bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating practice integration of independent prescribing by community pharmacists using Normalization Process Theory: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Karim Laura , McIntosh Trudi , Jebara Tesnime , Pfleger David , Osprey Adam , Cunningham Scott
Published: February 2024

Background
In several countries independent prescribing (IP) has been supported as a practice model but its integration into community pharmacy (CP) has not been extensively investigated.
Aim
To use Normalization Process Theory to investigate the integration of pharmacist IP in CP.
Method
In 2020, NHS Scotland launched Pharmacy First Plus (PFP) which uses community pharmacist IP for common clinical conditions. Questionnaire items were developed using the NPT derived Normalisation MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire tool for a cross-sectional online survey of all PFP CPs. Demographic data were analysed descriptively. Item scores for the 4 NPT constructs were reliability tested using Cronbach’s alpha and scale scores calculated and used for inferential analysis.
Results
A 73% (88/120) response rate showed that 76% (67/88) consulted with patients for PFP >6 times a week. Thirty-eight percent (33/88) indicated they had <3 staff when offering PFP and 47% (41/88) provided the service while working as the only pharmacist. Generally, there were high levels of NoMAD item agreement with >90% ‘strongly agreeing’ or ‘agreeing’ in items relating to the NPT constructs ‘coherence’, ‘cognitive participation’ and ‘reflexive monitoring’. Responses to ‘collective action’ items showed diversity with more answering ‘neither agree nor disagree’ or ‘disagree’.
Conclusion
This theory-based work offers a perspective on IP integration within CP. Despite its geographic focus it offers insights relevant to wider contexts. It shows ‘collective action’ focussed ‘organisation’ and ‘group process’ challenges with a need for further work on staff training, resource availability and utilisation, working relationships, communication and management.
Sex Differences in Clinical Manifestations and Serum CXCR4/CXCL12 Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: liu wei , Zhou Juanjuan , Yi Shanyu , Shen Meiyu , Li Zaizhao , Su Xin
Published: February 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are prevalent chronic diseases in modern society. Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Our study examined the clinical characteristics of T2DM patients afflicted with PA. We enrolled a total of 213 T2DM patients with hypertension and observed a 22.1% prevalence of PA within this group. Sex disparities in clinical presentations were observed. Among male PA patients, the incidence of obesity significantly exceeded that of the essential hypertension (EH) group (40% vs. 4.5%, χ2 = 4.172, p = 0.041), with the plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) demonstrating a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) (correlation coefficient = 0.318, p = 0.001). In contrast, among female PA patients, the prevalence of proteinuria was notably greater than that in the EH group (54.5% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.05), and the PAC was positively correlated with proteinuria (correlation coefficient = 0.213, p = 0.032). Significant sex differences emerged in the serum concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), adiponectin, and leptin. The serum levels of BNP, ANP, CXCR4, CXCL12, and leptin were significantly correlated with BMI. In female patients, the PAC was significantly positively correlated with CXCR4 (correlation coefficient = 0.322, p = 0.004) and CXCL12 (correlation coefficient = 0.248, p = 0.029). Our findings highlight sex-specific differences in the clinical manifestations of T2DM patients with PA. Notably, the serum BNP, ANP, leptin, adiponectin, CXCR4, and CXCL12 levels exhibited significant sex differences and correlated significantly with BMI. In female patients, the PAC was positively correlated with CXCR4 and CXCL12 levels.
Salient object detection based on multi-layer progressive fusion
Authors: Wang Yanzhao , Huang Hu , Zhou Tongchi , Yan Li , Liu Zhongyun , Wang Zhongliang , Yao Yanping , Wang Yidong
Published: February 2024

How to integrate the features of different layers plays an important role in current research of salient object detection. In order to inherit the useful features of various layers, the multi-layer progressive fusion(MLPF) model is proposed in this paper. Specifically, the model first modified the multi-scale enrichment module(MSEM) to enrich the features of adjacent layers. Then, the adjacent feature aggregation module(AFAM) is proposed to complement the feature of adjacent layers. At the same time, to make full use of the features of various layers, the cross-layer feature aggregation module(CFAM) is designed to retain the detail and semantic features and improve the representation for the salient object. Extensive experiments on four public datasets demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the other state-of-the-art methods.
Quantum Image processing algorithms comparison using datasets of machine learning based applications
Authors: SINGH BARKHA , Indu SreeDevi , majumdar Sudipta
Published: February 2024

This article analyzes and compares various Quantum learning algorithms on big data. The main contribution of this article is to provide a new machine-learning approach using Quantum computing for big data analysis with features of robust, novel, and effective Quantum machine images and transit mode. Currently, there is no efficient method for doing Quantum image recognition or classification due to the lack of an effective Quantum feature extraction technique. This work proposes a global Quantum feature extraction technique based on Schmidt decomposition for the first time. Additionally, a new version of the Quantum learning algorithm is shown, which uses the features' Hamming distance to classify images. With the help of algorithm analysis and experimental findings from the benchmark database Caltech 101, a successful method for large-scale image classification is developed and put forth in the context of big data. The proposed model yields an with an average accuracy of 98\% with the proposed enhanced Quantum classifier, QeSVM classifier, swarm particle optimizer with Twin wave SVM, QPSO-TWSVM, and other Q-CNN models on different Big Data sets.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Potential Genes Associated with Glyphosate Resistance in Cassava
Authors: Wang Bingyu , Li Junyi , Wang Honggang , Gao Yu , Wang Yixuan , Zhang Tingting , Qi Jincun , Li Ruitao , Chen Yinhua , Luo Kai
Published: February 2024

