bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing multi-environment testing in potato breeding: using heritability estimates to determine number of replications, sites, and years for field trials
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro , Reslow Fredrik , Huicho José , Vetukuri Ramesh , Crossa José 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Multi-environment trials (METs) of potato breeding clones and cultivars allow to precisely determine their genetic values. However, these METs may be affected by the genotype ´ environment interaction (GEI) as noted in tuber yield. Hence, the objectives of this research were to use components of variance from METs to estimate broad sense heritability (H2) based on best linear unbiased predictors and use these estimates to determine the optimum number of sites, years, and replications for testing potato breeding clones along with cultivars. The data were taken from METs in southern and northern Sweden comprising up to 256 breeding clones and cultivars that underwent testing using a simple lattice design of 10-plant plots across three sites over two years. Tuber flesh’s starch had the largest H2 in each (0.850–0.976) or across (0.905–0.921) testing environments. Total tuber weight per plot also exhibited high H2 (0.720 – 0.919) in each testing environment or across them (0.726–0.852), despite a significant GEI. Reducing sugar content in the tuber flesh had the lowest, but still medium H2 (0.426–0.883 in each testing environment; 0.718–0.818 across testing environments). The H2 estimates were smaller when their variance components were disaggregated by year and site, instead of lumping them as environments. Simulating H2 with genetic, site, year, site ´ year, genetic ´ site, genetic ´ year, genetic ´ site ´ year, and residual variance components led to establish that two replicates at each of two sites in two-year trials will suffice for METs in potato when testing, in the target population of environments, breeding clones along with cultivars for tuber yield, tuber flesh’s starch and reducing sugars in the tuber flesh.
Boundedness of the pseudo-differential Bessel operators on Sobolev and Bessel potential spaces
Authors: Selmi Belgacem , Khelifi Chahiba 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
An n-dimensional pseudo-differential Bessel operators Bα,a involving the multidimensional Fourier-Bessel transformation is defined. Then, we introduce some class of symbols and we prove that Bα,a are bounded on Sobolev and Bessel potentials spaces. Moreover, a generalized Bessel potential is defined and its properties are investigated.
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of First Wave and Second Wave COVID-19 Effects on City Air Pollution in India
Authors: Nath Pritthijit , Roy Biparnak , Saha Pratik , Middya Asif Iqbal , Roy Sarbani 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The imposition of strict restrictions by the Government of India to restrict the spread of the novel coronavirus has changed the socio-economic landscape like never before. The air quality due to such unprecedented events has undergone drastic changes especially in major metropolitan cities, which serve as important financial and industrial hubs of the country. This study investigates the influence lockdowns had on the pollution scenario of four key cities namely, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai during both the first (2020) and the second (2021) waves . To evaluate the impact, detailed analysis of ground based pollutant concentration data of PM2.5, NOx, SO2 and O3 from various government set up monitoring stations in the period ranging from April'20 to June'21 is conducted along with the corresponding period during 2019 when business was as usual (BaU). Results show that although PM2.5 and NOx for all cities presented a decrease during the first wave, higher pollutant levels were observed during the second wave. For SO2 and O3, the trend did not show any consistency over all cities as in some cities, the second wave levels showed a significant increase with regard to their BaU counterparts. Out of all the meteorological factors studied over that period, relative humidity was found to have a strong correlation with respect to pollutant levels. Regarding spatial variation within different cities, although stations especially based in industrial areas showed a significant increase in the winter months of October'20 to January'21, second wave and first wave pollutant levels for different stations during the summer months for all cities except Chennai were found to be nearly identical.
Anatomical and functional outcomes after endoresection and adjuvant ruthenium brachytherapy for uveal melanoma: a single center case series
Authors: Mazzini Cinzia , Vicini Giulio , Pieretti Giulia , Massi Daniela , Rizzo Stanislao , Barca Francesco , Leo Laura , Giansanti Fabrizio 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes after endoresection and adjuvant Ruthenium(Ru)-106 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma (UM).
Methods: Retrospective case series of 15 UM patients (15 eyes) treated at our centre (Careggi University Hospital, Florence).
Results: Six patients (40%) were male and 9 females (60%). The mean age of patients at the time of treatment was 61.6 years (±19.41). The mean BCVA at baseline was 20/50. In all cases UM originated from the choroid. The mean tumor thickness at baseline was 7.14 mm (± 2.05), and the mean largest basal diameter was 11.2 mm (± 1.92). A concurrent retinal detachment was diagnosed in 11 patients (73.3%). Two patients (13.3%) showed vitreous seeding at baseline. Eleven patients (73.3%) were treated with primary endoresection, while 4 patients (26.7%) were treated with a “salvage endoresection” after primary treatment failure (previous radiation treatment). The mean follow-up time was 28.9 months (± 10.6). Thirteen out of 15 patients were alive and with no evidence of local recurrence or distance metastasis at the last follow-up visit. The treatment achieved local control of the disease in 14 out of 15 cases (93.3%). In one case patient underwent enucleation for disease recurrence. The overall-survival rate at the end of the follow-up was 93.3%. The mean BCVA at last follow-up visit was 20/40. Treatment was well tolerated, without significant complications.
