bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Open/Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Water on the Electrical Activity of Selected Lumbar Muscles, Lumbopelvic Control, Ground Reaction Force, and Psychological Factors in Men with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Ali Yalfani , Ashoury Hossien , Arjipour Mahdi
Published: January 2024

Background
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) has been documented among the top causes of absenteeism at work, coupled with the use of health insurance and healthcare services. Considering little research on the consequences of open/closed kinetic chain (O/CKC) exercises in water on the CNSLBP improvement, the present study is to investigate the effects of such interventions on the electrical activity of selected lumbar muscles, pain, lumbopelvic control (LPC), ground reaction force (GRF) for balance analysis, and psychological factors in men with CNSLBP.
Methods
In this randomized crossover clinical trial, 60 adult male participants with CNLBP, at the age range of 40–60, will be assigned to one of the following three groups through the block randomization method, viz., open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises, closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises, and controls. The primary outcomes of the electrical activity of the multifidus (MF), transversus abdominis (TrA), gluteus medius (GM), and quadratus lumborum (QL) muscles will be then measured by an electromyography (EMG) device. As well, the pressure biofeedback (BFB) device and the visual analogue scale (VAS) will be utilized to assess LPC and pain intensity, respectively. The secondary outcomes of the GRF along with foot pressure and kinesiophobia will be subsequently measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK).
Conclusion
The study results develop a comprehensive treatment protocol with much emphasis on maintaining its effectiveness and practicality in daily living activities, such as walking, going up and down the stairs, sitting on and getting up from chairs and couches, and sleeping pain-free, and provides a therapeutic solution for physiotherapists and sports therapists.
Trial registration
This trial was approved by the ethics committee for human research of BuAliSina University (reference number: IR.BASU.REC.1402.011) and IRCT CODE (20190129042534N1).
Agrobacterium–mediated genetic engineering system for the C4 apomictic grass model species Cenchrus ciliaris L.
Authors: . Shashi , Dwivedi Anuj , Abhishek Mahalakshmi
Published: January 2024

Cenchrus ciliaris L. (buffel grass) is a popular tropical range grass known for its perenniality and high palatability. Owing to its apomictic mode of reproduction, breeding this polymorphic grass is restricted to in vitro approaches of genetic manipulation. Apomixis facilitates genetic improvement by fixing heterosis as well as the changes made to the genome through transgenesis. Towards its genetic improvement, a robust protocol of plant transformation is desirable. Hence, first attempt to develop a rapid and efficient Agrobacterium– mediated transformation system for Cenchrus ciliaris genotype IG-3108 has been made. In this study, direct multiple shoot induction protocol using shoot apex explants was found to be suitable for transformation. Several factors such as inoculum of bacteria, co–culture time, co–cultivation duration, concentration of acetosyringone and effect of vacuum infiltration were optimized for achieving high transformation frequency using shoot apex explants. The shoot apex explants were co-cultured with EHA 105 harbouring the binary vectors pCAMBIA 1301 and 1305.1 containing the hptII gene as a selectable marker and GUSA as a reporter gene. The highest transformation frequency with pCAMBIA 1301 vector was 1.42% while with pCAMBIA 1305.1 vector, it was 1.37% when the explants were co-cultured for 30 min with cells of Agrobacterium at OD600 = 1.0 under vacuum (0.5 X 105 Pa) followed by co-cultivation for 3 days on MS with 3 mg/L TDZ and 400 µM acetosyringone. The status of transgene and its integration in the genome of regenerated putative transformed plants of Cenchrus were confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis.
Inflammatory Biomarker Correlations and Prognosis in High-risk Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Wang Tao , Qi Lihua , Zhao Yang , Ma Xiaolan , Li Tao
Published: January 2024

Background
The intricate prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has garnered significant attention, yet a gap persists in understanding the influence of inflammatory markers on the prognosis of high-risk GIST patients. This study investigated the relationship between various factors and the prognosis of high-risk GIST patients, with a specific focus on first recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) as crucial prognostic indicators.
Methods
A comprehensive collection of clinical data was conducted on 145 high-risk GIST patients meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria at 17 medical centers in Ningxia, China, covering the period from January 2013 to December 2019. Single-factor analysis and survival curves were used to analyze the variables, while the Cox regression model evaluated independent prognostic factors.
Results
Within the cohort, a balanced male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1 was observed. Single-factor analysis revealed compelling associations between RFS and age, preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), preoperative systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI), mitotic index, and imatinib (IM) with RFS in high-risk GIST patients. These variables also exhibited statistically significant associations with OS (all with p values < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that age, preoperative NLR, mitotic index, IM, and adjuvant therapy independently impacted RFS. Additionally, the preoperative NLR and mitotic index emerged as independent factors influencing OS, all of which demonstrated statistical significance (p values < 0.05). Age exhibited a negative correlation with RFS, and early regular IM treatment following surgery significantly decreased the recurrence risk. An elevated NLR and higher mitotic indices were strongly linked to poorer RFS and OS.
Conclusion
The data revealed a significant correlation between age, preoperative NLR, and mitotic index and an unfavorable prognosis in high-risk GIST patients. Notably, the NLR was identified as a potential additional prognostic factor, enhancing the accuracy of predicting treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in high-risk patients with GISTs. Therefore, we advocate for the serious consideration of the NLR as a valuable addition to standard clinical practice for managing high-risk GIST patients.
Significant Thinning of Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Analysis Running title: Running title: RNFL in LHON by OCTA
Authors: Liu Zhengfeng , Pan Xuemei , Li Zhongen , Wang Dan , Zou Yingying , Sha Fang , Xie Xiaofeng , Bi Hongsheng
Published: January 2024

