bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Massive 1D Dirac Line, Solitons and Reversible Manipulation on the Surface of a Prototype Obstructed Atomic Insulator, Silicon
Authors: Chen Yulin , Liu Zhongkai , Deng Peng , Xu Yuanfeng , Yang Haifeng , Pei Ding , Chen Cheng , He Shanmei , Liu Defa , Mo Sung-Kwan , Kim Timur , Cacho Cephise , Yao Hong , Song Zhida , Chen X. , Wang Zhong , Yan Binghai , Yang Lexian , Bernevig Bogdan
Published: April 2023

In the past decade, topological quantum materials have attracted enormous research efforts in both physics and materials science. However, despite increasing number of discovered topological quantum materials, recent high throughput computations also predicted a majority of topologically trivial materials at the Fermi level. Do all the topologically trivial materials behave identically or are there clear distinct classes of behavior? Topologically trivial insulators can be first classified into two types: atomic insulators (AIs) and obstructed atomic insulators (OAIs), depending on whether the Wannier charge centers are localized or not at spatial positions occupied by atoms. Interestingly, an OAI can possess unusual properties such as surface states along certain crystalline surfaces. Although required by the bulk OAI nature, these surface states do not necessarily cross the entire bulk gap, as they would do in a topological insulator (TI). However, they advantageously appear in materials with much larger bulk energy gap than TIs, which makes them more attractive for potential applications. Here we experimentally and theoretically show that a well-known crystal, silicon (Si) is a model OAI, which naturally explains some of Si’s unusual properties such as its famous (111) surface states. On this surface, using angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we reveal sharp quasi-1D massive Dirac line dispersions from two kinds of atomic chains due to the (2×1) surface reconstruction. We also observe, using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), topological solitons at the interface of the two atomic chains. Remarkably, we show that the different chain domains can be reversibly switched at the nanometer scale, suggesting the application potential in ultra-high density storage devices.
Guarding a Non-Maneuverable TranslatingLine with an Attached Defender
Authors: Das Goutam , Dorothy Michael , Bell Zachary I. , Shishika Daigo
Published: April 2023

In this paper we consider a target-guarding differential game where the defender must protect a linearly translating line segment by intercepting an attacker who tries to reach it. In contrast to common target-guarding problems, we assume that the defender is attached to the target and moves along. This assumption affects the defender’s maximum speed in an inertial frame, which depends on the target’s direction of motion. Zero-sum differential game of degree for both the attacker-win and defender-win scenarios are studied. The payoff is defined as the distance between the two agents at the time of game termination. We derive the equilibrium strategies and the Value function by leveraging the solution for the infinite-length target scenario. The zero-level set of this Value function provides the barrier surface that divides the state space into defender-win and attacker-win regions. We present simulation results to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Ag/ZIF-8/PAN flexible SERS substrate with high sensitivity for the surface corrosion analysis
Authors: yahui zhang , Zhou Sheng , Li Jiyuan , Chen Jiachang , Chen Junyin , Huang Xia
Published: April 2023

The development of a novel and reliable SERS substrate for surface corrosion analysis of bronze relics is an exciting research topic in cultural relic protection. The present work developed a high-performance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on Ag/ZIF-8/PAN nanofibers. ZIF-8 nanocrystals induced the in-situ growth of silver nanoparticles, and the substrate was tested in the surface corrosion analysis of bronze relics. The porous structure and active centers on ZIF-8 coated on PAN nanofibers assured the in-situ growth of silver nanoparticles. Simultaneously, the adsorption of harmful rust-alkaline copper chloride was enhanced on the surface of bronze relics. The deposits induced perturbations in the extensive metal network, which significantly increased the intensity of the Raman characteristic peaks of the test objects. The strength of the signal at 118 cm− 1 of alkaline copper chloride was enhanced from 1094 to 20790 on the surface of bronze. The remarkable SERS performance of the silver nanoparticles with sharp edges reveals that the synergistic impact of ZIF-8 nanocrystals and PAN nanofibers provide a significant number of Raman-enhanced hot spots. These results indicate that MOF-based nanostructures provide a new path for improving the shape of silver nanoparticles and promote their applicability in cultural relic protection.
Characterization various tailing streams of an iron ore processing plant in Iran and their magnetic upgradation
Authors: Ghasemi Salman , Behnamfard Ali , Arjmand Reza
Published: April 2023

