bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace Anger Management among the Department Heads of Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines
Authors: Mariano Gennie
Published: June 2024

Workplace anger management is a critical competency for local government unit (LGU) department heads in the Philippines, whose leadership roles expose them to high levels of stress and interpersonal conflict. This study aimed to examine the extent of anger management among LGU department heads in the Province of Capiz and determine whether personal and professional-related variables influenced their anger management abilities. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study collected data from 135 respondents using validated questionnaires that assessed job satisfaction, decision-making abilities, and anger management. Results revealed that the respondents exhibited a "very high" level of anger management across all demographic and professional variables, such as age, sex, civil status, monthly income, length of service, educational attainment, and administrative experience. However, no significant differences were observed in anger management when respondents were grouped according to these variables. The findings suggest that LGU department heads possess well-developed anger management skills regardless of personal or professional factors. This study underscores the importance of sustained organizational support and training programs to further enhance emotional regulation and leadership effectiveness in LGUs.
TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS FOR SCHOOL STORE INVENTORY
Authors: Bharne Mr. Anshul
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: For educational institutions to run smoothly and have the resources needed to support teaching and learning, effective inventory management is essential. This study examines how digital solutions affect school inventory management, emphasizing the ways in which modern technology may improve productivity and solve common problems. This study looks at different digital tools and systems that make monitoring, ordering, and using instructional resources easier. These include mobile applications and cloud-based inventory software. This research analyzes the main advantages of digital inventory systems, such as increased accuracy, decreased waste, improved data security, and significant time savings, through a combination of case studies, surveys, and expert interviews. Additionally, the study looks into how affordable and scalable digital systems are for different kinds of institutions. The results highlight how crucial it is to adopt digital technologies in order to enhance resource management, boost accountability, and encourage sustainable practices—all of which will eventually lead to an educational environment that is more productive and efficient with its resources. INDEX TERMS – Frontend development HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Backend development React, MERN Stack, MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js,
FITNESS : EFFECTS AND EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Thakre Arti
Published: June 2024

Abstract : Fitness Tracker is outcome of research and development in area of information and technology to analyse health related issues. We explore how wearable technology can be a game changer for encouraging physical exercise and overall well-being on our fitness tracker website. Using data from landmark research on fitness tracker effectiveness (Jacobsen et al., 2016; Flores Mateo et al., 2015) [1][2], we investigate how these gadgets enable users to monitor and enhance their workout regimens. Our content, which highlights industry trends and technological breakthroughs, is informed by market analyses (Market Research Future; Deloitte Insights) [3][4] and extensive textbooks on sensor technology (Sazonov & Neuman) [5]…We discuss the effectiveness of incentives in encouraging persistent physical activity engagement, guided by studies like the randomized controlled experiment conducted by Finkelstein et al. (2016) [6]. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have both released evidence-based guidelines [7][8] that support regular exercise as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle (CDC; Int. J. Sports Med.) [9][10]. These guidelines serve as the foundation for our approach.Additionally, by combining knowledge from digital health and behavioral science, we examine how wearable fitness technology affects habit modification and long-term health consequences. Our website provides thorough information and practical techniques for individuals seeking to maximize their fitness objectives and overall well-being through the synthesis of these diverse viewpoints. .Keywords – Fitness Apps, Fitness Gadgets, Fitness Trackers, Physical Activity, Weight Loss, General Health, Etc.,
THE ENVIROMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF CARPOOLING
Authors: Khan Miss. Adiba
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Car pooling System is an automated system which reduces the misery of travelers and makes them find cars in short period of time. Car pooling is an application of finding car in which drivers who are traveling to work alone can ask for fellow passengers through our application. For those who use public-transport system to go to work daily can use this application to find drivers who are traveling to the same destination in a short path. It provides with a simple riding platform between the car owner and car user. This project enables users to access mobility assets own by others exactly when they need. I t shows a medium for available cars to pick up them on the interest of car owner with time and capacity. This project aims at creation of a Car-pooling System. This paper delves into the design and implementation of a novel carpooling project aimed at addressing the challenges of urban transportation sustainability. With burgeoning urban populations, congestion, and environmental concerns, the need for innovative solutions is paramount. Carpooling presents a viable avenue to alleviate these issues by fostering shared mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and cutting down carbon emissions. The project employs a multi-faceted approach, leveraging advancements in mobile technology, data analytics, and user incentives to optimize the carpooling experience. Key components include a user-friendly mobile application for seamless ride matching, dynamic routing algorithms to optimize trip efficiency, and incentive structures to encourage participation and retention. Through a combination of quantitative analysis and qualitative feedback, the efficacy of the carpooling project is evaluated. Metrics such as reduction in vehicle miles traveled, greenhouse gas emissions, and user satisfaction levels are assessed to gauge its impact on urban transportation sustainability. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable transportation solutions and provide insights for policymakers, urban planners, and transportation stakeholders seeking to promote carpooling initiatives. Ultimately, the project aims to foster a culture of shared mobility and pave the way for more efficient and sustainable urban transportation systems. IndexTerms – HTML, CSS, Javascript. Bootsrap, MySQL, Python.
PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION IN AREAS OF MUZAFFARABAD CITY (AZAD KASHMIR) AFFECTED BY THE 2005 EARTHQUAKE
Authors: Shakeel Asif  , Asif Kamal  , Naveed Gani  , Fareed Aslam Minhas
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION: Long-term mental health issues are caused by natural catastrophes. Nearly 73,276 peoplewere killed, hundreds were wounded, and millions were displaced after an earthquake hit Azad Kashmir (Pakistan)on October 8, 2005. The goals of this research were to determine how common post-earthquake depression is, howserious it is, and what effect it has on survivors’ lives, and to provide recommendations for therapies and long-termpsychological rehabilitation programmes for disaster victims.METHODS: The research sample included 3,020 adults aged 18 and above from Ward 12, the city’s most affectedneighbourhood. There were a total of [430] participants, and the research ran from February 4 to October 4, 2012.Clusters were selected at random to participate in the data collection process. Depression was diagnosed using the ICD10 Criteria for Depressive Illness in all of the subjects. The Urdu version of the Beck Depression Inventory was usedto evaluate the degree of depression in individuals who had already been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Theinformation was then analysed using SPSS 10.0.RESULTS: Participants’ average age was [36] years (n=430). There was a standard deviation of 12.44, and61.2% of the population was male and 38.8% female. Our analysis of the BDI data revealed that 32% of thepopulation would suffer from depression at some time.CONCLUSION: The survivors of the 2005 earthquake had three times the rate of depression as the generalpopulation. These results provide further backing for facilitating long-term planning of psychological rehabilitationtreatments and other interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the afflicted population.KEYWORDS: mental health, prevalence, BDI scale, depression.
PREVALENCE OF ANAEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN OF DISTRICT MARDAN
Authors: Shahana Nisar  , Shafi Ullah  , Muhammad Said  , Muhammad Khalid
Published: June 2024

