Comparison Study Research Articles

Comparative analysis of intermittent and continuous energy restriction in obesity management

An alternative to continuous energy restriction in the medical nutrition treatment of obesity, which has come to the fore in recent times, is called intermittent fasting. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of intermittent energy restriction (IER) and continuous energy restriction (CER) practices on body composition and anthropometric measurements in overweight and first-degree obese individuals. The comparison study was conducted on 34 people aged 19-64 between April and September 2022. They had no health problems, and applied to a private institution providing nutrition consultancy. In the study, the participants were divided into two groups and were asked to maintain the IER or CER diet type for six weeks. When the participants in the two diet types were compared in terms of parameters of anthropometric measurements, body compositions, blood pressure measurements, and initial and final measurements of abdominal fat analysis, no statistically significant difference was found (pα, pβ>0.05). The mean weight loss of the participants in the IER and CER groups was 3.95±1.94 kg and 4.09±1.48 kg, respectively. The weight loss of the participants in the two diet groups was similar. The long-term efficacy and safety of time-restricted feeding in weight loss is still unclear. More comprehensive research is needed on this subject.

Evaluation of a plant salinity-stress B2-protein gene in wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) and cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Dehydration-inducing conditions are major factors affecting plants geographic distribution worldwide. Salinity is a major factor affecting crop productivity and survival. Advances in molecular studies enabled scientists to explore salinity and genetic factors that control and contribute to salinity tolerance in plants. We previously identified clones from barley substractive library “from plants growing under high salinity regime” that was similar to previously identified B2-protein gene. In the current study, the relative expression of the B2-protein gene is assessed in wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) and cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L) varieties. Our results indicated that the relative expression of the B2 gene displayed 8.00, 10.34, 12.12 and 11.37 folds at 100 mM NaCl and 4.28, 3.62, 2.70 and 1.58 folds at 200 mM NaCl compared to the non-salt stressed control in wild barley, Giza 129, Giza 132 and Giza 123, respectively. The full-length sequence of the B2 gene (1449 bp) was successfully assembled “accession number MT249004” from wild barley. Comparison studies of the wild barley B2 sequence to its published homologue in cultivated barley indicated the presence of an extra 23 bp long sequence, but its deduced amino acids sequence is five a.a. residues shorter (354 vs. 359 a.a.) with 96.1 % identity. Computational analysis at the protein level indicated the presence of differences in the physicochemical properties between the two proteins. Also, the subcellular localization prediction of the protein revealed the detection of the former protein in the nucleus and the later in the chloroplast. However, the protein modelling and structure prediction do not reveal differences since around 60 % of the protein is disordered. On the other hand, B2-protein interaction predicted networks composed of proteins directly or indirectly associated with the stress responses. In conclusion, the B2- protein gene is a promising candidate for dehydration stress tolerance.

Performance evaluation of six mesh router replacement methods for wireless mesh networks: A comparison study for small and middle scale networks considering two islands distribution of mesh clients

In this paper, we present a hybrid intelligent simulation system for optimization of mesh routers in Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) called WMN-PSOHCDGA. We implemented six mesh router replacement methods: CM, RIWM, LDIWM, LDVM, RDVM and FC-RDVM and consider Two Islands distribution of mesh clients. We carry out a comparison study of these router replacement methods for small and middle scale WMNs. We assessed the performance by computer simulations. The simulation results show that six methods have a good performance for connectivity and coverage metrics, for both small and middle scale WMNs. However, they have different behavior for load balancing. For small scale WMNs, the load balancing of LDIWM, RIWM and FC-RDVM is better than CM, LDVM and RDVM. While, comparing LDIWM, RIWM and FC-RDVM, the LDIWM has better load balancing. We found that the load balancing for small scale WMNs is not good, because there is a concentration of mesh routers in some areas. For middle scale WMNs, the CM, LDIWM, LDVM and RDVM have not a good load balancing. While, the RIWM and FC-RDVM have better performance. Comparing RIWM and FC-RDVM, we found that the load balancing of FC-RDVM is better than RIWM.

