bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reform of The Inheritance System: Between Islamic Law and Tradition of Sasak Tribe
Authors: Fikri Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses the reform of the inheritance system between Islamic law and tradition of the Sasak tribe by investigating how religious leaders in Lombok view the inheritance distribution system and how to reform the inheritance system between Islamic law and tradition in the Sasak Lombok Community. This research uses qualitative methods with a case study approach, and data taken from the field was analysed using Jasser Auda's system theory regarding maqasid sharia. The result of reforming the Islamic law system and tradition in the Sasak tribe is to eliminate injustice within the Lombok NTB community by emphasising the value of inheritance property rather than its quantity. This approach ensures that inheritance distribution considers the value of assets, such as land, rather than merely dividing by area. For instance, the value of one hectare of strategically located land differs significantly from that of less strategically located land. Thus, instead of dividing the land by hectares, it is divided based on value, ensuring a fair distribution among the eldest brother, other brothers, and sisters. This method seeks to achieve justice for all parties involved.
Islamic Law View on Protecting the Rights of Housewives at Risk of Contracting HIV/AIDS
Authors: Thahir Putri Shafarina , Al-Fatih Sholahuddin
Published: July 2024

This article examines the perspective of Islamic law regarding the protection of the rights of housewives at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS from their husbands. Although HIV/AIDS is not a new issue, its impact on families, especially housewives, remains an essential concern in legal and public health contexts. Within the framework of Islamic law, individual rights, including women's rights, are guaranteed and need protection. This research uses normative legal and sociological research methods with a case approach. The results show that Islamic law has a vital role in protecting the rights of housewives who are at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS from their husbands. These rights include the right to know the husband's health status, the right to obtain protection, the right to refuse sexual relations, and the right to get a divorce. Islamic law places great responsibility on husbands to protect the health of their wives and families. Husbands are expected to maintain the welfare of their wives and families, including by taking preventive steps against the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Apart from that, Islamic law also emphasises the importance of fidelity in the husband-wife relationship. Husbands are expected to be faithful to their wives, which is also a preventive measure against the transmission of HIV/AIDS. If a husband fails to fulfil his responsibility to protect his wife from contracting HIV/AIDS, Islamic law gives the wife the right to seek protection, including through legal remedies such as requesting a fatwa from ulama or even filing a divorce petition. This research is expected to help increase public understanding of the rights of housewives at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, as well as encourage efforts to protect their rights.
Philosophical Foundations and Human Rights in the Bajapuik Tradition: Bridging Local Wisdom and Islamic Law in Minangkabau Marriage Practices
Authors: Jafar Wahyu Abdul , Asmara Musda , Faizin Mu'adil , Octavianne Helena , Kisworo Budi
Published: July 2024

This study explores the philosophical values and human rights implications within the Bajapuik tradition, a distinct matrimonial practice of the Padang Pariaman tribe in Sumatra. Explores the philosophical values of the unique amalgamation of local wisdom and Islamic law as an example of integrating cultural heritage with religious principles in marriage. As qualitative descriptive field research, data were gathered from interviews and documentation from a diverse group of informants, including religious leaders, traditional leaders, community leaders, and the people of Padang Pariaman. By utilising a sociological approach, the study examines the social realities of the Bajapuik tradition, mainly focusing on its dowry practice, particularly the maslahah (general welfare) concept. Contrary to typical dowry practices, in the Bajapuik tradition, the bride’s family provides the dowry to the groom, symbolising respect and equality rather than economic burdens. This study highlights that the Bajapuik tradition is not merely a transactional stage in the marriage process but a more profound expression of community bonds and shared values. The findings emphasise the strong philosophical values of mutual respect and companionship inherent in the Bajapuik tradition, demonstrating its alignment with Islamic law and human rights values. This research reveals how the Minangkabau’s adherence to religious and local wisdom significantly reinforces human rights within traditional practices. Furthermore, the study examines the extent to which the Bajapuik tradition achieves the objectives of maslahah in marriage. The results show that the Bajapuik tradition supports general welfare (maslahah) by strengthening social bonds, upholding the dignity of women, and ensuring justice and equality in marital relationships, offering a new perspective rarely explored in previous studies.
Uloga pozitivnog mentalnog zdravlja u odnosu između stresa i depresivnih simptoma za vrijeme pandemije
Authors: Kantor Ena , Tonković Mirjana
Published: July 2024