Anemia is a major public health problem, and it particularly affects [pregnant women]. We want to learn how commonanemia is among [pregnant women] in Pakistan’s District Mardan by doing this Study. A cross-sectional study wasconducted using a statistically significant sample of [pregnant women] seeking treatment at hospitals in the study area.Objectives: Our study’s major goal was to compare the rates of anemia in the first, second, and third trimesters among[pregnant women] who visited the Gynecology OPD. To determine how often different degrees of anemia occur duringpregnancy. Examine the prevalence of anemia among college-educated and low-income female workers and housewives.Materials & Methods: It was a cross-sectional Study that was being undertaken. Gynecology outpatient departmentof the Mardan Medical Center was the site of the Study from jan 2017 to jan 2018. The Study took a total oftwo months to complete. After obtaining participants’ signed agreement, Studyers matched participant information tothe questionnaires. SPSS version 16 was used to input and analyze the data from the questionnaires, and the resultswere shown in tabular, bar chart, and pie chart formats. Extensive analysis was performed, and conclusions werederived, using this data.Results: Out of a total of [150] patients, our Study found that [74.8%] were anemic and [25.2%] were not. Outof [50] [pregnant women], [54] percent were anemic in the first trimester.Out of [50] [pregnant women], [82%]were anemic in the second trimester, whereas [18%] were not.Third-trimester anemia prevalence was [88%] (out of[50]) while non-anemia prevalence was [16%]. Out of a total of [150] participants, [56.4%] were categorized ashaving mild anemia, [38.3%] as having moderate anemia, and [5.4%] as having severe anemia.[73.9] percent of theeducated and [26.1] percent of the non-educated were anemic, whereas [74.9] percent of the uneducated and [[24].7]percent of the non-educated were anemic, respectively. In a sample of [14] working women, [57.1] were anemic whereas[42.2%] were not. Seventy-five percent of the [136] housewives were anemic, whereas just [24] percent were not.Conclusion: This study concluded that anemia, as in other parts of the world, is also prevalent in Mardan, Pakistan.Anemia is prevalent mainly in [pregnant women] in the last trimester of pregnancy. In both educated and uneducatedwomen, the prevalence of anemia is the same, and anemia is more common in Housewives than working ladies.Keywords: prevalence , pregnant females ,Anaemia, ,Iron-deficiency.
EXTERNAL OBLIQUE HERNIOPLASTY AN EARLY EXPERIENCE IN TERTIARY CARE UNIT
Authors: Usman Ali  , Naik Zada  , Muhammad Hussain
Published: June 2024

