bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Crop Regulation Techniques in Guava (Psidium guajava L.) through Hi-Tech Practices
Authors: Bhamini Kanchan , Kumar Anjani , Mishra Sumit Kumar , Singh D. N.
Published: August 2022

Guava (Psidum guajava L.) is one of the most favorable fruit crops in India and is considered to be a well-executed, nutritionally valuable and profitable crop. Recently, guava has secured higher demand within the global trade because of its nutritional value and processed products. It is a hardy, prolific bearer and produces a fairly remunerative fruit crop. It is mainly cultivated on a large commercial scale. Guava fruit bears three bahar seasons, viz., Ambe bahar, Mrig bahar, and Hasth bahar. The continual bearing habit ends up in the reduction of yield with the inferiority of small-sized fruits. So as to overcome this problem, bahar treatment is practiced. Among the three bahar seasons, the heaviest flowering is observed in the Ambe Bahar season, but the fruit quality of this season is rough, watery, insipid in taste, poor in quality, less nutritive and is heavily attacked by many insects, pests and diseases. The fruit quality of winter season crops is excellent, nutritive, and escaped from the attack of fruit flies. Therefore, the crop regulation practice is to force the tree for rest and produce profuse blossoms and fruits throughout any one of the two or three flushes. It is necessary to reduce the fruit set during the rainy season and subsequently increase the fruit set during the winter season through the use of various chemicals like NAA, ethereal and urea etc to regulate the guava crop. This method aims at regulating uniform and good quality fruit and also maximizing produce as well as profit. This regulation method depends on climatic factors, cropping pattern, extend of the damage by the disease and pests, market and industry demand, cultivar, etc. Crop regulation is accomplished by the various strategies like water management to induce stress, training and pruning of shoots and roots at different levels as well as at different times and manual or chemical thinning of flowers.
Yield Enhancement through a Low-Cost Irrigation System for Groundnut
Authors: Harishma V. P. Harini , Kannan S. Vallal , Sampathkumar T. , Sheeba S.
Published: August 2022

The existing irrigation system namely drip and sprinkler adds cost to production. So, an alternate low-cost irrigation system (rain hose irrigation) was compared with other irrigation systems. The study was proposed to find out the optimum soil moisture by selecting a proper irrigation system that supports optimum soil moisture management, enhanced productivity, high water use efficiency, and also involves less cost on production. The treatment comprises different methods of irrigation (drip, sprinkler, rain hose, and BBF) and deficit irrigation (100%, 125%, and 75% of PET) was tested. The results have shown that higher pod yield (3086 kg/ha) and high water use efficiency (11.2 kg/ha.mm) were attained in drip + 100% of PET and drip + 75% of PET. The high B/C ratio was attained in rain hose + 100% of PET and hence, considered as the low-cost irrigation technology for higher profit.
Global Therapeutic Intervention on Malaria
Authors: Onugha Augusta Nkiruka , Ogwunga Chukwunonyerem Chika , Madubuike Mercy Ngozi , Josephat Okechukwu Charles
Published: August 2022

Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by distinct species of a single-celled parasite called Plasmodium sp. However, an infected adult female Anopheles sp. mosquito that feeds on blood is responsible for the transmission of malaria.  In the year 2020, approximately 241 million malaria cases and 627 thousand malaria deaths were recorded globally. In most tropical and subtropical regions of the world, malaria is one of the leading causes of death. Its transmission cuts across 86 countries with African continent recording approximately 95% deaths in 2020. Africa is mostly affected due to its weather conditions that support the easy spread of Plasmodium falciparum. Over time, relevant interventions have been made by researchers in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malaria. Nevertheless, there are still challenges to its treatment and management globally. This review article is focused on the therapeutic intervention on malaria globally. Thus, published primary literatures reporting several relevant and new therapeutic interventions in malaria, as globally attained in the past years were collated and vital information critically reviewed. It is important to note that, the risk of contracting malaria is dependent on the region visited, length of stay, immunity, exposure and compliance with prophylaxis. Hence, to select treatment best suitable as a first-line therapy, combination antimalarial therapy, which consists of two or more antimalarial agents with different mechanisms of action was introduced and has been widely accepted and endorsed to prevent the development of drug resistance. Yet, immunization still remains the best measure for the eradication of malaria.
Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis in Rainfed Mung Bean Genotypes [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)]
Authors: Khatik C. L. , Dhaka S. R. , Khan M. , Lal J. , Verma K. C. , Mahala S. C. , Tripathi D. , Meena R.
Published: August 2022