Tijekom pandemije zabilježene su povećane procjene stresa, a predviđa se da će se kod ranjivih skupina one zadržati i nakon pandemije što može dovesti do razvoja depresivnih simptoma i nakon što pandemijski stresori više nisu prisutni. Međutim, pozitivno mentalno zdravlje može predstavljati faktor otpornosti, no njegova uloga u nastanku depresivnih simptoma, u pandemijskom kontekstu, slabije je istražena. Stoga su ciljevi ovog istraživanja bili (1) ispitati doprinos sociodemografskih karakteristika, doživljaja pandemijskih stresora, percipiranog stresa pred ukidanje mjera i pozitivnog mentalnog zdravlja u objašnjenju trenutnih depresivnih simptoma te (2) ispitati medijatorsku ulogu trenutne razine stresa u odnosu između doživljaja pandemijskih stresora i depresivnih simptoma te ispitati je li ta medijacija moderirana pozitivnim mentalnim zdravljem. Prigodan uzorak studenata (u analizu uključeno N=222; 82.8% ženskog spola), u proljeće 2022. godine, putem online obrasca, ispunio je Upitnik mentalnog zdravlja (MHC-SF), Skalu za samoprocjenu depresije (SDS), Skalu COVID-19 stresora, Ljestvicu percipiranog stresa (PSS) i Upitnik o sociodemografskim karakteristikama. Kao samostalni značajni prediktori depresivnih simptoma pokazale su se trenutne percipirane razine stresa i pozitivnog mentalnog zdravlja. Povezanost pandemijskih stresora i depresivnih simptoma u potpunosti je objašnjena trenutnim percipiranim razinama stresa, a pozitivno mentalno zdravlje u ovom odnosu ima zaštitnu ulogu. Stres kod sudionika koji imaju iznadprosječne procjene pozitivnog mentalnog zdravlja slabije je povezan s depresivnosti za razliku od sudionika s ispodprosječnim procjenama kod kojih je stres snažnije povezan s depresivnim simptomima. Demonstrirana je važnost praćenja posljedica pandemije i obraćanja pažnje na pozitivne aspekte funkcioniranja.
Analiza (mal)adaptivnih aspekata sadizma kroz njegovu ulogu u Sindromu životnog tempa
Authors: Pavlović Svetlana , Međedović Janko
Published: July 2024

Sadizam je deo Mračne tetrade i opisuje osobu koja ponižava druge, uživajući u nanošenju fizičkog, psihičkog i seksualnog bola. Uzimajući u obzir štetne društvene posledice sadizma, važno je razumeti njegove ličnosne i bihejvioralne korelate. U ovom radu smo ispitivali sadizam u kontekstu sindroma životnog tempa (SŽT), koji predstavlja povezanost između ponašanja, fiziologije i reproduktivnih ishoda u različitim okruženjima. Pretpostavljeno je da je sadizam deo brzog SŽT-a opisanog kroz veći reproduktivni uspeh, nižu starost prve reprodukcije, raniji početak seksualne aktivnosti, kratkoročno sparivanje, viši indeks telesne mase (BMI) i oštro okruženje u detinjstvu. Uzorak se sastojao od 475 učesnika, a podaci su prikupljeni preko onlajn upitnika. Mrežna analiza je pokazala da sadizam ima direktne niti sa četiri čvora, a sve asocijacije su u skladu sa hipotezom brzog SŽT-a: pozitivne veze sa ljubomorom i kratkotrajnim sparivanjem, a negativne sa stabilnošću sredine tokom detinjstva i uzrastom prve reprodukcije. Sadizam nije bio direktno povezan sa reproduktivnim uspehom; ipak njegove adaptivne prednosti se ogledaju u ranijem uzrastu dobijanja prvog deteta a maladaptivni ishodi se ispoljavaju kroz strategije kratkoročnog sparivanja preko kojih je indirektno povezan sa manjim brojem potomaka. Možemo zaključiti da se sadizam može razumeti kao bihejvioralna karakteristika brzog SŽT-a koji pokazuje i adaptivne i maladaptivne potencijale što otvara prostor za dalja istraživanja mračnih karakteristika ličnosti u okviru ljudske bihejvioralne ekologije.
Comparative analysis of the capabilities of WoS and eLibrary for analyzing bibliographic networks
Authors: Maltseva Daria , Pavlova Irina , Kapustina Lika , Vashchenko Vasilisa , Fiala Dalibor
Published: July 2024

This article presents a comparative analysis of two major scientific publication databases: Web of Science Core Collection and eLibrary – to identify their differences and unique opportunities for exploration of bibliographic networks of Russian scientific authors. Current shortage of tools and approaches for collection, processing and analysis of bibliographic data in the Russian language constitutes the relevance of this study. Empirical analysis is based on comparison of respective arrays of scientific publications in the field of sociology over the period of 2010-2021. We propose a set of comparison criteria including those related to the procedure of data access, quality of data management, quantitative and qualitative features of the data. Inspection of the databases based on the proposed criteria aids in identification of intersections between both the collections and the respective qualitative observations about them. We make conclusions regarding the comparative advantages and weaknesses of both databases in regards to their potential as the sole data source for bibliographic studies, and make recommendations for their effective use in research on Russian science.
Play cards, salt, tobacco: trade restrictions of German Zollverein in 1833
Authors: Diomidova M. I.
Published: July 2024

Importance. The main objective of the study is to find the special regulations regarding some trade goods. The research is focused on the comprehensive study of restrictions of German Zollverein’s treaty, which had affected the local and foreign trade. The analysis has formed the complex of reasons which led to the special arrangements towards the important goods. The study of particular aspects of customs reforms shows the new perspectives in the research of this topic and fulfills the image of trade connections on German territories in 1820–30s.

