bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haptoglobin attenuates cerebrospinal fluid hemoglobin-induced neurological deterioration in sheep
Authors: R.	Thomson Bart , Nina	Schwendinger  , Katrin	Beckmann  , Thomas	Gentinetta  , Daniel	Couto  , Sandra	Wymann  , Valérie	Verdon  , M.	Buzzi Raphael , Kevin	Akeret  , W.	Kronen Peter , Eva	Weinberger  , Ulrike	Held  , Frauke	Seehusen  , Henning	Richter  , J.	Schaer Dominik , Michael	Hugelshofer
Published: December 2023

Background
Secondary brain injury (SBI) occurs with a lag of several days post-bleeding in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and is a strong contributor to mortality and long-term morbidity. aSAH-SBI coincides with cell-free hemoglobin (Hb) release into the cerebrospinal fluid. This temporal association and convincing pathophysiological concepts suggest that CSF-Hb could be a targetable trigger of SBI. However, sparse experimental evidence for Hb’s neurotoxicity in vivo defines a significant research gap for clinical translation.
Methods
We modeled the CSF-Hb exposure observed in aSAH patients in conscious sheep, which allowed us to assess neurological functions. Twelve animals were randomly assigned for three-day bi-daily intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of either Hb or Hb combined with the high-affinity Hb scavenger protein haptoglobin (Hb-Hp, CSL888).
Results
Repeated CSF sampling confirmed clinically relevant CSF-Hb concentrations. This prolonged CSF-Hb exposure over three days resulted in disturbed movement activity, reduced food intake, and impaired observational neuroscores. The Hb-induced neurotoxic effects were significantly attenuated when Hb was administered with equimolar haptoglobin. Preterminal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no CSF-Hb-specific structural brain alterations. In both groups, histology demonstrated an inflammatory response and revealed enhanced perivascular histiocytic infiltrates in the Hb-Hp group, indicative of adaptive mechanisms. Heme exposure in CSF and iron deposition in the brain were comparable, suggesting comparable clearance efficiency of Hb and Hb-haptoglobin complexes from the intracranial compartment.
Conclusion
We identified a neurological phenotype of CSF-Hb toxicity in conscious sheep, which is rather due to neurovascular dysfunction than structural brain injury. Haptoglobin was effective at attenuating CSF-Hb-induced neurological deterioration, supporting its therapeutic potential.
Genome-wide methylation profiling reveals extracellular vesicle DNA as an ex vivo surrogate of cancer cell-derived DNA
Authors: Kim Kyung-A , Kim Sunmin , Wortzel Inbal , Kim Tae-Min , Kim Han Sang
Published: December 2023

Extracellular vesicle-derived DNA (evDNA) encapsulates the complete genome and mutational status of cells; however, whether cancer cell-derived evDNA mirrors the epigenetic features of parental genomic DNA remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess and compare the DNA methylation patterns of evDNA from cancer cell lines and primary cancer tissues with those of the nuclear genomic DNA. We isolated evDNA secreted by two cancer cell lines (HCT116 and MDA-MB-231) from various subcellular compartments, including the nucleus and cytoplasm. Additionally, we obtained evDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA) from the primary cancer tissues of two patients. We conducted a comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using the Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip, examining > 850,000 CpG sites. Remarkable similarities were observed between the methylation patterns of evDNA and nDNA in cancer cell lines. This concordance extended to clinical cancer tissue samples, showcasing the potential utility of evDNA methylation patterns in deducing cellular origin within heterogeneous populations through methylation-based deconvolution. The observed concordance underscores the utility of evDNA as a noninvasive surrogate marker for discerning tissue origin, particularly in cancerous tissues. This finding enhances our understanding of cellular origins and would help in developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer.
An advanced approach for predicting Selective Sweep in the genomic regions using machine learning techniques
Authors: Sarkar Abhik , Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Sinha Dipro , Chaturvedi Krishna Kumar , Lal Shashi Bhushan , Kumar Sanjeev , Jha Girish Kumar , Budhlakoti Neeraj
Published: December 2023

Selective Sweep is an important phenomenon in the aspect of natural selection. It plays significant role in adaptability as well as survival of species, crop varieties etc. Various existing approaches for selective sweep analysis are mostly built on traditional rule base approach which lack the advanced approaches such as machine learning and deep learning and often result in poor prediction accuracy. In this study a new method or model for the prediction of selective sweep has been presented. This method has been initiated with simulation, preceded through feature extraction and selection and finally fed to different machine learning algorithms. Here eight different machine learning based methods have been implemented − 1) Support Vector Machine (SVM), 2) Regression Tree, 3) Random Forest, 4) Naive Bayes, 5) Multiple logistic regression, 6) K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), 7) Gradient boosting and 8) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and results of their comparative evaluations are presented. It has been observed that random forest model outperformed to its counterparts in terms of evaluation matrices with an AUC score of 0.8448 as well as 1st rank in TOPSIS analysis. Further, a robust model for selective sweep prediction based upon random forest has been developed. Model developed in the current study has outperformed to other existing approaches for prediction and analysis of selective sweep. This new approach for selective sweep analysis is excellent in its accuracy as well as reliability.
Genetic diversity of the endemic Durian Kura-kura (Durio testudinarius Becc.) using morphology and SSR markers
Authors: Magandhi Mahat , ' Sobir , Matra Deden Derajat , Wahyu Yudiwanti , ' Sudarmono
Published: December 2023