Correlation and path analysis was carried out using sixteen genotypes of mung bean for eight component characters including seed yield. Field experimental was laid out under a randomized block design with three replications; observation was recorded on ten plants were selected at random from each plot for plant height, pod length, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield per plot and seed yield per hectors whereas for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity data were recorded on whole plot basis among the genotypes of mung bean. The plant height, pod length and test weight had positive correlation with seed yield both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Days to flowering, days to maturity and no. of seeds per pod had negative correlation with seed yield both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis showed positive and high direct effect of days to maturity, pod length, seed yield per hectors and negative & high direct effect of days to flowering, plant height, test weight, whereas indirect effects of other component characters through these characters towards seed yield per plot. Hence, these traits should be given more emphasis while selecting genotypes for yield improvement in mung bean.
Assessing Combining Ability of Doubled Haploid Maize (Zea mays L.) Breeding Lines for Grain Yield and Yield Components under Heat Stress Condition
Authors: Patil S. Vinutha , Doggalli Gangadhara , Kuchanur P. H. , Zaidi P. H. , Patil Ayyanagouda , Arunkumar B. , Vinayana M. T. , Tembhurne B. V. , Suma T. C. , Seetharam K.
Published: August 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.), a leading cereal worldwide and staple food of many countries, is a multipurpose crop used for human food, animal feed and industry purposes. Maize has wider genetic adaptability to grow under different agro-ecological environments. 29 and 48 DH lines derived from MPS 1 and MPS 2, respectively, were crossed with more than one testers belonging to opposite heterotic in L x T fashion. The resultant double haploid testcrosses, and their parents were evaluated along with checks during kharif (in South Asia: the autumn crop sown at the beginning of the summer rains) 2019 at three locations. Among female lines of MPS1, DH line ZL19337 was identified as good general combiner and registered significant negative GCA effect for days to 50 per cent anthesis and days to 50 per cent silking. While, DH lines ZL19641 and ZL19357 recorded significantly positive GCA for plant height and grain yield, respectively. Among female lines of MPS 2, DH line ZL19492 was identified as good general combiner and recorded significant negative GCA effects for days to 50 per cent anthesis, and days to 50 per cent silking. Similarly, DH lines, ZL19534 and ZL19572 were identified as good general combiners for grain yield and ear position, respectively. Among testers of MPS1, ZL1840 was identified as the good general combiner for days to 50 per cent anthesis, days to 50 per cent silking and plant height and CAL14113 for ear height and grain yield.  Similarly, VL1010996 was identified as the good general combiner for days to 50 per cent anthesis, days to 50 per cent silking, plant height, ear height, ear position and grain yield in MPS 2. Hybrid  ZH2063 exhibited desired SCA effects for days to 50 per cent anthesis and days to 50 silking and  ZH2010 was identified as a good specific combiner for days to 50 per cent anthesis and grain yield in MPS 1. Hybrid ZH20158 recorded desirable SCA effects for the trait days to 50 silking, While, ZH20251 and ZH20183 were identified as good specific combiners for plant height and  grain yield in MPS 2.
Effect of Bio-fertilizers and Vesicular-arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) on Growth, Yield and Economics of Rabi Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in Balasore District of Odisha
Authors: Jena N. K. , Jena M. K. , Giri P. , Behera K.
Published: August 2022

An on farm trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Biofertilisers and VAM on growth, yield & economics of Groundnut production. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three treatment combination replicated seven times. The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2019-20 at Narayanpur village under Baliapal block in Balasore district of Odisha. Seven number of farmers were included in this trial. The results of the experiment revealed that integrated application of N-P2O5-K2O @ 20:40:40kg/ha + Seed treatment with Rhizobium@ 50g/kg of seed + Soil application of PSB@ 5kg/ha &VAM@ 10kg/ha at sowing recorded significantly maximum growth & yield attributes resulting 25.4% higher pod yield than sole application of N-P2O5-K2O @ 20:40:40kg/ha.
Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Turnip (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Aradhya C. , Deepanshu . , Bahadur Vijay
Published: August 2022

The experiment was carried out with title “Effect of organic, inorganic and bio-fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) cv. Purple Top White Globe” at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Science, Prayagraj (U.P) During October 2021 to December 2021. The experiment was laid out in RBD with 9 treatments with 3 replications. The results revealed that Treatment T8 (75% RDF through chemical fertilizers + 25% through vermicompost + PSB + Azotobactor) performed the best in terms of days to Plant Height (44.44 cm), No. of Leaves (22.26), Leaf length (30.08 cm), shoot weight (23.93 g), root  length (8.19 cm), root diameter (6.62 cm), root yield per plant (117.25 g), root yield per hectare (234.51 q/ha), TSS °Brix (5.5), B:C Ratio (4.46:1). Therefore, the Treatment T8 (75% RDF through chemical fertilizers + 25% through vermicompost + PSB + Azotobactor) is the best when compared to other treatments. As the highest benefit cost ratio was observed in treatment T8 (75% RDF through chemical fertilizers + 25% through vermicompost + PSB + Azotobactor) i.e., (4.46:1) which states that it is economically profitable compared  to  all other treatments.
Assessment of Shelf-life and Efficacy of the Seed-Coating Delivery System of Biofertilizers in Maize
Authors: Priyadharshini Chinnasamy , Gnanachitra Muthaiyan , Balachandar Dananjeyan , Jayanthi Duraiswamy
Published: August 2022