Glyphosate, widely used in cassava cultivation to control weeds, also inhibits cassava growth, necessitating the development of herbicide-tolerant cassava varieties. In this study, 262 cassava varieties underwent screening for glyphosate tolerance, leading to the identification of the glyphosate-resistant (GR) variety ZM8701 and the glyphosate-sensitive (GS) variety SC9. The metabolic processes involved in crop response to herbicides typically encompass four stages: herbicide activation, binding, active transport, and degradation, with key roles played by gene families such as P450, GST, GT, and ABC transport proteins. Utilizing RNA-Seq analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms of glyphosate resistance in cassava, we confirmed through RT-qPCR validation the consistent overexpression of seven genes in resistant plants. These genes include four cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CytP450) genes, two glucosyltransferase (GT) genes, and one ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport protein gene. These seven genes represent crucial candidate genes that facilitate metabolic glyphosate resistance and warrant further investigation into their functionalities.
Performance of Massive MIMO aided by Reflective Intelligent Surfaces
Authors: Flaiban André , Abrao Taufik
Published: February 2024

Reflective intelligent surfaces (RIS) are large passive panels with hundreds or thousands of passive reflective meta- surface sensors, with the ability to electronically adjust the angle- of-departure (AoD) of the incident signal but not to apply any amplification and signal processing to the radio frequency signal. This technology is up-and-coming for networks beyond 5G (B5G). We evaluate the performance gains, including SINR and outage probability (OP) of RIS-aided massive MIMO systems regard- ing the conventional massive MIMO systems, highlighting the potential of beamforming performance and RIS element phase- shift optimization, aiming to deal with dense urban obstacles scenarios and high density of mobile users. This work aims to investigate the behavior of a RIS-aided MIMO system under different channel scenarios, considering the Rician factor.
Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus antibiotics resistance revealed by adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Ma Shiwei , Xu Yufan , Luo Dan , Huang Zixin , Wang Longlong , Xie Weile , Luo Zhen , Zhang Huanhuan , Jin Yaozhong , Zhang Jianming , Zhu Jianguo , Wang Zhe
Published: February 2024

Infection caused by drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a rapidly developing public health and veterinary concern. Lack of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the emergence of drug-resistant strains, it makes S. aureus one of the most intractable pathogenic bacteria. To identify mutations that confer resistance to anti-S.aureus drugs, we established a laboratory-based adaptive evolution system and performed 10 rounds of evolution experiments against 15 clinically used antibiotics. We discovered a panel of known and novel resistance-associated sites after performing whole-genome sequencing. Furthermore, we found that the resistance evolved at distinct rates. For example, streptomycin, rifampicin, fusidic acid and novobiocin all developed significant resistance quickly in the second round of evolution. Intriguingly, the cross-resistance experiment reveals that nearly all drug-resistant strains have varying degrees of increased sensitivity to fusidic acid, pointing to a novel approach to battle AMR. In addition, the in silico docking analysis shows that the evolved mutants affect the interaction of rifampcin-rpoB, as well as the novobiocin-gyrB. Moreover, for the genes we got in the laboratory evolution, mutant genes of clinical isolates of human had significant differences from the environmental isolates and animal isolates. In conclusion, we believe that the strategy and dataset in this research will be helpful for battling AMR issue of S.aureus, and adaptable to other pathogenic microbes.
COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiz Governorate, Yemen, between 2020-2023
Authors: Edrees Wadhah , Abdullah Qais Yusuf , Al-Shehari Wadee Abdullah , Alrahabi Lutf Mohammed , Khardesh Amani Ahmed Fadel
Published: February 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and causes a series of health problems, particularly in Yemen, which has a fragile healthcare system and cannot handle public health emergencies.
Aims
This investigation aimed to determine the epidemiological status of COVID-19 in the Taiz governorate between 2020 and 2023.
Methods
This study is a retrospective survey that was conducted on recorded data between April 2020 and March 2023 in the Ministry of Health and Population in Aden. The laboratory-confirmed cases by molecular methods were only used for this study. The required data were gathered and analyzed using the SPSS program.
Results
The high rates of COVID-19 cases were reported at 66.3% in males, 22.9% in people aged 25–34 years, 72.6% in 2021, 28.5% in Sabir Al-Mawadim district, and 27.78% in March 2021. The overall incidence rate of cases was reported at 6.31 per 10,000 people in Taiz governorate (4.18 in males and 2.13 in females). In addition, the high incidence rate of COVID-19 was 35.22 and 13.34 per 10,000 people among males living in Al-Mukha and females in Al Mudhaffar, respectively. In total, the rate of fatality cases was 14.12%, the higher rate of fatality cases was 13.35% among males and 32.23% among individuals aged ≥ 65 years, and 26.97% in 2020.
Conclusion
In this study, the incidence rate of COVID-19 is high. It is necessary to increase the public’s awareness of the transmission and prevention methods of COVID-19, as well as implement appropriate strategies to protect populations from infectious diseases.
Fractional stochastic calculus approach for evolution in time of epidemiological systems
Authors: Lima Leonardo S.
Published: February 2024