A comparison study of two implemented fuzzy-based models for decision of logical trust

In recent years, the human-to-human and human-to-things relationships are becoming complicated and unreliable, which makes harder decisions in a variety of situations. As a result, trust computing is gaining interest in a number of research fields. The Logical Trust (LT) is one of trust computing concepts. In this paper, we design a Fuzzy-based System for Decision of Logical Trust (FSDLT). We implement two models: FSDLTM1 and FSDLTM2. The FSDLTM1 considers three input parameters: Belief (Be), Experience (Ep), Rationality (Ra) and the output parameter is LT. In FSDLTM2, we consider Reliability (Re) as a new parameter. We evaluated the implemented models by computer simulations. The simulation results show that when Be, Ep, Ra and Re are increasing, the LT is increased. For FSDLTM1, when Ep value is 0.9, all LT values are greater than 0.5. While for FSDLTM2, in case when Be is 0.9, for all values of Ra and Re, when Ep is 0.5 and 0.9, all LT values are higher than 0.5. This shows that the person or device is trustworthy. The FSDLTM2 is more complex than FSALTM1 but it makes a better decision for LT by considering four input parameters.

A Novel Leg-Integrated Switched Capacitor Inverter Topology for Three-Phase Induction Motor Drives

This paper presents an optimized leg-integrated switched capacitor inverter (LISCI) topology for 3-φ induction motor driven home appliance applications where a switched capacitor (SC) network, used for voltage boosting, is integrated with one of the inverter legs (phase-A leg). This results in a reduced semiconductor requirement as the voltage ratings of the phase-A switches are reduced by half. Moreover, due to the unique structure of the proposed topology, it can produce 3-level pole voltage corresponding to phase-A, even though the pole voltages of phases B and C remain 2-level. This kind of performance, referred to as quasi 3-level performance, results in an unusual space vector (SV) hexagon with 12 SVs, which is implemented by using a novel PWM method. A comparison study of the proposed topology with the existing SC based 3-φ inverter topologies reveals that the former has the lowest semiconductor requirement, highly improved harmonic performance and very low losses. All the claims are supported by experimental validations performed on a 3φ induction motor (3φIM) drive.

Fast Attack Detection for Cyber-Physical Systems Using Dynamic Data Encryption.

To defend the cyber-physical system (CPSs) from cyber-attacks, this work proposes an unified intrusion detection mechanism which is capable to fast hunt various types of attacks. Focusing on securing the data transmission, a novel dynamic data encryption scheme is developed and historical system data is used to dynamically update a secret key involved in the encryption. The core idea of the dynamic data encryption scheme is to establish a dynamic relationship between original data, secret key, ciphertext and its decrypted value, and in particular, this dynamic relationship will be destroyed once an attack occurs, which can be used to detect attacks. Then, based on dynamic data encryption, a unified fast attack detection method is proposed to detect different attacks, including replay, false data injection (FDI), zero-dynamics, and setpoint attacks. Extensive comparison studies are conducted by using the power system and flight control system. It is verified that the proposed method can immediately trigger the alarm as soon as attacks are launched while the conventional χ2 detection could only capture the attacks after the estimation residual goes over the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the proposed method does not degrade the system performance. Last but not the least, the proposed dynamic encryption scheme turns to normal operation mode as the attacks stop.

Mesoscopic investigation of the matrix pores and ITZ effects on the mechanical properties of seawater sea-sand coral aggregate concrete

In this study, the matrix pores and ITZ effects on the mechanical properties of seawater sea-sand coral aggregate concrete (SSCAC) were investigated via the meso-element equivalent method. The effective modulus and strength of aggregate and matrix in SSCAC at different scale level were derived via the Voigt model and Mori-Tanaka method. A three-step equivalence process was established to consider the influence of the matrix pores. The surface permeability zone for coral aggregate was proposed to explain the strength enhanced effect of the interface transition zone (ITZ) in SSCAC. A comparisons study was carried out to analyze the difference between SSCAC and ordinary Portland concrete about the stress-strain relationships, failure patterns, and failure mechanisms. Finally, the impact of porosity variations on the mechanical properties development of SSCAC have been investigated, which indicate that the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of SSCAC present distinct three-stage variations with respect to porosity. A sensitive range of ITZ effect was proposed to reveal that as porosity within 7%–18%, the variation of porosity can influence the ratio of splitting tensile strength to compressive strength of SSCAC remarkably. To ensure optimal performance in both splitting tensile strength and compressive strength, it is recommended to maintain the porosity of SSCAC within the range of 5%–10%.