Film-coating of seeds is a widely accepted technology in agriculture for effectively protecting germinating seeds and seedlings against biotic and abiotic stresses and successfully delivering agro-chemicals, biomolecules, and bio-inoculants to the rhizosphere region. The present experiments explored the possibility of using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and dextrin as film-coating agents for impregnating maize seed with four different biofertilizer strains. Azospirillum brasilense (Sp7), Bacillus megaterium var phosphaticum (Pb1), Paenibacillus mucilaginosus (KRB9), and Pseudomonas chlororaphis (ZSB15) were prepared as consortium containing an equimolar ratio of each strain. The in vitro growth experiment revealed that HPMC, dextrin, or a combination of both did not affect the growth of all four biofertilizers. When biofertilizer consortium was film-coated on maize seed using HPMC and dextrin as film-coating /binding and protecting agents, no apparent changes were observed in the size, shape, weight, and volume of maize seeds. The shelf-life study on film-coated maize seeds revealed that the microbial inoculants accounted for a one-log reduction (from 104 cells at initial to 103 cells after 3 months) when stored at low temperature. The pre-coated seeds with microbial-inoculants showed significant improvement in seedling growth. Hence, the film-coating of maize seed with microbial inoculants using HPMC and dextrin could be an effective delivery system for ensuring rhizosphere colonization of biofertilizers for sustainable maize cultivation.
Influence of Anthropization on the Diversity of Woody Vegetation in Muskuwaari Transplanted Sorghum Field in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon
Authors: Nenwala Pa Aï Vivien , Delphine Dongock Nguemo , Tchobsala . , Adamou Ibrahima
Published: August 2022

Transplanted sorghum is a staple food crop and represents an important part of cereal production in the Far North region. Its cultivation has led to profound agrarian changes and environmental landscape. The main objective of the study carried out from 2017 to 2019 in the Far North area was aimed to study the influence of anthropization on the diversity of woody vegetation, its management and conservation of the transplanted sorghum landscape in the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Population surveys in six (06) villages and floristic surveys through 50 m2 plots in two soil types in these villages were conducted. The results show that the use of herbicide, cutting down and stump removal of woody plants, essential in most cases, have led to profound changes in the Kare with the invasion of the fields by weed plants, post-harvest soil denudation and the disappearance of plant biodiversity. The exploitation of sorghum led to a reduction in the number of woody species from 20 to 9 at the start to the end of the study respectively. Similarly, the average species density decreased over time. The disappearance of 17 individuals was recorded on the clay soil type and 12 on the hydromorphic soil type during the 2 years. Faced with this threat, the practice of agroforestry (4 to 11%), reduction in the use of chemicals (24.19 to 40.32%), abolish harvesting of green wood (0 to 3.33%) and plough to limit the action of fire have been proposed as alternative measures for sustainable exploitation of transplanted sorghum.
A Medical Look at the Elderly in the Hospices of the City of Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Edouard Lokatunga Emaleke , Bienvenu Lebwaze Massamba , Marie-Claire Omanyondo Ohambe , Augustin Tshitadi Makangu , Raymond Assani Ramazani , Faustin Masikini Ewale
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The aim of the study was to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the elderly in the old people's home in the city of Kisangani, to assess the health status of these elderly people and to determine the predictors of their medical suffering.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with an analytical focus. The survey method was used through interviews to collect information useful for this study, which benefited from the participation of 56 elderly people living in the hospices of the city of Kisangani.

Results: It was shown that the hospices for the elderly in Kisangani are dominated by women (51.8%), widows and divorcees are in the majority (92.9%), and the primary level predominates (37.5%). Also 41.1% of the subjects suffered since their accommodation, of which acute rheumatism occupies the first position (47.8%) and 52.2% are taken care of by the churches, but 65.2% are not satisfied with the medical treatment, among them, 41.1% do not make medical controls; 85.7% do not walk well and 82.1% do not urinate well. Similarly their suffering in hospices was associated with five factors including lack of exercise, not urinating well, insecurity in the hospice, needing a man or woman for sex and not eating well.

Conclusion: Ageing is accompanied by a decrease in the functional capacities of the body. Also, several systems of regulation of physiological parameters are less efficient in the elderly. They need to be cared for so that their end of life is also better in all respects.
Environmental Impacts of Agbara Abattoir Waste on the Ecosystem of Ologe Lagoon, Nigeria
Authors: Jimoh T.  Y. , Olayeri A. A. , Falebita T. E. , Reis G. A. , Olufowobi B. I. , Saba A. O. , Akinbode B. P. , Olorunfemi O. T. , Nwabuisi P. N.
Published: August 2022

Aims: This research was conducted to investigate the effects of Agbara abattoir wastes dumped into the Ologe lagoon.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Ologe lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria from September 2019 - December 2019.

