Preliminary evaluation of the impact of preharvest UV-C on lettuce: potential for the control of Xanthomonas campestris

2020 ◽  
pp. 387-394
Author(s):  
O. Nicolas ◽  
M.T. Charles ◽  
D. Chabot ◽  
J. Aarrouf ◽  
S. Jenni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Xanthomonas Campestris ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Uv C

scholarly journals An Evaluation Methodology for Interactive Reinforcement Learning with Simulated Users

Biomimetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Adam Bignold ◽  
Francisco Cruz ◽  
Richard Dazeley ◽  
Peter Vamplew ◽  
Cameron Foale
Keyword(s):  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Evaluation Methodology ◽  
External Information ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Learning Agents ◽  
Learning Agent ◽  
Knowledge Bias ◽  
The Impact

Interactive reinforcement learning methods utilise an external information source to evaluate decisions and accelerate learning. Previous work has shown that human advice could significantly improve learning agents’ performance. When evaluating reinforcement learning algorithms, it is common to repeat experiments as parameters are altered or to gain a sufficient sample size. In this regard, to require human interaction every time an experiment is restarted is undesirable, particularly when the expense in doing so can be considerable. Additionally, reusing the same people for the experiment introduces bias, as they will learn the behaviour of the agent and the dynamics of the environment. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating interactive reinforcement learning agents by employing simulated users. Simulated users allow human knowledge, bias, and interaction to be simulated. The use of simulated users allows the development and testing of reinforcement learning agents, and can provide indicative results of agent performance under defined human constraints. While simulated users are no replacement for actual humans, they do offer an affordable and fast alternative for evaluative assisted agents. We introduce a method for performing a preliminary evaluation utilising simulated users to show how performance changes depending on the type of user assisting the agent. Moreover, we describe how human interaction may be simulated, and present an experiment illustrating the applicability of simulating users in evaluating agent performance when assisted by different types of trainers. Experimental results show that the use of this methodology allows for greater insight into the performance of interactive reinforcement learning agents when advised by different users. The use of simulated users with varying characteristics allows for evaluation of the impact of those characteristics on the behaviour of the learning agent.

scholarly journals A Whole Virion Vaccine for COVID-19 Produced via a Novel Inactivation Method and Preliminary Demonstration of Efficacy in an Animal Challenge Model

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Izabela K Ragan ◽  
Lindsay M Hartson ◽  
Taru S Dutt ◽  
Andres Obregon-Henao ◽  
Rachel M Maison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Post Challenge ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated intense interest in the rapid development and evaluation of vaccine candidates for this disease and other emerging diseases. Several novel methods for preparing vaccine candidates are currently undergoing clinical evaluation in response to the urgent need to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In many cases, these methods rely on new approaches for vaccine production and immune stimulation. We report on the use of a novel method (SolaVAX) for production of an inactivated vaccine candidate and the testing of that candidate in a hamster animal model for its ability to prevent infection upon challenge with SARS-CoV-2 virus. The studies employed in this work included an evaluation of the levels of neutralizing antibody produced post-vaccination, levels of specific antibody sub-types to RBD and spike protein that were generated, evaluation of viral shedding post-challenge, flow cytometric and single cell sequencing data on cellular fractions and histopathological evaluation of tissues post-challenge. The results from this preliminary evaluation provide insight into the immunological responses occurring as a result of vaccination with the proposed vaccine candidate and the impact that adjuvant formulations, specifically developed to promote Th1 type immune responses, have on vaccine efficacy and protection against infection following challenge with live SARS-CoV-2. This data may have utility in the development of effective vaccine candidates broadly. Furthermore, the results of this preliminary evaluation suggest that preparation of a whole virion vaccine for COVID-19 using this specific photochemical method may have potential utility in the preparation of one such vaccine candidate.

scholarly journals Optimal profile for concave slopes under static and seismic conditions

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 1522-1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farshid Vahedifard ◽  
Shahriar Shahrokhabadi ◽  
Dov Leshchinsky
Keyword(s):  
Limit Equilibrium ◽  
Stable Configuration ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Construction Technology ◽  
Stability Of Slopes ◽  
Optimal Profile ◽  
Stabilized Soil ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Comparison Of The Results ◽  
The Impact

This study presents a methodology to determine the stability and optimal profile for slopes with concave cross section under static and seismic conditions. Concave profiles are observed in some natural slopes suggesting that such geometry is a more stable configuration. In this study, the profile of a concave slope was idealized by a circular arc defined by a single variable, the mid-chord offset (MCO). The proposed concave profile formulation was incorporated into a limit equilibrium–based log spiral slope stability method. Stability charts are presented to show the stability number, MCO, and mode of failure for homogeneous slopes corresponding to the most stable configuration under static and pseudostatic conditions. It is shown that concave profiles can significantly improve the stability of slopes. Under seismic conditions, the impact of concavity is most pronounced. Good agreement was demonstrated upon comparison of the results from the proposed method against those attended from a rigorous upper bound limit analysis. The proposed methodology, along with recent advances in construction technology, can be employed to use concave profiles in trenches, open mine excavations, earth retaining systems, and naturally cemented and stabilized soil slopes. The results presented provide a useful tool for preliminary evaluation for adopting such concave profiles in practice.