The various tailing streams of an iron ore processing plant were sampled, characterized and upgraded separately. The characterization results showed that the iron grade and dominant iron ore mineral vary from one stream to another tailing stream of the iron ore processing plant so that the total iron content of Cobber tailing was 22.13%, Rougher 43.09%, Finisher 62%, Cleaner 64.68%, overflow of Cobber tailing hydrocyclones 18.46%, underflow of Cobber tailing hydrocyclones 23.62% and tailing thickener underflow 28.92%. The other characterizations of the various tailing streams including particle size, dry solid tonnage rate, mineralogical and chemical compositions, and magnetic behavior by Davis tube tests were determined. The magnetic upgradation of the Cobber and Rougher tailings were performed by the wet magnetic separation at different magnetic field intensities of 2000, 3500, 5000 and 15000 Gauss. Furthermore, the effect of particle size of the Cobber and Rougher tailings was studied on the magnetic upgradation. A concentrate with the highest iron grade of 61.79% and yield of 52.15% was produced from the Rougher tailing. The results confirmed that the separate stockpiling of various tailing streams is a conscious strategy for the future reprocessing of the iron tailings.
Optimisation of Catalytic Oxidation Conditions for the 2-Keto-L-Gulonic Acid Production Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mutlu Ceren , Candal-Uslu Cihadiye , Erbaş Mustafa
Published: April 2023

L-Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a very important antioxidant ingredient and used in many industries. 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2-KLG) is the main precursor of L-ascorbic acid production and it can be produced from L-sorbose via microbial fermentation or chemical (catalytic) oxidation. While some special strains are used in microbial fermentation, some catalysts are used in chemical oxidation. The aim of this research is to determine the optimum conditions by using the reaction temperature, pH value and time as the variable factors for the production of maximum 2-KLG content with the catalytic oxidation of L-sorbose in the presence of Pt/Al2O3 catalyst with response surface methodology approach. The limit values of variable factors were applied as 40, 50 and 60°C for the temperature; 7, 8 and 9 for the pH value and 3, 6 and 9 h for the time. According to the analyses results, the increasing time and temperature effected the conversion of L-sorbose into the 2-KLG negatively. The optimum conditions as regards the central composite design were determined as 41.30°C for the temperature, 8.23 for the pH and 3.25 h for the reaction time. Under these conditions L-sorbose was converted into 2-KLG with an average yield of 43.70%.
Compacted clay liner formed with beach sand, Na-bentonite and waste materials
Authors: Norouzi Aria , Uygar Eris , Nalbantoglu Zalihe
Published: April 2023

Waste materials can be used to optimize bentonite content in compacted clay liners, which can also provide enhanced performance. In this research, the use of sewage sludge & slag- clinker dust and brick dust as replacement for Na bentonite was evaluated. The main composition of the liner mix design was set as beach sand and Na bentonite with a mixing ratio of 3 to 1, respectively, to satisfy the minimum requirements of commonly accepted regulations for liner materials. Waste materials were added as 3%, 6% and 12% by dry weight of the beach sand and bentonite mix. Physicochemical properties, compaction characteristics, compressive strength, volume change behavior and hydraulic conductivity were measured through a series of laboratory tests. The effect of curing was assessed after 1, 7, and 28 days. In addition, microstructural interactions were observed directly and indirectly through Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy tests. Results showed that the waste materials have enhanced the mechanical behavior of sand bentonite mixture. The presence of pozzolanic materials provided formation of additional bonds affecting pore volume, decreasing swell potential and hydraulic conductivity even below desired levels. The unconfined compressive strength of all mixture groups significantly increased during early stages of curing time. Overall, the use of waste materials in compacted liners offers an alternative and sustainable solution for recycling and reducing waste and shows their potential as stabilizer materials in landfill applications.
Add on digital cartoon video versus paper based counselling for medication adherence in hypertensive patients followed at a referral hospital in Yaoundé (Cameroon) : a randomized control trial. (e-Adherence study)
Authors: Arnaud Nana Rudy , Clotaire Billong , Jérôme Boombhi , Endomba Francky Teddy , Hilaire Djantio , Alain Menanga
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Treatment adherence is one of the milestones in the care of hypertensive patients, with as potential educational tools new technologies of information and communication. This study aimed to evaluate the add on effect of a digital Cartoon educative video on the therapeutic observance of patients followed up in the General hospital Yaoundé compared to standard of care.
Method: We conducted a randomized simple blind clinical trial at the cardiology unit of the Yaoundé General Hospital, over a 6 months period from 1st March to 30th August 2022. We enrolled 110 patients and randomized them in blocs of 4 creating two groups of 57 and 53, respectively without (group 1) and with (group 2) intervention. Pre-intervention treatment adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). In the standard group (G1) we did standard paper based clinical counselling including oral advice and in the intervention group (G2) with did the same and added a digital cartoon video containing exactly the same message with images and audio. The primary outcome was medication adherence after three months.
Results: The mean age in group 1(paper) was 56.65±10.98 years and 56.42±10.46 years in group 2 (paper + video), without any significant difference. The two groups were similar regarding the proportion of females (36.8% in G1 and 49.3% in G2), and the educational levels. According to the Morisky medication adherence scale,before the intervention, the proportions of patients with good, medium and low treatment adherence in group 1 and 2 were respectively 7%, 25.6%, 67.4%, and 5.1%, 43.6%, 51.3%, without any statistical difference. After interventions, the proportion of patients presenting a good observance moved from 7 to 11% in group 1(paper), and 5.1 to 20%in the group 2( paper + video), respectively. The intragroup variation of treatment adherence in the intervention group (before-after) tended to be significant with a p-value = 0.0572, while this p-value was 0.712 in the standard group.
Conclusion: Our results provide an insight on how digital cartoon videos can help to have an add-on effect on treatment adherence of hypertensive patients, with a clinical significance.
A DNA extraction method for nondestructive testing and evaluation of cotton seeds (Gossypium L.)
Authors: Karaca Mehmet , Ince Ayse Gul
Published: April 2023