Fractional stochastic nonlinear differential equation approach is used in the analysis of evolution in time of the infected number by COVID-19 in countries where the number of cases is large. The rises and falls of novel cases are treated as randomness in the model for spreading of novel cases. The rescaled range analysis (RS) is used to determine the Hurst index of the time series of novel cases of epidemiologic week that exhibits a Hurst exponent greater than 1/2, meaning that the time series has a behavior that is distinct from a random walk i.e., that nth value is independent of all the values before this.
Unintended Consequences of Disaster Mitigation: A Systematic Review of the Safe Development Paradox
Authors: Fusinato Emanuel , Han Sungju , Kobiyama Masato , de Brito Mariana Madruga
Published: February 2024

Hydrological disasters pose significant threats worldwide, often resulting in extensive damage to society and the environment. Conventional risk mitigation approaches often overlook complex human-water system interactions, leading to adverse socio-hydrological phenomena, such as paradoxical dynamics and unintended consequences. One notable phenomenon is the safe development paradox (SDP), wherein risk reduction efforts paradoxically increase vulnerability in the long run. Despite theoretical progress, empirical investigations of these phenomena remain fragmented. In this systematic review spanning 2001 to 2023, we analysed 94 studies to synthesize research in this field. Our analysis revealed that most studies provided evidence confirming the existence of the SDP and its sub-phenomena, the levee effect. While quantitative methods (e.g. spatial analysis) are prevalent, a limited number of articles employ qualitative and mixed-methods approaches to investigate these phenomena. Studies often focus on the exposure of communities to hydrological risks, but they fall short of capturing other critical dimensions, such as vulnerability and the psychological effects of feeling safe. A more holistic assessment of the SDP should thus include aspects such as preparedness, vulnerability, and risk perception. This holistic approach would enable a better understanding of the diversity of scenarios where the SDP can manifest, providing policymakers with essential information to prevent adverse effects.
Analysis of partial Y chromosome microdeletions and NGS data in Lithuanian infertile men
Authors: Čižaitė Roberta , Žukauskaitė Gabrielė , Tumienė Birutė
Published: February 2024

Infertility is a complex pathological condition that affects the male population worldwide. Male infertility is often caused by changes in the morphology and number of spermatozoa. Many of infertility cases remain unexplained, genetic causes are being discovered, including changes in chromosomes and single genes. While Y chromosome microdeletions are the most common cause of spermatogenesis disorders, failure to identify them leads to the search for new candidate genes, de novo pathogenic genomic variants associated with male infertility using next generation sequencing. The aim of this study is to investigate genetic profile of infertile men in the Lithuanian population using candidate gene approach as well as to evaluate the significance of partial Y chromosome microdeletions. The obtained results showed that the detected partial Y chromosome (sY121, sY1192, sY153 and sY1191 markers) microdeletions in the azoospermia factor region do not explain infertility cases and require more research. After candidate-gene next generation sequencing analysis in the cohort of 18 infertile men from Lithuania, genome variants in genes DPY19L2, DCC, and MTHFR were identified for three (17%) individuals, confirming the infertility phenotype. In five (28%) of individuals variants of uncertain clinical significance were identified in BRCA1, BRCA2, PKD1, CSMD1, SBF1, DNAH8, and TP63 genes, which are potentially associated with male infertility. This confirms that the next generation method based on the supplemented gene candidate list is useful for the identification of genetic causes of male infertility.
Energy Saving and Corrosion Control by Heat Recycling in Re-baking Process of Graphite Electrode Manufacturing
Authors: Yadav Ranjana , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Sharma Sarita
Published: February 2024

Re-baking is an excessively economical phase in the graphite electrode and anodes manufacturing industries, these electrodes and anodes are very important for the global aluminium and steel sectors. The creation of graphite electrodes which are extensively utilized in electric arc furnaces for the production of steel, involves a crucial procedure called re-baking. However, high-temperature technique is an energy-intensive process that results in significant heat loss, raising operational costs and harming the environment. To address the problems of corrosion control and energy saving, this study examines the use of heat recycling techniques in the re-baking process for producing graphite electrodes. This strategy analyzes potential ways to increase the energy efficiency of an active oil-fired re-baking furnace. Significant increases in the heat transfer rate of 19.56% as per data collection and investigation and the combustion air volume and temperature rise by 25.49% and66.67%. This research identified chances to save energy 26.08% of power and 40% of oil saving per hour.
Attention-Driven UNet Enhancement for Accurate Segmentation of Growing Bacteria in Microscopy Images
Authors: Qamar Saqib , Malyshev Dmitry , Öberg Rasmus , Nilsson Daniel P.G. , Andersson Magnus
Published: February 2024

