bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving prestack time migration by introducing a new velocity-related parameter: Parameter picking and 3D real data application
Authors: Xu Jincheng , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: October 2023

Prestack time migration (PSTM), a commonly used tool for seismic imaging, has been widely applied in 3D seismic data processing. However, the conventional PSTM algorithms use only one effective velocity parameter (i.e., root-mean-square [rms] velocity) for each imaging point, which may not be accurate when stronger lateral variations occur in seismic velocities. In this paper, we introduce a new parameter called the velocity variation factor that considers velocity variations in inhomogeneous media to improve PSTM. This new parameter, together with the rms velocity, describes the propagation Green’s function at an imaging point with two effective parameters rather than one effective parameter as in conventional PSTMs. This provides a more accurate traveltime calculation for the wave propagating through media with moderate lateral velocity variation. Unlike the conventional bending-ray PSTM, the additional effective parameter is fully independent of the rms velocities. We estimate the two effective parameters at each imaging point by flattening the neighboring image gathers with a global optimization algorithm. The objective function is built at each imaging point using a selective crosscorrelation-based time shift, which can quantitatively describe the slight bending of events in the local migrated gathers regardless of the quality of the gathers. We estimate the two effective parameters using the very fast simulated annealing algorithm and multiscale approach, thus avoiding the local minimum caused by the noises in the migrated gathers. We apply our two-parameter PSTM to a real 3D land data set to demonstrate its industrial applicability. A comparison of the new imaging result with the conventional prestack depth migration also is presented.
Characteristics of Abdominal Visceral Adipose Tissue, Metabolic Health and the Gut Microbiome in Adults
Authors: U-Din Mueez , Ahmed Basma A , Syed Saad A , Ong Frank J , Oreskovich Stephan M , Gunn Elizabeth , Surette Michael G , Punthakee Zubin , Steinberg Gregory R , Morrison Katherine M
Published: October 2023

Context

Compared with the relatively benign effects of increased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume is a causal risk factor for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In rodents, increased VAT volume and triglyceride density and ectopic lipid accumulation in kidneys and liver have been induced by alterations in the gut microbiome. However, few studies have characterized these relationships in humans.

Objective

To evaluate the tissue triglyceride content of VAT and SAT, liver, kidneys, and pancreas in male and female adults and assess associations with markers of glucose tolerance, serum insulin, and lipids and characteristics of the gut microbiome.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study of healthy human adults (n = 60) at a clinical research center. Body mass index (BMI), body composition, and oral glucose tolerance were assessed. Microbiome analysis was conducted on stool samples using 16S rRNA v3 amplicon sequencing. The triglyceride content of VAT, SAT, liver, kidney and pancreas were determined by assessing proton density fat fraction (PDFF) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

Higher VAT PDFF and the ratio of VAT to SAT PDFF were related to higher BMI, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, non-high–density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. A higher VAT PDFF and VAT to SAT PDFF ratio were associated with lower alpha diversity and altered beta diversity of the gut microbiome. Differences in VAT were associated with higher relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes, lower relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes, and enrichment of the bacterial genera Dorea, Streptococcus, and Solobacterium.

Conclusion

VAT PDFF measured with MRI is related to impaired glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, and differences in the gut microbiome, independently of the total body fat percentage.
Desigualdad en educación superior: rostros y cifras en contextos de pandemia por COVID-19 (énfasis en Colombia)
Authors: Carreño Durán Claudia Inés , Martínez Mosquera David Fernando
Published: October 2023

Este artículo se interesa por documentar y mostrar el aumento en la desigualdad educativa en tiempos de pandemia por covid-19 en perspectiva de pensar estrategias que permitan mitigarla. El foco de análisis es el nivel superior colombiano. Guían la indagación las siguientes preguntas: ¿Qué ha pasado con las desigualdades educativas a partir de la pandemia por covid-19? ¿Qué análisis se hacen en términos de desigualdad y en pospandemia para el contexto colombiano? Se aplica una aproximación mixta que combina análisis documental y cuantitativo descripti­vo. Como resultado se obtiene que en algunos países disminuyeron las ganancias relativas a bienestar que se habían alcanzado hasta 2016, se generaron brechas expresadas en dualidades: países del Norte y del Sur, zonas urbanas y rurales, universidades públicas y privadas, mujeres y hombres, personas con o sin recursos económicos y empleo, acceso/no acceso a internet y dispositivos y videntes e invidentes. La desigualdad educativa aumentó en términos de mujeres y hombres, cuidado y salud, localización, disparidades, disponibilidad y requerimientos y acceso. Con la pandemia no se ampliaron las oportunidades para el acceso y retención por parte de los gobiernos y de muchas organizaciones educativas. En pospandemia, para Colombia aumentó la matrícula de estudiantes y la contratación de profesores/as disminuyó.
Technologies and Applications of Soft Robotics: A Review
Authors: Joshi Jyoti , Manral Avi Raj , Kumar Pushpendra
Published: October 2023

