bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anticancer Potential of Selected Ethnobotanical Plants
Authors: Das Monoj Kumar , Singh Neelu , Rajamani Paulraj
Published: May 2023

Globally, among different types of cancers, breast cancer is identified as the chief cause of mortality among females, and it is a challenge to find new effective treatment strategies with minimal side effects and increased efficacy. Plants are an integral part of the traditional indigenous healthcare system and are becoming the concrete source of new drug discovery. Thus, there is a need to obtain a scientific basis for applying traditionally used plants in cancer treatments that may harbour novel phytochemicals. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of selected plants of ethnobotanical importance. Five plants of ethnobotanical importance were selected and screened to determine their antioxidant potential through various in vitro free radical scavenging assays (such as DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and superoxide radical scavenging), ferric chelation, and total antioxidant potential, and the total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated for the selected plants. In contrast, the anticancer potential of crude plant extracts was assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) against different breast cancer (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-435S) and hepatic cancer cell lines (HepG2), and human PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) were used for toxicity studies. The MTT results showed that among all of the crude plant extracts (CAN = Etlingera linguiformis, SES = Sesbania grandiflora, LEX = Smilax ovalifolia, DES = Desmodium triflorum, and CA = Chenopodium album), it was CAN and LEX that showed the best cytotoxic potential on exposed breast cancer cell lines in contrast to SES, DES, and CA. In addition, at the selected dosages that were exposed to breast cancer cells, none of the extracts from any of the five plants showed any cytotoxicity against human PBMCs. Thus, the crude extracts can be explored further for chemopreventive and anticancer activity on murine models to understand their underlying mechanism for effective cancer management.
Identification of the Novel Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus Sequence Type 525 in Donkeys of Abruzzo Region, Italy
Authors: Cantelmi Maria Chiara , Merola Carmine , Averaimo Daniela , Chiaverini Alexandra , Cito Francesca , Cocco Antonio , Di Teodoro Giovanni , De Angelis Maria Elisabetta , Di Bernardo Daniela , Auzino Davide , Petrini Antonio
Published: May 2023

Streptococcus equi sub. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is described as a commensal bacterium of several animal species, including humans. Growing evidence supports the potential role of SEZ in the onset and progression of severe clinical manifestations of diseases in horses and other animals. In the present communication, we describe the diagnostic procedure applied to characterize the streptococcal infections caused by a novel SEZ sequence type (ST525) in donkeys raised on a farm in Abruzzo, Italy. The diagnostic process began with anamnesis and anatomopathological analysis, which revealed a severe bacterial suppurative bronchopneumonia associated with systemic vascular damage and haemorrhages. Then, SEZ infection was confirmed by applying an integrative diagnostic strategy that included standard bacterial isolation techniques, analytical tools for bacteria identification (MALDI-TOF MS), and molecular analysis (qPCR). Furthermore, the application of the whole-genome sequencing approach helped us to identify the bacterial strains and the virulence factors involved in animal diseases. The novel SEZ-ST525 was identified in two cases of the disease. This new sequence type was isolated from the lung, liver, and spleen in Case 1, and from retropharyngeal lymph nodes in Case 2. Moreover, the presence of the virulence gene mf2, a virulence factor carried by prophages in Streptococcus pyogenes, was also found for the first time in an SEZ strain. The results of the present study highlight the need to apply an integrated diagnostic approach for the identification and tracking of pathogenic strains of SEZ, shedding new light on the re-evaluation of these bacteria as a causative agent of disease in animals and humans.
A SWOT Analysis of Pharmacy Students’ Perspectives on e-Learning Based on a Narrative Review
Authors: Pires Carla
Published: May 2023

Background: Online education became the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of studies exploring the potential advantages/disadvantages of e-learning in pharmacy courses is limited. Study aim: to propose a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of e-learning according to pharmacy students’ perspectives. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to examine student pharmacist perspectives on e-learning. Results: Diverse strengths and weaknesses (internal environment) and opportunities and threats (external environment) were identified, which were grouped into categories, such as (1) students’ well-being (e.g., access to classes anywhere vs. students’ psychological or physical disorders); (2) teachers and materials (e.g., more diverse/interesting audiovisual materials vs. too challenging materials); (3) technologies (e.g., new education strategies, such as gamification vs. barriers in the access to the internet); (4) classes/training (e.g., more versatile/immediate classes vs. eventual presence of other persons during online classes); and (5) faculty/school of pharmacy (e.g., availability of technical support). Conclusion: Overall, online education seems to be suitable for pharmacy students, although diverse challenges should be addressed, such as the well-being of students or lack of standards. Pharmacy schools should regularly identify/define and implement measures to reinforce opportunities and strengths as well as to solve threats and weaknesses.
Advances of the Cubic Symmetry Crystalline Systems to Create Complex, Bright Luminescent Ceramics
Authors: Smyslova Valentina , Kuznetsova Daria , Bondaray Alexey , Karpyuk Petr , Korzhik Mikhail , Komendo Ilya , Pustovarov Vladimir , Retivov Vasilii , Tavrunov Dmitry
Published: May 2023