Analyzing microscopy images of large growing cell samples using traditional methods is a complex and time-consuming process. In this work, we have developed an attention-driven UNet-enhanced model using deep learning techniques to efficiently quantify the position, area, and circularity of bacterial spores and vegetative cells from images containing more than 10,000 bacterial cells. Additionally, we present a workflow that includes automated large field-of-view acquisition and semi-automatic stitching of images into a large composite image. Our attention-driven UNet algorithm has an accuracy of 95%, precision of 84%, sensitivity of 73%, and specificity of 98%. Therefore, it can segment cells at a level comparable to manual annotation. We demonstrate the efficacy of this model by applying it to a live-dead decontamination assay. The model is provided in three formats: Python code, a Binder that operates within a web browser without needing installation, and a Flask Web application for local use.
Quality of life of people living with HIV and their adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Bukavu City, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Bisangamo Célestin Kyambikwa , Nessrin Ahmed El-Nimr , Kyamusugulwa Patrick Milabyo , Iman Mohamed Helmy Wahdan , Zahira Metwally Gad
Published: February 2024

Background
The benefits of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) include immune system strengthening, viral load suppression, and improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Objectives
To compare the HRQoL of PLHIV attending ART clinics versus PLHIV visiting traditional healers’ (THs) offices, to assess the adherence of PLHIV to ART, to identify possible predictors of non-adherence of PLHIV to ART and QoL and to estimate the proportion of patients with HIV referred by THs to health centers in Bukavu.
Methods
Between February and June 2023, a comparative cross-sectional study was carried out involving 150 HIV-positive patients who were attending ART clinics and 150 PLHIV who were visiting the offices of THs in the three Bukavu urban health zones. The World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF) and a self-reported questionnaire measuring antiretroviral medication adherence were used to collect data. Regression models were used to identify the predictors of no adherence to ART and the QoL of PLHIV.
Results
PLHIV attending ART clinics had higher mean scores in all QoL domains compared to those attending THs' offices. About 84% of participants were compliant with ART. Predictors associated with non-adherence to ART included: illiterate participants [OR = 23.3 (95% CI: 1.23–439.5), p = 0.004] and divorced or separated participants [OR = 10.3 (95% CI: 1.12–94.4), p = 0.034]. The proportion of patients with HIV/AIDS referred to ART clinics by THs was only 10.7%.
Conclusion and recommendation
PLHIV visiting ART clinics had a better QoL compared to PLHIV attending THs’ offices. The rate of adherence to ART among PLHIV who attended ART clinics was high. It is recommended to refer PLHIV visiting THs to the ART clinics for better QoL.
Transforming Philippine Agriculture Through Data-driven Innovation: A Quantitative Landscape Assessment to Prioritize Technological Solutions
Authors: Taer Albino Namoc , Taer Erma Catipan
Published: February 2024

This systematic review analyzed agricultural innovations in the Philippines over 2018–2023 to provide comprehensive categorization, adoption trend analysis, and recommendations for optimizing research priorities. Methodical literature search, screening, and quantitative analysis facilitated organized investigation across innovation types, contributors, applications, and geographical contexts. Results revealed image analysis followed by the sustainable farming system had the highest segment (26% and 23%, respectively) of the innovation categories displaying cutting-edge techniques as well as environmental stewardship. Rice-centric innovations dominate (33.33%) showcasing the underrepresentation of high-value crops, livestock, and remote farming sectors. However, innovations have skewed geographical representation with 69.23% of studies concentrating only on Luzon regions, chiefly central and northern areas. Agricultural potential also exists across Visayas and Mindanao warranting increased emphasis. Additionally, most research contributors represent less than 5% share each, indicating a fragmentation in efforts lacking cross-institutional partnerships. Findings exposed critical gaps in innovation prioritization and adoption levels directed at sustainable practices, precision technologies, non-cereal commodities, and geographically disadvantaged communities. Significant institutional support is imperative to address disparities through modernization policies and localized capacity-building programs aided by industry-academia partnerships. Unified innovation transfer conduits can accelerate the transition of solutions from proofs-of-concept to farmer-ready tools catering to regional needs.
Uncovering the Truth: A Deep Learning Ensemble Model for Identifying Fake News
Authors: Namatullah Arooba , Khurshid Syed Khaldoon , Jaleel Abdul , Khan Maryam , Rashid Sania
Published: February 2024

The rapid outspread of misinformation and its continuous spreading on digital platforms have raised a serious concern due to its ability to create harmful effects. Over the past ten years, fake news has become increasingly popular in Pakistan. Now it’s a challenging task to identify or differentiate among fake news and real news. Several researchers have made tremendous advancements to detect misleading information in previous years, but due to the nature of the problem, there are still several unresolved problems. The main goal of this research is to create the detection dataset for Pakistani news by semantically extracting news data from various sources and through social media platforms. We have categorized the textual properties of news article. To evaluate our proposed dataset, we used various learning algorithms namely Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forrest, Logistic Regression, Recurrent neural network (RNN), Long short-term memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional Long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM). By merging them, we built an Ensemble Learning classifier (Meta Model) to achieve higher accuracy. Our findings proved that our proposed Deep Ensemble Learning model outperformed others with an accuracy of 89 percent. The outcomes also demonstrated that an ensemble model outperformed the individual Base model. The findings suggested that an ensemble model can maximize not only accuracy but it can also be used on small datasets. The metrics like accuracy, Precision, F1-score and recall are used to measure an effectiveness of each applied model.
Reducing PAPR for the FBMC-OQAM System Using Gaussian and Laplace Based Linear Companding Transform
Authors: Ramavath Srinivas , Samal Umesh Chandra
Published: February 2024