Methodology: Water samples from the lagoon were collected monthly from three sites in the lagoon for four months. 30m before the entry site, the entry site of the abattoir wastes, and 30m after the entry site. After collection, the samples were analyzed for 13 parameters following the guidelines of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Results: The result showed that the conductivity ranged between 80.94 to 139.93 (µS/cm). The pH ranged between 7.84 to 9.23. The total dissolved solids ranged between 44.00 to 110.24(mg/l). The total suspended solids ranged between 20.12 to 70.82 (mg/l). The ammonia ranged from  0.01 to 0.04 (mg/l). The biological oxygen demand ranged from 50.72 to 107.41 (mg/l). The chemical oxygen demand ranged from 202.94 to 497.17 (mg/l). The chromium ranged from 0.04 to 0.06 (mg/l). The coliform level ranged from 33.62 to 82.50 (cfu/100ml). The Escherichia coli ranged from 1.20 to 3.30 (cfu/ml). The nitrate ranged from 2.74 to 4.55 (mg/l). The nitrite ranged from 0.22 to 0.69 (mg/l). The phosphate ranged from 6.89 to 11.33 (mg/l).

Conclusion: This research showed that the ologe lagoon is polluted and unfit for human consumption and aquatic life. Therefore measures should be put in place to ensure proper disposal of the abattoir wastes in other to increase the quality of the lagoon.
Capacity Constrained Warehouse Inventory Model for Deteriorating Items under Two - Level Partial Trade Credit
Authors: Aliyu Z. H. , Sani B.
Published: August 2022

In trade credit financing, failure in payment leads to great loss or total collapse of business. Thus, good policies are invented to address situations when retailers or customers are suspected to be credit – risk in order to reduce the effect of the failure in payments on the business. In most cases, the focus has been on either credit - risk retailer or credit – risk customers but not both. This has not taken care of some market happenings when both retailers and customers are simultaneously perceived as credit – risk. This provides additional dimension to the supplier and retailer to curtail the menace of failure in payment at upstream and downstream levels respectively. In this study, partial trade credit is proposed concurrently at both upstream and downstream levels to curtail the menace of failure in payment. Numerical illustration of the model developed for the situation is given. The model determines the optimal cost in each of the possible cases and sensitivity analysis carried out to see the effect of parameter changes on the optimal solution.
Study of the Nutritional Quality and Therapeutic Virtues of Cassava Leaves Infected by the Mosaic Virus and Healthy in Central African Republic
Authors: Nguerepende Odilon Sylvain , Zinga Innocent , Mebourou Emmanuel Kamba , Semballa Silla , Worouwonga Xavier , Namkona Armel , Nguerekossi Bruno , Ndjouenkeu Robert
Published: August 2022

Research Problem: Cassava leaves play an important role in the diet of the Central African population. Several studies have investigate the composition in nutrients of cassava leaves but only few study focused on the impact of the cassava mosaic virus disease, the main threat of the cassava production in sub-Saharan Africa, on the nutritional value of infected cassava leaves. The objective of this work is to determine the content of nutritional and anti-nutritional compounds in cassava leaves infected by the mosaic virus and healthy leaves.

Material and Methods: The study was performed on two cassava varieties that are M66033 (susceptible to be infected by the mosaic virus) and Togo or TMS66 (resistant to the virus) planted in the locality of Bangui, the Capital of the Central African Republic. Cassava leaves were collected 3 months after planting, separated according to the mosaic severity symptoms (0 to 5) and kept at 4°C in a fridge. Biochemical analyses were performed on leaves for the determination of fiber, protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents as well as antioxidant contents.

Result: The results showed that, the dietary fiber content is 44% in healthy leaves, it decreases from 42% to 26% in cassava leaves infected with mosaic virus. Protein content was 4% in the infected cassava leaf samples and 3% in the healthy cassava leaves. Lipid content decreases from 7% to 2% in mosaic-infected cassava leaves, it is 5% in healthy leaves. The carbohydrate content is 59% in mosaic-infected leaves and 43% in healthy leaves. The polyphenol content is 30 mgeq GA/ g in cassava leaves with mosaic symptoms and 28 mgeq GA/ g in healthy leaves. Flavonoid content decreases from 6 10-2 mgeq Q/ g to 0.510-2 mgeq Q/ g in cassava leaves with the mosaic symptom. Tannin content decreases from 6 10-2 to 0 mgeq cat/ g in mosaic infected cassava leaves. Tannin content is 210-2 mgeq cat/ g in healthy leaves. The defense mechanism developed by cassava plants infected with mosaic virus has an effect on the synthesis of biochemical compounds, fibers, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, polyphenols, Flavonoids and tannins. These results suggest that cassava leaves infected by mosaic virus are an excellent food for consumer health.
Redesigned Chuck Table: Deep-grooved Chuck Table for Higher Vacuum Suction of Singulated Package
Authors: D. Kumawit Allen Jay , A. Mendoza Mariane
Published: August 2022