Enhancing online health consultations through fuzzy logic-integrated attribute-based encryption system

Online health consultations are becoming more popular as a result of technological improvements. Patients routinely look for information about medical disorders online, which could jeopardize the privacy of medical records and increase the workload of healthcare professionals. Nonetheless, academics continue to be extremely concerned about issues related to the quality characteristics that relate to the current architectural models, such as energy consumption, latency, resource utilization, scalability, and packet loss. This method, however, also results in a significant strain being placed on medical experts who must sort through vast amounts of medical records to extract certain information. This paper presents a novel ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption method coupled with fuzzy logic to overcome these issues. This solution uses a hybrid structure of IPFS and blockchain to store data and enables complex bidirectional access control. Before being added to IPFS, medical records are encrypted. To ensure data integrity, related IPFS hash indexes are then added to the blockchain. Utilizing attribute-based technology, users’ data is encrypted to give them fine-grained bidirectional access control. A thorough security analysis proves the system’s resilience, especially when faced with chosen plaintext assaults inside the random oracle model. Tests for this study were conducted using 10–50 attribute sets. This paper’s technique solely makes use of a hash operation. All things considered; the study demonstrates that the proposed design is more efficient than earlier schemes. Thus, from the comparison study above, it can be concluded that the system presented in this work is more efficient. Results from simulations provide additional support for the suggested methodology by highlighting the improved computing efficiency of users as compared to baseline conventional systems. This study demonstrates how technological advancement and healthcare requirements can coexist harmoniously, paving the way for secure and effective online medical consultations that are powered by fuzzy logic.

Comparison of DNA extraction methods on different sample matrices within the same terrestrial ecosystem

Metataxonomic studies of ecosystem microbiotas require the simultaneous processing of samples with contrasting physical and biochemical traits. However, there are no published studies of comparisons of different DNA extraction kits to characterize the microbiotas of the main components of terrestrial ecosystems. Here, and to our knowledge for the first time, five DNA extraction kits were used to investigate the composition and diversity of the microbiota of a subset of samples typically studied in terrestrial ecosystems such as bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, invertebrate taxa and mammalian feces. DNA extraction kit was associated with changes in the relative abundance of hundreds of ASVs, in the same samples, resulting in significant differences in alpha and beta diversity estimates of their microbiotas. Importantly, the impact of DNA extraction kit on sample diversity varies according to sample type, with mammalian feces and soil samples showing the most and least consistent diversity estimates across DNA extraction kits, respectively. We show that the MACHEREY–NAGEL NucleoSpin® Soil kit was associated with the highest alpha diversity estimates, providing the highest contribution to the overall sample diversity, as indicated by comparisons with computationally assembled reference communities, and is recommended to be used for any large-scale microbiota study of terrestrial ecosystems.

A deep-learning model for intracranial aneurysm detection on CT angiography images in China: a stepwise, multicentre, early-stage clinical validation study

Artificial intelligence (AI) models in real-world implementation are scarce. Our study aimed to develop a CT angiography (CTA)-based AI model for intracranial aneurysm detection, assess how it helps clinicians improve diagnostic performance, and validate its application in real-world clinical implementation. We developed a deep-learning model using 16 546 head and neck CTA examination images from 14 517 patients at eight Chinese hospitals. Using an adapted, stepwise implementation and evaluation, 120 certified clinicians from 15 geographically different hospitals were recruited. Initially, the AI model was externally validated with images of 900 digital subtraction angiography-verified CTA cases (examinations) and compared with the performance of 24 clinicians who each viewed 300 of these cases (stage 1). Next, as a further external validation a multi-reader multi-case study enrolled 48 clinicians to individually review 298 digital subtraction angiography-verified CTA cases (stage 2). The clinicians reviewed each CTA examination twice (ie, with and without the AI model), separated by a 4-week washout period. Then, a randomised open-label comparison study enrolled 48 clinicians to assess the acceptance and performance of this AI model (stage 3). Finally, the model was prospectively deployed and validated in 1562 real-world clinical CTA cases. The AI model in the internal dataset achieved a patient-level diagnostic sensitivity of 0·957 (95% CI 0·939-0·971) and a higher patient-level diagnostic sensitivity than clinicians (0·943 [0·921-0·961] vs 0·658 [0·644-0·672]; p<0·0001) in the external dataset. In the multi-reader multi-case study, the AI-assisted strategy improved clinicians' diagnostic performance both on a per-patient basis (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves [AUCs]; 0·795 [0·761-0·830] without AI vs 0·878 [0·850-0·906] with AI; p<0·0001) and a per-aneurysm basis (the area under the weighted alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic curves; 0·765 [0·732-0·799] vs 0·865 [0·839-0·891]; p<0·0001). Reading time decreased with the aid of the AI model (87·5 s vs 82·7 s, p<0·0001). In the randomised open-label comparison study, clinicians in the AI-assisted group had a high acceptance of the AI model (92·6% adoption rate), and a higher AUC when compared with the control group (0·858 [95% CI 0·850-0·866] vs 0·789 [0·780-0·799]; p<0·0001). In the prospective study, the AI model had a 0·51% (8/1570) error rate due to poor-quality CTA images and recognition failure. The model had a high negative predictive value of 0·998 (0·994-1·000) and significantly improved the diagnostic performance of clinicians; AUC improved from 0·787 (95% CI 0·766-0·808) to 0·909 (0·894-0·923; p<0·0001) and patient-level sensitivity improved from 0·590 (0·511-0·666) to 0·825 (0·759-0·880; p<0·0001). This AI model demonstrated strong clinical potential for intracranial aneurysm detection with improved clinician diagnostic performance, high acceptance, and practical implementation in real-world clinical cases. National Natural Science Foundation of China. For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Treating waste with waste: Efficient separation of Ni(II) from wastewater by a waste-derived polyimide foam with rationally designed structure