Background: The most frequent general surgical operation is the correction of an inguinal hernia. The most oftenused method for open inguinal hernia surgery is Lichtenstein tension-free repair. The gold standard for inguinal herniarepair is the endoscopic surgery known as TEP, TAPP, and Lichtenstein repair. The posterior wall of the inguinalcanal is strengthened via external oblique hernioplasty, which uses the Apo neurosis of the external oblique muscle.The study’s objectives were to document the problems of the novel procedure and evaluate the outcomes against goldstandard practices.Objectives: To evaluate the viability and effectiveness of external oblique hernioplasty compared to conventionalinguinal hernia repair techniques. It also attempts to compare the results of this new operation with well-establishedmethods like TEP, TAPP, and Lichtenstein procedures, concentrating on recovery timeframes, long-term success rates,and postoperative discomfort.Study design: A descriptive studyDuration and place of study: MMC Mardan from June 2015 till June 2016Materials and Methods: The descriptive research design was used, and it took place at MMC Mardan betweenJune 2015 and June 2016. An informed consent was obtained about the surgery. Following studies, the patient’scircumstances were optimized before surgery. The trial covered all individuals who were deemed suitable for generalanaesthesia. A single surgeon operated on each patient, and any postoperative problems were noted. Every patient wasmonitored for one month.Results: All 57 patients who had surgery for inguinal hernias were men. Urinary retention affected 14% of patientsin the first postoperative week. 7% of patients reported having SSI, while 14% of patients reported having chronicdiscomfort.Discussion: The best option is still mesh repair. A deeper comprehension of the issue has led to an improvementin failure rates. Male patients are often affected by inguinal hernias. There have been conflicting reports on urinaryretention and discomfort during the first postoperative week. In mesh repairs, seromas are more frequent. The rates ofscrotal oedema were higher than those of mesh repairs.Conclusion: Regarding the immediate postoperative period, the procedure’s outcomes are similar to mesh repairs.Long-term issues such as recurrence are anticipated.
TO INVESTIGATE THE USE OF VARIOUS CONTRACEPTIVE TECHNIQUES AND USER SATISFACTION IN OPD
Authors: Junaid Ahsan  , Umema Zafar  , Romana Ayub  , Ahmad Azam Malik  , Nimra Zafar  , Mahnoor Inamullah
Published: June 2024

Objective: to learn how many contraceptive techniques are used and how satisfied users are with them. Need mustbe aware of the adverse consequences of the most popular forms of contraception.Methods: The cross-sectional research was carried out at the family planning outpatient departments of the threebiggest hospitals in Peshawar: Hayatabad Medical Complex, Lady Reading Hospital, and Khyber Teaching Hospital.Our trial lasted for almost four months. A total of 140 individuals, both male and female, had their satisfaction withOPDs at the various hospitals indicated above, as well as their usage of various methods of contraception, evaluated.Then, 140 respondents were chosen using a straightforward random sample procedure, and data was gathered usinga semi-structured questionnaire.Results: According to our findings, 26% of participants used pills, 8% used condoms, 17% used IUDs, 12% usedimplants, 9% utilized natural methods, 18% used injections, and 10% used permanent techniques as a means of birthcontrol. Of the respondents, 129 (or 92%) were pleased with their form of contraception, whereas 11 (or 8%) were not.Weight gain was the most often reported adverse effect, accounting for 42% of the participants’ complaints.Conclusion: Though it is now practised nationwide, family planning has become more prevalent in rural regions.Campaigns to raise awareness must be expanded and increased. Users generally expressed satisfaction with the personneland services of family planning facilities.Keywords: Contraceptive Methods, User Satisfaction, Adverse Effects
FREQUENCY OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND ITS PREVALENCE ACROSS GENDER IN DISTRICT NOWSHERA KPK
Authors: Zahid Irfan Marwat  , Muhammad Israr  , Ejaz Afza  , Maliha Gul
Published: June 2024

Background: Helicobacter pylori lives in the stomach’s gastric mucosa. One of the most genetically diverse bacterialspecies, it infects billions worldwide. There is evidence that the bacterium that causes stomach cancers, peptic ulcers,chronic gastritis, and gastric malt lymphoma has a sociodemographic and geographic pattern. Despite infections notnecessarily dangerous, their frequency is higher in Africa than in other areas, according to research. The specific processesof H. pylori transmission could be clearer. However, poor hygiene, crowded living situations, unclean water, and contaminated surroundings constitute dangers. Oral-oral, fecal-oral, and person-to-person transmission are possible, withor without transitional stages, during diarrhea or vomiting. The organism’s spread may also be linked to contaminatedwater, such as municipal tap water.Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of H. pylori infection in District Nowshera and to determine the prevalenceof H. Pylori across genders.Study design: A Cross-sectional observational studyDuration and place of study: Department of Biochemistry Nowshera Medical College & Qazi Hussain AhmedMedical Complex Nowshera from January-December 2017Methods: Patients from 13 to 54 years old, both male and female, were included in this research. One hundred eightsamples were taken from individuals chosen for further H. pylori research.Results: The patients ranged in age from 13 to 54 years old, with a mean age of 33.54±8.496. Out of 108 patients, the gender distribution was as follows: male patients comprised 55.6% of the patient population, while femalepatients comprised 44.4%. Out of 108 patients, 45 had H. pylori infection, or 41.7%. In contrast, 63 patients didnot have H. pylori infection, or 58.3%. The proportion of patients with H. pylori was 41.7%; the number of menwith the infection was 27.8%, and the number of females was 13.7%. There were 58.3% negative instances, with27.8% of the cases being male and 30.6% being female.Conclusion: According to the study, male patients are more likely than female patients to have an H. pylori infection.Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Gastritis, Gastric and duodenal ulcers, Raynaud’s syndrome, Migraine.
THE ETIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE IN MARDAN MEDICAL COMPLEX
Authors: Asif Imran  , Tamjeed Gul  , Muhammad Akram  , Ajmal Afridi  , Sana Sahar
Published: June 2024