Kernels of cotton provide lint and linter for textiles, oil and protein for food and feed. Cotton seed is formed following fertilization between an ovule and a pollen grain. The seed coat is maternal in origin, whereas the embryo and attached cotyledonary leaves are hybrids of parental lines. The extraction of genomic DNA from an ungerminated whole, a portion or mixed seeds are prerequisite in genetic and genomic studies of cotton. As far as our knowledge, there is only one method of nondescriptive DNA extraction from ungerminated cotton seeds without affecting the seed germination capability, but it has technical difficulties and requires special equipment. Furthermore, the amount of DNA extracted using the published method is low and, therefore, it is only suitable for routine marker assisted selection studies. In this study, a modified CTAB DNA isolation protocol referred to as the CTAB-LiCl DNA extraction method was developed for single whole cotton seed, a portion of cotton seed and bulked cotton seeds. The CTAB-LiCl DNA extraction method was evaluated in ninety-six individuals of six different cotton cultivars along with two genetic standards of cotton, TM-1 (G. hirsutum L.), Pima 3–79 (G. barbadense L.), and several other plant species of different plant genera. Results revealed that this method produced high quality and amounts of DNA as confirmed by spectrophotometry, agarose gel, restriction enzyme digestion, polymerase chain reaction, and library production for next generation sequencing studies of whole genome bisulfite sequencing. It does not require the use of liquid nitrogen, RNase, proteinase K, or beta-mercaptoethanol and can be completed in approximately 2 h. Small tissues of the chalaza ends of ungerminated cotton seeds could be used to obtain high quality and quantity of DNA ranging from 14 µg to 28 µg without affecting the seeds’ germination ability, allowing marker-assisted selection before planting and flowering.
The Effect of Electroconvection in an Anisotropic Saturated Porous Layer With Time Dependent Sinusoidal Electric Field
Authors: Chandrappa Rudresha , Chandrashekar Balaji , Maruthamanikandan Sokalingam , Venkatesh Vidya Shree
Published: April 2023

The study of electroconvection in porous media has important implications in fields such as geophysics, chemical engineering, and materials science. In this particular investigation, the impact of a time-dependent sinusoidal electric field on a sparsely distributed anisotropic porous layer is analysed using perturbation techniques. The fluid layer is heated from below and cooled from above, and the momentum equation accounts for the effects of both the electric force and the anisotropic porous Brinkman terms. The regular perturbation method is employed to solve the resulting eigenvalue problem, with the dielectric constant assumed to be a linear function of temperature. The correction Rayleigh number, which depends on various factors including temperature, electric field frequency, and porosity, is used to define the stability system. The results of this study could shed light on the underlying mechanisms of electroconvection in porous media and potentially inform the design of relevant applications. The results show that the onset of electroconvection can be advanced or delayed due to anisotropic properties. The study also demonstrates that the modulation frequency of the electric field has a significant effect on stability. The findings have potential implications for controlling electroconvection using a time-varying electric field.
Simulation of Hydromagnetic Williamson nanofluid flow with melting heat transfer and Activation Energy across a porous exponential stretching surface
Authors: Dharmaiah G. , Balamurugan K. S. , Prasad J. L.Rama , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: April 2023