Singulation machine frequently encounters Z-Picker errors and occasionally, worst case of unit scattering which leads on the gross unit rejection and scrappage. As analyzed, shifted units found on the chuck table module upon singulation of strip. Shifted units were induced on the last 3 cut lines when the units were dragged by the blade as the area held by chuck table vacuum suction gets smaller. These shifted units caused misalignment on the next singulation modules to the turn table module and Z-Picker module that resulted to vacuum loss. With the situation at hand, the authors have assessed the current design of the chuck table. The authors have found out that chuck table have shallow-grooved rubber jig pockets that flatten upon suction of units resulted to lesser area for vacuum application. As referenced to the formula F=PA, larger area multiplied by suction pressure results to better force to hold the units, thus redesigned chuck table with deep groove was introduced. The study also pertains to the analysis and validation on the application of deep-grooved rubber jig pockets of chuck table aiming to solve the unit shifting during sawing. Elimination of unit shifting was validated to be effective upon application of the deep-grooved chuck table. The study and validation of redesigned chuck table is essential to avoid unit scattering and unit missing.
Accuracy Evaluation of Enforcement Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in UKI General Hospital Period 2015
Authors: Lumbantobing Romauli , Lengkong Joyce Vera Marie , Pascadea Elysia Gita
Published: August 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health problem globally, both in developed and developing countries. Riskesdas 2013 states that the prevalence of TB based on the diagnosis is 0.4% of the population, with an average per 100,000 inhabitants. There were 400 people diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis by health workers. Following the criteria issued by the Ministry of Health and WHO, diagnosing TB is by sputum smear examination, not only chest X-ray examination.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of the diagnosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis at UKI General Hospital.

Method: The study was conducted with a retrospective approach to source medical records.

Population and Sample: The population is pulmonary tuberculosis patients hospitalized at UKI General Hospital from January to December 2015. Samples were taken from the total sampling with specific criteria.

Result: Analysis of the accuracy of the diagnosis based on diagnostic criteria according to the Ministry of Health and WHO. Of 61 patients studied, the number of samples of men (65.6%) was more than the number of samples of women (34.4%). Most of them are 44-52 years old (21.3%). The results showed that 21.3% of patients met the diagnostic criteria of the Ministry of Health and WHO.

Conclusion: Inaccuracy of diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis will affect the rate of transmission and treatment success.
Procalcitonin as a Marker of Sepsis Due to Bacterial Infection
Authors: Luhulima Danny Ernest Jonas , Ronny . , Amelia Ria
Published: August 2022

Sepsis is one of the world's health problems that commonly cause mortality. The incidence of sepsis keeps on increasing each year. Many diagnostic parameters for sepsis caused by bacterial infection have been used but sometimes are not specific and misleading. Seeing the high number of sepsis cases needed a prompt and precise diagnostic.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin in sepsis patients caused by bacterial infection.

Method: A cross-sectional study on 54 adult patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (12 – 75 years old) in Mitra Keluarga Bekasi Timur Hospital used patients' medical records from October to December 2016. The diagnostic test was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Sample: In this study, there were 37 samples, 28 were sepsis patients, and 9 were non-sepsis samples.

Finding: The test result of sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin was 88,5% and 81,8%, cut off value ≥ 0,8, AUC 0,90 with p-value < 0,05.

Conclusion: The conclusion is that procalcitonin can be a prompt, ideal, and efficient diagnostic marker for sepsis caused by bacterial infection with high sensitivity and specificity tests.
Impact of BMW Segregation Training Program on Hospital Infection Control in a South Indian Hospital
Authors: Saxena Rajeev Kishore , Choure Archana , Bhatt Sanjay , Khan Umar Rashid , Qayoom Jalila , Wankhede Sachin
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Biomedical waste (BMW) generated is a matter of great concern as it consists of high levels of hazardous waste. The lack of segregation and disposal policy in India leads to use of such infectious waste in day-to-day life [1]. Lack of awareness about segregation of Biomedical Waste (BMW) at source is a major cause for Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) and increased risk of contamination of hospital and external environment.

Materials & Methods: To address the problem, we decided to train interns and health care workers to increase their awareness about BMW segregation and thereby reduce HAI.

The program was run in 3 phases. In the 1st phase need assessment was done as to how important and effective this program would be in controlling HAI. The 2nd phase comprised of identifying the stake holders in the program who will play the key role in implementing the program effectively. The 3rd phase of Biomedical Segregation Program BMWSP focused on the outcomes as enumerated in the Kirkpatrick model [2], viz., participants’ reaction, learning, change in behavior  and results. Measuring the impact of the program on the learners at these four levels revealed the effectiveness of the program.

Results: To overcome the shortfalls in the Kirkpatrick model we used Logic model which took care of the instructional design. Logic model is better suitable for evaluating BMWSP as it considers inter-relation between constituents in a sequence and their effect on the process as well as product providing the necessary roadmap from the planned work (inputs and activities) to the intended results (outputs, outcomes and impact). It is a sequence of events connecting each other starting with Resources / Inputs, Activities, Outputs, Outcomes and Impact. The model helped medical interns and dental students to understand the importance for BMWSP and also made a significant difference in its implementation.