A method to create compositionally disordered compounds with a high number of cations in the matrices, that utilize the cubic spatial symmetry of the garnet-type crystalline systems is demonstrated. Mixtures of the garnet-type powdered materials solely doped with Ce were used to create atomic compositions of high complexity. Several mixed systems, namely Gd3Al2Ga3O12/(Gd,Y)3Al2Ga3O12, Y3Al5O12/Gd3Al2Ga3O12, and Y3Al5O12/Y3Al2Ga3O12 were annealed, compacted and sintered in air. The materials were evaluated for structural, luminescence, and scintillation properties. It was demonstrated that the properties of the resulting ceramics are a little dependent on the granularity of powders when the median particle size is below ~5 μm.
Generalized Asymmetric Hermite–Gaussian and Laguerre–Gaussian Beams
Authors: Abramochkin Eugeny G. , Kotlyar Victor V. , Kovalev Alexey A. , Stafeev Sergey S.
Published: May 2023

We derive analytical formulae for the complex amplitudes of variants of generalized Hermite–Gaussian (HG) and Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams. We reveal that, at particular values of parameters of the exact solution of the paraxial propagation equation, these generalized beams are converted into conventional elegant HG and LG beams. We also deduce variants of asymmetric HG and LG beams that are described by complex amplitudes in the form of Hermite and Laguerre polynomials whose argument is shifted into the complex plane. The asymmetric HG and LG beams are, respectively, shown to present the finite superposition of the generalized HG and LG beams. We also derive an explicit relationship for the complex amplitude of a generalized vortex HG beam, which is built as the finite superposition of generalized HG beams with phase shifts. Newly introduced asymmetric HG and LG beams show promise for the study of the propagation of beams carrying an orbital angular momentum through the turbulent atmosphere. One may reasonably believe that the asymmetric laser beams are more stable against turbulence when compared with the radially symmetric ones.
First Approach to the Aroma Characterization of Monovarietal Red Wines Produced from Varieties Better Adapted to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Agostinelli Francesco , Caldeira Ilda , Ricardo-da-Silva Jorge M. , Damásio Miguel , Egipto Ricardo , Silvestre José
Published: May 2023

Adaptation strategies in the wine sector consist of the use of cultural techniques to limit damages caused by climate change, using, among other resources, varieties better adapted to the scenarios of abiotic stress exacerbation, namely water and thermal stress, as well as those more tolerant to heatwaves. With the intention to determine the aromatic characterization of ten monovarietal wines produced from cultivars with high productive performance in a global warming scenario (‘Petit Verdot’, ‘Marselan’, ‘Merlot’, ‘Touriga Franca’, ‘Syrah’, ‘Vinhão’, ‘Bobal’, ‘Preto Martinho’, ‘Trincadeira’, and ‘Alicante Bouschet’), grown in Esporão vineyard (Alentejo, Portugal) and submitted to deficit irrigation (Ks ± 0.5), their aromatic character has been analyzed. Each grape variety was vinified at a small scale, in duplicate, and the wines were evaluated by a sensory panel, which rated several sensory attributes (visual, olfactory, and gustatory). Sensory analysis revealed a discrete appreciation for the monovarietal wines tasted, showing a differentiation at the olfactory level that was not too marked, although present, between the samples. The free volatile compounds were analysed using gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), identified using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique and semi-quantified using the gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) technique. Based on the interpolation of the results of the various statistical analyses carried out, 49 probable odor active compounds (pOACs) were identified and based on the odor activity values (OAVs), 24 of them were recognized as odor active compounds (OACs) originated mainly during the fermentation processes. An aromatic characterization of the varieties has been proposed.
Fine Mapping of fw6.3, a Major-Effect Quantitative Trait Locus That Controls Fruit Weight in Tomato
Authors: Ning Yu , Wei Kai , Li Shanshan , Zhang Li , Chen Ziyue , Lu Feifei , Yang Pei , Yang Mengxia , Liu Xiaolin , Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Xiaotian , Cao Xue , Wang Xiaoxuan , Guo Yanmei , Liu Lei , Li Xin , Du Yongchen , Li Junming , Huang Zejun
Published: May 2023

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely consumed vegetable, and the tomato fruit weight is a key yield component. Many quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling tomato fruit weight have been identified, and six of them have been fine-mapped and cloned. Here, four loci controlling tomato fruit weight were identified in an F2 population through QTL seq.; fruit weight 6.3 (fw6.3) was a major-effect QTL and its percentage of variation explanation (R2) was 0.118. This QTL was fine-mapped to a 62.6 kb interval on chromosome 6. According to the annotated tomato genome (version SL4.0, annotation ITAG4.0), this interval contained seven genes, including Solyc06g074350 (the SELF-PRUNING gene), which was likely the candidate gene underlying variation in fruit weight. The SELF-PRUNING gene contained a single-nucleotide polymorphism that resulted in an amino acid substitution in the protein sequence. The large-fruit allele of fw6.3 (fw6.3HG) was overdominant to the small-fruit allele fw6.3RG. The soluble solids content was also increased by fw6.3HG. These findings provide valuable information that will aid the cloning of the FW6.3 gene and ongoing efforts to breed tomato plants with higher yield and quality via molecular marker-assisted selection.
Physiological and Transcriptome Analyses of Photosynthesis in Three Mulberry Cultivars within Two Propagation Methods (Cutting and Grafting) under Waterlogging Stress
Authors: Li Yong , Huang Jin , Yu Cui , Mo Rongli , Zhu Zhixian , Dong Zhaoxia , Hu Xingming , Zhuang Chuxiong , Deng Wen
Published: May 2023

