bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Torsion Behavior of Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Box Girders with Openings
Authors: Eltaly Boshra , EL_Sayed Medhat , Meleka Nageh , kandil Kamel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
An experimental test program consisting of eleven reinforced concrete box girders with a length of 1300 mm, a cross-section of 350 x 350 mm and 200 x 200 mm an inner cross-section was carried out. Four control specimens were tested: two as box girders, one solid beam and one box girder with an opening. Two specimens with openings were retrofitted with steel plates and CFRP around the opening and two specimens without openings were retrofitted longitudinally with steel plates and CFRP sheets. Two specimens were strengthened with U-shaped steel plates and CFRP sheets. One specimen was strengthened with longitudinal and U-shaped CFRP sheets. All the specimens were tested under pure torsion up to failure. To validate the finite element model, numerical models were used and their results were compared to experimental results. After verification, different variables were studied such as the influence of the opening location, number of openings, area of the opening, change in longitudinal and transverse steel amount, and strengthening around the opening. The comparative study revealed that the number of openings and their dimensions are the most important factors influencing the torsional moment. Also, the strengthening around the opening compensates the torsional strength that was lost due to the opening.
Susceptibility of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Natural Products and Entomopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Joo Jin Ho Joo , Hussein Khalid Abdallah 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background:Synthetic insecticides have a direct adverse effect on the natural enemies and long-term residual effects causing serious environmental pollution as well. The public awareness for a clean environment increased the attention on developing alternative eco-friendly approaches. This study aimed to detect the effect ofBeauveria bassiana,Metarhizium anisopliae, and natural products of plant-extract origin on the fall armywormSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions.Results:The drench-bioassay results showed that mortality of larvae byB. bassianaKACC40224 increased from 10% to 80% as the dose was increased from 10 × 105to 10 × 109conidia ml−1. However, mortality byM. anisopliaeKACC40029 reached maximally 60% at the dose of 10 × 109conidia ml−1. All natural-extract products tested against the insect pest were effective, except lavender oil, they caused mortality varied between 10% and 100%. Rosemary oil was found to be the most effective essential oil, showing 10% to 100% mortality indices at a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2% (v/v), respectively.S. frugiperdaeggs tend to be more susceptible to entomopathogenic fungi rather than the larvae. The essential oils exhibited significant insecticidal properties against the larvae ofS. frugiperda.Conclusion:This study could help in the development of potential biopesticides for the environment-friendly management of the fall armywormS. frugiperdapest and emphasize the advantages of entomopathogenic fungi application.
Novel development of Lecanicillium lecanii-based granules as a platform against malarial vector Anopheles culicifacies
Authors: Sogan Nisha , Kala Smriti , Kapoor Neera , Nagpal B. N , Ramlal Ayyagari , Nautiyal Aparna 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Mosquitoes are infectious vectors of a wide range of pathogens and parasites thereby transmitting several diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and Japanese Encephalitis posing a major public health concern. Mostly synthetic insecticides are usually applied as a primary control strategy to manage vector-borne diseases. However excessive and non-judicious usage of such chemically derived insecticides has led to serious environmental and health issues owing to their biomagnification ability and increased toxicity towards non-target organisms. In this context, many such bioactive compounds originating from entomopathogenic microbes may serve as an alternative and environmentally benign tool for vector control. In the present paper, the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium lecanii was processed to make the granules. Developed 4% LL granules have been characterized using the technique of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The developed formulation was also subjected to an accelerated temperature study at 40° C and was found to be stable for 3 months. Further, GCMS of the L. lecanii was also performed to screen the potential biomolecules present. The developed formulation was found to be lethal against Anopheles culicifacies with an LC50 value of 11.836 µg/mL. The findings from SEM and histopathology also substantiated the mortality effects. Further SEM EDX studies revealed that treated mosquitoes have lower nitrogen content which is correlated to a lower level of chitin whereas the control one has higher chitin content and healthy membranes. The developed LL granule formulation exhibited high toxicity against Anopheles mosquitoes due to its selective toxicity, thereby minimizing the toxicity toward non-target organisms. The granule formulations can be used as an effective biocontrol strategy against malaria-causing mosquitoes.