In this paper, two new companders are designed to reduce the ratio of peak to average power (PAPR) experienced by filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) signals. Specifically, the compander basic model is generalized, which alter the distributed FBMC signal amplitude peak. The proposed companders design approach provides better performance in terms of reducing the PAPR, Bit Error Rate (BER) and phase error degradation over the previously existing compander schemes. Many PAPR reduction approaches, such as the µ-law companding technique, are also available. It results in the formation of spectrum side lobes, although the proposed techniques result in a spectrum with fewer side lobes. The theoretical analysis of linear compander and expander transform for a few specific parameters are derived and analyzed. The suggested linear companding technique is analytically analysed using simulations to show that it efficiently decreases the high peaks in the FBMC system.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF RICE HUSK ASH MORTAR REINFORCED WITH SUGARCANE BAGASSE
Authors:   Laboratory of Applied Energetics and Mechanics (LEMA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP2009 Cotonou Benin., Passoli Abelim ,   National Institute for Scientific Research of the University of Lome (INRS-UL), University of Lome, 01BP1515 Lome 01Togo., Abbas Datchossa Tiambo ,   Laboratory of Applied Energetics and Mechanics (LEMA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP2009 Cotonou Benin., Pkla Abalo ,   Laboratory of Research in Engineering Sciences (LARSI), Polytechnic School of Lome, Universityof Lome, 01BP1515 Lome 01 Togo., Olodo Emmanuel ,   Laboratory of Applied Energetics and Mechanics (LEMA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP2009 Cotonou Benin.
Published: February 2024

Today, construction is a very important lever on which we can act to preserve a viable environment. It must be said that there is still a great need to use air conditioning to ensure thermal comfort in buildings this implies the need to look for materials with good thermal properties. This study evaluates the thermal conductivity of a rice husk ash mortar reinforced with sugarcane bagasse. Its aim is to offer an alternative to conventional materials that consume more energy. To achieve this, we formulated an M0 mortar in which the cement is replaced by 10% rice husk ash (RHA) we then substituted the M0 mortar with 3%, 6% and 10% sugarcane bagasse in volume fraction, resulting in the MCB3, MCB6 and MCB10 mortars. Finally, the thermal conductivities were measured on three specimens of each of the formulations, and the average of the three values was taken as the thermal conductivity of the formulation in question. The thermal probe method is used to measure the thermal conductivities of mortars. The results of the tests show that the thermal conductivity of the mortars decreases as the volume of sugarcane bagasse increases. The maximum thermal conductivity was obtained with the M0 mortar, with a value of 0.42W/ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â°K/m. The minimum thermal conductivity is presented by the MCB10 mortar with a value of 0.316W/ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â°K/m. The MCB10 material can be used as an alternative to conventional bricks to provide better thermal insulation for our buildings.
Assessment of orbital sensors in estimating sugarcane crop evapotranspiration with the “SAFER” algorithm
Authors: Jardim Carlos Cesar Silva , Júnior José Alves , Casaroli Derblai , Evangelista Adão Wagner Pêgo , Battisti Rafael
Published: February 2024

Understanding sugarcane water demand is important for planting planning, yield estimation, irrigation management, forecasting and water resources management. The purpose of this study was to estimate the evapotranspiration of the variety RB985476 in 2nd. re-grow, from August/2017 to September/2018, in a mechanized harvest area and with straw distribution over dystrophic red Latosolo, through the SAFER algorithm, with two passive orbital image sensors: Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2. The results demonstrated that SAFER better estimated ETc from Landsat 8 images and that remote sensing is not efficient for ETc estimation in phenological stages with low plant coverage. The sensors show divergences in surface and albedo temperature estimates and no difference in NDVI estimation was observed. The landsat 8 products are superior in evapotranspiration estimates when compared to the standards recommended in this paper.
Application of herbicides and sugar cane straw on controlling of Mucuna aterrima L. in peanut crop
Authors: Sartori Heitor Lopes , Costa Augusto Guerreiro Fontoura , Sofiatti Valdinei , Alves Pedro Luís da Costa Aguiar
Published: February 2024

Peanut crop is normally cultivated in sugar cane renewal areas in Brazil, where velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima) is a troublesome weed, in which the control is essential. The goal was to evaluate herbicide efficacy associated with sugar cane harvest residues on M. aterrima control. In absence and presence of sugar cane straw, herbicides were applied in pre-emergence (imazapic, imazethapyr + flumioxazin, diclosulan, s-metolachlor, clomazone, sulfentrazone and sulfentrazone+diuron) and in post-emergence of M. aterrima (imazapic, imazethapyr, bentazon, bentazon + imazamox, lactofen, fomesafen, cloransulan-methyl, carfentrazone and 2,4-D). The treatments sulfentrazone and sulfentrazone + diuron resulted in control higher than 95% in straw absence, causing the highest reductions on aerial part (92%) and root (64%) drought mass of M. aterrima. The presence of sugar cane straw reduced the effect of herbicides applied in pre-emergence. The 2,4-D resulted in weed control higher than 70% and the applications with 2,4-D and carfentrazone caused the highest reductions on weed plant height (28%), aerial part (45%) and root (42%) drought mass. It was possible to conclude that the highest control levels of M. aterrima were obtained with sulfentrazone and sulfentrazone + diuron applied at pre-emergence, in absence of sugar cane straw and, with 2,4-D and carfentrazone, applied in post-emergence, regardless of straw presence
Methodologies to determine the ripening stage of coffee fruits
Authors: Marcilio Maria HA. , Melo Bruno MR. , Ferreira Sindynara , Pereira Inara A. , Bastos Flávia  SV. , Souza Vitor M.
Published: February 2024