Conclusion: The program helped in making the health care staff more aware about BMWSP. It also increased their knowledge, and helped in implementation of the program. This will significantly reduce HAI and overall benefit the society.
Distance Protection
Authors: Sanaye‐Pasand Majid , Ahmadi Seyed‐Alireza
Published: August 2022

With the increasing demand for electricity and expansion of power networks, transferring large capacities of electrical energy over long‐distance transmission lines became necessary. Since these lines pass through different geographical environments, they are exposed to a variety of hazards. Among them, electrical faults are the most common ones that can disturb network performance and cause system outages. If these faults are detected in the early stages and the faulty part is rapidly separated from the entire network, further damages to the network will be prevented. Distance protection is the main protection principle for transmission lines and interconnected sub‐transmission networks. In addition, it can be used as the backup protection for the adjacent lines, busbars, and transformers. Since this protection proves its reliable performance, it has been used for many years in the industry. As the hardware technology progressed from original electromechanical to static and now up to digital microprocessor‐based types, the implemented algorithms were also improved. In modern distance protection devices, in addition to fault detection, there are other functions for phase selection, fault location, power swing detection, communication schemes, and so on. In this chapter, an overview of this protection algorithm is presented, and its different aspects are investigated.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Quantum Circuits
Authors: Muñoz‐Coreas Edgard , Thapliyal Himanshu
Published: August 2022

Quantum circuits are needed to realize the performance gains offered by quantum algorithms. We introduce the design and resource cost assessment of quantum circuits. We illustrate the design process through the development of quantum circuits for arithmetic computations as well as quantum datapaths for the image rotation task. This article opens by introducing physical properties unique to quantum computation. We then turn to quantum gates, quantum circuits, and how we measure the resource costs of a given quantum circuit. Resource cost measures for both NISQ computation and fault‐tolerant quantum computation are shown. We then present quantum circuits for arithmetic operations. Architectures for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are shown. The operation and design of each quantum arithmetic circuit are outlined. Using the arithmetic circuits presented as examples, we show how to calculate quantum circuit resource costs for both NISQ and fault‐tolerant quantum computation. This article concludes by illustrating the design of quantum datapaths for the image rotation operation.
Hardware Architecture for Deep Neural Network Accelerator
Authors: Yuan Bo , Huang Lingyi , Zhang Boyang
Published: August 2022

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have become the most important and popular machine learning technique in the emerging artificial intelligence era. Because of their inherent large‐scale sizes, DNN models are both computation intensive and storage intensive, thereby posing huge challenges for efficient deployment. To overcome this problem, a promising solution is to build customized hardware accelerators to improve the processing speed and energy efficiency when executing DNNs. However, the architecture design of specialized DNN accelerator is nontrivial, given the massive amount of data movements, the rapid development of the DNN algorithms and models, the high demand of reconfigurability and programmability, and the strict requirement of preserving accuracy.

To date, many different types of design solutions, varying on device, circuit, architecture, and algorithm levels, have been proposed and implemented in recent years. This article focuses on the review of digital CMOS‐based DNN hardware architecture. By analyzing the design requirements and challenges of DNN accelerators within the classical von Neumann framework, we introduce the basic underlying hardware architecture and computation mapping strategy. Based on that, the advanced optimization techniques are also described. The open problems and challenges for the future DNN hardware architecture are also analyzed and elaborated.
Fast Introduction to Quantum Computers
Authors: Topaloglu Rasit O.
Published: August 2022

There exists a theoretical set of problems that could be solved in polynomial time with a quantum computer. Hence, quantum computing carries the potential to solve such problems much faster than a traditional supercomputer can. In this article, we provide intuition about quantum computing to the readers and walk them through the basics including what qubits are, what types of qubits there are, how they can be operated on, what are important about qubit characteristics, what the quantum circuits and architectures look like, and what the future of quantum circuits looks like. We only briefly mention about our original work on how to improve a qubit. This article is a tutorial in nature and those with no quantum background should be able to follow it.
Portal dosimetry correction method for validation of single isocenter VMAT plans for multiple brain metastases
Authors: Lalonde Ronald J. , Huq M. Saiful
Published: August 2022

Portal dosimetry is one option for verification of volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for multiple brain metastases. However, due to the changing response of the portal imager with photon beam energy, the dose transmitted through closed multileaf collimator (MLC) leaves or narrow MLC gaps may be underestimated by the imager.

