G2 Values Research Articles

A study on the performance of corn grain dryer using hybrid solar drying with liquefied petroleum gas

Corn is a widely produced and consumed agricultural product, used as fuel, staple food, and livestock feed. The high level of corn production can lead to potential post-harvest food losses. Drying methods offer a solution to extend the shelf life of a substance. Hybrid solar drying, which combines solar drying with additional heating, particularly using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), was introduced in this research to ensure faster and more efficient drying processes. The three drying methods compared in this study consist of open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying. The research results show an average corn grain moisture content of 13.95% over 10.5 hrs, 13.75% over 6 hrs, 13.65% over 7 hrs, 13.45% over 5 hrs, and 13.65% over 4.5 hrs in open sun drying, natural solar drying, and hybrid solar drying with temperature variables of 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C. The average drying rates were 0.212 g/min, 0.364 g/min, 0.318 g/min, 0.439 g/ min, and 0.477 g/min, respectively. The average drying efficiency values for each variable were 2.968%, 4.719%, 5.358%, 5.271%, and 6.037%. In the proximate test, the corn grain moisture content in the hybrid solar drying variable at 60°C was 13.8%, ash was 1.24%, protein was 7.76%, fat was 4.40%, and carbohydrate was 72.8%. For the corn grain color test, the average values obtained were L = 46.48, a = 4.58, and b = 25.37. Meanwhile, the aflatoxin test for dried corn grains showed values of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 <0.5 with a total aflatoxin content <2.00. Therefore, hybrid solar drying is recommended over open sun drying and natural solar drying because of its ability to operate even in unfavorable weather conditions, its temperature control capability, its ability to accelerate the drying process, and its capacity to maintain the quality of the material.

Simulation Analysis and Parameter Optimization of Seed–Flesh Separation Process of Seed Melon Crushing and Seed Extraction Separator Based on DEM

In order to enhance the comprehensive processing quality and production efficiency of seed melons, a seed melon crushing and seed-extraction separator has been developed and designed. Aiming at the issues of high impurity rate and scratch rate of melon seeds in the process of seed–flesh separation, the structure and parameters of the seed–flesh separation device were optimized in this study by simulation analysis and field testing. The simulation model of melon seed, melon flesh, and the seed–flesh separation device based on the discrete element method (DEM) was established, and the simulation parameters were calibrated. Subsequently, the melon seed impurity rate (G1) and the melon seed scratch rate (G2) were used as the evaluation indexes. The single-factor simulation test was carried out on the separation roller speed (A). The spacing between the scraper and the screen (B), the separation roller scraper inclination angle (C), and the influence rules of each factor on the separation effect of the seed–flesh were obtained. Finally, the three-factor and three-level orthogonal test was carried out. Using the method of ANOVA and multi-objective optimization, the optimal working parameters of the device were obtained as A-117.53 r/min, B-5 mm, and C-10°, at which time the optimal evaluation indexes were G1-5.59% and G2-2.85%. The prototype test was carried out with the optimization results. The values of G1 and G2 were measured at 5.71% and 2.91%, respectively, and the relative errors with the simulation values were 2.15% and 2.11%, respectively, which were basically the same between the simulation model and the prototype test. The results indicate that the designed separation roller speed, spacing between the scraper and screen, and separation roller scraper inclination angle can meet the requirements of seed–flesh separation in the seed melon crushing and seed-extraction separator. The results of the DEM study can provide a reference for the optimal design of the seed–flesh separation device.

Phase curve wavelength dependency as revealed by shape- and geometry- corrected asteroid phase curves

ABSTRACT We investigate the photometric properties of 35 well-observed asteroids using dense ground-based and sparse ATLAS survey data. Focusing on two-colour photometric phase functions, derived using inverse methods, we explore the wavelength dependence. Our study reveals distinct (G1, G2) domains for cyan and orange filters, especially among some S-complex asteroids. For other asteroids, substantial uncertainties prevail, or their distributions of phase curve parameters overlap, precluding definitive conclusions on wavelength dependence. Notably, for S-complex objects, the effect appears systematic, characterized by lower G2 values in the cyan filter. The effect can be explained by considering the known geometric albedo correlation: higher albedo corresponds to flatter, whereas lower albedo corresponds to steeper phase curves. In the case of equal albedo, asteroids with red spectral slopes have a more pronounced opposition effect in red and asteroids with blue spectral slopes in blue filters. We explore the variation of slope differences of orange and cyan phase curves with phase angle. For most asteroids, the largest nominal variation is observed at phase angles < 10°. This suggests that the phase colouring for the orange–cyan colour slope is more pronounced at small phase angles. Through meticulous analysis of the opposition effect amplitudes, we also pinpoint preferred rotational pole solutions. We identify inconsistencies between phase curve parameters and spectral types in specific cases. The shape- and geometry-corrected phase curves signify an important advancement in studying asteroid photometric behaviour and may offer a deeper understanding of surface and regolith properties previously obscured by these effects, such as surface roughness.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF NICOTINIC IMPACT ON LUNG TISSUES OF RATS