Materials and Methods. The main document for the research is “The treaty of customs unification” from March 22, 1833. There are also plenty of commercial press articles of that period studied, which overviewed the trade and customs changes and reforms. The analytics and synthesis methods give the possibility to have a full overview of the mentioned sources and to restore the main tendencies in trade restrictions of this epoch.

Results and Discussion. The detailed analysis highlights the most important trade goods on the German area, which were the subjects of interests for many German governments. There were the monopoly goods or the sources of big custom duties, which filled the German treasuries for decades. The threat of losing this income due to established German Zollverein, which customs taxes were supposed to be summarized and parted, led to the compromise solution in regards to some goods. The play cards, salt, tobacco and alcohol production were supposed to stay under cautious control, the trade of them was specially mentioned on the extra conditions.

Conclusion. Trade restrictions seemed to be the compromise arrangement in the customs treaty, which aimed to keep the state income safe. They were also based on law differences regarding mentioned goods and supposed to protect German industry from foreign competition.
Actions of the Italian government regarding prisoners of war of Italian nationality of the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I
Authors: Shevyakov S. V.
Published: July 2024

Importance. From 1915 to 1917, a camp for Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war of Italian nationality functioned in Kirsanov, Tambov Governorate, who accepted the offer of the Italian government to send them to Italy and subsequently join the ranks of its armed forces. The Italian government decided to carefully select prisoners of war based on their political and national trustworthiness, thereby delaying repatriation. Prisoners of war began to write to irredentist associations in Italy and the national press, thereby putting pressure on the Italian government. As a result of these actions, the Italian government changed course to send prisoners of war as soon as possible. The activities of prisoners of war are insufficiently covered in modern historiography. The purpose of the study is the impact of the media on the Italian government, which was provided by prisoners of war of the Austro-Hungarian army of Italian nationality in Tambov Governorate during World War I, aimed at accelerating repatriation to the Italian Kingdom.

Materials and Methods. The source base is archival materials, as well as a number of published studies. The retrospective method is used, which allows to recreate, in individual details and later sources, the actions of the Italian government in relation to Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war of Italian nationality.

Results and Discussion. It is shown that the sending of prisoners of war to Italy was delayed at the initiative of the Italian government. The prisoners of war who were in the Kirsanov camp were able to put pressure on the Italian government with the help of the media. In the spring of 1916, the government, realizing the possible negative consequences, agreed in favor of all prisoners of war who agreed to join the Italian armed forces, rather than limiting it to a few officers who could pay for the trip.

Conclusion. While waiting to be sent to Italy, a group of soldiers and officers, being prisoners of war, contacted the national press and irredentist associations. The purpose of these appeals was to put pressure on the Italian government, which was supposed to speed up the repatriation of prisoners of war.
Debate sobre o ensino religioso
Authors: Paula Fabricia de Cassia Grou de , Vasconcelo Mônica
Published: July 2024

MALVEZZI, M. C. F. O Ensino religioso na Base Nacional Comum Curricular: contribuições para o debate. 2019. 240 f. Tese (Doutorado em Educação) – Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 2019.
ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN FORMATION OF ANTI-CRISIS MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS
Authors: Mekhovych Serhii , Tomilin Oleksandr , Mishchenko Volodymyr
Published: July 2024

The article, based on international experience, discusses controversial issues related to the content and role of international communications and anti-crisis management, aimed at ensuring the financial stability of the enterprise and reducing the risk of its bankruptcy. It is substantiated that the anti-crisis investment strategy is an integral component of the general strategy of an enterprise development. The content of factors affecting stability and financial security, including megaeconomic, macroeconomic, mesoeconomic, microeconomic, scientific and technical, political, environmental, informational etc., is systematized and analyzed. It is noted that the nature of the influence of the analyzed factors on the sustainability of the enterprise can be not only negative, but also positive. Examples of the possible positive influence of megaeconomic, macroeconomic, mesoeconomic and microeconomic factors on the choice and implementation of an anti-crisis investment strategy are given. The characteristics of the existing methods of analyzing the state of domestic enterprises are given and the possibility of their application in the current conditions is considered. The experience of own mathematical modeling of the financial state of enterprises to assess the danger of bankruptcy in modern Ukrainian economic theory and practice is analyzed. The content of the models and the composition of the financial and economic indicators used as variables and influencing factors were considered.
PARADOXY OF INTELLECTUAL HUMIDITY OPERATION
Authors: Kuklin V. , Ivin L. , Mekhovych S.
Published: July 2024

