• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• 제22권12호
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• pp.37-50
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• 2022

Modern supply chains include multiple activities from collecting raw materials to transferring final products. These activities involve many parties who share a huge amount of valuable data, which makes managing supply chain systems a challenging task. Current supply chain management (SCM) systems adopt digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain for optimization purposes. Although these technologies can significantly enhance SCM systems, they have their own limitations that directly affect SCM systems. Security, performance, and scalability are essential components of SCM systems. Yet, confidentiality and scalability are one of blockchain's main limitations. Moreover, IoT devices are lightweight and have limited power and storage. These limitations should be considered when developing blockchain-based IoT-SCM systems. In this paper, the requirements of efficient supply chain systems are analyzed and the role of both IoT and blockchain technologies in providing each requirement are discussed. The limitations of blockchain and the challenges of IoT integration are investigated. The limitations of current literature in the same field are identified, and a secure and scalable blockchain-based IoT-SCM system is proposed. The proposed solution employs a Hyperledger fabric blockchain platform and tackles confidentiality by implementing private data collection to achieve confidentiality without decreasing performance. Moreover, the proposed framework integrates IoT data to stream live data without consuming its limited resources and implements a dualstorge model to support supply chain scalability. The proposed framework is evaluated in terms of security, throughput, and latency. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework maintains confidentiality, integrity, and availability of on-chain and off-chain supply chain data. It achieved better performance through 31.2% and 18% increases in read operation throughput and write operation throughput, respectively. Furthermore, it decreased the write operation latency by 83.3%.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제55권8호
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• pp.3054-3070
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• 2023

Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) are widely utilized around the globe from different base forms as it is one of the most dependable renewable resources that technological advancements have offered. However, different perceptions of the usage of NPPs emerged from different generations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acceptance of nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy among Generation Z in the Philippines by utilizing an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) approach. An online questionnaire which consisted of 31 items was distributed using a purposive sampling approach and 450 respondents of Generation Z voluntarily answered. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) showed that the knowledge regarding NPP had significant effects on risk perception and benefit perception which subsequently led to subjective norms. In addition, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms had significant effects on behavioral intention which led to nuclear acceptance. Interestingly, the respondents perceived the benefit of NPP as slightly higher than the perceived risk. With these, it was clear that the commissioning Nuclear Power Plant must consider as an alternative source of electric energy in the Philippines. Moreover, this study is one of the first studies that investigated the acceptance of NPP among Generation Z. Lastly, the model could be a basis to strengthen the acceptance strategy of opening NPP among Generation Z, particularly in developing countries.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권3호
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• pp.251-262
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• 2023

Schistosomiasis causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effect of schistosomula lung antigen preparation (SLAP) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) on a murine schistosomiasis mansoni model. Ninety laboratory-bred male Swiss albino mice were divided into 6 groups. Two doses of the vaccine were given at 2-week intervals. All mice were subcutaneously infected with 80±10 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae 2 weeks after the last vaccination dose. They were sacrificed 7 weeks post-infection. Parasitological and histopathological studies were conducted to assess the effect of inoculated antigens (single or combined). The results showed that the combination of SLAP and SEA (combination group) led to a significant reduction in worm burden (65.56%), and liver and intestine egg count (59% and 60.59%, respectively). The oogram pattern revealed a reduction in immature and mature eggs (15±0.4 and 10±0.8, respectively) and an increased number of dead eggs in the combination group (P<0.001). In terms of histopathological changes, the combination group showed notably small compact fibrocellular egg granuloma and moderate fibrosis in the liver. A high percentage of destroyed ova was observed in the intestine of the combination group. This study demonstrates for the first time the prophylactic effect of combined SLAP and SEA vaccine. The vaccine induced a significant reduction in the parasitological and pathological impacts of schistosomiasis mansoni in hepatic and intestinal tissues, making it a promising vaccine candidate for controlling schistosomiasis.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.113-116
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• 2010

The Acacia seyal Del. var. seyal belongs to family Mimosaceae is known locally as gum Talha tree. It is a multipurpose tree species occurs throughout the African gum belt in Savannah mostly in pure forest. In Sudan it thrives on heavy clay soils that receive an annual rainfall between 400-800 mm. It is an important source of rural energy (fuelwood and charcoal) and forage. As mentioned by Nair (2007) the economic damage causes by insect in natural forest often difficult to judge due to no enough research attention The tree is frequently affected by biotic factors among them the insect pests. During a survey in the 1980's the tree was severely infested by the longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) severely infesting other Acacia species, but the ecological data are overlooked. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess infestation characteristics and to determine environmental factors triggering the attack of longhorned beetles. A temporary random sampling technique was applied to observe the damage characteristics of the longhorned beetles on tree species during May-July 2007. Five sample plots occupies by A. seyal were taken in Kordofan region directly observed for the presence of hole of emergence of the longhorned beetles, presence of dusts, presence of insect stages, girdling as well as other characteristics of damage. The study results indicate that the infestation rate of trees in the sampled sites ranged between zero and 23.08%. Further ecological researches are recommended.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.38.1-38.12
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• 2023