Mulberry is a valuable woody plant with significant economic importance. It can be propagated through two main methods: cutting and grafting. Waterlogging can have a major impact on mulberry growth and can significantly reduce production. In this study, we examined gene expression patterns and photosynthetic responses in three waterlogged mulberry cultivars propagated through cutting and grafting. Compared to the control group, waterlogging treatments reduced levels of chlorophyll, soluble protein, soluble sugars, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Additionally, the treatments significantly decreased the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in all three cultivars, except for superoxide dismutase (SOD). Waterlogging treatments also affected the rate of photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) in all three cultivars. However, no significant difference in physiological response was observed between the cutting and grafting groups. Gene expression patterns in the mulberry changed dramatically after waterlogging stress and varied between the two propagation methods. A total of 10,394 genes showed significant changes in expression levels, with the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) varying between comparison groups. GO and KEGG analysis revealed important DEGs, including photosynthesis-related genes that were significantly downregulated after waterlogging treatment. Notably, these genes were upregulated at day 10 in the cutting group compared to the grafting group. In particular, genes involved in carbon fixation were significantly upregulated in the cutting group. Finally, cutting propagation methods displayed better recovery capacity from waterlogging stress than grafting. This study provides valuable information for improving mulberry genetics in breeding programs.
Effects of the Combining Straw Return with Urease Inhibitor on Ammonia Volatilization, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Rice Yield in Purple Soil Areas
Authors: Wang Hong , Hu Kelin , Yao Li , Zhang Qi , Lin Chaowen , Liu Haitao , Luo Fuxiang , Chen Honglin
Published: May 2023

Straw return in rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy has been heavily criticized for its potential to influence ammonia (NH3) volatilization loss due to irrational fertilizer N application. Therefore, improving the N fertilization strategies within residue straw systems is necessary to reduce N loss from NH3 volatilization. This study investigated how the incorporation of oilseed rape straw and the urease inhibitor affected NH3 volatilization, fertilizer N use efficiency (FNUE), and rice yields over two growing seasons (2018–2019) in the purple soil region. This study arranged eight treatments combined straw (2, 5, 8 ton ha−1, named 2S, 5S, 8S, respectively), with urea or urease inhibitor (UI, 1% NBPT) with three replicates, which included control (CK), UR (Urea, 150 kg N ha−1), UR + 2S, UR + 5S, UR + 8S, UR + 2S + UI, UR + 5S + UI, UR + 8S + UI, based on the randomized complete block method. Our results indicated that incorporating oilseed rape straw increased NH3 losses by 3.2–30.4% in 2018 and 4.3–17.6% in 2019 than the UR treatment, attributing to the higher NH4+-N content and pH value within floodwater. However, the UR + 2S + UI, UR + 5S + UI and UR + 8S + UI treatments reduced NH3 losses by 3.8%, 30.3%, and 8.1% in 2018 and 19.9%, 39.5%, and 35.8% in 2019, separately compared to their corresponding UR plus straw treatments. According to the findings, adding 1% NBPT significantly decreased NH3 losses while incorporating 5 ton ha−1 oilseed rape straw. Furthermore, adding straw, either alone or in conjunction with 1% NBPT, increased rice yield and FNUE by 0.6–18.8% and 0.6–18.8%, respectively. Otherwise, NH3 losses scaled by yield in the UR + 5S + UI treatment decreased significantly between all treatments in 2018 and 2019. These results suggest that optimizing the oilseed rape straw rate combined with 1% NBPT applied with urea efficiently increased rice yield and reduced NH3 emissions in the purple soil region of Sichuan Province, China.
Occurrence of Alkenylbenzenes in Plants: Flavours and Possibly Toxic Plant Metabolites
Authors: Götz Mario E. , Eisenreich Andreas , Frenzel Janine , Sachse Benjamin , Schäfer Bernd
Published: May 2023

Alkenylbenzenes are naturally occurring secondary plant metabolites. While some of them are proven genotoxic carcinogens, other derivatives need further evaluation to clarify their toxicological properties. Furthermore, data on the occurrence of various alkenylbenzenes in plants, and especially in food products, are still limited. In this review, we tempt to give an overview of the occurrence of potentially toxic alkenylbenzenes in essential oils and extracts from plants used for flavoring purposes of foods. A focus is layed on widely known genotoxic alkenylbenzenes, such as safrole, methyleugenol, and estragole. However, essential oils and extracts that contain other alkenylbenzenes and are also often used for flavoring purposes are considered. This review may re-raise awareness of the need for quantitative occurrence data for alkenylbenzenes in certain plants but especially in final plant food supplements, processed foods, and flavored beverages as the basis for a more reliable exposure assessment of alkenylbenzenes in the future.
Development and Numerical Optimization of a System of Integrated Agents for Serial Production Lines
Authors: Alkhalefah Hisham , Umer Usama , Abidi Mustufa Haider , Elkaseer Ahmed
Published: May 2023