Nicotine is the well-known chemical compound which responsible for addiction in tobacco smoking and consider as the main cause of mortality worldwide. The aims of the current study include evaluate the effect of nicotine on lung tissues and estimate the level of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation. Totally, 40 male rats were selected, acclimated and divided equally into two groups; G1 as control and G2 as an experimental group injected subcutaneously with 0.25 ml of nicotine daily for 28 days. Finally, the study animals were served to sampling of blood and lung samples. Results of CAT revealed a significant decreases in G2 (8.84 0.52 pg/ml) when compared to G1 (18.36 1.23 pg/ml). Concerning GPx, significant reduction was seen in G2 (215.91 14.96 pg / ml) in comparison with G1 (418.48 15.17 pg / ml). For SOD, value of G2 (3.37 0.1 U / ml) was lowered significantly more than G1 (7.58 0.17 U / ml). Significantly, higher MDA concentration were seen in G2 (126.25 5.95 ng / ml) than G1 (53.8 4.51 ng / ml). In contrast, the findings of G2 revealed presence of marked thickening in alveolar walls due to infiltration of mononuclear cells, complete abstraction of the bronchiole by the inflammatory exudates, hyperplasia of bronchiolar epithelia, sloughing, inflammatory cells inside the lumen, bronchitis and extensive hyperplasia. Also, there were severe pulmonary emphysema, blood vessel congestion and edema. In conclusion, we showed that nicotine is a harmful material for lung tissues and has serious systemic side effects which detected by reducing of the antioxidants and induces of furthermore MDA. Moreover studies are of great importance to detect the effect of nicotine on lung development as well as its effect on other body organs.

The Effect of Different Percentages of Nano-bioactive Glass in the Synthesized CPP/ACP Paste on the Remineralization of Demineralized Enamel

Background: The preventive treatments of primary caries lesions are essential for preventing destructive damage to the tooth structure. One of the common treatments is the application of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CCP/ACP) paste on the enamel surface. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different percentages of nano-bioactive glass (nBG) incorporation into synthesized CPP/ACP paste on the remineralization of demineralized enamel. Methods: In general, 24 extracted human intact premolar teeth were selected, and their crowns were removed for this purpose. Each crown was cut into two halves, and each half was considered as a sample. The samples were placed in a demineralizing solution at a pH rate of 4.6 for 8 hours, in artificial saliva for 1 hour, and again in a remineralizing solution at a pH rate of 7 for 15 hours. The pH cycling was performed for 14 days to demineralize the enamel surface. The samples were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=16), including G1 (without treatment), G2 (treated with synthesized CPP/ ACP paste containing 5% nanobioglass), and G3 (treated with synthesized CPP/ACP paste containing 10% nanobioglass). The paste was then placed directly on the surface of the demineralized enamel for 4 minutes (twice a day for 28 days). The samples were subjected to the Vickers microhardness test. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS (version 19) and the analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). Results: There was a significant difference between microhardness values in G1 and G2, as well as G1 and G3 (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between G2 and G3 (P>0.05). Conclusions: The results showed adding bioactive glass into synthetic CPP/ACP paste increases enamel remineralization in spite of the percentage of bioactive glass incorporation.