The asynchronous flowering of coffee trees results in uneven ripening, which makes harvesting ripe fruit crops difficult. To determine the ideal time for harvesting, representative sampling is required. However, existing sampling processes are labor-intensive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal number of plants and most efficient methodology to evaluate coffee fruit ripening. The experiment was conducted in Inconfidentes, state of Minas Gerais, with trials carried out on Catuaí Vermelho and Icatu Vermelho cultivars. The results of the fruit quantities were subjected to analysis of variance. An individual statistical analysis was performed and, if the homogeneity of residual variances was lower than seven, a joint analysis of variance was performed on the two crops. Each experiment had four treatments and six repetitions. We then performed a joint analysis of the data and used simulation to determine the optimal number of plants to be evaluated. The interaction between treatments and cultivars showed a significant difference in the green and cherry stages, but not in unripe, ripe, and dry fruits, and the optimal number of plants to sample varied by cultivar and treatment. It was found that the optimal number of plants to sample is 13 for the Icatu cultivar and 14 for the Catuaí cultivar using the central rosette harvesting treatment
Análisis bibliométrico del campo de trabajo social: una mirada a partir de la producción científica en revistas de impacto internacional
Authors: Ordóñez Edward Javier , León Cano Juan Fernando , Rodríguez Timaná Luis Carlos , Agámez Llanos Valeria de los Ángeles , Castillo García Javier Ferney , Abadía Adolfo A.
Published: February 2024

Este artículo realizar un análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica en el campo profesional del trabajo social a partir de los artículos publicados en revistas indexadas que se encuentran en las bases de datos de Scopus y Web of Science (WoS), en el periodo de 2017 a 2021. Para ello se utilizó el software libre RStudio y el aplicativo web Biblioshiny, del paquete Bibliometrix, y el modelo PRISMA para analizar autores, documentos, áreas temáticas y comportamiento de los países frente a la producción científica. Uno de los resultado fue que para el 2020, entre Scopus y WoS, hubo un total de 64 revistas indexadas, las cuales permitieron estimar el posicionamiento de esta profesión en cuanto a la investigación científica. Se halló que los indicadores de producción en trabajo social han crecido a un ritmo lento pero constante. El trabajo social es una disciplina que se ha adaptado a la rigurosidad científica y ha obtenido méritos para pasar de una praxis antigua y poco útil para la época, a nuevos conceptos y teorías que le han permitido responder de manera satisfactoria a las demandas actuales.
Strategic Coordination of BRICS Construction Complex under Data Economy Challenge
Authors: Tishchenko Elena , Slavyantsev Maksim
Published: February 2024

In 2024, Russia chairs the BRICS, having defined its global strategy as “strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security”. According to the methodology developed by Prof. V.L. Kvint, the global strategy depends on the relevant international, national, and corporate strategies of companies from the BRICS countries. Data economy uses algorithms for data processing and analysis, including AI solutions. Prof. V.L. Kvint defines the strategy as a combination of wisdom, a correct attack vector, and an adequate assessment of resources. Prof. A.A. Romanov and Prof. V.V. Kondratiev used Model-Based Systems Engineering 2.0 to adapt Prof. L.A. Bakhvalov’s methodology of system modeling to the modern conditions. All these principles can yield a new approach to multi-criteria modeling of related cross-country and cross-industry corporate strategies, especially if facilitated by the digital twin method and the interoperability policy. The major construction industry is high on the BRICS agenda in terms of large infrastructure and industrial facilities. Therefore, Model-Based Systems Engineering 2.0 provides good prospects for development strategy modeling.
Cutting-edge Technology and Systems for Water Treatment and Reuse
Authors: Jin Peng-Kang
Published: February 2024

Water treatment and reuse is the key strategy to address the problems of water shortages. This book deals with various problems and investigates different treatment technologies concerning water reuse. In response to the challenges of severe water shortages and the deterioration of water quality, the focus on cutting-edge technology and systems for water treatment and reuse is fast-growing worldwide. Progress is needed to provide high quality reclaimed water, minimize the risks to environment and human health, and support use of non-conventional water resources.

