bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life History, Incidence and Damage symptoms of the Red Pierrot butterfly, Talicada nyseus (Guerin) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) on Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken
Authors: Kallekkattil Soumya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted on the development of immature stages, life history and behavior of the Red Pierrot butterfly, Talicada nyseus (Guerin) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) reared on Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken. Fabaceous and succulent plants in Brazil, China, India, Africa, and all tropical countries can be infested by larvae of T. nyseus. The pest had four larval instars and completed its life cycle in 36.95 ± 3.31 days. The mean incubation period of the egg was 3.75 days. The prepupal, pupal, and larval stages' respective mean development times were 1.51 ± 0.50, 8.56 ± 10.65, and 14.23 ± 1.82, days. The length of the larva in its first and last instars was 1.95 ± 0.13 and 15.85 ± 0.93, respectively. In larval stages, there was no apparent relationship between length and width. The sex ratio was 1.39:1 in favor of females. One day following eclosion, adults were prepared for mating. The ovaries of the adult female held 75.1 eggs. Male and female butterflies who were not fed lived only three to five days instead of eleven to fourteen days like those who had access to water. The findings of this study will be helpful in developing Integrated Pest Management tactics to combat this pest.
Computer-assisted chiral HPLC method development for ozanimod on polysaccharide- based chiral stationary phases: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Ferencz Elek , Szabó Zoltán-István , Zöldhegyi Arnold , Dombi Gergely , Molnár Gergely , Dobó Máté , Varga Erzsébet , Molnár Imre , Tóth Gergő 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, a direct high performance liquid chromatography method was developed to determine the enantiomeric purity of the immunomodulatory drug, ozanimod. A systematic method development process was followed, incorporating risk assessment, identification of critical analytical procedure parameters (APP), initial screening of stationary phases, and software-assisted optimization of method parameters. Eight different polysaccharide-based chiral columns (Lux i-Amylose-1, Lux Amylose-2, Chiralpak AD, Chiralcel OD, Lux Cellulose-1, Lux Cellulose-2, Lux Cellulose-3, and Lux Cellulose-4) were selected to assess chiral separation of enantiomers under polar organic elution mode. The most promising results were obtained using a methanol (MeOH)-2-propanol (IPA) mixture on the Chiralpak AD column. Following this, systematic modeling was conducted using DryLab software to optimize method conditions, including isocratic eluent composition (%IPA in MeOH), temperature, and flow rate. Baseline separation was achieved within fifteen minutes using the optimized parameters: Chiralpak AD column thermostated at 10°C, and a mobile phase of MeOH:IPA:diethylamine (DEA), 70:30:0.1 (v/v/v), delivered at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The developed method was validated according to the International Council on Harmonization guideline Q2(R2) for chiral impurity determination in ozanimod samples. Additionally, in silico robustness testing was conducted to determine tolerance limits for critical separation parameters and their impact on enantioresolution. Our findings demonstrate the utility of DryLab, typically employed for reversed-phase achiral separations, in optimizing chiral methods even in polar organic mode. The software's limitations for this purpose are also discussed.
Quadruple-well ferroelectricity and moderate switching barrier in defective wurtzite α-Al2S3: a first-principles study
Authors: Akamatsu Hirofumi , Shimomura Yuto , Ohno Saneyuki , Hayashi Katsuro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Wurtzite-type ferroelectrics are highly promising for next-generation microelectronic devices due to their ferroelectric properties and integration with exiting semiconductors. However, their high coercive fields, which are close to breakdown electric fields, need to be lowered. To deal with this issue and secure device reliability, much effort has been devoted to exploring novel wurtzite compounds with lower polarization switching barriers and implementing doping strategies. Here, we report first-principles calculations on polarization switching in cation-vacancy ordered wurtzite α-Al2S3, unveiling its uniaxial quadruple-well ferroelectricity and moderate switching barrier, 51 meV/cation, which is much lower than that of conventional wurtzite ferroelectrics. There are three important features relevant to the Al vacancies leading to the uncommon quadruple-well ferroelectricity and the moderate switching barrier: mitigation of cation-cation repulsion, structural flexibility that alleviates an in-plane lattice expansion, and formation of s-like bonding states consisting of Al 3pz and S 3pz orbitals. Biaxial compressive strain and Ga doping lower the switching barriers by up to 40%. This study encourages experimental investigation of the ferroelectric properties for defective wurtzite α-Al2S3 as a new promising material with unconventional and intriguing ferroelectricity and suggests a potential strategy for reducing switching barriers in wurtzite ferroelectrics: introducing cation vacancies.
