comprising 8 features for distinguishing between benign and malignant cases. The model achieved an accuracy of 0.891 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.816–0.996] in the cross-validation set and 0.553 (95% CI, 0.360-0.745) in the test set. Conversely, employing 9 features from the venous phase resulted in a model with a cross-validation accuracy of 0.862 (95%CI, 0.777-0.946) and a test set accuracy of 0.801 (95% CI, 0.653-0.950).Integrating the identified clinical features with image features yielded a model with a cross-validation accuracy of 0.934 (95% CI, 0.879-0.990) and a test set accuracy of 0.904 (95% CI, 0.808-0.999), thereby further enhancing its discriminatory capability. Conclusion:Our findings distinctly illustrate that venous phase radiomics eclipses arterial phase radiomics in terms of predictive accuracy regarding the nature of IPMN. Furthermore, the synthesis and meticulous screening of clinical features with radiomic data significantly amplify the diagnostic efficacy of our model, underscoring the pivotal importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach for accurate risk stratification in IPMN management.
Health related quality of life and cost of illness in hemodialysis patients attending teaching hospitals: evidence from a developing country
Authors: Ghoddoosi-Nejad Djavad , Ebrahimi Vajiheh , SharifZadeh Gholamreza , arian anahita , zozani morteza arab
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Chronic kidney diseases and treatment protocols and procedures including hemodialysis affect one’s life style, health status and nevertheless socio-economic status of the patients. We aimed to assess the health related quality of life and cost of illness in hemodialysis patients.
Methods and materials: This study conducted in a two phases. First we assessed the quality of life of the patients undergo hemodialysis and then Cost of Illness (COI) was estimated. Researchers used census method for sampling and all patients attended teaching hospitals were included in the study. KDQOL-SF used for assessing quality of life of the patients and COI checklist was used for estimating costs of them during the study.
Results: 38 (76%) of the participants were male and other were female (12, 2%). Also 76% of the patients were married. Mean score of quality of life was 221.2 ± 17.31. Direct medical costs of every patient with hemodialysis was calculated 268.71$ and total cost for every patients was estimated for 2,050.09$ per year for receiving hemodialysis care on average. Significant relationship found between the quality of life and gender and employment status. Also, there was a significant relationship between the total costs of the studied hemodialysis patients and the variables of employment status and job type. (α≤0.05)
Conclusion: Although the quality of life score of hemodialysis patients was assessed relatively high, due to the fact that most of the treatment costs included overhead and indirect costs from the patient's out of pocket payments, it is recommended to the health authorities to take decisions such as setting up more dialysis centers to reduce these costs, and developing supportive subsidiary plans for these type of patients.
Upadacitinib as Rescue Therapy for Corticosteroid Failure Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: First Case Report in Asia
Authors: Chung Chen-Shuan , Le Puo-Hsien
Published: May 2024

Background: Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a medical emergent condition and approximately one-third of patients with ASUC do not respond to corticosteroid. Whether small molecule drugs are efficient and safe for salvage therapy of ASUC is not well-understood.
Methods: Consecutive patients with ASUC who failed responding to first-line corticosteroid were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical, laboratory, endoscopic and pathological data were analyzed.
Results: Five Asian male patients (median age of 38.9 year-old) with ASUC who received salvage therapy with upadacitinib were enrolled. The mean (±standard deviation) disease duration was 3.44 (±3.30, 0.53~7.88) years. Baseline Montreal disease extent, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were four (80%) E3 and one (20%) E2 disease, 40.54 (±74.26) mg/dl, and 24.50 (±19.09) mm/hour, respectively. Daily upadacitinib 45mg were prescribed for 56 days in all patients. Clinical response, clinical remission, corticosteroid-free remission and endoscopic improvement at week 8 and 12 were achieved in five (100%) and five (100%), four (80%) and five (100%), four (80%) and five (100%), and four (80%) and five (100%) patients, respectively. One (20%) patient achieved histo-endoscopic remission at week 24. None of them had re-hospitalization or colectomy during the follow-up period but one patient developed penile simplex-1 infection which resolved after topical antiviral ointment without upadacitinib discontinuation.
Conclusions: Upadacitinib is an efficient salvage therapy for patients with ASUC. Further investigations are essential to assess long-term durability, safety profile, and viability as a bridging regimen in the treatment of ASUC.
Excess Weight leads to a better Health-Related Quality of Life in patients with Cancer
Authors: Dai Yiding , Zhang Yong , Yu Qingsong , Pan Zhijin , Huang Jingjing , Chen Qiulong , Chen Yi , Zhou Xiangxi , Tian Xin , Luo Jie , Huang Baiwei , Liu Fang , Shi Qiuling
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important indicator for patients with cancer. Currently, it is unclear whether body mass index (BMI) impact the quality of life of patients with cancer. To investigate whether elevated BMI results in improved HRQoL and to assess factors that are associated with HRQoL in patients attending an acupuncture rehabilitation clinic.
Methods
This analysis using the baseline data from a longitudinal cohort study on patients with cancer undergoing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. Patients in the TCM clinic of Sichuan Cancer Hospital were recruited between August 2021 and November 2023. During the baseline investigation, patients completed a sociodemographic survey and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. EQ-VAS, derived from EQ-5D-5L, was chosen as primary measure to evaluate HRQoL. BMI was the primary explanatory variable in this study.
Results
Total 2059 patients were included in the analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMI was an independent protective factor for HRQoL (B = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.13 ~ 0.72, P = 0.005). The HRQoL of patients with the excess weight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) was significantly better than that of those with BMI < 24 (71.00 ± 16.90 vs 68.28 ± 18.76, P = 0.004). Similar trends were noted within subgroups of patients under 60 years of age, without hypertension, or receiving treatments other than surgery alone.
Conclusion
Cancer patients who are overweight have a better HRQoL. Maintaining an appropriate weight during and after cancer treatment would benefit patients preserving a good quality of life.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2100052816.Registered on November 05, 2021.
Projected near-future changes in precipitation extremes over Anambra-Imo River Basin inferred from CMIP6 HighResMIP
Authors: Ibe Colman , Dike Victor Nnamdi , Ishaya Samaila Kunden , Magaji Jos , Ibe Amarachukwu A. , Anoruo Chukwuma
Published: May 2024