A soft robot is a type of continuum robot that is made of a soft material. Soft robots show infinite degrees of freedom that enable them to track complicated paths. The advantages of soft robotics include high safety, minimal maintenance cost, and robust adaptability to the unstructured environment. Therefore, they can be used for applications in various fields such as industrial, defense, medical, and exploration. This paper discusses about the various existing technologies used in development soft robots. The paper mainly focuses on the design, manufacturing, actuation, and sensing aspects of soft robotics. A review on these aspects of soft robotics is presented along with applications.
From Calvinism to Consumerism: The Persistence of Patriarchy in Robert Eggers's The Witch (2015) and Anna Biller's The Love Witch (2016)
Authors: Booker M. Keith , Lopes Elisabete
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Robert Eggers's film The Witch (2015) is filled with meticulously accurate seventeenth-century period detail; it presents us with a grim, pre-modern world in which the supernatural is a real and palpable presence, but the ending suggests an alternative course that American history might have taken, away from the materialism of capitalist modernization. Anna Biller's The Love Witch (2016), on the other hand, presents us with a bright-and-shiny postmodern world bereft of any real magic, except for the magic of images. It also reminds us that the alternative road suggested by the ending of The Witch was not, in fact, taken. Together, these two films about witchcraft bookend the long, slow process of capitalist modernization that transformed the U.S. from the dark and mysterious wilderness encountered by its early European colonists to the hyper-civilized postmodern superpower of today. The very different figurations of witchcraft in the two films serve as focal points that highlight the dramatic historical movement from 1630s New England to modern-day California. At the same time, the two films, read together, suggest that certain stereotypes concerning witches (and women) have managed to survive this historical storm virtually intact. In a broader sense, the process of capitalist modernization has transformed almost every other aspect of Western society, yet certain fundamental patriarchal attitudes highlighted and critiqued in The Witch remain a problem in The Love Witch , as well.
Big data: "Navigating the Hadoop ecosystem: Unraveling the potential of big data”
Authors: Saloni Kumari
Published: October 2023

Big data refers to extremely large data sets that can be analyzed to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, particularly those relating to hu-man behavior and interactions. This data is too large and complex to be processed using traditional data processing methods, necessitating the use of specialized software and systems to manage and analyze it.
This paper discusses about the Big Data Architecture, Hadoop Ecosystem, HDFS, Map reduce, Yarn, Hive, and many other components of Hadoop ecosystem.
Identity and access management: "Elevating security and efficiency: Unveiling the crucial aspects of identity and access management”
Authors: Saloni Kumari
Published: October 2023

The foundation of the software is the identity and access management system. A fundamental and essential cybersecurity competency is ensuring that the right parties have timely access to the right resources. The IAM has four domains: IAAA stands for identification, authentication, authorization, and accounting, the second is Privileged Access Management (PAM), third-party Identity Governance and Administration, data governance and protection. In this article, the concepts of identification, authentication, authorization, and accounting are discussed, as well as how IAAA works in an online setting.
Improve the quality of service through secure routing networks secured in the mail
Authors: Nadhum Kadhum Aseil
Published: October 2023

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a stand-alone system with mobile nodes.  Nodes can move around at will. Communication is subject to security breaches without a centralized, secure infrastructure, and the nodes are the biggest offenders. Since security has become one of the most important issues for data transfer via wired and wireless networks, many security-enhanced solutions have been created to enhance the security of data transmission over public networks. The goal of this project is to make routing safer. Proactive routing, as is well known, involves finding alternative routes and requiring packets to choose one at random from their immediate neighbors. Sending hello packets allows us to maintain track of each node's neighbors.  The delivery path is then selected from nearby nodes, with the prior hop which is retained as the history node having been arbitrarily excluded. To randomize delivery channels, the proactive routing protocols DSDV and RDSDV were contrasted for various node counts. The Simulation employs this project. The rapid development of mobile computing appli-cations and distant systems has raised awareness of quality of service (QoS) for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). In the MANET sce-nario, security is a key component of Qos provisioning. Attacks on the system could result in problems with direction, asset reservations, or even the collapse of the QoS structure if no security tool is used. In this study, two new plans will be provided from the perspectives of two alternative techniques to manage the updating of the organizational idea and allay the worries caused by interface annoyances in order to handle the security challenges of MANET Qos and the actual commitments of this investigation.
Response of tomato to fertilizer nutrients integration and herbicides spray: Evaluating growth, yield, fruit quality and herbicides residue
Authors: Pavani Yerra , Janaki Ponnusamy , Jagadeeswaran Ramasamy , Sankari Arjunan , Ramalakshmi Alaguthevar , Arthanari Palanisamy Murali
Published: October 2023