Multivariate analysis of seizure outcomes after resective surgery for focal epilepsy: a single-center study on 833 patients
Authors: Meng Qiang , Liu Yong , Ren Yutao , Wu Hao , Zhang Jiale , Li Huanfa , Dong Shan , Jing Jiangpeng , Liu Xiaofang , Du Changwang , Zhang Hua 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The predictors of long-term seizure outcomes after resectivesurgery for focal epilepsy, for an update on the features of good and poor outcomes is investigated. A retrospective study of patients with focal epilepsy undergoing resectivesurgery from March 2011 toApril 2019 was performed. There were 3 groups according to the seizure outcomes: group A, seizure freedom; group B, seizure improvement; group C, no improvement. Five comparisons were performed: comparison 1, A vs. B and C; comparison 2, A vs. B; comparison 3, A vs. C; comparison 4, B vs. C; comparison 5, A and B vs. C. Predictors of seizure outcomes were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of all 833 patients, 561 (67.3%) patients remained seizure-free at the last follow-up, 203 (24.4%) patients had seizure improvement, and 69 (8.3%) had no improvement. The mean follow-up duration was 5.2 years (range: 2.7 to 9.6). Predictors of better outcomes included epilepsyduration <5 years (comparisons 1-3), localized discharge (comparisons 1 and 2), no. of antiepileptic drugs at surgery <3 (comparison 5), and temporal lobe resection (comparisons 1 and 3). However, predictors of worse outcomes included intracranial haemorrhage in infancy (comparisons 1 and 2), interictal abnormal discharge (comparisons 1 and 2), intracranial electrode monitoring (comparisons 1 and 2), and acute postoperative seizure (all comparisons). Our study suggests that resectivesurgery for focal epilepsy has satisfactory outcomes. Short epilepsy duration, localized discharge, and temporal lobe resection are positive predictors of seizure freedom. Patients with these predictors are intensivelyrecommended for surgery.
Propofol mediates miR-199a/PAK4 axis to regulate the proliferation, invasion and migration of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Yu Rui-Long , Li Kai , Liu Jia-Jun 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Objective
To investigate if inhibitory effects of propofol on proliferation, invasion and migration of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells was associated with the regulation of miR-199a/PAK4 axis.
Methods
Human NSCLC A549 and H1299 cells were treated with propofol of different concentrations at different time points. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to evaluate miR-199a expression. A549 and H1299 cells were divided into Control, Propofol, Propofol + miR-NC and Propofol + miR-199a inhibitor groups. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined by CCK-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell, respectively. Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression of PAK4. Xenograft model was established in nude mice to observe if propofol can mediate miR-199a expression to regulate the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumor.
Results
Propofol can effectively enhance the expression of miR-199a in NSCLC. Compared with Control group, H1299 and A549 cells in Propofol group decreased in viability, invasion and migration, and increased in apoptosis. The inhibitory effect of propofol on NSCLC growth was reversed by miR-199a. In comparison with Propofol group, Propofol + miR-199a inhibitor group was declined in miR-199a expression and increased in PAK4 protein expression. According to dual-luciferase reporter assay, PAK4 was a target gene of miR-199a. Experiment in vivo revealed propofol can inhibit the growth and reduce the weight of xenograft tumor, which can be reversed by miR-199a inhibitor.