In modern high-volume industries, the serial production line (SPL) is of growing importance due to the inexorable increase in the complexity of manufacturing systems and the associated production costs. Optimal decisions regarding buffer size and the selection of components when designing and implementing an SPL can be difficult, often requiring complex analytical models, which can be difficult to conceive and construct. Here, we propose a model to evaluate and optimize the design of an SPL, integrating numerical simulation with artificial intelligence (AI). Numerous studies relating to the design of SPL systems have been published, but few have considered the simultaneous consideration of a number of decision variables. Indeed, the authors have been unable to locate in the published literature even one work that integrated the selection of components with the optimization of buffer sizes into a single framework. In this research, a System of Integrated Agents Numerical Optimization (SIGN) is developed by which the SPL design can be optimized. A SIGN consists of a components selection system and a decision support system. A SIGN aids the selection of machine tools, buffer sizes, and robots via the integration of AI and simulations. Using a purpose-developed interface, a user inputs the appropriate SPL parameters and settings, selects the decision-making and optimization techniques to use, and then displays output results. It will be implemented in open-source software to broaden the impact of the SIGN and extend its influence in industry and academia. It is expected that the results of this research project will significantly influence open-source manufacturing system design and, consequently, industrial and economic development.
The Influence of a CGA-BP Neural-Network-Based Aeration Oxygen Supply Prediction Model on the Maturity of Aerobic Composting
Authors: Ding Guochao , Shi Xueling , Hu Jun , Ji Peng
Published: May 2023

In order to improve the problem of low oxygen supply efficiency during aerobic composting and prolong composting maturity, a genetic algorithm was used to optimize the initial weights and thresholds of the standard BP neural network and obtain the optimal parameters, and then a clonal selection algorithm was used to optimize the mutation operator in the genetic algorithm and duplicate the operator. A CGA-BP neural network based on an aeration oxygen supply prediction model was constructed, and the aeration oxygen supply predicted by the model was used to ferment the compost and accelerate the process of compost maturation. The results show that compared with the standard BP neural network algorithm and the GA-BP neural network algorithm, this model has accurate prediction performance in predicting aeration oxygen supply, with a prediction accuracy of 99.26%. The aeration oxygen supply predicted based on the CGA-BP model can effectively promote the composting maturity process and meet the needs of aeration oxygen supply throughout the entire fermentation process of aerobic compost.
Remote Monitoring the Parameters of Interest in the 18O Isotope Separation Technological Process
Authors: Codoban Adrian , Silaghi Helga , Dale Sanda , Muresan Vlad
Published: May 2023

This manuscript presents the remote monitoring of the main parameters in the 18O isotope separation technological process. It proposes to monitor the operation of the five cracking reactors in the isotope production system, respectively, the temperature in the preheating furnaces, the converter reactors and the cracking reactors. In addition, it performs the monitoring of the two separation columns from the separation cascade structure, respectively, the concentrations of the produced 18O isotope and the input nitric oxides flows. Even if the production process is continuously monitored by teams of operators, the professionals who designed the technical process and those who can monitor it remotely have the possibility to intervene with the view of making the necessary adjustments. Based on the processing of experimental data, which was gathered from the actual plant, the proposed original model of the separation cascade functioning was developed. The process computer from the monitoring system structure runs the proposed mathematical model in parallel with the real plant and estimates several signal values, which are essential to be known by the operators in order to make the appropriate decisions regarding the plant operation. The separation process associated with the final separation column from the separation cascade structure is modeled as a fractional-order process with variable and adjustable differentiation order, which represents another original aspect. Neural networks have been employed in order to implement the proposed mathematical model. The accuracy, validity and efficiency in the operation of the proposed mathematical model is demonstrated through the simulation results presented in the final part of the manuscript.
Drying Kinetics and Quality Analysis of Coriander Leaves Dried in an Indirect, Stand-Alone Solar Dryer
Authors: Jayasuriya Hemanatha , Pathare Pankaj B. , Al-Attabi Zahir , Al-Hamdani Anfal
Published: May 2023

In this study, coriander leaves were subjected to three different drying techniques; direct sun, shade, and using an indirect solar dryer. In the developed dryer, hot air obtained from a black-body solar collector was pushed by a blower powered by a solar panel, and sent to the drying chamber with multiple trays for thin-layer drying. Experiments were conducted for summer and winter seasons, and temperature and relative humidity variations in the drying chamber were measured using a data acquisition system. Indirect solar dryer performance was evaluated and compared with sun drying and shade drying for drying kinetics, moisture diffusivity, and product quality. The drying rate curves show a linear falling rate throughout the drying process. The drying kinetic models are well-fitted with the Midilli and Kucuk thin-layer drying model. The effective moisture diffusivity of the dried coriander shows a decreasing trend, sun drying (2.63 × 10−10 m2/s and 1.05 × 10−10 m2/s) followed by solar dryer (1.31 × 10−10 m2/s and 6.57 × 10−10 m2/s), and shade drying (6.57 × 10−11 m2/s and 3.94 × 10−11 m2/s) for winter and summer seasons, respectively. Green color changes from −7.22 to −0.056, −7.22 to 3.15, and −7.22 to −0.35 in indirect solar, direct sun, and shade drying, respectively. The hue angle and Chroma are reduced by 12% and 32% in indirect solar drying, respectively. The total phenol content (TPC) value increases with drying, with summer showing the highest values (365 to 852 mg caffeic acid/100 g dry weight) while the antioxidant capacity reaches 3.41 and 3.53 in winter and summer, respectively from 0.22 μmol Trolox/g dry matter of fresh leaves.
Mechanism and Application of Prestressed Yielding Support for Large-Span Roadway in Multistress Concentration Areas
Authors: Cao Youxun , Zhang Jinpeng , Yang Tao , Chu Hengbin , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2023