Durio testudinarius, commonly known as Durian kura-kura, represents a wild durian species within the Malvaceae family, exclusive to Borneo. Understanding the genetic diversity of this species is crucial for effective genetic resource management. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the genetic diversity of D. testudinarius across five populations in West Kalimantan, namely Sambas, Landak, Sanggau, Sekadau, and Ketapang. Our approach integrated both morphological and molecular markers, incorporating 18 vegetative morphological characters and 20 microsatellite loci. Morphological analysis revealed variations among D. testudinarius accessions, encompassing traits such as tree height, leaf blade dimensions, trunk surface features, and various leaf characteristics. On the molecular level, all 20 microsatellite loci exhibited polymorphism, with allele frequencies ranging from 0.025 to 0.975. These loci collectively comprised 84 alleles across 20 accessions, averaging 4.2 alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity values were 0.263 and 0.268, respectively. Polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.049 to 0.869, with an average of 0.454. Ward-based cluster analysis using morphological, SSR, and combined markers generated a dendrogram, indicating that the Landak, Sekadau, and Sanggau populations tended to cluster together, while the Sambas and Ketapang populations exhibited a tendency to form distinct groups. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity of Durio testudinarius, facilitating informed conservation and management strategies for this unique wild durian species in Borneo.
Identification of key genes CCL5, PLG, LOX and C3 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma through integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xie Zhenwei , 邓 玮明 , Zhao Jinli , Chen Libo , Li Mingyong , Deng Weiming
Published: December 2023

Background
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignant tumor with high mortality and recurrence rates and the molecular mechanism of ccRCC genesis reminds unclear. In this study, we screen out several key genes associated with the prognosis of ccRCC by using integrated bioinformatics.
Methods
Two ccRCC expression profiles were downloaded from GEO and one dataset was gained from TCGA. RRA method was used to analyze the three datasets to gain integrated differentially expressed gene (DEGs) by comparing ccRCC with normal tissues. The GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to analyze the potential functions of these DEGs. The STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct PPI network and module analyses to screen the hub genes. The expression of hub genes was analyzed using GEPIA, followed by RT-qPCR and IHC to validate the expression of hub genes between ccRCC and adjacent normal tissues. Finally, the prognostic value of these hub genes for ccRCC patients were identified by K-M plotter.
Result
125 DEGs were identified by using the limma package and RRA method, which include 62 up-expressed genes and 63 down-expressed genes.GO analysis showed that the up-expressed genes were primarily enriched in signal transduction, immune response and cell-cell signaling. The down-expressed genes were primarily enriched in ion transmembrane transport, excretion and transport. The top five enriched pathways gained from the KEGG pathway analysis were complement and coagulation cascades, aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, collecting duct acid secretion, PPAR signaling pathway and prion diseases. K-M plotter and GEPIA database were utilized to make clear that CCL5, LOX and C3 are not only up-expressed in ccRCC, but also had a connection with the poor prognosis of ccRCC. PLG is down-expressed in ccRCC, which associated with the better prognosis of ccRCC. RT-qPCR and IHC assays also confirmed the differential expression of these four hub genes in paired ccRCC and adjacent normal tissues.
Conclusion
These findings manifest that CCL5, LOX, C3 and PLG may play key roles in the progression and prognosis of ccRCC, which will be helpful for further studies to find the potential therapeutic targets and underlying mechanisms of ccRCC.
Interhospital Transfer Versus Other Modes of Admission of Patients With Covid-19 at the University Hospital Andohatapenaka: “a Retrospective Cohort Study”
Authors: RAKOTOARISOA Josoa ANDRIANIAINA , RAKOTOMAVO Falihery Albertin , RAKOTONAIVO Andoniaina , RAHARIMAHENINA Nirina Andrianome , RABENJARISON Francklin , RAVELOSON Nasolotsiry Enintsoa
Published: December 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic did not spare Madagascar, and we observed that a significant number of inpatients who were transferred passed away. The aim of this study was to investigate how admission by transfer influences the outcome of COVID-19 patients and to identify factors associated with mortality in patients admitted through interhospital transfer.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Andohatapenaka University Hospital over a three-month period from December 2021 to February 2022. The first group included in the study population was composed of patients from interhospital transfers (n = 54). The second group consisted of patients admitted by other admission methods (n = 127). The chi-square test was used to check the validity of the relative risk (RR), and the significance threshold was set by a p value < 0.05.
Results
After analysis, it was found that the mode of admission interhospital transfer was associated with patient mortality (RR = 1.47 [1.06–2.04]). Additionally, we identified several factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients, including a history of diabetes (RR = 1.58[1.02–2.43]), a respiratory rate of more than 30 cycles/min (RR = 1.58[1.02–2.45]), SpO2 less than or equal to 88% (RR = 2.45[1.21–4.92]), Glasgow score between 9 and 12 (RR = 2.09[1.55–2.83]), critical form (RR = 2.41 [1.68–3.47]), lung involvement greater than 50% (RR = 1.99 [1.05–3.74]), presence of complications (RR = 1.90 [1.24–2.93]), complications by myocardial infarction (RR = 2.00 [1.50–2.65]), and use of noninvasive ventilation (RR = 2.00 [1.50–2.65]). Therefore, admission through interhospital transfer influenced the unfavorable patient outcome.
Conclusion
Our study shows that admission by transfer is associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients. We recommend that healthcare professionals exercise vigilance in managing these patients to improve outcomes.
TGFβ signaling pathway is altered by HLA-B27 expression, resulting in pathogenic consequences relevant for spondyloarthritis.
Authors: Lauraine Marc , De Tilques Maxence De Taffin , Melamed-Kadosh Dganit , Cherqaoui Bilade , Rincheval Vincent , Prevost Erwann , Rincheval-Arnold Aurore , Cela Eneida , Admon Arie , Guénal Isabelle , Araujo Luiza , Breban Maxime
Published: December 2023