Purpose
To analyse the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in m.11778G > A mutation in the MT-ND4 gene.
Method
This work is a retrospective study and included 24 eyes from 12 patients with LHON. Fifteen healthy people with 30 eyes matched to the age and gender of the patient group were recruited as a normal control group. All of the LHON patients with m.11778G > A mutation were diagnosed by genetic testing. Peripapillary RNFL included 360-degree average and eight sectors (superotemporal, superonasal, nasoupper, nasolower, inferonasal, inferotemporal, temporolower, temporoupper) were measured by OCTA.
Results
Compared with control group, peripapillary RNFL in LHON group were significant thinner in average thickness (p < 0.01) and eight sectors (all p < 0.01).
Conclusions
OCTA results confirm that peripapillary RNFL is significant thinner in LHON patients. OCTA can evaluate eight sectors RNFL damage on LHON patients.
M6A demethylase FTO-stabilized exosomal circBRCA1 alleviates oxidative stress-induced granulosa cell damage via the miR-642a-5p/FOXO1 axis
Authors: Zhu Xiaolan , Li Wenxin , Lu Minjun , Shang Junyu , Zhou Jiamin , Lin Li , Liu Yueqin , Xing Jie , Zhang Mengxue , Zhao Shijie , Lu Jingjing , Shi Xuyan
Published: January 2024

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an important cause of female infertility and seriously impacts the physical and psychological health of patients. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (HucMSCs-Exs, H-Exs) have exhibited protective effects on ovarian function with unclear mechanisms.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to identify POI-associated circRNAs and miRNAs. The relationship between HucMSC-derived exosomal circBRCA1/miR-642a-5p/FOXO1 axis and POI was examined by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, senescence-associated β-gal (SA-β-gal) staining, JC-1 staining, TEM, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) measurements and ATP assay in vivo and in vitro. RT-qPCR detected the expression of circBRCA1 in GCs and serum of patients with normal ovarian reserve function (n=50) and patients with POI (n=50); then, the correlation of circBRCA1 with ovarian reserve function indexes was analyzed.
Results: Herein, we found that circBRCA1 was decreased in the serum and ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) of patients with POI and was associated with decreased ovarian reserve. H-Exs improved the disorder of the estrous cycles and reproductive hormone levels, reduced the number of atretic follicles, and alleviated the apoptosis and senescence of GCs in rats with POI. Moreover, H-Exs mitigated mitochondrial damage and reversed the reduced circBRCA1 expression induced by oxidative stress in GCs. Mechanistically, FTO served as an eraser to increase the stability and expression of circBRCA1 by mediating the m6A demethylation of circBRCA1, and exosomal circBRCA1 sponged miR-642a-5p to block its interaction with FOXO1. CircBRCA1 insufficiency aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction, mimicking FTO or FOXO1 depletion effects, which was counteracted by miR-642a-5p inhibition.
Conclusion: H-Exs secreted circBRCA1 regulated by m6A modification, directly sponged miR-642a-5p to upregulate FOXO1, resisted oxidative stress injuries in GCs and protected ovarian function in rats with POI. Exosomal circBRCA1 supplementation may be a general prospect for the prevention and treatment of POI.
Molecular dynamics simulation and performance verification of γ-polyglutamic acid/cold water–soluble starch film formation and permeability
Authors: Yu Zuolong , Chen Yao , Chen Yongfei , Wei Yunxiao , Fu Changchun , Liu Dan , Niranjan Keshavan , Han Chao
Published: January 2024

Six types of γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA)/cold water–soluble starch (St) composite-film models were constructed using molecular dynamics simulation, and their properties were investigated and compared with the corresponding experimental values. The compatibility between the composite film componentswas analyzed using the radial distribution function and mean square displacement (MSD). The hydrogen bond number and bond energy were used to track the film-formation process. The mechanical property data of the films were extracted, and MSD was used to analyze the permeability of the film to carbon dioxide, oxygen, water vapor, and carbon-16 saturated fatty acids. Finally, the simulated values of mechanical properties and permeability were compared with the experimental values. The results demonstrated that γ-PGA is well compatible with St. The intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds of γ-PGA and St did not change considerably during the film-formation process. The simulated values of the mechanical properties exhibited a similar trend as the experimental values; however, in terms of permeability, a difference was observed between the initial values of the simulated design and actual material parameters, as well as the complexity of the experiment.
Successful open surgical treatment for persistent type Ⅱ endoleak following thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A case report
Authors: Lee June , Kim Do Yeon , Lim Hyun Ah , Hong Seok Beom , Kim Yong Han , Kim Hwan Wook
Published: January 2024