Twin Pregnancies Complicated by a Single Malformed Fetus: Chorionicity, Outcome and Management

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 501-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Gedikbasi ◽  
Alpaslan Akyol ◽  
Gokhan Yildirim ◽  
Ali Ekiz ◽  
Ahmet Gul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Expectant Management ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Gestational Age At Birth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Twin Pregnancies ◽  
Age At Birth

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of one abnormal fetus in a twin pregnancy, to compare impact of chorionicity and clinical outcome of intervention and expectant management. Thirty-seven dichorionic (DC) twins and 18 monochorionic (MC) twins complicated with one malformed fetus were evaluated for gestational age, birthweight and perinatal outcome. Six hundred and forty-two twin pregnancies were evaluated in the database. The control groups consisted of 429 DC and 86 MC twins without anomalous fetus. Mean birthweight and gestational age at birth for DC control group were (n= 429; 2137g and 34.71 weeks), DC study group,n= 37; 2117g (p= .338) and 33.97 weeks (p= .311), and DC study group with major malformations,n= 30; 2019g (p= .289) and 33.3 weeks (p= .01), and showed only significance for gestational age. There was no statistical significance between MC control group,n= 86; 2097g and 34.93 weeks, and MC study group,n= 18; 2237g (p= .338), and 34.42 weeks (p= .502). Because of limited data, the preliminary evaluation for expectant management and intervention, and survival of at least one normal fetus showed no impact. We conclude that, although, all DC twin pregnancies have a risk for preterm delivery, DC twins complicated with major malformation of one twin, have a lower mean gestational age at birth. Preliminary results for intervention does not improve fetal outcome for DC and MC twins and needs further evaluation with greater studies of impact or review.

scholarly journals Surgeons' Experience of Learning Psychological Skills: A Preliminary Evaluation of a Psychological Skills Training Course

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Mason ◽  
Selina Balloo ◽  
Dominic Upton ◽  
Kamal Heer ◽  
Phil Higton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Psychological Skills ◽  
Surgical Performance ◽  
Psychological Skills Training ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Theory Practice Gap ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION A range of human factors have been shown to impact on surgical performance although little is known about the impact of training on the views of surgeons towards these factors or how receptive surgeons are to such training. SUBJECTS AND METHODS This was an observational pilot study using a short questionnaire designed to elicit views of surgeons towards a range of human factors prior to, and immediately following, a course designed to address human factors in surgical performance. Focus groups were also conducted before and immediately after the course to elicit views. RESULTS Of all the human factors assessed, decision-making was rated on a visual analogue scale as having the biggest impact on performance both before and after the course. In general, views of human factors changed following the course, most notably an increase in the extent to which work stress, interpersonal difficulties and personality were believed to affect performance. Three themes emerged from the focus groups: (i) personal professional development; (ii) the relationship between trainer and trainee; and (iii) the changing perspective. CONCLUSIONS Surgeons from a range of specialties are receptive to training on the impact of human factors on performance and this study has shown that views may change following a course designed to address this. Further training to address the theory–practice gap is warranted in addition to an evaluation of its effectiveness.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Antibacterial Activity and Mode of Action of Thymol-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against Plant Bacterial Pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarangapani Sreelatha ◽  
Nadimuthu Kumar ◽  
Tan Si Yin ◽  
Sarojam Rajani
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Xanthomonas Campestris ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Chitosan Nanoparticles ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Electron Microscopy Analysis ◽  
Rot Disease ◽  
The Impact