Background
Association of HLA-B27 with spondyloarthritis (SpA) has been known for 50 years, but still remains unexplained. We recently showed that HLA-B27expressed in wing imaginal disc from HLA-B27/human-β2 microglobulin (hβ2m) transgenic Drosophila deregulated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway by interacting physically with type I BMP receptor (BMPR1) Saxophone (Sax), leading to crossveinless phenotype.
Methods
Genetic interaction was studied between activin/transforming growth factor β (TGFb) pathway and HLA-B27/hβ2m in transgenic Drosophila wings. The HLA-B27-bound peptidome was characterized in wing imaginal discs. In mesenteric lymph node (mLN) T cells from HLA-B27/hβ2m rat (B27 rat), physical interaction between HLA-B27 and activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2), ALK3 and ALK5 BMPR1s, phosphorylation of small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMADs) and proteins of the non-canonical BMP/TGFb pathways induced by its ligands, and the transcript level of target genes of the TGFb pathway, were evaluated.
Results
In HLA-B27/hβ2m transgenic Drosophila, inappropriate signalling through the activin/TGFβ pathway, involving Baboon (Babo), the type I activin/TGFβ receptor, contributed to the crossveinless phenotype, in addition to deregulated BMP pathway. We identified peptides bound to HLA-B27 with the canonical binding motif in HLA-B27/hβ2m transgenic Drosophila wing imaginal disc. We demonstrated specific physical interaction, between HLA-B27/hb2m and mammalian orthologs of Sax and Babo, i.e. ALK2 and ALK5 (i.e. TGFb receptor I), in the mLN cells from B27 rat. The magnitude of phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 in response to TGFβ1 was increased in T cells from B27 rats, showing evidence for deregulated TGFb pathway. Accordingly, expression of several target genes of the pathway was increased in T cells from B27 rats, in basal conditions and/or after TGFb exposure, including Foxp3, Rorc, Runx1 and Maf. Interestingly, Tgfb1 expression was reduced in naïve T cells from B27 rats, even premorbid, an observation consistent with a pro-inflammatory pattern.
Conclusions
This study shows that HLA-B27 alters the TGFβ pathways in Drosophila and B27 rat. Given the importance of this pathway in CD4 + T cells differentiation and regulation, its disturbance could contribute to the abnormal expansion of pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells and altered regulatory T cell phenotype observed in B27 rats.
Naming racism as a root cause of inequities in palliative care research: A scoping review
Authors: Algu Kavita , Wales Joshua , Anderson Michael , Omilabu Mariam , Briggs Thandi , Kurahashi Allison M.
Published: December 2023

Background Research is a core component in palliative care development and racial and ethnic inequities in palliative care are well-established. Examining this topic in an evidence informed manner, including the recognition of established root causes such as systemic racism, will allow researchers to substantively inform meaningful actions and policy changes to ultimately decrease these differences. Objective To summarize how peer reviewed literature has investigated racial and ethnic differences in palliative care over the last 13 years, exploring to what extent established root causes such as systemic and interpersonal racism are considered when contextualizing findings. Methods We searched bibliographic databases for primary, peer reviewed studies globally, in all languages, that collected race or ethnicity variables in a palliative care context (January 1, 2011 to October 17, 2023). We recorded study characteristics and categorized citations based on their research intention (if race or ethnicity were named in the study purpose), and the interpretation of findings (i.e. if systemic or interpersonal factors, including racism, were discussed when contextualizing the study results). Results Of 181 included studies, most were from the United States (88.95%) and purposefully investigated race or ethnicity (71.27%). Systemic or interpersonal factors were more often alluded to (41.44%) than explicitly named (20.44%). Racism was specifically mentioned in 7.18% of publications. There appears to be a trend toward explicitly naming racism from 2021–2023, with 36% of studies published in 2023 using the key word racis*. Conclusion Researchers hold power in shaping the trajectory of health disparities research regarding racial and ethnic disparities in palliative care, and informing subsequent actions and policy changes aimed to reduce these inequities. It is imperative that researchers use thoughtful methods in their studies, including purposeful research framing, questions and analysis; and that researchers ground these components in an evidence-based understanding of the root causes that drive these inequities, including the explicit naming of systemic and interpersonal racism.
Climate Variability Links to Changes in Rioja Wine (Spain)
Authors: Rasilla Domingo , Aransay Raquel , Conde-Oria Francisco
Published: December 2023

