bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) for rapid detection of viruses infecting patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Authors: Bano Humaira , Khan Jawaid A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) a highly valued medicinal plant, suffers significant economic losses following infection with Broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2) and Peanut stripe virus (PStV). In this study, a field-based isothermal technique called reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was established for an early and specific identification of BBWV2 and PStV. The oligo primers for RT-LAMP assay were designed from the conserved domains of the coat protein genes of PStV and BBWV2. The reaction temperature and time duration were optimised to 65 0C for 60 min, followed by incubation at 85 0C for 10 min in a water bath. The LAMP amplicons positive for PStV and BBWV2 revealed characteristic ladder-type bands when analysed through gel electrophoresis. Further, a colorimetric assay using a metal ion-based indicator (Hydroxy-napthol Blue, HNB) was conducted to visualize the amplified products with the naked eye, thus facilitating accessibility to field practices. The assays developed in this study were virus-specific as no cross-amplification occurred with other viruses, and were 100 times more sensitive than RT-PCR. Thus, the RT-LAMP assays established in this study are quick, reliable, and cost-effective for the accurate identification of BBWV2 and PStV. It will facilitate screening of patchouli planting materials. Thus, may reduce the risk of virus spread and could be helpful in phytosanitary programs.
Structural Aspects and Characterization of Synthesized Novel Schiff Base of 4- Hydroxybenzaldehyde with Anilines for Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Prasanti M. , Jha Anjali , Kumar B. Rajesh , Ch RaviShankar Kumar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Optical materials and organic and nonlinear molecules are the leading materials that exhibit semiconducting properties that are useful for industrial purposes in terms of their optical and electronic properties. These active organic materials developed into films are of vital importance in terms of their molecular structure, molecular properties, and electronic and optical properties compared to inorganic materials. The present article focuses on the development of thin films with the synthesis of Schiff base of 4-hydroxy benzaldehydes and substituted anilines to obtain target compounds using the green synthesis method. The formation of the Schiff base compounds was confirmed by spectral methods, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and proton NMR. Powdered XRD provide useful information of structure, composition and crystalline proximity of the synthesized Schiff base compounds. The optical properties of the refractive index and dielectric constant were confirmed by spectroscopic ellipsometry studies. Computational studies were performed using the Gaussian 16 package with the B3LYP method basis set 6-311++** for all molecular compounds to confirm the molecular structures, optimized geometry, and electronic and optical properties.The insights of these properties are best visualized in terms of quantum mechanical descriptors that occur due to changes in electron density. Studies of these Schiff base compounds with nitro groups proved to exhibit optical properties and behave as excellent organic semiconducting materials with an energy gap of 3.08 eV ; refractive index of 2.074, and dielectric constant of 4.303.
Impact of research activity on performance of general practices: a qualitative study.
Authors: Kenning Cassandra , Usher-Smith Juliet A , Jamison James , Jones Jennifer , Boaz Annette , Little Paul , Mallen Christian , Bower Peter , Park Sophie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
There is evidence that engaging in research is directly associated with better performance. If this relationship is to be strengthened, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms which might underlie that relationship.
Aim
To explore the perspectives of staff and wider stakeholders about mechanisms by which research activity might impact on the performance of general practices.
Design & Setting
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with general practice professionals and wider stakeholders in England.
Method
Individual interviews with purposively sampled staff in ‘research ready’ or ‘research active’ general practices and other stakeholders. Interviews were analysed using a Framework approach.
Results
Participants described potential ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ impacts on their work. ‘Direct’ impacts included research changing practice work (e.g. additional records searches for particular conditions), bringing in additional resources (e.g. access to investigations or staff) and improving relationships with patients. ‘Indirect’ impacts included job satisfaction (e.g. perception of practice as a centre of excellence and innovation, and the variety afforded by research activity reducing burnout) and staff recruitment (increasing the attractiveness of the practice as a place to work). Respondents identified few negative impacts.
Conclusions
Staff and stakeholders identified a range of potential impacts of research activity on practice performance, with impacts on their working lives most salient. Negative impacts were not generally raised. Nevertheless, respondents generally discussed potential impacts rather than providing specific examples of those impacts. This may reflect the type of research activity conducted in general practice, often led by external collaborators.
Inhibition of Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Ureteral Stent Surface by Jelleine-1 Hydrogel Coating Doped with Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Hu ZhiXiong , Wang Xun , Shi Hong Lei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Aims: Ureteral stent is commonly used after urological surgeries. But, pathogenic bacteria can colonize the surface of the stent and gradually build a biofilm. Biofilms can not only promote the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, but alsoprotect them from adverse factors (e.g., physical or chemical factors), increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Material and methods: In this study, the natural antibacterial peptide Jelleine-1 was made into a hydrogel loaded with copper nanoparticles, which was coated with a dip-coating machine to obtain a novel type of antibacterial ureteral-coated stent.