A Studies on PVA/MAA:EA polymer blend films modified by Fe3+ doping
Authors: Gopal N. O , Pravakar Ojha , Basha Md. Hussain , Kumar Y. Madhav 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Pristine and Fe (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 mol%) doped PVA/MAA:EA polymer blend films were prepared by solution casting method and characterized by various techniques. TGA analysis validates the occurrence of three distinct weight loss phases attributed to the removal of volatile substances from both the surface and interior of the material, as well as the decomposition of the polymer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations validate a decrease in crystallinity as the dopant concentration increases. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show uniform morphology. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum exhibits bands characteristic of stretching and bending vibrations of O–H, C–H, C = C and C–O groups and the changes in the spectrum with dopant concentration show the miscibility of dopant with the polymer blend. The UV-visible spectra demonstrate. that there is A downturn of the optical band gap increases as the concentration of Fe rises and exhibit absorption bands corresponding to the transitions 6A1g→4A1g and 6A1g→4T2g of Fe3+ ions in distorted octahedral symmetry. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra exhibit resonance signal around g = 2.12, attributed to the Fe3+ ions in the distorted octahedral environment and signal around g = 6.8, attributed to the number of spins engaged in the resonance is determined through EPR analysis in an environment exhibiting proximity to rhombic symmetry. The measurement is conducted as a function of dopant concentration and the paramagnetic susceptibility. The conductivity of Fe3+ ions doped PVA/MAA:EA polymer blend films increases with an increase in Fe3+ concentration, which is explained in terms of an increase in the amorphic.
Accelerated Bidirectional Photoinduced Electron Transfer in A Photo-chromic Polyoxoniobate Enabled by Excited Bridge
Authors: Zheng Shou-Tian , Fan Jin-Ai , Yu Hao , Yu Xu-Ying , Yang Wei-Chao , Li Xin-Xiong , Sun Cai 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The bridge connecting the electron donor and acceptor is crucial for electron transfer, however, the impact of the excited bridge on this process remains unclear. Here, we present a proof-of-concept model using an f-type bridge in an electron transfer photochromic poly-oxoniobate. We discovered that the excited bridge significantly accelerates electron transfer, resulting in a 3.3-fold increase in the col-oring rate. Colored samples exhibit accelerated bleaching when excited by light, marking the first instance of light-assisted acceleration of reverse electron transfer, which was previously constrained by thermal mode. The light-assisted bleaching rate is approximately 494 times faster than the traditional thermal mode at room temperature, leading to a significant reduction in the half-life from 91.58 min to 11.13 s. The study identifies that the primary cause of the increased electron transfer rate is the significant enhancement in electronic coupling between the initial and colored states by the excited bridge. This intriguing photochromic behavior not only opens up new applications for multi-factor anti-counterfeiting but also initiates research into the electron transfer chemistry of excited bridges.
Free and Bioavailable Vitamin D Moderately Predicts Total Vitamin D Status in Tuberculosis Patients and Household contacts
Authors: Acen Ester Lilian , Bwambale Kelvin , Biraro Irene Andia ,   David Patrick Kateete2, Joloba Moses L. , Olum Ronald , Bbuye Mudarshiru , Worodria William 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Total vitamin D is considered a perfect index for assessment of vitamin D status, attributable to longer half-life. However the bioactive free and bioavailable vitamin D levels are available to the cell. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the accuracy of free and bioavailable vitamin D in defining total vitamin D status in Patients with Tuberculosis. This was a cross-sectional study among newly diagnosed active tuberculosis patients, latent tuberculosis individuals and individuals without TB infection. Total vitamin D was measured by electrochemiluminescence and free and bioavailable vitamin D was measured using ELISA. The diagnostic performance of free and bioavailable portion was 59.18% for sensitivity, 66.67% for specificity, and 63.0% for AUC. The kappa statistic was 1460 (P-value = 0.0759), in the deficient group. In insufficient, sensitivity was,56.9% specificity was 66.7%, and AUC was 61.8%. Kappa was 0.146, P = 0.07. Free and bioavailable vitamin D is a moderate indicator of vitamin D status. The study suggested that free and bioavailable vitamin D is not superior for defining total vitamin D status in TB, however it may be complementary. Further studies are needed to improve the definition of vitamin D status and its importance in immunity.
