• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.39-46
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• 2022

The spread of Omicron, a mutated version of COVID-19 across several countries is leading to the discussion of lockdown once again for curbing the spread of the new virus. In this context, this research is showing the impact of lockdown for the successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic around the globe has affected Saudi Arabia with around 2,37,803 confirmed cases within the initial 4 months of transmission. Saudi Arabia has announced a 21-day lockdown from March 23, 2020, to reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic. Machine Learning-based, Multinomial logistic regression was applied to understand the relationship between daily COVID-19 confirmed cases and lockdown in the 17 most-affected cities of KSA. We used secondary published data from the Ministry of Health, KSA daily dataset of COVID-19 confirmed case counts. These 17 cities were categorized into 4 classes based on lockdown dates. A total of three scenarios such as night lockdown, full lockdown, and no lockdown have been analyzed with the total number of confirmed cases with 4 classes. 15 out of 17 cities have shown a strong correlation with a confidence interval of 95%. These findings provide evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic may be partially suppressed with lockdown measures.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.860-880
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• 2024

Breast cancer is a major health concern affecting women and men globally. Early detection and accurate classification of breast cancer are vital for effective treatment and survival of patients. This study addresses the challenge of accurately classifying breast tumors using machine learning classifiers such as MLP, AdaBoostM1, logit Boost, Bayes Net, and the J48 decision tree. The research uses a dataset available publicly on GitHub to assess the classifiers' performance and differentiate between the occurrence and non-occurrence of breast cancer. The study compares the 10-fold and 5-fold cross-validation effectiveness, showing that 10-fold cross-validation provides superior results. Also, it examines the impact of varying split percentages, with a 66% split yielding the best performance. This shows the importance of selecting appropriate validation techniques for machine learning-based breast tumor classification. The results also indicate that the J48 decision tree method is the most accurate classifier, providing valuable insights for developing predictive models for cancer diagnosis and advancing computational medical research.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 2004

Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis are fundamental to cotton tissue culture biotechnology. An efficient protocol for callus induction, somatic embryogenesis and their maturation have been developed to regenerate plantlets from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) variety coker 312. Embryogenic callus was initiated from hypo-cotyl region that was used as an explant at seedling stage when it was about 7-8 days old. Callus induction was achieved through culturing hypocotyls (5-7mm) on $MS_{1a} medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.1 mg/L) and KT (0.5 mg/L) for six weeks. A friable, colorless, bulky and well proliferating callus becomes greenish with the addition of NAA (2.0 mg/L), ZT (0.1 mg/L) and removal of 2,4-D (M $S_{1b}$) cultured for two weeks then again transferred to $MS_{1a}. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) promoted the proliferation of embryogenic callus, but had a negative effect on the differentiation and germination of somatic embryos. ZT (0.1mg/L) and activated charcoal (2g/L), both hormones play an important role in differentiation and germination of somatic embryos in hypocotyls derived embryogenic callus but in case of cotton, such a capability have been observed on MS medium with 1.92 g/L $KNO_3$, but it is considered to attain somewhat more improvement. High embryogenesis frequency was achieved through nutrient deficient stress treatment. The frequency of globular embryogenesis (two-three folds) was achieved when well proliferating callus was (from $MS_{1a}$ media) cultured on MS (1/5 strength) medium for four weeks. Here the development of anthocyanins is the best indicator for somatic embryogenesis. However, when embryoid callus was cultured on MS (full strength) medium, the globular embryos were developed into normal plantlets immediately. In this procedure 27.49% cotyledenary embryos were developed. Of that 70% cotyledenary embryos were developed not only into normal plantlets but rooted simultaneously, when cultured on MS (with 0.05 mgg/L giberrelic acid) medium. So complete plants could be regenerated through somatic embryogenesis from hypocotyl explants within 6 months.s.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.936-940
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• 2008

The PCR-amplified prion protein (PrP) gene was sequenced to determine the frequency of scrapie-associated as well as novel PrP genotypes in 72 healthy goats representing five breeds. A total of six genotypes were detected, resulting from the three reported 143 (H/R), 154 (R/H) and 240 (S/P) and the two novel 39 (S/R) and 185 (I/F) amino acid polymorphisms. Of the four silent mutations 42 (a$\rightarrow$g), 138 (c$\rightarrow$t), 231 (c$\rightarrow$a) and 237 (g$\rightarrow$c) detected in this study, 237 (g$\rightarrow$c) is novel. A genotype (SIP/RFP) harboring three amino acid polymorphisms 39 (S/R), 185 (I/F) and 240 (S/P) was found in few goats. Although both scrapie-associated genotypes with 143 (H/R) and 154 (R/H) polymorphisms and others with 39 (S/R), 185 (I/F) and 240 (S/P) polymorphisms were present in the studied Pakistani goats, their frequency was lower than that of the wild-type genotype SHRIS/SHRIS (34.7%). These results emphasize the need for further sequencing of the PrP gene in a large number of goats representing the five studied breeds, so that overall PrP variability can be assessed in these breeds in research addressing future concerns about scrapie.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.191-214
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• 2020