We present a simple method for correcting for these effects that may be implemented within the Eclipse treatment planning system. We recalculated the predicted portal dose with and without this correction for 20 multiple brain met VMAT plans. Before the correction, 3/20 composite plan fields passed our standard quality assurance (QA) criteria (54/80 individual fields); the average gamma passing rate for the composite plans was 76.9 ± 16.6%, and the average gamma value across the composite plans was 0.67 ± 0.23. After correction, 20/20 composite plan fields passed the QA criteria (80/80 individual fields); the average gamma passing rate for composite plans was 99.2 ± 1.4%, the average gamma value across the composite plans was 0.33 ± 0.90. A measure of plan complexity, the average leaf pair opening could be correlated to the gamma analysis results for the uncorrected plans but not for the corrected plans.
Using feasibility dose–volume histograms to reduce intercampus plan quality variability for head‐and‐neck cancer
Authors: Ahmed Saeed , Liu Chieh‐Wen , LaHurd Danielle , Murray Eric , Kolar Matthew , Joshi Nikhil , Woody Neil , Koyfman Shlomo , Xia Ping
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this work is to objectively assess variability of intercampus plan quality for head‐and‐neck (HN) cancer and to test utility of a priori feasibility dose–volume histograms (FDVHs) as planning dose goals. In this study, 109 plans treated from 2017 to 2019 were selected, with 52 from the main campus and 57 from various regional centers. For each patient, the planning computed tomography images and contours were imported into a commercial program to generate FDVHs with a feasibility value (f‐value) ranging from 0.0 to 0.5. For 10 selected organs‐at‐risk (OARs), we used the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) to quantify the overlaps between FDVH and clinically achieved DVH of each OAR and determined the f‐value associated with the maximum DSC (labeled as f‐max). Subsequently, 10 HN plans from the regional centers were replanned with planning dose goals guided by FDVHs. The clinical and feasibility‐guided auto‐planning (FgAP) plans were evaluated using our institutional criteria. Among plans from the main campus and regional centers, the median f‐max values were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) for all OARs except for the left parotid (p = 0.622), oral cavity (p = 0.057), and mandible (p = 0.237). For the 10 FgAP plans, the median values of f‐max were 0.21, compared to 0.37 from the clinical plans. With comparable dose coverage to the tumor volumes, the significant differences (p < 0.05) in the median f‐max and corresponding dose reduction (shown in parenthesis) for the spinal cord, larynx, supraglottis, trachea, and esophagus were 0.27 (8.5 Gy), 0.3 (7.6 Gy), 0.19 (5.9 Gy), 0.19 (8.9 Gy), and 0.12 (4.0 Gy), respectively. In conclusion, the FDVH prediction is an objective quality assurance tool to evaluate the intercampus plan variability. This tool can also provide guideline in planning dose goals to further improve plan quality.
Modulation of Neuroinflammation via Selective Nanoparticle‐Mediated Drug Delivery to Activated Microglia/Macrophages in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Stigliano Cinzia , Frazier Allison , Horner Philip J
Published: August 2022

Inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by immune cell invasion and activation, combined with inflammatory mediator release that worsens outcomes following primary trauma. Effective therapies targeting neuroinflammation remain an unmet need, and modulation of the injury microenvironment to induce a comprehensive pro‐regenerative response is an attractive therapeutic approach. Given its crucial role in cell stress and inflammation after SCI, the potential of pharmacologically targeting MAPK‐activated protein kinase‐2 (MK2) to modulate the response of microglia/macrophages after injury is focused. Nanoparticles (NPs) containing an MK2 inhibitor for specific targeting of microglia/macrophages is developed. NPs selectively target and modulate activated microglia/macrophages in vitro and in a rat model of SCI. NPs in the acute injury setting reduce the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6 and increase the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Importantly, NPs have a significant effect on microglia/macrophage distribution and accumulation, leading to ≈65% reduction of immune cells around the injury. Last, microglia/macrophage populations with activated morphology are significantly reduced compared to resting or ramified cells around the lesion site. This strategy exhibits potential therapeutic efficiency and specificity for local, pharmacologic manipulation of activated microglia/macrophages, and is a versatile tool to manage acute inflammation and glia plasticity after central nervous system trauma.
Further clinical delineation of microcephaly‐capillary malformation syndrome
Authors: Postma Julianne K. , Zambonin Jessica L. , Khouj Ebtissal , Alyamani Suad , Graham John M. , Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Kundell Stephen , Carter Melissa T.
Published: August 2022

Microcephaly‐Capillary Malformation syndrome (MIC‐CAP) is a rare genetic disorder reported in 18 individuals to date. The clinical features typically include microcephaly, multiple cutaneous capillary malformations, seizures, neurologic impairment, and global developmental delay. Currently, there is little published information about the natural history and long‐term outcomes for individuals with MIC‐CAP. In this report, we provide follow up on two previously published patients and describe four new patients. The included patients highlight increased variability in the clinical spectrum and provide novel information regarding medical complications and recurrent variants.
A simple approach for a PEG‐b‐PLA‐compatibilized interface in PLA/HAp nanocomposite. From the design of the material to the improvement of thermal/mechanical properties and bioactivity
Authors: Carette Xavier , Mincheva Rosica , Gonon Maurice Francois , Raquez Jean‐Marie
Published: August 2022