Background: Poor disease management and irregular vector control could predispose sheltered animals to disease such as feline Bartonella infection, a vector-borne zoonotic disease primarily caused by Bartonella henselae. Objectives: This study investigated the status of Bartonella infection in cats from eight (n = 8) shelters by molecular and serological approaches, profiling the CD4:CD8 ratio and the risk factors associated with Bartonella infection in shelter cats. Methods: Bartonella deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer gene, followed by DNA sequencing. Bartonella IgM and IgG antibody titre, CD4 and CD8 profiles were detected using indirect immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. Results: B. henselae was detected through PCR and sequencing in 1.0% (1/101) oral swab and 2.0% (1/50) cat fleas, while another 3/50 cat fleas carried B. clarridgeiae. Only 18/101 cats were seronegative against B. henselae, whereas 30.7% (31/101) cats were positive for both IgM and IgG, 8% (18/101) cats had IgM, and 33.7% (34/101) cats had IgG antibody only. None of the eight shelters sampled had Bartonella antibody-free cats. Although abnormal CD4:CD8 ratio was observed in 48/83 seropositive cats, flea infestation was the only significant risk factor observed in this study. Conclusions: The present study provides the first comparison on the Bartonella spp. antigen, antibody status and CD4:CD8 ratio among shelter cats. The high B. henselae seropositivity among shelter cats presumably due to significant flea infestation triggers an alarm of whether the infection could go undetectable and its potential transmission to humans.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.27.1-27.16
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• 2022

Background: The role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in a feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) infection is not completely understood. Objectives: This study examined the expression of TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon (IFN)-β, and interleukin (IL)-10 upon an FIPV infection in Crandell-Reese feline kidney (CRFK) cells and feline monocytes. Methods: CRFK cells and monocytes from feline coronavirus (FCoV)-seronegative cats and FCoV-seropositive cats were infected with type II FIPV-79-1146. At four, 12, and 24 hours post-infection (hpi), the expression of TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-10, and the viral load were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Viral protein production was confirmed using immunofluorescence. Results: FIPV-infected CRFK showed the upregulation of TLR9, TNF-α, and IFN-β expression between 4 and 24 hpi. Uninfected monocytes from FCoV-seropositive cats showed lower TLR3 and TLR9 expression but higher TLR7 expression compared to uninfected monocytes from FCoV-seronegative cats. FIPV-infected monocytes from FCoV-seropositive cats downregulated TLR7 and TNF-α expression between 4 and 24 hpi, and 4 and 12 hpi, respectively. IFN-β was upregulated early in FIPV-infected monocytes from FCoV-seropositive cats, with a significant difference observed at 12 hpi compared to FCoV-seronegative cats. The viral load in the CRFK and FIPV-infected monocytes in both cohorts of cats was similar over time.ConclusionTLR7 may be the key TLR involved in evading the innate response against inhibiting TNF-α production. Distinct TLR expression profiles between FCoV-seronegative and FCoV-seropositive cats were observed. The associated TLR that plays a role in the induction of IFN-β needs to be explored further.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.7.1-7.8
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of different anticaries agents, such as experimental agents based on silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), on the micro-shear bond strength (μ-SBS) of composite resin applied to intact enamel (IE) or demineralized enamel (DE). Materials and Methods: Sixty dental enamel fragments were collected from human third molars and categorized into 6 groups (n = 10): positive control (IE), negative control (DE), IE + SDF, DE + SDF, IE + SNP and DE + SNP. Samples from DE, DE + SDF and DE + SNP groups were subjected to pH cycling; superficial microhardness test was performed to confirm demineralization. Resin composite build-ups were applied to the samples (0.75-mm diameter and 1-mm height) after the treatments (except for IE and DE groups); μ-SBS was also evaluated. Samples were analyzed under a stereomicroscope at 40× magnification to identify failure patterns. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's and Dunnett's tests (p < 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference among the IE, IE + SNP, DE + SDF, and DE + SNP groups. The IE + SDF and DE groups recorded the highest and the lowest μ-SBS values, respectively. Adhesive-type failures were the most frequent for all treatments. Conclusions: Anticaries agents did not have a negative effect on the μ-SBS of composite resin when it was used on IE or DE.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• 제23권6호
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• pp.293-302
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• 2023