The separation and upcycling of nickel from industrial wastewater is significant because it is harmful to the environment and human health. With the development of special engineering plastics industry, a substantial amount of polyimide (PI) scrap is generated. In this study, an amine and carboxyl functionalized PI (PI-AC) was prepared from waste-derived PI foam for the adsorption and separation of Ni(II). The adsorption performance of PI-AC can be modulated by adjusting the ratio of functional groups. PI-AC demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics (<5 min) for Ni(II) and effectively adsorbed Ni(II) from real wastewater in column experiments. PI-AC shows a competitive dynamic adsorption capacity for Ni(II) (222.59 mg/g) as compared with most of the reported adsorbents. Furthermore, the successful removal of Ni from low-concentration simulated Ni-containing wastewater (7.18 mg/L) results in a residual Ni concentration (0.001 mg/L) that complies with the emission standard. The porous structure of the PI foam enables rapid adsorption of nickel and column adsorption was successfully achieved. The adsorption performance exhibited maintained stably even after five cycles, demonstrating excellent recoverability. The characterizations, comparison studies, and DFT calculations demonstrated that one nitrogen atom in the amine group and one oxygen atom in the carboxyl group act as a bidentate ligand to chelate with Ni(II). This study opens a new way for the treatment of wastewater using PI foam scrap, which coincides with the idea of “treating the waste with waste”.

Comparison study of chewing efficiency in patients with different vertical skeletal patterns of Angle Class I and Angle Class II malocclusions.

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the differences in chewing efficiency among patients with different vertical skeletal types of Angle Class I and Angle Class II malocclusions, to provide reference for orthodontic clinical practice. Sample size estimation revealed a minimum of 53 for each class. Thus, a total of 108 patients with Angle Class I and Angle Class II malocclusions were selected. Lateral skull radiographs were taken, and head measurements were analyzed via geometric tracing software. Chewing efficiency was measured using the gravimetric method to compare between the two groups. The vertical skeletal pattern was classified via Steiner analysis. Significant statistical differences in chewing efficiency were observed between patients presenting with Angle Class I and Angle Class II malocclusions (P < .05). Additionally, significant differences in chewing efficiency were observed among patients with different vertical skeletal patterns (P < .05). Furthermore, a statistically significant difference in chewing efficiency was found between men and women (P < .05). Patients with Angle Class I malocclusions exhibited significantly higher chewing efficiency compared to those with Angle Class II malocclusions. Among patients with different vertical facial types, the chewing efficiency followed the order of low angle > normal angle > high angle. Moreover, men demonstrated a higher chewing efficiency than women.