Close-distance multilayer coal mining is common. Under the condition of extremely close-distance coal seams, it is extremely difficult to control the surrounding rock of large-span open-off cut roadways in multistress concentration areas. Based on the engineering background of the 23616 open-off cut roadway in Chaili Coal Mine, this paper investigated the influence of upper close seam mining on the stress and deformation of the lower large-span roadway in detail. The control effect of a high-strength prestressed yielding bolt and cable was analyzed systematically. The support system stress was coordinated by the yielding member to avoid excessive stress on the local support structure and reduce the stress concentration of the surrounding rock. Before and after the upper coal mining, the stress changed mainly on the left and right sides, and the displacement changed mainly on the right side and roof. The maximum deformation of the roof and the right side and the left side at two engineering observation sections was 85 mm, 61 mm, 48 mm and 68 mm, 53 mm, 46 mm, respectively. The surrounding rock control effect was relatively ideal, which can meet the needs of roadway installation support.
Socket Shield Technique to Improve the Outcomes of Immediate Implant: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Scarano Antonio , Di Carmine Mariastella , Al-Hamed Faez Saleh , Khater Ahmad G. A. , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Tari Sergio Rexhep , Leo Lucia , Inchingolo Francesco , Lorusso Felice
Published: May 2023

Background: The socket shield technique (SST) could address the challenges in immediate implant placement by minimizing post-extraction bone resorption while maintaining soft tissue levels. This study aimed to summarize the available evidence and systematically assess the effectiveness of SST immediate implant placement regarding all outcomes (bone loss, esthetics, implant stability, probing depth, complications, and survival rate). Methods: We searched seven electronic databases through April 2023 to identify randomized clinical trials that assessed the effect of immediate implant placed with SST (test group) versus other implant placement protocols without SST. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s randomized trial quality assessment Tool (RoB 2.0). Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, with mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (MD, 95% CI) as effect estimates. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. Results: Twelve RCTs, involving 414 immediate implants, placed in 398 patients, were included. Meta-analyses revealed that the immediate implants placed with SST had a statistically significant decrease in horizontal (MD = −0.28, 95% CI [−0.37, −0.19], p < 0.0001), vertical (MD = −0.85, 95% CI [−1.12, −0.58], p < 0.0001), and crestal (MD = −0.35, 95% CI [−0.56, −0.13], p = 0.002) bone loss, as well as probing depth (MD = −0.64, 95% CI [−0.99, −0.29], p = 0.0003). Additionally, SST had a significant increase in implant stability (MD = 3.46, 95 % CI [1.22, 5.69], p = 0.002) and pink esthetic score (MD = 1.60, 95% CI [0.90, 2.30], p < 0.0001). Only two studies reported shield exposure incidences in the SST group; however, all studies revealed no implant failure and a 100% survival rate. The evidence certainty was assessed as very low. Conclusions: Based on limited evidence, SST was more effective in minimizing bone resorption and improving implant stability and esthetic outcomes than conventional immediate implant placement. Still, SST could not be recommended as a routine clinical protocol due to the lack of a standardized surgical approach; thus, further high-quality RCTs are required to support this conclusion.
The “Secular” in Post-1967 Islamist Thought; Revisiting Arab Intellectual History and Political Ideology towards 20th Century fin-de-siècle
Authors: Shabana Ihab
Published: May 2023

This article gives an historical and analytical account of post-1967 Islamist intellectual production in the Arab-Muslim world and the ways it shaped political ideology in the region. By discussing Islamist approaches and debates with regards to the “secular” and secularism in the Arab-Muslim world the paper tries to answer mainly two research questions: what the perceptions over secularism were after the 1967 Naksa, and how intellectual transformations were applied on political identities, ideologies and strategies by some Islamist parties, occasionally leading to cross-ideological synergies. Using conceptual history, we divide post-1967 into two broad periods, while we argue that Islamist thought copiously appropriated notions of the secular with, however, many limitations.
Rescue of Low-Yield DNA Samples for Next-Generation Sequencing Using Vacuum Centrifugal Concentration in a Clinical Workflow
Authors: Vestergaard Lau K. , Mikkelsen Nicolai S. , Oliveira Douglas V. N. P. , Poulsen Tim S. , Hoegdall Estrid V.
Published: May 2023

The implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in clinical oncology has enabled the analysis of multiple cancer-associated genes for diagnostics and treatment purposes. The detection of pathogenic and likely pathogenic mutations is crucial to manage the disease. Obtaining the mutational profile may be challenging in samples with low yields of DNA—reflected by the type of biological material, such as formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE), needle biopsies, and circulating free/tumor DNA, as well as a sparse tumor content. Moreover, standardized strict procedures for the extraction of DNA in a clinical setting might contribute to lower amounts of DNA per µL. The detection of variants in low-yield DNA samples remains a challenge in clinical diagnostics, where molecular analyses such as NGS are needed. Here, we performed vacuum centrifugation on DNA extracted from five FFPE tissue blocks, with concentrations below 0.2 ng/µL. Through NGS analysis, we found that low-yield DNA samples could be concentrated to sufficient levels, without compromising the mutational profile.
Non-Commutative Logic for Collective Decision-Making with Perception Bias
Authors: Kagan Evgeny , Novoselsky Alexander , Ramon Daria , Rybalov Alexander
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we suggest an implementation of non-commutative logic and apply its operators for decision-making in a group of autonomous agents. The suggested operators extend the uninorm and absorbing norm aggregators and use an additional asymmetry parameter that defines the “level of non-commutativity”. The value of this parameter is specified using the perception bias of humans measured in the experiments. The suggested operators and decision-making method are illustrated by the simulated behavior of mobile robots in the group, which verified the possibility of processing systematic sensing errors, as well as of distinguishing and mimicking the biased decisions.
Effect of Vegetable Oils or Glycerol on the In Vitro Ruminal Production of Greenhouse Gases
Authors: Castañeda-Rodríguez Cynthia Sofía , Pámanes-Carrasco Gerardo Antonio , Páez-Lerma Jesús Bernardo , Herrera-Torres Esperanza , Araiza-Rosales Elia Esther , Hernández-Vargas Vicente , Medrano-Roldán Hiram , Reyes-Jáquez Damián
Published: May 2023

The objective of this research was to evaluate the ruminal fermentation parameters and in vitro Greenhouse gas (GHG) production derived from the fermentation of a balanced sheep diet with the addition of vegetable oils (canola, corn, safflower, and sunflower) or glycerol at different proportions (0, 20, and 40 g/kg of dry matter, DM). The fermentations showed that the highest Gmax was obtained with the addition of 40 g/kg of sunflower oil and 20 g/kg of glycerol with values of 180.97 and 179.95 mL/g DM, respectively. The treatment with 40 g/kg DM of corn oil showed the lowest values in CH4 production (7.15 mL/g DM when compared to the control) and it seemed to be a potential feeding strategy for reducing GHG emissions without affecting gas production. However, the N-NH3 content for this treatment in both doses (1.90 and 1.88 mg/dL) indicated that some toxicity for the animal could be expected.
Inertial-Sensor-Based Monitoring of Sample Entropy and Peak Frequency Changes in Treadmill Walking during Recovery after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: van de Ven Werner A. F. , Bosga Jurjen , Hullegie Wim , Verra Wiebe C. , Meulenbroek Ruud G. J.
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate whether sample entropy (SEn) and peak frequency values observed in treadmill walking could provide physical therapists valuable insights into gait rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It was recognized that identifying movement strategies that during rehabilitation are initially adaptive but later start to hamper full recovery is critical to meet the clinical goals and minimize the risk of contralateral TKA. Eleven TKA patients were asked to perform clinical walking tests and a treadmill walking task at four different points in time (pre-TKA, 3, 6, and 12 months post-TKA). Eleven healthy peers served as the reference group. The movements of the legs were digitized with inertial sensors and SEn and peak frequency of the recorded rotational velocity–time functions were analyzed in the sagittal plane. SEn displayed a systematic increase during recovery in TKA patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, lower peak frequency (p = 0.01) and sample entropy (p = 0.028) were found during recovery for the TKA leg. Movement strategies that initially are adaptive, and later hamper recovery, tend to diminish after 12 months post-TKA. It is concluded that inertial-sensor-based SEn and peak frequency analyses of treadmill walking enrich the assessment of movement rehabilitation after TKA.
State-of-the-Art Review on Shipboard Microgrids: Architecture, Control, Management, Protection, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Aboelezz Asmaa M. , Sedhom Bishoy E. , El-Saadawi Magdi M. , Eladl Abdelfattah A. , Siano Pierluigi
Published: May 2023