This discussion examines the combined effects of Brownian motion, radiation, Thermophorises, activation energy, suspended nanoparticles on hydromagnetic flow Williamson nanofluid produced by the melting process. In order to mathematically describe the system, a set of strongly non-linear coupled PDEs is used. A BVP4C MATLAB solver is used to resolve these equations. In addition, calculated findings are compared with previously published publications, and high levels of consistency are noted. The emerging Williamson MHD nanofluid sketches are graphically shown. Besides, tabular data on shear stress, heat transfer coefficient, and concentration is shown. Intriguingly, it can be shown that when the Williamson parameter increases, the momentum boundary layer corpulence decreases, while the thermal and solutal boundary layers corpulence increases. This research applies to chemical engineering coating materials such strong paints and aerosol manufacture.
Mechanochemical-assisted extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of calcium phytate from defatted rice bran
Authors: Zheng Lei , Zhu XingYi , Wang Jialu , Su Weike
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Mechanochemical-assisted extraction (MCAE) and mechanochemical-assisted enzyme catalysis (MCAEC) methods were developed for extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis of calcium phytate from defatted rice bran, respectively.
RESULTS: Through response surface methodology design experiments, the MCAE conditions were optimized as follows: amount of solid reagent (Na2CO3) 10%, milling time 33 min, ball material ratio 18: 1, speed of ball milling 330 rpm and extraction pH 5.5. Under these conditions, the yield of calcium phytate was 97.0 mg/g. The MCAEC conditions were optimized as follows: 2% enzyme addition, MM400 milling time 36 min, PM400 milling speed 262 rpm, MM400 milling frequency 27 Hz and the addition of pH 5.5 sodium acetate buffer 3 mL. Under these conditions, the hydrolysis rate of calcium phytate was 39.7%.
CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional extraction and enzymatic hydrolysis methods, the MCAE and MCAEC could obtain higher yield and hydrolysis rate, respectively.
Structure Elucidation, Phytochemical Investigation and Pharmacological Screening of Spinacia Oleracea for Anti-Diabetic Activity
Authors: Rajawat Dharna Singh , Tiwari Brajesh Kumar , Sharma Neeraj , Sahu Rohit
Published: April 2023

The present study was based on structure elucidation, phytochemical investigation, and pharmacological screening of Spinacia oleracea for anti-diabetic activity. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the extracts was analysed for the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides and anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds, proteins and amino acids, saponins, sterols and or triterpenes. In this study, the methanolic extract of S. oleracea had shown the presence of numerous phytoconstituents. The isolation of compounds was performed on the methanolic extract of S. oleracea using column chromatography. In S. oleracea, erythritol was isolated kaempferol was isolated. The compounds were identified based on the spectral studies i.e., Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR & 13C-NMR) and Mass Spectra and the structure was elucidated. The diabetic rats exhibited lower activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in pancreas and hepatic tissues as compared with normal rats. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH were found to be increased in S. oleracea (200mg/kg) treated diabetic rats. The increased level of malondialdehyde, an index of lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats was also found to be reverted to near-normal status in extract-treated groups. S. oleracea (200mg/kg) ameliorated the histopathological changes in the hepatic and pancreas tissues. Glibenclamide was used as a reference and showed similar antidiabetic effect. The structural changes are clearly oxidative in nature and are associated with development of vascular disease in diabetes. In results, it demonstrated statistically significant hypoglycemic and hypocholesteremia-like action when observed and compared with control group. It also exhibited potent anti-oxidant potential. In conclusion, it might be said that Spinacia oleracea is effective in the management of diabetes mellitus having numerous potential bioactive molecules. It could be used in the treatment of Type-II diabetes mellitus and to replenish the electrolytes and minerals in abundance.
Benthic biodiversity by baited camera observations on the Cosmonaut Sea shelf of East Antarctica
Authors: Mou Jianfeng , He Xuebao , Liu Kun , Huang Yaqin , Zhang Shuyi , Zu Yongcan , Liu Yanan , Cao Shunan , Lan Musheng , Miao Xing , Lin Heshan , Liu Wenhua
Published: April 2023

A free-fall baited camera lander was launched for the first time on the Cosmonaut Sea shelf of East Antarctica at the depth of 694 m during the 38th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) in 2022. We identified 31 unique taxa (23 of invertebrates and 8 of fishes) belonging to 8 phyla from 2403 pictures and 40 videos. The Antarctic jonasfish (Notolepis coatsi) was the most frequently observed fish taxa. Ten species of vulnerable marine ecosystem (VME) taxa were observed, accounting for 32% of all species. The maximum number (MaxN) of Natatolana meridionalis individuals per image frame was ten, and they were attracted to the bait. The macrobenthic community type was sessile suspension feeders with associated fauna (SSFA), which was shaped by the muddy substrata with scattered rocks. Rocks served as the best habitats for sessile fauna. The study reveals the megafauna community and their habitat by image survey in the Cosmonaut Sea for the first time. It helped us obtain Antarctic biodiversity baselines and monitoring data for future’s ecosystem health assessment and better protection.
Integrated bioinformatics and network pharmacology to identify the therapeutic target and molecular mechanisms of Scutellaria barbata plus Hedyotis diffusa herb pair on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xing Xiaoliang , Xing Chaoqun , Zhang Xuemei , Yao Zhiyong
Published: April 2023