Conclusions: Endoresection is a valuable conservative option for selected UM patients and can be used both as a primary treatment and as a salvage therapy. It allows to control melanoma and avoid enucleation, reduces the radiation-related complications, and provides tumor tissue for chromosomal analysis and prognostic testing.
Interaction of Anxiety and Hypertension on Quality of Life among Gynecological Cancer Patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gu ZhiHui , Yang ChenXin , Tang Lin , Wu Hui 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Gynecological cancer patients are prone to anxiety, accompanied by hypertension symptoms, which seriously affect the quality of life (QOL). The study was to explore the interaction of anxiety and hypertension on QOL, and the moderating effect of social support in the impact of anxiety and hypertension on QOL of gynecological cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, and 566 patients have been collected from the Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Genera tool (FACT-G), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) were used. The interaction was analyzed by additive model, and the moderating effect was conducted by regression analysis and the simple slope analysis. We found that 68.8% of patients had poor QOL due to the interaction between anxiety and hypertension. The relative excess risk ratio (RERI) was 22.238 (95%CI:44.119–88.596); the attribution ratio (AP) was 0.688 (95%CI:0.234–1.142); The interaction index (S) was 3.466 (95%CI: 0.823–14.435). The interaction items of social support and anxiety were negatively correlated with QOL (β=-0.219, P < 0.01) and explained an additional 4.0% variance (F = 68.649, Adjusted R2 = 0.399, ΔR2 = 0.040, P < 0.01); Social support and blood pressure interaction item was not associated with QOL (β = 0.013, F = 55.138, Adjusted R2 = 0.365, ΔR2 = 0.001, P = 0.730). When anxiety and hypertension coexist, the QOL was seriously decreased. Social support played a moderating role in the impact of anxiety on QOL. Medical staffs should take intervention measures to improve patients’ social support to reduce the impact of anxiety on QOL.
Pupal productivity of larval habitats of Aedes aegypti in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Mwakutwaa Alawih Salim , Ngugi Harun Njenga , Ndenga Bryson Alberto , Krystosik Amy , Ngari Moses , Abubakar Laila Uweso , Yonge Shadrack , Kitron Uriel , LaBeaud Angelle Desiree , Mutuku Francis Maluki 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Accurate identification of larval habitats of Ae. aegypti is considered an essential step in targeted control; of this important vector of several arboviruses including dengue and chikungunya viruses. This study determined Ae. aegyptiproductivity in selected larval habitats in Msambweni, Kwale County, Kenya.
Methods
A total of 664 potential larval habitats were identified and classified based on their use and material into seven habitat types including: buckets, drums, jerrycans, pots, small domestic containers (SDC), tires and others during the habitat census survey. All Ae. aegypti immatures in 83 representative larval habitats were counted daily for 30 consecutive days during a wet and a dry season. All pupae were removed and allowed to emerge in the laboratory.
Results
Of 664 larval habitats examined at baseline, 144 larval habitats (21.7%) were found to be infested with Aedes aegypti larvae. 71% of the pupae were collected from tires and pots combined, which together accounted for 17% of the habitats. In contrast, buckets and SDC represented 55% of the total habitats, but only had an infestation rate of 11.8%, with just 13.5% of the pupae found in them. Multivariate analysis showed that only habitat type and the habitat to being movable were associated with pupal abundance. During the 30-day daily pupal production studies, only a few of the habitats harbored pupae persistently. In the wet season, pupae were collected from 28% (23/83) of the larval habitats. In the dry season, only 12% (10/83) of the habitats were ever found with pupae during the 30-day sampling period, with three habitats (all drums) accounting for 80% (293/365) of all the pupae collected. The results of the multivariate modelsfor the risk factors for pupal productivity showed that habitat type, placing of larval habitats in the backyard, larval habitats without purpose and rain water were significant predictors of larval habitat productivity during the wet season.Although the multivariate model for habitat type did converge, habitat type and large size larval habitats were the only significant predictors during the dry season.
Conclusion
Drums, pots and tires were sources of more than 85% of Ae. aegypti pupae, reinforcing the ‘key containers concept’. Targeting these three types of habitats makes epidemiological sense, especially during the dry season.