Objective: To evaluate the causes of obstructive jaundice in our set-up.Study Design: Prospective Cross-sectional study.Setting and Duration: Surgical Department, Mardan Medical Complex, from April 2016 to March 2018Methodology: Using a non-probability sampling approach, 54 cases were enrolled. Individuals having a clinicaldiagnosis of obstructive jaundice, regardless of age or gender, were progressively recruited in the research. Every instancehad a comprehensive investigation, and the reason for each was found. The study’s bias and confounders were managedby closely adhering to the exclusion criteria. Data were gathered using a standardized proforma, and SPSS version23 was used for analysis.Results: In the aforementioned investigation, a total of 54 individuals with obstructive jaundice were seen. Thepatients’ ages ranged from 28 to 70 years old, with a mean age of 51.63 ± 10.54 years. 37% of people were menand 63% were women. In 27 (50%), 21 (38.9%), and 6 (11.1%) of the patients, choledocholithiasis and biliarystrictures were the causes of obstructive jaundice. Malignant reasons were more prevalent in those over 50, whereasbenign causes were more common in those under 50.Conclusion: In our configuration, choledocholithiasis and common bile duct strictures were the most prevalent malignant and benign causes of obstructive jaundice.Keywords: Obstructive jaundice, Choledocholithiasis, Carcinoma head of pancreas.
A STUDY OF NECK-SHAFT ANGLE IN MARDAN REGION KPK PAKISTAN
Authors: Wajid Akbar  , Adnan Badar  , Amna Halima  , Syed Muhammad Tahir  , Wagma Azmat
Published: June 2024

Background: The lengthy shaft axis and the femoral neck combine to generate the neck-shaft angle. It helps withhip joint mobility and contributes to hip stability. Understanding this angulation helps anthropologists not just indetermining a person’s sex but also in the diagnosis and treatment of hip fractures.Objectives: The current study’s goals were to enlighten the elderly Pakistani-KPK population about the morphometric feature of the proximal femur (neck-shaft angle), compare it bilaterally and in both sexes and compare it withfindings from another study.Study design: A Observational, cross-sectional study analyzing proximal femur neck-shaft angles in KPK.Duration and place of study: This study was conducted May to October 2014 in Mardan, KPK,Methods: This investigation was carried out from May to October 2014 at the radiology department of the MardanMedical Complex Hospital in Mardan.Results: Of the ninety-one cases, the mean age was 58.24 (6.49), with 55 (60.4%) male and 36 (39.5%) female.The right and left sides of the female population’s mean neck-shaft angles were considerably greater than the malepopulation’s (p=0.009 and p=0.05, respectively). Overall, the population mean left neck-shaft angle was greater thanthe right side (p=0.05).Conclusion: The current study finds that the neck-shaft angle considerably differed from other populations and variedwith gender and side in both male and female Pakistani-KPK population members.Keywords: Neck Shaft Angle, Proximal femur, Morphometry
ANALYSIS OF MEDICOLEGAL AUTOPSIES OF UNNATURAL DEATHS IN MARDAN, PAKISTAN
Authors: Shahid Iqbal  , Iftikhar Uddin  , Bilal Ahmad
Published: June 2024

Background: A medicolegal autopsy is a scientific examination of a deceased person’s corpse conducted to ascertainthe cause and method of death as well as to confirm or rule out any suspicion of foul play about the dead person.Objectives: This prospective investigation aimed to examine 169 medicolegal autopsies performed at Mardan MedicalComplex Hospital in 2018. In addition to providing important information for medicolegal inquiries in the area, theresearch sought to ascertain the reason and manner of death, evaluate gender and age distribution, and pinpoint themost common causes of unnatural deaths.Study design: A Prospective studyDuration and setting: Cases were sent to the Mardan Medical Complex Hospital Mardan’s medicolegal divisionbetween January 1 and December 31, 2018.Methods: Included were all 169 deceased corpses that the police had requested be autopsied. Age, gender, modeof death, kind of weapon used, and place of residence were taken into account while analysing criminal fatalities.Numbers and percentages were used to represent the data and results that were gathered.Results: 169 medicolegal autopsies were performed in a single year. There were 42 (24.85%) girls and 127 (75.14%)men. The number of accidental fatalities was much higher than the number of homicidal (61, 36.09%) and suicide(40, 23.66%) deaths (65, 38.46%). Accidents involving cars caused the majority of fatalities, which were thenfollowed by weapons, both blunt and pointed. Ninety-two (53.25%) cases were from rural regions, while forty-seven(46.74%) were from urban areas.Conclusion: Males were more prevalent than females. The age range of 20 to 29 was found to be the most oftenafflicted. The majority of unnatural death victims were killed in car accidents, then by firearms. There were morecasualties in rural areas than in cities.Keywords: Autopsy, Cause of death, Unnatural Death, Homicide, Suicide, Accidents
A REVIEW OF THE MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANE
Authors: Nuzhat Amin  , Naseem Akhtar  , Himasa Gul  , Naila Noor  , Nablia  , Wagma Azmat
Published: June 2024

