Desirable Attributes Research Articles

Desirable attributes of theories, models, and frameworks for implementation strategy design in healthcare: a scoping review protocol.

Background: Implementation strategies can facilitate the adoption of evidence-based practices and policies. A wide range of theoretical approaches-theories, models, and frameworks-can be used to inform implementation strategy design in different ways (e.g., guiding barrier and enabler assessment to implementing evidence-based interventions). While selection criteria and attributes of theoretical approaches for use in implementation strategy design have been studied, they have never been synthesized. Furthermore, theoretical approaches have never been classified according to desirable criteria and attributes for use in implementation strategy design. This scoping review aims to a) identify the literature reporting on the selection of theoretical approaches for informing implementation strategy design in healthcare and b) understand the suggested use of these approaches in implementation strategy design. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidelines will be used to conduct this scoping review. A search of three bibliographical databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL) will be conducted for peer-reviewed discussion, methods, protocol, or review papers. Data will be managed using the Covidence software. Two review team members will independently perform screening, full text review and data extraction. Results: Results will include a list of selection criteria and attributes of theoretical approaches for use in research on implementation strategy design. Descriptive data regarding selection criteria and attributes will be synthesized graphically and in table format. Data regarding the suggested use of theoretical approaches in implementation strategy design will be presented narratively. Conclusions: Results will be used to classify existing theoretical approaches according to the attributes and selection criteria identified in this scoping review. Envisioned next steps include an online tool that will be created to assist researchers in selecting theories, models, and frameworks for implementation strategy design.

Evaluation of Markers Associated with Physiological and Biochemical Traits during Storage of ‘Nam Dok Mai Si Thong’ Mango Fruits

Mango ‘Nam dok mai si thong’ is in high demand worldwide, displaying desirable attributes which include a particularly sweet flavour and visually appealing appearance. Physiological and biochemical changes that occur in the fruit post-harvest are key factors in determining fruit quality and, consequently, predicted shelf life. In order to understand which post-harvest markers play crucial roles during the ripening process, as well as those which are a consequence of disease infection and physical damage caused by essential oil vapour, partial least squares (PLS) correlation models were used. During storage, physiochemical (percent weight loss, peel colour, firmness, pH, and peel electrolyte leakage) and biochemical (titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid compounds, antioxidants, total sugar, and reducing sugar content) parameters, as well as near-infrared (NIR) spectra, were monitored and correlated with visual post-harvest physiological responses. The majority of analysed markers displayed distinct relationships with the ripening process of mangoes, where for non-destructive parameters (R2 = 0.86), lightness (L*) and b* value were notably significant, and for destructive parameters (R2 = 0.79), pH and total soluble solids were notably significant. Similarly, the same markers were also correlated with physical damage and post-harvest mango disease infection severity, possibly through polysaccharide deformation and activation of browning-related enzymes. NIR imaging results also revealed the absorbent regions involved in biochemical alterations (water and enzymes; absorbance at 1170 nm, 1400–1500 nm, and 2150–2250 nm) that pertain to the fruit’s quality. The findings from this work provide an initial step towards the development and assessment of quality measures for ‘Nam dok mai si thong’ mango.

Characterisation of a soil MINPP phytase with remarkable long-term stability and activity from Acinetobacter sp.

Phylogenetic analysis, homology modelling and biochemical methods have been employed to characterize a phytase from a Gram-negative soil bacterium. Acinetobacter sp. AC1-2 phytase belongs to clade 2 of the histidine (acid) phytases, to the Multiple Inositol Polyphosphate Phosphatase (MINPP) subclass. The enzyme was extraordinarily stable in solution both at room temperature and 4°C, retaining near 100% activity over 755 days. It showed a broad pH activity profile from 2-8.5 with maxima at 3, 4.5-5 and 6. The enzyme showed Michaelis-Menten kinetics and substrate inhibition (Vmax, Km, and Ki, 228 U/mg, 0.65 mM and 2.23 mM, respectively). Homology modelling using the crystal structure of a homologous MINPP from a human gut commensal bacterium indicated the presence of a potentially stabilising polypeptide loop (a U-loop) straddling the active site. By employ of the enantiospecificity of Arabidopsis inositol tris/tetrakisphosphate kinase 1 for inositol pentakisphosphates, we show AC1-2 MINPP to possess D6-phytase activity, which allowed modelling of active site specificity pockets for InsP6 substrate. While phytase gene transcription was unaltered in rich media, it was repressed in minimal media with phytic acid and orthophosphate as phosphate sources. The results of this study reveal AC1-2 MINPP to possess desirable attributes relevant to biotechnological use.