Key Findings: Verified the feasibility of coating antibacterial peptides on in vivo stent, endowing them with specific biological activity.In vitro antibacterial experiments showed that the coated stent has good antibacterial activity and can inhibit the formation of biofilms. Furthermore, in vivo antibacterial experiments were performed in female rabbits. The results showed that the bacterial count was reduced by 83% compared to that in the uncoated group.
Significance: Our antibacterial ureteral coated stent significantly reduced the risk of stent-related urinary tract infections.
A Novel Image Restoration Solution for Cross-Resolution Person Re-Identification
Authors: Peng Houfu , Lu Xing , Xia Daoxun , Xie Xiaoyao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Cross-resolution person re-identification (CR-ReID) is a highly practical task that primarily addresses the image misalignment issue due to image resolution variations, which are caused by differences in the distances between cameras and camera performance variations. The existing cutting-edge approaches attempted to use super-resolution (SR) techniques to recover lost details in low-resolution (LR) images. However, the existing SR techniques focus on improving low-level semantic information metrics. Evaluation techniques for high-level semantic recognition tasks are not well suited for low-level image quality metrics. We propose a new framework called image feature restoration using a Swin transformer (IFRSW), which uses the feature difference between LR and high-resolution (HR) images as the supervisory signal to constrain the SR module. We further improved the Swin Transformer by introducing a new multiresolution feature fusion strategy, enhancing its ability to extract features from multiresolution images. Additionally, we introduce a pooling technique called "softpooling" to preserve more information during the feature downsampling process. Our method exhibits a noteworthy 4.2\% in rank-1 accuracy improvement on a challenging real LR dataset CAVIR, surpassing the current optimal approach. Our method achieves superior performance to the existing state-of-the-art(SOTA) methods.
Utilizing Tumor-Derived Extracellular Microvesicles for Kidney Regeneration
Authors: Seledtsova Galina V. , Seledtsov Victor I. , Dorzhieva Ayana B , Ivanova Irina P , Khabalova Tatiana S. , Blinova Elena A. , Darinskas Adas , Delwig Alexei A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
A comparative study was conducted to assess the potential of extracellular microvesicles (MVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and tumor cells in kidney regeneration using an experimental murine model of chronic kidney injury (CKI).
Methods
MVs were obtained from MSCs, L929 sarcoma, LLC carcinoma, or B16 melanoma cells. These MVs were then administered intravenously to CBA mice with CKI. Renal excretory function was evaluated based on serum concentrations of creatinine and fatty acid binding protein-1. Morphological changes in the kidneys were assessed histologically. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized to characterize T cells in spleens and renal cell infiltrates.
Results
The study revealed that both MSCs and MSC-derived MVs (MSC-MVs), as well as tumor-derived MVs (T-MVs), regardless of their origin, exhibited a comparable ability to improve both excretory function and the histological structure of the damaged kidney. Both MSC-MVs and T-MVs reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory CD4 + CD44 + T cells in renal cell infiltrates and spleens of CKI mice. Furthermore, the MVs studied increased the numbers of natural CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + regulatory T cells in the spleen but not in renal cell infiltrates.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that T-MVs, similar to MSC-MVs, possess a universal capacity to stimulate kidney tissue restoration and provide anti-inflammatory immunomodulation of the kidney milieu.
Enhancing a Real-time Face Recognition Accuracy With Innovative using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Gamal Mohamed , Shayboub Magdy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative facial recognition criminal detection system that is at the forefront of technology. Its primary goal is to identify suspects in real-time, using cutting-edge algorithms and live camera technology. By combining these advanced features, the system significantly enhances security measures and helps combat criminal activities. Facial recognition has become a prominent tool in the field of security, revolutionizing surveillance for threat detection. The user-friendly desktop application offers a wide range of features, including the ability to view crime statistics and upload suspect images. With an impressive accuracy rate of 99.38%, the system excels at identifying potential criminals, thanks to its integration with live camera sensors. Administrators benefit from additional privileges, such as direct management of the suspect database, user account control, and system monitoring. An admin dashboard provides efficient oversight of suspects, approval requests, and user management, enabling effective decision-making.
Study of the prevalence of smell disorders among students at the Syrian Private University after the Corona pandemic
Authors: Kadri Salam Jamal , Mostafa Ahmed 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 has emerged as a public health emergency caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, few studies have reported on post-pandemic smell disorders resulting from COVID-19 infection. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate these disorders among a sample of students at a Syrian university.
Materials and methods
A cross-sectional study, conducted on 504 students at the Syrian Private University, in the period between 3/13/2023 and 6/7/2023. A questionnaire was distributed in paper and electronic form, and the questionnaire included demographic information for individuals, such as gender, age, and year of school, in addition to the symptoms of the Corona virus that they experienced.