Objective:This study aims to systematically investigate the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms ofScutellaria barbataplusHedyotis diffusaherb pair (SBHD) on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC)based on GEO gene microarray combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods:Theactive components and effective targets of SBHD were retrieved and downloaded from the TCMSP database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ESCC were retrieved and downloaded from the GEO database. The intersection targets between medicine target genes and disease target genes were screened by drawing Venn diagram. Bioinformatics tools such as R language, Cytoscape software, STRING platform, and DAVID platform, were applied to perform active components-targets regulatory network analysis, PPI network analysis, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was performed to validate the interaction between the core active components and the key target genes by AutoDock Vina tools.Results:A total of 33 main active componentswere predicted from herb pair, and 28 intersection targets were screened from 105 medicine target genes and 4064 disease target genes. A topological analysis of the active components-targets regulatory network and PPI network revealed 5 core ingredients and 6 key targets for SBHD treating ESCC, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis found that SBHD could affect cellular senescence, hepatitis B, MAPK signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer and apoptosis in ESCC. Molecular docking found that the 5 core active compounds had good binding properties with the 6 key therapeutic targets.Conclusion:The therapeutic effects of SBHD on ESCC might be related to the active components including quercetin, baicalein, luteolin, stigmasterol and wogonin, which intervened with the key targets including IL6, CASP3, MYC, AR, CAV1 and RUNX2, and the signaling pathway including cellular senescence, hepatitis B, MAPK signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer and apoptosis.
Pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as a prognostic factor and influence on dose-effect in fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for oligometastatic brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Chen Tian , Tang Mengqiu , Zhou Yang , Wang Zhepei , Li Shiwei , Wang Hongcai , Lu Yangfang , Wang Jinguo , Shen Weiyu
Published: April 2023

Background Studies on the prognostic factors for patients with brain oligo-metastasis treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) usually focus on the size of metastatic tumor and radiation dose. Some inflammatory indicators have predictive value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastasis receiving stereotactic radiotherapy. However, the prognostic value of inflammatory indicators in NSCLC patients with brain oligo-metastasis treated with FSRT, and their effect on radiotherapy dose is unknown.Methods A total of 95 advanced NSCLC patients with brain oligo-metastasis who had undergone FSRT treatment at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital between January 2015 and April 2022 were enrolled into the study. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), tumor diameter and biologically effective dose (BED10) were analyzed using Chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were used to identify predictors of survival.Results Tumor diameter (< 2 cm), BED10 (≥ 48Gy) and LMR (≥ 4) were found to be independently associated with good intracranial local control survival (i-LCS) through multivariate analysis. The median i-LCS was longer in patients with 2 independent risk factors (tumor diameter ≥ 2 and LMR < 4) administered with BED10 > 53.6Gy compared with patients administered with BED10 ≤ 53.6Gy (20.7 months vs 12.0 months, P = 0.042). LMR ≥ 4 and positivity for driver gene mutations were independently associated with better overall survival (OS).Conclusions LMR is an independent prognostic factor of i-LCS and OS in NSCLC patients with brain oligo-metastasis treated with FSRT. Patients with tumor diameter ≥ 2 and LMR < 4 should be treated with BED10 greater than 53.6Gy.
Towards inclusive growth in Africa: Remittances, and financial development interactive effects and thresholds
Authors: Ofori Isaac K. , Gbolonyo Emmanuel , Dossou Marcel A. T. , Nkrumah Richard K. , Nkansah Emmanuel
Published: April 2023

The study employs macro data for 42 African countries to examine the interactive and threshold effects of financial development in the remittances-inclusive growth relationship. First, evidence based on the system GMM estimator shows that remittances are not statistically significant in promoting inclusive growth in Africa. Notably, across the economic growth and income inequality dimensions of inclusive growth, we find that although remittances are ineffective in boosting the former, they deepen the latter. Second, we find that Africa’s underdeveloped financial sector dampens the marginal positive effect of remittances on inclusive growth. Third, our threshold analysis indicates that for financial development to interact with complementary policies to foster inclusive growth in Africa, a minimum threshold of 14.5% is required. We conclude by informing policy on the level of investments needed for financial development to promote fairer income growth and distribution in Africa.
JEL Codes: F22, F24, G21, I3, N27, O11, O55
Skin Cancer Detection using Multi ScaleDeep Learning and Transfer Learning
Authors: Hajiarbabi Mohammadreza
Published: April 2023