Production, quality, chemical compounds and phenology of the Rioja wine (Spain) are analyzed regarding the recent regional climate evolution for the period 1993–2017, combining data from DOCa Rioja and the wine cellar “Marqués de Riscal” with meteorological and remote sensing data. The main outcomes are an increase of alcohol content and pH and a reduction of acidity. Those trends are correlative to phenological changes such as the advance of the grape ripening and a reduction of leaf cover, consistent with the expected effects of a generalized warming during the growing season. Besides, a deeper insight in to the role of the monthly climate anomalies highlights the relevant role of May, as a key month for the success of the harvest, since it coincides with the period between budbreak and bloom, and related to the Eastern Atlantic teleconnection. A possible link between regional spring-time weather conditions with tropical climate variability is also considered.
A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study of Ir (III) Catalyzed Oxidation of Methionine by HCF (III) in aqueous alkaline medium medium
Authors: Garg Savita , Rajput Shakunj
Published: December 2023

The kinetic Study of Ir (III) chloride catalyzed oxidation of Methionine by hexacyanoferrate (abbreviated as HCF) III ions in aqueous alkaline medium has been investigated spectrophotometrically at constant ionic strength of 0.5 mol dm-3 and temperature 35 ± 0.1●C. The reaction rate shows first order kinetics with respect to [HCF (III)], [OH-] and [IrCl3]. The order of reaction is also first with respect to [Substrate] at its lower concentration tending towards zero at higher concentration. The ionic strength of the reaction mixture shows positive salt effect on the reaction rate. Different activation parameters were also evaluated by studying the reaction at four different temperatures. The stoichiometry of the reaction corresponds to a reaction in which one mole of the amino acid reacts with four moles of HCF (III) ions. Methionine sulphone was found to be the main product of oxidation was identified using an organic solvent method and IR Spectroscopy. A suitable mechanism has been proposed to explain all the experimental results. It is assumed that reaction proceeds through complex formation between substrate (abbreviated) and iridium trichloride. A rate law has been derived which verifies the results.
CH3 –S-(CH2)2-CH (NH2) – COO− + 4HCF (III) Ir(III),H2O → CH3-SO2-(CH2)2-CH (NH2)-COO− + 4HCF (II)
A Blockchain-based Scheme of Secure Traceability for Drug
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Le , Li Hongtao
Published: December 2023

Drug safety is directly related to people’s health. With the development of logistics technology, ensuring drug circulation safety has become very important to ensure drug quality. In order to guarantee the security of the drug sources and circulation process, a blockchain-based scheme of secure traceability for drug is proposed in this work, which guarantees the security of trace- ability results through the de-trusting and traceability characteristics of blockchain technology, and optimizes the Internet sales of drugs.We adopt the idea of reverse search algorithm to reduce search time and improve search efficiency. Theoretical analysis and experimental results analy- sis show that this paper improves traceability efficiency and reduces search time while ensuring the security of traceability results.
Uniform Robot Relocation is Hard in only two Directions even without Obstacles
Authors: Caballero David , Cantu Angel A. , Gomez Timothy , Luchsinger Austin , Schweller Robert , Wylie Tim
Published: December 2023

Given n robots contained within a square grid surrounded by four walls, we ask the question of whether it is possible to move a particular robot a to a specific grid location b by performing a sequence of global step operations in which all robots move one grid step in the same cardinal direction (if not blocked by a wall or other blocked robots). We show this problem is NP-complete when restricted to just two directions (south and west). This answers the simplest fundamental problem in uniform global unit tilt swarm robotics. We then consider a relaxed version of this problem in which the goal is to move a robot a to a specific row regardless of its horizontal placement. We show that if asking about the bottom-most row of the square grid, then this version of the problem is solvable in polynomial time. Finally, we discuss several areas for future research and open problems.
Contribution of remote Pacinian corpuscles to flutter-range frequency discrimination in humans
Authors: Nagi Saad S. , McIntyre Sarah , Ng Kevin K. W. , Mahns David A. , Birznieks Ingvars , Vickery Richard M.
Published: December 2023