In Focus–a book series that showcases the latest accomplishments in water research. Each book focuses on a specialist area with papers from top experts in the field. It aims to be a vehicle for in-depth understanding and inspire further conversations in the sector.
Iron-based autotrophic denitrification driven by sponge iron for nitrite removal in an anaerobic bioreactor: Effect of iron and carbon source
Authors: Ren Shuang , Wang Peng , Li Wenxuan , Zhu Hongjuan , Hu Kaiyao , Mu Hao , Gao Xiaoyi , Wang Wei
Published: February 2024

The study investigated the denitrification effect of the iron autotrophic denitrification process for removing nitrite under anaerobic conditions, utilizing sponge iron as the electron donor. When the C/N ratio equaled 1, defined as the ratio of chemical oxygen demand to total nitrogen (TN), and the influent nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N) was at 80 mg/L, the average steady-state TN effluent concentration of this system was 41.94 mg/L during the 79-day experiment. The TN value exhibited a significant decrease compared to both the sponge iron system (68.69 mg/L) and the carbon source system (56.50 mg/L). Sponge iron is beneficial for providing an electron donor and ensuring an anaerobic system, fostering an environment that promotes microorganism growth while effectively inhibiting the conversion of nitrite to nitrate. In addition, carbon sources play a vital role in ensuring microorganism growth and reproduction, thereby aiding in TN removal. The optimal parameters based on the effectiveness of TN removal in the iron autotrophic denitrification system were determined to be s-Fe0 dosage of 30 g/L and C/N = 1.5. These results suggest that the iron autotrophic denitrification process, driven by sponge iron, can effectively remove nitrite under anaerobic conditions.
Morfología del polen en el área de influencia del Monumento Arqueológico de Salapunku del Santuario Histórico de Machupicchu, Cusco - Perú
Authors: Moriano-Huillca Melanie , Holgado-Rojas María E. , Calatayud-Hermoza Gloria
Published: February 2024

Se realizó la descripción de los granos de polen de las familias Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae y Solanaceae presentes en el Monumento Arqueológico de Salapunku-SHM para determinar sus caracteres con fines taxonómicos y establecer una base de referencia para posteriores estudios paleopalinológicos que puedan llevarse a cabo en esta zona. El material palinológico se obtuvo a partir de la recolección de ejemplares con flor de las familias: Bromeliaceae, Fabaceae y Solanaceae, entre los meses de setiembre-diciembre del 2019 y febrero-marzo del 2020. Para el tratamiento de muestras de polen se aplicó la técnica de acetólisis de Erdtman (1960) y se consideraron caracteres palinológicos como: el diámetro polar y ecuatorial, aperturas, ámbito, tamaño y elementos esculturales de la esporodermis. Fueron analizadas tres especies de la familia Bromeliaceae, siete especies de la familia Fabaceae y cinco especies de la familia Solanaceae. Los resultados mostraron que los caracteres palinológicos con mayor predominancia según el tipo de grano son: mónadas, simetría radial, isopolar, forma prolato-esferoidal y prolato, ámbito semi-angular, tamaño mediano, apertura tricolporado y ornamentación reticulada. Mediante este trabajo y la revisión bibliográfica se concluyó que las familias evaluadas conservan semejanzas en la morfología polínica siendo de importancia taxonómica para estudios paleobotánicos.
Targeting Lysosomes: A Strategy Against Chemoresistance in Cancer
Authors: Shirbhate Ekta , Singh Vaibhav , Mishra Aditya , Jahoriya Varsha , Veerasamy Ravichandran , Tiwari Amit K , Rajak Harish
Published: February 2024

Chemotherapy is still the major method of treatment for many types of cancer. Curative
cancer therapy is hampered significantly by medication resistance. Acidic organelles like lysosomes
serve as protagonists in cellular digestion. Lysosomes, however, are gaining popularity due to their
speeding involvement in cancer progression and resistance. For instance, weak chemotherapeutic
drugs of basic nature permeate through the lysosomal membrane and are retained in lysosomes in
their cationic state, while extracellular release of lysosomal enzymes induces cancer, cytosolic escape
of lysosomal hydrolases causes apoptosis, and so on. Drug availability at the sites of action is
decreased due to lysosomal drug sequestration, which also enhances cancer resistance. This review
looks at lysosomal drug sequestration mechanisms and how they affect cancer treatment resistance.
Using lysosomes as subcellular targets to combat drug resistance and reverse drug sequestration is
another method for overcoming drug resistance that is covered in this article. The present review has
identified lysosomal drug sequestration as one of the reasons behind chemoresistance. The article
delves deeper into specific aspects of lysosomal sequestration, providing nuanced insights, critical
evaluations, or novel interpretations of different approaches that target lysosomes to defect cancer.
SegEIR-Net: A Robust Histopathology Image Analysis Framework for Accurate
Breast Cancer Classification
Authors: Singh Pritpal , Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Meenu , Al-Turjman Fadi
Published: February 2024

Background::

Breast Cancer (BC) is a significant threat affecting women globally. An accurate and reliable disease classification method is required to get an
early diagnosis. However, existing approaches lack accurate and robust classification.

Objective::

This study aims to design a model to classify BC Histopathology images accurately by leveraging segmentation techniques.

Methods::

This work proposes a combined segmentation and classification approach for classifying BC using histopathology images to address these issues.
Chan-Vese algorithm is used for segmentation to accurately delineate regions of interest within the histopathology images, followed by the
proposed SegEIR-Net (Segmentation using EfficientNet, InceptionNet, and ResNet) for classification. Bilateral Filtering is also employed for noise
reduction. The proposed model uses three significant networks, ResNet, InceptionNet, and EfficientNet, concatenates the outputs from each block
followed by Dense and Dropout layers. The model is trained on the breakHis dataset for four different magnifications and tested on BACH (BreAst
Cancer Histology) and UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara) datasets.