This review paper delves into the comparative study of epinephrine and phenylephrine as vasoconstrictors in dental anesthesia, exploring their histories, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications. The study involved a comprehensive literature search, focusing on articles that directly compared the two agents in terms of efficacy, safety, and prevalence in dental anesthesia. Epinephrine, with its broad receptor profile, has been a predominant choice, slightly outperforming in the context of prolonging dental anesthesia and providing superior hemostasis, which is crucial for various dental procedures. However, the stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors caused by epinephrine poses risks, especially to patients with cardiovascular conditions. Phenylephrine, a selective alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, emerges as a safer alternative for such patients, avoiding the cardiovascular risks associated with epinephrine. Moreover, its vasoconstrictive effect may not be as deleterious as that of epinephrine, due to its selective action. This review reveals that despite the potential benefits of phenylephrine, epinephrine continues to dominate in clinical settings, due to its historical familiarity, availability, and cost-effectiveness. The lack of commercially available pre-made phenylephrine dental carpules in most countries, except Brazil, and a knowledge gap within dental academia regarding phenylephrine, contribute to its limited use. This review concludes that while both agents are effective, the choice between them should be based on individual patient conditions, availability, and the practitioner's knowledge and familiarity with the agents. The underuse of other vasoconstrictors like levonordefrin and the unavailability of phenylephrine in pre-mixed dental cartridges in many countries highlights the need for further exploration and research in this field. Furthermore, we also delve into the role of levonordefrin and examine the rationale behind the exclusion of phenylephrine from commercially available pre-mixed local anesthetic carpules, suggesting a need for a responsive approach from pharmaceutical manufacturers to the distinct needs of the dental community.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• 제23권10호
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• pp.57-66
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• 2023

Since 2009, Morocco has had a law governing the processing of personal data, the law 09-08, and a supervisory authority, the CNDP (National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data). Since May 2018, the European General Regulation on the Protection of Personal Data (GDPR) entered into force, which applies outside the EU in certain cases and therefore to certain Moroccan companies. The question of the protection of personal data is primarily addressed to the customer. The latter may not only be a victim of crime linked to ICT, but also have to face risks linked to the collection and abusive processing of his personal data by the private and public sectors. Often the customer does not really know how their data is stored, nor for how long and for what purpose. This fact raises the question of satisfying customer requirements, in particular for organizations that have adopted a quality approach based on ISO 9001 standard.In order to master these constraints, Moroccan companies have to adopt strategies based on modern quality management techniques, especially the adoption of principles issued from the international standard ISO 9001 while being confirmed by the law 09-08. It is through ISO 9001 and the law 09-08 that these companies can refer to recognized approaches in terms of quality and compliance. The major challenge for these companies is to have a Quality approach that allows the coexistence between the law 09-08 and ISO 9001 standard and this article deals within this specific context.

• 대한치과교정학회지
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.16-25
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• 2024

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of laser-engineered copper-nickel titanium (SmartArch) and superelastic nickel-titanium (SENT) archwires in aligning teeth and inducing root resorption and pain experienced by patients. Methods: Two-arm parallel groups with a 1:1 allocation ratio were used. The participants were patients aged 11.5 years and older with 5-9 mm of mandibular anterior crowding who were indicated for non-extraction treatment. The primary outcome was alignment effectiveness, assessed using Little's irregularity index (LII) over 16 weeks with a single wire (0.016-inch) in the SmartArch group and 2 wires (0.014- and 0.018-inch) in the SENT group (8 weeks each). Secondary outcomes included root resorption evaluated by pre- and post-intervention periapical radiographs and pain levels recorded by the participants during the first week. Results: A total of 40 participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups; 33 completed the study and were analyzed (16 in the SmartArch group and 17 in the SENT group, aged 16.97 ± 4.05 years). The total LII decrease for the SmartArch and SENT groups was 5.63 mm and 5.29 mm, respectively, which was neither statistically nor clinically significant. Root resorption was not significantly different between the groups. The difference in pain levels was not statistically significant for the first 5 days following wire placement; however, there was a significant difference favoring the SENT group in the final 2 days. Conclusions: SmartArch and SENT archwires were similarly effective during the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment. Root resorption should be observed throughout the treatment with either wire. SmartArch wires demonstrated higher pain perception than SENT wires.