The interaction between fertilizer nutrients and pesticides and their impact on tomato production and quality has been insufficiently studied in tropical agricultural conditions. This research investigated four fertilizer nutrient management (FNM) approaches: major nutrients (NPK), micronutrients, farmyard manure (FYM) and traditional farmer practices (FP), alongside three herbicides—glyphosate, pendimethalin and metribuzin applied using seven methods. Results highlighted the substantial influence of FNM strategies and herbicide applications on tomato growth and yield parameters such as plant height, cluster count, fruits per plant, fruit number and yield per plant. Notably, the NPK+FYM strategy consistently yielded superior results across herbicides and application methods. Individually applied herbicides, particularly glyphosate, exhibited detrimental effects on growth and yield parameters, and the negative impact was conspicuously higher with glyphosate > metribuzin > pendimethalin than with their sequential or combined application. While herbicides decreased tomato yield across FNM practices, the reduction ranged from 1.90–10.95%, 1.79–6.75%, 1.62–6.49% and 1.40–9.10% in NPK, NPK+MN, NPK+FYM and FP treatments, respectively. Fruit quality remained unaffected by FNM practices and herbicides, except for elevated ascorbic acid content and shelf life under NPK+FYM. Herbicide residues in tomato fruits were within permissible limits (below 0.1 mg/kg for glyphosate and 0.05 mg/kg for pendimethalin and metribuzin) across treatments. This study showed that the NPK+FYM practice is the best strategy for increasing the tomato yield and quality parameters besides reducing the herbicide’s toxicity effect on tomato growth at an early stage.
Influence of Banditry on Agricultural Activities and Livelihood of Farmers in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Onwunali M. R. O. , Oparandudu G. O. , Ajiji V. I.
Published: October 2023

The study investigated the effect of banditry on agricultural activities in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State using, 120 farmers in Jere and Buhit Districts. Five villages were randomly and purposefully selected based on bandit operations. Closed structured questionnaire was used to determine socioeconomic characteristics, types, ways and effects of operations on farmers, and farmers escape strategies.  Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and mathematical technique (confrontation index) while mean bench mark of 3.0 determined significant level. Results showed that, 59.17 % male, married (56.67%) and within the ages 35 to 44 (29.16%) years dominated farming activites. The farmers had primary education (37.50%) with 11-15 (26.67%) years of farming experiences on 1 acre to 2 hectares, using average household size of 4-6 persons. Fulani herdsmen (4.6%) and Boko Haram (4.38%) were prominent, mostly through kidnapping (4.66%), rampant killing of farmers (4.37) and cattle rustling (4.28). Consequently, high food insecurity (4.56%), loss of people’s jobs, conflicts, life dependency on provider and inflation were imperative. However, farmers organized vigilante group (4.56%) and engaged security guards to protect farms, homes and villages with local weapons and charms. Results also showed that migration for safety village and branding of livestock for identification against theft were among the strategies adopted to survive. It is therefore suggested that, farmers in the interim should intensify effort towards acquiring sophisticated weapons for vigilante and security guards while government at all levels and other stockholders work out permanent solution to end banditry in Bassa for sustainable livelihood.
Islamisation of the Self: The International Islamic University Malaysia Experience
Authors: Ushama Thameem
Published: October 2023

This article presents a brief study of how the Centre for Fundamental Knowledge (now defunct) at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) accelerated the knowledge of its academics to benefit its students by exegetically comprehending the Qur’ān through weekly discussions. The article is divided into two sections. Ḥalaqah and ᶜIbādah Camps are two non-formal education initiatives for ‘Islamizing the Self’, covered in the first section. Even though the term ‘Islamising the Self’ was not used explicitly, these initiatives centred on cultivating moral and spiritual excellence, an integral part of ‘Islamising the Self”. The weekly Ḥalaqah sessions detail its operationalisation and the curriculum spread over four years. Under the ᶜIbādah camps, several themes included the concept of ᶜIbādah, Brotherhood, Islamic personality, social awareness and responsibility, daᶜwah (as a fundamental obligation), Islamic civilisation as a saviour, realising the Islamic ideals and social realities, and istiqāmah are analysed. The second section illustrates the ‘Islamisation of the Self’ by instilling various concepts and themes to be internalised and practised by students on campus and upon graduation as lifelong learning. It studies the qualities and characteristics of ᶜIbād al-Raḥmān, al-Insān al-Kāmil, and khalīfatullāh fi al-arḍ, the attribute of ulū al-albāb, the issue of tazkiyat al-nafs, al-nafs al-ammārah, al-nafs al-muṭma’innah, the culture of “say what you do,” the phenomenon of tijārah and anṣārullāh, the concept of al-birr and al-taqwā, themes of ḥubb al-Dunyā, amrāḍ al-qalb, al-falāḥ, amānah, shūrā, ibtilā’and miḥnah, wasaṭiyyah, utilising Arabic terms, a course on Philosophy of Islamic Ethics, deviant teachings, the phenomenon of sū’al-ẓann, unity and ummatism, and congregational prayer advocated to be applied by students from 1983 to 1990. Finally, the article ends with a conclusion and recommendations.
The Paradox of Leadership Coaching in a VUCA World
Authors: Forbes Raymond L.
Published: October 2023