Conclusion
Propofol can suppress PAK4 expression by inducing miR-199a up-regulation, thereby inhibiting the proliferative, invasive and migrating abilities of NSCLC.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics on the Litopenaeus vannamei growth performance, hemolymph factors, and physicochemical parameters
Authors: Azhdari Seyed Mehrdad Hasani , Tavabe Kamran Rezaei , Pournaki Shirin Kazemzadeh , Hosseni Seyed Vali , Bagheri Dara , Javanmardi Sina , Azhdari Ashkan , Frinsko Mike 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Effects of two probiotics, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) and Lactobacillus plantarum (RITCC 1273) on the Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae were investigated. Bacillus (B1)106 and (B2) 3×106 CFU.L− 1 and Lactobacillus (L1) 105 and (L2) 3×105 CFU.L− 1) were added to water in 5 treatments of different combinations of B1, B2, L1, and L2 to determine water quality, Hemolymph indices, salinity stress, growth rate, and productive parameters. after that, shrimps were transferred to seafood processing and quality control lab to evaluate shelf-life and quality change during freezing preservation at -18℃ for 90 days. Nutritional values, pH, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Total volatile nitrogen determination (TVB-N), Water holding capacity (WHC), drip loss, and texture profile were evaluated. According to the results, water quality remained almost the same during the aquaculture phase of the experiment and no significant changes were observed in the pH, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and nitrite-nitrogen of water. Growth performance tests indicated that T1 (105 L*3×106 B CFU.L− 1) had the highest weight gain (WG), survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), and relative feed conversion efficacy (RFC). T4 (3×105 L*106 B CFU.L− 1) indicated lowest triglyceride (274.51 ± 17 mg/dL) and highest cholesterol level (3581.61 ± 1222 mg/dL) significantly. Storage of shrimps demonstrated that the best performance belongs to T4 which had the highest WHC (31.9 ± 7.8%) and lowest drip loss (4.7 ± 0.4%) among treatments at day 60. Overall, our results showed interaction of B. subtilis and L. Plantarum significantly improves shrimp's growth rate, and helps to improve some of the chemical characteristics during storage at -18℃.
Impact of anomalous Eurasian blocking activities on the East Asian Meiyu rainfall
Authors: Xu Zitian , Yang Xiu-Qun , Tao Lingfeng , Sun Linyuan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
An extreme East Asian Meiyu rainfall in both amount and duration occurred along Yangtze River valley during June-July of 2020, however, possible mid-high latitude signatures causing this super Meiyu have not been well identified. This study explores the cause of the Meiyu rainfall from the aspect of anomalous Eurasian blocking activities with a two-dimensional blocking index, using the Japanese 55-yr Reanalysis for 1979–2020. The major findings are as follows. Variabilities of the Eurasian blocking activities are primarily characterized by a tripole pattern with three centers over the Baltic Sea, the Ural Mountain, and the Sea of Okhotsk, respectively. The tripole pattern is associated with two zonally-oriented Rossby wavetrains which may originate from the rainfall anomaly in Central Europe. Corresponding to a positive phase of the tripole pattern, the northern wavetrain through energy dispersion tends to induce an anomalous anticyclone (i.e., enhanced blocking) over the Sea of Okhotsk, while the southern wavetrain tends to induce an anomalous cyclone over the Sea of Japan which is conducive to the southward intrusion of more high-latitude cold airs. Consequently, a meridional dipole anomalous circulation pattern over the northeastern Asia is formed, favoring more East Asian Meiyu rainfall. In 2020, the Eurasian blocking activities exhibit a significantly positive phase of the tripole pattern and considerably contribute to the super Meiyu. The results identified in this study highlight the importance of the Eurasian blocking activities in the East Asian Meiyu and provide a new perspective for the prediction of the Meiyu rainfall with mid-high latitude signatures.