Background: The occurrence of type II endoleaks after repair of endovascular aortic aneurysm has gradually gained increasing attention. We present a case of a patient with an expanding aneurysm after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for a type II endoleak, in which successful direct ligation of the intercostal artery was performed using a sacotomy with no cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or graft replacement.
Case presentation: A 62-year-old male patient, previously treated with TEVAR for a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, presented with ongoing chest discomfort. Based on the diagnosis of a growing aneurysm and type II endoleak, a longitudinal opening of the thoracic aortic aneurysm sac was performed following left thoracotomy. The patient was scheduled for CPB and aortic cross-clamping, as a precautions against the possibility of a type I endoleak. Visual confirmation identified the T5 level intercostal artery as the source of the endoleak, and after confirming the absence of a type I endoleak, multiple ligations were applied to the intercostal artery. Follow-up computed tomography confirmed the absence of endoleaks or sac growth.
Conclusion: After performing TEVAR for a thoracic aortic aneurysm, open suture ligation was used to treat type II endoleaks without having to resort to CPB, resulting in successful outcomes.
Infertility Effects of methanol extract of Abrus Precatorius seeds on Reproductive, Hepatic and Renal function in female albino rats
Authors: Poli Venkataramanaiah , Motireddy Srinivasulu Reddy
Published: January 2024

Background
Abrus precatorious is a member of the leguminous family with characterstic red and black seeds. The leaves, roots and seeds of Abrus precatorious are used medicinally. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifertility activity of crude extract of A. precatorius seeds (extracted in to 70% Methanol) in female albino rats.
Methods
The female rats were grouped into two with six rats of each. Control group received normal saline. Female albino rats were administered APS (45 and 50 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily for a period of 30 days and body weights were recorded.
Results
All the results showed that the reproductive parameters were such as Body weight, Organ Weight, Estrous cycle, Hormonal Concentrations, Antioxidant Enzymes (Tissue), Enzymatic Activities (Tissue), Serum Biochemical indices (Liver and Kidney panel) and Hematological parameters analysed were found to show a significant difference (p < 0:05) between the means of the treated groups.
Conclusion
The study provides evidence for the potential ameliorative effects of A. precatorius seeds may possess anti-fertility effect in female rats.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of immune checkpoint inhibitors for first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on fractional polynomial network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yijia , Liu Ruizhe , Zhu Jianhong , Shi Fenghao , Song Wenmin , Huang Min , Wu Junyan , Qiu Kaifeng
Published: January 2024

Background
Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become increasingly crucial in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Objective
We sought to assess the cost-effectiveness of ICIs in addition to chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods
A network meta-analysis utilizing a fractional polynomial model based on the nonproportional hazards assumption was employed to evaluate the clinical benefits of different therapeutic strategies. A partitioned survival model was established for comparing the cost-effectiveness of ICIs alone alongside chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone as initial therapy for locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic ESCC from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. The model extended the time horizon to 10 years with a 1-month cycle, incorporating data from network meta-analysis and clinical trials for effectiveness and safety as well as data from databases and relevant literature for cost and utility. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the findings.
Results
Basic analysis revealed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for camrelizumab, sintilimab, tislelizumab and toripalimab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone were $24,853.78, $21,771.95, $25,973.70, and $22,694.01/QALY, respectively, all of which were less than 3 times the per capita GDP in China. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the base-case results were robust.
Conclusions
In the Chinese healthcare system, the combination of sintilimab or toripalimab with chemotherapy represents the most cost-effective treatment strategy.
Experimental Investigation of Hybrid Glass-Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Ashuro Belachew , Tamiru Tesfaye , Larebo Degefe , Zeleke Zablon , Eresso Guta
Published: January 2024

In this study, the experimental testing of hybrid fiber composite material was conducted to characterize the mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, and flexural strength. To improve the mechanical properties, natural fibers such as sisal fiber was hybridized with synthetic glass fiber. The hybrid fiber was prepared by hand lay-up method with consideration of process parameters such as fiber weight ratio (30%, 35%, and 40%), fiber orientation (mat-mat-mat, unidirectional-mat-unidirectional, mat-unidirectional-mat, mat-random-mat, and random-mat-random), and ply arrangement (sisal-glass-sisal, glass-sisal-glass, and sisal-sisal-sisal) respectively to form composites. The sisal fiber surfaces were chemically treated with 10% NaOH. The treated sisal fibers and glass fibers were combined by using matrix material unsaturated polyester and the hardener (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). The tests are carried out as per the ASTM standards. From the mechanical property tests, the result showed that 35% fiber weight ratio composite material with mat-mat-mat fiber orientation and glass-sisal-glass ply arrangement revealed the highest tensile, flexural and compressive strength when compared to other composite materials.
Two-dimensional separation of wideband raypaths in underwater acoustics
Authors: Zhong Fengyan , Li Zhichen , Yang Chao
Published: January 2024

