bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A First Model Foundation Design of Wood Pillar in Swampland
Authors: Agusniansyah Nursyarif , Sarbini Gusti Novi , Rahman Akbar , Tharziansyah Muhammad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Swampy land in Banjarmasin has special characteristics for building house constructions. The foundation for very low soil bearing capacity requires special treatment as well. Many building collapses are caused by foundation failures due to mismatched building loads and foundation functions, as well as construction material errors. The need for house design follows the development of building functions. Nowadays, a one-story house is no longer sufficient due to limited land. The need to elevate houses to two stories or to develop houses (renovations) often leads to foundation construction errors. The commonly used foundation, wooden pile foundation, has limited load-bearing capacity, necessitating modification steps in the form of foundation reinforcement. Several steps, including material combinations or combinations of various types of foundations, can be implemented. Therefore, a specific model is required to obtain a foundation design that can accommodate construction needs. The aim of the research is to create a foundation design model capable of reinforcing wooden pile foundations for both house construction development and as a reference for building one-story and two-story houses. In this research, field observations will be conducted at various house construction sites in Banjarmasin, both residential and individual objects. Data will be presented descriptively and analyzed to obtain an applicable model as a reference for house construction on swampy land. The model will provide an applicable depiction and will be tested against foundation construction implementation methods.
NIPT/NIPT plus combined with ultrasound in screening fetal chromosomal abnormalities：a retrospective study
Authors: Chen# Meilin , Yan# Jinghai , Yu# Siyang , Ai Lu , Yu Xuegao , Wang Ruizhi , Chen Peisong , Lin Shaobin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: This is a retrospective study of 306 pregnant women of which 182 had genetic testing with NIPT plus and CMA, and another 124 had genetic testing with standard NIPT and CMA. To compare the clinical performance of NIPT and NIPT plus in prenatal evaluation, and the NIPT results were compared to CMA as the gold standard to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of the two NIPT methods. Methods: By analyzing the NIPT Plus/NIPT results and correlating them with the ultrasound results, we evaluated the accuracy and clinical utility of this approach. Finally, the results of CMA were compared as the gold standard to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of the two methods. Results: It showed that the combined diagnosis of NIPT Plus and ultrasound had a higher detection rate than the combined diagnosis of NIPT and ultrasound. The positive predictive value of the combined diagnosis of NIPT and ultrasound was as high as 100% in our study. Conclusion: NIPT plus has a higher false positive rate, which emphasizes the need for combining ultrasound in the screening process to provide clinical guidance. Screening for sex chromosome aneuploidy in fetuses, using NIPT alone, may be superior to combined screening with ultrasound.
Genetic diversity and relationships among Iris aucheri genotypes determined via ISSR and CDDP markers
Authors: Rasul Kamaran Salh , Majeed Hoshman Omar , Faraj Jamal Mahmood , Lateef Djshwar Dhahir , Tahir Nawroz Abdul-razzak 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Iris aucheri, which belongs to the Iridaceae family, is one of the most important wild ornamental plants distributed widely throughout the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) (north of Iraq). The genetic diversity of this plant species is partly known. Thus, ten ISSR markers and ten CDDP markers were utilized to evaluate the genetic diversity and perform population analysis of forty-eightwild Iris aucheri genotypes from five locations in the IKR. The results revealed 108 and 134 polymorphic bands for the ISSR and CDDP markers, respectively. The mean values of the number of observed alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), Shannon's information index (I), expected heterozygosity or gene diversity (He), unbiased expected heterozygosity (uHe), and polymorphic information content (PIC) were 1.71, 1.43, 0.39, 0.26, 0.27, and 0.32 for the ISSR primers and 1.53, 1.37, 0.34, 0.22, 0.23, and 0.26 for the CDDP primers, respectively. All the genotypes were classified into two main clades and two populations on the basis of the UPGMA dendrogram and population structure analysis derived from the marker data. The variation within populations was 89.59%, 90.64%, and 90.31% for ISSR, CDDP, and combinations of both markers, respectively. Among all the data, population 2 presented the highest values of the majority of diversity indices. Our results revealed the efficacy of both markers in determining the genetic variability among iris genotypes. This is the first attempt to use these markers to elucidate genetic diversity among I. aucheri plants. These findings can be used in germplasm conservation and future breeding plans.
Optimization of uprooting efficiency of counter-rotating cotton stalk puller for on-field operations
Authors: Pandirwar Ashutosh , Pandey HIMANSHU , Magar AJIT P , Roul AJAY K , Kumar MANOJ , Jyoti BIKRAM 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Cotton stalks, a by-product left after cotton picking, have several industrial applications as a raw material. However, due to deep taproot system, the uprooting and disposal of cotton stalks from the field is a labour-intensive operation. In this study, the uprooting efficiency of a counter-rotating drum type cotton stalk puller (CSP) was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and combined Artificial Neural Network (ANN) - Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) approach. Machine operational parameters and design parameter were independent variables, whereas, uprooting efficiency, plants broken and plants left were response variables.