The southeastern region of Nigeria is susceptible to flood disasters primarily triggered by extreme precipitation with localized impacts. This study uses the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), High-Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) to investigate seasonal dependent changes in precipitation extremes in the near future (2031–2050) in the Anambra-Imo River Basin, in the southeastern region of Nigeria. Evaluating the models against observation for the 1995–2014 period, it is found that models creditably reproduced the spatial pattern of the observed annual precipitation extremes over the river basin. Results show that in the near future, annual precipitation extremes will be characterized by a robust increase in annual total precipitation amount (PRCPTOT), maximum 5-day precipitation (RX5day), and heavy precipitation (R10mm). Meanwhile, the models project a significant increase in PRCPTOT, RX5day, R10mm, and wet-day intensity (SDII) for the June-July-August (JJA) and September-October-November (SON) seasons. The results demonstrate a robust and higher magnitude increase in precipitation extremes during the SON season. Specifically, PRCPTOT, RX5day, R10mm and SDII are projected to increase by up to 46 mm, 24 mm, 1.2 days and 2.4 mm/day, respectively. Whereas during the March-April-May (MAM) season, the HighResMIP suggests that PRCPTOT, R10mm, and SDII will marginally increase over the eastern part of the Anambra-Imo River Basin. Besides, the December-January-February (DJF) season will be characterized by a marginal increase in the precipitation extremes, especially over the southern fringes of the river basin. We note that in the near future, precipitation extremes in the river basin will be characterized by more intense and less frequent precipitation extremes during the JJA and SON, potentially exacerbating flash flooding in the river basin. Hence, the results of this study may be vital for near-term socio-economic planning and policy decisions that will minimize the impact of flood disasters in the Anambra-Imo River Basin.
LL-37 Limits the Therapeutic Efficacy of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and Suramin for HCC by Enhancing M2 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Zhang Huidan , Yuan Xueli , Yang Yaxin , Xie Wenjing , Chen Qin , Duan Wenliang , Zhu Yiqiang , chen yuqing
Published: May 2024

Background: Supplementation with 1,25(OH)2D3 alone doesn't benefit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. LL-37, part of innate immunity, and its impact on HCC progression via macrophages, as well as its interaction with 1,25(OH)2D3, remain unclear.
Methods: HCC/macrophage co-cultures in vitro was applied and the M1/M2 polarization from THP-1-derived macrophages was identified by qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining and ELISA assays. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 -LL-37 axis on HCC cells (PLC/PRF-5 and Huh7) was detected by proliferation, colony formation, and invasion assays. A HCC/macrophage co-xenograft model tested suramin's targeting of TAMs for 1,25(OH)2D3 therapy.
Results: LL-37 expression rose in HCC/macrophage co-culture. LL-37 overexpression boosted macrophage recruitment, M2 polarization, and Akt/mTOR, JAK/STAT3 pathway activation, enhancing HCC cell viability, migration, invasion. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased hCAP18/LL-37 levels in vitro and in xenografted mice, involving the vitamin D receptor. 1,25(OH)2D3 also increased macrophage recruitment, M2 polarization. Suramin blockade of LL-37 eliminated 1,25(OH)2D3-induced effects, enhancing its anticancer activity in vivo.
Conclusions: LL-37 contributes to a 1,25(OH)2D3-induced immunosuppressive microenvironment by TAM regulation, limiting 1,25(OH)2D3 efficacy in HCC. Combining 1,25(OH)2D3 with suramin may enhance anticancer effects, potentially benefiting HCC patients.
Comprehensive analyses of the postharvest physiology and browning mechanism of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) during cold storage
Authors: Tian Feng-xia , Zhou En-ping , Yu Zi-han , Xu Guang-ling
Published: May 2024

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to the Punicaceae family. Pomegranates are valued for their social, ecological, economic and aesthetic value and, more recently, for their health benefits. Tunisian pomegranate, which has soft seeds and large arils that can be easily swallowed, is particularly popular. In this study, soft seed pomegranate fruit was stored at chilling injury (CI) temperature (0 °C) and non-CI temperature (8 °C) after harvest to investigate the impacts of these temperatures on CI development and browning and the associated underlying mechanisms. Pomegranates are susceptible to CI when stored at temperatures below 7 °C. The results showed that at 0 °C, the CI index, browning degree, and chlorophyll content were greater than those at 8 °C. Furthermore, storage at 0 °C increased cell membrane permeability and increased polyphenol oxidase activity. These findings demonstrated that CI and browning in pomegranate were closely associated with the metabolism of membrane lipids and phenolics. The aim of this study was to explore environmental factors that affect fruit skin browning as well as the relationship between changes in enzyme activity and fruit skin browning. A temperature of 0 °C can cause low-temperature damage to pomegranates, while at 8 °C, the fruit hardly experiences cold damage. In the later stage of fruit storage, damage to cell membrane permeability, a gradual increase in the content of the membrane lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, oxidation and degradation of phenolic substances, slight ageing and browning of the fruit skin, and an acidic tissue pH were observed.