The rise in population and industrialization accounts for the generation of a huge amount of wastewaters. The treatment of this wastewater is obligatory to safeguard the environment and various life forms. Conventional methods for high strength wastewater treatment coming out to be ineffective. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for such wastewater treatment proved to be very effective particularly for the removal of various refractory compounds present in the wastewater. Ozone based AOPs with its high oxidizing power and excellent disinfectant properties is considered to be an attractive choice for the elimination of a large spectrum of refractory compounds. Furthermore, it enhances the biodegradability of wastewaters after treatment which favors subsequent biological treatments. In this review, a detailed overview of the AOPs (like the Fenton process, photocatalysis, Electrochemical oxidation, wet air oxidation, and Supercritical water oxidation process) has been discussed explicitly focusing on ozone-based AOPs (like O₃, O₃/H₂O₂, O₃/UV, Ozone/Activated carbon process, Ozone/Ultrasound process, O₃/UV/H₂O₂ process). This review also comprises the involved mechanisms and applications of various ozone-based AOPs for effective municipal/industrial wastewaters and landfill leachate treatment. Process limitations and rough economical analysis were also introduced. The conclusive remarks with future research directions also underlined. It was found that ozonation in combination with other effective AOPs and biological methods enhances treatment efficacies. This review will serve as a reference document for the researchers working in the AOPs field particularly focusing on ozone-based AOPs for wastewater treatment and management systems.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.179-191
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• 2009

Background: The present study examines a hypothesis that short allergen-derived peptides may shift an Aspergillus fumigatus (Afu-) specific TH2 response towards a protective TH1. Five overlapping peptides (P1-P5) derived from Asp f1, a major allergen/antigen of Afu, were evaluated for prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy in BALB/c mice. Methods: To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy, peptides were intranasally administered to naive mice and challenged with Afu-allergens/antigens. For evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, the mice were sensitized with Afu-allergens/antigens followed by intranasal administration of peptides. The groups were compared for the levels of Afu-specific antibodies in sera and splenic cytokines evaluated by ELISA. Eosinophil peroxidase activity was examined in the lung cell suspensions and lung inflammation was assessed by histopathogy. Results: Peptides P1-, P2- and P3 decreased Afu-specific IgE (84.5~98.9%) and IgG antibodies (45.7~71.6%) in comparison with Afu-sensitized mice prophylactically. P1- and P2-treated ABPA mice showed decline in Afu-specific IgE (76.4~88%) and IgG antibodies (15~54%). Increased IgG2a/IgG1 and IFN-${\gamma}$/IL-4 ratios were observed. P1-P3 prophylactically and P1 therapeutically decreased IL-5 levels and eosinophil peroxidase activity. P1 decreased inflammatory cells' infiltration in lung tissue comparable to non-challenged control. Conclusion: Asp f1-derived peptide P1, prophylactically and therapeutically administered to Balb/c mice, is effective in regulating allergic response to allergens/antigens of Afu, and may be explored for immunotherapy of allergic aspergillosis in humans.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.477-480
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• 2019

Magnetic 0-D Nd₂Fe₁₄B powders are successfully fabricated using 1-D Nd₂Fe₁₄B nanowire formed by an efficient and facile electrospinning process approach. The synthesized Nd-Fe-B fibers and powders are investigated for their microstructural, crystallographic, and magnetic properties according to a series of subsequent heat treatments. Each heat-treatment process leads to the removal of organic impurities and the formation of the respective oxides/composites of Nd, Fe, and B, resulting in the formation of Nd₂Fe₁₄B powders. Nd-Fe-B fibers exhibit the following magnetic properties: The coercivity (H_ci) of 3260 Oe, a maximum magnetization at 3T of 109.44 emu/g, and a magnetization remanence (M_r) of 44.11 emu/g. This process easily mass produces hard magnetic Nd₂Fe₁₄B powders using a 1-D synthesis process and can be extended to the experimental design of other magnetic materials.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.135-144
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• 2018