Results
An experimental CSP unit was operated in field at three forward speeds (1.37, 1.67 and 1.95 km/h), four drum speeds (250, 300, 350 and 400 rpm) and three drum inclinations (00, 100, 200). The optimization using RSM shown 332.5 rpm drum speed, 8.360 drum inclination and 1.37 km/h forward speed as optimal values. Plants uprooted, plants broken and plants left have optimum values of 96.6%, 2.8% and 1.1% with individual desirability of 0.97, 0.85 and 0.89 showing the closeness of responses to predicted values. ANN-PSO model shown optimal parameters as 1.37 km/h forward speed, 7.890 drum inclination and 331.45 rpm drum speed with the observed and predicted values of uprooting efficiency are 96.72% and 94.84%, respectively.
Conclusion
The results show that both RSM and combined ANN-PSO approach can better predict and optimize the performance of CSP with higher accuracy. Optimization study provide essential information on optimal combination of operating and design parameters for enhanced uprooting efficiency with minimum plant breakage.
HDAC3 inhibitors induce drug resistance by promoting IL-17A production by T cells
Authors: Chen Hao , Qin Anqi , Xu Fan , Guo Shuai , Zhang Ge , Zhang Aihong , Li WenTing , Tian Feng , Zheng Quanhui 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

HDAC3 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the progression of various tumors and the differentiation and development of T cells. However, its impact on peripheral T cells in the development of murine lung cancer remains unclear. In this experiment, a subcutaneous lung tumor model was established in C57BL/6 mice, and tumor-bearing mice were treated with the specific inhibitor of HDAC3, RGFP966, at different doses to observe changes in tumor size. Additionally, a lung tumor model was established using hdac3fl/fl cd4cre+/+ mice to investigate its mechanism. Mice injected with 10mg/kg RGFP966 had the smallest tumor volume, while those injected with 30mg/kg RGFP966 had the largest tumors. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the expression of HDAC3 in splenic T cells was reduced in all groups of mice, while IFN-γ and IL-17A were increased. Moreover, the expression of granzyme B and perforin in splenic CD8+ T cells was increased in all groups of mice. Compared to the use of 30mg/kg RGFP966 alone, the combination with anti-IL-17A mAb reduced the infiltration of Neutrophils and exhausted T cells in mouse tumors, thereby impeding tumor development. These findings demonstrate that the use of RGFP966 or T cell-specific loss of hdac3 promotes the expression of IL-17A in splenic T cells, leading to tumor resistance and providing insights for clinical treatment.
Effect of High‑Fat-Diet and Semaglutide on Bladder Cancer in Mice
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Ban Jiangli , Yang Lin , Pan Xiaoyu , Zhen Ruoxi , Jia Zhuoya , Chen Shuchun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the proteomics of adipose tissue in mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet, in order to investigate how obesity affects the protein expression profile of adipose tissue. Additionally, we seek to establish a foundation for understanding the mechanism through which semaglutide may impact bladder cancer (BLCA) associated with obesity.Methods Thirty-six male C57BL/6J mice, all in good health, were chosen and divided into three groups: a group fed a normal diet (referred to as the NCD group), a group fed a high-fat diet (known as the HFD group), and a group fed a high-fat diet along with semaglutide treatment (referred to as the Sema group). We examined how obesity affects serum markers and how semaglutide influences these markers. Additionally, we investigated changes in protein expression within BLCA using proteomics techniques. By employing bioinformatics methods, we identified differentially expressed proteins that may be associated with the hypothesized mechanism of semaglutide's potential for reducing bladder cancer risk.Results Our findings indicate that semaglutide has the potential to decrease body weight, enhance glucose metabolism, and improve blood lipid levels. The alterations observed in the expression of Lama2 ( laminin subunit alpha-2), Lama4 (laminin subunit alpha 4), Lamc1 (laminin subunit gamma 1), Thbs2 (thrombospondin 2) genes across the normal group, high fat group, and semaglutide group primarily involve the extracellular matrix (ECM) pathway. Following intervention with semaglutide, a significant reduction in the expression of various proteins was observed in BLCA. These results suggest that by modulating genes such as Lama2, Lama4, Lamc1, Thbs2 and others, semaglutide may potentially mitigate the risk associated with BLCA.Conclusion Semaglutide exhibits potential in mitigating obesity induced by a high-fat diet and delaying the onset and progression of bladder cancer. The activation of Lama2, Lama4, Lamc1, Thbs2, and their involvement in the ECM pathway may underlie the mechanism through which semaglutide exerts its effects on bladder cancer.