Skin Cancer is on the rise and Melanoma is the most threatening typeamong the skin cancers. Early detection of skin cancer is vital in order toprevent the cancer to be spread to other parts. In this paper a transfer-learning based system is proposed for Melanoma lesions detection. In theproposed system first, the images are preprocessed for removing the noiseand illumination effect. In the next step a convolutional neural networkis trained based on transfer learning using the weights of ImageNet dataset. In the third step the network is fine-tuned to become more specializedfor detecting the Melanoma versus other types of benign cancers. Theproposed system uses the information from the image in 3 stages. In eachstage the focus will be more concentrate on the center on the image wherethe suspicious part is. The results from these parts are combined andapplied to a fully connected neural network. Results shows the superiorityof the proposed methods compare to other state-of-the arts methods.
Association of a Video Patient Decision Aid with Shared Decision-Making in Undescended Testicle Consults: A Randomized Control Study
Authors: Wengryn Derek M. , Atwell Michael F. , Ogundipe Eniola A. , Beltran Gemma G. , Pfeifer Zachary D. , Bidikov Luke , Chidsey Berrien , Sevick Carter J. , Vemulakonda Vijaya M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose To evaluate the effect of an educational video on parental perceptions of the shared decision-making (SDM) process in the setting of initial consultation for undescended testis (UDT).Methods Randomized control study of patients aged 0–18 years old and their parents presenting to the urology clinic for evaluation of UDT. The shared decision-making questionnaire (SDMQ9) was used to measure parental perception of SDM in the intervention and control groups. Parents in the intervention group viewed an educational video on UDT prior to their visit.Results 258 patients were included in the study; 144 were assigned to the control group and 114 were assigned to the intervention group. Mean scores on the SDMQ9 were not statistically different between the groups (91.9 vs 85.6, p = 0.077). Responses were significantly improved in one individual question in the intervention group: “My doctor and I thoroughly weighed the different treatment options” (p = 0.041).Conclusion The use of an educational video did not increase overall perception of the SDM process but did improve perception in a single aspect of the process. Our findings suggest that decision aids may be less useful in improving the SDM process in this setting, although further research is needed to optimize these interventions.
Neural Computing of Erosion Assessment in Al-20TiO2 HVOF Thermal Spray Coating
Authors: Singh Jashanpreet , Vasudev Hitesh , Szala Mirosław , Gill Harjot Singh
Published: April 2023

Stainless steel (SS) 316L is widely used for hydraulic machinery of ash disposal slurry pump. In this work, the Al-20TiO2 coating powders were sprayed on SS316L materials using HVOF technique. The various properties such as erosion resistance, microhardness, microstructure, roughness, etc. were tested during the experiments. A pot tester was used to examine the rate of erosion. At an impact angle of 60 degrees, Al-20TiO2 coatings were found to erode the most. The neural computing was performed by using the artificial neural network model (ANN). Present ANN model produced the Pearson coefficient (R) of 0.99903, 0.99301, and 0.99194 respectively for training, validation and testing. The overall R value of model was found as 0.99686. Microscopically, Al-20TiO2 demonstrated semi-brittle erosion behavior. Craters and ductile fractures were the most common erosion wear mechanisms detected on the Al-20TiO2 coating, indicating that this material had semi-ductile properties.
Coxiella burnetii from cell and axenic cultures has similar viability but varied vitality as measured by using a methylcellulose semi-solid medium
Authors: Xi Yuan , Ren Yuhao , Shang Xueyi , Lu Shanshan , Luo Shengdong , Fan Huahao , Tong Yigang , Song Lihua
Published: April 2023

The invention of axenic media for culturing Coxiella burnetii has greatly promoted studies on this fastidious bacterium. In this study, we report a methylcellulose-supplemented ACCM-2 medium that allows the enumeration of C. burnetii colonies after growing for up to 15 days. Colony forming units (CFUs) of C. burnetii from both axenic and cell cultures were measured in this methylcellulose medium at various time points (8, 12, and 15 days post-plating). Increasing CFU numbers were observed for both cultures at these time points. The ratios of genome equivalents to CFUs at 15 days post-plating and the ratios of CFUs at 15 days to 8 days post-plating were employed to evaluate the viability and vitality of C. burnetii, respectively. We discovered that C. burnetii from cell and axenic cultures exhibit similar viability (7.72 vs 7.11), but that cell culture-derived C. burnetii demonstrates greater vitality than axenic cultures (1.63 vs 5.2). This work sheds light on the normal viability but low vitality of ACCM-2-derived C. burnetii.
Using Semantic Query Expansion and Relevance Feedback for an Effective Tweet Contextualization Process
Authors: Dhokar Amira , Hlaoua lobna , Romdhane Lotfi Ben
Published: April 2023

Bound to 240 characters, tweets are short and ambiguous by nature due to the way they are written, without maintaining formal grammar and proper spelling. These constraints increase the possibility of the tweet’s misunderstanding. Thus, it is essential to know the original context of their realization. This paper falls under the tweet contex-tualization task which aims to produce an informative and coherent paragraph, called a context, from a set of documents in response to topics treated by the tweet, allowing a reader to better understand the tweet. We propose to combine a semantic query expansion approach and Relevance Feedback technique in order to enhance queries (tweets) and documents (returned by the Information Retrieval System), to produce more informative contexts.The effectiveness of our method is proved through an experimental study conducted on the INEX 2014 collection.
Electrochemical Study and Mathematical modelling of PVC embedded TTP Composite membrane using TMS theory
Authors: Siddiqui Salman , Khan Mohammad Mujahid Ali , . Rafiuddin
Published: April 2023