Background: Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) is defined as rupture of membrane before 37 completedweeks. This study aims to evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes after the recommended treatment for PPROMand to observe maternal and fetal effects after that recommended treatment.Objectives : Determining probable difficulties, safeguarding the health of the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy,and comprehending the development and function of the amnion and chorion are among the goals of studying maternaland fetal outcomes in early embryonic membrane formation.Study design : A observational StudyDuration and place of study: This observational research was conducted at the Mardan Medical ComplexHospital’s Gynecology and Obstetrics Department. In this research, 100 PPROM patients were enrolled betweenJuly 2018 and August 2019Method: In 2019, this research was carried out at the Gynae A Ward of the Mardan Medical Complex Hospital. For our study, 100 PPROM patients were included. We tracked maternal and fetal parameters throughout ourtrial, from the beginning of PROM until delivery, including the manner of delivery, infant weight, Apgar score, andpostnatal conditions for both the mother and the newborn.Results: Thirty of the one hundred patients we included for our research had PPROM far from the term, whereasseventy patients had PPROM close to time. The delay was lower for PPROM closer to the time. Ten individualsdeveloped LSCS, while ninety of the 100 women had vaginal births. While 80 patients remained stable over thecourse of the research, 20 individuals had maternal morbidity. Five stillbirths occurred among the approximately 95live births. Twenty babies suffered from newborn septicemia and RDS.Conclusion: Intensive monitoring during labour and postpartum NICU care are necessary for the birth of a pretermbaby. Management is feasible only at tertiary care institutions with superior NICU facilities. Senior obstruction shoulddecide on prudent management and induction.Keywords: Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH), Neonatal Death (NND), Neonatal Sepsis (NNS), PretermPremature Rupture of Membrane (PPROM), (NICU)
DISCOVERY OF ANTI-HCV AND NS5B RDRP INHIBITION ACTIVITIES OF NOVEL ANTHRAQUINONES BY IN VITRO AND IN-SILICO APPROACH
Authors: Haider Ali Khan  , Mohtasim Billah  , Iftikhar Ali Khan
Published: June 2024

A confirmed target for drug development, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase(RdRP) is a crucial and unique part of the HCV RNA replication machinery. We describe the identification ofcompounds with anti-HCV and NS5B RdRp inhibitory activity in this research investigation. Here, we investigatedthe activity of anthraquinone compounds using both an in vitro and an in silico method. These substances were discovered to be active with strong anti-HCV and NS5B RdRp inhibitory properties. Our findings also suggest thatanthraquinones may be optimized and that novel anthraquinone derivatives with enhanced cell and enzyme-basedactivity may produced.Keywords: RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, anthraquinones, molecular docking, hepatitis C virus, and NS5Binhibitors
Improvement and Strengthening of State Finances in the Reform Era
Authors: Aqila Bunga , Yuliani Azka , Hasan Kayladiva , Elvina Vania
Published: June 2024

Regulation of state finances. The government has issued Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2003 Article 6, stating that: (1) The President as Head of Government holds the power to manage state finances as part of government power. (2) Powers as intended in paragraph (1): a). authorized to the Minister of Finance, as fiscal manager and Government Representative in the ownership of separated state assets; b). authorized to the minister/institution head as Budget User/Property User of the state ministry/institution he leads; c). handed over to the governor/regent/mayor as head of regional government to manage regional finances and represent the regional government in the ownership of separated regional assets. d). does not include authority in the monetary sector, which includes, among other things, issuing and circulating money, which is regulated by law. The aim of this research is to improve and strengthen state finances in a better era of reform. The research method is a normative juridical approach sourced from library data. The results of the research show that the government is taking various ways to strengthen and improve state finances by drafting the Bill and PNBP even though the mechanism for determining it is deemed inappropriate. In conclusion, the government must take a firm stance in making state financial revenues autonomous to avoid abuses committed by related institutions.
Authority of the Environmental Service in Combating Pollution Due to Burning of Waste in Tangerang City
Authors: Nurikah Nurikah , Jazuli E. Rakhmat , Bustaman Chilla Daha Rosa
Published: June 2024