The ocean acoustic tomography (OAT) is frequently used to the estimation of sound speed variations in the shallow ocean waveguide. As the first step of OAT, acoustic wideband rays along the different paths are exactly separated with two particular parameters of direction of arrival (DOA) and time of arrival (TOA). However, the multipath propagation of ray paths induces interferences between different rays, which makes the OAT impossible to identify these raypaths. In this paper, a two-dimensional wideband grid-free algorithm is proposed for separating acoustic raypaths by using their DOAs and TOAs. Firstly, a continuous formulation of the raypath separation problem is presented. Then, an atomic norm minimization (ANM) problem is designed by exploiting an atomic norm which promotes signal sparsity in the continuous domain. To solve such a ANM problem, an equivalent maximization problem is introduced, which can be solved efficiently with semidefinite programming. Finally, the certain parameters of DOA and TOA achieved through an optimization variable of the maximization problem. The experimental results show that the proposed method obtains more accurate separation performance compared to conventional compressive sensing-based algorithms.
Unlocking the Potential of Rice for Thermotolerance using SSR Marker- Based Assessment of Genetic Variability and Population Structure
Authors: SEELAM RAVITEJA , Puram Venkata Ramana Rao , Nallamothu Veronica , INJETI SUDHIR KUMAR , madhunapantula Vani Praveena
Published: January 2024

Climate change due to global warming is causing an increase in heat stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Heat stress reduces the yield of rice, which is one of the major staple crop for half of the world's population. Therefore, there is a dire need to breed heat-tolerant rice cultivars. In any crop improvement program, the presence of genetic diversity and evaluation of the structural association are crucial for developing the breeding strategies. This study was conducted to examine the genetic variability and population structure of 49 rice genotypes, including both released rice varieties and advanced breeding lines using 75 SSR markers linked to thermotolerance located across the 12 rice chromosomes. A total of 113 alleles, with the number of alleles ranging from 2 to 4 and a mean of 2.31 alleles per locus. The average values for polymorphic information content (PIC), genetic diversity and major allele frequency were 0.36, 0.35 and 0.71 respectively. Among the markers evaluated, RM4108 exhibited highest PIC value (0.65) and gene diversity (0.64), indicating that it is highly polymorphic marker and an ideal choice for characterizing Thermotolerance rice cultivars. Both genetic distance-based clustering analysis and population structure revealed that the 49 cultivars formed three significant clusters. Cluster 1 comprised a mixture of 7 released varieties and 12 breeding lines, followed by cluster 2, which included 11 released varieties and 8 breeding lines. Cluster 3 consisted a total of 11 released varieties. Furthermore, the principal coordinate analysis demonstrated cumulative genetic variations of 15.60%, 14.17%, 8.03% and 7.02% among the mixed populations. Most of the released varieties were placed in coordinate 1, while breeding lines were found in coordinate 3. The analysis of Maruteru rice cultivars revealed a diverse genetic composition and the obtained information will be valuable for establishing an association panel and selecting suitable parents for future rice development programs.
Assessment of healthcare worker resilience at the epicenter of the 2022 Sudan virus disease outbreak in Uganda: implications for future preparedness
Authors: Zavuga Robert , Kawungezi Peter Chris , Agaba Brian , Migisha Richard , Kadobera Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Okello Paul Edward , Bulage Lilian , Aceng Freda Loy , Batiibwe Emmanuel , Ario Alex Riolexus
Published: January 2024