A Qualitative and Comparative Performance Assessment of Logically Centralized SDN Controllers via Mininet Emulator

An alternative networking approach called Software Defined Networking (SDN) enables dynamic, programmatically efficient network construction, hence enhancing network performance. It splits a traditional network into a centralized control plane and a configurable data plane. Because the core component overseeing every data plane action is the controller in the control plane, which may contain one or more controllers and is thought of as the brains of the SDN network, controller functionality and performance are crucial to achieve optimal performances. There is much controller research available in the existing literature. Nevertheless, no qualitative comparison study of OpenFlow-enabled distributed but logically centralized controllers exists. This paper includes a quantitative investigation of the performance of several distributed but logically centralized SDN controllers in custom network scenarios using Mininet, as well as a thorough qualitative comparison of them. More precisely, we give a qualitative evaluation of their attributes and classify and categorize 13 distributed but logically centralized SDN controllers according to their capabilities. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive SDN emulation tool, called Mininet-based SDN controller performance assessment, in this study. Using six performance metrics—bandwidth, round-trip time, delay, jitter, packet loss, and throughput—this work also assesses five distributed but logically centralized controllers within two custom network scenarios (uniform and non-uniform host distribution). Our analysis reveals that the Ryu controller outperforms the OpenDayLight controller in terms of latency, packet loss, and round-trip time, while the OpenDayLight controller performs well in terms of throughput, bandwidth, and jitter. Throughout the entire experiment, the HyperFlow and ONOS controllers performed worst in all performance metrics. Finally, we discuss detailed research findings on performance. These experimental results provide decision-making guidelines when selecting a controller.

A Comparative Analysis of the Phenomenology of Time in the Works of John McTaggart and John Mbiti

The issue of time remains a topic of ongoing discussion in both theological and philosophical literature. Currently, within the field of theology, there is a significant focus on the concept of time, which is the subject of disputes regarding the nature of God’s eternity. These discussions involve inquiries into whether God exists outside of time or within it. Philosophical discussions often centre around the ontology and metaphysics of time, exploring whether time is characterised by a static or dynamic nature. This paper did not delve into the controversies surrounding God’s eternity. However, it focused on the phenomenology of time as discussed by two contrasting theorists, namely John McTaggart (1866-1925) and John Mbiti (1931-2019). McTaggart, an English philosopher, contends that time is unreal. According to the African scholar Mbiti, time is indeed real, but it moves in a reverse direction instead of the forward direction generally perceived in Western tradition. Consequently, Mbiti refutes the existence of the future. As far as is known, there are no existing comparison studies on these two experts. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to address this vacuum. The paper utilised comparative lenses to assess the metaphysical claims of these two thinkers about the phenomenology of time, intending to gain a deeper comprehension of time from their respective viewpoints. The process was executed in three sequential stages. It first analysed McTaggart’s explanation of time, and then proceeded to investigate Mbiti’s notion of time. Finally, a comparative examination was conducted before concluding. The conclusion is that McTaggart and Mbiti neglect to consider the potential existence of objective time, which would be independent of events, change, and motion. This paper adds to the field of philosophical theology, specifically focusing on modern debates on God and time. Keywords: John Mbiti, John McTaggart, the Phenomenology of Time, Sasa, Zamani.

Drivable Area Detection: a Comparative Study of Algorithms Based on Deep Learning

Early techniques, frequently based on computer vision, classified drivable zones into four types: sensor-based, rule-based, map-based, and traditional machine learning (ML). Due to the limitations of these methods, they were later replaced by deep learning-based methods. The advancements in methods for segmenting drivable areas, encompassing both conventional computer vision-based approaches and deep learning-based algorithms are discussed in this article. This paper aims to conduct comparative research on the principles underlying Fast-SCNN, EDANet, and D3NET algorithms along with their performances on the CityScapes dataset. The accuracy and efficiency of the drivable area segmentation task deserve significant attention. Furthermore, a comparative study is conducted separately on PC and embedded platforms to facilitate readers in selecting appropriate datasets and validation platforms. Lastly, the existing challenges as well as future trends pertaining to these algorithms are discussed. This study's comparisons offer valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of the reviewed methods, thereby aiding in the construction of the algorithm model.

PUM1 and PGK1 are Favorable Housekeeping Genes over Established Biodosimetry-related Housekeeping Genes such as HPRT1, ITFG1, DPM1, MRPS5, 18S rRNA and Others after Radiation Exposure.