The possibility of evaluating the intelligence of a specialist and a scientist is shown to the principle. The collaborative creation of creative teams is examined. The problems of evaluating qualifications and determining the competence of practitioners in various establishments and enterprises are discussed. It is shown that, on an intuitive level, people perceive the value of that value of other economics and their impact on the political and economic processes. The cost of practitioners of high qualifications and high level of intellect must be brought to the expense of the vag and infusion, as it was parted from him. It has been examined how to assess the correlation between the second market variance or weakening of other market parameters and the number of characteristics of the efficiency of conductive satellites and vicons, that of their intelligence.
THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO DETERMINING THE PLACE OF FORESIGHT TECHNOLOGIES IN THE INNOVATION PROCESS
Authors: Dyuzhev Victor , Mekhovych Kateryna , Mehovich Elizaveta
Published: July 2024

The article examines approaches to increasing the effectiveness of strategic planning, which is connected with the use of marketing, communication and advertising strategies at enterprises. It is noted that strategies have a complex hierarchical, interconnected structure, which includes corporate, competitive, technological, functional, resource, product and other strategies. The formation of such a complex structure depends on existing and promising production technologies, which are rapidly changing with the advent of digitalization, therefore it must be based on a scientifically based vision of the future and its possible transformations. Therefore, the effective operation of an industrial enterprise requires the interaction of all levels based on a systematic methodology. Such a methodology is technology foresight. The main reasons for the use of foresight are the need for more detailed and accurate forecasting of the prospects for the development of technologies, equipment and territories, the interaction of process participants taking into account their interests, and the improvement of the decision-making process. Foresight provides an opportunity to choose a course of action depending on the "vision" of the future. With the help of a foresight, technological fields of possible effective breakthroughs can be determined, which is, firstly, of decisive importance for determining budgets of various levels, and, secondly, of fundamental importance in maintaining and creating competitive advantages of the enterprise. A number of main features characteristic of foresight technologies are highlighted. Based on the analysis of foreign theory and practice of foresight application, a number of definitions of the essence of the foresight methodology are given. Various approaches to organizational support for the implementation of the foresight project were considered. Based on the list of significant threats and challenges, we will determine the application areas of foresight.
WITHDRAWN: Phase-locked time-stretch optical coherence tomography for complex variance human retinal microangiography
Authors: Kim Chang-Seok , Kim Gyeong Hun , Bak Seongjin , Kwon Han Jo , Kim Hyung-Hoi , Kim Jeong-Su , Shin Jun Geun , Eom Tae Joong , Lee Hwidon
Published: July 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Reservoir Outflow Prediction Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Interface System
Authors: Tatavarthi Pratyusha , Vemuri Jayaprakash , Singh Prabhakar
Published: July 2024

Water supply, flood control, and hydropower generation are among the primary functions that rely on the prediction of reservoir outflow. Accurate prediction of reservoir outflow can help mitigate the flood risk and ensure the long-term sustainability of the hydraulic structure. Traditional prediction methods, such as linear regression analysis, and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models, are based on historical data from the watershed. However, due to the uncertainty involved in the prediction of trends in flood events, the use of traditional methods is considered inadequate. To overcome these limitations, machine learning (ML) algorithms such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector regression (SVR), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) are used. In this study, ANN and ANFIS techniques are used for predicting the daily flow at the outlet of the Godavari river basin, located in West Godavari district in the province of Andhra Pradesh, India. Three key inputs, i.e. gauge data from the rain gauge station, discharge, and elevation data were used to develop the models. Input vectors for simulations included different combinations of antecedent precipitation and flows, with different time lags. From the results, it is observed that the outflow predictions obtained using the ANFIS model are more accurate as compared to those obtained from the ANN models. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the reliability and resilience of both the neural network models.
Exploring the potential value of SRC genes in pan cancer based on bioinformatics methods
Authors: Huang Liyin , Si Tao , Lu Yanwen , Yi Lei , Zhao Yuxin , Zhang Mingmin
Published: July 2024

Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate the expression levels of non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) genes in different types of human tumor tissues, and their relationship with patient prognosis and immune microenvironment.
Methods
We utilized the Sangerbox database to analyze the differential expression of SRC in various types of cancer tumors and adjacent normal tissues. Survival outcomes of SRC expression levels in pan cancer analyzed by Cox risk ratio and Kaplan Meier analysis. We further analyzed the relationship between SRC expression and immune examination genes, tumor mutation load, microsatellite instability, and the immune microenvironment of pan cancer through the Sangerbox database.
Results
Our findings indicate that the SRC gene is highly expressed in various tumors. Furthermore, the expression level of SRC is significantly correlated with the survival outcomes of various cancers, both positively and negatively. Additionally, the results of our analyses show that the expression level of SRC is associated with tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor infiltration of immune cells in various cancers.
Conclusion
SRC plays a critical role in the tumor microenvironment, and is involved in the tumorigenesis and tumor immunity of various cancers. Our study suggests that SRC might be a potential prognostic biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for various cancers.
Defining ‘micromuseum’ - a Mediterranean insular curators’ perspective
Authors: Vella John
Published: July 2024