What does it feel like to be living right in the middle of a major paradox? Disorienting? Confusing? Unbalancing? One of the definitions of a Paradox is a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities. For many organizational leaders today dealing with paradox has become a recurrent feature of executive life. The contradictory features may arise in the form of a choice between apparently diametrically opposed alternatives. In fact, in the worst case, the best available options might all be equally undesirable. This uncertainty over paradox seems to be reflective of the many quandaries confronted by leaders in the current era. Paradox often takes the form of how to best deal with the outwardly apparent oppositional answers to challenging organizational issues. Among these paradoxical questions are: How can leaders not only survive in tumultuous times but also thrive well into the future?  And, what can leadership coaches, who work with these perplexed leaders, do to help them better understand and handle all the ambiguity and confusion that surrounds them on a daily basis? This paper will address these questions as well as offering a perspective for understanding the complex leadership quandary that many leaders now find themselves in. Additionally, positive recommendations will be provided for dealing with this difficult and challenging dilemma. Beginning with a discussion of the new term VUCA, the paper will discuss its origins and what leaders and coaches need to know about it. Next, the work will look at the threats and opportunities VUCA poses.  This will be followed by sections on how VUCA might affect the leader-coach relationship and special considerations for coaches. The paper will conclude with specific guidance for coaches and a wrap-up summary.
DEM study on the loading rate effect of marble under different confining pressures
Authors: Yang Yan-Shuang , Yin Meng-Yu , Zhang Zhan-Rong , Cheng Si-Pei , Hou Jia-Wen
Published: October 2023

Based on the conventional triaxial compression test of marble, the microscopic parameters corresponding to the macroscopic mechanical properties of marble were obtained by PFC2D, and on this basis, discrete element method models were established to conduct numerical tests of triaxial compression of marble under different confining pressures and loading rates to study the effect of loading rates on the rock specimens. Under the same confining pressure, brittle damage occurs in marble when the loading rate is low, and the damage type transforms from brittle to ductile as the loading rate increases. The peak strength, cracking stress, damage stress, cohesion, and internal friction angle of marble appear to increase with the increase in the loading rate under the same confining pressure. The characteristic stresses and strength parameters are linearly related to the loading rate. The influence of the loading rate on the peak strength is the most significant. With the increase in the confining pressure, the fitting coefficient of the linear relationship between initiation stress and loading rate decreases from 18.9 to 15.4 for different confining pressures, indicating that the growth rate of initiation stress decreases with the increase in the confining pressure when the loading rate is increased, and the increase in confining pressure suppresses the growth rate of initiation stress with loading rate.
The Effect of Career Development and Leadership Communication on Police Personnel Performance Mediated by Job Satisfaction at The Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters Work Unit
Authors: Musyrifah Syarifah , . Samdin , Husain Muh Najib , Sukotjo Endro
Published: October 2023

This study aims to analyze: (1) Does career development directly affect job satisfaction; (2) Does leadership communication directly affect job satisfaction; (3) Does career development affect the performance of Polri personnel; (4) Does leadership communication affect the performance of Polri personnel; (5) Does job satisfaction affect the performance of Polri personnel; (6) Does career development affect the performance of Polri personnel through job satisfaction; (7) Does leadership communication affect the performance of Polri personnel through job satisfaction.The method used in this study is the method of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The results showed that; (1) Career development has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction; (2) leadership communication has a positive and significant effect on job satisfaction; (3) Career development directly has a positive and significant impact on the performance of Polri personnel; (4) direct leadership communication has a positive but not significant effect on the performance of Polri personnel; (5) Job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on the performance of Polri personnel; (6) Job satisfaction significantly mediates the effect of career development on the performance of Polri personnel; (7) Job satisfaction significantly mediates the effect of leadership communication on the performance of Polri personnel.
Spatiotemporal changes of carbon storage in Çaltepe Forest Planning Unit
Authors: CELİK Durmus Ali , ŞAHİN Abdurrahman
Published: October 2023

Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate change as they are the largest carbon sinks. The objective of this study was to reveal the potential effects of forest dynamics on carbon sequestration and to contribute to planning studies. In this study, the changes in biomass and carbon storage areas in the 1999 and 2014 planning periods of the Çaltepe Forest Planning Unit. This calculation was carried out using widely accepted guidelines and coefficients, and the spatial distribution of biomass and C storage was mapped using GIS. As a result, the total biomass of the forested area increased by 53.42% in the period 1999-2014, from 781039.2 Mg to 1198263.51 Mg. On the other hand, the total amount of carbon storage increased from 1146019.35 Mg to 1448400.56 Mg in the period 1999-2014, an increase of about 26.39%. The contributions to the carbon (C) pool came from soil organic carbon with 60.12% and 53.28% of total C storage; from aboveground with 26.64% and 32.38%; from belowground with 7.66% and 9.27%; from litter with 5.33% and 4.77%; and from deadwood with 0.25% and 0.30% in 1999 and 2014, respectively. The average annual C sequestration was 1.95 Mg ha-1 yr-1, of which 1.06 Mg ha-1 yr-1 occurred in aboveground, 0.53 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in soil, 0.3 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in belowground, 0.05 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in litter and 0.01 Mg ha-1 yr-1 in deadwood. Results have shown that; to increase the amount of biomass and carbon sequestration capacity in forest areas, it is necessary to increase maintenance activities, select appropriate species in afforestation areas, and ensure sustainable carbon management by reducing social pressure on forests. As long as the sustainability of carbon pools on land is ensured, the effects of climate change will be mitigated.
Ex vivo roGFP measurements v1
Authors: Tubert Cecilia
Published: October 2023