Among the various classes of fast-adapting (FA) tactile afferents found in hairy and glabrous skin, FA2 afferents preferentially signal high-frequency sinusoidal events corresponding with vibration percepts, contrasting with other classes associated with lower frequency flutter percepts. FA2 afferents, associated with Pacinian corpuscles (PC), are also uniquely sensitive to distant sources of vibration mechanically transmitted through anatomical structures. In the present study, we used a pulsatile waveform to assess the contribution of FA2 afferents to the perception of flutter-range frequency stimuli (~20 Hz). We used two methods to abolish local FA inputs and force a dependence on FA2 via transmission from adjacent structures. Firstly, we examined frequency discrimination and perception of vibration applied to the hairy skin overlying the ulnar styloid before and during a blockade of intradermal receptors by local anaesthesia. Secondly, we tested frequency discrimination on the digital glabrous skin before and during a blockade of myelinated fibres by ulnar nerve compression. Despite reliance on vibration transmission to activate remote PCs, we found that frequency discrimination ability in the flutter range was unimpeded across both skin types. Comparisons with stimuli applied on the contralateral side also indicated that perceived frequency was not affected. This confirms that flutter-range frequency perception can be encoded by the FA2/PC system. Our results demonstrate that input from receptors specialised for low-frequency signalling is not mandatory for flutter-range frequency perception. This explains how the constancy of frequency perception might be achieved across different skin regions, irrespective of the afferent type activated for transmitting these signals.
A case of novel NFKB2 mutation with hypertensive emergency and nephrotic syndrome leading to CKD G5D
Authors: Nagata Toru , Nakagawa Kenji , Tsurumi Fumitoshi , Watanabe Ken , Endo Tomomi , Hata Atsuko
Published: December 2023

[Background] Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) family plays a central role in human immune system regulation. Heterozygous mutations in NFKB2 typically cause immunodeficiency with various degrees of central adrenal insufficiency, autoimmunity and ectodermal dysplasia. No reported case has presented kidney failure as an initial symptom. Moreover, documentation of kidney involvement of this disease is limited. [Case-Diagnosis] A patient with a novel heterozygous mutation in NFKB2 (c.880del: p. Tyr294Ilefs*4) developed dyspnea and hypertensive emergency as a result of kidney failure. She showed mild hypogammaglobulinemia, but no adrenal insufficiency or ectodermal dysplasia. She is now dependent on peritoneal dialysis and is awaiting kidney transplantation. [Conclusions] Clinical phenotype and penetrance of NFKB2 mutation might vary depending on the mutation site and its effects on NFKB2-signaling pathway. Whether kidney failure is a primary symptom of this variant or secondary to some event remains unknown. Further case accumulation is warranted. (145 words) [Summary - What is new] This is the first reported case of NFKB2 mutation with kidney failure presented as an initial symptom, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) G5D.
Standardised comparison of chest and percutaneous drainage catheters: Size is not everything
Authors: Daga Karan , Milward Graham D. , Santos Daniel Pintos dos , Edwards Derek William , Laasch Hans-Ulrich
Published: December 2023

A variety of medical specialities undertake percutaneous drainage but understanding of device performance outside radiology is often limited. Furthermore, the current catheter sizing using the “French” measurement of outer diameter is unhelpful; it does not reflect the internal diameter and gives no information on flow rate. To illustrate this and to improve catheter selection, notably for chest drainage, we assessed the variation of drain performance under standardised conditions. Internal diameter and flow rates of 6Fr.-12Fr. drainage catheters from 7 manufacturers were tested to ISO 10555-1 standard: Internal diameters were measured with Meyer calibrated pin-gauges. Flow rates were calculated over a period of 30s after achieving steady state. Evaluation demonstrated a wide range of internal diameters for the 6Fr., 8Fr., 10Fr. and 12Fr. catheters. Mean measurements were 1.49mm (SD:0.07), 1.90mm (SD:0.10), 2.43mm (SD:0.11) and 2.64mm (SD:0.03) respectively. Mean flow rates were 128mL/min (SD:37.6), 207mL/min (SD: 55.1), 291mL/min (SD:36.7) and 303mL/min (SD:20.2) respectively. There was such variance that there was overlap between catheters of different size: thin-walled 10Fr. drains performed better than 12Fr. “Seldinger” chest drains. Better understanding of drain characteristics and better declaration of performance data by manufacturers are required to allow optimum drain choice for individual patients and optimum outcomes.
Global relaxation-based LP–Newton method formultiple hyperparameter selection in support vector classification with feature selection
Authors: Li Qingna , Qian Yaru , Zemkoho Alain
Published: December 2023