The value of T2 mapping for evaluating the pathological type, grade and depth of myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the value of T2 map and synthetic T2WI generated by T2 mapping in evaluating the histological type, pathological classification and depth of myometrial invasion of endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods: Seventy-three patients with pathologically proven EC diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2019 to December 2021 and 42 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent conventional MRI, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 mapping sequence for the pelvic cavity to test the T2 values and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the focus nidus of the patients and the normal endometrium of the volunteers. The T2 and ADC values of EC vs normal endometrium, and those of different histological types and pathological grades were compared. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T2 and ADC values in determining the pathological type and classification of EC. In addition, two radiologists used synthetic T2WI combined with T2 map and conventional T2WI combined with DWI, respectively, to evaluate the depth of myometrial invasion, and compared the imaging results with the results of pathological diagnosis to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the two methods in determining the depth of myometrial invasion. Results: The T2 and ADC values of endometrial carcinoma were 85.0 (80.8, 92.5) ms and 0.71 (0.64, 0.77) ×10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of normal endometrium [147.4 (123.4, 176.7) ms and 1.46 (1.26, 1.76)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, respectively; both P<0.05]. The T2 values of endometrioid carcinoma (EA) [84.1 (79.5, 88.7) ms] were significantly lower than those of non-EA [98.8 (92.1, 102.8) ms; P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in ADC values between EA and non-EA (P=0.075). The T2 values of G1, G2 and G3 groups in EA were 89.1 (84.4, 94.4) ms, 83.6 (80.9, 86.2) ms, and 76.5 (71.4, 80.3) ms, respectively. There were significant differences in the T2 values between G1 vs G2, G1 vs G3, and G2 vs G3 groups, respectively (all P<0.017). Significant difference was also found in the ADC values between the G1 and G3 groups (P<0.017). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of T2 values in distinguishing EA from non-EA was 0.867. The AUC of T2 values, ADC values and their combination in predicting high-grade EA was 0.888, 0.730 and 0.895, respectively. The accuracy of synthetic T2WI+ T2 map and conventional T2WI+ DWI in the diagnosis of deep myometrial invasion was 78.1% and 79.5%, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions: T2 mapping has great potential in preoperative evaluation of EC. The quantitative T2 value can be used in the diagnosis, pathological classification and grading of EC. The combination of synthetic T2WI and T2 map may be helpful to determine the depth of myometrial invasion.

Evaluation of Three Deworming Methods and their Long-Term Effect on the Weight of Buffaloes Raised in Silvopastoral Systems

Purpose of the Study: The present work aimed to evaluate the effect of three deworming methods on body weight gains in buffaloes raised in silvopastoral systems (SPS).&#x0D; Methods: Thirty buffaloes were divided into three groups (ten per group) as follows: 1) Albendazole 10 g + 1.3 g of cobalt sulfate at one week of age and 14 days later; 2) Albendazole 10 g + 1.3 g of cobalt sulfate at one week of age and 14 days later, then at 6 months and 14 days later; 3) Ivermectin 1 g at 30 days of age and then at six months of age. Birth, weaning (9 months), and final (18 months) weight were registered, and daily weight gains were calculated. The McMaster technique was used to evaluate the presence of parasites.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence of parasites in the animals evaluated was 93.33%. The most common parasites were: Strongylus sp., Neoascaris sp., Moniezia sp., and Eimeria sp. Before the application of the dewormers, initial values in G1, G2, and G3 were 360, 350, and 210 hpg/opg; after the application of the treatments, 60, 25, and 20 hpg/opg were obtained, respectively. Buffaloes in G2 showed significantly (P=0.046) high final weights (415.10±23.76 kg) compared to G1 (354.80±46.71 kg) but showed no difference with G3 (374.80±43.60k).&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that albendazole at 10 g and a repeat at six months of age can be used in buffalo breeding in SPS, which could help to implement regenerative livestock programs, decreasing the use of Ivermectin.

Determination of the Efficacy of Broccoli Sprouts Seeds on Growth, Blood Parameters, and Immunological Indicators in Experimentally Immunosuppressed Male Rats