This protocol details the steps to obtain ro-GFP measurements of ex vivo brain slices in a 2PLSM.
EFFECT OF PLANT REGULATORS ON OIL RATIO AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF PEANUT (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: YILMAZ Mustafa , ŞAHİN Cenk Burak
Published: October 2023

Plant growth regulators are organic substances that are synthesized naturally within the plant, and controlled the physiological events, can be transported from where they are formed to other parts of the plants, and can show their effects even at very low concentrations. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of different doses of plant growth regulators in different growth stages on oil content and fatty acid compositions of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). A total of twelve different treatments were preferred with different chemicals such as gibberallic acid (GA3), mepiquat-chloride (MC), and seaweed (SW) in different growth stages (beginning bloom (BB), full bloom (FB) and beginning bloom + full bloom (BB+FB)). The highest oil content was obtained in MCFB200 (55.46%) treatment, while the lowest was obtained in GA3BB20 (45.44%) treatment. Oleic acid ratio varied from 50.33% to 59.25%, and all treatments were higher than that of the control group. The highest and lowest linoleic acid ratios were observed in SWBBFB100 (26.72%) and GA3FB10 (19.52%) treatments, respectively. MCFB200 and GA3FB10 treatments could be recommended for the highest oil ratio and the highest oleic acid ratio, respectively.
The First Report on the Occurrence of Monogenean Parasite Infestation on Silver Pompano (Trachinotus Blochii) Reared in Floating Net Cage Systems in Indonesia
Authors: Amiin Muhammad Kholiqul , Rini Rini Purnomowati , Santanumurti Muhammad Browijoyo , Yusup Maulid Wahid , Tri Winanti Diki Danar , Rivaie Arief Rahman
Published: October 2023

This investigation reports a monogenean outbreak infesting silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) from floating net cages in Indonesia. The diseased fish showed clinical signs of anorexia, and emaciation and were gasping for air at the water's surface. This study was conducted to determine the first report on the occurrence of monogenean parasite infestation in silver pompano Trachinotus blochii reared in floating net cage systems on Lampung water, Indonesia. The parasites collected from the skin and gill were studied using optical binocular microscopy and descriptive analysis. The results showed that the monogenean parasite found infesting silver pompano was Neobenedenia girellae and Pyragraphorus hollisae. N.girellae infested the eyes, head, and lateral surface body, while P.hollisae infested the secondary part of the gill lamellae. The monogenean parasites that were found on 5-15 cm silver pompano had a prevalence of 87.5% and an intensity of 15.40, while the fish with a size of 20-30 cm had a 71.43% prevalence and an intensity of 19.16. In the morphological features, the specimen's parasites were identical to those of monogenean groups. Thus, in this study, we confirmed that the parasites belonged to Nebonedenia girellae and Pyragraphorus hollisae. Therefore, this work provides the first detailed description of an ectoparasite that successfully infests pomfret, and molecular approaches such as DNA Barcoding are needed to provide in-depth information for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, this finding can serve as an early warning for relevant authorities and farmers that must be managed with aquaculture decision-makers.
Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of Gut Bacteria from Piscine Ectoparasite, Argulus Bengalensis (Ramakrishna 1951) and their Relationship with Haematophagy
Authors: Ghoshal Moumita , Ghosh Kaushik , Saha Samar Kumar
Published: October 2023

Gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in health and nutrition of most organisms. Argulus bengalensis is a haematophagus ectoparasite of fresh water carp and its infection causes extensive damage to fish farms. The present study aims at isolation, characterization and identification of the gut bacteria from Argulus bengalensis and to decipher its potential contribution in haematophagy of the parasite. The gut bacteria were isolated, cultured and identified based on analysis of its morphological, physiological and biochemical features as well as 16s rDNA analyses against the NCBI genetic database. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested. Haemolytic activity and ability of the isolates to produce anticoagulant substance were also tested to justify the hypothesis. Two isolates were identified to be similar type strains of Acenatobacter baumanii and Aeromonas hydrophila respectively which have accession number MW811800 and MW806655 respectively. Both bacteria were found sensitive to most antibiotics. Both Acenatobacter baumanii and Aeromonas hydrophila showed their haemolytic activities and able to secrete anticoagulant substances establishing their mutualistic association which increase the fitness of the parasitic host facilitating haematophagy. The outcome of the study thus may provide a scientific direction to develop novel methods to control of Argulosis.
Seroprevalence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus among Rural Population: Insights into Infection Rates and Immune Status: Pilot Study
Authors: Hinge Dilip D. , Patil Satish R. , Deshmukh Vinit N. , Datkhile Kailas D.
Published: October 2023