Results
The study included 504 students; females (58.7%) compared to males (41.3%). The ages of the participants ranged between 18–32 years, with an average of approximately 22 years. The Faculty of Medicine had the largest participation (30.8%). The largest percentage of students were non-smokers (58.9%). A large percentage of students have been exposed to the virus (82.9%). (41.3%) of the students took a PCR test. The result was positive for (32.1%). The most common symptoms they experienced were fever (21%), headache (17.1%), cough (16.2%), and muscle pain (14.3%). Duration of symptoms “less than 20 days” (69.6%). More than half of the students had lost their sense of smell (61.5%). A percentage of students suffered from parasomnia (28.8%). A smaller percentage suffered from phantosmia (16.5%). A percentage of them suffered from a compulsion to smell (19.2%). We found that the rates of confirmed and probable HIV infection were higher among females (P-Value = 0.008). We also found that students at the Faculty of Medicine had higher infections with the virus compared to the rest of the faculties at the university (P-Value = 0.012).
Conclusion
This study revealed that students at the Syrian Private University were exposed to Covid-19 to a large extent. They suffered from the consequences of infection with the virus, with regard to smell disorders (anosmia, parasomnia, phantosmia) to varying degrees.
Preparation and characterization of Chitosan-Alginate biopolymer loaded by clindamycin phosphate as an effective drug delivery system for the treatment of Acne
Authors: Zanganeh Saghar Mohebbi , Tahvildari Kambiz , Nozari Maryam 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. In the present research, a polymer based on Alginate and chitosan was synthesized and modified by Clindamycin phosphate which can be used for the treatment of acne. The drug release of formulations was evaluated in relation to thickness, composition, structure, and swelling. Various concentrations and volumes of Alginate and chitosan solutions were investigated to determine the effects on the film characteristics and amount of drug release. The obtained data indicated that mixing Alginate and chitosan solutions in different volumes with different concentrations greatly affected the film characteristics. Further, increased Alginate concentration improved adhesive properties in polymer mixtures. A 3:1 Alginate:Chitosan formulation with a solution percentage of 3 and 1% was the best formulation for polyelectrolyte films, resulting in a maximum Clindamycin phosphate release with an additional 24 hour delay in the drug release because the drug content is high and the swelling is appropriate.
Novel epiphytic root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum
Authors: Vohník Martin , Josefiová Jiřina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Symbioses with fungi are important and ubiquitous on dry land but underexplored in the sea. As yet only one seagrass has been shown to form a specific root-fungus symbiosis that resembles those occurring in terrestrial plants, namely the Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica (Alismatales: Posidoniaceae) forming a dark septate (DS) endophytic association with Posidoniomyces atricolor (Pleosporales: Aigialaceae). Using stereomicroscopy, light and scanning electron microscopy, and DNA cloning, here we describe a novel root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum (Alismatales: Cymodoceaceae). Similarly to P. oceanica, the mycobiont of T. ciliatum occurs more frequently in thinner roots that engage in nutrient uptake from the seabed and forms extensive hyphal mantles composed of DS hyphae on the root surface. Contrary to P. oceanica, the mycobiont occurs on the roots with root hairs and does not penetrate its host intraradically. While the cloning revealed a relatively rich spectrum of fungi, they were mostly parasites or saprobes and the identity of the mycobiont remains unknown. Symbioses of seagrasses with fungi are probably more frequent than previously thought, but their functioning and significance are unknown. Melanin present in DS hyphae slows down their decomposition and so is true for the colonized roots. Root symbioses with DS fungi may in this way contribute to blue carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows.
Mapeando caminhos possíveis: base de dados dos serviços públicos e público-privados de São Paulo na Clínica Psicológica Ana Maria Poppovic/PUC-SP
Authors: PADULA Roberto , RICO Elisabeth de Melo 
Published: November 2023

O projeto nasceu a partir da demanda historicamente posta ao serviço social da Clínica Psicológica Ana Maria Poppovic da PUC-SP para atualização, ampliação e disponibilização de informações referentes às áreas de assistência, saúde, educação, cultura/lazer, esporte, habitação e transporte. O objetivo foi garantir um acesso amplo e facilitado à rede de serviços públicos e público-privados por meio do desenvolvimento de um banco de dados, de modo a contemplar, com a maior qualidade possível, as demandas de setores PUC-SP que atendem a comunidade, bem como de alunos, professores e funcionários. Para tanto, foram atualizadas as informações existentes, modelado e populado um banco de dados e desenvolvido um aplicativo, chamado MACAP, que disponibiliza de forma rápida informações cujos dados foram pesquisados e levantados durante a implementação do projeto.