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) mental resilience can be challenged during times of adversity, including outbreaks. On September 20, 2022, the Uganda Ministry of Health declared an Ebola outbreak of the Sudan virus disease (SVD) subtype. We assessed the level and determinants of resilience at the workplace among HCWs working at the epicenter of the SVD outbreak (Mubende and Kassanda districts) in Uganda.
Methods: During March 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among all HCWs (clinical and non-clinical) working from September 20, 2022─January 23, 2023 (the outbreak period) in the three health facilities that were directly involved in the SVD response in Mubende and Kassanda districts. Risk perception was assessed using 12 statements with a 4-point Likert-type scale. We assessed resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Resilience was dichotomized into ‘not resilient’ (score 1-29) and ‘resilient’ (score 30-40). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with resilience.
Results: Of 429 eligible HCWs, 400 (93%) were interviewed. Mean age was 35 (range: 20-58) years; 222 (56%) were male and median work experience was 8 years (range:1-38). One hundred and ten (28%) were support staff and 72 (18%) were nurses; 344 (86%) worked >40 hours per week. Overall, 93 (23%; 95%CI: 19-25%) were resilient. Three hundred and fifty-six (89%) expressed fear of contracting SVD and 356 (89%) expressed concern about stigma at their workplace if they became infected. Resilience was associated with age >40 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.1; CI=1.3-3.5), work experience >10 years (AOR=2.2; CI=1.1-4.7), working >40 hours per week (AOR=6.8; CI=2.1-23), and receiving Ebolavirus-specific counseling (AOR=3.3; CI=1.7-6.5).
Conclusion: Most HCWs at the SVD outbreak epicentre in Uganda faced resiliency challenges during the outbreak, related to their infection risk and treatment by others if they became infected. Psychological counselling and mental health support to HCWs and addressing concerns that bring them a high risk of infection could improve on their resilience during future outbreaks.
Evaluating the Service Satisfaction and Sustainability of the Afya Insurance Scheme in Kuwait: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: AlNashmi Maha , Masud Nuzhat , AlFaham Nour , AlHumaidi Hanadi , Akhtar Nabeel
Published: January 2024

After evaluating Afya, a health insurance scheme initiated by the Kuwait government for retired nationals to access services from private hospitals, it became clear that although Afya’s beneficiaries were satisfied with the service, they were unable to fulfill their expectations. This issue is further compounded by the rising number of noncommunicable diseases and the nature of the relationship between public and private hospitals. Through this study, the researchers aimed to delineate the current picture of the Afya healthcare insurance scheme in terms of three main aspects: efficiency, inclusiveness, effectiveness and service quality; delivery of services according to the stages of the revenue management cycle; and suitability and long-term sustainability in Kuwait. The study was carried out between June 2021 and August 2022 and involved the use of web-based and hardcopy pilot-tested questionnaires. A random sample of 514 Kuwaiti beneficiaries who had received Afya insurance cards was used to complete the survey. The researchers excluded beneficiaries who did not receive their cards or declined to participate for various reasons. A total of 405 completed surveys were analyzed, for a total response rate of 78.79%. The study results revealed that 95% of participants used private hospitals every time or often, with 78.79% satisfaction with the services utilized. In contrast, when utilizing medical services from government hospitals, respondents preferred to repeat the same services to guarantee accurate laboratory results, diagnoses, and medication. For a well-informed public, to create voluntary participation in long-term sustainability and proper integration of the private and public sectors, the issues need to be identified, and reformation of the existing policies or complete suspension may be needed. We observed that although 94% were asking to improve Afya’s coverage plan, more than half of the respondents suggested suspending the scheme to improve the service with proper research and to avoid financial burdens on the government. The correlation between experience with Afya coverage and beneficiaries’ satisfaction was significant (0.578) at the 0.01 level. In conclusion, to address these concerns and improve retirees' needs, we recommend the complete reformation of Afya through empirically, methodically, and scientifically rigorous research; the proper exchange of patient information between the public and private sectors through the implementation of the Health Information Management System (HIMS); and the inclusion of younger people in the scheme, which will help reduce the premium need for healthcare.
ac electrical conduction and dielectric properties in (Na2O) –(Fe2O3)0.5-x - (B2O3)0.5 glass systems
Authors: M Prashant Kumar , Banagar Arunkumar V. , Nagaraja N.
Published: January 2024

In the present study, a series of borate glasses with the composition (Na2O) x – (Fe2O3)0.5−x - (B2O3)0.5 where x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 were prepared by quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the samples has been confirmed by the XRD studies. The ac electrical conduction over a wide range of temperature and frequency was studied. As temperature increases the dielectric properties were found to enhance and with increment in frequency they were found to decrease. The complex impedance analysis (cole-cole plot) for different samples have been analysed and studied. The high temperature ac conductivity data has been analysed by Mott’s small polaron hopping model (SPH). Activation energy passed through maximum and conductivity passed through minimum at 0.20 concentrations of sodium oxide which has been ascribed to the switch over of conduction process, taking place at 0.20 molar fraction of alkali ions, primarily from polaronic to ionic in the present series of glasses.
Sustainable Development in Asian Countries: Exploring the Nexus between Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Imran Muhammad , Naseem Hafiza Iram , Zeb Jehan
Published: January 2024