Variability response functions for statically indeterminate structures

The response variability of statically indeterminate beam structures caused by uncertain material properties modeled by random fields is studied in this paper. By solving the governing equations of the statically indeterminate structure, the response bending moment along the length of the beam, M(x), is expressed as a function of its (random) zero-moment location. This approach, combined with a second-order Taylor series expansion of the random zero-moment location, leads to novel Variability Response Function-based integral expressions for the variance of the response bending moment, Var[M(x)]. Variability Response Functions have numerous desirable attributes including the capability to perform a full sensitivity analysis of the response variability with respect to the spectral characteristics of the random field modeling the uncertain material/system properties and establishing realizable upper bounds of the response variability. The proposed expressions are fundamentally different from all currently existing expressions that are based inherently on first-order Taylor series expansions, as they involve: (i) two distinct integrals in the expression for Var[M(x)] and, (ii) an expression for the mean value ɛ[M(x)] that depends on the stochastic field modeling the uncertain material properties. In general, the proposed second-order Taylor series-based formulation is expected to provide more accurate results. Extensive numerical examples are provided where the accuracy of the results obtained using the proposed formulation is validated using Monte Carlo simulations involving stochastic fields that follow truncated Gaussian and shifted lognormal probability distribution functions. These Monte Carlo simulation results indicate that the proposed Variability Response Functions are probability-distribution-independent.

Field-deployable aptasensor with automated analysis of stain patterns for the detection of chlorpyrifos in water

Organophosphorus compounds such as chlorpyrifos (CPS) are causing serious environmental problems worldwide. Efficient monitoring of the CPS levels in water resources demands portable devices for on-field testing. Here we report the development of a CPS sensor coupled with smartphones for automated reading and data analysis. The sensing mechanism makes use of gold nanoparticles stabilized by a CPS-specific aptamer, where colloidal destabilization occurs in presence of competing CPS molecules. In particular, an innovative readout is proposed: quantitative analysis of the stain patterns left by evaporating drops of the test solutions. We have found that the CPS-induced destabilization suppresses the typical coffee-ring stain of the colloidal gold, and then exploited the phenomenon to quantitatively determine the CPS concentration in water samples. A strong correlation between CPS level in samples and the alteration of the stain patterns was established for a wide range of CPS concentrations (0.048 μM–482 μM). The limit of detection of the sensor was 0.2 μM. The assay was implemented on Whatman filter paper cards that were specially patterned by wax-printing. A smartphone-based Python program was written for fully automated image capture and processing. Notably, as we analyze the spatial configuration of the stains, the reading system is independent of external illumination. The system also enables data management and traceability, which are highly desirable attributes for environmental monitoring.

Ultrasensitive and rapid identification of ESRI developer- and piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant Escherichia coli by the MALDIpiptaz test

ABSTRACT Background The excessive use of piperacillin/tazobactam (P/T) has promoted the emergence of P/T-resistant Enterobacterales. We reported that in Escherichia coli, P/T contributes to the development of extended-spectrum resistance to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) (ESRI) in isolates that are P/T susceptible but have low-level resistance to BL/BLI. Currently, the detection of P/T resistance relying on conventional methods is time-consuming. To overcome this issue, we developed a cost-effective test based on MALDI-MS technology, called MALDIpiptaz, which aims to detect P/T resistance and ESRI developers in E. coli. Methods We used automated Clover MS Data Analysis software to analyse the protein profile spectra obtained by MALDI-MS from a collection of 248 E. coli isolates (91 P/T-resistant, 81 ESRI developers and 76 P/T-susceptible). This software allowed to preprocess all the spectra to build different peak matrices that were analysed by machine learning algorithms. Results We demonstrated that MALDIpiptaz can efficiently and rapidly (15 min) discriminate between P/T-resistant, ESRI developer and P/T-susceptible isolates and allowed the correct classification between ESRI developers from their isogenic resistance to P/T. Conclusion The combination of excellent performance and cost-effectiveness are all desirable attributes, allowing the MALDIpiptaz test to be a useful tool for the rapid determination of P/T resistance in clinically relevant E. coli isolates.