Engineering Complexity beyond the surface: Discerning the viewpoints, the drivers, and the challenges
Authors: Morales Gisela A. Garza , Nizamis Kostas , Bonnema G. Maarten 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Complexity is often regarded as a “problem” to solve. Instead of yet again attempting to solve complexity, we follow systems engineering practices and switch back to the problem domain. A major obstacle in the problem domain is the impossibility to universally define complexity. As a workaround, we explored complexity characterization and identified shortcomings of the existing characterizations. The shortcomings include lack of standardization, inconsistent semantics, system-centricity, insufficiently transparent reasoning, and lack of validation. To address these shortcomings, we proposed a framework to characterize complexity by adapting three questions (who, why, what) from the Five Ws information-gathering method. The answer to the WHO-question proposed four complexity viewpoints; the answer to the WHY-question proposed a two-dimensional structure to identify complexity drivers; and the answer to the WHAT-question derived generalized complexity challenges. We used a systematic mapping study (SMS) to validate the framework. In general, our findings suggest that papers with complexity solutions do not frame their research within the complexity problem domain, hindering the contribution evaluation. Through the viewpoints, we identified general research gaps of six solution directions. From the drivers, we noted three observations in the discourse of complexity origins: 1) a system-driven tendency, 2) a preference for concreteness vs. abstraction, and 3) an unclear distinction between origins and effects. Through the challenges’ findings we supported two hypotheses: 1) a system-centric preference; and 2) a solution-oriented vision. This application of our framework exemplifies its potential to facilitate and structure future research, both in the problem and solution domains.
Automatic Grading of Potato Leaf using Machine learning &amp; Computer Vision
Authors: Kumar Suneel , Shukla Aasheesh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Economically, agriculture plays a crucial role but agriculture production decreases with plants or crops diseases. The quantity and quality of the plant are also concerned due to various diseases in plants. Hence early exposure plays a crucial role in reducing the bruise of plant diseases. The highest potato manufacturer in the world is China and together, India & China produce one third of overall potatoes. Potato leaf grading and detection are complex issues that require a lot of human expertise. The manual detection for diseases is ineffective, time-consuming, uncertain, and expensive. The reliable, robust, and scalability factors need to be considered when designing a disease detection method. Machine learning and computer vision advancement led to the development of promising solutions in the agriculture field. In this paper an automated, astute, and efficient detection and grading method for potato leaves is introduced. Firstly, Gaussian filtering is used as pre-processing of the image to improve image quality and noise removal. Secondly, image is segmented using fuzzy c-means technique. Then numerous features, such as geometrical, textural, and statistical are separated (112) and principle component analysis is used to select essential feature (30) for classification. Finally, for classification k-Nearest Neighbour, Logistic Regression, Artificial Neural Network, and Support Vector Machine are benefitted as decision making for potato leaf disease grading. The 10 cross-validation processes have been used to validate the system. The algorithm proposed for the disease detection of potato leaves achieves 83.39% (k-NN), 89.72% (LR), 92.54% (ANN), and 99.75% (SVM). The selecting of the appropriate feature indicates improved system performance. Among the four different classifiers, the SVM results are promising contrast to the reviewed literature.
A phase 1 clinical trial of the repurposable acetyl-lysine mimetic, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Shortt Jake , Galettis Peter , Cheah Chan Y , Davis Joanne , Ludford-Menting Mandy , Link Emma K , Martin Jennifer H , Koldej Rachel , Ritchie David 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is an epigenetically active chemical fragment and organic solvent with numerous applications including use as a drug-delivery vehicle. Previously considered biologically inert, NMP demonstrates immunomodulatory and anti-myeloma properties that are partly explained by acetyllysine mimetic properties and non-specific bromodomain inhibition. We therefore evaluated orally administered NMP in a phase 1 dose-escalation trial to establish its maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RR-MM). Secondary endpoints were safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), overall response rate and immunological biomarkers of activity.
Results
Thirteen patients received NMP at starting doses between 50–400mg daily. Intra-patient dose escalation occurred in five patients, with one attaining the ceiling protocolised dose of 1g daily. Median number of monthly cycles commenced was three (range: 1–20). Grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) were reported in seven (54%; 95% CI: 25–81%) patients. Most common AEs (> 30% of patients) of any grade were nausea and musculoskeletal pain. The only dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was diarrhoea in a patient receiving 200mg NMP (overall DLT rate 8%; 95% CI: 0–36%). Hence, the MTD was not defined. Median progression free and overall survival were 57 (range 29–539) days and 33 (95% CI: 9.7->44) months respectively. The best response of stable disease (SD) was achieved in nine patients (69%; 95% CI: 39–91%). PK analysis demonstrated proportional dose-concentrations up to 400mg daily, with a more linear relationship above 500mg. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of 16.7mg/L at the 800mg dose were below those predicted to inhibit BET-bromodomains. Peripheral blood immune-profiling demonstrated maintenance of Natural Killer (NK)-cells, and a gene expression signature suggestive of enhanced T, B and NK-cell functions; a subject with prolonged exposure manifested sustained recovery of B and NK-cells at 12 months.