Support vector classification (SVC) is an effective tool for classification tasks in machine learning. Its performance relies on the selection of appropriate hyperparameters. In this paper, our focus is on identifying the optimal value for the regularization hyperparameter \(C\), as well as determining the bounds on the features in a SVC problem. This implies that the number of hyperparameters in our SVC can potentially be very large. It is very well-known in machine learning that this could lead to the so-called {\em curse of dimensionality}. To address this challenge of multiple hyperparameter selection, the problem is formulated as a bilevel optimization problem, which is then transformed into a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC). Our first contribution involves proving the fulfillment of a Mangasarian–Fromovitz constraint qualification tailored to the latter reformulation of the problem. Furthermore, we introduce a novel linear programming (LP)-Newton-based global relaxation method (GRLPN) for solving this problem and provide corresponding convergence results. Typically, in global relaxation methods for MPECs, the algorithm for the corresponding subproblem is treated as a blackbox. Possibly for the first time in the literature, the subproblem is specifically studied in detail. Numerical experiments substantiate the superiority of GRLPN over grid search and the global relaxation solved by the well-known nonlinear programming solver SNOPT.
Identification Method of Top Plate Pallet of Underground Roadways in Coal Mines Based on Lightweight Faster R-CNN
Authors: Ma Lisen , Tian Yuan , Li Chengcheng , Jia Yunhong
Published: December 2023

Convolutional neural networks are widely used in target recognition with their excellent feature extraction capabilities. The Faster R-CNN algorithm for object detection using region suggestion networks has high detection accuracy, but the drawbacks of large number of parameters and high computational effort hinder its deployment on resource-constrained mobile and embedded devices. In order to realize accurate and fast recognition of pallets on the top plate of the underground roadway in coal mines, a pallet recognition method based on lightweight Faster R-CNN is proposed, considering the requirements of real-time and implantability of the model. ResNet18 is selected as the feature extraction network, and the depth separable convolution is used instead of ordinary convolution to operate on the input image, which reduces the number of parameters and computation amount of the network, and thus improves the speed and efficiency of the network feature extraction. On this basis, the model accuracy is improved by the knowledge distillation method, in the training process, the ResNet50-Faster R-CNN is used as the teacher network, the lightweighted ResNet18-Faster R-CNN is used as the student network, and the training of the student network is supervised by using the soft labels output from the teacher network in order to improve the accuracy of the student network, and the performance of the student model obtained by the method is close to that of the teacher model, but the number of parameters and the cost of computation are both smaller than that of the teacher model. Based on the above proposed improvement method, tests are carried out in a simulated alleyway to verify the effectiveness of the method, and the proposed algorithm is compared with three classical algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed improved algorithm has better performance in pallet recognition, compared with the original Faster R-CNN algorithm, the lightweight improved algorithm model occupies 59.47% less space, and the recognition time of a single picture is only 5.54% of the original algorithm, which reaches 22.7ms, and the mAP value is only reduced by 3.58%. It can be seen that the improved algorithm basically maintains the original recognition accuracy on the basis of the model memory and algorithm operation is greatly reduced, the detection speed has been improved, can effectively meet the real-time requirements of the pallet image recognition, and helps the pallet recognition model deployed on mobile and embedded devices.
The Economic Burden of Type 2 Diabetes on the Public Healthcare System in Kenya: A Cost of Illness Study
Authors: Karugu Caroline H. , Ilboudo Patrick Gueswendé , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Mburu Lilian , Sanya Richard , Moolla Aisha , Ojiambo Veronica , Kruger Petronell , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Agyemang Charles , Asiki Gershim
Published: December 2023

Background: The burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a growing public health concern. The availability of cost-of-illness data, particularly public healthcare costs for NCDs, is limited in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet such data evidence is needed for policy action.
Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the economic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on Kenya’s public healthcare system in the year 2021 and project costs for the year 2045.
Methods: This was a cost-of-illness study using the prevalence-based bottom-up costing approach to estimate the economic burden of T2D in the year 2021. We further conducted projections on the estimated costs for the year 2045. The costs were estimated corresponding to the care, treatment, and management of diabetes and some diabetes complications based on the primary data collected from six healthcare facilities in Nairobi and secondary costing data from previous costing studies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The data capture and costing analysis were done in Microsoft Excel 16, and sensitivity analysis was conducted on all the parameters to estimate the cost changes.
Results: The total cost of the management of T2D for the healthcare system in Kenya was estimated to be US$ 635 million (KES 74,521 million) in 2021. This was an increase of US$ 2 million (KES 197 million) considering the screening costs of undiagnosed T2D in the country. The major cost driver representing 59% of the overall costs was attributed to T2D complications, with nephropathy having the highest estimated costs of care and management (US$ 332 million (KES 36, 457 million). The total cost for T2D was projected to rise to US$ 1.6 billion (KES 177 billion) in 2045.
Conclusion: This study shows that T2D imposes a huge burden on Kenya’s healthcare system. There is a need for government and societal action to develop and implement policies that prevent T2D, and appropriately plan care for those diagnosed with T2D.
Managerial ability and corporate sustainability: the reduction of leverage manipulation
Authors: Fan Min
Published: December 2023