Evolutionary Algorithm with Machine Learning Enabled Color Texture Image Segmentation and Classification Model
Authors: Maheswari G. Uma , Selvam L. , SAMMETA NARESH 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Many image processing and computer vision algorithms rely on image segmentation. Typically, images are too complex to segment using standard image processing techniques. It consists of a wide range of colour, texture, and shape from correlation. A different labelling of the boundary or region develops a difficult task to segment techniques. Color, shape, and texture descriptors are used in the problem assignment for advanced image segmentation techniques. The purpose of this article is to describe the Evolutionary Algorithm with Machine Learning Enabled Color Texture Image Segmentation and Classification (EAML-CTISC) model. The EAML-CTISC model's main goal is to accurately segment and classify images. The EAML-CTISC model primarily performs image pre-processing to improve image quality. The EAML-CTISC model then combines biogeography-based optimization (BBO) with Shannon entropy-based image segmentation to determine the region of interest. A colour co-occurrence matrix (CCM) model-based feature extraction technique is also used. Finally, for image classification, a gravitational search algorithm (GSA) with an autoencoder (AE) model is used. Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and Jaccard Index all have average values of 99.01%, 95.66%, and 95.46%, respectively. This result demonstrated that the EAML-CTISC proposed approach effectively performs orchard images better than the existing approach. The experimental result analysis of the EAML-CTISC algorithm can be tested utilizing a set of benchmark images. The comparison study stated the enhanced performance of the EAML-CTISC approach over recent approaches.
The synergistic effect of the summer NAO and northwest Pacific SST on extreme heat events in the central–eastern China
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Jianping , Zheng Fei , Li Fei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The synergistic effect of the summer positive North Atlantic Oscillation (pNAO) and positive northwest Pacific (pNWP) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) on the interannual variability of the extreme heat events in the central–eastern China (CEC) is investigated in this study. The two factors act synergistically in strengthening the extreme heat events in the CEC, and the CEC is likely to experience a hotter summer when both the summer pNAO and pNWP SSTA occur. The two factors influence the extreme heat events in the CEC via a series of atmospheric bridges. The pNWP SSTA increases the strength of pNAO via the eastward propagating Rossby wave from the western Pacific. The enhanced pNAO induces a stronger eastward Rossby wave propagation across the Eurasian continent, and leads to a strong anomalous anticyclone over the CEC. The significantly increased atmosphere thickness increases the air temperature of the layer, and favors the extreme heat events in the CEC. Besides, the anomalous southerlies on the west side of the anomalous anticyclone are also favorable for the increase in air temperature. Furthermore, the pNWP SSTA also has adjacent effect on the atmospheric circulation over the CEC, which could lead to a positive geopotential height anomaly. Therefore, the summer pNAO and pNWP SSTA act synergistically in influencing the atmospheric circulation over the CEC, and thereby significantly increase the extreme heat events in the CEC. Compared with the cooccurrence of the summer pNAO and pNWP SSTA, the magnitude of the extreme heat events decreases greatly when only one factor happens, which highlights the synergistic effect of the two factors.
The combined effect of EGR and hydrogen addition on a Syzygium cumini (Jamun) liquid biofuel engine
Authors: Kannappan Chandrasekar , Sengottaiyan Sudhakar , R rajappan 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Rapid depletion of fossil fuels required the development of alternate and sustainable fuel sources that could replace conventional fuel while having no negative environmental impact. One of the best alternatives to conventional fuels that ensures strict emission standards and lowers energy usage is hydrogen induction combined with biodiesel. In this study, the performance, emissions, and combustion of a CI engine for Syzygium cumini (B20) were assessed and compared to diesel fuel while using a fixed amount of hydrogen flow rate (6L/m). Throughout the experiment, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology of 10% and 20% and a constant engine speed of 1500 rpm at varying engine load circumstances were used. When hydrogen is added to B20, it increases the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC). At maximum load, the use of the EGR system decreased the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) by 13.4% and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission by 25%, but it had a negative impact on BTE, BSEC, as well as other emission parameters including CO and UHC. Therefore, using hydrogen in dual fuel mode in a CI engine enhances performance and lowers exhaust emissions, while using the EGR approach reduces NOX emissions.