Conclusions
NMP demonstrated potential disease stabilising and immunomodulatory activity at sub-BET inhibitory plasma concentrations and was well tolerated in RR-MM; an MTD was not determined up to a maximum dose of 1g daily. Further dose-finding studies are required to optimise NMP dosing strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Mathematical Modelling of the Innovative Technology of Dough Preparation by the Accelerated Ion-ozone Cavitation Method
Authors: Iztayev Auyelbek , Kulazhanov Talgat , Iztayev Baurzhan , Alimardanova Mariam , Tarabayev Baltash , Tursunbayeva Sholpan , Yakiyayeva Madina 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Some of the challenges facing the wheat industry are to increase production efficiency, improve quality and increase the nutritional value of products. To this end, non-traditional methods of flour processing are used to create functional products, and natural, inexpensive sources of raw materials rich in protein, vitamins, macro- and microelements, dietary fibre and other substances are sought. In this work, an accelerated technological method for the preparation of third-class whole-wheat flour dough and bread from the same dough was developed. The optimal values of regime parameters for ion-ozone cavitation processing of flour were determined. Only the presence of yeast and mould and the amount of gluten changed as a result of processing. Moreover, the presence of yeast depended on all three factors: concentration (C), excess pressure (P) and processing time (τ), and the presence of mould and the amount of gluten depended only on time (τ). Using the obtained system of equations, the optimal conditions (modes) of flour processing were determined by the method of nonlinear programming: C·10− 4 = 5 units/mg, Р = 2 atm and τ = 5 min, which, subject to all constraints (restrictions) on the quality of flour, provided the maximum amount of gluten equal to m9 = 27.34%. Moreover, the values of the regime parameters of ion-ozone cavitation processing of dough from whole-ground flour of third-class wheat that produced optimal rheological and physico-chemical properties were determined. Using the obtained system of equations and constraints, the optimal modes of ion-ozone cavitation processing of dough were determined by the method of nonlinear programming, which, subject to all the constraints (limitations) on the quality of the test, provided the maximum strength of the test y2 = 181.0% and the test parameter values C*10− 4 = 25 units/mg, P = 1 atm and τ = 5 min, which, in compliance with all constraints (restrictions) on the quality of bread provided a maximum volume z11 = 232.1 cm3
Fire safety status and evacuation of medical facility considering elevated oxygen concentrations
Authors: Karim Rehmat , Daniel Nashiru Mumuni , Khan Mujeeb , Sheikh Mohsin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The prevalence of infectious diseases and rapid population expansion has increased the number of medical facilities. Due to the patients' limited mobility, these hospitals are more susceptible to fire disasters. Both Pathfinder and Fire Dynamic simulator was used to calculate the required safe evacuation time (RSET), heat release rate, visibility, temperature, CO, and oxygen effects on temperature, and available safe evacuation time (ASET). The safe evacuation of the medical hospital was then evaluated by comparing the ASET and RSET. The simulation findings showed that the egress guides depend on delay time when delay time increases the egress guides dropped. We also studied the importance of egress route decisions and suggest that at least 20 to 30 egress guides are on duty in the medical facility. The safety criteria for the medical facility have been proposed based on the delay time with the normalized egress guides. The high oxygen concentration in a hospital can put the medical staff and patients in danger and limit the required safe egress time to less than 150s. The proposed measures can be used to assess the evacuation safety of a typical medical hospital in use relatively quickly and efficiently.
Carvacrol induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells via Bcl-2/CytC signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Hu-hu , Fong Siat Yee 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying carvacrol-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
Methods The antiproliferative effect of carvacrol on human breast cancer cell line, HCC1937, was determined using MTT assay, and ultrastructural changes in the treated cells were observed using uranium acetate/lead citrate double staining. Cell cycle analysis was performed using propidium iodide (PI) staining and apoptotic cells were detected using flow cytometric Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Further, the expression of Bcl-2/CytC signaling pathway-related proteins (Bcl-2, CytC, and Caspase-3) was detected using western blot technique.
Results Carvacrol exhibited antiproliferative activity against HCC1937 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 320 mM. Ultrastructure analysis revealed that treatment with carvacrol induced morphologic hallmarks of apoptosis in HCC1937 cells. Carvacrol increased the distribution of HCC1937 cells in the G0/G1 phase and decreased the distribution of HCC1937 cells in the S and G2/M phases in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the compound increased the rate of apoptosis and protein expression of Bax, CytC, and Caspase-3 while decreasing the protein levels of Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion Carvacrol can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in human breast cancer HCC1937 cells. This effect may be mediated by the activation of the Bcl-2/CytC mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.