Tangerang City Regional Regulation Number 2 Year 2022 on Waste Management contains technical regulations on waste management and a prohibition on burning waste that is not in accordance with the technical requirements of waste management. This research focuses on: How is the Implementation of the Authority of the Tangerang City Environment Agency over waste management that affects pollution caused by waste burning based on Tangerang City Regional Regulation Number 2 Year 2022? How are the Obstacles and Solutions of the Tangerang City Environmental Agency in overcoming pollution caused by waste burning in Tangerang City? The theories used are Authority Theory and Law Enforcement Theory. The method used is the empirical juridical approach method so that the author uses a qualitative and descriptive type of research. The results obtained are that the Tangerang City Environmental Agency is responsible for managing waste by inviting the community to participate in the waste bank and waste alms program and supervising and enforcing the law on this waste burning case. There are obstacles, namely the difficulty of monitoring the waste burning area, illegal trash bins, lack of public awareness. The suggestion is to conduct an analysis in the implementation of the regulation, increase supervision at points where waste burning often occurs, eradicate illegal trash bins, improve waste management by cooperating with organizations regarding the development of waste banks, inviting the public to participate in socialization and conduct waste alms
The formation of criminal liability for the crime of aggression in international law at the end of the XIX - first half of the XX century
Authors: Bagandova Leila Zakirovna
Published: June 2024

The subject of this study is an act of aggression as a crime, according to the provisions of international criminal and international humanitarian law. The article examines in detail the prerequisites for the formation of legal, in particular, international legal responsibility for the commission of acts of aggression. The author believes that the end of the XIX century became the starting point for the development of legal responsibility for the conduct of aggressive wars, as well as the nature of their conduct. Special attention is paid to the fact that the provisions enshrined in the Charter and the Verdict of the Nuremberg Tribunal have become imperative norms of international law in terms of fixing international crimes, as well as the principles of responsibility for their commission. It is separately noted that the verdict of the Tribunal became an act of increased strength of the people against the commission of crimes of aggression.  The research methodology includes the use of such methods of legal science as historical, formal legal, systemic, as well as methods of analysis and dialectics. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that the work is a comprehensive detailed study of the process of establishing international criminal responsibility for the crime of aggression in the period from the end of the XIX century to the first half of the XX century. The author analyzes the historical and legal aspects of this process, considering various international documents, agreements and events of that time. The special contribution of the author of the study is expressed in the fact that based on an extensive analysis, the author, through the prism of legal doctrines, international norms and historical reality of the time period under consideration, draws conclusions about what factors influenced the development of understanding of the crime of aggression and why the legal status of criminal responsibility in this area began to form at that time.
Hybrid immunity from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and vaccination in Canadian adults: A cohort study
Authors: Brown Patrick E , Fu Sze Hang , Newcombe Leslie , Tang Xuyang , Nagelkerke Nico , Birnboim H Chaim , Bansal Aiyush , Colwill Karen , Mailhot Geneviève , Delgado-Brand Melanie , Tursun Tulunay , Qi Freda , Gingras Anne-Claude , Slutsky Arthur S , Pasic Maria D , Companion Jeffrey , Bogoch Isaac I , Morawski Ed , Lam Teresa , Reid Angus , Jha Prabhat ,   Ab-C Study Collaborators
Published: June 2024

Background:

Few national-level studies have evaluated the impact of ‘hybrid’ immunity (vaccination coupled with recovery from infection) from the Omicron variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods:

From May 2020 to December 2022, we conducted serial assessments (each of ~4000–9000 adults) examining SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within a mostly representative Canadian cohort drawn from a national online polling platform. Adults, most of whom were vaccinated, reported viral test-confirmed infections and mailed self-collected dried blood spots (DBSs) to a central lab. Samples underwent highly sensitive and specific antibody assays to spike and nucleocapsid protein antigens, the latter triggered only by infection. We estimated cumulative SARS-CoV-2 incidence prior to the Omicron period and during the BA.1/1.1 and BA.2/5 waves. We assessed changes in antibody levels and in age-specific active immunity levels.

Results:

Spike levels were higher in infected than in uninfected adults, regardless of vaccination doses. Among adults vaccinated at least thrice and infected more than 6 months earlier, spike levels fell notably and continuously for the 9-month post-vaccination. In contrast, among adults infected within 6 months, spike levels declined gradually. Declines were similar by sex, age group, and ethnicity. Recent vaccination attenuated declines in spike levels from older infections. In a convenience sample, spike antibody and cellular responses were correlated. Near the end of 2022, about 35% of adults above age 60 had their last vaccine dose more than 6 months ago, and about 25% remained uninfected. The cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection rose from 13% (95% confidence interval 11–14%) before omicron to 78% (76–80%) by December 2022, equating to 25 million infected adults cumulatively. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) weekly death rate during the BA.2/5 waves was less than half of that during the BA.1/1.1 wave, implying a protective role for hybrid immunity.

Conclusions:

Strategies to maintain population-level hybrid immunity require up-to-date vaccination coverage, including among those recovering from infection. Population-based, self-collected DBSs are a practicable biological surveillance platform.