The rapid increase in number and diversity of Extended Spectrum ${\beta}$-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae in natural aquatic environment is a major health concern worldwide. This study investigates abundance and distribution of ESBL producing multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae and molecular characterization of ESBL genes among isolates from highly polluted stretch of river Yamuna, India. Water samples were collected from ten different sites distributed across Delhi stretch of river Yamuna, during 2014-15. A total of 506 non duplicate Enterobacteriaceae isolates were obtained. Phenotypic detection of ESBL production and antibiotic sensitivity for 15 different antibiotics were performed according to CLSI guidelines (Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute, 2015). A subset of ESBL positive Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene and screened for ESBL genes, such as $bla_{CTX-M}$, $bla_{TEM}$ and $bla_{OXA}$. Out of 506 non-duplicate bacterial isolates obtained, 175 (34.58%) were positive for ESBL production. Susceptibility pattern for fifteen antibiotics used in this study revealed higher resistance to cefazolin, rifampicin and ampicillin. A high proportion (76.57%) of ESBL positive isolates showed multidrug resistance phenotype, with MAR index of 0.39 at Buddha Vihar and Old Delhi Railway bridge sampling site. Identification and PCR based characterization of ESBL genes revealed the prevalence of $bla_{CTX-M}$ and $bla_{TEM}$ genes to be 88.33% and 61.66%, respectively. Co-occurrence of $bla_{CTX-M}$ and $bla_{TEM}$ genes was detected in 58.33% of the resistant bacteria. The $bla_{OXA}$ gene was not detected in any isolates. This study highlights deteriorating condition of urban aquatic environment due to rising level of ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae with multidrug resistance phenotype.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 2016

One major constraint in the development and implementation of a successful and cost-effective area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programme with a SIT component for Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the ability to produce a large number of high quality mass-reared individuals. The aim of this study was to develop a more efficient and practical egg collection system in an attempt to improve the mass-rearing of this species. The following basic parameters were examined: egg production per female, egg hatch, pupal recovery, pupal weight, adult emergence and percentage of fliers. Three different strains (Israel wild-type, France wild-type, and Greece laboratory) were tested and each strain was evaluated for six generations. Female flies of the Israel strain produced significantly more eggs per female than the other two strains, but egg hatch was significantly lower. Egg hatch of the France wild type and the Greece laboratory strain was similar. For all other parameters, there was no significant difference between strains; however, there was a significant generational effect for all parameters observed. As a result of this study, a protocol was developed for the mass-rearing of this species that included the use of large adult holding cages that could house up to 96,000 flies per cage. The newly developed method of egg collection using a flat wax panel as one of the sides of an adult holding cage proved to be cost-effective, efficient, making colony growth easier for industrial mass-rearing.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.211-225
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• 2004

목적 : 류마티스 관절염 환자의 골 파괴에 중요한 역할을 하는 것으로 알려진 Matrix Metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) 유전자의 단일 염기 다형성을 분석하고, 나아가 봉독약침 치료에 대한 반응과의 연관성을 조사하기 위하여 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방법 : 미국류마티스학회의 류마티스 관절염 기준에 해당하는 122명의 한국인 류마티스 관절염 환자와 건강한 92명의 대조군을 대상으로 pyrosequencing 방법을 이용하여 MMP-1 유전자의 -519 위치의 다형성을 비교 분석하였으며, 류마티스 관절염 환자군을 다시 유전자 유형에 따라 동통 관절수, 종창 관절수, 조기 강직, 통증 강도, 삶의 질 평가도구인 HAQ, 환자 및 의사의 전반적 질병상태 평가, ESR, CRP 등의 항목을 치료 전후 평가하여 비교 분석하였다. 결과 : 1. 류마티스 환자군과 건강한 대조군간에 MMP-1 유전자의 단일 염기 다형성의 유전자형의 분포와 대립유전자 발현 빈도에 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 나타났으며, 이는 MMP-1 유전자 다형성이 한국인 류마티스 관절염 환자의 질병 감수성과 관련이 있음을 추정할 수 있다. 2. 각 유전자형 그룹간 치료전 질병의 중증도 평가에서 임상 평가와 혈액의 급성 염증 반응물질 평가에서 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다. 3. 급성 염증 반응의 지표인 ESR과 CRP level의 봉독약침 치료 전후 변화는 MMP-1의 유전자 다형성과 유의한 연관이 없었다. 4. 각 유전자형 그룹간의 치료 전후 질병 호전도 비교에서, AA 유전자형이 종창 관절수 평가에서 더나은 호전을 보였으며, 다른 모든 평가에서는 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 없었으며, 향후 관련 유전자와의 연관성 연구가 필요하다고 사료된다.