A Robust and Thermally Stable Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Elastomer with Reprocessability Based on Dynamic Silyl Ether Linkages

AbstractPolysiloxane elastomers have drawn considerable attention especially benefitting from their excellent thermal stability. Nevertheless, as commercial polysiloxane elastomers possess permanently crosslinked networks, they are generally unrecyclable and thus detrimental to environment at the end of service life. Although introducing reversible covalent bonds into polysiloxane networks can achieve reprocessability, the thermal stability is declined as many reversible bonds are thermally unstable. Herein, in order to combine the desirable attributes of reprocessability and thermal stability, polydimethylsiloxane elastomers are prepared by incorporating thermally stable silyl ether linkages into networks as dynamic crosslinks for the first time. The elastomer exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, excellent solvent resistance, and even largely enhanced thermal stability (the initial degradation temperature is increased by 33 °C). Moreover, the elastomer is able to reshuffle the network topology through trans‐oxyalkylation reactions of silyl ethers, thus capable of distinguished reprocessability at high temperatures. In a word, this work provides a facile strategy for integrating reprocessability into thermosetting materials without sacrificing their thermal stability.

Relational bibliometrics for hospitality and tourism research: A best practice guide

Noting the growing literature on relational bibliometrics and prevailing methodological challenges in hospitality and tourism research – inadequate bibliometric-focused structure and methodological transparency – this study contributes to knowledge about applicable analytical procedures. The authors uncover methodological issues by content analyzing 85 relational bibliometric articles published in 19 hospitality and tourism journals. The findings provide a basis for best practice recommendations. Four guiding principles are proposed for the scholarly deployment of relational bibliometrics, namely: (1) using multiple relational techniques to ensure a rich and comprehensive coverage of the pertinent field, (2) providing sufficient methodological disclosure, particularly language selection, data extraction from the applicable sampling, data cleaning and supplemental materials provided, (3) following a best practice work flow, including relational study methodologies, and (4) ensuring methodological adherence to three desired attributes – structured, comprehensive and transparent. The latter can potentially improve the thoroughness, clarity, and trustworthiness of future studies. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings, and a future research agenda which presents significant insights offering encouragement for bibliometric analyses, as well as acknowledging potential limitations.

Chromium oxide – A novel sacrificial layer material for MEMS/NEMS and micro/nanofluidic device fabrication

Free standing membranes for fluidic devices typically require long etching times due to the slow, diffusion limited exchange of etchant and etch products when large etch distances are involved. In these cases, high etch selectivity is required between the sacrificial and channel-wall materials. Here, we introduce chromium oxide, Cr2O3, as a versatile sacrificial layer material for the fabrication of microfluidic and nanofluidic channels. Chromium oxide has many desirable attributes as a sacrificial layer: it can be deposited by sputtering to form stress-controlled films, it adheres well to both metal and dielectric surfaces, it is resistant to most acids and bases, but etches rapidly in standard chromium etchants, and has minimal tendencies to react with other commonly used materials. In addition, typical chromium etchants are highly selective to materials commonly used in microfabricated systems. To fully explore the process characteristics of this material we performed a comprehensive set of experiments to quantify its behavior in ways relevant to its use in device fabrication. The results presented in this paper will provide a starting point to optimize Cr2O3 for fabrication of fluidic devices.