In gene expression (GE) studies, housekeeping genes (HKGs) are required for normalization purposes. In large-scale inter-laboratory comparison studies, significant differences in dose estimates are reported and divergent HKGs are employed by the teams. Among them, the 18S rRNA HKG is known for its robustness. However, the high abundance of 18S rRNA copy numbers requires dilution, which is time-consuming and a possible source of errors. This study was conducted to identify the most promising HKGs showing the least radiation-induced GE variance after radiation exposure. In the screening stage of this study, 35 HKGs were analyzed. This included selected HKGs (ITFG1, MRPS5, and DPM1) used in large-scale biodosimetry studies which were not covered on an additionally employed pre-designed 96-well platform comprising another 32 HKGs used for different exposures. Altogether 41 samples were examined, including 27 ex vivo X-ray irradiated blood samples (0, 0.5, 4 Gy), six X-irradiated samples (0, 0.5, 5 Gy) from two cell lines (U118, A549), as well as eight non-irradiated tissue samples to encompass multiple biological entities. In the independent validation stage, the most suitable candidate genes were examined from another 257 blood samples, taking advantage of already stored material originating from three studies. These comprise 100 blood samples from ex vivo X-ray irradiated (0-4 Gy) healthy donors, 68 blood samples from 5.8 Gy irradiated (cobalt-60) Rhesus macaques (RM) (LD29/60) collected 0-60 days postirradiation, and 89 blood samples from chemotherapy-(CTx) treated breast tumor patients. CTx and radiation-induced GE changes in previous studies appeared comparable. RNA was isolated, converted into cDNA, and GE was quantified employing TaqMan assays and quantitative RT-PCR. We calculated the standard deviation (SD) and the interquartile range (IQR) as measures of GE variance using raw cycle threshold (Ct) values and ranked the HKGs accordingly. Dose, time, age, and sex-dependent GE changes were examined employing the parametrical t-test and non-parametrical Kruskal Wallis test, as well as linear regression analysis. Generally, similar ranking results evolved using either SD or IQR GE measures of variance, indicating a tight distribution of GE values. PUM1 and PGK1 showed the lowest variance among the first ten most suitable genes in the screening phase. MRPL19 revealed low variance among the first ten most suitable genes in the screening phase only for blood and cells, but certain comparisons indicated a weak association of MRPL19 with dose (P = 0.02-0.09). In the validation phase, these results could be confirmed. Here, IQR Ct values from, e.g., X-irradiated blood samples were 0.6 raw Ct values for PUM1 and PGK1, which is considered to represent GE differences as expected due to methodological variance. Overall, when compared, the GE variance of both genes was either comparable or lower compared to 18S rRNA. Compared with the IQR GE values of PUM1 and PGKI, twofold-fivefold increased values were calculated for the biodosimetry HKG HPRT1, and comparable values were calculated for biodosimetry HKGs ITFG1, MRPS5, and DPM1. Significant dose-dependent associations were found for ITFG1 and MRPS5 (P = 0.001-0.07) and widely absent or weak (P = 0.02-0.07) for HPRT1 and DPM1. In summary, PUM1 and PGK1 appeared most promising for radiation exposure studies among the 35 HKGs examined, considering GE variance and adverse associations of GE with dose.

Do machine learning methods lead to similar individualized treatment rules? A comparison study on real data.

Identifying patients who benefit from a treatment is a key aspect of personalized medicine, which allows the development of individualized treatment rules (ITRs). Many machine learning methods have been proposed to create such rules. However, to what extent the methods lead to similar ITRs, that is, recommending the same treatment for the same individuals is unclear. In this work, we compared 22 of the most common approaches in two randomized control trials. Two classes of methods can be distinguished. The first class of methods relies on predicting individualized treatment effects from which an ITR is derived by recommending the treatment evaluated to the individuals with a predicted benefit. In the second class, methods directly estimate the ITR without estimating individualized treatment effects. For each trial, the performance of ITRs was assessed by various metrics, and the pairwise agreement between all ITRs was also calculated. Results showed that the ITRs obtained via the different methods generally had considerable disagreements regarding the patients to be treated. A better concordance was found among akin methods. Overall, when evaluating the performance of ITRs in a validation sample, all methods produced ITRs with limited performance, suggesting a high potential for optimism. For non-parametric methods, this optimism was likely due to overfitting. The different methods do not lead to similar ITRs and are therefore not interchangeable. The choice of the method strongly influences for which patients a certain treatment is recommended, drawing some concerns about their practical use.