Funding:

Funding was provided by the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Pfizer Global Medical Grants, and St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. PJ and ACG are funded by the Canada Research Chairs Program.
Fitness landscape of substrate-adaptive mutations in evolved amino acid-polyamine-organocation transporters
Authors: Karapanagioti Foteini , Atlason Úlfur Águst , Slotboom Dirk J , Poolman Bert , Obermaier Sebastian
Published: June 2024

The emergence of new protein functions is crucial for the evolution of organisms. This process has been extensively researched for soluble enzymes, but it is largely unexplored for membrane transporters, even though the ability to acquire new nutrients from a changing environment requires evolvability of transport functions. Here, we demonstrate the importance of environmental pressure in obtaining a new activity or altering a promiscuous activity in members of the amino acid-polyamine-organocation (APC)-type yeast amino acid transporters family. We identify APC members that have broader substrate spectra than previously described. Using in vivo experimental evolution, we evolve two of these transporter genes, AGP1 and PUT4, toward new substrate specificities. Single mutations on these transporters are found to be sufficient for expanding the substrate range of the proteins, while retaining the capacity to transport all original substrates. Nonetheless, each adaptive mutation comes with a distinct effect on the fitness for each of the original substrates, illustrating a trade-off between the ancestral and evolved functions. Collectively, our findings reveal how substrate-adaptive mutations in membrane transporters contribute to fitness and provide insights into how organisms can use transporter evolution to explore new ecological niches.
Endogenous hydrogen peroxide positively regulates secretion of a gut-derived peptide in neuroendocrine potentiation of the oxidative stress response in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jia Qi , Young Drew , Zhang Qixin , Sieburth Derek
Published: June 2024

The gut-brain axis mediates bidirectional signaling between the intestine and the nervous system and is critical for organism-wide homeostasis. Here, we report the identification of a peptidergic endocrine circuit in which bidirectional signaling between neurons and the intestine potentiates the activation of the antioxidant response in Caenorhabditis elegans in the intestine. We identify an FMRF-amide-like peptide, FLP-2, whose release from the intestine is necessary and sufficient to activate the intestinal oxidative stress response by promoting the release of the antioxidant FLP-1 neuropeptide from neurons. FLP-2 secretion from the intestine is positively regulated by endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced in the mitochondrial matrix by sod-3/superoxide dismutase, and is negatively regulated by prdx-2/peroxiredoxin, which depletes H2O2 in both the mitochondria and cytosol. H2O2 promotes FLP-2 secretion through the DAG and calcium-dependent protein kinase C family member pkc-2 and by the SNAP25 family member aex-4 in the intestine. Together, our data demonstrate a role for intestinal H2O2 in promoting inter-tissue antioxidant signaling through regulated neuropeptide-like protein exocytosis in a gut-brain axis to activate the oxidative stress response.
Negative regulation of APC/C activation by MAPK-mediated attenuation of Cdc20Slp1 under stress
Authors: Sun Li , Chen Xuejin , Song Chunlin , Shi Wenjing , Liu Libo , Bai Shuang , Wang Xi , Chen Jiali , Jiang Chengyu , Wang Shuang-min , Luo Zhou-qing , Wang Ruiwen , Wang Yamei , Jin Quan-wen
Published: June 2024

Mitotic anaphase onset is a key cellular process tightly regulated by multiple kinases. The involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in this process has been established in Xenopus egg extracts. However, the detailed regulatory cascade remains elusive, and it is also unknown whether the MAPK-dependent mitotic regulation is evolutionarily conserved in the single-cell eukaryotic organisms such as fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe). Here, we show that two MAPKs in S. pombe indeed act in concert to restrain anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activity upon activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). One MAPK, Pmk1, binds to and phosphorylates Slp1Cdc20, the co-activator of APC/C. Phosphorylation of Slp1Cdc20 by Pmk1, but not by Cdk1, promotes its subsequent ubiquitylation and degradation. Intriguingly, Pmk1-mediated phosphorylation event is also required to sustain SAC under environmental stress. Thus, our study establishes a new underlying molecular mechanism of negative regulation of APC/C by MAPK upon stress stimuli, and provides a previously unappreciated framework for regulation of anaphase entry in eukaryotic cells.
Cryo-electron tomographic investigation of native hippocampal glutamatergic synapses
Authors: Matsui Aya , Spangler Cathy , Elferich Johannes , Shiozaki Momoko , Jean Nikki , Zhao Xiaowei , Qin Maozhen , Zhong Haining , Yu Zhiheng , Gouaux Eric
Published: June 2024

Chemical synapses are the major sites of communication between neurons in the nervous system and mediate either excitatory or inhibitory signaling. At excitatory synapses, glutamate is the primary neurotransmitter and upon release from presynaptic vesicles, is detected by postsynaptic glutamate receptors, which include ionotropic AMPA and NMDA receptors. Here, we have developed methods to identify glutamatergic synapses in brain tissue slices, label AMPA receptors with small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and prepare lamella for cryo-electron tomography studies. The targeted imaging of glutamatergic synapses in the lamella is facilitated by fluorescent pre- and postsynaptic signatures, and the subsequent tomograms allow for the identification of key features of chemical synapses, including synaptic vesicles, the synaptic cleft, and AuNP-labeled AMPA receptors. These methods pave the way for imaging brain regions at high resolution, using unstained, unfixed samples preserved under near-native conditions.
Efficient geospatial mapping of buildings, woodlands, water and roads from aerial imagery using deep learning
Authors: Abbas Sidra , Almadhor Ahmad , Sampedro Gabriel Avelino , Alsubai Shtwai , Al Hejaili Abdullah , Strážovská Ľubomíra , Zaidi Monji Mohamed
Published: June 2024