The current study aims to contribute to improving the environmental conditions of Asian countries by focusing on specific factors, namely, foreign direct investment (FDI), energy use, trade openness, GDP per capita, economic growth, and CO2 emissions, as well as their roles in environmental sustainability. The study utilizes the Levin, Lin & Chu t Unit Root Test (LPT), autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), and cross-sectional ARDL estimators with cross-country data from five Asian host countries from 1985 to 2020. The study's empirical results indicate that several factors, including energy use, FDI inflows, trade openness, and GDP per capita, influence CO2 emissions per capita and play significant roles in promoting environmental sustainability in Asian countries. The study suggested that formulating effective policies to optimize energy utilization, promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources, and adopt advanced energy technologies are essential steps toward improving environmental conditions in Asian countries. Encouraging foreign investors to invest in these countries can also positively impact the economy and lead to increased economic growth. Economic growth is influenced by factors such as FDI inflows, trade openness, and energy use, which in turn affect CO2 emissions and contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of both host and source countries. In summary, the study highlights the importance of implementing sustainable energy practices and attracting foreign investments to drive economic growth while simultaneously working toward environmental sustainability in Asia. By understanding the relationships between these factors, policymakers can make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to create a more environmentally friendly and prosperous future for the region.
Biocontrol Potential of Ocimum gratissimum on some fungal isolates from Arachias hypogae
Authors: Ogbu J.C.
Published: January 2024

Isolation of fungi was carried out from groundnut (arachais hypogae) seeds, and two fungi was isolated, Aspergillus spp and Rhizopus stolonifer. Proximate analysis of Ocimum gratissimum was carried out with moisture content of 9.32 , ash content of 10.90, nitrogen content of 3.78 and protein content of 22.03. Aqueous and Ethanolic extract of scent leaf ( Ocimum gratissimum) was obtained and tested on the fungi isolates and Rhizopus stoloniferassociated with groundnut was inhibited by aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum while both aqueous and Ethanolic extracts of the plant did not show any activity against Aspergillus Niger associated with groundnut.
Anomaly Detection for a Temperature Device Using Machine Learning: A Comparative Study of Algorithms
Authors: Prova Nuzhat
Published: January 2024

This research paper delves into the use of machine learning techniques for anomaly detection in temperature readings from a device. The study employs a rich dataset comprising timestamped temperature values. Key methodologies include extensive feature engineering to enhance data interpretability and the application of K-Means clustering, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), EllipticEnvelope, and Isolation Forest algorithms. The primary objective is to discern intricate patterns and anomalies that may signify potential device malfunctions. Special attention is given to identifying temporal patterns, with a focus on analyzing anomalies during different times of the day and week. This paper highlights the effectiveness of these algorithms in detecting anomalies and offers insights into their comparative performance. The findings have significant implications for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency in temperature-sensitive devices.
Real-Time lattice simulations of the glasma coupled to fermions
Authors:   , Halsch Andreas Mario
Published: January 2024

In this thesis, the early time dynamics in a heavy ion collision of Pb-Nuclei at LHC center-of-mass energies of 5 TeV is studied. Right after the collision the system is out-of-equilibrium and essentially gluon dominated, with their density saturating at a specific momentum scale Q_s. Based on a separation of scales for the soft and hard gluonic degrees of freedom, the initial state is given from an effective model, known as the Color Glass Condensate. Within this model, the soft gluons behave classical to leading order, making it possible to study their dynamics in gauge invariant fashion on a three dimensional lattice, solving Hamiltonian field equations of motion, keeping real time. Quark-Antiquark pairs are produced in the gluonic medium, known as the Glasma and manifest themselves as a source of quantum fluctuations. They enter the dynamics of the gluons as a current, making the system semi-classical. In lattice simulations, the non-equilibrium system is tested for pressure isotropization, which is a necessary ingredient to reach a local thermal equilibrium (LTE), making a hydrodynamical description at a later stage possible. In addition, the occupation of energy modes is studied with its implications on thermalization and classicality.
Efeitos da Adoção das IFRS na Relação entre a Qualidade da Auditoria e o Gerenciamento de Resultados
Authors: Marçal Ronan Reis , Alberton Luiz
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho teve como objetivo compreender os efeitos da adoção das IFRS na relação entre a qualidade da auditoria (QA) e o gerenciamento de resultados (GR) nas empresas de capital aberto do Brasil. A pesquisa teve como base teórica a Teoria do Comportamento Planejado (TCP), que identifica a intenção comportamental a partir de três elementos, quais sejam: atitudes, normas subjetivas e controle comportamental percebido. Assumindo as premissas de que a QA tem a função de mitigar eventuais distorções contábeis, como o GR, e que as IFRS poderiam influenciar este poder de mitigação mediante efeito moderador, o estudo buscou atinar o objetivo proposto diante de 920 observações derivadas de 92 diferentes empresas de capital aberto no Brasil ao longo de 10 exercícios. Os dados foram trabalhados em forma de painel e regredidos perante a abordagem de efeitos aleatórios. Os resultados sugerem que as IFRS assumam papel moderador na relação QA x GR para a proxy input, alterando seu sinal e aumentando sua magnitude, porém, este efeito não é percebido para a proxy output, validando apenas parcialmente a principal hipótese de pesquisa. O estudo contribui teoricamente ao indicar novos resultados na relação QA x GR, adentrando especificamente a vertente das IFRS, algo inexistente até o presente momento na literatura, sendo estes resultados passíveis de futuras comparações para pesquisas correlatas. Em âmbito prático, o estudo indica a relevância da qualidade da auditoria em relação à adoção das IFRS para os investidores, conquanto os achados da pesquisa manifestem maior pertinência deste elemento após a mudança de padrão contábil.
Stimulating Proenvironmental Behavior at Work With Informal Controls
Authors: Aguiar Andson Braga de
Published: January 2024