The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) causes black rot disease in cruciferous crops, resulting in severe yield loss worldwide. The excessive use of chemical pesticides in agriculture to control diseases has raised significant concern about the impact on the environment and human health. Nanoparticles have recently gained significant attention in agriculture owing to their promising application in plant disease control, increasing soil fertility and nutrient availability. In the current study, we synthesized thymol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (TCNPs) and assessed their antibacterial activity against Xcc. The synthesis of TCNPs was confirmed by using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the functional groups, size, and shape of TCNPs, with sizes ranging from 54 to 250 nm, respectively. The antibacterial activity of TCNPs against Xcc was investigated in vitro by liquid broth, cell viability, and live dead staining assay, and all of them demonstrated the antibacterial activity of TCNPs. Furthermore, TCNPs were found to directly inhibit the growth of Xcc by suppressing the growth of biofilm formation and the production of exopolysaccharides and xanthomonadin. The ultrastructure studies revealed membrane damage in TCNP-treated Xcc cells, causing a release of intracellular contents. Headspace/gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS) analysis showed changes in the volatile profile of Xcc cells treated with TCNPs. Increased amounts of carbonyl components (mainly ketones) and production of new volatile metabolites were observed in Xcc cells incubated with TCNPs. Overall, this study reveals TCNPs as a promising antibacterial candidate against Xcc.

Mechanical Behavior of Heat Activated Film Adhesives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prabhat Janamanchi ◽  
Abhijit Dasgupta ◽  
Narendra Singh
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Behavior ◽  
Thermal Exposure ◽  
Melting Transition ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Curing Conditions ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
History Of ◽  
Favorable Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Curing Age

Abstract Heat activated film (HAF) adhesives enable the bonding of materials that are difficult to bond with conventional adhesives where one of the substrates is flexible. Although they are traditionally found in the context of industrial and structural applications, they are increasingly finding use in in electronic products. This paper provides a preliminary evaluation of the mechanical behavior of HAFs. Two commercial polyurethane HAF formulations (designated as HAF-II and HAF-III, for the purpose of this paper) were evaluated to assess the dependence of the mechanical properties on phase transitions and on the thermal exposure history of the material. Both factors were found to play a significant role in determining the overall usability of the materials. The melting transition occurs under 50°C for both materials, after which their stiffness drops significantly. Among the two, HAF-III is preferable as it undergoes a delayed melting transition, effectively extending the usable operating temperature range. As with any adhesive, there are several other factors that can influence the performance of adhesives such as post-curing age, storage, and curing conditions to name a few. The impact of these factors on the material’s strength is also discussed in brief and a recommendation for favorable conditions is provided.

scholarly journals Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Primary or Recurrent Adrenocortical Carcinoma. A Single Center Study

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 969
Author(s):  
Guido Alberto Massimo Tiberio ◽  
Vittorio Ferrari ◽  
Zeno Ballarini ◽  
Giovanni Casole ◽  
Marta Laganà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocortical Carcinoma ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Oncologic Outcomes ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Peritoneal Disease ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
The Impact

Background. This study explores the impact of Hypertermic Intra PEritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) on adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) management through a safety analysis completed by a preliminary evaluation of survival performances. Methods. Retrospective chart review of 27 patients submitted to surgical treatment completed by HIPEC for primary (SP, 13 patients) or recurrent (SR, 14 patients, 17 treatments) ACC. Safety was evaluated by means of procedural morbidity and mortality. Survival performances included multiple end points: local/peritoneal disease-free survival (l/pDFS), overall progression-free survival (OPFS), and overall survival (OS). Results. In the SP group, mortality was nil and morbidity was 46% (major 23%). At a median follow-up of 25 months, the median value for all the different survival measures had not been reached. Mortality was also nil in the SR group. However, morbidity was 77% (major 18%). Median l/pDFS and OPFS were 12 ± 4 and 8 ± 2 months, respectively. At a median follow-up of 30 months, median OS had not been reached. Conclusion. Surgery and HIPEC is an invasive procedure. Its employment in the surgery for primary setting deserves attention as it may affect oncologic outcomes positively. Its value in the management of recurrences seems less appreciable, albeit it may find its place in the multimodal management of a rare disease for which multiple therapeutic options do not yet exist.

Te Ara Waiora a Tāne: a kaupapa Māori mental-health assessment and intervention planning approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-340
Author(s):  
Allister Bush ◽  
Whetu Campbell ◽  
Maire Ransfield
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Kaupapa Māori ◽  
Intervention Planning ◽  
Engagement Assessment ◽  
One Year ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The aims of this paper are to describe a Māori approach to assessment and intervention planning using the Māori creation narrative Te Ara a Tāne (The Journey of Tāne) and to outline an evaluation one year after the model was implemented. Conclusions: Te Ara Waiora a Tāne is a kaupapa Māori (Māori-centred) mental-health engagement, assessment, goal setting and planning approach designed to enhance the mana (spiritual and personal authority) of whānau (individuals and family/families) at the point they enter a Māori service and during ongoing mental-health work. Preliminary evaluation indicated that staff considered the model user-friendly and helpful for whānau. Further evaluation is needed to assess the impact of this approach on Māori whānau engagement with services.

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