The membrane potential has been studied to characterize the ion-transport processes across a charged membrane while utilizing electrolytes to synthesized PVC embedded Tin tungstophosphate (TTP) composite membranes (KCl, NaCl KNO3 and NaNO3). It is discovered that the membrane was found to be cation-selective and that the electrolytes gave membrane potential in the following order: NaCl>KCl>NaNO3>KNO3. The estimates of the electrolytes of this membrane's fixed-charge density, charge effectiveness, and transport characteristics were made using the results. The most significant factor controlling transport phenomena in membranes is the fixed-charge density. It is calculated using the TMS approach; because of the potential adsorption of particular ions, it depends on the composition of the feed. The ionic radii of the counter-ions affect the electrolytes' ability to conduct charges in a membrane in a certain sequence. The theoretical prediction for membrane potential is remarkably compatible with the experimental findings. SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR are used to examine the morphology of the membrane surface, and TG/DTA are used to evaluate thermal stability.
Case Study on the Application of Deep Learning to Network Intruder Detection
Authors: Raja M.Chithik
Published: April 2023

Many application domains have had great success using deep learning. Its efficacy in the context of network intrusion detection hasn't, however, been thoroughly examined. In this article, we present a case study on the application of deep learning to both supervised and unsupervised identification of network anomalies. We demonstrate that Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are robust in the presence of changeable IP addresses and can outperform existing machine learning-based intrusion detection systems. We also demonstrate how auto encoders can be useful for detecting network anomalies.
Supplementation of Clostridiales affects microbial profile and induces sex- specific social behavior deficits in mice following prenatal immune insult
Authors: Deitzler Grace E , Martin Austin , Singla Priyanka , Phillips Alexandra , Martin-Varnum Annabel , Zhivaya Elizaveta , Livni Maya , Quinn Shannon , Adkisson Rachel , Hokanson Kenton C , Magnusson Kathy R , David Maude M
Published: April 2023

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable and complex neurodevelopmental disorder with both genetic and environmental risk factors, with a male:female diagnosis ratio of 3:1. ASD can be modeled in rodents using Maternal Immune Activation (MIA). In this model, pregnant mice undergo an immune challenge that leads to ASD-relevant phenotypes in their offspring. Previous work in male mice has shown that the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract drives the development of abnormal behavior in the MIA model. In this study, we tested whether modulating the microbial composition of the MIA mice could induce behavioral deficits and if these deficits were sex specific. To modulate the microbial community, we supplemented MIA offspring with oral Clostridium celatum, a gut commensal bacterium found to be enriched in autistic children. We then compared behavioral phenotypes and the microbial structure of the mice that received the bacteria to those which did not.
Results: We found that exposure to Clostridium resulted in sex-specific social preference impairment, affecting only male MIA mice. 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis of the duodenum and colon microbiota showed that the MIA model as well as C. celatum addition altered the gut microbiota in a sex-specific manner, and that specific taxa were associated with social behavior outcomes.
Conclusions: These data reveal that sex-specific disruptions of the gut microbiota may play a role in social behavior and the efficacy of the MIA model of ASD, and further support the important of female inclusion in autism and gut microbiota research.
Comparison of Regulations for the Development of Oncolytic Virus Therapy in the United States, the European Union, and Japan.
Authors: Matsuda Takuma , Aruga Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Oncolytic Viral Therapy (OVT) is one of the novel approaches for treating cancer and has a preferable safety profile. If a response to the therapy can been demonstrated, it can become one of the main therapies for cancer. We conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of regulations for OVT development in the United States (US), the Europe Union (EU) and Japan to confirm a perceived lag in OVT development activities in Japan and explore its regulatory basis.Clinical development of OVT has begun all over the world. However, most of the development has been conducted outside of Japan. The lack of OVT development was not caused by scientific reasons but rather regulatory reasons. In this context, this article focuses on the regulatory dierences surrounding OVT throughout the developed world. In Japan, unlike the US, data from clinical development are required to obtain regulatory approval from Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA); in other words, data from clinical research are not enough. However, in the US, data from either clinical development or clinical research can be utilized for new drug applications. In addition, Japan ratified the Cartagena Protocol, which demands special procedures for the use of viruses, which are key to OVT; the US need not follow these procedures as it did not ratify the Protocol. In short, in order to stimulate the development of OVT in Japan, we should harmonize our regulations on OVTwith those of the US and EU.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n04p001 (DOI assigned 5/14/2019)
Regulatory Science as a means to respond to EU healthcare challenges and global market needs
Authors: Donnelly Fergal
Published: April 2023

The current regulatory approval system for the placing of healthcare products at the disposition of patients is essentially a binary exercise (approval /disapproval) and is a costly, long and tortuous process. Regulations that primarily reflect patient concerns and that facilitate product entry to market are needed. The process requires a pooling of resources on an unprecedented scale from widely diering sectors, both within industry and outside of it. The needs exist to establish open transparent and intense dialogue between regulators and the regulated, to bring the fruits of innovation to patients at an aordable price and to expedite the innovation process.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n04p021 (DOI assigned 5/14/2019)
Development and Independent Laboratory Validation of an Analytical Method for the Direct Determination of Glyphosate, Glufosinate, and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid in Honey by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chamkasem Narong , Vargo John D.
Published: April 2023