Controlled Pollination to Assess Intraspecific Compatibility Among Passiflora incarnata Genotypes from Different Provenances

Passiflora incarnata L., commonly known as maypop, is a wild passion fruit native to many areas of the eastern and southern United States where the climate ranges from subtropical to temperate. Although P. incarnata has had little attention paid to it for breeding purposes, it could be used in breeding for fruit production and possibly contribute cold hardiness genes in combination with other Passiflora species. The study was performed in 2018, 2019, and 2021 at the Mississippi State University South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville, MS, United States. Passiflora propagules were collected from various locations: Florida (FL), Illinois (IL), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), and Oklahoma (OK). Of the 122 flowers across the five P. incarnata genotypes from differing locations, none of them produced a fruit or had any indication of successful or partially successful fertilization when selfed, indicating strong self- incompatibility. If self-compatibility does exist in nature, it is likely to be rare. However, certain combinations of P. incarnata from different locations produced successful fruiting, including IL × MO (52% success), FL × MO (85%), FL × OK (80%), MS × OK (40%), MO × IL (50%), MO × OK (40%), and OK × MO (80%). The differences across provenances show that incompatibility exists within P. incarnata but can depend on location. Overall, fruit weight, fruit size, and soluble solids content measured in this study were similar to and, in some cases, greater than those previously reported. These differences help to illustrate the diversity within P. incarnata and the still-untapped potential for breeding improvements. The problem of self-incompatibility is complex and there is much to learn about how Passiflora species, especially P. incarnata, function. Much of the U.S. domestic market is not familiar with passion fruit, especially as a table fresh product. This could be a barrier to adoption, but it could also prove to be an opportunity to create a niche within the present market and expand it. Although maypop fruit quality is not equal to that of Passiflora edulis Sims, selecting superior wild genotypes with desirable attributes to be used in future intra- and interspecific breeding is possible based on the results of this study.

Formulation and characterization of plant-based egg white analogs using RuBisCO protein

RuBisCO protein, which can be isolated from abundant and sustainable plant sources, can mimic some of the desirable functional attributes of egg white proteins. In this study, plant-based egg white analogs were successfully produced using 10 w% RuBisCO solutions (pH 8). These protein solutions had similar apparent viscosity-shear rate profiles, shear modulus-temperature profiles, gelling temperatures, and final gel strengths as egg white. However, there were some differences. RuBisCO protein gels were slightly darker than egg white, which was attributed to the presence of phenolic impurities. Moreover, RuBisCo proteins exhibited a single thermal transition temperature (∼66 °C) whereas egg white proteins exhibited two (∼66 and ∼81 °C). RuBisCO gels were more brittle but less chewy and resilient than egg white gels. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of RuBisCO protein for formulating plant-based egg white analogs.

Progress in identifying male sterility genes and utilizing heterosis in wheat

<p indent="0mm">Male sterility is a valuable trait for plant breeding and heterosis utilization. Identifying and characterizing male-sterile genes in crops have improved our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling anther and pollen grain development, and enabled the development and effective use of many biotechnology-based male sterile systems in hybrid crop breeding. Research progress on male-sterile genes in wheat (<italic>Triticum</italic> spp.) lags that in rice (<italic>Oryza sativa</italic>) and maize (<italic>Zea mays</italic>) because of the polyploid nature and complex genome of wheat; therefore, only a few wheat male-sterile genes have been identified or cloned. Due to the limited progress in understanding the basis of male sterility, a low-cost and efficient wheat hybridization system has not been developed. In this review, we summarize the progress in characterizing genetic male sterility (GMS), cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), and environment-sensitive GMS (EGMS) in wheat. At least five GMS genes were reported in wheat via forward genetic approaches, of which the dominant gene <italic>Ms2</italic> and the recessive genes <italic>ms1</italic> and <italic>ms5</italic> have been cloned. Furthermore, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) gene editing technology was used to characterize the role of four wheat homologs of maize <italic>Ms26</italic> and <italic>Ms45</italic>, rice <italic>NO POLLEN1 </italic>(<italic>OsNP1</italic>), and <italic>Arabidopsis thaliana</italic> <italic>DEFECTIVE IN TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION 1 </italic>(<italic>TDF1</italic>) in male fertility. Over 70 different types of wheat CMS systems have been reported; in most cases, CMS is caused by mitochondrial genome rearrangements, and can be reversed with nuclear restorer of fertility (<italic>Rf</italic>) genes. Current approaches to identify wheat <italic>Rf</italic> genes for fertility restoration focus on T-type (<italic>Triticum timopheevii</italic>) and K-type (<italic>Aegilops</italic><italic>kotschyi</italic> Boiss) CMS lines. At least 15 wheat <italic>Rf</italic> genes have been identified, but only two,<italic> Rf1</italic> and <italic>Rf3</italic>, were cloned by genetic mapping and comparative sequence analysis. These two restorer genes and their mode of action in CMS provide new opportunities for wheat hybrid breeding. The candidate CMS restorer genes <italic>Rfk1</italic> and <italic>Rf</italic> ^{<italic>multi</italic>} were also predicted using comparative genomics approaches. EGMS may involve epistatic regulation of non-coding RNAs that restore fertility under specific conditions, and thus provides a special class of germplasm for hybrid production in several crops; however, only a few wheat EGMS genes have been reported and none of them have been cloned. Next, we summarize the wheat hybridization systems that rely on male-sterile genes, such as the “three-line system” based on CMS genes, the “two-line system” based on EGMS genes, and the next generation of hybrid seed production based on nuclear GMS genes. Recent efforts in hybrid wheat breeding have produced hybrid varieties with desirable attributes, which have been marketed in Europe and China. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and challenges in the research and application of next-generation wheat hybrid production technology. This review provides a reference for researching and utilizing male-sterile genes in <italic>Triticeae</italic> crops.