This paper examines whether an informal control in the form of a communicated value statement can activate appropriate employees’ personal norms to promote their proenvironmental behavior. An experimental design is used where the value statement is manipulated in three-levels between-participants (environmental versus financial versus absent). Personal norms are measured, and participants are classified as holding an environmental or a business personal norm. Results show that financial value statements reduce employees’ activation of business personal norms relative to an environmental value statement. Results also show that environmental personal norms increase proenvironmental behavior at work, while business personal norms decrease proenvironmental behavior at work. Finally, results indicate that environmental value statements marginally decrease employees’ proenvironmental behavior through activated business personal norms when compared to a financial value statement. The main results of this study contribute to the literature on the behavioral effects of informal controls by showing the process through which a value statement can influence employees’ proenvironmental behavior. The main practical implication of this paper is that organizations willing to promote employees’ proenvironmental behavior is better off by not communicating an environmental value statement that can lead employees to focus on tradeoffs between short-term costs of environmental initiatives versus long-term benefits of environmental protection.
Disclosure em Notas Explicativas: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Lemos Karinne Custódio da Silva , Miranda Gilberto José , Marques Alessandra Vieira Cunha
Published: January 2024

Este estudo tem o propósito de realizar uma revisão da literatura a respeito da mensuração da qualidade informacional presente em Notas Explicativas (NE). Busca-se sistematizar as medidas empíricas utilizadas em estudos anteriores para mensuração do nível de evidenciação em NE, as principais fragilidades de evidenciação, e associá-las às características qualitativas da informação contábil. Para tanto, utiliza-se como procedimento metodológico a Revisão Sistemática (modelo PRISMA). A amostra da pesquisa consiste em 43 estudos publicados no período de 2010 a 2021. Verificou-se que: i) predominam estudos sobre tamanho das NE, legibilidade, conformidade, similaridade e materialidade das informações presentes nas NE; ii) as características qualitativas fundamentais de relevância e representação fidedigna são as mais presentes nos estudos investigados; iii) os processos de orientação, como a OCPC 07, têm pouca influência na elaboração das notas explicativas. Esta revisão contribui para a literatura, destacando as fragilidades que mais afetam as características qualitativas das informações divulgadas em NE.
Annotation of Alkaloids of Fusaea longifolia and Evaluation of Anti-Plasmodium Activity in vitro and in silico
Authors: Adrião Asenate , da Silva Carlos , Araujo Morgana , Paz Weider , de Medeiros Lívia , da Silva Felipe , Bezerra Daniel , Salimo Zeca , Monteiro Wuelton , de Melo Gisely , Costa Emmanoel , Tavares Josean , Koolen Hector
Published: January 2024

Isoquinoline alkaloids, especially from the Annonaceae family, have shown biological potential against parasites. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of the alkaloid fractions of the plant Fusaea longifolia against Plasmodium falciparum and annotate the compounds present in these samples. The tentative characterization of the alkaloids from the leaves and branches of F. longifolia was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and molecular networks. Through manual interpretation of the MS/MS spectra, 18 alkaloids were dereplicated from F. longifolia, 17 of which were reported for the first time in this species. An unpublished putative glycosylated alkaloid was annotated by interpreting the fragmentation data profile. Regarding biological activity, the fractions studied showed high activity against P. falciparum with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.42 and 1.60 µg mL-1 for branches and from the leaves, respectively, both similar to the reference standard quinine (IC50 of 1.24 µg mL-1). The structures of the 17 alkaloids were subjected to in silico analysis using molecular docking against four enzymes related to anti-Plasmodium activity (wild type (dm-PfDHFR) and mutant type (qm-PfDHFR), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PfPNP)). Molecular docking revealed strong interactions, especially between oxoxylopine 17 and hydroxycassythicine N-oxide 10, which may be potential new sources against P. falciparum.
Diáspora Negra e a Desautorização do Refrão Único: Imaginários de Tempo, História e Gênero nas Revoltas do Povo Negro Através da Música Popular Brasileira
Authors: Barboza da Silva Rosimeire , Oliveira Ruggi Lennita
Published: January 2024