This study was conducted in graduate laboratories, College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad’s and animal house in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tikrit to determine the effectiveness of broccoli sprouted seeds on growth parameters, blood components and measurement of immune indicators in male rats with experimentally reduced immunity. The results of the study showed that oral administration of Sandimmun to male albino rats led to a decrease in the weight gain rate of laboratory rats and a decrease in blood components such as the white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration level (Hb), while there was a significant increase in the number of platelets (PLT). It also caused a significant decrease in the values of the immunological indicators like IgG, IgA, and IgM. The results showed that feeding on broccoli sprouted seed powder with both concentrations 15% and 30% caused an increase in the weight gain rates to 53.40 and 84.40 g, respectively, compared to the average weights gained for the rats with reduced immunity in treatment G2, which was 15.40 g. The same applies to the effect of feeding on the two treatments G3 and G4. These groups had significant improvement in the blood parameters of rats in both treatments, but the G4 treatment was the best treatment in raising the level of white blood cell counts WBC, which amounted to 14.90x109 cell/ml while the number of RBC erythrocytes was at 8.18x106 cell/ml compared with their numbers in the experimentally immunocompromised group of rats, which were at 15.12x109 cell/ml and 8.06 x106 cells/ml, respectively. While the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) level was at 13.68 mg/dL, the number of Platelets (PLT) 485x103 platelets / microliter and all these values were significantly similar with their numbers in the values of treatment G1. Also, feeding at a concentrations of 15% and 30% led to increase the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM in rats, as it caused an increase in their values in treatment G3, which were at 0.48, 0.44, 0.52 mg/dL, respectively. While their values in treatment G4 were at 0.54, 0.47, and 0.56 mg/dL, compared with their values in treatment G2, which amounted to 0.35, 0.33, 0.41 mg/dL. The conclusion of this study is that feeding with broccoli sprouted seed powder improved the growth rates, blood profile parameters and immune globulins in the experimentally reduced immune male rats.

ESTIMATION OF MAIZE GENETIC COEFFICIENTS FOR THE CERES-MAIZE MODEL USING NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHODS

The Crop Environment Resource Synthesis-Maize (CERES-Maize) mechanistic model, included in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT), is a useful and powerful tool that simulates the growth and yield of maize in different environments. The qualitative and quantitative information provided to the CERES-Maize model guarantees reliability in the simulations obtained. However, it requires a lot of information such as soil characteristics, daily climate, crop characteristics and management, as well as six genetic coefficients. This research assessed a non-destructive methodology for estimating the six required parameters (genetic coefficients): P1, P2, P5, G2, G3 and PHINT, based on the maize physiology, measured from the Growing Degree Days (GDD) base 10. An experiment was established at the experimental station of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Tlaltizapan, Morelos, Mexico, where 27 white maize hybrids and 14 yellow maize hybrids were manually sown in an irrigation conservation tillage system. Once the simulations of maize growth and yield were obtained with CERES-Maize model, the genetic coefficients were calibrated using the Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE). After calibration of the six genetic coefficients for all hybrids, an average values of P1, G2 and G3 were within the typical range, while P2 and P5 were greater than the typical range, and PHINT was below typical range. However, the simulation model showed good performance after calibration, according to the average R2 of 0.9809 and 0.9730 between measured and simulated yields for white and yellow hybrids respectively. The coefficients estimated in this study can be used in the CERES-Maize model to simulate maize yields in different regions of the country for the hybrids used here.

Photon bunching in cathodoluminescence induced by indirect electron excitation.

The impulsive excitation of ensembles of excitons or color centers by a high-energy electron beam results in the observation of photon bunching in the second-order correlation function of the cathodoluminescence generated by those emitters. Photon bunching in cathodoluminescence microscopy can be used to resolve the excited-state dynamics and the excitation and emission efficiency of nanoscale materials, and it can be used to probe interactions between emitters and nanophotonic cavities. Unfortunately, the required integration times for these measurements can be problematic for beam-sensitive materials. Here, we report substantial changes in the measured bunching induced by indirect electron interactions (with indirect electron excitation inducing g2(0) values approaching 104). This result is critical to the interpretation of g2(τ) in cathodoluminescence microscopies, and, more importantly, it provides a foundation for the nanoscale characterization of optical properties in beam-sensitive materials.

Linear and ponderal growth changes in boys and girls from Puerto Madryn (Patagonia, Argentina) between 2001 and 2016

Background: The phenotypic plasticity in growth pattern that takes place over time is described as “secular trend”. The presence of secular changes evidences shifts in the environmental conditions under which a population lives. In this regard, the study of the population residing in the northeast of Argentine Patagonia is interesting because it underwent a rapid demographic growth and urban sprawl in the last 50 years.&#x0D; Objective: To compare height and body weight of two groups of boys and girls between 6 and 14 years old from Puerto Madryn (northeast of Argentine Patagonia) and estimate secular trend changes during the first decades of 21st century.&#x0D; Sample and Methods: Height and body weight of two groups of schoolchildren were compared. Data of the first group (G1) was collected in the 2001–2006 period, and of the second (G2) during 2014–2016.&#x0D; To analyze the comparison between groups, the Friedman and Wilcoxon test (p &lt; 0.05) were used. Centile values (3rd, 50th and 97th) of the variables by sex and age in both groups were also calculated. Then, they were compared using the Wilcoxon test.&#x0D; Results: Both sexes showed statistically significant differences for height in all centiles and for body weight in the 50th and 97th centiles. G2 values were above G1 for most ages.&#x0D; Conclusion: Boys and girls from Puerto Madryn show a positive secular trend in linear and ponderal growth patterns. These changes, registered during the first decades of the 21st century, are possibly related to the urban sprawl of the city and the variations in the associated socio-environmental and demographic conditions.