Ultrasound-assisted biodiesel generation from waste edible oil using CoFe2O4@GO as a superior and reclaimable nanocatalyst: Optimization of two-step transesterification by RSM

In current study, CoFe2O4@graphene oxide (GO) and CoFe2O4 heterogeneous nanocatalysts were successfully synthesized using the ultrasonic method and then used to generate biodiesel from waste edible oil (WEO) in a two-step transesterification process. To do so, the catalysts surface was characterized using CO2-TPD, SEM, EDX/Map, XRD, VSM, BET, FTIR, and DLS analyses. Also, central composite design (CCD) was utilized to optimize the impact of various factors on biodiesel generation. With the help of ultrasonication, the highest biodiesel yield using CoFe2O4 (91.64%) and CoFe2O4@GO (98.17%) was achieved at time of 55.75 min, temperature of 64.75 °C, methanol/oil ratio of 16.05:1 and catalyst concentration of 5.22 wt%. Also, the highest biodiesel yield without ultrasonication using CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4@GO were gained as 58.96 and 67.13%, respectively. Moreover, the highest predicted biodiesel yield in the presence of CoFe2O4@GO by the RSM-CCD method is 98.95%, which is the maximum biodiesel yield ever achieved from WEO. The outcomes show that ultrasound-assisted transesterification is an efficient method for biodiesel generation, which can reduce costs and production time. After 5 reuse cycles, the CoFe2O4@GO nanocatalyst showed a yield of about 90%, which is due to its desirable magnetic attributes and easy separation. According to international standards and using FT-IR and HNMR analyses, the biodiesel produced can be used in diesel engines without further modification. Besides, kinetic and thermodynamics studies indicated that the generation reaction of biodiesel using both nanocatalysts is endothermic and non-spontaneous.

Retrospective Genetic Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Traits in Sweet Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus): A Review

Understanding the genetic basis of a crop’s qualitative and quantitative traits is vital to designing market preferred varieties. The aim of this review is to present a retrospective genetic analysis of qualitative and quantitative phenotypic traits in sweet watermelon as a guide for trait integration and the development of novel varieties with yield potential and desirable horticultural attributes. The first section outlines genes conditioning the inheritance of plant architecture (e.g., leaf attributes and plant architecture), floral characters (flowering rate, sex expression, and male sterility), fruit traits (shape, colour, rind colour and stripe patterns and flesh colour) and seed morphology (seed length, width, size and coat colour). In the second section, developments in molecular markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) to aid marker-assisted breeding are discussed. Further, the review highlights the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) gene-editing technology and its scope in gene manipulations and new variety development. The information presented in this review is useful for optimised and demand-led breeding to develop new varieties to serve growers, consumers and the sweet watermelon industry.

Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment on fruit quality and antioxidant activities of ruby-S apples during cold storage

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the fruit quality and antioxidant activity of ruby-S apples were evaluated during cold storage. The fruits were treated with 0 (control) and 1 μL/L 1-MCP and stored at 0°C for six months. The assessments were performed at 0 (harvest), 3, and 6 months of storage. Compared with the control, the 1-MCP-treated fruits exhibited a reduced internal ethylene concentration and slowed appearance of greasiness on the fruit skin. In addition, 1-MCP treatment helped maintain a reduction in flesh firmness, titratable acidity, and peel color attributes (L* and b*) of the fruit. However, 1-MCP treatment did not affect fruit weight loss, soluble solids content, or peel color a* value. The 1-MCP treatment helped delay the reduction in total phenolics (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) content as well as total antioxidant determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA) in the peel tissue. In the pulp tissue, 1-MCP affected only TPC, and not TFC or DPPH RSA. Overall, this study suggests that 1-MCP treatment helps maintain the desirable fruit quality attributes of ruby-S apples during ripening, but its effect on antioxidant activity depends on the tissue type (peel and pulp) of the fruit.

Attention Biasing and Context Augmentation for Zero-Shot Control of Encoder-Decoder Transformers for Natural Language Generation

Controlling neural network-based models for natural language generation (NLG) to realize desirable attributes in the generated outputs has broad applications in numerous areas such as machine translation, document summarization, and dialog systems. Approaches that enable such control in a zero-shot manner would be of great importance as, among other reasons, they remove the need for additional annotated data and training. In this work, we propose novel approaches for controlling encoder-decoder transformer-based NLG models in zero shot. While zero-shot control has previously been observed in massive models (e.g., GPT3), our method enables such control for smaller models. This is done by applying two control knobs, attention biasing and context augmentation, to these models directly during decoding and without additional training or auxiliary models. These knobs control the generation process by directly manipulating trained NLG models (e.g., biasing cross-attention layers). We show that not only are these NLG models robust to such manipulations but also their behavior could be controlled without an impact on their generation performance.

Techno and bio functional characterization of industrial potato waste for formulation of phytonutrients rich snack product

Present study aimed at utilizing potato industry waste (potato peel and mash) to improve the phytonutritional profile of chickpea flour-based snack product gathiya. Potato waste was converted into powders and studied for their respective biochemical and functional properties. Characterization of potato peel powder showed high crude fiber (13.05%), protein (13.15%), and bio-functional properties (834.24 mg GAE/g total phenols and 247.18 mg QE/mg total flavonoids) while mash powder exhibited high techno-functional potential as water (4.11 g/g) and oil absorption capacity (1.70 g/g). Mash and peel powders were incorporated in chickpea flour at different concentrations for formulation of snack. Compared to control, addition of these powders considerably (p < 0.05) improved the hardness (54% decrease), minerals (21% increase) and fiber content (71.7% increase) and phenolic compounds (54.4% increase) as confirmed using FTIR and HPLC analysis. Based on desirable sensory attributes, gathiya prepared with addition of 5% potato peel powder and 20% potato mash powder was selected for product development and shelf-life studies. All bioactive constituents decreased (p < 0.05) during storage while an increase in antioxidant activity was observed in stored product. Due to high antioxidant potential of potato peels, lower lipid oxidation values were noticed for potato waste enriched snack throughout the storage and the product was shelf stable at room temperature for six months without impacting quality. The utilization of potato waste in prepared product can provide dual benefit of producing healthy phytonutrients rich snack product along with solving the problem of solid waste dispersal of potato processing industry.

Aerial Computing: A New Computing Paradigm, Applications, and Challenges

In existing computing systems, such as edge computing and cloud computing, several emerging applications and practical scenarios are mostly unavailable or only partially implemented. To overcome the limitations that restrict such applications, the development of a comprehensive computing paradigm has garnered attention in both academia and industry. However, a gap exists in the literature owing to the scarce research, and a comprehensive computing paradigm is yet to be systematically designed and reviewed. This study introduces a novel concept, called aerial computing, via the amalgamation of aerial radio access networks and edge computing, which attempts to bridge the gap. Specifically, first, we propose a novel comprehensive computing architecture that is composed of low-altitude computing, high-altitude computing, and satellite computing platforms, along with conventional computing systems. We determine that aerial computing offers several desirable attributes: global computing service, better mobility, higher scalability and availability, and simultaneity. Second, we comprehensively discuss key technologies that facilitate aerial computing, including energy refilling, edge computing, network softwarization, frequency spectrum, multi-access techniques, artificial intelligence, and big data. In addition, we discuss vertical domain applications (e.g., smart cities, smart vehicles, smart factories, and smart grids) supported by aerial computing. Finally, we highlight several challenges that need to be addressed and their possible solutions.