Distributed Communication Interference Resource Scheduling using the Master-Slave Parallel Scheduling Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wei Zhenhua , Wu Wenpeng , Zhan Jianwei , Zhang Zhaoguang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the increasing intelligence and diversification of communication interference in recent years, communication interference resource scheduling has received more attention. However, the existing interference scenario models have been developed mostly for remote high-power interference with a fixed number of jamming devices without considering power constraints. In addition, there have been fewer scenario models for short-range distributed communication interference with a variable number of jamming devices and power constraints. To address these shortcomings, this study designs a distributed communication interference resource scheduling model based distributed communication interference deployment and system operational hours and introduces the stepped logarithmic jamming-to-signal ratio. The proposed model can improve the scheduling ability of the master-slave parallel scheduling genetic algorithm (MSPSGA) in terms of the number of interference devices and the system’s operational time by using four scheduling strategies referring to the searching number, global number, master-slave population power, and fixed-position power. The experimental results show that the MSPSGA can improve the success rate of searching for the minimum number of jamming devices by 40% and prolong the system’s operational time by 128%. In addition, it can reduce the algorithm running time in the scenario with a high-speed countermeasure, the generation time of the jamming scheme, and the average power consumption by 4%, 84%, and 57%, respectively. Further, the proposed resource scheduling model can reduce the search ranges for the number of jamming devices and the system’s operational time by 93% and 79%, respectively.
Lived experiences of palliative care physicians on the impacts of language and cultural discordance on end-of-life care across Ontario, Canada: A qualitative study using the intersectionality-based policy framework
Authors: Lee Seung Heyck , Gibb Maya , Karunananthan Sathya , Cody Margaret , Tanuseputro Peter , Kendall Claire E. , Bédard Daniel , Collin Stéphanie , MacLeod Krystal Kehoe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Language and cultural discordance refer to when a physician and patient do not share the same language or culture. This can create barriers to providing high-quality care at the end-of-life (EoL). This study explores the intersections of language, culture, geography, and care model in EoL care from the perspectives of palliative care physicians.Methods Semi-structured interviews (1-hour) were conducted virtually between July and November 2023. We interviewed 16 family physicians with experience providing linguistic and/or culturally discordant palliative/EoL care in various urban, suburban, and rural regions of Ontario, who practiced at community and hospital outpatient clinics, home-based care, or long-term care homes. We used reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes across the interviews guided by the intersectionality theoretical framework.Results We identified three themes 1) Visible barriers to care access due to the inability to communicate accurate information and insufficient time spent during appointments with patients; 2) Invisible barriers to care access, shaped by the Eurocentric approach to palliative care and physicians’ lack of awareness on cultural discordance; 3) Workplace supports that currently exist and interventions that physicians would like to see. Community physicians following fee-for-service models were less likely to have access to professional interpreter services. Physicians in long-term care emphasized resource limitations to providing culturally-appropriate care environments.Conclusion Cultural discordance required awareness of personal biases, while language discordance hindered basic communication. These findings will be useful in informing clinical practice guidelines and mobilizing policy-level change to improve palliative/EoL care for patients from linguistic and cultural minority groups.
A comprehensive review of machine learning applications in cybersecurity: identifying gaps and advocating for cybersecurity auditing
Authors: Rananga Ndaedzo , Venter H. S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cybersecurity threats present significant challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of information and communication technology (ICT). As a practical approach to counter these evolving threats, corporations invest in various measures, including adopting cybersecurity standards, enhancing controls, and leveraging modern cybersecurity tools. Exponential development is established using machine learning and artificial intelligence within the computing domain. Cybersecurity tools also capitalize on these advancements, employing machine learning to direct complex and sophisticated cyberthreats. While incorporating machine learning into cybersecurity is still in its preliminary stages, continuous state-of-the-art analysis is necessary to assess its feasibility and applicability in combating modern cyberthreats. The challenge remains in the relative immaturity of implementing machine learning in cybersecurity, necessitating further research, as emphasized in this study. This study used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology as a scientific approach to reviewing recent literature on the applicability and feasibility of machine learning implementation in cybersecurity. This study presents the inadequacies of the research field. Finally, the directions for machine learning implementation in cybersecurity are depicted owing to the present study’s systematic review. This study functions as a foundational baseline from which rigorous machine-learning models and frameworks for cybersecurity can be constructed or improved.
Investigating the Role of TIMM8B in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Expression Patterns, Prognostic Value, and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Zheng Zhuli , Gong Libao , Zhong Hongcheng , Huang Bingjiang , Cong Yunyan , Zhong Beilong , Wang Zhihui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
TIMM8B is crucial for mitochondrial function, but its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unexplored. This study investigates TIMM8B expression patterns, prognostic value, and potential therapeutic implications in LUAD.