Corporate leverage manipulation may increase the risk of debt default in the future, thus increasing the systemic risk. The main motivation for enterprises to conduct leverage manipulation is to seek financial loans. Previous studies have shown that the managerial ability affects the operation status and future development of enterprises, as well as the financing of enterprises. This paper empirically tests the influence of managerial competence on corporate leverage manipulation. The results show that the improvement of managerial ability can significantly reduce the leverage manipulation behavior of enterprises, and the influence path is mainly to alleviate the financing problem of enterprises. After considering the robustness test, the conclusion still holds. The influence of managerial ability on leverage manipulation depends on the characteristics of debt structure, debt default risk and internal control quality, and the influence is greater in the sample of enterprises with debt structure more dependent on bank loans, debt default risk and high internal control quality. In addition, the degree to which the improvement of managerial ability reduces the leverage manipulation of enterprises can be seen in the samples where the management power is not too large, government subsidies and the degree of urban marketization are higher. This study confirms the positive externality economic effect of managerial competence from the perspective of corporate leverage manipulation, which provides some enlightenment for promoting the cultivation of managerial competence and reducing leverage manipulation behavior.
Discrete Event System Decision: an Approach to the Maintenance Based on Colored Petri Net
Authors: Guimarães Batista Josias , Alves da Silva Maria Liliane , Cavalcante Sá Rejane , Oliveira Moura Cícero Roberto
Published: December 2023

Industrial processes, over the years, need to be modernized to reduce costs and maintain product quality. In this context, new tools or techniques have been developed for such an event to further improve industrial processes and the quality of the manufactured product. This paper refers to the application of a graphical and mathematical modeling tool, in this case, the Colored Petri Net (CPN), applied to a corrective maintenance process of a conical machine in the textile industry. That is, thecorrective maintenance process is modeled as a discrete event system for decision-making to identify which task must be performed to perform corrective maintenance. It also presents the operation of CPN for the described process, the general concepts of maintenance applied to the textile industry, the theory about PN, as well as the modeling of the process. The results show the mathematical model of the PN and the CPN graph, modeled for the maintenance process, which will facilitate the understanding of the maintenance process, as well as solve future problems more quickly and with quality. Finally, it is concluded that the model carried out can be used as a decision-making system to facilitate the corrective maintenance process.
OPTIMIZATION OF GREEN SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) FOR THEIR INVESTIGATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal., Prasain Shanta , Jimi Rai Hookman ,   Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal., Basnet Anup ,   Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Published: December 2023

The present study demonstrates an economical and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Azadirachta indica (neem). The process involves reduction of Ag+ ions to AgÂ°nanoparticles.ï»¿The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed and the products characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The average sizes of AgNPs were found to be in a range of 5 to 9 nm in controlled environment. The formation of smaller size silver nanoparticles was seen at higher concentration of extract (25gm/100ml), silver nitrate (4mM) and higher temperature (70Â°C to 80Â°C). The antibacterial activity of resulting silver nanoparticles was found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603. However synthesized silver nanoparticles were observed less effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853. The resulting silver nanoparticles showed a synergism of neem extractand silver nanoparticles on bactericidal effectï»¿and process of synthesis creates new opportunities in process development for the synthesis of safe and eco-friendly AgNPs.
SOCIO-ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE USES AND PERCEPTIONS OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (SYNTHETIC PHYTOSANITARY PRODUCTS AND ANTIBIOTICS) USED IN AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN THE VELINGARA DEPARTMENT OF SENEGAL
Authors:   Doctoral Student in Sociology, Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Economiques et Sociales (LARSES), Universite Assane Seck de Ziguinchor (Senegal)., Traore Amadou , Toure Ibrahima ,   Lecturer in Sociology, Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Economiques et Sociales (LARSES), Universite Assane Seck de Ziguinchor (Senegal)., Hane Fatoumata ,   Lecturer in Sociology, Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Economiques et Sociales (LARSES), Universite Assane Seck de Ziguinchor (Senegal), IRL 3189 Environnement, Sante et Societes.
Published: December 2023