Shipboard microgrids (SBMGs) are becoming increasingly popular in the power industry due to their potential for reducing fossil-fuel usage and increasing power production. However, operating SBMGs poses significant challenges due to operational and environmental constraints. To address these challenges, intelligent control, management, and protection strategies are necessary to ensure safe operation under complex and uncertain conditions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of SBMGs, including their classifications, control, management, and protection, as well as the most recent research statistics in these areas. The state-of-the-art SBMG types, propulsion systems, and power system architectures are discussed, along with a comparison of recent research contributions and issues related to control, uncertainties, management, and protection in SBMGs. In addition, a bibliometric analysis is performed to examine recent trends in SBMG research. This paper concludes with a discussion of research gaps and recommendations for further investigation in the field of SBMGs, highlighting the need for more research on the optimization of SBMGs in terms of efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, as well as the development of advanced control and protection strategies to ensure safe and stable operation.
Perfusion-Weighted Imaging: The Use of a Novel Perfusion Scoring Criteria to Improve the Assessment of Brain Tumor Recurrence versus Treatment Effects
Authors: Mannam Sneha Sai , Nwagwu Chibueze D. , Sumner Christina , Weinberg Brent D. , Hoang Kimberly B.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Imaging surveillance of contrast-enhancing lesions after the treatment of malignant brain tumors with radiation is plagued by an inability to reliably distinguish between tumor recurrence and treatment effects. Magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)—among other advanced brain tumor imaging modalities—is a useful adjunctive tool for distinguishing between these two entities but can be clinically unreliable, leading to the need for tissue sampling to confirm diagnosis. This may be partially because clinical PWI interpretation is non-standardized and no grading criteria are used for assessment, leading to interpretation discrepancies. This variance in the interpretation of PWI and its subsequent effect on the predictive value has not been studied. Our objective is to propose structured perfusion scoring criteria and determine their effect on the clinical value of PWI. Methods: Patients treated at a single institution between 2012 and 2022 who had prior irradiated malignant brain tumors and subsequent progression of contrast-enhancing lesions determined by PWI were retrospectively studied from CTORE (CNS Tumor Outcomes Registry at Emory). PWI was given two separate qualitative scores (high, intermediate, or low perfusion). The first (control) was assigned by a neuroradiologist in the radiology report in the course of interpretation with no additional instruction. The second (experimental) was assigned by a neuroradiologist with additional experience in brain tumor interpretation using a novel perfusion scoring rubric. The perfusion assessments were divided into three categories, each directly corresponding to the pathology-reported classification of residual tumor content. The interpretation accuracy in predicting the true tumor percentage, our primary outcome, was assessed through Chi-squared analysis, and inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa. Results: Our 55-patient cohort had a mean age of 53.5 ± 12.2 years. The percentage agreement between the two scores was 57.4% (κ: 0.271). Upon conducting the Chi-squared analysis, we found an association with the experimental group reads (p-value: 0.014) but no association with the control group reads (p-value: 0.734) in predicting tumor recurrence versus treatment effects. Conclusions: With our study, we showed that having an objective perfusion scoring rubric aids in improved PWI interpretation. Although PWI is a powerful tool for CNS lesion diagnosis, methodological radiology evaluation greatly improves the accurate assessment and characterization of tumor recurrence versus treatment effects by all neuroradiologists. Further work should focus on standardizing and validating scoring rubrics for PWI evaluation in tumor patients to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Effect of Pesticide Vinclozolin Toxicity Exposure on Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Myocardial Damage
Authors: Peritore Alessio Filippo , Franco Gianluca Antonio , Molinari Francesco , Arangia Alessia , Interdonato Livia , Marino Ylenia , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Gugliandolo Enrico , Britti Domenico , Crupi Rosalia
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Vinclozolin is a popular fungicide used in fruit, ornamental plants, and vegetable crops. It has recently been seen that prolonged exposure to VZN can cause human or animal health damage to various organs, but little is known to date about its cardiovascular effects. In this study, we addressed the chronic effects of VZN on the myocardium and the enzymes involved in the cardiovascular function. (2) Methods: The animals were divided into four groups: group 1 served as the control, group 2 received 1 mg/kg of VZN by gavage, group 3 received 30 mg/kg of VZN by gavage, and group 4 received 100 mg/kg of VZN by gavage, for 30 days. (3) Results: Results showed that 100 mg/kg VZN markedly increased the plasma concentration of cardiac markers (CK-MB, cTnT, ANP, BNP). Moreover, compared to the control group, VZN treatment decreased the activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx, and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2. Furthermore, collagen deposition was amplified owing to 100 mg/kg VZN cardiotoxicity. This harmful effect was confirmed by a histological study using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining. (4) Conclusion: Overall, our results proved the cardiotoxicity caused by chronic exposure to VZN.
Eighteen Years of Kilonova Discoveries with Swift
Authors: Troja Eleonora
Published: May 2023

Swift has now completed 18 years of mission, during which it discovered thousands of gamma-ray bursts as well as new classes of high-energy transient phenomena. Its first breakthrough result was the localization of short duration GRBs, which enabled for redshift measurements and kilonova searches. Swift, in synergy with the Hubble Space Telescope and a wide array of ground-based telescopes, provided the first tantalizing evidence of a kilonova in the aftermath of a short GRB. In 2017, Swift observations of the gravitational wave event GW170817 captured the early UV photons from the kilonova AT2017gfo, opening a new window into the physics of kilonovae. Since then, Swift has continued to expand the sample of known kilonovae, leading to the surprising discovery of a kilonova in a long duration GRB. This article will discuss recent advances in the study of kilonovae driven by the fundamental contribution of Swift.
Pragmatic and Effective Enhancements for Stanley Path-Tracking Controller by Considering System Delay
Authors: Seiffer Alexander , Frey Michael , Gauterin Frank
Published: May 2023