A simple approach towards the compatibilization of polylactide (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles nanocomposites is here presented. An amphiphilic diblock copolymer, consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and PLA block was prepared and used to form an interphase between PLA matrix and HAp nanofiller. This copolymer was next mixed with HAp to intimly deposit PEG block on the HAp surface. Effective hydrophobization via PLA chains presence on the surface of the modified nanoparticles was attested via dispersion test in chloroform. Finally, the as modified HAp nanoparticles were blended in PLA. Thermal analyses showed a Tg superior to human body temperature. Dynamic mechanical and morphological analysis attested for improved dispersion and deagglomeration state of the nanoparticles in PLA. Interfacial mechanical properties studies recorded an increase of 150% in compressive modulus compared with neat PLA. In vitro bioactivity assay showed beneficial effect on the mineralization process in simulated body fluid when the interphase is created. This improvement of mechanical properties and bioactivity combined with a simple production process as extrusion make these materials suitable choice for potential load bearing applications.
Urinary excretion of silibinin diastereoisomers and their conjugated metabolites in rat and human at different dosages
Authors: Xu Cong , Yuan Yuan , Pang Ping , Yang Huanhuan , Zhang Qiang , Yuan Dan , Qi Wen
Published: August 2022

Silibinin is a mixture of two flavonoid lignan silibinins A and B from the seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.). Using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight–MS (UPLC/Q‐TOF–MS), a total of 18 metabolites were identified in rat and human urine samples after oral administration of silibinin capsule. Furthermore, nine glucuronides and/or sulfated metabolites and two prototype compounds were simultaneously quantified in rat urine after oral administration of silibinin capsule at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Over a 72‐h period, 27.6% and 23.3% of silibinin were excreted in the form of metabolites (n = 11) in urine, among which five major metabolites, including silibinin A‐7‐O‐β‐glucuronide (SA‐7G), silibinin B‐7‐O‐β‐glucuronide (SB‐7G), silibinin A‐5‐O‐β‐glucuronide (SA‐5G), silibinin B‐5‐O‐β‐glucuronide (SB‐5G) and silibinin A‐20‐O‐glucuronide (SA‐20G), accounted for 20.5% and 15.5% of the dosages, respectively, when administered at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. These results suggested that glucuronidation at the C7‐, C5‐ and C20‐hydroxyls was the primary metabolic pathway of silibinin diastereoisomers in vivo. The present results provide helpful information about the in vivo metabolism and clinical usage of silibinin capsule.
The interaction between depression diagnosis and BMI is related to altered activation pattern in the right inferior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex during food anticipation
Authors: Manelis A , Halchenko YO , Satz S , Ragozzino R , Iyengar S , Swartz HA , Levine MD
Published: August 2022

Background

Depression and overweight/obesity often cooccur but the underlying neural mechanisms for this bidirectional link are not well understood.

Methods

In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we scanned 54 individuals diagnosed with depressive disorders (DD) and 48 healthy controls (HC) to examine how diagnostic status moderates the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and brain activation during anticipation and pleasantness rating of food versus nonfood stimuli.

Results

We found a significant BMI‐by‐diagnosis interaction effect on activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus (RIFG) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during food versus nonfood anticipation (p < .0125). Brain activation in these regions was greater in HC with higher BMI than in HC with lower BMI. Individuals with DD showed an opposite pattern of activation. Structural equation modeling revealed that the relationship between BMI, activation in the RIFG and ACC, and participants’ desire to eat food items shown in the experiment depended on the diagnostic status.

Conclusions

Considering that food anticipation is an important component of appetitive behavior and that the RIFG and ACC are involved in emotion regulation, response inhibition and conflict monitoring necessary to control this behavior, we propose that future clinical trials targeting weight loss in DD should investigate whether adequate mental preparation positively affects subsequent food consumption behaviors in these individuals.
Financial scarcity and caloric intake: It is not always about motivation
Authors: Pfeiffer Bruce E. , Deval Hélène , Kardes Frank R.
Published: August 2022

Although prior research has established a cognitive association between perceived financial resources and increased caloric intake, the underlying process is still largely unknown. To date, the psychological influence of financial cues on eating behavior has primarily been explained in terms of goal activation. Perceived scarcity of financial resources is thought to result in a motivational drive to acquire food. In this research, we provide empirical support for this account while exploring how other types of cognitive associations involving semantic constructs (like traits) can also impact eating behavior. Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics that are associated with an individual or a group. They are commonly activated spontaneously during social interactions, leading to an associative behavior. Since semantic constructs are not motivational, they influence behavior in the absence of motivation. In this paper, we contribute to the existing literature in several ways. First, we conceptually replicate prior research, providing further support for the behavioral effects of a cognitive association between financial resources and caloric intake. Second, we provide empirical evidence that financial cues influence eating behavior both motivationally and non‐motivationally. Lastly, we find that trait constructs and goal constructs can be activated independently and have differential effects on eating behavior.