From a Mediterranean insular perspective, this study intends to provide a basic definition for micromuseum. The research among twenty-one micromuseums on eight Mediterranean islands was guided by a semi-structured interview with curators of independent, private, and state micromuseums on the Maltese Islands, the Ragusan Province of Sicily, and other islands for comparative reasons. All information gathered was analyzed and findings show that there are specific factors that provide for a definition of micromuseum and which differ the micromuseum from the definition applied to traditional establishment museums. Following a comparison to earlier literature on micromuseology, the study found that among others, micromuseums present specific or focused themes and collections not found in establishment museums, are rarely noticeable, have a multitasking staff, appeal to special-interest visitors, area-specialist curators, and seek high curator-visitor interactions.
Prevalence and risk factors of hyperuricemia among patients with schizophrenia in a public psychiatric hospital in China
Authors: Li Haijing , Yi Wenying , Zheng Yingjun , She Shenglin
Published: July 2024

Objective
Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent disease, which is associated with metabolic syndrome. It is well known that patients with schizophrenia have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome. However, there are few studies on the HUA in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HUA and its associated risk factors in adult patients with schizophrenia.
Methods
A total of 1785 inpatients with schizophrenia ≥ 18 years were included in this retrospective study. HUA was defined as a serum uric acid > 420µmol/L in males and > 360µmol/L in females, or the self-reported diagnosis of HUA. Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the associated risk factors for HUA in patients with schizophrenia.
Results
The prevalence of HUA was 42.5% with a significant gender difference (males: 45.2% versus females: 38.9%). Compared to patients without HUA, patients with HUA were younger, had a higher prevalence of hypertension, had a higher body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and had a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). Age, duration of schizophrenia, male gender, hypertension, BMI, TC, TG, LDL, and HDL were correlated with uric acid. Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that younger age, hypertension, BMI, TC, TG and LDL were the associated risk factors for HUA.
Conclusion
This study suggested that schizophrenia patients had a high prevalence of HUA in a Chinese psychiatric hospital. Younger age, hypertension, BMI, TC, TG and LDL were associated risk factors for HUA in patients with schizophrenia.
Adoption of Environmentally sustainable practices in rural Atacora, Benin
Authors: Onibon O. C. , Akudugu M. A. , Ayambila N. S.
Published: July 2024

CONTEXT
Agricultural production is paramount in developing countries driving economic development food security and environmental sustainability. Despite the importance of the later and the efforts of the Government in balancing environmental conservation with food security, the adoption of Environmentally Sustainable Practices (ESPs), remains low in Benin rural areas. This problem is a pressing challenge in the Atacora region.
OBJECTIVE
The focus of this study is rural Atacora region located in the northern part of Benin Republic. The main objective of this study was to examine the determinants of the adoption of multiple Environmentally Sustainable Practices (ESPs) and the intensity of their adoption in the study area.
METHODS
Multivariate probit and Poisson models were employed to analyze the data and examine the adoption of the Environmentally Sustainable Practices (ESPs). The EPSs considered in this research include: crop diversification, contour plowing, crop residue incorporation, composting, cover cropping, animal manure, animal traction, crop rotation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The findings reveal that rural households’ adoption of different ESPs and their intensity of utilization are significantly subjected various factors such as: gender of the household head,education, age, farm size, contact with extension agents as well as other households’ wealth related status. The Poisson regression model further highlight the impact of factors such as age of the household head, education, farming experience, livestock ownership, soil erosion and workshop attendance, on the intensity of multiple ESPs adoption.
SIGNIFICANCE
The study highlights the urgent need of for both the Government and various stakeholders to invest in training programs (formal and informal) aimed at boosting up the adoption of the Environmentally Sustainable Practices (ESPs) by rural dwellers. Immediate address to these enumerated factors will surely contribute at promoting environmental sustainability but also at enhancing food security status in rural areas in general and specifically in the study area which is classified among the most food insecure regions in the Republic of Benin.
Entropy-Weighted Water Quality Index Assessment of Groundwater in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: ABDUS-SALAM MARYAM OLAMIDE , AKINSANYA YUSUF OLABISI , SALAMI IDRIS OLATUNDE , ADENIJI Tomiwa Williams , FALANA Adenike Omotayo , OMOTUNDE Victoria Bolaji , GBADEBO Adewole , Gbadamosi Maryam Olatundun
Published: July 2024

An entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) was used in this study to evaluate the quality of groundwater in parts of the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. 75 groundwater samples were collected and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), anions (HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, F−), Fe and Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Content (THBC). The pH of the groundwater in the study area ranges from slightly alkaline to neutral. Based on the average concentrations, the abundance of anions is in the order as follows: Cl−> HCO3−> SO42−> NO3−> F− while that of cations is Na+> K+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+. The groundwater was predominantly mixed and Na-Cl hydrogeochemical facies types and was thought to be controlled by multiple processes including water-rock interaction and mineral weathering. The prevalent bacteria in this study are Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The average EWQI value was 32.8, with values ranging from 2.2 to 143.6. Most of the groundwater in the research area, according to the EWQI, is good to excellent quality for drinking, while only 20% of the samples were medium to low quality, necessitating minimum treatment.
Simulation of the degradation of the main constituent from Lavandula dentata L. essential oil
Authors: Gomes Julia Novaes , Eugenio Erika de Queiros , de Almeida Márcia Rosa
Published: July 2024

The demand for essential oils is growing every year as an alternative to artificial additives. Lavandula dentata L. is a species of lavender that has acclimatized in Brazil and its oil has pharmacological and biological properties that give it great commercial importance. In this context, the market for essential oils has been promising and, therefore, a study into the degradation of these products interferes with the quality and biological activity of these oils, making it extremely important for their preservation. The aim of this study was to simulate the reaction equilibrium of the degradation of the main constituent from Lavandula dentata L., Lamiaceae, essential oil, 1,8-cineole (1), using the Aspen Plus® simulator v. 12 in an equilibrium reactor at a temperature of 30°C and a pressure of 1 atm. The results of the simulations indicated that ketones are the major oxidation products of 1,8-cineole when compared to the alcohols 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octan-5-ol (2) and 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octan-6-ol (3). In addition, the ketone 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octan-6-one (5) was formed with a molar flow rate 1.5 times greater than the ketone 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octan-5-one (4) due to the lower steric hindrance. Sensitivity analyses were carried out for the simulations studied, which led to the conclusion that the formation of alcohols and ketones was favored by increasing the molar oxygen flow rate. On the other hand, increasing the temperature favored the formation of ketone (5) and decreased the formation of ketone (4).
Ethnomedical knowledge of plants used in alternative medicine for the treatment of hemorrhoids in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province, Southern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Valentin Bashige Chiribagula , Philippe Okusa Ndjolo , Melman Muhona , Henry Manya Mboni , Salvius Bakari Amuri , Baptiste Lumbu Simbi Jean
Published: July 2024

Background: A variety of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the management of hemorrhoidal diseases. However, no investigation has been conducted to gather the knowledge required for this type of management in the region. The present study was conducted to inventory the plants used in Lubumbashi to treat hemorrhoidal diseases and to relate their ethnomedical characteristics.
Methods: This study was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023 using semi-structured interviews with households (n=1520), herbalists (n=25), and traditional healers : THs (n=59).
Results: The 1,604 respondents (sex ratio M/F = 0.9; mean age: 56 ± 3 years; experience: 12 ± 3 years) provided information on 100 taxa, 84 of which are used against internal hemorrhoids, Phyllanthus amarus being the most cited (Citation Index, CI: 0.76). Most of them are trees (38%) or shrubs (32%), belonging to 90 genera and 45 families dominated by the Fabaceae (10%) and Asteraceae (9%). They are indicated in 76 other pathologies, dominated by gastrointestinal disorders (GID), wounds and sexually transmitted infections (CI > 0.57). From these 100 taxa, 117 anti-hemorrhoidal formulations were derived, 11 of which combined more than one plant. In all these recipes, the leaf is the most commonly used part (>60%) and the liniment (>45%) is the most popular form of application. For the first time, this study reports 14 taxa as plants used in the treatment of hemorrhoids for which some evidence of hemorrhoidal activity has been reported. Among these taxa, Ficus stuhlmannii, Ficus laurifolia, and Ocimum centraliafricanum are listed as medicinal plants for the first time. Khaya nyasica, and Syzygium cordatum, each with 11 uses, have the highest traditional medicinal value.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that a significant number of medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi for the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases. Some of these plants are endemic to the biodiversity area, while others are shared with other cultures and regions. A series of pharmacological studies is currently underway with the objective of validating the anti-hemorrhoidal properties of these plants and in order to identify phytochemical compounds responsible of this activity.
MST1, a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease, regulates mitochondrial homeostasis by mediating mitochondrial DNA transcription and PI3K-Akt-ROS pathway.
Authors: Wang Ping , Cui Dongqing , Liu Haixia , Cao Lili , Du Xiaowei , Liu Dingxin , Liu Zhiping , Wang Tong , Yang Hui , Zheng Xiaolei , Xie Zhaohong , Xu Shunliang , Bi Jianzhong
Published: July 2024