A simple high-throughput liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of glyphosate, glufosinate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in honey using a reversed-phase column with weak anion-exchange and cation-exchange mixed-mode. One gram of sample was shaken with water containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt and acetic acid for five minutes. After centrifugation, the supernatant was mixed with internal standard and directly injected and analyzed in ten minutes by LC-MS/MS with no sample concentration or derivatization steps. Two precursor/product ion transitions were monitored in the method for each target compound to achieve true positive identification. Three isotopically labelled internal standards corresponding to each analyte were used to correct for matrix suppression effects and/or instrument signal drift. The average recovery for all analytes at 25, 50, 100, and 500 ng/g (n=11) ranged from 87 to 111% with a relative standard deviation of less than 12%.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v05n02p001 (DOI assigned 3/11/2019)
Reply to “Letter to the Editor: The Pathology Community's Interpretation of Settiagounder’s Proposals on GLP Process as Applied to Pathology Peer Review”
Authors: Settiagounder Natesan
Published: April 2023

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v06n01pxii (DOI assigned 1/24/2019)
A Treatise on Regulatory Compliance
Authors: Fiene Richard John
Published: April 2023

This treatise provides some insights into certain assumptions related to regulatory compliance and the implications for regulatory researchers and policy-makers for the future development of rules and regulations. Once regulatory compliance decision making moves from requiring full compliance with all rules to a substantial regulatory compliance decision making approach, the measurement and monitoring systems employed to assess programs and facilities change dramatically.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v07fiene
Evolution of Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 since its entry into force
Authors: Robin Diane C. , Marchand Patrice A.
Published: April 2023

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products (agrochemicals) entered into force in 2011. Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011, in turn, manages the list of approved active substances in the European Union. This implementing regulation is divided into five parts: Part A (initial active substances dating from 2011), Part B (renewed and newly approved active substances), Part C (basic substances), Part D (low-risk active substances), and Part E (candidates for substitution) that have emerged over the years. These parts have evolved over time, with an unavoidable decline of Part A and a logical increase of the other parts. Less harmful substances for the environment have been favored by this regulation (Parts C and D); however, some candidates for substitution (Part E) will remain allowed in the coming years, despite their problematic status. This study has also examined the postponement of the final date of approval, which has resulted in one half of the active substances being affected by an extension of their approval periods.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v07robin
Regulatory Science Education: The Need for Generalization
Authors: Moghissi Alan , Calderone Richard , Auffret Jean Pierre , Jaeger Lisa , Longstreth Janice , McBride Dennis , Steen Tomoko , Harrison David , Garrison Destini , McDaniel Natalie , Debrah Henry , Gloutak Larissa , Shumway Douglas , Turner Deniek , Woolley Griffin , Washington Kerra
Published: April 2023

Ever since the beginning of regulatory science, the need for relevant education has been recognized. However, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially recognized regulatory science, several universities have developed educational programs. This paper provides the results of a study to evaluate the existing education programs on regulatory science. The study identifies the generic definition of regulatory science, consisting of applied version of various scientific disciplines used in the regulatory process. The study found that the educational programs in regulatory science largely dealt with compliance with FDA regulations. In many cases, the programs used the term "regulatory affairs" to describe the regulations and how to comply with them. Based on the experience at Georgetown University, the study provides an outline for regulatory science education. The proposed educational program consists of: 1) approximately 10 topics that are relevant to most, if not all, regulatory science disciplines; 2) a summary of various regulatory science disciplines; and 3) education in specific regulatory science disciplines.

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08moghissi
Japanese Pharmaceutical Industry: Recent Perspectives and Areas for Further Research
Authors: Shibata Shoyo , Ozaki Koken , Suzuki Takeshi
Published: April 2023

The Japanese pharmaceutical market is one of the largest in the world. The Japanese government has increasingly been trying to control rising health care costs, and as a result, pharmaceutical companies are expecting that fewer opportunities will be available to command a higher price based on higher levels of innovation; this will likely lead to decreased interest in research and development (R&D) activities. With this background, the purpose of this article is to review current perspectives for R&D by the Japanese pharmaceutical industry, and to discuss the limitations and challenges for further research from the regulatory science and management perspectives. Given the substantial amount of evidence of regulatory science and management perspectives from the pharmaceutical industry outside of Japan and the limited amount of evidence from inside of Japan, it is important to review perspectives focusing on the Japanese pharmaceutical industry in comparison with those from other countries to understand the complexities of the Japanese pharmaceutical market, as well as the limitations and challenges associated with increasing productivity.
https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08shoyo