Dynamic Scheduling Strategies for Load Balancing in Parallel and Distributed Systems
Authors: Albalawi Nasser 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Actual load balancing in parallel and distributed systems ruins a serious task owing to the dynamic nature of workloads and the availability of resources. Existing scheduling procedures continually fail to regulate real-time alterations, leading to suboptimal performance and resource underutilization. Our study validates dynamic and effective load distribution by combining novel systems and optimization techniques to handle these issues. To provide efficient load balancing in distributed and parallel systems, we utilize a comprehensive dynamic scheduling approach in this work. In this example, we start by using Round-Robin Allocation with Sunflower Whale Optimization (RRA-SWO) to perform an allocation procedure. The allocation step is followed by the Hybrid Ant Genetic Algorithm (HAGA), which is used to schedule tasks in parallel. The Least Response Time (LRT) technique for the Load Monitoring procedures will be developed once the job scheduling is complete. The Harmony Search Algorithm with Linear Regression (LR-HSA) is then used to do Distributed Computing-based Load Prediction and Adjustment. Alongside ongoing observation, this is carried out. Finally, we use the Least Recently Used (LRU) technique to do dynamic load balancing. We build and test our methods CloudSim and NetBeans 12.3 are used on a Windows 11 64-bit. Throughput, Packet Delivery Ratio, Average Response Time, Task Success Rate, Memory Utilization Rate, and Throughput are all analyzed to validate our strategy.
Determinants of Depression and Anxiety in Informal Waste Pickers: A Cross-Sectional Study of Informal Waste Pickers in Hong Kong
Authors: CHAN SIU MING , Xu HENG , TANG YUEN KI , ZHANG Jasmine , KWOK KIM , LAM Bess YIN HUNG , TANG WING HIM , LUI KA CHUN 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
There are growing global concerns about informal waste pickers and their health issues. This cross-sectional study drew on the structural violence theory to examine the mental health situation of informal waste pickers in Hong Kong and identified the determinants of depression and anxiety in them ranging from individual to societal and governmental levels.
Method
The data from the largest territory-wide study of informal waste pickers in 2023 was analysed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between mental health and socioeconomic variables, including demographic background, governmental measures against informal waste pickers, other negative experiences related to safety and public discrimination, and supportive resources. The symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Results
The results showed that physical strain/illness and chronic illness caused by long-term scavenging works (for depression adjusted OR 3.33, 95% CI [1.75, 6.31]; for anxiety adjusted OR 5.01, 95% CI [2.45, 10.24]), recycling or personal property stolen (for depression adjusted OR 2.04, 95% CI [1.23, 3.36]; for anxiety adjusted OR 2.72, 95% CI [1.62, 4.56]), being treated rudely by citizens (for depression adjusted OR 2.16, 95% CI [1.32, 3.55]); for anxiety (adjusted OR 2.85, 95% CI [1.74, 4.67]) are the critical risk factors of informal waste pickers’ mental health. While higher intention to continue scavenging work if financial conditions permit is the critical protective factor for depression (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% CI [0.24, 0.88]) and anxiety (adjusted OR 0.43, 95% CI [0.22, 0.86]), compared to lower intention to continue scavenging work if financial conditions permit in the multivariate model.
Conclusions
This study discloses the close relationship between informal waste pickers’ long-term physical strain/illness and mental health and identifies the governmental measures, other negative experiences related to safety issues and public discrimination as risk factors for informal waste pickers’ mental health. Providing outreach, tailored medical services, increasing the unit price of recycling, developing specific recycling zones and establishing membership-based organisations help alleviate the challenges of precarious employment and enhance the well-being of the informal waste pickers.
Impact of electronic cigarette vaping on the cardiovascular functions in young and old rats
Authors: Dai Wangde , Shi Jianru , Carreno Juan , Kleinman Michael T , Herman David A. , Arechavala Rebecca J. , Renusch Samantha , Hasen Irene , Ting Amanda , Kloner Robert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
While the acute exposure to electronic cigarette (E-cig) vapor has been associated with an increase in blood pressure, the chronic effect of E-cig vapor on blood pressure compared to standard cigarette smoke has not been extensively studied. We determined the effect of E-cig exposure on blood pressure and other cardiac functional measures in both young and old rats.
Methods
Young Sprague Dawley rats (6 weeks old, both sexes) were randomly exposed to air (n = 34), E-cig with nicotine (E-cig Nic+; n = 30), E-cig without nicotine (E-cig Nic-; n = 28) or standard cigarette smoke (n = 27). Old F344 rats (25 months old, both sexes) were randomized into 2 groups: (1) 26 rats in the purified air (negative control) group and (2) 17 rats in the electronic cigarette vapor plus nicotine group (E-cig Nic+). After 12 weeks of exposure, hemodynamics were determined by Millar catheter, echocardiography, and thermodilution catheter, a few days after their last exposure.