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of respiratory tract infections, particularly affecting infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals, with a substantial global burden of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of RSV among a rural population in Karad Taluka, India, an area where RSV data is scarce due to its predominantly urban focus. Ethical approval was obtained, and written informed consent was collected from participants' parents or legal guardians Blood samples were collected from individuals aged 16 months to 5 years residing in rural areas, and IgM RSV-specific antibodies were detected to identify recent infections using SERION enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, demographic information and clinical history were collected through a structured questionnaire. The data were entered into an electronic database, and seroprevalence was calculated based on the proportion of individuals with positive serological results. The study revealed that by the age of 3 years, 81.0% of children exhibited IgM seropositivity to RSV, with a cumulative seroprevalence of 72% in the entire study population. The seroprevalence varied with age, demonstrating an ongoing RSV activity within the community, as evidenced by the high IgM positivity. However, as children grew older, a decline in IgM positivity was observed, possibly due to protective antibodies developed from previous exposures or a longer time elapsed between RSV exposure and sample collection in older children. These findings underscore the vulnerability of young infants to RSV and the need for early protection in India. It highlights the importance of considering timing and age-appropriate administration of RSV vaccines in vaccination strategies, as well as the potential limitations of maternal immunization in protecting preterm infants. Understanding RSV seroprevalence in rural areas is crucial for guiding public health interventions and resource allocation to mitigate the impact of this virus on vulnerable populations, particularly young children who are at the highest risk.
The Power Relation Among Actors within National and Local Agricultural Sector Planning in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyudi Wahyudi , Fahmid Imam Mujahidin , Salman Darmawan , Suhab Sultan
Published: October 2023

Several actors with their powers and interests play important roles in national and regional planning in the agricultural sector. This study aims at analysing the dynamism of the actor relationship and the interaction of their interests in connection to the national and regional planning of the agriculture sector.  The study method applied is descriptive qualitative with the analysis of the stakeholders. The results, each actor with his relations and power plays a strong role in the planning process. In the case of aspiration funds, parliament members are very dominant in allocating aid. In the case of co-administration funds: district heads and heads of services, and from central funds: technical director generals. No matter how democratic the concept of planning is made, there is always a distortion in making planning and policy formulations, which in the end the results of the planning that are born are the political preferences of the contesting elites. It is necessary for the Ministry of Agriculture, House Commision IV of Parliement, Provincial Office of the Agriculture Affairs and Regency to formulate a more comprehensive planning system to improve the management in the disbursement of the national fund.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Rural Areas in Duhok Province
Authors: Mohammed Salih Janan , Hassan Ayman , Al-Saeed Adel
Published: October 2023

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections in humans are considered a significant global issue, particularly in rural areas. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and their associated factors in rural areas in Duhok province-Kurdistan Region-Iraq.

Methods: A total of 620 stool samples were collected from individuals of various ages residing in rural villages within districts of Duhok province and were subjected to microscopic examination techniques.

Results: Among the participants, 62.26% were found to be infected with at least one or two species of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in males (68.65%) compared to females (31.35%). The highest prevalence rate (34.46%) was observed in the age group between 6 and 12 years. The infection were three protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica (73.83%), Giardia lamblia (16.84%), and Blastocystis hominis (8.81%). only one helminths was detected: Taenia spp. (0.52%). Protozoan infection was higher than helminths infections (99.48% and 0.52%, respectively). Abdominal pain and diarrhea were reported with high rates (33.16% and 32.12%, respectively). Participants who consumed water from wells exhibited the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infections (62.44%). Those who did not wash their hands before meals (70.47%), consumed raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits (61.66%), and had contact with animals (80.57%) showed significantly higher prevalence rates of intestinal parasitic infections (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural populations was high in Kurdistan Region and it was associated with unhygienic conditions.
Effective Role of Ayurvedic Management in Left Eye Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm W.S.R. to Nimesha: A Case Study
Authors: Dr Kiran  , Dr Pallavi jagtap  , Dr Mayur Shiralkar  , Dr. Akshat Sirdhyal  , Dr.Santosh Rahinj
Published: October 2023