Effect of administration of green tea extract on regeneration of the testicular parenchyma of Wistar rats submitted to heat stress

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on the recovery of testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats submitted to heat stress (HS). Methodology: Animals (n=84) were distributed and treated, according to the experimental group (G1: unstressed and untreated; G2: stressed and untreated; G3: unstressed and treated; G4: stressed and treated). Results: The overall mean of testicular weight, epithelial height and tubular diameter were lower (P&lt;0.05) in G2 and G4, and day 60 presented a higher value (P&lt;0.05) to the two first parameters. The gonadosomatic index and the volumes of the seminiferous epithelium were lower (P&lt;0.05) in G2 and G4. The overall means of proper tunica volume was lower (P&lt;0.05) on day 30. The seminiferous tubule on days 15 and 30 presented lower values (P&lt;0.05) in G2 and G4, although with higher values (P&lt;0.05) on day 60. The volume of lymphatic space was higher (P&lt;0.05) in G2 and G4, being day 60 higher (P&lt;0.05) than day 15. Greater preservation and recovery of seminiferous epithelium occurred in G4, compared to G2. Conclusion: Thus, the GTE administration is an effective way to improving tissue recovery after testicular damage, induced by short-term heat.

Growth Rate and Sexual Performance of Domesticated Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Earthen Ponds

It is generally accepted that using domesticated aquatic animal is advantageous due to their adaptation to a captive environment. Despite previous reports on the domestication of the blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus 1758), empirical data are lacking on the growth and sexual performance of domesticated individuals of this crab species. Thus, the growth and sexual performance were evaluated of domesticated P. pelagicus from the 1st to the 3rd generations. Domesticated crabs in the 1st (G1), 2nd (G2) and 3rd (G3) generations were reared for 150 days in 400 m2 earthen ponds at a density of 2 crabs/m2. Each generation had 3 replicates. The performance results showed that the mean final CW (11.4 cm) of G1 was higher than in G3 (9.9 cm), and G1 had a higher mean final BW (123.4 g) and SGR (4.8 % day–1) than in G2 (108.2 g and 4.7 % day–1, respectively) and G3 (102.9 g and 4.7 % day–1, respectively). The mean SR values in G1 (20.2 %), G2 (18.8 %) and G3 (18.3 %) were not significantly different. No significant differences were observed in mean FCR and productivity in G1 (5.8 and 94.1 kg/pond, respectively), G2 (6.6 and 82.9 kg/pond, respectively) and G3 (6.7 and 82.0 kg/pond, respectively). Sexual dimorphism in G1, G2 and G3 was observed at 60 days of rearing, with the sex ratio being 1:1 in each generation and 5.6 and 6.7 % of female crabs in G2 and G3, respectively, being berried in this period. In contrast, the berried females in G1 (17.6 % of females) were 1st found on day 90 of the rearing period. At day 150, the percentage composition ranges for yellow, brown and dark gray egg colors of the reared berried female crabs were 20.0 - 25.0, 40.0 - 50.0 and 25.0 - 40.0 %, respectively. These finding should assist in the future establishment of a selective breeding program that produces the 1st genetically improved strain of P. pelagicus possessing desired traits such as fast growth and high survival rates.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; Currently, the culture techniques for blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) have not yet been fully established to expand the farms and increase productivity to a commercial scale&#x0D; It is generally accepted that using domesticated broodstock is advantageous due to their adaptation to a captive environment&#x0D; Successful aquaculture of P.pelagicus should rely on domesticated broodstock in which domestication improves reproductive and growth performances&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Clinical presentation and pulmonary function tests in post-acute COVID-19 patients.