Results
In young rats, cigarette smoke was associated with higher systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures and peak LV systolic pressure, compared to air or E-cig Nic + or E-cig Nic- groups. Neither fractional shortening nor cardiac output differed among the groups. dp/dt min, a measure of diastolic LV function, was lowest in the E-cig Nic- group. Tau, a measure of LV relaxation was worse in this group as well. In old rats, E-cig vaping did not change heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac function. However, E-cig Nic + exposure was associated with a greater heart weight/BW and LV weight/BW compared to air exposure in old rats, while this phenomenon was not observed in young rats.
Conclusions
Because E-cig vaping did not cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, or changed cardiac function compared to air in young rats after 12 weeks of exposure, while standard cigarette smoking was associated with an increase in blood pressure, our data agreeing with the statement that E-cig vaping was less harmful than cigarette smoking. E-cig vaping was associated with a greater heart weight/BW and LV weight/BW compared to air exposure in old rats, but this result was not observed in young rats, suggested that older animals might be more vulnerable to E-cig stimulus than younger ones.
Optimization of Distribution Network Reconfiguration for Power Loss Minimization Using GOA and PSO: A Case Study of Dilla Substation, Ethiopia
Authors: BalaKumar S. , Fetu Mohammed , mulugeta Baye 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a study that considers reconfiguring a given substation's distribution network at Dilla, Ethiopia, to minimize losses with the help of the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization. The main aim is to achieve the best switch combination to minimize power loss, subject to system-imposed constraints. A mathematical model was carried out of the best network configuration at the Dilla feeder, inspired by grasshopper behavior. The proposed method was tested over a 76-bus radial distribution system at the Dilla substation. Compared with PSO and other existing methods, the performance of GOA is far better in reducing active and reactive power losses. The reduction of power loss with the help of GOA comes to be 70.3%, while with PSO, it comes out to be 68.8%. The voltage profile improved reasonably, stabilizing around one pu for all the buses. The results illustrated that GOA could be an effective and practical strategy for optimizing the distribution networks with increased reliability and decreased power losses. The paper concludes with a comparative analysis of the proposed GOA and existing methods for distribution network reconfiguration (DNR), showing that the GOA is more effective in reducing voltage deviation (VD) and power losses in the system.
Effects of Short-Term High and Low-Temperatures stress on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) Eggs and Pupae Development and offspring
Authors: Tian Xu , Li Jinmeng , Wang Hancheng , Wang Qing , Zhang Xinghong , Sun Zhirong , Yang Yuting , Meng Jianyu , Shi Caihua 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To clarify the effects of short-term high and low temperature treatment on the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) in eggs and pupae. S. litura eggs and pupae were treated at 35°C and 4°C for different time, respectively. The results demonstrated a gradual prolongation of the developmental period of S. litura eggs with increasing treatment time at a high temperature of 35°C for 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 hours. Moreover, the hatching rate progressively decreased to as low as 19.33%, and no survival was observed after treating the eggs for 36 hours. Similarly, exposure to 4°C for durations of 24, 48, and 96 hours resulted in an extended developmental period accompanied by a gradual decline in the hatching rate. When subjected to 35°C at durations of 24, 48, and 96 hours, the emergence rates of female and male pupae decreased to 21.60-81.67% and 11.67-80%, respectively. The duration of high-temperature treatment initially shortened and then lengthened both the developmental period and preoviposition period; however, it led to a gradual reduction in oviposition time. After 48 hours of treatment, the shortest oviposition time recorded was 4.42 days. Nevertheless, a significant impact on oviposition behavior occurred after subjecting individuals to 35°C for 96 hours, resulting in minimal adult survival and no oviposition activity. Adult lifespan gradually decreased. In summary, short-term exposure to low temperatures at 4°C or high temperatures at 35°C had a inhibitory effect on the development and breeding of S.litura eggs and pupae.
Application of solid-state joining to investigate the Bi-polymer (PEHD-PP) joints performance
Authors: Serier Mohamed , Milad Abdalrhman. , Albaijan Ibrahim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Over the past ten years, the use of polymer products has taken a huge step forward in all sectors. The multiple properties of polymer types are positive factors that increase their scope of use in all aspects of daily life. Obtaining an ideal product requires assembling the polymers as needed. Friction welding is considered the safest way to connect polymer parts without any additional means. Welding two parts of the same polymer depends on controlling the effective factors in this process, which are the rotation speed, the feed, the penetration force, and the residence time of the spot weld. In this article, pneumatic energy is used to weld HDPE to PP by friction stir (linear and point) by selecting the ideal welding agents that meet the mixture of these two types of polymers and respond to pneumatic energy. The response surface method (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the thermal results. The tensile test also has a role in deducing the mechanical properties of the welded area resulting from the mixture of these two types of polymers.