Blepharospasm is an act of involuntary blinking .In few cases, disease become chronic with symptoms of persistent blinking and the person will be able to open his eyes only with a great effort which could eventually lead to a functional blindness. Most of the times it is associated with ALO (Apraxia of lid opening).ALO is an inability to initiate voluntary eyelid opening following a period of eyelid closure. Manual lifting of the eyelid often resolves the problem and lid is able to stay open for a while there after. Botulinum toxin injections are the treatment of choice for both Blepharospasm and ALO, which is too expensive and at the same time have only a temporary improvement. In Ayurveda such condition is comparable with Nimesha which is postulated to be resultant of Vata vitiation. Vata Shamana aushadhi and beside in Netra Tarpan ,Shashtika Pinda Sweda therapy of choice to treat above conditions. A single case study done at our department has shown significant improvement both in Continuous spasm of left eye, twitching of left eye (LPS) Photophobia, Stiffness    in left side of face associated with heaviness around the eye after the patient was subjected to vata Shamana aushadhi.
A Comparative Study of Rapid Trypsinogen 2 Strip Test Versus Serum Amylase and Serum Lipase in Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis in A Tertiary Care Hospital, Salem
Authors: Balaji Arun , Subburaaj A.P. , Sridhar J. , Karthikeyan E.M.J , K Kumaran
Published: October 2023

Aims & Objectives:  To assess the diagnostic usefulness of a quick urine trypsinogen 2 strip test to blood amylase and lipase in instances with acute pancreatitis. Methods: Patients who may have an acute pancreatitis diagnosis and have recent onset of stomach pain are included. In these cases, serum samples of amylase and lipase are sent before a urine sample is examined using a dipstick test for urinary trypsinogen-2. Fifty-two participants were included in the research. Ultrasound and CECT abdomen were used to monitor patients and confirm the diagnosis. A number of metrics were computed and compared, including sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy. Result: During June 2022 and June 2023, 52 consecutive patients complaining of upper abdominal discomfort were included in the research. Acute pancreatitis was the diagnosed diagnosis in 45 of the 52 patients, whereas other causes of abdominal discomfort were present in 7 individuals. The pee dipstick test was positive in 44 of the 45 instances, but was negative in 5 of the 7 cases when the discomfort in the abdomen was caused by anything other than a urinary tract infection. It was shown to have a 97.78 percent sensitivity, a 71.43 percent specificity, and a 94.23 % accuracy. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis may be diagnosed quickly and easily with a fast urine trypsinogen-2 test. This study shows that the dipstick test is just as accurate as the gold standard procedures and may be used alternately with them.
Assessing the Sensitivity and Specificity of Toluidine Blue Staining in Oral Cancer Screening Among Inmates: A Prison-Based Study
Authors: Kashwani Ritik , Sawhney Hemant
Published: October 2023

Background: In the confined environment of correctional facilities, access to healthcare resources can be limited, making it crucial to identify early signs of oral diseases especially oral premalignant lesions and conditions. This study presents the results of an oral health screening camp conducted for jail inmates in Gautam Buddha Nagar (GB Nagar), Uttar Pradesh, India aimed at detecting potentially malignant lesions (PMLs) using Toluidine Blue staining. PMLs are precursor lesions that have the potential to transform into malignancies if left untreated. Objective: This study's major goal was to find out whether applying Toluidine Blue (TB) staining would help with the diagnosis of suspected premalignant lesions and oral cancer & to use it as a routine chair side investigation and also to calculate specificity and sensitivity of TB staining in potentially malignant lesions (PMLs). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the prison; toluidine blue staining was performed on Eighty-four patients between the ages of 22 and 65 years made up the study for inmates at the G.B. Nagar jail. Males made up all eighty-four patients. The study included suspicious-appearing red and white lesions with & without any tobacco use history. Results: In this study, eighty-four patients with malignant and potentially malignant lesions were studied, TB Stain showed 76.19% sensitivity and 47.62% specificity. Conclusion: TB staining conducted for jail inmates in GB Nagar demonstrated its potential as a cost-effective and efficient method for identifying Potentially Malignant Lesions. The results underscore the significance of proactive healthcare measures within correctional facilities and emphasize the need for comprehensive oral health programs targeting vulnerable populations. Further research and larger-scale implementation of such camps are recommended to better understand the implications and benefits of early detection and intervention.
High expression of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the peritumoral zone of renal cancer as a factor of unfavorable prognosis
Authors: Bobrov Igor P. , Lazarev Alexander F. , Cherdantseva Tatyana M. , Klimachev Ilya V. , Klimachev Vladimir V. , Myadelets Mikhail N. , Lepilov Alexander V. , Dolgatov Andrey Yu. , Korsikov Nikolay A. , Dolgatova Elena S. , Lushnikova Elena L. , Bakarev Maxim A.
Published: October 2023