Cost of bladder cancer in Lebanon before and after the economic collapse: A probabilistic modeling study
Authors: Raad Elie , Helou Samar , Hage Karl , Daou Melissa , Helou Elie El 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background:Lebanon has one of the highest incidence rates of bladder cancer (BC) in the world. In 2019, Lebanon’s economy collapsed which majorly impacted healthcare costs and coverage. This study assesses the overall direct costs of urothelial BC in Lebanon, from the perspective of public and private third-party payers (TPP) and households, and evaluates the impact of the economic collapse on these costs.Methods:This was a quantitative, incidence-based cost-of-illness study, conducted using a macro-costing approach. Costs of medical procedures were obtained from the records of various TPPs and the Ministry of Public Health. We modeled the clinical management processes for each stage of BC, and conducted probabilistic sensitivity analyses to estimate and compare the cost of each stage, pre-and post-collapse, and for each payer category. The model’s probability parameters were obtained from existing literature and local experts’ opinions, using the conventional Delphi method.Results:Before the collapse, the total annual cost of BC in Lebanon was estimated at LBP 19,676,494,000 (USD 13,117,662). Post-collapse, the use of optimal treatment and management decreased, paralleled with an increase in the proportion of BC patients not undergoing any follow-up. The total annual cost of BC in Lebanon increased by 767.67% and was estimated at LBP 170,727,187,000 (USD 7,422,921). TPP payments increased by 61.42% whereas out-of-pocket (OOP) payments increased by 2,745.33% resulting in a decrease in TPP coverage to only 16.5% of total costs. The cost contribution of low, intermediate and high risk BC slightly decreased whereas the cost contribution of muscle-invasive and metastatic BC slightly increased.Conclusions:Our study shows that BC in Lebanon constitutes a significant economic burden costing 0.32% of total health expenditures. The economic collapse induced an increase of 767.67% in the total annual cost, and a catastrophic increase in OOP payments.
Phytochemical profiling and toxicity effect of various seaweed species against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Plutellidae; Lepidoptera)
Authors: J Mary Lisha , G Srinivasan , M Shanthi , M.L Mini , S Vellaikumar , K Sujatha 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

As a renewable resource, seaweeds are abundant in secondary metabolites that have the potential to accelerate metabolic processes in insects, induce toxicity, alter growth and development and delay oviposition and feeding activities. The purpose of the current experiment was to examine the insecticidal activity of brown and red algal seaweeds against diamondback moth under laboratory conditions in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai. The marine algae were collected from Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Different extracts of seaweeds were made using the Soxhlet extraction method and were tested for toxicity at various concentrations, including 1%, 2% and 3% against a homogenous culture of second-instarP. xylostellalarvae. Their effects were compared to those of solvents (Methanol, chloroform, hexane and acetone), a treated check (Azadirachtin 1% @ 2ml/l) and an untreated control under leaf dip bioassay with three replications in Completely Randomized Design. The larval mortality data on the treated larvae were collected systematically, statistically examined and reported. Among different concentrations of tested seaweed extracts, the highest larvicidal activity (83.33%) was observed after 72 hrs withSargassum wightiimethanolic extracts @ 3% concentration and the least larval mortality was observed forGracilaria edulisacetone extracts @ 1% concentration (23.33%). Phytochemical profiling of all methanolic extracts of seaweeds was done by GC-MS/MS analysis. The heat map of the metabolites identified nine metabolites (6-Octadecanoic acid, Papveroline, Paroxypropione, o-Methoxymandelic acid, 11, 14-Eicosadienoic acid, Oxirane, 2-Hydroxy-5-Methyl acetophenone, Alpha-Bromo-gamma-valerolactone, 2-O-Methlyl-d-xylose) inS.wightiiwith high intensity that were not detected in other species. These metabolites are likely to possess insecticidal property. This study suggests the use of seaweed extract as botanical pesticide which will be an alternative in the creation of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for the control of diamondback moths.