This article deals with the uses and perceptions of synthetic phytosanitary products and antibiotics used in agriculture and animal husbandry in the Velingara departement. It aims to understand and analyze, on the basis of a socio-anthropological study, the behaviors and perceptions of the population and the competent services concerning the chemical products used in the communes of Linkering, Paroumba, Pakour and Ouassadou, their modes of use and the risks they pose to users. The results of the research show that there is a lack of compliance with recommendations on the use of pesticides and antibiotics, often acquired through parallel supply circuits and uncontrolled areassuch as the religious site of Medina Gounass. This use appears to be a practice imposed by the Societe de Developpement et des Fibres Textiles (SODEFITEX), through the cultivation of cotton. This heavy use of products is leading to the emergence of new forms of human, animal and environmental diseases.
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF PAPULO-SQUAMOUS SKIN LESIONS
Authors:   Senior Resident, Department of Pathology, B.J.Medical College, Ahmedabad, India., Marakana Nirali , Vora Bhoomika ,   Senior Resident, Department of Pathology, B.J.Medical College, Ahmedabad, India., Parikh Urvi ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, B.J.MedicalCollege, CivilHospital, Ahmedabad., Goswami Hansa ,   Professor and Head of Department, Department of Pathology, B.J.Medical College, Ahmedabad., Marakana Shyam ,   First Year M.B.B.S:M.P Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, India., Marakana Smeet ,   First Year M.B.B.S: P.D.UMedicalCollege, Rajkot, India.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The skin, largest organ in the body, has a limited number of reaction patterns to pathologicalstimuli. Therefore,clinically different lesions may show similar histological patterns. A proper histopathological study is considered the gold standard in diagnosing dermatological lesions but it has its limitations and very often a definite specific diagnosis is not possible without clinical details. In these cases , correlation of histopathological findings with clinical findings makes the diagnosis possible. Material And Methodology: This was an observational study over a period of 2 years August 2020 to August 2022 in the Department of Pathology at tertiary care teaching hospital. A histopathological analysis of 190 papulo-squamous lesions were diagnosed microscopically after 24 hour formalin fixation, routine tissue processing and staining with H&E stain is included in the present study. Result: Total 190 specimens were analyzed, specific histopathological diagnosis was made in all of cases.The most common papulo- squamous lesion was lichen planus which was seen in 53.6% of cases, followed by psoriasis which was seen in 25.7%cases. Conclusion: As the papulo-squamous disorders are commonly encountered dermatological conditions,emphasize the role of clinicopathological correlation for accurate diagnosis,which aids in appropriate and effective clinical management and betterclinical outcome.
DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES OF STUDENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITIZATION OF EDUCATION
Authors:   Independent researcher at the Department of Innovative Education Tashkent State University of Economics., Makhbuba Azizova
Published: December 2023

This article shows efficacy of competences-oriented education model, representing effectiveness of pedagogy technology and digital tools blending in transforming education while using tutors support. In correspondence to contemporary requirements and education system special features, conÂ­nection between digital education tools and tutor technology contributing to students key competences development is determined. The paper conÂ­tributes to the field by summarizing some theoretical issues and offering implementation suggestions for effectively integrating digital technologies into teaching and learning. The use of digital technologies in educational activities opens up new opportunities, adequate methods for dissemination and management of digital information, development of necessary compeÂ­tencies on the basis of digital literacy, ensuring equitable access for all who wish to obtain necessary knowledge and decision-making skills, ensuring demand for school graduates in the world labor market in situation of digital economy. Innovative technologies become a problem adding difficulties to students burden. Tutor becomes an intermediary between students and digital technologies to promote students active learning practices there are not so many students who can appreciate digital learning practices and get the most of it. The role of tutoring in digital literacy promotion is hard to overestimate. Tutor support is a pedagogical activity in individualization of education aimed at identifying and developing students educational motives and interests. To form students key competencies in education system, it is necessary to supplement traditional education with tools of digital eduÂ­cational technologies, new trends in pedagogies such as tutoring, which is becoming an integral part of modern learning process.
COMPARISON OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION USING DIFFERENT P2Y12 INHIBITORS: A SMS HOSPITAL BASED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors:   DM Cardiology Resident, SMS Medical College, Jaipur., Swami Raghuraj , Kumar Sharma Sohan ,   DM Cardiology, Professor, Dept. of Cardiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur (Guide)., Meena Pradeep ,   DM Cardiology, Associate Professor, Dept. of Cardiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur.
Published: December 2023

Background: To compare the safety, and efficacy of contemporary P2Y12 inhibitors, prescription rates, drug defaulter and switch over rates in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods:In this prospective observational study, we studied195 ACS patients who underwent PCI in SMS Hospital,Jaipur. We compared prescription rates, bleeding, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs: cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke) according to ticagrelor, prasugrel, or clopidogrel use. Results: The prescription rates of ticagrelor, prasugrel, and clopidogrel were 29.5%, 4.3%, and 66.2% respectively. Bleeding occurred in total 6 patients (2.9%) out of which 3 patients (2.2%) in clopidogrel group, 1 patient (11.1%) in prasugrel group and 2 patients (3.2%) in ticagrelor group (p=0.29)), respectively, with higher incidence in ticagrelorand prasugrel users than in clopidogrel users but statistically not significant. After six month follow up, all-cause mortality was total 5 cases (2.4%) out of which 4 death (2.9%) occurred in clopidogrel group while 1 death (1.6%) occurred in ticagrelor group(p=0.76). no mortality was recorded in prasugrel group. Repeat myocardial infarction (Re MI) occurred in total 4 patients (1.9%) with 2 patients in clopidogrel and ticagrelor group each. A total 5 patients (2.4%) switch over to another p2y12 inhibitor,mostly from ticagrelor group(p=0.045). During this follow up period, a total of 4 patients (1.9%) were drug defaulter (0.622). Conclusions: As clopidogrel based DAPT was prescribed more in our centre because of free institutional supply and found no significant difference in clinical outcomes, although slight increase in bleeding risk in ticagrelor or prasugrel based DAPT, demonstrate clopidogrel based DAPT regime can be preferably prescribed safely in our population. Drug defaulter rates in first six month following PCI are low in all groups but more switch over from ticagrelor group to other groups significantly shows importance of low cost and free institutional supply in drug adherence.