Results::

SegEIR-Net performs better than the existing State-of-the-Art (SOTA) methods in terms of accuracy on all three datasets, proving the robustness
of the proposed model. The accuracy achieved on breakHis dataset are 98.66%, 98.39%, 97.52%, 95.22% on different magnifications, and 93.33%
and 96.55% on BACH and UCSB datasets.

Conclusion::

These performance results indicate the robustness of the proposed SegEIR-Net framework in accurately classifying BC from histopathology
images.
Association between the Nurses` Productivity and Quality of Work Life in Covid-19 Referral Hospital: Evidence from Iran
Authors: Bastani Peivand , Yusefi Ali Reza , Ahmadidarrehsima Sudabeh , Mashayekhi Mahsa
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Nurses' productivity is assumed as a determinant factor affecting patients` health promotion. The productivity of the nurses can be influenced by many factors.

Objectives:

This study aims to determine the association between the nurses` productivity and their quality of work life (QWL) in the south of Iran.

Methods & Materials:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. 312 nurses by census were included. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analysed by descriptive and analytical statistics, including Independent T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression applying SPSS23 at the significant level of 0.05.

Results:

According to the results, the mean score of productivity and QWL were 89.32±9.24 out of 125 and 91.63±7.01 out of 160, respectively. There was a positive significant statistical correlation between the nurses` productivity and QWL (r=0.621, p<0.0001). Based on the results of linear regression, the following dimensions of QWL were identified as the predictor of nurses` productivity respectively: problem-solving, willingness and motivation to work, engagement in decision making (p<0.0001), employment promotion, communication, job security (p=0.001), salary and payments, and employment proud and honour (p=0.002).

Conclusion:

As the present results show, the studied nurses` productivity was evaluated at a good level. There was a positive correlation between the nurses` productivity and QWL and the dimensions of QWL were identified as the predictors of productivity. Planning for improvement and promotion of each of these dimensions according to the contextual determinants are recommended to improve the nurses` productivity to an excellent level.
Respon Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) Akibat Perbedaan Konsentrasi Nutrisi dan Pupuk Daun Pada Hidroponik Sistem Rakit Apung
Authors: Tristinandi Putri Yunia Rahma , Nihayati Ellis
Published: February 2024

Curly Kale merupakan tanaman yang memiliki nilai ekonomi tinggi. Permintaan kale yang tinggi tidak berbanding lurus dengan hasil produksi tanaman kale. Pengaplikasian hidroponik merupakan solusi dalam budidaya kale untuk meningkatkan produksi. Kale dapat mengalami pertumbuhan kurang optimal karena nutrisi yang tidak terpenuhi. Oleh karena itu, dilakukan kombinasi pemberian nutrisi melalui daun agar kekurangan nutrisi dalam tanaman dapat tercukupi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mempelajari dan menentukan konsentrasi nutrisi dan pupuk daun yang terbaik pada pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman kale dengan sistem hidroponik rakit apung. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Mei sampai Juni 2023 di Greenhouse Desa Pandanrejo Kecamatan Bumiaji Kabupaten Malang, Jawa Timur. Bahan yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah benih kale varietas Curly, rockwool, nutrisi dan pupuk daun. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) Faktorial. Analisis data menggunakan analisis varian (ANOVA) apabila didapat pengaruh nyata dilanjut dengan uji BNJ (Beda Nyata Jujur) 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat interaksi antara konsentrasi nutrisi dengan pupuk daun terhadap tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, bobot segar total per tanaman, bobot konsumsi per tanaman dan indeks klorofil. Konsentrasi nutrisi 800 dan 1100 ppm dengan pupuk daun dapat meningkatkan tinggi tanaman dan bobot konsumsi per tanaman. Konsentrasi nutrisi 800, 1100 dan 1400 ppm dengan pupuk daun dapat meningkatkan jumlah daun dan bobot segar total per tanaman. Konsentrasi nutrisi 1100, 1400, 1700 dan 2000 ppm dengan pupuk daun dapat meningkatkan indeks klorofil tanaman kale. Semakin tinggi konsentrasi nutrisi yang diberikan dapat meningkatkan tinggi tanaman, jumlah daun, lebar tajuk, ketebalan per daun, panjang dan bobot basah akar. Pemberian pupuk daun dapat meningkatkan tinggi tanaman sebesar 6,57% dan jumlah daun sebesar 3,33%.
Introduction: Trans New Media Art as Embodied Practice
Authors: Thompto Chelsea , Lehner Ace
Published: February 2024

Guest edited by Ace Lehner (University of Vermont) and Chelsea Thompto (Virginia Tech) this special issue of Media-N titled Trans New Media as Embodied Practice asks: How do trans artists engage generatively with new media? In what ways does lived trans experience inform artistic practices? How do trans new media practices diverge and intersect with queer practices? The articles, artist projects, interview, and review in this issue engage with the political and embodied experience of making and engaging with new media as a trans person.