The Stanley controller is a proven approach for path tracking control in automated vehicles. If time delays occur, for example, in signal processing and steering angle control, precision and stability decrease. In this article, enhancements for the Stanley controller are proposed to achieve stable behavior with improved tracking accuracy. The approach uses the curvature of the path as feedforward, whereby the reference point for the feedforward input differs from that of the controller setpoints. By choosing a point further along the path, the negative effects of system delay are reduced. First, the parameters of the Stanley controller are calibrated using a straight line and circle maneuver. Then, the newly introduced feedforward parameter is optimized on a dynamic circuit. The approach was evaluated in simulation and validated on a demonstrator vehicle. The validation tests with the demonstrator vehicle on the dynamic circuit revealed a reduction of the root-mean-square cross-track error from 0.11 m to 0.03 m compared to the Stanley controller. We proved that the proposed approach optimizes the Stanley controller in terms of compensating for the negative effects of system delay. This allows it to be used in a wider range of applications that would otherwise require a more complex control approach.
Are They Thinking Differently? The Perceptions and Differences in Medical Disputes between Veterinarians and Clients
Authors: Chen Zih-Fang , Hsu Yi-Hsin Elsa , Lee Jih-Jong , Chou Chung-Hsi
Published: May 2023

Medical disputes in veterinary practices are widespread; yet, a limited amount of research has been conducted to investigate the factors contributing to medical disputes. This study examined veterinarians’ and clients’ perceptions regarding risk factors and possible solutions to medical disputes. A total of 245 respondents from Taiwan, including 125 veterinarians and 120 clients, completed an electronic self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire in 2022. The questionnaire covered six dimensions: medical skills, complaint management, the attitudes of stakeholders during interactions, medical expenses, clients’ perspectives, and communication modes. The results highlighted significant differences in the perceptions of risk factors for inducing medical disputes and possible solutions between clients and veterinarians in veterinary practice. First, young veterinarians and clients perceived medical skills as the highest risk factor for inducing medical disputes, while experienced veterinarians disagreed (p < 0.001). In addition, veterinarians with medical dispute experience identified stakeholders’ attitudes during interactions as the top contributing factor. Second, regarding possible solutions, all veterinarians preferred offering clients cost estimates and cultivating empathy and compassion towards them. On the other hand, clients underscored the importance of obtaining informed consent for treatments and expenses and suggested that veterinarians should supply comprehensive written information to facilitate this process. This study underlies the importance of understanding stakeholders’ perceptions to mitigate medical disputes and advocates for improved communication education and training for young veterinarians. These findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians and clients, contributing to preventing and managing medical disputes in veterinary practices.
Margaret Larkin. Al-Mutanabbī: Voice of the Abbasid Poetic Ideal
Authors: GÜLEÇ Serdar Cihan
Published: May 2023

This book review presents Margaret Larkin’s work, Al-Mutanabbī: Voice of the Abbasid Poetic Ideal. The work is a belles-lettres critique of a literary genre, the poetry of Al-Mutanabbī, which discusses the function of poetry in the Abbasid ideal. Larkin's interpretation of history, particularly medieval Islamic history, reveals the significance of contextualizing poetic activity in the 10th century Islamic court authority, as it is a disseminated media power and has an iconoclastic impact in the community, centralizing institutionalized power and supremacy. The author discusses several aspects of the poetic material in relation to the poet's life story, plight, and identity crisis, but also indicates its derivation from the political substructure, i.e., the Abbasid ideal. The political ideal is not a monolithic project; it requires an aesthetic vision and an attractive public image. According to Larkin's discernment, in achieving an Islamic empire discourse, the mobility of state power is grounded on the factor of charisma, the realm of which is poetry in the medieval Arab world. Larkin fills a scholarly gap in current literary studies.
Helene Thibault. Sekülerleşme Karşısında İslam: Tacikistan’ın Dönüşümü
Authors: İSKENDEROĞLU Muammer
Published: May 2023

Sovyet Sosyalist Cumhuriyetler Birliği'nin bir parçası olarak yetmiş yıllık dinin toplum üzerindeki kısıtlama hizmetlerinin sona ermesinin ardından 1990'ların başında bağımsızlığa kavuşan Orta Asya devletlerinde genel olarak bir dini canlanma hareketi başlamıştı. Aradan geçen çeyrek asrın ardından bu cumhuriyetlerde din sorununun sağlıklı bir temele oturtulduğu söylenemez. Bu cumhuriyetlerin birçoğunda yerli yöneticilerin eski Sovyet zihniyetiyle dine yaklaşmaları, dinin toplumdaki yerine dair sağlıklı bir çözümün karşısında en büyük engel olarak görünüyor. Helene Thibault, Orta Asya'da İslam sorununu Tacikistan örneği üzerinden inceliyor ve Sovyetler Rejiminin yetmiş yıllık kültürünün Tacikistan'da siyaset süreçlerini, insanların dininin toplumsal yerini güvence altına alma ve dini kimliklerinin ifade edilme şekillerini ekilemeye nasıl devam ettiriyor dikkat çekici bir çalışmayla ortaya koyuyor.