Combining GWAS and comparative genomics to fine map candidate genes for days to flowering in mung bean

BackgroundMung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), is an important pulse crop in the global south. Early flowering and maturation are advantageous traits for adaptation to northern and southern latitudes. This study investigates the genetic basis of the Days-to-Flowering trait (DTF) in mung bean, combining genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in mung bean and comparisons with orthologous genes involved with control of DTF responses in soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana).ResultsThe most significant associations for DTF were on mung bean chromosomes 1, 2, and 4. Only the SNPs on chromosomes 1 and 4 were heavily investigated using downstream analysis. The chromosome 1 DTF association is tightly linked with a cluster of locally duplicated FERONIA (FER) receptor-like protein kinase genes, and the SNP occurs within one of the FERONIA genes. In Arabidopsis, an orthologous FERONIA gene (AT3G51550), has been reported to regulate the expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). For the chromosome 4 DTF locus, the strongest candidates are Vradi04g00002773 and Vradi04g00002778, orthologous to the Arabidopsis PhyA and PIF3 genes, encoding phytochrome A (a photoreceptor protein sensitive to red to far-red light) and phytochrome-interacting factor 3, respectively. The soybean PhyA orthologs include the classical loci E3 and E4 (genes GmPhyA3, Glyma.19G224200, and GmPhyA2, Glyma.20G090000). The mung bean PhyA ortholog has been previously reported as a candidate for DTF in studies conducted in South Korea.ConclusionThe top two identified SNPs accounted for a significant proportion (~ 65%) of the phenotypic variability in mung bean DTF by the six significant SNPs (39.61%), with a broad-sense heritability of 0.93. The strong associations of DTF with genes that have orthologs with analogous functions in soybean and Arabidopsis provide strong circumstantial evidence that these genes are causal for this trait. The three reported loci and candidate genes provide useful targets for marker-assisted breeding in mung beans.

The Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa Towards Digital Services Security Model for Public Universities

The integration of the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) into Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa’s (PLMun) digital services framework is the main topic of the study. The research tackles the urgent need for a strong security model to protect sensitive data and strengthen public institutions’ overall security posture as digitalization becomes more widespread in academic settings. Its goals are to determine if integrating PNPKI into PLMun’s digital services is feasible, examine how PNPKI improves data security and integrity, and develop a complete security model for public universities based on PNPKI. The research study uses a methodical approach, looking closely at PNPKI features and how well they fit with PLMun’s digital infrastructure. Comparison studies of current security models for public universities based on PNPKI. The research study uses a methodical approach, looking closely at PNPKI features and how well they fit with PLMun’s digital infrastructure. We’ll compare the security approaches that are currently in use in educational institutions, and we might use surveys or interviews to get feedback from pertinent parties. The study expects to demonstrate the possible advantages of PNPKI implementation in PLMun, including increased data security, better authentication procedures, and improved digital resilience in general. Analyses of comparisons will shed light on the benefits of PNPKI over other security methods. In summary, it offers PLMun and other public universities a workable implementation roadmap for PNPKI. Policymakers, university administrators, and IT experts will find great value in the expected outcomes, which highlight the importance of a uniform security architecture. Keywords: Information Technology, Public Key Infrastructure, Digital Services, Security Model, Data Integrity

Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Health Disparities Research: A Scoping Review.

Research in health disparities and how they affect underserved populations continues to grow and expand. However, the experiences of Arab/Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans often go unnoticed, and yet, preliminary data suggests there are significant disparities between this population and other groups. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine and synthesize the extent of available literature on health disparities and outcomes for this group. A scoping review was conducted to investigate the current state of research on health disparities and outcomes among Arab/MENA individuals within the USA. The PRISMA protocol for scoping reviews was utilized. Through the use of PubMed and PsychInfo databases, the search identified 43 articles that were eligible for inclusion in the final review. Five themes emerged: prevalence and health outcomes, factors impacting health, comparison studies, barriers, and health literacy and beliefs. Extant data was equivocal, suggesting the need for further research. Research on Arab/MENA health disparities and outcomes is in the detection phase, indicating that more research is needed to elucidate the state of Arab/MENA health in the USA. These findings can help healthcare professionals and researchers understand the emerging literature on health disparities within the Arab/MENA community and inform further research and clinical practice within this population.