Background
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as one of the prevalent irreversible neurodegenerative conditions marked by gradual cognitive deterioration and neuronal loss. The mammalian Ste20-like kinase (MST1)-Hippo pathway is pivotal in regulating cell apoptosis, immune response, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. However, the association between MST1 and mitochondrial function in AD remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of MST1 on neuronal damage and cognitive impairment by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis in AD.
Methods
In this study, we selected 4- and 7-month-old 5xFAD mice to simulate the early and middle stages of AD, we assessed cognitive function, detected neuronal damage indicators, and evaluated mitochondrial morphology, dynamics, oxidative stress, ATP, and mitochondrial apoptosis-related indicators. We employed RNA-seq technology to explore potential mechanisms of action. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the effects of MST1 on the viability and mitochondrial function of SH-SY5Y model cells, aiming to validate the potential molecular mechanisms of MST1.
Results
Overexpression of MST1 accelerated neuronal degeneration and cognitive deficits, alongside promoting oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Similarly, in cell models, MST1 overexpression facilitated apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Knockdown of MST1 expression and chemical inactivation of MST1 improved cognitive decline, mitochondrial dysfunction while reducing neuronal degeneration. In terms of mechanism, MST1 was found to regulate the transcription of mitochondrial genes, including MT-Nd4L, MT-ATP6, and MT-CO2, by binding to PGC1α. It influenced cellular oxidative stress through the PI3K-Akt-ROS pathway, ultimately disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis and mediating cell damage.
Conclusion
Overall, our results showed that MST1 primarily regulates mitochondrial DNA transcription levels by interacting with PGC1α and modulates cellular oxidative stress through the PI3K-Akt-ROS pathway, thereby disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis. This discovery can potentially enhance mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways by targeting MST1, thereby offering novel potential therapeutic targets for treating AD.
Combination of rare sugars L-arabinose, D-mannose, D-xylose, D-allulose, and D-tagatose alleviates cognitive impairment in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Zhang Kun , Song Dake , Yan Tao , Ma Shanbo , Liu Ruixia , Jin Yuchen , Gong Hengxin , Yang le , Wang Xinshang , Liu Shuibing , Wang Chuan , Zhao Ming-gao
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a rare sugar complex (RSC) containing L-arabinose, D-mannose, D-xylose, D-allulose, and D-tagatose on cognitive impairment in a Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) mice model. A high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) is commonly employed to establish a diabetes model. Behavioral performance in T2DM mice is assessed using the Morris water maze, Y maze, novel object recognition test, and novel location recognition test. Neuronal damage in the hippocampal brain area is detected through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Markers of lipid peroxidation, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), are measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The types and richness of microorganisms in the feces of each group of mice are analyzed through 16s sequencing of gut microbiota.Behavioral studies demonstrated that T2DM mice exhibited learning and memory impairments, which were notably improved with RSC administration. The SOD activity in plasma was decreased significantly, while the MDA content showed a significant increase. HE staining results revealed that RSC effectively reduced neuronal damage in the hippocampus of T2DM mice. Furthermore, RSC treatment reversed the decreased types and richness of microorganisms in the feces of T2DM mice.RSC can ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus by attenuating oxidative stress in the brain and modulating the composition of intestinal microbiota.
Etiological distribution of benign ureteral stricture in 2532 adults: a cross-sectional analysis in a tertiary center
Authors: Tao Zihao , Chen Silu , Li Zhihua , Li Xinfei , Li Zhenyu , Zhang Yiming , Wang Xiang , Yang Kunlin , Guan Hua , Li Xuesong
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To present the etiological distribution of benign ureteral stricture (BUS) in a high-volume outpatient clinic of a tertiary center.
Methods and patients: A total of 2532 consecutive patients diagnosed with BUS were involved. The diagnosis and determination of etiology for BUS were based on a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, medical history and imaging findings.
Results: 1307 female (51.62%) patients and 1225 male patients (48.38%) with BUS were included, with a median age of 39 years. The etiological distribution included 1130 patients (44.67%) with congenital malformations, 769 patients (30.33%) with iatrogenic injuries causes, 418 patients (16.51%) with acquired non-iatrogenic causes and 215 patients (8.49%) with unknown causes. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) (25.2%), urological procedures (17%), and radiotherapy (7.3%) were the most common causes of BUS. Male patients exhibited a higher prevalence of congenital malformations (49.8% vs 39.86%, P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of iatrogenic injuries (25.14% vs 35.2%, P < 0.001) compared to female patients. Congenital malformations were more common in patients < 40 years old, while iatrogenic injuries were predominant in individuals ≥ 41 years old. Patients with a history of intervention had a higher proportion of congenital malformations (P < 0.001) and a lower proportion of iatrogenic injuries (P < 0.001) and acquired factors (P< 0.001).
Conclusion: The etiology of BUS in adults was characterized by its complexity and diversity. UPJO, urologic procedure and radiotherapy were sequentially the top three causes of BUS. Age and gender significantly affected the distribution of etiologies of BUS.
Malnutrition in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients with Bronchiolitis at SantaClara University Hospital - Prevalence Study 2022
Authors: Moreno Jonathan Alexander Cutta , Pelaez Laura Roció , Baez Martha Lucia
Published: July 2024