Burden of cremophor-related paclitaxel therapy on patients with ovarian cancer: A patient focused study from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.

e17576 Background: Cremophor EL (CrEL) is a solubilizer used in paclitaxel and is associated with side effects (i.e., hypersensitivity reactions, peripheral neuropathy). Current CrEL-containing therapies require long infusion times (2-4 hours) and pre-medication with steroids to manage these side-effects. However, the holistic burden of CrEL on patients is not well studied. This study aimed to characterize the burden associated with CrEL-paclitaxel treatment on patients with ovarian cancer, including clinical, safety, and quality of life (QoL) implications. Methods: This quantitative, Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved, cross-sectional survey of patients (≥18 years) who received ≥3 cycles of CrEL-containing paclitaxel within the prior 6 months was conducted in UK, Germany, and Spain in 2021. Data were collected via a web-enabled instrument including a screener, questionnaire, and validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Taxane scale. Results are reported overall for the 3 countries. Results: Of the 90 patients surveyed, the mean age was 38.8 years. Most patients reported improvement of QoL (77%), treatment effectiveness (77%), less need for pre-medications (74%), and manageable/less disruptive infusion times and schedules (71%) as extremely desirable treatment attributes. Prior to or during chemotherapy, 41% of patients reported receiving steroids. Most patients (71%) experienced 3-6 side effects related to ovarian cancer treatment. Of the patients that experienced neuropathy (27%), the side effect lasted for up to 1 week for 54% of patients, and over multiple cycles of treatment (&gt; 3 weeks) for 13% of patients. Of the 82% of patients eligible to complete the FACT-Taxane scale, 62% were somewhat to very much bothered by the side effects of paclitaxel. Half of these patients reported tingling/numbness in their hands/feet, moderately or very often. Patients reported an average of 4.8 hours as the time taken for their travels to/from the infusion center and receive their medication. Additionally, 91% of patients needed caregiver support for an average of 16 hours per week. 51% of patients reduced their work hours due to treatment and 58% reported a substantial impact on work productivity. To cover treatment costs, 63% purchased supplemental insurance. Conclusions: The patient-reported burden of treatment associated with CrEL-containing paclitaxel is significant and complex. Multiple treatment side effects occur in most patients which are burdensome and can recur and/or persist with future treatment cycles. There is an unmet need for an effective therapy that reduces treatment burden for patients and improves tolerability through fewer side effects, a reduced need for premedication, and shorter infusion time.

Recent trends in root phenomics of plant systems with available methods- discrepancies and consonances.

The phenotyping of plant roots is a challenging task and poses a major lacuna in plant root research. Roots rhizospheric zone is affected by several environmental cues among which salinity, drought, heavy metal and soil pH are key players. Among biological factors, fungal, nematode and bacterial interactions with roots are vital for improving nutrient uptake efficiency in plants. The subterranean nature of a plant root and the limited number of approaches for root phenotyping offers a great challenge to the plant breeders to select a desirable root trait under different stress conditions. Identification of key root traits can provide abasic understanding for generating crop plants with enhanced ability to withstand various biotic or abiotic stresses. For instance, crops with improved soil exploration potential, phosphate uptake efficiency, water use efficiency and others. Laboratory methods such as hydroponics, rhizotron, rhizoslide and luminescence observatory for roots do not provide precise and desired root quantification attributes. Though 3D imaging by X-ray computed tomography (X-ray-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging techniques are complex, however, it provides themost applicable and practically relevant data for quantifying root system architecture traits. This review outlines the current developments in root studies including recent approaches viz. X-ray-CT, MRI, thermal infrared imaging and minirhizotron. Although root phenotyping is a laborious procedure, it offers multiple advantages by removing discrepancies and providing the actual practical significance of plant roots for breeding programs.