The study analysed post-acute COVID-19 symptoms and the pulmonary function test (PFT) results in patients surviving the native strain of the virus. The study was prospective; the inclusion criteria were positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and age 18-100. Exclusion criteria were active respiratory infection, known or suspicious pre-existing pulmonary disease, cardiac failure, recent or acute pulmonary embolism, anaemia, and neuromuscular diseases. The recruitment period was 1st March 2020 - 25th December 2020. The initial examination was performed 4-12 weeks after the disease onset. All subjects underwent physical examination, anamnesis, chest x-ray and PFT. The study involved 785 subjects (345 male) mean age 53.8 (SD 14.6). The disease severity groups were: mild (G1), moderate (G2) and severe/critical (G3). Anosmia was present in the acute disease phase in 45.2% of G1 patients, but only in 4.5% of G3 patients. Dyspnoea occurred frequently in more severe groups (40%, 51.8% and 63.7% for G1, G2 and G3 respectively), while cough and fatigue showed no relationship to disease severity. Females were more likely to experience persistent symptoms. PFT results were significantly decreased in more severe groups compared to the mild COVID-19 patients, diffusing capacity was 86.3%, 79% and 68% of predicted values in G1, G2 and G3 respectively. Anosmia during the acute phase was associated with mild disease, persisting dyspnoea was more frequent after more severe COVID-19. Females tended to have persisting symptoms in post-acute phase more frequently. PFT results showed decrease with disease severity.

Shear-Wave Elastography Using Commercially Available Ultrasound in a Mouse Model of Chronic Liver Disease

Elastography is currently used clinically to diagnose the degree of liver stiffness. We sought to develop a shear-wave elastography (SWE) measurement method using ultrasound in mice and to compare its results with those of other noninvasive tests for liver fibrosis. We divided male mice into three groups (normal (G1), liver fibrosis (G2), and fatty liver (G3)). We measured mouse liver SWE values and compared them with T1rho and T2 values from magnetic resonance imaging results. We also compared the SWE values with the expression levels of a serum liver fibrosis biomarker (Mac-2-binding protein (M2BP)) and hepatic genes. SWE values significantly increased over time in G2 but did not change in G3. T1rho values in G2 and G3 were significantly increased compared with those in G1. T2 values in G2 did not increase compared with those in group 1. T2 values in G3 significantly increased compared with those in groups 1 and 2. In G2, SWE values significantly and positively correlated with T1rho values. SWE values significantly correlated with serum M2BP levels in G2 but did not correlate with inflammatory gene expression. We could measure SWE values to assess the degree of liver fibrosis in mouse models of liver disease.

Effect of graphene on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of PEO coating formed on D16T aluminum alloy

Incorporated graphene coating was successfully prepared on D16T aluminum alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technology, and the effect of graphene on the microstructure, corrosion resistance, and wettability of the coating was investigated. Microstructure, composition, and morphology were studied by transmission electron microscope, confirming that graphene was successfully incorporated into the coating with pancake-like and embedded mode. The thickness and microhardness of the coating with graphene (G2) increased, whereas roughness and porosity reduced due to the incorporation of graphene, compared to the coating without graphene (G0). The resistive arc radius of G2 is obviously increased. The real impedance value of G2 is four times than that of G0. The resistance (R1) of G0 and G2 are 3708 and 7533 Ω cm2, respectively. The resistance (R2) of G0 and G2 are 2.508E5 and 7.752E5 Ω cm2, respectively. The contact angle of G2 under three liquid droplets was maximum, showing minimal surface-free energy (36.8 mJ/m2). Formation water showed the most obvious effect on the wettability of the coating compared to the distilled water and sodium chloride solution. Results verified that graphene in PEO coating significantly improved the microstructure of the coating and enhanced the hydrophobic performance and corrosion resistance of the coating.