Tendo como inspiração O Atlântico Negro de Paul Gilroy (1993/2001), propomos realizar um exercício de interpretação de quatro letras consagradas da música popular brasileira (MPB). São elas: “Chico Rei” (Jarbas Soares, Djalma de Oliveira Costa e Geraldo Soares de Carvalho, 1964); “Zumbi” (Jorge Ben, 1974); “Mestre Sala dos Mares” (João Bosco & Aldir Blanc, 1975) e “Morena de Angola” (Chico Buarque, 1980). Ao tomarmos as canções como parte do arcabouço intelectual d’O Atlântico Negro, consideramos duas principais chaves de leitura: (a) o imaginário de tempo/história e (b) os princípios generificados de enunciação. Seguindo a trilha metodológica proposta por Gilroy (1993/2001), identificamos a música como espaço público de elaboração e difusão de memórias sobre a diáspora negra. Informadas por lutas históricas travadas pelo povo negro, as canções recuperam narrativas insistentemente invisibilizadas e questionam o suposto lugar de “não-agência” política das populações escravizadas ou vivendo sob regimes autoritários. Frente à urgência em interromper o cansativo refrão da história única, encontramos nessas obras acesso privilegiado às recordações sobre revoltas contra a escravização e o colonialismo, difundindo no presente saberes decoloniais. A produção e inscrição de uma memória oposicional — aquela que reivindica espaço e lugar ao mesmo tempo em que contesta versões sedimentadas — é um trabalho constante que está intimamente relacionado com o estabelecimento de novos horizontes de luta no presente.
Analysis on Modern Application and Development Demand of Electronic Information Engineering
Authors: Song Chao
Published: January 2024

In recent years, there has not been a large-scale promotion of high-precision technology, resulting in the core technology can not be effectively applied in enterprises and related industries still need to further develop electronic information engineering. In this regard, combined with the market economic development situation, intelligence and digitalization has become the main direction of the development of electronic information engineering, through the construction of a perfect information management platform, can make efficient use of resources, a wide range of popularization of science and technology. In the context of the Internet era, people's daily life has changed dramatically, especially the information transmission will become more rapid, efficient and convenient. In the expanding scope of application of computer network technology, can realize the efficient transmission and sharing of information, in the field of electronic information engineering, through the application of computer network technology can effectively ensure the quality of information, and lay a good foundation for the smooth progress of information engineering reform work. In the process of promoting the efficient integration of the two, can make the electronic information engineering needs to be met, which should also increase the integration of resources, computer network technology research and development and application work, so that people's daily lives to enjoy more convenient conditions. The application of digital information processing technology can break through the traditional mode of communication in the application of the process of various shortcomings, prompting the development of digital information engineering more and more rapid. The application of this technology can make all walks of life for information activities to fully meet the needs of all sectors of society, to ensure the smooth and stable information construction activities, so we need to combine the actual situation to further optimize the digital signal construction system, so that it plays a greater role in electronic information engineering. Based on the above situation, this paper focuses on the innovation and development of modern electronic information engineering.
Research on the Application of Computer Network in Electronic Information Communication Engineering
Authors: Song Chao
Published: January 2024

With the development of information technology and the popularization of computers, the application of computer network is related to people's daily life and work. The development of computer network technology has innovated the way of obtaining information, and users can obtain the information they need in a short time, which is conducive to greatly improving users' work efficiency. The construction of electronic information and communication engineering is related to people's daily communication. In the information age, it is particularly important to promote the innovation of this kind of engineering. Electronic information and communication project is a highly professional communication construction project. Through the construction of this project, we can ensure the normal operation of China's communication network and promote the production and development of the country and society. As the main carrier of communication engineering, computer network can not only transmit and process information, but also receive and send information, so that every customer who uses the network can experience better information transmission service. Based on the development of computer network in China, this paper analyzes the practical application of computer network in electronic information and communication engineering, introduces the significance of computer network in electronic information and communication engineering, and analyzes the application of computer network in electronic information and communication engineering, thus playing a good data reference role for the construction and development of electronic information and communication engineering.
Capitalismo político
Authors: Schmidt Samuel
Published: January 2024

El objetivo del presente artículo es presentar cómo el pensamiento liberal que plantea o interpreta que el Estado no interviene o debe intervenir en economía o política. Son supuestos se derrumban ante el hecho de que sin Estado no hay capitalismo, ya sea por la formulación de un aparato legal y una estructura represiva para garantizar la explotación; un aparato fiscal que garantiza la reproducción del capital y la estructura de apoyo político y económico para la continuación del capitalismo
Genocidio transicional. Un aporte para analizar la violencia en México
Authors: Rodríguez Lanuza Luis Fernando
Published: January 2024

El presente artículo presenta una propuesta conceptual desde los estudios del genocidio y la justicia transicional. Tras analizar producciones académicas recientes que permiten delimitar un escenario de transición política, se introduce la categoría de genocidio transicional y se pone en relación con la de “criminalidad organizada” y su peligrosa porosidad sociopolítica. Se presentan dos aportes principales: a) el contraste de las categorías de genocidio, lesa humanidad y guerra civil económica, incorporando la primera al análisis de la violencia en el país; b) se profundiza en la responsabilidad colectiva ante la violencia, reconociendo la pluralidad de actores y la complejidad de nuestra sociedad