Background: Malnutrition affects millions of children worldwide, despite the Sustainable Development Goals, in the year 2022, Colombia faced serious food shortages and malnutrition, especially among children under 5 years of age. According to the National Institute of Health (INS), during that year 308 children under 5 years of age died due to malnutrition and related problems. Considering this situation, it can be observed that malnutrition increases the risk of suffering from respiratory diseases. Among these diseases is acute bronchiolitis, a viral infection that mainly affects infants and is located in the lower respiratory tract.
The objective of this research is oriented to answer: What is the prevalence of acute malnutrition in patients older than 30 days and equal or younger than two years old hospitalized with bronchiolitis in the hospitalization service of Hospital Universitario Santa Clara in the months between February and July 2022?
Methodology: Cross-sectional study or prevalence study, taking as study population, patients older than 30 days and younger than 2 years of age of both sexes requiring hospital management due to bronchiolitis.
Results: From February to July 2022, a total of 183 patients were admitted to the inpatient unit of Santa Clara University Hospital due to acute bronchiolitis. Of which only 120 met the inclusion criteria proposed in the present study. It was found that 0.8% of the sample was obese, 10% overweight, 10.8% at risk of overweight, 46.7% were in an age-appropriate weight range, 23.3% at risk of acute malnutrition, 5.0% in moderate acute malnutrition, and 3.3% in severe acute malnutrition. There was a significant positive correlation between the z-score at admission and discharge of patients (R = 0.7996, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: With the development of this research work and the statistical comparisons, we concluded that those patients admitted to the hospitalization unit for acute bronchiolitis, their nutritional status at admission is very variable compared to their nutritional status at discharge, as evidenced by their z-score calculated from weight and height.
Cybersecurity Awareness Among Radiography Teachers in Africa and Its Potential Impact in the Digital Age of Medicine
Authors: Anas Alyasaa , Nkubli Flavious B. , Ezeokeke Uchenna Onyebuchi
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES: To survey the current state of cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa and the existing challenges, and propose targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity education, practices, and resilience within the radiography education sector
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study design was employed, targeting radiography teachers across Africa. Data was collected using a self-administered 30-item questionnaire distributed during the Radiography Educators Conference of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists in Abuja, Nigeria. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit 53 participants. Data analysis was conducted using Google Spreadsheets, generating descriptive statistics such as percentages.
RESULTS: This study on cybersecurity awareness among radiography teachers in Africa reveals a lack of training and awareness initiatives, with only 45.3% who indicated to have received cybersecurity training and 24.4% actively promoting its awareness. Furthermore, 86.3% lack cybersecurity insurance. Despite this, over 96% recognize the importance of addressing cybersecurity
concerns.
CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored training, increased awareness initiatives, and developing guidelines to fortify cybersecurity readiness among African radiography teachers. This is due to the low cybersecurity training and awareness profiles in this study.
Phenotypic diversity in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (l.) Moench] landraces in Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Welderufael Shushay , Abay Fetien , Ayana Amsalu , Amede Tilahun
Published: July 2024

In the present study, frequency distribution, Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′), and multivariate methods were used to estimate and analyze the phenotypic diversity of 108 sorghum landraces growing in Tigray taking their districts of origin, geographical zones, and altitude classes into considerations. We discover that high and comparable trait distributions among the sorghum landraces. The H′ computed for individual traits varied from 0.33 for grain form to 0.99 for grain plumpness with a mean of 0.83, which reveals huge diversity within the landraces. The estimated H′ of each trait pooled over districts of origin, geographical zones, and altitude classes were high with an overall mean of 0.71, 0.74, and 0.70, respectively. The H′ pooled over traits within the districts of origin, geographical zones, and altitude classes were high with an overall mean of 0.71, 0.74, and 0.69, respectively. On the basis of district origin, the highest (0.84) and the lowest (0.46) H′ values were recorded for the Tahtay adyabo and Raya Azebo districts, respectively. When the geographical zones were considered, the highest (0.83) and the lowest (0.46) H′ values were recorded for the northwestern zone and southern zone, respectively. With respect to altitude classes, the highest (0.80) and the lowest (0.68) H′ value were recorded for 1001 m.a.s.l and > 1600 m.a.s.l, respectively. Disruptive selection is the most likely reason to maintain the huge diversity in the sorghum landraces. The treasure of diversity suggests the potential for exploitation in sorghum improvement and conservation programs.