Methods
TIMM8B expression in cancers versus normal tissues was analyzed using TCGA, GTEx, and GEO datasets. Prognostic analysis was conducted with TCGA, GEPIA2, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and GEO datasets. Validation was performed using a LUAD Tissue Microarray (TMA). A nomogram for LUAD prognosis was developed and validated. TIMM8B-related DEGs were identified using TCGA and LinkedOmics, followed by GO and KEGG analysis. Immunological features were assessed using XCELL and TIDE with TCGA data, and its predictive value for immunotherapy was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Associations between TIMM8B, m6A, and ferroptosis-related genes were analyzed, and genetic mutation profiles were compared using TCGA data. Drug response correlations were explored using the GDSC and CTD databases. TIMM8B and PDL1 expression in cell lines was examined via Western blot. TIMM8B knockdown in LUAD cell lines was followed by RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of DEGs, as well as cell cycle analysis.
Results
TIMM8B is overexpressed in multiple cancers, including LUAD. High TIMM8B expression correlates with poorer overall survival (OS) in LUAD. A nomogram incorporating TIMM8B and pTNM stage showed reliable predictive performance. TIMM8B-related gene analyses suggest roles in cell adhesion, chromosome segregation, and critical cancer pathways. TIMM8B shapes an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in LUAD, affecting immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response. Higher TIMM8B expression is associated with TP53 mutations and chemotherapy resistance. Knockdown of TIMM8B in H1299 cells downregulates PDL1, induces G1 phase arrest, and triggers a CCL2-mediated inflammatory response, highlighting roles in cell cycle regulation and inflammatory pathways.
Conclusions
These findings underscore TIMM8B's multifaceted role in cancer progression and its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in LUAD.
An exploration into the application of Internet plus PBL pedagogy in clinical teaching of orthopedics
Authors: Wang Shuo , Hu Xiaole , Zhang Zhaoqing , Liu Xinyu , Wang Lianlei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To explore the effect of Internet plus problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogy in clinical teaching of orthopedics.
Method
A total of 40 orthopedic residents (junior, first-year graduate students) were selected as the research object. They were randomly divided into two groups. For group A, traditional teaching method was adopted, there were 11 males and 9 females, aged from 22 to 24 years, with an average of 23.15 years. For group B, Internet plus PBL pedagogy was adopted, there were 10 males and 10 females, aged from 22 to 24 years, with an average of 23.45 years. After the teaching, all participants were evaluated on the theoretical knowledge and practical operation of Orthopedics. At the end of the examination, all participants filled out a teaching satisfaction questionnaire.
Results
The scores of theoretical knowledge examination in group A and group B were 75.2 ± 14.3 and 79.3 ± 14.7, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The scores of clinical practice skill examination in group A and group B were 75.4 ± 8.12 and 79.8 ± 8.07, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with group A, the questionnaire satisfaction of residents in group B was significantly higher (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Internet plus PBL pedagogy can significantly improve the learning interest and learning efficiency of students in clinical teaching of Orthopedics, excavating students' interests and hobbies and autonomous learning ability, and effectively improving students' mastery of theoretical knowledge and skill operation, which is worthy of promotion.
Synthesis, characterization, and use of magnesium-activated biochar for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Kasera Nitesh , Paul Diplina , Kolar Praveen , Hall Steven G , Adhikari Sushil , Sarker Mamun , Sinitskii Alexander 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Eutrophication and algal blooms are serious issues plaguing the environment. Modified pine-derived biochar can be used as an innovative sorbent to address this problem by removing NO3− from aqueous solutions. In this study, pine nuggets were impregnated by Magnesium Chloride and subsequently pyrolyzed at 600 ⁰C. The physicochemical characteristics of this modified biochar (MB) were characterized by wet chemistry, thermal, spectral, and microscopic methods like acid value, point of zero charge, elemental analysis, specific surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and compared to that of the pristine form. The data validated the successful impregnation of the biochar and revealed that most of the Mg in MB was distributed in the form of MgO-flakes. In addition, MB was used to carry out batch adsorption of NO3− from the aqueous solution, and the experimental data were fitted to different adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips) and adsorption kinetic models (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order). The results suggest a maximum NO3− adsorption capacity of 14.40 mg/g suggesting monolayer adsorption as described by the Langmuir model. Additionally, the spent biochar after nitrate adsorption was analyzed by XPS, FTIR, and ToF-SIMS to validate the successful adsorption of NO3− from the aqueous solution.