AIM: To evaluate the prognostic value of quantitative CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts in the peritumorotic zone of renal cell cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material of 74 patients after operative treatment for renal cell carcinoma with complete 5-year follow-up was retrospectively analyzed. Of the 74 patients, 56 were alive by the 5-year follow-up, and 18 had died of cancer. After immunohistochemical staining, CD8+ T-lymphocyte distribution density in the peritumorotic zone of carcinomas was determined in 3 representative fields of view at 400 magnification and correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of neoplasms and overall 5-year patient survival rate. RESULTS: The high level of CD8+ T-lymphocyte infiltration in the peritumoral zone of carcinomas was seen in stages IIIIV of the disease (p=0.0000001), in tumors 7 cm (p=0.0000001), in Fuhrman grade IIIIV anaplasia (p=0.001), in metastases (p=0.0000001) and in the shorter total survival rate of patients (p=0.0003). High CD8+ T-lymphocyte count was also observed in men (p=0.001) and in cases of unclassified cancer. CONCLUSION: In the light of the need to search for new prognostic criteria in renal cancer, we conclude that a high level of peritumorous zone infiltration by CD8+ T-lymphocytes is an unfavorable prognostic factor. Assessment of peritumorous zone infiltration by CD8+ T-lymphocytes may serve as an additional prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma.
Palliative treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tseimakh Alexander E. , Lazarev Alexander  F. , Shoykhet Yakov  N.
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious problems of modern oncology. In the Russian Federation, pancreatic cancer, along with a fairly small share in the structure of the incidence of malignant neoplasms 3%, ranks first in annual mortality (68.2%), and is also a nosology with the most unfavorable prognosis among tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. The current standard of first-line therapy is FOLFRINOX (FOLFIRINOX, a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) or gemcitabine plus albumin-bound nab-paclitaxel.
One of the main obstacles to the action of chemotherapeutic drugs is the microenvironment of fibro-solid stromal tumors, which include pancreatic cancer. In order to potentiate the action of chemotherapy and combat the tumor microenvironment, at the present stage, drugs are being considered for influencing the programmed death 1 (PD-1) gene and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Approximately 1015% of malignant neoplasms of the pancreas are believed to be associated with hereditary mutations, while all neoplasms have somatic mutations in different combinations of driver genes. One of the most common mutations are BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations. Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, like cisplatin, have shown promise as a treatment for tumors with BRCA mutations.
Another subtype of pancreatic cancer is characterized by microsatellite instability. Unlike the above mutations and phenotypes, which affect only a small proportion of patients with pancreatic cancer, mutations in KRAS (Kirsten homologous rat sarcoma viral oncogene) are found in 9095% of cases of pancreatic malignancy and may be a significant factor in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Another frequently mutating gene for a number of malignancies is ARID1A, which encodes a tumor suppressor protein, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex.
The future of conservative therapy for pancreatic cancer is a complex treatment that includes both chemotherapy and targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the implementation of which is impossible without a deeper study of genetic mutations, molecular mechanisms of invasion and development of pancreatic malignant neoplasms, as well as extensive testing for genetic mutations in the clinical practice of specialized institutions.
Intracranial hemangiopericytoma: long-term surgical outcomes
Authors: Andrushkevich Oleg M. , Anisimov Egor D. , Zotov Alexander V. , Gormolysova Еkaterina V. , Uzhakova Elena K. , Kasymov Аgadadash  R. , Abdilatipov Аbdishukur А. , Galushko Еvgeniy V. , Kalinovskiy Anton V.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND: According to 2021 WHS Classification, intracranial hemangiopericytomas or solitary fibrous tumors are rare meningeal neoplasms involving blood vessels and soft tissues. Such neoplasms are commonly classified as malignant due to their aggressive growth, metastasizing beyond the cranial cavity, and frequent recurrencies. Since these tumors rarely occur in neurosurgical patients, publications in Russian do not cover big cohorts of patients whose conditions would be assessed during both early and late observation periods.
AIM: The present study analyzed our experience in surgical treatment of hemangiopericytomas and its long-term results.
METHODS: The study was arranged as a single-center, pro-and retrospective trial that included hemangiopericytomas patients (n=17), whose tumors of different grades of malignancy (13) were operated at the Federal Neurosurgical Center in Novosibirsk from 2013 to 2021. The follow-up estimates included survivability; physical status (Karnofskys Scale); radicality; metastatic foci; need for postoperative chemo-and radiation therapy; adjuvant therapy effect on patients survivability, and delaying time to relapse.
RESULTS: In total, 17 patients were included. 11 of them underwent total hemangiopericytomas removal (65%), and 6 subtotal removal (35%). Their survivability within the first year after the operation was 100%. As for the 5-year follow up, only 8 patients out of 17 were available, their mean observation time comprising 64.7 months. The 5-year survivability was 75% (6 out of 8 patients). A relapse occured in 3 out of 17 (17.5%). The mean delaying time comprised 67 months. 6 out of 17 patients (35%) underwent radiation therapy. Among the patients with total and subtotal removals who underwent postoperative radiation treatment neither a relapse nor tumor growth nor metastases were found.
CONCLUSION: Intracranial hemangiopericytoma is a rare malignant space-occupying neoplasm. Considering our experience and published data, its treatment requires aggressive tactics that includes a radical removal of the tumor followed by early irradiation of the tumors residual volume or bed either in a proton accelerator or a gamma-knife facility notwithstanding its malignancy grade. It is also recommended to extend the follow-up period for such patients to 1015 years that should include annual cancer screening to detect local relapses and metastases.