As more aerial imagery becomes readily available, massive volumes of data are being gathered constantly. Several groups can benefit from the data provided by this geographical imagery. However, it is time-consuming to manually analyze each image to gain information on land cover. This research suggests using deep learning methods for precise and rapid pixel-by-pixel classification of aerial imagery for land cover analysis, which would be a significant step forward in resolving this issue. The suggested method has several steps, such as the augmentation and transformation of data, the selection of deep learning models, and the final prediction. The study uses the three most popular deep learning models (Vanilla-UNet, ResNet50 UNet, and DeepLabV3 ResNet50) for the experiments. According to the experimental results, the ResNet50 UNet model achieved an accuracy of 94.37%, the DeepLabV3 ResNet50 model achieved an accuracy of 94.77%, and the Vanilla-UNet model achieved an accuracy of 91.31%. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of DeepLabV3 and ResNet50 are higher than those of the other two models. The proposed approach is also compared to the existing UNet approach, and the proposed approaches have produced greater probability prediction scores than the conventional UNet model for all classes. Our approach outperforms model DeepLabV3 ResNet50 on aerial image datasets based on the performance.
TIN-X version 3: update with expanded dataset and modernized architecture for enhanced illumination of understudied targets
Authors: Metzger Vincent T. , Cannon Daniel C. , Yang Jeremy J. , Mathias Stephen L. , Bologa Cristian G. , Waller Anna , Schürer Stephan C. , Vidović Dušica , Kelleher Keith J. , Sheils Timothy K. , Jensen Lars Juhl , Lambert Christophe G. , Oprea Tudor I. , Edwards Jeremy S.
Published: June 2024

TIN-X (Target Importance and Novelty eXplorer) is an interactive visualization tool for illuminating associations between diseases and potential drug targets and is publicly available at newdrugtargets.org. TIN-X uses natural language processing to identify disease and protein mentions within PubMed content using previously published tools for named entity recognition (NER) of gene/protein and disease names. Target data is obtained from the Target Central Resource Database (TCRD). Two important metrics, novelty and importance, are computed from this data and when plotted as log(importance) vs. log(novelty), aid the user in visually exploring the novelty of drug targets and their associated importance to diseases. TIN-X Version 3.0 has been significantly improved with an expanded dataset, modernized architecture including a REST API, and an improved user interface (UI). The dataset has been expanded to include not only PubMed publication titles and abstracts, but also full-text articles when available. This results in approximately 9-fold more target/disease associations compared to previous versions of TIN-X. Additionally, the TIN-X database containing this expanded dataset is now hosted in the cloud via Amazon RDS. Recent enhancements to the UI focuses on making it more intuitive for users to find diseases or drug targets of interest while providing a new, sortable table-view mode to accompany the existing plot-view mode. UI improvements also help the user browse the associated PubMed publications to explore and understand the basis of TIN-X’s predicted association between a specific disease and a target of interest. While implementing these upgrades, computational resources are balanced between the webserver and the user’s web browser to achieve adequate performance while accommodating the expanded dataset. Together, these advances aim to extend the duration that users can benefit from TIN-X while providing both an expanded dataset and new features that researchers can use to better illuminate understudied proteins.
Land-cover change in Cuba and implications for the area of distribution of a specialist’s host-plant
Authors: Nuñez-Penichet Claudia , Maita Juan , Soberon Jorge
Published: June 2024

Changes in land cover directly affect biodiversity. Here, we assessed land-cover change in Cuba in the past 35 years and analyzed how this change may affect the distribution of Omphalea plants and Urania boisduvalii moths. We analyzed the vegetation cover of the Cuban archipelago for 1985 and 2020. We used Google Earth Engine to classify two satellite image compositions into seven cover types: forest and shrubs, mangrove, soil without vegetation cover, wetlands, pine forest, agriculture, and water bodies. We considered four different areas for quantifications of land-cover change: (1) Cuban archipelago, (2) protected areas, (3) areas of potential distribution of Omphalea, and (4) areas of potential distribution of the plant within the protected areas. We found that “forest and shrubs”, which is cover type in which Omphalea populations have been reported, has increased significantly in Cuba in the past 35 years, and that most of the gained forest and shrub areas were agricultural land in the past. This same pattern was observed in the areas of potential distribution of Omphalea; whereas almost all cover types were mostly stable inside the protected areas. The transformation of agricultural areas into forest and shrubs could represent an interesting opportunity for biodiversity conservation in Cuba. Other detailed studies about biodiversity composition in areas of forest and shrubs gain would greatly benefit our understanding of the value of such areas for conservation.