SUBSTRATO COM RESÍDUOS LIGNOCELULÓSICOS PARA CULTIVO DE Pycnoporus sanguineus

ABSTRACT Basidiomycete fungi that decompose wood produce substances with promising biological activity for the alternative control of plant diseases. The production of these substances can change according to the climatic conditions and the substrate used for fungal cultivation. The objective of this study was to develop a substrate with sawdust from Eucalyptus sp. and to verify its influence on biomass and cinnabarin production by Pycnoporus sanguineus. Sawdust was used in two particle sizes: less than 500 microns (G1) and between 500–841 microns (G2). Four isolates of P. sanguineus were plated on Petri dishes containing potato broth and agar media added with 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 15% sawdust for each particle size. The largest final diameter of the colony and speed of mycelial growth were observed in the substrate with G1 particle size, with the Ps14 isolate showing the highest averages. For these variables, the sawdust concentration did not influence G1 granulometry and provided the highest values in G2 granulometry. Fresh mycelium mass and cinnabarin production showed the highest values in G2, with the isolated Ps13 and Ps08 showing the highest averages, whereas in G1, Ps14 had the best performance for the analyzed variables. These results indicate that sawdust from Eucalyptus sp., at concentrations of 10% and 15%, is an alternative for the in vitro cultivation of P. sanguineus, and that particle size influences the growth speed, fresh mass production, and cinnabarin content.

Occurrences of Aflatoxins in Selected Rice Production Areas in Malaysia

Mycotoxins contamination in rice often occurs in the field prior to harvest, processing and storage. The possible coexistence of four mycotoxins in rice including aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 were investigated in the present study. The samples of rice were collected in 33 rice production areas of Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) Rice Factories (KBB) in Malaysia. These toxins were extracted from the samples, purified and finally quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorimetry detection. Contamination of aflatoxin G1 was found to be the most prominent, followed by B2, G2 and B1. The coexistence of aflatoxin G1 in rice was found in the highest percentage. Occurrences of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 at 36 rice production areas showed a significant difference between east, north and central Peninsular Malaysia ranging from 0.45 to 5.98 ng/g. The mean values for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 were 3.234, 4.697, 6.588 and 0.773 ng/g, respectively. The total aflatoxin levels for Kuching (7.61 ng/g), KBB Sungai Limau (7.33 ng/g) and KBB Paya Keladi (6.59 ng/g) were found to exceed the levels set by the European Commission (EC) as well as by the Malaysia Food Regulation 1985. Moreover, the B1 levels for Kuching (3.56 ng/g) and Sarikei (2.42 ng/g) samples also exceeded the level set for B1 by the European Commission. Nevertheless, the findings showed that the concentrations of aflatoxin in most of the rice production areas in Malaysia are still below the permissible limit under both the EC and Malaysia.

The application of pediatric early warning score (PEWS) in emergency observation room

ObjectiveTo explore the value of pediatric early warning scoring system (PEWS) in an emergency observation room in China. MethodsThe children who had been admitted consecutively to the emergency observation room from Jan, 2019 to Aug, 2020 were selected. Three most important time-points including the first value (admission value), the highest value during the observation (highest value), and final value (discharge value) of Brighton Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) was evaluated in all patients. Results4717 patients were included. They were categorized into 3 groups, namely, discharged group (G1, n = 2320), specialized ward group (G2, n = 2128), and ICU group (G3, n = 269). The different PEWS values of admission value, highest value, and discharge value were significantly different among the 3 groups (P<0.001). Highest value of G1 and G2 were significantly lower than that of G3 (P<0.001). AUROC curves of different PEWS values were used to predict the possibility of PICU admission and PICU mortality within 24 h of admission, and the values were 0.698, 0.878, 0.974 and 0.709, 0.883, 0.951, respectively. The cutoff values for PICU admission of 3 different PEWS values were 2.5 (sensitivity 0.635, specificity 0.699), 3.5 (sensitivity 0.817, specificity 0.9), 3.5 (sensitivity 0.837, specificity 0.985). The cutoff values for PICU mortality of 3 different PEWS values were 4 (sensitivity 0.625, specificity 0.799), 4.5 (sensitivity 0.722, specificity 0.79), 4.5 (sensitivity 0.883, specificity 0.987). The discharge value had the strongest prediction ability. ConclusionsPEWS can be used for early identification and warning of critically ill children.

Numerical and perturbation solutions for the gauss potential

We will focus on the Schrodinger eigenvalue problem for a Gauss potential in this study. When high and relatively large values of the coupling constant g2 are involved, we will compare eigenvalues E determined numerically with those obtained using the asymptotic series. However, we were interested in the mathematical elements of this comparison throughout the course of this work and explored it for considerably larger, albeit no longer physically plausible, values of g2. Even for power potentials where the Gaussian is a common example, Muller's perturbation method shows some fascinating mathematical characteristics of the Schrodinger equation. The solution's overall analytic features are very similar to well-known periodic differential equations like the Mathieu equation.