Hydro-geochemical characterization and modeling of groundwater in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state, Nigeria
Authors: Vivan Ezra Lekwot , Eziashi Augustine Chukwuma , Binbol Nankap Latur , Ameso Vivien Chikogu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This study assessed groundwater quality in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and how it can be harnessed as a useful resource for water supply and to improve the management of water resources. The field survey methods adopted with the collection of water samples in the field were employed in collecting data. The study randomly collected fifty water samples from wells and boreholes in the peak of wet and dry seasons for 2 years (2021–2022) in the five selected wards within the Chikun Local Government Area and a range of water quality parameters were measured and compared with WHO standards for drinking water. The laboratory analysis results revealed that with the exception of magnesium, mercury, iron, lead and calcium, all other physicochemical parameters measured fell within the maximum permissible limit. The presence of some of these pollutants at varying degrees was found. Groundwater models showed groundwater flow in the North-Western direction and significant vertical movement of contaminants up to depths of about 60 m. This calls for regulations on the handling of wastes and pollutants that affect groundwater, which is best done through strict enforcement of laws and advocacy through all the appropriate institutions involved in water management.
A methodology for temporal disaggregation of daily rain gauge data using satellite precipitation product for improved accuracy in hydrologic simulation
Authors: Kachhawa Nitin Singh , Agnihotri Prasit Girish 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Fine-temporal resolution rainfall is a prerequisite for flood risk-related studies. In recent years, satellite precipitation products (SPPs) have gained some attention in the hydro-meteorology field, but the application of these products for hydrological studies is still uncertain. This study discusses the methodology for temporal disaggregation of daily rain gauge (DRG) data using SPP for improved accuracy in hydrologic simulation. The objectives of this research article are (i) to temporally dis-aggregate the DRG data using 3-h SPP TRMM_3B42RT; (ii) to suggest the best approach in terms of hydrologic simulation capabilities using the compound factor (CF) technique. The hydrologic simulation in HEC-HMS was performed for various temporally disaggregated rain gauge (TDRG) data and results were analyzed using 10 efficiency criteria. The best approach was selected using the CF technique. The lowest CF of 2.4 reveals that peak discharge can be computed with less than 8% deviation using the TDRG data, which utilizes the least error tile/grid/pixel from rain gauge rainfall value out of four nearby tile/grid/pixel. This study concluded that flood volume can be computed with less than 5% deviation using DRG data but it failed to reproduce the flood peak. This approach has overcome the insufficiency of sub-daily rainfall observation.
Disinfection performance and synthesis conditions of the EGCG–Cu complex
Authors: Feng Cuimin , Guan Sairui , Jin JiYue , Yao Renda , Wang Ziwei , Li Haoxiang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Adopting the yield of the epicatechin gallate (EGCG)–Cu complex as an indicator, the impact of four conditions, such as pH, reaction time, temperature and reactant ratio, on the synthesis of the target complex was analyzed to identify the optimal conditions on synthesizing the compound. The reactant ratio between EGCG and Cu2+ was explored, and the characteristic peaks and functional groups of the EGCG–Cu complex were scrutinized by UV–Visible and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectrophotometers. Finally, the efficacy difference of bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli suspensions between EGCG and its complex was evaluated as the criteria. Furthermore, comparative studies were performed to gauge the antimicrobial activity of EGCG and its complex at equivalent concentrations. The results demonstrated that the optimal experimental conditions for the complex reaction were a pH of 7, at 40 °C, in a reaction time of 60 min and a reactant ratio of 1:2. By the molar ratio method, the reactant ratio was determined as n(EGCG):n(Cu2+) = 1:2, and the complex reaction was at the phenolic hydroxyl group on the benzene ring of EGCG. Compared to EGCG, the complex demonstrated significant enhancement in bactericidal properties against E. coli and has lower chromaticity.
Full dynamic control of dairy wastewater treatment by aerobic granular sludge using electric conductivity and oxygen uptake rate
Authors: De Vleeschauwer Flinn , Dries Jan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The objective of the current study was to determine the applicability of a sensor-based dynamic control strategy for the treatment of real variable dairy wastewater by aerobic granular sludge (AGS) performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). Two parallel sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were set up that used only an anaerobic feast/aerobic famine microbial selection strategy to successfully obtain sludge granulation. SBR-STA used a fixed cycle length, while the duration of the reaction steps in SBR-DYN was variable. The control strategy was based solely on (derived) signals from low-cost and common sensors. The profile of the electric conductivity during the anaerobic reaction step was related to the microbial release of phosphate (PO4-P) and the associated uptake of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs). Control of the aerobic reaction step was based on the oxygen uptake rate (OUR). This resulted in a dynamic reactor operation with significant efficiency gains, such as 32% shorter cycle times and 42% higher sludge loading rates without impairing the effluent quality. These results extend the existing potential of indirect control strategies to full biological nutrient removal processes, which may be of great assistance to the operators and designers of industrial installations.